s 35 nigh unto death

"Agnes! I don't want to be rude, dear, but you look absolutely awful! You go up stairs and go to bed! I'm going to take over for you for the rest of the day." Mrs. Lewiston insisted.

"I'm fine. Really, Karena, I'm..."

"I've been around enough sick rooms. Honestly, Agnes, you need to rest. Nissa can spend the day at Bessie's. She and Eric play well together. I've never seen two little tykes that play so well! I'll keep a watchful eye on Jed and you go on up stairs and get in a good sleep! I won't take no for an answer."

"I suppose a good sleep would be what the doctor ordered," Agnes still hesitated. "And I know you'll take good care of Jed," she said with a weary sigh.

"That's a girl--just fold up your stuff and lay it aside. You've been sitting here long enough," Karena Lewiston clucked at Agnes as they tidied up the sitting room. "Now scoot," she said with a friendly pat.

"I so appreciate you and Jerrold coming over to help. Gene's been up night and day helping me, and doing Jed's chores. It's a wonder he's not down sick too."

"That's what neighbors are for. It's too bad Gene's had to drop out of school...and he was doing so well."

"He's fifteen already. Seems like it was just yesterday when he and Glory came back from Oklahoma," Agnes sat down. "It is a shame in some ways, but Jed only finished seventh grade, and Grandpa Wade only went to the fourth. I don't know that it hurt them any, but still..."

"If they don't have character to begin with, education doesn't make them a better person. Well, you need to get along up to bed. I'll be here when you get up," Karena said in her no nonsense tone.

"Thank you ever so much. These last few weeks have just about worn both Gene and I to a frazzle. A couple of hours of sleep should be a help," Agnes stood up and began to clear the breakfast dishes away.

"What are you doing? Off to bed with you!" Karena, with a deft movement, plucked the dishes from Agnes' hands. "Shoo! I said off to bed!"

"Habit I guess..." Agnes said with an embarrassed laugh. "I'm so tired I don't quite know what I'm doing. Alright, alright, I'm on my way." Her tired feet dragged toward the staircase. "Thank you ever so much again..." her speech was a blur.

Karena turned with a relieved sigh as she heard the floor boards upstairs creak telling her that Agnes had made it to her room, and as each shoe fell, then the bed springs creaked, she knew that Agnes was laying down. In a few minutes she would tip toe up and check that Agnes was covered and sleeping well.

The rattle at the back door told her that Jerrold and Gene were almost finished with the morning chores, and soon Nissa would be needing dressed and ready for the day. She heard David's auto as it crunched down the drive toward the house. Jerrold hallooed the passenger as the door on the Hudson opened and slammed shut.

Then there was the stamping of feet on the porch, the cleaning off the boots before entering. Karena threw open the front door, "Come on in, quickly now! I just got Agnes upstairs to lie down, so shh," she put a finger to her lips.

"Yes, mother," David pulled off his boots beside the door. "How is Jed doing today?"

"Agnes says he had a restless night last night. Indeed, his bed covers look as if he picked at them all night long!"

"Father is coming in from chores in a few minutes...And of course, Gene, also. I've come to carry Nissa to Bessie. Eric is looking forward to company. How is Agnes faring?"

"She's very pale and tired. Just what the doctor was afraid would happen. The summer heat was so very hard on her, and now this!"

"Well, you know, people in the cities suffered, and so many died from the record heat," David hung his coat on a peg by the door. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Just go in and sit beside the bed, David. That way I can clean up in the dining room and kitchen. I don't like to leave Jed unattended for long."

David walked into the pleasant sitting room and found a Bible sitting on the table at the bedside. He thumbed through the Psalms, pausing to read several random passages to the unhearing patient. With a sigh he sat quiet, remembering the time not so long ago, when he had been the patient. The summer curtains had been replaced by the winter drapes. A wreath made of bittersweet with winterberries entwined hung over the hearth while a large stone crock full of long colored grasses and cattails sat beside it. Light breezy summer decorations had made way for the bold, bright winter decorations.

He could hear voices from the kitchen as his quiet voiced father-in-law spoke in hushed tones. Even though he was unable to understand what was said, it was a comforting sound to the ear. David smiled as thoughts of the last few years sifted through his mind.

Karena Lewiston came bustling in to the room interrupting his reverie. "Thank you so much, David. I need to change Jed's plaster...and maybe you could throw some more wood on the fire there, to keep that water boiling..."

"I can do that. And let me help set Jed up, and we'll get those covers straightened up too," David said rearranging the blankets. "Jed," he bent over and spoke to the sleeping figure. "Jed, we're going to move you now. Don't be startled, man," Jed woke slightly as David slipped an arm under his back, and a hand under his arm, and Karena did the same on the other side.

"Ready? Lift," David said. In unison they pulled Jed up to a more comfortable position.

"Here, I've got some cool water," Karina gave Jed a sip of water then she moistened his face and washed his hands. "David, would you read a Psalm, and ask the blessing, then Jed can eat some oatmeal and tea."

"Agnes?" Jed asked.

"I sent her up to bed. She's plumb tuckered out."

"Good, worried about her," he finished with effort. "Gene?"

"He's young...Jerrold came over to help. You need to rest and stop your worrying! We're here to help. Now, let's tackle this breakfast..." Karena picked up the spoon. "When we get this all down I'll change that plaster, and then you can sleep. I'm here for the day."

After breakfast, the two of them busied themselves about the room and the patient, making him more comfortable.

"I think everything's all set," Karena surveyed the room and the sleeping man. "We can let him rest for a while. He has a bell if he needs anything."

"What a sight you two are! David laughed as he entered the kitchen. "Those aprons look real nice with your overalls."

"I think they are a sight for sore eyes, myself," Karena smiled. "You two were getting a might behind in the kitchen area."

"Aunt Agnes wasn't able to do everything. We just agreed we'd do what we could and not worry about the rest. Mr. Lewiston volunteered to wash, and I can dry and put away."

"Yes, Mother--and you too David--down you sit yourself and have yourselves some coffee. We don't have sweet bread to go with the coffee, but maybe, Mother, while we go to the wood lot and get up some wood for these folks, you can take care on that?"

"Cake, cake, cake!" Nissa slapped her spoon on her tray.

"Nissa! Don't slap on your tray," Gene put her spoon in the dish water.

"Aagh!" she made a face and turned away as Gene washed her face and hands.

"We have to clean up before you can get loose..."

Gene rolled his eyes at David, "Is she going through a stage! Nissa!"

"Nissa, come here," Karena said sternly. "Now, Nissa," she put an arm around her as she set the little girl on her lap, "you must be a good girl. Momma and Daddy need Nissa to be good and be a helper. Today you get to go help Aunt Bessie and little Eric, and Nissa must be a good helper. We will go get your coat, and cap, and you can go with Uncle David."

"Are you ready to go, Gene?" David asked as Nissa stood in her hat, coat, and holding her bag.

"Yes, Sir. What time will you be back over, Mr. Lewiston?"

"I'll be right over after the noon meal. The boys and I have some chores to do at home, but we'll be back after we eat."

"Gene, stop at the store for these few things, and I'll see you in a little while when Doctor Foster brings you back out."

"Yes, ma'am," Gene took the list and stuck it in his pocket. "Can you carry that big bag?" he took Nissa's hand as she nodded at him her eyes big, and her face solemn .

"It's been a tough two weeks for you and your Aunt hasn't it?" David spoke the obvious. "I'm sorry we couldn't help any earlier, but this year has been a challenge for all of us hasn't it?"

"Yes, sir."

"We'll stop at the store first, and get that list filled. The Doctor has a few other calls before he comes for you. That will give us a few minutes to talk. I don't think we've had any time at all."

"No, sir."

David was quiet for the rest of the trip. Was he just tired out from the last few weeks,or had Gene changed during the last few months and David had not noticed it? They had barely returned in time for the trial. The trial itself had been...a trial for everyone involved. Not long after, the new coach had come to Littleton, and school had started..."Well, here we are. Leave your bag in here, Nissa. Let's go see the nice lady at the dry goods store...can you get her out on your side, Gene?"
*******************************************

At the front door to the Pickerel home Gene met the mouth watering fragrant smell of baking yeast breads, cakes, and other homely odors. His aunt was an excellent cook, but Bessie Pickerel had come from a home that prided itself on its baked goods and Norwegian traditions.

"Come in, come in," Bessie welcomed them into the house. "Now, off with your boots right there," she pointed to a rug beside the door. "Here, Nissa. Come let's find the toys..." she knelt down and untied Nissa's cap. "Eric is up and ready for play! Are you ready to be a helper?" Bessie smiled at Nissa and pulled off her coat and cap.

"Nissa he'per," she shook her head soberly and trotted off to where she knew Eric would be.

"Here's a pot of coffee, and some sweet rolls for you two..." she handed David the pot of coffee and Gene the plate of sweet rolls. "I'm going back to my business, while you two entertain yourselves."

"I guess you know where that leaves us," David laughed and led the way to his study. "I've missed our talks, Gene. I wonder that you wouldn't do better with a nap though."

"I am pretty bushed, that's for sure," Gene took a sweet roll and began unwinding it's sticky sweetness. "But I can't eat this and sleep at the same time," he grinned at David.

"Okay, so we'll have a short talk while we eat...then you sleep until Doctor Foster arrives. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Bessie tells me you've dropped out of school since Jed took sick. That's pretty tough. You going to go back next quarter?"

"It's kind of like this, Uncle Jed won't be able to do much the rest of this spring. Besides, we're going to have to figure some way to pay for the doctor's bill and the medicine. I just figure I need to be doing what I can."

"I know how you feel. When my father and brother died in the canoe accident mother didn't have much money either. I took two jobs for a time...then Alistair found me a position at his law firm so I could work part time and continue my education."

"I don't know how we will work it out, there isn't much money out there," Gene said with a shake of his head.

"I heard...remember Howard, your school friend?"

David waited for Gene to shake his head.

"He's been hired by Mr. Goodnite to help gentle some horses. Howard was telling me just yesterday Mr. Goodnite's looking for another man to help. You're good with animals. You like horses too. Let me talk to Mr. Goodnite and see what he says. What do you think?"

"Yes, sir. I'd sure like that," Gene took another drink of his coffee and finished up his roll.

"You being all done with your roll, I'm going to just study for a while. You lay back there on the sofa...there's a pillow, and a cover...get some sleep now."

"Thank you, David."

Gene lay back on the sofa, and soon his breathing became measured and even with his sleep. David continued to study then he laid his Bible aside and bowed his head in prayer. Half an hour later there was a gentle knock and Bessie opened the door and stepped in.

"He's sleeping very sound isn't he?" she whispered.

"Yes. Agnes said he's been up trying to help her with Jed, and keep up Jed's work as well. He's got to be near exhaustion."

"Doctor called and he's going to be here in fifteen minutes. It' a shame to wake him..."

"I think I'll just go put on my winter gear and help with getting the wood stocked up for them. We'll let Gene sleep for a few more hours, if you don't mind?"

"No, I don't mind. Eric and Nissa are playing nicely, and it's about time for their lunch then naps."

"When he wakes up...send him on out with the auto and I'll drive it on home."

David and Bessie stepped out of the room and shut the door leaving the sleeping occupant.

David dressed in his warm winter clothes, made a few telephone calls, and stood waiting for his ride.

"Here," Bessie handed him a package. "Take this to mother. Tell her I'll ride out with Gene when he comes."

"I'll see you later then," he said as the doctor pulled to a stop in front of the house. He waved and slid into the passenger side.

"Gene, you have grown older since last we met," the doctor chuckled.

"He needed his sleep. I called some friends...and neighbors to come help get the Wades some wood laid in for the winter. They've always been good to help other folks, and they need some help now."

"Jed's going to be laid up for some time, and that's a fact."

"He must have been pretty sick."

"Well, he was sick in the first place. Then the stubborn mule wouldn't listen when Agnes told him to wait till Gene got home to help. He got down, don't know for how long he laid there till the lad got to him..." he clucked his disapproval.

"I'm glad we are all back and can help now," David said.

"That's a fact too. No one is as good a nurse as your mother-in-law. She's as good as they come. It was tough that she was away visiting when this happened. Well, here we are now. Let's go see how the patient is getting along," the doctor turned the motor off and reached for his black bag.

"The medicines are doing their job..." the doctor pulled the stethoscope off his ears and it hung around his neck. "Your heart is still weak, but it's coming back. Karena," he motioned for his helper. "David, bring me an easy chair. Karena, let's get this fellow into a chair for--Oh, I'd say about fifteen minutes," and the pair swung Jed around and sat him in the waiting chair.

David stoked the fire while they covered Jed with quilts.

"I have some Kringla and hot tea," Karena said bustling out to the kitchen.

"Are those your helpers?" Doctor Foster asked David as they heard machinery clattering up the drive.

David stood and looked out the window and down the drive. "Yes, I believe they are beginning to arrive."

"Finish up your tea Jed...this kringla is the best--Karena, you've out done yourself...David, help me move Mr. Wade over to the window for a look see, before we put him back to bed," the doctor ordered.

"There's more to you than meets the eye," David groaned as they helped Jed to the window.

"What's all that out there going on?" Jed tried to stand on his own.

"That's enough for this old man--David, help me get him back to bed. Those are your neighbors. They've come to help you and Agnes get some wood laid by. Now, you get some rest, and no more worrying."
********************************

Gene lay quiet trying to understand where he was. The room was familiar, but his mind whirled out of focus. Day...he struggled to grasp what time of day it was--sunlight slanted in...where he was--David's study! He sat up, his eyes flying open as it came to him. David was not in his study, the clock must surely be wrong...it read two thirty. Gene scrambled up and out the door, and headed for the sounds he heard coming from the kitchen.

"Miss Lewiston," he began, "I mean Mrs. Pickerel, where's David? I've overslept! I need to be at home!"

"Calm down. David went to help Father with the wood. He wanted you to get some rest. I have some leftovers that I've kept warm. You eat, and we'll all ride over with you."

"I was sleeping so sound!" Trembling, he dropped into the nearest chair. "I can't explain. I don't know what came over me. Give me just a few minutes...and maybe a glass of water, please?"

Bessie set the plate of hot roast beef and mashed potatoes on the table in front of him. "I'll get the children ready while you eat...take your time. Come on," Bessie turned to the children, "Nissa and Eric, let's put our toys away. We're going for a ride with Mr. Gene."

"Ooo," Nissa said.

Eric nodded,"Ooo."

Gene stacked the empty plate, glass, and silverware on the counter beside the sink. "If you are ready, let's go," he said as he grabbed his coat.

"I have a box of things if you can carry them out for me," Bessie said as she finished tying caps and buttoning coats.

"You've been mighty busy this morning!" he said groaning as he lifted the box.

"It isn't that heavy...!" she said with a laugh. "Set it in the back if you would, please. Nissa, Eric..." she opened the passenger side door and lifted them into the front seat. "You don't mind if we sit up here beside you do you? she asked.

"No, that's fine," Gene slammed the door shut. "You all in?" and he closed Bessie's door.

"You've done quite a bit of driving this year, I hear."

"I did last fall and into December, but since Jed's been sick I haven't."

"That's understandable. Mrs. Dorking complained to me just the other day about how difficult it was to find good help. You two sit still," she cautioned the babies.

"That so? I didn't know you and Mrs. Dorking were..." Gene could not think of the right term.

"In the same social group?" Bessie supplied.

"Yes, or social circles?"

"We aren't, at least not very often. I ran into her at Dolittle's the other day. She was asking if I knew anyone to take your place. I told her, no--Gene's not replaceable. She never did catch my meaning," she shook her head sadly, as she put out a hand to restrain Nissa.

"Thank you, but I'm sure they will find someone," he said with a frown. "Here, we are," he pulled up and parked beside a neighbor's truck. "What are all these trucks and things parked in here for, I can't hardly find a place to park?!"

"Neighbors still help neighbors around here," Bessie smiled. "Can you get the box?" she reminded. "Come on you two," she took a child's hand on each side and guided them toward the porch.

Agnes smiled at Gene, "Put the box on a chair in the kitchen... Mrs. Lewiston said David had left you to catch some more sleep."

"You can go on down to the wood lot," Karena said as Gene appeared. "They will be finishing up, but there may be still some stuff that needs to be done."

Gene's pinto was small compared to the draft horses Uncle Jed kept for work, but when he wanted speed and agility, Bobby was the best choice. Gene pulled a bridle on the pinto, and true to form, Gene had barely swung on to his back when he was off into a gallop.

They covered the distance quickly, and pulled to an abrupt stop.

"We, are not right now cleaning up. For you to do for later that we will leave. Even in the cold we can sweat," Jerrold Lewiston stopped to wipe his brow as he rested his axe on the log he was chopping... "Tether your pony...you can help load."

Gene dug into the work with fervor, and they were soon throwing the last of the winter supply of wood on the load.

"I'm sure the women have coffee and food in the house. Everyone tie up and head on in," David called as they finished piling the wood in back of the house.

"Howard! How are you doing?" Gene had not seen his school chum since last year. "Sure good to see you."

"Yeah, and you too. School days aren't the same any more," Howard lamented. "I feel so old," he laughed.

"You going to the high school next year?" the boys took their heaping plates in and sat in the corner beside the wood stove.

"I don't know," Howard said with a shrug. "I'm havin' trouble with Algebra...and my Latin's a struggle too...I've been working for Mr. Goodnite a couple of days a week. I kinda like farmin' and don't know that I need a lot more education. How you getting a long at the high school?"

"I'm staying home now, working the farm with Jed...with all the trouble I've had I'm thinking I might as well just figure on staying on the farm too."

"Always thought you'd amount to sumpthin', Gene. You don't struggle with education like some of the rest of us...don't you like high school? I saw some of your games this fall. There were some good games."

"Yes, and Coach Dorking says that by next year our team will be top of the district," Gene's face lit up. Then other thoughts crowded into his mind, and he frowned. He chewed in quiet thought. "You were always good in sports, Howard."

"Yeah, maybe a little...above average, but I think I'm better in memory than in...well, think about Reece. Now, he was good."

"Yes, he was a good ball player. He's in the Army now, though isn't he?"

"I guess after last spring when...," Howard did not need to finish.

"Yeah, it was his choice to enlist. He just turned seventeen a few months ago. He had to be seventeen didn't he?"

"Either that or they lied to get him in..."

"Do you like working for Mr. Goodnite?" Gene asked. "Not to change the subject, but,"

"This isn't the first I've worked for him. I worked for him a year ago, you know, and it has its benefits," Howard's face reddened.

Gene snickered into his bread and butter. "Besides the benefits, how's the work?"

"He's not bad to work for. Mr. Goodnite expects a good days' work, but he pays well and he's not unreasonable. Some men complain, but they're mostly the lazy ones that don't want to work in the first place." Howard thought a minute while he took a scoop of cream pie. "Say, if you're looking for work, I could put in a good word for you."

"David suggested maybe he'd say something to Mr. Goodnite. They don't live but across the field there," Gene motioned with his fork, I could continue working here with Uncle Jed as well."--

"Whew! I'm glad they came, but we sure had a houseful for a while," Gene said to Agnes.

"It is good to have good neighbors! There's enough wood for most of the rest of the winter in our wood pile. And look at all the food they brought--and left. The women even washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen before they left."

"About the only thing left now is to check on Uncle and make sure he's comfortable."

"He's been resting so much easier. Doctor said it will take him most of the spring to recover though," Agnes' looked at her hands then back at Gene. "I don't know...we can't expect the neighbors to help with the farm. Then there's the doctor bill. I know Doctor Foster won't press the matter, but," she said with a shrug.

"I've decided I'm not going back to high school," he held up a hand to silence Agnes' protest. "Now, just hear me out. I'll be able to do most of the farm work, and what I can't do I'll swap work for. David and Howard found me some work with Mr. Goodnite. I can work at least two days a week. He's got several orders for 'well-trained teams' and I can help him work with his horses. He said he liked the way I handled Bobby, and he could see I'd do a good job."

"Gene, I don't want you to give up your education."

"Well, I can be stubborn just like the rest of the Wades, and this is one time I won't budge. Besides, David's going to tutor me, and I'm going to help tutor Howard, and we have it all worked out!"

"What about your sports?"

"I enjoyed playing ball, but there are things that are more important. Let's go check on Uncle now."

Agnes sighed. "It seems providential. I know first hand how deep the stubborn streak runs in the Wade family. If they're nothing else, they definitely are stubborn!" She smiled at this boy that she loved so deeply. She was too proud to cry in front of him, but the memory of the day that Gene had found her sobbing into her aprons after that preacher had called him a charity child marched across his mind. The day he understood that he was not a charity case as other people had told him he was, the day when he found out he was going to be Jed and Agnes' child--by choice...
**************************************

"How are they working?" David asked Augustus as they watched Howard working on a green pair of horses.

"This pair...this pair is just a week out of the pasture. That's good, Howard. Enough for one session!" he called out.

Howard acknowledged his boss and turned them toward their stalls.

"This next pair," Augustus signaled Gene to bring out the next team. "This next team is fair ta middlin'. We've been working them two weeks longer than that other team, and they're comin' 'round v'ry well."

Both men leaned their arms on the top rail to the pasture fence as Gene brought out the pair then stopped just inside the gate.

"G'un," Mr. Goodnite waved the go ahead. "Take 'em on out." They watched as Gene chucked and the horses moved a head. "The one there keeps wanting to shake the bridle off...

"The teams look to be doing well, but what about the boys. How are they doing?"

"The boys are doin' well. I've had hired men that didn't do near as well."

"Times being so hard, you would think there would be more men willing to do a good job," David's brow creased.

"Wheel...I'm of the opinion," Mr. Goodnite said pushing his felt hat back on his head. "I'm of the opinion these lads are young, you see. They're just a hittin' their stride so to speak. Naw, some of the older men are slothful, and some of them would be harder workers, but they're older."

"So, you're saying you think it isn't so much that these men are all lazy..."

"Naw--I'm a thinkin' the Almighty's a preparin' these young fellas for somethin'. That's good, Gene...take 'em on in," Mr. Goodnite signaled.

"Could be, could be. Not something one wants to think on, but," David said with a shrug. "Just could be."

"You were in Europe last summer. What did you think, man? Sounds like there's a lot of unrest."

"England, of course, has a buffer--and France has built..."

"Fools! I say they're fools!"

"What makes you say that?"

"Wheel, naw, it's this way. I like horses, and workin' with horses, and such like. Do I think horses are going to be the way a transportation ah the future? Naw! Just because I like them I'd be a fool to think such a thing. Automobiles, trains, why, even airoplanes--those such things are the future."

"So you think..."

"Man--I tell you they're fools if they think the channel or the buffer zone they built in France--won't hold back the tide."

"Papa?" Wanda came around the corner to the stable. "Good afternoon, Mr. Pickerel," she stopped shyly at seeing David. "Excuse me...I didn't intend to interrupt..."

"No, daughter. What're you needin', girl?"

"Mama had a question at the house, was all."

"Tell your Mama I'll be in shortly, then."

"Yes, papa," she lingered a few seconds, her eyes searched the stables.

"Will you come to the house with me then? There will be coffee?"

Mr. Goodnite was a knowledgeable man, and had some well thought out opinions. "If it isn't an imposition, I'd come along for a visit," David said as a memory tweaked at his mind. "The boys can meet me at the house shortly if that's agreeable?"

"Surely, it will be," Mr. Goodnite nodded. "Howard, you and Mr. Wade will come to the house when finished here," they turned toward the house continuing their conversation.

Wanda blushed and smiled at Howard before she turned and followed back to the house.

"Naw, Mr. Trevor, and Mr. Wade," Augustus Goodnite had the interesting habit of calling the boys on occasion by their proper names. "Here is your pay for the month. I believe you're doin' a respectable job. I want the pair we've been workin' with gentled to ride as well as in a team...individual you see. Would you be willin' to each take one horse an work with it one on one?"

"Not a problem for me," Howard spoke out.

"No, I can do that," Gene agreed.

"G'd then. Tomorrow you may take them home. It's the possibility of a little extra for you both. If it sells out well, that is."

The boys pulled their jackets a little closer, and wrapped their scarves a little tighter before they mounted, to head for home. Both of these geldings were used to a saddle and bridle and they had been ridden around in the pen for about a week. This was their first experience outside the pen.

"Well, here goes," Howard said with a grin.

"Yeah, here goes," Gene agreed as the gate swung open, and the boys allowed their horses to stand in the open for a few minutes. The thought of the sleek chestnut horse he had been working with as a riding animal challenged Gene's interest. Both he and Howard worked well with the animals. However, this was a test for all involved.

"Okay, Bing, let's go," Howard clucked at his mount as if he were driving, and the horse moved forward. "I think I need to put the harness bridle on. He doesn't know how to react with just this one..."

"Come on Garnet," Gene worked the reins and they also moved forward then stopped. "The idea, Howard is to be patient."

"In a week things will be different," Howard spoke just before Bing realized he was not in the pen any longer, and began wandering at random.

"I'm sure that is so," and Gene urged his horse along the drive toward the road. "Giddup, Garnet!" he found himself trotting in the right direction with Howard coming along behind.
***********************************************

"The work with Garnet is rather slow, don't you think?" Agnes asked a week later as she stood watching Gene work his horse.

"Overworking them is not good. I want to ease into the training. To win his trust."

"He is a very good looking animal. Are you going to take him out on the road?"

"Yes, I thought I would ride toward town. I've been trying to acquaint him with different situations, things he might encounter...in a slow like manner. I'll be careful though," he anticipated her warning as she opened the gate for him.

The horse's hooves made a soft clopping sound as Gene rode onto the quiet backstreets. The sunlight filtered through the leafless trees in the early afternoon, and a few dogs barked an unfriendly greeting. There were a few parked automobiles, which Garnet shied away from at the first. He soon became accustomed to their sight, a good first step. Gene turned into another neighborhood where there were more barking dogs, and children were outside playing. Garnet danced away from each new experience, and sometimes Gene had to sit still speaking to and stroking the quivering neck until his horse calmed down enough to move on.

"What's yer horse's name, mister?" one youngster stood at his picket fence.

"Garnet," he answered. "What's your name?"

"Glenn," the boy said. "I've been sick, but now I'm better."

That's good, Glenn. If I ride up close to the fence do you want to pet him?"

"Oh, wow! Would I!"

"C'mon, Garnet," he clucked then gently nudged him with his heels. "C'mon boy!" Garnet slowly step by step walked up to the fence until the boy could reach over and touch the velvety nose.

"It tickles!" the boy laughed.

"Well, have a nice day, Glenn," Gene turned back to the street.

"Thanks!"

Gene waved with his riding quirt as the horse slowly continued.

"Let's head on home, boy," he turned down another street heading for home. "I think we've had enough for one day."

Honk! Honk! a car approached from behind.

Garnet was off like a shot down the road. Gene had no time to think, only time to react. Having ridden most of his life he just let him run for a little bit. Then bit by bit he began to rein him in, and in the end he walked him quietly down the lane and into the paddock.

"Any trouble?" Agnes asked later as he came into the house.

"Nothing I couldn't handle," he said.
*******************************************

"Are you going to the picnic Saturday afternoon?"

"I thought I would. What about you, Howard?"

"Wouldn't miss it for nothing," Howard always seemed to be grinning.

"Who you taking?"

"They're having one of those basket raffles..."

"Oh, I see," Gene said with raised eyebrows.

"It's a good cause...its going to help the community and all."

"Ah, right you are," he grinned at his friend, and Howard guffawed at him.

"You going to ride Bing over?"

"Yeah, he's coming along pretty good. How about Garnet?" Howard stroked his horse's neck.

"I've got him used to almost every thing by now. Started riding him in town a few weeks ago, and he's come right along. I'm pretty pleased with him. Hope Mr. Goodnite will be too. Guess I'll see you tomorrow night then," Gene turned Garnet toward home.

"Yes, siree. Plan on it!" Howard said with a wave as he turned the other way.

The auctioneer held up a pretty basket with a pink ribbon wrapped around the handle. "Who'll give me ten cents here?" the bidding began as some young man nodded. Fifteen cents? Who'll give me Fifteen...fifteen?" He stopped a moment and held the basket up. "There must be a whole chicken dinner in here from the feel of it! who'll give me fifteen cents?" The bidding went pretty heavy then, "Twenty-five? Going once, twice, there you go to the young man over there, twenty-five cents.

Twenty-five cents seemed to be the going price. Maude Summers basket brought forty-five cents due to some rivalry between young men. She had told more than one young man which basket was hers, and someone was determined to make the other one pay.

Now, this basket has not only the prettiest white cover with blue bells embroidered on it, but..." the announcer stopped and lifted the cover..."umm umm umm! I can't tell you what all's in here, but I know the young lady that prepared it, and can vouch for her ability..." he held the basket up. "Who'll give me ten cents?"

Gene's eyes twinkled with laughter. He knew whose basket it was too, as Howard nodded, someone else across the way nodded also, then Howard, then the other person. The bidding went pretty fierce. Everyone gasped as it went all the way up to a dollar.

"I thought that other fellow wouldn't ever give up," Gene chided Howard after the bidding stopped.

"Me neither!" Howard exclaimed. "Don't know who he was, but..."

"Somebody giving you a run for your money," Gene laughed.

"Yeah, probably so. Who's basket did you get?"

"I bid on Ruthie's."

"Ruthie's basket? Whatever for? She's more like a little sister."

"That's exactly why," Gene agreed.

"I told Gene," Ruthie Goodnite came up with her basket, "One day when I get older, he can be my beau. That's why. Come on, Gene. We can sit over here by Mama and Papa!"

Gene rode down the spring time street. The sunlight filtered through the budding leaves on the trees. The dogs barked, children ran to their yard fences as he approached, reaching out to pet the pretty horse. Garnet-- brushed to a brilliant sheen, his flaxen mane and tail floating in the breeze like silken banners waited patiently as they ran their small hands along his neck. Sometimes he would even bend his head down and blow softly on their fingers.

Gene chose streets at random, they were all familiar and after so many trips he lost track of where he was.

"Hello," a familiar voice called to him from the sidewalk in front of a big white house with a wrap around porch.

"Whoa," Gene stopped and turned the horse toward the speaker. "Hello, Angela. How are you doing?"

"I could lie, and tell you I'm doing fine, but that would go against our original agreement, wouldn't it?"

"Well, yes, it would," he looked down at her in her delicate spring dress. She was so fashionable, the color highlighted her fair complexion, golden hair, and her blue eyes. He thought she looked like a perfect life sized doll. "Are you on your way somewhere?" he asked.

"No. Only home."

"Garnet and I have a few moments," he said as the saddle creaked when he swung down. "Let's walk up to the park. We can talk on the way. That is if you would like."

"I would like that."

They walked silently for a few minutes before Angela stopped and confronted him. "Why don't you come back to school? Nothing's the same...and everything's wrong. Don't you miss school? Your friends, and all of that?"

"No, I don't miss school. I have friends where I'm at now. Most of the people at the high school weren't my friends."

"What about me?"

"I said most of the people. There were a few friends"

"Well, don't you miss me?"

"In what way, Angela?" he was concerned where this was leading.

"I mean our friendship. I didn't go to the Christmas ball...I didn't want to go with anyone but...I told them I was sick...And I was too," she spoke quickly when she saw the shock on his face. "I was sick of their hypocrisy, of their lying, of...of everything."