Telegrams.

5th Story in the Alexandra Series.

Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.

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.

Warnings: Spanking of a minor in this chapter.

Re-cap:

Butterfield Overland Mail Company...

To: Hop Sing

C/O Ben Cartwright

Eagle Station

Nevada.

Adam hurt stop. Bad concussion stop Delayed three days for recovery stop Don't worry stop

Ben, Pa.

End Flashback

Chapter 8: Emerald Bay… Are We There Yet?

Adam woke, startled by the sound of a loud thump.

"Ow!"

He looked down to find that Alexandra had fallen from the seat and landed in the narrow space between her seat and the one that faced them.

"Oh dear," said Mrs. Winston. She put her needlework down and tried to help the little girl up.

"Thank you, ma'am. I rolled off when I was sleepin'," said Alexandra.

"Are you okay, Alex?" asked Adam, as he pulled her up on the bench seat next to him. "Feeling better?" Adam raised his eyebrows, wondering if Alexandra was over her jitters regarding the coach ride.

"Sure, Dad; lucky I was asleep," smiled Alex. She knelt and looked out her side of the window. "Hey; are we there yet?" asked Alexandra excitedly, suddenly remembering where they were headed. The long sleep had dispersed her fears about the stagecoach, that and being close to her father, feeling safe and understood.

"I'm not sure," said Adam. "I was asleep too, Alexandra."

"You both must have been very tired," commented Mrs. Winston. "You have been asleep for nearly an hour."

"How much longer till we get there," whined Jeffery? Unlike Alexandra, the small boy sat there with a scowl of his face.

Adam looked out the small carriage window, trying to place the landmarks he had seen several times on his travels to San Francisco. He recognized a large rock formation, nearer the horizon. "Oh I think we should be in Emerald Bay anytime in the next half hour," announced Adam.

"Good, I'm sick of being in here. There's nothing to do. There is never anything to do out here in the west. It's the most boring place in the whole world."

"Jeffery now, that's enough. There is plenty to do, but most of it very dangerous, and not very cultured. It might be dreary and monotonous, but well...just wait until we get to San Francisco," said Mrs. Winston.

"Boring, hey! Well, my Uncle Hoss plays a really mean game of horse shoes," exclaimed Alexandra sarcastically.

Adam tried not to laugh at Alexandra indignant response to the woman's subtle insult. "Alex, I think Mrs. Winston was referring to the more cultural and leisurely pursuits that we do out here in the West," he said, with a mock tone of the aristocracy.

Alexandra frowned for a moment, then her eyes widened, "Oh like the time we were bird watching…"

"Ohhh, that's right," said Adam looking squarely at the pompous woman opposite him, and then continued with his performance; his deep rich voice sounding very English and cultured. "Why I think it was a white breasted nuthatch..."

"Yes father, we watched it jist a sitting in a tree for near on half an hour afore it took flight. Why that was a most excitin' day of my life. He, he, he," tittered Alexandra.

"Bird watching, that ain't..."

"Isn't Jeffery, mind your grammar," scolded the very proper Mrs. Winston.

"That isn't very exciting," corrected the boy.

"Perhaps Jeffery, maybe you'll be able to take up needlework like your Ma," scoffed Alexandra, "Though it could be a might dangerous fer a small boy like you, them needles is awfully sharp."

Adam coughed. While he had made satirical comments to the pair; most of which went over the heads of Mrs. Winston and Jeffery Dwight, Alexandra's quip was a definite insult. He needed to teach her a little diplomacy, he thought. The look on both Jeffery's face and Mrs. Winston told him that the insult had not gone unnoticed. "Alexandra that wasn't very nice," he said, "Apologize please."

"But Dad, what about…"

"Alexandra?"Adam said raising just one eyebrow and whispering in her ear. "I know we were being a little silly earlier, but there is no reason to be so obviously and downright rude."

"Addle-pot; spoil sport! Okay Dad, but me being rude is the least of the little boot-licker's problems. Any more bellyachin' from him, I'm gonna hafta sock him one," she whispered.

"That, sweetheart would not be wise. No fighting!" Adam whispered back, swaying his finger in warning, though understanding the child's feelings. "Oh, and no more name calling, you are better than that, Alexandra."

"You mean, I'm good at it? Yer right Dad, there was a few more names I coulda called him, some more cuss like words, but I'm trying ta mend my ways, jist like you done recommended. But on the contra-rarity, I coulda added, he's a little tenderfoot, yack, weasel, flannel mouth and full of horse feathers, dandy pansy..."

Adam put his finger on her lips to stop her rant; certain there would be a more unsavory repertoire to come. "Shhh! No, I meant Alexandra, that a better person, a brave and wiser, friendlier and a proud person, doesn't need to resort to name calling."

"Oh, that's a real shame, cause I knowed some real good ones," she pouted.

"Alexandra?" whispered Adam, expecting her to understand his facial expression and what he expected her to do.

Alexandra used her finger to pull her father's questioning brow down. "Don't know why ya make it sound like a question, when ya really telling me ta do something, or else, Dad."

"Or else, Alexandra," said Adam clearly.

Alexandra scowled and pressed her lips together as she nodded. "Sorry Jeffery, I jist figured ya might like doing something that's not so scary."

Jeffery remained silent, parroting Alexandra expression. His mother nudged him. "Jeffery, a young man will always accept a young ladies sincere apology," she coaxed.

"Apology accepted," he begrudged.

Suddenly the stagecoach swayed and the driver pulled the team to a stop.

"Stay here," ordered Adam.

Alexandra's eyes went wide and filled with panic. "Why? Are there Indians; bad Indians not like Yuma and Lajoci, but real bad Indians, Dad like..."

"Indians!" cried Mrs. Winston pulling Jeffery close to her.

"No, no, there are no Indians; we're not far from Emerald Bay. There are only friendly Indians, I promise," said Adam turning around to placate the woman.

The door of the stage suddenly flew open and Alexandra screamed. "They could be stage robbers Dad..."

Adam jumped back around, pulling his gun.

"Whoa...ahhh," yelled Old Henry, "Don't go lettin' yer imagination run away with yer."

Adam returned his gun, and then pinched the bridge of his nose. He took a breath and sighed. "Sorry Henry... Why have we stopped?"

"Old Duke's looking a tad sore on his near side front. We ain't all that far from the station, but I wanna check it, might need ta pull him out. Why don't you folks get out and stretch yer legs."

"Good idea," said Adam. "You want some help, Henry?"

"I should be right, but thanks, anyway Adam," said the old stage hand and left to go check on the horses.

Adam helped Mrs Winston down. "Here let me help you, Mrs. Winston. Careful there's a soft spot of grass just to your left."

"Thank you, Mr Cartwright," said Mrs Winston.

"Please call me Adam, Mrs...ahh?"

"Winston... Oh, uhm; Eve. Thank you, Adam. Come on Jeffery," she called before holding out her hand to Adam.

"You coming, little girl," sneered Jeffery, "Or have you wet your bloomers yer fraidie cat?" he teased, getting his own back while his mother concentrated on exiting the stagecoach delicately.

"I ain't got nothing ta be afraid of. I done caught plenty of bandits in my time anyway. Me and my friend Lajoci done caught two of the biggest outlaws in the west jist last fall," bragged Alex.

"You're a liar," accused Jeffery.

"Am not; yer can ask my Daddy. I done got a reward too. Go on Jeffery, I'd protect iffin there was bandits. Corse iffin there was bandit it, or banditos, they'd be a mite disappointed, cause all yer got is ya momma's sewing kit and that frilly shirt yous wearin'."

"Yeah, well, I weren't the one near wetting my bloomers, thinking we were being attacked," bit back Jeffery, then added a shove to Alex's shoulder.

Alexandra fell back against her seat. She regained her balance and moved within an inch of Jeffery's face. "Wet my bloomers? Ya done already said that. Ain't ya got anything else in ya repertoire. That's a word they use in the theatre. Ivan the magicians got hundred of tricks up his sleeve; literal. And my mamma can jist about sing any song ever written. Iffin yer gonna go insulting people, ya gotta be creative, yer merely mouse, yellow belly, flabbergasting, scaly, ugly as a mud fence, addlebrained yack kid no bigger than a ankle biting dwarf!"

Red faced, Jeffery watched Adam help his mother down, "After you," he said to Alexandra, "After all it should be ladies first," he scoffed, "though you ain't anywhere near a lady."

"And you sir, are no gentleman," said Alex pointing her nose in the air. She tuned and went to exit behind Mrs Winston.

Not to be out done yet again, Jeffery spied his mother's large sewing needle sitting in her basket on the seat beside him. He grabbed it and jabbed it into Alexandra's backside.

Alex yelped and jumped forward and into Mrs. Winston's back. The poor woman lost her balance, falling into Adams chest and in turn sent him off balance. He stepped back, slightly to the left. There the soft earth, that he had previously noted, gave way and Adam fell backside first into what ended up being a deeper crevice of mud and water, hidden under a soft mound of grass. Adam still had hold of Mrs Winston's hand, so the unfortunate woman ended up with him; actually, on top of him. Eve was mortified and quickly tried to get up, but with Alexandra so close behind, the woman only ended up next to Adam in the quagmire; floundering around like a fish out of water.

Alexandra was fuming. She managed to get back up while the two adults slipped and slid behind her. With one hand she grabbed the side of the carriage for support, and with the other reached up towards Jeffery.

Jeffery stood on the steps of the stage, his choice of weapon; the large darning needle, still in his hand, laughing at the sight before him. Alexandra wiped the smile of his face when she grabbed his coat front and yanked him forward. The boy was suddenly airborne and headed for the now pair of mud saturated adults. When he landed on his mother, the needle pierced her knee. Eve again dropped into the mud, this time yelling in pain.

Jeffery landed in the mud beside his mother. Alexandra pounced on him as he tried to get up. The two youngsters rolled and wrestled, flinging mud and throwing punches at each other. They caused little physical damage to each other; the soft mud and slippery conditions worsening, but softening their blows. Rather, the two looked like they were part of a side show at a carnival.

Adam dug his boots in and pushed himself to the edge of the now very large puddle. He grabbed a strong tuft of grass and pulled himself up. As soon as he was stable, he found firmer ground and reached for Eve Winston, "Here give me your hand, Eve. I'll pull you out. Push off with your feet." he coaxed.

"I can't, my knee; I've hurt my knee when Jeffery landed on it," she cried.

Adam found a long stick and held it out, to the woman. "Here grab this, I'll only need to pull you over an inch or two."

Eve grabbed the stick and Adam pulled her towards him. Once she was close enough, he grabbed her under the arms and pulled her out all of the way. Adam then picked her up bridal style and carried her to a large fallen log and sat her down gently. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes, Adam. It's just my knee. Please, the children?" she inferred, worry in her voice.

Adam turned to watch Old Henry yelling at the two. "Now see here you two; jist stop thet. I ain't comin' in thar to get you."

"I've got this, Henry," said Adam.

Resigned to the fact that he couldn't possible get any dirtier, Adam walked straight into the puddle. By this time most of the mud and water had either splashed out or was caked on the still tumbling small forms. He bent down and picked the first child off the other. Not sure who it was, and frankly he didn't care, he landed an almighty thwack to its backside. The impact caused a spray of watery mud to splatter across Adam's angry features. He growled in frustration, as he turned, took two large steps, and then deposited the child on the firmer ground. Two steps back into the puddle, he intended to grab the other child, who by this time had realised the severity of the situation and was trying to make a quick but slippery escape to the other side.

Now that the culprits face was clear of the melee, Adam couldn't mistake the wide eyes and the panicked green orbs. "Alexandra," he seethed.

"Dad? That you?" she asked trying to delay the inevitable or at least get some distance between her and her father, so that she could defend her actions; defend her honour as she saw it.

Adam snarled even louder and was upon her in seconds, just as she was attempting to grab the long tuft of grass and drag herself out. He picked her up, under her waist and carried her like a sodden sack of unwashed potatoes.

With her head facing the front, Alexandra went on to explain. She twisted trying to get a good look at her father's face, but she couldn't see it. Nevertheless she started to explain. "Dad... he... OW!"

Adam didn't give Alex a chance to explain, deflect or embellish. He just applied one hard swat to her backside, "Not now, young lady." Adam stormed over to where Mrs Winston sat. He grabbed Jeffery by the collar as he passed then deposited both children on the firm ground in front of Eve.

Old Henry had found a dry rag and handed it to the women along with his canteen. Eve was trying to remove as much mud from her face as she could. She looked up and gasped when she saw the two children; covered head to toe in mud. "Jeffery Dwight Winston! Just look at you, just look at me. How on earth did this happen?"

"Mother, she pulled me into the puddle, after she pushed you... on purpose, while I..."

"Horse Feathers!" exclaimed Alexandra. "Why you little weasel!" She turned to her father then back to Mrs Winston. "He done poked a needle into my as... ahh bottom. I got such a stingin' pain, I jumped forward. I couldn't help it, ma'am, honest."

"But, Momma, she called me... ahhh... all these names..." Jeffery pursed his lips, turned to face Alexandra and prodded his finger into her shoulder. "You called me a... a ankle biting dwarf. That don't make me *Happy!"

"Well which one does it make ya then?" smirked Alexandra, as she slapped his pointed finger away.

Adam tried not to laugh at Alexandra's comment and the inference that went right over Jeffery's head. "That's enough bickering, name calling and fighting!" announced Adam. "I'll deal with you two when we get to the station," he warned.

"No, you ain't my Pa," yelled Jeffery.

"Maybe not, little boy, but you two have caused quite a ruckus here. Including getting your ma hurt," chastised Adam.

"Ma?" Jeffery's eyes went wide. He'd forgotten that he'd had the needle in his hands. He wasn't going to bring that fact up either; Mr Cartwright looked angry enough, besides he hadn't meant to hurt his mother. "What's wrong?"

"Oh its' nothing, Jeffery. Please Mr Cartwright. I'm quite capable of ..." Eve went to stand up, but her knee gave way on her and she nearly fell.

Adam caught her in time. "Take it easy, Eve. Here, I'll carry you back to the carriage. We'll have a look at that knee went when get to the way station." Adam picked her up and carried her to the coach.

"I don't understand it. I'm sure, I didn't wrench it. I just can't stand on it. Jeffery is so little, he couldn't have done any damage by falling on me. Please don't blame him," pleaded Mrs Winston.

"We best discuss it later, ma'am. Meanwhile let's get you secure for the ride."

Just then Old Henry came back around to the side of the stage. "Load up folks. Old Duke's fine, just a stone caught in his shoe. I've changed his position, so he don't get stepped on. Probably develop a bruise there. Not far ta go, though, so he'll be fine as soon as we get ta the station. You two youngin's can ride up top, you ain't muddying up my coach any more than yer Ma and Pa hafta. Mrs Winston, Adam, you make yerself comfy. These youngin's can help me clean up afore supper."

Adam helped Eve into the carriage, while Old Henry helped the two mudlarks up into the driver's seat. He then climbed aboard himself and gathered the reigns. Leaning over he gave the two youngsters a glare of his own. "It's a mite excitin' up here," he said with a smile.

Both Jeffery and Alexandra nodded. "I wanted ta ride up here afore, Ole Henry. Thank you fer lettin' us," said Alexandra.

Old Henry smirked. "Yeah it's real excitin! Probably the last chance yer be getting ta sit, let alone sit up here fer a looo-ng while. Can't say ya both don't deserve it neither. Now, one peep outta either of ya, and I'll be adding my own hand ta ya backsides after yer daddy is done with ya.. And don't think I can't either; been drivin' coaches for near twenty years; my hands are as calloused and as hard as a hundred year old pine tree," he chuckled and slapped the reins. "GiYup," he shouted.

Alexandra and Jeffery stopped smiling and held on for dear life.

~oOo~

Within half an hour the travellers had arrived at the Emerald Bay transit line. The small but neat station house was beautifully situated on the banks of Lake Tahoe. On arrival Old Henry had quickly disembarked and unharnessed the team, taking special care of Duke. He lead the gelding into the barn where he busily applied a poultice to the horses hoof. He hoped this would prevent any inflammation caused by the stone bruise. Adam had carried Mrs Winston into the house, and allowed the caretakers of the station, Michael Leeder and his wife Nola to attend to the woman. Mrs Leeder immediately called for a bath and then ordered the men outside to unload the luggage.

Alexandra and Jeffery were relegated to the porch steps, not allowed inside until they and the stage coach were clean. That task was given to Adam. "Right you two," he called, "With me!" Adam walked over to the water trough and pump with the two children slowly following. "Stand there," pointed Adam to a spot near some grass. He filled a bucket with water from the pump, and walked over to them. Alexandra cringed knowing too well what her father was about to do. Thankfully it was late afternoon and the sun had not set. Adam poured the bucket over Alexandra's head.

"Whoa!" she gasped at the sudden gush of cold water. She scrubbed at her face, but stood her ground and let the water wash near half the mud off the rest of her.

"You ain't doing that to me," grumbled Jeffery. "I want a warm bath." Jeffery started to move towards the house.

"You take one more step, Jeffery and you and I will be having a discussion about manners and obedience."

Jeffery ignored Adam and continued to walk away."I don't care to hear what you have to say. The lady inside can boil me some water, she's doing it for my mother, there should be plenty."

"Oh ohh," mumbled Alexandra. "That ain't such a good idea, Jeffery. My Daddy don't actually mean a verbal talk. He talks ta ya backside with the palm of his hand. And, I gotta warn ya it's a big hard hand," cautioned Alexandra.

Jeffery stopped and squared off at Adam. "Well you cannot do that. You are not my father. If you touch me I will sue you. My grandfather is a famous judge in San Francisco. He'll have you arrested: so there!"

Adam raised an eyebrow at the boy's tenacity and bad manners, although Jeffery's bravery was fairly impressive. "Son, that may be so, but at the end of the day, you'll still have a sore backside. I'm certain your grandfather has bigger laws to debate than the right of a total stranger applying a few well deserved swats to a naughty boy's backside. In other words Jeffery; pick your battles, son. This one you won't win," counselled Adam and pointed to the area where Alexandra still stood.

Jeffery wisely chose to return to the spot, while Adam returned to the pump for another bucket of water. Adam returned and poured the water over Jeffery's head as he had done with Alexandra. The young boy gasped from the rush of the cold water.

"It ain't too bad. Least the sun's still warm; we'll be dry in no time," assured Alex, cheerfully.

"Okay," said Adam both of you strip down to your undergarments. Those clothes need to be washed and ready for the morning."

"But Dad, he's a boy and I'm...A...Girl," Alex spelt out.

"Hmm, at the moment it's still too hard to tell, you look like a couple of monkeys who have thrown shi... ahh a lot of mud at each other. Get to it please; you'll both be well covered enough."

Alexandra complied, while Adam went back to the pump and this time filled two buckets with water in case Jeffery got into his mind to take off again. He shook his head when he returned to find that Jeffery had not taken off his muddy clothes. He glared at the boy, then turned to Alex and poured the bucket over her head washing the last of the mud away and leaving her standing there nice and clean in her camisole and bloomers. "Okay Alexandra you're done for now. Take this bucket, fill it up from the pump, and start cleaning the stage coach. Start by sweeping it out, then wiping down the seats. Old Henry can help you with a brush and pan he keeps under his seat."

"But Dad, I'm all wet!"

"And that little chore will have you dry in no time. Then it will be time for supper and a serious discussion about fighting in the mud, before you go to bed. Or we can just go straight to the discussion right now," he suggested.

Alexandra shook her head, "Not on your nelly, Dad; one of yer discussions on a wet bum is ten times worsa."

Adam scuttled towards Alexandra, ready to apply a swat for her use of bad language. But Alexandra was too fast and headed straight to the coach; prepared to clean it all night if she had to.

Adam then turned to Jeffery. "You, young man, are in for a world of hurt, if you keep testing people on every little thing." With that Adam grabbed Jeffery and started to unbutton his coat. He slapped Jeffery's hands away when the boy struggled and wriggled. The boy had several items of clothing on him; coat, vest, shirt, pantaloons stocking and shoes, but in no time at all, Adam had Jeffery stripped down to his short cotton union suit, that was totally free of mud. "No wonder", thought Adam, "the kid must have been roasting with all those layers on."

"How dare you," yelled Jeffery, and as Adam went to pick up the other bucket of water Jeffery kicked him in the shin. "Oowwwwee!" shrieked Jeffery. The boy's bare foot made little impression on Adams boot clad leg, though now the man's patience had worn thin.

Adam spun Jeffery around and landed four mighty wallops to the kids behind; one; two; three; four, in quick succession, not allowing enough time for the boy to jump or yelp in-between.

Once released from Adam's hold, Jeffery turned. Wide eyed from the shock of Adams actions and the sting in his tail, the boy opened his mouth and tried to suck in fresh air so he could release the wail that was stuck in his throat. Jeffery was still jumping down on the spot when finally the loudest howl escaped his lips.

Adam shook his head, and though it wasn't necessary, he dumped the last bucket of water over the boys head. "Here, seems to me that you could do with a little cooling off too," he said.

Jeffery gasped again; fuming, but this time wisely remained silent.

Adam handed him the now empty bucket. "Fill it up, and go help Alexandra. I'll call you both in when it's time for supper." Then he bent low and looked in the child's eyes. "And while you are at the supper table, you will use your best manners; eat every mouthful that is put in front of you and thank Mrs. Leeder kindly for her effort. You behave like the nice young gentleman you are and I won't have to adjust your attitude like that again. Are we clear?"

Jeffery's anger broke and the tears started to roll down his cheeks. He scrubbed at his eyes, trying to nod his head.

Adam picked up his chin and wiped some of the tears from his cheeks. "Words Jeffery,"

"Yesss... sir..." hiccupped the now sobbing young boy.

The boys' distress pulled at Adams heart strings. He drew the little boy to him, and rubbed his back, trying to calm him. It was obvious that Jeffery had never been bought to task about his behaviour before and was at a loss with the unfolding events of the afternoon. "Good boy. You're a good boy," soothed Adam.

Jeffery rather liked the physical contact he was getting. It had been a long time since his own father had hugged him. "Oopps, I'm getting your shirt wet, Sir," said Jeffery, as he pulled away.

"Not too worry, it's going to need a wash too. Off you go now and help Alex clean that carriage. We'll all have a much pleasant trip tomorrow," smiled Adam.

~oOo~

By the time they had finished supper, all were exhausted. Adam had the two children dressed in their nightshirts as they wearily ate their supper, never forgetting their please and thank yous. Nola had taken a tray into Mrs. Winston had had returned moments later with it still full.

"Mr Winston's not hungry, looks to me like the lass is runnin' a slight fever," said Nola.

Jeffery looked up, "What's wrong with my momma? She wasn't sick when we left home."

"I'm sure it's nothing child. I think these youngin's belong in bed," mused Nola.

"No, I want to see my momma," demanded Jeffery as he ran to the room where his mother had been laid down.

Adam jumped up to follow the boy, but was stopped when young Jeffery put his hand up. "You ain't gonna stop me, Mr Cartwright, she's my momma."

"I wasn't going to Jeffery. I'll come with you. You're mothers fine, I don't want you to be scared or alone. You'll see she's fine."

"Oh... Okay, sorry, Mr Cartwright. I didn't want to be rude to you; I just need to see her that's all," apologised a nervous Jeffery.

"He knows that Jeffery," called Alex. "You can believe him when he says she'll be alright; he knows a lot," smiled Alex, trying to be friendly to the worried little boy.

"Come on then," said Adam leading the small boy by the hand.

As soon as they entered the room Eve cried out, "No keep him away, I might be contagious, please Jeffery. I love you, but stay away, baby."

Jeffery panicked and started to run towards his mother. Adam suddenly grabbed him. "Just stay here Jeffery. I won't let anything happen to your mother."

Nola suddenly appeared at the door, "What's the matter?" she asked.

"Mrs Winston is very anxious," replied Adam. "She believes she has something contagious."

"Nonsense," said Nola and pushed through the pair.

Adam followed, but motioned for Jeffery to stay put.

"Get out; please. I've seen this before. Get out and get my son away, we'll all die," pleaded an hysterical Eve.

"Mrs Winston; Eve, you've only got a slight fever, your showing no signs of anything nasty, you got no rashes no..." started Nola.

"I can't move my leg. Don't you see. It started like this with Johnny. First he could hardly move his legs then the rest of him... His muscles they... He couldn't move."

Adam stepped closer to the bed. "Who's Johnny?" asked Adam.

"My baby boy, he got sick... He couldn't move. His muscles stopped working. The doctors said his lungs and heart muscle stopped working in the end. My little boy; he died. The doctor made us burn everything. We had to keep Jeffery away until everything was either burned or scrubbed clean. He said Jeffery could catch it. Please. I'm sorry Mr Cartwright, Mrs Leeder, I had no idea I was sick. I was perfectly fine until fell in that puddle. You I'll have to burn everything after I go. Keep the children away. Please, please take Jeffery and..." The women couldn't go on and burst into tears.

"I have something ta calm the poor wee things nerves. Losing a baby that way, no wonder she's scared," said Nola and headed for the kitchen.

Adam knelt down by the woman's bedside. "Eve, I don't believe you have anything serious. You've probably just wrenched your knee. The heat of the day and the muddy water has most likely made you a little sick, but really you're going to be fine. I will go and fetch some nice cold water, and we'll cool you down. You'll be fine by morning, I'm sure of it."

"It's my fault," cried Jeffery from the doorway.

"No baby it's not your fault," said Eve.

"Why is it your fault Jeffery?" asked Adam calling the boy over.

Jeffery walked over and stood next to Adam. "I hurt momma when I fell on her. I had one of her sewing needles in my hand. The one I poked Alex with. I forgot I still had it and when Alexandra pulled me in the puddle, I landed on momma. The needle stabbed her in the leg... I've crippled her," cried Jeffery.

"I don't think you've crippled your mother, though it might very well be the problem." Adam lifted the side of the bed sheet to expose Eve's leg. He then examined her Knee. There under the joint at the back was a tiny hole surrounded by a very red and tender skin. "Maybe a little bit of dirt got in there. That is why it's so sore and why you're a little hot, Eve," said Adam.

"But, I can hardly move it," said Eve.

"Well it's a little swollen around the joint. Good news is its not contagious, or life threatening," he added for both Jeffery's and Eve's sakes.

"Still my fault," sniffled Jeffery.

"To some degree yes, Jeffery. You should have told us what happened earlier. However, basically it was a prank gone wrong and on the wrong person."

Nola returned carry a medicine bottle and large spoon. She poured a generous dose and coaxed Eve to drink. "Here, Eve. This will reduce the fever a tad and settle you some," she said.

"So, I'm not contagious?"

"No lass."

Eve took the tonic gladly.

"Mrs Leeder, have you got some ointment we can put on this wound?" asked Adam. "Seems Eve was pricked by a needle and I think some dirt got into the wound; it's slightly inflamed."

Nola took a closer look at the wound site. "You say a needle? It wouldn't have been a big one, like a darning needle, would it?"

"Yes ma'am, it was my mother's long tapestry needle; it was kind of sharp," admitted Jeffery.

"Oh, well it's more than jist inflamed, Mr Cartwright. I was brushing down Mrs Winston's dress, and found a broken needle in the folds. I'd say she's got the other half stuck in thar. That be why it's so painful and why she's feverish. We need ta draw it out."

"Can you do that?" asked Jeffery.

Nola felt around the raised and red area of the wound. "Sure, as long as it's not wedged in a bone. A doctor would have ta get that out. Seems ta me, though seeing where it went in; it's stuck. Around here probably pressing on a muscle or somethin'."

"Where the ligaments are?" appraised Adam.

"Right! A poultice will get that out. I'll go make up one right now." Nola leant over Mrs. Winston and brushed her forehead with her kind soft hands. "You're gonna be fine, lass. You take another swig of that tonic there, if yer feel ya need it. I'll be back in two shakes."

Eve nodded, and closed her eyes in relief.

"I'll get these youngsters to bed, " said Adam.

"Thank you. I'm sorry I made such a fool of myself, but I really thought..."

"Don't you worry, Eve, " said Adam as he patted the woman's hand. "Come on, Jeffery, you can bunk in with Alexandra and me. There are four beds in there."

"Thanks, Mr Cartwright. Can I have a top bunk? I've never slept close to the ceiling before," asked a much happier Jeffery.

"No Jeffery you might fall," said Eve, suddenly awake.

"Oh ma!" complained Jeffery.

"He'll be fine, Eve. I'll be underneath. You don't wet the bed do you Jeffery?" asked Adam with a wink.

"No sir, I'm nine years old."

"Alright then, but be careful. Do as Mr Cartwright says and no jumping," said Eve.

As they left the room Mrs Winston considered Nola's advice and took another swig of the tonic that had been left at her bedside.

~oOo~

Adam lead Jeffery into the bunk room. Alexandra was lying on one of the bottom bunks flicking through an old catalogue Nola Leeder had found for her. When she saw her father walk in with a teary eyed Jeffery, she quickly sat up bumping her head on the slats on the bed above her.

"Ouchweee; damn it!"

"Alexandra!" scolded Adam.

"Huh?"

"Your language," he emphasised.

"What about my head, Dad, I near took it off. Yer can't blame a body fer cussin' when there in pain, they'd aren't responsible fer their actions," complained Alexandra.

"I can, come here," called Adam, with the crook of his finger.

Alexandra sighed as she got up and walked over to her father. Adam pulled her over and took a look at her head. "No bumps, bruises or cuts... You'll live," he declared. "So, no cussing," he added with a light swat to her backside. He sat down on the bed and then pulled both children close. "Okay, time to discuss this afternoon events. You two need to explain how things got so unfriendly between you, that blows were thrown."

"Weren't no blows thrown, Dad, well not until I was in the mud puddle. And that was jist in self defence. Jeffery was trying ta bury me alive in there."

"And why was that, Alexandra?" asked Adam calmly.

"Because she..." Jeffery interrupted, but stopped when Adam put up his hand.

"I'm asking, Alexandra, Jeffery; you'll have your turn," he said.

Alexandra blushed, knowing that her father would flush out the whole story, and that he would expect absolute honesty. "Well dad, Jeffery was teasin' me ..."

"You mean, after you had been teasing him; calling him names?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Okay, go on."

"He says; I done wet ma pants cause I was scared of bandits. Then I said; I wasn't cause I done catched me some bandits and that he could ask you about the time me and Lajoci helped Sheriff Coffee nab them bandits , corse we didn't know they'd were bandits at first. Well theys weren't really bandits, thems were escaped convicts; worse than bandits, cause most bandits is trying ta make money and they'd don't kill everybody, still, it's wrong and ya can never be sure what a stage coach robber really will do or what they want, but some just want ta get money ta buy their youngin's food or really nice Christmas presents or medicines, or..."

"Alex, back on track," ordered Adam rolling his hand around. "And just for the record; all bandits are criminals just like the ones that you and Lajoci accidentally captured," he clarified, dissolving Alexandra's romantic ideas on the subject.

Alex turned to Jeffery. "See, I wasn't lying. Jeffery called me a liar, Dad, there's nothing worsa than be called a liar; it's jist downright insulting and demonising of one's character. So that's when I done called him a few of the more colourful expressions that Grandma Willameena use ta call the shifty greenhorns that came inta the theatre, expecting ta be treated like royalty; jist like Jeffery was. Thing is we's all made of the same flesh and bones, even iffin we are different colours..."

"And height! She called me a dwarf and a yack; whatever that is, but she said it in a way it sounded like I was something bad stuck to the bottom of her shoe."

"Well it don't mean that," scoffed Alex.

"No it doesn't mean that, Jeffery, but you are correct in feeling the inference of an insult."

"Huh Dad? I didn't interfere with nothing; he's the one that jabbed me in the arse with a huge enormous needle!" said an indignant Alex.

Adam applied another swat to her backside.

"Owe! Whatttta I say, Dad? Ya keep smacking me where Jeffery done probably made a huge hole. It's still sore yer know!" pouted Alex.

"You keep swearing, Alexandra," frowned Adam.

"See Dad, I don't even know I'm doing it. You gotta give me a warning afore I do it. Maybe give me a cue like we do at the theatre when the actors forget their lines, and they have ta ad lib. Maybe you could say; merde? Like they do in the theatre when ya think I'm about ta cuss, I'll take that as a cue ta think of another word, though there ain't many words yer can say instead of ars...aaaa , such as bum, but ya don't like either. Corse there's bottom, its sounds real proper like, but makes me want ta giggle, cause when I was a little kid I thought it was a real naughty word, but then I found out lots more naughtier words. Spect' I could say rump or backside, tail or Gluteus and Maximous, sounds like a couple of roman gladiators don't it, Dad? Thems the real medical words fer ya bottom muscles, then there's your anus, which is the same as the planet. Scientist can look through giant telescopes, Dad and see Uranus... Get it Dad; get it?"

Jeffery started laughing, though he had no idea what Alexandra was talking about. It was just her breathless and long winded banter that was funny as well as her father's frustrated expression or the gobbed smacked one he had o his face now.

Adam scrubbed at his face. "Merde, is a swear word Alex; a French swear word."

"No! Really? What's it mean, Dad?"

"It means shi... A. Shoo, cra... Sort of; oh... poo! Actually they say ' je te dis 'merde', I don't give a sh...I'm not worried, don't worry...Oh, it loses something in the translation I think," fumbled Adam.

"Ohh, people in the theatre say it like good luck, cause it's bad luck to say good luck, so they say break a leg, or merde ... It's an age long tradition. Still, Dad you could still use it ta cue me, that way I'd know ya didn't want me ta cuss in English and ita be alright unless someone was around that talks French and knows what it really means."

"Like your grandfather," clarified Adam.

"Oh yeah! Maybe, I should jist find out the Greek word for arse, then?" pondered Alex.

SMACK

"OW, merde!"

"And maybe I should just slap your tail every time you cuss or get off track for that matter, and then add a few more for provoking a fight, teasing, name calling, not doing what you are told, actually fighting and generally causing utter chaos all in the spat of one afternoon."

"I reckon jist one little cue word would be better, Dad. Doc Martin reckons prevention is better than a cure."

"In this case Alex it's too late for that. Now, Jeffery your side of the story please? Is there anything you feel Alexandra left out?"

"No Sir, not really except that...Well your daughter wasn't being very friendly. I guess I was bored, too. You were sleeping such a long time, and I tried to be friendly, but..."

"Not really Jeffery, I watched the way you spoke to your mother. When people aren't friendly to the ones they love, it's hard to know when they are trying to be friendly to others. You are old enough to show your elders respect. Old enough to use your manners when greeted by other people. You did none of those things. You constantly complained. It may have been because you were bored, or even a little worried about leaving your home. But, because of yours and Alexandra's unfriendliness towards each other, your mother was also hurt."

"Yes sir, I admitted that was my fault. But you said..."

"I said it was an accident; that you didn't intentionally hurt your mother, but if you hadn't stuck the pin in Alexandra you would not have still had it in your hand when you fell on your mother. Then when you realised that the needle may have caused the problem, you didn't tell anyone. We would have seen that the needle was stuck in her leg, if we'd known about it in the first place."

"Mrs Winston's got a needle stuck in her leg?" asked Alexandra, incredulously.

"Yes, but it's alright now. But, if we'd known earlier..."

"I just forgot I had the needle in my hand."

"Yes Jeffery, but when did you remember?"

"When, Mrs Leeder..."

"Jeffery?" said Adam in a warning tone; sure the boy was about to embellish the truth.

"When momma yelled. When she was in the puddle, but I didn't know it was stuck in her. I thought she just got jabbed liked Alexandra. Then I was too scared to tell."

"Hmmm, you still should have said something. A person becomes a good and better person when they are honest."

"Are you going to spank him too, Dad?"

"A couple of swats are one thing Alexandra, but what you two did was a little more serious. However, I'm not Jeffery's parent, and his mother is not in any condition for me to discuss Jeffery's involvement and what I think he needs. Perhaps in the morning, I may suggest a suitable recompense for Jeffery's part in all this, something that will help him learn about respect and honesty. But you, Little Miss, are in trouble for fighting, which you are well aware carries a consequence.. You were warned about your behaviour earlier. Isn't that correct?"

"Gee Dad, you sound like Grandpa when you say; isn't that correct? Then you sound a lot like you, when you use them big words. What's recompense mean anyway?"

"It means make-up for your mistakes. So right now, Jeffery, I want you in that corner over there thinking how you might try to be a friendlier person, not just to Alexandra, but to your mother and anybody else you meet. If you try harder to be friendly and polite, before you know it, you'll have lots of friends."

Adam and Alexandra watched Jeffery nod his head and walk slowly towards a corner of the room. He paused when he got there, and looked to Adam for further instruction.

"Turn around and look at the wall. No talking, no scuffing or wriggling. You're there for ten minutes," instructed Adam. "Alexandra and I are going to continue our discussion out on the back porch. We'll be back in a moment."

"But I don't like it here," said Jeffery.

"You're not supposed to. Have a good think about why you are there. You are lucky you are not my son, otherwise you would be sporting a sore backside to boot."

"Maybe, I'm not that lucky, Mr Cartwright," said Jeffery, quietly and honestly.

That statement saddened Adam. He nodded towards the boy, who turned around and started his time in the corner. Adam took Alexandra by the hand and led her out to the porch, not far from their room, but far enough away from the kitchen where Nola and Michael Leeder were busy tidying up and brewing fresh coffee. He was sure looking forward to relaxing with a cup of coffee. Old Henry still looked to be in the barn, probably tending to the horses and Old Duke.

Adam sat down on an well worn wicker chair and pulled Alexandra towards him. He clasped her hands in his. "I'm disappointed, Alexandra. I thought you would have taken my advice. You really need to start listening and not jump at the littlest thing that gets your dander up. You're impulsive; it's going to get you into trouble, and turn me grey before my time."

"I'm sorry, Dad. I was real scared when I got into the carriage, and I felt real better when I woke up, an all, but Jeffery annoyed me real bad, and I was trying ta take my mind of things, so..."

"You took it out on him. I know he was annoying, but that's all he was. You are a bigger person than that. I know you are. I expected that."

"Even though we was making fun at them together, Dad?"

"Yes we were, but it was much more harmless, and no one was getting hurt. I suppose you think I'm being unfair punishing you and not Jeffery?"

"Yep! But then he's momma's sick and I bet he's worried too, maybe that's enough for him. Looks like he's never had ta stand in a corner afore. Probably never been spanked. Sides he looks real sad."

"See, that's the bigger person; the Alexandra Willameena Cartwright, I'm talking about," praised Adam.

"So, then I think maybe I could re-commiserate for my wrong doing's in another way, Dad?"

"It's recompense, Alex, though you can commiserate later, also. Alexandra over the last couple of days, you've run away, sassed me, and now started a fight. I've been pretty understanding. You could have been hurt and then we would have to delay our journey."

"That wouldn't be good."

"No, so this time it's over my knee, young lady." With that Adam turned Alex around and put her across his lap. He started almost immediately to lay down a volley of smacks with his open palm. Alex's nightshirt provided little protection, leaving her Gluteus Maximus well and truly warmed; like the surface of Venus. A little cold breeze or a bit of surface wind from Uranus would have been more than welcomed by the time Adam had finished laying down the last swat.

"Please Daddy, I'm sorry already," cried Alexandra.

Adam stopped and rubbed circles around her back, consoling her gently. "I know you are, but I need you to remember and behave Alexandra. I love you and want you to be safe to grow up and stay the good person that you are."

"Okay Dad, but I think my butt is infected, now. Its burnin' something fierce."

"Is it sore from the spanking or the poke Jeffery gave you with the needle?"

"Both!" sniffed Alexandra.

"You want me to take a look?" chuckled Adam.

"NO!" yelled Alex, and thumped her father on his leg.

Adam unfolded her and sat her on his knee. "It can't be too bad, if you taking the chance of going through another round of a spanking, by hitting me, little girl," he winked.

Alexandra scrubbed the rest of tears away, trying to keep the pout on her face. "I hate spankings soooo much," she whined and sniffled.

"Good, then they are an incentive for you. Avoid them at all costs, by staying safe and behaving," said Adam, as he planted a kiss on her head. "Come on, poor Jeffery will be wondering if fathers murder their children."

"Nah, just nearly murder them," complained Alex. She scrubbed the rest of her tears away and then went to wipe her nose on her night shirt sleeve.

"Ahhh, hanky!" scolded Adam handing her one.

Alexandra wiped her nose then started to giggle.

Adam picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, her nightshirt, covering her modesty was plastered to her legs and clamped securely by Adams strong arms. Adam then marched, bouncing the child as he went.

They arrived to find Jeffery still standing in the corner. "You're times up, Jeffery," called Adam.

Jeffery turned around to see the smiling pair. "What's so funny," he asked. "You laughing at me?"

"No Jeffery we aren't. Alex and I had a serious discussion. She has paid the price for her misbehaviour today and now it's a start over."

"Is that what happens when you get into trouble from your father?" he asked.

"Yep, fathers and mothers," said Alex.

"They forgive you?"

"Jeffery, I think your mother has already forgiven you, she doesn't blame you at all."

"Not for the needle, maybe, but for Johnny, I'm... Never mind."

Adam frowned. "Johnny? Jeffery, why would you think..."

"Please, I don't want to talk about it," said Jeffery.

"Okay then, how about you two get into bed then. You both want a top bunk, I suppose."

"Yes," they chorused, Jeffery feeling a little better now.

"Okay then; one bag of potatoes on that shelf," said Adam dumping Alex unceremoniously on one bunk top, and one bag of potatoes..." he repeated, as he hoisted Jeffery off the ground and similarly dumped him on the opposite bunk.

Adam then tucked each child in and kissed them both goodnight. "No talking too long," he said with a smile. "You can start by apologising to each other, and making a pact to be a lot friendlier to each other," suggested Adam. "I'll be in an hour or so, and I expect you both to be asleep by then. I'll be outside, having a chat with Old Henry if you want me. That goes for you too, Jeffery. Your mother will get a good sleep tonight and she'll be right as rain in the morning."

"Okay, Mr. Cartwright," said Jeffery.

"Night Dad," sung Alexandra.

"Night again," chimed Adam, and closed the door slowly, then paused.

"Your Dad's really nice," whispered Jeffery.

"Yeah, he is. What's your dad like?" asked Alex.

Adam smiled, hoping that Jeffery might get a few things off his chest. Sometimes Alex could be a good ear. He hoped this was one of them and latched the door gently.

TBC chapter 9: Emerald Bay pt 2; Gallows Threat.

A.N. Sorry this chapter has taken so long. I've been playing with it here and there, but due to a death in the family, my heart has just not been in it, and Alex just wasn't being herself, either. But then, I remembered some of my brother's favourite jokes, which were right up Alex's alley; so she got on a roll. Unfortunately, though this little stop over got a little too long and took on a little story of its own, so...To be continued in the next chapter and most likely the next. Thank you all for your patience. I hope you enjoy. A big hug and shout out to Lajoci for editing this for me. Some reviews would be nice, constructive criticism or anything.

I have taken some liberties...

*Snow White; The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in the first edition of their collection Grimms' Fairy Tales. The Grimms completed their final revision of the story in fairy tale features such elements as the magic mirror, the poisoned apple, the glass coffin, and the characters of the evil queen and the seven dwarfs, but they weren't given any individual names or characterizations ( they were a little naughty and rambunctious) until the Broadway play Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1912) and then given different names and character traits again (much better behaved) in Walt Disney's 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In other words, the names Happy, Grumpy etc, never existed in the original story

**No insult intended to persons of short statue. It was my brothers favorite joke; An intelligent witty lad, interested in astronomy, and who often picked on his very short and crazy little sister.