LITTLEBRITCHESbyRalphMoody

IllustratedbyTranMawicke

W•W•NORTON&COMPANY•INC•1962

ScannedbyHighrollerandRyokoWerx

ProofedbyeBooksmith

1WeMovetoColorado

INEVERreallyknewFatherverywelltillwemovedtotheranchontheFortLogan-Morrisonroad,notfarfromDenver.Thatwasjustaftermyeighthbirthday—rightattheendof1906.WhenwelivedinEastRochester,NewHampshire,heworkedinthewoolenmill,butitwasn'tgoodforhislungs.Hewassickinbedthewinterbeforewemoved—theoneafterHalwasayearold.

CousinPhillivedinDenver,andcametoseeusthenextspring,rightafterFathergotwellenoughtogobacktowork.Ilikedhimalot.Hehadagoldfronttooth,andworeaderbyhatcockedwayoveronhisrightear.Andhesoldgoldminestock.

OneafternoonwhenGraceandIgothomefromschool,heandMotherweretalkingintheparlor.Ididn'thavemuchchancetolisten,becauseMothertoldGraceandmetotakePhilipandMurieloutsidetoplaytillsuppertime.ButIdidhearCousinPhilsay,"Why,Mame,therejustisn'tanyworkatalltoranchinginColorado.Wehavethreehundredandsixty-fivesunshinydaysinayear,andallamanhastodoistossoutseedinthespringandharvesthiscropinthefall.Withmyconnections,Icouldmakeadealtoputyoufolksononeofthefinestranchesinthecountry,whereyou'dhaveallthemilk,butter,andeggsyoucouldeat,andhalfofallthecropsyoucouldraise.Why,inoneyearCharlie'dbeanewman—andmakeasmuchmoneyashe'dmakehereinEastRochesterinalifetime."

IguessFatherandMotherbelievedwhathesaid,becausetherewerelettersfromhimallthroughthesummerandfall.Then,justafterChristmas,wehadourauctionandtookthetrainforDenver—allsevenofus:FatherandMotherandGrace,Muriel,Philip,Hal,andI.GracewasolderthanIwas,buttherestwereyounger.Allthewayoutonthetrain,Ikeptguessinghowbigthehouseandbarnsonourranchwouldbe,andhowmanyhundredhorsesandcowsthere'dbeonit.

ItwaslatewhenwegottoDenver,sowerentedaroominalittlehotelonSeventeenthStreet.Thenextday,CousinPhillentushisrubber-tiredbuggyandPrince,hissleeklittleseal-browndrivinghorse.FatherletmegotoseeourranchwithhimandMother.Ididn'treallyhavetoaskhimtoletmego.IguesshejustknewhowmuchIwantedtoandsaidtoMother,"Doyouthinkthere'dbeenoughroomforyouandthebabyifwesqueezedRalphinbetweenus?"

Wecouldseeournewhousefromacoupleofmilesaway.Weknewitmustbeours,becauseCousinPhilhadtoldusitwasthreeandahalfmileswestofFortLogan—thefirsthouseontheMorrisonwagonroad.FromthehillbeyondtheFort,itlookedlikealittledollhousesittingontheedgeofagreatbigtable,withabrowntableclothsmoothedoutflatallaroundit.Itwasrightneartheedgeofthemesa,wherethelandstarteddippingnorthwardintoBearCreekValley.Awaytowardthesouththerewerebrown,rollinghills,asthoughthetableclothhadbeenwrinkledalittle.Andnotfarbeyondit,towardthewest,thehogbacks

roselikebigloavesofgolden-brownbreadsittingonthetable.HighabovethemthesnowcapsoftheRockiesglistenedintheafternoonsunshine.

Aswecamenearer,itlookedlesslikeadollhouseandmorelikejustwhatitwas:alittlethree-roomcottagethathadbeenhauledoutfromDenver.Itwasproppeduponfourcribsofmover'stimbers,andsatatthecornerofanunfencedquartersectionofbarrenprairieland.Thechimneywasbrokenoffattheroofandmostofthewindowsweresmashed.Whenweturnedoffthewagonroad,ajackrabbitleapedoutfromunderthehouseandracedawaythroughtheclumpsofcactusandsoapweed.Butitwasgoingtobeourranch—itlookedallrighttome.

FatherandMotherdidn'tsayaword,butwhenIlookedup,thebunchesofmuscleatthesidesofFather'sjawswereworkingoutandin.Theyalwaysdidthatwhenhewastryingnottogetmad.Mother'sfacewasaswhiteasHal'sstockingcap,andhereyeslookedasthoughsheweregoingtocry,butshedidn't.AfterFathertiedPrinceandhelpedMotheroutofthebuggy,heheldmeupsoIcouldlookinoneofthewindows.Therewasn'tmuchtosee,exceptthatthefloorwascoveredwithbrokenglass,andplasterthathadfallenoffthewallsandceiling.

WhileIwasstilllookinginthewindow,Mothersaid,"Charlie,Idon'tseehowintheworldwecandoit…withonlythreehundredandeighty-sevendollars.Ithought,ofcourse,there'dbegoodbuildingsandstockandmachineryonit.We'vegotalotofplanningtodo."Hervoicesoundedhoarse,andseemedtobecomingfromwaydowninherthroat.

Fatherdidn'tsayanythinguntilhehadstoodmedownandtakenHalfromMother.Thenheputhisarmaroundhershoulderandhuggedherupagainsthim.Fatherwasrealtall,butslim,andMother'sheadfittedinunderhischin."There'sonlyonethingtoplanabout,Mame,"hesaid,"andthat'sgettingticketshomewhilewe'vestillgotthemoney.Iwon'thaveyouliveinanysuchGod-forsakenplaceasthis."

TheystoodthatwayfortwoorthreeminuteswhileFather'shandpattedupanddownonMother'sshoulder.Andtherewasn'tasound,exceptthatdrylittlecoughthatFatherhadthen.WhenMotherliftedherhead,herlipswerepressedtightlytogether,andhervoicewasn'ttremblyanymore."TheBiblesays,'TrustintheLordanddogood;soshaltthoudwellintheland,andverilythoushaltbefed.'ThehandofGodhasledushere;wehavesetourshoulderstothewheel,andwewillnotturnback."

Thenexttwodayswerenotgoodonesforme.Westayedrightinthehotelroom,andFatherwasawayfromearlyinthemorningtilllongafterdark.Therewasnothingforuschildrentodo,andIguesswemadeMothernervous.GraceandIhadtwoorthreesquabbles.Shewastheoldest,nearlytwoyearsolderandalwayssmarterthanI,andIalwaysgotthespankings.WhenFathercamein,thesecondnight,Mothersaid,"Ralphcanneitherstayoutofmischiefhimself,norletanyoftheothers.Ideclare,IshallgofranticifIhavetohavehimcoopedupinthislittleroomanotherday."

Fatherdidn'tscoldmeatall,though.HejustputhisarmaroundMother'sshoulder,andsaid,"There,there,Mame.Iknowhowharditisforallofyou.We'llgetoutofherejustassoonaswecan."

ThenextmorningIwentwithFather,andwegotateamofhorses,andawagonand

harness.Theywereallkindofoldandsecondhand,buttheywereoursandIwasproudofthem.Fatherletmenamethehorses.IcalledthewhiteoneBill,andtheotheroneNig.

Wegotupbeforedaylighteverymorningforthenexttwoweeks,Sundayandall.First,we'dpickupanyofthebargainsMotherhadfoundforthehouse,thenbuysecondhandlumber,plaster,glass,andotherthingsweneeded,onourwayouttotheranch.AndFatherwouldneverstopworkingtillitwassodarkhecouldn'tseetodriveanail.

Hegotamantocomeandhelphimdigthewell,andsomedaysCousinPhildroveoutandworkedonthebarnwithus.Itjusthadthreesidesandacorrugatedironroof.ByThursdaynightthebarnwasallfinished,andFatherhadbuiltanewchimney,patchedtheplaceswheretheplasterhadfallenoff,putglassinallthewindows,andmadefrontandbackstepsforthehouse.Mypartofthejobwastosweepupallthebrokenglassandplaster,andpileupallthelittlepiecesofboardbesidethebacksteps.Therewasnothinglefttobuildbuttheprivy.

Itwasjustfiveo'clockwhenFatherandIdroveuptothedepotplatformFridaymorning.Afterthebaggagemanhadfoundourtwotrunks,wewentaroundtothehotelandpickedupeverythingwewouldn'tneedforonemorenightintheroom.Wehadtotiptoeintogetthethings,becausealltheotherchildrenwerestillasleepintheshakedown.Ihadn'tseenanyofthemwhentheywereawakesincetheSundaybefore.

ThesunlookedonlyaboutafoothighwhenwestoppedatafeedbarnontheoutskirtsofDenver.Fatherboughtasackofoatsandfourbalesofhaythere,andwefedthehorses.Whiletheywereeating,wewenttoalittlestoreupthestreet,andFatherboughtapailofmilkandawholecustardpie.Weateitsittingonthecurbbesideourwagon.Fatherknewjusthowtobuyagoodbreakfast.

AtFortLoganwestoppedatMr.Green'sgeneralstore,andboughtmoregroceriesthanIthoughtwecouldevereat.Therewasabarrelofflourandahundred-poundsackofnavybeans;andsaltpork,molasses,sugar,rice,andawholecaseofevaporatedmilk.Wegotouttotheranchlongbeforenoon.

CousinPhildroveoutthatafternoonandhelpeduswiththeprivy.Fathersawedthetwo-by-foursandspikedthemtogether.Then,whilehewasmakingthedoorandtheseat,CousinPhilcutboards,andnailedthemonthesidesandroof.Hecutsomeofthemtoolong,andsometooshort.AfterawhilehetossedthefoldingrulerovertoFather,andsaid,"Thisconfoundedruleisn'taccurate,Charlie."

Fatherfoldedtherulerupandputitinhispocket.Hedidn'tsayanythingtillCousinPhilhadgoneforanotherboard,thenhesaidtome,"Ifyoujustremembertomeasuretwiceandsawonce,you'llgetalongallright."

ThelastthingwedidwastotieBillandNigintheirnewbarn,andFatherhungtheharnessonspikeshehaddrivenhighuponthebarnwall.Hesaidthatwassothecoyotescouldn'tgnawonthemduringthenight.

Thesunhadgonedown,andthewholeskybeyondthemountainslookedasthoughitwereonfire.IlookedbackatourranchasCousinPhildroveusintoDenver,andIwouldn'thavetradeditforanythingelseonearth.

Anarrow-gaugespuroftheColoradoandSouthernleftthemainlineatPetersburgJunction,thenfollowedBearCreektoFortLogan,whereitclimbedtothetableland,andranwesttoMorrison.Itwasasingle-trackline,andcrossedthecenterofourranch.Therewerenopassengertrains,butonefreighteachdayhadapassengercarhookedontheendofit.

WewerealldownatthedepotearlySaturdaymorning,andFatheraskedtheconductoriftheywouldstopthetrainsowecouldgetoffonourownplace.Aswewereclimbingdown,theengineerblewthreesharptootsonhiswhistle,andwealllookedtowardwherehewaspointingatsomethingonthetrackahead.

Aquarterofamilewesttherewasadeepgulchwhere,afterstorms,waterfromthehillshadcutthelandawayinrunningofftothecreek.Therailwaycrosseditonahightrestle,andsomethingthatlookedtomelikeabigblackwhalewasflounderingaroundinthemiddleofit.

Fatherrantowardthefrontofthetrain,andIranafterhim.Theengineercuppedhishandsaroundhismouth,andshouted,"Horsethroughthetrestle.Isityours?"

FathermotionedforMothertogotothehouseasheswungupontheengine.ButhecouldrunsomuchfasterthanIthatthetrainstartedmovingwhenIwasatthebackendofthefirstboxcar.AftergoingeverywhereFatherhadforthelastcoupleofweeks,Ididn'twanttobeleftbehindthen,soIgrabbedholdofthefootrodsandpulledmyselfup.IheardMotherscream,"Ralph!"butIheldontight,andthetraindidn'tstoptillitgottothetrestle.

Nig'sfourlegsweredownbetweenthecrossties,andhewasthrashingaroundlikecrazy.ThefirstthingIwantedtodowhenIsawhimwastorunforhome,butIcouldn'tpullmyeyesaway.

Hishindendwastowardusandtherewerebigbloodypatchesonhisthighs.Hewasoutnearlytwentyfeetonthetrestle.Betweenhimandustherewasmorebloodonthecrossties,andbigclumpsofwhitehair.IknewBillhadbeeninthere,too,buthewasnowhereinsight.Ipeekeddownintothegulchandtherehewas—stretchedoutonalittlepatchofsnownearthebottom.Thesnowwashalfcoveredwithdustandtumbleweeds.Andbigblotchesofbrightredbloodshowedbetweenthem.

Nigwouldthrashandjumpuntilhewasalltiredout,tryingtopullhislegsupfrombetweentheties.Thenhe'dfallbackandpoundhisheadagainstthetrack.Iwassurehewouldkillhimselfanyminute.Allthemenfromthetraincamerunninguptothetrestle,butFatherwastheonlyonewhoseemedtoknowwhattodo.

Therewasasignonafour-by-fourpostbesidethetrack,rightneartheendofthebridge.Fatherwrencheditoutoftheground,smashedthesignoff,andranoutonthetrestletoward

Nig.Ididn'twanttoseeFatherkillhim,soIcoveredmyeyeswithmyhands.Therewasahollowthud,likeawoodentubhitwithastick.WhenIdroppedmyhands,Nigwaslyingperfectlystill.

Fathercalledtothemenstandingattheendofthetrestle.Hisvoicewasn'tquietthen,asitusuallywas,buthedidn'tyell.Itwasbiganddeepliketheringofachurchbell."Bringchainsandanythingyoucanfindtoprywith,"hecalled."We'llhavetohurryabit;he'llcomearoundintwoorthreeminutes."

Allthemenstartedrunningaroundlikeantswhenyouplowintotheirnests.Inanotherminutetheywentswarmingoutontothebridge.Theywereallchatteringlikemagpies,andsomewereyelling.Father'svoicerangthroughthehubbub,deepandstrong:"Runthatchainunderhere!Takeapryacrossthetopofthatrail!Here,bigfellow,heaveuponhishead…Waitfortheword!"HesoundedthewayIhadalwaysimaginedGeorgeWashingtonmusthave,andIwasproudhewasmyfather.IsawhimcrouchwithhisbackagainstNig'shindend.Hepulledthelongtailoverhisshoulderandcried,"Up!"

Nig'slegscameupthroughthetieswitharush.Hemusthavecometoattheverysecondtheygothimup.Hethrashedandthemenjumpedawayfromhim.Inanothersecondhetoppledoverthesideofthetrestle.Therewasadullthudwhenhelanded.ItwasthenIrealizedthatmypantswerewet.

Fathervaultedoverthesideofthetrestlenearourendanddisappearedintothegulch.Ididn'tdaretolookdown.Inaminuteortwohisvoicecameup."Nobrokenlegs,andthey'rebreathingwell.Ithinkthey'llmakeoutallright.Thanks!"

Thetrainmendidn'tseemtocareaboutanythingexcepthavingthetrackclear.Theengineerclimbedbackontheengineandtootedthewhistle.Inanotherminutethetrainhadgone,andIwasleftallalone.Fathercameupovertheedgeofthegulchandpickedmeup.Hedidn'tmentionmypants,butunbuttonedhisreeferandwrappedmeinsideit."I'msorryyouhadtoseeit,Son,"hesaid,"butit'sthatsortofthingthatmakesafellowintoaman.We'llgogetsomebandagesandseewhatcanbedoneforthem."

Carryingmetothehouse,hesaid,"Sometimesthesethingsseemawfulhardtotake,butmaybetheyallhappenforthebest.Nowyouchildrenwillknowthatbridgeisdangerous.Itmighthavebeenoneofyouthatfelloffit."Afterthathepointedoutajackrabbitthatwasscurryingawayalongthetrack,andtoasingle,stuntedcottonwoodtreenearthefarendofourland."There,"hesaid,"whosayswehaven'tgotawoodlotonourplace?Perhaps,withenoughirrigationwater,itwillgrowintoafinebigtree.Itwouldhavebeenniceifthey'dputthehousebythetree,wouldn'tit?"

WhenFatherbroughtmeintothehouse,Motherhadafiregoinginthecookstove,andeverybodywasstandingbyitgettingwarm.ShelookedupatFather,andherunderlipwastrembling."Aretheybothdead,Charlie?"sheasked.

"No,"Fathersaid,"they'rebothliving.Idon'tknowhowbadlythey'rehurt,buttheredon't

seemtobeanybonesbroken."Hedidn'tunwraphiscoatfromaroundme,butwhisperedtoMother.Thenwewentintothefrontroomwherethetrunkswere,andsheclosedthedoor.Theyweretheonlyoneswhoeverfoundoutaboutmypants.Anditneverhappenedagain.

WhileMotherrippedanoldsheetintobandages,Fatherwentouttolookaroundthebarn.Whenhecameback,hesaid,"Coyotes.Musthaveclosedinandfrightenedthemaboutdaylight.There'splentyofsign.Whathaveyougotforanantiseptic?"

Motherputherhanduptohermouth."Idon'tthinkthere'sathinghere,exceptacoupleofbichloridetablets."

"Nevermind,"Fathersaid."Ralph,youbringthebandages.I'vegotacanofaxlegreaseinthewagon."

Ihadn'texpectedhimtotakemewithhimaftermyaccident,andpulledmycoatonasfastasIcould.Iwasafraidbothhorsesmightdiebeforewecouldgetback,andwantedFathertorun,buthewouldn't.Youcouldaskhimallthequestionsyouwantedto;henevergotcross.SoIsaid,"Whydidn'titkillNigtopoundhisheadonthetrack?DoyouthinkBillpoundedhishead,too?Father,howdidBillgetoutwhenNigcouldn't?"

"Well,"Fathersaid,"Nighadn'tbeenintherelongenoughtodohimselfmuchdamage.Thebloodwasallfreshandbright,sotheymusthavefalleninlessthanfifteenminutesbeforewegotthere.Nigpoundedhisheadbecausehewasfrantic.Billhadnoreasontodoit,becausehecouldgetout.Fromthemarksonthetrack,I'msurethatoneofhishindlegsdidn'tgothroughatall,andthathebracedhimselfwithhisheadtopullhisfrontlegsout.I'llshowyouwhenwegetthere."

Fatherwhistledwhenwegotneartheedgeofthegulch.HowassomuchtallerthanIthathecouldseedownintoitsooner.Irantotheedge.BillandNigwerecroppinggrassaroundawetspot.Nigwaslimping,butBilldidn'tseemtomindthebloodthatwasoozingfromtornplacesonhisthighandforelegs.

AssoonasFathersawthatthehorseswereupontheirfeet,wewentovertothetrestle.Hepickedmeupand,afterlookingupanddownthetrack,walkedoutonthebridge.Thenhescrootcheddownandshowedmeallthemarksonthecrossties."Almosteverythingthathappensleavesitstelltalemarks,"hesaid."Ifyouteachyourselftoseeallthemarks,youcanalwaysreadthestory."Thenhehadmewaitwhilehewentdownintothegulchandledthehorsesout.Hesaidthatsincetheywereontheirfeet,wecoulddoabetterjobofdressingthematthehouse.

Mothercameouttohelpwiththehorseswhenwegotback.Shewasalwaysgoodwhentherewassickness.ShetookscissorsandstartedclippinghairfromaroundthetornplacesonNig'sforelegs."I'mworriedaboutthisone,Charlie,"shesaid."Hemustbebadlyhurttolimpso."

FatherwaspokinghisfistupagainstBill'sbelly."I'mnotworriedmuchabouthim,"he

said,"butI'mafraidthisonemaybedonefor.Idon'tlikethewayhe'sdrawnupintheloin."

2Neighbors

FATHERhadjustledthehorsesbacktothebarnwhenamandroveintoouryardwithapairoffast-steppingbays.Hedroverightpastthehouseandswungaroundinacircle.Hishorsesdidn'tslowdownallthewayaround,butpulledupbesideuswiththepoleofthebuckboardpushingtheircollarswayuphighontheirnecks.Themanwasn'tquitesooldasFather,buthewasastall,andalotheavier.Hesteppedoutoftherigwithoutputtingthelinesdown,andheldhisrighthandouttoFather."I'mFredAultland,yournext-doorneighbor,amileuptheline,"hesaid.

AfterFathershookhandsandtoldhimhewasCharlesMoody,Mr.Aultlandheldhishandouttome.ItriedtotakeholdofitasFatherdid,butitwastoobig,andIonlygotholdofthreefingers."Andmine'sRalphMoody,"Isaid;"Ilikeyou."IdidlikeMr.Aultlandrightfromthestart.

"AndIlikeamanthatspeakshismind,"hetoldme.ThenhesaidtoFather,"Hearyouhadalittlehardluckwithyourteam,andthoughtI'ddropintoseeifIcouldn'tlendahand.Igothalfadozenteamsstandingaroundeatingtheirheadsoffatthistimeofyear.Betterletmelendyouonetillyoursgetsbackonitsfeetagain."

Fathersaid,"Thankyou,Mr.Aultland,butIbelievewe'llmakeoutallright.Ofcourse,thesefellowswillbestiffforafewdays,butIhaven'tgotmuchhaulingtodo,andIdon'tthinktheblackishurtverybad."

Mr.Aultlandsaid,"Hell,Charlie,don'tcallmeMister;myname'sFred."HesteppedovernearBillandpushedhisthumbdownhardonhisbackalongtowardthehip.HelookedatFatherandliftedoneeyebrow.Allhesaidwas,"Kidney?"

HeandFathertalkedabouthorsesandkidneysforawhile.ThenMr.AultlandsaidhewasgoingtoFortLogan,andaskediftherewasanythinghecouldbringus.FathersentmetoaskMother,andshetoldmethenameofsomekindofsalveforthehorses,butwhenIgotbackoutsideIhadforgottenit.Mr.Aultlandwasalreadyonhisbuckboard.Hesaid,"Nevermind,I'llgetyousomestuffthatworkswonderswithgallsandwirecuts."Thenheletthelinesgoloosejusthalfasecond,andhisteamwasawaylikeSantaClaus'sreindeers.

WhenMr.Aultlandcameback,hishorseswerestillrunningasfastastheywerewhenheleft.Hedrovearoundthecircle,ashehadbefore,andpulleduprightbesidethebacksteps.Fatherhadgonetoseeifhecouldfindthestakesthatmarkedthecornersofourland,soMotherwenttothedoor.Mr.Aultlandgaveheraquartjarofblue-coloredsalve,abigsquarepackage,andaDenverPost.Hesaid,"TellCharlietolaythisstuffonoverthosesoresgoodandheavy.It'sgotbluevitriolinit,buttellhimnottobeafraidofit.It'lldrythosesoresupquickerthananythingelse."

Motherlookedatthepackage,andMr.Aultlandgrinned."Justalittlebaker'sbreadforthe

kids.Ifiguredyou'dhavebothhandsfullwithoutbakin'foracoupleofdays."

Motherthankedhim,andaskedhowmuchweowedhim."Forgetit,"hesaid."BessieorMother'llprob'lybedowntoborrowsomethingoffofyoubeforetheweek'sout."

"Thankyoueversomuch,andtellthemIshallbedelightedtoseethem,"Mothersaid,assheturnedaway.

ButMr.Aultlandcalled,"Say,Idon'tseeanycowsaroundhere.Whatyougoingtogivethesekidsformilk?"

Wewereallwatchingoutthroughthewindow.Mother'sfacegotredascouldbe,andshesaid,"Oh,wehaveawholecaseofevaporatedmilk;they'llbeallright."

"Thatstuff'sonlygoodforchuckwagons,"hesaid.Thenheyelled,"Hey,Ralph.Getyourjacketonandtakearidewithme."

IjustgotaglimpseoftheheadlineinthenewspaperasIwasgettingmycoaton.Itsaid,"ManKilledbyMountainLionatMoffat."ThenMotherputituponthelampshelf.

WhenIclimbedonthebuckboardbesideMr.Aultland,hereachedoverandslappedmeontheleg.Itwasagoodhardslap,butIlikedit.Aswetoreoutofouryard,heaskedmeifI'deverdrivenateam.Itoldhim,yes,Fatherletmeholdthelineswhenwewerebringingoutthelumber.Hepassedhisreinsrightovertome,andsaid,"Heretakeaholdof'em.Betterwrap'emaroundyourhandsonce;youain'tverystoutyet."

Heshowedmehowtowrapthelinesaroundmyhandssotheywouldn'tslip,andtoldmetoholdthemuptight.Thelong-leggedbayswererunninglikesixty,andIwasscared.IpulledonthelinesashardasIcould,butallthathappenedwasthatmybottomslippedforwardontheseat.Mr.AultlandputhisarmaroundmeandheldmebacksoIcouldpullharder.Hesaid,"Betchamylifeyou'llmakeahorseman.Ifyouwasmykid,I'dputaboxinfrontheresoyou'dhavesomethingtobraceyourfeetagainst."

Aswegotclosetohishouse,hegatheredbothmyhandsinsideoneofhisandhelpedmepull.Thebaysonlyslowedupalittle,andthehindwheelsofthebuckboardslewedwayaroundwhenweturnedintohisdriveway.Aultland'shousewasfourtimesthesizeofours,andtherewasabigredbarn,andcorrals,andthefieldsbeyondwereknee-deepwithbrownstubble.

Atall,prettygirlcameouttomeetuswhenwestoppedbythebackdoorofthehouse.Shehadreddish-brownhair,andhereyeswerethesamecolorasabrand-newpenny.Shemusthavebeennineteenortwenty."Sis,"Mr.Aultlandsaid,"thisisournewneighbor.There'sawholeparcelofkidsandtheyhaven'tgotacow.Howabouttakingthemoversomemilk?Thewomanseemstoberightnice,andsaidshe'dbegladtoseeyou."

Whilethegirlwasaskingmewhatmynamewas,andtellingmehers,Mr.Aultlandtiedthehorsestoahitchrack,andwentofftothebarn.Shesaidhermotherwasfryingabatchof

doughnuts,andaskedmeifIwouldn'tliketocomeinandhaveahotone.Isaid,"Yes,Iwould,MissAultland.Wehaven'thadanyhotdoughnutssinceweleftEastRochester."

Shelaughedandsaid,"Don'tyoudarecallmeMissAultland—thatmakesmesoundlikeaschoolmarm.YoucallmeBessie.Comeonnow,we'llgetsomedoughnuts."

Mrs.AultlandwasasniceasBessie.Shewasn'tverytall,butfat,withwavygrayhair.WhenItoldherIlikedBessieandherhusbandfine,shelaughed,andtweakedmyear."That'sthefinestcomplimentI'vehadinyears,"shesaid,"butdon'tyouletFredfoolyou.He'sjustmylittleboy,onlyhe'sbig.Heain'teventhirtyyet.Anddon'tyougocallinghimMr.Aultland;it'llgethimstuck-up.YoucallhimFred."

Bessiedidn'tletmedrivegoingback.Maybeshedidn'tknowIwantedto.SheandMothergotalongfine.IwentouttothebarnwhereFatherwasputtingsomeofthebluesalveonBillandNig.Whenwecamebacktothehouse,BessiewassayingtoMother,"I'mnotgoingtokeepsayingMrs.Moody.WhatshallIcallyou?"

Motherlaughedandsaid,"That'sjustthewayI'dliketohaveit.MynameisMary,butnobodyevercallsmethat.WhenIwasagirl,theyusedtocallmeMolly."

Bessiesaid,"Allright.Mollyitis.I'llbeseeingyouoften,Molly."Shepickedupthereinsandwasgone.

Whilewewereeatingsupperthatnight,thecoyotesbegantohowl.Itsoundedasthoughthereweredozensofthem;somecloseby,andsomefaraway.Itmadeshiversrunupanddownmyback,andIthinkitdidthesamethingtoMother.Assoonassupperwasover,Fathergotupandtookthelanternfromthenailbythedoor.Asheturneduptheglobe,Motherputbothhandsuptohercheeksandsaid,"Charlie,you'renotgoingoutthere!Iwon'tletyougooutthere!"

Fatherhadlitthelantern.Hesetitdown,andtookMotherinhisarms."Mame,"hesaid,"we'llhavetofacethesituationswefindinthiscountry.Thesefellowscan'tbetoodangerous,orAultlandwouldhavewarnedus.Ifthehorseswereinshapetodefendthemselves,Iwouldn'tgo.Butthey'renot.I'verolledthewagonacrosstheopensideofthebarn,sotheycan'tbreakoutagain.Coyotesaresaidtobeafraidofalight.I'vegottohangthislanternonthewagon."

Hepickedupthelanternandwentout.Motherstoodintheopendoorway,andwewatchedthelanterntillitdisappearedaroundthebarn.Thecoyotes'howlingstopped.InafewminutesFatherwasback,andsaideverythinglookedallrightatthebarn.Thenthehowlingstartedagain.Motherwasstillfidgety,andasked,"WhereisMoffat,Charlie?"

Fatherlookedatherandanswered,"Moffat?Oh,it'sinthemountainswestofheresomewhere.Why?"

"Oh,nothing,"Mothersaid."Ijustwondered,that'sall."

MotherputthesmallerchildrentobedwhileGraceandIdidthedishes,andshemadeusgojustassoonaswewerefinished.Thecoyotesstoppedhowlingafteralittlewhile,butwecouldn'tgotosleep.GracewhisperedoverandaskedmeifIthoughtthemountainlionshadcomedownandfrightenedthecoyotesaway.Iwasafraidtheyhad,butItoldhernottoworry,becauseFatherwouldn'tletthemgetus.Hemusthavehearduswhispering,becausehecametothedoorandsaidhedidn'twanttohearanymorewhispering.Fatheralwaysmeantwhathesaid,sowekeptquiet,andIguesswewenttosleepprettysoon.

Themoonwaswayovertowardthemountainswhensomethingwokemeup.Itwokeeverybodyelse,too.MyheartwaspoundingsohardIthoughtitwasgoingtojumpout.Thentherewasaclatteratthebackofthehouse.Somethinghadknockedthepileoffirewoodover.Graceshrieked,"Themountainlion!"andalltheyoungerchildrenyelledasthoughthelionhadthembytheears.

Fatherleapedoutofbedandrantothekitchenforthelantern.IguesshethoughtGracehadreallyseenalion.Motherrushedfromonewindowtotheother,slammingthemdowntightandcrying,"Don'tgoout,Charlie!Don'tgoout!He'llkillyouthewayhedidthemanatMoffat."

Fatherdidn'tgoout.Hesatontheedgeofthegirls'bed,withMurielonhiskneeandonearmaroundMother,whilehetoldustherewasn'tabitofdanger.Everybodystoppedcryingprettysoon,buttheywereallholdingtheirbreathasIwas.Itwassostillitalmosthurt.Butonlyforafewminutes.ThenthemostterriblenoiseIhadeverheardcamefromrightoutsideourwindow.Wewerealltooscaredtomakeasound,tillIheardMotherwhisper,"Oh,God,"andknewshewaspraying.Afewminuteslatertherewasanawfulracketatthebarn.Weheardoneofthehorsessqueal,andthesoundofheelsthuddingagainstboards.Motherhadtoreadtousalongtimebeforewewentbacktosleep.

AtdaylightFatherwenttothebarntoseeifwehadanyhorsesleft.Inacoupleofminuteshewasbackatthekitchendoor,laughingandcallingusalltocomeouttothebarn.Coldasitwas,Motherletusgowithoutcapsorcoats.StandingbetweenthetwobighorseswasaRockyMountaincanary—alittledonkey,notmuchtallerthanI.Hehadbeenourmountainlionofthenight,andhadsqueezedintothebarnpastthetailgateofthewagon.

ThatSundayafternoonournewneighborscametocall.Noneofthemcameintothehouse,buttheysatintheirbuggiesandtalkedalittlewhile.FirstweretheCorcorans.Theylivedonthesameroadwedid,upwestofFredAultland'splace.Mrs.Corcoranwasalittlebitofawoman,anddidmostofthetalking—shehadahigh,sharpvoice.Mr.Corcoranwasakindofround-shoulderedmanwithabeard.Shedidn'tlethimtalkverymuch.Shestartedaskingallkindsofquestionsaboutwherewecamefrom,andwhetherwe'dboughttheranch,andwasFatheralunger,anddidwewanttobuyacow.

Motherpulledherlipsrightuptight,butFatherbegantellingthemaboutthedonkey—asifhehadn'theardasinglequestion.Idon'tthinkMrs.Corcoranlikedit,becauseshesaid,"Robert,themcowsofmineneedsaloadofhaybeforemilkin'.It'stimeyouwasgettin'atit."Mr.Corcorandidn'tsayanything.Hejustfishedonthereinsalittle,andthehorsesstarted

moving.Astheydroveoutofouryard,Mrs.Corcorancalledback,"IhopeyoufolksmakeoutbetterthanthemYankeesthatmovedontothePetersonplace."

ThenextoneswhocameweretheAldivotes.TheyliveddownnearBearCreek,behindCorcoran'splace.Theywerenicepeople.Quiet.Anddidn'tseemtofinditeasytotalk.They'dheardaboutBillandNigfallingthroughthetrestle,andIguesstheyjustcametotellustheyweresorry.

ItwasnearlysunsetbeforeCarlHenrydroveinwithMissWheeler.TheschoolhousewasinthefarcornerofoursectionandCarl'shousewasinthesectionbeyond.Hewasanoldbach—hemusthavebeennearlythirty—andMissWheelerwastheschoolteacher.ShewasprettierthanBessieAultland.

AtfirsttheytalkedaboutGraceandmegoingtoschool.Thenabouthorses,andfencesandranching.Afterawhile,Mothertoldthemhowscaredwe'dbeenthenightbefore,andaskedCarlhowmuchdangertherewasfromcoyotesandmountainlions.Helaughed,andtoldherthatthedonkeywasjustaboutasdangerousasthecoyotes,andthathehadneverheardofalioncomingthatfardownfromthemountains.Whentheyleft,theytookmeasfarasAultland'stogetthemilk.

Ihadn'tmuchmorethanstartedbackwhenIheardhorsesrunningbehindme.Ilookedaround,andtherewerefourhonest-to-goodnesscowboyscoiningdowntheroad.Theyworetengallonhatsandleatherchapswithbrightsilverdisksonthem.

Astheycamecloser,Icouldseeholsterswithsix-shootersinthem,strappedtotheirwaists.IwassobusywatchingthatIforgottomove.

Theydidn'tslowupabittilltheywererightbesideme,thentheyskiddedtheirhorsestoastoponthehardadoberoad.Oneofthemleanedoverandsaid,"Wantalift,Sonny?"

IalmostbitmytonguebeforeIcouldmakeitsay,"SureIdo."

Heleanedsofaroutofhissaddlethathetookthemilkbucketrightoutofmyhandwithoutmyliftingit.Thenhepassedittooneoftheotherfellows,andswungmeupbehindhissaddlebyonearm.Ihadhardlylandedwhenthehorsesstartedoff.Mycowboysaid,overhisshoulder,"Hangonifyouwanttoburnsometrail."Idugmyfingersinunderhiscartridgebelt.Somebodyyelled,"Yipeee!"andwewereofflikescaredrabbits.

Motherusedtorecite"TheChargeoftheLightBrigade."Withallthegunsandrunninghorses,IwassureIwasinit.Theyputmedownrightatourbackstepsandracedaway.Therewasn'tadropofmilkspilledwhenthecowboypassedmethebucket.

3Fight,Molly!

MONDAYmorningGraceandIwenttoschool,andtheattendancewentupafifth.BessieAultlandcameforusanddroveusovertothelittlebrickschoolhouse,amileandahalffromhome.

WhenBessietookusintoMissWheeler,shesaid,"ItriedtotellMollyjusttoletthemcomeinoverallsandfrock,nottogetthemalldressedupliketheyweregoingtoSundayschool;butshewouldn'tthinkofit.Doesn'tRalphlookcuteinhislittleBusterBrownsuit?Mollymadeitherself."Bessiedidn'treallytalkloud,buthervoicewasclearandranginthelittleroom.

Thereweretenpupilsintheschool—Iwasgoingtosay,children,butIcouldn't,becauseRudolphHaaswasnearlyastallasFather.Hewasintheeighthgrade.TheyallwatcheduslikechickenhawkswhileMissWheelerhadusreadanddonumbersforher.Afterweweredonewiththenumbers,shedecidedGracebelongedinthefourthgradeandIinthethird.

Recessdidn'tgoabitgoodforme.Beforewelefthome,Motherhadtakenusintothefrontroomandsaid,"Iamnotgoingtohaveyouchildrengrowuptoberowdiesandruffiansjustbecauseweliveonafarm.Ralph,ifyougetintoafightinthisnewschool,Ishallgiveyouahardthrashingwhenyoucomehome.TheBiblesaysthatifyourenemysmitesyouononecheek,youaretoturntheother.Iwantyoutofollowthatteachingabsolutely.AndGrace,Iwantyoutopromisemeonyourwordofhonorthatyouwilltellmeifheeverraisesahandagainstanyotherchildatschool."

ShemusthaveheardaboutFreddieSprague.Hewasinthesecondgrade,buthewasbiggerandfatterthanI.Wehadn'tbeenouttorecessaminutewhenFreddieputastickonmyshoulderandthenknockeditoff."Wantafight?"hesaid.

Gracewasstandingrightbehindhim,andhollered,"Ifyoudo,I'lltellMother."

Iknewshewould,too,soIsaid,"No,mymotherwon'tletme."

Idon'tknowwhytheBiblepickedoutcheeks,butthat'srightwhereFreddiehitme.Iwantedtohithimback,butIdidn'tdareto.MothercouldspankprettyhardifIdidsomethingrightaftershe'dtoldmenotto.Ijustletmyhandsstaydownandturnedmyfacearound.Freddiehitthatside,too.Andhehitithard.

WhenIstartedtocry,somebodysangout,"Molly,Molly."Thenalltheboys,andevensomeofthegirls,startedyellingit.

Gracecameoverandwipedmyfacewithmyhandkerchief."Don'tcry,"shesaid."Motherwillbeproudofyou."ThenMissWheelerrangthebellforustocomein,andsaidFreddieshouldbeashamedforhittingme.Everytimeshewasn'tlookingtherestofthemorning,he

keptmakingfacesatme.

Noonwasworsethanrecess.Gracehadbroughtarubberballtoschoolwithher.Sheknewhowtoplayjackstoneswithit,buttheothergirlsdidn't.Assoonaswegotoutatnoon,shedividedourlunchandwentoffwiththeothergirlstohuntfortheright-sizedstones.Motherhadbakeduseachacupcustard.Ilaidmytwosandwichesandpieceofcakeontopofmycupandwenttolookforaplacetoeatit.WhenIwashalfwayouttothecarnageshed,Freddiecamerunningwithanothersticktoputonmyshoulder.Ispilledmysandwichesandcaketryingtogetaway,andheknockedthecupoutofmyhands,yelling,"Fight,Molly!"Alltheotherboyslaughedatme.Someofthemyelled,"Hitthelittlesissy,Freddie,makehimfight."Ihadtorunawaytothefarcorneroftheyard.

Alltheotheryoungsterseitherrodetoschoolordroveinoldbuggies.Therewasanopenshedwheretheybackedthebuggiesinatoneendandtiedthehorsesattheother.WillieAldivoterodeafunny-lookinggrayish-whitedonkeywithbigyellowsplotches.Aftertheyhadeatentheirlunches,theotherboysgotthedonkeyoutandstartedtoridehim.Theywouldholdhimbytheearsuntilsomeboygoton,thenthey'dlethimlooseandticklehimwithaswitch.Hewouldbucklikesixty.Sometimestheboysstayedonandsometimestheyfelloff.

IhadcomebacktothecorneroftheshedwhereIcouldwatch.WhenFreddiesawme,hehollered,"Let'sputMollyonhim,"andtheydid.

Iwasn'tverymuchafraid.Ihadn'tfallenoffthecowboy'shorse,andthoughtIcouldcutthemustard.Anyway,Iwaswillingtotakethechance.Motherhadn'tsaidIcouldn'trideadonkey,andIwantedtoshowtheboysIwasn'tasissy.Myridelastedabouthalfofthedonkey'sfirstbuckjump.Hekickedhisheelsup,andIpitchedoffbetweenhisears.Ilandedrightonmyfaceinthegravel.Iskinnedmynoseandbitmytongue.Icouldn'thelpcryingalittle,butIdidn'tmakeanynoise.

Mothernearlywentfranticwhenwegothomefromschool.MyBusterBrownsuitwasprettywellmessedupfromthebloodynoseIgotwhenIfelloffthedonkey,andFreddiehadgivenmeagoodworkingoverafterschool.Iguessithadn'thelpedmylooksverymuch.GracewassobusytellingMotheraboutmybeingagoodboyandnotfightingthat,untilafterIwasallcleanedup,sheforgottogiveherthenoteMissWheelerhadsent.

Mother'seyesgotallfulloftearswhenshewaswashingmyfaceandputtingcourtplasteronmynose.Shetoldmethatshewasproudofmeforbeingalittlegentleman,andthatshewouldseetoitthatthoseruffiansdidn'tattackmeagain.Gracehadn'tseenmetrytoridethedonkey,andIthoughtitwouldbebestnottomentionittoMother.

FathercameinfromdiggingpostholesjustafterGracehadrememberedaboutthenote.Motherwasmadderthaneverandreaditaloudtohim.TheteachersaidthatGracehadadjustedherselfverynicelywiththeothergirlsandshewassureIwouldsoonmakemyadjustment,butshewouldsuggestthatIwearoverallstoschoolliketheotherboys.

Mothertossedthenotedownonthetableandslappeditwithherhand.Herlipswerepinchedtogetherandshesaid,"ThefactthatIamgoingtobringmychildrenuponafarmisn'tgoingtopreventmefrombringingthemuptobeladiesandgentlemen.Ralphwearingoverallstoschool!Theveryidea!Ishallseethatteacherthefirstthinginthemorning."

Fathershuthiseyesandscratchedthebackofhishead.Thenhesaid,"Theremightbesomereasoninwhatshesays,Mame.And,youknow,therehavebeensomegentlemeninoveralls."Mother'slipspinchedtighterthanever,andsheneversaidaword.

FatherandMothersatupinthekitchentillafterIwenttosleep.Idon'tknowwhattheytalkedabout,butthepartthatwasaboutmemusthaveendedinacompromise.Motherdidn'tgotoseetheteacher,andIdidn'twearoverallstoschool.

Mytimeatschoolwasn'thappy.FreddieSpraguemadeitmiserable,andIgotsoIwasscaredtodeathoftheyellow-spotteddonkey.Freddiethoughtitwasalotoffuntograbmebythebackofmypantsandjerkhardenoughtopulloffacoupleofbuttons.ThenI'dhavetoholdthemupwithonehanduntilIcouldgettoGraceforasafety-pinning.MotheralwaysmadethemsoIhadtounbuttonthemwhentheotherboysdidn'thaveto,andsomeoftheolderoneswerealwaysyelling,"Come,Molly,letMamaunbuttonyou."Orthey'drunmedownandlugmeforanothernosediveoffthedonkey.

Oneraw,windyafternoonwhenwewereatrecess,WillieAldivotemadeanI-betchathathecouldholdhisbreathlongerthananyoftherestofus.NobodywonbecauseIturnedblueandfelloverafterhalfaminute.Itdidn'thelpmeabitatschool,butitreallyworkedfineathome.

Thoughitwasn'tnearlysocoldinColoradoasithadbeeninNewEngland,thehighaltitudebotheredmyheartalittle,andIfeltthecoldmorethantheothers.OnceortwiceIgotsocoldonthewayhomefromschoolthatIturnedgoodandblue.WhenIdid,Motherwoulddoctormewithbrandyandsugar.Itriedforitoften,becauseIlikedit,butshewouldonlygiveittomeifIwasreallybluetotheears.

IfoundthatifIstayedoutsidelongenoughtogetgoodandcold,thenheldmybreathforhalfaminutejustbeforeIstaggeredthroughthekitchendoor,itwouldgetmeaspoonfulofbrandy.Motherneverguessed,butafterIhadworkedithalfadozentimes,FathercaughtonandIbecamewhatouroldministerusedtocallateetotaler.

FathertriedtomakeuptomealittleforthetroubleIwashavingatschool.HepickedSaturdaystogotoDenverforloadsoflimeandsecondhandbrickstobuildafoundationunderthehouse.Ialwayswentwithhim,andeachtimewehadapicnicofcustardpieandmilk.Then,onthewayhome,heletmedriveBillandNig.

Oneeveningafterschool,whenFatherandIwereworkingonthefoundation,FredAultlanddroveintoouryard.HeandFathertalkedforawhileaboutthehouseandbuildingthefoundation,thenFredsaid,"Charlie,youseemtobeprettyhandywiththetools.Youknow,myfatherusedtoruncattleallthroughthissectionwhenIwasakid.Hekepteightortencowhandsallthetime,andsometimesthere'dbeasmanyasacoupleofdozen.Theoldbunkhousehasn'tbeenusedfortenyearsormore.Ibeenthinkingabouttearingitdown,butallIcangetoutofitisfirewood.I'llmakeadealwithyou.IfyouwanttobuymeatonofcoalandhaulitoutfromDenver,I'lltakeitintradeforthebunkhouse."

Itwasfunmovingthebunkhouse.WediditoneSaturday.

Itwasbiggerthanourwholehouse,andIcouldn'tseehowintheworldwecouldmoveitwithouttearingitalltopieces,butFredandFatherfigureditout.Fredandhistwohiredmen

helpedus,anditwaseasyaspie.Fathershapedtheendsoffourdouble-lengthfencepostssothey'dfitintothehubsofthewagonwheels.Thenheboredholesthroughtheendsofthemandputaxlegreaseontheshapedpart.AsthemenprieduponecornerofthebunkhouseI'dlaycribbingsticksunder,thewayFathershowedme.Wejustkeptgoingaroundandaroundit;theyliftingalittleandIputtinginanotherstickortwo,tillitwashighenoughtoruntheshapedendsofthepostsunderitandintothehubsofthewheels.Whenthestaypinsweredriven,itmadethewholebunkhouseintoagreatbig,eight-wheeledwagon.Ofcourse,wecouldn'tturnanysharpcorners,butwedidn'tneedto.Wejusthitchedonfourhorsesandhauleditdownacrosstheprairie.

Atourhousewetookitoffthesamewaywehadputiton.FatherwasfussyaboutmakingitlandL-shapedtothebackofourhouse,withthecornersjusttouching.

AlthoughIwashavingalotmorefunathome,thingsweregettingworseandworseatschool.TheFridayafterwemovedthebunkhouse,itgotsobadIcouldn'tstanditanylonger.WehadjustfinishedeatingourlunchesthatnoonwhenFreddieSpraguestartedpickingonme.Heyankedatmypantssohardthatallbutoneofthebuttonsflewoff,andIhadtousebothhandstoholdthemup.Thenhegotdirtyandyelledtotheotherkids,"Let'spullMolly'spantsoffsohewon'thavetosquatlikeagirl."Theydid,andrightwhereallthegirlscouldsee,too.

Ididn'tcarewhetherMotherwouldbeashamedofmeornot.Icouldn'tbeagentlemanwithmypantsoff,andIdidn'twanttobeoneanyway.IplowedintoFreddiewithbothfists.Ihadabigadvantage,becausehedidn'texpectit.Hisnosestartedbleedingbeforeminedid,andthatmademesureIcouldlickhim.Hetriedtoquitafterafewminutes,buttheolderboyswouldn'tlethimoutofthering.Ihadbeendreamingaboutthatdayforamonth,andkepthittinghimasfastasIcouldmakemyarmsgo.

Iheardthegirls'voicesaroundtheringandlookedrightupintoGrace'sface.Shewasjumpingupanddownandyelling,"Hithim!Hithim!Hithimhard!"Ididmybest,andFreddieputbotharmsupoverhisface.Oncewhentheboyswerepullinghimbackontohisfeet,Iglanceduptowardtheschoolhouse.MissWheelerwaspeekingoutthecornerofthewindow,butshedidn'tringthebelltillitwasalloverandGracehadpinnedmypantsbackon.

RudolphHaaslivedwayoversouthoftheschoolhouse,butthatnighthedroveGraceandmecleartoourhouseinhisbuggy.Justbeforewegotin,MissWheelercameandsaidforGracetotellMotherthatshethoughtIhadmademyadjustmentnow.

Maybeshethoughtso,butMotherdidn't.Shestartedtocryassoonasshesawme—myeyehadturnedkindofgreenish-black.Sheevencriedwhileshewaspaddlingme.Itwasagood,hardspankingwithoneofFather'sslippers,butIdidn'tminditatall;itwasworthtwospankingstolickFreddie.Idon'trememberallthethingsshesaidtome,buttheywereplenty.ThenshetoldGracetocallFather.Hesentmeforthemilkassoonashecameintothehouse.

ThenextdaywasSaturday,andIworkedwithFatherallday.Hewascuttingthebunkhouseintwo,sowecouldmoveoneofthepiecesaroundandbuilditintoanewkitchen.Alonginthemiddleoftheforenoon,Iwasholdingawindowsashwhilehetookofftheframe.Hehadhisbacktome,andwehadn'tbeentalkingatall.Allatoncehesaid,"Ihearyouhadafightyesterday."

Ihadbeenexpectingit.Ididn'tlookup,andhedidn'tturnaround.Isaid,"Yes,sir."

"Didyoulickhim?"

"Yes,sir."

"Good."Thatwasall.Henevermentioneditagain.

4MyCharacter-House

WHILEWEweredoingourlessonsthatnight,Mothersaid,"Didn'tFredAultlandoffertolendyouhorsesuntilourswerewellagain?"

ItwasafewminutesbeforeFatheranswered."Yes,Mame,hedid,but…whatisthatoneyouquoteaboutbeingneitheraborrowernoralender?Fred'safinefellow,butIdon'twanttostartborrowingfromtheneighbors,andthen,too,he'llneedallhishorsesatplowingtimewhenI'llhavetohavethree."

Mothersaid,"Ijustdon'tseehowwecantakeoutfiftydollarsforanotherhorse,andmoretobuyharnessforit,untilwehavesomethingtosell."Fatherdidn'tsayanythingexceptthathe'dtalktoMr.Cash.

Mr.Cashwasanoldhorsetrader-peddler,whousedtocomebyourplaceeverycoupleofweeks.Hehadanoldcoveredwagonfilledwitheverythingfromsafetypinstorollsofsecondhandbarbedwire,andheusuallyhadthreeorfouroldhorsestiedtothetailgate.

HecamebythenextSunday,andFatherhaggledwithhimforoveranhour.Iwasoutbythewagonwhentheyfinallymadethedeal.Fatherhadlookedthedifferenthorsesoverfromteethtohoofs.Hehadbothhandsinthehippocketsofhisoverallsandwaslookingatanoldbaymareontheoffside."HowmuchforGrandma?"heasked.

Mr.Cashsaidhehadpaidtwenty-fivedollarsforher,butintheendheletFatherhaveherforseventeen-fifty,andthrewinacollar,andhameswithchaintraces.Whenwewereleadinghertothebarn,Inoticedthatshedraggedoneforehoof.Fathersaiditwasbecauseshehadbeenfoundered.Becauseshewalkedsoslow,MothernamedherNancyHanks,afterafamousracehorse.

MotherletmewearmyoverallsandblueshirttoschoolMondaymorning.Gracefiddledalongalltheway,huntingforsomecertainkindofcactus.Wegotinjustafterthebellrang.Freddie'seyewasblackerthanmineandhislipswerestillpuffed.IhadwantedtogetthereearlyenoughtoseeifIcouldlickhimagainbeforeschoolbegan,butIhadtowaitformorningrecess.

EverybodyknewFreddieandIweregoingtofightagainatrecesstime.WemadefacesateachothereverytimeMissWheelerhadherbacktotheclass.WhatIdidn'tknowwasthatFreddiehadadealwithJohnnieAldertohelphimlickme.

Johnniewasinthefifthgrade,andnearlyasbigasWillieAldivote.Assoonaswegotoutnearthecarriageshed,FreddieandJohnniebothjumpedonme.IwassureIwasdoneforuntilWilliesailedin,too.

IalwayslikedWillieAldivotebestoftheboys.Hewasthesecondbiggestinschool;he

wastwelve,andwasinthesixthgradeinnumberwork.Hewastheonewhohadtheyellow-spotteddonkey,andhecouldridelikeeverything.Hehadneverbeenmeantome.

WillietoldJohnnie,"Ifyou'regoingtohelpFreddie,I'llhelpMolly,"andthefightwason.Itwasreallytwofightsforalittlewhile.Then,whenJohnniewasgoodandlicked,WilliekeptFreddiefromholdingmebythehairwithonehandwhilehepunchedmewiththeother.

AfterthatIhadbetterluck,andbeforethebellrangfortheendofrecess,Freddiehadbotharmsupoverhisfaceagain.ThenhedidsomethingthatIoughttohavelovedhimfor.Hesaid,"Thereain'tmeatenoughonhimtohit,that'swhyIcan'tlickhim.He'sjustasackfulofoldspikes,andIhurtmyownhandsworse'nIhurthimeverytimeIpunch."

AtnoonIatemylunchwithalltherestofthefellows,sittingrightbetweenWillieAldivoteandRudolphHaas.Afterwefinishedeating,Williesaid,"Comeon,Rudy,let'steachSpikeshowtoreallyridethatjackass."Nobodywilleverwriteapoemthatwillsoundasgoodtomeasthatdid.IknewIwasn'tgoingtobeMollyanymore,andI'dhavetriedtoridearhinocerosifthey'dsaidso.

Theygotstrapsoffoneoftheharnessesandapieceofgood,stoutcord.Afterthey'dbuckledthestrapsrealtightaroundthedonkey,RudyheldhimbytheearswhileWillieputmeonandtiedmyfeettogetherwiththecord.Heranitsnugbetweenthem,underthedonkey'sbelly.Willietoldmenottobescared,tosqueezetightwithmykneesandwatchthedonkey'sheadsoIcouldleanwaybackwhenheputitdowntokick.Igrabbedholdofthestrapswithbothhands,andRudylethimgo.

Forwhatseemedanhour,butwasprobablytenseconds,thingswerehappeningtoofastformetokeepupwiththem.Itriedtowatchhisheadandleanbackeverytimeitwentdown,butitwasbobbingsofastIlostthebeat.Myheadsnappedbackandforthasthoughitweretiedonwithrubber,andIbitmytongue.MyheadrangsoIcouldn'tevenhearGraceyelling—shehadcomerunningtopickupthepieceswhenIgotkilled—butIwasstillontopwhenhestopped,andI'dhadfun.Afterschool,Willieletmeridebehindhimonthedonkeyasfarasourcorner,andGracewassoproudofmethatshepromisednottotellMother.

ThreeorfourdaysafterwegotNancyHanks,GraceandIcamehomefromschoolthroughourwestfield,soIcouldshowherwhereBillandNighadfallenoffthetrestle.ThereweretwelveorthirteenlongcrosstiesinthebottomofthegulchandItoldGracethatFatherhadsaidformetodragthemhomeassoonaswegotanotherhorse.IhadbeenridingWillie'sdonkeyeveryday,andthoughtI'dbeabletohandleanyhorse.

IguessI'dmadeuptoomanystoriesbefore.Gracedidn'tbelieveme,andtoldMotheraboutittheminutewegothome.IshouldhaveadmittedtoMotherrightthenthatitwasonlyastory,butIwassureshe'dspankmeifIdid.ThemoreIthoughtabouthaulingthosetieswithNancy,themoreIwantedtodoit.And,sinceIwasgoingtogetaspankinganyway,IthoughtImightjustaswellhavethefunoftrying.SoIsworeupanddownthatFatherdidtellme.HehadgonetoDenverafteranotherloadofbricks,andIwassureIcouldhaveacrosstiehomebeforehegotback.ThenhewouldprobablybeproudenoughofmesothatI

wouldn'tgetspankedatall.

MotherhadtohelpmeputthecollarandhamesonNancy,becausetheywereheavyandthecollardidn'thaveanybuckleatthetop.Youhadtoputitoverherheadupside-down,andthenturnitaround.IneverheardFathercriticizeMother,andthatwastheonlytimeIeverheardhercriticizehim.Sheputherhandsonherhipsandbuttonedhermouthuptight,thenshesaid,"Idon'tknowwhatintheworldthisranchinghasdonetoyourfather!Insistingthatyouwearoverallstoschoolandbepermittedtobehaveyourselflikeaguttersnipe!Andnow!Hmfff!Sendingalittleeight-year-oldboyofftohaullogswithanew,untriedhorse!"

Thecrosstiesdidn'thaulaseasyasIthoughttheywould.IforgottotakeanythingalongforhitchingthemtoNancy'ssingletree,andhadtouseanoldpieceofbarbedwire.Iwaswalkingonthedownhillsideofthecrosstiewhenwetriedtogoupoverthebankattheheadofthegulch.SuddenlythetiestartedtorolltowardmeandIhadtodiveoutoftheway.Iskinnedmynoseandthebarbedwiretoreabigholeinmyoveralls,butthetiemissedme,andNancyseemedgladtostopandrest.Iwasstilltryingtohaulitupoverthebankwhenitgotdark,andIwasafraidFatherwouldgethomebeforeIdid.ItwouldbebettertogorighthomeandtellMotherI'dlied.Ifshespankedmefirst,heprobablywouldn'tgivemeanotheronerightontopofit.

Motherdidn'tspankme,though.Shegasped,andlookedatmeasifI'dbeenarattlesnakereadytostrike.Thenshemademestandwithmyfaceinacorner.Istoodtherewhiletherestoftheyoungstershadtheirsupperandwenttobed,andforatleastanhourafterwardwhileMothersatatthetableandreadtheBible.Iknewwhatshewasreading,becauseIheardhertakeitdownfromthelampshelf.Therewasn'tanyclockinthekitchen,andtheonlysoundwasthethumpingofmyownheart.

AtlastIheardFatherdriveintotheyard,andlistenedtoeverysoundasheputtheteamawayandcametothehouse.Hestoodintheopendoorwayforamomentbeforehespoke.Whenhedid,hisvoicewasveryquiet."Whathashappened,Mame?"

ItwasafullminutebeforeMothersaidanything.AndthenhervoicewasasquietasFather's."Charles,thetimehascomewhenthisboymusthaveafather'sfirmhand.IamappalledbythedegeneracyhehasshownsinceweleftEastRochester."

IhadneverheardMother'svoicelikethat,andIhadneverheardhercallFather"Charles."IthoughtmyheartwouldpounditselftopieceswhileshewastellinghimwhatIhaddone.HardasFathercouldspank,heneverhurtmesomuchwithastickashedidwhenMotherstoppedtalking.Heclearedhisthroat,andthenhedidn'tmakeasoundforatleasttwofullminutes.

Whenhespoke,hisvoicewasdeepanddry,andIknewhemusthavebeencoughingalotonthewayhome."Son,thereisnoquestionbutwhatthethingyouhavedonetodaydeservesseverepunishment.Youmighthavekilledyourselforthehorse,butmuchworsethanthat,youhaveinjuredyourowncharacter.Aman'scharacterislikehishouse.Ifhetearsboardsoffhishouseandburnsthemtokeephimselfwarmandcomfortable,hishousesoon

becomesaruin.Ifhetellsliestobeabletodothethingsheshouldn'tdobutwantsto,hischaracterwillsoonbecomearuin.Amanwitharuinedcharacterisashameonthefaceoftheearth."

Hewaiteduntilhiswordshadplentyoftimetosoakin,thenhesaid,"Imightgiveyouahardthrashing;ifIdid,youwouldpossiblyrememberthethrashinglongerthanyouwouldrememberabouttheinjuryyouhavedoneyourself.Iamnotgoingtodoit.Therewereeighteencrosstiesinthegulchyesterday,andthesectionforemantoldmetheyweregoingtoreplacetwentymore.Untilyouhavedraggedeveryoneofthosetieshome,youwillwearyourBusterBrownsuittoschool,andIwillnottakeyouanywherewithme."

Itwashalfamilefromthehousetothegulch.Fathershowedmehowtohookontothetieswithachain,andhowtopullthemupthroughtheheadofthegulch.Bygettingupearly,Idraggedonetiehomeeachmorningandtwoafterschool.WithahalfdozenonSaturdays,Ihadthejobdoneinacoupleofweeks.

Itwasatoughtwoweeks.IwassureIwouldbecomeMollyagainforwearingtheBusterBrownsuittoschool;IthinkGracesavedthatbytellingeverybodywhatabadboyIwas.Then,too,theweatherturnedwindyandcold.ThegulchhalffilledwithdrytumbleweedsthatscratchedmewhenIdugthroughthemtogettheties.Butworstofall,Mothergotasonginherhead.Whenthathappened,shewouldsingthesametuneoverandoverandover,foraweekatatime.Thattimeitwas"TheBirdwithaBrokenPinion."Idon'tthinkshewassingingitjustforme,butIcouldn'tgointothehousewithouthearingabout"ayounglifebrokenbysin'sseductiveart,"orthat"thesoulthatsinhathstrickenneversoarssohighagain."Itmademethinkalot,asIwalkedalongbehindNancyandadraggingcrosstie,aboutthepermanentdamageIhadalreadydonetomycharacter.

5TheBigWind

ITHINKitwasmylyingaboutthetiesthatgotusthebuckboard.OnenightIcameinfromtiehaulingtohearFatherandMothertalkingtogetherinthekitchen.Motherwassaying,"But,Charlie,wecan'tjustloadthechildrenintothatoldfarmwagonlikecordwoodandhaulthemofftochurch.Wesavedquitealittlefromwhatweexpectedtopayforthenewhorseandharness.Somewhereweshouldbeabletofindsomethingbetterinthewayofaconveyancethat'swithinourmeans."

Mr.CashcamebyonSaturday,andhehadourbuckboardtiedbehindhiswagon.SundayweallwenttochurchatFortLogan.

ChurchandSundayschoolwereheldintheday-schoolroom.Thereweren'tenoughseatstohavethembothatonetime,sothegrownfolksstayedoutsideandtalkedwhilewehadSundayschool,andweplayedoutsidewhiletheyhadchurch.ThefathersofmostoftheotherchildrenwhowenttoSundayschoolweresoldiersattheFort.Someofthekidswerekindoftough.Ilearnedacoupleofnewwordsfromthem,andPhiliplearnedalot.

HecalledMurielacoupleofthemafterwegothome,andMothercriedsohardthatFathersentusallintothebedroom.Wecouldonlyhearawordortwoshewassayingbetweensobs.Itwassomethingaboutnotbeingabletostandwhattheranchwasdoingtoherboys.FromthenonMotherheldSundayservicesathome.

Fatherhadbeenhaulinglongpolestobecutintofencepostsforaboutaweekwhenthebigwindcame.Itwasblowingwhenwewokeup,andtumbleweedswererollingacrosstheprairielikebigbrownbowlingballspitchedbysomegiantinthemountains.ByschooltimeitwastoostrongforGraceandmetostandagainst.Bynoonithadrackedourhouseuntilsomeofthewindowshadbrokenoutandthedoorswerejammedfastintheircasings.Thewholehousewasvibratinglikeabeatendrum,andeveryfewminutesajointamongtherafterswouldcrackwithareportassharpasarifleshot.

Father'sfacewasgray,andMother'smilk-white.Neitherofthemspoke;theirmouthswereclampedtight,andthemuscleswerepoppingoutandinonthesidesofFather'sjaws.IcouldseeMuriel,Philip,andHalcrying,but,againsttheroarofthewind,Icouldn'thearthem.

Fatherwentoutanduntiedthehorses.Theydriftedawaytotheeast,thewindwhippingtheirtailsupundertheirbellies.Nexthebroughtpolesandproppedthemagainsttheleesideofthehouse.Motherhuddledusintoacornerofthebedroom,awayfromthewindows.Shecrouchedoveruslikeahenbroodingherchicks.Therecameatearingscreechfromtheroofasthewindrippedawayasectionoftheshingles,andsheetsofplasterfellfromtheceiling.

Fathercrawledinthroughtheblown-outwindowwithacoilofropeinhishand.HetookhisSundaysuitfromthecornerandtoldMothertoputiton.Thenheknottedtherope

aroundourchestsandshouldersuntilallbutHalwerestrungonitthewayMotherusedtostringpopcornballsforChristmas—aboutfivefeetapart.PhilipwasononeendandMurielontheother.MotherhadtakenoffherdressandputonFather'ssuit,withthesleevesandlegsrolledwayup.FathertiedPhilip'sendoftheropearoundherwaistandMuriel'sendaroundhisown.

ThenhemotionedMothertofollow,tiedHalonhisbacklikeapapoose,andcrawledoutthewindow.Asshepassedusouttohim,hehadusfalltothegroundandliestill.AfterheliftedMotherdown,hecrouchedandtoldustocrawlonourstomachslikehornedtoads;thatdustwouldgetinoureyes,butwemustkeepthemopensoasnottocrawlintocactusbeds.

OurnearestneighborsweretheAultlands,amileupwind.FortLoganwastotheeast—threeandahalfmilesaway—withnohousesbetween.Fathercrawledeast,andwecrawledafterhim.

Whenwehadwriggledalongforahundredyardsorso,Fatherstoppedtoletusrest,andIlookedbacktowardPhilipandMother.Philipmusthavegottencactusspinesinhishand,becausehehelditouttowardMotherandtriedtositup.Thewindcaughthimandrolledhimlikeatumbleweedasfarastheropewouldlethimgo.Ashewent,Mothersprangtoherhandsandknees.Shewasnomorethanupbeforeshesprawledforwardonherfaceasthoughsomegianthadputhisfootonherfrombehindandshoved.Inthatsamebackwardglance,Isawtheroofofournewbarnflyawaylikeasheetofnewspaper.Westartedon.Thenexttimewestoppedtorest,Ilookedbackagain.TherewasbloodonMother'sface,andourbarnwasgonecompletely.

Afewminutesafterwehadbeguncrawlingagain,somethingliketheshadowofagreatbirdflashedpastmeontheground.Iraisedmyhead,andasecondlaterthebodyofourfarmwagonstruckafewfeetbeyondFather.Itbouncedcrazilylikeafootballandflewawayinkindlingwood.

Myeyeswererunningfromthedirtinthem,mynoseburnedasthoughthedustinitwerepepper,andIwascoughingfrombreathingthroughmymouth.Atthenextrest,Iliftedmyheadagainandlookedupanddowntheline.Fatherwascoughinghard—IcouldseeHalbounceupanddownonhisback—Philipwassobbingandgaspingforbreathagainstthepullofthewind,andMother'sfacewasblackwheredirthadmixedwiththeblood.

IhadnoideawhereFatherwastakingus,butafteradozenormorestopsIknewweweregoingmorenorththaneast;wewerenotgoingtoFortLogan.Wecrawledacrossthewagonroad,andon,andon.Thewindrippedupcurled,dryleavesofbuffalograssandrakedthemacrossourfaceslikejigsawblades.AtlastFatherstoppedandwavedhisliftedarm.Thenheraisedthembothandmademotionslikeamanpullinghimselfuparope.Weallunderstoodanddrewourselvesuptohim.Therewasfreshbloodatthecornersofhismouth.Wegotourheadsclosetohis,andheyelled,"We'realmostthere.We'regoingtobeallright."

ItseemedhourslongerbeforewecrawledintotheheadofagulchleadingdowntoBearCreek.Undertheleveloftheprairiewecouldcrawlonourhandsandknees.Fatherledus

alongtowheretherewasanoverhanginthewestbankofthegulch.Therewashardlyanywindthere.IwassotiredIcouldbarelymove,andshakingallover.Iwasn'tfrightenedanylongerandnothingwashurtingme,butIstartedtocry.Ididn'tknowwhatIwascryingfor,butIcouldn'tmakemyselfstop.EverybodybutFatherandMotherwascrying.

Thewindwentdownwiththesun.Attwilightitwasnomorethanabreeze.Wecrawledfromourshelterunderthebank,cold,stiff,andragged.Ourfacesweresmearedwithblood,cutbythesharpgrassthathadbeenwhippedagainstusbythewind,andourhands,arms,andlegswereburningwithcactusspines.Itseemedtomethatwehadcrawledmilesonourstomachs,butwhenwecameoutattheheadofthegulch,Ourhousestoodlittlemorethanhalfamileaway.Itandthebunkhousestoodalone;barn,privy,wagon,andbuckboardweregone.

Thehouseleanedtiredlyagainsttheproppoles.Fromthewagonroaditlookedlikeadesertedruin.AndwhenwegottothebackdoorFatherstoodHaldownandputhisshoulderagainstthedoor.Itstucktightandheheavedagainstit,butnotashehadheavedwhenheliftedNig'shindlegsfromthetrestle.Helookedtiredandold.

Theinsideofthehouselookedalmostasdesertedastheoutside.Fallenplaster,brokenglass,anddirtcoveredeverything.

Fathercoughedhardafterpushingthedooropen,andwipedhismouthwithared-stainedhandkerchief.

SometimesMothercriedoverlittlethings,butshedidn'tcrythen—shehadn'tallday.Shebustledrightthroughthekitchenandintothebedroom,withherunderlipbitteninbetweenherteeth.InafewsecondsIheardhershakingbedclothessohardtheysnapped.Whileshewasdoingit,Fatherlookedoverthechimneytoseeifitwascracked,thenstartedafireinthestove.Next,hetookboardsfromthebunkhouseandnailedthemoverthebrokenkitchenwindow.Weyoungstersdidn'tknowwheretobegininhelpinggetcleanedup,andstoodhuddledbythestove.

WhenFatherhadfinishedwiththewindow,heputhishatonandstartedoutthedoor.Mothercamefromthebedroomwhilehewasinthedoorwayandsaid,"Charlie,whereareyougoing?"Shespokequietly,buthervoicewashusky—waydowninherthroat.

Fathersaid,"I'vegottofindthehorses,Mame.Heavenonlyknowswheretheymaybebynow.Theymayhavefalleninagulch."

Motherwentoverandtookholdofhisarm.Shestoodcloseagainsthimandlookedupintohisface.Hervoicewasstillhuskyasshesaid,"Ralphcanstayhomefromschooltomorrowandfindthem;you'regoingtobed."

Fatherbentoverandkissedherontheforeheadashetriedtotakeherhandoffhisarm,butshewouldn'tletgo."Charlie,"shesaid—itwasonlyalittlemorethanawhisper—"wecameheretosaveyourlife.Areyougoingtothrowitawayoversolittle?Weneedyou,oh,we

needyou,Charlie."Fromwherewewerestanding,Isawhereyesfillupwithtears,butnonespilledover.

AsIwatchedher,Iheardthefastbeatofrunninghorses'feet.FredandBessieAultlandcameintotheyard,circled,andpulledupatthesteps.Fredjumpedoffthebuckboardwiththereinsstillinhishand,andcried,"Charlie!ForGod'ssake,what'shappenedtoyou,man?Youlooklikeaghost."

AfterMothertoldthemaboutthehousenearlyblowingover,andaboutourcrawlingtothegulch,Bessiesaidtheyhadworriedalldaybecausetheyknewwedidn'thaveastormcellar.Theymadeusallgohomewiththemandstayforthreedays,whileFredandBessiehelpedMothergetourhousefixedupagain.Mrs.AultlandandMotherwouldn'tletFathergetoutofbedforthewholethreedays.

6WeBecomeRealRanchers

ITRAINEDmostofthenextcoupleofweeks.OneofFred'shiredmenhadfoundourhorsesandwhatwasleftofthewagonandbuckboard.Nigwasallright,butBillstoodwithhisbackhumpedupmostofthetime,andallthestarchseemedtohavedrainedoutofNancy'slegs.WekeptthemintheendofthebunkhouseFatherhadcutofftouseforakitchen,whileheandIworkedintheotherend.Therewasnoschoolwhenitrained,soIcouldstayhomeandhelphimalot.Webuiltanewwagonbodyandputnewspokesinthewheelsofthebuckboard,rightthereinthebunkhouse.Betweenshowerswebuiltanewprivy—wewereneverabletofindevenoneboardofouroldone.

IhadtobringtwopailsofmilkfromAultland'severynight.WhenIhadeggstobring,too,Gracewentwithmetolugthebasket.MotherwasmakingFatherdrinkallofonebucketofmilkeveryday,andgivinghimraweggswithaspoonfulofbrandyintheglass.Istilllikedthesmellofthatbrandy,buttheweatherwasgettingwarmenoughsothatIcouldn'tgetblueanymore.Father'scoughgotbetterdaybyday,butashegrewstronger,Nancygrewweaker.Onemorningneartheendofthesecondweek,Fatherwentouttothebunkhouseandfoundherdead.GraceandIhadtogotoschoolthatday,sowemissedthefuneral.

Ourbigwindmusthavebeenanillone,becauseIneverheardofanyoneitdidanygood—exceptmaybeitdidhelpusalittleinoneway.TheSaturdayafterNancydied,FatherandIwereputtingthebuckboardbacktogetherwhenamanwithabigloadofnewboardsstoppedoutinfrontofourhouse.HecameinandsaidhisnamewasWright,andthathelivedacoupleofmilesupthecreek.Hesaidthewindhadraisedthedickenswithhisbuildingsandhe'dnoticedhownicelyweweregettingfixedupagain.

Afterhe'dwatchedFatherworkforalittlewhile,hesaid,"Youseemtobeaprettyhandysortoffellowwithahammerandsaw.IwishIcouldgetyoutocomeandhelpmegetfixedup.I'dgiveyouthreedollarsadayforyourtime,ortradeworkwithyou,ortradesomethingImighthavethatyouwanted."

FathertoldMr.Wrightheoughttobegettingstartedwithhisownplowingnowthattherainshadcome,buthewouldtalkitoverwithMotherandlethimknowthenextday.Mothermusthavesaiditwasallright,becauseFatherhelpedMr.Wrightforacoupleofweeks.

FatherdroveBillandNiguptoMr.Wright'sthefirstmorning.Whenhecamehomehehadasaddledbaymaretiedtothetailgateofthewagon,andalittleblackandwhitecolliepuppyinthepocketofhisreefercoat.HesaidMr.Wrighthadinsistedonlendinghimthemaretoridebackandforth,butthepuppywasourstokeep.Itwasstillsoyoungitwaswobblyonitslegsandcuteascouldbe.Weallwantedtoclaimit,butFatherwouldn'tletus.HesaidMurielcouldnameit,butitwouldbelongtoallofus.ShenameditKing.

IlikedKingalot,butitwasthesaddlehorsethatreallytookmyeye.Shewasacrabby

Morganmareandlaidherearsbackeverytimeanyonewentnearher.InthemorningswhenFatherputthesaddleon,shewouldflingherheadaroundandsnapathimwithherteeth,butshealwaysmissedhimbyaninchortwo.Shecouldrunlikeagreyhound,andIwantedtorideonhersomuchIcouldn'tthinkaboutanythingelse,butneitherFathernorMotherwouldletmegowithinarodofher.IhadgotsoIcouldrideWillieAldivote'sdonkeywithoutmyfeetbeingtiedtogether—andonlyholdingontothebellystrapwithonehand.Williehadtaughtmehowtosqueezemykneestightbehindthewithers,andrideontheminsteadoftheseatofmypants.Ihadspenthourspracticingandknewthat,especiallywithasaddle,Icouldridethemareaseasyaspie.

ItwasaboutthemiddleofAprilwhenFatherfinishedhelpingMr.Wrightrepairhisbuildings.HetookBillandNigwithhimthatlastFriday.Iremembersowellbecausethatwasthedaywechangedfrombeingimmigrantstobeingranchers.Whenhecamehomethatnightthebaymarewastiedtothetailgate.Shedidn'thavethesaddleon,buttherewasadrivingharnessinthewagon,alongwithfourlittleBerkshirepigsandtwogunnysackswiththeheadsofhalfadozenhensstickingoutofholesineachofthem.

Iwantedtoclaimandnamethenewmare,butFatherwouldn'tletme.Hesaidwehadall,exceptPhilip,namedsomething,sohemusthavehischoice;hechoseFanny.

Motherdidn'twanttheendofthebunkhouseasakitchen,afterthehorseshadbeenlivinginit,soSaturdaymorningwehookedBillandNigtoitandhauleditoutwherethefirstbarnhadstood.Ithadbeenbuiltwithboardwallsinsideandout,andthespacebetweenthemstuffedwithstraw.Weworkedtobeatthebandallday.AfterwegotitmovedFatherrippedupthefloorandpulledoffalltheinsideboards.HeletGraceandmepulltheoldnailsandpoundthemoutstraight,whileMurielandPhilipwereluggingthestrawtothehencoopandpigpenhebuiltwiththefloorboards.

WhenFatherhauledthepieceforthebarnaway,itleftthebunkhousewithoneendopen.ThatSundayhebuiltanewendintoitwithboardshehadpulledofftheinsideofthebarn,andmadeapartitioninthemiddle,sotherewasaroomforPhilipandme,andoneforGraceandMuriel.Whilehewasdoingit,GraceandIhelpedMothermovethebedsandmakeusbureausoutofboxesthegrocerieshadcomein.Sheputclotharoundthem—withruffles—andwemadescallopedpapercoversforthem,andcutdoiliesfrompiecesofoldwallpaper.Bysuppertimeeverythingwasdone,andGraceandIweresoexcitedaboutsleepinginarealbunkhousethatwecouldhardlygetawayfromthetablequicklyenough.

FatherhadpromisedMotherthathewouldplowheragardenoutbehindthebarnbeforehedidanythingelse.HestarteditearlyMondaymorning,buthehadn'tgotaroundtheplotoncebeforewehadtogotoschool.Hehadmadeatripletreefortheplow,andbalanceditcarefullysotoadjusttheamountofpulltothestrengthofeachhorse.Nigwastowalkinthefurrowandpullthebiggestshare,Billinthemiddlewiththenextbiggest,andFannyontheoutsidewithonlyalittlemorethanhalfasmuchloadasNig.

ButFannyhadnointentionofbeingaplowhorse.ShewasallrightwhileFatherwasputtingNancy'scollarandthehameswithchaintracesonher,butwhenhetriedtoreinher

upbesidetheotherhorses,shesquealedandtriedtobitechunksoutofBill'sneck.FatherfixedthatquickenoughbyfasteningastickaboutthreefeetlongbetweenherbridleandBill'scollar,butwhenhehookedhertraces,shekickedandjumpedaroundtillshehadbothhindlegsoverthemandwasfacedthewrongway.Fatherunhookedherandtalkedeasytillhehadherbackwhereshebelonged,buteverytimehegotthetraceshookedtothetripletree,shewoulddothesamethingalloveragain.

IfithadbeenMother,IthinkshewouldhavekilledFannyrightthenandthere,butFatherdidn'tseemtogetmadatall—onlythemusclesonhisjawswentoutandin.Atlasthemadeanotherjockey-stickandputherinthemiddlewithonestickfastenedtoBill'scollarandtheothertoNig's.Thatwayshecouldn'tswingoutaround,butshedidkicklikefury,andgotbothlegsoverthetraces.BillandNigdidn'tgetanymoreexcitedthanFatherdidwhileFannyslattedandthrewherselfaround.Sheactedjustlikealittlekidinatantrum.

Whenshehadquieteddownalittle,Fatherputthereinsoverhisshoulder,stuckthepointoftheplowintheground,andcluckedtotheteam.BillandNigstartedupwhenFatherclucked,butFannystoodstockstill.Thetripletreecaughtherontheheels,andthentherealfunstarted.Fannywentawayfromtherelikeastoneoutofaslingshot.Whenshereachedtheendofthejockey-sticks,shewentstraightup,andcamedownbucking,withheelsflyinginalldirections.FinallyshegotoneforeleginsideBill'sbridlereinandonehindleginsideNig'sbreeching,thenshewentdownwithNigontopofher.WhenFathergotthemuntangled,hemademegotoschool.IneverheardFatherswear,butIalwayswonderedifhedidn'tthattimeassoonasIwasoutofearshot.

IstoppedbyAultland'sforthemilkonmywayhomefromschool.Fredwasoutbythecorralfixingadiskharrow,andIwentovertotellhimhowFannyhadactedwhenFatherhookedheruptotheplow.Helaughedasthoughitwereabigjoke."It'snowonderoldmanWrighttradedheroffcheap,"hesaid."He'sspenttenyearsandadozensetsofharnesstryingtobreakhertodrivedouble.I'llsuretakemyhatofftoyouroldmanifhecanplowhalfanacrewithher.Whythehellwouldn'tthestubborndown-eastYankeeletmelendhimagoodhorsetoplowwith?Say,howmuchlandishefiguringtoturnoverthisyear,anyway?"

WhenItoldhimFatherwasgoingtoplowthewholeplaceifBillheldout,hesquinteduponeeyeforaminute,andsaid,"Gooninandgetyourmilk;I'llgiveyoualifthome."

Fatherhadmostofthegardenplowedwhenwegotthere.Thebighorseswerewalkingslowly,justonestepafteranother.Fannywassoakingwetandtossingherheadupanddown,butshewasplowing,soItoldFredhe'dhavetotakehishatofftoFather.

FatherputhisfootuponthehubofFred'sbuckboardthewayhealwaysdid.Theytalkedaboutwhatwouldbebesttoplantonnewsodground.Theytalkedandtalked.ThenFredsaid,"Charlie,howmuchofthisplacedoyoufigureonputtingintocrops?"

Fatherlookedovertowardthehorsesandsaid,"I'dliketoputitallin,Fred,butwiththelatestartI'vegot,andattherateI'vebeengoingtoday,IguessI'llbeluckyifIgetineightyacres."

Fredjustsatchewingforaminuteortwo,thenhesquirtedalineoftobaccojuicebetweenthenighhorse'sheels."Youknowthisprairielandwon'tproducemuchinthewayofgraincropsthefirstyear,anddrinksupahellofalotofwater.Afellowoughttoputincropslikepeasandbeansandalfalfathefirstyear,so'stogetairbackintotheland.Whydon'tyouputinabouttenacresofalfalfa?We'vehadquiteabitofrainthisspring,andifyousowitwithoats—andgetitinbeforethefirstofMay—itmightgetrootsdowntomoisturebeforeitburnsoutonyou.Thenyoucouldputinanothertentopeasandbeans,andyou'dhaveaboutallyouwantedtotakecareofthisfirstyear."

Fatherstoodlookingdownathisfootonthehubofthebuckboardforalloftwominutes,thenhelookedupatFredandhisvoicewasrealquietwhenhesaid,"Whatareyoutellingme,Fred—haven'tIgotanywater?"

Freddidn'tanswertillhe'dspitbetweentheoffhorse'sfeetandcutanothercornerofhisplug."Yep,Charlie,you'vegotwater—teninches.Thislandwillproducefortybushelsofwheattotheacreifyou'vegotaninchofwatertotheacre.Withoutaninchtotheacre,you'reluckyifyougetany."

Fatherpushedhishatbackandscratchedhisheadalittle."CanIcountongettingthefullteninches,Fred?"heasked.

"That'sthehellofit,"Fredsaid."You'retail-enderontheditch.Whenthecreek'shighandtheditchisrunningfullatthedamyou'llgetyourshare,butwhenit'srunninglowandthecropsareburningup,you'llbeabletolugallyougetinabucket.Iwon'tstealwaterfromyou,Charlie,butwhenonlyhalfmyowniscomingthroughtomeandmycrop'ssuffering,Iwon'tpassitontoyou."

Neitherofthemsaidanythingforalongtime,thenFredsaid,"Yourcousinoughttohavefoundoutaboutitbeforehegotyououthere.Why,man,youcouldn'trunteninchesofwatertothisgardenfromwheretheditchcomesontoyourplace;thegroundwoulddrinkitallupontheway.I'lltellyouwhatI'lldo.I'vegottwohundredincheswithmyplace.I'lluseallthewaterthatcomesasfarasmefortwentydays,thengiveyouthewholeheadforone.That'llletyougiveabouttwentyacresagoodsoakingoftenenoughtomakeacropthefirstyear.Afterthatyoumighthandleasmuchastwenty-five."

7IBecomeaHorseman

FATHERandMothermusthavesatupandtalkednearlyallofthatnight.Iwokejustasthemoonwasslippingdownbehindthemountains,andtherewasstillalightburninginthekitchen.MotherhadbroughtsomegardenseedfromNewEnglandandhadboughtmoreatFortLogan.Thenextdaysheletmestayhomefromschoolandhelpherplantpeasandpotatoesandcarrotsandbeets.Wedugtrenchesmostoftheforenoon,thenMothersentmetoshovelthehorsemanurefrombehindthebarnontothewagon,soFathercouldhaulitoutforusatnoonwhenhecameinfromplowing.

Motherhadmeputmanureinthebottomofthetrenchesandcoveritoverwithaninchortwoofdirt,thenshelaidinthecutpiecesofpotatoandhoeddirtoverthem.WewererightinthemiddleofitwhenIlookedupandsawhalfadozencowboysridingbyonthewagonroad.Iwaved,andoneofthemturnedhishorseandcamecanteringacrosstheprairietowherewewere.Iknewhimassoonashegotnearenoughformetoseehisface.Hewasthesamecowboywhohadgivenmetheride.

Heflippedoutofthesaddlewhilehishorsewasslidingtoastop,andtookhishatofftoMotherwithasortofhalfbow."Iseeyoufolksarereallygettin'dugin.Wewasscairtthebigwindmighthaveblowedyoucleanoutofthecountry."

WhilehewastalkingtoMotherIwaslookingathishorse.Itwasablueroan,thefirstoneIhadeverseen."Yes,we'reheretostay,"Mothersaid."Myhusbandisgoingtobuildastormcellar,sotherewon'tbeanydangerofourbeingblowncleanaway."

IwishedMotherhadn'tsaid"cleanaway."Itsoundedthewayshedidwhenshedidn'tlikesomebody,andIwantedhertolikemycowboyfriend.IwalkedaroundtheroanandlookedathimfromtheothersidewhileMotherandmycowboykepttalking—Motherdidn'ttalkmuch,butthecowboysaid,"Lady,you'resurewastin'yourtimeburyin'theseherebarncleanin'sunderyourspuds;you'reduetogettopsenoughwithoutit.Allyougottohaveforthisgroundiswater,andGodhelpthemanthatain'tgotit."

ThehaironthebluehorsewasshinierthanitwasonCousinPhil'sPrince.Itrippledlikeoilywaterwhenhemovedthemusclesunderit.Tome,itwaslikeamagnet.Ihadtotouchitwithmyhand,soIsteppedupclosetohisshoulder.JustasIreachedmyhandup,thecowboycalled,"Hey,Pardner,watchout,you'reontheoffside.Comeonaroundhere."

WhileIwascomingaround,hesaidtoMother,"Thisoldcayuseiscleverasakittenifyoustayonthenighside,buthemightkickthestuffin'outofhimoverontheoffside."Hehadground-tiedtheroanbyjustdroppingthereinswhenhegotoff.Hepickedthemupwhilehewastalkingandpassedthemaroundthehorse'sneck,thenhecaughtmebyonearmandswungmeintothesaddle."Howaboutalittleride,Puncher?"heasked.

Motherthoughthewasjustgoingtoleadthehorsearoundalittlewithmeonit,andshe

didn'tsayanythingexcept"Becareful,"whenhewasshowingmehowtostickmyfeetintotheloopsofstrapthatheldthestirrups.AssoonasIgotthemin,hepassedmethelinesandclucked.Theroanwentoffinasmooth,easycanter,andMothercried,"No!No!He'llfall!"

Myfriendlaughed,andIcouldhearhimsay,"Awshucks,ifhefalls,theground'llcatchhim."

Itdidn't.AtfirstIheldontothesaddlehornwithonehand—thegroundseemedsomuchfartherawaythanitdidwhenIwasridingthedonkey—butIdidn'tfeelabitasthoughIweregoingtofalloff,soIletgoandwavedbacktoMotherandmycowboy.TheonlytimeIwasfrightenedatallwaswhenIwenttoturnhimaroundtogoback.WehadgoneclearoutbytherailroadandIwasafraidhemightfalldowngoingacross,soIpulledontheleftrein,butheswungaroundtotheright.ForjustasecondIthoughtIwasgoingtotakeaheader,butIkickedouthardwithmyleftfootandwasbackinbalanceagain.

IcouldseeMotherwaspeevedwhenwecamecanteringin;hermouthwaspinchedupthatway.ForjustasecondIthoughtaboutseeingifIcouldflipoffasmyfrienddidwhenhecame,butthegroundwasalongwaydownandIwasscaredtotryit.Anyway,myfeetwerestuckintheloops.HereachedupandtookmeoffwhileMotherstoodwithherhandsonherhips.Shelookedatmewiththatlookofhersthatsaid,"Comehere,youngman!"AndIwent.Shedidn'tsayawordtome,buthereyesblazedatthecowboyasifshewouldliketoskinhim."Youmighthavekilledhim,"shesaid."Ifhe'dfallenoff,thathorsewouldhavetrampledhimtodeath."

Hejustlaughed,"No,Ma'am!Thatoldponywouldn'tkillnobody.Ifhe'dafelloff,OldBluewouldofjuststoodthereandwaitedforhimtopickhisselfup.Youwatch."

Thenhesaidtome,"Didn'thavenotroublewithhim,didya,LittleBritches?"

Isaid,"No,onlyhedon'tsteerverygood.Ipulledthereintomakehimgoonewayandhewenttheother."

Helaughedagain."He'sjustreinwiseandyouain't,that'sall.Nowyouwatch."

ThenheturnedaroundtowardMother,tookhisbighatoffandsaid,"Youwatch,too,Ma'am,andyou'llseehowsafeheis."

Hekickeduponelegandflewrightintothesaddlewithoutevertouchingthestirrup.Hewhistledbetweenhisteethashewentup,andBluewasgonewithhisfeetkickingchunksofsodoutbehindhim.Theroanhadhardlygonefiftyfeetbeforehesatrightdownonhishindlegsandskidded,thenthecowboymadehimdomoretricksthananorgangrinder'smonkey.Theyturnedroundandroundinacircle,andfromonesidetotheothersothatitlookedlikedancing,thenhewouldrunalittlewayfulltiltandbeturnedaroundbeforehegotthroughsliding.Inoticedthatthecowboyneverdidpulloneitherrein;hejustheldtheminhislefthandupoverthehorse'sneck,andwhicheverwayhemovedhishand,thatwasthewaytheroanwent.ThenhedidonethatmadeMotherandmebothsqueal.Withtheponygoing

lickety-larrupthecowboyfellrightoutofthesaddle.Helitonthebackofhisshoulders,turnedahalfsomersaultandcameuponhisfeet.Thehorsestoppedsofasttheywerestandingtheresidebyside,asiftheywerejustwaitingforthemailmantocomealong.

ThecowboylookedaroundatMotherandtookoffhishat.Ithadstayedonallthewaythroughthesomersault.Hesteppedbackintothesaddleagainandtrottedovertowherewewere.Firsthesaidtome,"Catchon,LittleBritches?"ThenhetookoffhishattoMotheragain,andsaid,"HiramBeckman'sthename—theycallmeHi."Asheracedbacktowardtheroadheturnedandwavedhishat.MotherandIwavedback.

IcouldhardlywaitforFathertocomeinfromthefieldtotellhimaboutHiandhisblueroanhorse.Fatherhadbeenplowingwayoveracrossthetracks,andIdidn'tthinkhe'dnoticedus,becauseheneverstoppedtolookwhenIcouldseehim.Iranouttomeethimwhenhecame,andgotallmixedup,Iwastryingtotellhimsofast.Heputhishandoutandrumpledupmyhair.Ididn'tknowwhathemeant,buthesaid,"Iguessyou'reachipofftheoldchoppingblock.Ifyouunderstandthem,youneverhaveanytroublemakingthemunderstandyou.Youdidallrightonthathorse.Iknewyouweren'tafraidbythewayhewasacting."Wewalkedalongalittleway,thenherumpledmyhairagainandsaid,"Yourfatherwasproudofyou,Son."Itwasthefirsttimeheevertoldmethat,andIgotalumpinmythroat.

ThenhetoldmethatHimightbealittlebitofashow-off,buthewasagoodhorseman;notsomuchbecausehecouldfalloffandcomeuponhisfeet,butbecausehehadbeenpatientintrainingBlue.HesaidthatBluewasn'tabitafraidofHiorhewouldn'thavehandledsosmoothly,andthatitwasthebestexamplehehadeverseenofcompleteunderstandingbetweenamanandahorse."Ifyouwanttobeagoodhorseman,"hesaid,"thefirstthingyou'llhavetolearnwillbehowahorsethinks,andnexttothinkthesamewayyourself."

ThatSundaywasniceandwarm.Afterthechoresweredone,Fathersaid,"Mame,thisistooniceadaytobecoopedupinthehouse.IfFannyhadn'tbeenplowingallweek,I'dsaylet'shitchheruptothebuckboardandtakeadriveuptothemountains,butshehasn'tsteadieddownyet,andismakingtwiceasmuchworkofitassheneedsto.So,whatdoyousay—let'spackupapicniclunchandagoodbook,andmakeadayofitdownbythecreek?"

WeallwentrunningaroundtryingtohelpMothergetreadyfaster,whenwe'dhavehelpedmorebykeepingoutfromunderherfeet.Byteno'clockthebiglunchbasketwehadonthetrainwaspacked,andwewereonourwaydownoverthehilltoBearCreek.Fatherfoundaplacewherethecreekmadeawidecurvethroughagroveofcottonwoodtreesandtumbleddowninacascadetoadeep,clearpool,linedwithwillows.Heshowedushowtoskipflatstonesonthepool,andthenweallwentwadinginthecreek—evenMotherandHal.Mothertookapuckeringstringfromherpetticoat,andasafetypin,soPhilipcouldgofishinginthepool,whileFathertaughtmehowtowhittleawillowstickintoawhistle.

GraceandMurielwentupthecreektopickupcoloredstoneswhileMotherunpackedthelunchbasketandboiledwatertomaketeaforherselfandFather.PrettysoonGracecame

runningback,callingforusalltocomequick,she'dfoundawholebushelofpuregoldandhadleftMurieltoguardittillwegotthere.WeallwentrunningbutFather.Hetriedtoactasifhewerehardlyinterested,buthedidwalkfasterthanusual.Alltheway,Gracekeptbabblingabouthowwewererichnowandcouldgetacow,andaponytodrivetoschool.WhenwegottowhereMurielwas,thesandneartheshorewasallcoveredwithshinyyellowflakes.Fathertooksomeofitonhishandandlookedatitcarefully.Thenhesaid,"Girlie,Iwishyouwereright,butIbelieveit'smica.Ithinktheycallitfool'sgold.Ireadaboutitonce,butifIhadn't,I'dcertainlybefooled,too."

Afterwehadourpicnic,Motherreadtous.Shedidn'treadlikeotherpeople;shetalkedabook.Imean,ifyouwerewhereyoucouldhearherbutcouldn'tseeher,you'dbesureshewastellingthestoryfrommemoryinsteadofreading.AndanotherthingdifferentaboutMother'sreadingwasthatshedidn'tcareifyouwatchedthebookoverhershoulder.Iusedtowatchhereyesbythehourassheread.Theywouldswoopacrossthepagelikeabarnswallowacrossahayfield,thenshewouldlookupandreciteforafullminutebeforeshelookedbackatthebookagain.WhenMotherread,wechildrenhadtobequietandpayattention.Wecoulddomostanythingwepleasedwithourhands,likemakingwhistles,stringingdriedberriesforbeads,orplayingwithdolls,butifoneofuswhispered,Fatherwouldsnaphisfingers.Ifheevergottothethirdsnap,Motherwouldclosethebookandwewoulddosomethingelseforawhile.

Idon'trememberMothereverreadinganythingIcouldn'tunderstand,andIneverheardanyoftheotherssaysoeither,butIdon'tthinkmanypeoplewouldhavereadusthesamebooksshedid.ThatdayitwasJohnHalifax,Gentleman.Maybesheskippedspotswecouldn'thaveunderstood,andmaybesomeofitdriftedoverourheads,butatleastwerememberedthestoriessheread.Ithinkpartofthereasonwasthatwecouldraiseahandwheneverwewantedanexplanationofanywordorsituation.

IlikedJohnHalifaxalot,butastheafternoonpassed,Ifoundmymindwanderingfromthetannerytotheopenrange,whereHimightbepunchingcattleonhisblueroan.ThemoreIthoughtofHi,thefartherIleftJohnbehind.AfterMotherhadexplainedtoourMurielJoythatFathertookhernamefromthatverybook,IsuggestedthatmaybeIshouldleaveearly,togetthemilkbeforeitwastoolate.Ihadmyplansallmade,ifFathersaidyes.Hesaidit.

IstartedupoverthehillinthedirectionofAultland's,butassoonasIgotovertheshoulderofthefirstriseofground,IheadedforhomeasfastasIcouldscramble.Igotthemilkpail—aten-poundlardbucket—andsetitinthewagon.Next,IuntiedFanny'shalterropeandledheroutthere,too.Itiedhertooneofthewheels,withlessthanafootslackintherope,soshecouldn'tbackaway.ThenIgotherbridle,tookoneofthelongreinsfromthedrivingharness,andfastenedanendtoeachbitring.Bystandinginthewagonbox,Icouldreachherheadallright,butIwasafraidshewouldrunawaywhenItookherhalteroff,sofirstItiedthelooseendoftheropegoodandtightaroundherneck.Fannywasoneofthosemaresthatfoughtthebit,butIdidn'tknowit,norwhattodoaboutit.IguessIjustexpectedhertoopenhermouthwideandwaitformetolaythebitintoit.WhenIshowedherthebridle,shetossedherheadandpulledbacktotheendoftherope.IleanedoutofthewagonasfarasIdared,holdingthebituptowardherlips.WhenIgotitclose,shewouldbobher

headupanddownandswingaroundwhereIcouldn'treachher.

AsFannykeptdancingawayfromthebridle,Ikeptoneeyepeeledforsightofthefolkscomingbackfromthecreek.Usually,wewouldbegMothertosaypoetryforusaftershehadstoppedreading.Sometimeswecouldkeephergoingforanhourorso,butIwasusuallytheonewhodidmostofthebegging.IftheyhadgotMothergoingonagood,longonelike"HoratiusattheBridge,"I'dbeallright,butifitwasjustashortonelike"TheDayisDone,"Iwassunk.

ThemoreFannyjerkedherheadaround,themadderIgotatherandthemoreafraidIwasthatIwouldgetcaughtbeforeIhadachancetotrytorideher.Iclimbedoutastraddleofthewheelandtriedtopushthebitinbetweenherclenchedteethasherheadbobbed.FinallyIrememberedthatFathertalkedquietlytoherwhenhemadeherplow,anddecidedtotryit.Igotdownandpattedherontheshoulder.Assoonasherearswerepointedforward,IuntiedthehalterropeandpulleditupeasilytillIhadherchinrightuptothewheeltire.ThenItiedittightandclimbedbackonthewagon.IkepttellingherwhatanicemareshewasasIofferedherthebitagain.Itmadenoimpression;shestillkeptherteethlocked.

Mytimewasrunningout.EvenifitwasHoratius,itcouldn'tlastforever.Istuckonethumbinbetweenherlipsandgougeddownwithmythumbnail.ThatseemedtobesomethingFannyunderstood.Sheopenedherteethandtookthebit.IwassoexcitedIforgottobucklethecheekstrap,butgrabbedupmybucketandshinnedoverontoherneck.WhenIhadworkedmywaybacktothewithers,Iuntiedherneck-rope,andwewereonourway.Iwasquitesurprisedtofindthatshewaseasiertoridethanthekickingdonkey—andherwitherswereslimenoughsothatIcouldgetagoodkneehold.

Fannydidn'tcantersmoothlyliketheblueroan,andIdidn'thaveanystirrupstrapstobalancemyselfwith,butIwasstillontopwhenwegottoAultland's.Itiedherwayoverattheendofthepolecorral,hopingnoonewouldseeIhadriddenher—andsothatIwouldhavethepolestoclimbupontowhenIwasreadytogetonagain.

Ihadn'tfooledanybodyatAultland's.Iguesstheyhadseenmecominguptheroad.Fredsaid,"IknewyourpawwasproudaboutyouridingHi'spony,butI'dabetyourmawwouldn'tletyoutryWright'smarebareback."

Irememberedwhathe'dsaidbeforeaboutbettinghislifeI'dmakeahorseman—andIthoughtmaybeifIactedlikeMotherknewalready,theywouldn'tbringthematteruplater—soIsaid,"Oh,shesawmerideHi'sbluehorseandsheknowsI'mgoingtobeahorseman.Shedoesn'tcare."

Bessiemademetakethemilkintheircaninsteadofinourlardbucket,anditwasluckyshedid.Itriedtoholdthecanstillonthewayhome,butFannyseemedtobeinahurrytogetthereandranlikeallget-out.ThecangotbouncingupanddownandIwassobusyholdingonwithmykneesthatIjusthadtoletitbounce.Thecoverpoppedoffandmilkwenteverywhere.Aswecameoutofthelastgulch,therewasthewholefamilycomingupoverthehillfromthecreek.Thenervesinmybottomstartedtotingle—anditwasn'tfromrubbingon

Fanny'sback.

Itwastoolatetoturnback.IknewFatherwouldhaveseenFanny,becauseherfeetwereclatteringontheadoberoadlikesticksonasnaredrum.ForjustaboutasecondIthoughthemightnothaveseenthatIwasonher,andthatImightbeabletodiveofflikeHiandcomeuponmyfeet.ThegroundwasgoingbysofastthatIwasactuallyafraidtolookdown,letalonediveoff,butIdidn'twanttoadmitit,andtoldmyselfI'dbetternottryitbecauseI'dspilltherestofthemilk.

IhadplannedtorideFannyuptothewagon,soIcouldgetoffwithoutdroppingthemilkcan,butshehadherownideasaboutwhereshewasheadedfor,andshotrightintothebarn.IcouldseeIwasgoingtoberakedoffifIdidn'tdosomethingaboutit,anddoitinahurry.Idivedheadfirstatthemanurepile,milkcanandall.That'swhereFatherfoundmewhenhecamerunningaroundthecornerofthebarnaminutelater.Iwasn'thurtabit,andIstillhadtheemptymilkcan,butmybestBusterBrownwaskindofmessedup.

MotherandtherestoftheyoungsterswereonlysecondsbehindFather.Motherwasfuriousaftershegotoverbeingscared,anddemandedthatFathergivemeagood,hardspanking.Shesaidhecouldtalktometillhewasblackintheface,anditwouldn'tdoabitofgood,becausemywickednesswassogreatthatithadkilledmyconscience.Nothingbutfearofbodilypainwouldsavemefromalifeofcrime.

Fatherdidn'tsayaword,butjustturnedmeoverhiskneewhileIwastryingtotellhimthatIhadn'tliedtobeabletodowhatIwantedto,sohadn'tinjuredmycharacteranymore.FatherhadatrickIneverknewaboutbefore.Hemusthavecuppedhishandupsomeway,becauseeverywhacksoundedlikeitwaskillingme,buttheyhardlystungatall.Ihowledloudenoughtomakeupthedifference.

8IBecomeaSortofCowboy

BYTHEbeginningofMay,schoolhadprettywellpeteredout.Nobodysentboystoschoolwhentheywereneededathometohelpwiththeplowingorplanting,sowhenitgotdowntowhereonlyfourgirlsandIwereleft,schoolclosedforthesummer.

Thedayafteritclosed,Mrs.CorcorancametoseeMotheraboutgettingmetoworkforthem.Theyhadaboutthirtymilchcows,andusedtotakecreamtoFortLoganeveryday.Inthesummertheypasturedthecowsonthequartersectionsouthofus.Becausethereweren'tanyfences,somebodyhadtoherdthemtokeepthemfromgettingintoAultland'sandCarlHenry'sgrainfields.Shesaidshewouldpaymetwenty-fivecentsaday,andIwouldonlyhavetoworkfromseveninthemorningtillsixatnight.IguessMotherthoughttheyherdedcowsonfootinColorado,astheydidinNewEngland,soshesaidIcoulddoit.

Ididn'thaveanysuchideasatallandwasallexcitedaboutbeingacowboy.MybiggestworrywasthatIdidn'thaveaten-gallonfelthat,insteadofastrawonefromthegrocerystoreatFortLogan.Ispenttherestoftheafternoonoutbehindthebarn,twistingmyselfapairofspursoutofpiecesofbalingwire.ItseemedbesttosortoftakeitforgrantedthatIwasgoingtorideFanny,soIwasupanddressedintimetohelpFatherfeedthehorsesbeforebreakfast.Ishoveledmanuretobeatthebandwhilehewasbringinginthehay,andsaid,"WhichbridlehadIbetterputonFannyforherdingcows?"

Fathergrinnedatmeandrumpledupmyhair—IhadcombeditthatmorningwithplentyofwaterandhadmadeahookinthefrontlocksoithungdownovermyforeheadlikeHi'sdid.Hesaid,"Sorry,Son,butIguessyou'llhavetotakeitonyourfeettoday.Carl'sgoingtoletmeusehisdrilltoplantthealfalfa,andI'llhavetouseFanny."

Inearlyhoppedupanddown.Itriedtokeepmyfacestraight,butIwaslaughingalloverinside.IwassurefromthewayFathersaiditthathewasgoingtoletmerideFanny,nowthatheknewIcoulddoit.Itdidn'tmakeanydifferenceifIhadtowaitadayortwo.AfterbreakfastIgotmyspursfromwhereIhadhiddenthemunderthehay,andpokedtheminthefrontofmyblouse.IthoughtI'dbeatleastpartcowboyifIhadspurs,evenifIdidhavetowalk.

Mr.Corcoranwasamilk-cowmanandnotahorseman.Hedidn'thaveanynicehorseslikeFredAultland'sbays,orCarlHenry'schestnuts.TheyweremostlyhorsesaboutlikeourBillandNig.Therewasanoldblackpluginthecorralwiththecows.Hehadfadedouttoabrownishcolor.Mr.Corcoranbroughtoutanoldwork-harnessbridlewithblindersandputitonthehorse.Thenheboostedmeonandgavemeaswitch."OldNedain'ttoospry,butyougivehimacutwiththatswitchandhe'llgetamoveon.Nowdon'tletnoneofthemcowsgetintoFred'sorCarl'sgrainorthey'llskinyoualive.Anddon'trunnoneofthecows—some'swithcalfandthey'reallmilkers."

Iwasn'ttoohappywithNed,butatleasthewasahorse.IhaddriventheherdnearlyasfarasthewagonroadwhenMr.Corcoranbellowedafterme,"Becarefulnottolet'emgetnogreenalfalfa,itwouldbloat'emandkill'em."

EverythingwentfinetillIgotpastAultland'shouse.Fred'sfield,fromthehousetothesectioncorner,wasunfencedandhalfamilelong—anditwasinalfalfaaboutsixincheshigh.Mycowsspieditfromahundredyardsaway,andsomeofthemstartedrunningforit.IkickedNedwithmyheels,buthewasn'tatallnervous,anddidn'tevenhurryhiswalk.ThenIclippedhimalittlewiththeswitchandhetookhalfadozentrottingstepsbeforehewentbackintoawalk.Hisfeetwereasbigasfootballs,andeverytimehetrotted,Ibouncedafoothighandcamedownwithathud.HewasalotwiderinthewithersthanFanny,soIcouldn'tgetagoodkneeclamponhim,andIwasn'tabitsureIwasn'tgoingtobounceclearoffhisback.

Someofmycowshadalreadyreachedthealfalfa,andIexpectedtoseethemstartfallingoveringreat,bloatedcorpses.IswungmyswitchhighandstartedcuttingitdownoverNed'srump—myspurs,whichIhadtwistedontomybarefeetassoonaswereachedtheroad,hadcrumpledatmyfirstkick.Atthesecondcut,NedgottheideaIwantedhimtohurryandtrottedadozenorsomoresteps.IwassobusystayingonthatIcouldn'tthinktoswathimagainandlifthimintoacanter.Nowallthecowswereinthealfalfa,andIknewmycareerasacowboywasblowinguprightinmyface.Ididn'tcareaboutfallingoffanylonger.Theyhadtobegottenoutoftheresomeway.Afteracouplemorehardlickstheswitchbrokeinmyhand.Therewasonlyonethinglefttodo,soIpiledoffNedandtookafterthecowsafoot,yellingatthetopofmylungs.TheonlystickIcouldfindwastooheavyformetohandlewithonehand,soIwadedintotheherdswingingitlikeabaseballbat.Insteadofdrivingthembackintotheroad,Ionlydrovethemfartherintothealfalfafield.

IwassobusyswingingandyellingthatIdidn'tseeFreduntilhistallbayhorsewasalmostontopofme.Fredhadalongblacksnakewhipandsnakedthosecowsoutofthereinaboutaminuteandahalf.Nedwasmakingthemostofhischance.Hehadn'tmovedafootfromwhereIslidoff,andhadhisnoseburiedinthealfalfahalfwaytohiseyes.Fredtoldmetogogethimwhilehekeptthecowsmoving.Icouldn'tmuchmorethanreachNed'sbelly,therewasnothingtoclimbupon,andIhadnoideahowI'dgetaboardhim.Fredyelled,"Hangoverhisneckandkick;he'llhistyouup."

Hedid,andIwentupwithmyclubinmyhand.Nedhadalotmorerespectforitthanhedidfortheswitch,andIcaughtuptoFredinahurry.ThethingshesaidaboutMr.Corcoranweregoodtolistento.TheywerejustthethingsIwouldhavesaidmyselfifIhadn'tbeenafraidofthedamageitmightdothatcharacterofmine—IwishedFatherhadnevertoldmeaboutit.

FredhelpedmetillwegotthecowsoverontothepieceofprairiewhereIwassupposedtopasturethem,thenhegavemehisblacksnakeandtoldmenottobeafraidtolayitonifIhadto.Ihadforgottenallaboutmyspurs,butFredsawthemandlaughed.HesaidthatbalingwirewastheonlythingthathadheldtheStateofColoradotogether,buthe'dbetIwasthefirstonewhoevermadespursoutofit.Beforeheleftheshowedmehowtoswingtheblacksnakesoastomakethecrackerpoprightbehindacow,andsaidtoletNedhavethehandleacrosstherumpifhewouldn'tgo.Thenhetoldmetotrytokeepthecowsbunchedprettywellinthemiddleofthequartersection,andthathe'dhaveoneofhismencometohelpmetakethemhomeatnight.

Itwasaterribleday.Thequartersectionwasn'tflatlikeourplace,butwasallroilyhills.AndthosecowsknewmoretricksthanHi'sblueroan.AssoonasFredwasoutofsight,theystartedspreadingoutinalldirections.IbeatthetaroutofNed,tryingtomakehimgofastenoughsothatIcouldkeepthemroundedup,butthemostIcouldgetoutofhimwasthatclumpingtrot.WhileIwasdrivingbackafewstragglersononeside,otherswouldheadforCarlHenry'soatfieldontherun.WhenIcamebackwiththefirstbunchthattriedit,IfoundthatIonlyhadnineteencowsleftintheherd—theresthadgotawayoveroneofthehills.

IbeatonNed'srumpandwenttohuntthem.Histrotwaspoundingthedickensoutofmy

behindanditwasgettingawfultender.Ihadwornoffapieceofskinthesizeofasilverdollar.NedhadstartedtosweatalittlerightwhereIwastryingtosit,andthesaltinthesweatmadeitstinglikeblazes.WhenIgotoverthehill,Isawmystraysaquarterofamileaway,headedfortheoatfield.TheywereinitbeforeIcouldcatchuptothem.

Fathermusthavebeenwatchingmefromwherehewassowingalfalfa.IhadleftNedandwaswadingaroundintheoats,tryingtodrivethecowsoutwiththeblacksnake.Icouldn'thandleitverywellwhenIwasonhorseback,butitwasalmostuselessintheoatfield.Ididn'thavestrengthenoughtokeepitintheairthroughthebackswing,andthecrackergottangledintheoats.Iguessmyyellsweregettingsortofwarbly,andIwasaboutreadytocrywhenFathershoweduponFanny.

Hegotthemoutofthereinnotime,helpedmetocollecttherestoftheherd,andbunchedthemwayoverattheeastendofthequarter.Fourmoretimeshehadtocometomyrescuebeforesixo'clock,andthenhehelpedmegetthembacktoCorcoran's.Afterwehadthecowsintheircorral,Mrs.CorcorancameoutfromthehouseandtriedtogiveFathermyquarter.Henoddedhisheadovertowardmeandsaid,"Giveittotheboy,hecertainlyearnedit."

Idon'tthinkMrs.CorcoranlikedwhatFathersaid,becauseherfacegotalittlered.Shepassedthequarteruptomeandsaid,"Nowdon'tgoandloseitthefirstthingyoudo."ThenshesaidtoFather,"Toomuchmoneyain'tgoodforchildren.Theseyoungonesnowadayshaven'tnoideaoftheworthofadollar.Idon'tknowwhatthingsarecomingto."

Fatheronlysaid,"Betterslideoffhim,Son.Mother'llbewaitingsupperforus."

IslidoffandputNedinthecorralwiththecows.Allthetimeittookmetoclimbonthegatetogethisbridleoff,Mrs.Corcorankepttalking.Firstshesaid,"Littleboy,youdidn'tletmycowsgetintonobody'scrops,didyou?"

Ikeptlookingrightatthecheekstrapbuckle,butIknewIhadtotellher,soIsaid,"Well,sometimesIcouldn'tmakeNedrunfastenoughto—"

That'sasfarasIgot.Shesoundedmadascouldbe."Mylandsakesalive!Youain'tbeenrunningmymilchcowsallovercreation,haveyou?"ItriedtotellherIhadn't,butshedidn'tevenstoptobreathe."Goodgracious!"shesaid."I'llwagerIdon'tgetmore'nhalfamilkingtonight.Howabody'sgoingtoekeoutalivingfromhalfmilkings,Ijustdon'tknow.Well,hmmmf,Isupposesomeallowancehastobemadeonaccountofhimbeingcity-raised.City-raisedyoungonesain'tbeenlearnedtodothingswhentheywasyoung.Theydon'thavethegumptionofthemthat'sraisedinthecountry."

FatherreachedhishanddownandpulledmeupbackofhimonFanny.Asheswungmeup,hesaid,"Webetterbegettingalong,Son."

IknewIwasfiredandgotanacheinmythroat.Ithadbeenatoughjob,andIhadn'tdoneverywell,butIhadbeencountingalldayonthetimeFatherwouldletmerideFanny.Iwas

sureIcouldmanageallrightwithher,andnowthatIwasfiredfrommyfirstcowboyjob,IwasafraidFatherwouldneverletmerideher.

WewereprettynearouttotheroadwhenMrs.Corcoranyelledafterus,"Youbesureyouain'tlateinthemorning—rightsharponseveno'clock."Raspyashervoicewas,itsoundedgoodtome.

FannycouldcanterrightalongwithFatherandmeonher.SittingwaybackwhereIwas,Icouldn'tgetakneehold,soIhadtoputmyfingersunderFather'sbelt.IheldaseasyasIcould,sohewouldn'tnoticeandthinkIwasafraidoffallingoff.Wewereabouthalfwayhomewhenhesaid,"It'saprettybigjobforacity-raisedfellow;wanttotakeanothercrackatit,orhaveyouhadenoughcows?"

Isaid,"IcoulddoitallrightifIonlyhadFanny."

"Well,IguessIcouldsparehertomorrow,"Fathersaid—thatwasall.

Idon'tthinkFatherevertoldMotherwhatMrs.Corcoransaidaboutcity-raisedyoungones,becausetheykeptrightonbeingfriends.Whenwegothome,sheletmeputmyquarterupinthenewcupboard,inherWedgwoodsugarbowl.SheknewaboutFatherhavingtocomeoverandhelpme,sowhenhecameinfromfeedingthehorses,shesaid,"Charlie,don'tyouthinkthatisajobforaman,notforaboyofRalph'sage?"

Fathergrinned,"They'recertainlyabreachylot,butIhaveanideahecanmakeout.There'soneoldheiferuptherethatIdon'tthinkhecouldhandle,buthewon'thavetorideherdonher."

Icouldn'tfigureoutwhichonehemeant,butIguessMotherknew,becauseshelookedatFatheroutofthecornerofhereye,andsaid,"Charlie,nowyoubehave."

Maybemyday'sworkdidn'tpleaseMrs.Corcoranverymuch,butitmademequiteaherowiththeotheryoungstersathome.Thatquarterwasthefirstmoneyanyofushadearned,anditlookedasbigtothemasitdidtome.Afterthesupperdishesweredone—Ididn'thavetohelpwiththemnowIwasaworkingman—Gracegotapadofpaperandapencil.FirstsheaskedFatherhowmuchacowwouldcost,andthenshewantedtoknowhowmuchitwouldtakeforaponyandacart.Sheputthemalldownandaddedthemup,thenshedividedthetotalbytwenty-fivecents.Whenshehadtheanswer,shewentforacalendar,butbeforeshecoulddoanymorewehadtofindoutifMotherwouldletmeworkonSundays.Weknewthatwouldbeaticklishjob,butGracefiguredoutthewaytodoit.

Shesaid,"Mother,isitsinfultocookonSunday?"

Motherwasbusysewingathickpadintotheseatofmynewflour-sackunderpants.FatherhadtoldheraboutmygettingtheskinwornoffonoldNed.Shelookedup,andsaid,"Whyno,ofcoursenot.GodmadeussothatourbodiesneedfoodonSundaythesameasanyotherday.SinceHehasjustloanedusthesebodiesforthetimewearehereonearth,itisourresponsibilitytotakethebestcarewecanofthem,sothereisnothingsinfulaboutpreparing

foodforourselvesonSunday.Butwhatputanysuchquestionintoyourmind?"

"Oh,Iwasjustthinking.Mother,didGodlendcowstheirbodies,too?"

Motherdidn'tlookup,butsaid,"Yes,dear."

"Well,Mother,woulditbesinfultofeedcowsonSunday?"

ThattimeMotherdidlookup."Why,ofcourseitwouldn'tbesinful;itwouldbecruelnottofeedthemonSunday.Whatintheworldmakesyouasksuchasillyquestion?"

"Well…ifitwouldn'tbesinfultofeedthemonSunday,itwouldn'tbesinfultoherdthemonSundayeither,wouldit?IwasjustwonderingifyouweregoingtoletRalphherdtheCorcorans'cowsonSundays."

Motherjabbedtheneedledownintothepadandlookedupfrowning."Mostcertainlynot!"shesaid."Mr.CorcorancanfeedhiscowshayonSunday.NowputthatpadawayandbringmetheBible.Ralphhastogotobedearlyandgethisrest."

Fatherhadbeenreadingafarmmagazine.WhenGracestartedaskingMotheraboutcookingonSunday,heletitdownenoughsohecouldlookoverthetop,butassoonasshesaid,"Mostcertainlynot,"heboosteditrightupagain.Icouldn'tseehowhisfacelooked,buthehadwrinklesatthecornersofhiseyesjustbeforeheliftedit.

9GraceTriesIt,Too

IGOTAWAYfromhomeonFannyalittleafterhalf-pastsixthenextmorning.Fathermusthavesatupkindoflatethenightbefore,becausehehadmademeanewsortofwhipforthecows.Itwastheendofabroomhandleaboutafootlongwithapieceofharnessreinfastenedtooneendandarawhidelooptotheother.Thepieceofreinleatherwasfiveorsixfeetlong,withtheendslicedintofournarrowstrips.ItwasalotlighterthantheblacksnakeFredhadlentme.FathershowedmehowtoputtherawhidelooparoundmyarmandsnapthesticksothatIcouldhitthingswiththesplitendoftherein.

Ididn'ttakeanylunchthatday.Before,Motherputmeupsandwichesandcake,butItiedthepackageonmyoverallstrapandlostitwhileIwaschasingcowsinthealfalfa.ShesaidGracewouldbringmeahotdinneratnoon,andwatchthecowswhileIateit.

IwasscaredtodeathwhenItookthecowsoutintotheroad.IknewtheywouldrunforFredAultland'salfalfaassoonaswegotpasthishouse,andIwasprettysureIcouldn'tkeepthemoutalone.ThatwasbeforeIknewmuchaboutFanny.TheCorcoranshadonespottedbrownandwhitecowthatwasskinnyasanoldhounddog.Shewasalwayswayoutinfrontofalltherest,andshecouldrunlikeahorse.WewerehardlypastAultland'sdrivewaybeforeshestartedrunningforthealfalfa,andIknewtheotherswouldfollowherunlessIcouldheadheroff.Iwasjustthinkingaboutgoingafterher,andIguessmaybeIleanedforwardalittlebit.Anyway,beforeIcluckedtoher,orkickedmyheels,oranything,Fannywasafterheronadeadrun.Shealmostwentrightoutfromunderme,shestartedsoquick,butIgrabbedholdofhermaneandstayedon.Wecaughtuptothespottedcowbeforeshegothalfwaytothealfalfa.IplannedtoslowFannydownbeyondherandgetturnedaroundsoIcoulddriveherbackwiththeothers.Fannyhadn'tplanneditthatway.Whenherheadwasafootortwoinfrontofthecow's,sheandthecowbothturned—allinasecond.Iwastheonlyonethatdidn't.ItallhappenedsofastthatIneverrememberedhittingtheground.Iscrambledtomyfeet,scaredthatFannywouldrunforthebarnathome.Shedidn't,butstoodandletmegetholdofherrein.Theoldcowwasrunningbacktotheherdasfastasshehadrunawayfromit.

Thegroundwasasflatasatable,andIwaspanickyforfearIcouldn'tgetbackonFannybeforethecowswereallinthealfalfa.ThenIrememberedhowFredtoldmetoclimbonNed'sneckthedaybefore,butfirstIhadtogetFanny'sheaddown.Iranovertothesideoftheroad,yankedupahandfulofgrass,andhelditouttowardhernose.Whenshestartedtonibble,Idroppeditintheroadandthrewmyselfonherneckassoonassheputherheaddownforit.

Itookhalfadozenmorespillsbeforewereachedthepasture,butnoneofthemhurtverymuch.Fannyknewallthetrickstherewereaboutmakingcowsdowhatshewantedthemto,andmybiggestjobwasguessingwhichwayshewasgoingtoturn,andwhen.Andallthewaytherewerefieldsofalfalfaoroatsalongonesideoftheroad,soIcouldclimbbackonher

neckwhensheputherheaddowntoeat.Justbeforeweturnedintothepasture,Ifilledthefrontofmyblousewithgreenoats.IknewI'dfalloffsomemore,andIhadtohaveawayofmakingFannyputherheaddown.

FannywasmucheasiertoridethanNed—evenifshedidspillmeonceinawhile.Theonlytimesheevertookatrottingstepwaswhenshewasslowingdowntoawalkaftercantering.ShecouldcanteralongasslowasoldNedtrotted,orshecouldgolikeastreakofgreasedlightning.IfoundoutthatthefartherIleanedoverherneck,thefastershewouldgo,andmaybeIranherfastlotsoftimeswhenIdidn'tneedto.

Gracebroughtmylunchatnoon.Itwas"everythingstew"inalardpail,andbiscuitsandacupcake.Whenshebroughtit,mycowshadwanderednearlytothesouthendofthepasture,sotherewereacoupleofhillsbetweenusandourhouse.GracesaidMotherhadtoldhertoherdthecowswhileIate,andshewantedmetobendoversoshecouldusemybackforastepping-stonetogetonFanny.Itriedtotellhershedidn'tknowhowtorideandwouldfalloff,butshegotkindofmeanandmademedoit.SheknewacoupleofthingsaboutmyfightingatschoolandridingonthedonkeythatIdidn'twanthertotalkaboutathome.Shedidn'treallysayshe'dtellifIdidn'thelphergetonFanny,butshedidremindmethatshehadn'tyet.

ItoldheraboutclampingherkneesandwatchingFanny'sears.IwasgettingsoIcouldtellwhenshewasgoingtoturnandwhichway,becauseshewouldpointherearsthatwayfirst.JustasIgotthelidoffthelardpail,myoldspottedcowstartedtowardCarl'soatfieldatatrot.IyelledtoGracetoheadheroff,andFannyactedasifsheknewexactlywhatIhadsaid.Shewentracingoffaftertheoldcowasfastasshecouldgo.GracewasalmostlyingdownonFanny'sneck,andherbottomslewedwayovertooneside.Iknewshewasn'tsqueezingwithherknees,andyelledtoher.Itwastoolate.

Fannycaughtuptothecow,andGracewasn'twatchingherears.Howsheeverfellasshedid,I'llneverknow.ShewasclingingtoFanny'sneckwithbotharmsandhaddroppedthereins—Ihadthemtiedtogethersotheywouldn'tfallifIletgoofthem.WhenFannyturnedsoquick,itswungGraceoutlikeagate,andherfeetcamedownbetweenFanny'sforelegs,butshewasstillholdingonwithherarms.Fannykeptrightongoinguntilshehadtheoldcowheadedback,thenshestoppedandjuststoodstill.BythetimeIgotoverthere,Gracewasstandingontheground—laughingandcryingallatthesametime.

GracehadheardWillieAldivotetellmethatifyoufelloffyouhadtogetrightbackonandtryagain,elseyou'dbetooscaredtotrylater—andbesidesthehorsewouldknowyouwerescaredandyoucouldneverridethatoneagain.IknewGracewasfrightenedsillytogetbackonFanny,becauseshewasshiveringasifitwerethemiddleofwinter,butshewasn'tgoingtoletmebeabletodosomethingshecouldn't,soshemademebendoveragainwhileshestoodonmyback.Thattimeshedidn'tactsosmartwhenIremindedheraboutpinchingherkneesandsittingupstraightandwatchingFanny'sears.Itoldherherhandsweren'tverystoutyet,justasFredAultlandtoldme,andshowedherhowtowrapthereinsaroundthem.

ShemusthavebeenevenmorescaredthanIthoughtshewas.Istartedhergoingaway

fromwherethecowswere,soFannywouldn'tseesomeoldheifershethoughtoughttobechased.Assoonasshemovedonefoot,GracepulleduphardonthereinsandFannystopped.Icluckedtoher,butGracepulledharderandyelledatmetokeepquiet.HerpullingandyellingmadeFannycranky,andshebeganbobbingherheadasshedidwhenshedidn'twanttoplow.Thenshestartedgoingbackwardsofastshewasalmostsittingdown.IyelledtoGracetoletuponthereins,butIdon'tthinksheheardme.ShegrabbedholdofFanny'smanewithherrighthand,sothatreinwentloose,butshekeptonpullingwiththeotherhand.Fannybegangoingaroundinacirclebackwards,andIdidn'tknowwhattotellGracetodo.Iguesswewerebothyellingasloudaswecould,andthelouderweholleredthefasterFannywentaround.

Fatheralwaysusedtosaytheworstthingsyouexpectedneverhappenedtoyou.That'sthewayitworkedwithFanny.Ididn'tdaretellGracetoslideoffforfearFannywouldsteponher,andIguessshedidn'tdaretoeither.WhenIthoughtshewasagonerforsure,shefellforwardandhuggedFannyaroundtheneckagain.AssoonasbothreinswentslackFannystopped,andIraninandgotholdofherbridle.Gracewasgladenoughtocallitaday'sride,andevenbentovertoletmeclimbon.ItwouldhavebeeneasiertoshinupFanny'sneckasIusuallydid,becauseGrace'sbackwaswobblingaroundlikeapatteddog's.AfterIhadthecowsroundedupagain,sheherdedthemonfootwhileIfinishedmydinner.Thenshetookthebucketandstartedforhome,butwhenshegottothetopofthefirsthillsheyelledbacktome,"Icanridebetterthanyoucananyoldday.Icanridehergoingbackwardsandyoucan't."Ididn'tevenbothertoanswerher.

IwasafraidGracemighthaveruinedFanny,butshedidn't.Ionlyfelloffonceallafternoon.ButIthoughtIwassunkthatonce,becauseIhadrunalloutofgreenoatstomakeherputherheaddown.IhadplannedtogetsomemorewhileGracewaswatchingthecowsatnoon,buthergettinginsuchamesswithFannymademeforgetallaboutit.Ipulledahandfulofdrybuffalograssandhelditouttoher,butshewouldn'tevensniffit.WhenIhadmymindallmadeupthatIwasgoingtohavetoleadherclearovertotheoatpatch,shehungherheaddownandIscrambledon.Fromthattimeon,FannyandIhadanunderstandingbetweenus:ifIfelloffshe'dputherheaddownformetogetonagain,butifIgotoffbymyselfIhadtogetbackonthebestwayIcould.

Ihadalittletroublegettingthecowshomethatnight.Leavingthepasture,abouthalfofthemstreakedoffaheadtowardCarl'soatfield,whiletherestdraggedalongbehind.Iwentkitingaftertheleaders,andwhileIwasgettingthemheadedoff,theothersgotpastmebyrunningupalittlevalleywhereIcouldn'tseethem.FannyandIgotthemouteasyenough,butbythattimethefirstbunchwasbackintothefieldahundredyardsorsofartherdowntheroad.WeracedbackandforthbetweenthetwoherdstillFannywasinalather,butassoonasIgotoneherdout,theotherwasin.Carl'shousewasbeyondahill,sohecouldn'tseeme,butwewererightinplainsightofAultland's.IkeptlookingtoseeifFredwasn'tcomingtohelpmeagain,buthedidn't.AtlastIwokeuptothefactthatallIhadtodotogetthemalloutwastoletoneherdstayintillIcoulddrivetheotheruptojointhem,thendrivethemallouttogether.

WegotbyFred'salfalfaallright,andIwasproudasIcouldbethatIhadn'thadtohave

anyhelpalldaylong.IwasstillbeingproudofmyselfwhenMrs.Corcorancameoutwithmyquarter.Shehadasafetypin,too.Insteadofgivingmethequarterinmyhand,sheputitintothepocketofmyblouseandsafety-pinneditin.IleftittheretillIgotclearouttotheroad,onmywaytoAultland'sforourmilk.ThenItookitoutandputitinmyoverallpocket,soIcouldfeelmorelikeaman.ButIstoppedFannyinthebottomofthelastdrawbeforewegottoourhouseandpinneditbackintomyblousepocket.Icouldn'tbesureMrs.CorcoranandMotherhadn'tcookedtheideaupbetweenthem.

FannywasprettysweatywhenIgothomethatnight,andFatherdidn'tlikeit.HetoldmeIwaswearingherdownbecauseIhadn'tlearnedtomakemyheadsaveherheels.ImadetheexcuseaboutthetwodifferentbunchesofcowsgettingintotheoatsandhowhardIhadtoridetogetthemout,butFathersaid,"Nowwaitaminute,Son.Everytimeyou'vebeeninsightallday,you'vebeenplayingcowboy,haven'tyou?"

Ofcourse,Ihadbeen,butIdidn'tknowhowFatherknew.Inoddedmyhead."DoyouwanttobeagoodcowboylikeHi,"heasked,"ordoyouwanttoplayatbeingacowboy?"

"LikeHi,"Isaid.

"Thenspareyourhorse.Acowboywithaspenthorseisinasbadaspotasifhedidn'thaveanyhorseatall.Hiwouldn'twastehishorse'sstrengthanymorethanyourmotherwouldwasteourmoney—thatis,notunlesshewasshowinghimoffforherbenefit.Insteadofracingaroundaftereverycowthatstrayedafewyardsfromtheherd,he'dputthemallatthebackendofthepasturewherehecouldseethemfromthetopofahill.Thenhe'dsitdownandlethishorsegrazeuntilsomeofhiscowshadwanderedfarenoughawaythattheymightgetintotheoats.Whenhedidhavetogoafterthem,hewouldn'traceasyoudo.He'dgoataniceeasylopetillhewaspastthestrays,thenbringthembackataslowwalksoastokeepthemcalmandquiet.Alwaysremember,Son,thebestbossistheonewhobossestheleast.Whetherit'scattle,orhorses,ormen;theleastgovernmentisthebestgovernment."

Thenextdaywentprettyfineforme.IonlytumbledoffFannyonce,andIwouldn'thavehadtothattimeifI'dgrabbedholdofhermane.Once,thedaybefore,IhadgotoffbalanceandknewIwasgoingtofall,soIletgoofthelinesandreachedmyhandsouttocatchmyselfontheground.Icamedownsmackonmyfaceandnearlybrokemyarms.Thistime,wewererightinthemiddleofasandyspotatthebottomofalittlevalley.IhadbeenstudyingallmorningaboutthewayHifelloutofhissaddleonpurposeandsomersaultedontohisfeet,soIthoughtI'dtryit.AsIwentoff,Iduckedmyheadandbuckedupmyhindend.Itworked,butitworkedtoowell.Iwenttoofaroverintheairandcamedownontheseatofmypantswithanawfulthud.Thesandwasn'thalfsosoftasitlooked,butatleastI'dlearnedpartofthetrickoftakingafall.

ThatmorningIherdedthecowsthewayFatherhadtoldmeHiwoulddoit.TheyseemedtoknowIhadlearnedthetrick,andIonlyhadtogoafterthemtwoorthreetimes.TherestofthemorningIkeptrightontopofahillwhereFathercouldseemefromourbeanfield.ButwhenIsawGracecomingwithmydinnerImoveddownintothelittlevalleywiththesandyspot.

IwantedtoshowherthatIcouldfalloffonpurposewithoutgettinghurt,andthatIwasbraveenoughtodoitwithFannygalloping.IthoughtmaybeIcoulddothesomersaulttricksoI'dcomerightuponmyfeet.Itdidn'tworkanygoodatall—TheremusthavebeenabigoldjackrabbitthatIdidn'tsee,sittingrightattheedgeofthesandypatch.IhadFannygoinglikesixtyandhadloosenedupmyknees,allreadytotakemydive,whenshesetherfeetandstoppeddeadstill.Iwentoffoverherheadamileaminute.IfI'dgoneacoupleoffeetfarther,Icouldhavegrabbedtheoldrabbitasheracedaway.

Ithappenedtoofastformetothinkanythingaboutanyfancylanding,andImadeaperfectbellyslide.Itknockedthewindoutofmeforasecond.WhenGracegotthereIwasallright,butIcouldn'tgetanyairintomylungssoIcouldsayso.ShedroppedmydinnerbucketandcamescreaminglikeshethoughtIwaskilled.Idon'tthinkFannylikedherverywellafterthedaybefore,andsheshiedaway.IwasafraidshemightrunhomebeforeIcouldgetbreathenoughtoyell"whoa"ather,butshedidn't.

Mydinnerwasamess.Motherhadputthebakedbeansinthebottomofthebucket,thenputasaucerontopofthemwithmyjohnnycakeandpieonit.WhenGracedroppedthebucketitallgotmixedtogether—itwaslemonpie,too.AllthetimeIwaseating,GracekepttellingmethatitwasherdutytotellMotheraboutmyfallingoffFanny.Ibeggedhernotto,becauseIknewMotherwouldn'tletmerideanymoreifGraceeverdidtell.Atlastshesaidshewouldn'tsqueal,evenifitwasgoingtohurtherconscience,butI'dhavetohelphergetonsoshecouldrideFanny.Shepromisedshewouldn'thaulonthelines.

Gracegotonallright,butIkeptholdofthereinstillIsawshewassittingrightandhadherkneessqueezedingoodandtight.ThenIheldFanny'sbridleandtalkedtohereasytillGracegottheLineswrappedaroundbothhands.GracewasallrightaslongasIhadhold,butwhenIletgosheleanedforwardandgrabbedforFanny'smane.TheminutesheleanedforwardFannystartedtocanter.Gracesquealed,andIholleredafterhertositupstraightandkeepthereinstighter,butnottohaulonthem.Shedidsitup,butshehauledonthelines.

Idon'tknowwhetherFannywastryingtobemean,orWhethershedidn'tknowwhatGracewantedhertodo—andIdon'tthinkGraceknewherself.Anyway,shestartedtrottingrightupthelittlevalley.Gracewentbouncingupanddownonherbacklikeamarbledroppedonastonewalk.Itwouldn'thavebeensobadifshehadjustcomedowninthesameplaceeverytime,butsometimesshewasclearuponFanny'swithers,andsometimesprettynearbacktohertail.Firstshe'dloseherbalanceoneway,thenshe'dgrabahandfulofmaneandpullherselfhalfofftheotherside.WhysheneverfellclearoffI'llneverknow,butshedidn't.AtlastshegotworkedwayuponFanny'sneck,andslippedoversidewayssofarthatshewasjusthangingbyherhandsandoneknee.ThenFannystoppedandletmecatchuptothem.Evenatthat,Graceyelledbacktomewhenshegottothetopofthehillwithmydinnerbucket,"IguessIshowedyouwhocouldridebest.YoufelloffandIdidn't."

Gracebroughtmydinnereverynoon,andshealwayshadsomethinghurtingherconscienceenoughsothatshe'dhavetotellMotherifIdidn'tletherrideFanny.AfterawhileIjustletherdoitanyway,andshegotsoshecoulddoprettywell,butshewasalwaysasissy,becausewhenshefoundshewasgoingtofallshe'dgrabFannyaroundtheneck.Aftera

dayorsoFanny'dstopassoonasGracestartedhuggingher.

IgotsoIcouldtumbleintothesandyspotandhardlygethurtatall.AndafewtimesIwentclearoverandcameuponmyfeetlikeHi.Ididn'thaveanytroublewiththecowsafterthefirstweek.WhenJunecame,thedayswerehotterandIdidn'thaveenoughtodoforittobeinterestinganymore.Mrs.Corcoranstoppedholleringsomuchaboutmyrunningthecowsorbringingthemintooearly,butshestillpinnedmyquarterintomyblousepocketeverynight,andIalwaystookitoutandputitinmyoverallpockettillIwasnearlyhome.

10MyFriendTwoDog

WHENIgotinfromherdingoneeveningearlyinJune,thereweretwoscrawny,jug-headedbuckskinstiedtoanoldricketyspringwagoninouryard.Icouldseethemfromhalfamileuptheroad,andcameboilinghomealotfasterthanFatherlikedmeto.Nobodywasinsight,sowetorerightforthebarn.FannyandIhadasystematthebarn.IfIstayedonshehadtogothroughthedoorwaysloworI'dgetscrapedoff.Butshealwayslikedtopoprightinquick,soI'dslidewaybackonherrumpandslipoffoverhertailatthelastsecond.I'dgotsoIcoulddoitandlandonmyfeetmosteverynight—withoutspillingthecanofmilkIalwaysbroughtfromAultland's.

Ihadtotimeitjustright,andthatnightIwasthinkingsomuchaboutwhomightbeinthehousethatImusthavebeenalittlecareless.Anyway,Ihadn'tslidbackfarenoughonFanny'srump,sowhenIoochedtogooffoverhertailIdidn'tgoalltheway,andcrashedintotheheaderofthebarndoor.WhenIwokeupIdidn'thaveanyideawhereintheworldIwasforaboutaminute.Iwaslyingonapileofhayandanoldmanwithalongwhitebeardandabatteredten-gallonfelthatwaslookingdownatmefromsquintyblueeyesthatweresunkwaybackinhishead.Ishutmyeyesagainquick,andheardhimsaytosomebodyelse,"Ain'thurtabit,ain'thurtabit.'Fraidthelittlepapoosemightabrainedhisself."

Irememberedwhathadhappenedthen,andknewwhereIwas.ThefirstthingIthoughtaboutwasthemilk,becauseMotherhadbeengivingmeheckeverytimeIspilledsomeofit,soIsaid,"DidIspillthemilk?"

Theoldmanlaughedandlaughed,thenhesaid,"NoBucko,youdidn'tspillscarcelynoneofit.TwoDogketcheditsoonaseveritlit."

IsatupthenandlookedaroundtoseewhoTwoDogwas.Hewasawizenedold,oldIndian,andhisfacewassowrinkleditlookedlikeabakedapplethat'sbeenleftovertillit'salldriedout.Hishairwasn'tbraidedliketheIndiansI'dseeninbooks,buthungdowninscragglystringstohisshoulders,andhehadafadedderbyhatbalancedsquareonthetopofhishead.Hiscoatwasfadedblack,too,andthebackofitwaslongandrounded,liketheminister'sbackinEastRochester.Hehadonatightpairofbrightbluepants,andwhitemoccasinswithlotsofredbeadsonthem.Hejustlookedatmewithoutchanginghisfaceabit.Thenhegruntedandwentoverandsatdownwithhisbackagainstthesideofthebarn.

IhadjustgotonmyfeetwhenFathercameouttoseewhyIhadn'tbroughtinthemilk.Imusthavehadquiteabumponmyhead,becauseitwasthefirstthinghesaw,andaskedmewhatkindoftricksI'dbeenuptonow.Ididn'tgetachancetotellhim,becausetheoldmanwiththewhiskerstoldhimfirst.Hesaid,"MeandTwoDogwasa-sittin'hereaginthebarnhavin'asmokewhenthislittlecoyotecomea-ridin'in.Themarespookedandhightailedintothebarnlikeascairtprairiedogintohishole.Thepapoose,hedidn'thaveachanceandbungedhisheadaginthebarn.Ain'thurtamite,though;notabrokeboneanywheres."He

tookholdofmyarmandworkeditupanddownlikeapumphandletoshowFather.

Fathersaidformetocometothehouseandgetcleanedupforsupper.OnthewayinhetoldmetheoldmanwasMr.Thompson,andthatheclaimedtohavehadhiscampsitein1840rightwhereourhousewasnow.WhileIwasgettingwashedIaskedhimaboutTwoDog,becausehewasthefirstIndianIhadseencloseto.Fathersaidhedidn'tknowmuchabouthim,buthehadheardthathewasaBlackfoot,andthatheandMr.Thompsonhadlivedtogetherupinthefoothillssincelongbeforeanybodycouldremember.

Thehousesmelledawfullygood.Fatherhadkilledoneofthehens,andMotherhaditcookinginthebigironpot.ShewasputtinginthedumplingswhenshetoldusthatMr.ThompsonandTwoDogweregoingtoeatsupperwithusandstayallnight.Shesaidtheymightnoteatjustthewaywedidandshedidn'twanttocatchoneofusstaringatthem.ThenshetoldPhilipandmethatshehadfixedashakedowninourroom,andthattheyweregoingtosleepwithus,andthatshedidn'twantustodoanywhisperingafterwewenttobedbecausewemightdisturbourvisitors.

Motherletmegoouttocallthemwhensupperwasready,butTwoDogwouldn'tcometothehouse.Hewasstillsittingonthegroundwithhisbackagainstthebarn.Hiseyesdidn'tmoveorblink,butlookedoffacrossourbeanfieldasthoughhewerewatchingsomethingfaraway.Mr.ThompsonsaidTwoDogwasn'tusedtohousesanddidn'tlikethem,buthe'dbringhissupperouttohimwhenwegotdoneeating.

Thewayheate,Idon'tthinkMr.Thompsoncouldhavehadasquaremealinmonths.Hejustusedhisforktopushthingsonhisknife,andhepushedthemonclearuptothehandle.Mr.ThompsonkepttellingMotherthathehadn'ttastedsuchvictualssincehewasalittleboybackinMissouri,andshekeptaskinghimifhewouldn'thavesomemoreofeverything.EverytimesheaskedhimhewouldpasshisplatebackandFatherwouldscrapearoundinthenappysomemore.IknewhewaskeepingonedrumstickbackforTwoDog,becausehehadonlyfishedoneout,andPhilipgotthat.

Wheneverythinginsightwasgone,Mr.Thompsontiltedhischairbackonitshindlegsandwipedhiswhiskerswiththecornerofthetablecloth.Thenhebegantellingusaboutthetimehefirstmadehiscamprightwhereweweresitting.Ilikedtohearhimtalk,butIwasworriedaboutTwoDog'ssupper,andaskedFatherifIcouldtakeitouttohim.FatherdisheditupandMothergotmethreebiscuitsandsomemashedpotatoesshe'dbeenkeepinghotonthestove.

Iputthesilverwareandnapkininmyoverallpocket,soI'dhaveonehandfortheplateandtheotherfortheteacup.TwoDoghadn'tmovedaninch.Hewasstilllookingoutacrossthebeanfield,butwhenIpassedtheplateouttohimhelookedupandhiseyessmiled,butnothismouth.Hetooktheplatewithbothhandsandsatitdownbesidehim,thenreachedthemupforthecup.Insteadofholdingitbythehandle,hetookitlikeabowlandtastedthetea.Thenhelookedupatmeandsaid,"Shoog,"butIdidn'tunderstandwhathemeanttillheputonefingerupabovethecupandmoveditaroundasifhewerestirring.

Iforgotallabouthissilverwareandnapkin,andrantothehouseforthesugarbowl.WhenIgotbackhewasstillholdingthecuplikeasquirrelholdinganacorn,andlookingacrossthebeanfield.Therewasaboutacupofsugarinthebowl.Hepourednearlyathirdofitintotheteaandstartedtostiritwithhisfingersassoonashehadputthebowldown.ThenIrememberedthesilverwareandhelditouttohim.Helookedatitaminuteandthenstirredtheteaagainwithhisfinger.Ididn'twanttoleavehimandIdidn'twanttojuststandthereholdingthenapkinandsilver,soIsatdownbesidehim.

Hefinishedalltheteafirst,thenatejustthechickenlegofftheplate.Whenitwasgone,hetookupthesugarbowlandpouredafewgrainsintohiscuppedhand.Hepickeditoutofhispalmwithhislips,likeahorsepickingthelastfewoatsoutofhisfeedbox.Idon'tknowhowlongwesatthere,butitwasuntillongafterthesunhadgonedown.EverytenorfifteenminutesTwoDogwouldpourafewmoregrainsofsugarintohispalmandpickitoutwithhislips.Theyweresodrytheynevermadehishandsticky.Hedidn'tsayawordtillthebowlwasempty,andIdidn'teither.Onceheputhishandoverandletitdroponmyknee;helifteditslowlyandletitdroptwicemore.Whenthebowlwasemptyhepassedittomeandsaid,"Friend."Thatwasalltheconversation.IgotupandwenttothehousewithalumpinmythroatandabigloveinmyheartforTwoDog.

WhenIcameintothehouse,thesupperdishesweredoneandallthechildreninbed,exceptGrace.Motherhadthecornpopperoutandwaspoppingcornoverahotfire.Mr.Thompsonwasstilltiltedbackinhischair,buthadswungitaroundandhadhisfeetcrossedonthewindowsill.HeandFatherweremunchingpopcorn,butGracewassittingwithhereyesbuggedout,andnotevennibblingatthehandfulofpopcornshewasholding.Isatdownbesideherandsheleanedoverclosetomyearandwhispered,"Oh,canhetellstories!HeusedtogohuntingandfightingIndianswithKitCarson."

Motherhadneverletussitupsolateaswedidthatevening,andIhadneverseenanybodyeatsomuchpopcorn.Mr.Thompsonseemedtohaveknowneverytrapperandhunterwhocamewestforbeaverandbuffaloskins.Betweenmouthfulsofpopcorn,hetoldusaboutguidingwagontrainsfromWestportLandingtoOregon,andaboutgoingtorendezvousontheGreenRiverwithKitCarsonandBentandLucienMaxwell.EveryonceinawhilehewouldstopandtellMotherthathehadn'thadsuchafineeveningsincehewasalittleboyinMissouri.Thenhewouldeatmorepopcorn,andstartalloveragain.

HislaststorywasaboutafightwiththeBlackfootIndians.HetoldhowtheIndianssetfiretotheprairiecleararoundtheirwagoncamp,andabouthisbeingtheonlywhitemantogetoutalive.Theonlyreasonhedidn'tgetkilledwasthatTwoDogwasachief'sson.Mr.Thompsonpulledhimoutfromunderhisdeadhorsejustbeforethefirereachedhim,andtwoyoungbravesrodeinthroughtheflamestosavethem.HesaidthatwaswhyheandTwoDogwerebloodbrothers.Ididn'tknowwhatthatmeant,sohetoldmehowtheyhadcutthemselvesandplacedthewoundsagainsteachother,sotheirbloodwouldmixandmakethembrothersforever.

AfterthatMothermadeGraceandmegetreadyforbed.Butwhilewewerebrushingourteeth,Mr.ThompsonkeptontellingFatheraboutTwoDog.Hesaid,"OldTwoDog,he'sthe

cleverestmanwithhorseseveryousee.ThatoldInjun,hecantakeahorsecritterthat'sninepartsdead,andhavehimprancin''roundlikeacoltinacoupledays.Andthereain'tnohorsesomeanhecan'thandlehim."Iwantedtostayandhearmore,butFathersnappedhisfingers.

Icouldn'thavegonetosleepwhenIgotouttothebunkhouseifI'dwantedto,andIdidn'twantto.IthoughtmaybeMr.Thompsonwouldtellanotherstorywhenhecameouttogotobed,orthatwhenhewasputtinghisnightshirtonImightbeabletoseesomeoftheplaceswherehehadbeenshot.HecameoutjustalittlewhileafterIwasinbed,butallhesaidwas,"Whoosh."Andallhetookoffwashiscalfskinvestandhishigh-heeledboots,thenhecrawledinbetweentheblanketswitheverythingelseon.IaskedhimifhewantedmetogooutandcallTwoDogtocometobed,buthesaid,"OldTwoDog,heain'tneversleptinnohouse;he'drathersleeprightwherehe'sat."IntwominuteshewassnoringsoloudIcouldn'tgotosleep.

EvenifitwasJune,itwascoldatnight,andIgotthinkingaboutTwoDogsittingouttherebesidethebarn.Afteralittlewhile,whenIknewGracewouldbeasleep,Ipulledmyoverallsonandtookthetopblanketoffourbed.Ididn'tmakeenoughnoisesoIcouldevenhearmyselfaboveMr.Thompson'ssnoring,andwasholdingmybreathasIeasedthedooropen,buthesatboltuprightwhenItouchedthelatch,andsaid,"Whogoesthere?"ItoldhimandsaidIwasjusttakingablanketouttoTwoDog.HewassnoringagainbeforeIclosedthedoor.

WhenIgottothebarnTwoDogwassittingexactlythewayhewaswhenIlefthim.Themoonwaswayoverinthewest,abovethemountains,andIcouldseethathiseyeswereopenandthathewasstilllookingoffacrossthebeanfield.Iheldtheblanketouttowardhimandhereachedupforit.Withaquickflip,heflungitaroundhisshoulderssothatitcoveredallbuthisheadlikeatent.Hedidn'tsayawordandIdidn'twanttojustwalkawayandleavehim,soIsatdownbesidehimagain.IguessIsatdownbyhimbecauseIwasthinkingaboutMr.Thompson'sstory,andwishedIcouldbeabloodbrothertoTwoDogashewas.Hedidn'tlookoveratme,butheflippedtheblanketaroundmesowewerebothunderthesametent.

Grandfatherusedtobedeafand,beforehedied,heandIusedtoplaysignlanguage.IthoughtmaybeIcouldtalktoTwoDoginsignlanguage,soIraisedmyeyebrows,putbothpalmstogetherandlaidmyfacedownagainstthem;thenIlookedfaroffalongthemountains.TwoDogknewIwasaskinghimwhereheslept—wherehishomewas—justaswellasGrandfatherwouldhaveknown.HepointedwithastraightarmandfingertowardtheV-shapedgapwhereTurkeyCreekcameoutofthemountains.Then,usinghisforefingerstofollowthetrailforwardandupward,hetoldmewherehiscampwas,highintheuplandvalley.

TwoDogandIsatandtalkedwithourhandstillthemoondippeddownandstartedtoslideawaybehindthemountains.ThenhereachedoverandlaidhishandagainstmyleginthreeslowstrokesthewayhedidwhenIbroughthissupper.Iknewhemeantformetogointobed,soIwent.ButIstayedawakealongtime,thinkingaboutthestorieshehadtoldmewithhishands.WhenFathercalledmeinthemorning,Mr.ThompsonandTwoDogweregone.

Mrs.CorcorancametothecorralwhenIwenttotakethecowsoutthenextmorning.Shehadn'tcombedherhairandhadherhandsrolledupinherapronbecauseitwasstillalittlechilly.Shecalled,"Littleboy!"beforeshewashalfwayacrossthedooryard,andfromthewayshehadhermouthclampedupIthoughtshewasgoingtoscoldme.ButwhenshegotovertowhereIwaswaitingtoletthecowsoutofthegate,shesaid,"Iheartellthatoldreprobate,HorsethiefThompson,andhisInjunputupatyourplacelastnight.Goodlands!Ihopeyourfolkshadbettersensethantolet'eminthehouse.Didthey?"

ItoldherthatTwoDogwouldn'tevencomeintothehouseforsupperandthathesleptsittingoutbesidethebarn.ShesnortedlikeaspookyhorsewhenItoldherthat,andsaid,"Thenyou'retellingmeyourmawdidletoldHorsethiefin?Mylando'Goshen!Well,youbettertellherthey'llstealanythingthatain'tred-hotornaileddown.Iheartellthatdirtyoldman'sgotmoreliceonhimthanasettin'hen.Isupposeyourfolksdidn'thavenobettersensethantositaroundwiththeirmouthsa-gaplisteningtoapackofhislies."

Igotsomadwhenshesaidthat,thatIforgotshewasmyboss,andhollered,"Myfolkshavegotmoresensethanyouhave,andhedidnottellusapackoflies.HetoldusaboutKitCarson,andIknowitisn'tlies,becauseIreadaboutKitCarsoninabook.Andbesides,heisn'tadirtyoldman."

IkeptgettingmadderandmadderatMrs.Corcoranforwhatshesaid,untilthelumpgotsobiginmythroatthatIthoughtIwasgoingtocry.Sotokeepfromit,IslammedthegateopenandranFannyrightinamongthecows.UntilIhadthemnearlyouttothewagonroad,Mrs.Cocorankeptyellingafterme,tellingmethatifshehada"sassyyoungone"likemeshe'dtakehimacrosshercheckeredapron,andsayingmoremeanthingsaboutMr.ThompsonandTwoDog.

WhenIwentpastAultland'sforthemilkthatnight,FredtoldmehewasgoingtostartstackingalfalfathenextdayandthatFatherwasgoingtohelphim.ThenheaskedmehowmuchMrs.Corcoranwaspayingmeforherdingcows.WhenItoldhim,hesaid,"I'lldoubletheanteifyouwanttoridestackerhorseforme."

Ididn'tknowwhathemeant,butItoldhimI'ddoit,sohehadmegobackandtellMrs.CorcoranIwouldn'tbecomingtoherdhercowstillhayingwasover.Fromhertellingmeshe'dtakemeoverhercheckeredapronifIwasheryoungone,Ididn'tthinkshe'dcareifInevercameback,butshejustabouthadafit.SheaskedmehowmuchFredwasgoingtopayme,andIsaidIdidn'tknowbuthehadsaidhe'ddoubletheante.WhenItoldherthatshegotmadderthaneverandcalledhimahelpstealer,andsaidhewasruiningmesoIwouldn'tbeanygoodtoanybody.Thenshetoldmesheneverwantedtolayeyesonmeagain.ButwhenIwasridingbacktotheroad,sheyelledformetobesureandcomebackthedayafterFredgotdonehaying.

Ididn'twanttotellMotherwhatMrs.CorcoransaidaboutMr.ThompsonandTwoDog,becauseIknewifIdidshe'dgetaroundtowhereI'dhavetotellherthatI'dbeensaucy.ButIwasworriedthatsomeofitmightbetrue,andbesidesIdidn'twanttohaveanyquestioninmyownmindabouteitherTwoDogorMr.Thompson,soItoldFatherallaboutitwhilewewereoutfeedingthehorses.

Fathersaidthat,ofcourse,younevercouldtellbythelooksofafroghowfarhe'djump,buthe'dbetthatneitherMr.ThompsonnorTwoDogwouldeverstealanythingfromus,andthathethoughtMr.Thompsonwastellingthetruthinhisstory.ThenhesaidMothercouldgetbooksintheDenverLibrarythatwouldshowwhetherornotKitCarsondidthethingsMr.Thompsonsaidhedidand,ifhedid,thenwewouldknowthestoriesweretrue.Hesaidmaybethepartaboutthelicewasright,butitmightbebestnottomentionittoMothertill

weknewmoreaboutit.

11Haying

ILIKEDworkingforFredAultland.Hayingandthreshingwerebigtimesathisplace,andhealwayshadadozenorsomentohelphim.Someofthemwereneighborswhodidn'thavesomuchhayoftheirown,andsomewerehiredhandsFredbroughtoutfromDenver.FatherandIdidn'tworkforhimuntilthehaywasallcutandrakedintowindrows.Ihadneverseenahaystackerbefore,andFatherhadtosnaphisfingersatmetwiceduringthemorning,becauseIgotsointerestedinwhatwasgoingonthatIforgotaboutmyownjob.Fred'swaswhattheycalledabull-stackerandthehaywasbroughtinfromthefieldswithbull-rakes.

Theyweresortofthree-wheeledcarts,andalwayslookedasthoughtheyweregoingbackwards,becausetheyscoopedupthehayandcarriedittothestackerinfrontofthehorses,insteadofbehindthem.Eachloadweighednearlyhalfaton.

Thestackerlookedlikethemastofashipmountedonabigturntable,withalongboomfastenednearthebottomofit.Thecradlewashingedtotheendoftheboom,andpulleyropesranbetweenitandthetopofthemast.Jeffwastheenginethatfurnishedtheliftingpower,andIwastheengineer.Jeffwasabig,lazyoldhorse—strongasapairofoxen—andhadbeenpullingthehoistropeforthepastfiveyears.AsJeffpulledontherope,thehaywasraisedfromthebull-rakesandliftednearlytothetopofthemast.Then,whilewehelditthere,Fatherandanothermanheavedtheturntablearoundwithalonggee-pole,tillthecradlewasoverthestack.WhenIbackedJefftoslackenthehoistrope,thecradletiltedforwardandtheloadfellwithathump.IttookFredandtwoothermentogetituntangledandbuiltintothestackbeforeanotherloadwasbroughtin.TheonlyhardpartofFather'sjobwasheavingtheturntablearound,butthatmadehimcoughagooddeal.

Afterthefirstcoupleofloads,hetalkedtoFredaboutthestacker,andtheysentamantothebarnfortoolsandotherthingsFatherneeded.Heworked,betweenloads,allmorning;changingpulleys,riggingaheavycablefromtheturntabletothehoistrope,andputtingtrip-catchesonthecradle.Whenhewasfinished,theydidn'tneedtoheavetheturntablearoundanymore,norliftthehayanyhigherthanthetopofthestack,andFathercoulddropthehaywhereverFredwantedit,byjustjerkingatrip-cord.InthatwayFredonlyneededonemantohelphimonthestack,andFathercoulddoalltheworkonthegroundalone.

Ilikednoontimesbestofanypartofthehaying.Whenitcametwelveo'clock,Bessiewouldhammeronanoldwagontirehungnearthekitchendoor.Thesoundwouldrolloutacrossthehayfieldsliketheringingofabigbell,andafterithadstopped,theechowouldcomebackfromthehillsasthoughtheywerefulloffar-offchurches.

Theminutethebellrangthedriverswouldstoptheirteamswherevertheyhappenedtobeandunhookthehorses.Itwasalwaysaracetoseewhocouldgethisteamtothebarnquickest,soastogetthemunbridledandfed,andbefirstatthewashstand.Itwasoutbythewindmill,andBessiealwayshadthreeblueenamelbasins'halfadozenflour-sacktowels,and

abarofhomemadeyellowsoapwaitingforus.

Aultlandshadabigporchontheeastsideoftheirhouse,witharowofappletreesthatshadedit.Inhayingandthreshingtime,Bessiesetalongtableoutthere,andthat'swhereweateourdinners.Athome,Fatheralwaysservedeveryoneandsaidgracebeforewestartedtoeat,butthatwasn'tthewaytheydiditatAultland's.

Assoonasweweredownatthetable,Bessiewouldstartbringingoutbigplattersofmeatandfriedchicken,andpotatoesandvegetables,andbowlsofgravy,andplatesofhotbiscuitsandcornmuffins.Asquickasshe'dsetaplatterdown,somebodywouldpickitup,helphimself,andpassitontothenextman.TheycamesofastthatIcouldhardlyhelpmyselffromonebeforeanotheronecaughtuptome.Someoftheplatterswerestillprettyheavywhentheygottome,andIcouldjustbarelyholdthemwithonehandwhileIforkedsomeoffwiththeother.Atfirstthemenwantedtoholdthemforme,buttheysawIdidn'tlikethemto,andletmehandlemyownplatters.Mrs.Aultlandwasarealgoodcook,andIusedtoeatuntilIcouldn'tholdanothermouthful.

Themostfuncameafterweweredoneeating.Wehadtotakeanhourfordinnerbecausethehorsesneededthatmuchtimetoeatandrest.So,assoonasthelastpieceofpiewaseaten,themenwouldliedownonthegrassundertheappletrees.Fatherdidn'tsmoke,butalltheothermenwouldgetouttheirpipesorBullDurham,andtalkortellstorieswhiletheyweresmoking.JerryAlderwasthebeststoryteller.SometimeshetoldstoriessoquietIcouldhardlyhearthem,andtheydidn'tsoundfunnyatall,butallthemenwouldlaughtillthefatoneshadtoholdontotheirstomachs.EvenFatherlaughedsometimeswhenIcouldn'tseeanythingfunny.

ItwasoneofthosenoonsthatIfoundoutaboutpheasants.Therewerelotsofthem,andtheyweresotamethey'dcomealmostuptothehaystack.Iwantedtodosomeofthetalkingafterdinnerasthemendid.SoonenoonItoldFredthatifIhadagunIcouldshootsomeofthosepheasantsforustoeat,andthenhismotherwouldn'thavetokillsomanychickens.Everybodylaughedatme,andFredsaid,"Ifyou'regoingtodoanyshootinginColorado,shootaman.Youcanalwayscallitself-defense,butifyoukillapheasantyou'llspendtherestofyourlifeinthehoosegow."

FredAultland'shayinglastedtwoweeks—Sundaysandall.Irememberthelastdayofthathayingbetterthananyoftheothers,becausesomanythingshappened.Thelastdayofhayingorharvestorthreshingisalwaysthedaywhenthemostthingshappen.Maybeit'sbecauseeverybodyishappyifyouhadgoodluck,andifyoudidn'teverybody'sgladit'soverwith.

Therewasafightafterdinnerthatnoon.OneoftheyoungfellowsFredbroughtoutfromDenversaidsomethingaboutBessiethatJerryAlderdidn'tlike.Shehadherbacktousandwaspickingupthedishes,andshewasleaningoversofarthatherdresswasrealtightacrossherbottom.TheDenverfellowwaslookingrightatit,thenhewinkedatJerrybeforehesaidwhateveritwas.Anyway,itwasanawfulhardfight.TheDenverfellowwasthebiggestmanonthejob,andJerrywasnextbiggest.ThefirstsockJerryhithim,Bessieranintothehouse

andallthemengotupontheirfeet,butnobodytriedtostopthem.

TheothertwoDenverfellowswerenearesttowheretheywerefighting.FredandCarlHenrywentoverandstoodbythem,buttheydidn'tsayanything.ThebigDenvermandidn'thitsooftenasJerrydid,buthehitalotharder.HetookalongerswingandoncehehitJerryundertheearandknockedhimdown.Ithoughthewasgoingtokickhimwhilehewasdown,butFredsteppedinquick,andhedidn't.Jerryrolledoverandgotrightupagain,andfromthereonhefoughtjustlikeacolliedog.

Heusedhisfeetjustaboutasmuchashedidhisfists,buthedidn'tdoanykickingliketheotherfellow.He'dgoinquickandhit,andbeoutagainbeforethebiggerfellowcouldhitback.AndhewentaroundthatDenvermanlikeaflygoingaroundalampchimney.Iguessthebigfellowgotkindofdizzyturningaroundandaround,tryingtocatchupwithJerry,becausehestartedlookingprettygroggy.Then,allatonce,JerryflewinwithbotharmsworkinglikethePitmanrodonamowingmachine.Hegothisheadrightagainsttheotherfellow'swishbone,andhammeredhiminthestomachtillhewentdownyawpingforairlikeamudcatwhenyoutosshimuponthecreekbank.

Afterthefight,FredtookthethreeDenverfellowsovertothebunkhouseandpaidthemoff,butIdon'tthinkheeversaidanythingatalltoJerryforfighting.Andassoonashehadwashedthebloodoffhisfaceandgothisbreath,youwouldn'thaveknownJerryhadbeeninafight—exceptthathislipswerekindofswelledup.Hecamebackfromthewashstandandstartedtotellstoriesalmostbeforehehadfoundaplacetoliedownundertheappletree.

Withthreehandsshort,itwaslatebeforewehadthelastloadofhayonthestack,soFatherandIstayedatAultland'sforsupper.Whenwewerethrougheating,Fredtoldustocomeintothehousewithhim.Wesatdownbythetableinthediningroom,andFredgotouthischeckbook.IknewFatherdidn'tknowhowmuchhewasgoingtoget,becauseIheardMotheraskhim,andhejustsaid,"Idon'tknow.Ithinkhe'spayingthemenhegotfromDenveradollarandahalfaday,butthey'requiteabitstouterthanIamrightnow."Ihadn'twantedtoaskFatherwhatFredmeantwhenhetoldmehe'ddoubletheante,soIdidn'tknowhowmuchIwasgoingtogeteither,butIhopedhemeanthewasgoingtogivemefiftycentsaday.

AfterFredgottheinkbottleandapen,hesatdownatthetablewithusandaskedmeifIwantedtohaveaseparatecheck,orifheshouldmakeonecheckforFatherandmetogether.Iwantedittobeabigenoughcheckthatwecouldbuyacow,andIwasproudtohavemypaygoinwithFather's,soIsaidforhimtojustmakeonecheck.HelookedupatFather,andsaid,"Allrightthen,Charlie,that'llmakeitaroundsum.IfigureSpikesisworthtwicewhatLizCorcoranwasgivinghim,andyou'vesavedmethewagesoftwomen.Willfiftydollarssquarethebooks?"IwassoexcitedIdidn'tevenhearwhatFathersaid,andhehadtotapmeonthearmbeforeIrememberedtosaythankyou.

FatherwasasanxioustogethomeandshowMotherthecheckasIwas.HewalkedsofastIhadtotrotpartofthetimetokeepupwithhim.Wehadn'tgoneveryfarbeforehenoticedIwashavingtotrot,andscroocheddownsoIcouldgetonandridepickaback.Ihadalways

likedtohaveFatherlugmepickabackbefore—andwewerefarenoughfromAultland'shousesothatIwasn'tafraidanyonewouldseeus—butforsomereasonIdidn'twanttobecarriedthatnight.Itjustdidn'tseemrighttobecarriedhomewhenweweretakingthecheckIhadhelpedearn.FatherunderstoodhowIfelt,andhewalkedslowenoughsoIdidn'thavetotrotanymore,andletmecarrythecheckhometoMotherinmyoverallpocket.

Therewasn'tnearlysomuchfuningivingittoherasIhadthought,becausewhenwegotthereouroldwhitehorse,Bill,wassick.Hewasbreathingsohardyoucouldhearhimallovertheyard,andwaspoundinghisheadonthebarnfloor.Fathertookonelookathimandsaid,"Blackwater.I'mafraidhe'sdonefor."ThenhesentmekitingbacktoAultland'sforabottleofspiritsofniter.

12IGoAfterTwoDog

THENnextmorningIwasupassoonasthefirstlightpeepedoverLorettaHeights.Mrs.Corcoranhadtoldmetocomebacktoherdhercowsrightafterhaying,butIhadadifferentideainmyhead.BillwasstilljustbarelyaliveandIwasgoingtogetTwoDogtocomeandsavehim.Beforeanybodyelsewasup,IwentoutandsatbesideourbarnwherewehadsatthenightheandMr.Thompsonstayedatourplace.

FromthereIcouldgetthebestlookatthemountainswhenthesunfirststruckthem,andbeforeitgothighenoughtolightthelandbetweenthemandme.Motherhadastereoscopethatyoucouldputpicturesintoandmovethemtomakefar-offplacescomerightupclose.Theearlysundidthesamethingtothemountains.IcouldshutmyeyesandseejusthowTwoDog'sfingershadshownmethewaytohiscamp,thenopenthemandtracethetrailupthroughTurkeyCreekCanyonsoitseemedalmostasthoughIhadactuallybeenoverit.IgotupandswipedaquartofoatsforFanny,soshecouldhavethemallcleanedupbeforeFathercameouttogivethehorsestheirregularbreakfasts.Byhalf-pastsixIstartedoffuptheroadonFannyasifIweregoingtotheCorcorans',butIhadthreecoldbiscuitshiddeninthefrontofmyblouse.

AllspringFatherhadtalkedaboutourdrivinguptothemountainssomeSunday,butforonereasonoranotherweneverdidit.TheylookedasthoughtheystartedjustalittlewaybeyondthehillinFredAultland'sbackpasture.TurkeyCreekCanyonwasquiteawaysouth,andthemostdirectwagonroadranalongthewestendofourplace,pasttheschoolhouseandCarlHenry's.ButIknewFatherwouldneverletmegoalone,andIdidn'twantanybodytoseeme,soIheadedwestpastAultland'swheatfield,thencutsouthwestacrosscountry,straightfortheVthatmarkedthemouthofthecanyon.IknewbetterthantorunFannyuphills,butIwassoanxioustogettoTwoDog'sandthedistanceseemedsoshort,thatIlaytightdownagainstherneckandwewentupoverFred'sbighilllikeajackrabbitinfrontofacoyote.

Lookingfromthetopofthathill,Icouldseeaseriesofothers,risingonebeyondtheothertowardthehogbacksthatstoodbeforetherealmountains.Untilthentherehadn'tbeenanydoubtinmymindthatIcouldgettoTwoDog'scampwithoutamiteoftrouble.But,withallthosehillsbetweenmeandthemountains,Ibegantogetalittlebitafraid,andwonderedifIshouldn'tgobackandtalktoFatheraboutitfirst.Assoonaswewereoutofsightoverthetopofthehill,IstoppedFannyandlethercatchherwind.ThemoreIthoughtabouttalkingtoFather,themoresureIwasthathewouldn'tletmego.AndIwasjustassurethatTwoDogwastheonlyoneintheworldwhocouldsaveBill,soIkickedmyheelsagainstFanny'sribs.

Atfirsttherewerecropsinthevalleysbetweenthehills,andafewranchhouses,soIhadtoridemilesoutofmywaytogetaroundthem.Everytimewegottothetopofonehill,therewasanotherjustbeyondit,andthemountainsdidn'tseemanynearerthantheyhadfrom

home.IknewFannywasbeginningtogettired,becausethehillsweregettingsteeperandshewasclimbingslower.Therewerenomorecropfieldsinthevalleys,andIstartedridingaroundthehillsinsteadofoverthem,soastosaveFannythehardclimbs.Twoorthreetimeswecametodeepgulchesthatwecouldn'tgetacross,andhadtoturnbackandfindanotherway.Ifithadn'tbeenforthemountainsI'msureIwouldhavebeenlost,butIknewtheirshapeswellenoughsothatIcouldalwaystellwhereIwas.Itwasgettingclosetonoonandthesunwasbearingdownlikeahotstovelidwhenwecameintoagreenlittlevalleywithaspringofcoolwaterinit.Webothdrankallwecouldhold,andwhileFannygrazedIatemybiscuits.Imusthavesqueezedthemabit,becausetheywereprettywellcrumbledup,andsomeofthepiecesweresoggywithsweat,butIwashungryandtheytastedallright.

ThesunwashanginglowabovethemountainswhenwecameoverthelasthillandIcouldseethebreakinthehogbackwhereTurkeyCreekhadcutitsgorge.AswecamecloserIcouldseetherewasalittle-usedwagonroadalongthenorthbankofthecreek.IlopedFannytowarditandwefolloweditthroughthegorgeandintothemouthofthecanyon.ThemisgivingsIhadwhenwewereontopofFredAultland'shillwerenothingtowhatIhadwhenwecameintothecanyon.Thecreekranthroughanarrowcut,andthewallsseemedtorisestraightupforamile.Fromthere,thesunhadsetandacoolbreezewasdrawingdownbetweenthecliffs.AllIhadonwasmyblueshirtandoveralls,andaftertheheatamongthehills,itmademeshiver.Idon'tknowwhetherIshiveredmorebecauseIwascoldorbecauseIwasfrightened.Ihadneverseenmountainsthatweremorethanbigrollinghills,anditseemedtomethatthoseblackrockwallsmightfallonmeanyminute.

ThenIreallybegantobeafraidIcouldneverfindTwoDog'scamp.IstoppedFannyandshutmyeyestight,tryingtobringbackthewayhehadpointedoutthetrailwithhisfingers,butallIcouldseewasabiggreenblotchwithblackrockwallsrunninguparoundit.AsIhadsatbesidethebarnwithTwoDogacoupleofweeksago,andagainthatsamemorning,IhadbeenabletopicturethetrailjustasIwassureitwasgoingtolook,butitwasalldifferentnow.ForaminuteortwoIwasgoingtoturnback,butIknewnightwouldcomelongbeforeIcouldmakeit,andIcouldneverhopetofindmywayhomeinthedark.IkickedmyheelsintoFanny'sribsandwewenton.TheharderItriedtothinkhowTwoDog'sfingershadmoved,themoreconfusedIgot.

Inhalfanhourithadbecomedarkerandcolderinthecanyon.IcouldrememberthatTwoDog'sfingershadshownthetrailgoinginquiteawaybeforeitbranchedoff,buthehadmadethemgostraight,whilethetrailwoundinandoutagainstthewallofthecanyon.AtlastIthoughtthatifIcouldjustbesittingdownbehindourbarnagainforafewminutesIcouldrememberitallright.But,ofcourse,Icouldn'tdothat,soIslidoffFannyandsatdownwithmybackagainstthecanyonwall.IwassotiredIalmostwenttosleep,anditmusthavebeenwhenIwasjustbetweenbeingasleepandawakethatitallcamebacktome.Icouldrememberthathehadshownthetrailgoingup,asthoughtherewasasteephill,andthenanglingofftotheright.IclimbedbackonFannyandputherintoagoodstifflope.Itwasn'tmorethantenminutesbeforewecamearoundashoulderofrockandthetrackclimbedsteeplyupashelfonthecanyonwall.

Justabovetherisethetrailforked.Themaintrackfollowedtheshelfabovethecreek,but

athinthreadofitturnedupthesideofajaggedcleftthroughtherockstotheright.Ihadnoquestioninmind,andturnedFannyupthesteepsidetrail.Thesunhadsunksolowthatitnolongershoneonthetopofthepeaksaboveme,andIbegantogetpanickyforfearblackdarknesswouldcatchmeandwewouldfalltothebottomofthegorgeifFannymadeamisstep.Idugmykneesintoherwithersandkeptherclimbingsohardthatitmadeherbreathwhistlethroughhernose.

Wewerenearlyatthetopoftheclimbwhenthewholeairofthecanyonwasrippedtopiecesbyasoundthatalmostmademyheartstop.Itwasahowlthatseemedtocomefromnowhereinparticular,butfromeverywhereatonce,asitechoedbackandforthbetweenthecanyonwalls.Coldshiversracedupanddownmybackanditfeltasthoughitwerecoveredwithstiffhairthatwasstandingupasitdoesonafrighteneddog.FannymusthavefeltjustthesamewayIdid,becauseherearspinnedbacktightagainstherhead,andIcouldfeelatremblepassthroughherwithers.Shecrowdedcloseagainstthecliffandstoodshaking.

IstartedthinkingaboutFatherandMotherandtherestoftheyoungstersathome.IwantedtoturnFannyandraceoutofthecanyonasfastasshecouldgo,butwhenIlookeddownintothegorgeitwasasblackasawell.ThoughIhadneverheardawolf'showlbefore,IhadreadaboutitandknewthatwaswhatImusthaveheard.ItriedtorememberthesoundandseeifIcouldfigureoutwhetheritcamefromaboveorbelow,butIwassoscaredIcouldn'tthinkstraight,andwhenIshutmyeyesIcouldseegrayshadowsracingupthetrailbehindme.Thatsettledit.IkickedmyheelsintoFanny'sribsandtriedtoclucktoher,butmymouthwassodrythatIonlymadeahissingsound.

IthinkthatwasthefirsttimeFannyevertrustedmyjudgmentmorethanherown.Shegatheredhermusclesandtoreuptherestofthegradeasthoughthewolfhadherbythetail.Wecameoutontoaflatrockledge,racedacrossit,andwereoutontoanarrowpaththatwoundthroughgreatboulders.FannywastakingthesharpturnsofthepathsofastthatIhadtohangonwitheveryounceofstrengthinmyknees.Wemusthavegoneamileormorethatway—Icouldheareverybreathshetookraspthroughherthroatliketearingcloth.Itwasdeeptwilightwhenwecameoutintoalittleopenfieldsetinbetweentallblack-lookingtrees—andthepathwasgone.IsawedonthereinsandpulledFannytoastopinthemiddleofthefield.Westoodshiveringasthoughitwerebelowzero.Therewasn'tasoundexcepttherushingofFanny'sbreath.Thefirstthoughtthatcameintomyheadwas—timberwolves.Ihadreadstoriesabouttheirtearingwoodchopperstopieces,andturnedFannytogetbackoutoftherethewaywehadcomein.ButIcouldn'tevenseeagapinthewallofblacktrees,andIwassopanickyIcouldn'trememberwhetherthereshouldbemoretothetrailornot.

WithouteventhinkingwhatIwasdoing,Iyelled,"TwoDog!"atthetopofmylungs.Thesoundcameyodellylikeacoyotecall.Asecondlateranoblongoflightfromanopendoorwayshowedattheedgeofthewoods,andMr.Thompson'svoicecalledout,"Hithere,LittlePapoose."

Motherusedtosingasongabout"thegoldengatesofheaven,"andthat'swhattheyellowlightcomingoutofthedoorwayremindedmeof.IleanedforwardalittlebitonFannyandshewentoverthereonthefly.Iguessthatlightlookedasgoodtoherasitdidtome.

WhenIrodeuptothedoor,Mr.ThompsontoldmetolightdownandcomeinwhileheputFannyinthecorral.AtfirstIdidn'twanttolethimtakeherandaskedifthewolvesmightnotgether,buthejustlaughedandsaid,"Ain'tsawawolf'roundthesepartsinyears—'ceptin'TwoDog'soldtameone.Alwayshollerswhenthere'sanybodyonthetrail,andgenerallyscares'emoff.That'showweknowedyouwascomin'."

Theirhouseonlyhadonesmallroomandnotasinglewindow.Itwasmadeofpolesonthefrontandsides,andbuiltrightagainstaledge,sothatthebackwallwassolidstone.Thespacesbetweenthepoleswerestuffedwithhard-bakedadobeandstraw.Therewasn'tanystoveorchimney,buttherewasacleftintheledgeaboutthreefeetdeepthattheyusedforafireplace.Itwaswedge-shaped,andaboutaswideasitwasdeepatthebottom,butthetopnarrowedtolessthanafoot.Thefloorwaspartlyaflatrockandtherestharddirt.Thereweretwobunksatoneendoftheroom—oneabovetheother—butthereweren'tanybedclothesormattresses.Thespringsweremadeoftightlystretchedhorsehide,andthecoversweremountaingoatskinswithlongwhitehair.

Theonlyfurniturewasatableandtwostools.Thetablemusthaveweighedaton.Itwasnearlyfourfeetwide,andhadbeenmadebysplittingthebuttofalogintwo.Thelegswereheavystakesdrivenintoholesintheroundsideofthelog.Onestoolsatoneachsideofthetable.Theyweremadethesameway,anddidn'tlookasthoughtheyhadeverbeenmoved.Piecesofwagoniron,wornhorseshoes,andharnesshungonwoodenpegsinthewalls.Stripsofdriedmeatandbunchesofherbsweretiedtoalineinfrontofthefireplace.Theonlylampwasabottleoffatwitharopewickinit.Itdidn'thaveanychimney.

TwoDogwassittingonthefloorbesidethefireplacewithhisbackagainstthestonewall.Hedidn'tgetupwhenIcamein,buthiseyeslightedandheheldonearmtowardmewiththepalmofhishanddown.Ididn'tknowhowtoshakehandswithhispalmturneddownlikethat,soIjusttookholdoftheendsofhisfingers,thenletgoandsatdownbesidehim.Hedidn'tsayaword,butreachedoverandlaidhishandonmylegthreetimes,thewayhedidbesideourbarn.ItwasfiveortenminutesbeforeMr.ThompsoncamebackfromputtingFannyinthecorral.IhadplentyoftimetoshowTwoDoghowBillwaslyingonourbarnfloorwithhisbackallhumpedup.Andhowhewaspoundinghishead,andhowhewasbreathing.

IusedtowonderifthereasonTwoDogdidn'ttalkwasn'tbecauseMr.Thompsontalkedenoughforbothofthem.AssoonashecamebackfromputtingFannyinthecorral,TwoDogsaidaboutsixwordstohim—kindofgrunts,IguessitwasIndian.ThenMr.ThompsonbeganaskingmequestionsfasterthanIcouldanswerthem.HewantedtoknowifFatherandMotherknewIwascomingupthere,andhowIhadfoundtheirplace,andifmyfolkswouldn'tbeworriedaboutme.Allthetimehewastalkinghekeptfussingwithsomethinginabigblackironpotoverthefire.

WhileIwastellinghim,hetookthreedentedoldpietinsfromthetableandstartedladlingoutthestew.Itlookedlikerabbitstew,butthegravywasthickandbrown.Therewasacoveredironkettlesittingonthefloorbythefireplace.Mr.Thompsonfishedafewcoldbiscuitsandthreeironspoonsoutofit,putabiscuitandaspoononeachplate,andgaveone

toTwoDogandonetome.Thenhesatdownonastoolwithhisplatebesidehimonthetable.

Mr.Thompsonkeptaskingquestionsallthetimebetweenmouthfuls,andtellingmetohurryandeatmyvictualssohecouldtakemerighthome.Iwasrealhungryandthestewwasgood,soIjustlethimtalktillIhadcleanedupmyplate.JustasIwassoppingupthelastofthegravywithmybiscuit,TwoDogpattedmeonthelegagain,noddedhisheadtowardhisplate,andsaid,"Skunk—good!"ForaminuteIthoughtIwasgoingtobesick,butIdecideditwouldn'thurtmeifitdidn'thurtthem,anditstayeddownallright.

AssoonasMr.Thompsonwasthrougheating,hesnatchedupthestewpotandtookitoutdoors.Iheardhimclappinghishandsbeforehecameback.TwoDoggotup,tookacoilofthinshinyropefromapeginthewall,andmotionedformetofollowhimoutthedoor.AsIdid,myheartjumpedintomythroatandnearlystopped.Abiggraywolfwaseatingfromtheironpot.Hewasstandinginthelightthatspilledthroughthedoorway,andwhenheliftedhisheadhiseyesglowedlikelivecoals.Hesnarled,andthehairbristledonhisshoulders,butTwoDoggruntedathimandhefadedawayintotheshadowofthetrees.

Themoonhadrisen,andTwoDogledthewayalongthewoodsattheedgeofthefieldtoapolecorralatitsfarend.Therewasabreakinthetrees,sothatmoonlightfloodedthecorral,andIcouldseenearlyadozenmean-lookinghorsesinsideit.FannyandthetwobuckskinsIhadseenatourplacewereamongthem.Theystartedmillingwhentheysawus,andcrowdedintothefarendofthecorral,snortingandrearingagainstthepoles.TwoDogmotionedmetostayoutside,whilehecrawledthroughthebars.

HeseemedsofrailandoldthatIwassuretheywouldkillhim,buthewalkedstraighttowardthem.Ashewent,heshookoutaloopinthehorsehairrope,holdingitinonehandandlettingittrailalongbehindhim.Hewasalmosttothemwhenoneofthehorseswhistled,andtheyallcameracingtowardhim.Iduckedmyheadwithoutmeaningto,andwhenIlifteditTwoDogwassnubbingoneofthebuckskinstoacorralpost.Thebuckskinjumpedandreared,fightingtheropeforacoupleofminutes,butitdidn'tseemtoworryTwoDogabit.Hewaitedforthebronctocalmdown,thenledhimtothegateandhalteredhim.

Iwatchedlikeahawkwhenhecaughttheotherbuckskin,butIcouldn'tseehowhedidit.Hedidn'tanymorethansnaphiswristandforearm,buttheropeleapedofftheground,passedoveranotherhorse'sback,andcameloopingdownaroundthebuckskin'sneck.Itallhappenedinlessthanasecond.Afterthat,hecaughtFannythesameway,onlyhedidn'thavetosnubhertoapost.Assoonasshefelttheropearoundherneckshestoppeddeadstill.TwoDogsnappedhiswristagainandaloopthatlookedlikealittlebarrelhoopranuptheropeandsettledaroundhernose.Thenheledhertothegateandputherbridleon.

Istartedtoclimbupthepolestogetonher,butTwoDogshookhisheadatme.Therewasarawhidestrapaboutaninchwidehangingononeofthecorralpoles.Hecutapieceoffitalittlemorethanafootlong,slicedabouthalfitslengthintothreenarrowstrips,andbraidedthemintoFanny'smane,waybackclosetoherwithers.ThenheshowedmehowtograbitwithonehandandswingmyselfupsoIcouldgetanarmoverherback.Fromthereitwas

easytopullmyselfon,andFannyworetherawhidebraidedinhermaneaslongasshelived.

TwoDogledthehorsestothehouse,andwhenMr.Thompsoncameoutwiththeharnesshewasalldressedupinhiscalfskinvest,ten-gallonhat,andhigh-heeledboots.Whileheharnessedthehorses,TwoDogwentinandputonhisblackcoatandderby.Whenhecamebackhewasholdingasmallleatherpouchthatrattledasifithaddryleavesinit.

Idon'tremembermuchaboutthetriphomethatnight.OneminuteIwaslisteningtothedrumbeatofthebuckskin'srunninghoofs,andwhatseemedtobethenext,Mr.ThompsonwaspassingmeoverthewagonwheelintoMother'sarms,andshewascrying.IwasawfullysleepyandIjustrememberhavingmyheadagainstherneckandtellingherIwassorry,asshewascarryingmethroughthebunkhousedoor.

ItwasprettylatewhenFathercameandwokeme.Hesatontheedgeofmybedandheldmeonhislap.ThenhetoldmehowwrongathingIhaddone,andthatithadfrightenedMothersothathewouldn'tbesurprisedifittookseveralyearsoffherlife.Hesaidthateverymanintheneighborhoodhadbeenoutridingthehillslookingforme,andthathethoughtMotherwouldhavelosthermindifhehadn'tmadeherbelieveFannywouldhavecomehomealoneifanythinghadhappenedtome.Thenhesaidthatwasn'treallyso,becauseshemighthavebrokenaleginagopherholeandfallenonme.Idon'trememberFathereverkissingmeanyothertime,butafterheputmebackinbedheleanedoverandkissedmerightontheforehead.Ididn'twakeuptilllatethenextmorning.WhenIdid,Mr.ThompsonandTwoDogweregone,andBillwasuponhisfeet,nibblingatafewwispsofalfalfa.

13WeGotoanAuction

THESECONDSaturdayafterIwentuptoTwoDog'stherewasanauctionatoneoftheranchesdowninBearCreekValley.FatherandMotherweregoingtogoandseeiftheycouldbuyagoodmilchcow.WhilewewereeatingsupperFridaynighttheyweretalkingabouttheauction.Motherwantedtobuysomethingsforthehouse,andsomemorechickens,andshesaidshe'dliketogetaturkeyhenifshecouldpickoneupreasonably.Afterwardstheytalkedaboutwhatkindofacowthey'dlike.Mothersaidtobesureitwasonewithaheifercalf,andshehopeditwouldbeaJerseybecausetheygavegoodrichmilk.ThenFathersaid,"Mame,don'tyouthinkRalphoughttogoalongandhelppickoutthecow,sincehe'searnedpartofthemoney?"IwasdrinkingmilkwhenhesaiditandcaughtmybreathsoquickIprettynearchokedtodeath.AssoonassupperwasoverIrodeuptotheCorcorans'ontheflytotellthemIwouldn'tbetheretoherdthecowsnextday.

Mr.Wrightwastheauctioneer,andtheystartedoffbysellingfurnitureandpotsandpansandthingsoutofthehouse.Motherstayedtheretoseewhatbargainsshecouldfind,butFatherandIwenttothecorralsandbarnstolookatthestock.

Iguesseverybodywholivedwithintenmileswasthere.Mrs.Corcoranwasinthecorrallookingeverycowoverandfeelingtheirbags,andFredAultlandandJerryAlderwereinthebarnlookingatthehorses.

Fredcameoutandstoodbesideuswhilewewerelookingatthecows.Theremusthavebeenthirtyofthem.Heputhisfootuponthebottomrailofthefence,laidhisarmsonthetopone,andrestedhischinagainstit."Charlie,therearetwoorthreeprettygoodcowsthere,"hesaid."Whydon'tyoubuythatbrindleovertherethatLizCorcoran'slookingat,andthisbigHolsteinnearestus?They'dgiveyouallthemilkandbutterthekidscouldhandle."

Fatherdidn'tsayanythingforaminute,thenhesmiledatFred,"DidyoueverhearofthefellowwhocouldhaveboughtBrooklynBridgeforamilliondollars,onlyhewasshortninehundredandninety-ninethousand,ninehundredandninety-ninedollarsandfiftycents?"

Fredlaughedandsaid,"Youcanswingitallright,Charlie.Idon'tthinkthosetwoaregoingveryhigh,anyway."Thenherumpledupmyhair,andsaid,"I'mgoingtohaveacouplemorehayingsthisyear,andyougotSpikesheretohelpyoupayforthem.Iheartellhe'sholdin'Lizupforthirty-fivecentsadaynow."Hesaiditloudenoughsothatshecouldn'thelphearinghim,andthenhelaughedtillyoucouldhearhimallovertheplace.

Fatherjustchuckledalittle.Thenhesaid,"Itisn'tonlythecostoftwocows,Fred.I'mgoingtohavetorationcloseifIhaveenoughwinterfeedforthreehorsesandonecowoffthatlittlepatchofoatsandalfalfa."

Mrs.CorcorangotredasabeetwhenFredlaughedaboutmechargingherthirty-fivecentsadayforherdinghercows,butinsteadofgoingawayshestartedlookingatcowsnearertous,

andIthinkitwasjustsoshecouldlisten.Anyway,Fredlethisvoicewaydownandsaid,"Icanstopyouonthatone,too.SoonascoldweathersetsinI'llgotobalingallthealfalfaI'mnotgoingtofeedtomyownhorses.There'salwaysalotofleafandchaffshakesoutwhenyoubalealfalfa.It'stoodustyforhorses,butit'sgreatcowfeed.Liz'llonlygivemeadollarandahalfatonforit,andI'drathersellittoyou.Thosecowswouldturnitintosomedamncheapbutter."

ItwasthehaypartthatconvincedFather.HeleftmetolookathorsesandhogswithFredandJerrywhilehewentbacktothehousetotalkwithMother.

Idon'tknowwhenIeverateanythingasgoodaswehadattheauction.Theyhaddugabigpitoutbythewindmillandbuiltafireofrailroadtiesinitthenightbefore.Andtherewasawholeyearlingcalfroastingoverthepitfulofred-hotcoals.Theyhadawindlassriggedupoverthepit,andthewholedressedcalfwastrussedonaturn-bar.Anoldmanwithabigwalrusmustachewasturningthewindlassandthrowinghandfulsofsaltonthemeatasitturnedbrown.Youcouldsmellitallovertheyardanditmademealmostdrool.

ItwasaboutnoonwhenMr.Wrightfinishedauctioningoffallthethingsfromthehouse,andthehensandducksandturkeys.Thentwoorthreemenhelpedlifttheroastedcalffromoverthepitandputinonabigheavytable.Therewereboxesandboxesofsoftroundrollsandtwoorthreefirkinsofbuttersetoutonanothertable.Theybroughtoutfourorfivebutcherknivesandputthemonthetablewiththemeat.Thentheybroughtawashboilerfullofcoffeefromthehouse,andpitchersofmilk,andpies,cakes,anddoughnuts.Everybodywhocouldgetnearenoughtothemeatgrabbedaknifeandslicedoffbigwedgestoputinthesplitrollsandmakesandwiches.Iwasoneofthefirstonestogetasandwich.JerryAlderputmeonhisshoulderandwentthroughthecrowdaroundthetablelikeaShorthornbullgoingthroughapackofcoyotes.Iatesomuchmystomachachedclearuptomywishbone.

AssoonasdinnerwasoverMr.Wrightstartedthehorseauction.Thereweresomeprettygoodhorses,andFredpaidmorethanahundreddollarsforoneofthem.Hewasathree-year-oldbay,andalmostasbigasoldJeffthatIrodetopullthestacker.Everybodystoodoutinacircleintheyard,andtheyledthehorsesoutoneatatime.Beforeanybodybidonit,themanwhowashavingtheauctioncameoutintothecircleandtoldaboutthehorse.Hewouldtellhowolditwasandhowlonghehadowneditandhowwellitwouldpullandallkindsofthings.Ifitwasonehehadraisedfromacolt,hewouldtellwhichmarewasthedamandwhatstallionthecoltwasafter.Everytimehefinishedtellingaboutahorsehe'dpatitwithhishandandsay,"Soundasanut!"

Wecouldn'tbebuyinganyhorses,sowestoodatthebackofthecircle.IguessthehorseswereallbringingmoremoneythanFatherandMotherhadthoughttheywould,becauseIcouldseethemkeeplookingateachothereverytimethebiddingwentabovefiftydollars.AfterawhileMotherwhispered,"Withhorsessellingatthiskindofprice,thecowswillprobablybeoutrageous.Idohopetherewillbeonecheapenoughsothatwecanaffordher,butwe'llhavetohavemoneyforgroceriesthiswinter."

IwasstandingonFather'ssideandcouldn'thearwhathesaidwhenheturnedhisheadto

whispertoher,butshedidn'twatchthehorseauctionanymore;shejustkeptlookingdownattheground.Inalittlewhilesheleanedoverclosetohimandsaid,"I'mafraidIspentmorethanIshouldhaveonthingsforthehouse,butthereweresomelovelybargains."ThenFathersentmetolookatFred'snewhorsewhileheandMothertookalittlewalk.

IhaddrunksomuchmilkwithmysandwichesanddoughnutsthatIhadtogoawfulbad,soFredtookmearoundbythecowcorralwhiletheywereauctioningoffthelasthorse.WhileIwasbusyhewentoverandtalkedtothemanwhohadbeenleadingthehorsesouttothering.TheywerelookingatthecowswhenIgotback,andIsawFredslipasilverdollarintotheman'shandwhenheturnedawayfromthecorral.

FatherandMotherhadcomeback,andwestoodrightinthefrontrowforthecowauction.FatherstoodnexttoMotherandthencameme,andthenJerryandFredandMrs.Corcoran—Mr.Corcoranhadtostayhomeandherdthecows.Theybroughtoutonecowafteranother,andtheysoldforanywherefromthirtytofiftydollarsapiece.Oneortwooldskinnyonessoldforadollarortwounderthirty,butthemanwhowashavingtheauctionbraggedabouteveryoneofthem.

IkeptwatchingforthetwocowsFredhadpointedouttoFather,butIdidn'tseethem.Iwasn'ttoosureIcouldrecognizetheHolstein,becausethereweretenortwelveblack-and-whitecowssold,buttherewasonlytheonebrindleinthecorral,soIknewIwouldn'tmissher.Mrs.Corcoranbidonalmosteverycow,butshealwaysstoppedwhenthebiddinggotuptothirtyorthirty-fivedollars.Itseemedasthoughtheymusthavebroughtoutallthebestcowsfirst,orelseeverybodygotcowswhowantedtopaylotsofmoneyforthem,becausewhenitwasgettingalongtowardthelast,nobodywasbiddingmuchoverthirtydollars.Ithoughtsurethey'dcometotheendbeforethemanFredhadbeentalkingtoledoutthebigHolstein.Iknewhertheminuteheledherintothering,andpokedFatherontheleg.

Mrs.CorcoransteppedrightforwardafootwhenthemanledtheHolsteinin,andshebidtwentydollarsforherthefirstcrackoutofthebox.Fathersaid,"Twenty-one,"somebodyelsesaid,"Twenty-onefifty,"andthenMrs.Corcoranyelledout,"Twenty-fivedollars."Iknewshewasgoingtobidmorethanwecouldpay,andhungmyheaddown.IthinkIwassayingalittleprayerthatshe'dstopatthirty,whenIsawFredAultlandsteprightonherfoot.Shejumpedandglaredaroundathim,butshedidn'tbidontheHolsteincowanymore.Fathersaid,"Twenty-fivefifty,"andsomebodysaid,"Twenty-six,"butwegotherfortwenty-sixfifty.

Beforetheyledoutthebrindlecow,Mrs.CorcoranhadmoveddownthecircleawayfromFred,andsheyelled,"Twenty-fivedollars,"beforethemanwasthroughtellinghowgoodamilkerthecowwas.Iwaswatchingheranddidn'tnoticeFredmovingdownthere,too,tillhecamerightupbesideher.IguessIwasn'ttheonlyonewhosawhimsteponherfootthattime,becausesomeyoungfellowontheothersideoftheringcalledout,"Getheragain,Fred!"EverybodystartedtolaughandMr.Wrightyelled,"Sold,"justassoonasFathersaid,"Twenty-sixdollars."

IhelpedFatherharnessBillandNigbacktothewagonwhileFredandBessieAultlandhelpedMothercollectthethingsshehadbought.Fatherletmesitonthebackofthewagon

andleadournewcowshome.Heseemedhappywhilewewereloadingthethingsintothewagon,butMotherdidn'tsaymuch.Shehadherlipsbuttoneduptightandherfacewasbrightred.Onthewayhomeshetalkedmostofthetime,though.Icouldn'thearallshesaid,becausetheHolsteincowheldbackontherope,butIdidhearenoughtoknowshehadspentmorethanshethoughtsheshouldhave.Shesaid,"Ijustcouldn'tletthoselovelyBuffOrpingtonpulletsgobyattwenty-fivecentsapiece."And,"Twodollarsandfiftycentsdoesseemalotofmoneytospendfortwoturkeyhens,butBessiesaysthey'regoodforagersandwillcosthardlyapennytofeed.IfIhavegoodluckandamabletoraiseabroodofyoungturkeys,theyshouldfurnishussomeveryinexpensivemeat—andit'ssonicetohaveaturkeyforThanksgiving."

Thenshesaidsomethingaboutitprobablynotbeingnecessarytospendthetwodollarsforachestofdrawersforthegirls'room,butitwassolidwalnut.ThefirstthingIheardFathersaywas,"That'sanice-lookinglittlecuckooclockyougot."IlookedaroundwhenFathersaidthat,andsawtheredrunrightupMother'sneck.Thentheybothlaughed,andMothersaid,"Don'tyoujoshmeaboutthatclock,Charlie.Iknowwedidn'tneedit,butitlookedsomuchlikehome,andIjustgotbiddingforitagainstMrs.Thiedandsomeotherlady,andcouldn'tstop."

Gracehadseenuscomingwhenwewerehalfamileaway,andalltheyoungsterscamerunninguptheroadtomeetus.SheandMurielhadHalbyeachhandandwerealmostdragginghimalong.Iguessweallfeltwewerekindofrichpeopletobeabletobuyallthosethings.Philipputhisbidinrightawaytobeallowedtoherdourcows.

14TheIrrigationFight

THEIRRIGATIONfightbrokeoutsoonafterwegotourcows.Julywashot,thecreekwaslow,andtherewasonlyhalfaheadofwatercomingthroughtheditch.ItstartedatthegorgewhereBearCreekcameoutofthemountains,andeachranch,allthewaydown,hadrightstosomanyrunningsquareinchesofwater.Someofitsoakedintothegroundasitmovedalong,andsomewasdrawnupbythesun,but—unlessthecreekwasverylow—therewasenoughforeveryonetotakehisfullmeasure.Eachranchhaditsownditchbox.Theywerewoodenchutesthatthewholebodyofwaterpassedthrough.Andeachchutehadaspillwaywithagatetoletoutthefullmeasureofthatrancher'swaterright.Thereweregaugemarksontheboxesand,whentheditchwasrunninglessthanfull,eachmanwassupposedtosethisgatesothatitwouldtakeonlyhisshare.

Therewerewaterhogsneartheheadoftheditch.Theyweremenwhowouldtaketheirfullmeasureofwater,andmore,too,whenthecreekwaslowandcropswereburningup.Therehadbeenafeudbetweentheranchersattheheadandtailoftheditcheversinceitwasbuilt.ThefirstthatIknewmuchaboutitwasonenightwhenFredAultlandcamedowntotalktoFather.TheyhadadealwhereFredusedallthewaterforbothranchestwentydays,andthenwehaditforone.Fredcametheeveningbeforeourdaytohavethewater.OuroatfieldwassodrythatFatherwasafraidthekernelswouldn'tfillunlessthegroundgotagoodsoakingrightaway.Andtheleavesonourpeasandbeanswerecurledupandwithering.ThevegetablesfromMother'sgardenwerelittleandscrawny.

IknewtherewassomethingthematterwhenIsawFredcomingdownthewagonroad.Healwaysdrovehistallbaysasfastastheycouldtrot,butthatnighttheywerejustmopingalong.Acloudofdustwasrisingfromthewheelsofthebuckboardthatlookedlikewhitesmokefromabonfire.AndFredwashunchedoverwithhiselbowsrestingonhisknees.FatherandIwentouttomeethimashecameintotheyard,andhelookedterrible.Oneofhiseyeswasswollenandblack,andtherewasdriedbloodaroundhismouthandnose.Istartedtoaskhimwhatthematterwas,butFatherlaidhishandonmyshoulder,sowejustwaitedforFredtotalkfirst.

Afteraminuteortwo,helookedupatFather,andsaid,"Charlie,I'mafraidI'vestartedsomethingI'mnotbigenoughtofinish.Forthelastthreedaystherehasn'tbeenmorethanatrickleofwatercomingthroughtheditchasfarasmyplace.JerryAlder,OldManWright,andIwentupthismorningtohavealook.HardestyandHawkins,both,hadtheirsluicegateswideopenandweretakingdoubletheirfullmeasure.Kuhlhadhisgatewideopenandhadmadeacutinthebankwheretheditchisbuiltupatthebackofhisalfalfafield.Hetriedtotellmeitwasanaturalbreakandhedidn'tknowitwasthere,buttherewereshovelmarksinthebank.Thecut'sfilledinnow—oritwaswhenIleftthere."

Freddidn'tsayanythingforaminuteortwo,andFathersaid,"Isn'tthereanycourtyoucanappealto?"

Fredsquirtedalineoftobaccojuicedownbetweentheoffhorse'sheelsandkeptlookingattheplacewherehehadspit.Afterawhile,hesaid,"Yep.Wecouldhaul'emintocourt,andeveryoneof'emwouldlielikehellandsaytheynevertookmorethanthewaterthatgoeswiththeirland.Itwouldbetheirwordagainstoursandwewouldn'thaveasnowball'schance."

Fathersaid,"Can'tyoutakeenoughwitnessesuptheretoseewhatthey'redoingandoutweightheirtestimonyincourt?"

Fredspitbetweentheotherhorse'sheels,andsaid,"Yep,butthey'veallgottheirlandposted,andwecouldn'tseewhatthey'redoingwithoutgettingontheirland.They'dgetusasbadfortrespassaswecouldgetthemforstealingwater."

Fathersaid,"Isn'tthereawayofprovinghowmuchwaterpassesthroughtheditchattheirupperboundaryandhowmuchtheyletpassbeyondthem?"

Fredseemedtobethinkingaboutitforaminute,thenhelookedupatFather,andsaid,"Look,Charlie,thisisthehellofitforyouandme:Thewatergoeswiththeland.Yourdeedsaysyouareentitledtosomanyinchesofwater,or'suchproportionofsameasmaybeavailable!'There'snothingthatsayswhetherthatmeansavailableattheheadoftheditch,oravailableatyourownsluicegate.It'sbeenfoughteversincetherewerecourtsandditcheshere,andtherearerulingsbothways.Everydamnedoneofuswouldbreakhimselfifwetriedtofightitclearthroughthecourts.And,besides,ifwe'dgetahighcourtrulingthatitmeantavailableatourownsluiceboxes,theseranchesattheendoftheditchwouldn'tbeworthadamnanacre.There'sonlyonewaytodoit;we'vegottotakethelawintoourownhandsandfightthewaterthroughtheditch.And,byGod,I'mgoingtostarttonight."

Fatherdidn'tlikemetobearoundwhenmenwereswearing,andFredlookedmadenoughtobeginanyminute;butbeforehedid,Fathersentmetogetourcows.Theywerepicketedoutontheprairieneartherailroadtrack.

DuringsupperFatherhardlysaidaword.Motherdidn'teatmuchandkeptbitingherlipthewayshealwaysdidwhenshewasnervous.FatheralwaysmilkedtheHolsteinandImilkedthebrindle.Whileweweremilkingthatnight,Iaskedhimifhewasgoingtodoanythingaboutthewater.Hedidn'tanswermeforawhile,thenhesaid,"Son,therearetimesamanhastodothingshedoesn'tliketo,inordertoprotecthisfamily."Hedidn'tsayanymore,andIdidn'tthinkIoughttoaskhim.

Somethingwokemeinthenight.Itmusthavebeenaftermoonset,becauseitwasdarkaspitch.Ilaylisteningforalongtime,thenIthoughtIheardaman'svoicefromovertowardtherailroadtrack,soIgotupandlookedoutthewindows.Therewerethreelittlelightsmovingaroundinouroatfield,andtwomoreinourbeanfield.Theyweresofarawaythattheylookedlikefireflies.IthoughtFatheroughttoknowaboutit,andwentintothehousetotellhim.Motherwaswideawake,butFatherwasn'tinbedwithher.ShetoldmetogorightbacktobedbecauseIneededmyrest,andthatthelightsoutinourfieldswereallright.

Iwentbacktothebunkhouse,butIdidn'tgobacktobed.Ipulledmyoverallsonovermynightgownandtiptoedoutintothedarkness.IknewFatherwasouttheresomewherewithalantern,andIwantedtoseewhatwasgoingon.WhenIwasalmosttoouroatfield,thelightsallcametogetherinoneplaceandmoveduptherailroadtowardFredAultland's.IthoughtIheardwatergurglingamongtheoats,andwhenIwentalittleclosermyfootsankankle-deepinsoftmud.WhileIwasstandingtherewatchingthelightsfromthelanternsgrowsmallerandsmallerupthetrack,Iheardthesoundofhalfadozenrifleshotsfromwayofftowardthewest.IwasworriedaboutFather,andafraidhemightnotbeoneofthemenwithalantern,butbefartheruptheditchwheretherewasshooting.Iwantedtorunafterhimandtellhimtocomehome,butIwasscaredandwentbacktothebunkhouse.

Ididn'tsleepanotherwinkallnight,andwhenitwasjustlightenoughsothatIcouldseetheoutlineofLorettaHeightsagainsttheeasternsky,IheardFathercomehomeandgointhekitchendoor.Icouldn'tseehimandwouldneverhaveknownhimbyhiswalk.Hisfeetsoundedasthoughtheyweredragging,andhehadonrubberboots.Iheardhimtakethemoffbeforehewentintothehouse.AlittlelaterIheardhimcoughing.Itwasthatdry,hollowcoughhehadafterthewindstorm.Assoonasitwaslightenoughtoseeingoodshape,Igotupandgotthemilkbuckets.Imilkedbothcows,wateredthepigs,andfedthehorsesbeforeIwentintobreakfast.IgotcrampsinmyhandsbeforeIgotdonemilkingthebigHolstein.Shegaveabucketbrimfulofmilk,andherteatswerelargewithlittlebitsofholesinthem.

Fatherwasn'tupwhenIwenttowork,andatbreakfastMotherwouldn'ttalk.Shekeptbitingherlipandhereyeslookedasthoughshehadbeencrying.Ididn'tseeasoularoundCorcoran'splacewhenIletthecowsoutofthecorral,andtherewasnobodyinsightwhenIwentpastAultland's.Theroadwasallmuddywhereourditchwentunderit.Theculvertwasagoodbigone,too,soIknewtheremusthavebeenaterribleheadofwatercomedownthroughthereduringthenight.

Ididn'tseeamovingthing,exceptthecowsandFanny,untilGracebroughtoutmydinnerpail.ShesaidFatherhadjustgotupandthattherewasabigredlumponhisforehead,andhehadbeencoughinginhissleepallmorning.GracecouldusuallygetMothertotalk,butshehadn'tbeenabletofindoutathing.Motherhadmadeherplayoutinthebackyardwiththeotheryoungstersallmorning.Itoldheraboutthewaterinouroatfield,andthelanternsandtheshootingupbeyondusontheditch.IthoughtmaybethelumponFather'sforeheadwaswherehehadbeenhitwithabullet,butGracesaiditwasn't.Shehadreadlotsofbooksaboutwars—shelikedthembestofall—andshesaidshe'dbetitwaswherehehadbeenhitwithaclubbedrifle.

Theremusthavebeensometerriblebattlesuptheditchthosenextfewnights.FatherwouldleavethehousejustafterIwenttobed,andwouldn'tgethometillnearlydaylight.Hehadanotherbiglumponhischeekbonethatturnedblackandblue,andFredAultlandandJerryAlderandCarlHenrylookedallbeatupwhenIsawthem.Jerryhadhisrightarminasling.

Saturdaynighttherewasameetingatourhouse.Mencamefromalltherancheswestofus—halfwaytothemountains.TheymusthavestartedgettingtherejustafterIwenttosleep,

butIwokeupwhenthefirstbuggycameintoouryard.ItwasMr.Wright.IknewhisvoicewhenFatherwenttohelphimunhitchhisteam,andIknewtherewasgoingtobesomekindofmeeting,becausethefirstthingMr.Wrightsaidwas,"Ain'tanyoftherestofthefellasgothereyet,Charlie?"Andbesidesthat,MotherhadputHalouttosleepwithPhilipandme.

Gracedidn'tgetuptillthethirdteamcame.Thenshetiptoedintomyroomandwepeekedoutunderthecurtaintogether.ThemenallstoodaroundthebarnandtalkedtillCarlHenrycame—hewasthelastone—thentheywentintothehouse.GraceandIknewweshouldn'thavedoneit,andthatwe'dgetagoodspankingifwegotcaught,butwecreptoutthebunkhousedoorandcrawledaroundtothekitchenwindow.Itwasopen,sowehadtohunkerupagainstthesideofthehouseandkeeprealquiet.

Atfirst,everybodywastryingtotalkatonce,andsomeonesaidtheonlywaytheycouldeverkeepwatercomingdowntheditchindryspellswastoputmenwithhigh-poweredriflesuponthehills,andshoothelloutofanyso-and-sothatwenttamperingwithaditchbox.Thensomebodyelsesaidthatwouldn'tdoanygoodbecausethesheriffwouldgetoutaposseandthrowthemallinthehoosegow.Theytalked,andtalked,andtalked.Someofthemevenshouted,butIdidn'thearFather'svoicetillFredAultlandsaid,"Charlie,youmusthavedonesomethinkingaboutthis,butIhaven'theardyousayanything."

Everybodygotrealstillthen,andFathertalkedsolowwecouldn'tmuchmorethanhearhim.Hesaid,"Well,itseemstomethatcourtsareusuallythebestplacestosettledisputesifmencan'tgettogetherpeaceably,butinthisinstancebothsidesareafraidofwhatthecourt'srulingmightbe.We'vebeenabletofightenoughwaterdownthroughtheditchatnighttosaveourcropsforthemoment,butthatwon'tdointhelongrun,because,soonerorlater,somebody'sgoingtobekilled.Whenthathappens,thematterwillbesettledincourtwhetherwelikeitornot.Itwouldbemyideathatweoughttositdownandtrytoworkoutourdifferenceswiththemenwe'vebeenfighting."

Themendidn'tseemtolikethatatall,andstartedshoutingandtalkingallatonceagain.Someofthemevenswore—withMotherrightintheotherroom.Mr.Corcorancalledthemenupneartheheadoftheditchsomeawfulnames,andsaidyoumightaswellarguewithajackassasanyoneofthem.AtlastMr.Wrighthadtopoundonthetableandshout,"ForGod'ssake,shutupandgiveCharlieachancetotelluswhathisideais,anyway."

Fatherdidn'tstarttotalkagaintilleverybodywasquiet,thenhesaid,"Thosefellowsupthereareholdingthetrumpcardsandtheyknowit.I'mnottoosureIwouldn'ttakeprettynearmyfullmeasureofwaterifIwereintheirplacesandsawmycropsdryingup.Idon'tthinktheywantacourtfight,orafistfight,oragunfightanymorethanwedo,butIdon'tthinkthey'regoingtogiveupthehandwithoutwinningtheoddtrick.Iwouldn'tdoit,andIdon'tthinkanyofyoufellowswould.I'minclinedtothinkwe'dbebetterofftohavetheassuranceofareasonablepartofourshareindrytime,thantotakethechanceofnotgettinganyandlosingallourlatecrops."

Fatherstoppedtalkingasifheexpectedthemtosayhewaswrong,butnobodyspoketillMr.Wrightsaid,"Goon."

ThenFathersaid,"Ibelievethatifweapproachedthemrightwithanagreementthatwe'dsettlefor80percentofourproportion,basedonditch-headlevel,wemightcometotermswiththem."

JerryAlderandtwoorthreeoftheyoungerfellowsthoughtitwouldbebettertokeeponfightingthewaterdowntheditchatnight,butMr.Wright,andFred,andCarl,andevenMr.CorcoranthoughtFather'sideawasbest.ItwasrightthenthatMotherpushedupthewindowinthefrontroom,andGraceandIgotscared,sowehadtocrawlbacktothebunkhouse.Inabouthalfanhourallthemencameoutandstartedhitchinguptheirhorses.Mr.Wrightwasthelastonetodriveaway,andbeforehewent,hecalledtoFather,"You'llbeatmyhouse,then,atteno'clocktomorrowmorning?"

Fathercalledback,"I'llbethere,"andwentintothehouseandclosedthedoor.

Thereweren'tanymorefightsoverwaterthatyear,andwhenWillieAldivotecameuptothepasturetovisitmeafewdayslater,heseemedtothinkFatherwasquiteahero.IwasproudbecausehesaidFathercouldfightlikehellforasickman,andthateverybodythoughthedidasmartjobgettingthemenuptheditchtoagreeaboutthewater.

15IGiveMr.LakeaRide

ABOUTtheonlyfunIhadtherestofthatsummerwasthetwotimesFredAultlandputuphishay.FatherandIworkedforhimtwoweeksbothtimes,andeachtimewegotacheckforfiftydollars.ThemoreIherdedMrs.Corcoran'scows,themoreIdidn'tlikeit.Asthepasturedriedup,thecowsmademoretroubleabouttryingtogetintothealfalfafields,andastheygotskinnierandskinnierMrs.CorcorankeptblamingmeandsayingitwasbecauseIbroughtthemintooearly,orbecauseIdidn'tgrazethemwherethegrasswasbest.FredAultlandsaiditwasbecauseIdidn'tletthemgetintotheneighbors'cropsenoughtosuither.

JustbeforeschoolopenedshegavemefitsbecauseIbroughtthembacktothecorralonenightatfiveminutesbeforesix.Whenshepinnedthethirty-fivecentsintomyshirtpocket,shetoldmethatIhadn'tearnedhalfofit,andshewasonlygivingittomebecauseweweresopoor.Weweren'tpoor,andItoldherso,andyankedthepinoutandthrewthemoneyrightdownbyherfeet.Afterthatshewasn'tsomean,andpickeditupandpassedittomeafterIgotonFanny.

Iwasmadallthewayhome.WhenIgotthereMotherwasfeedingthehensandturkeysoutbesidethebarn.AfterI'dpulledthebridleoffFannysoshecouldgoandroll,Motheraskedmewhatthematterwas.IrememberedwhatFatherhadtoldmeaboutforgettingwhatMrs.Corcoransaidandnottellinganybody,soItoldMotherIwasmadbecauseIdidn'tthinkIwasgettingpaidenoughforherdingthecows.Sheputherarmaroundmeandpulledmeupagainsther.Thenshepattedmeonthehead,andsaid,"Son,ifyouamounttoasmuchasIthinkyou'regoingto,somedayyou'llkickonadollarandthirty-fivecentsaday."IdidtellFatheraboutitthatnightwhenweweremilking,though.AndfromthenonIneverherdedMrs.Corcoran'scows.

SchoolstartedaboutthefirstofOctober.Murielwasoldenoughtogothatyear,butshewasn'tstrongenoughtowalkthemileandahalf,soFatherletusdriveFanny.Itwasn'tabitthewaystartingschoolhadbeenwhenwefirstcamethere.Allthekidsknewwehadahorsenow,andthatIhadriddenuptothemountainstogetTwoDog,andthatIhadmadeMrs.Corcoranpaymethirty-fivecentsadayforherdinghercows.Theyknew,too,aboutFatherfightingtogettheirrigatingwaterandabouthisfixingFredAultland'sstackersoastomakethehayfallwheretheywantedit.EverybodycalledmeSpikes,andFreddieSpraguegavemehalfanappleatmorningrecess.

Mr.Lakewasthechairmanoftheschoolboard.Theysaidhealwayscamefortheopeningday,andhealwaysrodehisoldwhitemule.Hewasalittleman—quitealotolderthanFather—andhehadbigjointsattheknucklesofhishands.AllmorninghesatuponthelittleplatformbyMissWheeler'sdeskandwatchedeverythingwedid.Whilehewaswatchingus,hekeptpullinghisfingers,oneatatime,untilhemadetheknucklepop.Justwhenyoudidn'texpectithewouldpointatsomebodyandaskhimtoboundCalifornia,orwhatbodyofwatertheMississippiRiveremptiedinto,orsomethingelse.Hegotmeontheworstone.He

pointedhisfingerrightatmeandsaid,"You!Littletow-headedfella!Gototheboardandwriteme:'Pareapearwithapairofscissors.'"

TheonlytwokindsIknewaboutwerepearandpair,andIgotallmixeduponwhetherthereweretwos'sortwoz'sinscissors.HebangedhishanddownonthedeskandtoldMissWheelershewasn'taverygoodteacher,orI'dknowbetterthanthat.Thenhetoldhertoputmebackinthefirstgradeinspellingtillhecameagain.Iwasprettymuchashamedofmyself,becausewelikedMissWheelerandIdidn'twanttogetherinamesswithherboss,butGracegotmad.Shejumpedrightoutofherseatandtoldhimthatitwasn'tMissWheeler'sfault,becausewewerenewthere—andthatInevercouldspellcatwithoutak,anyway.Allthegooditdidwasthathemadeherstandwithherfaceinacornertillnoontime.Hesaidthatwould"learnhernottosassherelders."

EverybodywastalkingaboutoldMr.Lakewhilewewereeatingourlunches,andWillieAldivotedaredmetosneakoutintheafternoonandputaburdockburrunderhissaddle.Iprettynearlostmynerve,butthemoreIlookedathim,themadderIgot,sohalfwaybetweenrecesstimeandfouro'clockIputuptwofingers,andMissWheelernoddedatme.

Mr.Lakehadatwo-cinchsaddle,andIonlyhadtoloosenthebackonealittlebitsoIcouldgettheburrwellupunderthemiddle.Fromthentillschoolletout,Iwassonervous1couldhardlythinkatall,buthedidn'tmakemeansweranymorequestions,soIdon'tthinkhenoticedme.

AssoonasMissWheelertappedtheschool's-outbellweallgrabbedourcapsandcoatsandranforthecarriageshed.Theoldwhitemulewastiedawayoverattheeastendoftheshed,sotheboysmadeabigpieceofworkaboutgettingtheirharnessdownandgettingthestrapsstraightenedout.Allthegirlsknewabouttheburr,too,andtheystoodaroundtwitteringandgigglingandtryingtolookasiftheydidn'tseeMr.Lakewhenhecameoutandputthebridleonhismule.

Justassoonasheputhisfootinthestirruptheoldmulewentcrazy.Mr.Lakeletgoofthereinsandsatkerplunkdownagainsttheboardfence,andthemulebuckedsohardhe'dhavemadeabroncolooklikeacarriagehorse.Afterhehadthesaddleslewedwayoveronthesideofhisbelly,heshotrightoutthroughtheturnstilegateandracedoffuptheroad.Ashewentthroughthegatehesmashedtheturnstilealltopiecesandrippedthesaddleoff.MaybeMissWheelerwasn'taverygoodteacher,butMr.Lakewas.Ilearnedatleastadozennewwordsfromwhathesaidaboutthatoldwhitemule.Iwasstillshakingfrombeingnervous,butRudolphHaaswasascoolaswatercress.HewentoverandhelpedMr.Lakegetupandaskedhimifhecouldn'tdrivehimhomeinhisbuggy.

Ofcourse,GracehadtotellMotherallaboutMr.Lakecomingtoschool.Whilewewereeatingsuppershetoldaboutmynotbeingabletospell"Pareapearwithapairofscissors,"andaboutherbeingabletoboundCalifornia,butshedidn'tmentionhavingtostandwithherfaceinthecornerormyputtingtheburrunderMr.Lake'ssaddle.ThenextIheardofitwasthreeorfournightslaterwhenwewereoutmilking.OurHolsteincow'stieupwasnearesttothebarndoor,thencamethebrindle,sothatFather'sbackwastowardherwhenwewere

milking.Everythingwasquietinthebarn,exceptforthemusicmilkmakeswhenitgoessingingdownintothebuckets,andIwasthinkingaboutTwoDog,whenFathersaid,"It'sadangerousthingtoputacockleburrunderanoldman'ssaddle.Mr.Lakemighthavebeenbadlyhurt."

Ijustsaid,"Yes,sir,"andFathernevermentioneditagain.

Ididn'thaveanymoretroubleatschoolfornearlyamonth—exceptformyglassesandthecellardoor.Idon'tknowwhywehadacellardoor,becausetherewasn'tanycellar,butwedidhaveone.Itwasoneofthosebulkheaddoorsthatslantlikealean-toroof.Someofuswereslidingdownitoneday,whenIranabig,longsplinterintomybehind.Itbrokeoffinsidetheskinandtherewasnearlyaninchofitinthere.WillieAldivotetriedtogetitoutwiththelittlebladeofhisjackknife,buthecouldn't,sohecalledGrace.Shetriedtogetholdofitwithherfingernails,butshedidn'thaveanymoreluckthanWillie.ThenMissWheelerpickedatitwithaneedle,andfinallyshesentGraceandMurieltotakemehome.

IthinkMotheralwaysdidkindoflikeoperations.Sheputacleansheetoverthekitchentable,droppedscissors,darningneedles,andFather'swhiskertweezersintoabasinofboilingwater,androlleduphersleeves.Itlookedasthoughshewerereallygoingtodoabigjob,andIwasn'tveryhappywhenIshinneduponthetable.

ItseemedasifMotherweretryingtodigcleartoChina.Firstshetriedtweezers,andthenshetrieddarningneedles,butthesplinterwassorottenthatallshecoulddowasnibbleawayattheendofit.Themoreshedug,themoreIbled,andthelouderIyelled.Gracestoodbywithastripoftornsheettomopofftheblood.Everyfewminutesshe'dmopawaymytearswiththesamerag,andtellmethattheworstwouldbeoversoon.Ipeekedovermyshoulderonceortwice,andMother'smouthwasclampeduptight.Itwasalongoperation.Imusthavebeenonthetablehalfanhour,butitseemedlikeamonth.AtlastMotherputbothhandsonherhips,andsaid,"Well,we'lljusthavetoletNaturetakehercourse.Itwillfesterinadayortwoandcomerightoutbyitself."

Whileshewascourt-plasteringapatchonmybehindandhelpingmegetmyoverallsbackon,sheexplainedtomethatMotherNaturewasthebestsurgeonofthemall,andthateverythingwouldworkoutnicelyinacoupleofdays.Allthetimeshewastellingme,Iwaswishingshehadthoughtofitsooner,andnottriedtogiveoldMotherNaturequitesomuchhelpwhenshedidn'tneedit.

ThatsplinterbotheredmyridingforaweekortwowhileIwaitedforthefestertocomeandthesplintertogo,butnothinghappened,exceptthatahardlittlelumpformedaroundthesplinter.Onceinawhile,ifIslidearoundquick,Irememberthatit'sstillrightthere.

Idon'tknowthatIshouldtellaboutmyglasses,becausemyHeavenlyFatherandIaretheonlyoneswhoknowhowIlostthem.MaybethesunwastoobrightwhenIwasoutherdingcows,ormaybeIgottoomuchhaydustinmyeyesduringstackingtime,butanyway,assoonasIgotbacktoschoolmyeyesstartedsmartingeverytimeIreadverylong.MissWheelerwenttotalkwithMotheraboutit,andMothertookmeintoDenvertobefittedwith

glasses.Itwaslotsoffuntopeekthroughthelittlegadgetsthemanputovermyeyes,andtohavedropsputinthemthatmadeeverythingseemasifIwerelookingthrougharain-coveredwindow,butIdidn'tliketheglasses.Theyweresilver-bowedglasses,andMothertoldmeI'dhavetowearthemallthetime,andcouldn'tdoanythingwhereI'dbeapttogetthembrokenbecausetheycosttwodollarsandaquarter.

Iworethemtoschoolthreedays.Thatis,Iworethemeverytimesomebodycaughtmeandmademeputthemon.TherestofthetimeIkepttheminmyblousepocket.MissWheelerwasasbadaboutthemasMother,andIthinkGracewasworstofall.IstooditjustaslongasIcould,andthen,inthemiddleoftheafternoonofthethirdday,Iputuptwofingers.Whoeverbuiltthepriviesatourschoolhousedugtheholesgoodanddeep.WhenIcamebacktotheschoolroomIhadlostmyglasses.MissWheelerhadeverybodystayafterschooltohelpmehuntforthem,butweneverfoundthemanywhere.Beforewecouldspareanothertwodollarsandaquartermyeyesgotbetter.

16AGoodMonth,withNoSchool

FREDDIESPRAGUEgotthemumpsinlateOctober,andtheyclosedtheschool.ThatmonthwasoneofthebestIeverhadinsomeways.ItstartedoffbadbecauseBill,ouroldwhitehorse,died.FatherletmegouptoBearCreekCanyonwithhimtogetanotherloadoffenceposts.WedroveBillandNig,andwhilewewereloadingthepolesitstartedtorainandsleet.Itdidn'thurtNigabit,butfromthetimeitstarted,Billhumpedhisbackuplikeasickoldcow.Wehadtostopandresthimsooftenthatwedidn'tgethometilllongafterdark,andthatnighthediedinspiteofallthedoctoringFathercouldgivehim.

Motherwouldn'tletusquitstudyingjustbecausetheschoolhousewasclosed,soassoonasthesupperdisheswerewashedwehadtogetourbooksout.OneeveningFredandBessieAultlandcameovertoplaywhistwithFatherandMotherbeforewehadourarithmeticdone,sotheysatandtalkedtillwegotthroughusingthetable.Fredsaid,"ForGod'ssake,Charlie,don'tyouknowmewellenoughyettoletmelendyouahorse?Youcoulddomeafavorbytakingthatthree-year-oldIboughtattheauction,andgentle-breakinghimformethiswinter."

"Fred,Icouldn'texpectabrothertodothethingsyou'vealreadydoneformeandmyfamily.No,Fred,Ican'ttakeyourcolt.Myrecordforlosinghorsesmustbetheworstinthecountry—50percentinayear."

FredslappedhislegandlaughedwhenFathersaidthat.Thenhesaid,"Thosenagswere90percentdeadwhenyougotholdof'em.Aman'sjustthrowinghismoneyawaytobuythatkindofplugs.Theyeatjustasmuchasgoodhorsesandyoucan'tgetanyworkoutofthem.I'llbringthecoltdowninthemorning."

Fredbroughtthebigbaycoltrightafterwegotdoneeatingbreakfastthenextmorning.Hewasabeauty,butFatherwouldn'tletmegonearhimatfirst.Hetiedhimupatthefarendofthebarnandgavehimtwoquartsofoatsmorningandnight,whileNigandFannyonlygotpeas—vinesandall.

ThedayafterwegotthenewhorseFatherandIwenttoFortLoganwiththeboxwagon.FannytookBill'splace,butshedidn'tlikeitabit.Iguessshehadforgottenallshehadlearnedinthespringaboutworkingdouble.Sheslammedandbangedaroundandthrewherselfdownacoupleoftimesbeforeshedecidedshewasgoingtohavetodoit.AndallthewaydowntotheFortshedancedandprancedlikeatwo-year-old.

WedidourtradingwithMr.GreeninLoganTown.Hehadtheonlygeneralstore,buttherewereninesaloonsandapostoffice,besidethedepot.FatherhadbroughtacoupleoflittlebagstoshowMr.Green.Onewasbeansandtheotherwaspeas.Therewerequitealotoflittlebeansamongthem,becausetheydidn'tgetwaterenoughwhentheyneededit,andsomeofthemwerekindofblackwherethefrosthadhitthembeforetheywereripe.Mr.

Greenlookedbothsamplesoverandsaidhedidn'tthinkhecouldhandlemanyofthepeas,buthe'dtakeallthebeanswehad—intrade—iftheywerehand-pickedsothatweonlybroughthimthefull-sizedwhiteones.

Mr.GreenandFathertalkedalongtimewhileIwaslookingaroundthestoreatallthethingsIhopedwewouldbeabletotradeourbeansfor.ThenMr.Greenwentintohisbackroomandrolledoutthreeemptybarrels.Whilehewasgonetorolloutabarrelofflour,Ismelledoftheemptyones.Twoofthemhadhadvinegarinthem,andtheotheronemolasses.Iranmyfingerinthroughthebungholeofthemolassesbarrel,andtherewasstillsomeinthere.Ittastedgood.

Youneversawsomanygroceriesaswegotthatday.Besidesthebarrelofflour,therewerehundred-poundsacksofcornmeal,sugarandsalt;tenpoundsofseededraisins,andcreamoftartar,rice,soda,andsaltpeter—andapoundofBaker'schocolate.ItseemedwewouldhaveenoughstufftokeepusfedevenifwinterlastedcleartillJune.

ThatnightaftersupperFatherandMothertalkedaboutpeasandbeans,anddidarithmeticproblemsontheothersideofthetablefromwhereGraceandIweredoingourhomework.FatherwastellingMotherhowmanysquarefeetofgroundhepulledthebeanvinesfromtogetthesampleforMr.Green,andthesamethingaboutthepeas.FirstsheborrowedGrace'sarithmeticbooktofindouthowmanysquarefeetinanacre,andafterthatshegothermarkedcupandmeasuredeachsample.Thenshefigured,andfigured,andfigured.Whenshewasalldone,IcouldtellthatbothsheandFatherwerethehappiesttheyhadbeensincewecametotheranch.

Shehadalltheanswersdownononesheetofpaper,andsaid,"Charlie,we'regoingtobealotbetteroffthanIeverthoughtwecouldbewhenIsawtheleavesonthosepoorplantscurlingupinthesummer.IfIdidn'tmakeanymistakesinmyfigures—andI'msureIdidn't—we'llhaveahundredandsixtybushelsofbeansandahundredandeightybushelsofpeas.Supposingthatthirtybushelsofthebeansaresmalloneswhichwillonlybringfourcentsapound,andthatthirtybushelsarefrostedandwillonlybegoodforpigfood;thatwouldleaveahundredbushelsofgoodones.Atfivecentsapound,oursharewillbeworthahundredandeighty-sixdollars…thatis,iftherearesixtypoundsinabushel."

"Youknow,practicallyallthepeasofthevarietywehaveareusedforsoup,soitdoesn'tmakeaparticleofdifferenceifsomeofthemaresmall—theyshouldallbringthesameprice.Let'ssaythatwillbefourcentsapound;ourhalfshouldbringinahundredandninety-twodollars.Ican'tseeanyreasonwhyweshouldn'tbeabletoaffordagoodhorselikeFredAultland's."

Rightafterbreakfastthenextmorning,FatherhookedFannytothebuckboard,andMothertookalltheotheryoungsterstoEnglewoodtobuystockingsandunderwearandthings.Ihadaday'sworkhelpingBessieAultlandpickapples,soIleftbeforetheydid.Wepickedbushelsandbushelsofapples,andwhenBessietookmehome,justbeforesupper,shehelpedmeputtwobushelbasketfulsonthebuckboardforus.

AswecamenearourhouseIcouldseewhatlookedlikethreebigwhitesacksofgrainhangingfromacrossbaratthebackofourbarn.Ijumpedoffwhilethebaysweremakingtheircircleinouryard,andranaroundthebarn.Ourthreebiggestpigswerehangingtheredead,withallthehairscrapedoffthem.Itkindofstartledmeatfirst,andIguessFathernoticedit.Hecamerightoverandbentdownononekneebesideme.Thenheputhisarmaroundmyshoulder,andsaid,"Thereisn'tathingtobeafraidof,ortofeelbadabout,Son.Theonlytimetofeelsorryforanything—oranybody—thatdiesiswhentheyhaven'tcompletedtheirmissionhereonearth.Thesepigs'missionwastogetbigandfatsoastomakefoodforus.Theyhavedoneagoodjobofitandtheirmissioniscompleted.AndIdowantyoutoknowthis:theydidn'tknowwhatwashappening,andtheyweren'thurtabit—theydidn'tevensqueal."FathercouldalwaysexplainthingslikethatsoI'dunderstand.

Everybodyworkedontheporkthenextday.Fathercutthehamsandbaconandsidemeat,whilePhilipandIstrippedallthefatofftheinsides,andgroundupthescrapsforsausage.Fathermadeaseparatepileoftheleanestscraps,andwegroundthemformincemeat.

Motherandthegirlswerejustasbusyinthekitchenaswewereoutside.Theyrolledallthesausageintolittlecakesthesizeofaturkeyegg,friedthemslow,andpackedthemawayinstonecrocks;triedoutallthelard,andmadetheliversandheartsintosausage.Thentheychoppedapplesandmadethemincemeat.Itwasstewingonthebackofthestovewhenwecameintosupper.Ineverheardofmakingmincemeatwithporkbefore,butitsmelledandtastedbetterthananyotherIeverate.

Wegotalotofthingsdonethatmonthwhenschoolwasclosed.Weweretheonlypeopleanywherearoundwhodidn'thaveacorralandadug-outcellar.Motherhadbeenworryingeversincethebigwindbecausewedidn'thaveastormcellar,andFatherhadbeensayinghe'dbuildoneassoonashehadtimetogettothemountainsforpoles.Icouldn'tfigurewhyweneededpolestobuildacellar,butIdidn'tliketoaskFather.Onthingslikethat,healwaysusedtotellmeIcouldlearnmoreifIkeptmyeyesopenandmymouthclosed.

Mothermusthavementionedsomethingaboutwishingwehadacellarhalfadozentimeswhilewewerepackingthebarrelsofporkawayinmyroominthebunkhouse.Atbreakfastthenextmorning,Fatherwinkedatme,andsaid,"Doyouthinkwecouldsparetimetogoupthecanyonforaloadofpolestoday?"

Ofcourse,Ididthinkso.AndrightafterbreakfasthestartedputtingBill'sharnessonthenewcolt.ThenhesentmeuptoAultland'sonFanny,andsaidtotellFredwe'dliketoborrowonetofither.IwassoexcitedaboutgoingtothemountainswithFatherthatIdidn'tthinkmuchaboutwhatweweregoingtodowiththreeharnesses,butFreddid.AssoonasItoldhimwhatIwantedandwhereweweregoing,hescratchedhisheadandsaid,"Hasyouroldmangoneloco?Ifhethinkshe'sgoingtoharnessthatgreencoltandtakehimuptothemountains,alongwithWright'soldmare,he'seitherthebravestmanIeverseen,oradamnfool."ItoldhimFatherwasthebravestmanheeversaw,andwasn'tanyfool,soheletmehavetheharness.

IhadtowalkFannyallthewayhome,becausetheharnessslappedaroundsomuchwhenImadehercanter.Alltheway,IkeptthinkingaboutwhatFredhadsaid.Iwaskindofscared,too,aboutwhatwouldhappenwhenFathergotallthreehorseshookeduptothewagon.

WhenIgotthere,healreadyhadoldBill'sharnessonthecolt,buthehaditfastenedonwiththreeorfourextrastraps,andthetracesweretieduparoundthebackofthebreeching.Thecoltwassweatyandnervous,buthewasn'traisingNedatall.

AfterFatherhadhookedNigandFannytotheboxwagon,andFannyhadgotoverslattingaround,heledthecoltoutandtiedhimupclosetothebackofit.Hehitchedhisheadtobothsidessothathehadtokeepitrightinthemiddleofthetailgate.ThenIrantothehouseforourdinnerpail,andwestartedoff.Youneversawahorsebuckandkickmuchworsethanthatcoltdidwhenhefelttheharnessfloppingaroundhim,butFatherhaditstrappedonsotightandhisheadtiedupsoshortthathecouldn'thurtanything.

BythetimewewentpastAultland'shousehewassoakingwet,buthewasn'tbuckinganymore—justdraggingbackonthehalterropesandtryingtospitoutthebit.Fredwasstandingoutintheyardwhenwewentpast.WhenIwavedtohim,hewavedback,andyelled,"I'lltakebackwhatIsaid,Spikes."Ijustgrinned,becauseIknewallthetimethatwhateverFatherdidwouldberight.FathermusthaveguessedwhatFredhadsaid,becauseIdidn'ttellhim,buthelookedoveratmeandgrinned,too.

Whenwehadloadedourpolesandgotdownoutofthecanyon,FathertiedthecoltalongsideofNig.Thattimehefastenedastrapfromthecolt'soutsidetraceoverontoNig'sbreechingsothathecouldn'tswinghishindendaroundsideways.Atfirsthe'dhangbacktillthesingletreebumpedagainsthislegs,thenhe'djumparoundandkick,butNigdidn'tcare,andthenhelearnedtostayupwherehebelonged.

FatherunhitchedFannyafterwegothome,andwhilewestillhadtheloadofpolesonthewagonhehookedthecoltinherplace.Bythattimehewasusedtotheharness,andIguesshewasalittletired,buthehardlymadeabobble.Inhalfanhourhewaspullinglikeanoldhorse.

Wehauledpolesforthreedays,andtookthecoltwithuseveryday.Afterthefirstone,FatherputhiminFanny'splacejustassoonaswegotdownoutofthecanyon,andfromthenonhebehavedbetterthanFannydid.

BeforewestartedhaulingpolesFatherhaddugalittleditcharoundapatchofgroundinthebackyard.Hemadeatroughthatranouttherefromthewell,andeverymorningandnightitwasmyjobtopumptheditchfullofwater.Inthreedaysthegroundhadsoftenedupingoodshape,soweborrowedCarlHenry'sslip-scraperandstarteddiggingourcellar.Ihadlearnedhowtoeaseahorseupintothecollarforahardpullwhilewewerestackinghay.FatherhitchedNigandthenewcolttothescraperandletmedrivethemwhileheheldthehandles.IfIdidn'tstarttheteamrealeasywhenFatherraisedthehandlesofthescraper,thecuttingedgemightcatchandthrowhimupunderthehorses'heels.

Fatherexplainedittomebeforewestarted,andIwassoafraidImightdosomethingwrongandgethimbadlyhurtthatmyhandswereshakingwhenIreachedouttotakethelines.Hewouldn'tletmetakeholdofthemthen.HesaidI'dhavetostopalittlewhileandgetmymindstraightenedout,becauseahorsecouldtellthroughthefeelofthereinsifthepersondrivinghimwasafraid.ThenhetoldmeIhadalreadyprovedIcouldmakeahorsedowhatIwanteditto,sotherewasnoreasontobeafraidnow.Itmademeproudtohearhimsaythat,andwhenIreachedoutforthelinesagainmyhandsweresteady.Iwrappedthereinsaroundthemandcalled,"Getup,"withmyvoiceasdeepinmythroatasIcouldmakeitgo.

Wescoopedoutaholenearlyasbigasourkitchen.WhileFatherdugthecornersoutsquarewithapickandshovel,Ipeeledbarkoffthepoleswithhisdrawknife.Ittookfivedaystobuildthecellar.Aftertheholewasdugwecribbedthewallsupwithpoleslikealoghouse.Wemadetheendwallshalfroundatthetopsandthenlaidpolesacrosstomaketheroof.

GraceandIstuffedallthecracksontheoutsidesofthewallsandroofwithstrawwhileFathermadethedoorandthesteps.Thenwehitchedupthehorsesand,withthescraperattheendofalongrope,filleddirtintightaroundthesidesandovertherooftillitlookedlikealittlehillwithatrapdoorinit.

ThenextweekIpeeledpoleswhileFatherbuiltthemintoacorral.Itwasagoodone,withasix-polefencefivefeethigh.Fathersetabig,highpostforthegatetoswingon.Thenhemadethegateoutofslimpoleswiththebuttendstowardthehinges,andaguywirerunningfromthetopoftheposttothelighterendofthegatesoitcouldneversag.

WhilewewerebuildingitIgotthinkinghowlonesomeourlittlehousehadlookedtome,sittingoutthereontheprairie,whenIhadfirstseenitfromthehillbyFortLogan.Whenthelastnailwasdrivenandthehaspwasputonthegate,IgotFathertoletmeputNigandthenewcoltandourtwocowsinthecorral.ThenheletmetakeFannyandrideuptothathillagain,soIcouldlookatourplaceandseehowmuchitlookedlikearealranchnow.

17IMeettheSheriff

ALLDURINGthetimewewerebuildingthecellarandthecorral,GraceandIhadtodoourschoolworkaftersupper.Fatherworkedwithus,too,butIcouldn'tmakeoutwhathewasdoing.Hehadsomebigsheetsofwrappingpaperthatcamewiththegroceries,andhissteelsquareanddividers,andwhilewewerestudying,he'dbedrawingpictures.Onceinawhilehe'daskMothertofigureoutanarithmeticproblemforhim,andthenhe'dchangehisdrawingsallaround.

ThemorningafterwefinishedbuildingthepolecorralheandIdroveFannytoEnglewood.ItwasattheendoftheDenverstreetcarlineandhadlotsmorestoresthanFortLogan.Firstwewenttotheblacksmithshopandgotacoupleoflengthsofangleiron,smallpulleywheels,andpiecesofroundironrod.Then,atthehardwarestore,weboughtsheetsofgalvanizediron,threeorfourkindsofscreenwire—somecoarseandsomefine—andlotsofbolts,screws,andotherthings.TherewassomuchthatIknewitwouldcostalotofmoney,andIaskedFatherifwe'dhaveanyleft.Hetookouthislongleatherpouchandshowedmethattherewasquitealittlesilverandsomebillsinit.Thenhesaidthatpartofitwasmine,andaskedmeiftherewassomethingIwantedtobuy.ItoldhimIwishedIhadasteeltrap,sowewentovertothecornerwherethegunsandtrapswere,andhehelpedmepickoutonetherightsizeforprairiedogsandskunks.

Iwaswonderingwhatweweregoingtodowithallthehardwareandiron,andafterwestartedforhomeFathertoldmeweweregoingtobuildawinnower.Hesaiditwouldcosttoomuchtohaveabigmachinecometothreshourpeasandbeans,butwe'dhaveplentyoftimeduringthewintertodoitwithhandflailsandawinnower.

Afterwegothome,hespreadarollofbrownpaperoutonthebunkhousefloor,gothisdrawings,andbegancuttingpatternsthewayMotherdidformakingclothes.Fatherdidn'tneedmetohelphim,soIwentouttosetmynewtrap.BeforeIlefthetoldmeI'dhavetosetitquiteawaysfromthebuildings,soKingoroneofthecatswouldn'tgetintoit,andthenI'dhavetostayawayfromitifIexpectedtocatchanything.Itookitclearoverbeyondtherailroadtracksandsetitnearaprairiedogvillage.Iknewtheylikedpeas,soIsprinkleddriedgrassoverittillitwasalmosthidden,thenputalittlehandfulofpeasrightabovethetriggerplate.

AfteritwasallsetIwentbacktothebunkhouseandwatchedFathercutpatternsforawhile,butIkeptaskinghimifhedidn'tthinkitwasabouttimeIbroughtinthecows.IwaswonderingifI'dcaughtaprairiedogyet,andIcouldgoaroundthatwaywhenIwentforthecowswithouthavingitseemtooobviousthatIwasanxiousaboutmytrap.

Fatherdidn'tletmegoforthemtillsunset.AssoonasIgotoutbehindthebarnwherenobodycouldseemeIrantobeattheband.FromtherailroadtrackIcouldseethattherewassomethinginmytrap,butitdidn'tlooklikeaprairiedog.Itlookedbiggerandbrighter.When

IgotcloseenoughIfoundthatitwasabigcockpheasant.Hisheadwasinsidethejawsofthetrapandtherewereafewfeathersblowingaroundfromhisflappingwhenitbrokehisneck.

ThefirstthingthatpoppedintomyheadwaswhatFredAultlandhadsaidaboutspendingtherestofyourlifeinthehoosegowifyoukilledapheasant.IwassoscaredIgotallshaky.FirstIthoughtthebestthingtodowouldbetogethimoutofthereandhidehiminthebottomofadeepgulch.Ilookedallaroundtoseeifanybodywasinsight,thenIsteppedonthetrapspringandtookhimout.Thejawshadpulledalotoffeathersoutofhisneckandhadalmostbittenhisheadclearoff.So,ifIhidhiminagulchandsomebodyfoundhim,they'dknowjustwhathadhappened.ThenIfiguredthatifIdidn'thidehim,butjustthrewhimdowninthegulch,thecoyoteswouldcomeandeathim.

Itwasn'tverydarkyet,andIwasafraidsomebodymightseemeifIjustluggedhimawayacrosstheprairie,soItookoffmycoatandwrappedhimupinit.AftergatheringupalltheloosefeathersIstartedforthegulch,butthefartherIwentthemoreIworriedforfearthecoyotesmightnoteathim.Itseemedasifitwouldbeliketryingtoeatapillow.Iwassuretheywouldn'tdoitbecausethey'dgettheirmouthsallfulloffeathers.ThenIthoughtifIpickedhimthey'dbesuretoeathim—andIcouldletthewindblowthefeathersawaysonobodycouldevertellI'dhadanythingtodowithit.

BythattimeIhadreachedtheedgeofthegulchandsliddownoverthebanktostartpicking.Itwasgettingprettydark,butwhenIunwrappedhimIcouldseewhatamessIwasin.Thepheasanthadn'tbledabitwiththetrapjawsaroundhisneck,butafterIhadwrappedhimup,bloodhadrunoutofhismouthtilltheinsideofmycoatwasallredandsticky.Ididn'tknowwhattodo.Justasifheweredecidingitforme,acoyotehowledfromsomewherefartherdownthegulch.Ibundledthepheasantupquickandwentafterthecows.IknewI'dhavetohaveFather'shelptoevergetoutofthemessIwasin.

EverybodywasintosupperbythetimeIgotthecowshome,soIhidthepheasant,slammedthebunkhousedoorasifI'dbeenintohangupmycoat,andwentintothehouse.TheminuteIstuckmyheadinsidethekitchendoor,Mothersaid,"Whatintheworldhaveyoubeenuptonow?Youlookasthoughaghosthadbeenchasingyou."

IsaidIhadn'tbeenuptoanything,butthecowshadbeenwayoverbythebiggulchanditwasallfullofcoyotes,andmaybethathadscaredmejustalittle.ThenshetoldFatherthatIwastooyoungtobewayoffoutthereafterdark,andthatI'dhavetostartafterthecowsearlier.Hejustsaid,"mmhmm,"andbowedhisheadtosaygraceassoonasIwasinmychair.Hemightjustaswellhavesaidtome,"YouandIwilltalkmoreaboutthislater."

Wewentouttomilkrightaftersupper.Idon'tthinkIhadmorethanadozensquirtsofmilkinthebottomofmybucket—justenoughsothatitdidn'tringanymore—whenFathersaid,"Whatdidyoudo,getyourownfootinyourtrap?"

Isaid,"No,sir."ThenIwentaheadandtoldhimaboutcatchingthepheasant,butIdidn'ttellhimaboutwantingtohideit.Iaskedhimifhethoughtthey'dputmeinthehoosegow,asFredsaid,ifthesherifffoundoutaboutit.

Fatherdidn'tsayawordforaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid,"Itisn'tacaseof'ifthesherifffindsoutaboutit.'It'sacaseofyourbreakingthelawwithoutintendingto.Ifyoutriedtocoveritup,you'dberunningawayfromthelaw.Ourprisonsarefullofmenwhosefirstrealcrimewasrunningawaybecausetheydidn'thavecourageenoughtofacepunishmentforasmalloffense.Tomorrowyoumustgotoseethesheriff.I'llexplaintoMotheraboutyourcoat."

Ididn'thaveaverygoodnight.Icouldn'tkeepmymindonmybusinessaftersupper,andMothernearlyspankedmebecauseIgotallmixedupandcouldn'tsaythetableoftwelves.ShegavemeaglassofwarmmilkbeforeIwenttobed,butitdidn'tmakemesleepanybetter.WheneverIwasn'tawakeIwasdreaming.Motherusedtorecite"TheBalladofReadingGaol,"andthatnightIkeptdreamingIwasthemanintheballad.EverytimeI'dwakeupinthepitchdark,I'dputmyhandoverandfeelforPhiliptomakesureitwasn'treallyso.

AfterbreakfastIbeggedFathertogotoFortLoganwithmetoseethesheriff,buthesaid,"No.Youhaven'tlearnedtoaskforadvicebeforeyougetintoscrapes,anditisn'tfairtoexpecthelpingettingyourselfouteverytime."

Itoldhimhe'dhavetogowithme,becauseIdidn'tevenknowwhothesheriffwasandI'dneverbeabletofindhimalone.

HejustboostedmeuponFanny'sbackandhandedmethebagwiththepheasantinit.Thenhesaid,"YoufoundTwoDog'slodgeallrightwithoutanyhelp,didn'tyou?Ifyouaskatthepostoffice,Ithinkthey'llbeabletotellyouwhereyou'llfindthesheriff."

I'dalwayscanteredFannyallthewaytoFortLogan—andrightuptothehitchingrail—butthatmorningImadeherwalk.ForawhileIthoughtaboutrunningaway,buttheonlyplaceIknewtogowasuptoTwoDog's.Ifhe'dlivedalone,IguessImighthavegone,butIrememberedwhatahurryMr.Thompsonhadbeenintobringmerighthome,soIdecidedI'dbetternottryit.AllthetimeIwasthinkingaboutrunningaway,IkeptgettingasquirmyfeelinginmystomachbecauseofwhatFatherhadtoldmewhenweweremilking.AfterImadeupmymindthatIwasgoingtobebraveandfacethemusicitstoppedalittle,butitcamerightbackagainwhenIwentintothepostoffice.

TheladybehindthewindowtoldmeI'dfindthesheriffoverattheLastChanceSaloon,justoutsidethegatesoftheFort.AtfirstIthoughtthatwouldgivemeagoodenoughreasontogohomewithoutseeinghim,becauseIknewwhatMotherthoughtofsaloons,andofcourseshewouldn'twantmetogointoone.SoIclimbedbackonFannyandstarteddownthestreettowardtheMorrisonwagonroad.

IknewMotherwouldsayIhaddonejusttherightthing,butItriednoteventothinkaboutwhatFathermightsay.Icouldn'thelpit,though.AndIwasn'tabitsurehewouldn'tsayitwasrunningawayfromthelawandtearingboardsoffmycharacterhouse.WehadjustturnedintotheMorrisonwagonroadwhenIgotabiglumpinmythroat.ThenIpulledFannyaroundandgallopedherbacktothehitchingrailinfrontoftheLastChanceSaloon.

MyheartwasthumpinglikesixtywhenIwentinthroughthelittleswingingdoors.Iwasscared,butIwasalittlebitproud,too,thatIhadbusinessbigenoughsothatIcouldgorightintoasaloon.

Istoppedjustinsidethedoors—itwaskindofdarkinthereandtherewereaboutadozensoldiersandothermenleaningagainstthebarandtalkingloud.Themanbehindityelled,"Whatyoudoinginhere,Bub?Whoyouwanttosee?"

Heleanedacrossthebar,andIwentoverandtoldhimIwantedtoseethesheriff.Hejustjerkedhisthumbtowardthebackoftheroomandsaid,"Thebigfella."

ThesheriffwastalkingtoanothermanwhenIgotbackthere,soIstoodbehindhimandwaitedforhimtogetfinished.HewasthebiggestmanI'deverseen;myheaddidn'tcomeupashighasthetopofhiscartridgebelt,andthelongerIwaitedthebiggerthelumpinmythroatgrew.AtlastthemanbehindthebarcamebackandtoldthesheriffIwasthere,soheleanedoverandsaid,"WhatcanIdoforyou,Son?"

IhadtoswallowhardbeforeIcouldmakeasound,thenIsaid,"IbrokethelawandFathermademecomedowntotellyou."

Hesaid,"Well,well,well!We'llhavetolookintothis."WhilehewassayingithesatmeuponthebarinfrontofhimandaskedmewhatI'ddone.

Allthemenalongthebarcameandmadeabigcrowdaroundus,IshowedhimthepheasantandtoldhimthatIdidn'tkillitonpurpose,butitgotinmytrapwhenIwastryingtocatchaprairiedog.

Hetookthepheasantandlaiditonthebarbesideme.Thenherumpledupallitsfeathersandfeltitalloverwithhishands.Afterhe'dfinished,hesaidtothemen,"ByGod,that'sthewayhegotitallright.I'd'a'swornhisoldmanshotitandsentthekidintogethimselfoutofapickle."

Ididn'tlikethat,andIguessImusthaveyelled,"Fatherwouldnottrytogethimselfoutofapickle."

Everybodylaughedandhollered,andthesheriffsaid,"Kindoflikeyouroldman,don'tyou?Whatmakesyouthinkhewouldn'ttrytogetoutofascrape?"

Itoldhim,then,whatFatherhadsaidaboutourprisonsbeingfullofmenwhoranawayfromthelaw,butthattimenobodylaughed.Thesheriffputthepheasantbackinthebagandhandedittome.Hesaidthelawwasthatyoucouldn'tshootapheasant,buthedidn'trememberanythinginitagainstcatchingoneinasteeltrap,soI'dbettertakeithomeforMothertoroast.

ThenheaskedmeifI'dlikeadrink.ItoldhimIlikedbrandywithsugarandwaterinit,butMotherwouldonlygiveittomewhenIgotbluefromthecold.Allthemenlaughedsomemore,andonesoldieryelled,"Setthekidupashotofbrandy,Tom."Butthesheriffshookhis

head,andtoldthebarmantomakeitbirchbeer.AtfirstIdidn'tknowifMotherwouldwantmetodrinkit,butthesheriffsaiditwasallright.Itwas,too.

IcanteredFannyhomeasfastasshecouldgo,andFatherdidn'tscoldmeforbringingherinhot.EverybodycameouttothebarnwhenIgotthere,andItoldthemwhatthesheriffsaid,butIdidn'ttellthemaboutthesaloonandthebirchbeer.GraceandPhilipseemedtothinkIwasalotmoreimportantnowthatIhadtalkedtoarealsheriff.Mothertookthebagwiththepheasantinit,andsaidthesheriffmustbeafineman.IguessFatherthoughtso,too,becausehesaidhemustlookhimupthenexttimehewenttoFortLogan.IprettynearlytoldFatherwheretofindhimbutIcaughtmyselfjustintime.

Thatnightwhenweweremilking,hetoldmeithadbeenadayIshouldremember.Hesaiditwouldbegoodforme,asIgrewolder,toknowthatamanalwaysmadehistroubleslessbygoingtomeettheminsteadofwaitingforthemtocatchupwithhim,ortryingtorunawayfromthem.

ThenextmorningFredAultlandcameforFatherrightafterwefinishedbreakfast.IguessMotherknewhewascoming,becauseshehadalreadytoldGraceandmewecouldspendthedayvisitingWillieandEttaAldivote.ItriedtogetFathertotellmewherehewasgoing,butallhewouldsaywas,"Oh,we'regoingwayoverbyLittletontoseeafellowaboutadog."WhenFathersaidthatitalwaysmeanthewasn'tgoingtotellyouwherehewasgoing,soIdidn'taskanymore.

GraceandIhadafinetimeatAldivote's.Theirhousewasasoddyonthefront,andwasdugrightbackintoabanklikeacave.Theyhadabigbarnfullofhay,andadonkeyandhalfadozenhorseswecouldride.Thegirlsmadeusplayhousewiththemsomeofthetime,butwemadethemtrytoridethedonkey,andtheytooksomeofthecraziestspillsIeversaw.Ithinkwehadthemostfun,though,jumpingfromthehighhaymowdownontoapileofstrawonthebarnfloor.Itmusthavebeenthirtyfeet.

FatherandFredgothomejustalittlewhileafterwedid.Theywereleadingabeautyofabayhorse.Hewasn'tquiteasbigasFred'snewone,buthehadalotmoreginger.IguessweyoungstersandMotherfrightenedhimwhenweallranouttolook.But,anyway,hestartedbuckingandpitchinglikeOldHarryjustastheywerecomingintothedooryard.Ifhehadn'thadahalf-inchropearoundhisneck,aswellashavingahalteron,Ithinkhewouldhavebrokenaway.Theyhadquiteatimeputtinghimintothecorralwithoutgettingkicked.Andas

soonastheylethimloose,hewentracingaroundandaroundthefence,kickinghisheelshigherthanthetoprail.

Motherwasallflusteredabouthowdangerousthenewhorsewas,andmadeuschildrenstayinthehousetillsuppertime.Whilewewereeating,Fatherbegantellingwhatfinehorsestherewereattheauction,butMotherasked,"Didn'ttheyhaveanynicegentlehorses,Charlie?I'mafraidoneofthesebadonesisgoingtohurtyou."

Fathergrinnedandsaid,"Heisn'tabadone,Mame.He'sagoodone.OneofthebestIeversaw.Buthe'sjustathree-year-old,rightinofftherange,andhe'sneverhadaman'shandonhimuntiltoday."

ItlookedforaminuteasifMotherweregoingtocry."Idon'tcareifhe'sthreeorthirty.He'sbad;badallthewaythrough,orhewouldn'thavethrashedaroundandfoughtthewayhedid.Idon'tseewhyyoudidn'tbuyanicegentlehorse.Youcan'ttellwhatwillhappentoRalphwiththatkindofahorsearoundtheplace."

FathergotupandwentaroundbehindMother'schair.Heputbothhandsonhercheeksandpattedthem.Thenhesaid,"Son,Iwantyoutomakemeapromisethatyouwon'tgonearthenewhorse,orintothecorralwhilehe'sinthere,untilIsayyoumay."

Mymouthwasfull,butassoonasIcouldswallow,Isaid."Ipromise,Father."

"Icouldhaveboughtagentlehorse,Mame.Thereweresome,notmuchbetterthanNig,thatbroughtseventy-fivedollars.That'swhatthisonecost,andthat'sallweplannedwecouldspend.Well-broken,younghorses,asgoodasheis,werebringingahundredandaquarterormore.Ipickedhimoutbeforetheyeverputaropeonhim,andthere'snothingviciousabouthim;he'ssimplycrazedwithfearrightnow.I'llbeverycarefulinbreakinghim."

Motherreachedupandpattedhishandagainstherface."Youwillbeawfullycareful,won'tyou,Charlie?"wasallshesaid.Fatherwasrealgoodaboutmakingpeoplebelievewhathesaid.

18FatherandIBecomePartners

WHENwelivedinEastRochester,MotherusedtoletGraceandmetakethemoneytopaythegrocerybilleverySaturday.Mr.Blaisdellalwaysgaveusalittlebagofcandywhenwecameintopay,butsincewehadmovedouttotheranchwenevergotany.Ilikedallkindsofchocolate,butIlikedthebitterkindMotherbakedcakeswithbest.ThelastChristmasbeforewecamewest,shehadmadefudgewithsomeofit.ItwasthebestcandyIevertasted.Igotthinkingaboutfudge,andonenightIaskedherwhenshewasgoingtomakesomemore.Shesaidmaybeshe'dmakesomewhenChristmascame,butsugarcosttoomuchtobeusingitupincandywedidn'tneed.

ThemoreIthoughtaboutfudge,themoreIthoughtaboutthebarofBaker'schocolatewegotwithourlastgroceries,andthemoreIwantedsomeofit.Bakedbeans,peasoup,andfriedsidemeathadtastedallrightbefore,butthinkingaboutchocolate,theydidn'tevenmakemefeelhungry.

ThenextafternoonwhenIwashelpingFatheronthewinnower,Iwasthinkingofwhathehadsaidaboutgoingtomeetyourtroublesandhowmuchlesstheywouldbe.Idon'tknowifI'devenstoppedthinkingaboutthatwhenIbegandaydreamingaboutchocolateagain.ItwasrightthenIgottheidea:IfIshouldwhackachunkofftheendofthatbarofchocolate,Motherwouldbesuretomissit.Then,beforeshehadanyideawhohaddoneit,Icouldconfessandprobablywouldn'tevengetaspankingforit,anymorethanIdidforgoinguptoTwoDog's.

Iwaitedtillshewasoutfeedingthechickens,thentoldFatherIwasthirstyandthoughtI'dgoinforadrinkofwater.AllthetimeIwasgoingintothehouseandgettingthebarofchocolatedownoutofthecupboard,myheadkeptwantingtothinkabouttearingboardsoffmyhouse,butIwouldn'tletit,becauseItoldmyselfthatwasonlywhenyoudidthingsyoushouldn'tandthenliedaboutit.Iwasn'tgoingtolieatallaboutthechocolate.

IheardMothercomingjustwhenIhadtheknifereadytowhackofftheendofthebar,soIhadtoslipitintothefrontofmyblouseandpickupthewaterdipperquick.BeforeIwentbacktohelpFatherIwenttothebarnandhidthebarofchocolatebackofthecurrycombbox.

Alltherestoftheafternoon,Ididn'tliketolookatFather.ItriedtogethimtoletmegoovertoseeWillieAldivote,buthewouldn't.Everytimehespokeitmademejump,andmyhandsgotshakingsoIcouldn'tholdthepiecesstillenoughforhimtosolder.Heaskedmewhatwasthematter,andItoldhimitwasnothingexceptthatmyhandsweregettingcold.Iknewhedidn'tbelieveme,andeverytimehelookedmywaymyheartstartedpounding,becausehecouldalwaystellwhatwasgoingoninsidemyhead.Itseemeditwouldnevercometimetogoforthecows.Ididn'twantthechocolateanymore;Ijustwantedachancetoputitbackwithoutbeingcaught.

Onthewayoutforthecows,myheartstoppedpoundingsohard,andIcouldthinkbetter.Ihadn'treallystolenthewholebarofchocolate,becauseIhadonlymeanttotakealittlepiece,andthat'sasmuchasIwouldhavetakenifMotherhadn'tcomeinjustwhenshedid.IfIputbackthewholebar,Iwouldn'thavedoneanythingwrongatall.I'dnearlydecidedIwoulddoit,butjustthinkingsomuchaboutchocolatemademytonguealmosttastethesmoothbitternessofit.Itdidn'tseemasifitwouldbeverywrongifIonlytookasmallpiece.ThenIgotthinkingthatifItookasharpknifeandcutabouthalfaninchofftheend—withagoodcleanslice—Mothermightnevernoticeit.

IwasnearlyouttowherethecowswerepicketedwhenIrememberedwhatFatherhadsaidwhenIgotmytrap:someofthemoneyinhispouchwasminebecauseIhadearnedit.Whywouldn'titbeallrighttofigurethatthebarofchocolatehadbeenboughtwithmyownmoney,andinthatwayIwouldn'tbestealingitatall.Thatseemedtofixeverything,andIgotplanninghowIwouldgoouttothebarneverynightafterschoolandwhittleoffalittlepieceofchocolate.

Icouldhavefeltallrightaboutthewholebusinessifithadn'tbeenforMother'sreading.Sometimes,onSundayafternoons,sheusedtoreadjusttoFather,butanyofuscouldstayinthehouseandlistenifwewantedto.HeoftenhadherreadShakespeare'splays,andtheonehelikedbestwasaboutHamlet.Ilikedit,too,andusedtolisteneverytimeshereadit.

Ihadjustpulledthepicketpinsandwasheadingthecowshomewhenthebadking'sprayercameintomyhead,andIcouldn'tgetitout.ItriedtothinkabouthowHidivedoffhishorseandcameuponhisfeet,andaboutTwoDog,andKing,andeverythingelse,butmyheadkeptonsaying,"Oh,myoffenseisrank,"untilIthoughtI'dgocrazy.

WewerenearlytotherailroadtrackwhenIdecidedtoleavethewholemattertotheLord,andtwistedoutadriedsoapweedstalkwithseedpodsonit.Whenyouslungoneofthemupintheairitwouldwobbleandtwistallaroundsothatyouneverknewwhichwayitwouldcomedown.ItoldmyselfthatifitcamedownwiththepodstothewestI'dtakethewholebarofchocolateback.Ifitcamedownpointedtothesouth,I'dtakehalfaninchofftheend,butifitcamedownpointedtotheeast,ithadbeenboughtwithmyownmoneyanditwouldn'tbestealingtokeepit.

IswungthepodstalkaroundmyheadafewtimesandflungitashighasIcould,thenIshutmyeyestighttillIhearditland.WhenIopenedthemthepodendofthestockwaspointedalmosttowardthewest,butnotquite.Itwasalittlebittowardthesouth.

TherewasabrightmoonwhenIwenttobedthatnight,anditwassharpandfrosty.Icouldn'tgotosleepandkepttryingtorememberhowmuchthepodendofthatstalkhadreallybeenpointingtowardthesouth.AtlastIheardFatherputKingoutsideforthenight,andalittlelaterwhenIpeekedundermycurtainIcouldseethathehadblownoutthelamp.

Ipulledmyoverallsupovermynightgownandtookmyshoesinmyhand.AfterIwasoutintheyardIslippedthemonandtooktheaxefromthechoppingblock.Itwasgoodandsharp,andIwassureIcouldpeeloffasmooth,thinsliceofchocolatewithit.

Itwasdarkastarinsidethebarn,butIfeltalongthewallforthecurrycombbox,andliftedthechocolateboxoutfrombehindit.Kinghadfollowedme,andInearlyfelloverhimwhenIwasgropingforthedoor,butitwassolightoutsidethatyoucouldalmosthavereadabook.Ishookthebaroutofthebox,unwrappedit,andlaiditonthelowerrailofthecorralfence.JustasIwasstartingtocutitwiththeaxe,Fathersaid,"Son!"

Icouldn'tthinkofathingtosay,butIgrabbedupthebarofchocolateandshoveditinsidethebibofmyoverallsbeforeIturnedaround.Hepickedmeupbytheshoulderstraps—justashe'dhavepickedupakittenthathadwetonthefloor—andtookmeovertothewoodpile.Ididn'tknowanybodycouldspankashardashespankedmewiththatlittlepieceofboard.Itfeltasifmybottomweregoingtocatchfireateverylick.

ThenhestoodmedownandaskedmeifIthoughtI'ddeservedit.Hesaiditwasn'tsomuchthatItookthechocolate,asitwasthewayItookit,andbecauseItriedtohideitwhenhespoketome.Butitwasthenextthinghesaidthathurtmeworsethanthespanking.

Hesaid,"Son,IrealizealotbetterthanyouthinkIdothatyouhavebeenhelpingtoearnthelivingforthefamily.Wemightsaythechocolatewasyoursinthefirstplace.IfyouhadaskedMotherormeforit,youcouldhavehaditwithoutaquestion,butIwon'thaveyoubeingsneakyaboutthings.Nowifyou'dratherkeepyourownmoneyseparatefromthefamily's,soyoucanbuythethingsyouwant,Ithinkitmightbeagoodidea."

IneverknewtillthenhowmuchIwantedmymoneytogoinwithFather's.Eversinceweboughtthecows,IhadbeenabletofeelIhadapartinallthenewthingswewerebuyingtomakeourselvesrealranchers,anditlookedasthoughitwereallslippingawayfromme.IhadfeltIwasbeginningtobeaman,butIguessIwasstilljustababy,becauseIhidmyfaceagainstFather'sstomachandbeggedhimtoletmeputmymoneyinwithhis.

Fatherhadn'tbeencoughingnearlysomuchthatfallasheusedto,buthecoughedanditseemedasifhechokedalittlebeforeheansweredme.Hesaidhedidn'twantasneakypartner,butifIcouldbeopenandaboveboardhedidn'tknowamanhe'dratherbeinbusinesswith.

Icouldn'thelpcryingsomemorewhenhetoldmethat;notbecausemybottomwasstillburning,butjustbecauseIlovedhim.ItoldhimI'dneverbesneakyagain,andI'dalwaysaskhimbeforeIdidthings.Wewalkedtothehousetogether.Atthebunkhousedoorheshookhandswithme,andsaid,"Goodnight,partner."WhenIwenttosleep,myhandwasstillhurting—good—fromwherehesqueezeditwhenweshookhands.

19TrappingPheasants

WHILEwewereinschoolFatherhauledallthebeansinfromthefieldandmadeastackrightbesidethebarn.Everydayhewouldflailoutabigpileofthem,andwhenIgothomewewouldwinnowthemout.ThevinesweresomustythatthedustnearlychokedusanditmadeFathercoughterribly.Andthebeansweren'tverygoodeither.Almosthalfofthemwerelittletinyones,andathirdofallwewinnowedwereblackfrombeingfrozenbeforetheywereripe.

Motherwouldcomeouteverynightwhenwewerefinished.ThensheandFatherwouldlookatthebagsofbeansinthebarnandatwhatwasleftofthestack.He'dsay,"Therearestillquiteafewleftinthestack,andthey'refromthisendofthefield.That'swhereItookthesampleswefiguredfrom,andI'minhopesthey'llrunalittlebetter."

Motherwouldbiteherunderlipinbetweenherteeth,andthenshe'dsay,"Don'tworryaboutit,Charlie.We'llgetalongallright—onewayoranother.Ithinkit'stheworryasmuchasthedustthat'srunningyoudownso.Whydon'tyouhaveMr.Lewiscomewithhismachineandfinishthethreshingforyou?Wecouldpayhimwithpartofthepeasandbeans,couldn'twe?"

ThenFatherwouldputhisarmaroundher,andthey'dwalktothehousewhilehetoldherthat,withawifelikeher,amanhadnothingtoworryabout;andshe'dtellhimthattheLordhadalwaysprovidedforusandthatHealwayswould.

Fatherleftournewhorseoutinthecorralallthetimewewerethreshingbeans.Buteveryeveninghe'dtakehiminafewoatsinanoldbucket.Atfirstthecoltwouldn'tcomenearhim,butcrowdedintothefarthestcornerofthecorral.ThenFatherwouldsetthebucketdownandcomeoutsidethegate.Afterawhile,thecoltwouldstartstickinghisnoseouttowardit.Prettysoonhe'dcreepupandgrabamouthful,jerkhisheadupquick,andwatchuswhilehechewedthem.Everydayheseemedtobelessafraid,andthelastdayofbeanthreshinghecametrottingrightuptothegatewhenhesawFathercomingtowardhimwiththebucket.

Thepeaswereeasiertothreshthanthebeans,andweren'tquitesomusty,buttherewereanawfullotofsmallones.Fathermademealittleflailoutofanoldbroomhandleandasingletreestick,andletmestayhomefromschooltohelphimthresh.TheonlywayMotherwouldletusdoitwaswithwetclothstiedaroundourfaces.Maybeitwasagoodidea,becausewedidn'tbreatheinsomuchdust,andthewetclothsgotsocoldthatwehadtoflaillikesixtytokeepfromfreezing.

Assoonasweopenedthestackandstartedthreshingpeas,thepheasantswouldcomeeverymorningatdaylight.Therewereasmanyasadozenontopofthestackonemorningwhenwewentouttomilk.Fathersaidtheyweregettingtobepests,andwouldrobusoftenpoundsofpeaseverymorning.

WhileweweremilkingIgotthinkingaboutallthepeasthepheasantswererobbingusof,

andabouthowgoodtheoneMotherroastedhadbeen.ThatnightIsetmysteeltraprightinthemiddleoftheopenplaceontopofthepeastack.Thenextmorningtherewasanicefatcockpheasantinit.AtbreakfastFatherandMothertalkedaboutwhetherornotitwasallrightformetohavedoneit.Atfirsttheysaiditwasagainstthespiritofthelawformetocatchhim,butItoldthemagainwhatthesheriffsaidabouttherebeingnothingheknewofinthelawagainstcatchingpheasantsinasteeltrap.

Fathersaid,"Youknow,son,amansometimeshastoconsiderthespiritofthelawaswellastheactualwords."

ButallMothersaidwas,"Wasn'tthatotheronedelicious?"

Ikeptwonderingalldayabouttryingtotrapanotherpheasant.Fatherhadn'treallysaidIcouldn't,buthehadn'tsaidIcould,either.Istartedtoaskhimtwoorthreetimes,butwithoutMothertheretosayhowdeliciousthefirstonewasIthoughtI'dbetternot.ThenIthoughtI'djustslipoutwhenIwenttobedandsetthetrap.IfIdidn'tcatchanything,ofcourse,Fatherwouldneverknowanythingaboutit,becauseIwastheonewhoalwaysclimbeduponthestacktopitchthevinesdown.IfIdidcatchone,Mother'dprobablysay,"Howdelicious!"again,andthatmightbeallthere'dbetoit.

IthoughtIhadmymindallmadeup,butItriedtokeepmybackturnedtowardFatherasmuchasIcould,sohewouldn'tbeabletoseewhatIwasthinking.ThenI'dgetworriedthathemightbeabletosee,anyway,andI'dstartrememberingaboutourbeingpartners,andthechoppingblock,andhowgoodmyhandfeltthatnightafterheshookit.Itriedtotellmyselfitwouldn'tbesneakytosetmytrapwithouthisknowingaboutit,becausehedidn'talwaysknowwhenIsetitforprairiedogs,butmyheadkeptsaying,"Itwould,too,besneaky!"

Ididn'tfigureoutwhattodotillwewereeatingsupper;thenIsaidtoFather,"DoyouthinkIoughttodriveastakedowninthepeastacktokeepthepheasantfromflyingoffwithmytrap?"

Insteadoflookingatme,helookedupatMother.Wewerehavingspareribsandbeansforsupperthatnight.ShewashelpingHalgetthemeatofftheboneswhenFatherlookedupather.Idon'tknowwhethershesawhimornot,butshekeptrightoncuttingHal'smeat,andsaid,"Idohopethechildrenwon'tgettiredofporkandbeansbeforespringcomes."

Fatherlookeddownathisplateagain,andsaid,"Itmightbeagoodidea,Son."

Igotapheasantoffthepeastackeverymorningtillwefinishedthreshing.Iguessthatmadeupalittlebitforhowfewbagsofpeaswegotoutofit.

Thedaywefinishedwinnowing,wecarriedallthepeasandbeansintomyroominthebunkhouse.Thenwemeasuredthemalloutintoothersacks.Whenwewerethroughputtingtwobushelsintoeachone,wehadjustanevenhundredsacks.Forty-nineofthemwerepeas,twenty-eightwerelittlebeans,andtwenty-threewerelargeones.Ofcourse,thefrozenbeanswerestillinwiththegoodones,andtherewerelotsofthem.Fatherkeptrunningthebig

onesthroughhishands,andsaying,"They'llbemorethanhalfsalable."

Ihadtogorightbacktoschoolagainjustassoonasweweredonethreshing,soIdidn'tgetmuchchancetoseeFatherbreakthenewhorse.HeknewhowdisappointedIwas,andtoldmeIcouldbetheonetonamehim.Itseemedonlyright,sincehewastakingoldBill'splace,thatheshouldhavehisname,too,buthewassoyoungIdidn'twanttocallhim"Bill,"soInamedhim"Billy."

BillyhadgentleddownenoughbeforeIwentbacktoschoolsoFathercouldleadhimwithahalter,andhewasbeingtiedupinthebarneverynight.Bytheendoftheweek,hewashitchinghimupwithOldNig,andpullingaloadofdirtaroundinthefield.ThefirsttimeIsawhimhookedup,hewasstilltryingtorunawayfromthewagon,butFatherhadonaheavyload,andthebrakeset,soallBillycoulddowasjumpandpull.

Abouttheonlythingswedidtherestofthewinterweretogotoschoolandpickoverbeans.Rightaftersuppereverynight,Fatherwouldpourabigpileoftheminthemiddleofthekitchentable.ThenMotherwouldreadtouswhileweallsataroundthetablewithpansinourlapsandsortedthegoodbeansfromthefrozenones.

OneSaturdayFatherandIthreshedandwinnowedabigsackoftheoatsthatwehadraisedwithouralfalfa.Ittookalotofthreshing,andhehadtoturnthecrankonthewinnowerfast,becausetherewassomuchhayandstrawandsofewoats.ThenextMondayhetookthemtothemillatLittletonandcamehomewiththesackhalffilledwithoatmeal.

20ThanksgivingandChristmas

THEMORNINGbeforeThanksgivingFatherputthreesacksofpeasonthebackofthebuckboard,andheandMotherstartedforDenverbeforeMurielandIwenttoschool.WehadtowalkbecausetheydroveFanny,butGracestayedhometotakecareofPhilipandHal.

ItwasafterdarkwhenFatherandMothercamehome,butIheardFanny'sfeetwhenshecameoverthebridgeatthegulch.Shewasjustwalking,andKingandIrandownthewagonroadtomeetthem.Ithoughtitwouldbefuntojumpoutandfrightenthem,soIfloppeddownbehindabigtumbleweedandheldKingcloseupagainstme.BeforetheywereoppositeusIcouldhearMothertalking."Let'snotallowthesmallpricewegotforthepeastospoilourThanksgiving,Charlie.WithfivehealthychildrenwehavemoretobethankfulforthanmostanyoneIknow.Andwehaveenoughtofeedthemtillspring,eveniftherewon'tbemuchvariety."

Hearinghertalklikethatwhenshedidn'tknowIwastheremademefeellikeIwasbeingsneaky,soIjumpedupandyelled,"Hi,Father!"

WedidhaveagoodThanksgiving,too.FatherandMothermusthavesatuptillnearlymidnighttogetthingsready.Theydidn'tletuslookintotheboxofgrocerieswhentheygothome,andmadeusgotobedearly.Butwhenwegotupinthemorning,ourbiggestturkeywasalldressedandhangingupnearthekitchendoortochill.AtbreakfastMothersaid,"GraceandIhavealotofworktodothisforenoon.Iwanttherestofyoutogetbundledupandstayrightoutfromunderfoottilldinnerisready."

ThatwasthefirsttimeFatherletmedriveBilly.Thesectionhandshadbeenputtingsomenewtiesintherailroadtrack,andhadlefttheoldonessowecouldhavethemforfirewood.Fatherwouldn'tletmehitchBillytothewagon,butsaidIcouldleadhimoutofthebarn.Then,afterIhadhookedNig'straces,hepassedmethereins.

Billystilltriedtorunawaysometimes,andIhadtoberealcarefulthatmyhandsdidn'tshakeabit,sohewouldknowIwasalittlemiteafraid.Ididn'ttrytositontheseat,butstooddownonthewagonbedwhereIcouldbracemyfeetingoodshape.IguessBillyknewallrightthatsomebodybesidesFatherhadholdofthelines,becausehestartedoffdancingandhopping.ButIpulledhardonthereinssoasnottogivemyhandsanychancetoshiver.Andbythetimewegotoutwherethetieswerehewasbehavingprettywell.EverytimeFatherheavedatieontothewagonBillywouldjump,buthedidn'ttrytorunaway,andhepulledjustaswellasNigwhenweweregoingbacktothehouse.

IwasnearlystarvedbeforeMothercametothedoorandcalled,"Dinnnn…nnnerrr!"Andyouneversawsuchadinnerinyourwholelife.Thereweresweetpotatoesandwhitepotatoesandboiledonions,andsquashandturnipsandcranberryjelly,besidestheturkey.Whenthatwasgone,therewasmincepieandpumpkinpie;andafterwardsapoundofcrackednuts…

andaplateoffudge.Weallatesomuchwecouldhardlygetupfromthetable.ThenFatherandallofuslayonthefloorbythestovewhileMotherreadus"Snowbound."Ithinkitwasaboutthebestdayanyofushadeverhad.

TheonlyotherthingthathappenedbeforeChristmasisoneIdon'tevenliketorememberabout.Sincewemovedtotheranch,Fatherhadspentallhissparetimesettingfenceposts.SoonafterThanksgivinghesetthelastones,sothathehadarowcleararoundthewholeplace.TheSaturdaybeforeChristmas,westartedstringingthesecondhandbarbedwirewehadboughtfromMr.Cash.

Fatherhadboughtawirestretcherthatworkedkindoflikeapump.Themoreyoupumpedthehandlethetighterthewiregot.Philipcameouttowatchus,butFatherwouldn'tletmedoanythingexceptbringhimstaples.AndhetoldmetokeepPhilipwaybackawayfromthewiretillhehaditstapledtight,becauseitmightbreakandhurtus.FatherhadjustfinishedstretchingthetopstrandofwirewhenInoticedabigbaldeagle.Heseemedtobeaboutamilehighandwasalmoststandingstillupthere.IforgotallaboutPhilipandthefenceandeverythingelse,andwasthinkingofallthethingsIcouldseeifIweresittingupthereontheeagle'sback.

Allatoncetherewasaquick,high"zinnnng,"andIlookedaroundjustintimetoseePhilipyankedoffhisfeetandthrownendoverend.FatherandIwentrunningtohimasfastaswecouldgo,andIcouldseebloodonhisneckandthesideofhisface.Father'shandswereshakingnearlyashardasminewhenhepickedPhilipup,butthewirehadn'treallyhurthimverymuch.Thebarbshadrippedthecollaroffhiscoat,andhadtornalittlepieceoutofthebottomofhisear.Itwasbleedingalldownoverhisneck.AssoonasFatherfoundthatPhilipwasn'thurtbadly,hesaidtome,"TakehimintoMother.Yourpunishmentwillbethatyoucan'trideordriveanyhorseforamonth,andyoucan'thelpmewiththefenceanymore."

Hedidn'tsayanythingaboutdonkeys,butIdidn'tplaywithWillieAldivote'soldspottedoneforthewholemonth.EverytimeIeventhoughtaboutit,Icouldhearthe"zinnnng"ofthatwire,andseetheredbloodthewayitlookedonPhilip'sneck.

FatherandMotherwenttoDenveragainacoupleofdaysbeforeChristmas.ThattimetheyhitchedNigandFannytothebigwagonandtookawholeloadofpeas.Theydidn'tcomehometillwayafterdark.GraceandIcouldhardlywaitforthemtogetback.ShehadbeentellingmethatFatherandMotherhadtohelpSantaClauswiththeChristmaspresents,andthattheywouldbebringingthemwhentheycamehome.Webothrandownthewagonroadtomeetthemassoonasweheardthewagoncomeoverthebridgeatthegulch.Fatherstoppedtheteamandletusclimbupintothewagon,buttherewasn'tathinginit.

WhileFatherwasunharnessing,IpokedGracewithmyelbowandtoldhershehadbeenmakingupallthatstuffaboutFatherandMotherhavingtohelpSantaClaus,butshejustlookedatmesmartandsaidiftheydidn'ttherewouldn'tbeanypresents.WhenFatherhitchedFannyupthenextmorningandsaidhewasgoingtothemountainstoseeafellowaboutadog,GracepokedmerightbackandsaidI'dfindoutifshewasn'trightassoonashe

camehome.Ididn't,though.Therewasn'tathinginthebuckboard,excepthislittleshinglehatchet,andGracetoldmeweweretoopoorforSantaClaustocomethatyearbecausethebeansgotfrozen.

WhetherFatherandMotherhelpedhimornot,wehadafineChristmas.AndIneversawanythingthatlookedasthoughheweregettinganyhelp—exceptthepackagesthatcamefromourfolksbackinNewEngland.

ChristmasEve,Mothertolduswecouldn'tgetuptilldaylight,butwhenthesunfirstpeekedoverLorettaHeightswewerealldressedandwaitinginsidethebunkhousedoor.FatherandMotherwerestillinbedwhenwewenttearingintothehouse.TherewasabigChristmastreeinthecorneroftheirroom—alldecoratedwithstringsofpopcornandwholecranberries—andtherewasabigstackofpresentsunderit,butFathersaidheneverevenheardthesleighbellswhenSantaClauscame.

Weallgotnewshoesandcapswithearlaps,andstockingsandheavywinterunderwear.AndIgotajackknifewithtwoblades,andanewgeographybook.Wedidn'thaveanyturkey,butMotherbakedawholeham,andwehadallthetrimmingstogowithit…andabigplateoffudge.

Therewasn'tanyschoolbetweenChristmasandNewYear's.That'swhenFredAultlandstartedbalinghishay.FatherandIworkedforhimallweek.Fredsaidhayhadgonetosuchalowpricethathecouldonlyaffordtopayhalfasmuchashepaidusinhayingtime,buthe'dgiveustentonsofbalerchaffforourweek'swork.Itwasgoodcowfeed,andFathersaidthatwecouldboilitwithfrozenbeanstomakethebesthogfeedintheworld.

Thebalerchaffwasallalfalfaleavesandlittleshortstems,sotheonlywaywecouldhaulitwasinawagonbox,andFredsaiditwouldtakefiveloadstomakeaton.AssoonasmymonthofpunishmentwasoverandIcoulddrivehorsesagain,Fatherletmestarthaulingthechaff.AtfirsthewentwithmetobesureIcouldhandleBillyallright,butafterthatitwasmyjobtogoaloneandgetoneloadeverynightafterschool.

Ididn'thaveabitoftroublewithBilly,butIguessFannykindofforgotmeduringthatmonth.ThefirstdayIwenttoputherbridleon,shekeptjerkingherheadup,soIcouldn'tgetthebitinhermouth.Iwasstandingupinherfeedbox,andthemoreshekeptbobbingherheadthemadderIgot.AtlastIgrabbedherbyoneeartopullherheaddown.Quickasawink,shesnappedatmewithherteeth.Shehadsnappedatmeathousandtimesbefore,buthadnevertouchedme,soIdidn'tdodgethattime.Therewasaripandaburnovermywishbone,andwhenIlookeddownbloodwascomingoutoftheholeinmyjumper.

Itscaredmealotmorethanithurt,andIwentrunningintoMother—holleringlikeadogwithastepped-ontail.IguessshewasasscaredasI.Fatherwasworkingonsomelittleditchboxes,outinthebunkhouse,andcameintoseewhathadhappened.WhileMothertookoffmyclothes,hemademetellhimwhatIdidtoFannytomakeherbiteme.Thenhejustlookedattheskinnedplacebeforehewentbacktohiswork,andsaid,"Well,Idon'tseeanyreasonformetopunishyou;Ithinkshehandledthematterverywellherself."

EversinceChristmas,Fatherhadbeenworkingontheditchboxesandalittlesystemofcanals.Itranfromthewelltothefarendofthebunkhouse.TheSaturdayafternoonbeforeEaster,alltheranchersonoursideofthecreek—clearuptothemountains—cametoourplaceforameeting.Fatherexplainedhowtheboxesworkedsothateachonetooktherightpercentageofanywaterthatwascomingthroughthecanal.Hesaidthatifeverybodyusedthem,theranchersneartheheadoftheditchwouldget60percentofthewater,andtherestofuswouldget40percent.Thensomebodypumpedwaterintooneendofthesystem,andeverybodyelsewatcheditwork,andsaid,"Well,I'llbedamned."

Afterthey'dplayedwithittilltheyardwasfourinchesdeepinmud,FatherwentintothehouseandbroughtoutapaperheandMotherhadbeenworkingovereveryeveningforaweek.ThenhepassedittoMr.Wright,whoreaditaloud.AllthesignersagreedtouseFather'sboxesandnottotamperwiththemortakeanymorewaterthantheboxesmeasuredouttothem.FredandMr.Wrightwerethelasttwotogo.TheybothshookhandswithFatherandtoldhimthatifhehadn'tfiguredoutthenewsystem,somebodywouldhavebeenkilledinthewaterfights.

Fathertoldthemthathehopedtheydidn'tthinkhisnewboxeswouldbeacure-all.Hesaidthatifonemanreallywantedtobedishonest,anothermancouldn'tkeephimfromit,buttheboxeswouldmakeitharderforhimtobedishonestwithoutbeingcaught.

MotherandIwereproudofhim,too.ShehuggedhimaroundtheneckassoonasFredAultlandwasgone,andtoldhimhewasthesmartestmanintheworld.Iwaswaitingtotellhimthesamething,buthesaidformetorunalongandgetthecows.

Oursow—thepigwesavedwhenwewerebutchering—hadherlitteronEasterSunday.Therewereeightgoodonesandonerunt.Fathersaidtheruntwouldnevergethisshareofmilkandwouldalwaysbesick,sowehadafuneralforhimintheafternoon.Graceletmebetheministersoshecouldbetheheadmourner.

FromthentillplowingtimeFatherwasbusyeverydaymakingditchboxes.Hemadethemforeveryrancherbetweenourplaceandthemountains,buthedidn'tgetanymoneyforthem.Themenwouldbringhimtheboardsandspikesandbolts,butnoneofthemhadanymoney,soFatherhadtotradethemhistimeforlittlepigsorchickens,orotherthingswecoulduse.Hegotaheifercalffromonemanandaweanlingcoltfromanother.Byplowingtimewehadnineteenlittlepigs,eightturkeys,andawholebunchofhens.

ItwasaboutthattimethatIfirstheardanybodytalkingaboutthegoldpanic.Butfromthenoneverybodytalkedaboutit.Ididn'tknowwhatitwas,butanyway,youcouldhardlygetmoneyforanything.FredAultlandcouldn'tsellhisalfalfa,Mrs.Corcorancouldn'tsellallhercream,andwhenFathertookpeasandbeanstoDenverhe'dcomehomewithmorethanhalfofthemunsold.

AfterFathergotfinishedwiththeditchboxes,FredandBessieAultlandcametoseeallthenewthingsFathergotforhiswork.WhileMotherwastellingBessiewherewegotthischickenandthatturkey,FatherandFredweretalkingaboutcropsandthepanic.

Fredsaid,"We'veallgottofacethefactthatit'sgoingtobehardtosellanythingformoneythisyear.Ithinkyou'rebetterofftohavegotalittlestockaroundyouthanyouwouldhavebeentogetcashforyourboxes.IfIwasinyourplace,I'draisestuffIcouldfeedmystock,andsomethingIcouldtradeinatthestoreforgroceries."

"That'sthelineI'vebeenthinkingalong,"Fathersaid,"butIdon'twanttogetoutmorecropsthanIcangetwatertoraise.Havingthestockisfine,butit'sleftmelessthantwentydollarstobuyseedwith."

Fredalwayschewedtobacco,andwhenhewasthinkinghardhehadtospitacoupleoftimesbeforehesaidanything.Ibetmyselfhe'dspitbetweentheoffhorse'sheelsfirst,buthefooledme—itwasbetweenthenighhorse's.Thenhesaid,"I'lltellyouwhat,Charlie,tenofthattwenty'llgetyouseedenoughforfiveacresofsugarbeets,you'vegotbeansenoughlefttosowfiveacres,andyoucanflailoutoatsenoughtoseedtwentyacresfromwhat'sleftofyourlastyear'scrop.I'vegotalittlestackofseedalfalfathat'stwoyearsold.I'lltradeittoyouforfourdays'workinhayingtime.Withthatmachineyoumade,youcouldcleanenoughseedtoputalfalfainwithyouroats,andthenyou'dhaveahaycropalllaiddownforseveralyears."

Fathersaid,"Fred,you'rethebestneighboramaneverhad,butI'mafraidyou'reanoptimist.IfIshouldgetmyfullshareofwater,I'donlyhaveenoughfortenacres.I'vealreadygottenacresofalfalfa;you'retalkingaboutmyputtingdownanotherthirty.Icouldn'texpecttodomuchmorethanlosemyseed."

Fredchuckledalittle,thenhesaid,"Manalive!You'retheonlyoneinthecountrythatwillbehelpedbythisdamnedpanic.Youdon'tneedmoneyasmuchasyouneedfoodforthesekids.I'llmakeyouabetyou'llgetallthedamnedwateryouneedforeightyacresthisyear.NobodyuptheditchcanhirehandsthisyearanymorethanIcan.Thebigfellowsneartheheadoftheditchcan'tusealltheirshareofwaterwithouthelp;they'llhavetoletpartofitcomeonby,exceptwhentheditchislowest.Ifyougetyourgroundsoakeddeepduringthespring,andkeepadustmulchoverit,you'llhavemoistureenoughtomakeacrop.Byanotheryearyouralfalfarootswillbedeepenoughsotheywon'tneedsomuchsummerirrigation."

That'sthewaywedidit.WeputMother'sgardenandthebeetsandbeanswayupatthesouthwestcorneroftheranch—wheretheirrigationditchcamein—andputalfalfainwithoatsonthenorthwestfield.Fathergotthebeanfieldallplowed,harrowed,andmarkedoffinsquaresbeforeschoolletoutforthesummer.Afterwards,wedroppedalltheseedbyhand,sowewouldbeabletocultivateinalldirectionsandkeepagooddustmulch.Iwoulddropfivebeanswherethelinescrossed,thenFatherwouldhoesomedirtoverthemandtreadonit.

21IBreakNineToes

SWEETclovergrewinthickalloverourlastyear'speafield.FredtoldFatheritwouldmakeprettygoodhayifitwascutwhileitwasstillyoungandtender.Heletustakehismowingmachinetocutit,butFatherwouldn'tletmegoanywherenearthemowerwhilethehorseswerehitchedtoit.I'dhadmyninthbirthdayjustbeforeChristmas,andhadbeendrivingteamsforayear.ItseemedtomeIwasoldenoughtodrivethemowingmachinejustalittlewhile,andIknewitwouldbefuntosituponthelittleironseatandwatchthecutterbarflashbackandforthwhiletheclovertumbleddown.

IguessIcameprettynearbeggingFathertoletmedoit,buthesaidno.Thenhetoldmeitwastoodangerous,butthathewouldletmedrivethehorserakeafterthecloverhaddriedintohay.

Icouldhardlywaitforittogetdryenoughtorake.Iknewjusthowtokickthefootpedalsotheteethwouldflyupanddumpthehayinstraightevenrows.IhadwatchedFatherdoitalloneeveningthesummerbefore.

Whenthedayforrakingcame,Fatherhadtoputalowseatonthehorserake,becausemylegsweren'tlongenoughtoreachthefootpedal.Heusedthelittleirononeoffthemowingmachine.Icouldsitclearbackinitandstillreachthepedal.

AtfirstBillyhadbeennervousonthemowingmachine.Thecutterbarwentclackety-clackety-clackrightbehindhisheels,andtwoorthreetimesheactedasthoughhewantedtorunaway.ButoldNigkeptrightonplodding,andafterthreeorfourtimesaroundthefieldBillysettleddown.Fatherthoughthemightdothesamethingwhenthehorserakedumped,sohedrovetheteamforthefirstcoupleofrounds.Billybehavedasifhe'dbeenpullinghorserakesallhislife,soFatherboostedmeupontheseatandpassedmethelines.Allhesaidwas,"Seeifyoucankeepthewindrowsstraightclearacrossthefield,anddon'thurrytheteamatthecorners."

Rightatthestart,Ihadalittletroubleinkickingthepedalatjusttherightsecondtokeepthewindrowsstraight,butIgottheknackafterthefirsttworounds.Everythingwentfinetillthetraincamethrough,andIwasplanninghowI'dbeabletogetaman'spayinhayingtime.OldJoewastheengineeronthecombinationtrainthatwentuptoMorrisoneveryforenoonandcamebackeveryevening.IhadknownhimeversinceBillandNigfellthroughthetrestle,andwealwayswavedateachother.

IwassobusywatchingtoseethatIwouldkickthepedaljustattherightmoment—andmaybethinkingaboutbeingoldenoughtoearnaman'spay—thatIdidn'tevenwavetoJoewhenthetrainwentthrough.Iguesshewantedmetoseehimwaveatme,though.Heblewthreesharpblastsonthewhistlewhenhewasrightevenwithme.

You'dthinkthewhistlemighthavescaredBilly,butitwasoldNigthatstartedtorunfirst.

HejumpedquickerthanourtomcatdidthetimeIhithimwithatomato.ThatmadethesingletreebumpBillyonthehocks,andhetookofflikeagreyhound.

Thegroundwasbumpywherethebeanrowshadbeen,andthebighighwheelsofthehorserakebouncedoverthemsothattheironseatjumpedineverydirection.Theironwassmoothandslippery,andmybottomhoppedaroundonitlikeadropofcoldwateronahotstove.Icouldn'tgrabholdofanythingwithmyhandsbecauseIhadtohaulonthelinesforallIwasworth.

BillycouldrunsomuchfasterthanoldNigthatwekeptturningalittleandalittle,tillwewereheadedrightintothepassengercarattheendofthetrain.Itjustgotoutofourwaybeforethehorsesgallopedupoverthetrack.Ididn'tknowIwasdoingit,butIguessIgrabbedholdwithmytoeswhenIcouldn'thangonwithmyhands.Whenthewheelshitthefirstrailitmusthavejarredthefootpedaldown.Theraketeethflewuptodumpthehay.ThatturnedtheangleironbarIwasholdingontowithmytoes,andjammedtheminbetweenitandthestay-rod.

Whenwehittheotherrailtheteethflewdownagainandcaughttherail.Astheteethwentdown,itletmytoesloose,butthedoubletreebrokerightatthemiddle.Ofcourse,thatlefttheteamfreefromthehorserake—andme,too.Ihadthelineswrappedgoodandtightaroundmyhands,andIdon'tthinkIcouldhaveletgoifI'dtried.Ididn'ttry;Iwastooscaredtothinkaboutmyhands.

Withthedoubletreebrokenintwo,therewasnothingtoholdthesingletreesup,andtheykeptbumpingthehorsesontheheels.Iwasskiddingalongonmystomachwiththesingletreesjumpingaroundrightinfrontofmynose,andBillykickingpastmyheadeverytimehisheelsgotbumped.Theydraggedmeabouthalfwaytothebarnbeforetheystopped.

WehadbeenstoppedhardlylongenoughformetoknowwhereIwas,beforeFatherpickedmeup.Ididn'tknowhowmuchIwasbangeduptillthen,andIreallydidn'thurtmuchanywherebutinmytoes.Imusthavebeenalittleloco,becauseIdon'trememberunhookingBilly'stracechainsfromthesingletree,butFathertoldMotherthat'swhatIwasdoingwhenhegotthere.

Theycarriedmeintothehouseandputmeontheirbed.Itriednottocry,butIdidjustalittle.Itwasn'tbecauseIhurtsomuch,either.ItwasjustbecauseIcouldn'thelpit.AndmaybejustalittlebitbecauseIwasgladIdidn'tgetkilled.

Aboutalltherewasleftofmyblousewasthecollarband,andbothlegsgotrippedoffmyoveralls.MotherhadhardlytakenoffwhatwasleftofthemwhenoldJoeandthetrainconductor,Mr.Duffy,cametothedoor.WhileFatherwenttoletthemin,Motherwasfeelingmeallover.Herhandswereshaky,andshecriedmorethanIdid.Thefirstthingshesaidwhentheycameinwas,"Ninebrokentoes,andfourofthemnearlytornoff.Itwillbeawonderifheeverwalksagain."

OldJoeyankedhiscapbackontohishead,andstartedrightoutagain."Comeon,Duffy,"

hehollered."We'llhighballfortheFortandsendDocStoneout."

Motherwrappedaquiltaroundme,andFatherheldmeonhislap,withmyfeetsoakinginabucketofwarmwater,tillDoctorStonegotthere.Whilethedoctorwasthumpingandpokingme,andlisteningtomyinsideswithhislittleeartrumpet,hehadmetellhimwhathappened.Afterwegotdone,helookedaroundatMother,andsaid,"Youdon'teverneedtoworryaboutthisboygettingkilledinanaccident;hemusthavean'in'withtheAlmighty.Ifthisleakyheartholdsoutheoughttolivetobeahundred."Icouldhavelovedhimforthat,becausethethingIwasmostafraidofwasthatFatherandMotherwouldn'tletmehandlehorsesanymore.

Afterhe'dwiggledmytoesaroundsome,hetoldFathertogetapieceofsmoothboardandcutoutpiecestofitthebottomsofmyfeet.Whentheywereready,hehadFathersawslotsbetweentheplacesformytoes.

Ithurtlikesixty,andIyelledplentywhenDoctorStonewaspullingmytoesoutsoastomaketheendsofthebonesfittogether,andwhilehewastapingthemdowntotheboards.He'dputalittlewadofcottonunderoneofthem,thenwindstickytapearoundbothitandtheplaceFatherhadcutoutintheboardtomatchit.

Heletmerestforalittlewhileafterhehadsetallfivetoesonmyleftfoot.Thenhestartedtolaughwhenhewaslookingatthebigtoeonmyrightfoot—theonlyonethatdidn'tgetbroken.Ihadastonebruiseonthebottomofit,andhesaid,"Don'tyoueverholleraboutastonebruiseagain.Ifthisonehadn'tbeensosorethatyournervestoldyourbraintokeepitupoutoftheway,you'dhavebrokenallyourtoes."

IlikedDoctorStone,evenifhedidhurtmewhenhewassettingmytoes.MotheraskedhimhowlongI'dhavetostayinbed.Firsthelookedatme,thenhelookedathiswatch,andsaid,"Oh,I'dsaytillaboutseveno'clocktomorrowmorning.I'lltapethesewoodenshoesaroundhisankles,sotheywon'tflop,anditwon'thurthistoesanytoclumparoundonthem."

MytoesandtheplaceswhereIgotskinneduphurtalotmorethatnightthantheydidrightafterIhurtthem.Fathersleptoutinthebunkhouse,andIstayedinbedwithMother,butIdidn'tsleepverymuch.BeforeFatherwentouttobed,hefixedmesomebrandyinaglasswithsugarandwater.IgotkindofdizzyafterIdrankit,andIguessIsleptsome,butitwasanawfullylongnight.

Thenextmorning,Fathermademeapairofcrutchesoutoftwooldbroomhandles,andIwentouttothekitchenforbreakfast.MotherhadmadetheotheryoungstersstayoutdoorsafterIgothurtandwhenthedoctorwasthere,soIhadn'tseenanyofthem.Mytoesdidn'tachesomuchthatmorning,andIguessIwasalittlebitgladIdidgetinanaccident,becausealltheotherskeptlookingatmeasifIweresomebodyimportant.

It'sfunnyhowwordgetsaroundwhenanybodygetshurt.ThedayafterIbrokemytoes,mosteveryoneintheneighborhoodcametoseeme.EvenMrs.CorcorancameandtoldmeI

wasafoolbecauseIdidn'tletgoofthereinsinsteadofgettingdragged.WillieAldivotebroughtmeapairofdovesthatwerejustbigenoughtohavefeathersonthem,andFredAultlandsaidheknewIwasgoingtomakeahorsemantheminutehelaideyesonme.TheoneIlikedbesttohavecometoseemewasKing.HeactedmoresorrythananybodybutFatherandMother,andhe'dsitbesidemeforanhouratatime,andeverylittlewhilehe'dlickmyhand.

TwoDogandMr.Thompsoncamethesecondday.TwoDoghadalittlepouchfulofdriedleaves,andMr.ThompsontoldMothertoboilthemandputthebrothonplaceswhereIwasskinned.Idon'tthinkMotherwouldhavedoneitifMr.Thompsonhadn'tstayedallafternoontowatch.Anyway,sheonlyputitonmyhandsandarms—andtheywerethefirstsorestoheal.

MotherletmeeatsupperoutontheporchwithTwoDog.Heateallhissaltporkandjohnnycake,buthedidn'ttouchhisbeans,andIgotGracetobringoutabowlofsugartogowithhistea.Onceinawhilehewouldreachoverandlayhishandonthepartofmylegthatwasn'tskinned,andIhopedhe'dstaytilllateintheevening,eatingsugaroutofhishand,butMr.Thompsonharnessedthebuckskinsrightaftersupper.

Ilikedtohavepeoplecometoseemeandaskmeaboutgettinghurt.Really,mytoesdidn'tacheverymuchafterthefirsttwodays,butIthoughtitmightbenicetoactasthoughtheywerekillingme,soMotherwouldgivemelotsofattentionandmorepeoplewouldcometoseehowIwas.Itrieditforawhilethenextmorning,butitwasn'tanyfunlyingonthebedwhenMotherwasbusyinthekitchenandalltheotheryoungsterswereoutdoors.Icouldn'tevenfoolKing,andhewouldonlycometothedoorandwhine.Bynineo'clockItookmycrutchesandwentouttoseehowournewcoltwasgettingalong.Iforgotallaboutthecolt,though,becauseFatherwasjustcomingoutofthebarn,andcalledmetocomeandseeBrindle'snewcalf.

InafewdaysIgottiredofmycrutchesandthrewthemaway.Fathergluedpiecesofleatheronthebottomsofmywoodenshoes,soIwouldn'twearoutthebindingtapes,andIcouldclumparoundprettywell.Ofcourse,Ihadtowalkkindofstiff-legged,thewayyoudoonstilts,butitdidn'tbotherabitaboutridingFanny.FatherletmeridehertoFortLogantoseeDoctorStone,soIgotachancetoletallthekidsinLoganTownseethatIhadreallybrokenninetoesatonetime.Allthedoctordidwastowigglemyfeetaroundalittleandputsomefreshbandagesontheskinnedplaces.HelookedrealcarefullyattheplaceswhereMotherputonthebrothfromTwoDog'sleaves.Thenhesaid,"Hmmm,hmmm,Idodeclare!FindoutfromthatoldInjunwhatkindofleavesthosewere,willyou?"IsaidIwould,butIalwaysforgotitwhenIsawTwoDog.

Thatspring,Mr.Welborn,awealthymanfromDenver,hadboughtthequartersectionwhereIusedtoherdMrs.Corcoran'scows.Hehadanartesianwellsunk,andhadtreessetoutalonghisdrivewaysandwherehewasgoingtobuildhishouse.Heusedtopaymefiftycentsadaytohoeandwaterthemwhenweweren'tbusyhaying.Mybrokentoescostmetwowholeweeksworkingforhim,butFredAultlandsaidIwouldbeworthjustasmuchinhayingasifmyfeetwereallright.HesaidIwouldn'tbeabletobreakanymoretoesdrivinga

horserakenowthatIhadboardsonthebottomsofmyfeet,andhecouldn'tseeanyreasonwhyIshouldn'tdoit.FredmusthavetalkedtoFatherandMotheralot,becausetheydidn'tsayno.

Wedidalotofhayingthatsummer,becausenobodybutMr.Welbornhadanymoneytohirehelp,andtheneighborshadtotradeworkbackandforth.Mytwojobsweredrivingahayrakeandridingthestackerhorse.And,whateverplaceweworked,Fathersharpenedthemowingmachineknives,fixedthebrokenmachinery,andranthestacker.Whenitwasourturn,theneighborsallbroughttheirmachinesandhelpedus.

IalwayslikedworkingatAultland'sbest.Fredusedtobutcherapigforeachofhisthreealfalfacuttings,sotherewasplentyoffreshpork,andMrs.Aultlanddidn'tseemtocarehowmanychickensshefried,orhowmuchsugarittooktomakepiesandcookies.SheandBessiecouldcookalmostaswellasMother,andtheyhadlotsmorethingstocook.

WhilewewereputtingupFred'sfirstcuttingofalfalfa,hiscousincameoutfromDenverforavisit.HebroughthiswifeandLucywithhim.SomeoftheothermensaidhewasspongingonFredbecauseheloafedaroundandtoldstoriesalotofthetime.IthinkhiswifeandLucyweresponging,too,becauseIneversawthemhelpwiththecookingordishwashing,butIlikedLucyjustthesame.ShewasayearortwoolderthanI,andwhilethehorseswererestingafterdinnerweusedtoplayupinthehayloftofthebarn.ShetoldmelotsofthingsIhadn'tthoughtaboutbefore.

HerfatherhadjustbeenfiredfromagoodofficejobinDenver,butLucydidn'tcare.Shesaidhe'dbeenfiredlotsoftimesbeforesoitdidn'tmakeanydifference.IrememberedwhatFredhadtoldFatheraboutneedingfoodforusyoungstersmorethanmoney,andItoldLucyaboutit.ThenIsaidthattheAultlandshadbetterthingstoeatthananybodyelseintheneighborhood,andIthoughtFredwouldletthemliverightthereiftheydidenoughwork.

Lucydidn'tlikethatatall.SheaskedmeifIthoughtherfatherlookedlikeadarnfool.Then,beforeIcouldtellher,shesaidthatonlydoltsanddarnfoolslivedonranches,becausefarmersdidn'tneedanybrainsandtherewastoomuchhardworktodo.

WhenIgotmad,shesaidthatFredandFatherweren'tfoolsbecausetheyownedtheirownranchesandhiredmentodomostofthework.Ididn'twanttotellherthatFatherdidn'townourranch,andIdidn'twanthertothinkhewasadarnfool,soIjustkeptstill.Thenshetoldmethatsmartmenlikeherfatherneverdidhavetoworkhard,becausetheyknewtheworldowedthemalivingandtherewereeasierwaystogetitthandoinghardwork.

Iwantedhertotellmemoreabouttheeasierways,butthemenhadcomeouttogetthehorses,andJerryAlderyelled,"Jigger,upthereinthehaymow,Spikes;youroldman'scoming."

AllthemenexceptFatherandFredwerethere,andwhenIstartedcomingdowntheladder,Jerrycalleduptome,"I'llbetyoulearnedahellofalotofnewthingsupthere;didyoudoanygood?"

ItoldhimIdidn'tknowifIdidanygood,butIsurelearnedalotofnewthings.Then,beforeIcouldtellhimanythingabouttheworldowingeverybodyaneasyliving,theyallstartedhowlingandlaughing.Lucy'sfatherlaughedlouderthananybodyelse.

Whileweweremilkingthatnight,ItoldFatherwhatLucysaidaboutherfather,andaskedhimwhyhedidn'ttrytodothesamething.

IonlysawFathermadtwoorthreetimes,butthatwasoneofthem.HejumpedupoffhismilkingstoolandcamearoundbehindBrindle.Hisfacewasgray-white—evenhislipswerewhite—andhisvoicewasshakywhenhesaid,"Don'tyouevertalktothatgirlagain."

Hejuststoodthereforaminute,asifhedidn'tknowwhathewasgoingtosay,thenheputthestoolrightdowninfrontofmeandsatonit.Hereachedoutandtookholdofmykneehard.Hisvoicedidn'tshakethen,buthetalkedlow."Son,"hesaid,"Ihadhopedyouwouldn'trunintoanythinglikethistillyouwereolder,butmaybeit'sjustaswell.Thereareonlytwokindsofmeninthisworld:Honestmenanddishonestmen.Thereareblackmenandwhitemenandyellowmenandredmen,butnothingcountsexceptwhetherthey'rehonestmenordishonestmen."

"Somemenworkalmostentirelywiththeirbrains;somealmostentirelywiththeirhands;thoughmostofushavetouseboth.Butweallfallintooneofthetwoclasses—honestanddishonest."

"Anymanwhosaystheworldoweshimalivingisdishonest.ThesameGodthatmadeyouandmemadethisearth.AndHeplanneditsothatitwouldyieldeverysinglethingthatthepeopleonitneed.ButHewascarefultoplanitsothatitwouldonlyyieldupitswealthinexchangeforthelaborofman.Anymanwhotriestoshareinthatwealthwithoutcontributingtheworkofhisbrainorhishandsisdishonest."

"Son,thisisalongsermonforaboyofyourage,butIwantsomuchforyoutobeanhonestmanthatIhadtoexplainittoyou."

IwishIknewhowFatherwasabletosaythingssoastomakeyouremembereverywordofit.IfIcouldremembereverythingthewayIrememberthethingsFathertoldme,maybeIcouldbeassmartamanashewas.

22BadTimesWereNotSoBad

WEHADtradedwhatwasleftofourgoodbeansforgroceriesatMr.Green'sstoreinLoganTown,buttherewereacoupleofsacksofourpeasandallourlandlord'speasandbeansleftinthebunkhouse.ThelandlordwroteusinSeptemberandwantedFathertobringhisshareofthegoodbeansintoDenver,andasmanyofhispeasaswecouldhaul.

Afterthelettercame,MothergotdownherWedgwoodsugarbowlandpouredthemoneyoutonthekitchentable.Therewasonlytwenty-fourdollarsandaquarterinit.MostofitwasmoneyIgotworkingforMr.Welborn.Ofcourse,wehadreceiptsforfifteenandahalftonsofhayinthere,too.Thatwashowwegotpaidforworkwedidforotherpeopleinhaying.

Whenthemoneywascounted,MothertoldGracetotakealltheyoungstersbutmeouttoplay,andtoaskFathertocomein.ThethreeofussataroundthetablewherethemoneyandMother'smemopadwerelaidout.ShesaidIhadearnedsomuchofthemoneythatIshouldhelpdecidehowmuchofitwecouldaffordtospendandwhatwewouldbuywithit.

ThebottomsofmyfeetweresotenderfromhavingwornmyboardsallsummerthatIcouldn'tgobarefoot,andmyChristmasshoeswereallwornout.MothersaidIwouldhavetohavenewonesbeforeschoolstarted,andshethoughtwe'dbetterpaytwodollarsandgetagoodpair,becausemyChristmasshoesdidn'twearverywell.Thenshesaidshecouldcantomatoesandgreenpeasandbeansfromthegardenifwecouldaffordtobuysomecanningjarsandrubbers.Afterthat,westartedgoingoverthelistofunbleachedmuslin,calico,quiltingcotton,andotherthingsshehadwrittendownonherpad.

Really,FatherandIdidn'tdomuchoftheplanning.Motherwouldguesshowmuchdifferentthingswouldcost,andputdowntheamounts.Thenshewouldaddthemup,andsay,"Ohmy!That'salotmorethanwecanaffordtospend.Charlie,doyouthinktherewillbeacashmarketforsugarbeetsorbeansorhaythisfall?"

Fatheronlysaid,"Ihopeso,butthepanicseemstobeastightasitwasinthespring;maybethingswillopenupalittlebeforecoldweather."

Motherwouldcrossoffsomeofthethingsonthelist,andchangetheamountsonothers.Thenshewouldsumup,andsay,"Ohmy!"again.Atlastitgotdowntowhereitwasjustmyshoes,someclothforwintercoatsanddresses,andthecanningjars—ifFathercouldtradeourtwosacksofdriedpeasforthem.Andthenwe'dhavetendollarsleftinthesugarbowlforemergencies.

WeloadedthebigwagonthatnightandFatherletmegotoDenverwithhimthenextmorning.Westartedwaybeforedaylight.MothermademewearGrace'snewshoesandthestockingsshehadknitwithyarnfromanoldshawl.ThelastthingFatherdidbeforeweleftwastotiethefeetofBrindle'scalftogetherandlayhimupontopoftheload.

Grace'sshoeshurtmytoesandthestockingsmademylegsprickle,soFatherletmetakethemofftillwewerealmostintotheCapitolbuilding.First,wewentrighttotheGoldenEagleandgotmynewshoes;thenwedrovebyCousinPhil'soffice,andFathersentmeuptogethim.Theofficedidn'tlookabitthewayitusedto;therewasnothingleftinitbuttwochairsandadesk.Thestenographerwasgone—desk,typewriter,andall—andCousinPhillookedterrible.HetoldmetostaythereandlookatthenewspaperonhisdeskwhilehewentdownandtalkedtoFather.

Hewasgonealongtime,andwhenhecamebackhesaidIwastostaywithhimwhileFatherwenttodohistrading.Therewasn'tathingformetodointheofficeandnobodytotalkto.CousinPhiljustkeptreadingthenewspaperandlookingathiswatcheveryonceinawhile.Aboutnoontimehewentoutandbroughtmebackacoupleofdoughnuts,buthedidn'tbringhimselfanyandhewasn'tgonelongenoughtohaveeatenlunch.Buthedidtalkalittleafterhecameback.Hetoldmehehadabigdealallreadytogothrough,butthepanichadknockedthebottomoutofeverything.ThenheaskedmehowI'dliketohavePrincetodriveinsteadofoldFanny,andsaidhethoughtawhileontheranchwouldbegoodforthelittlebronc.

AllafternoonIwatchedfromthewindowforFathertocomeback,butitwasnearlysuppertimebeforehegotthere.Princewastiedtothetailgateofthewagon,butCousinPhildidn'tevencometothewindowtolookdown.HejusttoldmetorunalongsoasnottokeepFatherwaiting,andsaidhe'dbeouttoseeusbeforetoolong.

AssoonasIclimbeduponthewagonIcouldseethatFatherhadseveralgood-sizedbundlespiledupinthefrontend,andhalfadozenboxeswithpicturesofcanningjarsonthem.WhenIaskedhimhowhegotsomanythingswithonlyfourteendollarsandaquarter,hekindofchuckledalittlebitandpulledhisleatherpouchoutofhispocket.Therewasstillsomemoneyinit,andfromthesoundofthejingleIknewsomeofthepieceswereasbigashalfdollars.ThenhetoldmethatMotherhadoverlookedthefactthateverythingwasalotcheapersincemoneygotsoscarce,buthewouldn'ttellmewhatwasinthepackages.HesaidI'dhavetowaittillwecouldalllookatthemtogether.

AfterthatIaskedhimwhatwasthematterwithCousinPhil,andwhyhedidn'thavethestenographerandherthingsinhisofficeanymore.Hedidn'tanswermeforafewminutes,thenhetoldmewehadn'tstoppedtorealizehowwelloffweweretohaveenoughtoeateveryday,andtohaveagoodhomeandclothesenoughtokeepuswarm,whentherewerepeoplewhowereactuallystarving.IrememberedabouteatingbothofthedoughnutsCousinPhilbroughtbackatnoon,andaskedFatherifhethoughtmaybehewasstarving.Hesaidno,CousinPhilwouldneverstarve,buthethoughtthepanichadclippedhiswingsalittlebit.

FatherandIwerebothashungryaswecouldbe,andjusttalkingabouthavingplentytoeatmadeushungrier.Whenwegotoutbythelumberbarnweboughtacustardpieandapailofmilkinthesamelittlestorewherewehadgotthemwhenwewerefirstmovingouttotheranch.WhileBillyandNigwereeatingtheiroats,FatherandIateourpieandtalkedaboutallthenewthingswehadbeenabletogetsincewehadbeensittingthereeatingacustardpielessthantwoyearsbefore.Itseemedtousthenthatweweregoingtoberichpeoplebefore

verylong.Andthenextmorningitseemedtoeverybodyathomethatwealreadywere.

Schooldidn'tstartthatfalltillwehadeverythingfromourgardenthatwehadn'tpeddledputawayinthecellar.WegotsomemorecanningjarsandsugarfromMr.Greenintradeforapigandvegetables.Motherfilledeveryoneofthemwithgreencorn,tomatoes,peas,andgreenbeans.Fatherbuiltbinsonthecellarfloor,andweloadedthemwithcarrots,tablebeets,andturnips;butwehadputhorsemanureunderthepotatoeswhenweplantedthem,andtheywentalltotopsasmycowboyfriend,Hi,hadsaidtheywould.

ItwasMotherwhogottheideaaboutsellingvegetablesattheFort.Shesaidthatofficersinthearmygotpaidcashwhethertherewasapanicornot,andshe'dbettheirwiveswouldbuyfreshvegetables.IthinkFatherwouldratherhavetakenabeatingthandoit,butwewentfromonebackdoortoanother,allthroughtheofficers'quartersinFortLogan,tillwe'dsoldallthegardenstuffwedidn'tneedforourselves.Itbroughtinnearlytwenty-onedollars.

Denvermustnothavebeenagoodplacetobeduringthepanic,becausePrincelookednearlyasbadasCousinPhil.Hewasskinnyanddidn'thaveanythinglikethepepperheusedtohavewhenIfirstsawhim.Fatherstartedgivinghimtwoquartsofoatseverymorningandnight,andbyschooltimehe'drunlikearabbitagain.Fatherletusdrivehimonceinawhiletillhefoundoutwhatwasgoingonatschool,butafterthatwehadtotakeFanny.HemightnothavefoundoutaboutitatallifIhadn'tgotmyfaceskinned.

WillieAldivoterodeahorsetoschoolthatfallinsteadofhisoldspotteddonkey.Itwasn'tmuchofahorse,buthehadasaddleforit—anditwasagoodsaddle.Itwaswideinthepommel,withashortseatanddoublecinches.Williesaiditwasabreakingsaddle.Weputitonallthehorsesatschoolandtriedtomakethembuck,butPrincewastheonlyonethatwould.

Atfirsthedidn'tbuckverymuchharderthanWillie'sdonkeyusedto,butthemorewetriedtoridehim,andthemoreoatshegot,theharderhebucked.Afterawhilehedidn'tcrowhop,butwouldbouncefromonesidetotheotherandturnalmostendforendwhilehewasintheair,andhe'dgethisnoserightdownbetweenhisfronthoofs.ItgotsoonlyWillieandIcouldstayonhimatall—andwegottumbledoffplentyoftimes.Icouldn'treachthestirrups,andIdidn'tdareputmyfeetintothestirrupstrapswithmyshoeson,forfearoneofthemwouldstickanddragmewhenIgotthrown,soIalwayshadtoridebarefoot.Evenatthat,myfootstuckonenoontimewhenIwentoffsideways,andPrincedraggedmeafewfeet.MissWheelerfixedmeupallrightwithalittlecourtplaster,but,ofcourse,GracehadtotellMotherwhathappened.Maybeitwasjustaswell,though,becauseafterthatPrincebuckedsocrazytherewashardlyamanintheneighborhoodwhocouldridehim.

RightafterThanksgivingHalcamerunningupthewagonroadtomeetuswhenwewerecominghomefromschool.Hewasjustpastfouryearsoldthen,andnearlyaswideashewastall.Wecouldhearhimjabberingashecame,andhewassoexcitedhecouldhardlywaitforFannytostopbeforehestartedtryingtoclimbupoverthewheelofthebuckboard.Inbetweengaspshewashollering,"Wegotanewhorse…andshe'sgotacolt…andshe'sbrood…andhernameisBread."

IguessweallgotaboutasexcitedasHalwas,andIturnedinatthegatesofastthatInearlyslewedhimofftheseat.FatherandMotherwereoutatthecorralwiththenewmareandcolt.Themarewasanice-lookingbay,alittlebiggerthanFannyandassmoothasbutter.Thecoltlookedtobeayearling,andwasabrightsorrel.Fatherletmewalkrightuptothemareandpather.Iwantedtobegentlewithherandhaveherlikeme,soasIwentclosetoherIsaid,"Easy,Bread.Easy,Bread."

Motherheardme,andsaid,"Whatisthatyou'resaying?"SoItoldherHalsaidthatwasthemare'sname.Mother'sfacelookedkindoffunnyforaminute,andshepulledherlipdownasifsheweretryingnottolaugh.Thenshesaid,"No—no.HalmusthavebeenmistakenwhenheheardFathertalkingtoMr.Cashabouther.No,shedoesn'thaveanameyet,butshe'sgoingtohaveanotherlittlecoltprettysoon.Isn'tshebeautiful?She'saperfectlittlelady."Motherdidn'tknowitthen,butshe'dnamedournewmare.NobodyevercalledheranythingbutLadyafterthat.GracenamedthecoltBabe.

AfterwardsFathertoldmethatwehadboughtLadyandBabewithreceiptsforeightofthetonsofhaywehadearnedduringhayingtime.HesaidIhadapartinterestinher,butIcouldneverrideherhardasIdidFanny,becauseshewasabroodmare.

Christmasthatyearwasevenbetterthantheyearbefore.FatherboughtawholeboxofyellowBellflowerapples,andwehadourbiggestyoungtomturkeyandcranberrysauce,andevencelery.Weallgotnewshoesandstockings,andMotherhadmadenewwintercoatsforPhilipandmewithoutourknowingaboutthem.AndIgotasetofdominoesandatwo-linebitforaridingbridle.Muriel'scatthoughtsheoughttogivesomepresents,too,andshemusthavecountednoses,becauseshehadalitteroffivekittensChristmasEve.

Wehadtakenthreegoodcuttingsofalfalfaoffthefieldwesowedourfirstyearontheranch,andthestandonthenewfieldwasrankandgood.Ourbeanshadripenedbeforethefrostscame,we'dhadenoughwatertofilltheoats,andthereweretonsandtonsofsugarbeets.Theonlytroublewasthatwecouldsellhardlyanything.

FatherhadMr.Lewisbringhismachineandthreshouroatsandbeans.Ittooktwodaystothreshthem,andIstayedhomefromschooltocarrywaterandmilkanddoughnutsaroundtothemen.Whenthejobwasdone,FatherpaidMr.Lewisinoatsandbeans,butalltheothermenowedushay,sowejustchangedeachman'sreceipttoshowheowedusalittlelesshay.Itwasfuntowatchthestreamofcleanwhitebeanscomepouringoutofthethreshingmachine,andthenthinkaboutalltheworkwehadhadthewinterbeforetoflail,winnow,andsortthem.Ournineteenpigsdidfarthebestofallthoseintheneighborhood,becausetheylivedonsugarbeetsfromthetimewestartedthinningouttherowsinthespring.AndthesugarbeetsmadethemeatsomuchsweeterthatwecouldtradeourporkinatMr.Green'sstorewhenotherpeoplecouldn't.GraceandPhilipcouldn'tgetjobsawayfromhomelikeFatherandme,buttheyweretheoneswhoreallygotusthegroceriesthatwinter,becausetheythinnedthebeetsandfattenedthepigs.

Anditwasgettingthepigsfatthathelpedusmorethananythingelse.Everybodyhadwantedsomeofourbeetstofattentheirhogs,andnobodyhadanymoney,soFathertraded

beetsforallthetoolsandmachinesweneededtomakeusgoodrancherswhowouldn'thavetoborrow.Ofcourse,noneofthethingshegotwerenew,butFatherdidn'tneednewthings;hecouldfixuptheoldonessotheywouldworkjustaswell.OurlandlordcameoutjustbeforeChristmas,andFathergavehimpartofourshareoftheoatsandbeansforhisshareofthebeets.

Fathermadeadealwithhimforustoworkoutthelandtaxesbyhelpingbuildroads,too.Thatwaywedidn'thavetogiveupsomanybeans.

Roadworkstartedrightafterhaybaling,andIlikeditbestofalltheworkwedid.Thecountyallowedadollarandahalfadayforaman,andadollaradayforawagonandteamofhorses.Ladyhadfoaledhercolt—aprettysorrelfillythatwenamedBonny—soshewasabletowork.AndwiththewagonandharnessFathergotintradeforbeets,wehadtwoteamstoputonroadwork.FatherdroveLadyandFanny,andIdroveBillyandNig—andtheyallowedadollarandahalfadayformejustlikeaman.

Allthelandwasadobe.Inthesummertheroadsbakedashardasbrick,butwhentheywerewetthemudclungtowagonwheelstilltheywereafootthick.Theonlywaytofixthatkindofroadwastospreadgravelovertheadobeduringthewinterandletitworkdownwiththespringrains.Themenwhohadbigteamsworkedonthegraderthatcutthesideditchesandroundeddirtuptoformtheroadbeds,butthosewithlighterteamshauledgravel.

FatherandIhauledgravel.Therewasacrewofmen,downonthegravelbarinBearCreek,todotheloading,andanothercrewdidtheunloading,soallFatherandIhadtodowasdriveteam.Thebarwasonthefarsideofthecreekfromtheroadwewerebuilding,andwehadtocomethroughthefordwiththeloadedwagons.Severalofthemengotstuckcomingthroughtheford,andIwasalwaysafraiditwouldhappentome.

OnedayFatherandIgotloadedatthesametime,andhewasrightbehindmewhenIstartedthroughtheford.IftherewaseveratimeIdidn'twanttogetstuck,itwaswhenFatherwasrighttheretoseeme.BeforeBillyandNighadtheirfeetinthewater,Istartedcluckingandpoppedthemwiththeendofthelines.Whenthelineendhithisrump,BillyjumpedaheadandnearlythrewNigoffbalance.Iyelled,"Getup,Nig,"andswungtheendofthelineathim.Hewaswearinganopenbridleandhemusthaveseenitcoming,becausehelungedintohiscollarsohardhejerkedBillybackagainstthewagon.ThenIguessIlostmyheadandstartedsnappingtheline-endoutthewayamadsnakedoeshistongue.Thewagonwasrightinthemiddleoftheford,wherethesandwasdeepest,whenFathercalled,"Stop!"

Ididn'thavetosay"Whoa"totheteam.TherewassomethinginFather'svoicethattheyunderstoodaswellasIdid.Hejumpedoffhiswagon,wadedrightintothecreek,andstoodbesidemyfrontwheel."IfIeverseeyouabuseahorseagain,"hesaid,"I'llputyouatahardjobandgiveyouthesametreatment.Nowpassmethoselines!"

WhatFathersaidhurtmesobadmythroatfeltasifIweretryingtoswallowabaseball,butitdidn'tscareme.Itwashiswadingintotheicycoldwaterthatscaredme.Wheneverhegotcoldandwetatthesametime,healwaystookabadcoldandwouldcough,sometimes,tilltherewasbloodonhishandkerchief.Ipassedhimthelines,butIwassurewewerestucksoharditwouldtakeanotherteamtogetusout.Fatherdrewthereinstight,sobothhorseswereeven;thenhecluckedonce,andtheteamsettheirshouldersandleanedintothecollars.

Itwasbeautifultowatch.Atfirstthewagondidn'tbudge,butitlookedasthoughFather

werepushingonthoselinesinsteadofpulling,anditalmostseemedthatIcouldseehiswillpassingthroughthemtothehorses.Themusclesbunchedoutontheirthighsuntiltheyquivered,andthewagoninchedforward.Withtheirfeetplanteddeepinthesand,theykeptitmoving,moving,untiltheywerestretchedoutlikeshowhorsesinastance.Thentheirtwonighhoofsmovedforwardasiftheyhadbothbeenliftedbythesamebrain.Stepbyslowstep,thewagonmovedthroughthedeepsandandupthebank.AssoonaswewereonlevelgroundFatherpassedmethelinesandwadedbacktohisownteamwithoutaword.IalwayslovedhimmoreafterhescoldedmethanIdidatanyothertime.

WhileBillyandNigrestedandgottheirwind,IwatchedFathercomethroughthefordwithLadyandFanny.HehadasheavyaloadasIdid,andmyteamwasonceandahalfasbigandstrongashis.Icouldn'tseehowhewouldevergetthroughthedeepsand.Atthebrinkofthefarbank,hestoppedthemforjustaminute.Thenhedrewupthelines,andsaid,"Hup!"quickandsharp.Thelightmareswentdownthebankwitharush,overthebar,throughtheford,andupthebank.Iwatchedtheirfeetandtheywereinperfecttimeeverystepoftheway.Igottearsinmyeyes,andwhenFatherstoppedhisteamtorestIwantedtogobackandtellhimIwassorryandwouldneverabuseahorseagain,buthewavedformetodriveon.

Ididn'tfeelabitgood,andasIcameuptothegraderFredAultlandaskedmewhatwasthematter.ItoldhimIhadgotstuckinthecreekandFatherhadtowadeintogetmeout.FredknewaboutFather'scoughaswellasIdid,andhewasbossoftheroadgang,sowhenFatherdroveup,Fredsenthimrighthometogetonsomedryclothes.Whenhehadstarted,Fredyelledafterhim,"AndtellMametogiveyouabigslugofbrandy."Idon'tknowwhethershedidornot,butFatherdidn'tgetacoldthattime.

Thatwasthebestwinterweeverhad.NewYear'sEve,Mothergotoutherlittleredbookandfiguredupallthemoneywehadtakeninduring1908.Itwasonlyfifty-fourdollarsandeighty-fivecents,buttherewasneveratimewhenwewerehungry,orwhenwedidn'thaverailroadtiesenoughtokeepourfiregoing.Ourcellarwasfullofbinsandjarsofvegetablesandbarrelsofsaltpork.Fatherhadbuiltalittlesmokehousewherewecuredthehamsandbaconandporkshoulderswithcorncobs.Sothebunkhouserafterswerehungwithallthesmokedmeatwecouldeattillsummer.Andthefloorwaspiledhighwithsacksofoatsandbeans.Weevenhadahalfbushelofpopcorn.

Itwasacoldwinterwithonlyalittlesnow,andwedidn'thavemuchworktodo,excepttotakecareofthestockandsawtiesforthefire.Buttheeveningswerethebestofall.GraceandMurielandIwoulddoourlessonsassoonaswegothomefromschool,soastohavealleveningtoplay.Welearnedtwoplaysthatwinter,butGraceandIusuallyhadanargumentoverwhichonewe'ddo.ShelikedTheMerchantofVenicebest,becauseshewasPortia;butIlikedJuliusCaesarbest,becauseIwasJuliusandgotkilledattheCapitol.MotherhadtotakemostofthelongpartslikeCassius,butFatherwasMarkAntony,andevenHallearnedthelinesforMetellusCimber.Ifweweren'tdoingaplay,Motherhadusmakecross-stitchchaircoverswhileshereadtousandFatherpoppedcornormendedaharness.

SomeeveningsCarlHenrywouldbringMissWheelerovertoplaywhistwithFatherandMother.Threeorfourtimes,hisfriend,DoctorBrowne,camewiththem.Thosenights

MotherletGraceandmesituptillnineo'clock,andDoctorBrownewouldplaycasinowithus.Helikeditbetterthanwhist,andwelikedhimalot.

23TornadoandCloudburst

THEWEATHERwaswhatFredAultlandcalled"spotty"duringthewinterandspringof1908-9.Wherewelived,andthroughthemountainsrightwestofus—uptowardEvergreenintheBearCreekwatershed—therewasonlyalittlesnowallwinter,butjustsouthofthere,alongtheheadwatersofthePlatteRiver,thesnowfallwasheavy.ThatwaswhyBearCreekranlowallsummer,whilethePlatteandTurkeyCreekranfull.

InMarchwehadatornado.ItcameonawarmSundayafternoonwhenFatherandIweredownbythecreek.ItlookedlikeabigblackballoonwithitstailtiedtothetopofMountMorrison.Fathersawitfirst,andcalled,"Tornado!"Thenhestartedrunningbacktowardthehouse.IranafterhimasfastasIcouldgo,buthislegsweresomuchlongerthanminethathebeatmebyfiverods.ThatwasthefirsttimeInoticedhowmuchbetterhehadgotduringthewinter—hedidn'tevencoughwithallthatrunning.

Ashewentpastthehouse,hecalled,"Tornado!"toMother,andkeptrightontothebarn.Weturnedallthestocklooseanddroveitoutthroughthegate—pastourbarbed-wirefence.ThenWeproppedpolesagainstthehouse,tippedoverthehayrackandwagons,andranforthecellar.Thefirsthardblastofwindhitusjustaswegottothedoor,butinfiveminutesitwasallover.Whenwecameout,FathershowedmewherethetwisterhadveeredofftothenorthandcutaregularroadupoverLarson'shill—twomilesstraightacrossBearCreekValleyfromourplace.

ThesecondSaturdayafterthat,MothersentmetotakeadresspatternovertoMrs.Larson.IrodeFanny,andwentaroundbytheWestDenverroadandthroughtheford.Ishouldhavecomerighthome,butwedidn'thavemuchworktodothatday,soIwenttolookalongthetornadopath.Fatherhadtoldmesomeofthecuriousthingstwisterscoulddo,likedrivingawheatstrawthroughafencepostwithoutbreakingit.

WhileIwaspokingaroundIheardasoundlikethunderfromwayofftowardthemountains.Ilookedup,andtherewasanotherbigblackcloudhalfhiddenbehindMountMorrison.AsIwatchedit,itliftedalittle,seemedtodrawitselfintoatighterball,andgrewalotblacker.Iwassureitmusthaveatailonit,andthatIcouldhaveseenitifthemountainhadn'tbeenintheway.

AtfirstIthoughtaboutgoingbacktoLarson'sstormcellar,butIwasafraidnobodyathomehadseenthestormcoming,andthatitmightstrikethembeforetheycouldturnthestocklooseandgettothecellar.IflungmyselfflatonFanny'sneck,slappedherwiththelineends,andracedstraightforthehillsidegoingdowntothecreek.Therewasnotimeforgoingaroundbytheford,andIknewrightwheretohittheoldcattlebridgeinCoolyLundy'spasturebelowourhouse.

Thehillsidewasroughpastureland,coveredwithsagebrush,Spanishdagger,andcactus;

andtherainhadwashedlittlegulliesallthroughit.IknewbetterthantoraceFannydownoverit,butwhenIcameinsightofthecreekInoticedthatithadrisennearlytothetopofitsbanks.ThenIrealizedtherewasacloudburstcominginsteadofatornado,andthatthewatermightbeoverthebridgebeforewecouldgetthere.Fannyneverdidliketorundownhill,butthatdaysheseemedtoknowwewereracingagainstthestorm,andstreakeddownacrossthepasture,dodgingsagebrush,leapinggullies,andslidingthroughshalerock.Ihadtoclampmykneestightandlieclosetohernecktokeepfrombeingthrown.

Whenwehittheedgeofthevalleyfloor,FannytookLundy'sirrigationditchinacleanlowjump,andtoreoutacrossthealfalfafieldtowardthecattlebridge.Idon'tthinkIreinedheratall;sheknewwhatIwantedtodoaswellasIdid.Thunderseemedtobecrashingallaroundus.Iglanceduptowardthemountains,butIcouldn'tseethem.Theblackcloudwaslyingrightagainsttheground,andbetweenclapsofthunderIcouldheararoaringupthevalley.

Thecreekwasabouthalfamilefromourhouse,andatthatpointitclungtightagainstthefootofasteep,brush-coveredhill.Anarrowtrailleddowntotheoldcattlebridge.Asweracedtowardit,Icouldseethatthewaterwasclearuptothebridgegirdersandthatpartofthebankhadwashedaway,sotherewasagapoftwoorthreefeetbetweenusandtheplanking.IwasafraidFannymightnotseeit,andbroughtthelineenddownsharpagainstherrumptoliftherover.Whilemyarmwasstillintheair,thewindandrainhituslikethecrackerofabullwhip.

Fannyjumpedandsailedacrosstheopenstripofmad,swirlingwater.Itwasalong,highleapthatcarriedusnearlytothemiddleofthespan.Hernighforehoofthuddeddownagainstahalf-rottenplank—andcrashedthrough.

Ididn'tseeherfall.Ionlysawherheadgodown,andthenIwasthrowntowardthebanklikeakittenflungbyadog.ImissedthebridgeandmyarmrippedagainsttheendoftheplankingasIfellheadfirstintothemuddy,rushingwater.Icouldn'tswim,butIdon'tthinkitwouldhavemadeabitofdifference.WhenmyheadcameupIwasfiveorsixfeetfromthebank.IjustcaughtaglimpseofitasItriedtosuckinamouthfulofair,butIgotmostlywater,andthecurrentrolledmeoverandtookmeunderagain.ThattimeIscrapedagainstabush,grabbedhold,andhungon.Iwaslucky,becauseitsrootswereinthesideofthebankanditswungmearoundlikeapicketrope.Whenmyheadcameupagain,Iwasunderabigsagebushthatleanedoutoverthewater.Iwaschokingsobaditmademyarmsweak,andIcouldhardlypullmyselfupoutofthecreek.

IshouldhavethoughtaboutFannythefirstthing,butthechokingmademesickatmystomach,andforaminuteortwoIcouldn'tthinkatall.Thenshesquealed.IneverknewasoundcouldhurtlikeFanny'ssqueal.Ifeltsomethinghadholdofmeandwastearingmeintwo.WhenIhauledmyselfupthroughthesagebrush,Icouldseehermuzzleandpartofonetwistedforelegstickingabovethewaterthatwasflowingoverthebridge.

IguessIlostmyheadwhenIsawit.Thecurrenthadwashedmeaboutsixtyfeetdownthecreek,soIscrambledalongthebanktothebridgetrailandrantowardFanny.Ididn't

evenstoptothinkthatthewatermighthavecarriedtheplanksaway,butsplashedoutontothebridge.Herlegwasbrokenoversidewaysjustbelowtheknee,andherhoofwascaughtintheholeithadmade.Shewasstrainingtoholdherheadabovethewater,andhereyeslookedupatmeasifshewerebeggingmetohelpher.Idon'tthinkIeverplannedwhatIdid.IguessIjustdiditbecauseIlovedher.Ijumpedontoherheadandclampedmylegsaroundit.HermuzzleslippedofftheendoftheplankswhenIlanded,andshestruggledonceortwice—thenmyheadwentunder,too.

Ionlyknewthewaterwasturningmeoverandover.AcoupleoftimesmymouthcametothetopandItriedtogaspinsomeair…ThenFather'sfacewasrightabovemine,andhishandswerepumpingupanddownonmyback.Iwaslyingwithmyheaddownhill,andmyfacewasturnedtothesidesoIcouldseeFather's.Itwasasgrayasashes.

Icouldn'tseemtomakemybodywakeupwhenmyheaddid,andFather'svoicesoundedalongwayoff.HekeptaskingmeifIwasallrightIwas,exceptthatmylungshurt,but1couldn'tsaysotillafterhe'dtakenmeup.Hewassoakingwetandmuddyfromthecreek,butheopenedhisshirtandheldmychestcloseagainsthim.Asheclimbedthetrail,Ilookedbacktowardwherethebridgehadbeen.Thewaterhadrisenanotherfootortwo,andFanny'sneckandwithersshowedaboveit.TherawhidethongTwoDoghadbraidedintohermanefloatedupanddownonthecurrentasthoughitwerewavinggood-bytome.Ithinkthatwaswhatmademecry.ItriedtotellFatherwhathadhappened,buthehadseenthelastofithimself.Fromourhouse,hehadseenmestartdownacrossLarson'shillasthestormwasgathering,andhadrunforthecreektowarnmebackbeforeitrose.

Mothermademestayinbedtwoorthreedaystillshewassuremylungswereallright,andthatmycutsweren'tgoingtogetinfected.Ihadacoupleofcrackedribsandalittlefever,andFatherbroughtDoctorStoneout,buthejustgavemesomepillsandstrappedmeup.ThenhetoldMotheragainthatI'dnevergetkilledinanaccident.BythetimeIgotup,FatherhadburiedFanny.IrodeLadydowntheresoIcouldseehergrave,butIwasgladIdidn'tseeFanny.

24IBecomeaCowPoke

THEFLOODwashedoutthedamattheheadofourirrigationditchandtoreawaymostofthegatesandlocks.Fatherandalltheotherranchersalongtheditchhadtoworkforacoupleofweekstofixupthedamage.Andthentherecameprettynearbeinganotherbattle,andeverybodyhadtogotocourttofindouthowmuchofthecosttheyhadtopay.

WedrovePrincetoschoolforacoupleofweeksatthebeginningofApril.ThatwasaftermyribsgotwellenoughsoIcouldgobacktoschool,andFatherwasusingLadyforplowing.Afterthatwehadtowalk,becauseCousinPhilcameoutandgotPrince.Thegoldpanicendedaboutthattime.FredAultlandstartedhaulinghayagain,andMothersoldfivepoundsofbutterforcash.

Mr.WelbornsentamanoutfromDenvertotakecareofhistrees,andIhadn'tbeenabletomakeapennyallspring.AndIdidn'tknowwhatIwasgoingtodoafterschoolletoutMayfirst—IalmostwishedIweregoingtoherdMrs.Corcoran'scowsagain.ItwouldbeJunebeforeFred'shaywasreadytocut,andtherewouldn'tbemuchtodoathome,excepttoweedMother'sgarden.And,besides,IwaslostwithoutFanny.

Iwastalkingaboutitonenoonatschool,andsomebodymusthavetoldMr.Cooper.Anyway,hecameovertoourhousethateveningandsaidhe'dheardIwashuntingworkforthesummer.FathertoldhimIwasalwayshuntingworkanywhereexceptinMother'sgarden,buthethoughtI'dfindenoughmischieftogetintorightathome.

Mr.Cooperlivedfivemilesfromourplace—overwestofLittleton,andnearerthemountains.TheygottheirirrigationwaterfromPlatteCanyon,anddidn'thaveanyditchfights,sotheyalwayshadgoodcrops.Hehadoneofthebiggestranchesanywherearound,andalwayshiredadozenorsomeninthesummer.Beforehewenthome,hetoldushewouldpaymetwentydollarsamonth,andgivemesteadyworkfromMayfirsttilltheendofSeptember.Thenhesaidhedidn'thavetohaveananswerforacoupleofdays,andhe'ddropbackandseeusagain.

IwantedtogotoworkforMr.CooperworsethanI'deverwantedanything.IpesteredFatherandMotheralotaboutit.AtfirstFathersaidIcouldn'tgobecauseFredAultlandhadgivenmeworkforthepasttwoyearsanddependedonmetoridehisstackerhorse.GracecouldrideastackerhorsejustaswellasIcould,andshedidn'tthinkitwasfairthatIgotallthemoney-makingjobswhileshehadtostayhomeandhelpMother.IwenttoseeFredonmywayhomefromschoolthenextnightandtalkedtohimaboutit.Hesaidhe'dgivemetwentydollarsamonthhimself,ifthelastyearhadn'tbeensotough,butifIwantedtotakeMr.Cooper'sjob,GracecouldrideoldJeff.

MaybethathadsomethingtodowithFatherandMotherlettingmego.FirstMothermadeMr.CooperpromisetoletmecomehomeeverySaturdaynight,andFathermadehim

sayIcouldsleepinthehouseinsteadofoutinthebunkhousewiththemen.

Mr.CoopercameformetheSundaynightafterschoolclosed.BeforewegottohisplaceIknewIwasgoingtolikeworkingforhimaswellasIlikedworkingforFredAultland,butIdidn'tbegintorealizehowmuchIwasgoingtolikeit.

ThefirstoneIsawwhenwedroveintohisplacewasmyoldcowboyfriend,Hi.Heknewmerightaway.Hewasstandingoutbythecorralfencewithsomeothercowboyswhenwedrovein,andheyelled,"Hithere,LittleBritches!Howmanytoesyoubrokesofarthisspring?"

Mr.CoopertoldmeHiwashiscattleforeman,andwasagreatboosterofmine.ThenhesaidformenottoletHispoilme,butIdidn'tknowwhathemeant.

AfterMr.Cooperhadtakenmetothehouse,andhiswifehadshownmewheremyroomwas,Iwentbackouttothecorral.ThereweresevenoreightothercowboystherewithHi,andtheyweretalkingaboutbringingcattledownfromthemountainsforsortingandbranding.WhenHisawIhadcomeback,hepickedmeupandsetmeonthetoprailofthecorral.ThenhewantedmetotelltheotherfellowsaboutgoinguptoTwoDog'sandgettingcaughtinthecloudburst.

Ididn'twanttotalkaboutkillingFannyintheflood,andIguessHisawIwasgettingalittlechokedup,soheaskedmewhereIhadputmysaddleandblanket.Ofcourse,I'dneverhadasaddleorblanket,butIdidn'tliketosayso,andsaidIlikedtoridebarebackbetter.AllthefellowsbutHilaughedwhenIsaidthat,andoneofthemhollered,"ByGod,Hi,that'lllearnyounottowasteaweek'stimesaddlemakin'."

Hilookedkindoffunnyforaboutaminute,andIguessIlookedfunnier.Thenhestartedtolaugh,too,"Damnyou,LittleBritches,"hesaid."You'regoingtoridethatlittleoldsaddleImadeyouorI'llhangitaroundyourskinnyneck."

Hereachedupandhauledmeofftherail,andcarriedmetothebunkhouseunderhisarm—thewayyou'dcarryalittlepig.BeforeFatherhadsaidIhadtosleepinthehouse,Hihadfixedmeabunkrightnexttohis.Hehadthequiltspreadovermysaddle,bridle,andblanket.TheyweretheprettiestonesIeversaw,andIhadtobitemytonguetokeepfromsquealing.

ItwasabreakingsaddlelikeWillieAldivote's,onlyalotbetter.Thepommelwaswideandthick;anditflaredoutalittlebeforeitdrewintothehorn,soafellowcouldlockhislegsinunder.Thehornwasonlyhighenoughtogetaropearound,andhadanicerakeforward—theknobmusthavebeencoveredhalfaninchthickwithleather.Therewerewideskirtstothestirrupstraps,doublehorsehaircinches,andrawhidelatigothongsfrontandback.TheblanketwasaNavajo—brownwithbrightgreenzigzagstripes—andthebridlewassilver-mountedwithacurbrowelbit.Icouldn'tbelievethatHiwasgivingthemtome—thattheywerereallymyown.

ItwaspitchdarkbeforeHigotthroughshowingmemysaddleandmakingmeunderstand

thatitwasminetokeep.ThenMr.Coopercameouttothebunkhouseandtoldmeitwastimeformetocomeandturnin.Hesaidtheboyswoulddomeenoughdamagewhenwewereoutworkingstock,andhewasgoingtoseethatIgotmysleepwhenIwasatthehomeplace.

Weatebreakfastinthecookshack,andthecookwasaMexicanwhocouldhardlyspeakadozenwordsofEnglish.Buthecouldmakegoodbiscuitsandflapjacks,andheputlotsofonionsandpepperinhisfriedpotatoes.Iatesomuchthatitnearlycameoutofmyears.

AtbreakfastMr.Coopertoldmethatwhenwewereworkingwiththecattle,Juan,theMexicancook,wouldbemybossmostofthetime,becauseI'dbethewaterboy,buthe'ddothebossingwhenwewereatthehomeplace.ThenhesaidIcouldloafaroundthatdayandgetacquaintedwhilethemenweregettingreadyforthebranding.

Whenwewerethrougheatingweallstartedouttothecorrals.Ontheway,HisaidthefirstthingIoughttodowastopickmyhorse.Idon'tthinkMr.Cooperlikedtohavehimsayit,becausehesaid,"Didn'tyouhearmetellLittleBritchesI'ddothebossingaroundthehomeplace?Ithinkhispaandmahadsoonerhe'drideTopsyorEva."

TopsyandEvawerethelittleseal-brownponiesMr.Cooperhaddrivenovertogetme.FirstHiputmysaddleonTopsyandletmerideher,andthenheputitonEva.Theywerebothnicegentlelittlehorses,buttheydidn'thavetheget-up-and-gettothemthatFannyusedtohave.Maybeitwasmynewsaddle,andmaybeitwasbecauseIhadbeenusedtoFanny,butIdidn'tlikeeitherofthem.Hi'sblueroanwasinthebigpolecorralwithacoupleofdozenotherhorses,andtherewasanotherblueintherethatlookedalmostlikehim.Hewasayounghorse—wideinthechestandnarrowinthewithers,thewayIlikedthem.Hehadafineblackheadandsturdylegswithcathams;Icouldn'tkeepmyeyesoffhim.

Allmorningthemenkeptbusyropinghorsesoutofthebigcorral,saddlingthem,andridingtheminthebreakingcorral.Mostalwaystheygotthehorsetheywereafterwiththefirstthrowoftheirropes,buttherewasn'toneofthem,notevenHi,whocouldfliparopelikeoldTwoDog.Someofthehorsesbustedwideopenwhentheygotarideronthem,butmostofthemonlycrowhoppedaroundforafewsecondsbeforetheyquieteddown.Hisaidtherewereonlytwoorthreeofthemthathadn'tbeenriddenthelastspring,buttheyhadgonealittlewildduringthewinter.

Iwatchedandwatched,butnobodyputaropeontheblue.IguessMr.CooperandHiknewIwaswatchinghim,andknewIdidn'tlikeTopsyandEvatoowell.Whilewewereeatingdinner,Hisaid,"ForGod'ssake,Len,whydon'tyougivethekidashotathim?Iseenhimridehisoldman'sseal-browndownbackoftheschoolhouse,andwithalittlelearning,he'llsticklikealouse."

Mr.Cooperdidn'tevenanswer,butkeptrightoneatingtillsomebodyelsedownthetablecalledout,"Aw,forGod'ssake,Len,givethekidabreak!"

ThenMr.Cooperlookeduplikehewasmad,andsaid,"Lookhere,youdamnfools,who's

responsibleforthiskid,youorme?IpromisedhismaIwouldn'tletnothinghappentohim,andIain'tgoingtolethimforknogreencolt."

Hilookedassurprisedascouldbe,andsaid,"Hell,Len,youain'tbeenhearin'sogood.It'sabluecoltwe'reaimin'toseehimstraddle,notagreenone."

Thattimeallthemenlaughed,exceptMr.Cooper.Hepoundedonthetable,andhollered,"Idon'tgiveadamnifhe'sblueorgreenoryellow.Youain'tgoingtoputLittleBritchesonnowildcayuseswhileI'maroundtogivetheorders."

Nobodylaughedthen,butIsawthefellowsontheothersideofthetablelookingateachotheroutofthecornersoftheireyes.Idon'tknowhowMr.Coopercouldhaveseenit,becausehewaslookingdownathisplate,butIguesshemusthave.Anyway,inaboutaminuteortwo,helookedupatHi,andgrinned."Allright,youdirtysons,"hesaid."Ireckonedthatwasaboutwhatyouhadinthebackofyourheads.AndIguessitwouldbesaferrightherewherewegotagoodpolecorral,butIwanttoseeyouwearthatmaverickdownbeforeyouletthislittledaredevilforkhim."

Thatwastheendofdinner.Higrabbedhishat,letoutawhoop,andranforthecorralwiththeotherfellowsrightbehindhim.Ididstoptosay,"Excuseme,"beforeIgotup,butIwassecondtogettothecorral.TedEbbertsstartedshakingoutaropeasherantowardthecorralgate,butHicalledhimback.Hesaidtotakeiteasy,becausehewasgoingtogentle-breakthecolt.

IhadseenFathergentle-breakacoupleofhorses,andexpectedtoseeHigoatitthesameway.Buthedidn't.Insteadofputtinghisropeonthebluecolt,hetosseditonhisownblue,ledhimoutofthecorral,andsaddledhim.Whenherodebackin,hewasholdingashortloopontheoffsideofhissaddle,notswingingitthewaytheotherfellowsdidwhentheywereafterahorse.Theremudacircledthecorral,butHididn'tfollowthem.Heheldhisbluequietnearthecentertilltheybunchedinacorner.Thenhemovedintowardthemataslowwalk.Whentheybroke,hisropeflippedoutandsettledaroundtheroancolt'sneck,thewaythetongueofatoadflipsoutatafly.

Iwaswatchinglikeahawk,andIneversawhimgivehishorsetheleastbitofasign,butasthebluecoltracedoutofthefencecorner,Hi'sbluewasrightbesidehim.Hewassnubbedtothesaddlehornwithnomorethanfourfeetofrope,buttherewasnojerkonhisneckasHidrewhimawayfromtheremudaandintothecenterofthecorral.

Forjustonesecondthecoltstoodtrembling.Thenheseemedtoexplode,strikingatthetautropewithhisforehoofs,andthrashinghisheadtotrytoshakeitloose.Myfingernailswerediggingintooneofthecorralpoles,andIwasshakingallover,butHiseemedascalmasifhehadakittenonastring.Hisbluecircledandmovedaway,keepingthelinesnugonthecolt'sneck,whileHieasy-talkedhim.

Himusthaveheldthebluecoltthereinthemiddleofthecorralfortenminutes.Hekepttalkingtohimallthetime,ashisownbluedancedinacirclewiththecoltthrashingaroundthem.Icouldn'tmakeoutawordHiwassaying,buthisvoicesoundedlikewaterrunningoverstonesinabrook.

Theroanwaswringingwet,buthehadstoppedstriking.Himotionedwithhishand,andTedEbbertsswungthegatetothebreakingcorralopen,thensteppedawayfromit.Hi'sbluechangedthedirectionofhisdanceuntilthecolthadbeenledthroughthegatewithoutseemingtorealizeit.

WhenTedclosedthegateandstartedtowardthemwithasaddleinhishand,thecoltwentcrazyalloveragain.Mr.CooperwasstandingdownthefenceawaysfromwhereIwas.Afterthecoltquieteddownalittle,hecalledtoHi,"Ain'tyouseenenoughyettoknowthatmaverickwillneverbeakid'shorse?"

Hididn'tlifthisvoiceabit,buthesaid,"No,Iain't,andyouain'tseenthekidride.Yougottwosurprisescomin'."

IlikedtohearHisaythat,andImadeupmymindthatIwasgoingtoridethatblueroanifitkilledme—butIwasreallyawfulscared.Iheldmyhandstightontherail,sonobodycouldseehowtheywereshaking,andtriedtothinkofthingsFatherhadtoldmethatmightmakethembestill.

Astheyhadmovedintothebreakingcorralfromthebigone,Hihadshortenedthesnubropetillthecolt'sheadwaspulledtowithinlessthanafootofhissaddlehorn.Heslidfromthefarsideofhishorse,droppedhisreins,andcamearoundwhereTedwaswaitingwiththesaddle.Hisroanstoppeddancingtheminutehedroppedthereinsandstoodasstillasasnubbingpost.Thebluecoltcrowdedagainsthim,andstoodtremblingasHicameslowly

towardthemwiththesaddleheldchest-high.Hewasstilltalkinglikewaterrunningoverstoneswhenheeaseditoverthecolt'sback.

Hiworkedhishandupalongthebluecolt'sneckasTedmovedincloserandpassedhimahackamore.Heslippeditaroundthecolt'sneckandoverhisnoseasTedtightenedthesaddlecinchandknottedit.Whitewasshowingaroundtheblue'seyes,andeverymuscleunderhisdrippinghidewaspulledtight.Helookedasthoughhemightexplodeanysecond,butbothmenworkedwithoutaquickmoveanywhere.MychesthurtandIrealizedIwasholdingmybreath.

TedloosenedthelassoasHipassedthehackamoreropethroughtheloop,bent,andtookoffhisspurs.ThenHihitcheduphisbelt,wrappedthehackamoreropearoundhishand,andeasedintothesaddle.Whenhenodded,Tedslippedoffthelariatandjumpedclear.

Theroancoltstoodformaybetensecondsasthoughhewerecutoutofstone,andHisatjustasstill.Thenthecoltshotoffasifatriggerhadbeenpulledsomewhereinsideofhim.IhadthoughtPrincecouldbuck,andthatIcouldrideabronco,butitwasonlybecauseIdidn'tknowanybetter.Thebluedidn'tbuckstraightout,andhedidn'tspinorcircle.Hisfirstleaptookhisfronthoofstenfeetoffthegroundandtheycamedownlikepiledrivers.Hebouncedtotheright,smasheddown,snappedtotheleft,andwentupagainlikeageyser.Hishindquartersdidn'tfollowhisfores,butsnakedaroundlikeabuckingbull's.

Allthebloodseemedtohavedrainedoutofmeandleftmedryasprairiedust.Myeyesburnedandmytonguestucktothetopofmymouth.Theroancrashedagainstthepolesatthefarendofthecorralinasideswipe,pivoted,andrushedacrossthering.Hehadchangedhisstridetoachop,andHi'sheadwassnappinglikeaballonastring.Itwasn'ttillthenthatInoticedhewasn'trakingorfanningtheroan;justpullingagainstthehorse'sboggedheadwiththehackamorerope,andholdinghimselftightupagainstthepommel.Thecoltwasplungingrighttowardme.HisawmejustwhenIwasreadytojump,andwavedhisfreearmasthebluejackknifedbacktowardthecenterofthering.

Nothingalivecouldhavestoodthatpacelong,soitprobablywasn'tmorethanaminutebeforetheroanrocketed,crasheddown,andstoodtrembling.Hi'sfaceandneckwereswollen,andsoredtheylookedasthoughtheymightbreakintoflames,buthedidn'tseemabitafraid.Hestrokedthecolt'sneckandtalkedtohim.Hisvoicehadn'tchangedamitefromthewayitsoundedbeforehegoton.

Sweatdrippedofftheroanlikerainfromtheeavesofahouse,andhissidespumpedinandoutlikeabellows.Icouldseethewhitesshowingaroundhiseyes,anditwasalookoffright,notofmeanness.Noneofthemenonthefencemadeasoundasthehorseseemedtobemakinguphismindwhethertostartalloveragainortorelax.Iwatchedthequiverinhiswithersgrowlessandless,andthenhemovedafootforward.Thesaddlesqueaked,andhespooked,buthedidn'tbuck.Thenhetookanotherstep,andanother.NeitherHinoranymanonthefencemovedasthecoltmadeanervouscircleofthecorral.

AfteracoupleofroundsHimotionedMr.Coopertoopentheoutsidegate.Thecoltshot

throughtheopening,aroundthebigcorral,andawayacrossahayfield.Hihadashortholdonthehackamoreropeandwasholdingtheblue'sheaduptokeephimoutofanotherbuck.Itmighthavebeentenminutesbeforetheycameback,anditwaseasytoseetherehadbeenanunderstandingbetweenHiandthecolt.Hespookedalittle,andshiedofffromthecorralgate,butHilethimtakehistime,andhesidledbackthrough.

WhenthegatewasclosedHislippedoutofthesaddleandloosenedthecinches.HemusthavehadtherestofitallplannedoutwithTedEbberts,becauseTedwentinandtookthesaddletothebarn.Whenhecamebackhewascarryingmine,andlaiditbythegate.Iwasstillafraid,butnothinglikeIhadbeenbefore,andIknewitwasmytimetoride,soIclimbeddownandpickedupmysaddle.Mr.Coopertookitfrommeandtoldmetostayoutsidetillitwason.HeaskedmeifIwasscaredandIliedtohim.Isaid,"No,notabit,"butIwasshakinginside.Ineverknewahorsecouldbucklikethatblue,andIknewI'dgooffatthefirstthudifhediditagain.Iwasn'tsomuchafraidoffallingoffoutsidewhereahorsecouldrunaway,butitseemedasthoughIwouldsurelygettrampledifIwentoffinthatlittlecorral.

Higentle-talkedtheroancolt,andstrokedhisheadwhileMr.CooperandTedcinchedmysaddleontohim.Thenhemotionedmetoclimbuponthefencebesidethem.Hetoldmethecoltwouldbuckagainwithanewrider,butnotsohard—notsohardashehadseenPrincebuckwithme.Hetoldmenottobeafraid,buttokeepmyselfpulleduptightagainstthepommelwiththehackamorerope,andtokeepmyeyesontheroan'searssoI'dknowwhichwayhewasfixingtojump.Afterthat,hegotonhisownhorseandsidledthecoltoveragainstthefence.Inoticedthatalltheotherfellowshadspacedthemselvesaroundthecorralwiththeirropesshakenout.ItmademefeelalotsaferasIeasedmyselfdownintomynewsaddle.

WhenIwassetHiwheeledhishorseaway,TedandMr.Cooperjumpedback,andIwasonmyown.Thecoltboggedhishead,leaped,andthuddeddown.FromthereonIdon'tknowmuchaboutitexceptwhattheytoldmeafterwards.ButIdoknowthathedidn'tbuckthewayhedidwithHi,orI'dhavegoneflying.Whenitwasover,Hicameridingintotakemeoff,butIdidn'twanthimto.IwassodizzyIcouldonlyseeablur,andIcouldn'tmakewordscomeoutofmymouth.MaybeitwasbecauseIhadbittenmytongue,butIdon'tthinkso.IthinkitwasbecauseIwasstilltooscared—andtoohappybecauseIhadn'tfallenoff.

HiknewwhatIwanted,though.Hesaid,"You'redamnright,you'regoingtogettoridehim.Openthegate,Len!"Hisblueneverleftmysidemorethanthreefeetallthewayacrossthealfalfafield,outoverastripofprairie,andbacktothecorral.Onthewaybackthecoltwasn'tfighting;Icouldfeelthesmoothpowerofhismusclesunderthesaddle,andIknewhewasgoingtobemyhorse.

Hehadbuckedharderwithmethanthefellowsexpectedhimto,andIdon'tknowhowIstayedon.IguessIwasjusttooscaredtofalloff.Anyway,Mr.CoopershookhandswithmeafterHiliftedmedown.Hesaid,"ByGod,you'regoingtomakeacowpoke,LittleBritches.Aslongasyou'rewithmeyoucancallhimyourownhorse."Thenhelaughed,andsaidtotheothermen,"Ithought,byGod,thekidwasgoingtopullthatone-inchhackamoreropeintwobeforethemusicstopped."

Fatherneverswore,andIknowIwouldn'teverhavesaiditoutloud,butbeforeIreallyknewwhatIwasthinking,"ByGod,Ithoughtso,too,"wentthroughmyhead.

25APrettyStrongCurrent

ISPENTtherestoftheafternoonhelpingJuanandHigetthechuckwagonready.Itwasreallymoreofablacksmithandharnessshopthanachuckwagon.

Juan'skitchenwasonlyabigpantrywithdoorsattheback.Itsatontheopentailgateandwasstuffedtotheroofwithflour,slabsofbacon,sugar,coffee,andpotatoes.Twobigwatercaskswerefastenedtothesidesofthewagonbody,andJuan'spotsandpanshungfromthechuckboxlikewartsonasquash.

Afterallthebrandingirons,hornsaws,sparesaddles,andblacksmithtoolshadbeenloaded,itwasmyjobtoflushoutandfillthewatercasks.IthoughttheyheldathousandgallonsapiecebeforeIgotthemfilled.

Mr.Cooperatedinnerinthecookshackwiththemen,butheatehissupperinthehousewithMrs.Cooperandthelittlegirls.Iwasnearlythroughwithmysecondpieceofpiewhenateamdroveintotheyard,andIheardMr.Coopercomeoutofthehouseandcall,"Hiya,Fred."

IthoughttheanswersoundedlikeFredAultland'svoice,soIfinishedmypieasquickasIcouldandwentout.HewassobusytalkingtoMr.Cooperthathedidn'tnoticemetillIwentupclosetothebuckboard,andsaid,"HelloFred."

Fredspitsoquickhehitthenighhorseonthehock,andsaid,"Bydog,Spikes,Ididn'thardlyknowyou.Wherethehelldidyougetthatten-gallonhat?"Itwasaprettygoodlightgrayhat.TomBroganhadgivenittomeafterIrodethebluecolt.Itwasalittletoobig,though,andhehadhadtorollupsomepaperandputitinsidethesweatband.

Hiwasrightbehindme,andhecameoveryelling,"Spikesbedamned!ThishereisLittleBritches;top-handcowpokeandbroncbusteroftheY-Bspread.Lightdown,youlop-earedoldson,andgetthekinksoutofyourlegs."ThenhestartedtellingFredaboutmyridingthebluecoltthefirstdayhe'deverhadaman'shandonhim,makingitsoundasifthecolthadbuckedalotharderwithmethanhereallyhad.

Ididn'tliketojuststandthere,soIwentoverandclimbeduponthecorralfencetolookatmycolt.Hehadbeenrunningaroundthecorraluntilhewassweaty,andhiscoatglistenedblueastheskyinthelightofthesettingsun.IguessIwasthinkingaboutthatwithoutknowingit.AndaboutHi,andthewaythecoltleapedintotheairwhenhestartedhisbuck.Thename"SkyHigh"cameintomyheadbeforeIeverknewwhereitcamefrom.

ItwasdeeptwilightbeforeHileftthebuckboardandcameovertowhereIwas.ThecoltspookedasHicameuptothefence,snorted,andstaredtowarduswithhisheadheldwayupandhisnostrilsflaring.Hichuckled,"Lotsoffightleftinthebluedevilyet.God!He'sgoin'tomakeahorse."Wewatchedhimforawhile,andhewatchedus.AtlastHisaid,"Didn'twant

tobusthimtoohardtoday.Didn'twanttobusthisspirit."Then,afterhe'drolledandlitacigarette,"Prob'lyshouldn'toughttoofputyouonhimsoquick,LittleBritches.Yourpawouldn'talikedit."Hetookacoupleofpuffsfromthecigaretteandblewthesmokeupoverthetoprail."But,byGod,ifhe'sgoin'tobeyourhorse,he'sgottogetusedtoyoufromthejump.Ain'tnotwowaysaboutit."

IguessedthatFredandMr.Cooperhadbeentellinghimhehadletmeridethecoltbeforehewasbrokenenough.Ididn'twanthimthinkingtoomuchaboutit,becauseIwasafraidhemightnotletmedoitagain.SoItoldhimwhatI'dnamedthecoltandaskedhimifhethoughtitwasallright."Right?"hesaid."Fitshimlikeaglove!Tellyouwhatwe'lldo,byGod;we'llcallthatoldcayuseofmine'SkyBlue,'andmake'emamatchedpair."

Itseemedlikeeverythingaroundtheplacestartedoffwith"byGod."ItoldmyselfIwasn'tevengoingtothinkit,andthenI'dbesureIdidn'tsayitsometimewhenIwasn'tthinking.

IwentovertotalktoFredAultlandbeforehewenthome,andaskedhimnottotellMotheraboutmyridingSkyHigh.Hedidn'tsayhewouldn't,buthestuckhishandouttome,andIknewhemeanthewouldn'ttellFathereither.

Wepulledoutforthemountainranchearlythenextmorning.IhadhopedthatHiwouldsaddleSkyHighandtakemostofthebuckoutofhim,ashe'ddonethedaybefore,soIcouldridehimuptothemountains.Buthedidn't.IwasjustmoppingupthelastofthesyruponmyplatewithapieceofhotbiscuitwhenMr.Cooperstuckhisheadinthecook-shackdoorandsaid,"You'llberidingTopsy,LittleBritches."Then,afterhe'dstartedaway,hestuckhisheadbackinandsaid,"I'mgivingyouorders,Hi!Don'tyouneverletLittleBritchesforkthatbluecolttillyou'vegothimplumbworedown."

Juandroveafour-muleteamonthechuckwagon.Justaswewerereadytopulloutoftheyard,Mr.CoopertoldmeagainthatJuanwasmybossawayfromthehomeranch,andthatIbelongedwiththechuckwagon.SoIpulledTopsyinbesidethenearwheelmule.

Wewaitedbythegatewhilethemengottheremudafromthecorralandhazeditupthewagonroadtowardthewest.HiwasrightbehindthemwithSkyHigh.Hehadthecolthalteredandhisheadsnubbedupclosetohissaddlehorn.Ashewentpastme,hecalled,"Figuretogivethislittleoldcayusesomehalterbreakin'onthewayup."Skydidn'tseemtolikeitabit,andplungedaroundtobeattheband.Buthecouldn'tdomuchaboutit,becauseHi'sbluejustkeptjoggingalongandnotpayinganyattentiontohim.

Juanfollowedwiththechuckwagon.Untilwewereoutofsightofthehouse,Irodealongbesidethemules,butTopsydidn'tlikethedustthatthewagonstirredup.Shekeptblowinghernoseandbobbingherhead.ThenJuanwavedmetogoaheadwiththemenandyelled,"Adelante,adelante,muchacho!"IhadpickedupenoughSpanishfromtheMexicansectionhandstoknowwhatthatmeant,anddugmyheelsintoTopsy'sribs.Ineverlookedbackatthechuckwagonuntilwewereinthelittlegreenvalleybetweenthehogbacksandthemountains.

IhadfeltkindofbadthatIwasonlygoingtobewaterboyandhelpertothecook,butitturnedoutalotbetterthanIexpected.Juandidn'twanthelp,evenifIhadknownenoughtobeofanyusetohim.Allheletmedowascarrywaterforthemenandbringinbundlesofdryscruboakforthefire.

JuanhadaMexicanwaterskinthathetiedbehindthecantleofmysaddle.Itwasadogskin,andIdon'tknowhowintheworldtheyevergotthedogoutofit,becausetherewasn'tabreakinitanywhere,exceptattheneck,tail,andfeet.Ithadbeentannedandpolisheduntilitwasassmoothasalady'sglove,andabrownish-yellowcolor.Thelegshungdownoneachsideofthesaddle.Theywerethedrinkingtubes,andIhadtofillitthroughoneofthem.Toclosethemtightenoughsotheywouldn'tleak,allIhadtodowasfoldthemoverandclamponasplitstick,likeaclothespin.Thebreaksattheneckandtailweresealedsotheydidn'tleak,andwerehandsewedwithdoublerowsoffinecordthatHisaidwascatgut.

EverymorningthatfirstweekHitookthekinksoutofSkyHighbeforehewentouttoworkthecattle.Andeverymorningthecoltbrokewideopenforafewseconds,butthewhitedidn'tshowaroundhiseyesanymore,andhedidn'ttremble.AfterhehadriddenSkyforacoupleofmiles,we'dchangesaddles,andHiwouldletmeridehimawhile,buthealwaysrodehisownbluerightbesideme.ThecoltalwayscrowhoppedalittleafterIgoton,butheneverdidanyhardbucking.Hiletmeridefarthereachmorning.ThenSaturdayhetiedthewaterskinonbehindmysaddleandrodewithmeallmorningwhileItookwatertothemen.SkyHighdidn'tlikethelegsoftheskindanglingagainsthim.Icouldnevertellwhenhewasgoingtospookorcrowhop,andhadtokeepmykneespinchedintightsoIdidn'tgetspilled.

Bynoonmylegswereachingtobeatthebandfromkeepingthempinchedupsotightonthesaddle,andIhadalotofsagebrushscratchesonthem,becauseIcouldn'talwaysmakeSkygorightwhereIwantedhimto.Whilewewereeatingdinner,HitoldmetoputmysaddleonTopsyanddraginhalfadozenbundlesofwoodtoholdJuanoverSunday,andthenwe'dgetawayearlyforthehomeranch.

Ididn'tstoptohavesupperwiththeY-Bfellowsatthehomeranch,butmadeTopsycanteralltheway,soI'dgethomebeforedark.

FatherwasjustcominginfrommilkingwhenIrodeintoouryard.Mothercametothekitchendoor,andalltheyoungsterscamerunningouttoseeme.Ihadn'tknownIwasabithomesickuntilIgotinsightofourhouse,butwhentheyallcamerunningouttomeetmemythroatstartedswellingup,andIforgotallaboutmysaddleandeverythingelseexceptthatIwassogladtobehome.

Itwasafineevening.MotherpoppedcornandletallofusbutHalstayupuntilteno'clock.Itoldthemallaboutthemountainranchandthedogskinwaterbagandthechuckwagon.ButIdidn'tsayanythingaboutSkyHighorthebucking.

Fatherwasawfullyquiet,evenforhim,andIcouldtellheknewIwasholdingsomethingback.IthinkIwouldhavetoldhimallaboutitifwehadbeensomewherealone,butIcouldn'ttellhimwithMotherandtheothersthere.WheneverIwasn'ttalkingIkeptfeeling

guilty,soItoldthemallaboutdragginginwoodforJuan'sfire,andaboutHihavinghisroantrainedsohe'dhandleanykindofameananimalwithoutanyreining.IsaidHiwasgoingtoteachmehowtotrainahorsethatway.

Fatherjustsaidthatwouldbeagoodthingtolearn,andthatamanwhocouldtrainahorselikeHi'sblueroanwouldbeabletoteachmelotsofworthwhilethingsaboutforethoughtandpatienceaswellashorsehandling.

SundaymorningIletGracerideTopsyuptothecornerandbackonmysaddle.FatherwentalongonLady,becauseTopsywasastrangehorse,andhewouldn'ttrustGracealonewithher.Gracedidn'tliketohavehimgowithher.IthinkshealwaysdidwishshehadbeenaboysoshecouldhavebeenallowedtodothethingsFatherletmedo.

WepackedapicniclunchandspentthewholeafternoondownbyBearCreek,butwestayedawayfromthebridgewhereFannygothurt.MotherhadanewbooktheyhadboughtwhensheandFatherwenttoDenvertohearMr.WilliamJenningsBryanmakeaspeech.ItwasTheCalloftheWild,andMotherreadtousmostoftheafternoon.IthinkIlikedthatbookbetterthananyoneshe'dread.Whileshewasreading,FatherandIwhittledasailboat.Thatis,FatherwhittledtheboatpartandImadethemastsandsplitdrySpanishdaggerleavesforthesails.ThenFatherriggedthesailsandboomswithstringhehadbroughtinhispocket.Hefixedtwolongstringstothemainboomsowecouldswingitfromonesideoftheboattotheotheraswewalkedalongthebank.

WhileMotherandtheothersweregettingsupperfixed,FatherandIsailedtheboatdownthecreek.Ataplacewherethecurrentwasn'ttooswift,andwheretherewasaprettygoodbreeze,wesatdownonthebankandFathershowedmehowwecouldmaketheboatgoeitherupordownstreambysimplychangingtheangleofthesail.AfterIhadlearnedhowtodoitandwasmovingthestringssotomaketheboattackupagainstthebreeze,Fathersaid,"Youknow,aman'slifeisalotlikeaboat.Ifhekeepshissailsetrightitdoesn'tmaketoomuchdifferencewhichwaythewindblowsorwhichwaythecurrentflows.Ifheknowswherehewantstogoandkeepshissailtrimmedcarefullyhe'llcomeintotherightport.Butifheforgetstowatchhissailtillthecurrentcatcheshimbroadsidehe'sprettyapttosmashupontherocks."Afteralittlewhilehesaid,"Ihaveanideayou'llfindthatthecurrent'sabitstrongupatthemountainranch."

JustthenMotherhoo-hooedforus,sowetooktheboatoutofthewaterandwentbackupthecreek.Whilewewerewalking,Fatherfastenedthestringssothesailcouldn'tmoveandtiedthelongcordontothebowsprit.WhenwegottowhereMotherhadsupperlaidoutonthebankhegavetheboattoPhilip.

Weleftthecreekjustwhenthesunstartedtodipdownoverthehighestmountainpeaks,soIcouldgetbacktoCooper'sbeforedark.WhenIwent,FatherwalkedouttothegatebesideTopsy.Hehadhishandonmykneeandwaslookingdownattheground,buthesaid,"Son,Iwantyoutobeamananddothethingsmendo,butIwantyoutobeagoodman.I'mnotgoingtoworryaboutyou,butdon'ttakefoolishrisks—andgivethemanwho'spayingyouagoodday'swork.Solong,partner."Thenhewavedtomeasheclosedthegate.

26TrainingSkyHigh

WESTAYEDatthehomeranchthatnight.HirappedonmywindowwhenitwasjustlightenoughsothatIcouldseetheoutlineofthecookshackagainstthesky.WhenIgotmyoverallsonandwentouttosaddleTopsy,hewaswaitingformeatthecorralgate.Hisbluewasalreadysaddled,andapairofsmoothleatherchapswashangingfromthesaddlehorn.Theywerejustmysizeandhadsilverdisksalongthesidesofthelegsandaroundthebelt.Hihadcutdownanoldpairofhisowntomakethemforme.

AllthewayuptothemountainranchwetalkedaboutSkyHigh.Hisaidtherewasn'tameanstreakinhimanywhere,andthathehadmorebrainsthananyotherhorseintheremuda,excepthisownblue.ThenhetoldmetowatchandI'dseethatSkyalwaysfollowedthesamepatterninhisbucking,andthathe'dletmeridehimfromscratchjustassoonasIhaditfiguredout.

Ididn'thavetofigureitout,though.AllIhadtodowasclosemyeyes,andIcouldrememberjusthowhedidit.He'drearhigh,bouncefirstleftandthenrightforsixjumps,thencrowhopforahundredyardsandgointoastiff-leggedrun.IguessHilikeditbecauseIalreadyknew.Anyway,hetoldmeIcouldtryitthatmorning,buttofalllooseifIfeltmyselfgoing.HesaidImightjustaswellgetstartedifIwasevergoingtodoit,becauseSkymightmorning-buckallhisfirstseason.Anditwasn'tbecausehewasmean,butjusthiswayofshowinghowgoodhefeltafteranight'srest.HedidbuckeverymorningaslongasIwasthere,andalwaysjustthesameway.AfterIgotusedtoitIcouldhaveriddenhimblindfolded.

HistartedteachingmehowtotrainSkyHighrightfromthatday.Firstitwasbreakinghimtotherein,andteachinghimtostopwithalightpullontheline,thenwithjustliftingthem.BythetimewewentbacktothehomeranchthenextSaturdayhewouldreineitherwaywithoutanypull,andcomefromalopetoawalkwhenIraisedthelineswithmyhand.Afterthat,Hifiledtheroweloutofhisbit.

IwouldhavelikedtorideSkyHighhomeSaturdaynight,butHithoughtitwouldbebetterformetotakeTopsy.IguesshethoughtMotherwouldn'tletmecomebackifshesawthecoltputonhismorningshow,andhewasprobablyright.

IguessInevernoticedhowgoodacookMotherwas,orwhatgoodtimeswehadathome,untilafterIwenttoworkatCooper's.Itwasn'tthatIdidn'tlikethethingswehadtoeatatthemountainranch,orthatIdidn'thaveagoodtimewhenIwasupthere.Idid.Itwasonlysometimesatnight,afterIwasinmybedroll,thatI'deventhinkabouthome.ButalwayswhenIgottowhereIcouldseeourhouseonSaturdaynights,I'dbesohomesickthatI'dmakeTopsyrunasfastasshecould.

ThatweekendweallwentforapicnicupinBearCreekcanyon.Itwasthefirsttimethe

otherchildrenhadbeenupthere,andIthinkFatherhadbeenplanningitlongbeforeSundaycame.Hehadtradedouroldbuckboard,andthecolthegotforbuildingditchboxes,foranalmostnewspringwagonwithtwoleather-coveredseatsandred-stripedwheels.MotherhadthelunchbasketallpackedwhenwegotupSundaymorning,andFatherandIdidthechoresasfastaswecould.Youcouldjustbarelyseethetipoftherisingsunwhenwedroveoutofouryard.

Fathercouldtelleverydifferentkindoftreeandrockandmostofthebushesandflowers.Andhedidn'tjustpointthemoutandsay,"That'saspruceandthat'safirandthat'sajackpine."He'dshowuswherethisonewasdifferentfromthatone,untilevenHalcouldtellthemataglance.Ofcourse,Halwastoolittletogoonthehikeupthecanyonwithus,ortoclimbupthesideofthemountain,sohehadtostayatthewagonandhelpMothergetlunchready.ButFathertooktherestofuswayupintoaboxcanyonhehadfoundwhenhewashaulingfenceposts.Itwasjustlikeabigroom,builtofftoonesideofthemaincanyon,andthewallswentupalmoststraight.Hecouldcalloneofournames,andthemountainswouldkeepcallingitbacktillitsoundedasiftheywereallfullofpeoplewhoknewus.AndhefoundasmokytopazforMuriel,andapieceofquartzwithgreenagateinit,thatheafterwardsgroundandpolishedforGrace.

MotherfinishedreadingTheCalloftheWildtousduringtheafternoon,andwedidn'tgethomeuntiltimetodothemilking.FathersaidIcouldhavetakenTopsyalongwithus.ThenIcouldhavesavedaboutfivemilesbycuttingacrosstoCooper'splacefromMorrison.Ididn'twanttodoit,though,becauseIlikedtohelpFatherwiththemilking,andtohavehimwalkouttoourgatewithmewhenIwent,andsay,"Solong,partner."

Ilearnedalotofthingsduringthesixweekswewereatthemountainranch.Myrealworkdidn'ttakemorethananhouraday,andIspentalltherestofthetimepracticingthethingsHishowedme.HetaughtmehowtotrainSkyHighuntilwecouldridethetwoblueroanssidebyside,andmakethemdoexactlythesamethingswithoutevenstraighteningarein.AndhetaughtmetoswingaropetillIcouldspinitinaflatcircleIcouldwalkin,ormakeitdiptocatchthelegofarunningcalf.

Afterthatfirstweek,IwastheonlyonewhoevergotaleguponSkyHigh,andImusthavebeenonhimatleasttwelvehourseveryday.AssoonasIlearnedtohandlearopewellenoughsothatIcouldgetitonacalfandshakeitoffagainwithoutgettingoutofthesaddle,Hihelpedmebreakthecoltforhandlingasteer.Thefirstthingwedidwastoparehisforehoofsrightdowntothequicksotheyweretender.Thenwesetshoesonhishindfeet.Alwaysbefore,whenIwouldsnubacalftothesaddlehorn,Skywouldsethisforelegsagainstthelunge,butHisaidthatwouldbebadwithsteers.Hesaidthatinacoupleofyearsthecoltwouldgetsprungkneesandneverbeabletotakequickturns.Skydidn'tdoitanymore,though,afterhisfronthoofsweretrimmed.

Idon'tknowhowmanysteersIropedinthenextfewdays,buttherewerelotsofthem.SkyHigh'sforehoofsgottendererandtenderer,tillbytheendofthethirddayhe'dsitdown—almostlikeadog—anddighisshodhindhoofsintothegroundthesecondmyropesettledaroundasteer'sneck.Thenhe'dtaketheweightoffhisforelegstillhishoofswouldskim

alongthegroundaslightasadraggedhat.

Hehadjusttwobadfaultsthatbotheredme:hewouldn'talwayskeepatightline,andhewouldn'talwayskeephisheadpointedrightattheanimal.Thatway,abreachysteerwouldrushuseveryonceinawhile,ornearlytipusoversideways.IaskedHiwhatIoughttodoaboutit,andhesaid,"YoutakeTopsytopeddlewaterwithtomorrow,andwe'llletanoldbulllearnthatSkyboyagoodlesson."

Ilayawakeinmybedrollforalongwhilethatnight,worryingaboutwhatkindoflessonHiwasgoingtoletanoldbullgiveSky.Ihadseenabullriponehorse'sbellyopen,andIdidn'twantanythingtohappentomycolt.AcoupleoftimesIstartedtoaskHiwhathewasgoingtodo,buthewasalotlikeFatherinsomeways:helikedtoshowmehowtodothings,buthedidn'tlikemetoaskquestionsaboutitbeforehand.

ItookthewaterskinonTopsythenextmorning,andtheoldbullgaveSkyHighahardlesson.Hiputaheavy,double-cinchedsaddleonthecolt.Thenhehadtwooftheboyshelphimcatchandhalterthebiggestbullinthevalley.Theytiedalongropefromthebull'shaltertothehornofSkyHigh'ssaddle,ledthemoutintothemiddleofthevalley,andtookthecolt'sbridleoff.

Thebulldidn'tliketheideaofbeingtiedawayfromtheherd.Heputhistailupandhisheaddowntheminutehewasloose,andchargedofftowardthehills.Whenhehittheendofthatrope,hewasatrightangleswithSky,andtheylookedlikeapairofacrobatsIsawatacarnival.Thebullturnedasomersaultandthecoltrolledoverontohisbackwithhisheelskicking.SkyHighwasupfirst,butthebullwasupmaddest.Thattimehedidn'tchargetowardthehills,butrighttowardSky.Thecoltdodgedclearandthebullwentpasthim.Hecircledbeforehegottotheendofthelineandchargedagain.SkyHighsidesteppedoutofthewayandrakedachunkofhairoffthebull'srumpwithhisteeth.BythattimetherewasaloopofropelyingonthegroundcleararoundSky.Whenthebullhittheendofit,itknockedallfourfeetoutfromunderthecolt,andtiedhimuplikeacalfreadyforbranding.EverytimeSkywouldtrytogetup,thebullwouldyankontheropeandtiphimoveragain.

IhadseenallIcouldstand,andkickedmyheelsintoTopsy'sribs.AsshestartedIdugmyfreehandintomyhippocketformyknife,butInevergotitout.TherewasawhistlearoundmyheadandHi'sropetiedmeuplikeachickenforroasting.Hecouldhavejerkedmerightoutofthesaddle,buthedidn't.Sowhentheropetightenedaroundmyarms,IpulledTopsyupwithoutmeaningto,andHislidhisbluetoastopbesideme."Lookin'togetyourselfkilled?"heasked."Whatdoyouthinkthatbullwoulddowhenyoulitdowntocutthatrope?Nowyouhightailonupthecanyonandgetsomewatertothemboys,anddon'tcomebacktilldinner.Ifthatcoltcan'tlearntogetoutofhistangles,heain'tworthsavin'."

Iwent,butIdidn'twantto,andIchewedmyfingernailscleardowntothequick,worryingaboutSkyHigh.Ithoughtsurehe'dgetabrokenlegorhisinsidesrippedout,andeverytimeIgaveoneofthefellowsadrink,Iaskedhimifitwasn'tprettynearnoon.Theywererustlingthestragglersdownfromthedrawsandgulcheswherethecowshidawaywiththeirnewcalves,andsometimesI'dhavetositthereanhourandwaitforadrivertocomeoutintothe

canyon.WhenJuanblewhisoldcowhornfordinnerIracedbackouttothevalleyasiftherewereapackofwolvesafterme.

IcouldseeSkyHighandthebullfromthemomentIcameoutofthecanyonmouth.Theywerestillinthemiddleofthevalley,andwerehavingatug-of-war,butSky'shindfeetwereplanteddeepinthesodandthebullcouldn'tbudgehimaninch.Thelinewastightasastretchedelasticbandpastthesideofhishead.IkeptaneyeonthemallthetimeIwaseatingmybeansandbacon.Thebullgottiredofthetug-of-warbusinessafterawhileandstartedcirclingagain,butSkyHighbackedawayandturnedsoastokeepatightroperunningpasthishead.

WhenIwastighteningupmycinchesafterdinner,Hicameoverandnoticedthattheendofoneofmyfingerswasbleeding.Heslappedmeonthebacksoharditmademyteethrattle,andsaid,"Youstopfrettin''boutthatoldcayuseoryou'llhaveyourfingersetcleardowntotheknuckles.Heain'tnobody'sfool,andI'lllayyounobullwilleverdumphimagainaslongashelives.YoustickaroundhereandhelpJuanthisafternoon;I'llletTompeddlewatertotheboysinthecanyon."

Ididgoanddraginacoupleofloadsoffirewood,butthat'saboutallJuanletmedobesidespeelthespudsforsupper.Hedidn'thavetoomuchtodohimself.IwaslearningtotalkenoughSpanishsothatwecouldgetalongprettywell,soalotofthetimewesatintheshadeofthechuckwagonandwatchedSkyHighandthebull.Theymusthavegoneupanddownthelengthofthevalleyadozentimesduringtheafternoon.Idon'tknowwhetherSkyevergotdumpedagainduringhislife,buthedidn'tduringthetimeIknewhim.

TheonlyotherlessonthatreallyhurtmewasteachingSkyHightostandground-tied.Whenafellowisworkingwithcattletherearelotsoftimesthatheneedstotiehishorsewherethereisnothingtotiehimto.Hehastobeabletogoawayandleavehimsometimesforhours,andfindhimrighttherewhenhecomesback.Somehorseslearntostandground-tiedafterthey'vejerkedtheirmouthsafewtimesbysteppingonahangingrein,butSkyHighwastoosmartforthat.IfIlefthimwiththereinhanging,he'dholdhisheadofftothesideso

astokeepthelineoutfromunderhishoofs,andgobacktotheremuda.ItwasanuisancewhenIwasgatheringwood,becauseIalwayshadtofindabushwhereIcouldtiehim.

OnemorningHitoldmetocatchupanotherhorseforacoupleofdays,becauseweweregoingto"learn"Skytostandground-tied.Hisaddledhim,andputonabridlewithshortreinsandabigrowelinthebit.Therowelwassobigthatthecoltcouldhardlyclosehismouthwithouthavingitcutagainsthistongueandtheroofofhismouth.Afterthat,Higotalongironpicketpinwithaneye-loopatthetop.ThenweledSkyHighupintothecanyon,drovethepicketpincleardowntotheeye,andground-tiedhimwithintwentyfeetofthebrook.

Therewasgoodgrassaroundthepicket,buthecouldn'teatitwiththerowelbitinhismouth.Andeverytimehetriedtotakeastepforwardorback,thebitwouldcuttherowelintotheroofofhismouthoragainsthistongue.Igotmadaboutthat,andtoldHiitwasadirtythingtodo,andthereoughttobesomeeasierwayofteachingahorse.Hesaid,"Yep,they'seasierways,anditwouldbeeasierforhimtoforget.Thelessonsyourememberlongestaretheonesthathurtyouthemostwhenyoulearn'em.DoyoufollowwhatI'mtryin'totellyou?"

Icouldn'thelpthinkingaboutwhatFatherhadsaid—thatnightoutonthechoppingblock—andIsaid,"IguessIknowwhatyoumean."

Werodebacktowardthechuckwagonsidebyside.Hikeptlookingdownatthehornofhissaddle,buthewentontalking."Youain'tgoin'tolikethis,becauseit'llmakehismouthbleed,andhe'llslobberabit,butitain'tgoingtohurthimmuchmorethanithurtsyoutogetatoothpulled.AfteracoupleorthreehoursI'lltradethatrowelforastraightspadebitthatwon'tcuthim,buthe'sgoin'tohavetostandtherethroughalloftodayandtonightwithoutfeedorwater.Thatwayhe'lllearnthathecan'tmovefornothin'lessthanprairiefirewhenhe'sgroundtied.Andifhe'shalfthehorseIthinkheis,hellrememberittherestofhislife."

SkyHigh'smouthwasn'tsoreformorethantwoorthreedaysafterhisground-tyinglesson,andfromthentillhayingtimeHiletmeworkwiththecattleassoonasIhaddraggedJuanenoughwoodfortheday.Wewereherdingoutontherollingprairiesbetweenthehomeplaceandthehogbacks.Juanwouldmovethechuckwagonfromplacetoplacewiththeherds,andIsometimeshadtodragthefirewoodthreeorfourmilesfromthenearestscruboakpatch.Ihadtodragtwoloadsaday,soIalwaysbroughtonethelastthingatnight,andthengotupatdawntogofortheotherone.Thatway,IcouldspendtherestofthedayattheherdswithHiandthemen.Ialwayscarriedmywaterskinonthebackofmysaddle,andbygoingfromoneherdtotheother,morningandafternoon,IhadplentyoftimefortrainingSkyHighasIworked.

Hiwasrangeboss,sohewentfromoneherdtotheotherasIdid,unlesshehadtobeatthewagonforbrandingordehorning,orsomethinglikethat.Betweenherds,wealwayspracticedtrickswithSkyHighandSkyBlue.Wegotthemsotheywouldevendofigureeightsatacanterwithouteverlosingstep,andsowecouldstopandturnthembothrightonthesamedime.IthinkmyblueroanlikedHi'sroanaswellasIlikedHi.

ThewayHihadmetrainhimforcuttingwastopicksomequick-movingsteer,orabreachy-lookingoldcowfromthemiddleofeveryherd,thenworkthatonetotheoutsidewithoutrunningit,anddriveitaquarterofamilefromtheherd.TheyneverwantedtogowhereIwantedthemto,andwouldduckanddodgetogetawayfromme.AtfirstIhadallkindsoftrouble,becauseSkyHighwouldgetexcitedwhenIhadtokeepturningandtwistinghimfromonesidetotheotherintryingtoworksomeorneryoldheiferoutoftheherd.Sometimeshewouldgetsomadhe'dbobhisheadandrear.Thenwe'dalwayslosethecowwewereafter,andhalfthetimewe'dstartsomeoftheothercattlerunning—andHididn'tlikethat.ByhayingtimeSkywasn'tasgoodatheadingthemoffasFannyusedtobe,buthecouldalmostalwaystellwhichoneIwasafterwhenIpickedit,andwouldworkittotheoutsideoftheherdwithoutmyhavingtoreinhimenoughtomakehimmad.

27FatherandILearntoShoot

IUSEDtolikehavingpicnicsdownbyBearCreek,soallsixoftheSundayswhileIwasworkingupatthemountainranch,Motherpackedalunchandwespentthedaydownthere.Afterthefirstweek,IneverdidgethomeonSaturdaynightstillafterdark,andIalwaysstayedaslongasIcould.SoitwasalwaysdarkwhenIstartedbacktoCooper's.That'swhyInevernoticedourcropstillHitoldmeabouttheditchfight.FromthewayFatherhadactedonSundaysIcouldn'thaveguessedanythingwaswrong,butIshouldhaveknownMotherwasn'tgettingsojumpyjustworryingaboutme.

ThelastMondaymorningIwentuptothemountainranchbeforehaying,HiaskedmeifFatherhadgothurt.Isaidhehadn't,andwantedtoknowwhyheaskedmethat.ThenhetoldmeaboutthefightontheBearCreekditch.Hesaid,"Idon'tlikethelooksofthingsoverthere.FredAultlandtellsmetheganguptheditchhasbustedoutyourpa'spatentditchboxesandishoggingallthewater,soyourplacesaredrier'naburntboot.Buthesaysyourpa'sgotasignedpaperthat'stightenoughtohaul'emintocourtfordamages.IfIknowthemdirtysonsaswellasIthink,youroldmanbetterstartpackin'a.45."

IwasafraidforFather,andwasgoingtoriderighthomeandtellhimwhatHisaid,buthetoldmenotto.HesaidIcouldn'ttellFatheranythinghedidn'talreadyknow,andthatFatherprobablywouldn'tthankhimforhavingtoldme.IstillthoughtIoughttogohome,andIwouldhaveifHihadn'tsaiditwouldscareMothertodeath.Thenhepromisedhe'dridetoourplacewithmethenextSaturdayafternoonandtakehisown.45toFather.

Idon'tthinkIeverputinalongerweek.Icouldn'tevenfindanyfunincuttingoutcattlewithSkyHigh,andonWednesdayHitoldmeI'dhavetoquitbeingsonervouswiththecoltorI'dspoilhim.Idon'tknowifbeingnervoushadanythingtodowithit,butthatsamemorningSkytossedmetwentyfeetwhenIwastakingouthiskinks.

OnlyHiandthreeoftheotherfellowsweregoingtostaywiththecattlethroughhaying,soJuanstartedforthehomeranchwiththechuckwagonrightafterSaturday'sdinner.Ishouldhavegonewiththewagon,butIwantedtostaywithHisoastobesurehewouldridehomewithmeandtakehis.45toFather.Itmusthavebeenfouro'clockbeforewegotthethreeherdsthrowntogetherandhadcutoutallthehorsesthatwouldbeneededattheranchforhaying.HihadpromisedthatIcouldrideSkyHighhomewhenhewentwithme,andIwasgettingfidgetyforfearwewouldn'tgettheretillafterdark.Ihadbeenthinkingallweekabouthowniceweweregoingtolookridingintoouryardsidebysideonourtwobluehorses.

Assoonastheremudawasheadedtowardthehomeranch,HiyelledtoBarneyOrtez,"Youtakeover,Barney.LittleBritchesandmehasgotbusiness."Helethisroanoutintoafastrun,butIcaughtuptohimbeforehehadgoneacoupleofhundredyards.Ofcourse,IwasalotlighterthanHi,andmysaddledidn'tweighnearlysomuchashis,butI'dbetSky

Highcouldhaveoutrunhisblueandcarriedthesameweight.

Afterthatweletthemdownintoalonglopeandkeptitallthewaytothehomebuildings.Wepassedthechuckwagonbeforewewerehalfwayin.

Ineverdidchangemyclothessofast,andIdon'tbelieveHieverdid,either.Iwasn'tinthehousemorethanfiveorsixminutes,butwhenIcameouthewasallreadyandwaitingformebythebunkhousedoor.Hehadhis.45onandwasholdinganothergunandbeltinhishand.Thebeltwasloaded,andwassolonghehadtowinditaroundmetwice.Ashebucklediton,Hisaid,"Iain'tgivingthistoyou;youain'toldenoughtopackone,butifyourpathinksyoumight,he'llbemorewillingtoborrowitoffofyouthanhewouldoffofme."

Thesunwashangingaboutafootabovethemountainpeakswhenwegottothefarcornerofourranch.Aswerodealongthewestroad,betweenFredAultland'splaceandours,Ialmostfeltlikecrying.Fred'salfalfalookedalotbetterthanours,becauseitwasolderandtherootsweredeeper,butitwasasickyellowcolorandnotmorethansixoreightincheshigh.Ouroatfieldlookedlikeadesert,andthesweetcloverhadturnedbrownalongtheirrigationditch.

Iforgotallabouthowweweregoingtolookaswerodeintotheyard,andcouldonlythinkaboutFatherandhowhardhehadworkedtogetourcropsin.Ofcourse,Icouldn'thavehelpedanyifIhadbeenathomeallspring,butitseemedasthoughIhaddonesomethingwrongtohavebeenawayhavingagoodtimewhiletherestofthemhadtostayhomeandseeourcropsburnup.

HimusthaveknownhowbadIwasfeeling,becausewhenwegottothecorner,heyelled,"Yipeeeee,"andthrewhisspursinagainsthisroan'sbelly.Wewenttearingdownthelasthalfmileasifwewererunningawayfromaprairiefire,andskiddeduptothegateinashowerofdust.Thefolkshadseenusandhadcomeoutthekitchendoor.MotherwaskeepingMurielandPhilipbacksotheywouldn'tgetsteppedonandFatherwasholdingHalinhisarms.Hididn'tmakeanymovetoopenthegate,soIhadachancetoletFatherseehowwellIcouldhandleSkyHighwhenIopenedandcloseditwithoutgettingoutofthesaddle.

HitookhishatofftoMotherwithabigsweepjustthewayhedidthefirsttimeIrodehisblue,andanybodywouldthinkhehadalwaysknownFather.Hecalled,"Hithere,Charlie.Thislittleoldkidofyoursisgettin'tobequiteacowpoke;brokeandtrainedthisherecoltallbyhisself.Hefetchedmeoversowecouldshowhimoffalittle."

BeforeIcouldevengetinaword,heyelled,"Yipeeee,"andspurredhisroanagain.Ipinchedmykneesinabitandleanedforward,andbothroanstookofftogether.Wetoreoutthroughthedooryard,circledaroundthehaystackoneway,turnedonadime,andcamearoundtheotherway.Thenwemadefigureeightssidebyside—bothwaysaround—andafewquickstopsandturns.Aswecamebacktothedoor,wemadetheroanskeepchangingleadsotheylookedasiftheyweredancing.Hi'sroanwoulddoitwithnothingbutkneepressure,butwehadonlybeenpracticingthreeweeks,soIhadtokeepturningSkyHighwiththereins.

Fatherwasalwaysquietandserious.Hewasn'teversourorsulky,buthejustneverbubbledoverortalkedloudaslotsofmendo.IthinkthenearestIeverheardhimcometoitwaswhenwebroughttheroansdancinguptothedoor.Hiseyeswereshining,andwhenhecalledouttoushisvoiceremindedmeofthe"merryweddingbells,"inthepieceMotherusedtorecite."Nicehandling,Son,"hecalled.AndthenhesaidtoHi,"Iseeyou'reasgoodattrainingboysasyouareatschoolinghorses.I'mproudtohavehimwithyou,Hi."

IdothinkFatherwasproud,butIknowIwasalotprouder.AndIcouldtellbythelooksoftheotheryoungsters'facesthattheyweregladIwastheirbrother.MotheralwaysworriedforfearIwouldfalloffahorseandgethurt,butthatnightshewasbeaminglikeasunriseinthespring.ShealwayswaitedsupperformeonSaturdaynights,andshetoldHishewassorryshehadn'tknownhewascoming,becauseshewasquiteunprepared,butifhecouldtakepotluck,supperwouldbereadyinaboutfifteenminutes.

Fatherwenttothecorralwithuswhenweunsaddled,buthedidn'ttrytohelpme.Itfeltasifthatgunandcartridgebeltweighedaton,andthetoprailofourcorralwasprettyhighformetotossmysaddleover,butIwasluckyanditbalancedwiththehornpointingstraightuponthefirsttry.Assoonaswehadforkedsomehaytotheroans,Hiunbuckledhisgunbeltandhungitoverthecornerpostofthecorral.Ihadtoclimbuponthepolestoputminewithit.Fatherhadn'tseemedtonoticethegunbefore,butwhenIclimbeduphesaid,"That'squiteapieceofartillery,Son.Doyouwearitwhileyou'reworking?"

IthoughtaboutwhatHihadsaidwhenhebuckleditonme,soIsaid,"No,notyet,becauseIdon'tknowhowtoshootwithit,butImightneeditforwolveswhenIgobacktothemountainranchafterhaying."

IwasjustgettingreadytoaskFatherifhe'dkeepitforme,butHibeatme.Hesaid,"Itwouldbeanuisancetoyouduringhayingtime,andIwon'tbearoundtolearnyouhowtouseit;youmighthurtsomebody.Whydon'tyouleaveitherewithyourpatillyoucomebacktothecattle?We'lltakeyououtaftersupperandletyoufindouthowmuchitkicks."

Whileweweretalking,Mothercametothebackdoorandcalled,"Su-u-up-perrr,"sowewentovertothepumpandgotwashedup.MaybeMotherwasn'tquiteprepared,butshehadanawfullygoodsupper.Wehadawholeroastedham,andthekindofbakedbeansnobodyelsecouldmake—goldenbrown,withthickjuicethatwasassweetasmaplesyrup,andshemusthaveopenedajarofeverythinginthecellar.Afterwehadeatentillwewerefullclearuptotheears,andtherewasn'tabuttermilkbiscuitleftontheplate,Motheropenedtheovendoor.ShehadmadetwopiesoutofgooseberriesGraceandIhadpickedalongBearCreekinthefall.Someofthejuicehadoozedupthroughtheleafpatternshealwaysmarkedonthetopofherpies,andjustthesmellofthemmademehungryalloveragain.Hisaiditwasthebestsupperheeverate.

AtCooper'sIgotcoffeelikethemen,andIlikeditalotbetterthanIdidmilk,butIdidn'tthinkMotherwouldhavelikeditifshehadknown.IwasalittlebitafraidHimightaskwhyIwasn'ttakingcoffeewhenMothergotupforthecoffeepotandcups,soIhurriedtosay,"Iwon'thaveroomforanythingtodrinktonightwithallthesegoodthingstoeat."Sometimes

HicouldcatchonasquickasFather.Hewassittingnexttome,andwhenIsaidthathebumpedmeunderthetablewithhisknee.

AfterHihadtoldMotherhowgoodthesupperwas,hesaidtoFather,"Howaboutit,Charlie—hadn'twebettertakeLittleBritcheshereoutbehindthebarnandlearnhimhowtoshootasixgun?It'sbetterhehaveacoupleofmenaroundthefirsttimehetriesit."

Motherkindofgasped,andlookedupatFather.Ithoughtshemightspoileverything,butFatherkeptonstirringhiscoffeeanddidn'tlookupather.Thenhesaid,"Thatmightbeagoodidea,"almostasthoughheweretalkingtothecup.

Isaid,"Pleaseexcuseme,"andtriedtogetupfromthetableasifIweren'tinanyhurry,butsomehowIgottangledupwiththelongtableclothandnearlypulledsomeofthedishesontothefloor.ItwasjustmediumtwilightwhenMothersaid,"Nowdobecareful,"andwewentbackouttothecorral.Beforewetookthegunsdown,Hisentmetopickupacanfulofpebbles.Hesaidtohuntforonesthatwereaboutasbigasapeachstone.HeandFatherhelpedme,andwemusthavepickedupasmanyasahundred.Thenwetookthegunsandwentoutbehindthebarn.

Hidumpedthecanofstonesonthegroundaboutthirtyfeetfromthehaystack,thenhesatthecanrightatthefootofit.Hehadmehedownonmystomachbesidethepileofstones,andsaid,"They'stwokindsofgunshootin',butone'sallyou'llneedtolearn.Inthearmytheylearnyoutoaimasixgunandshootitwithastraightarm.That'sallrightifyou'retargetshootin',butitain'tnogoodforcowpokes.Whenapokeneedsagunhe'salwaysgottomakeaquickshot,likewhenameanbullhasknockedyourponydown,orwolveshasjumpedacalf.Inthemchancesthereain'tnotimetotakeaim,andyougottobeabletothrowaslugclosetowhereyouwantit—andquick.Nowpickuponeofthemstonesbetweenyourthumbandfinger,andfireitatthecan."

Myfirststonedidn'tgetasfarasthecanbytenfeet,andthesecondonenearlywentoverthetopofthehaystack.Hididn'tlaugh,buttherewasakindofchuckleinhisvoice,andhesaid,"See,itain'taseasyasitlooks.Heain'tgottheideaoftossin'itwithhisforearmandwrist,Charlie.Seeifyoucan'tshowhimhowit'sdone."

Fatherlaydownbesidemeandtossedacouple.Hiswerenearerthanmine,buthedidn'thitthecan."Youain'tquitegottheknackyet,"Hisaid."It'slikethis—mostlywithyourwrist."Hefloppeddownwithusandsnappedouttwoorthreestones.Hiswristactedasifitwerehungonhisarmwithahinge,andhehitthecanrightinthemiddlewitheverystone.

AfterthatFathercouldcomeclosertothecan,andhehititagoodmanytimes.Ihititonceortwice,too,butHiseemedtohavealmostforgottenIwasthere.WhenFatherhadhitthecanaboutfourtimesinarow,HipassedhimthegunIhadbeenwearing,andsaid,"Nowthrowaslugatitthesameway.Youwon'thavetothinknothin'aboutsqueezin'thetrigger."Fatherwhangedaholethroughthecanthefirstshot.

Wewereouttheretillitgotalmostpitchdark,butHididn'tseemtowanttostop.Hesaid

itwasthebestpracticeintheworldforamantolearntoshootafterdark,becausethatwasusuallythetimehehadtodohisshooting.Hesaidheneverdidgetathievingwolfindaylight,buthe'dgotacoupleofdozenafterdark.FatherdidmoreshootingthanIdidbecausethegunwastooheavyformeandhurtmywrist.Hegotsohecouldpunchaholeinthecanfourorfivetimesoutoftenshots,butthebestIeverdidwastwo.

Whenitwassodarkwecouldonlyseeashinyplacewherethecanwas,Hihadusstandupandtossstonesunderhand—thewaytheythrowabowlingball.Thenheshowedushowtowhipagunoutoftheholster,andshootasthemuzzlecomesup.Hecouldpullthegunoutofhisholster,shoot,andputitback,almostinthesamemotion.Hehitthecantentimesinarowthatway,anddroveit—acoupleoffeetatatime—fromoneendofthehaystacktotheother.WhenItriedit,everyoneofmyshotswentintothestack,andFatheronlyhitthecanonce.Hisaidnobodycouldlearntodoitwellwithoutalotofpractice,butthereweretimeswhenitwasworthalltheworkittooktolearn.

WehadusedupallthecartridgesoutofHi'sbelt,andnearlyhalfoftheonesinminebeforewequit.IwenttothecorralwithHiwhileFathertookthegunintothehouse.Whenhewastighteninguphiscinches,hesaid,"Yourpaisgoin'tomakeagoodhandwithasixgun.Idon'tthinkI'dsaynothin'tohimaboutthemfellowsuptheditchifIwasyou.I'llputafleainFredAultland'searonmywaybacktothehomeplace."

Whilewehadbeenoutshooting,Motherhadmadeabigpanoffudge.WhenHireinedupatthedoortotellheragainhowgoodsupperwas,shegaveittohim—allpackedupintheboxMuriel'sshoescamein—andaskedhimifhewouldmindtakingitbacktotheotherfellowsatCooper's.HewentoffastickledasIhadbeenwithmysaddle.

Ididn'tgetanychancetotalktoFatherabouttheditchfightuntilweweremilkingSundaymorning.Hedidn'tseemtowanttotalkmuchaboutitthen.Hejusttoldmenottoworryaboutourcrops;thatwithwhatwehadleftoverfromlastyearwewouldbeabletogetalongallright.ThenhesaidtherewasgoingtobeacourthearinginJuly,andhethoughttheneighborsatourendoftheditchwereinagoodpositiontocollectforthelossoftheircrops.Iaskedhimifhewasn'tafraidtherewasgoingtobesomeshootingthatyearastherehadbeenthefirstyearwemovedthere,buthesaid,"Therewouldbeifwetriedtotakethelawintoourownhands,butfewmenwillshootatlaw-abidingpeople.IfFredandMr.Wrightcankeepthehotheadsquiet,Ithinkeverythingwillbeallright.Anyway,worryingwon'thelpitabit,solet'sgetMothertofixusupalunch,andwe'llspendthedaydownbythecreek."

Wehadanotherfinedaydownatthecreek.Idon'trememberwhatMotherreadthatday,butIdoremembergettinghertorecite"Thanatopsis,"andthatshewaslookingrightatmewhenshesaid,"Solive,thatwhenthysummonscomes."Shesaideachwordslowandclear,andthe"thy"runglikeastrokeonaheavybell.

Ididn'tgobacktoCooper'sthatnighttillaftermilking.IfIhadsomethingIneededtotalktoFatherabout,anddidn'twantanybodyelsetoknow,milkingtimewaswhenwealwaystalked.Mostofthenights,though,wedidn'ttalkatall.Wedidn'tthatnight.Idon'tknowhowtotellit,buttherewassomethingniceaboutbeingouttherealonewithhimandsmellingthe

cowsmell,andhearingthemilkgosingingintothebuckets.Sometimesit'snicernottotalkwhenyou'renearsomebodyyoulove.

FatherhelpedmesaddleSkyHighwhenIhadtogo.Hedidn'tdoitasifIwerealittleboyandhadtobehelped,butthesamewayhewouldhavedoneitwithFredAultlandoranyotherman.IhadneverwaitedtillsolateinthedaytogetonSkyforthefirsttime,andIdidn'tknowifhe'dbuckornot,soItoldFathernottobeafraidifhewasalittlefrisky,becausehewasn'tmean.Icouldn'tgetmyfootintothestirrupfromtheground,butHihadtaughtmehowtohopandcatchthesaddlehornandstirrupatthesametime.OnceinawhileSkyHighstartedhisleapbeforeIgotclearup,andthenIhadtodoitalloveragain,butthatnightIguessheknewIwantedtoshowoffforFather,andhedidn'treartillIwasallset.

HeonlycrowhoppedafewjumpsandthenwewaitedforFather.Hewalkedouttothegatewithmeashealwaysdid,buttheonlythingshesaidwerethathewasproudofthewayIhadtrainedSkyHigh,anditwouldbebesttoputlotsofcreaminmycoffee.Hewavedtomeasheclosedthegate,andcalled,"Solong,partner."

28RidingintheRoundup

RIDINGhayrakeandstackerhorsewerekindofmonotonousafterbeingatthemountainranchwithHiandthecattle.Ifithadn'tbeenfortheevenings,Idon'tthinkIwouldhavelikeditatall.BeforeHiwentbacktothemountains,hetoldmethatIwouldhavetorideSkyHigheverynightifIwantedhimtorememberallthethingsIhadtaughthimduringthespring,andthatIoughttokeephiminpracticeoncuttingandropingbyworkingontheyoungstockinthehomepasture.

Therewereabouttwentymenaroundtheplaceduringhaying.Eightornineofthemwerecowhandswhoweren'tneededwiththestockthroughthesummertime,andtherestwerehandsthatMr.CooperhadhiredinDenver.AllthecowhandsweregettingreadyfortheFourthofJulyroundupatLittleton.TheyalwayshadroundupsatthefairgroundsonFourthofJulyandLaborDay,andtherewereprizesforbroncobusting,horseracing,trickriding,androping.

Mr.CooperlikedtohavetheY-Bfellowswinprizesattheroundups,andkepttenoradozenoutlawhorsesatthehomeplacesothemencouldkeepinpractice.Iwantedtotrytorideacoupleofthem—theydidn'tseemtobuckashardasPrinceusedto—butMr.Cooperwouldn'tletme.AndeverynighthehadoneofthefellowsridewithmewhenIwaspracticingwithSkyHigh.UsuallyitwasTomBrogan.Hewasn'tverygoodatbusting,buthecouldmakearopedomorefunnytricksthanamonkeyonagrapevine.Ilearnedtodosomeropetricksfromhim,buthecouldn'tmakehisoldsorreldotrickslikeHi'sblue,andInevercouldseemtokeepSkyinstepwithhim.

Mr.CooperhadHicomeinfromthemountainranchabouttheendofJune,sohecouldgetsomepracticeontheoutlawsbeforetheroundup.AndfromthentilltheFourth,Hipracticedwithmethreeorfourhoursaday.Mr.CoopersawusridingtogetherthatfirstnightafterHicameinfromthemountains,andafterthathe'dsendTomBrogantoridethestackerhorseataboutthreeo'clockintheafternoon,andIhadalltherestofthedaywithHi.

Therewasn'tanyhayingontheFourthofJuly,andeverybodywenttotheroundupearlyintheforenoon.IrodeSkyHigh,andIdidn'thavetostayinthegrandstand,either,liketheotherkids.Hitookmerightoutintothemiddleoftheracetrackoval,wheretheyhadthebroncobustingandbulldoggingandcalfroping.

Hiwonfirstprizeinthebroncobusting,andTomBroganincalfroping,butitwasthetrickridingthatIlikedbest.Onegirlcrawledcleararoundherhorse,underhisbelly,andbackintothesaddlewhilehewasonthedeadrun.Anotheronestoodwithherfeetinloopsofstraponthesaddlepommel,androdeallthewayaroundtheracetrackwithoutlosingherbalance.Andtherewereatleastadozenmenriderswhodidallkindsofstunts,fromgoingunderarunninghorsetoslidingoffoverone'stailandjumpingbackintothesaddle.

Aftereverythingelsewasover,themanwiththemegaphoneshouted,"ThelastnumberonourprogramwillbeanexhibitionofmatchedpairridingbyHiBeckmanandLittleBritchesoftheY-Bspread…Bring'emout,Hi!"

Hihadn'ttoldmeweweregoingtoride.TomBroganpickedmeupbyonearmandthehindendofmychaps,andtossedmeintomysaddle,butmylegswereshakingsothatIcouldhardlygetmyfeetinthestirrups.Thensomebodyopenedthegateandletusoutontotheracingstripinfrontofthegrandstand.

ItwasagoodthingI'dhadthosefewafternoonstoridewithHi,because1wassomixedupatfirstthatSkyHighprettynearlyhadtodoeverythingbyhimself.Ididn'thelphimmuchtillitcametotheend,wherewewentuptothegrandstandchanginglead,sothatitlookedasifbothhorsesweredancing.Aswewentup,Hisaid,"Grabyourhatoff,LittleBritches,whenyouseemegrabmine."Idid,andthepeopleinthestandsyelledlouderthantheydidwhenFredAultland'sbayswonthetrottingrace.AllIcouldthinkofwasthatIwishedFathercouldhavebeentheretohearit.

AlltheY-BfellowswentuptowntoMonahan'ssaloonassoonastheroundupwasover,andIwentwiththem.SkyHighdidn'tlikegoingupMainStreetverywellandkeptbobbinghisheadanddancing.Butitwasthedoctor'shorselesscarriagethatreallyscaredhim.HecrowhoppedrightupontothesidewalkinfrontofSchellenbarger'smarket,andhewasstilltremblingwhenIlefthimground-tiedatthehitchrailbyMonahan's.

IwasaboutasnervousasSkyHigh,becauseIknewMotherwouldn'twantmegoingintoasaloon.Anyway,notunlessIhadtogointoseethesheriff.Hisatmeuponthemiddleofthebar,andlotsoffellowscameandshookhandswithmeandcalledmeLittleBritchesandwantedtobuymebirchbeerandsarsaparilla.ButallthetimeIseemedtobehearingMother'svoice,asitwasdowntherebythecreek,whensherecited,"Solivethatwhenthysummonscomes."

Ihadtotalkaboutsomethingtogetthatoutofmyhead,soIsaidtoHi,"I'llbetwecoulddosomestuntsprettynearasgoodasthosetrickriders.Icandothatdivingtrickandcomeuponmyfeet,likeyoudidwhenMotherandIwereplantingpotatoes."ThenItoldhimaboutpracticingitinthesandyspotwhenIwasherdingMrs.Corcoran'scows.

Whenwegotbacktothehomeranch,everyonewantedtoseemedoit—evenMr.Cooper—andIalmostwishedIhadn'tsaidanythingaboutit.WithFanny,I'dalwaysdonethedivingstuntbareback,andsheneverspookedorchangeddirectionwhenIwasstartingmydive.Iknewitwouldbealotdifferenttodoitfromasaddle,andwasafraidImightgetafootcaughtinastirrup,orthatSkyHighmightspooksothatI'dlandsquareonmyhead.IguessHiwasthinkingaboutthesamethings.Anyway,hewouldn'tletmetryittillwewentwayoutintothemiddleofaplowedfield,andthenheledSkyHighthefirstcoupleoftimes.Ihadn'ttriedthestuntsinceaboutamonthbeforewelostFanny.AndSkydidn'trunverywellintheplowedground,soIkindofmessedupthefirstcoupleoftries.AfterthatHiletmetryitaloneanditwentbetter.

FromthereontotheendofAugust,Idon'tthinkIalwaysgavethemanwhowaspayingmeagoodday'swork,thewayFathertoldmeto.Hiwentbacktothemountainranchwiththecattle,andwehardlygotonecuttingofalfalfaputupbeforeanotherwasreadytobestarted.Butacoupleofmorningseveryweek,Mr.Cooperwouldsayhehadtogouptothemountainstoseehowthecattleweregettingalong,andthatIcouldgowithhimifIwantedto.Ofcourse,Ialwayswantedto.AndHiwouldspendtwoorthreehourspracticingstuntswithme.

Therewereonlytwoofthemthatwerehardtolearn,andwepracticedthembothadozentimeswheneverIwenttothemountains,andonSaturdayafternoonswhenHicameintothehomeplace.Foroneofthem,Hiwouldhavemestandfacinghim,thenhe'dtakeSkyBluebackahundredyardstogivehimagoodstart,andcomepoundingdownpastme.Ashecame,he'dleanoverinthesaddleandstickonearmoutstraight.I'dstickmyarmoutstraight,too.IfIkickedmyofflegupjustattheinstantourarmsmet,andifwegotahandholdoneachother'sarms,I'dgoflyingrightupbackofhiscantle.ThetroublewasthatIhadtokickmylegupbeforeourarmsreallycametogether.Whenevertheymissed,orwedidn'tgetagoodhandhold,I'dturnasomersaultwithoutusingmyarms.Myfacegotskinnedupalittleatfirst,butafterafewdaysI'dsailupbackofthesaddlenearlyeverytry.

TheonlyotherhardonewastheonewhereHiswungme.Wepracticedthatonefirstwithajockeypolebetweenthetwohorses'bridles,sotheywouldhavetorunsidebysidewithoutanyguiding.Wetiedourlinesaroundthesaddlehorns,andwhenthehorsesweregoinglickety-cut,I'dputbotharmsovermyheadandleantowardHi.He'dleantowardmewithonearmloopedupoverhishead,andwe'dgetawristhold.Thenhe'djerkmeoutofmysaddleandswingmeoverhisheadsothat,atthetopoftheswing,Iwasdoingahandstandattheendofhisupstretchedarms.Ihadtobounceandjumpwhenmyfeethitthegroundontheoffsideofhishorse,sothathecouldswingmebackintomyownsaddleagain.

Itwasn'tnearlyashardatitwasscary,andweonlymadetwoorthreebobblesbeforeitworkedassmoothasastreamofwarmmilk.OnethingthathelpedwasthatIweighedonlyseventypounds.Ofcourse,thebigdangerwasthatifthehorsesdidn'tstaysidebyside,therewouldn'tbeanysaddlethereformetocomedowninto.Afterthefirstfewdays,though,bothroansknewthetrickjustaswellaswedid,sofromthereonwepracticedwithoutthejockeypole.

AtfirstIdidn'twanttotellFatheranythingaboutournewtricks,orthatHiandIwereplanningtorideintheLaborDayroundup.Iwasafraidhemightsayitwastakingunnecessarychances.EverytimeIthoughtaboutit,I'dfeelsneakyandrememberaboutthedayIstolethechocolatebar,andwhathesaidtomeouttherebythechoppingblock.AndhowmuchIlikedtohavehimwalkouttothegatewithmeandsay,"Solong,partner,"whenIwentbacktoCooper'sSundaynights.SoItoldhimthatfirstSaturdaynightaftertheFourthofJuly,beforeIevengotthesaddleoffSkyHigh.Ididn'ttellhimjustwhatthetrickswere,butIdidsaythatHiwouldlookoutthatIdidn'tgethurt.

Motherdidn'twantmetorideintheroundup,butIkindofthinkFatherdid.Hedidn'treallytellmeIcoulduntilthelastSunday.Andthenhedidn'treallytellme.Therewasa

paperthateverybodyhadtosignbeforetheycouldgointothecontests.Itwassomethingaboutridingatyourownrisk,andIwasn'toldenoughtosignit,soFatherwouldhavetoifIwasgoingtoride.

Ididn'tsayawordaboutit,andhedidn'teither,untilwewereoutmilkingthatSundaynight.ThenIheardthemilkstopsinginginhisbucket,andhepassedthepapertomedownunderBrindle'sbelly.Allhesaidwas,"You'dbetterrideonovertoCooper'stonight.Himaywanttogetanearlystartinthemorning."

Always,whenIwentbacktoCooper'sonSundaynights,I'dputSkyHighinthebigcorral,andgorightonintobed.Therewasalwaysapokergamegoingoninthebunkhouse,andFatherdidn'tlikemetohangaroundoutthere.

ItwasjustafterdarkwhenIgotbackthatnight,andtherewasonlyadimlightinthebunkhouse.AfterI'dhungupmysaddleandstartedforthehouse,Hicalledtomefromthebunkhousedoor,"Comeonoverhere,LittleBritches.BillEngleleftaboxhereforyou."BillEnglewastheexpressdrivertoMorrison,butIcouldn'timaginewhyhe'dhaveaboxforme.

WhenIgotoverthere,therewasn'tanypokergame,andallthreelanternswereturneddownlow.IthoughtHiwasallalone,butwhenIwentthroughthedoor,fellowspouredoutofeverybunk,andstartedyelling,"Surprise,surprise!"Higrabbedmeupinhisarms,andMr.Cooperturnedupthelanterns.

TherewasabigpackagesittinginthemiddleofHi'sbunk.IthadSEARSROEBUCKinbigprintingacrossonecorner,andtheletteringonthetagwassobigIcouldseeitbeforeHigotmehalfwayoverthere.Itsaid,"LittleBritches,c/oY-BRanch,Littleton,Colorado."

MyhandswereshakingsoIcouldn'tuntiethestrings,andHihadtocutthemwithhisknife.TherewaseverythinginthatboxthatIeverhopedtohave.Anditwasalljustmysize.Therewereapairofmountaingoatchapswithlongwhitehair;aten-gallon,lighttanhat;Spanishhigh-heeledbootswithpointedtoes;andapeach-coloredsilkshirt,withabrightredneckscarf.Ididn'tfindthesilverspurstillHitoldmetolookintheboxagain.Itmusthavebeenteno'clockbeforethefellowsgotdonemakingmetrymythingson,andletmegotobed—andthenIcouldn'tgotosleepforalongtime.

HitookmetoLittletonearlyLaborDaymorning,andIworeallmynewcowboyclothes.HewantedSkyHightogetusedtotownnoisesandhearingthebandplay,sohewouldn'tbenervouswhenitcameourturntoride.Skyspookedandcrow-hoppedalittlethefirsttimewerodeupMainStreet,andittookhimquiteawhiletogetusedtotheband—theyhadn'thadonetheFourthofJuly.

Byeleveno'clockhehadquieteddown,soweputbothroansintheliverystablewhilewewentuptothehotelandhaddinner.HihadfixeditupwithFathertomeetusthere,andwhenwecameoutaftereating,ourspringwagonwasstandingrightinfrontofthehotelsteps.Motherandalltheyoungsterswerethere,andIdon'tknowwhenIwasanymoregladtoseethemall.IhadhopedFatherwouldcometoseemeride,butIhadn'teverthoughthe'd

bringthewholefamilycleardownthere.IknewMotherwouldhaveafitifsheeverknewwhatkindofstuntsweweregoingtodo,andIwasn'tabitsureFatherwouldlikeiteither.Ofcourse,ifhe'daskedme,I'dhavetoldhim,buthedidn'task.

Eachriderorteaminthetrick-ridingcontesthadtodrawanumberoutofahattoseewhentheywouldgettheirturn.Wedrewthehighestnumbersowehadtobelast.Thereweresomerealgoodtricks—alotbetterthantheFourthofJuly.Theneareritcametoourturn,themorenervousIgot,andIthinkIwouldhavechewedallmyfingernailsoffifHihadn'tbeenstandingrighttherebesideme.Iwassurewecouldn'twinoneoftheprizeswithallthosefancytrickriders,andonceortwiceIalmostwishedthatsomethingwouldhappensowewouldn'thavetorideatall.

Everynerveinmewassinginglikeatelegraphlineonacoldnight,whenthemanwiththemegaphonehollered,"HiBeckmanandLittleBritchesonSkyBlueandSkyHigh,representingtheY-Bspread."Thenwerodeoutontotheracetrack.

Hicouldn'thelpseeinghownervousIwas,andthefirsttwoorthreetrickswedidweretheeasyoneswehadshownFatherandMotherathome.Idon'tknowwhenIgotoverbeingnervous,butaftertheeasytrickswerefinished,Iforgotallaboutthegrandstandbeingthere.Trickridingdoesn'ttakenearlyassmartafellowasmostpeoplethink,butitdoestakesmarthorses—andwehadthem.SkyHighandSkyBluedidn'tmakeamisstepanywhere,andeverythingwentasifwehadbeenpracticingforyears.Wesavedthedivetrickfortheend,andwhenweraceduptowardthecenterofthegrandstand,dived,andbowed,itsoundedasifalltheIndiansintheworldwerepracticingwarwhoopstogether.Iwaslucky.Icameclearoverontomyfeet—andmyhatstayedonalltheway.Isweptitoff,thewayHidid,whenIbowed.

FathermusthavethoughtIwasgoingtogethurt,becausehehadcomedownfromthegrandstand,andwhenIlookedaroundIsawhimstandingbythetrackgate.IguessIforgotwhereIwas,andaboutHiandSkyHighandSkyBlue,becauseIdroppedmyreinsandwentrunningdowntohim.IthinkIexpectedhimtoscoopmeupinhisarmsthewayheusedtowhenIwasonlysixorsevenyearsold,buthedidn't.Hejuststuckouthishandandshookmine.Thenhesaid,"Bettergetyourhorse,partner;Ithinkthejudgesaregoingtocallyou,"buthisvoicehadthatsilverbellsoundinit.

IwasnearlybacktowhereHiwasbringingthehorses,whenthemanwiththemegaphonehollered,"Firstplaceinthetrick-ridingcontest:HiBeckmanandLittleBritches,oftheY-Bspread!Hi,bringLittleBritchesonoverheretothejudges'stand."

MostofthemeninbothArapahoeandJeffersoncountiesmusthavecomeovertothejudges'standwhiletheyweregivingHiandmeourgoldwatches,andIshooksomanyhandsthatmyarmached.MotherwasstillwipinghereyeswhenFatherandIwentupintothegrandstandtoshowhermywatch.IguessitwouldhavebeenbetterifIhadtoldheralittlemoreaboutournewtricksbeforewedidthem.GracesaidMotherthoughtIwasgoingtogetkilledeveryminute,andwasscarednearlyoutofherwits.

Iletalltheotheryoungsters,evenHal,holdmygoldwatchandlistentoittick.Andafterthebuckingcontestwasover—andHihadwonanotherwatch—weallwentuptothedrugstore,andFatherboughteverybodyanice-creamsoda.ItwasthefirstoneIhadeverhad,andIlikeditevenbetterthanbirchbeerorsarsaparilla.Graceandtheotheryoungsterslikedtheirs,too,andsodidFather,butIthinkHiwouldratherhavehadwhiskey.

29WeFaceIt

THINGSdidn'tchangemuchatCooper'sduringtherestofSeptember,buttheyhadn'tbeengoingsowellovertoourplace.Fatherwouldn'ttalkmuchaboutthecourttrial,excepttosaythatitwouldprobablybelong-drawn-out.ButFredAultlandtoldmemoreaboutitonenightwhenhewasovertoseeMr.Cooper.HesaidFatherhadriggedsomesortofarecordinggaugeattheheadgateofourditch,sotheyweregoingtobeabletoproveincourthowmuchwaterhadbeenstolenbythewaterhogs.Hesaidourneighborswereluckywehadmovedthere,becauseifitweren'tforFather'sagreementandgauge,theywouldneverbeabletowindamagesincourtforthecropstheyhadlost.HetoldMr.CooperthatFatherwasgoingtoshowhisgaugereadingsincourtthenextday,andthatthewaterhogsweregoingtobethemostsurprisedmenintheworld.

IleftCooper'sasearlyasIcouldthenextSaturdaynightandgothomejustbeforesunset.FatherandIputSkyHighinthecorralandfedhim.Thenwestoodouttherebythecorralgatequiteawhileandwatchedhimeat.Idon'tknowjusthowlongwewereoutthere,butitmusthavebeentenorfifteenminutes.Wedidn'ttalk.WejuststoodthereleaningonthegateandwatchingSkyeat.Fatherwasdifferentfrommostpeople;youdidn'thavetotalkmuchtovisitwithhim.

Afterawhile,ItoldhimwhatFredhadsaidaboutourneighborsbeingluckywehadmovedthere,andaskedhimtotellmeabouthisrecordinggaugeattheditch-head.Hesaiditwasnothingbutanoldcoal-oilcanhehadriggedsothattheflowofditch-waterpastapaddlewheelwouldmakeitturncleararoundinaweek.Thenhehadriggedafloatwithapencilfixedtoanarm.Asthewaterroseorfell,thepencilmovedupordownonthepaperhehadwrappedaroundthecan.Hesaidhehadshownthereadingsincourt,thejuryhadbeenuptheretotestit,andhadfoundittobeaccurate,sohethoughtourcasewouldturnoutallright.

Mothercametothebackdoorandcalledustosupperjustashefinishedtellingmeaboutthegauge,sowestartedtogoandgetwashedup.Thewashpanandabucketofwaterwereonthebackporch.Ihaddippedupapanofwater,andwasjustreadytoreachforthesoap,whenweheardwhatsoundedlikeacoupleofgunshotsdowntheroad.Itwasn't,though.Itwasahorselesscarriage—thefirstonethathadevercomeupthewagonroadsincewehadlivedthere.

WecalledMotherandtheyoungstersoutontheporchtowatchitcome.Itwasatwo-seater,black,witharoundhoodovertheengine.Afteritcrossedthebridgeatthegulch,itbangedacoupleofmoretimesasitchuggeduptheroadtowardourhouse.Thereweretwomeninthefrontseatandtwomoreintheback.Whenitwasalmostuptothefrontofthehouse,Isawoneofthemeninthebackseatleanover,grabupagun,andswingittowardus.

Fatherleapedlikeahorsegoingintoalowbuck,andknockedeverybodyoverbutme.I

guessIjustgotbewilderedandstoodthere.Notmorethanatenthofasecondbeforethefirstbulletrippedaholeinourbunkhouse,Fathergrabbedmyarmandyankedmedown.Thereweretwomoreshots.Thesecondonecouldn'thavemissedhisheadaninch.

Thecarriagedidn'tstop,butkeptrightonuptheroad.MotherfellbackinsidethekitchenwhenFatherhither,andalltheyoungstersexceptGraceandmewerecrying,butFatherdidn'tpayanyattentiontous.HejumpedoverMotherasshewasgettingup,anditseemedlessthantwosecondsbeforeIheardhimfiringfromthefrontofthehouse.BythetimeIgotaroundthere,therewasnothingbutacloudofdustaquarterofamileupthewagonroad,andFatherwasstandingwithHi'semptysixguninhishand.

HereloadeditasherantothecorralforLady.Isawhewasgoingafterthem,soIrantothefrontgate.LadystreakedthroughbeforeIhaditmorethanhalfopen,andIneversawsuchalookaswasonFather'sface.

Itwasgettingtobedeeptwilight,butitwasstilllightenoughsoIcouldseethedustcloudturnsouthalongtheroadbetweenourplaceandFredAultland's.ItseemedagesbeforeIsawtheotherpuffofdustthatLady'sfeetmadewhensheturnedthecorner.

Fatherdidn'tcomebackforanhour.Motherwouldn'tletmetakeSkyHighandgoafterhim,butshewasasworriedasIwas.Shehadn'tevencriedwhenFatherknockedherover,butbeforehegotbackshehadbittenherunderliptillitwasbleeding.Sheletmestayinthehousewithher,butshedidn'tlightalamp,andmadealltheotheryoungstersgodownintothestormcellar.

WhenFatherdidgethome,hehadFredAultlandandJerryAlderwithhim.Theydidn'tcomefromthewest,though,butfromtheeast,andtheywerewearingtheirsixguns.Fathersaidtheautomobilehadgonecleararoundoursection,andheadednorthontheWestDenverroad.HesaiditwentsofastthathedoubtedifamanonhorsebackcouldhavekeptupwithitforahundredyardsandthatitwasprobablyhiddenawayalreadyinsomebarninDenver.HetoldmotherthatCarlHenryhadriddentoFortLoganforthesheriff,andthenheaskedhertogethiscameraoutofthetrunk.

HehadFredandJerrytakegunpowderoutofadozenorsocartridgeswhilehewascleaningthecameraandputtingtheplateinit.Iwantedtogoouttothewagonroadwiththemwhiletheytookaflashlightpictureofthewheeltracks,butFathertoldmeI'dbetterstayinthehousewithMotherbecausehernerveswerealljangledup.

Thesheriffcameandlookedatthewheeltracksandattheholesinourbunkhouse.Heknewmerightaway,andaskedifIhadgotanymorepheasants.

Wesatdowntosupperwhileeverybodywasthere,butthesheriffwastheonlyonewhoatemuchofanything.HesaidhewouldcomebackthenextmorningandgetthecameraplateafterFatherhaddevelopedit,butthatallautomobiletireslookedalikesohedidn'tthinktherewouldbeaChinaman'schanceofevertracingitdown.Fatherhadalreadysaidhehadneverseenanyofthemeninthehorselesscarriagebefore,butFredkeptaskinghimifhewassureoneofthemwasn'tthisorthatrancherfromupneartheheadofourditch.Ofcourse,everybodywasprettysurethattheshootingwasbecauseFatherhadproofincourtaboutthewaterstealing,butthesheriffsaidtherewasnothingwecoulddounlesswecouldproveit,andwenevercould.

HayingwasoveratCooper'sinearlySeptemberand,untilschoolstartedattheendofthemonth,IworkedatthemountainranchwithHi.Itwasfallbrandingtime,andHiwastoobusytospendmuchtimewithme.

Iwashomesick.Ofcourse,IknewthatifsomebodywasgoingtoshootatFatheragain,mybeingtherewouldn'tstophim.ButIgotitinmyheadsomuchthatIcouldn'tthinkaboutanythingelse.AndtwoorthreetimesHihadtoscoldmealittlebecauseIforgottotakewatertothefellowsupinthecanyons.

IhadbeensobusythinkingaboutridingintheLaborDayroundupthatIdidn'tnotice

thingsaroundourplacethewayIshouldhave.Itwasn'tuntilIcamehomethatmiddleSaturdaynightinSeptemberthatInoticedthatBillywasgone.Imightnothaveevennoticeditthenifithadn'tbeenformilking.Lotsoffellowsdon'tliketomilk,butIalwaysdid.ItseemedasifmilkingwasthetimewhenFatherandIwerekindofawaybyourselves,andasifhebelongedjusttome.HealwayssavedmilkingonSaturdaynightstillIgothome.

Rightaftersupperthatnight,Fatherpickedupthebigbucket—theonehealwaysusedfortheHolstein—andlitthelantern.WhenIstartedtopickupBrindle'sbucket,hesaid,"GraceiscurioustoknowhowyoutellwhichcalvesontheopenrangeshouldbebrandedwiththeY-Bmark.SupposeyoutellherwhileIdothemilking;I'llonlybeajiffy."Thenheputthelanternoverhisarmandwentout.

Iknewrightthenthattherewassomethingwrong.SoItoldMotherI'dhavetowaterSkyHighbeforeIlefthimforthenight.Itwasastory,though,andIneverdidit.IwentrightouttothebarnwhereFatherwasmilking.Brindlewasn'tthere.

Fatherheardmecomeinthedoor.AndIguessheknewwhatIwasthinking,ashealwaysdid.HehadhisheadagainstHolstein'sside,andhedidn'tlookup,buthesaid,"OldHolstein'sholdingupsowellthisfallthatitwouldbeawasteoffodderforustokeeptwocows,soIletMr.CashhaveBrindle."

ItwasthenInoticedIwasstandingrightinBilly'sstall,anditwasdryandclean.Idon'tbelieveIeventhought,beforeIsaid,"DidhetakeBilly,too?"

Fatherdidn'tsayanythingtillhegotdonestrippingHolstein,butthebunchesofmusclewereworkingoutandinonthesideofhisjaw.Thenhesetthebucketover,andturnedaroundonthemilkingstoolsohewaslookingrightatme."Partner,"hesaid,"wemightaswelllookitrightintheface.We'renotgoingtomakeithere.Wehaven'tenoughfeedtoseetwoheadofstockthroughthewinter,andIhaven'thadbutfivedays'outsideworkallsummer.Thecourthasonlygivenusdamagesfortenacresofcrops,andthat'sallwe'reentitledto,becausewehaverightstoonlyteninchesofwater.Itwon'tamounttomuchmorethanyou'veearnedwithMr.Cooper."

Iwantedtosaysomething,butIcouldn'tthinkofanythingtosay,soIjuststoodthere.InaminuteFatherhungthestooluponthepeg,andrumpledupmyhair."Don'tworryaboutit,son.Andlet'snotworryMother.There'salwaysalivinginthisworldforthefellowwho'swillingtoworkforit,andIguesswe'rewilling,aren'twe?Let'sgoinandpopsomecorn."

FredAultlandbroughtmehomefromCooper'sthelastSaturdaybeforeschoolstarted.HewasthereatthehomeplacewhenIcameinfromthemountainranch,andwaitedformetochangemyclothesandgetmythingstogether.

FredandMr.CooperweretalkingoutbythecookshackwhileIwasgettingmythingspacked.Itwashotandthewindowwasopen,andFredwastalkingsoloudIcouldn'thelphearinghim."Damnbull-headedYankee,"hewassaying."Godandeverybodyknowswe'dnevergotadimeforourcropsifhehadn'triggedthatwatergaugeattheditchhead.And

therehestandswithahundredandtwentydollarsinhishandforayear'swork,andtooGoddamnproudtotakeabaleofhayfromaneighbor.Whatthehellyougoin'todowithamanlikethat?"IknewhewastalkingaboutFather,andIknewFatherwouldn'tlikeit,soIgrabbedupmysuitcaseandwentout,withoutevensayinggood-bytoMrs.Cooper.

Fatherdidn'tgethomethatSaturdaynighttillafterIdid.HewashelpingamanbuildahouseoverwestofDenver.FromthentillChristmashejustcamehomeSaturdaynights,andleftbeforedaylightMondaymornings.HedidstayhomeafewdaysinthemiddleofDecember,though.Halgotpneumoniaonmyeleventhbirthday,anduntilDr.Stonesaidhewouldgetallrightagain,Fatherdidn'tgobacktowork.

IneverdidknowwhoboughtNigorLady'stwo-year-oldcolt,orthewagonsandharness.Gracetoldmewhohadboughtsomeofourthings,butallsheknewabouttheotherswasthatFatherhadtakenthemawayandhadn'tbroughtthemback.Ineveraskedhim,becauseIknewhewouldn'twanttotalkaboutit.WhentheWestDenverjobwasfinished,heletmestayhomefromschooloneday,andwewentdowntoFortLogantosettleupthegrocerybillwithMr.Greene.Itwaseighty-sixdollars,andFatherletmeputmylastcheckfromMr.Cooperinonit.JustbeforeChristmas,hegotanotherjob.ThattimeitwashelpingbuildabighouseinLittleton.

ItseemedasthoughourbestChristmasesweretheoneswhenwewerethepoorest.Motherhadsavedaturkey,andwehadallthethingstogowithit.PackagescamefromourfolksbackinNewEngland,andFathermusthavebroughtthetreewithhimwhenhecamehomeonChristmasEve.Motherhadittrimmedwithcranberriesandpopcornstrungtogetheronlongstrings,andtherewerehalfadozenorangeshangingfromthelimbs,likecoloredlanterns.Thepresentswerewrappedinwhitetissuepaperandtuckedinunderthetreethewaytheyalwayswere.TherewasonesledwithGraceandMuriel'snamesonitandanotherforusboys.Andeverybodygotnewshoesandstockings.

ItsnowedallChristmasafternoonandnobodycametocall.Motherhadmadeabigplateoffudgeandwepoppedfreshcornanddividedtheorangesintosections.Wehadtodoitthatwaybecausetherewereonlysixorangesandthereweresevenofus.AtfirstFathersaidforusnottodividethembecausetheyalwaysmadehisteethsting,butMotherjustlaughedathim,andwedividedthemanyway.Ididn'tseehimsquinnyuphiseyewhenheatesomeofthesections,either.MothergotanewbookforChristmascalledWhenKnighthoodWasinFlower.Shemusthavereadusahundredpagesofitthatafternoonandevening.

30WeMovetoLittleton

WEMOVEDtoLittletonbetweenChristmasandNewYear's.FatherandMotherfoundaseven-roomhouseonthesouthedgeoftown,andFredAultlandhelpedusmove.Therewasabarnandachickenhouse,andalittlepieceofgroundwherewecouldhaveagarden.BesidesKing,wetookLady,Babe,andthechickenswithus.

Wedidn'tliveveryfarfromtheschoolhouse,andMothertookusoverthefirstdayafterNewYear's.Itseemedtouslikeanawfullybigschool;therewasaseparateroomforeachgrade.Aftertheprincipalhadaskedussomequestionsandhadusreadtohim,heputGraceintheeighthgradeandmeinthesixth.MurielwentintothefourthgradeandPhilipinthesecond.

StartingschoolinLittletonwasn'tabitlikestartinginattheranch.Ofcourse,Ididn'tknowanyofthekids,buttheyallknewwhoIwas.Iguesstherehadbeensomethinginthepaperaboutmyridingintheroundup.

ItwasrightafterwemovedtoLittletonthatFatherwasmadebossonthehouse-buildingjob.Idon'tthinkIeversawhimmorepleasedaboutanything.Hetoldusaboutitonenightwhenwewereeatingsupper.Iknewhehadbeenworryingaboutthehouse,becauseIhadheardhimtellMothertheframingwasn'ttrueandthere'dbetroublewhentheywenttoputtheroofon.Thatnightatsupperhetoldustheownerhadcomeoutandcaughtthemsplicingraftersthathadbeencuttooshort.Mothertookaquicklittlebreath,andsaid,"Charlie,doesthatmean—"

Fatherlookedupandsmiled."YesMame,thatmeans—"hesaid,"thathemademebosscarpenter.I'mgettingfourdollarsaday,andIknowIcanmakeagoodjobofit."Hetookacouplemoremouthfulsandthenhelookedupagain."HowdoesthatlineneartheendofHamletgo?Theoneabouttherebeingadivinity."

Motherknewthemall,Iguess.Shegottearsinhereyesandinhervoice,too."There'sadivinitythatshapesourends,rough-hewthemhowwewill,"sherepeated.

Fathernodded,"That'stheone.Howdoyourememberthemall,Mame?"Ithinkthatpleasedherasmuchasthefourdollarsaday.

IhadgonetoschoolinLittletonaboutsixweeksbeforeIgotintoanybigtrouble.Theteacherinourroomwasawidow.ShewasalmostaMrs.Corcorankindofwoman.Idon'tthinksheeversaidanythingniceifshecouldfindawaytosayitmean.TheonlytimesshewasreallypleasantwerewhenMr.Purdybroughteggsandbuttertoher.Mr.PurdywasawidowerwholivedfourorfivemilesupthePlatteRiver,andheusedtobringtheeggsandbutterduringschool.Sometimestheywouldstandatthedooroftheschoolroomfornearlyhalfanhour,whisperingandgiggling.

Mr.PurdycametothedooronedayinFebruary—justafterrecess—andjustaftertheyhadputnewgravelontheschoolyard.Theyardwaswet,andwehadallluggedgravelinonthesolesofourshoes.WhenMr.PurdyhadtalkedwithMrs.Upsonfornearlyfifteenminutes,oneoftheboysstartedtoscuffhisfeetbackandforth.Insideofaminuteeverybodyintheroomwasscuffing,anditsoundedlikefortysteamenginesallpuffingatonce.Mr.Purdyleftinahurry,andMrs.Upsonwentflyingoutafterhim.

Shewasbackintwominuteswiththeprincipal,buttheroomwasasquietasifithadbeenempty.Theprincipalwasabig,handsomemanwithwavybrownhairandredcheeks.Idon'tsupposehewasmorethanayearorsoyoungerthanFather—probablythirty-twoorthree—buthedidn'tlookwithintenyearsofbeingasold.Hestoodupinfrontoftheclassandclappedhishands,thenhesaid,"Iwantallthechildrenwhoscrapedtheirfeettostandup."

DutchGuntherwasthefirstoneup,andhisbrother,Bill,wasrightbehindhim.WhenIlookedaround,thereweresevenofusboysstanding—andnotasinglegirl.Theremusthavebeenthirtyofusintheclassand,iftheprincipalhadbotheredtolook,hecouldhaveseenscratchmarksonthefloorundereverydesk.Hefoldedhisarmsandglaredatusforacoupleofminutes.Thenhesaid,"Imighthaveknown—theworstboysinthewholeschool!Youfollowme!"

HemarchedoutoftheroomlikeoneofthedrillsergeantsoveratFortLogan,andwemarchedafterhim.Whenweweregoingthroughthecoatcorridor,Dutchwhisperedbacktome,"Don'tlethimmakeyouholler,LittleBritches."

Heledusdowntoaroominthebasement,andtookawhipoffahookonthewall.Itwasamean-lookingwhip.Itwaslikeabullwhip,exceptthatitwasonlyaboutafootandahalflong,andithadthreecattailsattheend.Billgotfourteenlicksbeforehehollered,andthreeafterwards.Ididn'tdosowell.IhadcrackedacoupleofribsatthetimewelostFanny,andknobshadgrownoverthecracks.Thefirsttimeheswungthewhip,thecattailshitrightovertheknobs,anditfeltasifIwerebeingstabbedbyadozenbrokenbottles.

IthoughtMotherwouldgowildwhenIgothome.ShewouldhavegonerightovertotheschoolhouseifIhadn'ttoldheritwouldonlymakeitworseforme.Shewashedtheplaceswherethecrackercutthroughmyskin,putsomesalveon,andputmetobed.Afterwardsshebroughtmeupsomebrandywithsugarandwater,butitdidn'ttasteasgoodasitusedto,andmybackwassosoreIhadtolieonmystomach.

ShemusthavetoldFatherassoonashegothomefromwork.Hehadn'tbeeninthehousemorethanafewminuteswhenIheardhimcomingupthestairs.Afterhesaid,"Hello,Son,"heturneddownthebedclothesandlookedatmyback.Icouldn'thavetoldbythesoundofhisvoice,orwhathesaid,butIknewhewasmadbecausethosemusclesatthesidesofhisjawswereworkingoutandin.Afterhe'dlookedatallthewelts,hesaid,"Gaveyouagoodone,didn'the?Well,you'vebeenhurtworsethanthisandgotoverit—Iguessyou'lllive.Let'sgetsomeclothesonandgodowntosupper."

WhileIwasdressing,hesatontheedgeofmybed,andsaid,"Youknow,Son,sometimesafellowhastotakealickingfordoingtherightthing.Alickingonlylastsashortwhile,evenifit'sahardone,butfailingtodotherightthingwilloftenmakeamarkonamanthatwilllastforever.Let'sgodownandeat."

Father'shousewasprettynearlyfinished.Atsupperhesaidtherewouldonlybeaboutanotherweek'swork,butamanhadcometoseehimaboutbuildinganother,andhewasgoingtostartonitthetenthofMarch.HetalkedmoreatsupperthanIhadheardhimforalongtime,buthedidn'tsayawordaboutmygettingawhippingatschool.Gracestartedtosaysomethingaboutit,buthekeptrightontalkingaboutthehouse,soshehadtokeepstill.

Mothersentusalltobedassoonasthedishesweredone,butIcouldn'tgotosleep.ImusthavelainthereaboutanhourwhenIheardFathergooutthefrontdoor.ItwasaboutanhourbeforeIheardhimcomeback.

Hecalledmetogetupattheregulartimeinthemorning,andwhenwewereeatingbreakfastInoticedthathishandswereallswollenupanddark-lookingacrossthebacks.Iwonderedwhathehadbeendoing,becauseIwassureIwouldhavenoticediftheyhadbeenswollenlikethatwhenhewastalkingtomethenightbefore.IthoughtIcouldfigureitoutifIcouldfindoutwherehehadbeen,soIaskedhimifIdidn'thearhimgooutsomewhere.Hewaswipingsyrupoffhisplatewithapieceofhotbiscuit,andsaid,"Oh,Ijusthadtogoseeafellowaboutadog."

Motherlookedupquicklyandsaid,"Ithinkyougotitbackwards,"butFatherjustkeptwipingupsyrup.

Gracehadgonebackafterschoolandgotmycoatandcap,andMotherdidn'tsayanythingaboutnotgoingtoschool,soIwent.IthinkImusthavegonepasttheprincipal'sofficesevenoreighttimesthatday,butIneversawhim.Thedoorofhisofficewasalwaysopenbuthewasneverinthere.Hewasn'tthereforseveralmoredays,either.Thekidssaidsomebodyhadgivenhimanawfulbeating,butIguessIwastheonlyonewhoeverhadanideawhothe"somebody"was.InevereventoldGrace.

FatherfinishedhishouseonthefifthofMarch.Irememberthedateaswellasifithadbeenyesterday.EversincewehadmovedtoLittleton,FatherhadbeenplanningtofixMother'schickenhouse,buthewasneverhomeindaylight,exceptonSundays.Thefirstdayafterhisjobwasfinishedhestartedonourchickenhouse.IwentouttohelphimassoonasIgothomefromschool.

HemusthavebeenthinkingaboutthelickingIgotfromtheprincipal,becauseIhadonlybeenworkingalittlewhilewhenhesaid,"You'regettingtobequiteamannow,Son.You'rewellpastelevenyearsold,andyoucandoquiteafewthingsbetterthanagoodmanymen.I'mgoingtotreatyoulikeamanfromnowon.I'mnevergoingtospankyouagain,orscoldyouforlittlethings,andsomedayit'sgoingtobe'MoodyandSons,BuildingContractors.'"

31SoLong,Partner

IHADneverknownLady'soldestcoltmuchtillwemovedtoLittleton,becauseFatherhadalwayspasturedherawayfromourplace.AfterwemovedtoLittletonhebegangentle-breakingheronSundays.Therereallywasn'tmuchtoit.Shewasabeautifulthousand-poundsorrel,andasgentleasLady.BythetimeFatherfinishedhishouse-buildingjobhecoulddriveheralmostanywhere.

Themorningafterwefixedthechickenhousehewastalkingaboutheratbreakfast.Ladyhadn'thadacolttheyearbeforeandwasn'tgoingtohaveonethatyear.MothersaiditwasashamenottoberaisingacoltafterthegoodpricewegotforLady'slastone.Fatherlookedupandsaid,"WhatwouldyouthinkaboutBabe?I'vebeenthinkingImightdriveheruptoFortLoganthisafternoon.JudgeRucker'sgotahorseuptherethatIthinkmightmakeagoodhusbandforher."

Ihadn'tbeenhomefromschoolmorethanfiveminutesthatafternoonbeforeDoctorStonebroughtFather.TheywereleadingBabebehindthebuggy,andtherewerewirecutsonhershoulderandoffforeleg.Fatherhadcourtplasteronthesideofhisface,andhisarmsweren'tinthesleevesofhiscoat.WhenhegotoutofthebuggyIcouldseethathislegwasbandaged.Hisoverallsweretornhalfoffonelegandthebandageshowedthrough.

Mother,Grace,andIranouttomeetthem.Wewerescaredtodeath,butFathergrinnedandsaiditwasnothing;thathehadjustbeenscratchedalittle.DoctorStonedidn'ttalkthatway,though.HesaiditwasluckyFatherwasstillalive.AfterheandMotherhadputFathertobed,theycameoutintothekitchen,andDoctorStonetolduswhathadreallyhappened.

TherewerebigirongatesattheentrancetoFortLogan,andbrickwallsranbackbothways.Anyonedrivingontheroadoutsidethewallcouldn'tseeateamcomingoutoftheForttillitcamethroughthegates.FatherandBabehadbeenalmostuptotheentrancewhenahorselesscarriagecameracingoutoftheFort.Babehadneverseenonebeforeandreared.Themanwhowasdrivingthemachinetriedtostopit,butitwentintoafitofbackfiring.Babewhirledofftheroadandplungedintoagullywithabarbed-wirefencerunningthroughit.Fatherwasthrownoutwhenthebuggyupset,butjumpedupandflunghisweightontoBabe'shead,soastokeepherfromdestroyingherselfinthewire.Hewasbadlybruisedandtornbeforehequietedher.

Thatsummerontheranch,withoutanycropsandonlyafewdaysofhaying,hadbeengoodforFather'slungs.Untilthenighthewashurt,Idon'tthinkIhadheardhimcoughinmonths,butthatnightIcouldhearhimlongafterIhadgonetobed.ItmusthavebeenthathegothischestsqueezedwhenhewaswrestlingwithBabedownthereinthatgully.

Fathercalledmeasusualthenextmorning,buthelookedbadwhenIcamedowntobreakfast.Whereitwasn'tskinned,hisfacewasgray,andhehadalittlehackingcoughthat

soundedasifitstartedclearinthebottomofhislungs.ItwasoneofthosecolddrizzlyMarchmornings,andMotherwantedhimtogobacktobed,buthewouldn't.Hesaidhehadpromisedtheundertakerhewoulddigagravethatday,anditmightbehisonlychancetobuildahousethatwouldlastuntildoomsday.Motherdidn'tlikeit,andsaidthatwasnotimeforbanter,becauseifheworkedoutintheraininhiscondition,hemightbedigginghisowngrave.Fatherchuckledalittlewhenhegotupfromthetable,andherumpledmyhair."WeMoodysaretoughfellows,aren'twe,Son?"hesaid.Beforehewentout,helaidhishandonMother'sshoulderandsaid,"Don'tworry,Mame,I'mnotsick;I'mjustscratchedupalittle.Thisjobwillonlytakehalfaday,andthere'sthreedollarsinit."

Thejobdidtakelongerthanhalfaday.IhadbeenoutofschoolanhourbeforeFathergothome.Motherhadhimputdryclothesonrightaway,andmadehimdrinksomebrandyandhotwater.Idon'tknowwhetheritwasthebrandythatmadeFathertalkthatnight,orwhetherhehadapremonition.Hehadnevertoldusyoungstersanythingabouthisboyhood,orthingshehaddonebeforewewereoldenoughtoremember.ThatnightwesatatthesuppertablefornearlytwohourswhileFathertoldusaboutthelittlebackwoodsfarminMainewherehewasbroughtupbyhisdeaf-mutefatherandmother.Andaboutgoingtovisithisuncle'sfamilywhenhewaseightyearsold,sothathecouldlearntotalkwithhismouthaswellashisfingers.Hetoldusaboutgraftingappleboughsontobirchtrees,andaboutloweringhimselfdownintothewellsohecouldseethestarsinthedaytime.Buthedidn'ttellusanythingaboutbeingtheNewEnglandbicycle-racingchampion—Mothertoldmeaboutthatafterwards.

IheardhimcoughingeverytimeIwokeupduringthatnight,andthenextmorninghestayedinbed.ThedoctorfromLittletoncamethateveningandsaidFatherhadpneumonia.Hewassosickthatthedoctorwouldonlyletusgointoseehimonceduringthenextweek.MotherhadsentusalltotakealongwalkonSundayafternoonsoastogetusoutfromunderfoot.ShehadspentalmosteveryhourwithFathersincehewastakensick,andhernervesweresounstrungthatweirritatedher.

Whenwecamehomefromourwalk,thedoctorsaidwecouldeachgoinandseeFatherforjustaminute.Gracewentfirst,andthenitwasmyturn.HelookedsobaditfrightenedmewhenIwentintotheroom.Icouldn'tthinkofathingtosay,andIguessFatherwassosickhecouldn'teither.Ihadfoundacoilofinchropelyingbesidetheroadwhenwehadbeenwalking,andhadbroughtithome.IcouldonlythinktotellFatherabouttherope.Heraisedhishandupalittle,andItookit.Hisvoicewasalmostawhisper,andhesaid,"Youtakecareofit,partner,youmayneedit."

ThatwasthelastthingIeverheardhimsay.AfterwardsMothertoldmehehadaskedformehislastday,butthedoctorwouldn'tlethersendtoschoolforme.

Whenwegotoutofschoolatnoon—tendaysafterFatherwastakensick—Halwaswaitingforuswithanote.ThedoctorhadsentanursetohelpMotherforthepastfewdaysandthenotewasinherhandwriting.ItsaidforustogototheRoberts'houseforourlunch,andnottocomehome.Theylivedablocknearertheschoolhousethanwedid,andweregoodneighborstous.Theyhadtheonlytelephoneintheneighborhoodand,whilewewereeating,

thenursecameintouseit.IthinkitwasCousinPhilshecalled.Aftershe'dtoldwhoshewas,shesaid,"We'vegottohaveatankofoxygenouthererightaway.Yes.Yes,it'sgottogethererightawayifit'sgoingtodoanygood."

Halwaswaitingforuswithanothernotewhenschoolletout.ThatonenameddifferenthousesforustogotountilMothersentforus.IwastogototheRoberts'.WhenIgotthereMrs.Robertsgavemeapieceofbreadandjam.Iwasstandingjustoutsidetheparlordooreatingitwhenthenursecamein.Shedidn'tsayanythingtoMrs.Robertsortome,butwalkedrightacrosstheparlorandcrankedthetelephone.Ithoughtitmightbesomethingmoreaboutoxygen,soIsteppedoverwhereIcouldhearbetter.Thenursespokeanumberintothetelephone,andinaminuteshetoldwhoshewasandsaidshewastalkingforMother.Thenshesaid,"Herhusbanddiedabouttwentyminutesago.Youbetterpickthebodyuprightaway.Iwanttogetridofitassoonaswecan;hernervesaregoingalltopieces."

Itwastoobigformetotakeallatoncelikethat.Ididn'tfeellikecrying—Ididn'tfeellikeanything.Mybrainjuststoppedworkingforaminuteortwo.Whenitstartedupagainitwasgoingroundandroundlikeastuckgramophonecylinder,andwassayingoverandover,"Solong,partner;solong,partner;solong,partner."

BessieandMrs.AultlandcametostaywithMotherthatnight,andweyoungstersstayedwherethenotehadtoldusto.MymindwassortofnumbduringthedaysbetweenFather'sdeathandthefuneral.Thingsthathappenedstillseemunreal.IdorememberthatIgotanewbluesergesuit—thefirstsuitI'deverhadthatMotherdidn'tmake—butIdon'trememberwhereitcamefrom.

AllouroldneighborsfromtheranchwereatFather'sfuneral,andIneverknewtillthenhowmuchtheyreallycaredforhim.Aftertheservices,Dr.BrowneglancedatMother'sred-streakedhandandsaid,"Mrs.Moody,thatissurgeon'sblood-poisoning.Ifyou'reevertoraiseCharlie'schildren,youmustcomehomewithmeatonce."

EverybodywasshockedexceptMother.Shewasasmallwoman,andDoctorBrownewasaverylargeman.Shelookedupintohisfaceandsaid,"Yes,Doctor,Iknow.IbelieveIhavenochoiceinthematter."

Allourneighbors,bothfromtheranchandfromLittleton,pressedaround,offeringtotakeusyoungstersin.CousinPhilsaidsomethingaboutwritingourotherrelativesinNewEngland.Forjustonemoment,Mother'seyesflashed;thenshewascalmagain."No,Phil,IamsureCharliewantsusalltobetogether."

Thensheparceledusouttonearneighbors;beingsurethatHalwentwheretherewasagoodcow,andthatMurielwenttoamotherlywomanwithouttoomanyyoungstersofherown.Attheendshesaidtome,"Son,IwantyoutostaywithLauraPease,whereyouwillbenearhomeandcantakecareofLadyandthehens."

"TomorrowyoutakeBabeovertoMr.HockadayandtellhimFatherwouldhavewanted

himtohaveher.Heneedsagoodhorse,andhe'safine,honestman.He'llpayusallshe'sworth."

Thenshethankedourneighborsandkissedusallaround,leavingmetillthelast.Irememberhowmyliptrembled,wonderingifIweretheleast.Shedidn'tcryuntilsheputherhandonmyhead,andsaid,"Youaremymannow;Ishalldependonyou.Motherwillbehomeintwoweeks."

Itwasnottwoweeks,butfour.Attheendofthefirstweek,beforeDoctorBrownewassurehewouldn'thavetoamputatethearm,MothersentforGraceandme.GracehadherthirteenthbirthdaytwodaysafterFatherdied.WeharnessedLadytothespringwagonanddrovetoDenver,stoppingbytherivertogatherabouquetofpussywillows.

AtDoctorBrowne'sbighouseonCapitolHillwewereonlyallowedtoseeMotherforafewminutes.Shewassothinwehardlyknewher.Hereyesweredeepintheirsockets,withblackcirclesaroundthem;andforthefirsttimeInoticedwhiteinherhair.Hervoicewasverylow,almostawhisper.Sheputhergoodhandouttousandsmiled."Motherisgoingtobeallright,"shesaid."IhavetalkedtotheLordalotaboutit.Heknowsyouneedme,andwithHimandDoctorBrowne,Ishallbeallright."

DoctorBrownestartedtoleadusfromtheroom.Whenwehadreachedthedoor,Mothercalledmeback.Shetookmyhandandsaid,"ThepeasshouldhavebeenplantedonSaintPatrick'sDay.Youknowwheretheseedsareinthebarnloft.Soakthemovernight,andputplentyofhenmanuredeepinthetrench."Idon'tknowwhythatmademecrywhenIhadn'tbefore.ButfromthatmomentIwassureshewascominghome.

Itwaslateintheafternoonofapleasantmid-AprildaywhentheybroughtMotherhome.CousinPhildroveheroutinhisfirstautomobile—atwo-cylinderBuickwithshinybrassrodstosupportthewindshield.DoctorBrowneandanursecamewiththem.TheycarriedMotherintothehouseandputhertobeddownstairsintheparlor.WhenIcameinshewassayingtothenurse,"Iamperfectlyallrightnow;allIneedismychildren."AsquicklyasIcouldgetout,IharnessedLadytothespringwagonandstartedthecollectionofbrothersandsisters.

Mothercouldbequitepersuasiveifnecessary.ShemusthavebeensowithDoctorBrownebecause,justasweturnedintothelane,theBuickwaspullingawayfromourhouse.DoctorBrowneandthenursewavedtousfromthebackseatastheywentby.

Iwasthelastoneintothehouse,becauseIhadtounhitchLady.MostofthetearswereshedbeforeIgotthere,andMotherwasproppedupinbedwithHalstillsobbingandtryingtoburyhisnoseinherside.Herrighthandwasheavilybandaged.

WhenIcameinsheorganizedthefirstmeetingoftheclanofMoody."Nowlet'snotbesorryforourselvesanymore,"shesaid;"we'vegotlotsofotherthingstodo.First,wemustgetMother'shandwell.Allitwilltakeisgoodfoodandgoodcare.Ican'tthinkofanythingthatwouldbebetterforitrightnowthanagoodchickenstew."

"Ralph,supposeyoudressthatbigfatBuffOrpingtonhenthatdidn'tlaylastwinter.Philip,yougetGracetwoorthreearmfulsofwoodandsomeshavings,soshecanstartafireinthecookstove.AndMuriel,doyouthinkyoucouldgetthenewtableclothoutofthedresserdrawer,andsetusatablerightherebymybed?Whenyougetthefiregoing,Grace,putonthebigironpotwithsomefatinitsoitwillbegoodandhotwhenthehenisready.And,Hal,wouldyougetMotheradrinkofwater?Ican'tthinkofathingthatwouldtastesogoodasanicecooldipperofwater,rightfromourownwell."

Thatfirstsupperwasthemostmemorablemealofmylife.Thebigyellowmixingbowlsatinthemiddleofthetable,filledtothebrimwithwell-brownedpiecesofchicken,steweduntilitwasalmostreadytofalloffthebones,wholepotatoes,andcarrots—withbigpuffydumplings,mixedatthebedside,floatingontop.

Fatherhadalwayssaidgracebeforemeals;alwaysthesametwenty-fivewords,andtheritualwasalwaysthesame.Motherwouldlookaroundthetabletoseethateverythingwasinreadiness;thenshewouldnodtoFather.Thatnightshenoddedtome,andIbecameaman.

AbouttheAuthor

RalphOwenMoodywasbornDecember16,1898,inRochester,N.H.HisfatherwasafarmerwhoseillnessforcedthefamilytomovetoColoradowhenRalphwaseightyearsold.Thefamily'slifeinthenewsurroundingsistoldfromthepointofviewoftheboyhimselfinLittleBritches.

ThefarmfailedandthefamilymovedintoLittleton,Colorado,whenRalphwasabouteleven.Soonafter,theelderMoodydiedofpneumonia,leavingRalphastheoldestboy,themanofthefamily.Afterayearorso—describedinManoftheFamilyandTheHomeRanch—Mrs.MoodybroughtherthreesonsandthreedaughtersbacktoMedford,Mass.,whereRalphcompletedhisformaleducationthroughtheeighthgradeofgrammarschool.ThisistheperiodofMaryEmma&Company.Later,RalphjoinedhismaternalgrandfatheronhisfarminMaine—theperiodcoveredinTheFieldsofHome.

Anewseriesofbooks,aboutRalph'sexperiencesasayoungman,startswithShakingTheNickelBush.

Inspiteofhisfarmingexperience,RalphMoodywasnotdestinedtobeafarmer.Heabandonedthelandbecausehiswifewasdeterminedtoraiseherfamily(theyhavethreechildren)inthecity.

"WhenIwastwenty-one,"hewrites,"IgotadiaryasabirthdaypresentandIwroteinitthatIwasgoingtoworkashardasIcould,savefiftythousanddollarsbythetimeIwasfifty,andthenstartwriting."Truetohisword,hedidstartwritingonthenightofhisfiftiethbirthday.

Mr.MoodynowlivesinBurlingame,California.

—AdaptedfromtheWilsonLibraryBulletin