{"id":47032,"date":"2003-04-22T14:42:11","date_gmt":"2003-04-22T18:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47032"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:04","slug":"ponderosaville-or-four-men-in-tights-2-by-eileenk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47032","title":{"rendered":"Ponderosaville, Or Four Men in Tights #2 (by EileenK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Director Eileen returns with a request for the Cartwright\u2019s to act in her latest fairytale adventure.
\nRating and Reader Alert: Rated G (for Goofy).\u00a0 Another wacky Cartwright fairytale.
\nWords: 18,750
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Four Men in Tights Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kingdom<\/a>
\nPonderosaville<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

NOTE:\u00a0 I wrote this in request from a couple of readers of \u201cKingdom of Ponderosa\u201d.\u00a0 At least I TOOK it as a request.<\/span><\/p>\n

DISCLAIMER:\u00a0 The Cartwright characters were created by David Dortort and I claim no rights or privileges to their characterizations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ponderosaville, Or Four Men in Tights #2<\/strong><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a peaceful evening at the Cartwright domain.\u00a0 His three sons had gone into town while Ben Cartwright sat in his favorite red leather chair by the fireplace, watching the flames dance around inside.\u00a0 He smiled, being a very contented man and considered himself a very lucky man to have three wonderful sons and his beautiful Ponderosa..\u00a0 Thinking of his sons, he began to sing softly:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy sons, my sons, whatever you do<\/span>
\nReach for the rainbow that\u2019s following you<\/span>
\nMany the years I have traveled around<\/span>
\nMy wish is to give you the wisdom I\u2019ve found.<\/span>
\nHold the stars that fall in your hand<\/span>
\nWalk in the sunlight that\u2019s warming your land<\/span>
\nMay the years bless you and mellow the wine<\/span>
\nMy sons, my sons, your heartbeat is mine<\/span>
\nMy sons, my sons, your heartbeat is mine\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Concentrating heavily on all his blessings and the song about his sons, he hadn\u2019t heard the knocking on the door until it became very loud, like the pounding of a fist.\u00a0 Since Hop Sing hadn\u2019t answered the door, he supposed the little Chinese man had already gone to bed, so he jumped up from his chair and walked quickly across the floor and pulled the door open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurprise!\u00a0 I\u2019m BAaaaack!\u201d his visitor announced in a very excited tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

One look at his caller, and Ben\u2019s eyes widened and he swallowed hard and stood unmoving in his place.\u00a0 His heart sank to the pit of his stomach and he groaned within himself as he remembered the last time he saw her, AND he remembered the tights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEileen\u2026h-how nice to see you again,\u201d he lied, while he looked at her with a very strange expression and highly strained smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see you, too, Ben!\u201d she said, pushing her way inside.\u00a0 She took a few steps, then turned around to face him, her smile charming.\u00a0 \u201cThe boys here?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, they\u2019re in town\u2026but they should be back pretty soon,\u201d he said as he continued to stand beside the open door, wishing she would go back from whence she came.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you better close the door, Ben, the mosquitoes are really terrible out there,\u201d Eileen said as she removed her cape and hat and placed them on the arm of the settee along with her handbag, then she sat down on the settee, and settled back in the seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just love this house,\u201d she remarked, looking around.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s big, but a person feels right at home, but then that\u2019s because you Cartwright\u2019s make even a total stranger feel at home.\u00a0 But we\u2019re not really strangers, are we Ben.\u00a0 I mean, after \u201cKingdom of Ponderosa\u201d one could hardly call the five of us strangers.\u00a0 You know what I mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply and closed the door, then poking his hands in his front pockets, he walked slowly over to Eileen and looked down at her.\u00a0 \u201cI know I\u2019m going to regret asking this, but\u2026what can I do for you, Eileen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen jumped up from the settee and looked at him with excitement in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019m so glad you asked!\u00a0 I\u2019ve just completed another fairytale, and I would like you and the boys to perform in it for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben threw his hands up and turned away from her and walked away.\u00a0 \u201cOh no\u2026not on your life!\u00a0 The boys and I had nightmares for a month after that last one!\u00a0 You\u2019ll have to get somebody else to star in it!\u201d\u00a0 Eileen followed him around the room while he paced and talked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ben\u2026I don\u2019t WANT anybody else to star in it!\u00a0 I want you and the boys!\u00a0 I wrote the parts ESPECIALLY for the four of you!\u00a0 You CAN\u2019T turn me down!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben suddenly stopped and turned to face her but not before she ran smack into him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh sorry,\u201d she said in apology.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe CAN\u2019T turn you down?\u00a0 Oh, yes we CAN, and we ARE!\u00a0 Thank you, but NO thank you!\u00a0 Never again!\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied and stepped away from her towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen followed him quickly and looked up at him.\u00a0 \u201cI understand, Ben,\u201d she said in a very sad voice.\u00a0 \u201cBut I never thought a Cartwright would turn his back on a friend\u2026especially a friend in need.\u00a0 And I\u2019m in need of some help on this fairytale, Ben.\u00a0 You don\u2019t know how hard it is for a woman to make something of herself in this day and age.\u00a0 This might be my only chance to be plucked out of obscurity and be known as the greatest woman writer of this decade.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen sighed heavily and took another step towards the door, and turned around to look up at Ben once more.\u00a0 \u201cI just never thought a CARTWRIGHT would turn his back on a friend in need, but\u2026\u201d she said, and drew in an emotional breath, and looked up at him and blinked her eyes, \u201c\u2026I understand,\u201d she concluded, but continued to look up at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s harsh countenance softened when he looked in her eyes, and he relaxed his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWell\u2026goshdarn it, when you look at me with those sad puppy dog eyes\u2026how can I say no.\u00a0 Alright.\u00a0 But only if my sons agree too.\u00a0 Even if ONE of them holds out, you have to promise never to ask us again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen clapped her hands and smiled widely, and bounced up and down in sheer joy.\u00a0 When she stopped bouncing, she said, \u201cI promise!\u201d while she moved her arms behind her back and crossed her fingers, thereby making her promise null and void.\u00a0 Needless to say, Eileen was one very happy writer\/playwright\/director, as she gathered up her shawl, hat, handbag, and skipped over to the staircase, but stopped before she stepped up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it IS alright if I spend the night here, isn\u2019t it, Ben?\u201d she asked, with a sweet smile on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gestured towards the stairs, smiled, and said, \u201cMake yourself at home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen\u2019s smile widened and took the steps up with much enthusiasm.\u00a0 Ben listened as she happily sang \u201cEarly one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a maiden singing in the valley below,\u201d while she made her way up the stairs, down the hall and into the guest room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood looking at the empty staircase, and when the reality hit him of what he had just agreed to, he suddenly turned very pale.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll kill me\u2026my sons will absolutely kill me when I tell them, what I\u2019ve done,\u201d he said in a very miserable sounding voice.\u00a0 Then poking his hands in his front pockets, he turned and walked very slowly to his chair, his gait showing just how miserable he felt.\u00a0 Sitting down very slowly, he leaned forward in his chair and placed his face in both hands.\u00a0 \u201cWoe is me\u2026Oh, woe is me,\u201d he said in heart-wrenching sobs.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Riding into their yard, the Cartwright brothers noticed the rig and horse tied to the hitching rail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonder whose rig that is?\u201d Adam remarked when he stepped out of the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t Doc Martin\u2019s,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Pa has a visitor we don\u2019t know about,\u201d Joe commented, as he stepped down out of HIS saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss snickered.\u00a0 \u201cWhile the mice ere away, the tomcat will play,\u201d he quoted with a deep-throated laugh, as HE too, stepped down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother and gave him an amused look.\u00a0 \u201cI think the saying goes\u2026While the CAT\u2019S away, the MICE will play,\u201d he corrected with a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThet happens too, I reckon,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Adam looked at each other and wagged their heads at their brother.\u00a0 The three of them took time to stable their horses, before going into the house.\u00a0 Once their horses were stabled for the night, the brothers made their way across the yard and as Adam passed the buggy, he peeked inside the back seat and saw several large trunks and boxes, then caught up to his brothers and they entered the house together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing no guest, only their father and with his head in his hands at that, they became alarmed and went straight to him.\u00a0 Adam seated himself on the low table directly in front of his father and touched him on the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked softly with concern in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised his head slowly and looked into the dark eyes of his eldest son, then turned his eyes to his other two sons, who had concerned looks on their faces also.\u00a0 \u201cOh, boys\u2026I didn\u2019t hear you come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObviously,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou seem troubled about something.\u00a0 Does it have anything to do with our visitor?\u00a0 Who is it by the way, and\u2026\u201d Adam looked all around.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026where are they?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss looked around for the visitor also.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat back in his chair and turned his eyes towards the staircase.\u00a0 \u201cThe way I feel has EVERYTHING to do with our visitor, and she\u2019s upstairs in the guest room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwright sons straightened up at the news that their visitor was a female.\u00a0 \u201cShe?\u00a0 Well does \u201cSHE\u201d have a name?\u201d Adam queried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, who is she?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWha\u2019d I tell ya, \u2018bout the tomcat, Adam,\u201d Hoss commented with a snicker in his voice, and his nose wrinkling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam threw his brother a no-nonsense look and he wagged his head in annoyment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT cat?\u201d Ben questioned with a puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind,\u201d Adam replied dryly.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s our guest?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, who is she?!\u201d Joe asked excitedly.\u00a0 \u201cIs it the Widow Jenkins?\u201d he asked with a wide grin on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it isn\u2019t the Widow Jenkins,\u201d Ben replied, then sighed miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers looked at each other dolefully.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell us it\u2019s the Widow Hawkins?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026she isn\u2019t a widow at all,\u201d Ben replied becoming exasperated and closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, now come on\u2026you have a woman upstairs\u2026who isn\u2019t a widow\u2026now are you going to tell us who she is or not?!\u201d Adam said to him, also becoming exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to get up the nerve to tell you boys what I\u2019ve done,\u201d Ben said in a truly unhappy voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds serious, Pa\u2026what did you do?\u201d Adam asked and leaned in closer to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa\u2026tell us.\u00a0 Whatever it is, cain\u2019t be as bad as all thet,\u201d Hoss commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s bad, Hoss, what I\u2019ve done I don\u2019t know if you boys will ever forgive me for.\u00a0 When she looked up at me with those big, brown eyes and such a sweet look on her face\u2026I couldn\u2019t help myself.\u00a0 I just couldn\u2019t control what I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwright brothers looked at each other and all three THINKING that something romantic transpired between their father and the unknown visitor, they all swallowed hard, then looked at their father, who, at the moment, looked to be the epitome of wretchedness warmed over.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three of them moved in closer to their father and each laid a hand on his shoulder or arm.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Pa\u2026we could never hate you, no matter what you did,\u201d Adam reassured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGosh, no Pa\u2026yer our Pa, we would never be ashamed a-enythang ya done,\u201d Hoss also reassured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShoot, Pa, we love you and we\u2019re proud to be your sons,\u201d Joe said with emotion in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at each son and smiled at them.\u00a0 \u201cThank you boys.\u00a0 I really appreciate your words of encouragement and love.\u00a0 It means a lot to me\u2026especially after the wrong I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a very serious voice, Adam said, \u201cPa, maybe what you did in a moment of romantic passion WAS wrong, but we know you\u2019ll do the right thing and marry the woman, and we\u2019ll stand up proudly beside\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMARRY her?!\u201d Ben thundered out.\u00a0 \u201cWhat in the world are you talking about\u2026MARRY her?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa\u2026that\u2019s the decent thing to do,\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed, nodding his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially in a situation like this,\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSituation like what?!\u00a0 What are you boys talking about?!\u201d said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell the delicate situation between you and this woman of course,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cAt least tell us her name.\u00a0 We WOULD like to meet her first,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I don\u2019t think we\u2019re talking about the same thing here,\u201d Ben said back to him.\u00a0 \u201cEither YOU\u2019RE confused\u2026or I\u2019M confused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, they heard footsteps on the staircase and the three Cartwright brothers turned around to see who they thought was going to be their step-mother.\u00a0 When he saw Eileen on the staircase, Adam stood up very slowly, not believing who he was looking at.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss were just as dumbstruck and they looked at each other, and Joe said, \u201cIs that who I think it is, or am I just imagining it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not imagining.\u00a0 I see her, too,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I, but somp\u2019n in my gut says I wish I DIDN\u2019,\u201d Hoss answered with a sick look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his eyes still glued on Eileen, Adam wagged his head back and forth, and said, \u201cPa\u2026what in God\u2019s creation were you THINKING when you couldn\u2019t control yourself!\u00a0 Eileen\u2026of all the women in the world, you lose control of yourself with EILEEN!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen descended the staircase jauntily and in a happy voice, said, \u201cWell, did your father tell you?!\u00a0 What do you fellas think about it?\u00a0 It shouldn\u2019t last more than a week\u2026two at the most.\u00a0 It all depends on the kind of response we get from the people afterwards,\u201d Eileen said as she moved to the settee and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

She waited for their reply but all she saw was dumbfounded looks on their faces.\u00a0 \u201cWell\u2026what\u2019s wrong with the three of you?\u2019 she said as she looked at each one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t last more than a week\u2026two at the most\u2026\u201d Adam repeated, lowering himself slowly down on the table.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care to explain, because I\u2019m a bit puzzled by your attitude about a matter that affects ALL of us in a most sensitive way, especially YOU.\u00a0 Suppose you tell us WHAT shouldn\u2019t last more than a week\u2026two at the most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked over at Ben, who didn\u2019t look very well at the moment.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to tell them, Ben, or do you want ME to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben waved his hand at her, and said, \u201cOh, you tell them, I don\u2019t think I can make myself say the words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His three sons looked at him with surprised puzzled looks on their faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Eileen said and smiled at the three younger Cartwright\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cYour father has already agreed, and has volunteered you three to be in my new fairytale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did WHAT?!\u201d Joe said as he stood up and his eyes widened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did WHUT?!\u201d Hoss said as he stood up next, and his eyes widened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam said as he stood up last, his eyes unblinking and steady.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen smiled and nodded.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s three sons turned their eyes to look on their father.\u00a0 \u201cI DID,\u201d Ben said and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you two didn\u2019t\u2026and you\u2026aren\u2019t.\u00a0 Well that\u2019s a relief!\u201d Adam said and sat down on the settee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA BIG relief!\u201d Joe commented and sat down on the corner of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt shore is,\u201d Hoss said and fell down into the blue velvet chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you were thinking, I know I don\u2019t want to know,\u201d Ben said with a wave of his hand at his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you three will be in my new fairytale, too?!\u201d Eileen asked enthusiastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three Cartwright brothers looked at each other, then turned their eyes to Eileen and at the same time they said, \u201cNO.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut your father promised me.\u00a0 He agreed,\u201d Eileen said in a pleading voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe HE agreed, but WE didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Hoss said and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna git ME in them dadblame tights never agin,\u201d he said definitely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe either,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNor me,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen looked at the Cartwright brothers and knew she was going to have a harder time convincing them to be in her fairytale, so she thought about a different approach than the one she used with their father.\u00a0 She stood up and walked towards the door, then turned back around.\u00a0 \u201cUh\u2026Hoss\u2026could I see you outside for a moment, please,\u201d she said and turned and walked out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore, ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied and started for the door, but was stopped by both brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you do, Hoss, don\u2019t let her talk you into anything,\u201d Adam said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t gotta worry, bout thet, Adam, she ain\u2019t never gonna git me tuh wear them dang fool itchy tights no matter WHUT she says,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe on your guard, Hoss, you know how she works things around to her way of doing things,\u201d Joe warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, little brother, ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 she kin say thet\u2019ll make me git in them itchy tights no MORE.\u00a0 Jist leave it tuh me, I\u2019ll tell \u2018er a thang er two!\u201d Hoss replied and walked towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both brothers slapped Hoss on the back and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cGo get her, brother!\u201d Joe said, urging his brother as though Hoss was going into battle.\u00a0 As Hoss closed the door behind him, Joe turned to look at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou look worried, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI AM, Joe.\u00a0 I feel like we just turned him over to an expert brain washer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss IS gullible, Adam, but he knows when somebody\u2019s trying to take advantage of his gullibility,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right,\u201d Adam replied unconvinced.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside on the veranda, Eileen stood looking up at the night sky when Hoss walked up beside her.\u00a0 \u201cIt sure is a beautiful night, isn\u2019t it, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019um, it \u2018tis.\u00a0 Now \u2018bout us bein\u2019 in this here new fairytale a-yers\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you brought that up, Hoss,\u201d Eileen interjected quickly as she turned to face him.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know how hard it is, Hoss, for a woman to make something of herself in this day and age.\u00a0 This might be my only chance to be plucked out of obscurity and be known as the greatest woman writer of this decade!\u00a0 Surely you don\u2019t think I should be denied a chance for success, do you, Hoss?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShucks no I don\u2019t, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, thank you, Hoss!\u00a0 I knew I could count on you to be in my fairytale!\u00a0 Thank you!\u201d she said and pushed him towards the door and inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the door was closed, Eileen stepped back to the veranda and brushed her hands together.\u00a0 \u201cTwo Cartwright\u2019s down\u2026two to go,\u201d she said with an almost wicked smile on her face, and an almost wicked laugh.\u00a0 I said\u2026ALMOST.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stood just inside the door with a greatly puzzled look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026did you tell her we weren\u2019t going to be in it?\u201d Joe asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWal\u2026I STARTED to, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean you STARTED to\u2026you were supposed to tell her in no uncertain terms we\u2019re not going to be in that fairytale.\u00a0 What happened?\u201d Adam queried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWal\u2026I don\u2019t rightly know, Adam.\u00a0 One minute I was \u2018bout tuh tell \u2018er we wasn\u2019 gonna do it, then the next minute she was huggin\u2019 me an\u2019 thankin\u2019 me fer bein\u2019 in it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what happened between the ONE minute and the NEXT minute?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore beats the heck outta ME.\u00a0 All I know is I\u2019m gonna be in her fairytale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe snookered you, Hoss,\u201d Joe told him.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll just see WHO snookers WHO!\u201d he added and bravely went outside to tell Eileen a thing or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside on the veranda, Eileen stood looking up at the stars, when Joe walked up beside her.\u00a0 \u201cIt sure is a beautiful night, isn\u2019t it, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it is\u2026but I want to tell you something, Eileen,\u201d Joe said as he pointed his finger at her and caused his face to take on a most serious look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen turned and faced him and smiled sweetly at him.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout this new fairytale of yours and you wanting us to be in it.\u00a0 We\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you brought that up, Joe.\u00a0 You know it\u2019s really hard for a woman to make something of herself in this day and age, and this fairytale might be my last chance to be plucked out of obscurity and be known as one of the greatest women writers of this decade!\u00a0 And not only could it help me achieve that, why there would be thousands of beautiful girls just dying to run their fingers through the actors hair, Joe, or stand in line for hours just to touch his face or steal a kiss from him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression changed suddenly to one of great interest in what Eileen was saying and he smiled that incredible smile of his and his hazel eyes lit up when Eileen mentioned the word girls.\u00a0 He crossed his arms over his chest, looked very thoughtful for a few seconds, then said, \u201cYa really think that could happen?\u00a0 Just suppose I agreed to do this fairytale\u2026I\u2019m not saying I AM, just suppose I did\u2026do you think all those girls\u2026you said there could be thousands\u2026would really want to run their fingers through my hair?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen\u2019s eyes widened for Joe\u2019s benefit.\u00a0 \u201cOh, DEFINITELY, Joe!\u00a0 And, yes, THOUSANDS of girls\u2026maybe MORE!\u00a0 All at your beckon call!\u201d she said, then turned her back to him and stepped a step away.\u00a0 \u201cBut\u2026I don\u2019t suppose that will ever happen though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, why not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026only your father and Hoss have agreed to be in my fairytale, I suppose all those thousands of girls will just have to fall down and worship THEM when they become famous because of my fairytale.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t blame you, Joe.\u00a0 Why, you\u2019d probably have to go out with a different beautiful girl every night to work your way through thousands of girls\u2026that would probably get very boring after awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen turned and started walking slowly towards the door.\u00a0 Joe stood in his place and looked very thoughtful about what Eileen had just said.\u00a0 \u201cThousands of beautiful girls\u2026different one every night\u2026.falling down and worshipping my father and brother, Hoss\u2026\u201d\u00a0 he said out loud.\u00a0 Then before Eileen reached the door, he realized the magnitude of the situation, and called to her and came to stand beside her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know\u2026I wouldn\u2019t want to disappoint all those beautiful girls\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe\u2026thank you!\u00a0 I knew I could count on you!\u201d Eileen said as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, then pushed him towards the door and inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the door was closed, Eileen brushed her hands together and smiled at herself.\u00a0 \u201cThree down\u2026one to go,\u201d she said, but then her smile left and her expression was replaced with a frown.\u00a0 \u201cAdam will be the hardest one to convince.\u00a0 He isn\u2019t gullible, so I can\u2019t go that route like with Hoss; and he isn\u2019t conceited, so I can\u2019t persuade him with fame, fortune, or beautiful girls tagging along after him; I\u2019ll have to be a little more diplomatic with HIM.\u00a0 He\u2019s a lot like Ben, but still, he\u2019s different\u2026He won\u2019t be so easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen walked back to the veranda with a very thoughtful look on her face and rubbing her chin between her thumb and forefinger while she thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood just inside the door with a far away dreamy look and a smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the look on your face, I can see WHO snookered WHO,\u201d Adam said to his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody was snookered, Adam,\u201d Joe said in a dreamy-like voice.\u00a0 \u201cWhat Eileen said made a lot of sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh\u2026and what did Eileen SAY?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026she said\u2026in so many words\u2026that if I acted in this fairytale that I would be stepping from being an unknown into fame and fortune.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be stepping INTO something alright, but it won\u2019t be fame and fortune,\u201d Adam said sarcastically.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you realize she got you to agree to be in that stupid fairytale without you even realizing that\u2019s what she was doing?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had remained silent up to now and he turned to his son.\u00a0 \u201cNow hold on a minute, Adam,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s very sincere about that fairytale of hers, and I don\u2019t think you\u2019re being fair to her.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to help her because she\u2019s a friend, and we\u2019ve always helped our friends, especially when they\u2019re in need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, ya shouldn\u2019 oughta talk thet way \u2018bout \u2018er, Adam.\u00a0 She\u2019s only tryin\u2019 tuh make somp\u2019n of herself\u2026and dadburn it, I\u2019m gonna hep \u2018er do it,\u201d Hoss said to his brother with a determined look in his blue eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just think about all the fame and fortune\u2026and thousands of women who will idolize us one day!\u201d Joe announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked from brother to brother to father, then wagged his head back and forth.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe you fellas!\u00a0 My whole family has been taken in by ONE little female con-artist!\u00a0 All that stuff she told you was just to get you to agree to be in her fairytale!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026and I suppose YOU\u2019RE too SMART to be\u2026taken in\u2026by her, huh!\u201d Joe said loudly at his eldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes I AM!\u00a0 And I\u2019ll prove it!\u00a0 I\u2019m going out there and tell her what you three SHOULD have told her, and when I come back in here, she won\u2019t have talked ME into anything!\u201d\u00a0 Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re all a bunch of bleeding hearts!\u201d Adam added, then opened the door and stepped outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the veranda, Eileen stood looking up at the stars when Adam walked up beside her.\u00a0 \u201cIt sure is a beautiful night, isn\u2019t it, Adam?\u201d she said and smiled sweetly at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s a very beautiful night.\u00a0 Uh, Eileen, could I talk to you about something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can, Adam, we\u2019re friends aren\u2019t we\u2026and who CAN you talk to if you can\u2019t talk to a friend\u2026Right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 And friends talk openly and honestly with each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell of course\u2026there\u2019s no other way it should be.\u00a0 What do you want to talk to me about?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to talk to you about my father and brothers and this new fairytale of yours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you brought that up, Adam.\u00a0 You just don\u2019t know how hard it is for a woman to make something of herself in this day and age.\u00a0 Why this fairytale may be a chance for me to be plucked out of obscurity and become one of the greatest women writers in this decade and now with the help of your father and brothers, that could very well happen!\u201d\u00a0 Eileen said, her eyes bright with happiness and her face alight with joy.\u00a0 \u201cWell, goodnight, Adam,\u201d she said and turned towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell wait a minute.\u00a0 You conned my father and brothers to help you with that fairytale\u2026I thought sure you would try to con ME into helping too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen threw him a shocked and hurtful look.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Con is a strong word\u2026especially between friends!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t ASK them to help, they volunteered of their own free will!\u00a0 And as far as asking YOU to be in my fairytale, I knew it wouldn\u2019t do any good to ask!\u00a0 Now if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019m going up to bed, before you accuse me of something else!\u00a0 Goodnight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen whirled around and made a beeline for the door, but Adam caught up to her and reached out and snagged her arm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to accuse you of anything,\u201d he apologized.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m puzzled about something.\u00a0 You really weren\u2019t going to ask me to be in your fairytale this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo of course not\u2026I told you that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Well, I guess I misjudged you.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 But eh, would you tell me WHY you weren\u2019t going to ask me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I don\u2019t really KNOW why.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if I thought you wouldn\u2019t be interested in it, or if you didn\u2019t want to do it because you might think it would be beneath your dignity, or\u2026well, to tell the truth, I don\u2019t know WHY I didn\u2019t ask you\u2026I just DIDN\u2019T.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not that I wouldn\u2019t NOT be interested in it, because I DID have fun in \u201cKingdom of Ponderosa\u201d and I don\u2019t think I\u2019m too dignified to act in a fairytale\u2026I guess I don\u2019t want to be in it because of the snickers and innuendos we had to put up with the last time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well I can\u2019t blame you for feeling that way, Adam, but I know the Cartwright\u2019s are a strong bonded family that can weather any kind of storm.\u00a0 Everybody says that the Cartwright\u2019s loyalty to each other is thicker than blood, and the four of you stick together no matter what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019re close alright.\u00a0 Anything we do, we always do as a family.\u00a0 We\u2019ve always been proud of that, and people know that.\u00a0 As a matter of fact, we\u2019re known as The Four Cartwright\u2019s,\u201d Adam said with a pride in his voice and a look in his eyes to match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen smiled and said, \u201cYeah, I\u2019ve heard people say that too.\u00a0 But I suppose the image of the Four Cartwright\u2019s together bond is about to be broken.\u00a0 Well, goodnight, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen turned and headed for the door again, but Adam stopped her.\u00a0 \u201cUh, what do you mean\u2026about to be broken?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well I was just making a statement\u2026or at least that\u2019s the statement the PRESS will probably put out.\u00a0 I can just see the headlines now\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Eileen held up her hand, cupped her fingers, and drew her arm across in front of her and said, \u201cADAM CARTWRIGHT SPLITS FROM FAMILY!\u00a0 DOES HIS OWN THING!\u201d\u00a0 Eileen dropped her arm and looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou know how cruel and nasty the press can be sometimes,\u201d she said and gave a slight shudder, then added, \u201cespecially when a family is as well-known as yours is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow WELL I know.\u00a0 The newspapers have a field day with any little tidbit of news they can get on our family,\u201d Adam replied with a disgusted expression on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and I dare say they\u2019ll REALLY crucify your family after the reviews are written up on my fairytale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026just think about it, Adam.\u00a0 There are four Cartwright\u2019s\u2026right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re all very close\u2026right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the four of you are loyal to each other\u2026right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026there you have it,\u201d Eileen said and shrugged her shoulders, and turned towards the door again.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight, now,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait\u2026I don\u2019t see what any of this has to do with the press\u2019 biased opinion of my family,\u201d Adam said as he reached out and stopped her from entering the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s simple, Adam, if you think about it.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to be the only Cartwright who isn\u2019t going to perform in my fairytale.\u00a0 You know the press is going to take that and run wild with it.\u00a0 They\u2019ll depict you as the disloyal member of the family and probably even label you a loner\u2026a troublemaker\u2026an outcast\u2026They may even go so far as calling you the black sheep of the family.\u00a0 You know how cruel and nasty the press can be, whether it\u2019s true or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I see what you mean,\u201d Adam said solemnly with a thoughtful look in his dark eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t suppose there\u2019s anything that can be done to stop them from forming the opinion that you\u2019re disloyal and splitting up the family unit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would never do that.\u00a0 My family is the most important thing in the world to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know, I know.\u00a0 But it\u2019s going to be really difficult to convince everyone of that after the reviews come out stating there were only THREE Cartwright\u2019s instead of the four that everyone has come to expect to stick together.\u00a0 You know how cruel and heartless people can be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it\u2019s up to me to see that the family unity stays intact,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you propose to do THAT?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in your fairytale, THAT\u2019S how.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t ask you to be in it, knowing how you feel about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t ASK\u2026I\u2019m volunteering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re SURE.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want you to think that I coerced or conned you into it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I WANT to do it.\u00a0 The responsibility of preserving the family unity has fallen on MY shoulders, and I must do everything possible to live up to that responsibility.\u00a0 Pa always taught us boys that when we have a responsibility, we have to see it through to the end, and that\u2019s exactly what I intend to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGosh, Adam\u2026you\u2019re just about the most honorable man I\u2019ve ever met.\u00a0 You have just restored my faith in human nature.\u00a0 I\u2019d be proud and pleased to have you perform in my new fairytale,\u201d Eileen said and hugged him, and when he couldn\u2019t see her face, she smiled a very self-gratifying, mission accomplished, smile.\u00a0 When she turned loose of Adam, she stepped back and said, \u201cI think I\u2019ll stay out here\u00a0 a little longer, my heart is just so full of awe and wonder at the prospect of having the four of you in my fairytale, I don\u2019t think I could possibly go to sleep yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen nodded and said, \u201cI\u2019ll be in directly,\u201d and with her back to him, she brushed her hands together, and snickered contentedly while Adam went back inside the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam entered the house and closed the door behind him, both brothers rushed up to him, but Ben stayed comfortably in his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what?\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Eileen manage to talk YOU into being in her fairytale?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u00a0 In fact, she didn\u2019t even ASK me to be in it,\u201d Adam said and moved away from the door.\u00a0 \u201cAND she didn\u2019t even TRY to talk me into being in it,\u201d he added in a patronizing tone.\u00a0 \u201cI told you I was too smart to let that happen,\u201d he added and grinned self-righteously, and sat down on the end of the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being impressed that their eldest brother had been able to withstand Eileen\u2019s wiles, they both sat down and all four of them sat in silence for a few minutes, after which the front door opened and Eileen walked in and closed the door behind her and walked over to where the four of them were sitting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, I hate to pressure you fellas, but rehearsal for my fairytale starts real early in the morning and I want you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so I suggest we all get some sleep.\u00a0 Goodnight, fellas,\u201d Eileen said and crossed to the staircase and turned around to face them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know how much this means to me.\u00a0 I feel very privileged that all of you are going to be in my new production.\u00a0 Thank you,\u201d she said, then turned and made her way upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three pairs of eyes stared holes in Adam.\u00a0 He spread his hands out, looked at his family, and said, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll\u2026she said ALL.\u00a0 Does ALL mean like all FOUR of us?\u00a0 Or just what does ALL mean?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means all four of us,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe narrowed his eyes suspiciously at his eldest brother.\u00a0 \u201cBut I thought you said she didn\u2019t talk you into being in the fairytale\u2026in fact you said she didn\u2019t even ASK you to be in it.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that what he said Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYup, thet\u2019s whut he said alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I better explain,\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you better,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what she said made sense,\u201d Adam began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout helping a friend,\u201d Ben interjected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Adam began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018bout makin\u2019 somp\u2019n of herself,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Adam began again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout fame, fortune and beautiful women worshipping us,\u201d Joe stated with that same dreamy-eyed look as before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026now if you\u2019ll just let me speak,\u201d Adam began again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat she said about family\u2026about sticking together.\u00a0 That\u2019s what we\u2019re all about isn\u2019t it\u2026I mean the four of us\u2026together?\u00a0 Aren\u2019t we all about family and loving each other and being loyal to our name?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that who we are?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam\u2026That IS what the Cartwright family stands for, and we\u2019re all a part of it\u2026all four of us\u2026together,\u201d Ben replied very proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026and I couldn\u2019t let the family unit be broken up, not when I could do something about it.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to be the one to bring reproach on the family name for being a dissenter.\u00a0 So\u2026that\u2019s why I asked Eileen if I could be in her fairytale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYOU asked HER?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou see\u2026I\u2019M not a bleeding heart like a certain member of my family, who shall remain nameless,\u201d he added, looking in his father\u2019s direction and giving him a playful wink.\u00a0 \u201cNor can I be talked into things like you know who,\u201d he said, giving Hoss a teasing look.\u00a0 \u201cNor can I be tempted with fame and fortune and hundreds of screaming females wanting to paw all over me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot hundreds of females, Adam\u2026THOUSANDS!\u201d Joe quickly corrected him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever,\u201d Adam replied, giving his youngest brother a look to match his reply.\u00a0 Adam then stretched himself out on the settee, placing his hands behind his head and plopped his feet on the table in front of him.\u00a0 \u201cNope\u2026I\u2019M the logical one of the whole lot of you,\u201d he said confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his eldest son and laughed inside himself.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, Mr. Logical One\u2026and you two too,\u201d he said, looking at Hoss and Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou heard what Eileen said\u2026rehearsal starts early in the morning, so I suggest we get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Adam all stretched out with his hands behind his neck and his feet on the table.\u00a0 \u201cPa, why don\u2019t you ever tell Adam to take HIS feet off the table, like you tell ME,\u201d Joe asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood up and went to stand beside his youngest son and draped an arm around his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cBecause that line is reserved especially for YOU, Joseph,\u201d he said, then gave him a quick pat on the back.\u00a0 Laughter erupted from Hoss and Adam, then Ben joined in, and though it was at his expense they laughed, Joe laughed with them as they made their way upstairs to their rooms, for tomorrow would bring forth a new day that would pave the way to many more as they prepared for Eileen\u2019s newest fairytale adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had managed to secure the town hall for a place to rehearse, and so the four Cartwright\u2019s and Eileen congregated in the hall.\u00a0 All around them were props of all kinds, trunks and trunks full of costumes and boxes and boxes full of various trinkets and the like needed for the production of Eileen\u2019s fairytale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we start rehearsing, I have a surprise for you for the leading lady\u2019s part,\u201d Eileen told the Cartwright\u2019s as she handed them their copy of the script.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you tell us now?\u201d Joe asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could, but I\u2019m not\u2026I want it to be a surprise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen opened one of the costume trunks and rummaged through it, then started pulling out items and draping them over the lid of the trunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no\u2026not them thangs agin,\u201d Hoss groaned, screwing up his face at the sight of the tights Eileen pulled out of the trunk.\u00a0 \u201cIf\u2019n them thangs is itchy\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo promises about that, Hoss,\u201d Eileen replied as she continued to pull clothing items out of the trunk.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve been stored in this trunk since the last time you wore them, so\u2026no promises.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss groaned again, then moved to a chair, sat down and opened his script and began to read over it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this supposed to be a musical?\u201d Adam wanted to know, while he flipped through the pages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026sort of,\u201d Eileen responded while she drew her hand across her forehead, moping away perspiration that had gathered there.\u00a0 \u201cI incorporated some songs here and there, but I wouldn\u2019t exactly label it a musical.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like it\u2019s going to be fun,\u201d Adam replied and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes at his brother\u2019s comment and said, \u201cNow don\u2019t start with that \u201cthis is fun\u201d thing again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen chuckled at them, then went back to sorting out costumes while her four stars went over their scripts with each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen stood in front of her four leading men and praised herself for choosing such fine specimens of manhood to star in her fairytale, of which has yet to start, because Eileen needs all this as an introduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before her stood Ben in his silver tights and tan tunic;\u00a0 Adam in his black tights and black tunic; Hoss in his brown tights and white tunic; and Joe in his green tights and green tunic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss reached down and scratched the calf of his right leg then straightened up with a frown on his face and crossing his eyes to look at the feathered plume that insisted on falling across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadblame these itchy thangs,\u201d Hoss grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd this goldarn feather \u2018n me ere gonna part comp\u2019ny real quick, if\u2019n it don\u2019t stay put!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen walked over to him and reached up to his hat.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, I\u2019ve done everything I can to make it stay in place,\u201d she said as she adjusted the plume once again.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just one of those little quirks you\u2019ll have to put up with\u2026I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen walked back to her place and turned and looked at them once more.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if we\u2019re ready, we can start this fairytale now, I know the people reading this are anxious for it to begin,\u201d Eileen said to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the leading lady\u2026we have to have a leading lady,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so you shall,\u201d Eileen answered and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said it was a surprise as to who she is\u2026when do we get to meet her?\u201d Adam asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight now,\u201d Eileen said and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go get her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Eileen came out onto the stage dressed in a leading lady\u2019s costume.\u00a0 \u201cTa da!\u00a0 Meet your leading lady!\u201d she said, spreading her arms out wide and twirling around in circles, showing off her costume.<\/span><\/p>\n

Four pairs of eyes widened as they looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cYOU?!\u201d they exclaimed in unison.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen stopped twirling and placed her hands on her hips.\u00a0 \u201cYes\u2026ME!\u00a0 Who did you expect\u2026Laura Dayton!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t star in your own fairytale!\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026you just\u2026CAN\u2019T!\u201d Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eileen huffed and shifted her weight onto her other hip and looked at each one of them with determination in her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2026if Michael Landon can write, direct and star in episodes of Bonanza, then I can write, direct and star in MY fairytale!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Michael Landon?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he sounds full of himself\u2026writing, directing AND starring,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Bonanza?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, is thet some kind a-eatin\u2019 place er somp\u2019n?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Michael Landon?!\u00a0 Why, he was just about THE greatest actor who ever lived!\u00a0 And as far as him being full of himself\u2026he was a very talented man and used his talent to bring enjoyment to thousands of people!\u00a0 And as to your question about Bonanza\u2026no, Hoss, it isn\u2019t an eating establishment.\u00a0 It\u2019s THE greatest western that was ever produced!\u00a0 It\u2019s been shown all over the world!\u00a0 But enough about that\u2026we\u2019re doing a fairytale here, so let\u2019s get on with it,\u201d Eileen said to the four of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Director Eileen sat down in her director\u2019s chair and said, \u201cPlaces everyone\u2026and\u2026Let the fairytale begin!\u201d she said in a very enthusiastic voice, and wave of her arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

The fairytale starts now\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ponderosaville was just your average, ordinary small village nestled at the foot of the Sierra Mountains.\u00a0 It was a quaint little village where everyone knew everyone and everyone knew everyone\u2019s business.\u00a0 For the most part, it was a peaceful village and required no peacemaker as such.\u00a0 In fact, one could say Ponderosaville was a perfect place to live, work and rear children.\u00a0 That is, until The Evil Blue One reincarnated himself, moved into the village, and began to terrorize the people.<\/span><\/p>\n

He allowed his thugs to loot the stores; they helped themselves to all the money in the bank; they stole all the horses, so the people had no transportation out of the village; and the Evil Blue One made slaves of all the village fair maidens, save for one, who manages to stay hidden when the evil horsemen make their rounds collecting fair maidens, making them work sixteen hours a day without pay in his factory manufacturing blue dresses.\u00a0 The village of Ponderosaville was turned from a happy, prosperous village into a virtual dungeon and prison which needed deliverance and protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Night and day, and day and night, the people called out for a deliverer to set them free and rid them of The Evil Blue One forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Was there no one in Ponderosaville brave enough to venture out in search of a deliverer?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, yes\u2026of course there was, but would hardly be considered a likely candidate to risk life and limb to search for someone who may not even exist.\u00a0 Who is this brave soul who has volunteered to risk life and limb; who has volunteered to sneak out of the village and go on foot in search of a deliverer?<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it\u2019s none other than the maiden who was spared from working in Evil Blue One\u2019s factory, Maiden Mariah, played by our own Director Eileen.<\/span><\/p>\n

(Applause, applause, applause\u2026.okay, that\u2019s enough applause)<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah put her ear to the door of her cottage and listened intently.\u00a0 As soon as the hoofbeats of the evil horseman\u2019s horse faded away, she opened her door just a sliver of a crack, and putting one eye to the crack in the door, she peered out into the night.\u00a0 All seemed calm and quiet, but she would have only a few minutes to leave her cottage and run to the edge of the village for escape before the evil horseman returned to canvass her street for curfew breakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll seem-eth quiet,\u201d Maiden Mariah said to herself and opened her door a little wider and stuck her head out and looked every which way.\u00a0 \u201cSo good-eth, so far-eth,\u201d she said and opened the door a little wider, and stepped outside, easing the door closed behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, she said, \u201cIt\u2019s now-eth or never-eth,\u201d and hiking her skirts above her shoe tops, she ran like a deer across the street, and just as she reached the corner of the house across the way, she heard the evil horseman approaching.\u00a0 Gasping, she flattened herself against the side of the house, and barely breathed, lest he should hear her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHalt!\u00a0 Who go-eth there!\u201d the evil horseman called out when he heard a noise.\u00a0 When there was no answer, he dismounted and walked towards the corner of the house where Maiden Mariah was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho go-eth there!\u201d he called out again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thinking quickly, Maiden Mariah made a mewing sound like a cat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStupid-eth cat!\u201d the evil horseman exclaimed and picked up a stone and threw it in the direction of the sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stone landed on Maiden Mariah\u2019s foot and she squalled out like a cat that had just had its tail wrenched.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll teach-eth ya,\u201d the evil horseman said, and made his way back over to his horse and mounted up and continued on with his patrol of the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah reached down and rubbed her stoned foot and scrunched up her face in pain.\u00a0 \u201cDadblame-th it!\u00a0 That hurts-eth!\u201d she complained.\u00a0 Knowing she had very little time left before the evil horseman made his way round to the edge of the village, Maiden Mariah limped her way as quickly as she could to the edge of the village, grumbling all the way that the evil horseman\u2019s aim with the stone had been much better this time than all the rehearsal times put together.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time she reached the edge of Ponderosaville, the throbbing in her foot had vanished and so had her limp.\u00a0 She stopped at the edge of the village and turned around for one last look.\u00a0 A tear caught in the corner of both eyes as she gazed on the village of her birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFarewell, mine sweet village\u2026or at least thou used to be.\u00a0 Perhaps one day-eth thou wilt be again when I find-eth thy deliverer,\u201d she said and placed her fingertips to her lips and blew her village a farewell kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, she ran out of the village limits and disappeared into the Blue Pine Forest, where the blue gnu and warthogs live.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Many miles away, beyond The Blue Pine Forest, dwelt a good man and his three good sons.\u00a0 They were not well-off by any stretch of the imagination, but they were happy and content on their two acres of land.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man\u2019s name was Pauper Ben, whom his sons called Pa\u2026uh, that\u2019s short for Pauper because they couldn\u2019t even afford a last name.\u00a0 Pauper Ben\u2019s three handsome sons were: black-haired, brown-eyed Pauper Adam, who was the first-born and only college educated son; then there was second-born, light-haired, blue-eyed Pauper Hoss, who was a giant of a man, but gentle as a lamb; then there was the third and last born, dark and curly haired, Pauper Joseph, whose hazel eyes twinkled with mischief almost daily and whose cackling laugh was unmatched.\u00a0 Though not a member of the family, Cook Hop Sing-eth, rounded out Pauper Ben\u2019s household.<\/span><\/p>\n

The house they lived in had a hundred doors inside, but only two of the doors led anywhere.\u00a0 The other doors led to rooms that seemed to disappear or change every time the door was opened, so they stayed clear of those rooms and used only the rooms they knew wouldn\u2019t consume them forever when they entered in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben loved his sons and his sons loved him.\u00a0 There was just so much love flowing from Pauper Ben and his sons that Pauper Hoss had a get-rich-quick idea that if they bottled and sold the love that flowed out of them, they would be rich in no time at all, but\u00a0<\/span>
\nPauper Ben explained to Pauper Hoss that love shouldn\u2019t be bottled up, nor should it be sold, but should be expressed sincerely and given freely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShucks-eth, Pa, how ere we ever gonna git rich if\u2019n we don\u2019t got nothin\u2019 tuh sell-eth,\u201d Pauper Hoss complained one day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWealth isn\u2019t always measured in what we possess-eth, Pauper Hoss.\u00a0 It\u2019s measured by what-eth we feel-eth inside,\u201d Pauper Ben said, pointing to his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think-eth we\u2019ll ever be rich in thangs-eth?\u201d Pauper Hoss asked and reached down to scratch his leg.\u00a0 \u201cOhhh these dadblame ole itchy thangs!\u201d he added most disdainfully.\u00a0 \u201cWhy we gotta wear these ole thangs?!\u201d he grumbled loudly while he scratched his thighs wildly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCUT!\u00a0 It\u2019s either wear the tights, Hoss, or thee wilt have bare legs,\u201d Director Eileen said to him.\u00a0 \u201cAnd please\u2026try not to think about it, or stray from the script.\u00a0 Okay?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try, but dadBLAME\u2026these thangs feel like they\u2019s full a-fleas ere somp\u2019n,\u201d he said and scratched the calves of his legs vigorously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood with his weight on one hip and his arms crossed over his chest watching Hoss scratch.\u00a0 He wagged his head in amusement at him and did his best to stifle a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss finally stopped scratching, Director Eileen started up the fairytale again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026from Hoss\u2019 last line.\u00a0 Places everyone\u2026and\u2026ACTION!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think-eth we\u2019ll ever be rich in thangs-eth?\u201d Pauper Hoss asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know-eth Pauper Hoss, but even if we\u2019re not, we won\u2019t be any worse off-eth.\u00a0 As long as we have-eth each other, we\u2019re very rich.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTime-uh fo-uh din-nuh, Mis-tuh Pauper-uh Ben,\u201d Cook Hop Sing-eth said as he came from the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Hoss rubbed his hands together and smacked his lips in anticipation of their evening meal.\u00a0 \u201cOh boy-eth\u2026I bin waitin\u2019 all day fer this-eth!\u00a0 What\u2019re we-eth havin\u2019 fer dinner-eth?\u201d he asked Cook Hop Sing-eth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing-eth\u2019s face beamed brightly as he answered.\u00a0 \u201cFo-uh din-nuh we-uh have f-lied lice an\u2019 led beans!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Hoss\u2019 expression was one of pure puzzlement.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019n tarnation is flied lice?\u00a0 Thet don\u2019t sound too appetizin\u2019, Hop Sing-eth.\u00a0 Don\u2019t b\u2019lieve we ever e\u2019t flied lice afore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFRIED RICE, Pauper Hoss\u2026fried rice,\u201d Pauper Adam corrected his pauper brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026well thet don\u2019t sound-eth too bad, but I don\u2019t know \u2018bout them lead beans\u2026they mite go down kinda heavy, ya know,\u201d Pauper Hoss said with that same look of puzzlement on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRED beans, Pauper Hoss.\u00a0 Fried rice and red beans\u2026that\u2019s what Hop Sing-eth said,\u201d Pauper Adam corrected his brother again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019m gonna hafta larn thet Chinese lang\u2019ege so\u2019s I kin understand whut Hop Sing-eth is say\u2019n-eth,\u201d Pauper Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLearn CHINESE\u2026maybe you better-eth learn-eth English first-eth,\u201d Pauper Joseph responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhut\u2019s thet little-eth brother,\u201d Pauper Hoss said to his sibling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing-eth,\u201d Pauper Joseph responded dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s eat-eth shall we,\u201d Pauper Ben said to his sons, and the four of them, and Hop Sing-eth sat down and enjoyed their dinner of flied lice and led beans\u2026ah, I mean fried rice and red beans.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah crept slowly through the Blue Pine Forest, trying to avoid stepping on loud breaking twigs as she journeyed through, hoping to reach the edge of the Blue Pine Forest while it was still night.\u00a0 If she happened to get caught trekking through the Blue Pine Forest, she would be turned over to The Evil Blue One to work in his factory, or be banished to the Blue Tower forever, or until she was rescued by some stupid idiot\u2026I mean\u2026some brave soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking behind and all around her, Maiden Mariah continued to walk towards freedom.\u00a0 Her search for a deliverer for her village was foremost on her mind.\u00a0 She was searching for a deliverer, but she wondered what a deliverer looked like.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he tall-eth?\u00a0 Is he short-eth?\u00a0 Is he old-eth?\u00a0 Is he young-eth?\u00a0 Ahhh\u2026so many questions without answers.\u00a0 How will I ever know-eth him when I meet-eth him?\u201d she said out loud to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou wilt know in due time,\u201d she heard a voice say, and she stopped suddenly, being very afraid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho go-est there?!\u201d she asked, her voice quavering and her dark eyes wide with fright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is I\u2026the one to whom thou speak-est.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are thou?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDost thou have a name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut of course I have a name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah folded her hands and placed them against her cheek, looked up into the darkness and said, \u201cPray tell me thy name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know \u2018tis you, but what-eth shall I call thee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou mayest call me, ME.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah dropped her hands and frowned in puzzlement.\u00a0 \u201cME?\u00a0 What kind of name is ME?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the name thou wrote-est in the script-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah who now took on the role of Director Eileen, stood with her hands on her hips and in no uncertain terms, said, \u201cAlright, Bubba, no ad-libbing.\u00a0 Just stay with the script.\u00a0 If this fairytale is too long, no one will want to read it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Bubba\u2019s voice came back and said, \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u00a0 From my last line\u2026now places\u2026and\u2026ACTION!\u201d Director Eileen called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of name is ME?\u201d Maiden Mariah asked the voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s short for Meanderthal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026you say I shall know-eth mine deliverer when I see-eth him\u2026how wilt I know-eth him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay on the course thou art traveling and thou wilt find him in due time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut HOW wilt I know-eth him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou wilt know.\u00a0 Now I gotta go, lady.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Maiden Mariah was sorely discouraged that she could not learn the identity of her deliverer, and so she did as Bubba\u2026ME\u2026told her, and continued her journey through the Blue Pine Forest.\u00a0 She realized that she must hurry for in a few hours it would be morning and she knew she had to be out of the Blue\u00a0 Pine Forest by then, or something dreadful would happen to her.\u00a0 She stepped up her pace, though she was growing weary and hungry.<\/span>
\nWhile Maiden Mariah was talking to ME, Pauper Ben and his pauper sons were sleeping contentedly in their room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben dreamed of his pauper sons and how much he loved them; Pauper Adam dreamed of one day sailing the ocean blue in a ship; Pauper Hoss dreamed of a houseful of food prepared especially for him; and Pauper Joseph dreamed of being surrounded by thousands of beautiful women who kept running their fingers through his hair and kissing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When morning came and the paupers had finished sleeping, they rose from their pauper mats on the floor, dressed, and made their way into the kitchen to eat the delicious breakfast of blue bird egg omelet and rice coffee, Hop Sing-eth prepared for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the food had all been eaten, Pauper Hoss stood to his feet and rubbed his stomach contentedly.\u00a0 \u201cThet sure was some good blue egg omelet, Hop Sing-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing-eth smiled and bowed low.\u00a0 \u201cVelly glad you-uh like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes-eth, it was quite tasty,\u201d Pauper Adam commented, then turned his attention to his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat wouldst thou wish-est for us to do-eth this day, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou may-est work with the horses,\u201d Pauper Ben replied and Pauper Adam bowed at the waist in respect to his father, then left to do that which his father requested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me-eth, Pa?\u201d Pauper Joseph asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou may-est work on the fence-eth and thou, Pauper Hoss, may-est work-eth in the garden.\u00a0 Now, off you go-eth,\u201d\u00a0 Pauper Ben said, dismissing them with a wave of his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI have much paperwork to catch-eth up on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His two youngest left to do their chores, and Pauper Ben sat down at his small, but adequate desk and began working, while Hop Sing-eth shuffled back into the kitchen, singing his favorite Chinese folk song, \u201cShe\u2019ll Be Comin\u2019 Round The Mountain When She Comes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Pauper Ben hardly got started on his paperwork, Pauper Adam entered the house rather quickly and stood before his father.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I think-est thou need-est see this,\u201d Pauper Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, my son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just think-est thou better come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben rose from his chair and followed Pauper Adam.\u00a0 They made their way to the barn where they kept their pauper horses, and when they entered, Pauper Adam placed a finger to his lips, indicating his father should not talk.\u00a0 Making their way silently to a corner of the barn, on a soft bed of straw, lay a maiden sleeping soundly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben and Pauper Adam both looked at each other for an answer as to who she was, but since they couldn\u2019t possibly know her, they shrugged their shoulders.\u00a0 At that moment, Pauper Joseph burst into the barn very loudly, and the maiden woke suddenly and when her eyes focused on the two men in tights standing in front of her, her eyes widened and she sat bolt upright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do me no harm!\u00a0 I have traveled far and when I saw-est thy barn, I took refuge for the night.\u00a0 I meant no harm!\u201d the maiden said to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the sound of a female voice, Pauper Joseph dropped his hammer and nails and ran to where he heard her voice.\u00a0 \u201cA girl, Pa!\u00a0 A real live girl!\u201d Pauper Joseph exclaimed joyously and started towards her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam reached out and grabbed him by the neck of his green tunic and pulled him back.\u00a0 \u201cStuff-eth thy eyes back in thy head-est, young-eth brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden backed away from the three men in tights for she was fearful of them.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, I beg thee!\u00a0 Do me no harm!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to harm thee, maiden.\u00a0 We are good and kind and wish no harm to anyone,\u201d Pauper Ben spoke softly and kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The maiden looked into his chocolate brown eyes and saw sincerity and genuine concern for her.\u00a0 \u201cI believe-est thou speak-eth the truth.\u00a0 I will not be afraid,\u201d she said and stepped towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom whence comest thou and what is thy name?\u201d Pauper Ben asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI come from a village beyond the Blue Pine Forest and my name is Maiden Mariah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMariah?\u00a0 I know a song by that name\u2026would you like to hear it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without waiting for an answer, Pauper Adam began to sing:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAway out here they got a name<\/span>
\nFor wind and rain and fire<\/span>
\nThe rain is test, the fire\u2019s Joe<\/span>
\nAnd they call the wind Mariah.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariah blows the stars around<\/span>
\nAnd sends the clouds a-flyin\u2019<\/span>
\nMariah makes the mountains sound<\/span>
\nLike folks up there was dyin\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariah (echo Mariah)\u00a0 Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span>
\nThey call the wind Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span><\/p>\n

Before I knew Mariah\u2019s name<\/span>
\nAnd heard her wail and whinin\u2019<\/span>
\nI had a girl and she had me<\/span>
\nAnd the sun was always shinin\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

But then one day<\/span>
\nI left my girl<\/span>
\nI left her far behind me<\/span>
\nBut now I\u2019m lost<\/span>
\nSo goldarn lost<\/span>
\nNot even God can find me<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariah (echo Mariah) Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span>
\nThey call the wind Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span><\/p>\n

Out here they got a name for wind<\/span>
\nAnd rain and fire only<\/span>
\nBut when you\u2019re lost and all alone<\/span>
\nThere ain\u2019t no word but lonely.<\/span><\/p>\n

And I\u2019m a lost and lonely man<\/span>
\nWithout a star to guide me<\/span>
\nMariah blow my love to me<\/span>
\nI need my girl beside me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariah (echo Mariah) Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span>
\nThey call the wind Mariah (echo Mariah)<\/span><\/p>\n

Mariah\u00a0 (echo Mariah)\u00a0 Mariahhhhhhhh<\/span>
\nBlow\u2026my\u2026love\u2026to\u2026meeeeeeeeeeeee<\/span>
\n(echo Mariah-ah-ah)<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finished, Maiden Mariah stood with her eyes wide and her mouth agape as she marveled in awe at his singing ability.\u00a0 \u201cWhere didst all that music come-est from when thou sang-est?!\u201d she asked in a voice of total amazement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam frowned thoughtfully and said, \u201cWhenever I start singing\u2026it starts up\u2026I never have figured out yet just how that happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art indeed blessed with talent\u2026ah, I don\u2019t know thy name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u00a0 It\u2019s Pauper Adam.\u00a0 And this is my pauper father and my brother, Pauper Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah smiled and curtsied at them, but suddenly became weak in the knees and would have fallen had Pauper Adam not caught her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArt thou alright?\u201d Pauper Adam said to her as he supported her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have been traveling all night and without food,\u201d she answered while she leaned against him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring-est her in the house, Pauper Adam, we shall share our food with her,\u201d Pauper Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I canst ask that of thee.\u00a0 I can tell by looking at thy clothes, thou art no more wealthy than I,\u201d Maiden Mariah replied.\u00a0 \u201cI canst take what little food I know thou must have.\u00a0 I shall just be on my quest,\u201d she added and stepped away from Pauper Adam, but before she took ten steps she wilted to the floor of the barn, and the three of them rushed over to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring-est her into the house,\u201d Pauper Ben said, then led the way out of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam knelt down and hauled Maiden Mariah up in his arms and while he carried her to the house, Pauper Joseph rubbed her wrists vigorously and patted her face in an attempt to revive her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Hoss saw them enter the house with her and he made his way inside the house also, scratching his legs as he walked.\u00a0 Pauper Adam laid the maiden down gently on the settee, then went to fetch Hop Sing-eth, who was trained in fainting females and such as that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam and Hop Sing-eth returned and when he waved a bottle of something stinky under Maiden Mariah\u2019s nose, she sputtered and coughed and her eyes fluttered open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing-eth make-uh some-uh broth,\u201d Hop Sing-eth said and shuffled back to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is she?\u201d Pauper Hoss questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe saith her name is Maiden Mariah,\u201d Pauper Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, like that song I sing\u2026Away out here they got a na\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t start singing,\u201d Pauper Ben complained.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got a sick maiden here we must tend to.\u201d Pauper Ben held one of her hands between his and said to her, \u201cHop Sing-eth wilt have some broth for thee soon\u2026thou rest-eth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art most kind, and go-eth to much trouble-eth for a stranger.\u00a0 I thank-eth thee, but I canst stay, I must press-eth on,\u201d Maiden Mariah said and started to sit up, but Pauper Ben gently pushed her back down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou must eat-est first to gain thy strength.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art a most kind man.\u00a0 I shall do as thee request.\u00a0 Thank-eth thee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEh\u2026you said thee came-est from beyond the Blue Pine Forest\u2026thou art a long way from home,\u201d Pauper Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d she replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re ya doin\u2019 way over here-eth?\u201d Pauper Hoss wanted to know, then scratched his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI left my village to seek-est a deliverer for mine village.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA deliverer?\u00a0 Why must thy village be delivered?\u201d Pauper Ben questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMine village\u2026Ponderosaville\u2026is in bondage to The Evil Blue One.\u00a0 He holds everyone captive and I, alone, was able to escape.\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah sat up and with enthusiasm in her eyes and in her voice, she said, \u201cIf I couldst but find the deliverer for mine village, he wouldst set it free and rid it of The Evil Blue One forever.\u00a0 That is why I must press on.\u00a0 I must find this deliverer and take him back to mine village before the people stop wishing for a deliverer and die.\u00a0 Dost thee know where I couldst find him?\u201d Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes were full of tears and her voice pleading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Maiden, but we know-eth of no such deliverer,\u201d Pauper Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didst not think-eth so,\u201d she said very sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, why canst WE help her rid her village of this Evil Blue One?\u201d Pauper Joe spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPauper Joe, son\u2026we art paupers, we art no vigilante committee.\u201d\u00a0 Pauper Ben turned to Maiden Mariah.\u00a0 \u201cIs there no peacekeeper in thy village?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNay.\u00a0 The Evil Blue One rules and chaos is rampant and all are prisoners in their own homes.\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah began to weep, then lay down again.\u00a0 \u201cMine heart holds much sadness for mine village.\u00a0 I feel I have failed them somehow and now they will perish-eth and it wilt be MY fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing-eth brought his patient a bowl of hot blue bird egg broth and shooed the four men in tights away until after she had eaten.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Maiden Mariah ate, Pauper Ben talked with his pauper sons.\u00a0 \u201cI sure feel sorry for her,\u201d he said to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we gotta do somp\u2019n tuh hep thet little-eth gal-eth,\u201d Pauper Hoss said, then reached down and scratched his leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPauper Hoss is right, Pa\u2026we canst just turn-eth her away.\u00a0 It\u2019s our responsibility to help her,\u201d Pauper Adam said to his pauper father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSays who?\u201d Pauper Ben responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt says so in the script\u2026see\u2026right here,\u201d Pauper Adam said, whipping out his copy of the script from inside his tunic, and showing Pauper Ben.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s our responsibility to help her,\u201d he read as he pointed to the place in the script.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Pauper Ben said and shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s in the script, then that\u2019s what we\u2019ve got to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam nodded, and stuffed the script back inside his tunic front.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, fellas,\u201d Director Eileen said. \u201cGet on with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They nodded and Pauper Ben said, \u201c Well, I guess I DO feel some responsibility for her\u2026alright\u2026we\u2019ll do what we can, but we\u2019ll have to make-eth her understand we canst do no more than try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When they turned around, Maiden Mariah was on her feet.\u00a0 \u201cI thank-eth thee most kindly for thy hospitality.\u00a0 I shall burden thee no longer.\u00a0 Good-bye,\u201d she said and turned towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Maiden Mariah\u2026we\u2019d like a word with thee, if we may-est,\u201d Pauper Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she answered and walked back to them.\u00a0 \u201cWhat dost thee wish-est to speak-eth to me about?\u00a0 If thee want-est coin for the food thou fed-est me, I have none to give thee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNay-nay\u2026the food is free.\u00a0 What we wanted to speak-eth to thee about is concerning thy village.\u00a0 If thou wish-est, we\u2026my pauper sons and I\u2026will travel back with thee and do what-est we can for thy village.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cThou mean-est thou wilt play the role of deliverer of my village?!\u201d she asked excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll we canst do is try,\u201d Pauper Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thou art truly most good and kind\u2026ALL of thee!\u00a0 I wish-est for thee to help!\u00a0 Verily I do!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen it shall be done,\u201d Pauper Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cPrepare-est the horses, Pauper Joseph; Pauper Hoss, thou sharpen-est the swords, and Pauper Adam, thou entertain-eth Maiden Mariah whilst I help-eth Pauper Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, I want-eth to entertain-eth Maiden Mariah,\u201d Pauper Joseph begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToo late-eth,\u201d Pauper Adam said as he whisked Maiden Mariah outside where he seated her in the garden bench, then knelt down at her knee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldst thou like to hear me sing another song?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026Yeah\u2026Sure,\u201d she replied, not wanting to hurt his feelings by saying no.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam cleared his throat, then began:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEarly one morning<\/span>
\nJust as the sun was rising<\/span>
\nI heard a maiden singing<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, remember<\/span>
\nYour vows to marry<\/span>
\nRemember, remember<\/span>
\nYour promise to be true<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gay is the garland<\/span>
\nAnd fresh are the roses<\/span>
\nI culled from my garden<\/span>
\nTo bind upon thy brow<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus sang the maiden<\/span>
\nHer sorrows be wailing<\/span>
\nThus sang the pretty maiden<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor maiden so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early one morning<\/span>
\nJust as the sun was rising<\/span>
\nI heard a maiden singing<\/span>
\nIn the valley below<\/span>
\nOh don\u2019t deceive me<\/span>
\nOh never leave me<\/span>
\nHow could you use<\/span>
\nA poor\u2026maiden\u2026.soooooooooo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Pauper Adam finished singing he noticed tears in Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhy weepest thou, Maiden Mariah?\u00a0 Was I off-key?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She wagged her head slightly and displayed a half smile and through her tears she looked into his dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe used to have music and singing in my village before\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah stopped and placed her face in her hands and cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou wilt again,\u201d Pauper Adam said kindly and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder and seated himself beside her on the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pauper Adam, I didst not mean to show weakness, but when I left Ponderosaville in search of a deliverer, I was sad to leave because only sadness and darkness art there now, but once my village was full of music and singing and sunshine like thou hath here.\u00a0 Now\u2026I\u2019m not sure I WANT-ETH to go back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPonderosaville is thy home.\u00a0 Thou must return-est, and thou hast mine promise that we wilt do all we can to restore-eth the music and sunshine for thy village, and for thee,\u201d Pauper Adam said then kissed the back of her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou art indeed a true gentleman, Pauper Adam.\u00a0 Now I know-est THEE art the deliverer I seek\u2026Thee and thy kindred.\u00a0 Mine village WILL be restored as thee promised..I know-est it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said thou hast my vow that we wouldst TRY, I didst not promise that we wouldst for certain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is all that matters\u2026that thee art willing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ready Pauper Adam,\u201d Pauper Ben said to his son, and handed him his sword and sheath which Pauper Adam strapped around his waist.\u00a0 Placing his black hat on his head, he took Maiden Mariah\u2019s hand, and she stood to her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI regret we have no horse for thee to ride, so thou must ride double with one of us,\u201d Pauper Ben said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMuh horse is the biggest\u2019un, she kin ride with me,\u201d Pauper Hoss said, then reached down and scratched his legs vigorously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how to keep thy tights from itching thy legs so dreadfully, Pauper Hoss,\u201d Maiden Mariah said when she was settled in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s thet?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah leaned up and whispered something into his ear.\u00a0 He drew back suddenly, widened his eyes, and loudly exclaimed, \u201cShave muh legs?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His father and brothers looked at him, but showed no surprise.\u00a0 He looked at each of them and said, \u201cIs thet why YOU three don\u2019t itch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three of them looked back at him, and raised their eyebrows at him, then heeled their mounts forward, a small smile on each of their faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

The group traveled toward the Blue Pine Forest stopping once to water their horses and to rest before continuing on.\u00a0 While they sat on the grass beside the lake, Pauper Adam began to sing:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe water is wide<\/span>
\nI cannot get over<\/span>
\nAnd neither have<\/span>
\nI wings to fly<\/span>
\nGive me a boat<\/span>
\nThat will carry two<\/span>
\nAnd both shall row<\/span>
\nMy love and I.<\/span><\/p>\n

A ship there is<\/span>
\nAnd she sails the sea<\/span>
\nShe\u2019s loaded deep<\/span>
\nAs deep can be<\/span>
\nBut not so deep<\/span>
\nAs the love I\u2019m in<\/span>
\nI know not how<\/span>
\nI sink or swim.<\/span><\/p>\n

I leaned my back<\/span>
\nUp against an oak<\/span>
\nI thought it was<\/span>
\nA trusty tree<\/span>
\nBut first it bended<\/span>
\nAnd then it broke<\/span>
\nAnd thus my love<\/span>
\nProved false to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

I spied a flower<\/span>
\nOn some soft bough<\/span>
\nAnd thought to take it<\/span>
\nFor my own<\/span>
\nI cut my heart<\/span>
\nOn the razor thorn<\/span>
\nAnd left the sweetest<\/span>
\nFlower alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh love is handsome<\/span>
\nAnd love is fine<\/span>
\nGay as a jewel<\/span>
\nWhen first its new<\/span>
\nBut love grows old<\/span>
\nAnd waxes cold<\/span>
\nAnd fades away<\/span>
\nLike summer dew<\/span>
\nAnd fades awayyyyyyyyy<\/span>
\nLike summer dewwwwwwwww.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was beautiful Pauper Adam, but very sad.\u00a0 Dost thee know any lively, happy songs?\u201d Maiden Mariah asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh sure\u2026Let\u2019s sing \u2018Sourwood Mountain\u2019 for Maiden Mariah,\u201d Pauper Adam said to his father and brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, Pauper Adam son, but can we sing whilst we travel.\u00a0 We still have far to go,\u201d Pauper Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were all mounted, Maiden Mariah riding with Pauper Adam now, and the horses started moving, Pauper Ben and his pauper sons began singing:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChickens crowing over the mountain<\/span>
\nHey ho diddle dum day<\/span>
\nSo many pretty girls you can\u2019t count \u2018em<\/span>
\nHey ho diddle dum day<\/span><\/p>\n

My true love\u2019s a blue-eyed daisy<\/span>
\nHey ho diddle dum day<\/span>
\nSometimes she almost drives me crazy<\/span>
\nHey ho diddle dum day\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the music and singing died out, Maiden Mariah was laughing and clapping her hands.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t had so much fun since\u2026\u201d Maiden Mariah stopped talking and her happy expression was replaced with an unhappy one.\u00a0 \u201cSince the Evil Blue One took over our village,\u201d she added, speaking Evil Blue One\u2019s name with much bitterness in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell us about-eth this Evil Blue One,\u201d Pauper Adam said as the horses ambled on.\u00a0 \u201cHe sounds like a real sweet-eth character.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoison is in his mouth and he alone holds the key to Ponderosaville\u2019s preservation\u2026or destruction,\u201d Maiden Mariah replied very bleakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it that thou alone has been able to keep free of Evil Blue One?\u201d Pauper Adam asked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026when Evil Blue One and his evil horsemen first came into our village, I was bathing myself in the river behind my cottage and I heard people screaming, so I got out of the water, put my clothes on and sneaked my way closer so I could see what-eth was going on.\u00a0 When I saw the people of my village in chains and stocks being led away, I hid until I heard no sounds in the village, then ventured out to investigate.\u00a0 When I learned everyone, save me, was a prisoner, I vowed to myself to avenge them of the adversary.\u00a0 Trouble was\u2026I knew I could not do it alone.\u00a0 When I learned their routine of patrol, I worked out a plan to escape to search-eth for a deliverer for my village, and so I successfully escaped and ended up in thy barn.\u00a0 Thou know-est the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe thinks thou art a brave maiden,\u201d Pauper Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not brave at all, it frightens me sorely to think-est of coming face to face with Evil Blue One.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s he called thet?\u201d Pauper Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was a child, I used to hear stories about him from people who had successfully escaped from him from other villages that he is a blue color from head to toe, and is truly a sight to behold, though I have never seen him myself.\u00a0 No one know-eth HOW it came-est to be that he is the color-eth blue,\u201d Maiden Mariah explained.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I have also heard when he has taken everything good from a village, he turns it and everyone in it blue, and then the village fades away into dust and the people die.\u00a0 Now he has taken over MY village,\u201d Maiden Mariah began to weep again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWeep-est not, Maiden Mariah.\u00a0 I have vowed in mine heart to avenge thee of thy adversary.\u00a0 I will avenge thee to mine death if need be,\u201d Pauper Adam said, stopping his horse and striking a most brave pose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow ain\u2019t thet goin\u2019 a mite fer?\u201d Pauper Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026it says so right here in the script,\u201d Pauper Adam said and whipped out the script again from inside his tunic and showed it to Pauper Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cSee\u2026to mine death if need be,\u201d he read pointing to the script, then replacing it back inside his tunic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Director Eileen gave him a look that said \u201cjust get on with the fairytale\u201d.\u00a0 He looked at her and shrugged his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing on\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP-ETH!\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah yelled suddenly, and Pauper Adam pulled a hard rein on Sport-eth\u2019s bridle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the world is wrong-eth?!\u201d Pauper Ben exclaimed at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didst not realize how near to Blue Pine Forest we have come.\u00a0 We must not enter therein whilst it is yet day,\u201d Maiden Mariah said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not?\u201d Pauper Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Forest is awake in the day and many evils lurk-eth therein.\u00a0 Evil Blue One has his cronies hiding within and turn-eth everyone back to their own land\u2026or kill-eth them if it pleaseth him more.\u00a0 That is why I traveled through at night\u2026the Forest sleeps and it is safe to venture in.\u00a0 If I had traveled through in the light, they would have captured me and taken me to the Evil Blue One,\u201d Maiden Mariah explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a better chance of surprising Evil Blue One if we reach the village at night, but we must travel through the Blue Forest in the light to accomplish that, Maiden Mariah,\u201d Pauper Ben explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut art thou not afraid of being discovered and made to turn back or getting killed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we don\u2019t go looking for a fight, but we don\u2019t turn tail and run from one either, especially if we\u2019re not the ones doing the provoking.\u00a0 Besides\u2026we gave thee our word we wouldst help thee,\u201d Pauper Adam responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee do what thee think-eth best.\u00a0 I wouldst not think-eth less of thee if thou didst turn back.\u00a0 But if thee decides to advance through the Blue Pine Forest, then I wilt not be afraid,\u201d Maiden Mariah said and looked at each one with great admiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTime\u2019s wasting,\u201d Pauper Ben said, and held up his hand and gave them the command to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly the travelers moved into The Blue Pine Forest.\u00a0 As they traveled they did no talking amongst themselves, only listening intently for signs of a coming attack from The Evil Blue One.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode deeper and deeper into the forest, birds of the forest chirped and sang, and small animals scurried across the path in front of them.\u00a0 Monkeys screeched and swung from tree limb to tree limb.\u00a0 The blue gnu and wild warthogs snorted, growled, and chased each other, but left the humans alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making their way through the thickest part of The Blue Pine Forest now, they had to dismount and walk their horses, because of the thickness of the underbrush and low hanging limbs.\u00a0 As they walked, the forest suddenly grew strangely quiet, and Pauper Adam stopped walking.\u00a0 \u201cListen,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNot a sound in the forest, save the sound of our own heartbeats.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah looked all around her and became suddenly afraid, so she pressed herself against Pauper Adam and she felt safe again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe thought thee said The Blue Pine Forest sleep-eth at NIGHT.\u00a0 It is yet day,\u201d Pauper Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt does sleep-eth at night.\u00a0 I do not like-eth this, Pauper Adam,\u201d Maiden Mariah said rather glumly.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, men jumped from behind trees with swords in their hands, and surrounded the group of travelers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho art thee, and why hast thee come this way?\u201d a swarthy swordsmen asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben took a step towards the one who spoke and said, \u201cWe art traveling to Ponderosaville.\u00a0 We have some business to attend to there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort-eth of business?\u201d the man asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, that\u2019s our business,\u201d Pauper Adam spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man glared at him, then looked at Maiden Mariah.\u00a0 When she saw the look he gave her, she pressed herself tighter against Pauper Adam and he placed an arm around her in a protective way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is SHE?\u201d the man asked as his eyes drank her in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe travels with us,\u201d Pauper Adam replied, his hand resting uneasily above his sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou may-est go back from whence thee came.\u00a0 The maiden comes with us,\u201d the man said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe maiden stays with US,\u201d Pauper Adam replied in a tone to let the man know he was not to be trifled with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe maiden will come with us,\u201d the man repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen thou wilt haft to fight-est me for her,\u201d Pauper Adam said as he gently pushed Maiden Mariah towards his father and brothers and drew his sword at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee art no match for me,\u201d the man said in a menacing voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wilt take mine chances,\u201d Pauper Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPauper Adam!\u00a0 Please do not do-eth this\u2026I beg thee!\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah pleaded with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam heeded not her words, but took his stance, feet spread apart, left hand behind him, and sword raised.\u00a0 \u201cEn garde,\u201d Pauper Adam said to the man as he looked at him with steady, determined eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man took his fencing stance and said to his fellow swordsmen, \u201cNo one interferes\u2026this man is mine.\u201d\u00a0 Turning to Pauper Adam, the man raised his sword and said, \u201cEn garde.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two fencers touched the tips of each other\u2019s sword to indicate each had accepted the challenge, and since Pauper Adam instigated the challenge he was allowed the first swipe of the sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the initiative, Pauper Adam aimed the point of his sword at his opponent\u2019s heart, but the man sidestepped the swipe and swiped his sword against Pauper Adam\u2019s left upper arm when he came near him.\u00a0 The man laughed a taunting laugh at him.\u00a0 Maiden Mariah gasped and her hand flew to her mouth in fright.\u00a0 Pauper Ben, Pauper Hoss and Pauper Joe could only look on because of the \u201cno interference\u201d rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam grabbed his left arm where the swipe had torn his shirt and sliced his arm.\u00a0 He looked at the blood seeping through his fingers, then he looked at the man.\u00a0 Anger boiled up inside him and made him even more determined to defeat his foe.\u00a0 With renewed strength, he lunged at the man while the man still laughed and sliced the man\u2019s cheek with the tip of his sword.\u00a0 That infuriated the man and so a raging swordfight ensued, each one trying for the most vulnerable part of the other\u2019s body\u2026the jugular vein.<\/span><\/p>\n

Midst the cheering from both the evil swordsmen and the paupers, the two fencers engaged in fierce battle as sword clanged against sword.\u00a0 Eventually, Pauper Adam began to tire because he had lost a goodly amount of blood and the fact that he was not used to fighting so fiercely with such an experienced swordsman as his opponent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam summoned his final round of strength and held his sword high above his head, then let it fall, flat side down, squarely on top of his foe\u2019s head.\u00a0 The man was knocked down to his knees and Pauper Adam kicked the man\u2019s sword aside and held the tip of his sword to the man\u2019s throat.\u00a0 \u201cLive or die,\u201d Pauper Adam managed to get out breathlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man looked up at Pauper Adam and having been downed by a mere pauper, and knew his fellow swordsmen would label him a coward, said, \u201cDie!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam looked down at him and replied, \u201cAs much as I wish to conquer thee wholly, I will let thee live to bear thy disgrace and dishonor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam stepped back and removed his sword from the man\u2019s throat and said, \u201cGet thee up and out of my sight before I change-est mine mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man rose slowly to his feet and glared at Pauper Adam who stood staunchly glaring back at him.\u00a0 When the man turned to leave, Pauper Adam gave him a good swift kick in the backside.\u00a0 \u201cThou wilt regret this sorely!\u201d the man called back over his shoulder as he started away.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man and his swordsmen turned tail and ran out of the Blue Pine Forest towards Ponderosaville.\u00a0 Pauper Ben, Pauper Hoss, Pauper Joe and Maiden Mariah then ran to Pauper Adam, who had sunk to his knees on the ground holding his left arm while the blood ran.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah tore Pauper Adam\u2019s shirt sleeve all the way off to get a better look at his wound.\u00a0 Pauper Joe handed her a water skin and she ripped a portion of her underskirt for a bandage which she wetted from the water skin and cleaned Pauper Adam\u2019s wound as best she could.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Ben said, \u201cWe\u2019ll keep a look-out whilst thee rests-eths, Pauper Adam son.\u201d\u00a0 Leaving Maiden Mariah to tend to Pauper Adam, Pauper Ben, Pauper Joe and Pauper Hoss left to hide in the Blue Pine Forest in case the swordsmen returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wiping the wound area gently, Maiden Mariah did not look at Pauper Adam, but said, \u201cThee art noble like King Arthur and brave as Lancelot.\u00a0 What thee didst was very brave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I didst was very stupid,\u201d Pauper Adam said, as he watched her carefully tend his wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish to think-eth thee was brave.\u00a0 Not many men would have tried so daring a thing,\u201d she replied, as she swathed the area again with the wetted cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldst if he was protecting the maiden he loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes moved quickly to look into his, then she lowered them again, as she continued to swathe his wound.\u00a0 \u201cMy father\u2019s dying wish was that I be married to a rich man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd not a pauper,\u201d Pauper Adam responded in a dejected tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd not a pauper,\u201d Maiden Mariah answered quietly, as she tucked in the ends of Pauper Adam\u2019s bandage.\u00a0 \u201cBut he didst not take into account mine heart.\u00a0 Mine heart loves a pauper,\u201d she replied and raised her eyes to look into his once more.\u00a0 They held each other\u2019s gaze for several seconds, then slowly Pauper Adam lowered his face to hers and their lips touched in a sweet tender kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now ain\u2019t that touching,\u201d a voice said, which caused Maiden Mariah and Pauper Adam to jerk their heads in that direction, and they quickly made their way to their feet.\u00a0 Pauper Adam pushed Maiden Mariah behind him and drew his sword.\u00a0 In front of them stood Evil Blue One with his sword drawn, and behind him stood Pauper Ben, Pauper Hoss and Pauper Joe being held prisoners by Evil Blue One\u2019s evil cohorts, one of which was the man Pauper Adam had fought with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe thought thee was safely hidden,\u201d Pauper Adam said to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe wert.\u00a0 But they were hiding up in the trees we were hiding behind and they jumped us and took our swords,\u201d Pauper Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam turned steady eyes at the Evil Blue One and said, \u201cWhat happens now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHand over the maiden to me to be my wife,\u201d Evil Blue One answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever.\u00a0 Thou wilt have to kill me to take her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Evil Blue One sighed deeply, and replied, \u201cIf thee insists.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah looked all around and saw they were surrounded by Evil Blue One\u2019s henchmen.\u00a0 \u201cIf I go with thee, wilt thee let these men go?\u201d she said to Evil Blue One.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Evil Blue One responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Pauper Adam also responded, and looked at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I go with thee, wilt thee spare the life of this man and the others with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen I wilt go with thee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd be my wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou hast said it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah took a step, but Pauper Adam held her and stopped her.\u00a0 \u201cThou canst not do this,\u201d he said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah turned her sad tear-filled eyes up to him and held his upper arms.\u00a0 \u201cIt is within my power to save thy life or cause thee to lose it.\u00a0 I do what I must do to save thee.\u00a0 It was my father\u2019s last wish that I marry a rich man.\u00a0 Evil Blue One is a rich man, and a maiden must honor her father\u2019s dying wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven though thee dost not love him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didst not say it wouldst be easy.\u00a0 I do not marry Evil Blue One to fulfill my father\u2019s wish, I marry him to save thy life, and for that reason alone.\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah turned her tear streaked face to Evil Blue One.\u00a0 \u201cMight thee grant me one last kiss from this man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With an evil smile on his face, Evil Blue One nodded and said, \u201cAs thee wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah turned back to Pauper Adam and looked into his eyes and said, \u201cI send with thee mine heart and all my love.\u201d\u00a0 Maiden Mariah closed her eyes and turned her face up to accept his last kiss.\u00a0 It was a kiss that surpassed all others.<\/span><\/p>\n

While their kiss lingered, you could hear soft music and a hundred and three voice choir singing these words:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were bells on the hill<\/span>
\nBut I never heard them ringing<\/span>
\nNo, I never heard them at all<\/span>
\nTill there was you.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were birds in the sky<\/span>
\nBut I never saw them winging<\/span>
\nNo, I never saw them at all<\/span>
\nTill there was you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there was music and wonderful roses<\/span>
\nThey tell me, in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and dew.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was love all around<\/span>
\nBut I never heard it singing<\/span>
\nNo, I never heard it at all<\/span>
\nTill there was you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there was music and wonderful roses<\/span>
\nThey tell me, in sweet fragrant meadow of dawn and dew.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was love all around<\/span>
\nBut I never heard it singing<\/span>
\nNo, I never heard it at all<\/span>
\nTill\u2026there\u2026was\u2026youuuuuuuuuuuuuu.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never knew love at all, till there was you,\u201d Maiden Mariah said in a bare whisper and much emotion in her voice as she looked deep into Pauper Adam\u2019s dark eyes, her own overflowing with tears.\u00a0 Then she broke away from him quickly and ran to Evil Blue One, but when Pauper Adam tried to go after her, two henchmen held him back and placed their swords in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah stood in front of Evil Blue One with her head down and said, \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d\u00a0 Then she looked up at him and said, \u201cI have kept my word, now thee keep thine.\u00a0 And if harm comes to them in any way, I will kill myself and thee will be disgraced before thy followers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee possess-eth little fortitude to take thine own life,\u201d he answered her with certainty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMine heart goes with that man.\u00a0 If I canst not be with him, I care little whether I liveth or die, but I know-est thou care-est much for me, else thou wouldst have already killed these men and I wouldst have killed myself because THEE killed THEM and it would have been one great big bloody mess, and I get sorta weak in the knees at the sight of blood, especially mine own\u2026I think-eth thee get-eth the picture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter that long spiel of words\u2026I get the picture.\u201d\u00a0 Evil Blue One turned to his swordsmen and said, \u201cRelease them and give them their swords.\u201d\u00a0 Evil Blue One directed his next remarks to Pauper Adam.\u00a0 \u201cIf I ever see thee again, I will kill thee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam looked steadily at Evil Blue One.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I thee,\u201d he said in a definite tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah turned around and took one last look at Pauper Adam.\u00a0 Their eyes sent a silent message to each other.\u00a0 Hers to him conveyed a plea to stay away, and his to her conveyed a promise that he would return for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Evil Blue One placed Maiden Mariah on a horse and mounted his and he and his henchmen made their way back to Ponderosaville, leaving Pauper Adam, his father and brothers to go their way freely.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Many days Pauper Ben and his sons camped in the Blue Pine Forest waiting for Pauper Adam\u2019s wound to heal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah, held prisoner in the tower in Ponderosaville, walked through her days in pining for Pauper Adam and distaste for The Evil Blue One, but she was an honest maiden and vowed to keep her word and marry Evil Blue One.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day as she sat in front of her long mirror, Maiden Mariah pulled her long dark hair over her shoulder around in front and began brushing it slowly as she thought of her pending marriage to Evil Blue One, but the face in her mind was Pauper Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 Tears seeped out of her eyes and slid down her faintly flushed cheeks while she thought on him which made her heart very sad.\u00a0 She stopped brushing her hair and put her face in her hands and wept softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvil Blue One!\u201d Pauper Adam called out.\u00a0 \u201cCome out and face me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah ran to her tower window and looked down into the courtyard and saw Pauper Adam, his father and brothers.\u00a0 Their hands rested above their swords which hung low and easy on their hips, the way a sword-slinger wears his epee.\u00a0 Soon she saw Evil Blue One emerge from below her window.\u00a0 She ran swiftly out of her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if it isn\u2019t the man in black and his colorful cuties,\u201d Evil Blue One taunted.\u00a0 \u201cDidst thee not hear when I said I wouldst kill thee if next we meet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard.\u00a0 I have come-eth for Maiden Mariah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDost this mean thee wilt fight me for her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah ran out of the tower confines straight towards Pauper Adam, but when she passed Evil Blue One, he snatched her back towards himself.\u00a0 Maiden Mariah looked at Pauper Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat art thee doing here?!\u201d\u00a0 she said to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have come to rescue thee and rid thy village of Evil Blue One,\u201d he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThou canst not prevail against The Evil Blue One, Pauper Adam.\u00a0 He is cunning and crafty and very evil.\u00a0 Thou wilt surely die if thee go up against him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDost thou think-eth that frightens me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know thou art very brave, but thou must not attempt such a feat.\u00a0 I wouldst rather die myself than to see thee slain for thy bravery,\u201d Maiden Mariah answered him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do not fear-eth him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Pauper Adam\u2026I beg thee\u2026do not do this.\u00a0 If thou lovest me at all\u2026do not do this!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is BECAUSE I love thee, that I do this thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldst thou wish grief upon me if thee die-est by his hand, knowing it is because of me that thou do-est this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish no grief upon thee, Maiden Mariah\u2026this is a matter of honor, and one I canst not walk away from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI beg thee once more\u2026do not this thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI canst not bear to think-eth of thee as that man\u2019s wife,\u201d Pauper Adam said to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will let Maiden Mariah choose between us,\u201d The Evil Blue One announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

All eyes turned to look at him.\u00a0 Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes were suddenly full of hope and gladness.\u00a0 \u201cThee wilt let me choose?\u00a0 And wilt abide by mine choice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wilt,\u201d The Evil Blue One said where everyone could hear, then in words only Maiden Mariah could hear, and barely moving his mouth, he said, \u201cHowever, if thee dost not choose ME, thy lover wilt die where he stands, for I have twelve archers with their crossbows pointed straight at his heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah\u2019s eyes lost their luster of joy and filled with tears.\u00a0 She looked at The Evil Blue One a few more seconds then turned to look at a smiling Pauper Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all wait eagerly for thy decision, Maiden Mariah.\u00a0 Make thy choice.\u00a0 Dost thou choose this pauper, who canst offer thee nothing, or dost thou choose ME, who canst offer thee everything thee deserves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah swallowed hard and held her gaze on Pauper Adam, who waited patiently for her answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah bit her lower lip in angst.\u00a0 \u201cI choose\u2026I choose\u2026Evil Blue One,\u201d she said and lowered her head for she could not bear to gaze on Pauper Adam\u2019s heartbreaking expression of rejection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee dost not love him!\u201d Pauper Adam yelled out at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaiden Mariah hast made her choice.\u00a0 It is the code of honor that thee abide by her choice.\u00a0 Now, I ask-eth thee and thy colorful cuties to leave-est this village\u2026Never to return,\u201d The Evil Blue One said to Pauper Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah watched as Pauper Adam turned quickly on his heels, and it was very evident by the look he gave her and the way he departed from her sight, he was sorely displeased, and much angered by her choice.\u00a0 Putting her face in her hand, she burst out in tears, and turned and ran back inside the tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching the entrance to the Blue Pine Forest, Pauper Adam stopped and turned around to look back towards the village.\u00a0 \u201cShe dost not love him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat thee sayest is true.\u00a0 Maiden Mariah chose The Evil Blue One to spare thy life.\u00a0 There wast a dozen crossbow archers with their bows ready to fire at thee if she had not chosen him,\u201d Pauper Ben told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI canst not leave her there with him.\u00a0 I canst not bear to think of that man as her husband.\u00a0 I will keep trying to rescue her till I be successful or die trying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think-eth I know-est how we can get her out of there,\u201d Pauper Joe spoke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember-est when I wast a lad and had trouble-eth sleeping.\u00a0 Hop Sing-eth made-est me a tea to drink to make-eth me sleep,\u201d Pauper Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam\u2019s face lit up brightly.\u00a0 \u201cYes!\u00a0 And if we could get enough of it, we could put it in the water system and when they drink it, the whole lot will be as sleeping babes and we can sneak right in and take Maiden Mariah out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, thet\u2019s a real good id\u00e9e,\u201d Pauper Hoss chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cAnd mebbe Hop Sing-eth can conjure up somp\u2019n tuh stop these dadblame tights from bein\u2019 suh itchy,\u201d he added, reaching down and scratching his legs vigorously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaiden Mariah told thee how to take care of that, Pauper Hoss,\u201d Pauper Adam reminded him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know she did, but\u2026thet seems suh\u2026well, you know\u2026far-fetched.\u00a0 Whoever heard a-shavin\u2019 their legs enyhow.\u00a0 Don\u2019t seem natural.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a fairytale, Hoss, and Eileen\u2019s fairytale at that, and you know how her mind works,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAhem\u2026could you just get on with it, fellas,\u201d Director Eileen directed them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay\u2026where were we?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re getting ready to go back home to get Hop Sing-eth to brew up a sleeping potion,\u201d Director Eileen said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah\u2026alright, let\u2019s see then\u2026my next line is\u2026\u201d Adam said, taking the script out of his tunic and scanning the pages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet us go now\u2026\u201d Director Eileen prompted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s it,\u201d Adam said, stuffing the script back inside his tunic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet us go now and prevail upon Hop Sing-eth to help us defeat the enemy,\u201d Pauper Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

And so, the fearless foursome rode their faithful steeds all the way back through the Blue Pine Forest to their own homeland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing-eth was more than pleased to help in the demise of The Evil Blue One, especially when Pauper Adam told him he was going to bring Maiden Mariah back to be his wife, for Hop Sing-eth thought it was nigh time that at least ONE of the Pauper boys was married.<\/span><\/p>\n

Loaded down with skins and skins full of the sleeping potion, the Paupers made their way back through the Blue Pine Forest traveling at night so they wouldn\u2019t be discovered.\u00a0 By dawn, they had reached the edge of Ponderosaville, so they found a deserted building to hide themselves and their horses until another nightfall when they would put their plan into action.<\/span><\/p>\n

With nightfall upon them now, the village became quiet, and so the Paupers went to work dumping a skin full of sleeping potion into every water well in the village.\u00a0 Now all they had to do was go back to the deserted building and wait until the evildoers had taken their fill of water and for the sleeping potion to take effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that it was midmorning of the next day, no one could be seen moving about the village, even the evil horsemen were not seen on their hourly patrols throughout the village.<\/span><\/p>\n

Convinced the village was now under the spell of the sleeping potion, the Paupers came out of their hiding place and began moving about in search of the evildoers to collect them and put them in stocks for safe keeping against any more terrorizing against the village.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

So with their mission accomplished, Pauper Adam began his search for Maiden Mariah.\u00a0 He looked carefully in every building and house, and always watchful in case there could be a surprise attack by a guard or guards that could possibly have missed drinking the water.\u00a0 He finally made his way to the end of town to the tower and pushed open the door carefully and stepped inside.\u00a0 Making his way inside, he climbed the winding staircase in a deliberate, slow, careful and quiet way until he came to Maiden Mariah\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fully expecting to find a guard inside, he paused outside her door just long enough to draw his leg up and kick in the door.\u00a0 He stepped in quickly, sword drawn, but found only Maiden Mariah lying on her bed.\u00a0 The noise of the door being kicked in caused no reaction from her, though she was clearly awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam went quickly to her bedside and knelt at her side.\u00a0 \u201cI came for thee.\u00a0 I couldst not let The Evil Blue One take thee for his wife.\u00a0 We have apprehended him and his evil cohorts and they are in stocks.\u00a0 Rise\u2026come away with me,\u201d he said as he took her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how wast thee able\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWe tainted the water with a sleeping potion so when they drank it, we were able to capture thy adversaries and imprison them.\u00a0 Thy village is safe once again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping potion?\u00a0 Thee added a sleeping potion to\u2026the water?\u00a0 Then everyone in the village wouldst have consumed the water also\u2026even I.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 But it will wear off soon.\u00a0 Come\u2026I will help thee walk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI canst not rise up to go with thee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am dying, for my body is wracked with poison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam\u2019s eyes widened and he looked at her disbelieving.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0\u00a0 H-how?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThee wast so angry with me when last I saw thee, I thought thee wouldst never wish to look-est upon me again, and I couldst not bear that. I wast disheartened that I wouldst never see thee again and didst not believe thee wouldst come a second time, so I gathered the poison berries that grow outside mine window and I didst eat them. Oh, what have I done to thee and me\u2026what have I done!\u201d Maiden Mariah cried in a lamentable voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoison berries\u2026is there no anecdote?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNay, my love, nay.\u00a0 I am doomed to die soon,\u201d she answered in a voice full of gloom and despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t speak so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Maiden Mariah placed the palm of her hand against his face and smiled a half smile through her tears.\u00a0 \u201cWilt thee kiss me, then sing to me one last time?\u201d she asked in a weak voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand, then held it between both his hands and looked into her eyes.\u00a0 He leaned over and placed a kiss upon her fevered lips, then began to sing:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was love all around<\/span>
\nBut I never heard it singing<\/span>
\nNo, I never heard it at all<\/span>
\nTill there was you.<\/span><\/p>\n

And there was music and wonderful roses<\/span>
\nThey tell me in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and dew<\/span><\/p>\n

There was love all around<\/span>
\nBut I never heard it singing<\/span>
\nNo, I never heard it at all\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam stopped singing when he saw Maiden Mariah close her eyes and felt her hand go limp in his.\u00a0 He checked for her breathing and when he found she was not, he crossed her hands over her breast and sadly whispered, \u201cTill there was you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He kissed her once more and laid his head down on the bed beside her dead body and wept softly for several minutes, after which he raised his head, wiped his face of the lingering tears and gazed upon her face and thought she looked very much like a sleeping angel.\u00a0 He brushed a stray lock of her hair off her forehead and with new tears in his eyes, he looked\u00a0 down into her face once more, and placed a kiss at the corner of one brow, then bowed his head in sorrow and grief.\u00a0 He stood to his feet, and with his shoulders sagging and a heavy heart, he left Maiden Mariah\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauper Adam lost his true love that night.\u00a0 His grief was almost more than he could bear, and so he impressed upon his father to allow him to leave the family unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The father agreed to let Pauper Adam have some time away, so, Pauper Adam left Ponderosaville with only the clothes on his back, his sword, a bag of food, a skin of water and his faithful steed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before leaving, he made one stop outside the village, the cemetery.\u00a0 Pauper Adam knelt down beside Maiden Mariah\u2019s grave and placed a hand on top of the mound of dirt she lay under, and this is the song he sang that day:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho can say for certain<\/span>
\nMaybe you\u2019re still here<\/span>
\nI feel you all around me<\/span>
\nYour memory so clear.<\/span>
\nDeep in the stillness<\/span>
\nI can hear you speak<\/span>
\nYou\u2019re still an inspiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can it be?<\/span>
\nThat you are mine, forever, Love<\/span>
\nAnd you are watching over me from up above.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star<\/span>
\nI wish upon tonight to see you smile<\/span>
\nIf only for awhile, to know you\u2019re there<\/span><\/p>\n

A breath away\u2019s not far to where you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you gently sleeping<\/span>
\nHere inside my dream<\/span>
\nAnd isn\u2019t faith believing<\/span>
\nAll power can\u2019t be seen<\/span>
\nAs my heart holds you<\/span>
\nJust one beat away<\/span>
\nI cherish all you gave me, every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cause you are mine, forever, Love<\/span>
\nWatching me from up above<\/span>
\nAnd I believe that angels breathe<\/span>
\nAnd that love will live on and never leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star<\/span>
\nI wish upon tonight to see you smile<\/span>
\nIf only for awhile, to know you\u2019re there<\/span><\/p>\n

A breath away\u2019s not far to where you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know you\u2019re there.<\/span>
\nA breath away\u2019s not far to where you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the music faded out, Pauper Adam drew his sleeve across his eyes to dry his tears, then under his nose.\u00a0 Lovingly, he touched the mound of dirt one last time then stood to his feet, mounted his horse and slowly rode away, and never looked back.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many legends today about what happened to him, but none have ever been substantiated.\u00a0 It has been said he left to further his education\u2026To become a roving seaman\u2026Or even to live a life of seclusion, but whatever the legend, Pauper Adam was never heard from again, neither did his father or brothers speak his name again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, I know fairytales are supposed to end with the words \u201cand they lived happily ever after\u201d but this is not your every day, run-of-the-mill fairytale.\u00a0 Though there is ONE happy note here\u2026Pauper Ben and his two remaining sons decided to settle in Ponderosaville.\u00a0 As the foundation footing was being dug for their new home, a rich vein of silver ore was discovered and proved to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, so Pauper Ben, Pauper Hoss and Pauper Joe were no longer known as Pauper Ben, Pauper Hoss or Pauper Joe, but took on the last name of Cartwright, for they were rich enough now to afford a last name.\u00a0 They even shortened Ponderosaville to just Ponderosa, where they lived happily ever after.<\/span><\/p>\n

That is, until the next time Director Eileen shows up wanting them to help her with another fairytale.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span>
\nAuthor: Eileen K<\/span><\/p>\n

SONG CREDITS:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Sons, My Sons\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(Composer\/Writer: Jay Livingston-Ray Evans)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Lorne Greene sing this on the Bonanza CD #1)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEarly One Morning\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(Traditional)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Pernell Roberts sing this on Bonanza CD #1)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCall The Wind Maria\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(Composer\/Writer: Alan Jay Lemer-Frederick Loewe)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Pernell Roberts sing this on Bonanza CD #4)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSourwood Mountain\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(Traditional)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon sing this on Bonanza CD #1)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Water Is Wide\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(arr. Dick Rosmini-Pernell Roberts)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Pernell Roberts sing this on Bonanza CD #4)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTill There Was You\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n(Writer: Meredith Wilson)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Shirley Jones sing this in \u201cThe Music Man\u201d)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo Where You Are\u201d<\/span>
\n(Writer: Linda Thompson)<\/span>
\n(Can hear Josh Groban sing this on his CD \u201cJosh Groban\u201d)<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, I guess it\u2019s not really the end yet.\u00a0 After the production was over, and all the favorable thumbs-up reviews were in and Eileen left after fulfilling her dream of being plucked out of obscurity and becoming a successful writer, the Cartwright\u2019s gathered in front of the fireplace as they so often did for relaxation.\u00a0 Ben sat in his red leather chair enjoying his pipe while Joe and Hoss played their usual game of checkers, and Adam on the settee reading Shakespeare\u2019s Romeo and Juliet.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were each very satisfied\u2026Ben, because he helped a friend; Hoss, because he had a\u00a0<\/span>
\npart in helping Eileen being plucked out of obscurity to realize her dream of being a successful writer; Adam was satisfied that he dispelled all the rumors about him being the reason for the break up of the foursome; Joe was thrilled at all the beautiful girls that vied for his attention.\u00a0 Why, he even stopped combing his hair, for every time he combed it, another beautiful girl would run her fingers through his hair and mess it up again, so he just wore it wild and free, and they all lived happily ever after.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END!<\/span><\/p>\n

But you ask: What became of Evil Blue One?\u00a0 and Did Hoss really shave his legs to keep the tights from itching?<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry, my friends, for these and other questions, will have to remain unanswered until the next wacky Cartwright fairytale\u2026providing there IS a next wacky Cartwright fairytale\u2026only time will tell.\u00a0 So for the meantime, I\u2019ll end with these words: \u201cAnd they lived happily ever after.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s REALLY\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END!!<\/span>
\nApril 2003<\/span><\/center> <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Director Eileen returns with a request for the Cartwright\u2019s to act in her latest fairytale adventure.
\nRating and Reader Alert: Rated G (for Goofy).\u00a0 Another wacky Cartwright fairytale.
\nWords: 18,750
\nPart of Four Men in Tights Series, links included within<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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},"categories":[1008,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-humor","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":112,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":47025,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47025","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":0},"title":"Kingdom of Ponderosa or Four Men in Tights (by EileenK)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"February 22, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis: A wacky Cartwright fairy tale. Rating: G Words:\u00a0 11,700 Part of Four Men in Tights Series, links included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":1},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. Adam deals with homesickness while away at college. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 550","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30962,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=30962","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":2},"title":"Pranked! (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"November 6, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A night full of fun and pranks, but who has the last laugh? Rating: K; Word Count: 600","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/13.jpg?fit=764%2C676&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/13.jpg?fit=764%2C676&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/13.jpg?fit=764%2C676&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/13.jpg?fit=764%2C676&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49897","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":3},"title":"Hoss’ Meditation (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 25, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 I think we underestimated Hoss Cartwright Rating: G\u00a0 (690 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1006"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47050,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47050","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":4},"title":"Black Shadow (by EileenK)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"September 22, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An attempted murder and a trial are the settings for a \u201cWho Done It\u201d mystery.\u00a0 Rating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 G Words: 20,300","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45159,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45159","url_meta":{"origin":47032,"position":5},"title":"Someone Watching (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A brief and fanciful 'what if'. Rating:\u00a0 \u00a0G\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Words:\u00a0 1,240","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47032","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\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47032"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47032\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}