"Teaspoon," Emma screamed, "It's been so long. Come in. Come in. I'm so glad to see you."

"It's good to see you again, Emma. How's everyone, Sam and your kids?"

"We're all fine. The children are growing up so quickly. What brings you to Laramie? Is something wrong?"

"No," the old frontiersman answered. "Everything is fine. I'm on my way to Abiline, goin' down to see Amanda. Thought I'd stop by and see how ya'all were doin'."

"Well, I'm sure glad you did. Sam will be home soon. He's usually home by 6 o'clock. The children are at the park with Ella our nanny. They'll be back soon too. How long can you stay? We got so much catching up to do. How's everyone back in Sweetwater?"

"The boys out at the ranch are doing real well. Their horses are hot property with the army. Ike and Annie's little boy loves the animals as much as his pa. He's always out there talking to them. Noah and Nellie are going to have a baby sometime this summer."

Sitting in the sunny parlor of the Cain's home, Teaspoon and Emma reminisced about the days they spent together at Emma's ranch watching the young riders of the Pony Express grow from undisciplined boys into outstanding young men, taking their place as leaders and citizens.

"Do you remember that time the boys tried to make that college boy from back east into a real "cowboy"? They didn't realize it at the time but they had all been just as insecure as Ambrose." Teaspoon laughed. "They learned from each other and learned to fight together. It made men out of all of them."

"Except one." Emma added, with a sad smile.

"Well, yes. One didn't make much of a man. I sure was shocked when I found out Lou was a girl. I still can't figure out how I missed that."

"She did make a good rider though. I often think about her. Do you think she is still alive? Could she have survived all these years in captivity? I'm sure Kid's life would have been better if, well, I can't change the past by wishing it."

"How's he doing now?"

"We don't know. After Deborah was killed last fall he went hunting her killers. We know he killed one and captured two. They were shot down on their way back here for trial. Kid sent us a letter saying he couldn't have killed them. He left Denver right after turning them in. That was around Christmas time. He headed east to Kansas and stopped to see Jimmy at Masonville and then was going to St. Joseph. I have no idea where he is now."

"I kept hopin' he'd show up in Sweetwater and work out at the ranch for a while. Just wishful thinking I guess."

"We just have to keep remembering him in our prayers. He is out there somewhere full of guilt and hate and in need of love. His little boy needs him too."

"I forgot about him. Where is he?"

"He lives here with us for now." She shook her head sadly. "He's such a sweet little boy but there's something wrong with him. He is so little and frail, doesn't eat well. We try to give him as much love a possible but it's not the same as if his father was here. Here they come now."

In walked Sam and Emma's three children. Nora was the oldest at five, followed soon by Henry age four and Becky, two. Ella Johnsen, who helped to care for the children, came in next carrying a little tyke. James "Jimmy" Miller was so little for a 15 month old baby that he was often mistaken for an infant. He learned to walk but didn't talk much yet.

"Children, this is a very good friend of ours. His name is Mr. Hunter. He came to visit us on his way to see his daughter."

The children stared at the old grey haired man and hid behind Miss Ella's skirts, all except little Jimmy. He wiggled down out of her arms and toddled over to the grizzly oldster. Holding up his arms, he babbled and Teaspoon picked him up. Jimmy quietly cuddled up to his shoulder and shut his eyes.

"I've never seen anything like it." Emma was amazed. "He usually won't go to any stranger. You'll just have to stay here and look after Jimmy. Usually he cries for hours before he will fall asleep. You are a miracle worker, Mr. 'Spoon."

Teaspoon smiled at her and looked at the little boy in his arms. As he shook his head he thought to himself. "Kid come home. This boy needs you now."

"Sure you can't stay awhile Mr. 'Spoon. Sam and the children and I planned to go to Cheyanne in April. I really doubt if the Kid will come back by then. But we don't want to take Jimmy away from Laramie just in case. Would you consider staying on here and watching him?"

"Emma, I wouldn't know the first thing about care'n for the boy. He needs his pa. And I've already promised Amanda I'd be there by spring. I just decided to stop by here on the spur of the moment. I can't stay."

"I understand Teaspoon. I was just hoping, that's all. This has all been very hard on us. I can't abandon Kid and Jimmy but my family has needs too, now."

Emma and Teaspoon hugged and he said, "Kid shouldn't have run off and stayed away for so long. The boy needs him. Kid knows what growing up without a pa can do to a soul. He must be hurting inside real bad."

Thomas Stevens and Louise McCloud spent the rest of the winter in Denver. They were a popular couple and attended many dances and events. The young man Matthew Hall often accompanied them as Thomas's man-in-waiting. The three of them were almost inseparatable.

Louise still experienced the nightmares, but she felt at ease with Thomas now that he knew her background. Matthew often escorted her around town during the day when Thomas went about his business or rested. She liked him, she liked him a lot. She enjoyed going out with Matthew, the hurt in her heart finally beginning to heal.

Matthew came to Denver to live with his uncle and work at a job in a small manufacturing plant. Unfortunatly it closed three weeks after he arrived in town. Since then he took small jobs trying to earn enough to get by. He didn't have to worry about staying with his uncle, but John was an old man and Matthew wanted to help out as much as possible. It must have been a turn of fate bringing him the job of escorting Thomas Stevens that first night. They hit it off from the start and getting to meet Thomas's daughter, Louise, was an added bonus.

Matthew never had the chance to see many of the finer things in life but escorting Louise to the opera and theater, or taking her out to eat at fine restaurants with Thomas paying their way was the best of any world. There was a mystery about her he found it fascinating. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but it didn't worry him. He knew Louise liked him and he was hoping to make it a permanent relationship. She would be the catch of the year. A beautiful woman, sole heir to her father's fortune, all more than he could ever hoped to achieve back in Laramie.

"April the month of rain and spring. This town is growing so fast it can't help but stumble over its own feet. Why just today I saw three buildings go up where there had been an empty lot this morning. They'd better get hiring more law officers or the crime here will control the town." Thomas spoke as a long time citizen of the city of Denver. The average residency was three months, Thomas lived here four.

"Well, that's what we're getting at, Thomas. You know how to handle people. That's why we want you to run for Mayor. That guy in office only sees getting more people here, more money, more miners. He has no plan. Everything is disorganized."

"We need your help. You can do it Mr. Stevens." spoke up another of the concerned citizens. "We're sure we could get a lot of the shopkeepers behind you. What'd ya say? Will you run?"

"Now gentlemen, the mayor has really done well for the city. You all know that. Why the people back east are so crowded they just have to push west. Denver's just got to go through its growing pains."

"Yes, but we need direction, a plan. You're the man for the job." added another of the men gathered.

"No I don't think so. I'm not the man you seek. I have no roots to this town. In fact I plan on leaving just as soon as the roads dry up."

"No you can't go. We are counting on you."

"Well, you shouldn't have. I had some business here and it's finished. I have other places to go. I don't want to be tied down with the job you're offering me." Thomas was getting upset with the 'railroad' job these men were trying to ram down his throat. He understood their concern but getting involved here was the last thing he was going to do.

"We set our hopes on you and you're letting us down. You better not be doing any bellyaching when the Mayor is reelected and turns against you." This guy was getting angry.

"I won't be blackmailed or railroaded into something I don't believe in 100 percent. Please leave now gentlemen. I'm sure you all have something else to be doing this fine day. Good day, men."

Louise watched as the city fathers filed out of their hotel suite. What was troubling Thomas? She walked over to him and began to massage his shoulders. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself about, dear. I think we have overstayed our welcome. Where should we go next? Have any suggestions?"

Just then came a loud rapping at the door. "Please Thomas, Louise, let me in. It's Matthew."

"Come in boy." Thomas called out. By the look on Matthew's face they could tell something was wrong. "What's the matter?"

"I just got this telegram. My ma's been hurt back home, real bad. I've gotta go back to Laramie. I won't be able to escort you both to the Spring Cotillion. I need to leave today. So I guess this means good-by."

"Do you have enough money to get you started?" Thomas asked.

"What happened to your mother? Was it an accident or something else?" Louise put her arm around this young man who was hurting.

"I don't know. All it says is that she's hurt bad. He wouldn't send any details." Matthew looked at his employer, "I haven't saved much of what you paid me. Could I get a loan from you Mr. Stevens? I'll pay you back as soon as I get back from Laramie"

"Matthew, what kind of town is Laramie? Is it civilized or a wild, lawless bawdy way-stop for outlaws? Louise and I were planning to depart from Denver soon. Today is as good a day as tomorrow. Don't you agree, Louise?"

Lou's eyes were huge round saucers of brown. She swallowed deeply before answering her companion. "I knew we were leaving but I don't know about going up to Laramie. I don't want to go there, Thomas."

"Matthew, go get your things. I'll hire us a coach and we'll leave Denver after dinner. This will be a grand outing for us and hopefully a joyous homecoming for you. Meet us back here at 1 o'clock ready to travel. Oh and here is twenty dollars, in case you need to buy something here in Denver. This is not a loan, but an advance in pay for services to be rendered on the way. See you later, Matthew."

"Don't I get any say in this? I'm not going to Laramie." Lou turned to leave the room and was surprised by Thomas's quick reaction as he grabbed her arm.

"No, you don't leave till you tell me why you refuse to go into Wyoming Territory. What happened to you there? I thought you were captive in the Dakota land. You came with me willingly everywhere else, why not to Laramie?"

"No, don't." As she sank down into the chair beside Thomas, he pulled her close and held her tight.

"Don't cry my child. You can be whatever you want. If you really don't want to go, I understand, but I will miss you every day we are apart." She looked up into his eyes and saw a true love there. Not the romantic kind but the love of a father for his child, no matter what has happened." I told you that I was also looking for my nephews while out here in the west. I learned that one was killed in that territory. I've got to continue my search. And with the political situation here in Denver the way it is I'd be a fool to stay. So I have no choice but to leave. I want you to go with me; I feel you know that land and you could make my search more fruitful. If Purtus is still alive, I've got to find him and tell him the truth. Please let your heart tell you what to do. I'll protect you as best I can. I do love you so my dear, Louise McCloud."

He stood up with his crutches and went to the door. "I'm going to get a coach and some money. I don't know if the banks in the territory will recognize my name. I'll be back soon."

Left to herself, Louise sat in deep thought. She would follow Thomas to the end of the world, but to go back to Wyoming Territory, that was scary. What if she would run into someone from the Pony Express? It would bring back all kinds of memories. Her eyes filled up with tears as she thought about Kid again. She looked at herself in the mirror and was shocked at the face she saw. It was no longer the face of an immature girl disguised as a boy. She had hid behind glasses, short hair, and an oversized hat when she rode for the Express. Her reflection showed a matured young woman, filled out where a woman should be, hair curled and long, and dressed as well as any women in this town.

The more she looked the more she saw and she saw maturity that came with the life experience's thrown her way. She saw little of the girl that six years ago rode to Sweetwater, Wyoming Territory dressed as a boy, and signed up to ride for the Pony Express. "They won't recognize me. They probably think I'm dead. I can go back and no one will know who I am other than Thomas's daughter."

Her eyes sparkled as she realized she had less than an hour to pack if she was going to go with Thomas. Where did he say he was going? The money. Thomas never went to the bank to withdraw his funds. He always sent her to do his business. With needing both arms to maneuver the crutches, he never carried cash on himself.

Louise flew to her room, quickly stuffing a few of her dresses into a traveling bag. Digging deeper into one of her trunks she found her pants, shirt and vest. Louise quickly dressed, pulled her hair up on top of her head and put on her hat. Looking in the mirror again she liked what she saw. She didn't know what was driving her but she knew Thomas was in danger. Next she pulled her gun from the trunk. She hadn't cleaned it for several months but hopefully she wouldn't have to use it immediately. "Thomas, you better see through this and not get the wrong idea."

She put her bag next to the ones Thomas packed and hurried out the door. Good, no one saw her leave their suite. She raced down the steps and dodged through the lobby. Once out the door Lou slowed her pace so as to not draw attention to herself. The bank Thomas used was only four blocks from the hotel and Lou arrived at the front door just as he was exiting. Good, he didn't see her. She looked around at the other men leaving the bank. No one looked suspicious yet. No, wait, that last man that left the bank, she knew him. He was one of the guys that had been to their suite trying to convince Thomas to run for Mayor. Why was he following Thomas? She slowly returned to the hotel lobby. No sign of Thomas or Matthew yet. Come on, let's get out of this town. They're gunning for you Thomas. This guy wants something from you. Oh, good here comes Matthew. She knew Thomas would be upset that she wasn't there to say good-by. Now where will that coach pick them up? She smiled to herself again as she saw a regular stagecoach pull up to the hotel door. Leave it to Thomas to think about everything. Travel inconspicuously, but have it pick you up at the door. There they come, now if only I can get on too. She saw Thomas's and her bag loaded into the boot. It hurt to see the pain on her mentor's face but soon she would repay him for saving her.

Lou sauntered slowly up to the driver and asked if there was room on the stage for one more.

"Don't you even care where it's headed, boy?" asked the surly driver.

"No, I just got cabin fever and need to be shuck of this town. Got room for one more?"

"Sorry, son, but this is a private run. That guy paid for it all. Doesn't want company."

Lou quickly walked up to Thomas and said, "The driver said you're the big wheel havin' hired himself this entire coach. Got room for one more? I need to leave here now and who knows I might be a blessing to have along."

"No, I'm sorry but I don't feel like any company this trip." He never looked up to see who was talking to him.

"Who knows, some sign might fall on you again and you'd be need'n a push." The boy pushed his way right in front of the crippled man and Thomas looked him right in the eyes.

"Hey, leave Mr. Stevens alone. He said no; now get lost." Matthew pushed himself between Lou and Thomas.

"Now wait, we might be able to help this young man out. Do you care where we go?"

"No." Lou answered quickly.

"Come along then. What's your name?" Thomas asked as he was climbing into the stagecoach.

"It's Billy, Mr. Stevens. Thanks." She flashed him a quick smile.

Matthew climbed into the coach behind Thomas. "What are you doing sir? You don't even know this kid. He could be planning to rob us on the way."

"Calm down, Matthew. It will all work out." Thomas turned to the small man climbing into the coach, "You aren't being chased by the law are you, ah is it Billy?"

"No to the first and yes to the second, sir." Lou settled back into the seat away from the two men and went to work cleaning his hand gun. trying to look uninterested in the two men also in the coach. As the vehicle jerked away from the hotel Lou caught sight of the same man she saw at the bank, hurrying away from site. "We'll be seeing you again."

"Mr. Stevens, how can you be so calm about Louise? She just disappeared. Was she really that mad at you that she wouldn't even stay to say good-by?" Matthew was very upset with his former companion.

"I understand how she feels. Don't be hard on her. She can stay at the hotel suite for as long as she wants. If she needs to find us she will."

They left Denver and headed northeast toward their destination. Lou sat quietly and tried to remember this road. Where would be a good place for them to rob the coach? She figured they were in no danger until they reached the territory. If the bandits were who she suspected, they would need to be out of the Colorado jurisdiction to excape. A smile snuck across her face as she thought about the place she expected the attack would come. Who knows, the driver up above was probably in on it too! They would wait until tomorrow about noon as the coach crossed the Grand River. She was sure the attack would come then, so she settled back and looked like 'he' was sleeping.

This was the break that Matthew was waiting for. "Thomas, how could you do it? You and Louise are so close, How can you just leave her especially in Denver? Aren't you worried about her alone?"

The older man looked over at the 'sleeping younger man' and answered, "She will be alright. There is something you should know about Louise. She is not my daughter."

Matthew's eyes grew large. "I hired her just like I hired you. If she's saved her money she'll be fine. When I hired her it was open for her to quit at any time. That was her choice. If I ever see her again it will be as a friend, a dear friend. But otherwise she can take care of herself."

"Thomas, she's a girl, though, what can she do? Doesn't she need someone to take care of her? What did her family say about your 'arrangement'?"

Lou sat back and had a hard time holding in her opinion, hurt to hear Thomas describe her as just an employee. Now to hear Matthew describe her as a weak female that needed a man's help hurt even more. If he only knew what she had survived in her life time. Before she dared to speak out, Thomas spoke in her defense.

"Matthew, some women are very strong. They don't need a man to take care of them. They can survive on their own. Louise experienced things in her lifetime that no one should have had to do. Don't put all women into a little box that says they are weak and in need of a man to care for them. Women can be just as strong or stronger than most men. I wouldn't have survived what Louise lived through."

"You survived the attack on your life during the war. You go on even though your crippled and your good friend deserts you. What do you mean she's stonger? I've never seen any women do what you say. They are all a bunch of weak nothings and need men to head them to live."

"Matthew, I like you but you need to grow a lot before you start giving judgements like that. Louise is" He thought a moment before he continued speaking. "Louise is the smartest, grandest, gutsiest women I ever met. And when I call her my daughter, I am the proudest father to live on the face of this earth."

"Is she your heir?" Matthew sighed.

"No, Matthew, she is not. That goes to my son's family. Why? Did you think she inherits my money, and you'd marry her and be a wealthy man?"

"Well, I didn't know?" Matthew was sheepish about why he liked being with Louise. "It was nice to have all that money and no worries. I've never been to dances and parties before. And those restaurants, well I don't mind telling you Louise was a sharp dame to escort around. She didn't even mind me showing off a little."

"Like I said, she is a fine woman."

After dusk, the stagecoach stopped at a road house. Most stages stopped here to change teams, eat a meal or rest for the night. It wasn't safe to travel the road to Laramie in the dark.

The three passengers and the driver were the only guests and Thomas and Matthew took rooms in the house. 'Billy' said he'd rather sleep in the barn so he took his leave as soon as supper was over. The operator gave him a blanket because the spring nights still held a chill.

Thomas sat at the table discussing the country's progress with the other men for an hour before excusing himself to get some sleep. He left the house for a visit to the outhouse, but made a detour to the barn first.

"Louise, what the hell do you think you are doing? Why the disguise and changing your name? What's going on?"

She was not sleeping yet and walked quietly up to her mentor. "We are being followed. You were followed since you left the bank."

"What? Do you think I'm in danger and will be robbed? But why must you change who you are?" Thomas said, deeply concerned and troubled.

"I'm not sure who all is in on it. One of the men that was in our suite today is for sure. I don't know about the driver. He's too agreeable. I thought Lou could come back and watch over you easier than Louise could."

"I must thank you. I was so upset when I came back to the room and found you gone. Then I saw your bag stacked up with mine. I expected you back before we left. I'm glad to see you didn't cut off your beautiful hair. Where do you think they will attack?"

"Just after we cross the Grand River into the territory. It's real rugged there. Lots' of places for an ambush. You'd better get back before they start to worry about you. Good night Thomas."

"Here take some of the money. I'm not so sure of our companion's intentions. He has really shown his immaturity on our trip."

"I'll take good care of it, Thomas."

Thomas left quickly and returned to the roadhouse. Matthew had already gone to bed and he joined him quickly. Tomorrow would prove to be an exciting day. He was looking forward to see Lou in action with her gun.

He did get to see her use the gun the next day. The robbery attempt took place just as she predicted with the outcome in Thomas and Lou's favor. The stagedriver was not in on the robbery, but the man from the bank and two of the others in the citizens group were.

The thieves expected to attack and quickly rob the crippled old man of the money they saw him withdraw from the bank. After all there was only that young man who pushed Stevens around in the wheelchair and he didn't wear a gun. That old man had more money than he knew what to do with. Since he won't invest in their schemes or run for office in their behalf they'd make him pay.

Lou quickly confounded the would-be thieves. With the help of the driver they were rounded up and Thomas told them to put them into the coach. He would enjoy talking with them, a chance to see a side of the West that fascinated him.

The stage arrived in Laramie late that night, stopping first at the sheriff's office to deposit the failed thieves. The stage driver offered to take the men directly to the best hotel in town, but Thomas asked if he knew where Matthew Hall's mother might have been taken after her accident.

The driver drove to the Stalburg Hotel to drop off the luggage and to reserve a room. Thomas offered to pay for 'Billy's' room for saving the his money.

The boy took the man up on the offer and stayed at the room while the stage took Matthew and Thomas to the doctor's office. Matthew quickly mounted the steps to the doctor's second floor office and knocked A matronly lady, the doctor's wife opened the door cautiously.

"Matthew, come in. I'm glad you're here. Your mother has been asking for you. Dr. Jellem had to make a house call, but he'll be back soon." She looked down the stairs and saw a man on crutches slowly climbing the stairs. "Are you alone or is he with you?"

"Oh, Mr. Stevens, I forgot."

"That's alright. How is your mother?"

The doctor's wife showed them into the apartment, and took Matthew in to see his mother. She explained, "Ruthie slipped on a slick, wooden step and fell into the path of a team pulling the Stear's chuckwagon. The driver had no chance to get out of the way."

"Mother, I'm here." Matthew said to the woman laying on the bed, her head and legs wrapped. "How are you?"

"Come here son. How did you get here so fast? I'll be alright but it's going to take a lot of time. Can you stay a while or must you get back to Denver to your job?"

"Don't you worry Ma. I brought my job with me. Mr. Stevens wanted to see more of the country so he hired a stagecoach to bring us here. I'll stay as long as you need me." Matthew smiled at his mother and held her hand. "Maybe Mr. Stevens can give you some pointers on getting around when your legs are laid up. You'll like him Ma. Get some rest and I'll come by tomorrow and we'll talk some more."

"Thank you Matthew. Bring your friend, too. I need some company. Good night." Mrs. Hall laid back and closed her eyes. There was definant smile on her face, a look of contentment.

Mrs. Jellem added as they walked back to the main room, "I haven't seen her that relaxed since they brought her here. Would you be wanting to move your Ma home on the morrow? She be well enough to go if there be someone to care for her."

"Oh, I don't know. Would it be alright if we talk about it tomorrow when I come back? I'll have to do some checking. I was afraid she'd be a lot worse and need more care than what I'd know how."

"Ja, we'll talk with the doctor tomorrow. You are a good son to come and help your ma. Good night to you both. Can you make the step alright, sir?" Mrs. Jellem concerned for Mr. Stevens getting down the steps evident.

"I'll be fine, Matthew has been my aid for steps for quite a while now. Good night ma'am."

"Mr. Stevens," the desk clerk said trying to get Thomas' attention before he left the hotel, "The man that registered with you the other night left early this morning. He asked me to give you this as soon as you came down."

Thomas took the letter and opened it quickly. "What's that boy up to now?" he thought to himself. His frown soon turned into a huge smile. Since arriving in Laramie, the two of them hadn't talked much. 'Billy' tried to keep his distance from the two gentlemen. Now he was gone and Thomas turned to the deskclerk and said, "Have you registered any one else in that room next to mine yet?"

"No, but we haven't cleaned it yet either. Does your friend want it saved?"

"No, my daughter is coming to join us from Denver. She wasn't able to leave when we came but she'll be arriving sometime today. Could she have that room?" Thomas couldn't help but burst with happiness.

"She must be a special gal to warrant a grin like that from her father. I'll see to it that the room is ready by noon. Will she require anything special on her arrival?" The deskclerk was happy to help hotel guests especially ones who were pleasant and kind like Mr. Stevens. Since he and his friends arrived five days ago, they had all been polite guests, friendly and not demanding. He liked working at this hotel, and he liked meeting people. Mr. Thomas was up there with the best guests this place had ever had. The clerk wanted to help him with anything he needed. "Can I do anything else for you Mr. Stevens?"

"Thank you for all you've done already. What is your name? I like to know personally those who give me good news."

"It's Karl, Mr. Stevens."

"Have a good day, Karl."

Mid-afternoon, a well tailored young woman entered into the hotel lobby and looked around.

"May I help you?" asked the man behind the desk.

"Yes, is Mr. Thomas Stevens registered here? He's my .."

"He is your father, right?" asked Karl. "And your are his daughter just arrived from Denver. It sure made him happy to know you were able to join him here."

"You know about me." She was puzzled by his information about her. "Is he here?" she asked quietly.

"Yes he's up in his room and your room is next to his. Would you like me to show you the way?" "Well, if its no trouble." She smiled demurely to him.

"None at all. This way." Karl escorted the young woman to her room and knocked on the room next door. "Your daughter has arrived. Oh, no I forgot to have her sign the book. She is such a pretty lady." Karl smiled and then realized how silly he sounded. "Please tell her to stop by and sign." He quickly turned and went down the stairs, hoping that Mr. Stevens wouldn't report him to the hotel's owners for being out of line. How could he have been so stupid!

Thomas and Louise spent the next week getting to know the new city. Laramie was growing and many businesses were establishing there. Matthew Hall moved home to care for his invalid mother. The doctor ordered her to remain in bed for at least three weeks before he would decide if she would be able to be up and about.

Matthew missed helping Thomas get around but was glad that Louise decided to join Thomas after all, but he also realized that she was not the girl for him. Too many mysteries surrounded herself and he doubted he could trust a girl like that.

Mrs. Hall lived in a small frame house near the river far from many neighbors. Most of the homes flooded in the rains of '64 and had been abandoned. The Hall's home sat on a knoll and the flood waters didn't rise that high. Near them a young girl, named Ella Johnsen, lived with her aunt Inge Johnsen. The girl worked as a nanny but the family she worked for was away for the month so she returned to stay with her aunt.

"Matthew, would you go over to the Johnsens' and see if Inge has some dark thread I could use to finish this seam? They live just down the hill, you know, where Ted Grate used to live." Mrs. Hall tried to lengthen Matthew's dark suit pants. He grew so much while living in Denver.

"Wouldn't you rather I go to town and buy you a new spool of thread? Then you'd have some for what you do next." Matthew wanted an excuse to visit his friends at the Sahlburg Hotel.

"No, now just go be neighborly and ask Mrs. Johnsen about the thread. She probably don't even know I'm laid up. Maybe she'll come over and keep me company. Then you can go and visit your friends."

"Hello. My name is Matthew Hall. My Ma lives up the hill a little ways. She was wondering if she could borrow some dark thread to finish a sewing job she's working on. You see, she got run over by a wagon in town and can't get out..." Matthew tried to tell the middle aged woman at the door.

"Ach, Ruthie ist home, ja? I thought she still be by doctor's place. I go see here now. How long she be home? Why not you come sooner, boy? Ella," she yelled back into the house. "I go to Ruth's. I be back soon." The little lady stormed past Matthew and was gone before he realized what had happened.

"Do you always stand at doors with your mouth hanging open?" came another younger voice.

Matthew looked back into the house and saw the girl Ella standing there holding a young child in her arms. "I came to get some thread for my mother. Your mother just left to go see her and I don't think she took any thread with her."

"You are ignorant. That's just a woman's way of letting others know she's well enough to have company. Hi, I'm Ella Johnsen and that lady that just left was my aunt, Inge Johnsen. This here is Jimmy Miller, I'm caring for him while his folks are away."

Matthew smiled at the beautiful woman in front of him and said, "I'm Matthew Hall. I've come back to help my ma get back on her feet. I'd been working in Denver before."

"It is nice to meet you Matthew. Won't you come in?" She felt very at ease with this poised young man.

"I don't know. Maybe I should get back to Mother. I've never left her alone since she got hurt. Will she be all right?"

"Auntie Inge will take good care of her. They are good friends. We didn't want to bother Ruth until she was ready to have company. Those two are always borrowing stuff from each other." She led him into a comfortable sitting room strewn with wooden toys and animals. "Please have a seat. Feel free to move the animals out of your way. I was trying to get Jimmy to play but he just doesn't want to do anything."

Matthew spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Jimmy and Ella with the animals and blocks. Jimmy sat and laughed at what the two adults built but didn't try to join in. Eventually he laid down on the couch and fell asleep.

"Maybe I should go. I wore him out." Matthew said pointing at the sleeping child.

"No don't worry about it. Little Jimmy lost his parents a year ago and has failed to thrive since then. I work for the family that took him in and while they went to Cheyanne for a while, I brought him home with me. He doesn't eat or play much. It's really sad." Ella looked back at the youth. "The only time he's at peace is when he's sleeping. You are good with kids. He sat and watched us play with the toys. Usually he's always crying."

They walked to the door when Ella remembered, "Can I get you something to eat? You must think I'm a terrible hostess."

"No that's ok. I need to get back to my mother and start some supper for her. I enjoyed meeting you and playing with your toys. May I call on you again?"

"I'd like that a lot, but where I am so is Jimmy."

"That's no problem, I like the kid."

"Good-by Matthew."

"Good-by, Ella. See you soon."

"Louise, let's take a drive out to see Matthew and his mother. Do you think they'd mind if we just dropped in?"

"Why Thomas, who do you want to see, Matthew or his mother? Weren't you out there just a couple of days ago?" Louise enjoyed teasing her mentor.

Sheepishly Thomas answered, "Why Louise, what do you think of me? Matthew is an employee of mine. He's why we came here so we should go see him and his mother needs and wants company."

"Well, now Thomas really do you think I can....?"

"Now hold on dear last time Ruth had company, a neighbor lady, and well I couldn't interrupt them." Thomas became flustered.

"Oh, it's Ruth now. I thought she was Mrs. Hall. Well, I guess I'd better go see her for myself now to see how she is getting you to loose your composure. Let's go, Thomas." Louise smirked.

"You are making me upset, Louise. I think you should stay here and I'll go myself. Besides if you want to see Matthew, you ought to know, he's seeing a neighbor girl. I usually see him for just a minute and he's out the door."

Louise lost her teasing smile. She didn't really care for Matthew especially the way he talked in the stagecoach, but to know that he's seeing someone else, that was well ...

On to Chapter Fourteen

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