A Fit for the Buckle

I walked in from the barn as the yard turned completely dark, carrying the brass buckle I buffed earlier. Sitting down on the warm hearth floor, I pulled the bundled canvas wrap toward me and unhooked the braided leather strap from around its center. I took the blunt end of the strap and tested its width through the oval frame of the buckle. It fit snug, sliding past the brass prong without catching. I pressed the leather flat along the stone to crease a clean fold where the buckle will rest. Now the hardware and leather belong to one piece.