Guns and Switches

by gaben

3rd story in the Alexandra Series. Alexandra has some life lessons to learn. Alex tries to persuade Adam of her reasons for needing a gun. Adam has some persuasion methods of his own in mind. Warning: CP of a minor in some chapters.

3. The Petition

Guns and Switches

3rd story in the Alexandra Series.

Summary: Alexandra has some life lessons to learn. Alex tries to persuade Adam of her reasons for needing a gun. Adam has a little persuasion method of his own in mind. But there is another life lesson for Alex, one that may prepare her for a special but difficult journey. Marty and Adam start courting. Warning: CP of a minor in some chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.

Chapter 3

The Petition Or The right To Defend Oneself Against Armed Bears.

It was a beautiful Nevada morning and Alex was in the barn getting Leo ready for the ride to school. Earlier, before breakfast, her father had come into her room to help her with her hair.

"You want a Bow?"

"Awww no, Dad please, jist put a plain ole clip in it, so I cin see when I'm shootin."

Adam swinging her around and gave her a concerned look.

"Shootin' marbles; that is, Dad."

"Good girl, marbles are good. Got your lucky one still?"

" Yep, but I don't reckon it works as good no more, maybe I done used up all my luck."

"Oh, I think it works still. You know grandpa and I had a talk last night and well, he suggested that perhaps you need to study more about guns. We talked about that instead of a spanking every night to remind you about not touching them…" He paused and leant his forehead against her and looked up into her eyes, "that you could write an essay about gun laws and using them safely and wisely."

Alex snapped her head up, " The no spanking thing is sure lucky, but gosh, I will never have any time for fun stuff, Dad what's with all this writin, sides how's an essay gonna protect me, ifin I come up against an ugly looking rattler? So I'm supposed ta roll it up and bang it on the head?"

"Well that has worked before, Alexandra," he smiled, then pulled at one of her unruly curls, before getting a little more serious, "Is that what your really scared of, Alex?"

Alex dropped her head down, "No I ain't scared of nuffin."

"Alexandra, I will look after you, protect you, I won't let anyone or anything hurt you. But you have to help me do that. You have to trust that I know what is best for you. I know you think you are a big girl, but you are not, not to me. Besides I didn't get to be your daddy when you were a little itty bitty thing," he teased. "I want to have a little girl for a while longer and my precious daughter forever, so trust me and mind me. Now try your best with the essay and behave, because I don't want to have to be the grouchy daddy all the time," said Adam, as he kissed his forefinger and transferred it to her stubborn little nose. "I love you, miss cantankerous scowley ferocious face" he laughed.

Alex couldn't stop the smirk forming on her lips. "Your ferocious dad, but I luv ya," she relented and threw herself into his chest for an equally ferocious hug.

"Come on let's get breakfast. Before Hoss eats it all."

"Oh, I ain't worried bout that, Uncle Joe's sure ta have stolen all the cushions, my bu…ahh, bottoms still sore. Dad, did ya really give Uncle Joe tannin in the barn cause of me?"

Adam looked confused for a moment, "Ummm, what did Uncle Joe tell you?"

"Lots of things, but not too much about ya talk in the barn. Maybe I shoulda done lent him my lucky marble, mighta worked fer him a lot better then it did fer me."

"Like I said, I think your lucky marble worked for everyone."

"Not everyone, you and grandpa coulda thought of the essay afore ya set my tail on fire," grimaced Alex.

oOo

While Alexandra was relieved that her father had relented on his continuation of any physical punishment, the thought of writing an essay on the safe use of guns was not something she was looking forward to.

On the way to school her Uncle Joe advised her to look on the bright side of things, writing an essay was a whole lot better than what her daddy originally planned as a consequence of using a gun and disobedience. Firstly, while she was not going to be too comfortable today, her backside was going to be relieved by tomorrow and for the rest of the week. Secondly, the task was going to take a little research. Ben had suggested that Alex interview Sheriff Coffee after school about the hazards of improper gun use and the laws pertaining to owning weapons. This was good because it meant that Alex didn't have to be home straight after school and would not have to be loaded down with chores. With any luck, her Uncle Hoss would do her chores for her, if she were running late. Thirdly, it meant Joe, who had to pick up Alex after school would have to leave an hour, or even maybe two, earlier to make sure she was safely escorted to Roy. While in town Joe thought he may catch up with Daisymae for an afternoon tea at the café that happened to be right next door to the sheriff's office on C Street. Alex appreciated her Uncles input, as he too was being punished by Adam for his part in Alex's deception.

By the time the two arrived at the school grounds, both were smiling and thanking their lucky stars that Ben Cartwright was a clever and wise man and that Adam Cartwright wasn't as stubborn as they had always believed. Perhaps he was no longer a granite head, but something a little softer, like soapstone that was also a lot easier to carve and polish, though to Alexandra, it just didn't have the same ring to it as 'Yankee Granite Head… Yankee Soapstone Head… yep it was definitely missing the dramatic headliner of the theatres Top Bill act.

Alex tied Leo up at the schools hitching post behind the building.

"Alex I'll be here at three on the dot, so no wandering off."

"Okay Joe," yelled Alex, as she headed to the rope swings where the gang were all gathering.

"Hey, Josh," called Alex.

Josh's eyes lit up when he spotted Alex running towards them. "Alex, you're all better."

"Sure."

"Heard you and that Indian kid caught a bunch of convicts," mocked Willy Fitzgerald.

Alex stepped around Josh and squared off against Willy. "His names Lajoci, and yeah we did; got a reward too." She bragged.

"Like you Cartwright's need the money," he retorted sourly.

"Why ya being so nasty, Willy? No we don't need it, but my dad got Roy ta give it to Miss Jones. Ya know she's trying ta get extra classrooms for the school, so some of the Paiutes kids, the Chinese and Mexican kids can come. My dad says they have a right to be educated too. We are all Americans ya know."

"No they ain't."

Alex tried not to lose her temper. She knew Willy was jist a cantankerous bully at times. She always stood up to him, so did Josh. He would eventually come around when he wanted something from them. "Well they are in my book. So you don't want ta believe that, well fine, but ya ain't being part of the tree house gang, cause they are."

"Maybe I don't wanna be part of ya stupid ole gang." He pouted.

Alex was sure she hit a nerve with the kid. "That's up ta you, it ain't compulsory, but everybody's got the right ta join, ceptin we got to figure out the initiation process first."

"Whatta reckon, like eating worms?" teased Wily.

"Na too easy," scoffed Alex.

"Staying the night in the cemetery?" Suggested Josh.

"Yeah thata work or playing a really big trick on Ole Henry, like hide his mule…" started Wily.

"Everybody plays mean tricks on Ole Henry, not nice, anyways he done saved my life, so no more tricks on Ole Henry… "Alex eyes went suddenly wide with the burst of an idea, "But a trick on the whole town… "

"Whoa! You sure do think big, Alexandra," grinned Josh.

"Yup, but we gotta fix the tree house first, then we'll form a committee."

A committee, what's that? You tryin ta use big words like ya Pa, won't make no difference, ifin you're in charge. You're a girl."

"Okay, Alex, when we gonna do that?" asked Josh, deflecting the altercation that Willy was trying to provoke. Willy liked Alex and most of the time he liked all the kids. But, Willy had a burr in his britches ever since Alex and Josh had become good friends. Until then Josh and Willy had pretty much ruled the roost as far as the Virginia City School was concerned.

"When I'm off restrictions, my daddy's gonna fix it up, and we can all help. If we get it done in time, Dad reckons I can have my birthday party up there." Alex chirped away excitedly.

"Huh? Why ya on restrictions, seems hardly fitting for a hero an all." ribbed Josh

Alex took Josh's ribbing in all good fun and giggled. "Well, I sorta used a gun, I ain't allowed ta use a gun, yet."

"That's cause you're more than jist a girl you're a stupid girl," admonished Willy.

"Willy you jist can't help ya self can ya?" Alex threw herself into his chest and pushed him onto the ground then pinned him down with her weight on top of him. "Ya jist nasty, ya think ya so big and tough. Are you allowed ta use a gun?"

"Corse I am, I go hunting all the time, now git offa me."

Alex ignored his demand. "By yerself?"

"No, I go hunting with my Pa or my older brother Sean."

"But ya ain't allowed ta use a gun by yerself are ya? Now, I'm gonna let ya join our gang, you'd be a good man ta have, but I'm the boss, and ya ain't allowed ta be nasty to the other gang members. You got that?"

"No git offa me."

"I ain't getting off ya until, ya say ya goanna be in our gang."

"Okay, what's the name of ya stupid gang anyways?"

"Good question, seeing that you jist became one of the first committee members you and Josh can come up with a good name."

Willy brightened, "Okay, so now will ya git offa me, cause I'm sorely tempted to snot you one, ceptin my Pa would have my hide fer hitting a GIRRRLLLLL," he emphasised, so as not to lose too much more face.

"Yup, he would, same here; my dad said he'd ware me out ifin he found me fightin agin. I'm not allowed ta fight. Don't fancy have ta write no essays about fightin agin, either, besides I got enough on my slate. I gotta write an essay on safe use of guns, and gun laws."

"Yeah ifin ya get offa me, I'll help ya with a few pointers."

"Ya will, gosh thanks, Willy." Alex let him up and punched him on the shoulder.

"Can ya show me how ta shoot one? Are ya a good shot? I have ta learn how ta be a good shot and handle a gun safely, but I ain't allowed ta touch one, but that don't mean I can't watch, does it. Whadda reckon?"

"I reckon, but I ain't allowed ta go off on my own, so unless I can talk my big brother inta showing us I don't think that will work as an argument, you jist watchin."

"Well I gotta think of something. You boys get ta learning about guns; don't see why us girls can't."

Just then Miss Jones came out on the steps and rang the bell. "Time children, quickly everybody inside and take your seats."

Most of the children took off excitedly to start the day, except the fifth graders who sighed heavily, took up the rear and plodded their way to their classroom.

oOo

Most of the early morning was spent doing mathematics. Miss Jones would list each grades problem's on the large black board and then would supervise around the room. The work was relatively easy. Due to the break, Miss Jones listed problems that they had been working on previously.

After morning break Miss Jones introduced a new subject to the class: The Bill Of Rights.

"As an extension of last terms work on The Constitution, we are now going to look at the Bill of Rights," announced Miss Jones.

"You children may not be aware of the exciting things going on in the Territory at the moment, but there are developments coming up that will affect all of you."

One of the sixth graders shot their hand up, "My Pa says there is gonna be a war, a civil War between the south and the north, ifin the congress won't let the south trade like they have always been."

Some of the younger children frowned.

"That's not what I was referring too, James, that issue is a very complicated one. But it has directly affected the territories move to join the Union. Some in the territory want Nevada to become a state in their own right. It may take years for this to happen and with the problems between the southern states it may be delayed. However, your task is not to get involved in this argument."

"That's good cause my pa says he don't want any part of it, it's like brother against brother," declared another child.

"Yes Thomas. But your assignment children, is to look at The Bill Of Rights. The fifth and sixth graders are to take one of the original amendments and research it. Now here is the list". Miss Jones pulled down a second prepared chalkboard listing the ten amendments of the Bill of Rights.

Alexandra's eyes immediately lit up at the second amendment.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

First and second graders, you are to just copy the ten amendments. Third and Fourth graders you are to copy them and then write out what they mean. Add examples where you can. Fifth, Sixth and seventh graders, I want you to just select one and write a two page report, defining that amendment, research why it was added to the Bill Of Rights and when, and why it is deemed the right of a free people. Included in the summary should be the states that have already become part of the union and their commitment to The Bill Of Rights. All states agree to abide by it and all American's rights are protected by it as it is part of our constitution."

Alex shot up her hand, "Does that mean, Miss Jones, we don't have ta abide by it, cause we ain't a state yet?"

"No Alex it does not. Most of this country already lives by them, they are our rights and our protection rights under the law. We are all protected by them state or territory; they are the ideals of a free nation. Each of the states agreed to these first ten amendments when the constitution was adopted nearly a hundred years ago. Someday it is hoped that Nevada will speak for itself, frame it's own constitution in respect of our Countries Constitution and its Bill of Rights, and then if that is accepted by congress along with our petition and we have enough votes we may become a state."

Alex smiled, Uncle Joe was right, I jist looked on the bright side and now look; two birds with one stone, she thought. I get the report done and Dad's essay all in one, Plus a little idea that might jist get him changing his mind, afterall, It's my right!

"Miss Jones? asked Alex again, "When it's says, the right… is it only the rights of free men, and only men, what about women and children?".

"It should mean everybody Alex, man in this reference means everybody, and actually it says the right of the people, the right of the individual. Though some only see it as the right of an American citizen, of a free man, and would argue that it does not mean woman. That women are automatically protected by men, therefore are already covered. That is a debate that has been taken into many a courtroom."

"Only free men?" Asked Josh.

"Yes well, that's another part of the argument going on as well. Our new President, Mr Lincoln believes all men should be free, so we have these amendments these freedoms that all those belonging to the United States Of America should live by. They were written a very long time ago, when we fought against British rule. Some may get added, some have had additions already added to them. Sixth grader students should consider outlining some of the additions as you are doing your research."

"My Pa say's the south is trying ta change the first amendment, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. They don't want the abolitionists writing stuff and trying ta changing people's minds about slavery and all. My Pa says that they are not allowed to do that," said Juliet. Her father was Virginia City's most recent Editor of the newly located Territorial Enterprise.

"Yes Juliet, but that what the first amendment addresses but it actually says…No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws; This means freedom of religion, of speech and of the press and free to take up a petition. The south is trying to petition that the abolitionists do not write about their cause."

"But that ain't right, how they gonna figure that one out? Ifin you got the right to free press and free speech and ta petition against it so ya cin only read and have peoples say what ya wanna hear and say, makes the whole first amendment not a true Right anymore."

"Yes Alex that is a very good point, I think. The word you are looking for is conflicting."

"Yes ma'am it's both though ain't it; confusin and conflicting? So how do ya add to the amendments?

"Through petitions."

"What's a petition?"

"That's where you make a request or a motion for an amendment and then get a lot of people to sign it saying that they agree with you. All the states have to agree and the citizens vote. For Nevada to become a state we need to petition to be granted Statehood. But we need a bigger population for us to be granted statehood."

"Ohh, so a lot of people."

This gave Alex much food for thought. She sat there thinking about these rights, now understanding a little more as to why her mother had been put in jail. My daddy believes in these rights, I remember Molly saying that he fought for momma's right for a fair trial. Molly couldn't do it all by herself. Molly couldn't fight for alot of things, she was free,but she is a black women, not whole black only a quarter, and nobody really knewt hat, cause ya couldn't really tell, and we didn't tell nobody. Like we didn't tell nobody really about me, neither. That was why Molly needed daddy to help the daythey took momma away.

"Well it seems I have aroused a bit of interest," beamed Miss Jones, then she looked at the younger children and shrugged, Oh well at least most of the children she thought. "Very well Children, get started. There are several texts in the bookcase that should provide a very good starting point for all of you."

Alex ran to the front desk and grabbed one of the texts, deciding to include as much of the official wording of the bill and specific dates. She wanted both her teacher and her father to be impressed with her efforts and research, but more importantly Alexandra wanted her father to be swayed by her argument. She ran back to her desk, grabbed a fresh white sheet of paper then dipped her pen in the inkwell. In her best hand, Alex wrote at the top of her page:

The Right to Bear Arms.

oOo

Alex was as proud as punch as she came through the ranch's gates late afternoon. During her lunch break, she told her friends of her plan. By the end of the school day Alex had secured every child's support. Those that couldn't write their names marked her paper with an X. After supper she would present her research and point of view to her father and hoped that he would relent and let her learn to shoot and have a gun.

Joe wasn't far behind her, thinking about the lovely afternoon tea he had with Daisymae while Alex raced around C Street in sight of the café, collecting information from Roy and many of the other merchants on C Street for her assignment on The Bill Of Rights. Joe had been impressed with her enthusiasm, and her quest to do a good job on her project. He and Daisymae had even added their own names to the bottom of her growing list of supporters for the constitution. He did think the child was going overboard when she asked him to stop just outside the cemetery gates and scooted around the tombstones writing down the names of the dearly departed citizens of Virginia City. Must have some historical significance for her project? What the hec, he had shrugged at the time, thinking that after all big brother, supported by his Pa, had insisted that he help Alex out with her task. Considering the teacher had given a similar task and provided Alex with a lot of the material to add to her research, a little detour to the cemetery was the least he could do to help the kid out.

Alex jumped of Leo and bolted for the house.

"Hey, pip squeak, we've still got to put our horses away and finish up the barn chores."

"Sure thing, Uncle Joe. I'm jist putting my assignment away, don't want ta get it all dirty."

"Fair enough, get back here as soon as yer finished."

Alex ran up to her room, she wanted to add some finishing touches to the project just before supper. So left the stack of papers on her desk and returned to her uncle in the barn.

They finished their chores in record time and Alex headed off to the kitchen, while Joe washed up. As far as he was concerned his day work had been done and he dropped his hat and took of his gun leaving them on the sideboard at the door and the plopped himself down in the big red chair, hoping to get some rest before supper. He could hear Alex chatting in the kitchen, and decided he had just enough time to close his eyes and dream a little of the lovely Daisymae.

Meanwhile Alex was following Hop Sing around in the kitchen as he went about preparing supper.

"How longs supper gonna be Hop Sing?"

"One hour, little missy, you stay here or go back to Little Joe."

"Oh Hop Sing I jist need ta finish my project. Have ya got some glue paste?

"Not have paste in kitchen. Some on grandfather's desk, Hop Sing make the other day."

"Oh can you make me some?"

"No , need flour for dumplings, use Mista Cartlight's , be careful do not spill paste on grandfathers books."

"I will Hop Sing, I'll take it up to my room, I'll use it there."

"You good thinking, Okay you go."

Alex ran back into the big room, ignoring Joe's sleepy purr from the big chair, and headed for Ben's desk. She quickly collected the paste next to the ink well, and then tiptoed up the stairs to her room.

Alex carefully laid each sheet out flat on the floor in their order. She knelt beside it, tongue out and resting firmly at the side of her mouth, as she painstakingly glued each sheet of paper to the bottom of the sheet above it. She was careful not to spill any of the paste and ruin what she considered her excellent penmanship. The top sheet had the information regarding the amendment with a very fancy script. The petition then started on the second page and the pages with the signatures on it were pasted to the bottom of that. Once all the sheets had been glued together she rolled it up, making it look very much like an official scroll.

oOo

I'm so excited, Alex thought, I'm gonna show Daddy my petition after I done helped Hop Sing in the kitchen.

As usual Hop Sing had prepared a great meal; though I was kinda disappointed ta see carrots. Hop Sing's gotta be the best vegetable grower in all of Nevada, and the fastest. His really wastin his talents here, but then ifin he left Uncle Hoss would have a conniption. Me, I would jist miss him somethin' fierce.

Me and Hop Sing had spent some time setting the table with all the good table settings and cutlery, cause Marty had been invited to dinner. Dad and Marty had spent the afternoon working with Dreamer in the coral and had gone out for a quick ride. Don't know why Hop Sing was fussin so much, white table cloth and all, it's not like Marty ain't gonna be all dusty from the ride an all, well that's what I thought at the time. Then of course she acted all surprised an all when dad asked her ta stay, but she musta have guessed was gonna be havin supper with us, cause she had a pretty new dress packed in a bag she jist happened ta have in her buggy.

Course when she had on such a pretty dress an all, all of us had ta go and get changed, not jist a quick wash up like we always done, but had ta go and put clean clothes on. I had ta wear a pretty dress with a hundred petticoats. But really that weren't too bad, cause they added some extra padding, my butts a tad sore still. Plus dad said I looked so pretty so I reckon that was a point in my favour for when I hand him my essay. Though, I'm hopin I don't look like some pretty helpless female type, too scared ta hold a gun.

Everybody had a real nice time over supper, talkin and they included me all the time. Marty is nice like that, she likes kids I can tell. I told everybody what we was researching at school. Dad was real impressed. Course Uncle Joe and dad got inta a bit of a spat about the civil war an all, but grandpa put a stop ta thet real quick. First off he said, it was rude ta be discussin politics especially war at the dinner table with such a pretty guest. Marty says she weren't bored, it reminded her of home. She has lots of brothers. Dad and Uncle Joe apologised jist the same.

Marty was tellin us all about raising cattle in Australia. They gotta a do it jist the same as us ceptin they don't have such a real cold winter where she comes from. But they gotta round them up over thousands of miles then drive them ta market. The trail boss, the ramrod we call them here, that's usually dad they call them the drover, he's the head drover.

"So you go on the trail drives too?" I asked.

"Once, when we were short men, I went to help with the cooking. I did help with the herd though on some days, when they needed extra hands."

"Did ya have a gun with ya all the time?"

"Alexandra", said Dad, real low and growly like.

"I was jist making polite confarsation, Dad. I was polite weren't I, Miss Marty?"

" Yes, you were Alex," she smiled, though she was smiling more at dad then at me.

I looked at my dad squeezey eyes, and then looked back to Marty. "So did ya have a gun?" I asked agin anyway."

"Yes, I had my rifle. There are lots of dangerous animals in Australia and cattle rustlers too."

I was jist about ta say something about abody, needin ta protect ya self against such varmints when dad coughed and shook his head at me. Dang it; first the growly voice, then the squeezey eyes, now the head shakin. So I decided to change the tropics of confarsation.

"Do ya have friendly Indians?" I asked.

"Yes, most of the time. They are called Aboriginals and they look very different from the Paiutes here. But they are mostly friendly and many of them help with the cattle. Ella Blackfoot, is our head housekeeper, she came on the drive with us that year too. Ended up all her family came to help."

"Do you have a Constitution over thar?"

Hah, stumped dad on this one, he smiled knowing I was jist getting information for my project. Well I let him jist think that anyways.

"Yes, but Australia is an English colony we are still governed by the English codes."

"Oh do ya have a second amendment?"

"Ahh I don't think so..."

"Well we do and …."

"Alex!" Dad interrupted, he musta guessed where I was goin with this. "Let Marty finish her meal."

"Sorry, Marty. Guess I was jist exercises my FIRST amendment too much." I said looking at Dad with my own squeezey eyes."

"Alex, if you have finished eating, you may like to go and help Hop Sing clean up."

"No thanks, I would not, dad. I'd like ta stay and talk ta Marty a bit more; of course after she's finished eatin, which shouldn't be too long cause there ain't much left. Plus she's a skinny little thing ain't she, Dad. But I betcha that don't mean ya can't ride and shoot good." before dad could say anymore I turned back ta Marty and added, "and I betcha ya know how ta use a gun safely. I could get ya ta help me with my essay." I smiled, then turned back and looked at dad with the very same smile. "Dad I got my essay done mostly for ya, its part of my project fer Miss Jones too, I jist have ta add some more facts and dates about the constitution, can ya read it?"

Dad sounded real tired. "Yes Alex, I will read it, but not before you help Hop Sing with the dishes. I wasn't asking, little girl".

"Oh, sorry dad, ya used 'ASKING' words, so I jist thought ya were. That's the good thing about the constitution and the amendments ya can't mis - interrupt them."

"Misinterpret them," said Dad.

"Does that mean, misunderstand?"

"Yes, misunderstand."

"Well, that's right, ya can't cause they use the right words don't they, Dad?"

Everybody got the giggles, except Dad. He gave Uncle Hoss and Uncle Joe a grouchy eyebrow look. But he couldn't say too much, cause Marty was smiling and sorta laughing herself and staring jist straight at Dad.

"Tell you what," said Dad as he wiped his face and looked down inta his glass of red wine, swishing it around before he took a drink, swallowed it like it he needed it, then continued, "Help Hop Sing , then you go get your essay. When we finished up here you can present your essay to all of us."

Then he smiled, which was a real good sign, cause Dads got a great smile; its real big and most of all kind, he musta remembered about not wantin ta be grouchy all the time.

"An audience, good idea Dad."

oOo

While Alex helped Hop sing in the kitchen Marty piped up. "What's this all about Adam?

"Alexandra, wants to learn how to shoot a gun. After the debacle up at the hills, and some target practice behind my back, she has been banned from touching a gun. As part of her punishment, besides the restrictions, she also has to present an essay on the safe use of guns and gun laws. It was a compromise to having her backside tanned every night for a week."

"Hmm sounds like she has a bit of debate planned for you, big brother," laughed Hoss, "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Adam pinched his nose, "Joe, you got any idea what she has planned?"

Joe had sat there thinking, starting to worry, about what Alex had planned. He wondered if he should have checked what she was doing all afternoon, but he had been too engrossed with Daisymae and just presumed the kid was doing her school project; one that Miss Jones was sure to be monitoring.

"JOE!" Shouted Adam

"Huh," jumped Joe.

"Joseph, have you helped Alexandra with this essay, this project, what has she got planned?" asked Ben.

"No Pa, Alex has done this all by herself."

"Why don't I like the sound of this," mumbled Adam.

Why I don't like the sound of this, either, silently agreed Joe.

Before anyone could ponder the situation any further, Alex appeared at the bottom step and jumped off. She then ushered everybody to the chairs in front of the fire.

Ben sat down in the big red chair while Joe sat in the blue. Marty sat next to Adam on the settee holding his hand while Hoss crossed his arms and leant back against side board behind the settee.

Alex frowned and glared at her father's hand holding exercises. " Ah Uhumm.. If I could have everybody's undying attention, please."

Everybody sat up straight, though Marty and Adam still held hands. Ben noticed Alex's frown at the hand holding and thought he would mention this to Adam later tonight.

Alexandra held her scroll in both hands and unwound it a little, then announced like the proverbial town crier, "The Bill of Rights; by Alexandra Cartwright."

Adam brushed his free hand over his face, trying to cover the chuckle that threatened to escape. However, the others including Marty did not hold back and he soon joined in with their infectious laughter at Alex's theatrical presentation.

Once Alex had their attention once more she read on. "The first and second amendments. The first amendment is about freedom to speak, go ta whatever church ya wanna, read and write whatever ya wanna and assemble things. It also gives a body the right ta argue with the people in charge and present ya argument without getting inta trouble. Ya can present a petition about ya argument with lots of people's names on it that agrees with ya."

Alex looked up from her scroll and smiled gently at her audience They all seemed ta look pleasant enough, well exceptin for Dad, he don't look angry or nothin, just, well, different, maybe he's a little confused. "Like I said ya got the right ta get tagether a petition with people names on it that supports ya."

With that Alex unrolled her scroll, the five foot long paper unravelled and travelled forward and under the coffee table, where it finally stopped at Adams feet.

Alex was proud of the dramatic effect; she could not have planned it better. Improvisation was always a surprise. While Adam may have not outwardly appreciated the surprise he couldn't help but be slightly impressed with his daughters efforts. The rest of the family were elated and it appeared well entertained and applauded the show.

"Thank you," said Alex, and then continued in a clear voice. "The second amendment; The Right Ta Bear Arms guarantees the right of individuals to possess weapons. That means a body has the right ta carry a gun and protect themselves against a foe. And iffin the bill of Rights was part of the constitution, one of the main parts, cause the states wouldn't accept it until 1789, until they all got them Rights, right. Now because it says the right of the individuals, that means everybody, which means women and of corse children, boy children and girl children cause the Bill of Rights is all about protecting the people, for the people by the people, so everybody needs ta be looking out for each other and have the right ta do so. Though, it should be a lot clearer, and say that, including the parts about free men, all people livin here gotta live by our laws should also be protected by our laws. With that in my mind and in respect of the true meanin ta the bill of rights, because it don't say nothin about wrongs, I wanna put this here petition forwards, backwards and sideways, all over." She said waving her arms around.

Alex paused to take breath, while Ben put his hands together and tapped his bridged forefingers gently against his lips, all the while watching his oldest boy. Joe sank down a little in the blue chair, trying to disappear, which was hard to do with its high straight back. Hoss just wrapped his big arms around his chest trying to suppress the enormous belly laugh that threatened to escape. Marty was impressed. Adam may have been also, but he wasn't showing it.

"I Alexandra Williameena Cartwright, hereby petition my daddy ta take inta consideration the second amendment and the first amendment about freedom of speech and the right ta petition, to allow my Right Ta Bear Arms. The right ta protect myself against a foe, someone doing the wrong thing or an animal. Be well protected with a gun most probably in my bare arms, ready against Bears and cougars and snakes. This here petition also knowledges; that all safety precautions in the use of Firearms are stucked to and that the peoples should practice. Please sign this here petition for the good of all the peoples and that includes woman and children…Alexandra Cartwright. Joshua Reid. Willy Fitzgerald. Juliet Goodman, Lydia Anne Smyth -Jones… etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. There's nearly fifty names here Dad."

The whole room fell silent as Adam bent down and picked up the paper with Alexandra's list of five foot of names. He started to silently read the names pulling the paper towards him, along with Alexandra who refused to let go of her treasured petition. The child suddenly stopped when she could go no further. Alex felt a little relieved that the coffee table sat solid in between, wondering if she should have really let this whole thing go. Wondering if she should have just been grateful that she wasn't getting her backside blistered every night for a week.

Adam screwed up his face in thought. He had to give it the kid, she was sure persistent. Desperate, to a point, but when Alex set her mind to an idea, that's exactly how she played. Oh, she played by the rules, but there were plenty of holes in her argument. However, Adam was finding it hard not at some point sympathise with her. He had used the very same arguments, albeit more eloquently he believed, when fighting for Katherine's right to a fair trial. He quoted the Constitution and the right to have council; the right to defend herself. He looked up and saw Alex waiting.

Hoss broke the silence. "Well, Pumkin you did a real fine job on that there, whatcha ma call it?"

"Petition, Uncle Hoss it's a petition."

Adam had to smile at Alexandra's cocky pride at her Uncles compliment."That it is, Alexandra," he said dryly and slightly amused.

"So that's means I can learn ta shoot a gun. I'll be real careful dad, Uncle Joe will show me, and ifin he can't, Willy Fitzgerald can." Alex babbled excitedly.

"Whoa there, Alexandra," he crooked his finger, calling her over to him.

Alexandra dropped down and crawled under the table and popped up at her father's knees still holding the petition firmly in her grasp. "Yes Dad?"

"Alexandra, as I review your petition, I note that half of these names are children, some obviously too young to write their names. Oh and then there's James Harrison, if I remember rightly James Harrison is three years old, how did he write his name on this when he doesn't even go to school?"

"Oh, his brother signed it for him, Dad, he's one of my poxey people." Alex said in all seriousness.

Joe got the giggles but stopped abruptly when Adam glared over at him.

"The words proxy, Alexandra, and he can't have a proxy and his brother cannot be a proxy for him, neither child is old enough."

"But, Dad the amendment don't say how old ya have ta be ta have a right."

"No Alexandra, but we presumes that it's conditional to adult American citizens."

"So what happens ta kids, when they get inta trouble, and they need help from the law do they jist get thrown in jail, ain't they allowed ta defend themselves, ain't they allowed ta say what they think." she argued.

"Children are protected by their parents. And when they do wrong they are punished by their parents."

"That comes under God's constitution, Alex. Honour thy mother and thy father," said Ben.

"So the Constitution and the Bill of Rights don't count for kids?"

"They do, but you have misconstrued the role of this amendment for you own wants and desires."

"Yes, of corse Dad, well more my own needs. I need ta protect myself and I ain't the only one that thinks so." she said pointing to the other names on her list.

"Yes well some of these other names are also a little bit dubious, Alexandra."

"That's a big word, Dad."

"Suspicious, like Joseph Francis Cartwright , Daisymae Williams, Sherriff Roy Coffee…"

"What!" Exclaimed Ben, "what was Roy thinking, what were you, thinking, Joseph?"

"Probably the same as Roy, Pa; I jist thought it was a school project, I hadn't known that the pip squeak here, was gunna present a legal like argument, though she's got a point."

"Perhaps. However, Miss Alexandra," said Adam, "Did either Sherriff Coffee or Uncle Joe know that they were signing a petition so you could use a gun?"

"Sherriff Roy says he believes in the right ta bear arms, that folks gotta right ta protect their selves and their property, though he reckons he gonna make a law jist for Saturday nights, but in the well meaning of the constitution he agrees with it so he done signed the petition."

"Hmm, so you didn't actually tell him that it was a petition for you. Alex, you misrepresented the true nature of the petition. Now there are these other names… Anderson Wright and Wiley Kincaid. I know for a fact that those men do not exist."

"They did."

"They are dead, Alexandra."

"But they still had the right, most of them there names I got from the cemetery, died defending their home or their country, Dad, it said so on their grave stones. And them there Anderson and Wiley they was defended a bank robbery."

"No Alexandra they were robbing the bank."

"Oh, better scratch them names out then, Dad. I still got enough names without them haven't I?

"No."

"What, just cause of those two?" Alex yelled disappointingly.

"Keep your voice down, Alexandra. I will accept your right for freedom of speech, but no yelling. And no, you do not have enough names to convince me to let you use a gun. Additionally the petition is unlawful, because the names were procured dishonestly. And finally the second amendment does not pave the way, nor was it meant to pave the way for small children wanting to shoot guns, or give the right to those using the weapons in an unlawful way to bear arms."

"Well, I ain't neither of them."

"Actually right now you are both, you are only ten years old; a child in the eyes of the law who has tried to use the constitution in an unlawful manner. So count yourself lucky young lady that the only pain you will be feeling tonight is the pain of disappointment, as I decline your petition, as your father. And that is my constitutional right, because I have the right to protect my property and my family. And that's what I'm doing," said Adam calmly, yet firmly.

Alex flopped down on the coffee table. "This ain't fair, I done all this work fer nuffin."

Adam leaned over and kissed Alex's head, "No you didn't. Uncles Hoss is right you did a real good job of interpreting the assignment that Miss Jones gave you and I will count it as your essay, just the same. That part of your punishment is over and done. I am very proud of your hard work and effort."

Everybody nodded and smiled.

"That's seems very fair, Alexandra," said Marty.

Alexandra was starting to fume. She stood up and clenched her fists. "Seems fair! Who asked you anyway, you got as much rights as me jist cuz you're a woman," Alexandra snapped.

Adam growled, as he swung Alex around and smacked her bottom twice, hard. "That's enough, Alex. That was disrespectful and unkind, now apologise to Marty."

"Sorry Marty," Alex said, still angry with tears welling at the brims of her bright green eyes. "Guess we ain't got the right ta free speech, neither."

Marty cringed, not so much at Alex's outburst, the kid did have a point about women's rights, but Alex was obviously feeling a little animosity towards her. Marty wondered if all this was tired up with something a little deeper; tied up with Katherine and Adam and now, perhaps with the relationship she was forming with Adam. She sat quiet wondering how Adam was going to handle this.

Adam was not impressed with the child's insolent manner. He stood up taking Alex with him and deposited her in the corner beside the fireplace between the gun case and the stairs. He swatted her well padded bottom harder. "You young lady can just stand in this corner until you it's time for bed. Then in the morning we will talk. Come on Marty, I should see you home."

Marty didn't think that was a good Idea, "No Adam, I will be fine honestly. It's still pretty light outside. I'll be fine with the buggy on my own. I'm quite capable. Even for a woman," she smiled trying to make light of the situation.

Ben stood up and ordered the boys outside to finish of the evening chores and then headed to the kitchen to put a fresh cup of coffee on. He fully intended to wait for Adams return and sit down and talk over a few concerns he had mulling around in his head.

Adam walked Marty to the door and helped her on with her cape. Marty moved in close. "Adam perhaps you should stay, talk to Alex tonight," she whispered. I think she is really scared of something; it's more than that Cartwright stubborn trait you all seem to have. I think… Oh I don't know, but I think you should stay. Hoss can see me home if you are really worried."

Alex turned and spotted her father and Marty in what appeared an embrace and whispering by the door. She stomped her foot, gaining her father's immediate attention.

Adam turned frowning from concern at Marty's words. Thinking she may have something there and wondering why the hell he hadn't picked that up. Hell because he was hopeless at this intuition stuff sometimes, especially when he got a bee in his bonnet about…..

Adams thoughts were abruptly halted, when saw a defiant and determined Alexandra stare him in the eye , purse her lips, then turn sideways and extended her smallest finger, slowly and deliberately touch the nearest gun in the cabinet beside her. "That's IT! We are sorting this out NOW." He growled.

Alex eyes went wide, "Ah oh," she took off squealing through the big room and skidded under the long dining table before Adam could catch her.

Hearing the child's squeals, Ben rushed in from the kitchen and stood at the opposite end of the table.

Marty caught up with Adam then grabbed him by the shoulder. "Adam wait, don't lose..."

"Huh, I'm not going to hurt her, Marty. She might get another swat though, for trying purposely trying to rile me up," a threat he aimed at the table, "but you're right there is something in that head of hers, and I want to figure it out."

"What's going on," yelled Ben.

"Long story, Pa." Adam took a deep breath, "Alexandra, come out. Hey, you're being silly, come on. I think we need to have a talk."

No word came from underneath the white table cloth. Adam lifted it up, squatted down and peered underneath, "Alexandra, come out… Alexandra?"

Adam stood up and quickly surveyed the room, "She's not under there?" he said confused.

Ben and Marty ran to the opposite ends of the table and flicked up the table cloth, then peered down only to see each other peering back. "How in the world did she…" started Ben

"Do that?" Finished Marty.

Adam stood in the middle of the big room, with his hands on his hips, and yelled, "Alexandra!"

TBC

Chapter 4

Guns and Switches.

A.N. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the United States and Canada. A big thanks to TRUEMAN SHELL who helped me out on some of the Nevada history and its journey into statehood. I hope Alex hasn't misconstrued it too much with her level of interpretation. And a extra big shout out to Lajoci, who wadded through all this for me and added some extra fine touches. It will be a while before I can update, I'm on a camp. But I can read Reviews.

Also I had some problems with the formatting with I uploaded. Everthing in Italics ran together, I hope i got them all. if i didn't just cut and paste where I mucked up and I'll chapter relplace, its hard enough reading Italics as it is sometimes. And I admit reading Alex dialogue in Italics is even harder.