Having fun, Little Joe?" Ben asked lightly, giving him a affectionate punch in the arm.

"Yeah, sure I am!"

"I notice you've been giving a lot of your attention to Nellie Rogers!"

"I like her!"

"Yes, she's a nice girl," Ben answered, trying to keep from laughing. He had seen the lascivious looks passing between the couple. He knew his son well enough to realize he would not take advantage of her but he had been keeping an eye on him all the same.

There was a kerfuffle at the door, a cry and a bevy of agitated women surged in.

"Mr Cartwright! You must come! Quickly!"

"What's happened?"

"It's your daughter!"