Chapter 2: Orphan Kids Part 2

Little Johnny has been staying with Joe Kagan for a few weeks and little Johnny has really been taking a liking to Mr. Kagan doing things together. One day when little Johnny and Mr. Kagan are out fishing at a lake right outside of Sleepy Eye they are talking and Johnny says, "Mr. Kagan you remind me alot of my father he always took me fishing here at this lake before he got sick and passed away a year ago."

Joe gives Johnny a hug showing compassion to the lad and Johnny can see that Joe cares and Johnny begins to say with a tear in his eye, My Ma also passed about six months ago from the same sickness that my Pa had. Johnny wipes a tear and continues, "Mr. Kagan I miss my Ma and Pa."

Joe is speechless as he also wipes a tear from his eye.

Meanwhile Sleepy Eye there are a couple of boys making trouble in the street and a fight breaks out. A little boy by the name of Sam is lying in the street with a bloody nose and maybe a broken arm. Mr. Peterson the storekeeper was able to catch the boy, Kenny who was responsible for the starting of the fight and knocking Sam out cold.

Hester Sue takes Sam to the town doctor to be looked at and Mr. Peterson takes Kenny to the Sheriff's Office. In the Sheriff's Office Mr. Peterson tells Sheriff Pike and Deputy Garvey what Kenny did to Sam and that it wasn't the first time he hurt someone. Jonathan Garvey asks, "Son what do you have to say for yourself?"

Kenny with a smirk on his face shrugging his shoulders doesn't say anything.

Mr. Caldwell who was also in the Sheriff's Office and who operates a workhouse says to the boy, "Since you don't have anything to say and have caused so much trouble in the streets maybe I should take you with me to the workhouse. How old are you son?"

Kenny answers, "14, and if you think I'm going with you to that dumb workhouse... well maybe, I just don't care!"

Mr. Caldwell asks, "Sheriff Pike what do you think?"

The Sheriff answers, "He is one of the older boys and should be taught a lesson but I also think it should be a judge's decision."

Deputy Jonathan Garvey has a disappointed look as he says, "We shouldn't give up on the boy."

Sheriff Pike replies, "No we shouldn't but something needs to be done."

Deputy Garvey agrees and says, "I do agree," and then mentions, "It should be decided by a Judge if the boy wounds up in a workhouse."

Sheriff Pike says, "Yes it should but we don't have anywhere to put him right now. Judge Adams will be in Town tomorrow we can take him to Judge Adams then but until then I guess he will have to go to the workhouse overnight."

Over at the doctor's office Sam is being treated and he does have a broken arm. The doctor puts a cast on his arm and then Hester Sue leads Sam out of the office as she sees Kenny being put into Mr. Caldwell's wagon to be taken to the workhouse.

Mr. Kagan and little Johnny are pulling into Town and also sees what is happening in Town. Joe pulls up to the doctor's office and asks Hester Sue what is happening.

Hester Sue tells Joe all the events of the day as they are walking over to the Sheriff's Office. Mr. Garvey tells Joe and Hester Sue that Kenny has been taken to the workhouse and Joe asks, "Can we go in and talk for a bit?"

They all go back in in the Sheriff's Office. Hester Sue asks the two children, Johnny and Sam to stay in the lobby of the office.

In the office Mr. Kagen says to Deputy Garvey and Sheriff Pike, "I was thinking if the boys don't find a place to stay that they all will wind up in a workhouse and I don't want to see that happen. I'm willing to help with an orphanage."

Deputy Garvey says, "We will be talking to Judge Adams tomorrow about the situation and take it from there and we can also mention it at Church on Sunday."

Joe answers, "Great and I can try to look for a building to use for the orphanage."

Sheriff Pike replies, "How about these two children outside, Johnny and Sam?"

Joe answers, "I have been taking care of Johnny, I can also take care of Sam also."

Hester Sue has a pleasant look on her face and says to Joe, "You have a kind and loving heart to take these boys in. I can tell Johnny is taking a shine to you and I'm sure Sam will also."

Hester Sue is beginning to see Joe Kagan for the man he really is, loving, caring and compassionate. Will this turn Hester Sue toward Joe Kagan for a future together?

Will the Town come together and build another orphanage for the children?

To Be Continued