One of the ways we Mississippians shrug off how well we have done is to make the statement, "Well, I'm just an old mule trader". Bill Ferris seems to have captured just that statement. Here is the tale of a simple man, Ray Lum, born 1 of 9 children who by sheer will became a celebrated livestock trader, a big fish in a small pond so to speak. His charm and wit made him successful in a business full of bootleggers, con men and rattlesnakes. I particularily liked the part when Ray visits the graveyard where his ancestors are "planted". I think it should be required reading in Mississippi Civics classes in high school.