The next day about 10am. Mr Caldwell is bringing Kenny back into Sleepy Eye from staying at the workhouse overnight to see Judge Adams. Joe Kagan, Sheriff Pike and Deputy Garvey are in Judge Adams office at the Court House. When Mr. Caldwell and Kenny walk in Mr. Caldwell says to the judge, "This is Kenny the boy who has been causing trouble in the streets you can say he is the leader of it all. While he was at the workhouse just overnight he caused alot of trouble a couple of fights broke out through the night and I had to put him in a separate cell by himself. He's a bad one."

Judge Adam looks over at Kenny and asks, "Son do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Kenny shrugs his shoulders and says, "I'm not your son none of you are my Pa. My Pa abandoned me and my Ma when I was just 4 years old and my Ma passed when I was just 6 years old and I wish everyone would stop calling me son and NO I don't have anything to say for myself, just leave me alone!"

Joe Kagan puts his hand on his shoulder to show love and concern for him and Kenny shrugs his hand off and says, "Don't touch me!"

As Judge Adam continues to talk to Kenny he asks, Kenny do you want to stay at the work house? Because that is where I'm sending you. You need to learn to have a better attitude on life."

Kenny shrugs his shoulders again and answers, "I don't care!"

Joe Kagan speaks up for the boy and says, "Judge, I have been taken care of a couple of boys they at the Restaurant with Hester Sue. Judge, I don't want to see this boy or any child wind up in the workhouse. I can take Kenny in to."

Mr. Caldwell steps in to say, "Mr. Kagan he is a handful."

Joe replies, "I can handle him."

Judge Adam says, "I agree, Joe if you think you can handle him you can take him but you will be responsible for him."

Judge Adams then looks at Kenny and says, "You will be going with Mr. Kagan."

After the decision was made for Kenny to stay with Joe Kagan Sheriff Pike mentions, "Now for the rest of the children who are out on the streets. We need to do something to get them off the streets."

Mr. Kagan states, "I was thinking the old orphanage that Mr. Case managed before he passed. The building is still there just not in use. Do you think we can open it back up and use it?"

Sheriff Pike answers, "I don't see why we can't. What do you think Judge?"

The Judge nods his head as to agree and says, "That is a great idea but who will run it and manage it?"

Deputy Garvey answers, "We are going to talk about that tomorrow after Church."

After the meeting at the Court House Joe takes Kenny over to the Restaurant where little Johnny and Sam are having milk and cookies. As Joe and Kenny are walking into the Restaurant Hester Sue sees them and asks how it went with the Judge. Joe Kagan answers, "Kenny will also be staying with me."

Hester Sue says, "That is great but are you sure you can handle and take care of these three boys?"

Mr. Kagan answers, "I have plenty of room at my place and no worries I can handle them."

Hester Sue smiles, "I'm sure you can!"

Joe Kagan then mentions, "We might be able to use the old orphanage building and re-open it. We will be talking more about it tomorrow after Church."

Hester Sue has another BIG smile on her face and says, "Joe Kagan that is great! Maybe I can be of some help with the orphanage if we can open it. I love children."

Joe Kagan gives her a smile back as Joe sees a glow in Hester Sue's eyes.

Will the orphanage re-open?

To Be Continued