a/n: I'm sorry about the long delay between chapters but June was a very bad month for me. I lost 2 very good friends, one suddenly and one from cancer and to make matters worse, at the end of the month, I learned that I was being laid off from the job I've had for the past 4 years and July 7 would be my last day. So I didn't do much writing in June and July. I also adopted one friend's kitten and it's hard to move the mouse or type with a kitten laying on your wrist.
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Ben started getting upset when the children couldn't decide who was going to sit where and was about to tell all of them that they were going to stay at the house with Hop Sing when Victoria put her hand on his arm and said, "They're little children Ben. Let Adam handle it. Don't you remember us arguing with John about who was going to sit in the front whenever our parents took us out in the buggy? Father was going to take his belt to the three of us and make us stay at home but Mother solved the problem in the exact same way Adam is."
"It's been a long time since that happened. I had to sit in the back on the way to where we were going and you had to sit there on the way home."
"Yes, and Father got angry with John for teasing us about sitting in the back, used his belt on our brother when we returned home and told him that he would not be allowed to sit in the front with our parents for two months."
"Yes. I remember. You and I got to sit with our parents whenever we went somewhere in the buggy for two months. We both wanted to tease John very badly, but didn't dare for fear of receiving the same punishment he did. Look at me. I'm turning into our father after swearing I would never be like him and lose my patience over little things. Adam settled the matter in less than five minutes but I was ready to use my belt on all six children and make them stay home."
"You've forgotten what it's like to have a young child in the house and I don't think you would have used your belt on those children. Also, I wouldn't have let you and neither would anyone else. Catherine and Mark did nothing wrong and neither did the others. They all wanted to sit in the front seat just as you, John, and I did when we were young and before you went away to sea."
Hoss drove the surrey and Victoria sat next to her brother. "Ben, I know you said when Sam and Julia come to visit, you're going to have a party in their honor. Will Cat be allowed to attend that party?"
"Yes she will. I would hear no end of it from Sam, Julia, and my sons if I sent her to a friend's house during a party for her God parents. When we get home, ask her to show you the dress I bought her for the party."
"What about her friends? Will they be allowed to attend?"
"I'm planning on asking their parents to let them attend. I don't want Cat to be the only child there and meeting the President and First Lady will be something they'll be able to tell their children and grandchildren. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know about the boys, but from what I've been able to learn, Mary and Laura's parents don't have a lot of money. I would like to buy dresses for them to wear to Sam's party. Do you think their parents will mind?"
"No, I don't think Charles and Caroline will mind as long as you explain why you bought the dresses. What about the boys?"
"I was thinking about them too. Lucas, will you allow Mark to visit the Ponderosa when Sam and Julia are there?"
"It all depends Victoria. Mark met them last June when they brought Cat to North Fork. It's a four day trip here and I won't have him missing school just to attend a party, even if it is for the president."
"I think they were planning to visit at Easter," said Ben. School here is out for two weeks at Easter, so if Sam and Julia come then and school in North Fork will be out for two weeks, you and Mark will be able to come to the party. I know you don't have a lot of extra money, so if you can come, I will gladly pay your train and stage fare just to keep Cat happy. If necessary, I will even pay for someone to take care of your ranch while you're here. You know as well as I do that Cat will be very angry with both of us if Mark is able to be here and isn't allowed to come."
"I know. What did you have in mind Victoria?"
"Since I am going to buy dresses for the girls, I want to buy dress shirts, ties, and pants for the boys. Since the dresses, shirts, and pants won't be worn all the time, I will probably buy larger sizes and have them taken in, leaving the excess material so they can be let out as the children grow."
"Alright Victoria. You may buy Mark a dress shirt, dress pants, and a tie, but I don't want him thinking he's going to get something every time he sees you."
"How can you say that Lucas? Mark is a sweet boy and I am doing the same thing for him as I am for the rest of the children. Ben already bought a nice party dress for Cat, but I am going to buy her a dress, of her choosing, to replace the one I gave her for Christmas. I might just spoil all of them and give each of them fifty cents to spend on themselves."
Part way to Carson City, Laura turned around, looked at her sister and said, "Mary, we forgot our Christmas money. Now we won't be able to buy anything. Cat, can you turn back so we can get our Christmas money?"
"I forgot mine too," answered Cat. "But it will take too long to go back to the house and get it. Maybe Pa will let me take money out of my bank account."
"Don't worry about your Christmas money," said Adam. "If you children find something in the city you want, I will buy it for you. Just save your money for another day. That includes you too Cat. You don't have to take money out of your bank account. You have a family now and we will buy whatever you need. It's our job to take care of you." When they reached Carson City, he said, "Ok Cat. Stop here and let Joe drive. Come back here and sit with me, Andy, and Mary."
"I'm tired of always being told I'm too little to do something. Jas, Mike, and Mark can help me if something spooks the horses."
Before Adam became angry, Joe said, "Hey Little Twin, the reason you can't drive the buggy in the city right now isn't because you're too little. It's just because you don't have any experience doing it and Pa wants to wait until spring when the snow is gone before letting you do it. Remember, it wasn't that long ago when you weren't allowed to even drive the small buggy to Virginia City and now you can drive everything we have except the big wagons and that's because right now you are too small to drive them. I was fifteen before I was allowed to and Pa, Hoss, or Adam had to be right there with me. Carson City is a lot busier than Virginia City and Pa just wants to wait until the ground isn't muddy or icy before letting you drive in the city. Hoss is a lot bigger than Pa, Adam and I are and even he would have a hard time if one of the horses slipped and fell in the mud. That's why Pa wants to wait until the ground is dry before letting you drive in the city."
Cat saw the logic in what Joe was saying and said, "Ok Big Twin. You can drive." She handed the reins to Mark and climbed into the back seat with Adam, Mary, and Andy.
Joe noticed that the farther they got into the city, the muddier the ground became. He had an idea, stopped the buggy and said, "Adam, Andy, Please help Cat come up here with me." Adam started to say something but Andy put a hand on his arm and shook his head. They helped Cat climb over the seat and Joe said, "Cat, I'm going to show you why Pa doesn't want you driving the buggy in Carson City right now. You're going to sit in my lap just like you did when you were learning how to drive the buggy. You'll hold the reins but my hands will be on yours."
Cat wasn't happy with Joe's plan but did as he said. She found it hard to hold and control the horses in the mud and finally said, "My arms are hurting from trying to hold the horses. Will you please drive?"
"Of course I will Cat. Now do you know why we don't want you driving in the city right now? You've only been driving for about five minutes and your arms are hurting from trying to control the horses while they're walking. Imagine what it would be like if they were going faster than a walk. Let me get the buggy out of the middle of the road and then you can go back with Adam, Andy, and Mary."
When they reached the livery stable, Adam walked up to Joe and said, "That was a very good plan you came up with little brother. It seems to have worked for now."
"That's mighty high praise coming from you older brother, and something I have heard too little of since you came home from college."
Ben overheard the conversation and walked up to his sons. "I'm glad to hear you praising your brother Adam. What plan did he come up with?"
"Cat thought the reason she wasn't allowed to drive in the city was because she was too small. Joe explained it to her but she wasn't totally convinced so he had her sit in his lap and drive the buggy with his hands over hers. She barely lasted five minutes when she said her arms were hurting from trying to hold the horses and asked Joe to take over for her."
"Adam's right. That was an excellent idea Joe. I hope the lesson stays with Cat for a while." He walked up to Cat, hugged her and said, "Your brothers tell me that you learned just how hard it is to drive the buggy in the mud. I hope you understand now why I want to wait until spring before allowing you to drive it in Carson City. You may still drive the surrey, buckboard, and buggy to and from Virginia City until we get snowed in and can't go anywhere. It's not as large as Carson City so it won't be as hard."
The group started walking down the boardwalk and the children looked in a lot of store windows. Even though Cat had been to Carson City before, she was just as excited as her friends and Mark about everything they saw. When they saw a bookstore, all six children wanted to go in and look at all of the books. "You girls just got a lot of books for Christmas. Weren't they enough?" asked Joe.
"No!" came the reply from all three girls.
"You can never have too many books," said Mary. "I wish we could take all of the books home
with us."
"Why don't we come back here after dinner?" asked Ben. "I know you're going to want to spend a lot of time in there so we should make this the last stop before we start back for the Ponderosa."
They continued walking down the street, looking in windows and going into some stores. When they reached the men's clothing store where Ben bought his new suit, Victoria said, "Why don't you men take the boys and get them measured for suits? I'm going to take the girls and find a dress shop to get dresses for them. Kitty, are you going to come with us or stay here with the men and boys?"
"I'm going to come with you. I can always use another dress."
"Aunt Victoria, why do Mary and Laura need more dresses and why do Mark, Jas, and Mike need suits?"
"Your Uncle Sam will be visiting the Ponderosa sometime in the next year. When he does, Ben will have a party and your friends and Mark will be invited. They will need clothes to wear to the party and I said I would buy those clothes for them."
Cat hugged her aunt. "Gee thanks Aunt Victoria. That's really nice of you."
"You're welcome my dear. It has been many years since I bought clothes for children and I will enjoy doing it again, even if it's just for my niece and her friends. Maybe you, Mark, and your friends will be able to come and visit me at my ranch in California sometime. I know your cousins would love to have you visit so they can show you the ranch. Maybe we can ever get Eugene to come home to see you."
"Even Audra? I don't think she wants me to visit. I think she hates me."
"Don't worry about Audra. Jarrod and I are treating her exactly the way your Uncle Tom would if he were still alive. I don't know when she's going to be allowed to ride again. Her horse has been turned out with the herd, her tack is locked in Jarrod's room and her riding clothes are locked in mine. She isn't allowed to use the buggy either. I told Nick to drive her into town for Christmas church services but other than that, she's restricted to the house and is supposed to be helping the cook and Silas as well as doing extra lessons. If you and your friends come to visit and she acts like a spoiled child having a temper tantrum, she will be severely dealt with. Now, let's go and find some dresses you and your friends like."
They walked down the street until they came to the dress shop where Cat got her dress for when President and Mrs. Grant would be visiting the Ponderosa. The owner recognized Cat who introduced her aunt and Kitty and said that her friends needed fancy party dresses too. While Mary and Laura were being measured and looking at party dresses, Victoria and Cat looked at dresses for her. Victoria found a blue dress with yellow and orange flowers on it. "Look at this one Cat. Do you like it? It's very pretty. You could wear it to the dance tomorrow night."
Cat looked at the dress and held it up to herself while looking in the mirror. "It is pretty Aunt Victoria. I like it very much. May I please get it?"
"Of course you may Sweetheart. That's one reason we're here, to buy you a dress to make up for the one I gave you for Christmas. I should have written to Ben and asked what you liked before buying something for you. I promise I will never make that mistake again." Victoria and Kitty also found dresses that they liked and decided to buy them. Once everyone had been fitted for their dresses, the store owner said that she would have the dresses ready for them after dinner. "That's fine. We'll pick them up then. Thank you for your help."
They left the dress shop and walked back to the men's clothing store where they found Ben, Jarrod, Heath, Lucas, and Andy standing outside. "What is taking so long?" demanded Victoria. "The five of us found dresses and were fitted for them and here you are standing around outside. The three boys should have been fitted for suits long before now!" She looked at the girls and said, "Girls, Kitty it appears that the five of us should have stayed here and made the men wait while we looked for dresses. I can't believe it's taking this long to measure three young boys for suits!"
"The boys have already been measured for their suits and they will be ready after dinner. They're inside because it's cold out here." said Ben. "We're still here because Adam, Hoss, and Joe all decided that they needed new suits. Hoss and Adam have already been fitted for theirs, but Joe is being very picky about what he wants."
Victoria decided to take matters into her own hands. She walked into the shop and spoke to her youngest nephew. "Joseph Francis Cartwright, you have eighteen people, including six children waiting out in the cold for you to stop being so picky. Choose a suit and get measured for it. Since you seem to be incapable of doing so on your own, I will do it for you. I used to help your Uncle Tom, Jarrod, Nick, and Eugene, and now I will help you." She looked at her nephew and selected a blue suit. "This will look good on you. No, you don't need a black jacket and slacks. You already have a black suit and there's nothing wrong with it, so I don't understand why you need another one. This blue one is just fine. Now try it on so we can be on our way."
The boys walked outside when Victoria entered the store so she could be alone with Joe. "Joe sure is being fussy," said Mark as he walked up to Cat. The three of us, Hoss, and Adam all found suits in about ten minutes but Joe is still looking at them."
"Doggone Joe. We're cold but he doesn't care and is taking forever. He would yell at us if we took a long time and made him wait for us, but we're not allowed to yell at him because he's older than us. I can't wait until I get old enough to yell at him. I'll probably get in trouble, but I'm so mad at him I'm going to kick him."
"I think Aunt Victoria is yelling at him. She had a really mad look on her face when she came into the store so Mike, Jas, and I came out here. We didn't want her getting mad at us for being in there while she was yelling at Joe."
"I hope so. Maybe I can get Hoss and Adam to yell at him for us. They won't get in trouble like we would."
"That's a good idea. Let's go and ask them."
The six children walked over to where Hoss and Adam were waiting for their brother. They hugged their sister and Adam asked, "What's wrong Squirt?"
"We're cold and Joe is taking forever. Will the two of you please yell at him for us because we'll get in trouble if we yell at him."
"Shore, we'll yell at Joe for ya Punkin," replied Hoss. "We was fixin' ta do it anyway 'cause we're gettin' cold too. It ain't fair for him to make the six of ya wait out in the cold while he picks out a new suit he doesn't need."
"In fact," added Adam. "I'm going to go and talk to Pa about stopping at the cafe up the street for some hot cocoa and coffee. I'm sure he'll say yes, so when Hoss and I yell at baby brother, we'll tell him that he has to pay for everyone's drinks. That will teach him to make everyone wait for him."
Adam talked to Ben who agreed that stopping at the cafe for something hot to drink was a very good idea. He also agreed that since Joe was the cause of everyone standing around in the cold he should pay for everyone's drinks. Joe walked out of the store, followed by his aunt. Ben was angry with him and let him know in no uncertain terms. "Just exactly what is your problem today? You didn't need a new suit. The one you have is less than a year old. Your brothers needed new suits. Adam's is tight across his chest and Hoss' jacket cuffs are fraying. You left eighteen people, including six children standing out here in the cold while you took your time selecting something you didn't need. Take a good look at your sister, her friends, and Mark. Do you see how cold they are? I don't know what got into you. You've never been this inconsiderate before and I hope you never are again. We are going to the cafe down the street for something hot to drink and pie for the children, which you are going to pay for."
"I did need a new suit Pa. Sally Ann and the other girls said they didn't like the one I had and should get a new one."
"You kept everyone waiting out here in the cold so you could impress the girls?! I can't believe how inconsiderate you are. Those children have to go back to school a week from Monday and all of them may be sick for the rest of their vacation because you wanted to impress girls! You owe everyone, especially the children an apology. We are going to the cafe down the street for something hot to drink and pie. You are going to pay for everyone's order and I may make you pay for everyone's dinner at the Magnolia. You will also be doing your sister's and Adam's chores until Cat leaves for Arizona in June. You are nineteen years old now and need to start acting like a man instead of a love sick boy! We will finish this discussion at home. I need to get these children inside where it's warm. They need to get something hot inside of them before we finish shopping."
Cat walked up to Joe, kicked him in one of his shins and said, "I'm mad at you. You're not going to be my big twin any more. Hoss is."
Ben struggled not to laugh at Cat's statement but stopped her when she started to kick him again. "I know you're angry at Joe, but we've talked about controlling your temper when you're angry. Kicking someone just because you're angry at them is not the right thing to do. We're going to a cafe down the street so everyone can get something hot to drink. Go and get your friends and Mark so we can leave."
When they reached the cafe, Ben allowed the children to sit at a table by themselves and said they could get something to drink and a piece of pie. Joe apologized to everyone and added, "I know everyone thinks I didn't need a new suit, but I did. Sally Ann and the other girls..."
"Joe..."
"Yes Adam?"
"Sit down and shut up before Hoss and I do something we'll only regret because we're in public. Don't think you're getting off easy baby brother because we may still do it to you when we get home. You left eighteen people, including six children standing out in the cold so you could impress some girls. If the children get sick, you are going to have to tell their parents why and you will deserve all of their wrath. I can't believe how self centered you are."
When Joe started to answer his brother, Hoss stopped him. "Don' say another word Shortshanks. Ya done dug yorself in deep enough. Ifn ya keep talkin' the way ya've been doin', Adam and I are gonna have ta toss ya out of the hayloft and hope ya land on yore head and get some sense knocked into ya."
Ben decided to put a stop to the quarreling before it got out of hand. "Boys, that's enough. You are setting a bad example for the children. Settle your differences at home, not in public."
The waitress came over and introduced herself as Sally. The adults ordered coffee and pie. Ben told her the children could have something hot to drink and a piece of pie. She walked over to the table where the children were sitting and said, "I've been told you may have something hot to drink and a piece of pie. Would you like hot cocoa or hot apple cider to drink?"
All of the children except Cat chose the cider. "I've never had hot apple cider. Is it good?"
"Yes it is," answered Laura.
"Sometimes it's better than hot cocoa," added Mary.
"Why don't I bring you a little bit?" asked Sally. "Then you can taste it and decide for yourself."
"Ok. Thank you."
Sally returned a few minutes later carrying a coffee cup with some hot cider in it. "Here, try this and see what you think."
Cat tasted the cider and said, "This is really good. I would like some hot cider to drink please."
"Very good. That's six hot apple ciders, now what kind of pie would all of you like? I have apple, blueberry, and cherry fresh out of the oven."
"Cherry please," said all six children together. After the children had finished their pie and two mugs of hot cider, Ben decided they had warmed up enough to shop until dinner time. When they came to the Magnolia Inn, he went inside to tell the maître d' that counting him, there would be nineteen people having dinner there so they could get the tables ready ahead of time.
The group continued looking in shop windows and occasionally going into one. Adam bought more drawing and sketch pads, regular and colored pencils. Ben gave him a puzzled look as Cat had just given him some for Christmas. "Some of these are for Cat and I need more also. I've had to make a lot of sketches of the children and I'm sure I will need to make more before everyone goes home next week."
When they reached a toy store, Adam told the children that they could each choose two toys. They began looking around when they spotted a strange two wheeled contraption that had pedals. Since none of the adults in the group knew what it was, Jasper walked up to the clerk, pointed to it and asked, "Excuse me sir, but what is that thing and how do you use it?"
"It is called a velocipede. They're very popular in Europe and are becoming popular in the larger eastern cities. The thing in the middle is called the seat, the curved piece up front is the handlebar, and the things attached to the front wheel are called pedals. You sit on the seat, put your feet on the pedals, push one at a time to make it go, and steer it with the handlebar. Would you and your friends like to try it? We have a yard out back where customers can try them." The children looked at Ben, who gave his permission. Adam was glad he had purchased more sketch pads and pencils so he could draw each child on the velocipede. With the clerk's help, each child rode the velocipede around the yard in the back of the store while the adults watched and laughed as they struggled to keep the machine upright.
"That was fun," said Mark. "But I'd rather have a horse. That velocipede isn't much good for ranch work, it would take forever to get to town, and you can't carry anything on it." Everyone had a good laugh and agreed with him.
The children picked out their toys, Adam paid for them and everyone continued exploring Carson City. When they reached a store that sold shoes and boots, Cat said, "Pa, I need new shoes and boots. Mine are pinching my feet. I went to Mr. McLeod's store before we listened to Andy sing on Wednesday and he doesn't have any that fit me."
"Well then, I guess I had just better spend more time hugging you so I can keep you from getting bigger because I don't want you to grow up. I want you to stay nine forever."
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen Ben," laughed Matt. "I've been trying for almost eight years to keep her from growing up but she is doing it despite my best efforts."
Ben gave an exaggerated sigh. "Oh well, I guess I'd better buy some new shoes and boots for her then. The way she's growing, it would be nice if she could wear horse shoes. They're cheaper and last longer. How are your winter boots Cat? Are they pinching your feet too?"
"No Pa. My Apache mother made them a little big so I wouldn't grow out of them before winter was over. She said she'd make me another pair when I visit in the summer."
"That's good. Let's go inside and see if they have any shoes and boots you like that fit you." They went inside the store and started looking around. Laura and Mary helped Cat find some shoes while the boys helped her find boots she liked. Victoria also bought a woman's boot lace hook to take to the blacksmith in Virginia City to see if he could make something similar for the children to use on their skate laces.
By the time Ben paid for Cat's new shoes and boots, it was almost dinner time so everyone walked back to the Magnolia Inn. The maître d' greeted Ben and showed everyone to the table that had been prepared for them. Ronald was surprised to see Ben who greeted him warmly and introduced everyone else. He petted Lassie and Silver Chief, picked Cat up, hugged her and said, "It's a pleasure to see you again Mr. Cartwright. Do you mind if I borrow my favorite assistant for a few minutes? I'd like to surprise Chef Jackson. We weren't expecting to see you again so soon and I know he'll be happy to see Cat."
"Of course you may Ronald."
Ronald took Cat into the kitchen and asked, "Chef Jackson, are you cooking anything that has to be watched constantly?"
"No Ronald. Why do you ask."
"Good because I have a surprise for you. Please close your eyes for a minute." He had Cat stand in front of him and said, "You can open your eyes now and turn around to see your surprise."
Chef Jackson turned around and a large smile appeared on his face when he saw Cat. "Ronald, that is indeed a wonderful surprise you brought me. Hello Cat. I didn't expect to see you again until spring. Is your father here with you?"
"No. I took his horse and a bunch of money out of the safe and came here with my dogs just so I could have some shepherd's pie."
"You are a little scamp. How did you get money out of the safe? Do you know the combination?"
"No. I just stood in front of it and said Open Sesame and it opened, just like in the story of Ali Baba."
"Wow. That's impressive. Will it work for me too?"
"No. It only works for kids."
"I see. Well, I guess I had better go and say hello to your father so Ronald can take your orders."
"My brothers, aunt, uncles, cousins and some of my friends are here too."
"Then I need to go and say hello to everyone because I'm sure they're hungry."
He walked out into the dining room and greeted Ben who introduced him to everyone else. Before returning to the kitchen, he spent a few minutes petting Cat's puppies. While everyone was looking at their menu, Ben said, "Children, I'd like you to look at the menu and choose something besides steak, or fried chicken. Cat tried the shepherd's pie the last time we were here and liked it so much I know that's what she's going to order, aren't you Cat?"
Cat giggled. "Yes I am Pa. When I was in the kitchen, Chef Jackson asked if you were here with me. I told him no, that I had taken your horse and some money out of the safe just so I could come here and have some shepherd's pie again."
"Little scamp. If you ever take my horse without my permission and come here without me, you will be riding to school backwards on a mule." Cat giggled at being teased by her father.
Before Victoria could get upset about Cat's comments, Joe said quietly, "Little sister loves to tell tall tales. When Pa brought her here to go Christmas shopping, Adam, Hoss, and I gave her money to buy gifts for Pa. He knew that we had given her money but decided to tease her and asked where she got the money from. She told him that she had taken it out of the safe and when he asked how because she doesn't know the combination, she said she stood in front of it, said Open Sesame and the safe opened. Pa asked how much money she took and she said she had taken a million dollars but left at least ten million dollars in it."
"Oh, that is priceless. It's obvious that I need to spend more time getting to know my niece. I'll do what I can in the little time left before returning to California, but I am definitely going to come here with Nick and Heath in the spring. I regret not going to visit her in Dodge when Jarrod went to check on her for my father. I also wish I had known what he was forcing my sister to do. If I had, I would have done everything in my power to stop it. Matt did a great job raising Cat but I wish her mother would have been there too."
"We all do."
After dinner, everyone continued exploring Carson City. They stopped at the bookstore, where all six children chose four books each. They returned to the Magnolia for a snack and something hot to drink before going to the livery stable to get the buggy and surrey so they could head back to the Ponderosa. Joe started to climb into the front seat of the buggy but Cat said, "I'm mad at you and you're not my big twin any more. You can't ride in here. You have to walk home."
Adam and Andy just looked at each other and laughed. "Cat," said Adam. "Joe can't walk home. It's almost a three hour drive so it will be sometime tomorrow before he gets home."
"I don't care. I'm mad at Joe and he has to walk home."
"How about I drive until we get out of the city and Joe can just stay in the back seat?"
"No. He has to walk home. Lassie and Silver Chief can sit in his spot instead of in the boot."
Ben walked up and asked, "Problem son?"
"Yes. Cat won't let Joe ride in the buggy. She keeps saying he has to walk home because she's angry at him."
Ben laughed, picked Cat up and hugged her. "Sweetheart, Joe has to ride home in the buggy. The surrey is full and it's too far for him to walk back to the house."
"I don't care. I'm mad at him and he can't ride in the buggy."
"Cat, I know you're angry with Joe but he has to ride in the buggy. I already told you there isn't any room for him in the surrey. If you don't let Joe ride in the buggy, you will not be allowed to drive it home. Adam will drive it back to the house."
"He can ride in the surrey. Somebody else can ride in the buggy."
"Caat."
"Oh ok, but he has to ride in the boot. Lassie and Silver Chief can ride on the seat."
"Caat."
"Alright, but he can't drive."
"That's fine."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxa/n: The first pedal-equipped bicycle was developed by Pierre Michaux, Pierre Lallement and the Olivier brothers in the 1860s. The Michaux company was the first to mass-produce the velocipede, from 1857 to 1871.