Chapter 15: Morning at the Sherman Ranch & Relay Station] [Chapter 15:Part 1]

It's time to get up now, dear; Daisy said in a cheerful, brisk voice. Alright, Daisy; Naomi said yawning. Thankfully I have a dress I can wear today in my carpet-bag. Oh, that's good; Daisy said as she

opened the curtains. When Mike and I go into town for supplies today, I'll help you pick out some suitable clothes, Naomi. Thank you Daisy, I'd appreciate the help; Naomi said as she pulled the dress

over her head. I'll go and see who's up; Naomi said when she'd finished dressing. I'll be in to start breakfast in a few minutes, Naomi. Alright, Daisy; Naomi said as she went out the door. Morning, Mike.

Mornin', Naomi; the little boy said with a wide grin. Have you seen Jess yet, Naomi? No, not yet, Mike. But I'm sure he's awake. Would you like to see my pets later, Naomi? I'd like that a lot, Mike;

Naomi said with interest. Here comes my uncle and Reb from the bunkhouse; Naomi said, looking out the window. I sure did like hearing your Uncle Mac tell stories last night, Naomi; Mike said excitedly. I hope

he'll tell us some more before he leaves. Oh you do, do you?; Naomi asked in a teasing mood. Yeah, the stories were exciting, Mike said. A lot like the stories Jess tells me. And the ones I read, too; Mike

added. Mornin', Slim; Mike said when he spotted the older of his two guardians. Mornin', Mike; Slim said good-naturedly. Is Jess awake yet?; asked Mike. Yeah, Mike, I just helped him get dressed a few minutes ago;

Slim said. Is Daisy fixing breakfast, Naomi?; Slim asked their pretty house-guest. Yes, Slim, she said she'd be here in a minute or two; Naomi answered. Good, because I'm so hungry I could eat a horse,

tail and all; said Slim with a laugh. In that case, Daisy better hurry then or Sherman Relay Station will own one less horse; Naomi said with a laugh. That's a funny joke, Naomi; Mike said in between laughs.

Here comes your uncle, Naomi; Slim said as he looked out the window. Morning, Mac, morning, Reb; Slim said as they came through the front door. Morning, Slim; they both said in turn. Was the bunkhouse

comfortable enough for you two?; Slim asked. Oh sure, Slim, it was just fine; Mac replied. Thanks for askin'. It was sure a lot more cozy than sleepin' outside on the hard ground, Reb added with a yawn. How's

Jess doin' this morning', Slim?; Mac asked with concern. He's a lot better, Mac; Slim replied. Thank you for asking. Morning, Uncle Mac; Naomi said with a smile.

Morning, honey; he said with a smile. You get settled in alright last night?; Mac asked. Yes, I did, Uncle Mac. I'm going to be staying on and helping Daisy for awhile until I find a suitable job; Naomi added.

That all sounds just fine, Naomi; Mac said with a look of approval. You be sure and drop me a note sometime, honey. I will, Uncle Mac; she replied. And you be sure to write me, too; Naomi added.

When are you all pulling out?; Naomi asked hesitantly. Right after breakfast, Naomi; Mac replied. I see Daisy in the kitchen so I'd better go and help her out, Uncle Mac; Naomi said. Alright, Naomi, I'll

see you later, honey; he replied. Mac, if you're after something to do while we wait for breakfast, you can go in and visit with Jess if you like; said Slim thoughtfully. He's awake and I'm sure he'd

like to see you; Slim said with a smile. I was just thinkin' that myself, Slim; Mac said as he headed for the bedroom that Slim and Jess shared. Come on, Mike, let's help Daisy and Naomi while

those two visit; Slim said as they headed for the kitchen. Sure, Slim; Mike said grinning.