A Copper Rivet in the Straw

I stepped down from the boardwalk and cut along the cedar rail toward the livery stable. The ground here was littered with loose golden straw and crushed limestone dust. Halfway along the fence line, a heavy split-rail timber had slipped loose from its iron binding, hanging down toward the dirt. I braced my boots against a weathered fence post and cleared away the dry chaff with the toe of my boot. Hidden underneath lay a solid copper saddle rivet, flattened on one end from a firm hammer strike. I picked it up, feeling the cool weight and honest metal. It will serve well when a leather strap needs mending.