Chapter 15: All Hell To Pay
Previously:
The Tree House Gang have created havoc in Virgina City by playing several pranks on the town folk at the harvest dance. Pranks involving pink shirts, loose polecats, glued musicians, fake wanted posters and flyers, mixed up babies and replacing most of the town's handguns with carrots. Adam Cartwright and Roy Coffee have had enough, especially after two bank robbers attempt to rob the bank, leaving the town defenceless without their weapons, except for Roy and Yuma.
"Storm coming… That's an understatement," fumed Adam. "ALEXANDRA CARTWRIGHT! GET HERE….. NOW!"
All Hell To Pay.
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Had
Nobody knows de trouble I've had*
Nobody knows but Jesus,
Nobody knows de trouble I've had,
Every body Sing…. Glory hallelujah!*
Alexandra Cartwright sang as she pressed her face up against the bars, straining to hear Sheriff Roy in his office and silently going over the reasons for her misery.
Sherriff Coffee was sure mad. He done herded us in here nearly a hundred hours ago, well maybe it's only been an hour or so, but it's late. Thought he was gonna let us go. I damned near give a perfect apology at the dance, and I pointed out the positive outcomes of our pranks. He sure didn't see it that way, though. Neither did our parents. They jist got no sense of humor or vision. Guess we did go a might overboard. Still didn't expect the sheriff ta line us up, in the presence of our parents, and wallop each of our backsides twice; once for each prank we done pulled. He made the boys lean over his desk and attacked the seat of their britches with a ruler. He had threatened the belt, which would have been worsa. Hec though, that dang ruler still left a mighty sting. The boys jumped and down like theys had bumble bees in their pants, rubbing their backsides ferociously. After that Roy put them in an empty cell next to the Hunter brothers. Then he put us girls over his knee, one at a time, but used his hand, thank the lord, ceptin it was still embarrassin'. I was the last in line. He done flipped me over his knees and pushed ma petticoats over my head. When ya can't see nothin like that and ya getting ya cotton clad backside smacked, it feels a hundred times worsa, ceptin is gonna get a hundred times worsa cause daddy says he ain't finished with me yet… So did them other parents. I feel real sorry for ma constwocents; my followers, thoughs' really got more than two, I got seven of them ta worry about, seein I'm the president an all.
Oh… Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Had
Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down,
Sometimes I'm almost on de groun'….
Near everyone's asleep, ceptin me. Jess and Juliet done cried themselves ta sleep; they's was real scared. Roy's says we was only gonna be in here a short while; says we wanted so much ta be a tough gang, then we should knowed where we might end up, causing a public nuisance like we did. Dang! He sure is rubbin it in. Corse, I shoulda put a stop to it all, especially when I figured out Josh and Dan was gonna take all the guns, but then, they's all jist looked at me and was so xcited, I guess I didn't want ta let them down…
Nobody knows cept Jesus…
I wonder ifin my ma felt like this when she was in jail, corse she wasn't real worried as my dad was back then. It was like she was somewhere else, dreamin and afraid. I weren't allowed ta go see her. Molly wouldn't let me… Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Had… That's a song Molly done taught me, long ago. Her mamma's pappy use ta sing it. Says a man called Allen or someone's gonna publish all them songs the black slaves sing; reckons they're beautiful, reckons they should be published so everybody knows about the history of them an all. President Lincoln's gonna free all the slaves. My dad told me so. Then may be this Allen fella can publish them songs.
I thought fer sure daddy would have come a got me by now, even though he still gonna wail the tar outta me. He says, when he makes a promise he keeps it. He's gonna keep that promise, seeing I knowed I wasn't ta have anything ta do with mishandling guns, even though I didn't actually touch em an all. Dad says don't matter; I knowed and shoulda stopped it, that makes me jist as guilty, makes me an accident after the fact. He ain't half wrong. Still I'm kinda wishin' he was here. I thought I heard him awhile back. It was outside though, corse, I can't see outta the window, cause I'm jist too short, but I could hear him, I could hear him laughing, and Marty saying something like… But Adam you shoulda been there… Adam now wait… you wouldn't dare, and dad saying something about bein a good role model for me. She was kinda laughin' and so was dad, but then it sorta sounded like a nervous laugh, like when Hiram wanted ta kiss Miss Jones. Guess they're just too busy canoodling an all ta worry bout' us convicts in here…
Ohhh ….
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Had
Nobody knows de trouble I've had,*
Nobody knows but Jesus,
Nobody knows de trouble I've had,
Every body Sing…. Glory hallelujah!
"Hey kid Shut the hell… UP!" yelled the prisoner in the last cell.
Alexandra turned around and scowled at the older Hunter brother. The other put his pillow over his head. "Shush now, you'll go an wake up the gang again. You want Jess and Juliet and Lydia Ann ta start wailing their eyes outta agin?" scolded Alex bravely, from the other end of the cell block.
"Aww, Sheriff, PLEASE, please get these kids outta here. This is worse than doing time in the state pen. It's torture you ole coot! Yer can't do this…" Ted almost begged.
"He can do this; he's tryin ta teach us a lesson, so we don't end up like you. An ifin yer ain't careful he'll wash yer mouth out, cause hell's a cussing word, and don't think he won't, he done tanned our hides." defended Alexandra.
"I know kid, I heard and yer deserved it… PLEASE SHERIFF!"
Roy ignored the pleas. He sat back on his chair and wrapped his arms behind his head, figuring he'd give the kids jist half an hour more before he'd get their parents. But, Alexandra was sure entertainin, plus she was stirring up them two idjits in there. And they deserved every bit of annoyance the kid could create.
"Okay, Kid," said a very tired Ted, "You can't sleep; I get that, so tell me the rest of it. What happened afta the sheriff caught us, which I gotta admit was a purity smart prank, setting us up like that; thinking the Sheriff, was Bad Boy Roy."
"Sure, I'll tell ya, there's a lesson in it fer you too. Crime jist don't pay, well it does, sorta, cause when ya do the crime yer have all hell ta pay."
Roy listened to the child's narrative, from the comfort of his office chair, recalling one of the most interesting evenings he'd had in a long time.
Flashback
Adam searched everywhere for Alexandra or one of her friends, but they'd high tailed out of the hall pretty fast. Adam suspected that his daughter was well aware that she was the main suspect of this evenings pranks and he was livid that she had ignored his directive. The punishment she had received for playing that last prank on Marty was obviously well forgotten… Well not this time; Miss Alexandra Cartwright was going to learn her lesson for good. Adam was especially angry about the prank concerning the guns, though he would at least give Alex the chance to explain.
Figuring the gang had headed outside Adam went to move off, when all of a sudden the Reverend Johnston called from the small stage. "Please everybody wait, we don't have to finish up early."
The hall had been pretty much straightened up and most people, even those intending to call it a night, had not made their move. Instead many sat at tables and stood in small groups discussing the events, trying to figure out who the culprits were and the story regarding what had unfolded at the bank.
Within minutes Sheriff Coffee had joined the good Reverend. "The vicar's right, folks; now settle down. You musicians may as well stick around fer a might longer…Oh sorry for the pun. But Reverend Johnston still needs ta do the Presentation."
"What happened, Sheriff?" asked Sam Potter.
"Who were those men?" asked Dawn Maree.
"Jist a couple of would be bank robbers, but they're all locked up now thanks ta Yuma here. Seems only fittin we should at least give the pastor here the opportunity for him to pass on the collection we gathered for Sarah's school in Carson City," announced Roy.
"Sure sheriff," yelled one man, "I ain't going anyway, till I find my gun."
"Me either," said another.
"Now don't go worrying about that, I found yer guns; about ten of them stashed in the jails outhouse. Near damn cost me a prisoner escape too, when I was taking Ted Hunter out at do his business. But, luckily I spotted them. And I got a pretty good idea whose responsible," scowled Roy.
"Who Sheriff? They outta be skinned alive," called one of the very disgruntled musicians'.
"That; they should! And I may just do that myself, but I'd like ta have my facts straight first. Now ifin you good folks wouldn't mind, I think the hard work of Miss Jones and the other business's of Virginia city would like to at least make the Presentation to Sarah and Chief Winnemucca. They have ta be headin off tomorrow and I know they are mighty proud people."
"Thank You, Sheriff Coffee and we thank you for your honorable words," said Chief Winnemucca.
"You're welcome Chief, now you people have yerselves a good night, what's left of it. Sam Thomas is over there minding the jail fer me and guarding them Hunter brothers. You men missin yer guns can collect them afore ya leave for home."
Everybody clapped, and those that had not headed home, took their seats as the Parson stood up and continued with the presentation they had planned for the evening. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sarah Winnemucca or should I say, Tocmectone and Chief Winnemucca to the podium. As you know Tocmectone has lived with William Ormsby and his family in Carson City for the last five or so years. This young lady has made her people proud and like Yuma, is among one of the first of the Paiutes to be educated in our language and our law. With the aid of her Uncle, Yuma and her grandfather and their negotiations with the Indian agents of the territory, Sarah will start a school in Carson City, teaching the children of the many tribes in the area. It is our pleasure…"
Abigail found Adam and grasped him by the shoulder. "Adam have you seen Hiram? He has the bank draft we want to present to Sarah and her grandfather?"
"No, not for a while anyway, he may have gone outside for some fresh air. I was heading outside to look for the children- come follow me."
Abigail looked up at the stage; reluctant to leave Reverend Johnson up there doing the presentation by himself, but there was little that she could do. The presentation was going to fall flat on its face, if they couldn't find Hiram and the bank draft to present. She caught the Pastor's attention and rotated her fingers; signalling Reverend Johnson to keep talking, while she went in search of Hiram.
Pastor Johnson nodded his head and continued to tell the good people of Virginia City of his early encounters with the Paiutes and the marvellous insights of the old chief and their combined efforts to create good relationships between the tribe and the settlers of Nevada.
Relieved Abigail followed Adam outside. Marty watched from the doorway. She frowned and followed the pair into the grounds of the town hall, a pang of jealously once more pinned her eyebrows down. Once she got through the large French doors she stopped suddenly when she literally ran into both Adam and Abigail who had stopped just as suddenly, trying to make sense of the sight they saw in front of them.
Hiram stood underneath the trunk of a large tree with his arm stretched high over the head of a stuffed scarecrow of what was obviously an effigy of Abigail Jones; her best Sunday hat unmistakable.
Adam looked at Marty when she bumped into them and shrugged his shoulders. Marty began to giggle at the sight. The life size doll had been tethered to the large trunk and Hiram, minus his glasses, was being fooled quite easily by the stuffed female clothing, precariously leaning to the side.
Abigail may have also found it funny, if it wasn't for the fact that Hiram's smooth talking and flirtatious actions had her blushing and somewhat embarrassed.
"Abigail, you just look so beautiful in the moonlight, though the shadows are a little harsh, let's step out into the light... Well that is unless you like the privacy this old tree provides," he smirked and winked.
Abigail feigned shock, though in reality her blood rushed to her head and an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach took her by surprise.
Her effigy however was not shy at all. A small falsetto voice could be heard...
"Why, Mr Knoble, sir... Whatever are you suggesting; do you want to kiss me?"
Abigail gasped putting her hand other mouth. The children nearby hiding in the bushes giggled. They had not noticed the three figures standing at the rear door watching the activity, as their eyes were clearly on Josh, who stood with his back flat against the tree trunk on the other side of the romantic duo.
Hiram was beside himself... He never imagined the prim Miss Jones so forward... And he liked it. "Please Abigail, its Hiram... And yes I would very much like to kiss you…" crooned Hiram, and then turned bright read, as he started to take the effigy's hands.
Seven pairs of eyes peering from the bushes went wide, as Josh slipped his arm around the wide trunk and took Hiram's hand before he could take the dummy's gloved one.
"Abigail," whispered Hiram as he bought the petite, yet calloused hand up to his warm lips and kissed it.
Josh was dying from embarrassment, Abigail was appalled and Marty could no longer contain her amusement. Her laughter rang out at the same time as did the wide eyed children's hiding in the bushes.
However no amount of fits of giggles could drown out Abigail's shriek, "Hiram Knoble..."
Hiram turned in surprise wondering why the woman's, whose hand he had been caressing and the lips he been looking forward to kissing, voice sounded so distant... Embarrassed he quickly squinted down to his trousers, thinking that he may have forgotten to refasten ... No everything was well buttoned up, so he turned and narrowed his focus towards the lights of the open doorway and watched three blurry figures walk towards him.
Adam spotted the fluttering of bushes as they approached Hiram, suspecting that Josh had joined his comrades in arms. He smirked, knowing they had nowhere to run without being exposed, so he let them think he had not seen or heard them. He would then sneak up on them later.
"Hiram what are you doing. That's not me. Where are your glasses?" Abigail asked as she barrelled towards him.
Hiram looked at her then back at the dummy, "Huh?" he squinted his eyes and grabbed the scarecrow, "Why your all soft ... I mean it's all soft…Oh, it's a female scarecrow of Abigail Jones; my, my, someone's done a mighty fine job."
Abigail stormed past him and untied the poor thing, "My good Sunday hat! My petticoats! My dress! Who… How ….Where did they get these? Hiram, how could you even confuse me…"
"Abigail, I'm sorry I've mislaid my glasses and in the shadows… Well, I must admit; I thought your skin was a little dry, but…"
"Ohh, well I never!" huffed Abigail.
"But, I can see you are so much lovelier in this moonlight, Miss Jones; stunning actually. You are right; how could I have been so blind."
Adam leant down and whispered into Marty's ear, "He still is," he quipped.
Marty slapped Adams shoulder. "Adam stop it, he is doing a very good job at making it up to her. I think he's very romantic."
Abigail blushed. "Hiram… ahh, thankyou…" then she whispered, "Hiram you may walk me home later," she smiled.
Hiram gulped with excitement, just before Adam interrupted their touching scene. "Hiram the Reverend is waiting for you to hand over the bank draft for the Indian school in Carson City."
"Oh, Oh, yes; are they up to that already?"
"Yes old man," said Adam. "Abigail, why don't you help Hiram inside? I'll look around here for his glasses; I think I know where they may be."
"Very well, thank you Adam." Hiram stepped forward, and held out his arm to Abigail, "May I escort you inside, Miss Jones?"
"Why, Yes Mr Knoble, you may, though I think I'll really be doing the escorting," she laughed.
"Thank you. I do hope Adam finds my glasses," he whispered, "I really would like to see your beautiful face clearly by the light of this wonderful moon."
"Hmm, I hope he doesn't find them," she mumbled.
"Pardon, Miss Jones?" Said Hiram,
Thank goodness, he's deaf too."Oh, I hope so too, Hiram," smiled Abigail as she glided on cloud nine, leading Hiram towards the doors.
Marty turned to face Adam, and put her hand over her mouth as she giggled.
"I'm thinking this is not a laughing matter, Miss Strawn?" He frowned, then bent down and whispered in her ear, "Not when there are small eyes watching and taking everything in. We are the adults after all, and good role models." He said, though with very little seriousness.
"Oh Adam, you have to admit, Hiram was pretty funny, bedsides I think it has worked out very well for those two."
Adam coughed, "Well if it had been the only prank they played tonight that would be so, however…" Adam straightened up and delivered a well articulated and firm statement to those hiding in the bushes. "Harmless pranks are one thing, but causing out an out chaos is another." Adam walked over and pulled a loose thin limb from the tree. "Not to mention risking people's safety." Adam pulled out his small pocket knife and started stripping the limbs of its foliage. "Alexandra knew what to expect if she handled any guns carelessly again."
An audible gasp was heard from the bushes.
"Alexandra Williameena Cartwright, you have exactly to the count of three to get out here, along with your accomplice or accomplices'." Adam said as he swished the menacing looking switch in the air.
From her lookout in the bush, Alexandra sighed in resignation. "I guess this is where I take one for the gang," she whispered, "though I don't think it's rightly fair. There is no way I woulda touched them guns. Daniel and Josh; what was yer thinking."
"We was thinking about what you done told us, Alex; about Sheriff Roy wishing folks would leave their guns at home on a Saturday night," hissed Daniel.
"Somehow I don't reckon that arguments gonna work with my daddy."
"He'll let you explain it weren't you, won't he?" asked Josh.
"Hmm, maybe, you stay here he ain't expecting all of us ta be hidin' in here, I reckon."
Adams patience was wearing thin. "Alexandra, Joshua? I know you are both there, so it's ONE!"
"Come on Josh." Alex grabbed Josh's hand and rounded the bush and then her father, keeping clear of his hand welding switch. "Hey daddy, you and Miss Marty havin' a fine time?" she asked.
Adam turned his gaze to the two children and tracked them with his famous glare all the while, slapping the switch across his palm. "To some extent, Alexandra; Yes, but I'm predicting that life isn't going to be too rosy for you in the near future. Perhaps that isn't the correct use of that idiom, because if you don't start explaining quick smart, your backside is going to become very rosy and smarting indeed."
"Idiom, Dad? Is that like bein jist a downright stupid idiot?"
"In this case; yes, explain. NOW!"
Alex jumped as did Josh, but before they could open their mouths Yuma and Roy walked out into the yard.
"Good you're here Roy, just in time to hear, Alex and Joshua's explanation about all the pranks played tonight, ruining a perfectly good evening for everyone," Adam announced.
"Scaring their mothers half to death with polecats and swapping babies," added Yuma.
"Nearly helping some bank robbers get away with their folks good earned money. And postin' wanted posters with my face on them, though in some ways that ended up working in my favour; those danged Hunter brothers thought I was a petty criminal. Got me ta go in with them. I Had the place staked out and ready ta take them as they robbed the bank. But, that danged polecat scared the bejesus outta everybody,," grouched Roy.
"Oh and what about the flyers offering Adam as a Cyrano de Bergerac …" pouted Marty.
"What?" Adam snapped turning his head to Marty.
"All the girls had them and that Jami Sue Cahill was getting a great kick out of it at my expense."
Adam tried not to laugh at Marty's jealous pout. Instead he turned back to the two perspiring culprits and shook his head.
Roy did the same, and then turned back to Adam. "Talking about expense; Hop Ling's a might angry about all them pink shirts too, Adam. It's gonna take him a week ta get them back to white not ta mention the extra cost fer him."
"I believe the musicians are not pleased either. The trumpet player had to exorcise his britches from the wooden chair. The night has turned rather chilly for him," smirked Yuma.
With each statement Alex and Joshua took a step backwoods. Adam suddenly noticed their movements from the corner of his eye. "Not one more step, you two," he said, waving the switch in front of them.
Alex knew to stop dead in her tracks, Joshua on the hand panicked. With his frenzy feeding the other hidden culprits, a sudden catch cry was heard…" Shing'wauk kanni… Run!"
Suddenly six little figures took off from the bushes. Josh meet up with them as they all headed towards the back gate. Alexandra just shook her head, while Roy, Adam and Yuma chased the children. Adam managed to grab Josh and tuck him under one arm, then crack the switch across Willy's backside, as he tried to skid past him. Willy yelped and pulled up suddenly to rub the searing sting from his rear end. Adam threw the switch away and picked Willy up tucking him under his now free arm. By the time he had both arms full; Yuma had Lajoci also securely in his grasp, but was having trouble with Juliet. He had her by the tail of her skirt, and was trying to reel her in, however she ran around in circles with her petticoats flaring out and then twisting around Yuma's fingers, almost cutting off his circulation.
Roy had Daniel by the collar, and shook him, then bellowed, "Lydia Ann and Jessica you get yourselves back here now, or I'll be putting wanted posters out on you. They'll read "WANTED; skinned raw and alive."
Jess and Lydia stopped dead in their tracks, "do yer reckon he's serious," quivered Jess.
"Yes I do, besides, we can't leave the others to take all the blame," yielded Lydia Ann.
"Gee Lydia Ann, when did you get so decent?"
"Guess… I don't know… I like having friends, even if they do get me into trouble."
"How much trouble do yer think we're in?"
"Lots, maybe Alex can talk us out of the worst," hoped Lydia Ann.
"I hope so, come on: all fer one and one fer all." Jessica mumbled before walking back to Roy with Lydia Ann beside her.
The group of eight was now rounded up. "First things first you lot. There's gonna be hell ta pay over these shenanigans tonight, so you gonna get in there and apologise to the whole town, afore I march you off to jail," declared Roy.
"JAIL!" They chorused.
Adam and Yuma looked at each other and smiled, realising the lesson Roy was attempting to teach here. Roy had done the same thing to Joe and Mitch when they were boys and got caught selling watered down whiskey that they had managed to collect from the trickles of the discarded empty bottles at the back of the saloon.
Marty, on the other hand, eyes went wild, "But sheriff, they're only children, surely…."
"They ain't goin' ta trial Miss Strawn, but I want some answers. And jist the same there's gonna be consequences or these here youngin's are gonna be in the bad books with the whole town."
"Oh I see, but you will let them defend themselves?"
"There ain't much they cin say in their defense, Miss Strawn, but I will give them the opportunity to explain. Adam, Yuma; you might like ta round up the other parents, and meet me over the jail. I'll walk 'The Gang' here up to the podium." Roy glared at the children, "Line Up!" he ordered, "Now march!"
Roy rallied the children into the hall, just as the applause had died down after the presentation and speeches of the Winnemucca's. He guided the children up to the podium and hushed the crowd. "Folks I know it's getting late and most of you want ta be heading home, but these youngin's here have somethin ta say."
Adam stood with Marty in the front. He realised how embarrassing this was for the children, but believed it should be done. Just the same, he was going to be standing where Alexandra could see him, and know that even though he was not pleased with her actions he was still there beside her. He was also very interested to hear what the 'Tree House Gang' had to say. Sam Potter and the other parents took his cue and joined them, some surprised and some not and others totally confused as why their children were up there.
"Well off you go," said Roy pushing the children forward.
"Sorry… sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry." The children appealed one by one.
Roy coughed, indicating that he expected more. Alexandra stepped forward and addressed the crowd below. "Well I guess it's up ta me ta explain our actions here tonight, seeing I'm the president. First of all we are truly sorry. We jist wanted ta have a bit of fun and didn't think it would cause so much hmmm…"
"Chaos," offered Adam from the floor.
"Yes, chaos... Yer see we done got this 'Tree House Gang', and well, everybody gots ta be initiated inta the gang. Theys were meant ta be funny and well really they were sort of, but I guess when theys all done at one time they caused the …" Alexandra looked to her father for another word.
"Chaos," he supplied again.
"Damage," offered another man.
"Expensive damage," offered another.
Alex flinched at the anger omitted from those comments, she wanted to burst into tears, but Juliet and Jessica had already started that. "Chaos sounds bout right. Like I said folks; we didn't mean fer that ta happen. Each of us really didn't even know what the others were planning; it was all in secret even from ourselves, in, in …clandesticks which means sorta hush hush…"
"You mean clandestine, Alexandra."
"Thanks daddy. Well that; underclothed or cloak and dagger, like in Captain Blood and…
"Undisclosed, Alexandra."
"Okayyyy dad, jaeesshhh I'm tryin' ta apologise here. Anyway I guess it all being a secret ta us was the dumbest thing really, cause I wouldn't have touched the guns an all. I woulda done the polecat thing cause that was real clever…"
Lajoci and Willy chanted, "Shing'wauk kanni."
"That means tree house, folks. Which means Lajoci and Willy done passed the initiation. Then Juliet and Jessica and Lydia Ann done the posters. Well, and yer gotta admit; Juliet's got a real future in the newspaper business, she done the picture and everything."
"Not in my book," said her father, Dan DeQuille, "she's not supposed to touch the printing presses. They are dangerous; they can rip your arm off. We'll be talking about that when we get home, young lady." He said giving Juliet a terse glare.
"Ohh, I didn't know that. As president of this here gang, I guess it was my job ta make sure the pranks was safe and I'm sorry and on behalf of the gang. We will accept the consequences of our actions, unless of corse yer thinking of hanging us an all, but we ain't murdered anyone. Plus, I think our folks are gonna…"
"Wail your backsides," called Tom Fitzgerald.
"Yes sir, I guess that's on the cards, but right now, I reckon the least we can do is own up to each of our crimes. Me; I done dropped the dye inta Hop Lings washing boiler, though I reckon yer all look mighty fine un them pink shirts, even ifin I don't like that colour much, but it was red dye, not pink, I guess Hop Ling tried to wash it out, jist as well I guess, cause my dad's got enough red shirts anyway. Red shirts coulda been a bit dangerous too, like they say; it's like takin a red rag ta a bull, but then we wasn't intending ta have any bulls run through the hall, they woulda been a sight more dangerous than them polecats…"
"Which weren't really polecats," said Willy, "Theys were jist strays, me and Lajoci gatherered and painted their tales and backs."
"Yes, that was clever too; yer gotta admit," proclaimed Alex, "plus ifin yer dun noticed there no stray cats in town no more. There's a lotta folks be happy bout that, not ta mention a lot mices's. Then me and Josh tricked Mr Knoble into spooning with Miss Jones…"
"What… I wasn't… he… Hiram!" flustered Abigail Jones.
"Oh, Ha, I mean we made this dummy and all, and I swiped Mr Knoble glasses when he was at the punch bowl. He thought he was spooning with Miss Abigail, but really he was trying to smooch a scarecrow in Miss Abigails Sunday dress. It weren't yer good one miss Abigail. We done pulled it outta the goodwill hamper you was collecting, and then we sorta jist borrowed ya hat that yer left it at last week's church service; you remember when yer was fannin' ya face with it, when Mr Knoble come up and talked to ya. We was gonna give it back, honest. Willy done wanted ta grab Mrs Wilburns' bloomers but when we figured Mr Knoble wouldn't want ta look at Mrs Wilburn's bloomers." explained Alexandra.
The crowd started to titter and small giggles were erupting in spots around the hall. Abigail blushed profusely for what seemed the hundredth time, before Alexandra continued.
"And well, even though it weren't an originally a planned prank, I only thought of it when Mr Knoble called me short an all. It turned out pretty good, even though Miss Jones didn't actually get a kiss, but she might have a bit more luck later when Mr Knoble walks her home…Of course… "
Abigail almost fainted at this point and while more laughter started to rise in the room. Adam glared at Alexandra and shook his head indicating that she should not continue that train of thought.
Alexandra took her father's cue. "That leaves Daniel and Josh's pranks."
Daniel stepped forward. "Yep that's me. I thought about the glue on the chairs. I ain't ever made glue afore, but I needed to make a strong one. I wanna be a scientist when I grow up and invent stuff everybody can use ta make their life better. I thought the glue should work, but I guess I didn't think it would work that good. I didn't think it would take the skin off your butt Mr Trumpet Player; didn't mean that ta happen. Jist the same I reckon Mr Taylor over at the Saddlery will be real interested in my invention."
"Yeah he might at that, But jist the same I hope your da takes the skin off yer backside, then we're even," groused the Trumpet Player.
"Sorry mister, really," said Daniel and dropped his head as he stepped back into line.
"Yup, but I figure as the folks are always complaining about the dancing stopping too early, we could at least get the really fine musicians of Virgina City ta play a little longer Ifin they was were glued ta yer seats." Alexandra smiled now trying some of her sweet talking tactics. The rest of the children were impressed with Alexandra's legitimate and creative excuses. Yes indeed, they had chosen their president well. Alexandra took a huge breath before continuing. "So excepting for the guns incident, which was Josh's idea, not mine, most of the pranks were not dangerous, and I apologise that they caused everybody ta stop havin fun. But, then Sheriff Roy's always saying that there's no place fer a gun at a social. He's always afeared someone's gonna get hurt. And well nobody did, not even the bad guys; who may not be that bad, jist a couple of grownups that didn't have no good upbringing or lovin and understandin parents an all. Oh, I guess I forgot ta apologise about the babies. That was Lajoci's idea."
Lajoci stepped forward. "I wish to apologise to the friends of my people and to the mothers, especially my mother, for scaring their infants. I thought it might be interesting to mix then around. Willy helped me," he said shyly.
"Yeah, I did, cause tolerance is somethin I done learned. Tolerance of each other; the white man and the Indian, but we got a lot of different peoples here in Virginia City and sometimes we don't treat people, each with differences so good, but when yer look at the little babies…"
"They are all the same, Infants are all gifts from father sky, gifts to each other," explained Lajoci.
The crowd actually quietened at this innocent and sincere statement.
"Yep, well they's got a point; Willy and Lajoci. Willy use ta be a biggoat, but he ain't no more, now he's tolerant, more even; he and Lajoci are good friends. The 'Tree House Gang' ain't worried about what breed yer are. We ain't supposed ta be criminals, we were jist doin initiations, but I guess it didn't turn out too good, excepting that well, I'd Like ta say that all of these kids are officially initiated and accepted as true members of the Tree House Gang and promise never again ta cause dis… con…
"Chaos," added Adam again shaking his head at Alexandra's ability to lighten the situation.
The crowd started mumbling, some satisfied, some still not. Roy stood up. "Now, look here folks, seems ta me everything's in order now, and some of you best head off ta yer homes. I will deal with these miscreants back in my office; right now."
"They deserve a public floggin," yelled one big burley looking man, still quite angry.
Some gasped while others agreed.
Yuma raised his shoulders up. "I will not allow a public flogging on my son. I agree the children need to make retribution, all of them," he glared at Lajoci, making sure the child knew he wasn't necessarily scot free. "But they are still children, not animals, just naughty children. I will not have my son, treated like that; treated how some of the evil men treat their fellow human beings, how they whip white men, black men or Indian," firmly stated Yuma. "I have spent years studying the white man's way, their laws, and your constitution… Years of talking with the great white fathers and trying to get our peoples to live in peace and equally. We have a long way to go, but these children will not be subjected to chastisement that degrades their human rights.
The large angry man, conceded, somewhat surprised at the tall Indian's articulate and passionate response. He too had struggled as a poor farmer, scratching a living in the dirt, up against bandits and lawlessness and high and mighty ranchers that tried to push them out. If it hadn't been for Ben Cartwright and that smart son of his, Adam, he would have been run off his land years ago. "Sorry but these little…" he sighed, "rascals, jist got my gander up. You're right, mister. Roy and their parents can deal with them."
"Yuma is right Folks… These youngins will be spending the next week cleaning up and helping fix up the mess they have caused. They may also benefit from a visit to my jail jist ta see what happens to outlaws and gangs that go around causing trouble fer folks. I'm happy for their folks ta handle any more punishments they may need, though a lick from my belt fer each one them still ain't outta of the question. Now you folks better head Home. Adam, I will meet you and the others over at the jail," said Roy as he shuffled the paled faced children down the steps and out of the hall.
Marty turned to Adam, "Oh Adam is Roy is really going to put those small children behind bars?"
"Not for long Marty. We better help Yuma, and Kimama; they were heading back out to the camps tonight. Everybody else lives close by, except for Tom Fitzgerald. I'll get a couple of rooms at the International; it could end up being a late night."
"Oh Okay, I'll take Kimama and Fire Dance back with me. Mrs Wilburn won't mind."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. She is a sticky nose, bu… I mean gossiper, but really harmless, though she won't have appreciated the comment about her bloomers. She's mellowed a little bit too in the last couple of months, actually she's' lonely and a hopeless romantic, plus she just loves babies. She was also one of the main fundraisers with Abigail for Sarah's school. Really I couldn't see her turning them away."
"Okay," Adam smiled and kissed the woman he was hopelessly romantic about gently on the lips.
"Well at least their confessions were good, both for their souls and some of the others here tonight. Lajoci made me proud with his speech about tolerance," beamed Yuma.
"Yes good for their souls, but not their backsides," said Adam. "Alexandra is still going to feel my disappointment vehemently, she promised no more pranks."
End Flashback
Roy shook himself alert from his musings listening again to the quiet banter coming from the cell block.
"Kid that's a pretty good story, but yer can me thar truth; you really do all them pranks for all them reasons? Sounds ta me they jist kinda worked out that way."
"Yeah you're right, iffin I had ta be honest; we did them in first place for the fun of it."
"Well then Kid, I reckon you have learnt yer lesson. The Sheriffs right, you don't wanna end up like ma brother and me… Not making good choices, looking fer fun or an easy way out. But, I gotta tell yer I'm sorta glad yer friends done swapped all our guns, and we got caught. We coulda ended up dead."
"Or one of our folks."
"Yep, coulda too, we mighta panicked. Don't reckon I would like ta be facing a murder charge or watching my baby brother hang for a dumb stupid easy way out idea."
Alexandra nodded and shivered at the thought.
"Hey you wanna blanket: you look cold?" asked Ted.
"Yes please, but I can't sleep; really I jist want ma, daddy." Alex said softly.
"Sheriff! This kid needs a blanket, she can have mine ifin yer got no more, she's shiverin'…Sherriff!"
Roy couldn't miss the sadness reflected in Alex soft whisperer; it had carried down the short corridor to his open door. He walked down to the cells. "Alex Honey, it will be ok, try and get some rest." Roy took the blanket from ted hunter and handed it to Alexandra. "I'm going ta get yer daddy now. But don't wake the others yet, you got it?"
Alex tried to smile but a tear slipped down her cheek, , "yes sir, Sheriff."
Roy smiled and reached out and patted Alex's shoulder. Before turning he threw his chin up at Ted Hunter in the cell at the end. He nodded in silent affirmation to the petty criminal. "You ain't such an unfeeling idjit after all." He said before turning around and heading out the door.
oOo
Earlier; after Sheriff Coffee had read the riot act to the children, paddled their backsides, not too harshly; more to drive home the message, Yuma, Adam and the other parents, reluctantly left. Roy promised them if the children got distressed in any way he would immediately send for them. He also reminded them that it would be only for an hour or two at the most, so they should be close by and ready when he came to get them.
"I don't know whether this will work, folks, though I have had some success with it once or twice. Yer youngins need ta be accountable for their actions and any hi jinks nipped in the bud afore they get any more dangerous ideas."
"Thanks Sheriff," they chorused and headed off to the International Hotel, where Adam had booked two rooms.
"I will just go and check on Kimama," said Yuma, who stalled before heading off to Mrs. Wilburns Boarding House. "I need to re-assure her that Lajoci is fine and safe."
"I'll come with you," said Adam, "Marty's a little on edge about all this."
When they arrived both women were sitting out on the porch.
Kimama stood. "Well my husband?"
"Your wayward son is fine Kimama. He was treated fairly and in exactly the same way as the other children. We will go and get him soon. I will take him with me to the International. You and Fire Dance need to rest.
Kimama visibly relaxed and reached up and kissed her husband, on the cheek.
"Thank you; I can now. I will see you when you bring him home." She said and then retreated into the room, just off the porch that Mrs. Wilburn had made up for her and the child; close to the kitchen, in case they needed anything.
'Marty," said Adam, "You should get some rest too. The night of the great Virgina City prank marathon is well and truly over. We'll deal with the rest of aftermath after a good night's sleep."
"Adam, don't be too hard on Alexandra." frowned Marty.
"She promised, Marty; No more pranks. Roy's not the only one determined to drive that home."
"I think she was sort of locked into it Adam, besides her pranks were mainly harmless. Alex's apology was sincere and you have to be proud of her and the other children for taking responsibility for what they did. I am sure all of the children learned from their mistakes tonight. I know she needs to be punished but please remember they confessed and confessed in public." said Marty
"Yes they did come forward about the eight pranks," said Yuma.
"Not all the pranks, there were nine," corrected Adam, "Jami Sue and the spiders, remember. Though I don't think Alex did that one, not after she put the mice in Marty's handbag. That failed miserably to get a response. She would have tried something else."
"Oh yes I had forgotten that one," interjected Yuma, " I agree with Adam I do not think Alexandra would have done that, nor do I think Lajoci was responsible. He rather likes spiders; he would not have put several in that woman's purse only for them to be stomped on hysterically."
"Several, Oh pish, there were only two," scoffed Marty.
"Two or ten doesn't matter. Doc Martin told me that Jami Sue has arachnophobia"
"Huh?...has a fear of heights?" asked a confused Marty.
"No, that's acrophobia. She has an irrational fear of spiders. She really could have hurt herself in the frenzy."
"Oh, Ah Hum, I didn't know that," admitted Marty.
"Ah yes, but Miss Strawn, how did you know there were only two spiders in her purse?" Yuma asked smiling as he turned to Adam and raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
Adam turned to Marty and narrowed his eyes at her. "Martha Strawn…" Hi eyes went wide when he saw Marty bite her lip nervously. "You… You put the spiders in her purse." He accused, and slightly flabbergasted.
"No…I…"
Adam cocked his head to one side, daring her to continue with the lie.
"Oh don't look at me like that, Adam. Okay, yes I did, but that Jami Sue, she…"
Yuma laughed, and slapped his good friend on the shoulder, "Oh my friend you are in for an adventurous life with your two women. You need to marry this woman, and then her jealously can be easily diffused."
"True… Yuma's right Adam; Jami Sue will get her comeuppance when she see's that you are my man and that she had better keep her hands off you," said Marty forcefully.
Adam grinned as he folded his arms across his chest, tucking his hands under his arms. He smirked at the blush rising up Marty cheeks; a soft pink blush, diffused only slightly by the soft lamp on the porch. He pivoted and leant his body slightly towards Yuma, but did not take his eyes off Marty. "Well Yuma, I actually would like to introduce you to my future WIFE. I have asked Marty to marry me and she has said yes. We were going to make an official announcement tonight, but we all got a little distracted," he said sarcastically.
Yuma's grin spread sideways and the spark of joy reached his eyes, "Congratulations, my friends."
"Thank you my friend, now Miss Strawn and I are going to discuss the little matter of reckless behaviour." Adam dropped his hands by his side and stepped forward.
It was Marty's turn for her eyes to grow wide. She took a step backwards, and put her arm out to keep Adam at a distance, "Adam Cartwright, what discussion… Don't you think you can just…"
"Oh I do think, Miss Strawn. Reckless behaviour and what sort of parent would I be, if I let such bad role modelling to continue? You are going to be a parent Marty… "
"Oh of course I am, Adam, but I am not a child … You… You…"
"My friend, I think you are going to have your wits about you here. Do you need some help?" quipped Yuma, enjoying the scene.
"No thanks Yuma, I've got this, I'll meet you back at the hotel."
Marty continued to step back on to the street, her arm pointing, "Oh… Now, Adam Cartwright, just give me a chance to explain… Yuma, help me…"
"Oh no; Yuma is not going to help you…"said Adam as he moved menacingly forward shaking his head.
"No but I would like to watch," laughed Yuma.
Adam stopped and glared at his friend, then rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance.
"Okay, my friend, yes I see; a private discussion is in order… Well that's if you can catch her," he roared with laughter.
Adam turned just in time to see Marty, skirts lifted, taking off up the street.
Adam slapped his head, "why the little fool, does she have any idea where she is going?" He then marched off after her, with Yuma's laughter echoing behind him.
Marty ran past the jail house and paused for a moment when she spotted the soft light emitting from the high window above. She thought she could hear someone singing. She tried to listen, but jumped when she saw Adam's shadow with a determined gait heading towards her.
"Ohh Now, Adam Cartwright… you just… you wouldn't dare…"
Adam continued, "I would Miss Strawn, you want to be a good role model don't you?"
"Not fair, Adam, not fair…"
Adam laughed at Marty's antics. This was the most fun he'd had all evening. The slightly built, blonde haired, young woman in front of him was very cute when flustered.
Marty heard his laugh and wondered for a moment weather he'd been toying with her. She joined in a fit if giggles, and then suddenly stopped; "Well Mr Cartwright, then I guess you will have to catch me…" she dared, then took off and ran into the partially open door of the stables behind the jail.
Once inside she hid behind a hay bale and waited for Adam to pass. Several moments passed when she became aware of someone scrimmaging around, and then leave. Thinking she had evaded Adam, she felt around one of the posts for a lantern. High on a nail she felt the bottom of a lamp and found matches secured neatly in a leather pouch below it. She pulled one out and lit the lamp, then slowly turned the wick up to emanate more light. She nearly jumped out of her skin, when she turned around and found Adam leaning on a post opposite. He grinned wide with his eyebrows raised and his arms folded across his chest casually.
"Well, Miss Strawn, fancy meeting you here," he jibed as he moved forward.
Marty vaulted over a single hay bale and grabbed an empty water pail that was nearby. Holding it above her head, she laughed nervously, "Now Adam, I will dong this on your noggin, if you come any closer."
Adam laughed again, "Noggin? Dong me?"
"Yes it means I'll hit you on the head, now stay back," she warned.
"Really?" Adam raised his eyebrows, "you'd hit me on my head?" He asked amused as he stepped closer.
"Yes, Yes… I don't want to… it's such a pretty head," she thought out loud.
Adam smiled again, moving ever closer.
"Besides…" Stuttered Marty, "You are going to hit me."
"Was I now… well, hit, or dong my noggin, is one thing Miss Strawn, but it was not your noggin I was going to smack…" he inferred as he jumped the hale bale.
By the time Adam had finished his sentence he was standing in front of Marty- close. He raised his arm and gently lowered her arm that had been wielding the pail, and then ran his nose down her pretty little freckled one. Once he came to her silent and luscious lips, he kissed them slowly. He then bit her bottom lip gently tugging her pout towards him, before letting it go. "You're very beautiful when you pout, Miss Strawn… Very desirable, even when you're jealous… You take MY breath away." He whispered before kissing her passionately.
Marty returned the passion allowing him entry into her mouth and deepening the kiss. They stayed connected as they slowly dropped to the hale bale and embraced each other in unison.
The caressing, the touching the intake of air and the purring that erupted with each other's touch and kiss seemed to warm the night air of the quiet barn. Adam and Marty embroiled themselves in the passion their love induced. Adam was the first to withdraw and tucked Marty's head into his shoulder, while he fondled and kissed her neck taking in her scent and the touch of her silky hair, entwined deliciously in his fingers.
"You take my breath away too, Adam. I think we should marry soon. I really don't know how much more self discipline I have." Marty breathlessly confessed.
"I agree Miss Strawn, I don't know how much more self control I have either," whispered Adam, as he ran fine delicate kisses down the side of her neck. "It does seem that you have very little. And if you had not led me on a merry chase, though I must say; catching you was a delight, you would not be so breathless."
"Well you were going to spank me." She said indignantly.
"Were, Miss Strawn? Oh, Miss Strawn; I still am." Adam laughed as Marty suddenly squealed. He swung his legs around, so that he was now sitting on the hale bale, and flipped Marty across his knees.
"Adam!"
"You said it yourself Marty… self discipline. I think I can help you with that." Adam then applied three slow swats with the open palm of his hand to Marty's upturned rump.
"Ow, Adam!...Ow stop that… owe, you are…"Marty now regretted changing into one of her day dresses with only one petticoat, and while Adams hand was not too sharp, she still felt a sting through the thin layers of her skirt. Her temper provoked, she pushed herself off his lap, and proceeded to give the cowboy a good piece of her mind. "Adam Cartwright, if you think…"
Adam didn't let her finish, he pulled her back onto his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around her before pushing his lips hard against her protesting mouth. He continued to kiss her until the fire of her indignation transformed into the fire of their passion. Adam felt her melt into his arms and then her whole being. They were connected. "I love you Martha Strawn."
"I love you too, Adam Cartwright, so much."
"Martha…What's your middle name?"
"Elizabeth."
Adam smiled. "Martha Elizabeth Cartwright."
The thought of marrying this handsome man and taking his name made a tingle of excitement run up her spine and with a small moan she pressed herself deeper in his arms.
oOo
It was getting near onto midnight and Roy had headed out onto the quiet street, towards the International Hotel, where he expected to find Adam and the other parents waiting in the dining room. He hesitated when he heard strange sounds coming from the stables behind the jail. "Dang, I hope that ain't more kids organising a prank," he grumbled, "Knowin' Alexandra, she's probably got another lot of kids organising a jail break."
Roy had to shake his head, though as he entered the softly lit barn, when he found Marty and Adam in a deep and passionate embrace.
"Ahh Hum," coughed Roy.
Both Adam and Marty jumped, "Roy, sorry…Ahh," said Adam.
"We couldn't sleep," stuttered Marty.
"Neither can Alexandra, Adam. I think it's time yer took her home. She's feeling a might sorry fer herself in there. I'd say I've made my point," admitted Roy.
Concern crossed Adams features and he quickly started towards the barn door.
Roy stopped him, realising he may be worried. "Adam she's fine, jist feeling a bit sad. Come on, why don't I walk with yer. Miss Strawn, would you get the other parents for me?"
Marty smiled, 'Yes, sir Sheriff."
Marty went to take off, but was also stopped by Roy, "Oh wait Miss Strawn."
Marty stopped in front of Roy. The sheriff very gently and slowly removed a rather long piece of straw from her hair and turned to Adam with a grin, then gave him a cheeky 'know it all' wink.
"We're engaged, Roy," announced Adam.
"Ohhhh, well I'll be! A weddin'; in the Cartwright household…Finally! Congratulations. Come on then, let's get your little girl outta jail." He laughed.
Marty straightened her hair and pattered down her skirt, before taking off to get the others.
Adam walked into the cell corridor, to find Alexandra wrapped up in a blanket sitting on the floor behind bars. As soon as she spotted Adam, she jumped up, "Daddy, you came for me."
"Always baby."
Roy quickly opened the door and went in behind Alex to wake the other children. Alexandra dropped her blanket and then threw herself at her father. "I didn't like jail, daddy. I promise I will never do anything so bad as ta end up there agin. Now I knowed what mamma must have felt like."
"Oh my goodness, Oh, sweetheart… Alexandra, I'm so sorry, No baby; I should have thought about that. I just wanted you to understand."
"I do daddy honest. I knowed Sheriff Roy was just showin us what ita be like to live a life of crime, and I sure wouldn't like it. It's okay daddy, but don't leave me here no more. I don't mind ifin ya wail the tar outta me, jist don't leave me here no more." Said Alex as a few more tears slowly ran down her cheeks.
"No baby…" Adam wrapped her back up in the blanket and kissed the tears off of her face. "No more jail. Come on let's get you kids to bed." He lifted her up and let Alexandra snuggle close to his chest.
Roy bundled the other children out into his office, as Marty turned up with the other parents. All seven children ran into their fathers and Uncles arms.
"Okay folks, take these youngins home and I don't expect ta see here until noon tomorrow. I'm sorry, but there's a little matter of damages," said Roy.
"Yes Alex and I will be having another small discussion in the morning, regarding those damages. But, I'll fix up the fines, Roy. After all, I think Alexandra was the president and main Instigator in all this," said Adam.
"No Adam, remember It was all for One and One for all," laughed Tom Fitzgerald.
"Yes," said Dan DeQuille, "I'm sure we can think of some good work for this Tree House Ga… Okay let's call it a club: that this Club can do."
"Good Idea, Mr De Quille," agreed Adam.
"Oh, No…Not on yer nellie. The Tree House Gang ain't no ladies auxiliary, Dad!" groused Alexandra Williameena Cartwright.
TBC chapter 16 : The Pearl Handle Gun.
A.N. A big shout out to Lajoci for betaing this, and adding some very tasteful titbits' too. Again sorry for the wait everyone, I still have heaps of work to get done. RL, you know the drill.
* Nobody Knows the trouble I've Had
Allen, William Francis, 1830-1889, Charles Pickard Ware, 1840-1921,
and Lucy McKim Garrison 1842-1877. Published Song of the American Slaves in 1860. Later variation - Nobody knows the trouble I've seen