"His Cousin's Keeper"  by Linda C. 

                “Pa!”  Lucas rushed out of the barn as Mark pulled Blueboy to a stop. “Mark, what’s wrong?”  Lucas took Blueboy’s reins as Mark quickly dismounted.  “Nothing’s wrong, Pa. Look, we got a letter!”  Mark held out an envelope to Lucas.  “I mean, you got a letter, Pa.  Millie said it came in a few days ago so she gave it to me today ‘cause she didn’t know when you were coming into town.”  Lucas took the letter from Mark.  “Well, Pa, aren’t you going to read it?”  Mark’s eyes shone with curiosity.  Lucas nodded, “In a few minutes. You take care of Blueboy and then start your homework.  When I’ve finished in the barn, I’ll read the letter.”  Mark sighed as he responded.  “Yes, Pa” and led Blueboy to the corral.  You’d think they got a letter every day; Pa was so disinterested in it.  Lucas tucked the envelope into his back pocket and returned to the barn.  Twenty minutes later, Lucas entered the house where Mark sat at the table reading his geography book.  Lucas took off his hat and gloves and went to the sink to wash up before he started dinner.

                “How was school, son?”  Mark’s eyes were riveted on the envelope in his Pa’s pocket as he answered, “It was good, Pa.”  Lucas dried his hands as he walked to the table.  “Do you have much homework?”  “No, sir.”  Mark’s face showed his impatience at his father’s questions.  “Something bothering you, son?”  Mark just couldn’t believe it. “Pa, the letter!”  When are you going to read the letter?”  Lucas’ face was puzzled.  “What letter, son?”  Mark’s eyes popped open.  “The letter I brought to you!  It’s in your back pocket!”  Lucas reached into his pocket, “Oh, this letter, Mark?”  Pa’s eyes were twinkling.  “Pa!  C’mon!  I’ve been waiting a long time!”  Lucas tousled Mark’s hair as he sat down next to him at the table.  “Okay, Mark, let’s see what the letter says.”  Mark waited and watched his father’s face as Lucas’ eyes scanned the letter.  “Well, Pa, who’s it from?  What does it say?  C’mon, Pa, tell me!”  Lucas grinned at Mark’s curiosity as he began to answer his questions.  It’s from my cousin, Elizabeth Pickford.  Do you remember the Pickford’s, Mark?”  Mark nodded, “Yes, sir.  They lived in Jackass Meadows, right?”  “Right.  Well she’s Elizabeth Johnson now. Her husband’s name is George.  Seems George had a bad accident.  A horse broke his leg.  They are coming west, but had to hold up in Denver till George is healed.”  Lucas was still searching the letter for more details.  “They have three children, Joe, Mike and Marty.  Marty is only 10.  Liz asked if she could send Marty to stay with us.  It would make it easier for her while George is healing. Whoa!”  “What, Pa?”  The next line got Lucas’ entire attention.  “Marty will be arriving on the Denver stage on Friday, the 12^th.”  “That’s tomorrow, Pa!”  “I know, Mark, I know.  A neighbor lady, Mrs. Carver, is bringing him to North Fork on her way to Sante Fe.”

                Lucas put the letter down on the table. “Tomorrow.  We don’t have much time to get ready, Mark.”  “We can do it, Pa!  Gosh, it’ll be fun having a cousin stay here.  We can go fishing and he can help me with my chores.”  Mark’s enthusiasm was building with each minute. He figured he’s 12 – Marty’s only 10 – based on being the older, Mark would naturally be in charge.  “What are you smiling at, Mark?”  “Just thinking about what fun it will be!”  “Well, before you have any fun, finish your homework and set the table.  I’ll get dinner ready.”  Mark hummed as he finished his homework.  To have a boy almost his own age stay here would be so much fun.  He couldn’t wait to tell all the guys at school.  He just couldn’t wait for tomorrow.  Lucas reminded Mark to set the table and Mark whistled as he placed the plates around this table.  A ten year old could also help with the dishes.  This would be a great visit.

                The Denver stage was only 20 minutes late but Mark thought it had to be at least an hour behind.  He strained his eyes looking down the road till he saw the telltale cloud of dust moving toward North Fork.  He ran back to the depot, “Pa, the stage is here!”  Lucas had to pull Mark out of the way of the stage.  As the stage lumbered to a stop, two men climbed out.  Then a middle-aged lady started out the stage door.  Lucas moved forward and offered her his hand.  “Are you Mrs. Carver?”  She gratefully accepted his help alighting the stage, “Yes, sir, I am.”  Lucas removed his hat.  “Good.  Ma’am, I’m Lucas McCain and this is my son, Mark.”  Lucas also removed Mark’s hat.  Mark took his cue, “Pleased to meet you, Ma’am.”  Lucas continued, “My cousin said you were escorting her youngest child to North Fork to my care.”  Mrs. Carver’s eyes rolled in her head, “Escorting a hellion is what it was!  Well, she’s all yours’ now, Mr. McCain!”  “She?”  Lucas repeated.  “You must be mistaken.  The child’s name is Marty.”  “Oh, I’m not mistaken, sir.”  Turning to the open stage door, she called out, “Martha Louise Johnson, you come out here right now and greet these nice people.”  Lucas and Mark stared at the open door, but there was no movement.  “Young lady, come out here at once!”  Mrs. Carver sternly ordered. 

                Presently, a sullen face framed by a pair of chestnut braids and topped with a straw bonnet  peered of the door.  Momentarily stunned, Lucas recalled his purpose for being there.  He put his hat on and walked forward.  He lifted her down to the sidewalk and smiled as he said, “Hello, Martha.  I’m your cousin, Lucas, and this is my son, Mark.”  Mark nodded and said “”Hello” as friendly as he could, trying to hide his disappointment of discovering that his cousin was a girl.

                “Marti – my name is Marti!  I don’t like being called Martha!”  A very determined little girl sternly announced to the people standing around her.  “Well, Mr. McCain, I’ve done my duty.  She’s all yours’. I’m going to get some dinner now.”  “Thank you, Mrs. Carver.  I appreciate your help.”  Mrs. Carver moved quickly toward the café.  Lucas turned back to Marti.  “Well, Marti, Mark and I are very glad you’re here.  Right, Mark?”  Mark tried to muster some enthusiasm. “Sure, Pa.  Marti, I’m pleased to meet you.”  Mark smiled at Marti.  Marti stood silently looking from Lucas to Mark and back.  Lucas saw her eyes showed a little fear, even if her face showed defiance.  He leaned toward her as he spoke, “Mark and I thought we’d all have dinner at the hotel tonight to celebrate your coming to visit.  How does that sound?  Are you hungry?”  Marti’s eyes searched Lucas’ face before she spoke, “Yes, I am hungry.  What should I call you?”  Marti’s direct manner caused Mark to be taken aback.  He never would speak to an adult without a “sir” or a “ma’am” attached.  Lucas sensed he had to take a stand; he smiled, but spoke firmly, “Well, you can call me, Cousin Lucas, or sir, when you speak to me.  Mark and I will remember to call you, Marti, okay?”  “Yes,….sir.”  “Good.  I’ll put your bag in our buckboard.  Mark, you take Marti to the hotel and get us a table.”  Mark put his hat on as he spoke, “Fine, Pa.  Marti, come on.  The hotel is this way.”  Mark started down the sidewalk and Marti followed him quietly.  Lucas watched them for a moment, considering how having a girl cousin staying with them would create a couple of challenges that he hadn’t expected.  He made a resolution to check his mail more often.

                Lucas carried Marti’s carpetbag over to the buckboard which was tied up in front of Millie’s store.  Millie waved from behind the counter and Lucas walked in to say hello.  As Millie finished with her customer, she walked over to Lucas who was leaning on the counter.  Smiling, she asked, “Where are the boys? Didn’t your cousin’s son arrive?”  Lucas pushed back his hat, “I sent Mark and his cousin over to the hotel to get a table for dinner.”  “So what aren’t you telling me, Lucas?”  “Well, it turns out my cousin’s child is a girl.  Marti is short for Martha.”  Millie’s face registered her surprise, “A little girl?”  Lucas nodded, “I wasn’t prepared to take care of a little girl.  You should have seen Mark’s face when he realized all his camping and fishing plans were crushed.”  “Well, maybe not, Lucas.  If she has two older brothers, she might like doing boy things with Mark.”  “Maybe, Millie, but first I have to figure out our new living arrangements.  We two bachelors have to figure a way to give her some privacy and keep some of ours’, too.”   “I have just the thing, Lucas.  Look.”  Millie pulled a folding screen from against the wall.  “Mrs. Hanaberry ordered this last year, then didn’t like it.  It’s been sitting here ever since.  You take it.  You can use the screen to give her privacy when she needs it.”  Lucas smiled, “Thanks, Millie, this will work fine.  Would you like to join us for supper?”  Lucas lifted the screen and started to leave the store as he spoke.  “No, thank you, Lucas, I have a lot to do.  But please bring her by so I can meet Miss Marti!”  “We’ll stop by after dinner.  I think Mark could use some licorice to make him feel better.”  Lucas put the screen in the buckboard, lifted his rifle from its’ holder and headed toward the hotel.  He decided to first telegraph his cousin to let her know that “Martha” had arrived safely.

                Mark had escorted Marti into the dining room and sat at a table in the corner.  Bertha, the waitress, came right over with the menus.  “Hello, Mark.  Is your Pa coming, too?”  Mark took the menu as he answered, “Yes, Ma’am.  He’ll be right along.”  Nodding toward Marti, he continued, “This is our cousin, Marti; she’s come for a visit.”  Bertha smiled at Marti, “Marti!  What an odd name for a little girl!”  Marti’s eyes flashed, “It’s not as ugly as your name!” She practically snarled her response.  Bertha was not about to be spoken to like that by a child.  “You listen here, little girl.  You apologize right now!  You had no call to speak to me that way!”  Marti’s response was a loud “NO!” followed by sticking out her tongue.  Bertha turned crimson and she was so angry she sputtered.  “You leave this restaurant right this minute.  I don’t take that from anybody.”    Marti grabbed on to the table, her face set in an angry glare, “No - you make me!”  Mark was beyond knowing what to do.  Some other customers were staring at them disapprovingly.  “Miss Bertha, Pa will be here directly.”  Mark tried to ease the tension and prevent an all-out skirmish from breaking out. He put his hand on Marti’s arm, “Come on, Marti, we can wait outside for Pa.”  He stood and tried to get Marti to go with him.  Her bottom must have been glued to the chair; she didn’t budge.

                Lucas appeared in the doorway.  He couldn’t believe the scene in front of him.  Mark was attempting to pull Marti from the chair; Bertha was wildly gesturing and waving the menu threateningly.  When Marti caught sight of Lucas, she burst into loud crying; copious tears streamed down her face.  Mark’s face showed his shock at the sudden change in her emotions.  Lucas quickly crossed the room to the table and as he reached it, Marti threw her arms around his waist and buried her head in his shirt crying very loudly.  Lucas removed her long enough to sit himself down.  He kept his hands on Marti’s arms as he looked at Mark, “What happened here, Mark?”  Bertha spoke first, “Mr. McCain, that is one rude little girl!”  Mark started to explain, “Pa, Marti said Bertha had an ugly name…” Marti’s wails got louder and drowned out Mark’s voice.  Lucas was really at a loss here.  “Alright, all of you, quiet!”  When he finally got the quiet he requested, Lucas tried to speak reasonably, “Bertha, I apologize for any rudeness.  I am sure Marti is sorry.  Aren’t you, Marti?”  He tried to raise her chin up so he could see her eyes, but she started crying loudly again.  “Alright, stop crying!  Bertha, she’s a little girl who doesn’t even know us.  She’s tired and lonely and I bet a little scared.  Would you give her another chance, please?”  Lucas smiled at Bertha as he spoke.  Bertha sighed loudly as she replied, “I guess so, Mr. McCain.”  She didn’t want to make her favorite customer angry.  “Thank you.  Now, Mark, sit down; Marti, you sit down, too.”  When everyone was seated and quiet, Lucas spoke again, “Now tonight we are having a celebration dinner.  How does steak sound?”  Mark’s smile was his answer.  “Bertha, we’ll each have steak, potatoes and vegetables. “  Bertha quickly headed off to the kitchen.

 Lucas looked at his two dinner companions.  Mark was staring at Marti, or more accurately at the top of Marti’s head because she hadn’t yet looked up.  “Well, son, did you tell Marti about our ranch?”  “No, Pa, we didn’t have time.”  Lucas’ eyes warned Mark not to bring up the “Bertha incident.”  He continued to try to make conversation, “I know you’ll like the ranch, Marti.”  Bertha returned with their plates.  She then brought coffee for Lucas and milk for the children, and retreated back into the kitchen – far from that wicked little girl.  “Do you need help cutting your steak, Marti?” Lucas questioned.  Marti looked up at her plate, “No, I can do it myself….sir (she belatedly added).”  Marti’s hunger overcame her desire to pout and she eagerly cut into her steak.  Lucas was glad for the peace and he and Mark tried to engage Marti with stories of the ranch and plans that they had.  Lucas finished his meal and Mark was very nearly done.  “Mark, finish your vegetables.”  Lucas reminded him.  “Yes, sir.“  Mark took the last forkful of string beans.   Glancing at Marti’s plate, Lucas also told her, “Marti, you haven’t touched your vegetables.  There’s no dessert for anyone who doesn’t eat their vegetables.”  Marti’s lower lip quivered, “But I don’t like string beans,” she started to whine.  Lucas did not want another scene, “Alright, Marti, you don’t have to finish the string beans this time.  Just this once!  Would you like some apple pie?”  Marti’s face brightened immediately, “Oh, yes, please!”  Lucas turned to Mark, “How about you, son?”  Mark looked at the man he thought was his Pa, but he sure wasn’t acting like him.  “Mark?  Do you want pie?” Lucas repeated.  Yes, Pa, I do.”  Lucas waved Bertha back to the table, “Three slices of apple pie, please, Bertha.”

Lucas left a nice tip for Bertha and made sure to thank her again as they left.  “Mark, why don’t we stop at Millie’s; I think she got in a new shipment of licorice.”  “Sure, Pa.  Marti, do you like licorice?”  The now bedraggled Marti shook her head, “No.  I like peppermint.”  “Well, don’t worry, I think Millie can help you there, too.”  Lucas opened the door and let the children precede him into the store.  Millie immediately came from behind the counter to great her guests, “Lucas!  Mark! And you must be Marti!  Welcome to North Fork!  I am very happy to meet you.”  Millie smiled at Marti.  Lucas prodded Marti, “Aren’t you going to say hello to Miss Millie, Marti?”  Marti looked up at Lucas for a moment and then back to Millie. “Hello” was her extent of her greeting.  Millie continued to smile, “Mark, why don’t you show Marti where the candy is.  I’m sure you both can find something you like.  My treat!”  “Thank you, Miss Millie, “Mark beamed, “The candy jars are over here, Marti. Come on.”  While Mark and Marti were deciding on which candy to pick, Millie spoke quietly to Lucas, “Is everything alright, Lucas? You look concerned.”  Lucas couldn’t deny it, “My little cousin managed to almost get herself thrown out of the hotel. Bertha was ready to toss her when I came in.”  Millie looked dubious, “Lucas, really, she’s just a little girl.”  Lucas raised his eyebrows, “So it appears.  Well, we’d better head for home.  I need to re-arrange some furniture.”  He grinned at Millie.  “Let’s go, Mark, Marti!  Let’s get home.  Don’t forget to thank Millie for the candy.”  With their “thank you” spoken, they followed Lucas out of the store.

Mark climbed into the buckboard and Lucas lifted Marti onto the seat between them.  Handing Mark the reins, he said, “Let’s take Marti to the ranch, son!”  Mark clicked the horses to a start and headed toward home.  Marti sat quietly between them as Lucas told her about the ranch and all the plans they had for her visit.  When he noticed her bonnet tip forward, he realized she’d fallen asleep.  He rested her head against his side and braced her with his arm so she wouldn’t fall off as she slept.  Mark smiled at his father and Lucas motioned to him to be quiet.  The ride home was peaceful and Lucas hoped her behavior today was due to her being very over-tired.  That stage ride from Denver was a long one.

As Mark pulled the team to a stop in front of the house, Marti’s head popped up and her eyes looked a little confused as she took in her new surroundings.  “Well, Marti, you woke up at just the right time.  Welcome to our ranch.”  Lucas jumped down and lifted Marti to the ground.  He took Marti’s hand and started into the house.  “Mark, get my rifle, son.”  Mark retrieved his father’s rifle from the wagon and followed them into the house.  Mark put the rifle in its’ holder and turned to see Marti watching him.  “Mark, I’m going to bring in Marti’s things and then unhitch the team.  You show Marti where she can put her things and where she’ll sleep. “ Smiling at Marti, Mark started the tour, “This is the living room, Marti.  Over there is the kitchen; we have running water in the kitchen.”  Opening the door, he continued, “This is our bedroom.”  He stood aside to let her enter first.  Marti looked at the three bunks; one in the farthest corner, one against the wall and one placed near the window.  “Who sleeps in here?”  She asked Mark without looking at him.  “Usually just Pa and me, but we brought in the extra bunk for you.”  He smiled as he waited for her to reply, but she was silent.

Lucas came into the bedroom carrying something the children couldn’t immediately identify. He set it on the floor and as he unfolded it, they saw it was a screen that kind of made a wall.  Lucas laughed at the look of recognition of their faces.  “Now, we are going to use this screen to give you your own private space when you need it, Marti.  What do you think?”  Marti shrugged, “It’s nice.” Seeing no enthusiasm from Marti, Lucas continued on, “We’ll set it up here for now, right around your bed.” And he moved to the bunk placed near the window. “I don’t want to sleep near the window!” Marti stated with determination.  At Lucas’ look, she added, “Cousin Lucas.”  “Why not, Marti?”  Lucas asked in a tone that said his patience was starting to wear thin.  “Because someone could come in the window! A bear could come in the window, maybe an Indian!”  Marti was working herself into another crying fit.  “Alright, Marti.  Calm down.  Where do you want to sleep?”  Marti turned and pointed to the bed in the corner.  Mark responded, “But, Pa, that’s my bed!”  Lucas looked between the two of them.  “I know, son, but would you mind letting Marti sleep there?  Just for her visit?”  Mark reluctantly agreed, “Okay, Pa.”  Lucas was relieved.  “Thank you, Mark.”  Mark realized all his plans for his cousin’s visit were falling to pieces.  Maybe a bear would climb in the window – if he was lucky!  He walked out of the bedroom and went to sit on the porch.

Lucas showed Marti where she could put her things and offered to help her unpack, but she wanted no part of his assistance.  “Okay, then you unpack your things and get changed for bed.  We turn in pretty early.  Mark and I will be waiting for you outside.”  He waited for some response from her. Without looking up at him, Marti finally responded, “Yes, sir.”  Lucas left the room and not finding Mark in the living room, he walked out on the porch.  There Mark sat whittling a piece of wood – if you could call his attack on the poor piece of wood, whittling.  Lucas sat down next to him, “Today didn’t turn out quite the way we thought it would, did it, son.”  Mark gave Lucas a baleful look, “Sure didn’t” was his terse reply.  “Mark, I know this won’t be easy, but it will only be for a couple of weeks at most.”  Mark kept his eyes on the wood and didn’t speak.  “Tell me what bothering you, son.  Whatever it is, it’s better if you tell me.”  Mark still didn’t look at Lucas but he started to speak, “Pa, you let her do anything!  You let her not eat her vegetables.  You let her have my bed!  You didn’t see her in the restaurant – she was awful.  She wasn’t even crying until you came in!  I don’t understand why you let her do anything she wants!”  Lucas removed the wood and knife from Mark’s hands and started whittling as he spoke.  “You’re right, Mark.  I’m sorry about letting her have your bed.  I’ll tell her she has to change beds.”  “No, Pa, don’t do that.  I’ll sleep in the extra bed.”  Lucas continued, “That’s real nice of you, Mark.  I appreciate your help here.  You see, I wasn’t quite sure what to do today.” Mark looked at Lucas surprised at this admission.  “You didn’t, Pa?”  Lucas shook his head, “First, I was surprised Marti was a girl, weren’t you?  Then I walked into a scene I’ve never seen before.  I thought Bertha would burst – she was so mad!”  Mark laughed, “She sure was red!  But she had a right to be, Pa.  Marti was purely rude to her.”  “I believe you, Mark.  I’m hoping Marti was just a little bit out of sorts today.” “A little, Pa?”  Lucas laughed himself, “Maybe more than a little, but we can give her another chance tomorrow.  What do you say?”  Mark nodded.  Lucas really felt proud of Mark’s willingness to give Marti a second chance and Lucas hoped she didn’t need more than that.

They turned as they heard the bedroom door open and Marti came walking toward them in her nightgown.  “Good, Marti, did you get all your things packed away?”  “Yes, sir, and I put my bag in the closet.” Lucas was pleased with her response.  “That’s fine.  Now I think you’d better get to bed.  Mark, you get your nightshirt and you can change in the living room so you don’t disturb Marti.”  Marti’s face showed disbelief.  “I have to go to bed?  It’s hardly dark!”  Lucas stood up and ushered her back inside.  “It’ll be dark soon enough and I told you, we get up early around here.”  “Isn’t Mark going to bed?”  Mark stood in the bedroom doorway and waited for Lucas’ reply.  “Not yet, but soon.”  Marti wasn’t about to be put off her topic.  “Why not?  He has to get up early too, doesn’t he?”  It had been a long day and Lucas had used up much of his reserve of patience.  It was with considerable effort that he spoke in a gentle, controlled voice, “Mark is older than you are and can stay up later.”  Mark blew out the breath he was holding and walked into the living room carrying his nightshirt.  Lucas guided Marti into the bedroom and over to her bed.  He saw mutiny on her face and chose to ignore it.  “Here’s the bed you picked.  You climb in.”  She did as he said, but was determined to stay awake until Mark went to bed.  Lucas tucked her in, “Good night, Marti.  You’ll see, tomorrow will be a busy day.  Get a good night’s sleep.”  He left the room and, as he closed the door, he heard the sound of a pillow being thrown.  Much too tired to deal with it, he retreated to his chair to read a while.  Mark sat at the table reading between yawns.  He wasn’t going to miss the chance to stay up later.  “Mark, it’s almost 9 and I think Marti’s asleep by now.  Why don’t you go to bed?”  “Oh, I’m not tired, Pa, honest.”  Lucas shut his book and stood up, “Well, I am and I have a feeling we’ll need all our strength tomorrow, so let’s turn in.”  Lucas blew out the lamp and he and Mark quietly slipped into the bedroom.  Lucas picked up Marti’s pillow from the floor and placed it back on her bed.  After he tucked Mark into bed, he stretched out and soon fell asleep.  His last conscious thought was that tomorrow had to be a better day.

Mark couldn’t believe how bright the sun was this early when he was awakened by its’ rays hitting him in the eyes.  He was momentarily confused but quickly remembered the new sleeping arrangements.  Pa’s bunk was empty and Mark could hear the sound of breakfast being started.  After glancing at Marti and seeing she was sound asleep, he quickly jumped out of bed and get dressed.  He carried his boots into the kitchen so he wouldn’t make any noise.  Lucas smiled at his son’s appearance, “Good morning, Mark.  You’re up early.”  Mark sat to put his boots on as he replied, “Good Morning, Pa.  The sun woke me.”  Lucas knew Mark left unsaid ‘because the bed is next to the window.’  “Sorry, son.  But I’m glad you’re up.  Can you go out and get us some eggs?  I’ll start the bacon.”  “Marti’s still asleep, Pa.”  Lucas nodded, “I know, but I’ll wake her while you’re collecting our eggs.” Mark took the basket from the kitchen counter and walked out the side door.  Lucas put the bacon on the griddle and wiping his hands on a towel, he knocked on the bedroom door, then opened it.  “Good Morning, Marti!” He cheerfully called into the bedroom, “Time to get up.”  There wasn’t any movement or sound from the lump in the bed, so Lucas crossed over to the bunk.  The blanket totally covered the sleeping child – head and all.  He pulled the blanket from her head, “Marti, it’s time to get up and dressed.  Let’s go.”  Marti’s eyes opened slowly – just little slits at first, then finally her hazel eyes looked up at Lucas. “It’s too early.  I’m still tired.” She said, right before she closed her eyes again and tried to pull the blanket back over her head.  Lucas prevented her from grabbing the blanket.  “It is time to get up.  We’ve got chores to do.”  Marti’s eyes were shut tight and she still made no attempt to get out of bed.  Lucas flung back the blankets and the surprise of his movement caused Marti to sit up in bed – her braids in disarray – as she stared up at him.  Lucas grinned, “Good!  Now you’re up.  Get dressed for breakfast and then we have chores to do.”  He smelled the bacon sizzling and started for the door.  “Hurry up, Marti.”  He turned as he reached the door, “and DON’T go back to sleep!”

                Marti swung her legs off the bed and decided that bacon smelled pretty good.  She took a pair of jeans and a shirt from the dresser and quickly put them on.  Her dress shoes from yesterday replaced by a pair of well-worn boots.  She quickly washed her face at the wash stand and left the bedroom for the kitchen.  Lucas was standing by the stove and Mark was just starting to set the table.  “Marti, please help Mark set the table.”  Marti immediately started to put the silverware and glasses on the table.  “Okay, breakfast’s ready!  Let’s sit down!”  Mark’s mouth was watering, “Smells good, Pa!”  Lucas dished the fluffy scrambled eggs onto each plate and added a couple of pieces of bacon.  When he sat down, Marti picked up her fork, but stopped in mid-air when Lucas asked, “Marti, would you like to say Grace?”  Marti put her fork down and looked up at Lucas.  “I’ve never said it by myself, sir.”  Lucas was pleased at her finally responding politely.  “Okay, we’ll all pray together.”  They bowed their heads as Lucas said Grace and Lucas silently added a prayer that this calm behavior would continue.

As they ate breakfast, Lucas set out their chores for the day.  “Mark, when you’re done, you milk the cow.  Marti, you and I will clean up the breakfast dishes.”  Mark quickly finished his glass of milk and decided that having a girl cousin might just be the way Mark could avoid doing dishes.  He hurried off to his chores.  Lucas and Marti cleaned off the table.  “Marti, I’ll wash and you dry this time, okay?”  Marti nodded as she walked back to the table to finish clearing off the table.  Being given the silent treatment didn’t set well with Lucas. “Marti, look at me.”  Marti turned and faced Lucas.  “When I speak to you, I expect a response – not just a nod of your head.  Do you understand me?”  Marti nodded, but quickly added, “Yes, sir.”  It was a start.  “Good. Now let’s finish up here so we can get started on the rest of our chores.”  Lucas had to admit Marti did a good job. After cleaning off the table, she took the tablecloth off and went outside to shake it off.  She neatly put it back on the table and starting drying the dishes Lucas had stacked on the counter.  Lucas was more used to Mark’s easy conversation as they worked together and Marti’s continued silence made him feel a little uneasy, but she was doing the job.  Still he tried to get a little conversation going.

“I’m glad you have your work clothes with you Marti.  I like your boots.”  Marti looked down at the boots before answering.  “They belonged to my brother, Mike, but they were too small for him so mama gave them to me….Cousin Lucas.”  This was the longest bit of talking that had come from Marti yet and Lucas thought they were making real progress.  Lucas dried his hands and walked toward the table where Marti had piled the clean dishes.  “You did a nice job, Marti.  I’ll put them away.  Did you make your bed?”  Marti started to shake her head, but then remembered to say “No, sir.”  “Well, make it up now.  Then we’ll get moving on to our chores outside.”  Marti did as she was told.  She struggled to smooth out her bed, but did manage to make it look neat.  She fluffed up her pillow, decided she did a good job and went to find Lucas.

The morning passed peacefully as they each got their chores done.  Marti did whatever she was asked to do without one word of complaint.  She fed the chickens, swept the kitchen and the porch and watered the flowers.  Mark and Marti took turns churning the butter.  To Lucas’ watchful eye, it appeared Marti just had a bad day yesterday and he felt they would all get on just fine.  When the butter was finished, Lucas asked Mark to finish cleaning out the barn, “Marti, why don’t you help Mark.  The faster it’s done, the sooner we can go fishing.”  This sure got Mark’s attention.  “Fishing, Pa?  You never said we were going fishing!”  “Well, son, if you’d rather not go.” Lucas teased.   Mark grabbed his hat and was on his way to the barn, “Oh, no, Pa, I want to go!” calling out to Marti to hurry up.

Marti did follow Mark into the cool darkness of the barn.  Mark was already raking the floor.  “Marti, you pick up those tools and put them on the table, please.”  Marti walked around the barn looking for anything out of place and there wasn’t much.  She found a hammer and a wire cutter on a barrel and brought them to the work bench.  Then she picked up a brush.  When she went to put it beside the hammer, Mark corrected her.  “No, Marti, that goes on the shelf, next to Blueboy’s stall.  See, right over there.”  He pointed to the shelf.  Marti started walking in that direction when Blueboy moved to the front of his stall and seemed to be watching Marti’s every move.  Marti froze in her tracks, afraid of making any movement.  She and Blueboy just looked at each other.  Mark rested the rake in its rack and tried to hurry Marti along.  Those fish sure would taste good for supper.  “Come on, Marti, put it on the shelf so we’re done.”  As he spoke, he slipped the bridle on Blueboy and led him from his stall.  Blueboy curiously reached toward Marti’s hands.  Lucas heard the shriek from inside the house and came running into the barn.

Marti ran headlong into Lucas as she ran from the barn screaming like a banshee! “Marti, what’s wrong?  Are you hurt?”  Lucas knelt beside her.  “Mark, are you alright?”  “Yes, Pa.” Mark walked toward Lucas leading Blueboy behind him.  “What happened, son?”  “I don’t know, Pa, she just started screaming.”  Blueboy gently nudged Marti’s back and she nearly knocked Lucas over as she tried to get away!  “He’s going to bite me!  Let me go!”  Marti strained to get away as Lucas held her. “Marti – be quiet!  Blueboy isn’t going to bite you!  Mark, take him outside.”  As Mark and Blueboy walked past them, Marti screamed again.  Now Razor was starting to get nervous and paced in his stall.

Lucas lifted Marti and carried her to the house.  She’d stopped screaming but was still crying quietly.  Lucas sat her on the counter and wet a towel and wiped her face, speaking quietly to her.  Mark slipped in the house, looking a little confused.  Marti saw Mark enter and her face turned angry.  “He was going to let that horse bite me!” Mark was indignant.  “No, I didn’t, Pa!  Blueboy never bit nobody!”  Marti was still furious, “Your Pa should give you a beating!”  “My Pa doesn’t hit me!”  Lucas intervened before it got totally out of hand.  “Alright, quiet, both of you! Marti, Mark was not trying to hurt you and Blueboy wasn’t going to bite you.”  Marti was really crying now, “He could have stepped on me!  He could have broken my leg!  A horse broke my Papa’s leg!  That’s why they sent me away – cause that horse broke his leg!”  Marti jumped off the counter and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her, leaving Lucas and Mark standing in the kitchen staring after her.

“Pa, I didn’t do anything!”  Lucas put his hand on Mark’s shoulder, “I know, son.  Neither did Blueboy.”  Mark felt somewhat relieved.  “So what are going to do, Pa?”  “Well, we are going outside to saddle the horses and let Marti have some time to calm down. “  Mark looked confused, “Why are we saddling the horses?”  “Did you forget we’re going fishing?”  “No, sir!”  They left the house quietly and went out to the barn.  Mark was especially quiet.  Lucas asked, “Mark, are you alright?”  “Pa, I feel sorry for Marti.  I didn’t know she was afraid of horses.  Blueboy wasn’t going to bite her.”  “I know, Mark.  You didn’t do anything wrong.  Now we have to figure a way to help Marti not be afraid of horses.  We can’t take the buckboard everywhere.  I was planning on letting her ride that little chestnut mare we bought last spring.”  Mark agreed, “She’s a beauty and really sweet.  I bet she’ll be good for Marti.” 

Once they had finished, they walked the horses to the house and tied them to the hitching rail. “Mark, you get the fishing poles and wait here for me.” “What are you going to do, Pa?”  Lucas looked deep in thought, “I don’t know yet, son, it depends on what Marti does.”  Lucas knocked gently and then walked into the bedroom.  Marti was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling, not crying any longer.  “Feeling better, Marti?” he asked as he crossed to the bed.  Marti nodded, but cast her eyes down so she didn’t have to look at Lucas.  Lucas sat on the bed, “Sit up, Marti, so we can talk.  I like people to look at me when I’m speaking.”  Marti pulled herself up into a sitting position.  Lucas continued, “Marti, I know it was scary seeing your Pa hurt, but it was an accident.”  Marti heatedly  told him, “No, it wasn’t!  That horse was mean – he stomped on his legs!  There was blood everywhere and my Pa was screaming!  The horse wouldn’t stop!”  All the anger and fear Marti felt was reflected in her tear-filled eyes. Lucas really felt helpless to truly comfort her. “Some horses are mean, Marti, just like some people, but most aren’t.  Blueboy’s not mean.  He was just trying to be friendly.”  Marti didn’t look convinced.  “He could have bitten me!”  Lucas raised his eyebrows, “But he didn’t.  Marti, he just wanted to say ‘hello’.  You know he likes children.  He’s been Mark’s horse since he was 10.  He’s used to 10 year olds.”  Marti still looked dubious.  “And,” Lucas continued, “Mark wasn’t trying to hurt you either.  You owe him an apology.  He feels bad about what happened.”  Marti looked down at her boots.  Lucas prodded her, “Marti, did you hear me?”  Marti nodded but quickly added, “Yes, sir.”  Lucas was relieved. “Good, so let’s get going?” Marti stood up as Lucas did.  “Where are we going?”  “I thought you wanted to go fishing.”  Marti’s face brightened immediately.  “Oh, yes!” She ran out of the room ahead of Lucas.

Mark was standing on the porch and turned as the door opened.  Marti walked up to Mark and seriously said, “I am sorry for yelling at you, Mark.”  Mark smiled, “That’s okay.”  Lucas firmly shut the door and walked toward Razor while putting on his gloves.  “Do you have the fishing poles, Mark?”  Mark held them out to show Lucas.  “Good, then let’s get going.”  Marti looked up at Lucas, “Where do we go fishing?”  Lucas motioned Mark to his horse as he spoke, “The river’s not too far, about a 20 minute ride.”  Lucas took the fishing poles from Mark as Mark mounted, then handed them back to him.  “Can you handle these, son?”  Mark nodded, watching his father and wondering just what he was planning on doing about Marti.  Lucas returned to the porch to Marti.  “Come on, Marti, you can ride with me.”  Marti’s face showed some surprise, a little fear and a lot of stubbornness.  “I am NOT riding a horse, ever!”  “If you want to go fishing, you’re going to have to ride there, Marti.”  Marti turned her back on Lucas and crossed her arms, “I am NOT…..,” her voice stopped as Lucas lifted her up and swung her up on Razor in one single motion.  She couldn’t believe she was on this big horse and a scream started to form on her lips.  “No screaming or yelling!”  Lucas cautioned as he swung up behind her. “It will make Razor nervous.  I don’t want you to scare him.”  Lucas’ voice was calm and quiet, but firm. Marti swallowed the scream – she didn’t want to scare this horse either!  She sure didn’t want to be stepped on by Razor.

Lucas kept Razor to a walk the whole way to the river.  Mark was itching to let Blueboy run a bit, but he patiently followed his Pa’s lead.  Lucas talked about fishing and the kinds of fish they had in the river – anything he could think of to keep Marti’s thoughts away from thoughts of horses.  Marti didn’t relax once on the entire trip.  Her hands alternately gripped the saddle horn or Lucas’ arm and she didn’t move one inch in the saddle.  At last the river came into view.  Lucas pulled Razor up and swung to the ground.  As he reached up for Marti, she threw herself into his arms and as soon as her feet where on the ground, she retreated a good distance away.  Lucas turned to take the fishing rods from Mark who dismounted quickly.  “Mark, you and Marti find a good spot and get some worms.  I’ll take care of the horses.”  Mark waved to Marti to follow him.  “I know right where to go!”  Lucas hobbled the horse so they could graze and walked back to the river to find Mark and Marti digging for worms.  Lucas was surprised that Marti didn’t show any revulsion at the squirming worms – she actually giggled at one point.  That was a sound Lucas hadn’t heard yet!  Mark even laughed out loud at Marti’s giggles.  Lucas fervently hoped this kind of day would be the norm from now on. 

“Pa, are you going to fish?”  “No, you and Marti catch dinner.  I’ll watch.”  Marti’s brave attitude toward the worms wilted at having to put one on her hook.  Lucas took care of that for her and then leaned back against a tree trunk to watch the enthusiastic anglers.  Lucas was so relaxed that he almost fell asleep when excited voices roused him.  “Marti, quick, pull him in.  Pa, look!  Marti’s got a fish!  Marti, don’t let it get away.”  When Mark reached out to grab Marti’s fishing pole to help her land the fish, Marti complained, “Don’t, I can do it myself!”    Marti swung the pole up over her head – the fish still attached to the hook.  The poor fish flew behind her; its’ flight stopped when it knocked off Lucas’ hat and slapped him in the face! Then it fell to the ground, flopping in the grass.  Lucas quickly reached for the fish and looked up to see two very surprised children, and one very nervous face, watching him intently.  He started to laugh, really laugh.  Mark laughed at his father’s laughter and finally Marti’s infectious giggles joined in.  After everyone was finally able to stop laughing, Lucas removed the hook from the fish and told them they needed several more for dinner.  Mark and Marti chatted companionably as they caught several more fish; Mark gallantly baited Marti’s hooks for her every time.

“I think that’s enough fish now.  Let’s pack up and get home.”  Lucas called out as he walked over to get the horses.  He led them to the river to drink before he turned and took the fish from Mark.  He tied them to Mark’s saddle.  Again, he held the fishing poles while Mark mounted, then turned to Marti.  “Let’s get going, Marti. “  She didn’t need any coaxing and walked to Lucas to let him lift her into the saddle.  He swung up behind her and they left for home.  Once there, Mark showed Marti how he cleaned the fish while Lucas took care of the horses.  When he did enter the house, Mark had the fish all ready for Lucas to start cooking.  Lucas’ helpers set the table while he prepared their dinner.  As they sat down to dinner, Lucas felt pleased with the way they day had turned out.  He felt pretty good about getting Marti on a horse; about how Mark and Marti were getting along and he was fairly confident the rest of Marti’s stay would go smoothly – right until he mentioned it was bath night.

Marti’s hazel eyes popped wide open, “A bath!  I can’t take a bath (she looked between Lucas and Mark) – with you here!”  Marti looked poised for a quick getaway.  Mark wasn’t to be outdone in the outrage department, “Pa, I’m not taking a bath with her here!”  Lucas took a tone of voice he hoped would quell this mutiny.  “Listen – everyone here needs a bath and everyone here will get one tonight.  We are not going to church tomorrow covered in dust and smelling like fish.”  He raised his hand to quiet them.  “We’ll use the screen from Millie to block the tub so everyone will have privacy.”  Lucas’ look warned of dire consequences if their objections continued.  Mark recognized that look and gave a less than enthusiastic, “Yes, sir.”  Lucas turned his gaze on Marti who actually did realize she couldn’t win this war, “Yes, sir” she replied in a subdued voice. “Good!  Now that’s settled.  You two clean the table off and start the dishes.  I’ll get the tub set up.  Marti, you’ll be first.  Okay, get moving!”

The kitchen help went about their duties without any chatter.  Lucas set the tub in front of the fireplace and then placed the screen around it, totally blocking it from anyone in the kitchen or table area.  He was quite pleased with his work, “See, all the privacy you need!”  He turned with a smile – convinced he’d overcome their anxieties.  Marti did not look convinced.  “Anybody could look right in those windows!”  She pointed out to Lucas.  “Not if I pull the shades down!” Lucas retorted and did just that.  “Now, Marti, you get your nightgown and slippers so you can put it on after your bath.  I’m warming some water now.”  Marti marched solemnly into the bedroom and returned just as solemnly to walk to the tub.  Lucas thought he’d seen less trepidation from walks to the gallows, but she was doing as she was told.  Once she was behind the screen, Lucas told her to put her dirty clothes on the chair.  “All of them?” came from behind the screen.  “Yes, all of them.  Just get into the tub.  There’s soap for you there.”  Marti wanted more reassurance.  “And you are staying behind the screen, right?”  “I will, Marti, my word of honor.”  Lucas promised, deciding if she hadn’t noticed he was a foot taller than the screen, he wouldn’t point it out to her.  He finally heard her enter the water.  “Mark, you go out, use the kitchen door, and bring me the extra bucket from the barn.”  Mark left immediately on his errand.  “Cousin Lucas?”  “Yes, Marti?”  “How will I wash my hair?  My braids are still in.”  Lucas had to think for a minute.  “Don’t wash your hair in the tub.   I’ll help you when you’re done with your bath.”

Lucas started to fill a basin from the pump and Mark returned with the extra pail.  “Marti, are you done?” he called out.  “Yes, I’m just getting out.”  “Your towel is on the chair.”  They heard a little splash and knew Marti was now drying herself off.  “Son, you get your nightshirt and slippers – you’re next.”   Mark glanced once at the screen and wished it was a wall as he walked into the bedroom. Marti appeared from behind the screen; her braids dripping water. “Put the towel over your shoulders, Marti, while I empty the tub.” Lucas used the extra pail to bail the water from the tub.  Mark’s bath water quickly filled the tub.  Lucas was just pouring the last bucket of heated water into it.  “Pa, don’t make it too hot!”  Lucas’ look convinced Mark that the temperature would be just right.

Lucas left Mark to his bath, with one reminder to wash behind his ears and wash his hair.  “Okay, Marti, now let’s see about your hair.”  Lucas pulled Marti close to him and set about un-doing her braids.   That wasn’t too bad, he thought.  He led Marti to the sink basin and used the water pump to wet her head.  “Ow!  That’s cold!!”  Marti squealed and threw her head back, her hair spraying water over her, her nightgown and Lucas.  Wiping the water from his eyes, he kept his hand on Marti to prevent her escape. “Wait, Marti.  I have warm water ready to rinse your hair.  Let me just soap it up.”  Lucas knew he had soaped it enough when she started to complain the soap was getting in her eyes.  That tragedy taken care of, he rinsed her hair and wrapped the towel around it.   “Mark, are you done yet?”  “Yes, Pa, just washing my hair.”  Lucas directed Marti to a chair by the table and carried a basin of warm water to rinse Mark’s hair.  “Hey!!”  Mark yelled at the dumping of the water over his head.  “Just hurry up, son.”  Lucas happened to glance over at Marti who just realized she could see Lucas over the screen.  “You could see!”  She accused him, coming off her chair.  “Pa, don’t let her come in here!”  Mark looked frantically at Lucas. 

Lucas was straining to hold on to some degree of calm and reasoned behavior.  He walked back out to Marti.  “I could look, but I didn’t.  I gave you my word.  Now you get your comb and brush we can finish your hair.”  Marti’s look told him she wasn’t 100% sure about his word, but she did go to get her comb and brush.  Mark was in his nightshirt as he walked toward Lucas, toweling his hair.  “It sure feels good to be clean, don’t it, Pa?”  “Doesn’t it.” Lucas corrected.  “Yes, that’s what I said.  Should I help you empty the tub?”    Lucas thanked him but said he’d take care of it later.  When Marti returned, Lucas set to the task of helping her comb through the knots to a chorus of ‘ows’ and ‘ouches’ .  He managed to get the combing done, he got the part straight, or partly straight, but he’d never win a prize for braiding.  Oh, well, it was the best he could do and he was glad that she was too short to see herself in the mirror.

“Well, you both did a great job cleaning off the dirt.  Marti, you almost washed the freckles off your nose!”  Marti grinned up at Lucas.  “Now, Mark, you need to do some homework.  Marti, why don’t you write a letter to your folks?  The stage to Denver leaves North Fork on Monday morning. They’ll get your letter by Wednesday.”  Although Mark wasn’t too happy about doing homework, he knew going to bed would be his other choice and decided reading his history lessons wouldn’t be so bad.  Marti started on her letter right away.  Lucas emptied the tub one more time and filled it part way for his own bath; he’d add the warm water before he got in.  He gave the kids about a half hour and then told them it was time for bed.  Surprised, but pleased, he got no argument.  He walked into the bedroom with them, “Mark, I moved your bed a little away from the window.  I don’t think the sun will hit your eyes tomorrow.”  “Thanks, Pa, good night.”  Lucas pulled the covers up for Mark and walked over to Marti, smiling down he asked, “Did you finish your letter?”  “Yes, sir.”  “Good, we’ll bring it into town tomorrow. Sleep well.”  He tucked her in and turned down the lamp as he left the room.

Walking out to the living room, Lucas dropped into his leather chair with a whoosh.  Times like this he really missed having a wife.  Women just seemed to naturally know how to do some things better – like braiding hair.  He took his shirt off and poured the very warm water into the tub.  He slowly eased himself into the tub and allowed the warm water to soothe him – body and soul.  He knew morning would be here all too soon.

The McCain buckboard pulled up to the church carrying three sparkly-clean, Sunday-best clad citizens.  Millie and Miss Adams were standing on the sidewalk to greet them. “Good Morning, Lucas, Mark?  Hello, Marti!” Milled called out to them. Lucas helped Marti down and Mark hopped off. Lucas turned to the ladies, “Miss Adams, have you met Marti?  She’s visiting us for a spell.”  Miss Adams smiled down at Marti, “Welcome to North Fork, Marti.  Mr. McCain, Marti is welcome to join Mark in school while she’s here.”  Lucas was pleased by this invitation, “That would be fine, Miss Adams, thank you.  I’ll bring her tomorrow.” Fine!  Mark thought, now I’ll never get to be with the guys.  School! Marti couldn’t believe she had to go to school.  Whew!  Lucas couldn’t believe how much he’d look forward to Monday!

Micah came strolling down the street to join them.  “Micah.  Meet my cousin’s daughter, Marti.  Marti, this is Marshal Torrance. “ Marti remembered her manners and politely greeted Micah.   Micah tipped his hat, “Pleased to meet you, too, Marti. Lucas, can I speak to you for a minute.”  Lucas walked off a bit with Micah after telling the children to go into Church and get their seats.  The ladies followed the children closely.  “What is it, Micah?  Something wrong?”  “I don’t know, Lucasboy, but I wanted you to know someone is looking for you.”  Lucas was puzzled, “Someone?  Who?”  Micah shook his head.  “No name.  Nils said an odd-looking man was at the livery yesterday and asked if you lived in town.  Nils said no and didn’t give him any information.  Told him to see me.”  “Did he?  See you?”  “Nope, never saw him.  That’s what concerns me.  Just keep an eye out, Lucas.”  “I will, Micah.  The service is about to begin.  Let’s get inside.”  The service wasn’t especially long and the sermon wasn’t especially inspiring but Lucas would have been hard-pressed to remember much about it; he was so distracted by Micah’s news.  It gave him an unsettled feeling.

After the service ended, Millie asked them all to come to her house for coffee and pie.  Micah excused himself; he wanted to check around to see about this stranger who was interested in Lucas – though he didn’t tell them that.  Miss Adams had been invited to dinner by the Toomeys so she also had to decline.  To Mark’s great pleasure, Lucas accepted Millie’s invitation.  She made the best pie!  While they were seated around the table eating their pie, Millie noticed Marti’s crooked part and lop-sided braids.  Lucas saw her eyes go to Marti’s head and grinned sheepishly.  Millie had to hold back her laughter as she try to think of a way to help.  “Marti, that is such a pretty dress you’re wearing.”  Marti smiled as she looked down at her dress, “Thank you, Miss Mille, my Mama made it for me.  Green is my favorite color.”  “Well, I have some lovely green hair ribbons that would look very nice with it.  Shall I get some to show you?”  “Oh, yes, please!”  Marti replied excitedly.  Millie went into the other room and soon returned with some hair ribbons and a brush and comb.  “I can fix them better in your hair if I re-braid it.  Is that okay?”  Marti didn’t mind at all.  Millie unbraided her hair and gently brushed it out, chatting with Marti the whole time.  Then she swiftly braided her hair and tied the ribbons securely at the ends.  “There, Marti, that should keep.”  Even Mark was impressed.  “Your hair looks beautiful, Marti.”  Mark commented and Marti looked very proud.

“Yes, she does look beautiful, Mark.”  Lucas agreed.  “Now thank Millie for her hospitality. We have to get back to the ranch.” Millie voice echoed the disappointment in the children’s voices, “So soon, Lucas?”  “We have something that needs to be done so we have to get home, but thank you, Millie, for everything.”  Lucas grabbed his jacket to put it back on, when he found Marti’s letter in his pocket. “Millie, we almost forgot.  Marti wrote a letter to her family.  Will you make sure it gets on the Denver stage tomorrow?”  Millie took the letter from Lucas, “Of course, don’t worry, Marti, I’ll put it in the mail.”  Millie walked her guests to the buckboard; Mark carefully carried the pie that Millie insisted they take home.  They rode a short way out of town when Lucas pulled the team to a stop.  “What’s wrong, Pa?”  “Nothing’s wrong.  I just thought that Marti would like to drive the team.  Would you, Marti?”  Marti looked to be somewhere between excited and terrified.  “I don’t know how.  The horses are pretty big.  What if I don’t do a good job?  They could run away!”  Lucas smiled, “Marti, you stand right in front of me and I’ll help you. You know, Mark was driving the team when he was 10.”  Marti glanced over at Mark before answering.  “Okay, I’ll try, Cousin Lucas.”  Lucas brought Marti to stand in front of him and showed her how to hold the reins.  He kept his hands over hers as he clicked the horses to a start.  Marti was so proud that the wagon was staying on the road and the horses kept moving straight ahead.  “I’m doing it!”  She exclaimed.  “Yes, you are, Marti, now take us home.”  Lucas turned and winked at Mark who was clutching the wagon seat and guarding the apple pie – just in case.

There wasn’t a prouder moment for Marti than when the horses actually stopped when she said, “Whoa!” and pulled back on the reins.  She got them all home and she couldn’t wait to do it again.  Lucas helped her down but she practically flew off the wagon.  Checking first with Lucas, she asked, “Can I pet the horses and thank them?”  “Sure, just walk quietly up to them and let them see you.”  Lucas followed her and encouraged her as she gently stroked the nose of each horse.  Even Mark felt proud of Marti.  “Mark, put the pie inside and get changed.”  Mark headed into the house.  “You, too, Marti.  Change into your jeans and hang up your Sunday clothes.”  “Yes, sir!” Marti gaily replied as she followed Mark into the house.

Lucas unhitched the team, and saddled Razor, Blueboy and a little chestnut mare they called Trixie for the three white-stockinged feet she had.  Mark entered the barn and helped Lucas bring the three horses out to the yard.  Marti soon joined them, now in her jeans and plaid shirt, but her pretty green ribbons were still in her hair.  Lucas called her over to him, “Come here, Marti.  I have someone I want you to meet.”  Marti walked toward Lucas but stopped a distance away.  “Come closer, Marti.  You can’t meet Trixie from way over there.”  Mark stood off to the side holding Razor and Blueboy.  Marti looked a little apprehensive but moved closer to Lucas.  Trixie had very gentle brown eyes and a star between her eyes.  She whinnied softly and reached toward Marti.  Marti pulled back quickly and Trixie stepped backwards.  “You scared Trixie, Marti.”  “I scared her?”  Lucas stroked Trixie’s neck.  “Yes, you did.  She’s trying to be friends and you scared her when you jumped back.  Come closer and let her greet you.”  “You’re sure she won’t bite me?”  “Very sure, Marti.”  Lucas’ calm and patient tone gave Marti a little boost of courage and she walked forward and allowed Trixie to nuzzle her hand.  Trixie’s nose was so soft, Marti couldn’t help but smile.  “I think she likes me!”  She smiled up at Lucas.  “Good.  Now let’s go for a ride.” 

Lucas lifted Marti into the saddle and kept the reins in his hands.  Marti clutched the saddle horn with both hands. “Don’t let go!” She pleaded.  “I won’t let go.  We’ll just walk a bit.”  Lucas walked Trixie around the yard a couple of times until he saw Marti relax her hold on the horn.  He led the horse to where Mark was standing.  “Mount up, Mark.”  As soon as Mark was mounted, Lucas swung himself up on Razor keeping Trixie’s reins in his hand.  He led Trixie out of the yard and started down the trail.  Mark kept Blueboy a little behind Trixie so that Marti wouldn’t get too nervous with all these horses around her.

They’d only gone a mile or two when Lucas pulled to a stop.  “You’re doing good, Marti.  Here, now take the reins.  You remember how to hold them?”  Marti took the reins from Lucas as she nodded yes.  “Good.   You’re doing good.  Remember not to pull too hard.”  Marti and Trixie started to walk alongside Lucas and Razor.  Marti’s face showed great concentration along with a touch of trepidation.  Mark brought Blueboy up on the other side of Razor and called across to Marti.  “You’re a good rider, Marti!”  Marti glanced at Mark and quickly returned her attention to the job at hand.  They rode for more than an hour when they came to a stream.  “Let’s water the horses here.”  Lucas told them as he halted Razor and swung off the saddle.  Mark jumped down and reached for Razor’s reins,  “I’ll take them, Pa. “  Marti sat in the saddle looking at both of them.  “Well, Marti, why don’t you get down?”  Marti looked at Lucas and then at the ground, specifically at Trixie’s feet, then back to Lucas. “I need help.”  “No, you don’t.  I’ll hold the reins.  You just swing one leg over the saddle and jump down, just like Mark did.”  “Marti, you can do it!”  Mark encouraged her.  She took a deep breath and blew it out, then set her face and swung her leg over the saddle – still clutching the horn.”  “Let it go, Marti, and jump down.”  Marti let go and started to let her weight came down, but didn’t get her foot completely out of the stirrup and started to lose her balance.  Lucas quickly moved forward, steadied her and got her foot loose so she could stand on the ground.  “Good job, Marti.”  Lucas’ praise brought a big smile to Marti’s face.  Mark reached for Trixie’s reins, but Marti shook her head.  “I rode her, so I should give her a drink.”  Mark looked to his father for approval before he said, “Okay, Marti, let’s go.”  

After the horses had their fill of the cool water, Lucas told them it was time to get back.  This time Lucas held Trixie’s reins but made no move to help Marti.  She looked up at him expectantly.  “Marti, you have to get on yourself.”  “She’s too big!”  “I’ll show you how, or Mark will.  Mark, show Marti how you got on when you were small.”  “Sure, Pa.  Look, Marti, see these leather straps?  You can reach them.  Just grab them and pull up, then put your foot in the stirrup.  See, there’s nothing to it!”  Mark sat on Blueboy waiting for Marti to try. “Of course, I know boys are stronger than girls. “ he added.  “I’m plenty strong!”  Came Marti’s retort.  She reached up for the straps and pulled herself up; Lucas steadied the stirrup for Marti’s foot and she was in the saddle.  A queen couldn’t have looked prouder on her throne!  Marti accepted the reins from Lucas and sat confidently waiting for him to mount Razor.  Lucas rewarded Mark’s patience.  “Mark, it looks to me that Blueboy wants to run.  Why don’t you meet us back at the ranch?”  “You mean it, Pa?”  Lucas nodded.  “Yahoo!  See you there!”  Mark kicked Blueboy into motion and took off down the trail.  Marti watched after him.  “I can do that, Cousin Lucas.”  “Maybe next week, Marti. “ Lucas replied.

Mark had already unsaddled Blueboy by the time they got home.  Lucas let Marti dismount herself.  “I’ll take care of the horses.  Mark, you start peeling the potatoes and Marti, you get the table set.  Let’s get moving.”  Everyone got their assigned chores done.  Lucas made a delicious dinner and the best part was that Marti helped Mark with the dishes, leaving Lucas to really enjoy his cup of coffee.  There wasn’t even any argument about bedtime.  It had turned out to be a pretty perfect day.

Mark was a little disappointed in the morning when Lucas announced he would take them to school in the buckboard.  He really preferred to ride, but he knew it was Marti’s first day at school and she wasn’t that good a rider yet.  As Lucas pulled the team up to the schoolhouse, they were surprised to see Millie standing there speaking to Miss Adams.  “Good Morning!”  Lucas called out.  Miss Adams greeted Mark and warmly welcomed Marti.  Lucas couldn’t contain his curiosity, “Millie, are you planning to become a teacher again?”  “No, Lucas, I am planning on spending the day helping some very dear friends.  I thought you could use some help and I’ll even make some dinner.”  She showed him a basket she had packed.  “Thank you, Millie. But what about the store?”  “Mr. Denton is helping out today and you won’t have to bring me back to town.”  At Lucas’ puzzled look, Miss Adams added, “Mr. McCain, I’ll bring the children out after school and take Millie home with me.”  It appeared to Lucas that all the decisions had already been made.  Mark wanted the ground to swallow him up – having his teacher take him home!  The guys were going to give him trouble over that for sure.  “Well, Millie, Miss Adams, that’s real nice of you. I appreciate your help.”  Miss Adams called all the children into the school and Lucas helped Millie into the buckboard.

After a pleasant ride back to the ranch, Millie carried her basket into the house and pulled an apron from it.  “Lucas, why don’t I start with the laundry?  If you’ll just gather it all and bring it outside, I’ll get started.”  Lucas was a little hesitant and felt this was above just general helping.  “Millie, you don’t have to do the laundry.”  Millie put her hands on her hips when she answered, “Lucas, I didn’t come out here to argue – just to help.  So get the laundry!”  “Yes, Ma’am!”  Millie set up the laundry basins; one to wash, one to rinse.  It was wonderful that Lucas had the pump in the kitchen and a hose to get that water to the basins.  She put some water on to heat and rolled up her sleeves.  Lucas appeared with a bundle of dirty clothes and Millie started right in.  Lucas stood there watching her for a few minutes, until Millie asked, “Don’t you have anything to do but watch me, Mr. McCain?”  Lucas grinned, “Nothing I’d rather do!”  Millie couldn’t help but smile back.  “Well, I won’t get much done with you standing there.  You must have some chores to do.”  “I do have to repair the fence on the south pasture.  I’ll be gone a while.”  “That’s fine, Lucas, I’ll be fine.”  Lucas leaned a little closer and breathed in her scent.  “What are you doing, Lucas?!”  “I’ve never smelled gardenias while I was doing laundry before.”  “Lucas, you get to your chores!”  He laughed as he loaded his tools on the buckboard and headed for the pasture.

Millie washed every article of clothing and the towels that Lucas gave her.  She hung them on the line and realized there were shirts, pants, socks and Marti’s clothes – but no underclothes.  She went into the house and checked the bedroom.  Sure enough, all their underclothes were piled on a chair.  She laughed as she gathered them up – imagine Lucas embarrassed about laundry.  Millie would never let him live this down!  She decided to wash the bed linens as well and stripped the beds.  It was a beautiful day and the lovely breeze would help dry all the clothes on the line.  Millie shook out the blankets in the fresh air and put clean linens on the beds, fluffing up the pillows.  She opened all the windows to let the fresh air rush through the rooms.  She dusted the furniture and when she stepped back to look at her work, she felt pleased with the results.

Glancing at the clock on the cupboard, Millie thought Lucas should be coming back soon and she’d put on some fresh coffee for him.  Her eyes were drawn to the wildflowers growing in the field, not too far from the house and decided there were the perfect touch to the freshly cleaned room.  She put the coffee on very low and walked into the field to gather some flowers.  Millie was busy trying to choose which colors she liked best when she felt that someone was watching her.  Thinking Lucas might have returned, she stood and turned to look behind her.  She felt the hair on her neck stand up and she felt a cold chill – there, sitting on a horse just staring at her was a strange looking man.  He just sat there watching her; he made no move toward her.  Millie’s uneasiness grew as she realized this stranger was between her and the safety of the house.  He continued to stare at her for a few minutes more, then turned his horse and rode away without saying a word. 

Millie’s knees were wobbly with the relief she felt.  “What is wrong with me?  Getting spooked by a stranger!”  Millie shook herself, gathered up the flowers and walked quickly toward the cabin; half afraid the stranger was still lurking about the ranch.  She arranged her flowers in a vase and put them on the table.  She checked the coffee and checked the clock again.  She really thought Lucas would be home by now.  Her mind raced.  What if he were hurt?  What if that stranger did him some harm?  Don’t even think that!  Lucas is fine and can take care of himself.  You need to be busy!  She ordered herself.

Millie went out the kitchen door and started to take down the laundry, pleased the lovely breeze had dried almost all of it.  She couldn’t prevent herself from carefully looking around to make sure she was alone.  Once she started taking the laundry down and neatly folding it into the basket, she did feel better.  See, there’s nothing to worry about, you foolish woman.  She told herself, just a moment before someone placed a hand on her shoulder.

Millie screamed and whirled about to face her attacker – to find herself staring into Lucas’ surprised face.  “Oh, Lucas!  How could you scare me that way?”  Lucas was even more surprised when he saw tears in Millie’s eyes.  “Millie, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to scare you.  I even called you, but you didn’t turn around.”  Millie started to cry and Lucas pulled her into his arms and just held her.  He really was at a loss to know what was wrong.  Millie quieted and stepped back to look up at Lucas.  “I’m alright.  I’m sorry.  I was just so scared!”  “Of me?”  “No, of course not, Lucas.  There was this strange man here and he frightened me.”  There was anger is Lucas’ voice when he asked, “How did he frighten you?  What did he do?”  “He didn’t do anything, Lucas.  Come, let’s go inside, I made you coffee.  I’ll tell you all about it.”  Lucas insisted on carrying the laundry as he followed Millie into the house.

As Lucas sipped his coffee, he was aware of how nice it was to have someone to share something this simple with him, even as Millie told him about the odd encounter.  “He didn’t say anything or acknowledge you at all?”  Millie shook her head.  “Nothing.  He just sat there.  I don’t know how long he was there.”  Lucas turned this over in his mind.  A stranger might need directions or some help, but even strangers would at least call out a greeting.  “What did he look like, Millie?”  “Lucas, I can’t describe him.  He looked ordinary enough, but something about his eyes was strange.  I can’t explain more than that!”  Millie was getting upset again, so Lucas said, “You know, maybe he didn’t speak English.  Just a stranger passing through and didn’t want to bother a woman.”  Millie smiled weakly, “Maybe you’re right, Lucas.  Now, I still have some work to do, so you’d better get back to your chores.”  Lucas protested, “Millie, you’ve done enough.”  “Oh, no, Lucas, there are a couple of shirts that need mending and I can’t leave the laundry not ironed.  Oh, by the way, I found all the underclothes you didn’t give me.”  Millie laughed at Lucas’ look of discomfort.  Lucas stood up, “Then, I’ll leave you to the ironing.  I’ll be in the barn if you need me.”  “I’ll be fine, Lucas.  I’m sorry I was so upset before, crying all over you.”  Lucas smiled as he leaned toward Mille and brushed his face against her hair, “I don’t mind, Millie.  You still smell like gardenias.”  He grinned as he left for the barn.

Millie had brought the fixings for oatmeal cookies to surprise Mark and Marti so she got that ready and set the cookies to baking.  Then she started ironing.  She was conscious of how “at home” she felt here.  It was such a warm feeling.  Before long, Millie heard Miss Adams’ buggy pulling up to the house. “Pa, we’re home.” She heard Mark call out as his boots his the porch.  Millie opened the door and went out to greet them.  “Hi, Mark, Marti.”  Mark was helping Marti get out of the buggy. “Hi, Miss Millie.  Where’s Pa?”  “Right here, son.” Lucas responded as he reached the porch.  “Miss Adams, thank you for bringing them home.”  “It was no problem, Mr. McCain.” Lucas helped Miss Adams down. “We’d be pleased if you and Millie would stay for supper.”  Mark couldn’t believe it!  This day was going from bad to worse!  First, his teacher took him home – the guys would never let him forget that – now she’d have dinner with them!  This was not his day!  “I’m sorry, Mr. McCain, I have to get back to town, but thank you.”  Mark was so relieved.  “Me, too, Lucas.  Adele is going to bring me back to town to save you a trip.”  Lucas was more than a little disappointed. “Millie, I don’t mind.”   “I know, Lucas, but now you won’t have to leave the children, and Adele and I will be home before dark. “  That stranger still had Millie unsettled.

“Mark, why don’t you take Marti in and try one of the cookies on the table?”  Millie suggested.  Mark didn’t need a second invitation to cookies!  He headed right in and Marti was right at his heels.  Lucas asked, “How did Marti do in school today, Miss Adams?”  Miss Adams looked a little uncomfortable, “She’s a very smart girl, Mr. McCain.”  Lucas waited, finally saying, “But?”  “But she is fairly combative.  I had to disengage her from two separate incidents in the school yard.  I’m afraid Buddy Kearns will have a black eye.”  “She hit Buddy Kearns?  He towers over Mark!”  Lucas was amazed.  “Marti doesn’t seem deterred by size, Mr. McCain.  Ellie Nolan is almost 13 and Marti smashed her lunch to pieces just because she called her ‘Martha’.”  Lucas and Millie exchanged glances.  “Oh, I see.  I am sorry she caused so much trouble, Miss Adams.  I’ll speak with her.  If you’d like, I’ll keep her out of school.”  Lucas offered.  “That won’t be necessary.  But, you know although I don’t like to use corporal punishment, it may be necessary, Mr. McCain.”  “I understand, Miss Adams.  I trust your judgment.

Millie removed her apron and told Miss Adams she’s be right with her.  Lucas followed her into the house.  Mark was enjoying a cookie and some milk at the table.  “Miss Millie, these cookies are delicious!”  “Thank you, Mark.  Lucas, I left fresh biscuits and beef barley soup for your supper.”  “Thank you, Millie “was all Lucas could think of to say.  Millie smiled and Lucas carried her basket as they walked out to the porch.  He helped both ladies into the buggy and waved as they drove off.

Lucas went back into the house and found Mark still munching cookies.  “Mark, that’s all for now.  Save some for later.”  “Sure, Pa.  They sure are good.”  “I’m sure they are and I’d like one myself so save some for me!” Mark grinned up at his father.  “Where’s Marti”  “She’s changing out of her good clothes.”  Lucas was mulling over how to deal with Marti’s latest misdemeanors.  “How was school today, son?”  “Just fine, Pa.”  Mark’s eyes were fixed on his glass of milk.  Lucas continued his line of questioning, “How did Marti do her first day?”  “Miss Adams said she’s very smart. “  “Yes, she told me.  So how was Buddy’s eye?”  Mark chortled, “He’s going have some shiner!”  His smile faded as he realized that now he’d have to tell Pa everything.  “Anything you need to tell me about Ellie Nolan, Mark?”    Mark knew now that all of Marti’s shortcomings had been brought to Lucas’ attention.  “Pa, I did try to stop her.”  “Marti’s behavior isn’t your responsibility, Mark, it’s hers’.”

As if on cue, Marti came into the room and reached for a cookie.  Lucas caught her hand, “No cookies for you, Marti.”  “Why not?”  She challenged him.  “Because bad behavior in school doesn’t get rewarded, but punished.  You go back in the bedroom and stay there until I call you for dinner.”  Marti stood her ground.  “Why am I being punished?  I didn’t do anything!”  Lucas continued to speak evenly, “Well, I think giving Buddy a black eye and destroying Ellie’s lunch is something worth punishing.  It is not good behavior.”  Marti’s face showed defiance.  “That boy pulled the ribbons out of my hair!”  “Not a good enough excuse for fighting.  What about Ellie?”  “She called me Martha!” Lucas’s voice raised a notch, “Which is your name!  Marti, there is no excuse for what you did.  Go into the bedroom now!”  Lucas and Marti were locked in a battle of wills; Marti didn’t fully realize she was never going to win so she stood where she was.  Lucas stood up, intending to lift her up and take her to the bedroom if he had to.  Mark stepped away, not wanting to be in the middle.  Marti finally realized the inevitable outcome and decided to do as she was told – for now.  “Alright, I’ll go into the stupid bedroom!  I’m never going back to that stupid school again!”  She stomped into the bedroom and slammed the door hard!  Lucas stood very still, counted way past 10 and finally decided to let that tantrum slide.

“Mark!”  he said more sharply than he intended. “I didn’t do nothing, Pa, I swear!”  “I know you didn’t, son, I didn’t mean to yell at you.  Why don’t you go do your chores?  I’ve got a bit more work in the barn.  We don’t have to worry about making dinner, thanks to Millie, so we can finish up before I heat the soup.  Or you can do your homework now. ”  Mark left immediately to do his chores and enjoy the rest of the beautiful day outside.  Lucas washed Mark’s milk glass and put the cookies away before he walked out to the barn, planning to give Marti plenty of time to think over her transgressions.  He had enough to worry about, like that stranger that startled Millie.  As a matter of fact, Lucas planned to go into North Fork the next day to let Micah know and to speak to Nils about who was looking for him.

Mark was throwing feed down for the chickens when Marti walked through the kitchen door.  She was focused totally on Mark, figuring he was the source of all her trouble – him and his big mouth – blabbering to Lucas.  She knelt down and picked up a pebble.  Putting it in the slingshot she was carrying, she called out, “Mark!”  Mark turned toward the sound of her voice and she let the pebble fly!  It hit its’ target – Mark cried out and dropped the chicken feed as he put his hand up to his eye, then he fell to his knees.  Marti’s anger quickly turned into horror at what she’d done.  She stood rooted where she was, clutching the slingshot.  Lucas ran from the barn to see Mark kneeling in the dirt, holding his hands to his eye and blood streaming down his face.  “Mark, let me see.  What happened?”  Lucas knelt next to his son and gently pulled Mark’s hands away from the injury.  “Let me see, Mark.”  “Pa, I think it hit my eye!”  Mark’s eyes were both tearing.  “What hit you, Mark?”  “Marti.”  Lucas turned his head and saw Marti and her slingshot standing on the step.  At his look, Marti tore back into the house – terrified at the fury in Lucas’ face and she didn’t know how to escape it.

Lucas picked Mark up and carried him into the kitchen.  Once there, he washed away the blood and dirt from Mark’s face.  He was relieved to see the pebble had hit Mark to the outside of his right eye, just beneath the eyebrow.  Mark was a lot calmer now, too.”  “Keep this cloth on your eye, Mark.”  Lucas led Mark to his leather chair and told him to stay there, then he turned toward the bedroom.  “Pa, what are you going to do?”  Lucas looked at him just briefly before entering the bedroom with a bang, hoping it would cause Marti to be a little scared.  Nothing else seemed to work.  At first glance, the room appeared empty.  “if she’s left this house…” Lucas didn’t have time to finish the thought when he heard noise from under Marti’s bed.

“Marti, came out from under the bed now!” He thundered.  No answer, no movement.  “Did you hear me?”  Even I can hear you, Pa, Mark thought from the safety of the living room.  “Marti, I’m counting to three.  Don’t let me get to 3.”  Still Lucas waited, “1……2…….” Only silence came from under the bed. “3!” Lucas lifted the bunk to expose Marti’s hiding place, much to her dismay.  He took her booted foot and dragged her out, then stood her on her feet.  Putting his hands on her shoulders and looking down at her, Lucas started to list off her sins, “Do you know how dangerous that slingshot is?  You almost put Mark’s eye out!  First, you fight with two different students at school for no reason, then you attack Mark for no reason!  This is much too serious to let go.  You could have blinded Mark.”  Lucas pulled her along as he sat in a chair by his bed.  Marti’s eyes were filled with tears and she genuinely looked afraid, but she didn’t utter a sound.  Lucas continued, “You have given me no choice, Marti, but to punish you.”  Marti’s brain finally cleared enough to question him timidly, “What are you going to do?”  “Spank you.” Was Lucas’ terse reply.

Her face registered shock and she tried to push away,  “Oh, no, please, no!”  Lucas was determined, “I’ve tried talking; I’ve tried reasoning; I’ve tried other punishments but it doesn’t work. Now you suffer the consequences of your actions.”  He held Marti’s arm firmly as he pulled her toward him.  “Please don’t!”   The enormity of the situation was sinking in and she was crying in earnest, “Mark said you never hit him!”  Lucas’ face was grim, “I don’t hit Mark; not since he was a very little boy; once he learned to be reasonable.”   “I can be reasonable!”  “I don’t think so, Marti.”  Marti continued to plead her case, “Please, cousin Lucas, give me one more chance.  I’ll be very reasonable from now on, I promise!”  Lucas was hoping for some resolution without his having to resort to physical punishment, but he wasn’t about to let her know that.  “Well, then what do you think would be a reasonable punishment, Marti?”  He could see Marti struggling to find the right words, “I’ll apologize to Mark, and I’ll do all the dishes tonight, and tomorrow night.”  Lucas still just looked sternly at her.  Marti was scrambling to figure out what else would satisfy Lucas.  “You can send me to bed without supper.”

 Still no response from Lucas, he just continued to look at her intently.  Finally, he asked, “Where’s the slingshot?”  “It’s under the bed.”  “Get it and give it to me.”  Marti retrieved her weapon and attempted to stand a distance away from Lucas.  His long arms pulled her back closer to him.  “Your parents allow you to have a slingshot?”  “No, sir, it’s my brother’s.”  “Did he give it to you?”  Marti lowered her eyes and spoke very quietly, “No, sir.  I took it.  He doesn’t know I have it.”  She kept her eyes downward afraid to look at Lucas after adding this new sin her long list.  Lucas wasn’t about to let her get off easy, “So you stole this from your brother?”  Marti started to sob, not phony tears, real tears that scalded her cheeks.  Lucas let her cry for a minute or two, before pulling her to stand directly in front of him.  She was startled at first, and braced herself, thinking he would turn her over his knee to spank her.  Then she realized that wasn’t his intention.  Lucas spoke very sternly. “Marti, you know that stealing is wrong.”  She nodded.  “You know it’s dangerous to use a slingshot.”  Again, she nodded.  “Did you want to blind Mark?”  “No!”  She wailed, “I never hit anything before, ever!  I didn’t know I would hit him!  Honest!” Lucas appeared to carefully consider her words before saying, “Alright, Marti, I’m going to believe you and give you one more chance.”  Marti’s face looked relieved, but she held her breath as she waited for Lucas to continue.  “Look at me, Marti.”  When she complied, he said, “You named your own punishment.    You will stay in this room until I call you.  You will apologize to Mark.  You will do the dishes alone tonight and go to bed right after.  Do you understand?”   “Yes, sir.  Can I have supper?”  (She remembered she offered that up, too.) Lucas nodded.  “I’m keeping the slingshot until your folks come.  I don’t want you to touch it or any other weapon!”  “Yes, sir.” Came her humble reply.  Lucas got up, put the bunk back against the wall and walked out of the room without a backward glance at Marti.

As he entered the living room, he found Mark casually sitting in the chair by the sink.  “I thought I left you over there?”  Lucas said indicating the big leather chair across the room.  Mark looked chagrined, “well, I had to put the cloth in the basin.  See, the bleeding stopped.”  Lucas examined the eye and holding Mark’s chin in his hand, he asked, “Were you eavesdropping?”  Mark nodded, “but you were pretty loud, Pa, until the last part.”  Lucas agreed, “I guess I was pretty loud.”  He walked across to his chair and sat down.  Mark followed him. “Pa, would you have really hit her?”  “What do you think, Mark?”  Mark thought for a minute.  “I don’t know, Pa, you were pretty mad, but I don’t think so.”  “Well, as long as Marti thinks I might, she may listen so let’s leave it at that.”   “Okay, Pa, but I do remember that one time you did hit me.  I’m glad I learned to be ‘reasonable’” – echoing Lucas’ words.  Lucas looked like he was remembering back, “I don’t know who cried more that day, Mark, you or your Ma, but I know who felt the worst – me.”  Lucas recalled.  “You, Pa? How do you figure that?”  Lucas tried to explain how he felt.  “Mark, a parent loves his child so much he’d do anything to keep that child from hurt.  When he causes his child to hurt, even when it’s for a good reason – it hurts him deep.”  Mark’s face was very serious as he looked at Lucas, “I know you’d never hurt me, Pa, not ever and I promise you I intend to always be ‘reasonable.’”  Lucas and Mark smiled at each other and worked together to get supper ready.

Lucas heated the soup and warmed the biscuits while Mark set the table.  When all was ready, Lucas knocked on the bedroom door and called Marti out.  Marti immediately came out of the room and rushed to Mark.  Throwing her arms around his neck, she apologized profusely.  “Mark, I am so sorry!  I didn’t mean to hurt you!  I am so sorry! Will you please forgive me?”  Mark looked at Lucas with a ‘what do I do now” look on his face.  He didn’t know quite how to handle ‘this’ Marti.”  Finally he replied, “It’s okay, Marti.  I forgive you.”  He tried to disengage himself from her as he spoke.  Lucas called them both to the supper table, solving Mark’s dilemma. Dinner was a fairly quiet meal and Marti got up right away when they were done and started to clean off the table.  Lucas told Mark to finish his homework as Marti washed and dried the dishes all by herself.  When she was finished, she walked over to say ‘good night’ to Lucas and Mark.  Lucas questioned, “Do you have any homework?”  “No, sir.” “Fine, then go to bed. Good night.” 

Tuesday morning was a brand new day in every way.  Marti offered to do Mark’s morning chores for him; Lucas declined on Mark’s behalf, much to Mark’s disappointment.  “You help me with the breakfast dishes, Marti.  Mark will do his own chores.  Go on, Mark.”  After Mark left, Lucas called Marti over to him.  “Will there be any trouble in school today, Marti?”  Marti very seriously replied, “No, sir.  I will be good.”  Lucas looked at her sternly.  “Good.  If there’s no trouble in school today, you don’t have to go to bed right after supper tonight.  It’s up to you.”  Marti was determined to prove she was very reasonable.  After the dishes were done, Lucas went out to saddle the horses.  Today he’d let Marti ride to school.

 Marti was excited to ride her own horse to school; Mark was relieved there was no chance he’d have to ride home with Miss Adams again.  Lucas planned to ride with them to school, just to be sure Marti did well riding and then he was going into town to speak with Micah.   Marti climbed aboard Trixie by herself and the three of them even cantered a bit on the way to school.  Lucas was happy to see Marti really did very well.  Once at school, Lucas waited to see Marti dismount without any problem.  Mark held Trixie’s reins and encouraged Marti and Lucas felt proud of how Mark responded to this whole incident with Marti.  Miss Adams came out to greet them.  Without any prompting, Marti walked directly up to her and apologized, “Miss Adams, I am sorry that I caused trouble at school.  I promise that I won’t do it again and I will apologize to the boy I hit and to the girl, too.”  Miss Adams was both pleased and surprised, “Why, thank you, Marti.  I accept your apology.  I’m sure today will be a much better day.”  Marti was convinced this was the most reasonable speech she ever gave and she hoped Lucas would agree.  Lucas waved to them and reminded them he’d pick them up after school, then he headed into town.  He wanted to check into this stranger that had frightened Millie.

Micah was pleased to see his old friend as Lucas entered his office. “Good Morning, Lucasboy. How are you?”  “Fine, Micah. “ Lucas replied as he sat.  Micah smiled as he asked, “Have a nice day with Millie yesterday?”  Lucas knew he’d be in for some ribbing about Millie spending the entire day at the ranch with him, but he didn’t mind. “Well, Micah, it was a fine day except for the stranger that scared Millie.” Micah was immediately concerned, “What stranger?”  Lucas recounted what Millie had told him and they were both puzzled by the incident.  Lucas had barely finished the story when Millie came into the office visibly upset. Lucas was on his feet in an instant. “Millie, what’s wrong?”  “Someone broke into the store last night.”  Micah also stood up, “Everything was fine when I made my rounds about 11.  What was taken?”  Millie looked puzzled, “Nothing much, Micah.  Two blankets, a sack of rice, some beans and a canteen.”  Micah asked Millie if she was sure nothing else was taken.  “Nothing of any value.  Whoever it was passed up watches and guns and everything else in the store.”  Micah put on his hat and started out the door, “I’m going to the store to see if we can find anything.  Coming, Lucas?”  Lucas first checked, “Millie, are you sure you’re alright?”  “Yes, Lucas, it’s just so strange.” As she said that word, she got a chilling feeling and remembered that stranger.  Lucas insisted she come with them as they checked out the store.  He didn’t want to leave her alone.

They found a window ajar and figured the thief had entered that way.  Nothing was broken and Millie double-checked, nothing else had been taken.  Lucas couldn’t find any tracks at the back or side of the store.  Although Lucas felt Millie shouldn’t be alone, she insisted she’d be fine with customers coming in all day.  Lucas told Micah he was going to speak with Nils about the stranger who’d been asking about him.  Micah was going to check with the other merchants to see if anything else had been stolen.

Nils was frustrated that he couldn’t be more help to Lucas.  The stranger stood with the sun at his back, so Nils didn’t get a real good look at his face.  “Lucas, he looked regular, except he had strange eyes.  He was just strange.”  “What did he ask about me, Nils?”  Nils tried to recall the stranger’s exact words.  “He said, ‘do you know Lucas McCain?  Does he live in town?’  I said No, he doesn’t live in town. Then he asked me where you lived.  I said I couldn’t say and maybe he should check with the Marshal.  Honest, Luke, that’s all there was.  I’m sorry I can’t remember more.”  Lucas was still no closer to knowing why someone was looking for him.  He stood to leave, “That’s all right, Nils.  If you see any strangers, or this particular stranger again, let Micah know.”  “Sure, Luke, I’ll keep my eyes open.”  Nils promised.

Lucas left the livery and walked back toward Millie’s, scanning each face he passed totally unaware that he was being watched.  A darkly dressed stranger disappeared into the alley next to Sweeney’s, certain now he knew his target.

Lucas made sure Millie was okay and walked on to Micah’s.  As he approached the door, someone called his name.  “Lucas! A telegram for you!”  “Thank you, Walt. “ Lucas took the telegram from the agent and entered Micah’s office.  “Find out anything, Micah?”  “Nothing.  Some people recall a stranger, but no one can remember much.  No one’s checked into the hotel, and Sweeney hasn’t had a new customer all week.”  Lucas opened his telegram as Micah spoke, “Well, this is good news!”  “What is?”  “Marti’s parents are on their way.  George’s leg must have healed sooner than they figured.”  “Does it say when they will arrive?”  “No, but it’ll take several days in a covered wagon. I won’t mention it to Marti yet.”  Lucas invited Micah to have lunch at the café.  He still had some time before school was out and he had a couple of errands to do as well.

As the school bell rang out the end of the day, Lucas was waiting outside the school house.  Several of the children called out a greeting to him as they passed by.  Finally the two children he was waiting for appeared at the doorway, accompanied by Miss Adams. “Oh, no!”  Lucas was disappointed. He’d hoped today was going to be a better day. He’d even bought some licorice and peppermint to reward any reasonable behavior.  He dismounted and walked over to them, “Miss Adams, is everything alright?”  “Oh, yes, Mr. MCain.  We had a wonderful day.  Mark and Marti just finished erasing the blackboard. Marti volunteered to do it and Mark helped her finish.”  Lucas was relieved.  “I’m very glad to hear that.  Now, we’d better get home.  Good afternoon, Miss Adams.”  The children followed Lucas to their horses.  Marti was getting better at mounting the horse and more confident in her riding.  Lucas let Mark run Blueboy a bit while he rode alongside Marti.  Just far enough off not to be noticeable, a lone rider watched Lucas and the children as they rode toward the ranch.  He knew the time was almost right.

Once at the ranch, Lucas instructed Mark and Marti to do their homework while he unsaddled the horses.  When he entered the house, they were dutifully working at the table.  “Do you have a lot of homework?”  “No, Pa.” and No, sir.” Were the replies he received.  “Good. I thought tonight would be a good night for a game of checkers.  What do you think?”  “Great!” was Mark’s reply.  Marti just looked questioningly at Lucas.  “Don’t you like checkers, Marti?”  he asked.  “Yes, I do like playing checkers.  Can I play?”  Lucas smiled, “Of course, you can.  Do you think you can beat Mark?”  Marti looked pleased that she was being included in the game. “I don’t know , but I’m pretty good.”  “Well, I’m pretty good, too, Marti.  It won’t be easy to beat me!”  Mark chimed in good naturedly.  Lucas reminded them, “First, finish your homework then your chores!  But, as a special treat, you both can have one piece of candy while you’re doing your homework.”  Lucas held out the bag of sweets and allowed them to each chose one piece.  He started to prepare supper for them as they happily munched their candy.

It was a pleasant evening.  They all laughed while playing checkers and although Mark did win, Marti did very well.  Marti was so pleased that she didn’t have to go to bed right after supper that losing at checkers didn’t upset her at all.  Being reasonable was worth the effort, she decided.  They went to bed at their scheduled times and Lucas sat reading for a while. He had trouble concentrating and he didn’t know why he was uneasy.  It must be this mysterious stranger that was making him feel this way.  He walked out on to the porch and it was a cool, pleasant night.  Everything looked fine.  He decided to turn in and did something he rarely did.  He bolted the doors and shut and latched the windows.  Even that measure didn’t relieve his uneasiness.  He picked up his rifle and brought it into the bedroom with him.  He checked the children and then stretched himself out to sleep.

In the hours just before dawn, Mark became restless.  He woke up and tried to see his father’s clock, but he couldn’t in the dim light.  He turned on to his side to try to go back to sleep and staring at him through the window was a man’s face!  “Pa!”  At first his voice caught in his throat, it was raspy with sleep. “Pa!”  Lucas bolted out of bed and ran to Mark.  “What’s wrong?”  Mark pointed, but the face had disappeared.  “Pa, someone was there in the window!”  Lucas peered out the window but couldn’t see anyone.  “Mark, did you have a bad dream?”  “No, Pa, someone was looking in the window.  I saw him!”  Lucas motioned to Mark to keep his voice down.  Marti was sound asleep and he wanted to keep it that way.  Mark was visibly shaken and Lucas told him to change beds with him.  Mark got into Lucas’ bed and Lucas pulled the covers up for him.  Sitting on the side of the bed, Lucas asked Mark if he could describe the face.  Mark shook his head, “It was dark, Pa, but he had strange eyes.  I think something was wrong with his eyes.”  “Can you tell me what?”  Mark shook his head again.  Lucas looked toward the window again. “It’s alright, Mark, you go back to sleep.  I’m going to look around.”  Mark grabbed his arm, “No, Pa, don’t go out there!  Stay with us!” “Alright, son, I’m just going into the other room to look around, I’ll leave the bedroom door open.  I’ll be right back.” 

Nothing was amiss in the living room.  The doors were still bolted and the windows latched.  Who would walk up to a house and peer in the window in the middle of the night, and why?  Lucas walked back into the bedroom so that Mark would go to sleep.  He lay on the cot knowing there’d be no sleep for him as he waited for the dawn.

As soon as it was light, Lucas went outside to see if he could find any evidence of someone being at the window.  He found boot prints at the base of the wall by the window.  Lucas followed them to the stream where they disappeared.  Whoever this was, he covered his tracks well.  What puzzled Lucas most was what this man was after.  Nothing on the ranch was disturbed or damaged or stolen.  He didn’t know why this was happening, but he hated it.  Not knowing what he was facing made him feel helpless and that made him angry.

Lucas hurried the children to dress and get ready for school.  He was going to ride with them again.  He wanted Micah to know about this latest incident.  Their pace was a little quicker this morning and Lucas was happy to see Marti had no problem keeping up.  He and Mark had decided not to tell her about the face in the window for the time being.  After he was sure the children were safe in school, he spurred Razor to get to Micah’s quickly. 

Micah was even more concerned than Lucas and he wanted to send some deputies to the ranch to watch for this guy.  Lucas at first was hesitant, but agreed to let someone stay at the ranch during the nights.  No matter how many times Micah asked him, Lucas had no idea who this was or what he could possibly want.  Lucas rubbed his forehead; he was at a loss to know how to resolve this problem.  His first concern was to make sure Mark and Marti were safe.  Micah suggested they stay tonight at the hotel.  “I don’t know, Micah.  This makes no sense.”  Lucas decided to walk down to speak with Millie.  She agreed with Micah that Lucas and the children should stay in town.  She suggested they could all have dinner together at the hotel.  Maybe it would be a good idea to have more people around, Lucas concluded and went over to the hotel to arrange for a room.

Micah rode to the ranch with Lucas to look things over.  Nothing at all had been touched.  Lucas took care of the stock and locked everything up. He took a bag with what they needed and headed back to town.  He wanted to be at the school when Mark and Marti were released.

It had been another good day at school and they were very excited about staying at the hotel tonight.  Marti had never stayed in a hotel before.  She was now totally convinced that being reasonable was a very good choice.   The trio pulled up at Millie’s store and Lucas told them to go in and stay with Millie while he took the horses to the livery.  He watched them enter the store and waved to Millie before he headed to Nils.  Nils was still puzzled over the stranger and told Lucas he hadn’t seen him again, but he was watching out for him.  With a ‘thank you’ to Nils, Lucas took his rifle and their bag and headed back to Millie’s.  He arrived just in time to prevent the candy bandits from convincing Millie one piece of candy wouldn’t ruin their dinner.

“No candy!” Lucas said as he entered the store.  Three pairs of eyes turned immediately in his direction.  “Pa, just one piece couldn’t hurt.”  Mark entreated. Lucas remained firm, “No candy before dinner.  You had candy yesterday and there’s still some left in the bag.”  “But it’s at home, Pa, not here.” Mark reminded him.  “Okay, here’s your choice.  You can each take one piece of candy now, but can’t eat it until after dinner or you can order cake or pie for dessert.  You can’t have both.” Mark looked disappointed, but quickly decided on the pie.  Marti needed a little more information before making her decision. “What kind of pie is there?”  Lucas suggested, “Apple or maybe blueberry.”  “And what kind of cake is there?”  Millie answered, “Oh, I know they have chocolate cake for tonight.”  Marti decided chocolate cake would be just right for her.

Lucas took his little party to the hotel to check into their room.  Millie locked up a little earlier than usual and started toward the hotel.  Micah was waiting for her in front of his office.  “Evening, Millie.  Lucas asked me to join you for dinner.”  “Wonderful,  Micah.  I know he’s really worried or he wouldn’t have agreed to stay in town.”  Micah agreed, “I just wish I could do more, Millie, this stranger seems to be able to disappear into thin air.”  As they entered the dining room, Lucas waved and stood up as they approached the table, tapping Mark’s shoulder to remind him of his manners.  Mark immediately rose.  Millie sat next to Mark; Lucas was between Mark and Marti and Micah took the remaining seat between Millie and Marti.  The waitress approached the table with the menus.

“Hello, Bertha!” Lucas spoke a little too cheerily.  “How are you tonight?” “Fine, Mr. McCain, Miss Scott.  Marshal.”  She nodded her greetings but cast a disapproving glance in Marti’s direction as she waited for their orders.  Lucas ordered pork chops and potatoes for both Mark and himself and asked Marti if she wanted the same thing.  “Yes, please.”  Marti politely handed the menu to Bertha.  “Thank you. “  Bertha’s face showed some surprise, still dubious that this behavior would last.

As they waited for their meal to be served, Millie noticed the wound over Mark’s eye.  She brushed away his hair to look more closely.  “Oh, Mark, what happened?”  Marti’s eyes were riveted on Mark’s injury and her eyes were filling with tears.  “It was an accident, Miss Millie, I’m fine.”  Millie cautioned.  “You need to be more careful, Mark, you could have lost your eye!”  Marti felt more miserable with each word and hot tears rolled down her face.  Millie was surprised when she saw Marti was crying.  “Marti, what’s wrong, dear?”  Marti’s face crumpled, “I don’t want Mark to lose his eye! “ She wailed, “I am so sorry!”  Millie and Micah both looked to Lucas who explained, “We had a little problem the other day and Marti accidently hurt Mark.  She now knows she was wrong and has apologized to Mark.  Marti did not really intend to hurt Mark, did you, Marti?”  Marti shook her head and sniffed.  Millie passed her hankie to Lucas, “Wipe her tears, please.  Marti, I’m sure Mark has forgiven you.  You don’t have to cry.” Micah tried to lighten the mood, “Since you’ve apologized, Marti, I won’t have to put you in jail.” He teased.  The look of horror on Marti’s face preceded a fresh outburst of crying.  “Micah’s just teasing you, Marti.  You’re not going to jail.”  Lucas comforted Marti.  “Micah, really!”  Millie gave Micah an outraged look.  Micah was relieved when dinner came and the attention was off him.

                The rest of the dinner passed smoothly and Bertha was convinced this wasn’t the same little girl from last week.  When they’d finished dessert, Micah escorted Millie home, while Lucas took his charges up to their room.  They finished their homework and changed for bed. A small cot had been set up for Marti in the corner.  Too excited by her first stay in a hotel, Marti didn’t think she could close her eyes to sleep.  Lucas agreed to read them a story if they each got into their beds.  He was little more than a chapter into the book when he noticed Marti was sound asleep.  He lowered the light by the bed and closed the book.  Mark was still watching him.  “You’d better get to sleep, too, son,”  “Alright, Pa. Good night.” Mark leaned back into the pillows.

                Lucas sat in the chair by the window, too distracted to even read.  If this guy would just show himself!  Lord, he hated to feel this helpless!  “Pa,” Lucas turned at the sound of Mark’s voice.  “Are you alright, Pa?”  Lucas walked toward the bed.  “I’m fine, son, now you go to sleep.”  “You’re worried about the man in the window, aren’t you?”  Lucas never lied to Mark, but he didn’t want to alarm him either.  “Yes, I am, son.  I can’t figure out what he’s looking for.  But I will, so you rest.  I’ll be to bed shortly myself.”  Mark wished he knew how to help his Pa but he was at a loss.” Okay, Pa.”

                Lucas went back to his position by the window, wondering who this tormenter was.  He saw Micah take his last walk down the street, checking all the doors, before he disappeared up the stairs to his room.  Lucas pulled down the shade and turned toward the bed.  Hoping he would get some sleep tonight.

                The figure in the shadows across the street watched Lucas pull the shade down and grinned.  His plan was delayed a little, but he wouldn’t be stopped.  He could be patient.  He turned and vanished into the deep shadows of the night.

Morning came bright and clear.  Lucas herded everyone down to breakfast.  That cup of coffee tasted real good.  Somehow not having to make it yourself made it taste better.  The dining room was empty and Sally was the morning waitress.  As they ate breakfast, Lucas asked Sally for two lunches for the children to take to school.  That accomplished, Lucas, Mark and Marti left the hotel to go get their horses.  They found Nils out front holding their already saddled horses.   Lucas was pleased with Nils’  trying to help. “Thank you, Nils.”  “It’s nothing, Lucas. Good morning, Mark, little lady!”  Micah came out of his office to greet them. “Lucas, where are you going?”  “I’m taking them to school and then out to the ranch.  Why?”  “Would you stop back to see me first?”  “Sure, Micah.”  The threesome headed off to the school house and once they were safely inside, Lucas returned to Micah’s office. 

“What is it, Micah?”  Micah explained that Tom Merar had sent in six of his ranch hands to help find this elusive stranger.  Micah had already sent two out to Lucas’ ranch; two others were watching in town and the remaining two were out trying to find a trail or some clue as to where this man was hiding.  Lucas was genuinely moved by the concern of his friends and neighbors.  “I don’t know what to say, Micah.”  Micah slapped him on the shoulder, “Let’s get moving, Lucasboy, I’ll ride out to the ranch with you.”

As they left the Marshal’s office, Lucas noticed a covered wagon just pulling up in front of Millie’s store.  “Micah, I think I recognize that lady.”  Lucas started down the street.  A fair-haired woman was being helped off the wagon by a tall, teenage young man.  “Liz?  Is that you?”  Lucas called out.  The woman turned and immediately smiled in greeting, “Lucas, you haven’t changed at all!”  She greeted Lucas with a kiss and continued talking, “How did you find us so quickly?  No matter.  Let me introduce my husband, George. “  George leaned down from the wagon to shake Lucas’ hand.  “This is Joe, my oldest, and that one is Mike.  Come here and shake your cousin’s hand!” She directed her sons.  Introductions out of the way, Liz looked all around before asking,  “Where’s Marti?”  Lucas pushed back his hat before replying, “You mean Martha?”  Liz had the good grace to look embarrassed.  “I told you that you should have said she was a girl!” George told her.  “I am sorry, Lucas, if she was a surprise to you.  I didn’t mean to lie.  I was afraid you wouldn’t take a girl and I really needed your help.  I wouldn’t have sent her, but my sister, Leona, said you were just wonderful with Amelia.”  “Amelia?”  Lucas questioned.  “Yes, her baby.  She’s almost three now and as pretty as you please.”  “We never knew her name.  Mark and I called her ‘Fancy.’ How is Leona doing?  No more trouble from her husband?”  Liz reported, “She is doing fine.  That awful man she married died more than a year ago – snake bite.  Served him right if you ask me.”  “Liz!” George’s voice reminded his wife that the boys were listening.  “I’m sorry, George. Well, we are on our way to California to join her.  She’s getting married to a fine man and there’s more land for farming out there so we’re going to start fresh.  Fancy?  Just wait until I tell her!”

Liz realized she still didn’t know where her daughter was.  “So where is Martha?”  “She’s at school with my son, Mark.  I’ll take you over there if you want to take her out.”  George answered for them, “No.  Let’s not disrupt the whole school, Liz.”  Liz agreed to wait to see her baby, but this separation was tougher than she thought it would be.  Lucas introduced Micah to his kin and then suggested they follow him to the ranch.  The boys rode their own horses and stayed alongside the wagon.  The Johnson’s were very impressed with Lucas’ ranch, but they refused Lucas’ offer to sleep inside the house.  Lucas noticed that George gingerly climbed down from the wagon.  “Is your leg all healed, George?”  George nodded.  “It’s coming along fine.  Doc said no riding for a spell yet, but driving the team’s okay.”  He then directed his boys to set up their tent off the side of the home.  George had spent many years in the Army and was well organized and his “troops” followed his directions without question.  Soon a large army-style tent was erected and five cots set up inside.  Lucas was impressed and told George he was worried Mark wouldn’t go camping without a tent once he saw it.  George took the opportunity to personally thank Lucas for helping them out.  “Lucas, I can’t thank you enough for taking Marti and not even being angry we didn’t tell you she was a girl.  I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.  She can be a handful, I know.”  Lucas silently agreed, but replied, “Once we got used to each other, we did fine.”  George could tell when there was more to a story, but he let it rest.

Micah felt reassured that Lucas would have help if he needed it and returned to town.  Lucas thought he should explain what had been happening to George.  George listened intently, then walked over to the wagon and took out his rifle.  “I’ll keep watch, Lucas.  I’m not as fast as I hear you are, but I usually hit what I’m aiming at.”  Lucas liked George; he was a solid, straight-forward man and one that could be counted on in times of trouble he was sure.

Liz made coffee for them and some lemonade for the boys.  They gathered around the table and talked about ranching and farming and shared family.  Lucas stood up at one point and took something down from the top of the cabinet.  Holding out the slingshot, he asked, “Who does this belong to?”  Mike stood up, “It’s mine, sir.”  Lucas handed it to him.  “It appears that Marti ‘borrowed’ it for her trip.”  “See, Pa, I told you I didn’t lose it!”  George felt a twinge of guilt for the way he had criticized Mike for being careless.  “I’m sorry, son, you’re right.  I’ll speak to Marti when she gets here.”  “Oh, I think she’s learned a lesson about the danger of slingshots.” Lucas said without elaboration. George gave him a questioning look then looked at his wife.  “I told you, Liz, that girl needs more discipline.  She’s not a baby anymore.”  Liz looked truly apologetic, “Lucas, I know I spoil her a little.  I really hope she didn’t do any harm.  She didn’t want to be sent away and made quite a scene getting on the stage in Denver.  She can be a little difficult when she’s in that state.”  “A little?” Lucas and George replied in unison.

Looking at the clock, Lucas commented that it was time he left to get the children from school.  “I want to go along, Lucas. “ Liz was already up and ready to go. “I’ll ride Joe’s horse.  Don’t worry, I ride very well and I can’t wait one more minute to see Marti.  I’ve missed her more than I can say!”  Lucas knew exactly how it felt when he was separated from Mark and agreed to let Liz ride with him.  He felt it was certainly safe enough with Merar’s men around and George watching the ranch. 

They were waiting outside the school house when the bell rang and the children poured out the door.  Lucas saw Mark first and waved him over. Marti was following behind Mark so she didn’t see her mother at first.  When she did realize her mother was standing next to Lucas, she flew across the remaining distance and threw herself at her mother.  Lucas pulled Mark off to the side to allow mother and daughter a few minutes alone.    Finally, Liz stood up, smiling, her eyes still glistening with happy tears, “You must be Mark” she said as she extended her hand to him. “Yes, Ma’am.  Pleased to meet you.” Mark replied as he took his hat off.  “I thank you for helping to watch over Marti and I hope she wasn’t too much trouble.” “Oh, no, Ma’am, no trouble.”  Mark didn’t think Pa would mind a lie like that too much.

 Lucas wanted to get the group moving, “Let’s get back to the ranch, Marti, the rest of your family is waiting to see you, too!”  Lucas stopped Liz when she started to follow Marti to her horse.  Liz was surprised and pleased to see Marti climb aboard the horse without any help.  The smile she sent Lucas said “thank you.”  Once they were all mounted, Mark remembered, “Pa, I left my arithmetic book at the hotel.  I have to go get it.”  Lucas was not happy, “Mark, I asked you this morning to be sure you brought everything!”  “I’m sorry, Pa, I just forgot, but I need it to do my homework tonight.”  Lucas was not about to let Mark ride into town and home again alone, but if he took everyone home first, it would be dark before they could get to town and back to the ranch.

“I can find the ranch fine, Lucas.  I’m sure Marti can help me.” Liz suggested.  Marti quickly agreed, “I can show Mama the way, Cousin Lucas, and she can see me ride.”  She proudly added.  Lucas reluctantly agreed because he saw no other option.  “We’ll hurry along, Liz, and be right behind you.  Get going, Mark!”  Lucas and Mark started into town while Liz and Marti began to walk their horses toward the ranch.  “My horse’s name is Trixie, Mama, because she has three white feet.  Isn’t she beautiful?  And she really likes me, too!”  “Of course, she does, Marti, she’s a very smart horse.” Marti’s giggles sounded beautiful to Liz’s ears.  She missed her so much in just 8 days.  It was wonderful to have her back.

Liz’s horse pranced nervously when a lone rider appeared on the road in front of them.  His horse was blocking their path.  Liz fought down the fear she felt; she didn’t want Marti to see her frightened.  “Excuse me, sir, we need to go past.”  The rider sat silently staring at them and made no effort to move.  “Marti, let’s go around him.” Liz instructed her daughter.  The rider moved close to them and Trixie started to shy away.  He grabbed her reins.  “Let her go!”  Liz ordered as authoritatively as she could make her shaky voice sound.  The solitary rider growled, “She’s not going anywhere but with me.”  Liz was verging on panic.  “I said – let her go now!” Liz tried to get between them but Marti’s horse was really getting nervous and she could see Marti was scared.  “Please let her go! She’s just a little girl!”  Liz pleaded with him.