The Christmas Child: The Sequel to Return to Shiloh [December 10th, 1907]

[Chapter One]

[It's hard to believe its almost Christmas, Uncle Henry. I know, Josie. How are you coming along with those scarves for the boys? This is the last one, Uncle Henry. Who is it for? Jamie. He's done so well here in the past few months, Josie. He certainly has, Uncle Henry. I'm glad he came to us. So am I, Josie. A few days ago, Jamie told me that he has a seven year old cousin named Lottie somewhere but he does'nt know where. He asked if you could help him find her. Tell him I'll be happy to help, Josie. I will, Uncle Henry. Someone's knocking at the door. I'll go see who it is, Uncle Henry. Alright, Josie. Oh, hello, Sheriff Abbott. Merry Christmas. Hello, Josie. Merry Christmas to you. I need to speak to Judge Garth about something. Of course, come on in. He's right in there. Good evening, Judge. Hello, Mark. I need to speak with you about something. Should I go in the other room? Oh, no, Josie. It's nothing you should'nt hear. In fact, it concerns you as well. What is it, Mark? Well, Judge, today a man came into town and picked a fight with someone and there was a shoot-out. The man was killed. What does this have to do with me, Mark? He left a little girl, Judge. She won't tell me her name. She looks to be about six or seven years old. She has no family that I know of and she needs a home. At least until the circuit judge can decide what to do with her. Can you and Josie take her? We'd be glad to, Mark. And if no family turns up, we'll be prepared to keep her. Alright, Judge. And thanks a lot. You're welcome. I'll bring her out here first thing tomorrow morning. I'll see you out, Sheriff. Thank-you, Josie. Goodbye, Josie. Goodnight, Sheriff. Uncle Henry, what should we tell the boys? Just that we'll have a guest, Josie. I can go down and tell them if you like. Alright, Josie. I'll be back shortly. Can I come in, boys? Sure, Josie, come on in. Hello, Jamie. Take a chair and sit if you like. Thank-you, Jamie. Hi, Josie. Hi, Virginian. What brings you down here this evening? Uncle Henry wanted me to tell you that we'll be having a very special guest here on Shiloh. Who is it, Josie? A little girl, Jamie. She's about six, seven years old and she has no family that we know about. Sheriff Abbott came by and told Uncle Henry about her. Where's her parents? Well, her father picked a fight in town and it ended in a shoot-out. What's her name, Josie? I don't know, Jamie. I expect we'll find out tomorrow. My cousin Lottie would be about that age now. I know, Jamie. I've told Uncle Henry about her and he's going to do his best to find her. You'll need to give him all the information you have about her. I'l l let him see my Aunt Elizabeth's letters to my mama, Josie. That would be a good start, Jamie. Thank you, Josie. you're welcome, Jamie. I was happy to help. And Jamie, could you help keep an eye on her while she's here? Sure, Josie. I'd be happy to. Since you and I are the closest ones her age here. Well, goodnight, all. It's late and I need to get her room ready before she gets here in the morning. Goodnight, Jamie. Night, Josie. Can I walk you back to the house? I'd like that, Jamie. Thank-you. I'll be back, boss. Alright, Jamie. Do you think we'll ever find Lottie, Josie? Of course I do, Jamie. She's out there somewhere. Did your aunt ever send your mother a picture of her? Yes, once. Do you still have it? It's in my mama's things in the bunkhouse, Josie. Then you need to find it as soon as you can, Jamie. My uncle could have a missing poster made from it. We will find her, Jamie. No matter how long it takes. I believe you, Josie. Thank you for walking me back, Jamie. I was glad to, Josie. Goodnight, Jamie. Sweet dreams. You, too, Josie. See you tomorrow. Did you tell them, Josie? Yes, Uncle Henry. I'm going to get her room ready and then I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight, Josie. Goodnight, Uncle Henry. Did Jamie walk you back? Yes, as a matter of fact he did. I like that young man more and more every day. So do I, Uncle Henry, Josie replied as she left the room.]