The Inheritance and the Robbers

Chapter 5:

The search party, Jonathan Garvey, Adam Kendall, Hans Dorphler, Nels Olsen and Almanzo Wilder head to the Ingalls place Jonathan says to his friends, "When I was here earlier there was Wagon and Cow tracks heading towards the east."

They arrive at the Ingalls place and Almanzo suggests to look around. Almanzo goes into the house and notices a note on the table that reads: "We have taken your children hostage and holding them for ransom. We heard you came into a inheritance. Put all of it in a bag and leave it under the steps of the school/Church building. Don't tell anyone or else your children are goners."

Almanzo takes the note out to his friends and tells them, "The Ingalls children have been kidnapped." They all have a look of concern as Almanzo continues, "Let's find those tracks Jonathan that you mentioned earlier."

The men search for the Wagon and Cow tracks but can't find them because they had been wiped away. Nells says, "They must have wiped them away when they came back and left the ransom note"

Hans Dophler than replies, "Yes, they must have but look over here there are horse tracks. Let's see if we can follow those."

The tracks lead to Town.

Meanwell at the 'Enchanted Cottage' Bo is returning from delivering the ransom note and hears Grace crying again and he says, "That brat sure does cry alot! Hasn't she got enough milk yet?"

Harry, Barry and Bo say, "We have given her all the milk the Cow will give." Bo responds, "Make that kid shut up or I will!"

Laura says as she picks up Grace, You won't touch her!"

Albert says, "I will try to get more milk out of the Cow."

Laura follows to help him with the Cow and Bo says, "No you don't! I don't want you two talking. You stay here Albert can milk the Cow."

When Albert returns he does have a little milk in the milk bucket and Carrie gives it to Grace and she quiets down.

As Carrie is feeding Grace Albert and Laura does manage to get alone for a little bit and Laura asks Albert, "How are we going to get out of here?"

Albert answers, "I don't know but I will think of something."

Meanwhile in Mankato Charles and Caroline Ingalls are at the Mankato Post Office sending off a telegram to Walnut Grove telling them they will arrive home tomorrow on the 3pm. Stagecoach. As they are heading back to their Hotel room they both agree it will be great to go home.

In Walnut Grove the search party, Jonathan Garvey, Adam Kendall, Hans Dophler, Nels Olsen and Almanzo Wilder are now gathered right outside the Post Office talking over a plan to search for the Ingalls children. Mrs. Garvey who is inside the Post Office comes out and hands them the telegram that Charles and Caroline sent. Also there is a telegram from the Mankato Sheriff's Department saying to be on the lookout for 3 robbers that escaped a couple days ago. The telegram also mentioned that they were headed toward Walnut Grove.

Almanzo Wilder then says, "We should send a telegram back to the Sheriff's Office telling them that they maybe here and have kidnapped 4 children."

Jonathan says to Almanzo, "You can do that as Nels and I start looking towards the west and Adam and Hans go towards the north.''

Almanzo answers, "Yes and after I send the telegram I will look towards the east."

Almanzo sends the telegram and heads off towards the East. He comes up to the 'Enchanted Cottage' and notices smoke coming out of the chimney as he sneaks up quietly to see what it's all about. Through the window he sees the 3 crooks. There is a chair by the window and Almonzo picks it up and throws it. It hits both Barry and Harry knocking them unconscious. Bo jumps up grabbing the rifle and is about to shoot Almanzo but Albert is able to grab it from him and hits him over the head also knocking Bo out cold.

Almanzo ties the 3 robbers up and says, "I will go back into Town and get a wagon. We can take them to the Ice House till the the Sheriff arrives. Albert and Laura you can handle things till I get back, right?"

Laura and Albert says, "Sure we can!"

Almanzo goes back into Town and Jonathan, Adam, Hans and Nels Olsen or back and they say, "We didn't have any luck."

Almanzo mentions, "I found them. The kids are fine and the crooks are tied up. Hans do you have a wagon in your stable we can use to bring them back to the Ice House?"

Hans answers, "Yes I do."

The men head out to the 'Enchanted Cottage' gets the crooks to the Ice House for the evening. The Ingalls children stay at the Gravey's for the night.

The next day at 3pm Charles and Caroline arrive on the Stage coach. They all welcome them back as Jonathan tells them everything that happened.

About 3:15pm the Mankato Sheriff arrives and takes Harry, Barry, and Bo back to the Mankato jail. Before the Sheriff leaves he gives a $5,000 check to Almanzo for the capture of the crooks.

Laura is thinking to herself, "Almanzo, my hero! He captured them and saved us!"

After the Sheriff leaves Charles mentions, "Well you all had an eventful time while we were gone. Thank God everyone is all right and especially my children."

There is silence for a moment and then Caroline agrees with Charles, "Yes thank you all for taking care of our children."

Charles continues to say, "Caroline's inheritance was $5,000 and we both agree to give it to the Blind School."

Almanzo then says, "I also want to give this $5,000 to the Blind School."

Adam and Mary are both appreciative for the $10,000 is greatly needed.

The End