{"id":3178,"date":"2011-04-25T00:04:08","date_gmt":"2011-04-25T04:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3178"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:27","slug":"the-trail-series-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3178","title":{"rendered":"The Trail Series #4 – The Trip to China (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Fourth in the trail series. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (6,175 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Trail Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Trail Series #1<\/a>
\nThe Trail Series #2<\/a>
\nThe Trail Series #3<\/a>
\nThe Trail Series #4<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, Ellie and Clay are still on the trial.<\/strong> They\u2019re on day two. The three have been swapping stories of the past as they settle in for the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>They had ridden all day. The group had to make frequent stops because Joe\u2019s behind was still smarting from his run in with the cactus. The had stopped for the evening. Clay had snared a couple of rabbits and Ellie was making a stew with it. Clay had set up a tent of sorts so he could put some salve on Joe\u2019s very sore behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cHeh, watch will ya with that stuff,\u201d grouched Joe. \u201cIt stings!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay chuckled. \u201cSorry little brother, if I bring you home with a blistered behind, Pa\u2019s going to blister mine. Now hold still. I\u2019m almost done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe just growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay looked at his little brother, \u201cYou know Joe, you\u2019d be more comfortable in a night shirt and your drawers instead of having your pants on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI ain\u2019t wearing no night shirt on the trail.\u201d sneered Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe eyed his brother, \u201cDon\u2019t sass me, Joe.\u201d he warned. \u201cBecause I will bring you home with a blistered behind, only I\u2019m going to be the one doing the blistering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on Clay,\u201d whined Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough like this, I don\u2019t want to be caught on the trail with no pants on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, no one is going to see you. We are still on Ponderosa land. Come on boy, it will heal faster if you let the air get to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cClay\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI mean it Joe, mind me now.\u201d said Clay as he dug a night shirt out of Joe\u2019s saddle bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grumbled as he put the night shirt on. \u201cYou sure are bossy, you take after your grandfather, pa and Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay just grinned, \u201cYep and you better just be saying \u2018Yes sir\u2019 boy, if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d he said as he took a swing a Joe\u2019s rump.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stepped away just in time. \u201cHeh Sissy, is supper almost ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, coming up.\u201d she said as she turned to look at him. She started to giggle. \u201cJoe, what the heck are you wearing?\u201d she snarfed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI made him put a night shirt on so the air can get to his sore behind and you\u2019ll leave him be unless you want your behind to be just as sore.\u201d Clay said as he was taking the tent down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie held up her hands in the universal peace offering sign. \u201cSorry, Joe. Here, want some rabbit stew?\u201d she asked as she handed him a plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat down gingerly on his bed roll. He had folded the bedroll up a few times to make a cushion. He took the plate and gave his sister a disgusted look. He took a bite of the stew. \u201cHeh, this is pretty good,\u201d he said complimenting Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThanks,\u201d she said smugly. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s been teaching me to cook to get ready for the trip.\u201d She handed Clay some stew.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWant some stew, big brother?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay gratefully accepted the plate. He hesitantly took a bite. \u201cHeh, this is pretty good. Almost as good as Hop Sing\u2019s stew, Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSee,\u201d she said, \u201cAren\u2019t you glad I came along. No telling what the two of you would have eaten if I hadn\u2019t come along.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay grinned at Ellie, \u201cDon\u2019t be getting to big for your britches, missy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie just laughed. \u201cHeh, Joe why don\u2019t we tell Clay about our trip to China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe groaned, \u201cAww come on Sissy, why did you have to bring that up.\u201d said Joe turning red in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, took you to China?\u201d asked Clay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, not exactly.\u201d Ellie smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Clay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAww, come on Joe, please?\u201d Ellie begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh ok,\u201d relented Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, Clay, now you gotta remember, this is mostly from what Joe and everyone else told me.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh hush,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll tell it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGo right ahead,\u201d said Ellie. \u201cI\u2019ll clean up the dishes, while you start to tell\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell see here,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI was 8 and Ellie was 3.\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was the spring that Joe was 8 and Ellie was 3.\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa came around the side of the house, Joe was digging a hole and Ellie was sitting next to him watching. \u201cWatcha doing, Little Joe?\u201d asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDigging a hole.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI see that,\u201d said Pa. \u201cWhy are you digging a hole?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTo get to China.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTo get to China, Pa. Then Hop Sing could take me to see China.\u201d said Joe leaning on the little shovel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh,\u201d said Pa shaking his head. \u201cJoe, why do you think you can dig a hole to China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked at his Pa as if he were the dumbest thing on earth, \u201cCuz everyone says that if you dig a hole far enough, you can get to China.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, well son, you can\u2019t believe everything you hear. Besides you\u2019d have to dig an awful big hole. It might take you years.\u201d said Pa kneeling down next to his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked so disappointed. \u201cReally, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so, baby. I\u2019d rather you not dig holes around the ranch. Someone may step in the hole and break a leg or one of the horses may step in it and break a leg.\u201d said Pa putting a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou fill that hole up, son.\u201d said Pa shaking his head in amazement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d said Joe as he started filling up the hole. He turned to his sister, \u201cWant to help me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2019kay, Bubby.\u201d she said standing up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJust start throwing dirt in the hole.\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

So Ellie did, she starting throwing dirt in the hole. When they were done, they headed back toward the house. Adam caught them right before they were going to enter the house. They were filthy, covered with dirt from head to toe. \u201cWhat in the world, were you two doing?\u201d he asked stepping in front of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDigging hole to China,\u201d said Ellie proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Adam, wondering what that was all about. \u201cWell, you too just dig yourselves to the bath house. I\u2019ll be in there in a minute to help you clean up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t need no bath.\u201d grouched Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMe neither.\u201d said Ellie following Joe\u2019s lead.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou are both dirty and you know Hop Sing\u2019s going to be madder than a hornet if you come in the house like that.\u201d said Adam, his arms crossing over his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNuh uh,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI ain\u2019t that dirty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMe neither.\u201d piped in Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked at the two little dirt caked monsters in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019re \u2018splorers going to China.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, I\u2019m your big brother and I\u2019m going to give you a spanking if you don\u2019t go get in the bath house.\u201d said Adam seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie looked at Joe. Joe took Ellie\u2019s hand. \u201cCome on Sissy,\u201d he sighed as he dragged her toward the bath house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam laughed to himself as he headed in to tell Hop Sing he needed hot water to bathe Joe and Ellie. When Adam entered the bath house, Joe was helping Ellie get undressed and into the empty tub. Adam came behind him and lifted his naked little sister into the tub. \u201cYou sit right there. Hop Sing is going to come help you.\u201c he said. Hop Sing came bustling in with water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on Joe, your turn,\u201d said Adam motioning Joe to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAww, Adam I can take a bath by myself.\u201d said Joe as Adam was taking off Joe\u2019s shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, I know you can. Only you don\u2019t get so clean when you take a bath by yourself and you are one dirty little boy.\u201d Adam said as he finished stripping Joe. Joe giggled as Adam lifted up his naked little brother and set him in the other tub. \u201cYou sit there until I get the water.\u201d Adam cautioned as he headed to the stove.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAww..come on Adam,\u201d whined Joe as he stood up in the tub. Joe and Ellie had been digging all morning. He was sorely tired and resisted taking naps. Every so often, Pa or Adam would insist that he take a nap before he got too ornery. This was definitely going to be one of those times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam turned toward Joe, \u201cJoseph, sit down and if you get out of that tub before I tell you\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat down immediately. Adam spanked hard as Pa. Adam eventually returned with the water and began the arduous task of trying to give one tired little boy a bath. Adam looked over at Hop Sing and he had already bathed a very tired Ellie. Hop Sing had taken her out of the tub.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMisa Adam, I take baby for a nap now.\u201d he said as he wrapped her in a towel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam heard a plaintive request, \u201cNot sleepy, no nap.\u201d from his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam chuckled as he heard, \u201cNo, no, you be a good girl for Hop Sing and you have nice cookie when you wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked down at his charge, Joe had almost fallen asleep in the bath tub. He stood Joe up. \u201cCome on buddy,\u201d he said softly, \u201cyou need to take a nap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m too big for naps,\u201d whined Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm hmm,\u201d said Adam as he dried Joe off and wrapped him in a towel. Adam swooped Joe up in his arms, Joe was almost asleep before Adam reached the bottom of the stairs. Adam carried him upstairs, slipped some drawers on him and rubbed his back until he fell asleep. It took him less than 5 minutes. Adam smiled at the sleeping form of his little brother, he was dead to the world. He guessed digging a hole to China was tiring work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam met his father on the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHave you seen Joe and Ellie?\u201d asked Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJust put them both down for a nap.\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh thank you son, I was going to do that once they cleaned up.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou knew what they were doing?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, someone told Joe that if you dig a big enough hole you would reach China and he wanted Hop Sing to take him to China. I put a stop to it and had him fill in the hole.\u201d chuckled Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head, \u201cKids. I\u2019m going up to the mines, Pa. I want to check the Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, son, be careful,\u201d said Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes sir. See you later.\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just then Hoss came in. \u201cHeh Pa, did ya see that hole next to the barn. Looks mighty strange.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes son, your brother and sister were digging a hole to China.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Hoss looking very perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you as we ride over to the south pasture. I want to check the new calves out. Come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Hoss as he turned and headed out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe woke up about an hour later. He was really hungry. He got himself dressed and headed to the kitchen to find Hop Sing. He walked into the kitchen and found Hop Sing. \u201cHop Sing, I\u2019m hungry. Can I have lunch?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, no too early for lunch.\u201d said Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut, I\u2019m hungry.\u201d whined Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, ok one cookie. You sit here and eat cookie and drink milk, be a good boy.\u201d said Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat happily munching his cookie. He was thinking about how they were going to get to China. He just had to figure out a way. He promised all the guys at school that he would bring dynamite to school on Monday, so they could blast a hole in the playground, a hole big enough to go to China. He wondered where he was going to get dynamite. He remembered that his Pa kept dynamite stored for the mines. He wondered where that stuff was kept. Before he knew it, he heard the door open and he saw Pa and Hoss come in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh Joe,\u201d said Pa picking up Joe and giving him a kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAww Pa, I\u2019m too old for that.\u201d said Joe disgustedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re never going to be too old.\u201d said Pa smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLunch time.\u201d said Hop Sing coming out into the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEllie still taking a nap?\u201d asked Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, baby still sleeping.\u201d said Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWant me to go get her, Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes son, thank you.\u201d said Pa still holding Joe on his hip. \u201cLet\u2019s get you washed up young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss climbed the stairs to his sister\u2019s room. He opened the door, she was sound asleep. He walked over to the bed and starting rubbing her back. \u201cEllie, Ellie time to wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie yawned and stretched. Hoss knew he better take her to the bathroom before long. He picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. As he carried her back to get her dressed, she asked him, \u201cHossy, want to go to China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss grinned. \u201cNo princess, how about lunch instead?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk,\u201d she yawned, sticking her arms up in the air, so Hoss could slide her dress on. He finished dressing her and she lifted her arms to him so he would pick her up. \u201cHorsey ride?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss laughed, \u201cSure princess, come on.\u201d he said as he knelt down for her to climb on his back. Hoss carried her down the stairs and deposited her in the high chair. Pa had taken the tray off and just used the high chair pushed against the table. Ellie was mighty tiny. She could still fit in the high chair and she had a better view of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The rest of the day Joe and Ellie played around the house under the watchful eye of Hop Sing. While Ellie played, Joe kept thinking of how they were going to get to China. He needed that dynamite. He figured he\u2019d have to ask Hoss about the dynamite after supper. Before Joe knew it the day had passed and it was almost time to go to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa looked over as the clock struck 7, \u201cCome on Joe, Ellie, bed time.\u201d he said closing his book.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa started to get out of his chair to get Ellie, when Ellie looked up at him, \u201cWant Hossy.\u201d she said petulantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss grinned. He loved when she just wanted him or when Joe just wanted him. He was only 14, but he was already 6 foot tall and as big as a man. He felt like such a big man when the youngins wanted him. Pa started to protest. Hoss stood up quickly. \u201cIt\u2019s alright Pa, I\u2019ll get her.\u201d He said as he walked over to her. Hoss picked up Ellie and she threw her arms around his neck and nestled into his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d said Hoss holding his hand out for Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll tuck you in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As they were walking up the stairs, Hoss looked at Joe, \u201cGo on and get ready and I\u2019ll be in there in a minute.\u201d he said as he headed down the hall with Ellie in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This is perfect thought Joe, \u201cI need to ask Hoss where to find the dynamite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Before he knew it, Hoss had put Ellie to bed and was headed to Joe\u2019s room. He opened up the door and Joe was sitting on his bed in his nightshirt. \u201cBrush your teeth?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded his head, \u201cYou sure sound a lot like Adam and Pa.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss chuckled. He went to turn down the bed and patted the bed for Joe to get in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI need to get a stick of dynamite.\u201d said Joe, \u201cDo you know where Pa keeps that stuff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss about choked. \u201cDynamite?\u201d he sputtered, \u201cWhat in the heck do you need that for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTo go to China.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know, to blast a hole to dig to China.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, where are you gonna blast a hole?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAt the playground at school. I promised the guys I would bring a stick of dynamite so we could blast a hole to China. You know, being we has a mine and do blasting and such.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, you cain\u2019t bring no stick of dynamite to school. You cain\u2019t be blasting no hole in the playground.\u201d said Hoss running his hand through his hair. Jeez, where did his little brother get such an idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy not, it\u2019s just one stick.\u201d said Joe pouting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cListen Little Joe, dynamite is dangerous stuff. Especially if you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing with it. Someone could get hurt. You might blow up the school with everyone in it. \u2018Sides Pa\u2019d give you one heck of a whipping iffin he even caught you with a stick of dynamite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut Hoss, I promised the fellas at school.\u201d whined Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLooky here Joe, I said \u2018no\u2019 and I mean it. You tell the fellas at school that you don\u2019t know where it\u2019s at and you need to find another way to China.\u201d Hoss said exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked sorely disappointed. The guys are sure going to be mad at me he thought. \u201cBut Hoss\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut nothing or Pa\u2019ll be tending yours. Lay down and go to sleep.\u201d Hoss said as he tucked the covers in around his brother. He ruffled Joe\u2019s hair, \u201cSee you in the morning little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, night Hoss.\u201d said Joe. Joe lay awake in bed trying to think of another way to get to China.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shook his head as he closed the door to Joe\u2019s room. \u201cDynamite!\u201d, what is Joe going to think of next. He ambled down the stairs back into the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow\u2019d it go son? Ellie sure was clinging to you today.\u201d said Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah Pa, she sure gets that way sometimes, don\u2019t she?\u201d he smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa laughed, \u201cYes she sure does.\u201d Pa looked at his middle son, he looked like he still had something on his mind. \u201cSon, something on your mind?<\/span>
\n Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss didn\u2019t immediately respond. \u201cSir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI asked you if you had something on your mind, son?\u201d asked Pa again, his concern mounting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell Pa, Joe asked me for a stick of dynamite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHE WHAT!\u201d bellowed Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCalm down Pa, you\u2019re gonna wake up Ellie.\u201d Hoss said hastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat in heaven\u2019s name did he want with a piece of dynamite.\u201d growled Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe wanted it, so he could blast a hole in the playground to go to China. He told the kids at school that he would bring it because we have mines and use dynamite for blasting and such.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh for heavens sake.\u201d said Pa shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh Pa, you know Joe, he\u2019ll forget about it by Monday.\u201d Hoss promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa just shook his head, \u201cThat boy,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next morning the family was sitting around the breakfast table before church. As Pa picked Ellie up from the high chair, he looked at Joe. \u201cJoseph, there will be no more talk about China. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked up surprised. Joe hadn\u2019t even mentioned China. \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Pa placed Ellie on the floor, she looked at her father. \u201cI\u2019m a big girl Papa, I want a chair like Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa sighed. She really wasn\u2019t big enough to reach the table in a regular chair. He would have to go up to the attic and dig out Joe\u2019s booster seat. He also didn\u2019t want to admit that she was growing up and probably was too old for the high chair. \u201cOk, baby, no more high chair.\u201d he conceded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam had come in from hitching the team up to the buggy, so they could go to church. The family filed out the door. Each one was lost in his own thoughts. Adam had his mind on that new girl he met in town, Linda Moore, he hoped she\u2019d be in church. Hoss was thinking about the new rifle he asked Pa for his birthday, he sure was hoping Pa was going to buy it for him. Joe was still thinking about ways to get to China. Ellie was very excited about being a big girl and sitting in a big chair and Pa was thinking about how all his babies were growing up on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The family arrived at church. Joe started to jump out of the buggy and run off. Pa collared him, \u201cJust a minute, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped dead in his tracks, \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere you off to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPlay with Michael. Please Pa?\u201d Joe begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa checked his pocket watch, they still had a good 30 minutes before the service. \u201cAlright, stay clean and when the church bell rings, your bottom better be sitting in the pew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes Pa.\u201d Joe agreed hastily as he ran toward Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie started to toddle off. Pa grabbed her and swung her in the air. \u201cAnd just where do you think you\u2019re going, missy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWif Joe.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, I think you stay here with Papa.\u201d he said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie screwed up her little face, she was headed toward a tantrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa looked at her seriously as he put her on the ground and knelt down to look at her. \u201cEleanor Grace, Papa said \u2018no\u2019. If you throw a fit, your not going to like what\u2018s going to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie didn\u2019t know what to think. She was debating her options. Hoss started to pick her up. She shook her head and turned toward Adam. \u201cWant Addy.\u201d she said stubbornly holding her arms up to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa sighed. Adam scooped her up. \u201cPa, I\u2019ll just carry her in to church.\u201d he said looking at his father for approval.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFine son, I just don\u2019t want her wandering off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam held Ellie as she laid her head on his shoulder. \u201cPapa\u2019s mean.\u201d she said sticking her thumb in her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPapa\u2019s going to spank your behind if you don\u2019t listen.\u201d Adam said patting her back. Adam carried her into church and settled in their normal pew. Soon after Hoss and Pa joined him. Joe was still off with Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh, Michael,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh Joe, did you get the dynamite?\u201d Michael asked excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNaw,\u201d said Joe sadly shaking his head. \u201cI asked Hoss and he wouldn\u2019t tell me where it was. \u2018Sides he told me Pa\u2019d give me a whipping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy?\u201d asked Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shrugged his shoulders, \u201cSomethin\u2019 about folks getting hurt and blowing up the school. I don\u2019t know why one little stick of dynamite is such a big deal. Any how, we gotta find another way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just then the church bell rang. Joe looked alarmed. We better go Michael, Pa told me I better be sitting in the pew when the bell rang.\u201d Joe said as he jumped up and dusted off his behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Michael looked a little scared, \u201cGosh, my Pa said the same thing. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two little boys raced into the church and slid into their seats just as the church bell rang out for the last time. Joe looked at his Pa. Pa looked at Joe and shook his head. Joe wanted to sit between Adam and Hoss, but he knew he better sit right next to Pa and not cause any commotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam still had Ellie in his lap. She was still mad at Pa and wasn\u2019t going to sit with him. Finally, they stood for the last hymn. Pa looked at the children, \u201cWell, come on let\u2019s go. I think we just need to get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The family headed for home. Ellie was still clinging to Adam. Adam looked over her head and just smiled at his Pa. Pa looked at him and smiled. Adam just shrugged his shoulders. The rest of the day was spent at home. The younger ones were outside playing, Adam and Pa were in the great room reading. Hoss was outside whittling some kind of animal. Hoss was keeping an eye on the younger two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa looked up at the clock as it chimed 3:00. He figured he better go get Ellie for a nap. He was hoping Joe would take one too. He left his book and went outside. Joe and Ellie were playing catch. \u201cEllie,\u201d Pa called, \u201ccome in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie went to her father and put her arms up. He picked her up and carried her inside. \u201cNo nap Papa, I\u2019m a big girl.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm hmm,\u201d said Pa as he entered her room and laid her down on her bed. He gave her, her favorite doll and rubbed her back. She was out like a light in no time at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t come in for a nap, but Pa figured since he was playing nicely with Hoss, he should just leave it be. Before he knew it, Sunday had passed and the start of the new week was at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Joe left for school on Monday morning just like usual. Joe dreaded going to school and telling his friends that he didn\u2019t have the dynamite. Hoss left Joe with his friends near the big oak tree and went to search out his own friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh Joe,\u201d said Colin, \u201cDid you bring the dynamite?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNaw,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI couldn\u2019t find it. I asked my brother Hoss, but he said we had to find another way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh, I got me an idea.\u201d said Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d said the other boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, I hear there\u2019s a stage coach just for the second grade and it can take you all the way to China.\u201d Colin said smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWow,\u201d said the other boys impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, what say we meet up at midnight at school and take it to China.\u201d said Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

All the boys agreed that was a great idea. \u201cWait,\u201d one of the boys asked, \u201cwhat day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow \u2018bouts on Thursday.\u201d said Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

All the boys murmured \u201cok\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe watched the clock all day in school. He couldn\u2019t wait to get home to pack for China. He was going to take everything he had. No telling how long they would be in China. Finally, the school bell rang. He was so happy to be out of school. When Hoss and Joe got home from school, Joe jumped off his pony and was about to race into the house, when Hoss grabbed his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere you going in such an all fired hurry?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUmm, no where, just my room.\u201d said Joe looking toward the house. Hoss knew something was up, when Joe wouldn\u2019t look you directly in the eye, something wasn\u2019t right. Not only that, Joe hated being inside, he\u2019d almost make any darn excuse to be outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, you better finish your chores before you run off. You\u2019re gonna get in trouble if you don\u2019t.\u201d Hoss said pulling him into the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe scowled. \u201cBut Hoss\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo buts Joe, come on, get your chores done.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe scowled again, but he knew that Hoss was right. He didn\u2019t want Pa getting mad at him for not doing his chores. \u201cOk, Hoss.\u201d he said as he wiggled out of Hoss\u2019 grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe groomed his horse and did his other chores. He looked around the barn satisfied that he had finished and headed for his room. When he got to his room, he took out his saddle bags and put them on the bed. Then he took every stitch of clothing he had and put that on the bed, too. He was staring at the bed, wondering how he was going to get all the stuff in two saddle bags. He wondered if he could use Pa\u2019s valise. That would surely fit more. As he stood there contemplating, he heard a knock at his door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam opened his little brother\u2019s door and saw all his clothes spread out on the bed. He didn\u2019t know quite what to think about it. \u201cUmm Little Joe, what are you doing?\u201d asked Adam curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPacking,\u201d said Joe absentmindedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPacking for what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChina.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam groaned inwardly. Joe was still on the kick about going to China. \u201cUh, just how do you plan on getting there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we are going on Thursday. Colin said there was a stage just for the second graders and it goes all the way to China.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam coughed as he smiled behind his hand, \u201cYou know Joe, you can\u2019t get on the stage without a grown up. You know that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Adam seriously, \u201cYou have to be 15 to take the stage by yourself. Which grownup is going with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGosh Adam, I don\u2019t know. We didn\u2019t know that.\u201d said Joe chewing on his bottom lip. \u201cCan you go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo buddy, sorry I can\u2019t go. I\u2019ve got to much to do around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe disappointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides Joe, don\u2019t you have a spelling test on Friday?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah we have one every Friday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you can\u2019t go and miss your test. You know how Pa is about taking tests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, the guys are going to be so mad. We all promised we\u2019d go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know buddy, but you gotta have an adult to go with you and you can\u2019t miss your spelling test. So, I don\u2019t think Thursday is going to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I guess you\u2019re right.\u201d said Joe. He was crestfallen. What was he going to tell the fellas at school.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure have an awful lot of clothes, here.\u201d remarked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we was only gonna be gone for 10 days. I thought I\u2019d have to take everything, so I didn\u2019t have to wash. It\u2019s only for 10 days Adam, then we was coming home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his little brother, \u201cWell buddy, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to work. So, you just put all those clothes away, ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe fingered the clothes. He looked up at Adam. Those big green eyes of his were so disappointed. \u201cI ain\u2019t in trouble, am I?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached over and ruffled his hair, \u201cNo, you\u2019re not in trouble. Just go ahead and get this cleaned up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed a big sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grabbed him for a quick hug and kissed the top of his head. \u201cSomeday Joe, when you\u2019re a little bigger you\u2019ll get to go to China.\u201d Adam smiled at his brother and left Joe to put all his clothes away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe brooded as he completed his task. When Joe arrived at school the next day he informed the guys that they wouldn\u2019t be able to take the second grade stage or go on Thursday because of the spelling test. The other boys were sorely disappointed. The rest of the week went on and Joe didn\u2019t mention China, not even once.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa was grateful. It seemed that Joe was finally off the China kick. Life seemed to go back to routine. Until one night later the next week, when Joe decided it was time to go to China. All the other fellas said they were going to meet at the school at midnight and they would just walk to China.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pretended to be asleep when his Pa checked on him. He waited until he heard the clock strike 11:00. He quietly got out of his bed, he was already dressed and grabbed his saddle bags. He had just taken one change of clothes and his marbles. He snuck down the hall to Ellie\u2019s room. He quietly crept across the floor to her bed. He shook her slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSissy, Sissy,\u201d he whispered, \u201cAre you ready to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie opened her eyes. She started to say, \u201cOk.\u201d, but Joe stopped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHush, or you\u2019ll wake up Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou got what you\u2019re taking?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie showed him her Bible and her blanket and her favorite doll. Joe nodded and put her stuff in his saddle bags. He took her by the hand and led her downstairs. He got to the front door. He looked at the top of the door. Pa had latched the top latch, he couldn\u2019t reach it. He looked at Ellie and whispered, \u201cKitchen door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They went into the kitchen to go out the kitchen door. The top latch was latched. He dragged a kitchen chair over to the door. He unlatched the door and Ellie and Joe made their way to the barn. It was a chore, but somehow he managed to saddle Blackie. He helped Ellie get on Blackie by standing on a bale of hay. He then mounted Blackie and they headed for school. Just about the time they arrived in town, Sheriff Coffee was making his rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy thought he saw two figures at the school house, but he wasn\u2019t sure. He walked over to the school house. He couldn\u2019t believe his eyes when he saw Joe and Ellie Cartwright. \u201cLittle Joe, what are you doing here?\u201d asked Roy as he walked into the school yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing to China, Uncle Roy.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChina?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh, all the second graders are suppose to meet here at midnight. We\u2019re gonna ride to China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy scratched his head. \u201cDo you know how to get to China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir. Can you show us?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think you\u2019re Pa\u2019d be might unhappy if you went to China. How about I just take you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d said Joe. He was very disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d said Roy as he took Blackie\u2019s lead and led him over to the stable. Roy was shaking his head. Roy headed out with the two children toward the Ponderosa. He arrived about one am. He started banging on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen! Ben! Ben Cartwright! It\u2019s Roy Coffee.\u201d he shouted, banging on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raced down the stairs, he couldn\u2019t imagine what was going on. He opened the door to Roy Coffee standing there with his two youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissing a couple of children?\u201d asked Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa just stood staring at them wide eyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey was going to China.\u201d stated Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa didn\u2019t know what to think. \u201cThank you Roy.\u201d said Pa staring at two very tired children. By that time Adam and Hoss had made their way down and were staring at their brother and sister. Pa ushered the children in. He still couldn\u2019t believe it. He reached for Ellie and picked her up, Adam reached for Joe and picked him up. Pa looked at Adam, \u201cKeep him with you, I don\u2019t want him wandering off any more.\u201d Adam just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa settled Ellie in bed with him, while Adam was settling Joe in bed with him. The rest of the night passed peaceably with both children in bed under a watchful eye. The next morning, Pa questioned Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, just what do you think you were doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing to China Pa. All the second grade boys were suppose to meet at midnight at school to go to China. Only I didn\u2019t know the way. I asked Uncle Roy to show us.\u201d said Joe around his pancakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh and what did he say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said you\u2019d get mad if I went to China, but he would just take us home. So, I just said \u2018ok\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Joe, \u201cWhose idea was this anyway? Was it Colin? That boy is a bad influence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no Pa, it was mine.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa just shook his head. Adam was laughing silently. Hoss just couldn\u2019t believe what he was hearing. \u201cListen son, no more going to China. You can go someday when you grow up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed, \u201cOk, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe finished and looked at Clay, \u201cAnd that\u2019s our story of our trip to China.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clay just looked at Joe dumbfounded, \u201cOh Joe, no wonder Pa\u2019s gray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: This really happened. My son was in first grade and my daughter was in pre-k. I was out of town for business, when the actual escape occurred. Everything happened like the story, except instead of the stage, they were taking the first grade airplane. Imagine my husband\u2019s surprise at 12:30 am that the police showed up at our front door with my two children, asking him if he was missing two children. The poor guy almost had a heart attack. The police found my children wandering Houston in the middle of the night by themselves. My husband put both of them in bed with him until the next morning. I was suppose to pick up the kids on my way back into town, so he had to call me the next morning and tell me the story, so I wouldn\u2019t have any surprises. My son wanted to go to China because there was a teacher at his school that was a missionary to China and she showed them pictures and talked about all the neat stuff in China. My husband became a little more bald that day.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Disclaimer:\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><\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Fourth in the trail series. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,175 words)<\/p>\n

Trails series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":4998,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[7,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":982,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Dipsea-grassland-trail.jpg?fit=550%2C413&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3181,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3181","url_meta":{"origin":3178,"position":0},"title":"The Trail Series #3 – The Bandit (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The Bandit. \u00a0Third in the trail series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (3,230 words) Trails series, links to all the stories within the series included.","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\/Dipsea-grassland-trail.jpg?fit=550%2C413&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Dipsea-grassland-trail.jpg?fit=550%2C413&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Dipsea-grassland-trail.jpg?fit=550%2C413&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15204,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15204","url_meta":{"origin":3178,"position":1},"title":"Younger (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"September 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A quiet, light moment among family. 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