{"id":3186,"date":"2011-04-25T00:01:05","date_gmt":"2011-04-25T04:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3186"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:28","slug":"pokey-the-baby-porcupine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3186","title":{"rendered":"The Trail Series #1 – Pokey the Baby Porcupine (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (4,500 words)
\n<\/span><\/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

On the trail with Joe and Clay, Ellie reminisces about the Pokey, the baby porcupine.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Week After School Let Out – the summer Ellie was 13:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The first day of summer vacation. Woohoo!!!! Ellie couldn\u2019t wait. Papa had promised that she could go on the next horse buying trip to Stockton. Ellie was vibrating with excitement. She hadn\u2019t slept a wink all night. That buying trip to Stockton was today. She was going with Clay and Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Ellie raced down the stairs and sailed into her seat, \u201cMorning Papa.\u201d she grinned. She was the first one at the table besides Papa. Pa smiled indulgently. He couldn\u2019t remember when Ellie had been the first to the table, ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cGood Morning, Eleanor.\u201d said Pa. \u201cQuit running down the stairs, young lady.\u201d he said gruffly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Ellie glanced at Pa. \u201cEleanor\u201d she thought, I wonder what I did. Oh well maybe he was just in one of those moods where he called everyone by their full name just because.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEleanor, are you ready to go?\u201d he asked. He was a bit hesitant. This was the first time he let Ellie go anywhere with Clay. He was comfortable letting her go with Adam or Hoss. He didn\u2019t usually let her off the ranch much without either Adam, Hoss or himself. Especially not for a trip that was going to take a week.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes sir, I\u2019m packed and ready. Papa, I\u2019m so excited. Thank you for letting me go.\u201d she said, her eyes dancing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEleanor, you know there are going to be some very boring parts of this trip. You\u2019re going to be on the trail for 3 days each way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes Papa, I know.\u201d said Ellie rolling her eyes. Her papa had this discussion with her at least a dozen times. About how boring part of the trip would be and how long they would be on a dusty trail and how she better behave or this would be her last trip. Ellie didn\u2019t know what the problem was. She was generally well behaved, well most of the time anyway. Trouble found her, she didn\u2019t go looking for trouble. Besides, Clay was almost as strict as Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you just roll your eyes young lady,\u201d Pa asked, his eyebrows raised.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUh, no sir.\u201d she said quickly. Gratefully, the rest of the family had started arriving at the table and were exchanging good mornings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cClay?\u201d asked Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSir?\u201d asked Clay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou sure you can handle these two scallywags?\u201d Pa asked seriously nodding at Joe and Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAbsolutely Pa, I can keep those two in line.\u201d he said with an evil grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh,\u201d said Joe feigning hurt, \u201cthere ain\u2019t nothing to keep in line. We\u2019re like angels. Ain\u2019t we, Sissy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The rest of the boys roared with laughter. If that wasn\u2019t the pot calling the kettle black. Pa got serious, \u201cYou just make sure you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flashed his father a big grin, \u201cI solemnly promise to be good as gold.\u201d said Joe holding up his right hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa grunted. The family dug into breakfast. As everyone was finishing up, Pa turned to Clay, \u201cWell son, I guess ya\u2019ll need to get going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes sir. You two ready?\u201d he asked his youngest brother and sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYep.\u201d he heard in unison. Clay just chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell come on then.\u201d he said as he stood up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe and Ellie started to stand, Ellie grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. She looked at her father. \u201cPapa, may we be excused?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa nodded. He rose as he followed the children out to the front yard. \u201cBe careful, be safe, and wire me when you get there. And above all, Joseph and Eleanor, please don\u2019t get into any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie through herself into her father\u2019s arms. She gave him a big hug and a kiss. \u201cI love you and miss you, Papa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLove you too, baby.\u201d Pa murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie then went to each of her brothers and her cousin and gave them hugs and kisses. She told each one of them she loved them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Each one hugged her and told her that they loved her. Adam held on a little longer. \u201cBe a good girl, Princess.\u201d he whispered in her ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie gave him another kiss, \u201cOne to last a whole week Adam.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOne to last a whole week,\u201d he nodded in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

In the mean time, Joe was trying to say goodbye by shaking hands with his father and his brothers. They were having none of it, they each grabbed him in a bear hug. Joe was embarrassed. \u201cJeez Pa, fellas.\u201d Joe said stepping back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

So the three got started on the trail. They chatted about this and that and then chatted none at all. It would take them a day just to get off the Ponderosa. Each one of them was watching the scenery and soaking in all the Ponderosa had to offer. Finally, the time came for them to make camp for the night. They had gotten into the desert part of the Ponderosa. There was nothing but cactus and scrub for the next day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe hadn\u2019t been paying attention to what he was doing and backed into a cactus with long spindly needles. \u201cOww!!!!\u201d he yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay ran over to Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s a matter boy? What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDad gum cactus.\u201d muttered Joe. \u201cBacked into it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay started to tell Joe, he would be just fine, until he turned Joe around and saw a bunch of cactus needles sticking out of his posterior. Clay started to laugh. \u201cUm..little brother, I think we have a problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie looked at Joe and Clay. She came to stand behind Joe for a minute. She couldn\u2019t help it, she burst out laughing. She was laughing so hard, she was crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShut up,\u201d hissed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sor\u2026rrr..y, Joe. It\u2019s just that you look like Papa did that time with Pokey.\u201d hiccupped Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt ain\u2019t funny.\u201d hissed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot if you don\u2019t think so,\u201d giggled Ellie. She was trying so hard not to laugh at her brother. She wasn\u2019t being very successful \u201cBut Papa and Pokey or Pokey\u2019s mama\u2026.\u201d Ellie started giggling hysterically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay looked confused, \u201cWho\u2019s Pokey?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMy pet porcupine.\u201d said Ellie still giggling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa let you have a pet porcupine?\u201d asked Clay incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, not exactly.\u201d grinned Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh, do you mind helping me out here instead of talking about Pokey?\u201d asked Joe furiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay glanced over a Joe, \u201cYou know I\u2019m going to have to take those out of you, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cJust get it done, it ain\u2019t too comfortable you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay looked at his baby brother. He surely looked uncomfortable. \u201cCome on Joe, you\u2019re going to have to drop your pants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe blushed furiously. \u201cNot in front of her I ain\u2019t.\u201d he said jutting his chin out at his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay laughed, \u201cOk – how about I set up a blanket on some poles and you and I go behind the blanket and Ellie stays on this side. Ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, ok,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cJust get it done, my backside is on fire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie giggled. \u201cI can tell you the story about Pokey, while you\u2019re um\u2026 helping Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay eyed his sister. \u201cEleanor Grace Cartwright, I want your solemn promise that you are going to stay on that side of the blanket.\u201d Clay said as he set up the blanket on some poles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCross my heart.\u201d said Ellie grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay starting working on Joe as Ellie began to spin her tale. She remembered it like it was yesterday. \u201cWell, I better start at the beginning\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was like this, the fall that Ellie was 6 and was going to town for special tutoring from Mrs. Wilson:<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam had come to pick up Joe from school and Ellie from Mrs. Wilson\u2019s. Ellie was having a special tutor until the regular school teacher was back from the east. The new school teacher was mean to Ellie and wasn\u2019t willing to take the time to work with her. Ellie was hard of hearing on her left side and had trouble pronouncing l\u2019s, s\u2019s and w\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam knocked on Mrs. Wilson\u2019s door. The door opened and Ellie flew into Adam\u2019s arms. Adam picked her up and swung her on his hip. \u201cWere you a good girl today?\u201d he asked planting a kiss on her cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUh huh, I was weal good. Wight, Mrs. Wilson?\u201d asked Ellie clinging to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes dear, you were real good.\u201d she said emphasizing the \u201cr\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cReal\u201d, repeated Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood job,\u201d exclaimed Mrs. Wilson, you\u2019re really getting those \u201cr\u201ds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam put her down and grabbed her hand. He turned toward Mrs. Wilson, \u201cThank you, Mrs. Wilson. I best be picking up Joe.\u201d he said as he turned to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie tugged on Adam\u2019s hand, she had a book in her hand. \u201cAddy, Addy, wook, wook, wook what I got.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam smiled indulgently at his little sister, \u201cSlow down baby, slow down. You can pronounce those words right if you talk slowly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie started to pout. She didn\u2019t like when people corrected her. She was tired and needed a nap and all she wanted to do was show Adam the book Mrs. Wilson gave her. Adam noticed the frown playing across her face. He knew she needed a nap and would fall asleep on the way home. He knelt down next to her for a moment and took her chin in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEllie don\u2019t get mad, I\u2019m just helping you. What did you want to show me?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA book Adam, a book, Mrs. Wilson gave me a book with baby animals. Want to see?\u201d Ellie said excitedly, momentarily forgetting why she was mad.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head, \u201cI\u2019ll look at it when we get home. We need to go get Joe right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie looked crushed. Adam felt bad, but he needed to get Joe and get home, there were still chores he had to do. Adam picked up Ellie and flung her up on his shoulders. \u201cCome on Princess, I\u2019ll look at the book with you after supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie seemed content with that as she rested her head on top of Adam\u2019s head. They picked up Joe and headed for home. True to form, Ellie fell asleep in the buckboard clutching her new book to her chest. Joe chatted on and on until they got home. By the time they got home, Adam was ready for a respite from Joe\u2019s chatter. Joe jumped out of the buckboard. He started to run for the house, but Adam collared him. \u201cChores, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAw come on Adam.\u201d whined Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cChores,\u201d repeated Adam firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sighed, \u201cChores,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam went to the back of the buckboard to wake up Ellie. He lifted her out with her book still clutched tightly to her chest. In an almost daily ritual, Pa had come to take Ellie inside. Ellie was just starting to stir as Adam stood her up. Pa didn\u2019t want Ellie napping any longer than the drive home. Ellie yawned and stretched, her arms stretched up to her Papa, so he\u2019d pick her up. She almost banged him in the head with the book. Pa swung his head to the side to avoid colliding with the book as he removed it from her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSay, what\u2019s this?\u201d he asked as he swung Ellie on his hip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s a book Papa,\u201d she said looking at him as if he were the dumbest creature on earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d he said dryly. \u201cWhat kind of book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBaby aminals, Mrs. Wilson give it to me.\u201d she said proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBaby animals and Mrs. Wilson gave it to you.\u201d he corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said.\u201d Ellie said frustrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa just shook his head, hiding a grin with his hand. Adam turned around to grin. The last thing they wanted was for Ellie to think they were laughing at her. If she thought they were laughing at her, she\u2019d have a tantrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI see,\u201d said Pa, \u201cLet\u2019s take the book inside and we can look at it after dinner.\u201d Pa said taking Ellie\u2019s hand and leading her into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut Papa, can\u2019t I have a baby hog hedge?\u201d Ellie asked plaintively, tugging on her Papa\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA what?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know Papa, a baby hog hedge, in the book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pa glanced at his youngest. No telling what that girl was talking about. \u201cWell, let\u2019s eat supper first and then you can tell me all about it, ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Yes, papa.\u201d said Ellie dutifully. She knew if she wanted something, she better be a really good girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was on the floor playing with her Noah\u2019s ark set, when Hoss came in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHeh Princess, how was your day?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood Hossy,\u201d Ellie said looking up. \u201cSay Hossy, which one of these aminals is a hog hedge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss knelt down next to her. \u201cA what, baby?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know, a hog hedge, they\u2019s one in the new book Mrs. Wilson give me.\u201d she said shaking her head. Boy, what was wrong with the people in this family. Nobody seemed to know what a hog hedge was. Ellie got up and grabbed the book that Pa had put on the table. She finally got to the page for \u201ch\u201d and there was a picture of a hedgehog. She pointed to the picture, \u201cSee Hossy, a hog hedge.\u201d she said jabbing a finger at the picture.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss wanted to bust out laughing, she meant a hedgehog not a \u201chog hedge\u201d. He knew he couldn\u2019t laugh or Ellie would come unglued. He bit his lip and took a breath. \u201cBaby, that\u2019s a hedgehog, not a hog hedge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie put a hand on her hip. \u201cWell, can I have a baby one?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh baby, them is wild animals. I don\u2019t think it would be a very good pet.\u201d said Hoss shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie ignored that comment and went back to looking at her Noah\u2019s ark set. \u201cSo, which one\u2019s the hog hedge?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHedgehog.\u201d corrected Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHedgehog.\u201d she repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t think they\u2019s one in that set.\u201d said Hoss shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell why not, the preacher says all the animals, God made hog hedges didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHedgehogs. I don\u2019t know baby, if they made a set with all the animals, it would be too many, so they just made this set with some animals.\u201d Hoss said getting exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, Pa called them to wash for supper. Ellie went to her papa to show him her hands and that they were clean before supper. She sat down and immediately asked, \u201cCan I have a baby hog hedge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at her strangely, \u201cA what?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss smiled. \u201cPa, Ellie saw a picture of a baby hedgehog in that picture book Mrs. Wilson gave her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Pa relieved that he finally knew what she was talking about.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Papa, want to see the picture.\u201d Ellie said as she started to get up from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor Grace, sit your bottom down in that chair, right now.\u201d Pa fussed at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at her papa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll look at the book after supper. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie nodded. Ellie finished her supper and stole a look at Pa. She really wanted to have a baby hog hedge, if only Papa would listen. Finally, the children were excused and Ellie could go get her picture book.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked over to the rocking chair and motioned to Ellie to come sit with him. She grabbed her picture book and climbed up in his lap. She sat on his lap with her head against his chest. She turned to the page with the hedgehog. \u201cLook Papa, look, it\u2019s a baby hog hedge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHedgehog,\u201d Pa said gently correcting her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have one?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo baby, those are wild animals. It\u2019s not fair to cage them up. Besides, I wouldn\u2019t even know where to find one for you.\u201d Pa said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at her papa sadly. \u201cBut Papa, I\u2019d take care of it and feed it and everything. Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBaby, it\u2019s just not something we can do.\u201d Pa said shaking his head and hugging her tight. \u201cLet\u2019s read about the other baby animals in this book.\u201d He said as he took the book from her and started reading. Before he knew it, the clock struck 7:00 and it was time for Ellie to go to bed. Pa looked down at his baby to see her fast asleep in his lap. He chuckled as he picked her up and carried her to her room. He changed her into a nightgown and tucked her in bed. He shook his head, \u201cBaby hedgehogs, good Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe came in to wake up Ellie that next morning. \u201cCome on, Sissy. Let\u2019s go.\u201d he said as he shook her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie woke up groggy, \u201cWant a baby hog hedge.\u201d she said petulantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cForget about it for now, you better get up and get dressed before Pa comes up here and swats your bottom for not getting up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie frowned, she didn\u2019t want any swats, she just wanted a baby hog hedge. She got up and allowed Joe to help her get dressed. He wasn\u2019t about to try and brush her hair, he figured he\u2019d leave that to Pa. Ellie went down the stairs, brush and hair ribbons in hand. She only wanted Papa that morning and we she got it in her head that she only wanted her papa, that was the end of that. Pa was sitting at the table about to eat when Ellie came down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, come here and let me brush your hair.\u201d said Pa holding his hand out for the brush and ribbons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie walked over to him and handed him her brush and ribbons. As Pa started brushing her hair, Ellie said, \u201cCan I have a baby hog hedge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sighed. \u201cEllie, it\u2019s hedgehog and no you can\u2019t have one because they are wild creatures and God did not intend them for pets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sighed, \u201cWell, what\u2019s God gonna do with them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa smiled and tried hard not to laugh, Adam was hiding in his coffee and Joe and Hoss just rolled their eyes. \u201cGod wants them just to be forest creatures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t go no forest.\u201d Ellie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, so we won\u2019t even have hedgehogs around here.\u201d Pa said as he finished brushing Ellie\u2019s hair. He turned her around and gave her a big kiss. Ellie lingered on Pa\u2019s chest for a moment. She was sorely disappointed, she sure wanted one of them hog hedges. Pa picked her up and put her in his lap, he\u2019d just let her eat from his plate. When she was done, Pa looked at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you and Ellie are excused. Go get your books together. Time for you to go to school and Ellie to go to Mrs. Wilson.\u201d Pa said as he lifted Ellie off his lap and put her on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got everything together, Pa. I\u2019ll just go saddle Windy and Blackie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked Ellie out to Windy. He picked her up and put her on Windy. \u201cBe a good girl at Mrs. Wilson\u2019s and mind Joe.\u201d he said as he gave her a kiss good-bye.<\/span><\/p>\n

He took one look at Joe, \u201cStraight home after school, Joe. No dawdling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk, off with you.\u201d said Pa as he turned to go back to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie took off for school. Ellie spent the whole day thinking about baby hedgehogs. Mrs. Wilson was exasperated by the time Joe came to pick Ellie up. As Joe arrived, Mrs. Wilson looked at Ellie, \u201cYour mind wasn\u2019t on your work, Ellie. I expect you to pay better attention tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked down, she knew she hadn\u2019t been really good all day, \u201cYes ma\u2019am. I\u2019m sorry, I was just thinking about the baby animals in that picture book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that Joe helped Ellie get on Windy and they headed for home. Ellie was awfully quiet. \u201cHeh, Sissy, you didn\u2019t get in no trouble did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked sorrowfully at Joe, \u201cMrs. Wilson said I have to pay \u2018tention tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe knowingly. He\u2019d had lots of days when he got in trouble for not paying attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they were riding home, a family of porcupines were walking across their path. Ellie couldn\u2019t believe it, a whole family of hog hedges right in front of her eyes. Ellie stopped, \u201cJoe, Joe,\u201d she whispered excitedly. \u201cLook, hog hedges, 3 of them.\u201d she said pointing to the porcupines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSissy, they ain\u2019t no hedgehogs, they\u2019s porcupines. They can hurt you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo they ain\u2019t.\u201d she insisted. \u201cThey\u2019s hog hedges, just like the ones in my book.\u201d Before Joe knew it, Ellie had stopped Windy and jumped off. She scooped one of the babies into her hand. \u201cSee Joe, ain\u2019t it cute. I\u2019m taking it home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Sissy, Pa said you cain\u2019t have one. Put it down.\u201d Joe threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Besides Pa\u2019ll won\u2019t know. I\u2019ll keep it in my room. I\u2019m gonna call it Pokey cuz it moves so slow.\u201d she said determinedly. She looked at Joe, \u201cWhat about the mama, won\u2019t Pokey be lonely without his mama?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked wary, that mama porcupine had whole hide full of quills. He wasn\u2019t aiming to get poked by any of them. \u201cI ain\u2019t touching that thing. You see all that on her back, those is quills and they poke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this baby has those, but they is real soft. Not pokey at all.\u201d she said skeptically. \u201cCome on Joe, just get the mama, I\u2019ll get the other baby,\u201d she said as she leaned down to scoop the other baby into her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat there, he figured the babies would need the mama. He also figured Pa\u2019d skin him alive for bringing home baby porcupines. He also figured Ellie would throw a fit if he didn\u2019t. He figured it would be a heck of a lot easier bringing home the animals and letting Pa tell her she couldn\u2019t have them. Joe sighed as he dismounted Blackie. Joe stood there for a minute. He wasn\u2019t sure how he was going to capture the mama. He had an idea, if she would just crawl into his saddle bag. Joe still had an apple that he hadn\u2019t eaten at lunch. He jumped off his horse, grabbed the apple and the saddle bag and set up the trap. He put the apple at the edge of the saddle bag and propped the front open with a stick. Ellie was watching him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatcha doin\u2019 Joe. How come you just don\u2019t get her?\u201d asked Ellie curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at her as he was setting the trap, \u201cWell, I don\u2019t aim to get stuck by those quills.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Ellie. She couldn\u2019t understand the problem. The baby\u2019s quills were soft. She wondered why the mama\u2019s back wasn\u2019t soft too. Besides these were hog hedges, not porcu..porcu..what ever Joe called them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Unbelievable, the mama porcupine went right into Joe\u2019s saddle bags. Once she was inside. Joe grabbed up the saddle bags. He held the side with the porcupine away from him. So far, nothing had poked through. Joe helped Ellie up on her horse. He had taken the baby porcupines and put them in with the mama. He hadn\u2019t figured out he was going to explain this to Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With his task completed, he turned toward Ellie, \u201cCome on Sissy, we best get home. Pa, told me no dawdling and come straight home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s dawd..daw, what\u2019s..\u201d Ellie sputtered trying to sound it out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDawdling?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUh huh.\u201d confirmed Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt means come home and don\u2019t spend time picking up stupid porcupines.\u201d Joe said sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie missed the sarcasm, \u201cThey\u2019s hog hedges,\u201d she said stubbornly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cCome on Sissy, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe and Ellie arrived at the ranch. It was pretty unusual that some one wasn\u2019t out front to greet them. Just then, Hop Sing came out. \u201cYou put horses away, Lil Joe, then come for cookies and milk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned, \u201cYes sir, Hop Sing, I\u2019m coming.\u201d Joe jumped off his pony, helped Ellie off of hers. He took the saddle bags and handed them to Ellie. \u201cGo put these inside.\u201d he told her. \u201cI\u2019m going to find a box for Pokey and his mama and put the horses up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOk,\u201d said Ellie holding the saddle bags. She walked into the front door and decided the best place to put those bags was in her Papa\u2019s blue chair. She heaved the bags into the chair. Just then she heard Hop Sing, \u201cMissy Ellie, Missy Ellie, come wash your hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

In the mean time, Joe had put up the horses and the saddles. He was poking around for a box, when Hoss came in the barn. \u201cHeh Joe, how\u2019s school today?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHmm?\u201d asked Joe distractedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI asked you how\u2019s school today?\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHeh, what\u2019d ya looking for any how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked at his brother, \u201cWe found porcupines on the way home from school and Ellie think\u2019s they\u2019s hedgehogs and she wants to keep them. So, we brought them home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss\u2019 eyebrows went up, \u201cWhat\u2019d you crazy? Pa\u2019s gonna skin you alive.\u201d Hoss laughed shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe scowled, \u201c I know Hoss, but it was easier then trying to get Ellie to believe they wasn\u2019t hedgehogs. I figured Pa could tell her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss scratched his head curiously, \u201cWell, where they at now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI trapped them in my saddle bags. I gave them to Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019d she do with them?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just then, they heard the loudest bellow imaginable coming from the house. The heard and \u201cOwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!\u201d. The they heard, \u201cELEANOR GRACE CARTWRIGHT!!!!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUh oh,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI think I know what she did with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe and Hoss ran for the house as fast as they could. They slammed open the front door to find Ellie standing on the edge of the great room with her hand over her mouth and their father standing in front of his blue chair with porcupine quills sticking out of his backside. The boys couldn\u2019t help themselves, but fell on the floor laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie sighed as she finished her story. Still giggling, she said, \u201cSo, that\u2019s why this reminds me of Pokey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clay was laughing so hard he had tears rolling down his face. He had finished doctoring Joe\u2019s behind and was just applying some salve.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, don\u2019t leave me in suspense,\u201d he said, \u201cwhat happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ellie\u2019s eyes were sparkling, \u201cLet\u2019s just say that neither Papa or I sat comfortable for a few days and Pokey and his mama were never seen again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re something else, little sister. You\u2019re something else.\u201d Clay chuckled.<\/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

 <\/p>\n

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

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

The Trail Series #2<\/a>
\nThe Trail Series #3<\/a>
\nThe Trail Series #4<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0First in the trail series. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,500 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_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[7,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3186","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"],"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_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3186","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=3186"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3186\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}