New Beginnings ch. 25: Promises

After the town meeting to discuss using traps, there were no more mishaps in town. Things in Paradise and at home seem to be going well as far as Ethan can determine. Then, just as he was getting used to peaceful days, a telegram came.

"Ethan, have you seen the telegram I left on your desk this morning?" Chris asks coming in from having lunch with Alyssa and Aaron.

"No, I just got here. I've spent the morning working at home on mending fences. Rob, Joseph and I found we had some fence repairs in the pasture that needed to be done. We have a group of horses arriving tomorrow from the Army. We're back in business for gentling and saddle training new horses."

"That's good news although I wouldn't want to be the one to work with horses. The telegram is on the corner of the desk. You might want to look at it." Chris answers.

"Has Mitch seen this?"

"Yes, he saw it right before he left to visit the businesses. He takes doing rounds very seriously doesn't he? I asked him if he felt there was trouble coming and he just looked at me. I didn't think it was such an unusual question myself."

"Chris, Mitch worked for a time in Colorado Springs on the let's call it … seedier.. sides of town, if you get what I mean." At Chris's nod, Ethan continues "Well, he made rounds of all the businesses and saloons twice a day and once each night. Doing so cut the problems they experienced by half. He still feels having a person of the law visible, keeps the crime down."

"We don't have crime here in Paradise. In the month, I've been here there hasn't even been an arrest for so much as drunken behavior!"

"Yes, and Mitch would say it's all in keeping your presence known. It could be, I just let him handle it the way he believes is best. Now, about the telegram, would you be interested in attending these meetings with me?"

"I don't know what I'd do with the twins, Ethan. Three nights and two days in Colorado Springs. I couldn't take them with me, they are too young to be left in a hotel alone."

"Yes, that's true. What if they were to stay at the ranch? Would you be willing to attend the meetings then? Mitch would prefer to stay and monitor the town, I'm positive on that. He does not like to attend any training or information meetings. We would be covered for travel, hotel expenses and we would each be paid twenty five dollars for attending. I could use that extra money and I would think you probably could also."

"I could definitely use the extra money. Would Rob and Claire mind having the twins to look after as well as everyone else?"

"I had a different idea in mind. I thought I'd ask Matthew to stay with the younger children and let Rob and Claire come with us. That is if you don't mind. Both of them enjoy going out to the large city once in a while. Joseph has no desire to visit theatres or shops. Rob doesn't really enjoy it as much as Claire but if I ask him to escort her he will. I think Matthew, with Joseph's help, would be able to manage the four youngest children. What do you say?"

"If he's willing, I don't mind at all. Alyssa will not want to be with just the boys so I'll ask Mrs. Greenbush if she would look after her. She and Alyssa are best friends already. Aaron would love to spend time with the boys at your ranch. He loves it there! He asks to go visit every day but I won't let him."

"He seems to have settled into being in town fairly well. Does he mind staying at the boarding house?"

"He and I had to come to an agreement just last night, now that you mention it. He decided yesterday, he didn't need Mrs. Greenbush's permission to go anywhere and left without her knowing. She was very upset when I came home as he had been missing for nearly two hours. Just as I was leaving to go look for him he walks in."

"I can see from your face he wasn't exactly welcomed back with no consequences."

"I applied the consequences to his backside as soon as I got him to our rooms! He knows not to ever go anywhere without permission and telling an adult where he is going to be. I set that rule in place even before he took off to the ranch week before last. I spanked him that day also! He was so angry at Joseph for hauling him home that afternoon! Ethan, I don't know if I'm handling this right. I don't like spanking him but I don't have much else to use. He is really testing me lately. I'm surprised at the disobedience considering how he was treated by his Pa."

"Well, you could try confining him to the boarding house. Have you thought of finding a house here in town? There are two available. I think all boys go through this testing period. Mine still seem to be going through it, even Rob! After what he went through after the fiasco at the lake, I hope he has decided to limit his testing for some time to come. "

"I hope Aaron outgrows this much faster. I can't see having six years of this. I would like to move to a house for just the three of us. If I did, who would look after the children while I'm here? That's the main reason I'm staying at the boarding house."

"We can talk more of this later. We'll think of a way to get the three of you into a house of your own. Right now, I think I'll go talk to Matthew and see if he will agree to stay with the boys."

Walking into the saloon, Ethan finds Matthew playing cards at one of the tables.

"Matthew, may I have a word, please?"

"Of course Sheriff, have all the words you'd like. We'll listen, won't we boys?" Matthew answers grinning at Ethan.

"A word ALONE, please."

" 'Scuse me fellas. My brother in law who is the law needs a word ALONE. I'll be righ' back. No cheating now! This is the sheriff and he frowns on cheating." Matt says rising from the chair.

"Matthew, you really need to stop the gambling." Ethan tells him outside.

"I'm not gambling Ethan. I swear it. We're just playing for pennies not big money. It's more a fun time than anything else. What did you want to say other than to scold me as if I was one of the children?"

"I wanted to ask you if you would mind coming out to the ranch next Thursday and spending two nights with the younger boys. Aaron McGinnis would be there also. I'm required to go to a meeting in Colorado Springs for two days. Chris and I would leave Thursday and be back Saturday evening. Joseph could look after everyone during the first day but I would like someone with them during the evening and the next two days. Four young boys can find much mischief if left alone too long."

"I'd be happy to stay with my nephews. Where would Claire and Rob be? What about the little girl, Alyssa?"

"Claire and Rob would come with us to Colorado Springs for some big city fun. Alyssa will stay with Mrs. Greenbush at the boarding house."

"That will be fine, if she changes her mind and wants to be with her brother, I can entertain her too."

"Thank you Matt, I'll let Chris know. We'll talk more later about the final plans. Enjoy your non gambling game." Ethan says before walking back towards the Sheriff's office.

"Mr. Cord! Do you have a moment?" he hears walking past the mercantile.

"Hello Mr. Davis. I didn't realize you were back in town. How was the trip home to Minnesota?"

"We arrived back two days ago and everything was settled with our parent's estate, thank you. I wanted to talk with you about a plan I've been thinking of. Could you spare a few minutes?"

"Let's go to the hotel dining room and get some coffee or something to drink while we talk. I have some time before I need to head back to the office."

"Well, I've been thinking of expanding the school a bit more. There are several older children in the area now and I for one think they need some education also. What I was thinking of was having another teacher come in for the younger students, I'd take the same group I was going to have, the middle age group and someone else could take the older children. What do you think?"

"When you say older children, exactly what ages are you thinking?" Ethan asks.

"Sixteen and Seventeen year olds or if there were any above that they would be welcome also."

"I don't know, Mr. Davis. Most families think schooling should be finished by the time the boys are sixteen. What would you offer for them to attend school?"

"I wouldn't pay them if that's what you mean."

"No, I meant in the way of teaching. What would you teach boys that age?"

"Advanced Mathematics, History and Literature are the subjects I was planning."

"Is there any way to teach farming skills or ranching? That would be what the Fathers would be interested in having the boys learn."

"Yes, I could find a way to include modern farming in with the rest. Do you think I would have any students if we set up a class like this?"

"Well, I know of two at least, possibly more. I would enroll Rob and Claire in the class. I would be safe to say Bill Anderson would allow his oldest daughter, Emily to attend. There might be two or three more families who would be interested in higher learning for their daughters. The boys though may be harder to get. I'll see what I can do about talking to Fathers for you. Go ahead and plan on having the class. Did you find a teacher for the young children? It's a shame the one we hired last spring, couldn't stay."

"I found a young woman who has taught school for three years and is willing to come to Paradise. She's a cousin of mine actually. She's widowed with two girls to raise on her own. Her husband was killed early last year in a stage accident. Linnea Brandenburg is her name. I asked her to come visit me in about two weeks so she can meet with the town council. Her girls are school age so they wouldn't need care during the schoolday. Lizzie is thirteen and Laura is eleven."

"That will be just fine. The town council is ready to hire anyone who is willing to teach at this point. We spent money adding on to the school and lost a teacher! It won't do to have two rooms and one teacher."

"Do you think the town would be willing to add a small room either to the back or above the existing rooms? There will be a need for a place for the older students to meet."

"I'm sure we can arrange a place at the school for them. What grades were you planning on having in the other two groups?" Ethan asks.

"I'm thinking the young ones should be first through fourth grade, ages six to ten, the middle group would be fifth to eighth grade, ages eleven to fifteen and then have the class for the oldest students only three days a week. I thought if I had it on the days of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the students would have four days to work at home."

"That might help convince a few more families to allow their older children to attend. I'll do what I can to talk them into it. I need to get back to the office now, so I'll talk to you again soon." Ethan says as he stands to leave.

"Thank you for the support and the help. I'll look forward to hearing from you soon." Mr. Davis replies.

"Alright everyone, let's have that talk." Ethan begins as he looks at all five children spread around the sitting area. "Something has come up that we need to discuss. No Ben, no one is in trouble as far as I know." Ethan says anticipating the question. "Is there something you have done that you need to tell me about?"

"No sir, it's just that the last time we had a family meeting, you were mad at us." Ben answers.

"The last time we had a family meeting was right after the church picnic. I believe I had a reason to be angry at that time. This isn't about anything any one of you has done wrong. There is going to be a meeting of Marshals and Sheriffs from this half of Colorado in Colorado Springs next week. I've received word that I am to attend that meeting. Rob and Claire, I thought the two of you might like to come along and enjoy some time in the city. I've asked Matthew to come stay here to help Joseph with the three boys. Chris is going to come along with me so Aaron would come stay here with you boys. Does that sound like something you would like?"

"I would love to be allowed to go with you, Pa." Claire answers smiling.

"Rob?"

"Sir?"

"What are you thinking?"

"I thought I still had a week before I was off being restricted to the ranch. I have only done three weeks, sir. If I went, does that mean I'd still be restricted when we came home?"

"No son, you would not be confined to the ranch for any more time. Would you please be willing to go to escort your sister?"

"Yes sir, I'll be happy to escort Claire. Are you sure you don't need me to stay with the boys, though?"

"No Rob, come with us and enjoy some time with Claire. There are shops and many things to entertain the two of you. It will only be one and a half days to see the sights. We'll leave here next Thursday afternoon and return Saturday evening. Joseph? How do you feel about this?"

"I'm okay, Pa." Joseph says somewhat glumly.

"Ben and I like the idea, Papa! Uncle Matthew will be fun to have around and we like to play with Aaron." George tells him.

"I knew you would, George. It's time to get ready for bed you two. Go on now and I'll come say good night in just a few minutes." Ethan tells the two youngest.

"Joseph, let's go outside to the porch for just a minute son." Ethan says motioning for the boy to walk with him. "Alright son, what's bothering you? I need to hear you tell me."

"Why is it that Rob and Claire get to have time alone with you and I never do? Why can't I ever get to go somewhere with you? I'm always left at home like a little boy. I'm nearly fourteen now. " Joseph complains, sounding very much the little boy he declared he isn't.

"Well Joseph, I was just thinking you wouldn't enjoy going shopping or to the theatre with Claire. Rob doesn't mind it so I asked him to come as her escort. Would you rather go instead?"

"No sir, but I'm not some little boy who needs someone to come watch me while you are away, either." Joseph answers just a little angrily.

"I know that son. I asked Matthew to come out to help you stay with the boys especially during the night. Don't forget we are going to have the horses from the Army to take care of then also. Looking after sixteen horses plus three rambunctious young boys might be a little too much for one person. I was hoping you would help Matthew with the boys and take care of the horses while I'm away. Could you do that for me? You've been wanting to have time to spend with Matthew. This will be a good time for you two to talk."

"I'll do it for you. Will you tell Ben and George I'm in charge too? They won't mind me if you don't."

"I plan on having a long discussion about behavior before I leave. You don't need to worry about that, Joseph." Ethan replies giving the boy a firm look that lets him know he is to be included in the behavior discussion also.

"Yes sir."

"Thank you Joseph. I will find a way for the two of us to go do something together also. Now that we have Chris working at the Sheriff's office, I have much more time to spend with you children." Ethan says putting his arm across the boy's shoulders as they walk inside.

The following Wednesday, Ethan calls the children together for another family discussion. "Uncle Matthew is coming tomorrow to stay until we get home. Ben, George, we need to talk about how you will behave for him. I want to make sure you realize he is in charge as well as Joseph. You are to do whatever they tell you to do. You both know the rules in this family and you will be expected to continue to follow them. Joseph will not let you try to get by with something just because Matthew may not know the rules. Aaron is expected to behave also and Chris is having a similar talk with him. Do I need to mention what will happen if I come home and hear of you causing problems?" Ethan asks giving each of the three younger boys a stern look.

"No Papa, we'll be good." George answers

"I'll behave, Pa." Ben tells him.

"Joseph?" Ethan asks sternly after waiting for an answer.

"Sir?" Joseph responds, his eyes going wide and jerking to his Pa's face.

"Do you also understand that you are to follow all of our family rules while I'm away?"

"Oh, um, yes sir." Joseph answers thinking about gentling the horses. One rule is to always have Pa or Rob with him when he is working with untried horses. He was thinking of how to get around that one when Ethan demanded his attention.

As if reading his thoughts, Ethan says "While we are away, Ben, George neither of you or Aaron either, is to go near where the Army horses are staying. No one has any reason to be near them except for Joseph. Joseph, you will ONLY fill the water troughs we added around the fence line. That will be done from the outside of the fence. You ARE NOT to work with any horse, tame or untried, until I come home. DO you hear what I am telling you Joseph? Repeat what I told you."

Ethan has learned, having the boys repeat the words gives them no chance to later try to wiggle out of misbehaving by saying they didn't understand the rules.

"I'm to feed and water the horses and that is all. I may not work with any horses." Joseph tells him.

"Ben and George, what are you to do about the horses?"

"Stay away from them." George answers immediately.

"Not to go into the corral with them." Ben says irritably.

"Ben, I said you were not to even GO to the corral. I want you to stay away from those horses! They are still wild and I do not want to risk anyone being hurt. Am I understood now? Matthew will be told this rule also so don't think you can get by him." Ethan responds firmly.

"Matthew, you just remember that you are the adult here. Joseph will be helping you but he is to mind you also. They have all been told to stay away from the horses in the far corral. Joseph is allowed to take water to them from outside the fence but the younger boys are not to go near those horses. You'll have to watch Ben and Aaron as they are likely to try to do it anyway. I don't think George or Joseph will be a problem. If something comes up that you want more adult help, Mitch is in town."

"Ethan, I'm capable of looking after four young boys for a few days. Don't worry, I won't corrupt them. I'll be the horrid adult who makes them eat vegetables, bathe, go to bed and not have any fun just the way you do when you are here!" Matthew teases.

"I'm holding you to the not corrupting them, promise. I better not come home to find they've all been drinking or gambling. You wouldn't like the consequences if I did."

"Yes Pa. Matty will behave as he doesn't want a whipping!" Matthew answers in a little boy's voice. "Now go on and take the trip. Rob and Claire are already in the wagon waiting on you. We'll behave and everything will be fine so don't worry."

"They're gone boys! Now, who wants to go fishing with Uncle Matt?" Matthew asks coming into the house.

"We haven't had lunch yet, Uncle Matt." George tells him.

"Well, let's pack up some and take it along. Ben, you find a basket or two and the rest of us will see what we can find for lunch. I see a cake here on the table. We can have some of that. Joseph, do you have any venison in the smoke house?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm no sir, I'm Uncle Matt. Go get enough for five sandwiches and if you have ham, get that too."

"Here's the jar of pickles we bought last week at the mercantile. We have cookies in the cookie tin." George announces.

"That 's good, George. Let me see what else can we take that's fast to get ready? AHH! Eggs! Ben and Aaron, you two go gather up all the eggs you can find. We'll boil up some eggs and take that too."

"Well boys, this is the life. Fishing and picnics are the best thing ever don't you think?" Matthew asks after they've fished some.

"I like it, Mr. Carroll. I've never had eggs like that before. My uncle only knows how to scramble them." Aaron tells him.

"I'm Uncle Matt to you to kid. You call me Mr. Carroll and I'll be looking around for my Pa to pop out and beat me for fishing during chore time!"

"He'd do that?" Aaron asks looking around uneasily.

"He's dead son. He sure would have if he'd been alive and I did this. How about your Uncle Chris? Is he strict about chores? I know Ethan is so I don't have to ask the boys."

"He's kind of strict about them. I have to make my bed and keep my clothes picked up and in the chest. We live in the boarding house so I don't have many chores to do. I don't like living there though. I miss the horses."

"Aaron whenever you miss the horses you can come clean out the stalls in our barn. We'll be happy to let you do that right George?" Ben says smiling.

"Yep."

"And what would happen to the three of you when your Pa's found out?" Joseph asks from the other side of Matthew.

"It wouldn't be good. I can't come to the ranch unless I have permission. I got a spanking for running off to the ranch that time." Aaron says sighing sadly.

"Well you're here for the next three days so we will make it fun! Uncle Matt, can we take off our clothes and play in the water, please?" Ben begs.

"You mean you want to go in nekkid?" Aaron gasps gaping at Ben.

"No silly, we'd keep our underwear on! We don't swim or play in the water without clothes or we would be in trouble. Right Joseph?" Ben asks grinning at his brother.

"We definitely keep clothes on. The one time I didn't because it was so hot, I was caught by Pa. He walloped me a few times with a stick before I was even out of the water! He said ladies and girls could have seen me."

"Go ahead and have fun boys. I'll keep an eye out for ladies but do keep your underwear on please."

"Uncle Matt! They aren't to play in the pond. It's not the swimming hole! It's our fishing spot!" Joseph declares irritably.

"Joseph, the pond is just as good as a swimming hole. Why don't you join them?"

"No thank you. Pa wouldn't approve of this at all. Ben, George you know he doesn't allow us to swim here! Besides we need to get back to do the chores before dark."

"Uncle Matt said we can. I'm going in! You can go home and do chores!" Ben says as he runs into the water.

"Fine! I'm leaving Uncle Matt. I have sixteen horses to take care of besides the six we already have. Then there's the barn to clean. I'm not going to get myself in trouble for not doing my chores! I'll see you at home, boys." Joseph says wrapping his fishing line around his pole and walking off.

"JOSEPH ! HALT!"

"What!"

"You are not leaving here. All of us are staying together until I decide it's time to leave. A few minutes more to let the boys play, isn't going to cause problems. Now sit down and wait."

"I need to get home! Don't you even understand I have chores I have to do? If something happens to one of the horses because I left them, I'll be in trouble!"

"If you don't watch your tone and the words you say to me, you may be in trouble right here! I'm not stupid, don't speak to me as if I am Joseph. I know very well, the horses will be fine without your presence for a few more minutes. Chore time is when we return not a set time. You have three hours before it's even dark. Calm down."

Back at the ranch, Joseph sends the boys off to take a bath. "Time to get a bath and get ready for bed, boys. We'll have time to play or talk before bed if you hurry."

"Joseph! We played in the pond, we're not dirty now!" Ben complains as George and Aaron nod their agreement.

"Pond water is not clean, Ben. You just got more dirty playing in there. Don't you remember Dr. Amy telling us about how important it is to have clean fresh water? You don't want to be sick do you?"

"No, but I don't want to have to take a bath either!" Ben answers crossing his arms stubbornly.

"Ben, do as Joseph asked you to do. That's enough complaining and he's right you need to wash off the turtle spit. Go on now, take a bath." Matthew says intervening in the argument.

"Turtle spit? YEEWWW!" George and Aaron say giggling.

After the three boys go into the bathing room, Joseph says "Thank you Uncle Matt for making him mind me. Ben will argue about everything if you let him. When he starts that with Pa, it only takes Pa starting to count to get him to obey."

"Starting to count?"

"When Pa starts to count, you have until he gets to three to obey. If he gets to three and you haven't done as you were told, you wind up with a sore backside! It works great for Ben. George doesn't usually have to have any counting at all. If he does then after Pa says "ONE!" he will jump to do as Pa says!"

"And you?"

"I don't wait for him to count. When he says "Joseph!" in that 'you are in trouble' voice. I'll do what he tells me to."

The next morning, Joseph is on his second trip from the well to the corral to give water to the horses when Ben and Aaron run up.

"Joseph? Aaron and I can help carry water for the horses. We all can get a bucket." Ben says

"Thanks Ben, but you know you aren't allowed near the horses."

"Yeah, well you aren't either and you were in the corral early this morning. I saw you trying to get a blanket on the stallion. Maybe I should just go tell Uncle Matt and let him handle it."

"Ben, sometimes I really don't like you very much. Come on, we'll all get a bucket. You better not tell I let you near the horses either! Aaron, that goes for you too! All three of us will be in for it if you tell!" Joseph answers glaring at Ben.

"Thanks boys, now go find George and do something with him before he gets suspicious and comes looking. All we need is to get caught now." Joseph says heading off to the barn.

"Ben? I'd really like to pet that gray horse. It came over to the fence when I was pouring water in the trough. I think it would let me pet it. I used to work with horses some at home, remember?"

"That's not a good idea, Aaron. If someone sees us in there and we'll really catch it! Joseph would tell Pa and he'd whip both of us!"

"Come on, Ben! Nobody's around and we'll be quick. If you don't help me, I'm just going to go in by myself and then I'm not going to play with you ever!" Aaron tells him, stomping his foot.

"Alright,alright, don't get in a snit! Come on quickly." Ben says checking the barn and house to see if anyone is looking before opening the gate.

Seeing the open gate is all it takes for the stallion to make a dash for freedom. Before either of the boys can say anything, the horse is galloping off into the woods behind the corral.

"Oh boy! I am in so much trouble! Joseph is going to whip me and then Pa will too! We let that horse out, Aaron!" Ben whispers his voice sounds as if he's close to tears.

"What do we do now? If we tell, we'll get a whipping! Does your Uncle Matt whip you? Uncle Chris might whip me for sure for doing this. He hasn't used his belt yet but I think he will when he gets home!" Aaron whispers back.

"Uncle Matt hasn't ever even spanked me, not yet anyway. Let's go inside and play with George. Maybe the horse will get hungry and come back. I hope he will." Ben answers.

After finishing all the chores inside the barn, Joseph decides to take one last look at the Army horses before going inside. Walking down to the corral he does a quick count again to make sure they are all there. After counting three times and coming up with the same answer, Joseph heads to the house.

"Uncle Matthew! We have a problem! One of the Army horses is missing! I've counted three times and one is gone! They were all there an hour or so ago when I put water out. " Joseph exclaims as soon as he gets inside.

"Did you leave the gate open, son?"

"Of course I didn't! I put water through the fence the way Pa told me too. I didn't take the water inside! I didn't open the gate. Someone stole a horse!" Joseph answers.

"I guess you'd best go get Mitch then. Maybe he can track it." Matthew replies.

"Uncle Matt? There's something I need to tell you, first. I UM, well, I , Uh , You see when we, Um" Ben just can't make his mouth spit out the words under his brother's fierce glare.

"BEN! Why do I feel you had something to do with this?" Joseph asks angrily.

"Maybe 'cause I did. It was an accident though. Aaron and I wanted to pet the gray horse and when we opened the gate to go in, the stallion ran out through the woods."

"BENJAMIN ETHAN CARROLL CORD! You know you weren't to go into the corral! That's always been the rule! You are in huge trouble when Pa gets home, Ben! Uncle Matt, I need to go after that horse. I can do it! Pa has taught me how to track!" Joseph protests at Matt's shake of his head.

"Joseph, I can not allow you to chase after a wild horse alone! Your Pa wouldn't allow it either. You need to go to town and get Mitch. That's how we are going to handle this." Matthew replies sternly as Joseph starts to complain.

"And while I'm off in town, that horse gets further away! Let me go after him!"

"No Joseph! That's all there is to it. I'm in charge here and you are to obey me. Do as I said and get Mitch."

"Uncle Matt?" George calls from the bedroom.

"My stomach hurts and my throat too. Can I have some warm milk? I'm cold." George tells him as Matt comes into the boy's room.

"Sure, I'll get it for you. Wrap up in the blanket and I'll bring it in."

"Joseph, George isn't feeling well when you go into town, stop by Dr. Amy's and ask her to come out. Matthew tells the angry boy.

"He probably just needs a spoonful of castor oil." Joseph answers walking outside.

After checking George again, Matt asks Ben "Has Joseph left yet?"

"Yes sir, but he didn't go to town. He went off into the woods. I guess he's going after the stallion." Ben answers from his spot by the window.

"Stubborn kid! I can't leave to go after him either! Ben, George is pretty sick. I need you to go get Dr. Amy and bring her back. Can you do it?

"Yes sir! Aaron can stay and help you."

Unaware of the problems Matthew is having, Claire and Rob are enjoying Colorado Springs' shopping area.

"Claire! How many dress shops do you plan to visit today? This last one was shop number five! Please, I'm begging here, can't we do something else now? You already bought two new outfits."

"Yes, but I don't have any new shoes yet. I need to shop for those now." Claire answers her eyes twinkling.

"NOOO, please!"

"Alright Rob. Calm down. I'm just teasing you. What would you like to do?" Claire asks giggling at his horrified expression.

"There's one of those picture show places on the street behind us. I've read about picture shows. It's supposed to be entertaining. Will you go with me?"

"Yes, but a picture show doesn't sound much fun. What do they do, pass around picture cards to look at?" Claire asks.

"No it's different than that. I can't explain it, you just have to see it."

"Wait Rob! Is this something that Pa would approve of us doing? I don't want to do something he wouldn't approve of."

"I think he would say we could do it if he were around to ask. It's not something like smoking or drinking, it's a picture show. How bad could it be?"

"I hope not bad at all. Let's go see." Claire replies quietly.

Walking up to the ticket booth, Claire reads the poster advertising the picture show.

"Rob, this is about a train robbery. Are you sure it's something we should see?"

"I've read about this one. It's called The Great Train Robbery and it's a MOVING picture show. This is a new invention, Claire! We've just got to go inside!"

"Fine, let's go get the tickets."

"Two tickets costs twenty five cents! That's expensive!" Claire exclaims as they find chairs to sit on facing a large white wall.

"Everything costs more in bigger cities. When things are brand new they cost more too. It's starting!" Rob answers as the room's gas lights are turned down.

Minutes later, Claire gasps as images of men riding horses flicker up on the wall. The horses are moving! Midway through the picture she gasps again and grabs Rob's hand as a man is hit in the head with coal from the train car and thrown off the train. Another scene has someone pointing a gun straight at the audience before turning and firing at another man's feet. The man being shot at has to dance to get away from the bullets.

Finally, the film is over and the lights are turned back up. Claire whispers to Rob "Let's leave. "

"That was great wasn't it? Can you believe they can make a picture move like that? It seemed real didn't it? Claire?" Rob asks finally looking at his sister.

"That was frightening, Rob. I don't think I want to see any more moving picture shows. What time is it now?"

"Three thirty, why?"

"Pa and Uncle Chris will be back to the hotel by four or a little later. I want to go back there and wait for them. I want to be in our room."

When Ethan comes in later that afternoon, Rob tells him all about the moving picture show.

"Pa, the train moved, the horses and people did too. It was amazing. Everything seemed real. You could see the guns firing and the men being shot. They had one man being hit in the head and thrown off the train when the bandits robbed it. At the end the bad guys got shot by the posse. It was so real."

"It sounds as if you enjoyed it. A moving pictures show must be brand new. I thought I told you to stay with your sister and not leave her. Where was she while you went to the show?" Ethan asks Rob.

"She went with me."

"You took your sister to see a show where they were showing pictures of shootings? ROB! That wasn't good thinking. You should know better!" Ethan scolds him.

"I didn't like the shootings or the man getting hit with the coal. It was too real for me." Claire tells him.

"I'm sorry your brother didn't think Claire. He should know better as I said. Was it too upsetting for you?"

"No, just a little surprising is all. I'm okay Pa. Don't be angry with Rob, please."

"I'm not angry, just a little disappointed, Claire. Use better judgment from now on, son. Women don't like the same things you do. Now, how about we wash and go find Chris for supper?

Back in Paradise, Joseph has tracked the horse through the woods to a canyon. Easing his horse through the rock opening, he sees the stallion racing around the inside. After watching him race six times he carefully forms a lasso with the rope and walks closer. As the stallion nears him, Joseph tosses the rope. Wary of the boy standing inside the canyon, the stallion moves further away. Each time Joseph throws the rope, he misses. The horses is close to panicking now, foam is forming around its mouth. Realizing he's not going to be able to catch the stallion tonight as he can't see any longer, Joseph leaves the horse. Once outside the canyon, he drags branches and rocks over to the entrance to barricade the horse inside.

Taking his bedroll from the back of his horse, he stretches out to guard the horse through the night. Nervous about being alone, he begins to talk to the stallion, unaware that someone is listening.

"You are a stubborn horse, you know that? I'm only trying to help you, you know. If you'd just let me get my rope on you we could go home. You could have nice pasture grass for supper and cool well water too. I could be sitting at the table having some hot supper instead of being out here in the cool air with nothing to eat. I'm going to blister my brother's butt when I do get home. Of course, I'll get in trouble for it but since I'm already going to be in trouble what difference does it make?" Falling asleep, Joseph says "Sleep well horse as we are going to get together tomorrow. I'm going to call you Shadow now not horse. I am going to bring you home Shadow, so you'll just have to accept it and I hope you do that soon!"

Well, George is one sick little boy. I've managed to get him to drink some medicine and that will help some. His fever is not getting better. Can you tell me anything he did or something to help me figure out what is causing this. Was he feeling ill yesterday or earlier today?"

"He seemed fine yesterday. We took a picnic lunch down to the pond and the boys fished. The younger boys decided to play in the water and then we all came home. I'm not around the boys enough to know if he was feeling sick. He didn't say anything until this afternoon."

"Where are Mr. Cord, Rob, Claire and Joseph?"

"Ethan and the older children are in Colorado Springs. Joseph took it in his head to run off after a runaway horse and hasn't returned. I think I need to notify Ethan. He's expected home late tomorrow evening but with this going on he needs to be here earlier."

"That would be a wise choice, Mr. Carroll. Mr. Cord would want to know about the boys right away. I'm thinking this illness could be a light case of Malaria. Don't look so scared. We now have treatment for it and in a few days he'll be feeling much better. Don't mention this to Ethan until he gets home though. I don't want to cause him to worry any more than he already will."

"Thank you for coming Doctor and for sending the telegram tonight. You seem to know Ethan well if you can predict how he will react." Matthew tells her helping her up on the horse.

"I've been around him with the children being hurt or ill, enough to see how he reacts. He loves his children very much even though he's extremely strict with them at times." Amy replies smiling.

"He's not going to be at all happy with my child minding. I let one get very ill and another run off to who knows where! I just hope he doesn't decide to shoot me for it when he gets home!"

"The sheriff won't shoot you. He's going to be too busy checking on George and going to find Joseph. You aren't the one he will be all upset with. I believe he will be more upset with Joseph for running off. Send for me if George seems to get worse. Otherwise, give him as much water as he'll drink and a packet of the medicine two times a day. I'll come back tomorrow and check on him. Try to relax. Children come down with illness and it's not your fault."