{"id":3183,"date":"2011-04-25T00:02:02","date_gmt":"2011-04-25T04:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3183"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:28","slug":"the-trail-series-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3183","title":{"rendered":"The Trail Series #2 – Cat (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (4,305 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/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

Clay, Joe and Ellie<\/span> are still on the trail. This story can be completely read on it\u2019s own. I decided to make a short series of stories on the trail. Clay has just finishing doctoring Joe\u2019s backside from Joe\u2019s untimely meeting with a cactus. Joe is now resting a little uncomfortably on his bed roll.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie looked over at her brother. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I laughed, Joe. Can I get you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Sissy, it\u2019s ok, I guess it is kind of funny.\u201d Joe reassured her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie thought it best that Joe get his mind of his burning backside, \u201cHeh, Joe want to tell Clay about Cat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to laugh, \u201cOh no, Cat. Now that was funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked bewildered. He couldn\u2019t imagine what was so funny about a cat. He looked at his little brother and sister. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about a cat?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie started laughing. \u201cWell, Joe\u2019ll have to tell it because I don\u2019t really remember. I do remember Cat, but that\u2019s about it.\u201d she giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so special about a cat?\u201d Clay asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t contain himself, he burst out laughing, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t really a cat, Ellie just called it Cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay still looked confused. \u201cWell, what was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes were dancing with laughter, \u201cGo on Joe, tell Clay about Cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started, \u201cI think Ellie was about 4 that summer\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie was still sound asleep. The rest of the house was waking up with the sun to get started on their chores. Hoss had entered Joe\u2019s room trying to wake him up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d said Hoss grabbing the covers off of him. Joe\u2019s night shirt was bunched up around his middle and his bare behind was hanging out for all to see. Hoss couldn\u2019t resist the opportunity, he smacked his little brother right on his behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!\u201d Joe howled jumping up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet up Joe, you gonna waste your whole summer vacation sleeping?\u201d chuckled Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his older brother menacingly, \u201cHow come you smacked me? Darn you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was still laughing, \u201cBetter watch your mouth or Pa\u2019s gonna come in here and give your behind a real smack.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe considered that. Hoss\u2019 smack had been playful and hadn\u2019t really hurt, but if Pa was to come in and smack his behind, it would hurt an awful lot. Joe picked up his pillow and threw at his brother\u2019s head. Before they knew it, a pillow fight of major proportions had started and the boys were giggling and laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa had started down the hall to Ellie\u2019s room to get her up, when he walked by Joe\u2019s room. \u201cWhat in thunder is going on in here?\u201d boomed Pa\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both boys looked up, each had a pillow in hand and was about to bash the other\u2019s head with it. Joe was standing on his bed and Hoss was about to beat him with a pillow. Pa looked at both boys, \u201cJoseph, get off that bed at once! Get dressed and downstairs. Hoss put that pillow down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d both boys answered sheepishly. They put the pillows down. Pa closed the door as he shook his head. Both boys burst out laughing. Pa strode toward Ellie\u2019s room. He wished he could let her just sleep, but she needed to get up and do the small chores she had. She was suppose to feed the chickens. She was still too little to get the eggs, when she collected eggs, there were more broken ones than whole ones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa entered her room. There she was asleep like a little angel. She was on her belly with her behind in the air and her arm was straight out by her side. She had her thumb in her mouth and her hair was spread over her pillow. Pa shook his head, he couldn\u2019t imagine how that position could be that comfortable. He smiled, he remembered how all of the boys had slept in the same way when they were younger. He walked over to her and scooped her up in his arms. She instinctively put her arms around his neck and settled her legs around his middle or as much around his middle as she could. He sat down in the rocker and rocked at little as she woke up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa?\u201d she asked sleepily with her head cuddled into his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm hmm.\u201d he said as he stroked her back. He really cherished these moments with her. He sorely missed those moments when the boys would sit on his lap and they would cuddle with him. As she woke up, Pa realized he better take her to the bathroom or there would be a mess to clean up. He picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He took her night dress off and sat her on the commode buck naked. When she finished, she jumped off the commode and ran to her room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d shouted Pa as he was about to chase the naked little whirlwind down the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard the commotion and opened his door to find a naked Ellie streaking past his room. Adam stretched his long arm out and caught his little sister. \u201cCome on you naked little girl, you need to get dressed.\u201d he laughed as he grabbed her and flung her over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie was shrieking with delight. \u201cDown, down, down Addy.\u201d she shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was lightly patting that little naked behind. \u201cNot until you get some clothes on,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie stopped laughing long enough to say, \u201cI want Papa, Addy. Down!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he walked to her room. Just as she arrived, Pa had arrived. Adam tossed Ellie to his father. \u201cGood luck, Papa!\u201d he chortled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa grabbed her up and nuzzled her a minute. He put her down and shook his finger at her. \u201cYou stand right there while I get your clothes. If you move, I\u2019m going to swat your behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie stood stone cold still. A swat on a naked bottom hurt lots. Pa got her drawers and her dress. She stood fairly still while he got her dressed. Pa picked her up and swung her up on his hip. \u201cReady for breakfast?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie nodded her head as she popped her thumb in her mouth. Pa firmly took her thumb out her mouth. \u201cNo, no you\u2019re a big girl now. You don\u2019t need your thumb.\u201d Ellie took to sucking her thumb when she was sick or tired. He had pretty much broken her of the habit of sucking it during the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie and Pa reached the dining room just as all the boys were taking their seats. Pa put her in her chair and said grace. He started to fill her plate with eggs and bacon and 1 biscuit with strawberry jam. He watched Ellie. She normally tried to eat the biscuit and leave the rest. Pa looked at her and cleared his throat, \u201cEllie, you eat those eggs and the bacon before the biscuit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie frowned and started to pout. \u201cNo, not hungry.\u201d she said defiantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, if I have to tell you again, you\u2019re getting a spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie looked at her Papa. She didn\u2019t want a spanking. She really wasn\u2019t hungry, she just wanted the biscuit. She scowled, but took her fork and starting eating her eggs. \u201cGood girl,\u201d said Papa approvingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBiscuit? Papa.\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Pa looked over at her plate, she had eaten most of her eggs. \u201cOk.\u201d he conceded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boys all watched with amusement. This was a morning ritual. All Ellie really wanted was anything with strawberry jam. Adam or Pa had to make her eat something else first. As breakfast finished, Pa looked at Joe. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake Ellie and feed the chickens, collect the eggs, and fill up the wood box in the kitchen, then bring Ellie back to Hop Sing and finish your chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa. May I be excused?\u201d Joe asked, wiping his mouth with a napkin and pushing away from the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa nodded his ascent and the other boys asked for permission to be excused and went on to do their chores.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed Ellie\u2019s hand. \u201cCome on Sissy. Let\u2019s feed them chickens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChick, chick, chick\u201d said Ellie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe handed Ellie a scoop of chicken feed. \u201cGo on Sissy, spread it around just like I showed you to let all the chickens have some.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie spread the chicken feed on the ground, \u201cCome on chicky, chicky, you know you want some.\u201d said Ellie. She finished with the chickens and went to tug on Joe while he was collecting eggs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down on his sister, \u201cSissy, don\u2019t tug like that. I might drop the eggs.\u201d he said gruffly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie dropped her hand like a hot potato. \u201cSowwy, Bubby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his sister, she surely looked like she was about to cry. \u201cAww Sissy, I\u2019m sorry I sounded mad, I just don\u2019t want to drop the eggs. Ok?\u201d He looked at her again. He wasn\u2019t sure, but he was thinking some thing wasn\u2019t right. She normally wasn\u2019t such a cry baby, even though she wasn\u2019t really crying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded her head and starting to stick her thumb in her mouth. Joe grabbed her hand, \u201cNo, no, you\u2019re a big girl remember? No thumb. Besides your hand\u2019s all dirty.\u201d She nodded again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed her hand, \u201cCome on, let\u2019s take the eggs into Hop Sing and then you can help me fill the wood box.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d said Ellie. Then she pulled away. \u201cI\u2019m gonna stay here and wait.\u201d she said as she walked toward the wood pile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, \u201cSuit your self.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie went and sat down on the wood pile. As she sat on the pile, she noticed a black and white kitty and three little kitties. They were sure funny looking kitties. She had never seen ones quite like that before. They kind of had plumes on their heads and big fluffy tails. They were black with white stripes right down the middle of their backs. She started to follow the kitties into the barn, but she heard Joe calling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Sissy. Let\u2019s fill the wood box.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie temporarily forgot about the kitties and went to help Joe with his chore. As they worked to fill the wood box, Ellie started thinking about those kitties. Her arms were loaded with wood as she bumped right into Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch where you\u2019re going. Doggone it.\u201d hissed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie took one look at Joe and started to cry. \u201cSowwy. Sowwy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe just stood there, he didn\u2019t know what to think. She sure was touchy today. As he started to reach for her, she turned away and started to put her thumb in her mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to pick up the wood she dropped. \u201cNo thumb Sissy, no thumb.\u201d he said shaking his head. Lucky for him, Adam was coming toward them. Adam took one look at Ellie standing there crying and her thumb in her mouth and wood scattered everywhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scooped up his little sister and she laid her head on his shoulder. \u201cHeh Joe,\u201d Adam said softly, \u201cwhat\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Adam, every time I turn around she\u2019s either crying or sucking her thumb or both. I don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong.\u201d said Joe exasperated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swayed with her, rocking her from side to side. \u201cDo you mind finishing this up by yourself, Joe. I\u2019m going to take her into Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll be done quicker any how.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, buddy.\u201d said Adam as he started toward the house. \u201cHop Sing, Hop Sing,\u201d Adam called as he entered the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop yell, stop yell,\u201d Hop Sing fussed as he came toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I think Ellie may be getting sick. She\u2019s cranky, she\u2019s sucking her thumb.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d said Hop Sing holding his arms out for Ellie. \u201cGive me baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed Ellie off to Hop Sing. \u201cUh oh,\u201d said Hop Sing, \u201cBaby got a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie laid her head on Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWant the new kitties.\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing just patted her back and said \u201cShush, shush, little one. You come take nap for Hop Sing.\u201d He looked Adam with a questioning glance. Adam shrugged his shoulders, he didn\u2019t know anything about new kitties.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing took Ellie up to her room and laid her down on her bed. He stripped her down to her drawers and covered her up with the blankets. He gave her, her favorite doll and closed the door. He came back down stairs to find Adam at the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe ok?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing answered, \u201cGo finish chore, boy. Mr. Cartwright say finish chore. Baby be fine. Just little fever. She be better later.\u201d he said patting Adam on the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam headed toward the barn to finish feeding the horses and cleaning the stalls. He didn\u2019t bother cleaning the last stall, there hadn\u2019t been a horse in there for a couple of weeks, just a bed of straw. Joe was walking toward the barn. \u201cHeh Joe, do you know anything about some new kittens in the barn?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, I ain\u2019t seen any new kittens, except the new calicos, but they ain\u2019t so new anymore. How come?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Ellie just said something about new kittens.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with her any way. She was such a cry baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hop Sing said she has a little fever. She probably doesn\u2019t feel good.\u201d said Adam running his hand through his hair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHeh Adam, can I go fishing with Michael?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou done with your chores?\u201d asked Adam. Pa had gone into Virginia City and he was in charge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, did all Pa said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, help me with the barn, then you can go fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Adam, can I go for the whole afternoon?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, just help me finish up here, ok?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it.\u201d crowed Joe, he was getting the whole afternoon for fishing and he wasn\u2019t going to have to keep Ellie. Not that he wanted her to be sick, but not having to watch her for the afternoon was a treat. Joe helped Adam and was off like a shot for the fishing hole. Even thought he had helped Adam in the barn, he never saw the new \u201ckitties\u201d that Ellie had seen make their way into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie woke up from her nap a couple of hours later. She was feverish and she was thirsty. She didn\u2019t bother to pull her clothes on, she was just wearing her drawers and her chemise. She decided that she needed a drink. She climbed down the stairs and headed for the kitchen. She looked around and didn\u2019t see anyone, not even Hop Sing. She didn\u2019t know what to do, she couldn\u2019t reach any of the cups, not even standing on a chair. She decided to go out to the pump next to the horse trough. Sometimes Joe would pump the water and she would put her mouth under it and get a drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie went out the kitchen door to the yard. She started walking toward the pump. Then she remembered about the kitties in the barn. She forgot about her drink and went to find the kitties in the barn. She walked into the barn calling, \u201cHere kitty, kitty, kitty.\u201d She poked her head into each stall as she called for the kitties.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally in the last stall, she saw the baby \u201ckitties\u201d. She looked around and didn\u2019t see the mama kitty. She walked into the stall and sat right in the middle of the hay. She picked up each baby and stroked it and talked to it. She was having a right fine time, until she heard, \u201cMissy Eleanor, Eleanor, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Hop Sing calling for her. He was frantic, when he went to check on her, she was not in her bed. He found the side door to the kitchen open and panicked. He ran out in the yard, calling for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie put down the \u201ckitty\u201d she was playing with and went to stand at the front of the barn. \u201cHere, Hop Sing. I\u2019m here.\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAyyyyy, Missy, you no leave house. Papa say many time, no leave house.\u201d he scolded as he reached for her hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She put her hand in his and looked up, \u201cSowwy, I was firsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why you outside, no drink for little girl outside?\u201d Hop Sing asked shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was getting a drink from the pump.\u201d she said pointing to the pump.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that point, Hop Sing didn\u2019t know what to think, he just grabbed her hand and shook his finger at her. \u201cYou stay inside, be a good girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said wistfully looking back at the barn. She really wanted to play with the new kitties. \u201cHop Sing, can I play with the new kitty?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked at her, \u201cNo new kitty, no kitty in house\u2026\u201d he was mumbling and muttering in Chinese.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie didn\u2019t know what to think, so she just thought she\u2019d wait for Papa and ask him or maybe Adam. Hop Sing took her inside, sat her on the floor with her Noah\u2019s Ark set. \u201cYou stay, Hop Sing bring you drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So Ellie sat and played with her Noah\u2019s Ark set. She really didn\u2019t feel well, she just wanted someone to hold her. As Hop Sing brought her some milk, Adam came through the front door. She dropped her animals and ran to Adam. He picked her up and cuddled her. \u201cHow do you feel, Princess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy ear hurts,\u201d she said tugging on her ear. She leaned her head against Adam\u2019s chest and popped her thumb in her mouth. Adam didn\u2019t have the heart to tell her to take it out of her mouth. He made his way over to the rocker as Ellie dissolved bonelessly on his lap. He was rocking when she turned those big green eyes of hers on her brother and asked, \u201cAddy, can I have a new kitty?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his sister, that\u2019s the second time she had mentioned a new kitty. \u201cBaby, we don\u2019t have any new kitties.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes we do,\u201d she insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the calico?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNuh uh, black and white kitties.\u201d insisted Ellie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. He had no idea what she was talking about. \u201cWell, let\u2019s wait for Pa to get home and you can ask him. How about a story?\u201d he said trying to distract her. He reached for the book he had been reading her the night before, it was a pop up book, the Red Riding Hood story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to read her the book, while she sat in his lap with her head on his shoulder. She really wasn\u2019t paying attention. All she could think about were the black and white kitties in the barn. As Adam was about to finish, Pa came home. He walked in the door to see Ellie in her drawers and chemise resting on Adam\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie immediately looked up and put her arms up to be picked up, \u201cWant to hold you Papa,\u201d she sighed. Adam stood up and handed his sister off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s got an ear ache and a little fever.\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Pa as he took Ellie from Adam. Then he heard, \u201cLunch, lunch, come sit for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa chuckled. Hop Sing was running around setting the table and putting lunch out. Hop Sing had made macaroni and cheese, roast beef sandwiches and lemonade. Pa looked at Ellie, \u201cLet\u2019s have some lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head. \u201cNot hungry.\u201d she said snuggling down into her father\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hop Sing made macaroni and cheese, your favorite.\u201d Pa tried to coax her as he walked toward the table. She shook her head \u201cno\u201d. \u201cWell, let\u2019s try some lemonade first.\u201d he said as he put her in her chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He finally got her to drink some lemonade. She felt a little better and was ready to try the macaroni and cheese. When she finally finished her lunch, she got out of her chair and walked over to Pa. She leaned on his leg and asked, \u201cPapa, can I bring Cat inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa looked at her curiously. \u201cCat? Who\u2019s Cat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe kitty in the barn, Papa. The new kitty, I named it Cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well let\u2019s go take a look at Cat,\u201d Pa said picking her up. \u201cBut first little girl, you need to put your clothes on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head, \u201cI want Cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa took her upstairs to get her dressed. \u201cWe will go see Cat after you get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head \u201cno\u201d again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa was getting irritated. He looked at her and said, \u201cIf you don\u2019t come over here and let me get you dressed, I\u2019m going to spank your behind and you will not see Cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie thought about that for a minute. She walked over to Pa and let him slip her dress and pinafore back on. He grabbed her hand and they walked down the stairs and out the front door to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie ran out the door to the barn. She ran right to the last stall. She didn\u2019t see the mama kitty anywhere. She grabbed one of the babies to show her papa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She held it out for her papa to see, \u201cSee Papa, Cat.\u201d Ellie said holding the critter aloft.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s eyes got as big as saucers. Oh my Lord, Ellie was holding a baby skunk in her hand. Pa was momentarily speechless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I bring Cat inside, Papa?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, Ellie, that\u2019s not a cat.\u201d said Pa, his voice quivering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh, see a kitty.\u201d Ellie said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBaby, are there more?\u201d asked Pa warily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh, 3 baby kitties and a mama.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyebrows. The baby skunks were too young to spray, but he was sure the mama wasn\u2019t. \u201cBaby, where\u2019s the mama?\u201d he asked cautiously as he tried to back out of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Papa. They was all in here,\u201d she said pointing to the last stall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa swallowed. \u201cListen Baby, that\u2019s a skunk and you need to put it back so it\u2019s mama doesn\u2019t get mad and spray us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie gave him the strangest look. \u201cI want to keep it.\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no Baby, Papa said \u201cNo\u201d, we have to give the baby back to the mama.\u201d Pa said as he carefully walked toward her and put his hand out for the baby skunk. He was hoping he could move the babies outside and the mama skunk would find them and move on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie hesitated, but handed him the skunk. She walked with her papa over to the stall to get the remaining babies. Just as they got to the front of the stall, the mama skunk appeared. Momentarily paralyzed, Pa just stood there. Ellie walked toward the mama.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere mama, here\u2019s your baby.\u201d said Ellie as she put the baby down next to the mama.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEllie,\u201d Pa hissed, \u201cdon\u2019t move, if you move you\u2019ll scare her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ellie whirled around, \u201cWhat Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

That movement did it, the mama skunk was scared. She lifted her tail and \u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was grabbing his sides he was laughing so hard as he finished up the story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what happened?\u201d asked Clay<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d asked Joe still laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Ellie, \u201cI don\u2019t remember this, but Adam and Hoss tell me that Hop Sing wouldn\u2019t let me or Papa in the house and it took 2 weeks to air the barn out. For some reason, me and papa had to take baths in tomato juice until the smell went away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay was rolling, he was laughing so hard. \u201cOh my Lord Ellie. You get into it, don\u2019t you. No wonder Pa has white hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, I was only four, how was I suppose to know,\u201d she giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next Story in The Trail Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Second in the trail series. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,305 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-3183","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":951,"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":3183,"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":3186,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3186","url_meta":{"origin":3183,"position":1},"title":"The Trail Series #1 – Pokey the Baby Porcupine (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0First in the trail series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,500 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":3178,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3178","url_meta":{"origin":3183,"position":2},"title":"The Trail Series #4 – The Trip to China (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Fourth in the trail series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,175 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":3183,"position":3},"title":"Younger (by PSW)","author":"PSW","date":"September 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A quiet, light moment among family. Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 519 Scenes From Our Next Life Series, links to stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_2442.jpg?fit=766%2C639&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13631,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13631","url_meta":{"origin":3183,"position":4},"title":"Freedom from Fear (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 14, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The aftermath of Joe's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (33,760) Due to the subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13901,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13901","url_meta":{"origin":3183,"position":5},"title":"A Friend in Need (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The family assists Roy Coffee to search for a small group of bank robbers, one of whom happens to be a friend of Joe's. 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