This is a continuation of Hounds and Harlots. Pa settled with Lili Martel’s papa about Lili being friends with Ellie. Pa and Ellie headed toward Callahan’s to finish Christmas Shopping. Ellie was walking hand in hand with her Papa, her little hand in his big strong hand.

Ellie was jumping up and down excitedly. Pa had fixed everything. Lili Martel was going to get to come to the Ponderosa to play on Monday. He had just told her that maybe they could go by the Atkins place to pick out a puppy. Today was shaping up to be a really wonderful day.

“Papa, we’re still goin’ to Mr. Callahan’s right? I mean I still need to get Joe a present for Christmas and what about Hop Sing, we forgot to get him something and then we can…” Ellie was about out of breath as she chattered on.

Pa held up his hand smiling indulgently at his baby, she sure had more energy than possibly even Joe. “Eleanor, please, one thing at a time. Yes, let’s go to Mr. Callahan’s to get a few things for Christmas.”

Pa and Ellie entered Callahan’s general store. “Good morning, David.” greeted Pa.

“Oh, howdy Ben. Who’s that big girl with you, don’t recognize her a bit.” greeted Mr. Callahan.

“Why, David, this is my youngest, Ellie, don’t you recognize her.” Pa said winking.

“Oh my word Ben, I think that girl has grown 2 inches since I saw her last.” Mr. Callahan said winking back.

“Aww, Mr. Callahan, I seen you yesterday, don’t you remember?” Ellie asked.

“Oh, yeah, I do remember seeing the prettiest girl in Virginia City yesterday.” he laughed.

“Papa, can I go look at the dolls? There is one that looks just like the picture of mama on your desk.”

“Oh, “said Pa raising his eyebrows, “I thought we were here to get a present for Joe?”

“Oh, yeah,” she said a little embarrassed. She didn’t want papa to think she only thought of herself.

Pa looked at her, she looked so sad. She really wanted to see that doll. “Ellie, what were you going to get Joe?”

“Books Papa, you them ones he likes to read that are about ‘tectives? They’s a dime each and I have fifty cents I can spend on Joe.” she said holding her fifty cents for Papa to see.

Never willing to pass up an opportunity for teaching, Pa asked, “Well, how many books do you have money for?”

Ellie screwed up her face. She shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t know.”

“Sure you do baby.” Pa said encouragingly.

“Uh-huh.” she said shaking her head.

“Ellie, how many dimes are in your hand?” Pa asked.

Ellie looked in her hand, she had five dimes, “Five.”

“Ok, if each one costs a dime, how many can you buy, pretend each dime is a book.” Pa said.

“Oh, 5 books Papa, I can buy Joe, 5 books!” Ellie said excitedly.

“That’s right princess, 5 books, why don’t you go pick out 5 books.” Pa pushed her toward the books. Ellie stood looking at all those dime novels with her back to him. He motioned to Mr. Callahan to lean over. “David, did you see that doll Ellie was looking at?” Pa whispered.

“Yes Ben.” Mr. Callahan said giving a conspirital wink.

“Can you wrap that up for me?” Pa asked as he glanced toward Ellie. Pa knew that he would need to help Ellie pick out the books for Joe because she would never be able to make up her mind. He cleared his throat. “Ellie?”

Ellie didn’t hear him. Her back was to him and she was much to engrossed in looking at the books. Pa walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder and he repeated her name. “Ellie?”

“Yes, sir?” she looked up at him.

“Did you pick out five books yet?” Pa asked knowing all too well what the answer would be.

“Um, no Papa. I can’t remember which ones he’s got and which ones he don’t,” she said shaking her head in frustration.

“Hmm,” Pa said “maybe Mr. Callahan can tell us which ones are the newest.”

Ellie’s eyes lit up, “Oh, that’s a real good idea, I’ll go ask him.” Ellie took off running up to the counter. When she got there, Mr. Callahan was waiting on Marybeth’s mama Miss Liza.

Ellie tugged on Miss Liza’s skirt. “Hi Miss Liza, where’s Marybeth?”

Miss Liza turned to see who was pulling on her skirt. “Why hello, Ellie. Just a minute dear, don’t interrupt.”

Ellie suddenly looked chastised. She knew she could get a swat for interrupting grownups and this day was going too good to be getting any swats. She just took a step back, “Yes ma’m.”

Pa walked over as Miss Liza and Mr. Callahan were finishing their business. “Good morning Liza, how are Aaron and the children?”

“Just find, Ben and how are you and yours?” Liza return.

Ellie scowled, she would never get to ask her questions, not of Miss Liza or Mr. Callahan. She just had to sit there and wait her turn. She decided she could go look at the dolls while she was waiting. In her long life experience, grownups could stand and jaw for hours. She meandered back to the dolls and scanned the dolls looking for the beautiful doll with the long dark hair and the blue dress. Ellie’s little face crumpled, she didn’t see the doll. Someone must have bought it. She sighed and dejectedly headed for the front of the store, to see if the grownups were done talking. She approached the grownups, who were still yammering on. She was starting to feel tired and hungry and her ear was starting to hurt, but there was no way she was going to spoil this day. So, she just sat down on the floor and waited her turn.

Finally it seemed that the grownups were done. Mr. Callahan spied Ellie sitting on the floor with her chin in her hands. “Ellie, did you need something?” asked Mr. Callahan.

Ellie had to think for a minute, she’d almost forgotten what she was going to ask. “Oh, yes sir, I wanna get Joe some ‘tective books, but I don’t know which ones to get. Papa said maybe you could show me the new ones. I know’d Joe hadn’t bought any cuz we’ve been saving all our money for Christmas.”

Mr. Callahan put out his hand for Ellie and led her back to the books. He showed her the five newest books. Ellie looked at the covers, “Mr. Callahan, are these all bout ‘tectives. Joe likes ‘tectives?”

“No, some are about cowboys.” he said smiling down at her.

She hesitated, “I don’t know…..maybe ‘tectives is better.”

“Ok, let’s get all ‘tective ones, shall we.”

Ellie and Mr. Callahan started toward the front of the store. They met her father at the counter. He had several items on the counter. Ellie couldn’t really see exactly what they were because she wasn’t tall enough to see over the counter top. She pulled on her papa’s pants leg. “Whatcha ya gettin’ Papa?”

“Oh, some Christmas presents for the boys.”

“Can I see?” she asked straining at the counter.

Papa reached down to pick her up and swung her on his hip. “Uh, oh Papa, you cain’t get Adam that book.” she said shaking her head as she pointed to the new Charles Dickens book.

Pa looked surprised. “How come?” he asked.

“Cuz, me and Joe gots it for him yesterday.”

Putting Ellie down, Pa turned to find Mr. Callahan. “Uh, ok, let’s see if we can find him another book then. “David, do you have any other books here you think Adam hasn’t read?” Pa asked.

Mr. Callahan scratched his head. “Well Ben, I ordered this here copy of Moby Dick by Herman Melville hoping Adam would want it. Does he have that one?”

“I don’t think so, in fact I think he was saying he wanted to get a copy of that. Why don’t you wrap it up for me?” Pa said.

By this time, Ellie was getting fidgety and irritable. They had been in Callahan’s for almost an hour. She tugged on Pa’s pants leg again. “Papa, can we go?” she begged.

Pa looked down at his youngest. “Ellie we aren’t done yet.”

“Please, Papa, I wanna go.” she whined.

“Eleanor…” Papa warned.

Ellie didn’t really mean to whine. She was just so tired of sitting there. She was getting hungry and tired and her ear was really starting to ache. She was really, really tired, but she didn’t take naps any more, after all, she was seven. When they were home, Papa still insisted she take a “rest” as he called it. She started to say something else, but Papa had used his warning voice. The voice that said she was dangerously close to getting a swat. She really wanted to go to Mr. Atkins to get a puppy. So, she’d better not end up with a swat or there was no way Papa would take her to look at the puppies. She just looked down at her feet.

Pa smiled to himself. She may be seven, but she still needed a nap. He looked at his pocket watch. The time was just about noon. He figured she was probably hungry as well as needing a nap. “Ellie, are you hungry?” Pa asked gently with his hand on her shoulder.

She just looked up at him. Not trusting herself to speak. She was on the verge of tears. She nodded her head.

“Well, I think if you can just stand there very quietly until I’m finished, I could take you to the International House for lunch.”

Ellie’s eyes shot up to her father’s face. “Really Papa, the International House?” It was her favorite place. To Ellie, it was a very fancy place, somewhere she didn’t get to go very often.

Pa’s eyes danced merrily nodding his head. “But, you need to be patient and let me finish here, no more whining.”

“Yes, sir.” she promised, “I’ll be really good.” Ellie stood quietly by, while her father finished up his business with Mr. Callahan.

Pa reached down to take her hand. “Oh Papa, I almost forgot, I still hafta buy Joe’s present.” she said sticking her fifty cents on the counter for Mr. Callahan.

With the final purchase completed, Pa took Ellie by the hand and led her out of the store. They dropped the packages off at livery and went on to lunch. They walked into the International House and Ellie gasped. She looked at all the chandeliers and white lace tablecloths, she thought that this was probably the fanciest place on earth.

Pa ordered lunch for them and just sat watching his daughter. She was trying to stifle a yawn. She sorely needed a nap. He smiled because she insisted she was way too old for a nap. He had managed to get her to take them easily until last year. However, despite what she said, she still needed them badly. She could be a little bear without them. He just insisted that she rest and read, whether it be on the settee or in her room. She almost always fell asleep. He had thought about taking her to Atkins to get that puppy. Today, was definitely not the day. He would talk to Mr. Atkins at church tomorrow, maybe he could take Ellie and Lili on Monday to get the puppy.

Lunch arrived. Ellie’s eyes lit up. Pa had ordered her chicken and dumplings. Ellie picked up her fork. Pa fixed her with a glare. “Oops, sorry Papa.” she said. “Dear Lord thank you for this food. Please bless this food and find food for others who are less fortunate. Amen. Ok, Papa?”

“Much better,” said Pa smiling.

“Wow, Papa, this is so good. It’s almost as good as Hop Sing’s. But don’t tell him, ok, cuz maybe he would feel bad.” Ellie said stuffing a fork full of dumplings in her mouth.

Pa shook his head laughing, “No, baby, I won’t tell Hop Sing.” Pa watched her finish her lunch. Her eyes were drooping. He was a little worried she would fall asleep in her lunch. As they finished lunch, Pa reached down to pick her up.

“Papa, I can walk,” Ellie said stifling another yawn.

“Umm, hmm, I know you can. But before you know it, you’ll be too big for me to carry, so let me carry you just this once.” he said lifting her up.

Her arms encircled his neck and she laid her head on his shoulder. “’kay,” she yawned. By the time he got to the livery stable, she was out like a light. Clem at the stable came over and held her while Pa got on Buck. Clem handed Ellie up to him and Pa took off for home at a nice steady pace so he would not wake her. He reached the Ponderosa and saw Adam in the yard fixing a wagon wheel. He waived him over.

“Son, can you take her, I don’t want to wake her up.” Pa whispered.

Adam reached for Ellie as Pa slipped her into his arms. Adam had a lot of experience carrying Ellie to and fro without waking her up. He carried her to her room and laid her on her bed covering her with a quilt.

Adam met Pa in the hallway. Adam raised his eyebrows, as he saw Pa come out of his room and closed the door. “What’s up, Pa, why’d you close your door?”

“Santa Claus has been busy son.” Pa whispered.

Adam smiled. “Pa, I thought you were going to go to Atkins place today and let Ellie get that puppy?”

“I know, but she practically fell asleep at lunch. She’s still very much a baby, Adam, she still needs that afternoon nap.” Pa said shaking his head.

“Oh boy, Pa, she is going to be fit to be tied when she wakes up.” Adam said laughing. He knew that baby sister of his had a temper. She’d be shaking those curls and stamping those feet. He laughed at the picture conjured up in his mind.

“I know, but I think I can take her and Lili Martel to get the puppy on Monday. She ought to be happy with that.”

“Lili? I thought her ma said she couldn’t play with Ellie?” Adam asked surprised.

“Well, I ran into Ely at the bank and we had a nice little chat. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem anymore. I invited Lili over to play with Ellie on Monday.” Pa said confidently.

“Do tell, Pa. Do tell.” Adam said intrigued.

“You know son, I just told Ely what we thought had been said and asked him to talk to his wife about Lili coming over to play. It was really quite easy. Ely was more than happy to help out. He said he would see to it that Lili and Ellie could play on Monday.” Pa explained.

Adam just nodded his head. “I’m going to go finish that wagon wheel.” he said escaping outside, he didn’t want to be around for the fit Ellie was going to throw when she woke up and realized that she didn’t get that puppy today.

Pa decided it was time to relax a little. He grabbed the newspaper and his pipe and headed for his favorite chair. Hoss came in around 3:00. “Hi, Pa.”

“Hi, son. I think it’s time you head over to the Cummings to bring Joe home. I want you home before supper.”

“Yes sir, I was just coming in to tell you I’m headed that way. Say, Pa, where’s the puppy you was gonna get Ellie?”

Pa sighed, “Well, we didn’t go because your sister really needed a nap.”

“Oh, wee, she’s gonna through a fit.” Hoss chuckled.

“Don’t you think I can handle a seven year old’s fit, young man? I certainly handled a number of fits from the other children in this house.” Pa asked testily.

“Oh yes, sir I do.” Hoss said as he quickly headed for the front door still laughing to himself. He surely didn’t want to be around to see all that curl tossing and foot stamping.

Pa decided that he needed to get Ellie up or she wouldn’t sleep tonight. She had slept a lot longer than he had anticipated. He steeled himself. Good Lord, he thought, I can handle a seven year old. He headed up the stairs with trepidation. He pushed open her door and found Ellie sleeping with her thumb in her mouth. He looked at his sleeping baby girl. Something was wrong, either she was getting sick or something was bothering her. She didn’t normally suck her thumb. Pa reached down to smooth her curls out of her face. Oh no, she felt warm to him. No wonder she was still asleep. “Ellie, baby, wake up.” he said as he gave her a little shake.

Ellie stirred just a bit. Her eyes opened. “Papa?” she croaked.

“Ellie, baby, how do you feel?” Pa asked her now getting concerned. Her cheeks were red.

“Feel yucky.” she croaked.

“Throat hurt?” Pa asked.

She nodded.

“Anything else hurt?”

She pointed to her left ear.

Oh no, Pa thought. Not the left ear. Ear infections in that ear always were worrisome. She already had a hearing loss in that ear. The doctor had already told him that any infections in that ear could make the hearing loss worse.

“Ellie, I need to go see Adam for a minute, then I’ll be right back. I want you to stay in bed.”

She nodded her head and popped her thumb back in her mouth, grabbed her ragdoll and closed her eyes.

Pa hurried down the stairs to Adam. He had finished the wagon wheel and was warming up by the fire. “What’s wrong, Pa?” he asked seeing the worried look on his father’s face.

“Adam, ride and get Doc Martin. Ellie’s sick. She has a fever, her throat is sore and her left ear hurts.”

“Right away, Pa.” Adam hurried to put his coat on and headed out the door. He knew those ear infections could be dangerous for Ellie.

Pa headed up the stairs to sit with Ellie. He got her out of her clothes and bathed her in cool water trying to bring the fever down. She was burning up by the time he had gotten back upstairs. He was upstairs tending Ellie when Joe and Hoss got home.

“Heh, Pa, we’re home.” the boys shouted upon entering the house.

“Up here,” Pa shouted.

The boys looked at each other. They headed up the stairs and found Pa in Ellie’s room. “What’s a matter?” asked Hoss.

“Ellie’s sick, Adam’s gone for Doc Martin.” Pa replied. “He should be here any time, now.”

They heard the front door bang and footsteps on the stairs. Paul Martin entered Ellie’s room. “Hi there Ben, boys, what seems to be the problem?” asked Paul as he entered the room.

“Hi Paul, Doc” the boys said as greetings were exchanged.

“Paul, Ellie has a sore throat, her left ear hurts.” Pa said worriedly.

“Ahh,” said Paul knowingly, “Let’s have a look.”

“Ok boys, I think Paul can take it from here.” Pa said eyeing the boys. The boys hadn’t moved from the room. Adam was now standing in the doorway. “Boys,” said Pa a little more forcefully. Still no one moved.

“Adam,” Pa said a little too loudly.

“Sir?” Adam looked at his father a bit startled.

“Take the boys down stairs so Paul can have a look at Ellie without an audience.”

“Oh, um, ok, come on you two,” he said as he grabbed each brother by the arm and pulled them out of the room.

Pa turned to the doctor. “Well?”

“Ben, I think she just really has a nasty cold, her ear doesn’t look infected. I think she is going to be feeling pretty poorly for a few days. You just need to do what you can to keep her in bed, give her lots of fluids and she should be right as rain in about a week. I’m going to give her this medicine so her throat feels better and I’ll leave the bottle. I suspect she’ll start coughing up a storm shortly, this medicine will help the coughing.”

Ellie heard the word medicine and starting shaking her head violently. She clamped her mouth closed and still managed to cross her arms over her chest with her ragdoll still in her arms. Paul just had to smile. This littlest Cartwright was as stubborn as the bigger Cartwrights. “Come on Ellie, just one spoonful and you’ll feel better. Don’t you want your throat to quit hurting?”

Ellie shook her head “No.”

“Eleanor,” Pa said sternly.

She just kept shaking her head no.

Pa tried a different tactic. “Ellie, Santa Claus is coming and I don’t think he is going to bring presents to little girls that are naughty.”

She eyed him dubiously.

“So, I want you to be a good girl and take the medicine, you can wash the bad taste away with some hot cocoa.”

Exasperated, she nodded her head yes. She really didn’t want Santa to not bring presents.

Pa breathed a sigh of relief. Paul smiled as he spooned the nasty tasking liquid into her mouth. She swallowed the medicine making a face. Paul and Ben laughed.

“I’ll see myself out Ben” said Paul as he headed for the door, “and do your best to keep her quiet for the next few days.”

Ellie still had that “medicine face”. “I’ll bring you some hot cocoa in a minute.” Pa told her as he exited the room. He brought her the cocoa and settled her down for the night. He didn’t think she’d be awake along enough to eat supper. He sat with her holding her hand until she fell asleep. He adjusted the covers and headed down the stairs.

“How’s she doing Pa?” asked Adam.

“I think she is down for the night. I’ll go check on her after supper.” Pa said.

Pa and the boys sat around the table eating supper. “Heh Pa, what are you going to do about that puppy from Mr. Atkins?” asked Hoss.

“Well, I don’t rightly know. I wanted to take her today to pick it out, but she fell asleep on me before we even left town. Christmas is a week from tomorrow. I guess, I’ll have to go pick out one sometime this week. I don’t think Paul wants her getting out in this cold.” Pa said.

“Pa, didn’t you already pick one out?” asked Joe.

“Not exactly, Mr. Atkins just has one promised.”

“Pa, could I go pick it out for her? Please?” Joe asked hopefully.

“I don’t know that I’d want you riding all the way over to Mr. Atkin’s place by yourself. That’s about 3 hours round trip.”

Joe scowled, “I ain’t no baby Pa, I can do it.”

“Joseph, don’t use that tone of voice with me.” Pa admonished.

“Sorry Pa.” Joe mumbled. “it’s just, I ain’t got her anything yet for Christmas and I could pick it out and it would be part of my present.”

“Pa, how’d it be if I took Joe over to Mr. Atkin’s place?” Hoss asked.

“Please Pa?” Joe asked.

Pa smiled at his two youngest boys. There were times that those two were inseparable. “I think that’s a fine idea boys.”

Pa looked at Adam, “Adam, do you mind staying home from church tomorrow with Ellie. I need to talk to Mr. Atkins and the Martels about Monday. I don’t think Ellie will be having any visitors on Monday.”

“Sure Pa, are you sure you want me to stay home? You know how she is when she’s sick. She only wants you.”

“Oh she’ll be fine son.”

Adam shook his head, she’d be fine as long as she was asleep. The minute she figured out her Papa was gone, she’d be carrying on.

The next morning at the breakfast table, all was quiet. Ellie was still asleep. “Adam, we will come home straight after church.” Pa said nodding his head toward Adam.

“Alright, Pa. I’ll keep an eye on her.” Adam said.

“Heh, Pa I could stay home with her.” Joe offered.

“Joseph, you can get your coat on and go to church.”

“Aww… Pa.” Joe muttered.

“Joseph, I don’t want to hear another word about church.” Pa threatened.

“Yes, sir.” Joe muttered. Well, it didn’t hurt to try, did it?

Pa, Hoss and Joe headed out the door to church. Adam decided that he could have some much needed peace and quiet to read a book while Ellie was still sleeping. He figured, he better take the opportunity while he had it. He knew when she woke up and realized Pa was gone, she was going to throw a fit. He actually made it two hours, he thought about how lucky he was that Ellie was still sleeping. Pa’d be home in an hour and his watch would be over.

He suddenly heard a horrible coughing fit and then gagging and then coughing. He ran up the stairs two at a time to find Ellie with her head over the wash bowl. “Ellie, Ellie, are you ok baby?” he ran into her room. He looked at her with her head over the wash bowl and realized the coughing fit had made her throw up and it was everywhere. He just looked at her. Oh why didn’t Pa stay home, so he’d get stuck with this mess? On top of that, she had started to cry. Adam rolled his eyes skyward. Why me, Lord, he thought.

Adam went to the top of the stairs to call for Hop Sing. “Hop Sing,” he bellowed, “I need to give Ellie a bath, she got sick.”

“Ellie, baby, you need to take a bath to clean up. You need to wash your hair and get your clothes changed.” Adam said hurrying over to her. He grabbed her shoulders, a meltdown was about to start. “Ellie, DO NOT HAVE A MELTDOWN!!” he practically yelled. “If you do, you are just going to start coughing and get sick again.”

Ellie looked at Adam wide eyed. She was so startled by his yelling that she quit crying. She just stood there with tears running down her face.

Adam pulled her nightgown off and tossed it on the floor. He figured Hop Sing would change her sheets and get the soiled clothes while he was giving her a bath. He wrapped her up in a towel and carried her down to the bath house to a hot tub.

Ellie started crying in earnest. “Where’s Papa? I want Papa.” she wailed.

Adam grabbed her shoulders again. “Ellie, look at me.”

She looked up at him through her tears.

“Ellie, Pa went to church. He’ll be home real soon. If you continue to cry, you’re going to start coughing again. You don’t want to get sick again do you?”

She shook her head no.

“Ok, we’re going to clean you up and then I’m going to give you some of that cough medicine Doc Martin left you.”

She started to cry again, shaking her head no. Adam was desperate. “Ellie, you can have some hot cocoa if you take the medicine and I’ll read you any book you want.”

“I want Papa.” she wailed.

“Ellie, baby, please.” Adam begged.

Hop Sing came in the bath house. “How missy?”

Adam looked up, “Hop Sing can you make some hot cocoa for Ellie and get her a fresh night gown, her robe and slippers.”

“Sure, Misa Adam.” Hop Sing said hurrying off.

By the time Hop Sing returned with her clothes, Adam had finished bathing Ellie and had pulled her out of the tub and was drying her hair with a towel. He quickly dressed her. She started another coughing fit. Adam rolled his eyes and held her until she finished. “Ok baby, I’m going to put you in Pa’s chair and I’m going to get that cough medicine, alright?”

She nodded her head, “I want Papa.” she sobbed.

“I know baby, he should be home any minute now.”

Adam ran up to her room for the cough medicine. He held out the spoon of medicine to her and Ellie eyed the spoon with distaste. “Ellie, baby, please take this, it will stop your coughing.”

She shook her head no.

“Eleanor, take this medicine now or I’m going to give you a swat and no story.” Adam said exasperated.

Ellie eyed Adam, she was still sobbing. “I want Papa.”

Adam grabbed her arm and stood her up. “Swat or medicine?”

Ellie finally opened her mouth and took the medicine. She made a funny face and he handed her a cup of cocoa. Adam relaxed and pulled her into his lap. “I’m sorry baby, but you really needed that medicine.”

“I want….” Ellie started.

Just then, the front door opened and in walked their father. Oh my Lord thought Adam, just in time. Pa walked over to his chair and Ellie reached her arms out to him. He picked her up and carried her to the rocker. “What happened, her hair is wet?” he asked his oldest as he settled Ellie in his lap.

“Pa, next time you stay home and I’ll go to church.” Adam said, running his hand through his hair.

Pa chuckled, “What happened son?”

“Well, she had a coughing fit, got sick all over everything, had to take a bath, argued about medicine and all the while she was crying for you.”

“Is that all?” asked Pa laughing.

Ellie started shivering in Pa’s arms. Pa grabbed a quilt and wrapped it around her. “Adam, why don’t you get out your guitar and play us something. I think it would soothe everyone’s nerves.”

Ellie snuggled into her father as close as she could and laid her head down on his chest. Adam played and sang a few Christmas carols while Pa rocked Ellie until she fell asleep. Hoss noticed she was asleep. He tapped Pa on the knee, “Want me to take her up?”

Pa just nodded his head.

“Pa, that cough was really bad.” Adam said worriedly.

“I know son, Doc Martin said it would be. She’ll be better in a day or two. As soon as she’s over that cough, I’ll send Hoss and Joe to get her that puppy. The puppy will keep her occupied for the rest of the week that she needs to stay indoors.”

The next couple of days were fairly easy. Ellie was really too sick to get out of bed or complain much. The rest of the Cartwrights bustled around getting ready for Christmas. The boys had made their annual trek up to the timber land to cut a tree. The boys picked out a beautiful tree and were setting it up in the great room, when Ellie appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Heh, how come you gots a tree without me?” Ellie demanded.

“Who said you could get out of bed?” Adam asked.

“Me, that’s who.” she said stomping her foot. “I’m fine, I haven’t coughed all day. I’m done being in bed.”

Adam raised his eyebrows at his sassy little sister. Yup, she was definitely feeling better. Adam was about to scold her for being out of bed, when Pa walked in. Adam pointed to the top of the stairs. Pa looked up to see Ellie madder than a wet hen. “They gots the tree without me.” Ellie shouted.

“Eleanor, quit shouting.” Pa scolded.

“Well, they did.” she pouted.

Pa shrugged out of his coat and looked at the tree. “Wow, boys, you out did yourselves. I think that’s the prettiest tree we’ve ever had.”

“Aww, Pa, you say that every year.” Hoss laughed.

“Well, I guess the tree gets prettier and prettier every year.” Pa laughed.

By this time, Ellie had made her way down the stairs. She was wearing her nightgown, but was barefooted. Pa picked her up giving her a kiss, “Where are your slippers young lady, and your robe, it’s much too cold to be down here without them.” he asked as he set her down.

Ellie looked at her father scowling. “Upstairs.” she muttered.

“Eleanor?” Pa used his warning voice.

Ellie looked up at him. “Go get your slippers and your robe.”

“I don’t need ‘em Papa, I’m fine.” she said shaking her head.

“Eleanor, I wasn’t asking, I was telling.” Pa said firmly.

“But, Papa……”

Pa took her arm and turned her around toward the stairs, he gave her a light swat on the bottom, not enough to hurt, but enough for her to know he meant business. “Now, Eleanor.”

Ellie trudged up the stairs to retrieve her robe and slippers. “Heh Pa,” Hoss said, “I guess me and Joe ought to go over to Atkins and get that puppy tomorrow, huh?”

“Yes, Hoss, I think that would be an excellent idea. I think Ellie is on the mend and is going to be a trial for the next few days.” Pa nodded knowingly.

Ellie returned with her robe and slippers on. She made her way down the stairs to her father, who was sitting in his chair watching the boys put up the tree. She crawled in his lap and said softly, “It ain’t fair, they gots the tree without me.”

Pa hugged her. “I know princess, but you were just too sick to go out and get the tree. You’re getting all better and I don’t want to risk you getting sick again. You don’t want to be sick on Christmas day do you?”

“No, but it still ain’t fair.” she pouted.

“Well, maybe not, but how about if you get to put the Christmas angel on top of the tree?” Pa asked. Ellie’s face lit up like a million lanterns. Pa always put the Christmas angel on the tree. It was one thing he always reserved for himself.

“Really Papa, really, you gonna let me?” Ellie barely breathed.

“Oh, I think so. If you are a very good girl and let the boys finish putting up the tree and no more fussing about you not getting to pick it out.” Pa looked at her trying to hide his smile.

“Ok, Ok, Papa, I promise.” she was bouncing around on his knees clapping her hands.

Pa was getting sore from all that jostling on his knees by her bony little behind. “That includes not bouncing on Papa.” he said exasperated.

“Oh, sorry Papa.” she settled down, her head on his chest.

The boys were finally done decorating the tree. The tree was beautiful. “Ok Pa,” said Hoss, “we’re ready for the angel. The boys dragged the ladder to the tree.

Ellie scrambled for the ladder. Pa grabbed her by the back of her night gown, “Whoa, missy, not so fast. You go up the ladder, with me right behind you.”

“I don’t need any help, Papa, I can do it myself.”

“I’m sure you can, but that’s how we are going to do it.” Ellie started up the ladder, the angel in her hand. Pa was right behind her with his hand on her back. She got to the top of the ladder. She froze.

“What’s a matter, Ellie?” Joe asked from below.

“I can’t do it.” she said shaking her head. She had a tight grip on the ladder and she wasn’t letting go. “I’m gonna fall if I let go.” she started to cry.

“Ellie, Papa will hold you around your waist and you can lean over and put the angle on top.” Pa said trying to reassure her.

She shook her head “no.” He eyes were big as saucers.

Pa leaned in to Ellie. “Baby, turn around so your facing me. Ok, now put your arms around my neck. Ok, I have you. Now take the hand with the angel and put it on top of the tree.” Pa said as he guided her hand to the top of the tree.

He guided her hand back to the ladder and guided her down to the floor. “You did it! Good job.”

Adam picked her up and looked at the top of the tree. “Look princess, you did it! Doesn’t it look beautiful?”

Ellie smiled hugging her brother, “I did it!” she whispered.

“Ya sure did princess,” said Hoss patting her on the back.

“Good job, sissy,” Joe added.

As they finished the tree, Hop Sing called the family for supper. They all took their places at the table and bowed their heads for grace. Pa was happy to have all his children sitting at the table once again. Evening found them in their usual spots. Joe and Hoss were playing checkers. Adam was reading a book and Pa was reading the newspaper and smoking his pipe. The only one out of place was Ellie. She didn’t know what she wanted to do. She was so tired of sitting in her room. She was itchy to do something.

“Papa, I don’t got nuthin’ to do.” she announced.

“How about you draw me a picture?” Pa suggested.

“Umm, ok, ‘bout what?” she asked.

“Christmas, draw me a picture about Christmas.”

Ellie went to the paper drawer at Papa’s desk and pulled out a sheet of paper and grabbed a pencil. She set herself up at the coffee table. “Joe, you gots to move, so I have room.” she said as she tried to move her brother.

“Whoa, sissy, you gonna tip the checker board. Hang on.” Joe got up and moved the fruit bowl out of the way. “Sissy if you sit at this other end here and put your paper like this, you got all the room you need and me and Hoss don’t gotta move.”

“Oh, thanks Joe, I didn’t think of that. I always draw where you is at.”

Joe just smiled at her as he and Hoss renewed their game.

The clock chimed 8:00 before she knew it. “Ok, Ellie and Joe, time for bed.”

“Aww Pa, cain’t me and Hoss finish this game. There ain’t no school tomorrow. Cain’t I stay up until 9:00?”

Pa took a puff on his pipe, “I suppose so Joe.”

“Thanks Pa!” Joe smiled gratefully.

Ellie looked at her father hopefully.

He caught her look, “No ma’m, you may not stay up any later.”

“That ain’t fair Papa, Joe gets to stay up later.”

“He’s older.”

“It ain’t fair.”

“Eleanor, you normally go to bed at 7:00 and it’s 8:00 now, you got an extra hour. Joe is getting an extra hour.”

She didn’t look convinced. “It ain’t fair.” she said stubbornly, “I ain’t done with my picture, yet”

“You can finish it tomorrow.” Pa said patiently.

Ellie looked like she was working herself up to a fit. “Eleanor, if you throw a fit, I’m going to take you over my knee right now.” Pa threatened.

Ellie really didn’t want a spanking. Before she could think much, Adam picked her up in his arms and said, “Come on princess, I’m going to tell you the story of Robin Hood…” he said as he carried her giggling up the stairs. He got her settled and read her a chapter before she fell asleep.

He headed back down the stairs. “Thanks, son.” Pa said gratefully.

Adam smiled, “Your welcome Pa.”

Pa looked at his two youngest boys, “Boys, after breakfast, I want you to go get that puppy from Mr. Atkins. If Ellie asks, just tell her you are going to town.”

“Sure thing Pa,” said Hoss.

“’kay,” said Joe.

“Excuse me Joseph?” Pa’s eyebrows went up at the response of his youngest boy.

Joe looked bewildered for a moment, Hoss kicked him, “Oh, yes, sir.”

“Much better.” said Pa going back to his newspaper.

The next morning found them all at the breakfast table. Pa and Adam were discussing the chores for the day. Ellie was playing with her food, pushing it around her plate. Hoss and Joe were exchanging knowing glances about their trip to Mr. Atkins.

“Papa, can I go for a ride?” asked Ellie.

“No.”

“Can I go see Windy in the barn?”

“No.”

“Can I…..”

“Eleanor, you may stay in the house and play. The only place you get to go is inside this house.”

“But Papa, I’ve been in the house forever, I want to go outside.”

“No.”

“But, Papa….”

“Eleanor Grace, the answer is “No!”, we are not discussing it anymore. Do I make myself clear?” Pa said evenly.

“But…”

“Eleanor, come here now.” Pa said motioning her over to his chair.

She didn’t know, she didn’t like to tone of his voice. That tone usually didn’t bode well for her. “Now!” Pa commanded.

She stood up slowly and walked to stand in front of him. He took her shoulders in his hands, “Eleanor, you’ve been very sick, I want you to get better, you are better, but not all the way. For now, until I say, you will stay in the house. You won’t like the consequences if you continue to whine or disobey. Understand?”

Ellie looked at the floor, she knew he meant business. “Yes, sir” she said softly.

“Good,” he said giving her a hug, “now finish eating your breakfast and quit playing with it.”

Ellie slid back into her chair and finished her breakfast quietly.

“Well Pa, me and Joe better git, if we are going to get all our chores done.” Hoss said winking at Joe.

Joe grinned, he couldn’t wait to get that puppy and surprise Ellie.

“Go on boys, I’ll see you later.” Pa said waiving them off.

Ellie sighed. She was stuck in the house. Well maybe she could finish her picture. She went to the coffee table to retrieve her picture. She wished she had colors, all she had was a pencil from Papa’s desk. Maybe Santa would bring her colors. She sat for awhile finishing her picture. When she was satisfied with it, she took the picture over to Pa’s desk. Pa was bent over his desk reading a timber contract, he looked very serious. Ellie knew that he didn’t like to be interrupted. She stood for awhile, but he didn’t notice her.

“Um, Papa,” she ventured.

He still didn’t notice.

She went around behind the desk and tugged on his shirt sleeve. “What?” he snapped irritably.

Ellie shrunk back. She started to tear, “I just wanted to show you my picture Papa.” she said starting to cry.

Pa immediately felt bad for snapping. He had hurt her feelings without meaning to. He picked her up and put her in his lap. “I’m sorry baby, Papa was just busy. Let me see.” he said reaching for the picture.

She started to shake her head “No” and move the picture away from his hand.

Pa picked her up with the picture in her hand and went to sit in the rocker. She always knew that she had his undivided attention when they sat in the rocker. He thought perhaps part of the tears was that she needed a nap. “Let me see the picture, baby.” he said gently.

She handed him the picture.

“My goodness, this picture is grand.” She had drawn a picture of baby Jesus in the manger. “I think you are going to be an artist some day.”

“Really, Papa?”

“Really! Do you want to rock some?” he asked her.

She nodded her head and put her head on his chest. He rocked her a little while until she fell asleep. He put her on the settee and covered her with a blanket. He figured she would sleep until lunch and he could finish his work. By then the boys should be home with the puppy.

Joe and Hoss had headed for the Atkins place on the other side of Virginia City. “Heh Hoss, can we stop in Virginia City?” asked Joe.

“Naw Joe, we best get that puppy and get on home.”

“Please Hoss?” Joe asked.

“Watcha ya need so bad in town?” Hoss asked.

“I forgot to get Ellie somethin’ for Christmas. I was flustered the other day about Mrs. Martel, I forgot to get Ellie a present.” Joe admitted.

“What’d ya gonna git her?”

“I don’t know. I only got a dollar.”

“Well come on, we’ll figure out somethin’. But we can’t be no dilly dallyin’, Pa wants us home with that puppy.” Hoss said as he kicked Chubb into a faster trot.

The boys arrived at the busy mercantile. Joe spotted Mrs. Martel. Joe got a pained expression on his face when he saw her. He remembered what she said about him and Ellie being undesirable. He turned around to walk out of the store.

“Where ya goin’ Joe, you got somethin’ for Ellie yet?” Hoss asked as he grabbed his little brother by the coat sleeve.

“Naw Hoss, Mrs. Martel’s here.” Joe muttered.

“Oh,” said Hoss looking down into his brother’s troubled face.

“It’s ok Joe, Pa talked to Mr. Martel, it’s ok.”

Joe shrugged his arm out of Hoss’ grip, “No, it ain’t.”

Hoss grabbed Joe’s arm again. Joe squirmed, but he was no match for Hoss. “Let me go.” Joe said grimly.

“As soon as I’m done with ya. Come on out here, boy.” Hoss said dragging Joe toward the door. “Joe, people says things they don’t mean. They says things they shouldn’t say when they mean them and when they don’t. People also says things that ain’t true. You can’t go avoiding people cuz they says things that ain’t true about you.”

Tears were welling up in Joe’s eyes. “Hoss, she said me and Ellie was un..un..undesirable, Adam says it means she don’t like us and don’t want to be around us. She told Mr. Callahan that she would finish her business with him after Ellie and I was gone. She said awful things about mama.”

“I know,” Hoss said putting his arm around Joe. “But remember all them kids that used to make fun of me at school. But every day I went back to school and just pretended it didn’t bother me? Well, that’s what you got to do here. Pa used to tell me that if I knew the truth, but acted like those other kids were right, then those other kids would think they got the best of me. And I wasn’t lettin’ none of those kids get the best of me. Don’t let Mrs. Martel get the best of you. You show her you’re better than what she’s been saying.”

Joe wiped his eyes with his coat sleeve nodding at Hoss. “Ok.”

“Come on, “ said Hoss dragging them into the store. “Watcha getting’ Ellie?”

“How about some drawing paper? I think Adam got her colors for Christmas.” said Joe looking up at Hoss.

“That’s a right good idea, let’s get that paper and get on.”

Hoss grabbed Joe’s arm and hauled him up to the counter. Joe was standing right next to Mrs. Martel. Hoss tipped his hat to Mrs. Martel, “Good Morning, ma’m.” he said nudging Joe.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Martel.” Joe said tipping his hat like his big brother.

“Well, good morning boys.” she said.

Joe almost dropped his mouth in surprise. Instead he turned to Mr. Callhan, “Can I get a dollar’s worth of drawing paper, Mr. Callahan?”

“Sure, Little Joe. Ellie for Christmas?” he asked kindly.

“Umm, yes sir. I think Adam got her colors. She sure likes to draw pictures.” Joe said nodding his head.

Mr. Callahan wrapped up the paper and handed it to Joe. “Keep it dry, you hear?”

“Yes, sir.” said Joe as he took the package and walked off. “Bye Mrs. Martel, have a nice day.” Joe said as he turned to walk out of the store. He heard her say to Mr. Callahan, “Now isn’t that a nice polite boy, his father sure is raising him well.”

Joe smiled, Hoss was right.

Hoss was already mounted and waiting for Joe. “Come on Joe, we better shake a leg and get on over to Mr. Atkins to get that puppy. Ellie’s probably making Pa crazy.”

“Race ya!” Joe yelled as he kicked his pony into a trot.

“Dad burn you, Little Joe.” Hoss yelled as he chased off after his little brother.

Joe and Hoss arrived in Mr. Atkins yard in short time. “Howdy boys, come to pick up that puppy.”

“Yes, sir” the boys chorused.

Mr. Atkins led the boys into the barn. “Can I pick him out Hoss?” Joe asked excitedly.

“Whoa, little brother.” Hoss put his hand on Joe’s arm.

“Let’s ask Mr. Atkins here, first.”

“Ok,” Joe said disappointedly.

Mr. Atkins took one look at Joe’s bowed head, caught Hoss’ attention and winked.

“Now you know Joe, this hound is for Ellie right?” Mr. Atkins asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“So, what do you think is important?” Mr. Atkins asked.

Joe looked at him confused. “You mean like color?”

“No son, like is the hound gentle, are you using him for hunting, is he gonna be a pet.”

“Oh,” nodded Joe, “well, it’s a pet, it should be gentle, I mean Ellie being a girl and all.”

Mr. Atkins nodded. “Looky here Joe, this one’s the runt of the litter. I don’t think he would make a very fine hunting hound, he’s gonna be too little.”

Joe looked at the puppy Mr. Atkins pointed to. It sure was little and scrawny looking. But, it had the biggest eyes he’d ever seen and he was just sure that puppy was smiling at him. It was brown and white speckled. “Can I hold it?”

“Sure, son.”

Joe reached down to scoop up the puppy. The puppy started jumping in Joe’s face, trying to lick him to death. Joe laughed. He turned to Hoss, “What’d think Hoss? Ain’t this little feller perfect?”

Hoss smiled at his brother. He knew Joe felt very grown up, like the decision has all been made by him. “Surely looks perfect little brother. Let’s get on. I better hold that puppy until we get home, I think he’s a might too squirmy for you.”

Joe flashed Hoss a look of indignation. “I can hold him.”

Mr. Atkins stepped in. “Now Joe, you have to keep that puppy warm and if Hoss buttoned him up in his shirt so as the puppy could snuggle in his chest, it would keep the puppy warm.”

“But, why can’t I do the same thing, Mr. Atkins.”

Mr. Atkins leaned over to Joe and whispered in his ear, “Cuz, your big brother has a lot more padding to keep that puppy warm.”

“Oh,” Joe grinned, “Ummm..yeah, Hoss, he’s kinda of squirmy..best you take him. But, I get to give him to Ellie when we get home, ok?”

Hoss grinned, “You bet little brother, let’s go on.”

Joe handed Hoss the puppy and Hoss settled the puppy inside his shirt. “Thanks, Mr. Atkins.” the boys said waiving as the trotted off toward home.

Ellie was just waking up as the clock chimed noon. She slid off the settee and headed toward Pa’s desk. She tugged on his shirt sleeve and climbed in his lap yawning. “Well sleepy head, how do you feel?” asked Pa as he settled her in his lap.

“Hungry.”

As she was crawling into his lap, the front door opened. Adam walked in. “Hi son, any sign of those boys?”

“No, not yet Pa. Heh, princess how are you feeling?” Adam said glancing at his sister.

“Hungry.” she said crossly.

“Lunch ready, missur Cartwright.” Hop Sing said from the dining room table.

Pa lifted Ellie off his lap and pushed her toward to kitchen. “Go wash up for lunch. You too, Adam.” he said giving his oldest a glance.

Adam raised his eyebrows at being addressed like he was seven, he just laughed, “Yes, sir, come on Ellie.” as he took her hand and led her into the kitchen to wash up.

They all sat at the table and Pa said grace. Pa put a sandwich on Ellie’s plate. She picked up the sandwich and looked at the empty seats of Joe and Hoss. “Where are Joe and Hoss, Papa?” she asked taking a bite of her sandwich.

“They went to town for me. They should be back soon.” Pa hoped they would be back soon. If they didn’t get back soon, it was going to be a very long afternoon.

The door burst open banging on the credenza. Well, Pa knew Joe was home. “We’re home!” yelled Joe.

“Joseph, stop yelling. Go wash up and hurry, we just sat down for lunch.” Pa admonished him.

“But Pa,” Joe said.

“Joseph, lunch first.” Pa said sternly, eyeing Joe and then shifting his eyes to Ellie.

Joe got Pa’s drift immediately, Ellie wouldn’t eat if she knew about the puppy. “Um, ok Pa, I gotta go finish up in the barn.” Joe said heading back toward the barn. Joe hurried into the barn to tell Hoss they had to wait a little while longer. “Hoss,” Joe said “Pa wants us to wash up for lunch and hurry in.”

“What about the puppy?” asked Hoss.

“I think he’ll have to keep a while longer, they just sat down to eat lunch and I think Pa’s thinking if we tell Ellie she’ll be too excited to eat.”

“Yeah,” Hoss nodded his head knowingly. “Well the pup is asleep in here.” Hoss pointed to the little bulge in his shirt.

“Well come on then,” said Joe. “I’m hungry.”

“Heh, Pa.” said Hoss taking his seat at the table.

By the time the younger boys had gotten to the table, Ellie had finished half a sandwich. “May I be excused?” she asked Pa.

Pa looked over at her plate, “You only ate half.”

“I’m full.”

“Eleanor…” Pa said his voice rising.

“Really, Papa I’m full.”

“Ok, drink your milk and you’re excused.”

Ellie drank her milk and headed to the front door. Pa raised his eyebrows, “Where’re you going young lady, I already told you that you may play inside only, today?”

Ellie whirled around, “Oh, sorry Papa, I forgot.” she said as she walked back toward the settee. She sat down on the settee and slumped. This was going to shape up to be a very boring day.

Pa nodded at Hoss and Joe. Hoss took a now whimpering puppy out of his shirt and handed it to Joe. “Heh Sissy, you busy?” asked Joe.

“Nope, not busy at all.” she said wistfully.

“Well, I got something that may keep you busy.” Joe said.

“Fer real?” she asked Joe looking up as Joe walked over to her.

“Um, hmm…look.” Joe said as he handed her the puppy.

“Oh my,” Ellie breathed, “a puppy!”

“A puppy, a puppy.” Ellie took hold of the squirming puppy and ran to her Papa. “Thank you, thank you Papa, I love it.” she yelled throwing herself into her Papa’s arms.

“Merry Christmas, baby. Thank Joe and Hoss, because they went to pick it out this morning for you.”

She ran around the table and through herself into her big brother’s waiting arms. “Thank you, thank you!!” she said giving Hoss and hug and a kiss.

“Your welcome, princess.” Hoss chuckled.

“Heh, what about me?” asked Joe, a hurt expression appeared on his face.

Ellie ran over to Joe and grabbed him around the waist with a big hug. “Thanks, bubby” she whispered. He hugged her back.

“So, whatcha gonna name him, Sissy?” Joe asked.

“I don’t know, I think I’ll wait and see.” she said thoughtfully.

“Eleanor,” Pa broke in, “this puppy has rules.”

She looked up.

“First, this dog is not allowed in the house, except for the next few days until you can go outside. Second, he is your responsibility, that means feeding him and cleaning up after him and making sure he has a good bed to sleep in. Third, keep him out from underfoot and away from the chickens.”

“Yes sir, I promise, I’ll take good care of him.” Ellie turned to take the puppy up to her room.

“Fourth,” said Pa, “I better never find that animal in your room.”

“Um, no sir, sorry Papa.” Ellie turned around.

Ellie spent the next couple of days in absolute bliss. The puppy followed her everywhere. She was sitting on the rug in the great room petting the puppy who’d fallen asleep on the rug.

“Boy that little guy sure follows you around like your shadow, Ellie.” Adam remarked.

“What’d ya mean, Adam?” she looked up questioningly.

“You know how when you go out in the sun, you make a shadow?”

“Um hmm.”

“Well, he’s always right behind you just like your shadow.”

“Oh,” she said thoughtfully. “Heh, that’s it.”

“What?” asked Adam.

“The puppy’s name, silly. His name is Shadow.”

“Oh,” smiled Adam.

Ellie stretched out on the rug next to the puppy rubbing his belly, until she too fell asleep. Adam was going to move her to her room, but she looked so cute, he just left her and her Shadow sound asleep.