Return to Shiloh Chapter 27: A Huge Mess)
Many thoughts went through Randy's mind as he rode back to his and Ellie's home. When he got there the house and barn were a mess but they were still standing. What a mess, he said to himself. I'd better go back and ask for some help. And he turned his horse in the direction of Shiloh Ranch. Is Randy back yet, Josie? No, not yet, Uncle Henry. What about the Virginian and the boys? I have'nt seen them yet. Oh, here they come now. Emmett, Trampas is back now. Thank you, Josie. I'll go and give him that letter now. Here comes Randy, too. Let's go out and see them now, Josie. Any damage to the herd, Virginian? Thankfully no, Judge. They spooked last night but we got em all. Good to hear. How did your place weather the storm, Randy? The house and barn are still standin, but everythings sure a mess outside. No tellin what kind of damage it did inside. The boys and I can help you and Ellie clean up if you'd like, Randy. We'd sure be oblidged, Judge. It's settled then. I'll go fix you all some food for when you get hungry. That's a good idea, Josie. Want to help me with the food, Ellie? Sure, Josie. We'll be right back, everyone. I'll be coming with you so I can help put things right in the house. Alright, Josie. Cleaning a house is woman's work. Ellie, who took care of you when you lived with your real daddy? Her name was Dulcie and she was really nice. She was just like my own mama. She was Mr. Colby's daughter and his ranch was where my real daddy worked from when I had almost started to walk. I hope one day I'll have a real mama of my own. And it was'nt before the food was ready and they came out. We're all ready, Uncle Henry. Alright, Josie. The buckboard's right over here. Thank you, Jamie, she said as he helped into the buckboard. Up you go, little miss. You can ride with us if you like, Jamie. Thanks, Josie, he said as he climbed in. I'll take the reins if you'd like. Thank you. Can you manage with one hand? I can manage, Josie. Thanks for askin. Alright, let's go everyone. You lead the way, Virginian. Alright, Judge. And it was'nt long before they were there. What a mess, Ellie said when they arrived. It certainly is, Ellie. But your daddy and the other boys and I will put it to rights in no time at all. Alright, Trampas you and Gene start on the barn. Sure, bossman. Randy and I will work on the house. Is that okay with you, Randy? That's fine with me, boss. Is there anything I can do, Daddy? Sure,honey, you can go and pick up all the stray sticks ya see lyin around and put em in a pile so we can burn em later. Sure, Daddy, Ellie said as she went off. I'll go clean up the damage in the house, Randy. Thanks, Josie. Before you go, could you show me where your broom closet is? Sure, Josie. It's right that way. Thank you, Randy. You're welcome. The storm sure made a mess in here, Josie said to herself as she got started. And it was'nt long before she had Randy and Ellie's home back to rights. That's all done, she said as she went out the door. Looks like you're all about done, Virginian. Just about, Josie. When you boys are ready for lunch, just give me a holler, alright? We'll be ready in a little while here, Josie. I got all the sticks, Daddy. Good job, Ellie. Go along an help Josie, now. Sure, Daddy. We've got company, Uncle Henry. Who is it, Josie? It's Betsy and David. Hello, Daddy, Josie. Hello, Betsy. It's good to see you both. We came to see how you were after the storm. We're all fine, Betsy. We came to help Randy and Ellie clean up their home. Any news about the adoption papers, Daddy? They went through, Betsy. Ellie's a Benton now. So it looks like I've got a niece now, Daddy. That's right, Betsy. I told her today that she can call me Granpa the same as Annie and Virginia do. That's wonderful, Daddy. It'll be good for her to have you as a Granpa. She is family, after all. Hello, Betsy. Hello, Randy. It's good to see you made it through the storm alright. I came because I've got a piece of news for you, Randy. I was talking to Doctor Spaulding and he said a new nurse is coming to help him in his work soon. And he mentioned her name is Billie Jo Conrad. Billie Jo's comin back? It seems so, Randy. I thought you'd want to know. Thanks for tellin me, Betsy. You're welcome, Randy. We'd better be getting back to the children now. Goodbye, Betsy. Goodbye, everyone. I've got lunch ready, everyone. Alright, Josie. Let's eat, everyone, the Judge said as they went inside.