Murder At The Mercantile

By Aprairiefan

Chapter 1:

School is in session Miss Beadle is passing back graded English compositions and announces, "Most of you did quite well with a couple of exceptions."

Mary Ingalls made in 'A', Laura her sister made a 'C', Willie Oleson got the lowest grade with making an 'F.' Willie moans out loud and asks, "Why did I get an 'F?'"

Miss Beadle answers, "Willie I wasn't going to announce your grade but since you are making it known your paper had too many grammatical errors it violates ethics and is also inappropriate for the classroom."

Nellie mentions, "In other words Willie your composition is stupid!"

Miss Beadle corrects, "That will be enough Nellie. No idea is stupid if it's probable enough."

School is over and it's dinnertime at the Olsens. Nels speaks after taking a few bites of his dinner and says, "Nice piece of meat, Harriet."

Harriet responds, "Yes, Nels. A Mr. Jedidiah Baxter lives a couple miles out of town. He and his wife Anna and Melania his daughter. Mr Baxter is a butcher by trade he said if his business improves he will hire someone to help him a young man to help maybe Willie could do it and become a well-off young men."

Willie replies, "Not me! I wouldn't hurt a fly let alone is Steer."

Nellie speaks saying to Willie changing the subject, "Tell mother about your English composition. I made an 'A-'" Nellie than smirks and then continues, "Willie tell mother and father what your grade is." Willie reluctantly says with a frown on his face, "I made an 'F.'"

Harriet inquires, "Why Willie? Why and how did you get an 'F"?

Willie answers, "I had some grammatical errors. Miss Beadle also said I ignored ethics and also that my paper was inappropriate for the classroom."

Harriet replies back, "Well after supper we will all sit down and listen to what you wrote and how you wrote it."

The Olsens finish up their supper and all gather in the Parlor but then there's a knock at the door. Nels answers it and it's Mr. Ingalls with two strangers. Charles says these two Mr. and Mrs. MacMillan just got off a late stage coach and they are needing supplies. They want to settle in these parts. I hope it's not an imposition."

Nels replies, "No, Charles not under the circumstances. How can I help?"

Mr. MacMillan answers, We need some materials but mostly bandages."

Nels replies "Follow me to the store and we will see what we can do. Then Nels looks over to his wife and children and says to them, "I will be back in a minute."

Nels didn't think much of it at the time but after the MacMillans left he wondered why they bought so many bandages.

The Olsens are now all settled in the Parlor and Willie begins to read his composition first he says, "The title of my composition is 'Murder At The Mercantile'"

Nels interrupts, "Murder at the Mercantile? Walnut Grove is a peaceful Town. The Mercantile is a community meeting place. No I don't like the idea of a murder at the Mercantile."

Nellie chimes in and says that is why the composition is stupid and one reason why Willie got an 'F.'"

Harriet speaks up and says, "Nels! Nellie! It didn't really happen it's just a story, it's a murder he wrote. Let's listen to Willie's story."

Willie repeats, "My story is called 'Murder At the Mercantile' and then begins to read:

"It seemed to be a normal day in Walnut Grove. Charles Ingalls were working at the Mill with Mr. Edwards. Mr. Hanson were outside with his clipboard checking his lumber, Mr.Olsen were sweeping the porch of the Mercantile, Dr Baker were relaxing in a chair on the porch with a bottle of pop..."

Harriet interprets saying, "Willie, you' are using the word 'were' when it should be 'was'."

Willie says, "That's right mother. I didn't think about it."

Nellie mentions that is another reason why you got an 'F'."

Harriet then says, "Okay Willie continue your story but please remember to use proper English."

Willie continues, "Dr. Baker was enjoying a bottle of pop.

The afternoon stage arrives. There was just a man and a woman on the stage and the woman says to her husband, "Remember to tell everyone you are a veterinarian Doctor."

The man replies, "Now! Now! Don't worry I won't."

The man and the woman get off the stage and approached the Mercantile. Mr. Olsen asks, "How can I help you folks?"

The man answers, "Yes, we need supplies at your fine Mercantile."

They get their supplies and Mr.. Mr. Olsen looks over at their supplies and asks, "Why so many bandages, why so much quinine and rubbing alcohol?"

The man answers, "I do not think it is customary for merchants to meddle in the personal affairs of the buyers."

The man's wife says to her husband, ""Don't forget to tell them."

The man speaks again saying, "I'm sorry my name is Dr. Matthew Mcmullen and my wife Betty Sue."

Nels interrupts the story, "This sounds alot like what just happened with the Macmillans."

Willie replies, "I didn't know about them it's just a coincidence."

Nellie with a worried look on face says, "Now I'm scared just who was those strangers that Mr. Ingalls introduced to us a minute ago and why are their names so similar?"

All the Olsens have a worried looks on their faces.

Why are their names so similar, what is going to happen at the Mercantile, a murder, a crime? Hmmm...

To Be Continued