New Beginnings

Chapter 34

All In Fun

Watching his brother and sister pack the picnic basket, George asks "Claire? Are you absolutely sure you don't need me and Ben to come with you? We could protect you from the wild animals you know."

Winking at Claire, Rob answers for her. "Thank you George for suggesting, I can't take care of Claire."

"I didn't mean it like that, Rob!"

"I know, I'm just teasing you. Don't worry, I'll take good care of our sister. No wild animals or boys will be getting to her with me around."

"Rob! Really! You don't need to include boys in that statement. What if you give someone some bad ideas and they spout off to a certain someone? We'd be in for it then." Claire scolds fiercely.

"Hmm, I see your point. You're right, I'll watch it. We don't need any more of what I already got." Rob responds nodding in agreement.

"You two are talking in riddles again! Why don't you trust me and Ben enough to say what you really mean? I'm not some little fella anymore, I'm NINE now. That's old enough to be talked to straight." George complains crossing his arms angrily.

"Talked to straight. Where does he come up with these things?" Rob laughs, looking at Claire.

"They're both very much little sponges. I think that came from Uncle Matthew."

"Claire! Rob! You are doing it again! I'm right here! Talk TO ME!" George shouts stomping his foot.

Coming in from helping his Pa hitch the horses to the wagon and checking to make sure the wheels were sound, Ben hears George's complaint.

"George, Hush! NOW! Pa is coming right behind me! You're going to get in trouble again!" Ben tells him.

Ethan, coming in behind Ben, sees his youngest scowling. Choosing to ignore the boy, he says "Well, the wagon is all hitched and ready. I checked everything over and there are no problems with the reins, harnesses or wheels. We've agreed to your being home by five o'clock, so we'll see you then. Rob, remember our talk and show everyone how responsible you can be. Claire, you and Emily do as Rob tells you and be safe. Remember, no swimming, no leaving the group in boy/girl pairs either, everyone stay together."

"Yes Pa, I remember. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine." Claire responds smiling at her overprotective parent.

"We'll be careful and I remember my promise, Pa. You and the boys have fun fishing. Joseph says he's better at fishing than any of you so you prove him wrong." Rob tells Ethan, Ben and George.

"Hmmpfh! He's not that great! Last time we went, I caught a bigger fish than he did! I'll tell him so too!" George says haughtily.

"You'll keep a civil tongue in your mouth, young man. We aren't going to have arguments about who caught what size fish. We're fishing for the fun of fishing not for some competition between you three boys! Hear me?"

"Yes Papa, but Joseph's always bragging to me about how he can catch better fish than me!" George complains. "Just because I'm the youngest doesn't mean I can't do things the same as him or know about things either!" He says the last with a scowl directed at Rob.

"You are right, George. Being the youngest doesn't mean other people can treat you differently. That applies to your chores around the ranch also. So, I can expect you to hitch up the horses the next time we need the wagon, repair the broken fence posts and other work Joseph and Rob do. Is that what you are telling me?"

"I would do those things Papa, but I can't. I'm not big enough to lift the harnesses or the posts yet."

"I realize that son. That is why you are treated differently. You aren't old enough or big enough to do those jobs yet. It's the same with some information. You seem to be suggesting we keep things from you. There are things you just don't need to know at your age. When you do need to know things, such as how to fill out a bank draft or barter for livestock, I'll teach you." Ethan tells the frustrated child.

"Yessir." George answers quietly.

"You and Ben can go out and find us some big worms to use. I think if you check by the garden compost pile, you'll be in luck. There's a can waiting on the side porch for the worms. Don't forget to add in dirt for them as they will need it to stay moist."

"Yes Pa. Come on, George. Let's go dig worms!" Ben says pulling George out of the house.

"Rob, Claire, have a good time on your picnic. Don't worry about supper, Claire. We'll eat fried fish or find something in the smokehouse to cook. You just enjoy your day and stay safe, both of you."

"Thanks Pa. We'll be fine." Claire answers giving Ethan a quick kiss on his cheek.

Riding down the road towards town, Rob says "Claire, how do you stay so calm with Pa? When he starts in on the 'do this and not that and keep out of trouble' and all the rest, I get irritated. You just seem to let it pass on by."

"I know he's just being a Pa, Rob. He still sees us as children. I know by the look in his eyes when he looks at me, he still seems to see the young twelve year old with braids and boy's clothes. He doesn't seem to see the sixteen year old grown woman, I am now. With you, he didn't know you much younger so he is trying to make sure he teaches you the behavior he expects now. He's had almost four years with the rest of us."

"You wore boy's clothes and he let you? Most people don't approve of girls dressing like boys."

"Yes, when we moved in with him, Joseph and I were the only help he had to take care of the horses and cows. We had two cows then. Ben and George couldn't help much as they were only five and six. I wore boys clothes to do the barn chores and help with the outside chores. I even wore them to town one time, but was scolded outside the mercantile by several ladies for not being ladylike. Uncle Ethan told them to "mind their own affairs and let him mind mine". They scattered then, just like a flock of birds!"

"I've noticed people are very cautious and respectful towards him, especially those that don't know him well. I always thought that was because he was the law in town. If they acted that way before he was sheriff, it must be something else."

"You are forgetting his former life, Rob. He was a hired gun and pretty good from what Joseph and I have learned. That reputation makes people cautious. I think the look he gives us when he's getting ready to scold us, is similar to what he gave the criminals he fought! It makes me shiver even when it's not me he's glaring at!"

"Yes, I know what you mean. I wonder if it works as well on the bad guys as it does us."

"I don't know but I do know he never has lost a person he was tracking. I would guess that reputation comes in handy at times."

"Has he ever told you stories of his life back then?"

"No, he doesn't ever talk about it. Joseph tried once, when he was eleven, to get him to talk and he was thoroughly scolded for wanting to talk about killing. Pa told him in that 'don't you dare' tone of voice, it 'wasn't a topic to talk about'. He's not asked again, as far as I know. It's a very touchy subject apparently." Claire answers as they ride into Alex's yard.

"Maybe it isn't that much of a touchy subject to someone older. I'll try to get him to talk about his early days sometime and see if I get anywhere."

"It's your hide. You do what you feel you need to do. Don't be surprised if you get snapped at, though!"

"Good afternoon, Claire. Hello Robert. Alex will be out in just a moment. Before he comes, let me tell you what I've told him. At no time is he to be alone with one of you girls, he's to stay out of the water and behave as a young gentleman. I assume your Pa has also informed you of these rules, isn't this correct Robert?"

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Hale. Yes sir, I am under the same rules. We'll follow them, sir."

"Da! You don't need to terrorize my friends with lists of rules. We'll be fine. I'll see you later today." Alex, having heard Rob's response, informs his Da as he climbs into the wagon.

"You just remember our talk and everything will be fine, Alex. You children enjoy your picnic."

"We will, Mr. Hale. Have a good afternoon." Claire calls as Rob hups the horses to trot out of the yard.

"I'm sorry he was acting so surly. He's had a hard time letting me go and do things ever since the saloon incident. I think this is a kind of test to see if I can behave as he expects. He needn't worry so much. I will behave. I'll be punished if I don't do as he says. I'm sorry Claire, for not being able to walk alone with you. I know how much you enjoy walks."

"It's alright Alex. Rob and I are both under the same rules you are. Stay together at all times and only split into pairs with both boys or both girls. Rob was given a similar speech as your Da told us, by our Pa."

"I'm under strict rules today. If I mess up, I'm in for it at home, same as you, Alex." Rob reassures their friend. "Pa didn't come right out and say this, but I get the idea that if I cause problems by "bad choices", I'll get my britches tanned real good! I'd also likely be restricted to the ranch for the rest of my life! Gee, mess up one time and everyone is out to get you!" Rob tells Alex, with a smirk.

"I get the impression, the adults are a little angry with us for our trip to fetch ice. I think you're right, they are out to get us. We'd better take extra precautions to do everything correctly today. I, for one, don't want my Da angry with me anymore." Alex answers as they stop the wagon at the Anderson's gate.

"Hello, children. Come in everyone. Emily will be right down. You all look so rosy! You must be excited about going on your first outing as a group without a chaperone. We are all trusting you to continue to behave as young gentlemen and well bred young ladies."

"Yes Ma'am. No need to worry, Mrs. Anderson. We'll be on our best behavior and will take care of ourselves." Rob answers for the group as Alex tries to keep from grinning. The angelic expression Rob is showing is just about to make him laugh out loud.

"Claire, your dress is lovely. Emily told me you were making yourself a new summer dress. You have quite the talent with sewing, dear."

"Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. I enjoy sewing most of the time. I don't enjoy mending the boy's torn clothes or darning socks, though!" Claire answers as Emily walks into the sitting room.

"Hello Alex, Claire, and Rob. I'm all ready Mother, may I leave now?" Emily asks.

"Yes dear, but remember what we have discussed. You children are to be home by five. We don't want to have to send one of the men out on a search for you."

"We'll be home on time, Ma'am." Rob tells her as they reach the wagon. After helping Claire and Emily into the wagon to sit on the second seat, Rob and Alex climb in front.

"Have a great time, stay safe!" Mrs. Anderson calls as the wagon rolls away from the house.

As soon as the wagon is out of hearing range, Rob tells the others, "I'm surprised we didn't have to sign a contract stating our plans and promises for today. The parents are all acting as if we are headed out on a long journey, not just an afternoon by the lake! Emily, all of our parents went through the same type of speech your Mother gave you. Well, actually mine was a lot longer. Mess up once, and the town is out for blood!"

"They're just concerned and caring, Rob. Don't complain. We're lucky to have parents that love us enough to lecture." Claire reminds him.

"I'm not so sure I think that is lucky, Claire. I don't like long lectures." Rob replies

Alex agrees, "I feel the same, Rob."

"Ben, let's go get some grubs. Remember when we caught so many fish with them? That log is not far from here." George reminds Ben after they have fished for a few minutes without any bites.

"We aren't to go anywhere, George. Pa said to stay right here while he helped Joseph untangle the line from the bush."

"Ben, come on! We can be in and back out before he can get back. Don't you want to show Joseph you can catch more than him?"

"Alright but we need to run and be fast getting the grubs too. Remember, you have to look for snakes on top and all around before you roll the log, George."

"I remember, let's go!"

Walking back over the small hill that separates the two areas of the fishing hole, Ethan scans the area for the younger boys. Not seeing either and seeing their poles dropped by the water, he calls "BEN! GEORGE!"

"We're coming Pa!" He hears Ben call as the two boys run from the woods.

"What were you doing? Did you both decide to answer the call of nature at the same time?"

"Umm, no sir. We went to get grubs." George answers holding out a handful, not quite sure what the 'call of nature' is.

"You went to the fallen log?" Ethan asks, getting the facts straight.

"Yes Pa" Ben answers quietly, avoiding Ethan's stern gaze.

"Boys! You two were not to go near the log without an adult! I reminded you of this before we left home and I also told you not to leave the fishing hole, did I not?"

"Yes sir." Ben replies as George nods his answer.

"I really ought to wallop both of you right here and now! I don't want to start out our adventure together in that way. So, you both are going to sit by a tree for fifteen minutes. While you sit there, think of the reasons you must do as your told. When I call you to get up, I will be asking. if you can give me a satisfactory answer, you may fish again. Go to the two birch trees, the ones with the white bark. No talking or leaving the tree until I say to. You mind what I say from now on or I will warm your bottoms!"

Sitting by the tree with his back to his brother, Ben wipes the tears out of his eyes. "So dumb! I shouldn't have listened to George! I knew not to do that but I did it anyway! Now I have to sit here forever while Joseph gets to catch all the fish!" Ben thinks as he draws in the dirt with a stick.

Ben, I'm sorry! Please don't be mad at me! I wanted to win the fishing contest! Please look at me. Ben hears in his mind. "Oughta ignore him but I can't" Ben thinks before answering George. George, I'm not really that mad at you. I'm mad at me. I should have listened to myself and not let you go into the woods!"

Finally the boys hear Ethan call them to come to him. When they reach their Pa, he asks "Well boys, what is the reason for doing as you're told here at the fishing hole?"

"We could have been hurt." George answers solemnly.

"If something had happened to us, you wouldn't have known where we were to help us. I'm sorry Pa. I knew better but I just went along anyway." Ben tells him.

"Very good answers, boys. You are forgiven. Ben, everyone makes mistakes and the point is you learn from it and do better next time. Alright, let's get some fishing done. Your grubs are in the can with the worms. We need to catch at least four fish to have enough for supper. Joseph has three already, so four more would be plenty."

Standing on the water's edge below the bank of the pond, George sees his tan cork bobble twice and then go under. Careful not to pull on the pole he waits until the line gets taught and then begins to walk backwards. The fish is fighting and pulling against him. It takes all his strength to hold on to the pole.

"Papa! I need help! This fish is going to pull me in!" George calls as he has to stagger when the fish pulls him back towards the water.

"Hold the pole, George! Don't let it get away!" Ben calls watching his brother be jerked towards the water.

By the time Ethan runs back over the small hill from checking on Joseph, both younger boys are knee deep in water. Ben has his hands circled around George's waist and is gripping the pole with his brother. The pole is bending in half and twitching with the weight of the fighting fish.

Having followed his Pa, after hearing George shout, Joseph rushes over to grab hold of Ben before the boys get pulled down. "I've got them, Pa! You get the fish!"

"That is some fish, George! I don't think I've ever seen a fish that long before. It must be nearly twenty inches long and I'd guess about three pounds. I think this is a Bass." Ethan tells the exhausted boy.

"How do you know his name is Bas, Papa? Can you talk to fish like Mitch? Did the fish say his name is Sebastian and call him Bas? We knew a boy with that name."

"It's not his name, silly! It's the type of fish it is. You know, bream, catfish, trout, bass... types of fish." Joseph answers for Ethan.

"Joseph, do not call names and I would appreciate it if you would let me answer when the question is directed at me. We do thank you for the lesson on types of fish, however." Ethan says, mildly scolding the boy.

"George, that was really smart of you to think up walking backwards like that. I would have tried to pull him up and probably lost him, he's so heavy." Ben tells his brother.

"I had to walk backwards, Ben. I couldn't lift up the pole when I tried. It's all I could think of."

"I agree with Ben, son. That was quick thinking. You saved the fish! Rob is going to be envious to see this catch. He thinks his two pounder is the biggest fish ever caught in this family."

As the older children set up the picnic, Rob asks Emily "What did you bring today? Claire has apple pie, fried chicken and biscuits."

"I made the beans and also a potato dish Mother called Potato Salad. I also made your favorite, chocolate cake. I only brought four pieces though not the entire cake. If you like it, I can get more for you to take home. Ben, George and Joseph might like some, oh and your Pa."

"I'm sure they would, but if you send any home it will be for me to have not them. Let them find there own chocolate cake!" Rob answers grinning mischievously.

"Robert Jordan Cord! That's just rude! Be ashamed of yourself!" Emily scolds, laughing at the same time.

"Nope, not ashamed at all. My girl, my cake. That's the rules! Right Alex?"

"Hmmm? Sorry, I wasn't listening. I was thinking about the pie and chicken!"

"I said if Emily sends home cake, it's all mine. I don't have to share it since she's my girl and gave it to ME! Don't you feel the same?"

"You said it! Anything Claire gives me is all mine not Danny's or Elizabeth's!"

"How's your Ma doing, Alex? She's probably ready to meet the new baby. What do you think it is?" Emily asks.

"She's tired much of the time and says she aches in her back. Dr. Amy says it could be here in a month. I'm hoping for a boy so Danny has someone to play with but I know Elizabeth and Ma want a girl."

"Let's see, Danny is six, right?" At Alex's nod, Emily continues "That's quite a few years between them. He's going to be at least nine before he can play with the baby much. They aren't able to really play until they get three. The twins were seven when Lydia was born."

"Gosh, I hope my Ma isn't having twins. I don't want two babies to have to hear screaming! One loud smelly creature is enough!" Alex says shuddering.

"Alexander! You just hope and pray your Ma has a easy time of it and accept what God gives your family. You won't be taking care of the baby anyway!" Claire tells him somewhat angrily.

"What is it? What did I say wrong? Claire?" He asks as Claire walks off towards the water.

"She loves babies, Alex. She would like to be a nurse, I think. She enjoys helping out when someone is sick or hurt." Rob replies.

"I'll go talk to her. Maybe if I apologize she'll not be angry with me. I didn't mean anything by what I said." Alex tells him.

Walking up to Claire, he says "Claire, I didn't mean to upset you. Please forgive me for being a stupid man. I do want my Ma to be healthy and will be happy no matter what the baby might be. Can you come back so we can eat now? No one will eat with you down here at the water."

"I'm sorry for how I acted also. I would like to be a nurse, to help women with babies or sick children. I've been thinking about talking to Pa about it."

"Well, do it. What makes you hesitate?"

"When I asked earlier this year about working in town, he told me I was needed at home. He thinks Ben and George need me more. I don't think that's quite fair. I'm their sister not their Mama even if I have been acting as their second Mama almost since they were born. I'm afraid to ask him again. He'll probably just say no, again."

"Why don't you try it, at least once. If he still says no, then you'll just have to wait until you and I get married. He can't tell you no, then."

"Alex! Are you saying you want to marry me?"

"Of course I do. Not right now, but maybe this time next year. We'll both be seventeen then, so why not? Some people get married at fifteen and sixteen. In fact. my Ma was married at fifteen."

"My Mama married at seventeen. She had me the next year and Joseph two years later. Let's do it! We won't say anything to our families right now. We'd best wait until much later to mention anything. Do you agree?"

"Yes, that would be best. Both our Pa's would likely be most unhappy if we told our plans."

"Hey, you two down at the water! We are starving up here! Would it be possible for you to walk and talk at the same time? You could try it as you walk back up here!" Rob yells from the picnic blanket.

"We'd best get back. We are already breaking the no boy/girl pairs rule." Claire tells Alex.

"Hmmpfh, I just don't care. Come on, hold my hand and I'll walk you back." Alex answers, taking her hand.

"You sound just like Ben. He makes that same sound!" Claire giggles as Alex frowns.

"I'm much more dignified than your ten year old brother, Claire."

"I'm sure you think so, Alex." Claire teases as she runs for the blanket.

"Thank you Emily, for making me a chocolate cake. It was just delicious. My stingy sister over there, wouldn't make one when I asked politely. She thought one dessert would be enough. Even when I told her Alex liked chocolate cake too, she still wouldn't make one. See there Alex, that shows how much she thinks of you! OUCH! Claire! What would Pa think about you throwing your fan at me that way?"

"He'd be understanding, He knows I'm willing to do about anything just to get you to hush up!" Claire answers glaring at her brother.

"You two act just like me and the twins! I'd have never guessed you didn't grow up together!" Emily says, laughing at the outraged expression on Rob's face.

"Alex, I would make you a special dessert too, if I knew what kind you like. I know you like apple pie, so I baked one for us."

"Claire, I like YOUR apple pie. My Ma's isn't good. I don't care for chocolate much but Emily's cake is delicious. Rob is right on that. Now, don't get all huffy, I can say I like some other person's cooking too without saying I don't like yours." Alex assures her.

"I do not get 'huffy', Alexander Patrick Hale!"

"Whoops, watch out there, Alex. When anyone in my family gets the full name, you are in for trouble!" Rob teases.

"Don't I know it! It's the same at my house. Anytime I hear my full name, I know to tread carefully around whomever called it!"

"It's too late to tread carefully, as you put it, at my house. If my Pa calls your full name you are in serious trouble! Ben calls it your 'in trouble' name."

"Ben is growing up fast, Claire. He came in the store the other day and I happened to be there. He was so polite calling me "Miss. Emily" and "Ma'am". George was with him and seemed quite different than he usually is. More quarrelsome, I'd say. Is he sick?"

"Not that I know of, Emily."

"He's sick in the head, is what he is. He's been moody, irritable and badly behaved for weeks. He's even gotten a whipping and a spanking in the last few weeks but that didn't straighten him out much. George has never acted up, the way he has been lately, since I've lived with him. Wasn't he always the well behaved of the two, Claire?" Rob asks.

"Yes, out of Ben and George, George was the one who rarely caused anyone to even scold him. If he did get scolded, it would just break his heart. One stern word or scolding from Pa and he'd go to bed crying. Many times when we first moved here, I'd have to hold him to calm him down."

"I can't see Sheriff Cord being that harsh with him. He was so little then. What was he four?" Emily asks.

"No, he was five and a half when we moved here. Pa wasn't harsh, just firm. George doesn't remember our Papa or Mama much either, so Pa is the only parent he's had that he knows. It used to hurt his feelings to be corrected. It seems those days are now over!"

"Hmm, he's eight or nine now isn't he?" Alex asks.

"He's nine."

"I went through a time at nine when I was in trouble almost every week. I usually didn't get walloped, just sent to bed. I had so many interesting ideas and things I wanted to try but Pa pronounced them dangerous or foolhardy. Is that what George is doing?"

"Yes, some of it. Not long ago, he pulled a burning log from the fireplace just to 'watch it sparkle', so he said. It burned a space on the floor and Pa burned his backside with a belt for doing it! He told George it could have caught him on fire or burned up the house!"

"Oh, boy! I did just about the same thing when I was nine. The logs in the cookstove were white and they did sparkle. I pulled one out with the fire tongs and put it on top of the stove to look at. My Ma came in from hanging clothes or something outside and screamed. Pa came running and saw me holding the log with the tongs. He told me to lay it on the stove and when I did he snatched me away from there. The next thing I remember is a fire in my backside from my Ma's big wood cooking spoon!"

"Why did he paddle you? You had it on the stove." Rob asks.

"When I was holding it as my Ma came in, I was holding it above Elizabeth's head. She was three and had been pestering me to play. I thought I was playing, I guess. after that, I started to get walloped much more often!"

"Let's pack up the basket and take a walk, Emily. I could stretch my legs. How about you?"

"Yes, that sounds good."

"While you two are doing that, Alex and I will find a good spot to sit by the water. Come with me, Alex." Rob commands.

"Forgive him, Alex. He's so used to Joseph, Ben and George, he forgets he doesn't need to order everyone around." Claire says seeing Alex's shocked expression.

"She's right. I'm sorry for commanding you, Alex. Would you like to take a walk with me?"

"Sure would, Rob. I'll see you girls in a few minutes."

Coming out of the trees where they took care of personal business, Rob spots a long wooden dock by the shore.

"Alex, let's go explore the dock. We might be able to sit on that and put our feet down in the water."

"Look Rob! There's a rowboat here! We could take the girls out in it! Claire told me about your boat trip in Denver. She likes boats, I think."

"Alex, I don't know if that is a good idea. We don't know who the boat belongs too."

"Right now, it belongs to whoever finds it to use. I don't see anyone else here, do you?"

"No, but ..."

"Rob! Aren't you the adventurous guy who boldly walked us into the saloon a few weeks back? How could this be as frightening as the trip into the saloon?"

"I'm not frightened! I wasn't frightened then either. I'm just weighing the consequences here. I guess it wouldn't hurt to borrow it for a while.

"Great! Let's go get the girls"

After George was nearly pulled into the water and Joseph had an encounter with a snapping turtle, Ethan has moved all three boys to a different area to fish.

"Papa?" George calls after fishing for what seems to be hours to him.

"Yes, son? What's happened now? Did you get caught on a limb again?"

"No, Papa. I need to go." George replies bouncing from one foot to the other.

"Go where?" Joseph teases, using his standard reply to that statement.

"I need to go to the outhouse, bad!" George snaps at his brother.

"Come George, I'll take you in the trees. Ben? Do you need to come too?"

"No, Pa. I'm fine."

When Ethan looks over at Joseph, the boy blushes.

"Please, Pa. Don't ask me that question!"

"I wasn't planning to, Joseph. You and Ben stay right here and don't go in the water. I'll be right back."

"Papa! Hurry!" George calls, now at the edge of the woods.

"I'm coming, George."

Rushing ahead of Ethan, George stops cold when he hears "Freeze!" That is the command that all the children know to obey instantly, without questioning. Ethan taught them this, the first week they lived together. The consequences for disobeying that command are fierce.

"Papa! I'm about to go! I can't stand still long!"

"Hold it! I need to make sure this area is clear of snakes."

"Papa, you just about made me wet when you hollered to freeze!" George complains, walking beside Ethan, after finishing taking care of business.

"Always check the area for traps or animals, George! No matter why you are in the woods. You have to keep a constant watch to keep yourself and other people safe. I know you were in a big hurry but I didn't want you to step on a snake or a trap. Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, Papa."

"Next time, don't wait until you are about to burst to speak out. If you hadn't been in such a hurry, you could have been more cautious. Take care of yourself when out in the wild, George. Don't rush in without looking and making sure everything is safe, no matter what the reason." Ethan tells him, repeating what he's just told the child, to try to get him to remember it.

As Ethan and George reach the other two boys, Ethan pulls his watch from his pocket.

"Boys, we need to get back home. If we are to have fish for supper, we need to get home to clean them. Let's wind our lines around the poles. Ben, you go on up by the trees to do your pole. I don't want to be hit by a flying hook. Joseph, move over where Ben was standing. George, bring your pole to me and I'll help you wind it."

"Papa?"

"Yes, George?'

"After we wind the pole, is it going to move by itself?" George asks grinning up at Ethan.

"Funny one, George. No, silly boy. You know that's not going to happen. It's not a newfangled wind up toy."

"Pa?" Ben calls. "Can I go on to the wagon? I'm finished winding my line around the pole."

"Go ahead, Ben. We're coming right now." Ethan calls back as he and Joseph walk up the bank towards the wagon.

"George?" Ethan calls, noticing the child isn't moving.

"Just checking to make sure my area is safe before coming, Pa." George answers, still grinning.

"MOVE it mister, before I smack you in your 'safe area'!" Ethan calls, grinning back at him.

"Coming! I'm coming!" George answers scrambling up the bank.

Out on the lake, the older children are enjoying the rowboat ride.

"Alex and Rob, you two are good at this!" Claire comments as the boys work together to move the boat.

"It's not that hard, Claire. You just put the oar in the water and push the water back to move." Rob explains.

"Maybe it's not hard for you, but it would be hard for me!" Claire replies.

"Me too. I can't push hard enough. I'm not strong like you two men." Emily tells them.

"I just love this lake. It's so quiet and calm. There are no horses whinnying or people arguing. Even the fish are quiet!" Emily says, smiling.

"It is very peaceful, I agree with you. I love it too. Maybe we can all come again to be together by ourselves."

Rob can't let that go without commenting. "How can we be by ourselves if we're together, Claire?"

"You know what I mean Robert! Stop teasing!"

"There's the full first name. I'm in trouble now, Alex. You may have to row the boat without me. She may stick me in the corner the way she does Ben or George." Rob tells him, laughing.

"It's getting stormy looking, we'd better take the boat in." Alex says, after they've rowed in silence again for a time.

"Yes, I've noticed the wind is blowing and it's hard to row now." Rob agrees.

Just as they reach the dock, the wind blows Claire's straw hat off.

"I can reach it Claire!" Emily calls leaning for it.

"NO! EMILY DON'T." Rob yells.

Back home at the barn finishing cleaning the fish, Joseph hears a horse run into the yard. Walking out to see who has come, he sees one of the wagon team's horses.

"PA! COME QUICK!" He shouts to Ethan who is in the house preparing the cleaned fish for frying.

"What is it, Joseph? Must you shout so?" Ethan asks before walking to the barn.

"It's Maggie, she just came in all lathered and running wild. I put her in her stall and gave her a little water. Something's wrong! Maggie doesn't like to be apart from Will. Will's not here!"

"Calm down! You aren't going to help anything if you go off half cocked! Now, let's look at her and wipe her down." Ethan tells the overexcited boy.

"She seems fine, Joseph. Wipe her down and give her some more water and food. I'll take Lightning and ride out to the lake. It' nearly time for them to be starting home. I have the fish you have already cleaned, ready to fry, if you want to go ahead and cook some. I can cook mine when I get home."

"We'll wait for you to get back. I can wait and the boys can eat bread and butter if they can't! Are you sure nothing is wrong? I feel strange. I think something's happened to Claire, Pa."

"I'm happy to know you care so much for your sister. I'll find her and the others also. Don't worry about that."

"Pa? Can I come too? Please? The boys are old enough to stay home by themselves now. Claire and I stayed home alone with them when I was a year older than Ben."

"I had no choice at the time. Now, I do. I want you to stay home, Joseph. Take care of the horse and I'll be back. Do NOT follow me, young man, if you know what's good for you!" Ethan adds seeing the stubborn look on his son's face.

"Yessir, but what if someone's hurt and you need me to ride for Dr. Amy? What if you need help carrying someone on horseback? What if you get shot or something happens to you?" Joseph asks, managing to work himself up into a worried, tearful state.

Reaching out, Ethan pulls the boy into his chest and wraps his arms around him. "Hush Joseph! You are letting your imagination run away with you again. Calm down, son. You're breathing as if you just ran for your life. I'm not going to be hurt, I will find your sister and brother. I doubt anything will keep Rob from coming home to torment you. You and he love to have those teasing times don't you? Now, do as I say. Stay home, take care of the horse and your brothers."

Saddling his horse and riding out towards the lake, Ethan is thinking of the special bond his sister's children all share. As far as he has been able to determine, most brothers and sisters don't share such a strong connection where they can sense the others thoughts or feelings.

"I know I never had that kind of connection with Lucy when we were growing up. She and I were not close in age either so maybe that's why. Claire and Joseph are only two years apart and Ben and George are only a year apart. I'll have to speak to Amy about it. Maybe she can explain it. She knows much about children."