The Christmas Child: The Sequel to Return to Shiloh
[Chapter Two] [December 11th, 1907]
[The Next Morning]
What time did Sheriff Abbott say he'd bring her, Uncle Henry? He did'nt say, Josie. They should be here soon. Well, I'll get these dishes started. Let me know when they're here. I will, Josie.
[Meanwhile, In the Bunkhouse]
We have to go out on the range now, but you can stay behind to help with the little girl. That's your job today, Jamie. Alright, sure, boss. I know Josie asked for your help with her. Well, I'd better get going, then. See ya later, boss. You, too, Jamie. It did'nt take Jamie long to get to the main house at Shiloh. [Knock-Knock!] Someone's at the door, Uncle Henry. I'll get it, Josie. Good morning, Jamie. Morning, Judge. What can I do for you? Well, Josie asked me to help her keep an eye on the little girl while she's here. Come on in, Jamie. We'll be glad to have your help. She should be here soon. I wonder what she'll be like. I don't know, Jamie. I hope she'll be easy to handle. I expect Josie can manage her, Judge. I hope so, Jamie. Here comes Sheriff Abbott now. I'll go tell Josie, Judge. Alright, Jamie. She's in the kitchen. Morning, Josie. Good morning, Jamie. Any sign of Sheriff Abbott? He's coming right now, Josie. I came in here to tell you that. Alright, Jamie. I'm all done anyway. Let's go meet her. I hope she'll tell us what her name is. Me, too, Josie. After you. Thank you, Jamie. There she is now. She sure is a pretty little thing, Josie. There's your uncle, Josie. Alright, Jamie, come on. Good morning, Judge, Josie. Morning, Mark. Is this her? One and the same, Judge. She finally told me her name. This is Lottie. She could'nt tell me what her last name was. Lottie, this is Judge Henry Garth and his niece Josie. They'll be your foster family for now. Hello, Lottie. My name is Josie and I'm very pleased to meet you. This is my friend Jamie. He's a cowboy and he lives here on Shiloh. Hi, little lady. I have a little cousin named Lottie. Can I help you down from there? Yes, please. So you can talk. Are you my new mama? No, Lottie, but I can be your new big sister if you like. I never had a big sister before. So you're really a cowboy? Yep, I am. What should I call you? Well, Lottie, everyone just calls me Jamie. And you can, too. And you can call me Josie. You're going to be my little sister, after all. Would you like to see your room? Yes, please, Josie. Are you from Texas, Jamie? How'd you guess,Lottie? My daddy and me traveled a lot in Texas. I was born there in fact. And my daddy worked on ranches down there when they'd take him. Well, we'll take you to your room and get you all unpacked. Then would you like to see our horses? Oh, yes. I love ponies. So do I, Lottie. Thank you for bringing Lottie out here, Mark. You're welcome, Judge. When you get back to town, look through her father's belongings to see if you can find anything about who her family is. I will, Judge. They had a wagon, so there should be something. If I find anything, I'll bring it out to you. You do that, Mark. Goodbye, Judge. Goodbye. Safe travels.
