{"id":3124,"date":"2011-04-24T23:15:39","date_gmt":"2011-04-25T03:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3124"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:28","slug":"the-circus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3124","title":{"rendered":"The Circus (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ellie, Joe, Marybeth, and Michael get into some trouble when the circus comes to town. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a07000<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Circus<\/strong><\/div>\n
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All the family<\/strong> was seated at the breakfast table, all of course except the youngest two Cartwrights. Pa looked at the two empty seats and scowled. \u201cI don\u2019t know why those two can\u2019t get down here on time. They\u2019re going to be late for school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cYou know how Ellie can be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa was about to retort, when Joe and Ellie appeared. \u201cMorning,\u201d said the children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s about time you two got down here. You only have 15 minutes before you have to leave for school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie and Joe gave each other side ways glances as they slid into their seats. Joe shook his head \u201cNo\u201d ever so slightly at Ellie. Ellie realized that this was not a good time to ask Papa about the circus. He was not in a good mood to be asking permission for much of anything. They ate their breakfast in silence as their father and older brothers discussed the chores for the day. Pa relaxed a bit. He heard the grandfather clock chime 7:00, \u201cBest you two be off to school, you\u2019re excused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The children slid out of their seats and headed toward the front door. He saw the somber look on their faces and slumped shoulders. He sighed. He had been a little grouchy toward them and they still had a good breakfast before school, so he guessed no harm done. \u201cEllie, Joe come here for a moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two children hesitated, but came next to their father. \u201cDid you forget something,\u201d he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both children thought for a moment, \u201cNo, Sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKisses,\u201d Pa said. \u201cNobody, got a kiss this morning. \u201c He reached over and gave both, a hug and a kiss, \u201cHave a good day at school.\u201d Ellie giggled as she returned her father\u2019s hug and kiss. Joe tried to slink away, at 13, he was much too old for kisses. Secretly, he loved when his father hugged and kissed the children goodbye, at least, when no one else was watching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam interjected and cleared his throat. \u201cHeh, missy, what about me?\u201d Ellie flung herself at Adam and gave him a big kiss, \u201cOne to last the whole day, Adam?\u201d she giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne to last the whole day, Princess.\u201d He agreed. This was his favorite morning ritual. Ellie had been giving him kisses every morning \u201cto last the whole day\u201d since she could talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

She wiggled out of Adam\u2019s grip and jumped into brother Hoss\u2019s arms and gave him a kiss goodbye. \u201cBye Hossy!!\u201d she squealed as she ran out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped before he left, \u201cUhh, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan Ellie and me stay after school to play with Michael and Marybeth? Please Pa, we will come home right after and be home by supper?\u201d Joe held his breath. He wasn\u2019t quite sure if Pa was still upset about the children being late for breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa thought for a moment. \u201cI suppose if you come home straight after, you may stay an extra hour. That\u2019s it Joseph, not one minute longer, understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you remember the last time you came home late?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gulped. The last time he came home late, which was last week, resulted in a private talk and lots of extra chores.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not repeat that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, Pa, yes, sir. Thanks, Pa.\u201d Joe said as he ran out the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was smiling as they trotted off toward school.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, Joe, did you ask Papa about the circus?\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, sort of\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow can it be sort of? You either asked or you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Sissy, you have a lot to learn in the way of asking for things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that suppose to mean?\u201d she asked angrily. She had pulled Windy up next to Blackie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I asked Pa if we could stay and play with Michael and Marybeth after school. He said we could have an extra hour after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what does that have to do with the circus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t say we couldn\u2019t go. All he said was we had an extra hour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked confused, \u201cSo, we have permission to go to the circus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, but we don\u2019t have permission to not go. He didn\u2019t say what we could or could not do with the hour. So, I figured we could do anything as long as we don\u2019t stay no longer than an hour and are home by supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, um Joe, I don\u2019t know, some how that don\u2019t seem right. What\u2019s Papa call that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCall what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, like when you do something you ain\u2019t suppose to do, but no one told you not to exactly, but you do it anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders, \u201cDon\u2019t over think it Sissy, you getting\u2019 to be too much like Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sighed, \u201cWell, I guess you\u2019re right, Papa didn\u2019t tell us no, so I guess we gets to go, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, we can go watch that circus get all set up, and still be home by supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they arrived in the school yard, they stabled the horses and went to find Michael and Marybeth. The four children agreed they would meet near the big oak in the school yard after school. During recess, Marybeth and Ellie were playing hopscotch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarybeth, did your mama give you permission to go to the circus?\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, not exactly. I wasn\u2019t in the room when Michael asked. He asked when I was still brushing my hair for school. He just told Mama that we wanted to stay and play with you and Joe for a little while after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Joe said. He asked Papa the very same thing.\u201d Ellie looked at Marybeth, \u201cDo you think that\u2019s fibbing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she didn\u2019t say we couldn\u2019t go to the circus,\u201d Marybeth said carefully. \u201cWe do have permission to stay after school for an hour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSame as us,\u201d said Ellie. The school bell rang to signal that recess was over. The girls didn\u2019t have a chance to discuss it any further.<\/span><\/p>\n

After school the children met at the big oak tree as planned. The circus was going to open tomorrow and was setting up just outside of town, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, the first one ever to come to Virginia City. The children walked toward the end of town to see what they could see. It was a sight, they saw, dancing horses, a real bear on a chain, and an elephant. Tents made of red, yellow, blue and orange silks were being set up. It was a sight to see. They saw a man putting a stick of fire down his throat and a man walking on tall sticks, he was the tallest man they had ever seen. The children were mesmerized.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Joe turned toward Michael. \u201cWe only has an hour to look around. So we best get busy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, same here.\u201d said Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached to grab Ellie by the hand and Michael reached for Marybeth\u2019s hand. \u201cWatcha doing Joe,\u201d Ellie said shrugging away from Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get moving, so we can get home on time. Where should we go first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come me and Marybeth cain\u2019t go by ourselves?\u201d asked Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, I need to keep an eye on you and Pa\u2019d tan me if anything happened to you.\u201d Oh no, it happened again, he was starting to sound like Adam and Hoss, but he knew Ellie was his responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to look at the elephants.\u201d said Ellie with her lower lip sticking out, crossing her arms across her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew that look only too well. It was the look that Pa called obstinate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go look at that tent with the trapeze,\u201d said Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie gave Joe a dark glance, \u201cNot going! I want to see the elephants!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, Joe, it\u2019d be ok for the girls to go look at the elephants, they\u2019s right over there,\u201d said Michael pointing to the elephants chained nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, looked doubtful. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw come on Joe,\u201d Michael pleaded. \u201cMarybeth will watch for Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk. Don\u2019t you go wandering off Sissy. I mean it. You best be right there when we come back.\u201d Joe gave her his hardest stare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPromise, Sissy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes at Joe. \u201cPromise. Now, who sounds like Adam?\u201d She turned toward Marybeth, \u201cYou know Marybeth, I think Joe is going to be worse than Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, sometimes I think Adam acts more like Papa than Papa does, Joe is starting to sound like that.\u201d Ellie grumped. \u201cBefore you know it, he will be telling me he is going to give me swats.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think so?\u201d asked Marybeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam sure gives his fair share. Don\u2019t Andrew swat you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, sometimes his is worse than Papa\u2019s. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, same here, sometimes you can sweet talk Papa, but once Adam\u2019s done made up his mind, your bottom is toast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Ellie, we need to go watch the elephants while we got a chance.\u201d said Marybeth pulling her toward the elephants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Michael headed off toward a yellow and red silk tent. In the tent, the circus workers were setting up the trapeze. The boys were absolutely fascinated. Once the apparatus was set up, the trapeze artists started to practice. The trapeze artists climbed the long ladder to the top, took hold of the bars and starting swinging. They did single, flips, double flips and the boys even got to see a triple flip. The boys, stood there so long, they forgot all about the girls watching the elephants. The boys watch as the trapeze artists swung and let go and caught each other. Joe was amazed, he was scared to death of heights and wouldn\u2019t have dreamed of climbing one of those ladders.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the girls were watching the elephants, one of the handlers noticed them and thought, \u201cAin\u2019t they a bit young to be around a circus by themselves?\u201d He casually walked up behind the girls, so as not to scare them. He tipped his hat, \u201cHowdy do little missies,\u201d he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth gasped as she turned around, she didn\u2019t realize someone had been watching them. \u201cUmmmm\u2026Hi,..,\u201d she said. \u201cEllie,\u201d she squeezed Ellie\u2019s arm. Ellie turned toward Marybeth and looked behind Marybeth to see a man standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you girls a little young to be running around this circus by yourselves?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes started to smolder, she squared her little shoulders and looked the man in the eye, \u201cWe are not, I\u2019m 8. Besides, our brothers is around here somewhere, they\u2019s at the trapeze tent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said the man, \u201cand how old are your brothers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one? I got three of \u2018em. Adam is 25, Hoss is 19 and Joe is 13.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how about you, missy?\u201d the man asked Marybeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got four, Andrew is 25, Mark and Matt are 20 and Michael is 13.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man seemed a little annoyed, that first lil gal sure had gumption. \u201cThe brothers that\u2019s with you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019d be Joe and Michael, they\u2019s 13.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya\u2019ll probably ought to have someone with you.\u201d he admonished.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth hadn\u2019t said much. She was just watching Ellie. Ellie sure had her dander up. \u201cNope, mister we don\u2019t. We\u2019s just fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, Hiram, who you got there?\u201d said Charlene. Charlene was one of the gals who worked with the lion tamers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got me two little ladies who are here with their 13 year old brothers, who seemed to have wandered off and left these two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ain\u2019t they a little young to be left alone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I was saying, but this one here (he pointed to Ellie) says she\u2019s 8 and don\u2019t need to have someone with her.\u201d he chuckled a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that probably ain\u2019t good. Let me take them, I\u2019ll show them around a little and see if we can find their brothers.\u201d Charlene smiled at the girls. \u201cSo, girls tell me your names.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarybeth\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you girls can call me Miss Charlene. Come on girls let\u2019s go see some of the circus.\u201d Miss Charlene said as she grabbed a hand of each girl. Ellie tried to move to Miss Charlene\u2019s other side. Miss Charlene was holding her left hand, which meant her left ear was toward Miss Charlene. She always tried to walk on a person\u2019s left side, so her right ear was closest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you going Ellie?\u201d Miss Charlene looked down at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, m\u2019am, I can\u2019t hear so good on this side, I need to be on your other side so I can hear you better.\u201d Ellie explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see, well let\u2019s try and find your brothers. What tent did they go to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrapeze,\u201d the girls said. \u201cBut, Miss Charlene, we have a whole hour before we have to leave. Cain\u2019t we see somethin\u2019 else? Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk girls, how about we go see the lion tamer practice. That\u2019s what I do here, I work with the lion tamers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s grew wide eyed. She was so excited, she completely forgot about her promise to Joe not to go wandering off. Miss Charlene took them to watch the lion tamers. The girls watched the whole act without a word or movement. It was absolutely the most wonderful thing they had ever seen. The lions sat on little barrels, they jumped through hoops, one lion even jumped through a hoop on fire. The girls were filled with wonderment. Charlene watched the girls and smiled, the innocence and wonderment of the little girls was like a fresh wave over her tired sole. The whole hour passed quick as lightening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, Joe, what do you suppose the time is? I wonder if we need to go get the girls and get on home.\u201d Michael said tugging on Joe\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d said Joe sheepishly, \u201cI almost forgot about the girls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked over to a man wearing a topcoat and hat. \u201cUmm, \u2018scuse me mister do you know what time it is?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sonny, it\u2019s 5:00.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c5:00?\u201d screeched Joe. \u201cOh, Michael we better find them girls and get going. Pa said I had one hour, not a minute more. We\u2019re already 15 minutes late and we haven\u2019t even left. Pa\u2019s gonna have my hide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael blanched, \u201c5:00? How could we have stood here that long? My ma\u2019s gonna kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys hurried off toward the elephants.<\/span><\/p>\n

The grandfather clock in the great room chimed 5:00 pm. Pa looked up from his desk frowning. The children weren\u2019t home. They should have been home 15 minutes ago. Well, he thought, they will be walking in any moment. The clock chimed the quarter hour. The children were still not home. Then, the door opened and Pa looked up anxiously, it was Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, Pa, them youngins home yet? I didn\u2019t see Windy and Blackie in the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they\u2019re not!\u201d he said irritably. \u201cAnd if they aren\u2019t home soon, there\u2019s going to be some very sorry children with some very sore backsides.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow Pa, don\u2019t go getting all worked up. You know how them youngins is, they just lost track of time. I know they be walking through that door any minute now.\u201d Hoss soothed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know that when they do walk through that door, they\u2019ve got some explaining to do.\u201d humphed Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened again. \u201cWhere have\u2026\u2026\u201d Pa didn\u2019t get to finish his question. \u201cOh, it\u2019s you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good afternoon to you to Pa. What a pleasant greeting.\u201d Adam said somewhat surprised and hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cthe youngins ain\u2019t home yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Adam immediately contrite. \u201cSorry Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa just glared at Adam. Adam shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably, \u201cYou want me to go fetch them from town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, son. They are only 30 minutes late, but\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, let me go into town, if I meet them on the road, they can just have their older brother escort them home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, son, I would be grateful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, they probably just lost track of time. I\u2019ll find them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam went out and saddled Sport. He took off for Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his father and the worry in his eyes. \u201cPa, they gonna be fine, Adam\u2019ll bring \u2018em home to ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuppose so,\u201d said Pa \u201csuppose so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Michael arrived at the place where they left the girls looking at the elephants. To their horror, the girls were gone. Joe started to panic. \u201cOh no, where could they have gone? Why don\u2019t that girl ever stay put?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe, we was gone on awful long time. They probably got bored.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam arrived it town and headed toward the school yard. When he arrived, he saw Andrew, Michael and Marybeth\u2019s oldest brother. \u201cHeh, Andrew,\u201d Adam greeted, \u201clooking for Michael and Marybeth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he said irritably, \u201cMa gave them an extra hour after school to be with Ellie and Joe and they ain\u2019t home yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSame here,\u201d said Adam nodding his head. \u201cPa gave Ellie and Joe an extra hour after school, they aren\u2019t home and didn\u2019t seem them on the road. I wonder where they could of gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Andrew shook his head, indicating that he didn\u2019t know. All at once, Adam and Andrew looked toward the end of town and saw the brightly colored tents. Andrew looked at Adam, \u201cYou don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, I do.\u201d said Adam as they both took off toward the circus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Andrew jumped off their horses. \u201cWhere do you suppose they are?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d said Andrew, \u201cbut when I get my hands on them, I gonna make sure they don\u2019t sit for a week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael and Joe were standing in front of the elephants looking at each other. \u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d asked Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe we should just start going tent by tent and asking if anybody\u2019s seen \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram stood watching the boys. Those boys surely do look worried he laughed to himself. He thought I just let them squirm a minute or two longer before I tell them the girls are with Charlene. That ought\u2019d teach those boys to leave little girls all alone at a place like this. Hiram walked toward the boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys lookin\u2019 for something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, yes, sir, we\u2019re looking for our sisters.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram smiled at the boys. \u201cWell, I\u2019d be supposing that you must be Michael,\u201d he said nodding toward Michael, and you\u2019d be Joe. Brothers to Marybeth and Ellie? Ain\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael and Joe looked bewildered. \u201cHow\u2019d ya know mister?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell it ain\u2019t too hard. Them girls were standing here by themselves and told me that they was here with their brothers. You can\u2019t miss that red hair of Marybeth\u2019s, this here Michael has that same red hair. And well you young fella, your little sister looks just like you with them green eyes and mass of brown curls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys smiled. They supposed what the man said was true. All Michael\u2019s brothers and his sister had a shocking head of red hair they inherited from their Pa and Joe knew that he and Ellie favored his mama. Relieved someone had seen the girls, Joe opened his mouth to ask where they were, when he heard..<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH FRANCIS CARTWRIGHT\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMICHAEL JOHN CUMMINGS\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram looked at the boys, they had turned white as sheets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew,\u201d Michael whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram smiled to himself. Well, well, those must be the big brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slowly turned around to be face to chest with Adam. Adam grabbed his arm. \u201cWhere\u2019s Ellie, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t answer. He was so shocked to see Adam. He knew this meant Pa had sent Adam after him and he was in more trouble than he could possibly imagine. On top of that, he had sorta lost Ellie. Joe looked at his feet. Adam was always telling him that it was his job to take care of Ellie, just like it was Adam\u2019s job to take care of Hoss, Joe and Ellie. He couldn\u2019t bear to look his older brother in the face. He knew Adam\u2019s face would be dark as a storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, answer me!\u201d thundered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, you don\u2019t know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, um, sorta lost her.\u201d he stammered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath, his voice shaking in anger. \u201cOk, little brother, we are going to go find her. You will not take one step away from my side. So help me Joe, if you so much as move an inch from me without my permission, I\u2019ll take my belt off right here and now, in front of God and everyone. Do you understand me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gulped, \u201cYes Adam, I understand.\u201d Joe didn\u2019t really care if Adam tanned him, he was so worried about Ellie, he would take any punishment just to get her back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Michael,\u201d Andrew seethed, \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m willing to be anywhere near as charitable as Adam. \u201c Andrew\u2019s hand moved to unfasten his belt buckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam place his hand on Andrew\u2019s arm, \u201cAndrew let\u2019s find the girls. Punishment can come later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Andrew\u2019s blue eyes met Adam\u2019s dark eyes. The two exchanged looks of worry, fear and anger. Andrew sighed, his hand dropped from his belt buckle, \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right, Adam.\u201d He glanced at Michael. \u201cDon\u2019t you think that this is finished for one minute, little boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael swallowed and shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearing his throat, Hiram ventured, \u201cExcuse me boys, but I think that I can take you to your little sisters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just who are you?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Hiram, one of the elephant handlers. I found the two lil girls looking at the elephants earlier today. I thought they was too young to be on their own, so Charlene, one of the girls with the lion tamers took them with her to find these here boys. I guess they didn\u2019t find \u2018em. They\u2019s probably in Charlene\u2019s tent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All the boys breathed a collective sigh of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the girls had watched the lion tamers practiced, Charlene said, \u201cYou know girls, it\u2019s probably time to find your brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girls and Charlene took off toward the trapeze tent. When they got to the tent, no one was there. Ellie started to worry. \u201cUm\u2026Miss Charlene, if they ain\u2019t here and they ain\u2019t with the elephants, where are they.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was scared. What if Joe had left her? After all she had promised him to stay right there by the elephants. He had never left her any where before. But, she had promised. She started to cry, how was she going to get home? Papa would be furious she wasn\u2019t home. She didn\u2019t want a spanking, she didn\u2019t want to Joe to be mad at her, she just wanted to go home. Her tough resolve of earlier was just crumbling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth noticed her friend. \u201cWhat\u2019s a matter Ellie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant to go home,\u201d she sobbed, \u201cI just wanna go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth reached an arm around Ellie, \u201cIt\u2019s ok, it\u2019s ok.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlene noticed the girls and said, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you two?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe just wanna go home, ma\u2019m\u201d, said Marybeth holding onto Ellie\u2019s sobbing form.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry girls. I\u2019ll get you where you need to be. Let\u2019s just check back toward the elephants in case your brothers went to look for you there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they walked toward the elephants, Charlene noticed Hiram standing with two men and two boys. She supposed that those boys might be the girl\u2019s brothers, but she wasn\u2019t sure about the two men. Charlene knelt down to Ellie, \u201cHeh, sugar is that your brother?\u201d she asked pointing to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Ellie yelled and broke away from Charlene running at full speed toward her brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d asked Charlene looking at Marybeth, \u201cI thought her brother\u2019s name was Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes ma\u2019m, that\u2019s her oldest brother. She has three of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what about you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh me, I have four brothers, that other one standing with Adam, that\u2019s my brother Andrew and he don\u2019t look too happy, so I ain\u2019t rushing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blame you a bit sugar.\u201d Charlene smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

At hearing his name bellowed, Adam turned toward Ellie and bent down to receive her running form into his arms. \u201cOh, Ellie baby, you ok?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScared.\u201d was all she could manage. Adam held her for a few moments, while she settled down. She looked over Adam\u2019s shoulder at Joe. \u201cJoe, Joe, I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t mind, I\u2019m sorry I left the elephants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her hanging on to Adam, \u201cIt\u2019s ok Sissy, I shouldn\u2019t have left you like that. I\u2019m sorry, can you forgive me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie slid out of Adam\u2019s embrace and went to wrap her arms around Joe\u2019s middle. Joe awkwardly accepted Ellie\u2019s embrace and gave her a quick hug. He knew things were right with him and Ellie. He knew he had some serious consequences when he got home, but he was so grateful that Ellie was safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched the exchange between his baby brother and baby sister. He was so relieved that the two were safe. He could tell by the expression of Joe\u2019s face, the Joe was grateful for Ellie\u2019s safe return.<\/span><\/p>\n

While, Joe and Adam were dealing with Ellie, Marybeth walked up to Andrew. The look on Andrew\u2019s face kept changing from one of great relief and happiness to one of smoldering anger. Marybeth hung back a bit, she didn\u2019t know quite what to think. Andrew held his arms out to her and she collapsed gratefully into her big brothers arms. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Andrew, I\u2019m sorry we were late, I\u2019m sorry I worried you.\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Andrew sighed rubbing her back. He pushed her a little ways from him and lifted her chin in his hand so her eyes met his, \u201cIt\u2019s ok honey. I\u2019m just grateful to the Lord Almighty that you are safe. But you know, this ain\u2019t gonna be ok with Papa and Mama, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I best be getting these two home, afore my Pa wants to tan all of our hides.\u201d Andrew smiled wanly. He turned to tip his hat to Hiram and Charlene. \u201cThank you ma\u2019m and sir for keeping the children safe, I\u2019m much obliged.\u201d With that said, Andrew led his two charges away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at Joe holding Ellie. He held out his hand for Ellie. \u201cCome on you two, I better get you two home before our Pa wants to tan all of our hides too.\u201d Adam tipped his hat in thanks to Hiram and Charlene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram and Charlene watched the Cartwrights head for home. Charlene cocked her head at Hiram, \u201cYou know Hiram, those are two very blessed families. I wonder if those little girls know how much they are loved?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have seen those two younger ones all frantic about losing their baby sisters. Then you should \u2018ave seen \u2018em, when the older brothers came up. I thought them boys were gonna faint with fear.\u201d Hiram snickered, \u201cI bet them younger boys are in a heap of trouble with their Pa\u2019s. I bet they don\u2019t go off leaving those babies anywhere for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ride to the Ponderosa was very quiet. Adam had put Ellie on Sport in front of him and had Windy tied to Sport. Ellie was leaning against Adam\u2019s chest with his arms wrapped securely around her. She was fast asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe finally got up enough courage to talk to Adam. He knew Adam had calmed himself down so Ellie would quit crying. \u201cUmm\u2026Adam\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whew thought, Joe. He don\u2019t sound mad any more. \u201cWould you really have tanned me in front of God and everyone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I really need to answer that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, I guess not.\u201d Joe knew that once Adam made up his mind about punishment, he didn\u2019t change his mind. Joe looked down, \u201cUm..Adam, are you gonna tan me when we get home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe mumbled, \u201cNot sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who did you disobey?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up surprised. \u201cNo one. No one said we couldn\u2019t go to the circus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what is that called?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d ya mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, when you do something you aren\u2019t suppose to do, even though nobody exactly told you not to do it. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. I guess it\u2019s kind of like lying in a way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I think Pa would call that deliberate deception. I think you are in a heap of trouble for a number of things today. I think you need to talk to Pa, not to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry you had to come find me and Ellie.\u201d Joe said with his head down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pulled up beside Joe and held Blackie\u2019s reins. He put a hand out to touch Joe\u2019s face. Adam lifted his chin and even though it was dark outside, Joe could feel Adam\u2019s eye boring into his. \u201cJoseph, I would go to the ends of the earth to find you and Ellie. Don\u2019t get me wrong, little boy, I\u2019m pretty upset about the reason I had to go find you today, but whatever the reason, I would still come find you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed, he knew that not only did he have punishment coming from Pa, he had one coming from Adam. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry, Adam. I promise I won\u2019t do it again.\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least you won\u2019t for awhile. I\u2019m thinking you won\u2019t be leaving your room any time soon except for school, chores and meals.\u201d Adam grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

They finally arrived home. Hoss and Pa heard heard the horses in the yard and ran outside. Adam signaled him that Ellie was sleeping. He handed Ellie down to Hoss. \u201cHoss, take Ellie upstairs to bed. Joe, put up the horses.\u201d Pa ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d, said the boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss carried Ellie up the stairs. He undressed her and tucked her into bed and planted a kiss on her head. She stirred and opened her eyes. \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, princess, it\u2019s Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you.\u201d she said sleepily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you too princess, you gave me, Adam and Pa quite a scare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Hossy, I love you.\u201d she reached up for a hug. Hoss gave her a big hug and with that she rolled over and fell back asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled, that\u2019s all it took from Ellie, was one \u201cI love you!\u201d to wipe all his fears away. \u201cI love you too, princess.\u201d he whispered as he closed her door and headed downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he came down the stairs, he saw Adam and Pa. Pa was sitting in his favorite chair and Adam was sitting on the coffee table. \u201cHow is she Hoss?\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Pa, she\u2019s right as rain. Just sleepy. She woke up for just a minute to tell me she was sorry and she loved me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa smiled. His children had an unbelievable and blessed connection between them. Sometimes he felt like Ellie was that connection. But if he really thought about it, each one of his children was so connected to the others, the love was just an unending circle. Oh they may fight and argue, but when push came to shove the Cartwrights were one. The front door opened and Joe entered with his eyes fixed to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, come here.\u201d Pa\u2019s voice commanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned to Hoss, \u201cI think we ought to turn in, lot\u2019s of work to do tomorrow. G\u2019night everyone.\u201d They exchanged knowing glances of what was about to transpire between their father and youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess your right Adam, g\u2019night Pa, g\u2019night Joe.\u201d Hoss said as he took his leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNight boys,\u201d said Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe moved to stand in front of his father. The tears were welling in his eyes. He looked down at the floor, his eyes fixed on his own feet. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa! I\u2019m sorry!\u201d he cried. Pa took Joe in his arms and hugged him tight until Joe cried himself out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa knew that Joe was truly sorry, but it wasn\u2019t going to deter him from the inevitable outcome. \u201cJoe,\u201d Pa lifted his chin so he could look at his eyes, \u201cwhat are you sorry for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gulped some air, \u201cI\u2019m sorry that I um\u2026deliberately deceived you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh and what was that, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I asked you about staying after school with Michael and Marybeth, I knew that we would be going to the circus.\u201d Joe said looking into his father\u2019s eyes. Joe could see the anger flash through his father\u2019s eyes, but turn back to calm. Pa held Joe\u2019s chin so he couldn\u2019t look away. Joe turned his eyes away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, look at me. Yet, you chose to deliberately deceive me into thinking you would be doing something else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you dragged your sister into this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Pa, I\u2019m sorry I lied. It just didn\u2019t seem like it at the time. We were spending our time with Michael and Marybeth. I\u2019m sorry, I won\u2019t do it again.\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you understand? There is more to this then just deceiving me. You put your sister and yourself, not to mention Michael and Marybeth in a very dangerous situation. Anything could have happened at that circus. You were graced by God and his angels to have found wonderful carrying people who took care of your sister. It could have turned out very different, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, I understand, I really do.\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we do not lie or deliberately deceive in this household. Part of your punishment is that you will not leave your room to do anything other than school, church, chores and meals. I think I have plenty of extra chores for you for the next week. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, sir, perfectly clear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, go to your room, I will be up in a moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sighed. He hated administering any kind of physical punishment to the children. He smiled as he remembered his father telling him that it hurt him more than it hurt the children. Pa knew exactly how he felt. After he finished Joe\u2019s punishment, he turned Joe around to face him and said, \u201cJoseph, all is forgiven, we will start fresh in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed and layed down on his stomach on his bed. He was exhausted. He had been so worried when he couldn\u2019t find Ellie. He really was sorry and he really did mean it when he told Pa he understood about how differently tonight could have turned it out. He vowed to try and be good, as he drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Pa was sitting at the breakfast table with the three boys. He was looking at Ellie\u2019s empty chair. \u201cJoseph, where is your sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was still asleep Pa when I came down.\u201d Joe said stuffing eggs in his mouth. \u201cI just figured since it was Saturday, I should leave her be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please do not talk with your mouth full of food.\u201d Pa admonished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa.\u201d Joe said, swallowing his eggs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at Pa, \u201cWant me ta git her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son, we need to have a talk any way, I\u2019ll go up.\u201d The boys exchanged worried glances. Especially Joe, since he knew that his \u201ctalk\u201d had resulted in a very sore behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Pa,\u201d ventured Joe, \u201cIt really weren\u2019t Ellie\u2019s fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Joe, his eyes narrowing. \u201cI think I can handle it young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Pa headed up the stairs, Adam looked at Joe. \u201cI think you and I have some settling to do, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u201cI\u2019m not allowed to leave my room except for school, church, chores and meals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have a list of chores all ready for you. You can start with cleaning out Sport\u2019s stall and stacking the hay. I\u2019ll let you know the rest later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to sass Adam about Sport\u2019s stall not being his responsibility, but he decided that he better just be quiet if he didn\u2019t want to feel Adam\u2019s belt against his already very sore backside. He just nodded instead and headed out to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed to himself. Joe was going to be very well behaved, for a short time anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa headed up the stairs to Ellie\u2019s room. He opened Ellie\u2019s door and found her sitting on her bed in her nightdress. \u201cGood morning, Eleanor.\u201d said Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Papa.\u201d she said with her eyes fixed on her toes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, look at me. We need to talk about your behavior yesterday.\u201d Pa said gently pulling her chin up.<\/span><\/p>\n

She just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, tell me what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa it was wonderful, they had elephants and tigers, and there was a lady named Miss Charlene and she works with the lions and\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa held his hand up, \u201cEleanor, that\u2019s not what I meant. I think you know what I meant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Well Joe was gonna ask you yesterday morning, but you was kinda crabby and Joe nodded his head no, and then you got not crabby, and then Joe asked you about staying after with Michael and Marybeth, and you said\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa held his hand up again, Ellie always gave very detailed explanations. Ellie stopped. \u201cEleanor let me just ask some questions, or we are going to be here all day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She just looked at her Papa and nodded. She knew better than to keep going.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, did you know that you were going to the circus after school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know that you did not have my permission to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, sort of\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSort of? What do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I asked Joe and he said we didn\u2019t exactly have permission to go to the circus, but we had permission to stay after school for an hour and didn\u2019t matter what we were doing, as long as we were home by supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see, so you thought it was ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, not \u2018xactly Papa. I asked Marybeth if she thought that was fibbin\u2019. She said she didn\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm hmm, and what do you really think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She hesitated for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think its fibbin\u2019 Papa.\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, one more question, did you mind Joe, while you were in town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie knew this was almost as bad as fibbing. She took a deep breath and looked into her Papa\u2019s eyes and said, \u201cNo, sir, I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, what\u2019s our punishment for lying and not minding?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA spanking, Papa.\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you should get a spanking?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She gulped and nodded. Pa picked her up and laid her across his lap and proceeded to give her the worst spanking of her life. When he was done, he turned her to face him and said, \u201cEleanor, your punishment is over, you are forgiven, we are starting fresh as of this moment. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Papa\u201d she whispered, tears streaming down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, you are finished with my punishment, but you need to go ask Adam\u2019s forgiveness for having to go into town to get you last night. I understand you already apologized to Joe for not minding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to you to wash your face and hands, get dressed and come down for breakfast. No more tears, understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Papa\u201d Ellie sniffed wiping away the tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie got dressed and went down stairs for breakfast. Hoss and Joe had left to do chores. Adam was sitting at Pa\u2019s desk working on the ledgers. She walked over to the desk and stood in front of Adam. She shifted from foot to foot. She twirled her hair in her hand. She looked over at Pa and he nodded his head. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ellie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a deep breath, \u201cAdam I\u2019m sorry that I made you come to town to get me and that I didn\u2019t mind Joe and\u2026.\u201d the tears were streaming down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam signaled for her to come around the desk. He pulled Ellie into his lap. She looked into her big brother\u2019s eyes, \u201cAdam, are you mad at me, please don\u2019t be mad, I\u2019ll be real good, I promise, I\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam held up his hand. \u201cEllie, I\u2019m not angry with you, but I was very scared last night. Being scared for someone you love is worse than being mad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him questioningly. He looked at her, she didn\u2019t really understand. He thought, I need to explain this differently. \u201cEllie, when you love someone and you don\u2019t know where they are and don\u2019t know if they are coming back, it\u2019s very scary when you think you might never see them again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, I was just at the circus, I was coming back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, I didn\u2019t know that. I didn\u2019t know if someone had taken you or if you were hurt or what had happened. It made hole in my heart. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why Pa has rules about leaving the house and going off by yourself, so we know where you are and that you are safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d she hesitated, \u201c Adam, are you going to spank me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I suspect you\u2019ve had a pretty good one this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I\u2019m still upset. I think you should feed and water Sport for a week as an extra chore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said, \u201cI\u2019ll go do it now.\u201d Ellie headed out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa came over to Adam. \u201cWell done son, well done. I think we will have two very well behaved children, at least until the next time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just laughed, \u201cRight you are Pa, right you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Ellie, Joe, Marybeth, and Michael get into some trouble when the circus comes to town. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a07000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":4115,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-prequels","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":926,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3160,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3160","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":0},"title":"Will She Ever Mind? (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"May 15, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Pa is wondering if Ellie is ever going to learn to mind? \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,425 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3119,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3119","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":1},"title":"The Bully (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 23, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Ellie are beat up by a bully.\u00a0 What to do, what to do..... \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (11,060 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3164,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3164","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":2},"title":"Sure as Shootin’ – Part 1 and 2 (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"May 18, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and pesky little sisters and guns - not a good combo. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (10,585 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3149,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3149","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":3},"title":"Priscilla’s Comeuppance (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"May 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Priscilla sure was a pain....payback time...but by whom? \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (5,590 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3113,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3113","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":4},"title":"Of Hounds and Harlots (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 21, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This is my second story with Ellie.\u00a0 Christmas time brings a hard lesson for Ellie and Joe. Rated:\u00a0K+(7,805 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3138,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3138","url_meta":{"origin":3124,"position":5},"title":"Brothers, Brothers and More Brothers (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Sometimes Ellie can just get a fill of all her brothers, but sometimes she really needs all of them. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,885 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/93"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3124"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3124\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}