Summary: Ten Year old Adam Cartwright must face a tough challenge in Mrs. Viola Watkins; a widow woman who is simply a scrooge. Can a falling out between them actually bring them together?

Rating:  K  (7.865 words)

Taming of the Scrooge

“Benjamin Cartwright! Benjamin Cartwright!” The said person spun around to face the direction of the voice. A few seconds later he watched as an elderly woman appeared at the entrance to the church and began hobbling towards him; pausing to flail her cane in the air after every other step. She had in tow his ten year old son, Adam; holding him firmly by the ear. The boy was leaning forward in a semi-crouched position pleading to be released.

 “Ow! Please, Mrs. Watkins…. please!” the boy begged as the two made their way over toward where his father was standing. Ben had been talking to the minister about the sermon before they were so rudely interrupted. The minister quickly shied away and began talking to a nearby man and woman as Mrs. Watkins came to an abrupt stop within inches of him.

“Mr. Cartwright! Your son is a thief!” The woman boldly announced.

“Now Mrs. Watkins…” Ben began.

“Don’t you Mrs. Watkins me, young man. Your son is a thief I tell you!”

“I am not! “ Adam announced defensively. “I was just trying…. OW!”

His words were cut short by a sharp tug to his left ear.

Ben took in a deep breath. “Mrs. Watkins, please release my son so that we may talk…”

The woman scowled at Ben and continued to hold. Ben folded his arms in annoyance as they locked eyes with one another. After a long moment, what seemed like years to poor Adam, the old woman begrudgingly let go. Adam instantly reached up to the affected area as he fought back tears. “I’m not a thief,” he sharply stated as he rubbed vigorously trying to make the ache go away. He wanted to say, “I was just trying to find out who the Bible belonged to, you old biddy,” but he knew all too well that a comment like that would only add a sore bottom into the equation.

Instead, Adam held out the old Bible he had been carrying under his other arm and said, “It was left on the pew. I was only looking in it to see if I could find out who it belonged to… I wasn’t going to keep it. I was trying to find the rightful owner.”

“You were stealing it!” The old woman cut him short and added emphasis to her words by waving her cane around in the air.

Adam felt his anger rise at the blatant accusation. “If I was trying to steal it why would I walk right by you with it wide open …you… you…”

“ADAM!” Ben Cartwright’s voice bellowed above all others in the vicinity. He gave his son a stern look. “You’ve said enough. Now give me that Bible and go wait in the wagon with your brother.” Adam wanted to say more. He wanted to tell that old woman exactly how he felt, but then his eyes locked with his father. He knew that look.

Adam handed the book over to Ben and grabbed his little brother’s hand. The four year old had been hiding behind his father’s left leg throughout the whole incident, petrified at what he had just witnessed.

“C’mon Hoss,” Adam said as he began leading his brother away. Ben watched out of the corner of his eye until his two boys were out of ear shot. He sucked in another deep breath and turned to address the old woman standing before him.

“Mrs. Watkins. I do not appreciate you embarrassing my son in that fashion.”

Then Ben fixed one of his “Ben Cartwright” gazes upon her. The woman was not intimidated by the man.

“Mr. Cartwright. You just keep your son away from my belongings or next time I’ll take my cane to his backside.” She reached over and yanked the Bible from Ben’s hand. She provided him with one more scowl before she turned and started heading over to her awaiting buggy. Ben watched the woman intensely. He was about to go after her when the minister stepped up to him.

“Our dear Mrs. Watkins is at it again I see.” Ben glanced momentarily at the minister and then returned his gaze towards the old woman who was now struggling to raise herself up onto the buckboard. This action diffused his anger.

“Excuse me,” he politely announced before walking away from the minister and once again approaching Mrs. Watkins.

The remaining congregation watched in anticipation, but Ben Cartwright said nothing. He simply took hold of Mrs. Watkins’s left arm and assisted her up into the wagon. He waited until the woman had settled behind the reins before tipping his hat and politely announcing, “Good day.” Ben received only another scowl for his endeavors before Mrs. Watkins snapped the reins and started down the dirt road.

Ben watched for a long moment before turning back towards his own wagon. He climbed in, glancing back to make sure his boys were securely nestled before snapping the reins and heading for home.

The ride home was a quiet one for the Cartwrights. Adam was brewing in the back of the wagon. His ear ached but his heart ached more. He had just been called a thief in front of the entire congregation and nothing had been done to prove his innocence. Ben used the time to plan out how he was going to handle this situation with his son. He knew Adam was angry and hurt. He tried to think of what he could say to him that would diffuse the anger and ease the pain of being wrongly accused. Hoss was just happy to snuggle in next to his brother. He was afraid of Mrs. Watkins for this was not the first time he had seen her act in such a way. The old widow woman had been known to be a scrooge; especially around the holidays. The community had tried to be of assistance to her, but she refused all help from anyone, accusing them of just wanting to take all her money. Money that was very little, mind you.

When they reached home, Ben took care of the horses and then entered the house. He found Hoss sitting at the table eating a biscuit.

“Where’s your brother,” he inquired. “Upstairs,” the four year old answered before adding, “Can I have another biscuit, pa?” Ben walked into the kitchen and found another leftover biscuit. He broke it open and spread jam on each half. Then he walked out and placed it in front of Hoss. “Here you go, son. Now, I want you to sit here and eat this while I go upstairs to find your brother. We’ll have our dinner in about an hour so no more snacks.” Hoss imply shook his head as he shoved another bite into his mouth. Ben tousled his hair as he walked by and made his way upstairs. He found Adam strewn across his bed still in his Sunday best. He was lying on his stomach with his head propped up in his hands. It was easy to see he was stewing over all that had happened. Ben closed the door and pulled up a chair alongside the bed. He waited a moment in hopes that his son would instigate the conversation, but Adam remained silent.

“Adam…”

Adam’s eyes shifted momentarily towards his father before returning their gaze to the headboard in front of them.

“I don’t want to talk about it, pa.”

Ben sighed. “Yes, I can understand how you feel, but I’m afraid we do need to talk about it, son.”

Adam suddenly turned on his father. “Why didn’t you defend me?” He buried his head into his pillow. A moment later, Ben could hear the muted sounds of his son crying. He reached over and laid a soothing hand on Adam’s back.

“Everyone knows Mrs. Watkins, Adam, and everyone knows you, too, son. I can guarantee you that not one person there would believe her accusations against you.”

Adam raised his head once more. “But you helped her up in the wagon as if nothing happened.” Ben motioned for Adam to sit up and assisted him to the edge of the bed. He squared the boy to him and looked deep into his eyes.

“I know you are not a thief Adam. I did not argue because I had nothing to prove. Besides, arguing with Mrs. Watkins would never lead to a solution.

She is very set in her ways and beliefs and I have yet to hear her admit a time when she was wrong. I could have stood there all day yelling and ranting and telling her that you were not a thief, but what good would that do? She’d just tell me over and over again that you were. So, I did the next best thing. I said nothing. Arguments cannot continue if the one that you are trying to argue with says nothing in return.”

Adam couldn’t help but snicker at his father’s words.

Ben smiled as he reached out to squeeze one of Adam’s shoulders. “I helped Mrs. Watkins up into the wagon simply because she needed assistance. And, as your grandpa always told me… you can make just as strong of a statement by killing them with kindness.”

Adam again smiled.

“Now, I do believe your brother is waiting for his supper. And, you know how he gets when dinner isn’t on time.”

The two shared a knowing laugh. Then they arose and made their way quietly downstairs.

****************************

 

Nothing more was said about Mrs. Watkins until later that evening. Hoss had been put to bed and Ben and Adam sat near the fire reading a book together. Suddenly Adam interrupted, “Pa. Who is Gordon?”

Ben was taken totally by surprise. “Gordon?” He questioned. “Gordon who?”

Adam just shrugged. “I don’t really know, Pa. But, Mrs. Watkins had the name written in her Bible.”

Now it made sense. “Gordon Watkins is Mrs. Watkins’ son. Why?”

Adam again shrugged. “I didn’t know she had family.” Ben closed the book and set it down on the table. “Mrs. Watkins had three children, Adam. The oldest died when he was 15 and her husband followed a short time after him. There’s a girl. I believe her name is Samantha and then there’s Gordon. He is also married and lives near his sister.”

“How come I’ve never seen them?”

Well, son. I haven’t seen them in years either. They just don’t frequent this area.”

“They don’t visit their own mother?” Adam looked at his father in surprise.

“Well, it’s probably that they live too far away.”

“They live in San Francisco, Pa,” Adam announced boldly before adding, “Well at least that’s what it said in her Bible. You go there all the time and it’s not that far away.”

“No, I suppose it isn’t, but we can’t second guess other people’s thinking, Adam, until we’ve had a chance to walk in their shoes.”

Adam shifted slightly. “I bet if Mrs. Watkins had family around her she wouldn’t be so mean.”

He then reached up and inadvertently rubbed his ear, which made his father chuckle.

“Still hurting?”

Adam shook his head. “No. Not really. It just feels a whole lot bigger than the other one right now.”

Ben laughed. “Well, I’m sure it will feel better by morning.” He patted Adam’s leg to signal it was time for bed.

Adam arose and started towards the stairs. “Good night, pa.”

“‘Night, son… I’ll be up to tuck you in a few minutes.”

****************************

 

The next Sunday, things only became worse between Adam and Mrs. Watkins. When the Cartwrights arrived for church services, Adam walked his little brother up to their pew and the two sat down. Ben was talking with a family towards the back of the church when Adam looked down at his brother and noticed he had a firm grip of something in his pocket. He could tell by the look on his brother’s face that it wasn’t something that was supposed to be brought to church. Adam locked eyes with Hoss. He then mimicked his father’s annoyed look and extended his hand out in front of him; waggling his fingers to indicate that he wanted whatever was being concealed. Hoss swallowed hard as his eyes began to water. He had been caught. He bowed his head and slowly pulled out his hand. The next thing Adam knew a frog was sitting in the palm of his own hand staring up at him.

Adam’s eyes bulged as he instantly thrust the frog into his own pocket. Then he leaned in close to his brother.

“You’re just lucky I caught you instead of pa… he’d wallop your bottom for sure.”

Hoss began to cry just at the thought and Adam instantly changed his demeanor.

“No harm done, brother. I’ll keep it hidden until after the service.”

Adam looked back to check on his father and saw that he was starting to make his way to his seat.

“Wipe your eyes now so pa doesn’t suspect anything.”

Hoss just had time to do what his brother requested before his father sat down next to him. Adam exhaled a sigh of relief and settled back in the pew.

A moment later, in walked Mrs. Watkins. The whole congregation went quiet. It was like the parting of the Red Sea as she made her way up the outer aisle. She scanned the already full church and seeing that there wasn’t another choice for seating, she sat down next to Adam. Adam stiffened and casually reached his hand up to protect his ear as he pretended to scratch an itch on the side of his head. Mrs. Watkins rested her cane against the pew and set her bag down between them. She pulled out her old Bible and rested it on her lap. Adam kept his eyes straight ahead. The frog in his pocket was not liking its surroundings and squirming something fierce.

Just then, the minister called everyone to attention and all eyes fell upon him as the sermon began. Midway through the service, Mrs. Watkins bumped her cane as they arose in song. It fell to the floor. The old woman scowled at Adam, as if he was the cause of the issue. She tried to lean forward and pick the cane up, but she just didn’t have the flexibility to reach it as it now lay horizontally on the floor at her feet. Adam glanced over at her and saw the frustration in her face. Then he remembered what his Pa had said about killing them with kindness. He took his hand out of his pocket and leaned down to pick it up.

A moment later, Mrs. Watkins snatched the cane out of his hand. Adam received the same scowl for his endeavors as did his father the day before. The ten year old wanted to scowl back and stick his tongue out at her, but instead he mustered the biggest smile and then turned his attention back to the song book. The song ended and everyone sat back down. A moment later a blood curdling scream erupted from Mrs. Watkins. Adam turned just in time to see the frog leap from Mrs. Watkin’s Bible onto the floor. The whole congregation turned to look at old woman as she hastened to step out into the aisle, waving her cane around frantically. The frog hopped across the floor and a gentleman in the row in front of her quickly scooped it up and held it up for the congregation to see. The whole room erupted in laughter not to the delight of Mrs. Watkins.

Mrs. Watkins wasted no time turning towards Adam. The boy was seated and sitting rigidly. His eyes were aimed directly at the ground. There wasn’t any doubt in her mind who was the culprit.

“You! You’re the one! You little hellion… How dare you embarrass me so…”

Adam cringed at the old lady’s words but he was too scared to say anything. His eyes remained frozen to the ground.

Mrs. Watkins suddenly started towards Adam with her cane. “I’ll teach you to play tricks on an old woman…” she announced as she raised her cane up over the top of him. Ben grabbed hold of the cane just before it came down on Adam’s back.

“Mrs. Watkins, if my son is guilty… I will handle his punishment…”

Once again the two locked eyes, but this time Mrs. Watkins backed down from Ben’s gaze and lowered her cane.

“You can see that scallywag is guilty so why are you wasting anymore time. He did this deliberately and needs to have his bottom warmed right here right now. Haven’t you taught your son how to respect his elders?”

Ben sucked in a huge breath. “With all due respect… RESPECT is a two way street.”

Ben eyed Adam. There wasn’t any doubt he was guilty.

He sucked in a huge breath of air as he reached over Hoss’ body and grabbed hold of his son’s upper arm. He led Adam out into the aisle and up towards the front of the room. The two paused momentarily and faced the congregation.

“I apologize to everyone on behalf of my family for the interruption of the service. I am sure my son will have something to say as well upon our return.”

Ben turned his son towards the back door and they exited. The next few moments were taken with everyone settling back down. There were still chuckles and whispers about what had happen and it seemed that everyone rather enjoyed the interruption; everyone that is except a four year old boy and an elderly woman sharing the same pew.

Hoss sat quietly crying as his eyes focused on the door his father and brother had left through. He knew what was happening on the other side and he couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. It wasn’t Adam’s fault, he kept saying over and over in his mind. Mrs. Watkins sat very rigid with a scowl. Her eyes were staring at the same door but without sympathy. That no good youngin’ is getting just what he deserves. How dare he scare me so…

A moment later the door opened and in walked Ben and Adam. Poor Adam was trying to hold back the tears as he flushed in embarrassment. Ben stopped Adam at the front of the room and stood behind him with his hands on his shoulders.

“Reverend, Adam has something he would like to say to the congregation.”

The Reverend glanced down at the boy with sympathy. “Certainly, Mr. Cartwright… Go ahead when you are ready, Adam.”

Adam took a long moment to pull himself together. His father had been very thorough in his discussion outside and it was all that he could do to keep himself from bursting into tears.

“ I… I’m sorry I interrupted your service, Reverend. I didn’t mean for it to happen. It won’t happen again.”

Adam bowed his head in hopes that his father would accept his apology. A moment later he felt relief as Ben directed him over towards the awaiting pew. Soon he was face to face with Mrs. Watkins.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Watkins for what happened. I didn’t mean to have the frog jump on you. I had it in my pocket and it must have jumped out when I bent over to pick up your cane.”

Mrs. Watkins just huffed and muttered something under her breath.

Adam swallowed hard and tried once more. “I’m really sorry… please forgive me.”

“You’re a hellion and I don’t want any part of you or your flimsy apology. You just stay away from me, Adam Cartwright. Just stay away!”

Mrs. Watkins stood up with her belongings and stormed out of the church. That was all that was needed for Adam to burst into tears. The boy was embarrassed beyond embarrassment and his father could see that. There wasn’t any reason to make the boy stay a moment longer. He grabbed hold of Hoss with his other hand and escorted his sons out the door.

Out in the church yard Mrs. Watkins was just reaching her wagon. Hoss saw her and instantly broke away from his father. He ran crying over towards her at full speed. He just had to tell her the truth. Mrs. Watkins did not see him approaching and snapped the reins just as Hoss ran in front of her team.

The horses lurched forward and knocked Hoss to the ground, trampling over him before the old woman could bring them to a halt. There was a loud scream then silence. Ben ran to his son. Hoss lay crumpled in a ball just ahead of the front wheels of the wagon. He reached under and quickly pulled his son to safety.

“Hoss… Hoss… can you hear me son.” There was a soft groan then the boy’s eyes flickered open.

“Pa… Pa…” The boy instantly started to cry. “It hurts… pa…” he mumbled. Then his eyes glanced up towards Mrs. Watkins who was still sitting in the wagon. She was staring down upon them with absolutely no expression on her face; obviously stunned by the whole experience.

“It… it… it was my frog… it was my frog not Adam’s,” Hoss managed to mumble before passing out from the pain of his injuries.

Ben scooped his son up immediately and placed him in the back of Mrs. Watkin’s wagon.

“Get in, Adam,” he commanded before laying Hoss gentle down in the back and hopping over to sit next to Mrs. Watkins. He grabbed the reins from her hand without even asking and sped off towards the doctor’s office in town.

****************************

 

Adam soon found himself waiting alone outside the doctor’s examining room. His father had disappeared inside with his brother over an hour prior and there still hadn’t been any word. Suddenly, the door hesitantly opened and in walked Mrs. Watkins. She had sat outside in the cold for over an hour, not thinking it was her place to enter. Yet, she just couldn’t leave without knowing if the boy was okay. Adam watched her intently as she hobbled inside and closed the door behind her. She walked over to the fireplace without saying a word and stood warming herself. Suddenly there was a cry of pain from behind the closed door. Adam had been leaning against the wall and he shot upright at the sound. Mrs. Watkins spun around and the two for a brief moment locked eyes. Both could sense the fear and apprehension of the other. Adam was first to look away. He felt his eyes begin to water and he didn’t want to give Mrs. Watkins the satisfaction of seeing him cry once again. He instead walked over towards the window and stared out into the dusky sky.

There was another cry of pain that exuded forth from the room and Adam winced. This time he couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.

Mrs. Watkins waited a moment before hobbling towards the boy and carefully placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Come on, boy. Why don’t you sit down…”

Adam instantly moved away at her touch. “I’d prefer to stand,” he coldly replied back.

Mrs. Watkins scowled at being brushed off in such fashion, but then what could she expect?

“Suit yourself,” she answered abruptly and took the seat that Adam chose to pass up.

Then it dawned on her his hesitancy.

“I reckon your bottom don’t feel much like sitting anyhow.”

Adam said nothing, but in all truth the old woman was right. He didn’t feel much like sitting and probably would avoid that particular position as much as possible for at least the next week or so.

Mrs. Watkins tried again a moment later. “So, was your brother telling me the truth?”

Adam glanced over at Mrs. Watkins before lowering his eyes.

“Was he?” the old woman spat.

“What difference does it make?”

Mrs. Watkins looked down. “None, I suspect.”

The room fell silent for quite some time.

Suddenly Mrs. Watkin’s demeanor changed. Her face took on a very calm expression as she turned towards Adam. “You know, boy. I had a similar experience when I was about your age with my sister. She was six years younger than me as well. One day she found a snake in the garden. A harmless one mind you, but my mother was petrified of them. Well, Netty scooped up this snake and put it in the pocket of her apron. I caught her with it just before we were supposed to go inside to help with the meal. Oh, she started to have a fit and I was just about to let her find out the hard way what would happen if she brought that snake into the house. Well, just then, the door to our cabin opened and Ma stepped out. I grabbed the snake from my sister’s hand and thrust it under an overturned bowl drying on the window sill. Well, my mother smiled at us as she passed and headed straight for the bowl. When she lifted it up, you could have heard her scream from here to Kentucky!”

Mrs. Watkins paused to chuckle as she relived the memory. Adam glanced up at hearing her exuberance. This was something he had never witnessed from old Mrs. Watkins. He smiled slightly but regained composure as the old woman glanced his way.

“Well, my ma, although frightened didn’t think the snake had been put there. Unfortunately for me, however, my father had been coming up the road behind us and had witnessed me shoving the snake under the bowl. The next thing I knew I was face down over my pa’s knee in front of my ma and sister.”

Mrs. Watkins paused as she heard a snicker come from the boy across the room. Adam just couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Mrs. Watkins in that position.

The story was suddenly interrupted by the door to the doctor’s office opening. Out stepped Ben. Adam immediately walked up to him and thrust his arms around his middle. His father warmly accepted the embrace as he felt his son’s tears start to penetrate his already dampened shirt.

“He’s going to be okay, son. Hoss is one lucky little boy.”

Mrs. Watkins let out a sigh of relief and arose without saying a word. She started to make her way to the door when Ben stopped her.

“Mrs. Watkins… please wait. It will be getting dark soon and…”

The old woman spun around and provided Ben with one of her infamous scowls.

“Mr. Cartwright! I am perfectly capable of finding my own way home!”

Ben was not easily deterred. “Well, at least let us treat you to a dinner at the hotel for your troubles…”

The old woman opened her mouth to speak and Ben was quick to add, “…for the use of your wagon. The doctor said my son would not have pulled through if we hadn’t gotten him here as quickly as we did.”

The old woman scowled and slammed her cane down on the floor in frustration at a loss for words.

Adam stepped forward just a little to address her. “I think we’re both safe, Mrs. Watkins, because the restaurant doesn’t serve frogs… or SNAKES.”

Mrs. Watkins stifled a grin. Before taking another step and flinging open the door. There she paused as Adam and Ben watched in anticipation.

“I’ll… I’ll wait for you outside,” she announced briskly as she hobbled out the door, closing it securely behind her. Adam couldn’t help but smile.

Ben walked up behind Adam. “Snakes?” Adam laughed. “It worked, didn’t it?” he said with a slight grin before adding, “I’m not too sure what type of company she’ll be at the table, though.”

Ben chuckled. “Well, it’s the least we can do. Your brother needs to stay here with the doctor overnight, but we should be able to take him home tomorrow.”

Adam smiled up at is father. “I’m glad he’s going to be okay, Pa.”

Ben gently put his arm around Adam and started to guide him towards the door. “Me too, son. Me too.”

****************************

 

The next few weeks, the Cartwrights stayed pretty much at home taking care of little Hoss. The boy had some broken bones and many bruises but was soon on the mend. About a month later, the Cartwrights attended their first church service after the accident. The community funneled into the church, stopping to shake Ben’s hand and speak their well wishes. Everyone seemed happy and at ease. Adam noticed right away that there was one person missing from this joyous group. At first, he was quite relieved that a certain someone had not come. Adam had worked very hard to put a smile on his face and greet people accordingly. After all, he had a reputation to rebuild after the frog incident. But as the minister beckoned everyone to take their seats, Adam’s joy turned to concern. It dawned on him that Mrs. Watkins had never missed a church service as far back as he could remember.

The minister seemed to be on the same wavelength as Adam. He glanced momentarily over at the empty pew spot.

“Good morning everyone. Let us begin by welcoming back Ben, Adam, and Hoss Cartwright. It’s nice to see that Hoss is feeling better and I’m sure I can speak for the whole congregation in saying that your presence has truly been missed.”

The congregation instantly clapped in approval and smiled over at the family. Ben accepted their graciousness with a simple nod and uttered a soft,

“Thank you reverend. We’re happy to be back as well.”

The minister then cleared his throat. “I also see that we are missing Mrs. Watkins this morning. Is there someone willing to drop by her place on their way home this afternoon to make sure she is all right?”

“We can do that, reverend.” Ben instantly spoke up.

The reverend smiled and answered with a simple. “Thank you, Mr. Cartwright.” Then he turned his attention to the sermon.

After church, Ben made good to his promise and headed for Mrs. Watkins home. It wasn’t far from town down a windy trail that crept along the lake.

By the time they pulled into the yard, Hoss was fast asleep in the back of the wagon. Adam and Ben jumped down and headed towards the house.

They wrapped at the door, but received no answer. Ben circled around the house, peering in through the windows, but there wasn’t anyone at home.

“Adam, you go check the barn and I’ll go down by the stream.”

The two parted ways. A moment later, Adam found himself standing outside the closed barn door. He could hear a cow mooing. It didn’t sound like a pleasant moo and he could tell that the horses were irritated by the snorts and stomps they added in reply.

He cautiously opened the door and entered. The cow let out another moo in despair. Adam walked over to her and could instantly see why. She hadn’t been milked for at least two to three days and this made his gut wrench. Instinctively he headed for the milk pail but his actions were stopped by another moan. This time it was a human moan coming from the back stall. Adam swallowed hard as he quietly moved towards the noise. There it was again, but fainter. Just then Ben Cartwright entered.

“Find anything?” His words were cut off as his eyes fell upon a leg sticking slightly out from behind the furthest stall wall. There was another moan. Ben rushed past his son. There was Mrs. Watkins lying in the hay struggling to arise.

Ben knelt down next to the old woman and turned her on her back. Her eyes rotated to him, filled with fear and anxiety. She tried to speak, but Ben grabbed her hand in his and gave it a slight squeeze.

“Not now…” he simply told her before reassuring her that she was safe. The old woman closed her eyes and swallowed hard, fighting back her own emotions. She wanted to fight, but there just wasn’t any fight left. She had been struggling for two whole days to get back up on her feet to no avail. Right now the whole world could come to an end and she just wouldn’t care.

Ben scooped her gently up into his arms and carried her to the house. Once Mrs. Watkins was in bed, he instructed Adam to sit with her while he went for the doctor.

Adam watched his father rush out of the house before he could even voice his displeasure. There was the sound of the wagon rushing out of the yard then silence. Adam walked apprehensively over to the bedroom entranceway and peered into the room. Mrs. Watkins lay still with her eyes closed. She was weakly pulling on her blankets trying to bunch them up around her neck. Adam knew she was cold. He glanced around the room and saw a blanket sitting on a nearby chair. He grabbed it and brought it over to the bed, tossing it over the top of the shivering old woman before him.

Mrs. Watkin’s eyes shot open as her body felt the extra weight being thrust upon her.

“What are you doing here?” she huffed.

“My Pa went for the doctor. He told me to stay with you until he returns.” Adam calmly replied as he pulled up a chair alongside the bed.

“I don’t need any doctor… or any help either.” Mrs. Watkins spit out the words venomously. “You just take your no good sorry carcass and skedaddle!”

Adam kept his eyes down. “With all do respect, ma’am. I can’t do that. I would be in a heap of trouble if my pa were to return and find me not here.”

Mrs. Watkins puckered her face in frustration and let out a soft moan. Her whole body ached and she was just too tired to care. She once again closed her eyes.

“Can…Can I get you anything to drink?” Adam asked hesitantly. The old woman just shook her head no.

Adam looked around the room. He saw Mrs. Watkin’s Bible sitting on her dresser. He bit down on his lip as he pondered his thoughts. A moment later

Mrs. Watkin’s eyes shot open once more at the sound of Adam reading the scripture. The boy paused when he felt her eyes boring into him.

“It’s… it’s what the reverend read to us today. I thought you might like to hear it.” The old woman scowled.

“I… I can put it back…” Adam stuttered as he started to arise but was stopped by Mrs. Watkin’s one word command. “Sit.” Adam immediately complied. There was a long moment of silence before Mrs. Watkins turned her head away from him and once again closed her eyes. “Go on then,” she told him. “Go on.”

Adam began reading once more and soon Mrs. Watkin’s was fast asleep. Adam arose quietly and placed the Bible back where he had found it but not before he looked once again at her children’s names printed inside.

It’s so unfair that she has family and yet they don’t even seem to care. Everyone needs someone, Adam thought. The more he thought about it the angrier he became. Yes, Mrs. Watkins was a mean woman but Adam could tell that there was a nicer person underneath. After all, she cared enough to sit with him when Hoss was injured and talk to him about her childhood. She’s just lonesome and needs her family. She shouldn’t be alone.

Suddenly an idea popped into Adams mind. He saw a desk in the corner of the room. He walked over to it with the Bible and sat down. There was some plain writing paper in one of the drawers and Adam pulled out two sheets. He paused a moment to gather his thoughts before the words just shot out of him like a canon.

 “To the children of Mrs. Viola Watkins:

I just don’t understand how you can be so cruel to your mother. Don’t you even care about her? It makes me so mad to think she has family and yet she spends day after day alone. No wonder she is always so angry and mean to everyone that tries to help her. She misses her family. You should be happy because you still have a mother unlike me and my brother. A mother that raised you and took care of you and made sure you learned what you needed to know. And how do you treat her? By ignoring her and leaving her to the care of the town. It’s just not fair. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Right now your mother is sleeping in her bed. She fell in the barn and couldn’t get up. We came to check on her and found her there. My Pa is on the way to get the doctor right now. You should be here instead of me. You should be the one covering her with blankets to keep her warm. You should be the one reading the scripture to her, not me. You should be here for her as she was for you.

Sincerely,

Adam Cartwright”

Adam sucked in a deep breath. He folded the letter up and addressed it accordingly. Adam grumbled to himself as he put the Bible back and shoved the paper in his pocket. Just then, he heard his father returning with the doctor. He walked out into the yard to greet them.

“How is she, Adam?” Ben inquired as he jumped down from the seat.

“She’s sleeping, pa. I think she’ll be okay, though,” he added.

“What makes you say that, son?” Ben asked as the doctor hurried inside.

“Well, she’s been yelling at me so I think that’s a good sign.”

Ben couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, I would have to say that that’s a very good sign indeed.” He then tousled Adam’s hair playfully.

“Why don’t you take your brother and see if you can milk that cow. I’ll take care of the chickens and make sure the horses are fed and watered. The doctor will probably be with her a while.”

“Okay, Pa,” Adam grinned and turned towards the wagon to fetch his brother.

****************************

 

Adam’s theory about Mrs. Watkin’s recovery turned out to be true. She had sprained her wrist when she fell and was weak from lack of food and water, but other than that she was doing just fine. The doctor only prescribed bed rest for at least three days and assigned his nurse to stay with her. Mrs. Watkin’s remained in bed a mere 24 hours before she was up flailing her cane around and shooing the doctor’s nurse right out the door. Two weeks later, she was back at church but this time she did not come alone. The whole congregation was shocked to see her arrive with her son Gordon and daughter Samantha. There were four grandchildren in all ranging from ten to three years old. The family took up an entire pew, leaving only standing room in the back of the church for some of the men. Adam swallowed hard when he saw the family with her. He knew he had written a letter to them in haste and anger. He feared what his father would say upon finding out what he had done. Yet, he couldn’t help but smile because for the first time ever Mrs. Watkin’s did not have that scowl upon her face. She held firmly to her son and daughter’s hand as she sat between them. She introduced them to the congregation with such pride. Everyone was elated for her and relieved that she finally had her family.

After the church service, everyone had gathered out in the yard.

Adam decided it was best for him to stay away and out of sight as much as possible. He slithered around the yard like a snake, weaving in and out amongst the rocks of people; trying to avoid his main predator.

It didn’t take long for Gordon Watkins to track down his father. Adam watched nervously as he saw the two men talking. His stomach lurched as he witnessed Gordon pulling out the letter and presenting it to his father. It wasn’t a surprise to see his father’s expression turn into ire as his eyes scanned the area looking for his son. Suddenly Adam felt someone grab a firm hold of his ear. He was instantly drawn out of his hiding place by none other than Mrs. Watkins.

“Ow! Please, Mrs. Watkins…. please!” Adam begged as the two made their way over toward where his father was standing. Everyone noticed them, too, and turned their attention towards what was happening.

“I found him over there behind that tree. The little scallywag! Thought you could hide from us, huh? Well, you’re going get exactly what you have coming to you now.” Mrs. Watkin’s waved her cane above Adam’s head as he cowered below her.

Ben Cartwright folded his arms and looked down upon his son. “Adam. I would like to hear your explanation for this note.”

Mrs. Watkin’s suddenly let go of Adam’s ear. “Explain yourself you no good…”

Her words were cut off by her own son. “Mother. There isn’t a need for that. The boy was only voicing his opinion and in all honesty I have to agree with him.”

“But he…” The old woman began but was quickly cut off by her son.

“…cared, mother. He simply cared about you. Is that so hard to accept?”

Mrs. Watkin’s scowled and said nothing more.

Suddenly, Gordon Watkins extended his hand out towards Adam. “Thank you, Adam Cartwright, for your honesty and concern for our mother’s well being. I must admit you sent a “gut punch” to us, but it was well deserved and put us in our place.”

Gordon then turned towards Ben. “Mr. Cartwright, you have fine son there. One a man can be proud of … He spoke simply the truth; nothing more, nothing less. And isn’t that one of the golden rules we always try to instill in our children?”

Adam hesitantly reached out for Gordon’s hand and then watched in relief as his father smiled down upon him.

“Yes, I am very proud of him, Gordon; very proud indeed.”

Suddenly there was a loud “humph,” that exuded forth from Mrs. Watkins. It made Adam jump as all eyes turned towards her.

“I would like to speak with this boy alone,” she coldly stated. Adam’s eyes bulged at the thought. He looked up at his father with pleading eyes but it was to no avail.

“Yes, I feel that would be only fair,” Ben Cartwright said matter-of-factly. Adam hadn’t noticed that Mrs. Watkin’s had winked at them right after her request. He watched in horror as a moment later his father, brother, and Gordon all turned their backs and walked away, leaving the two alone.

Mrs. Watkin’s reached out and drug Adam by the ear over near her wagon. Adam didn’t make a peep although it felt like his ear was about to fall off.

Mrs. Watkins let go and squared the boy to her.

“I think we have something to settle between us, don’t you?” Adam’s eyes remained to the ground as he quietly nodded.

“Look at me, boy,” the woman commanded. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.”

Adam raised his eyes hesitantly as he felt the tears starting to well. It was hard to stare into the cold face of Mrs. Watkins. Her eyes seemed to bore into him like a knife. Then, without warning they began to change. Their intensity began to fade and Adam blinked in disbelief as he noticed tears building up within them. He blinked again as one managed to escape and slip down the old woman’s cheek.

Suddenly Mrs. Watkins grabbed hold of Adam and pulled him into a warm embrace. She leaned down and kissed him gently on top of his head before releasing him once more. The old woman managed to whisper a soft, “Thank you,” before she scurried away back towards the church and her family.

From that day forward, Mrs. Watkins was no longer a scrooge. Oh, she had her moments, but her children were always able to calm her down and speak reason. They stayed about a month before convincing her to travel back to San Francisco to live the remainder of her days there.

Adam never saw Mrs. Watkins again for she died the following spring. About a week after her death Adam received a package in the mail. It was from Gordon Watkins. Inside he found a letter and a well worn crocheted doily with a snake design intertwined amongst the thread.

“Dear Adam,

Regretfully, my mother passed away yesterday morning in her sleep. Her family was at her side. Prior to her death, she asked me to send this to you. It is something she made for her own mother a very long, long time ago. She wanted you to have it in remembrance of her and said you would understand its significance.

Best Wishes,

Gordon Watkins”

Adam couldn’t help but smile when he saw what the old woman had given him. He carefully took it upstairs and laid it out on his dresser where it remained for many, many years; a fond remembrance of an unusual friendship started simply from a forgotten Bible.