The three Barkley boys were in Stockton picking up supplies for the party their mother was having that night. It was either pick up supplies or help hang the decorations. Wisely they chose supplies

“That no good Alex McKinney is back.” Nick Barkley growled. He had a better view then his younger brother and could see above the heads of the townsfolk

“Who?” The name was new to Heath.

“Alex McKinney.” Nick replied.

“He owns and runs one of those travelling side shows.” Jarrod Barkley explained. “He tours around showing what he calls ‘rare and exotic’ animals.”

“He turns up every two years or so with some new exhibit.” Nick growled. “Thought he wasn’t welcome here after the last time?”

“Why what happened the last time?” Heath scratched his head. A travelling show couldn’t be that bad could it?

“Seem he forgot to close the cage properly.” Nick said remembering the time. “A hold herd of what did he call them?” Nick wracked his brain “Spider Monkeys. Yeah that was them.”

“Troupe Nick.” Jarrod corrected

“Whatever.” Nick growled “Well these Spider Monkeys escaped and caused merry hell. Had men chasing them all over town. Up trees, on roofs tracking the little blighters down.”

“Nick’s overstating it just a little Heath.” Jarrod put in. “There were only four of them.”

“I don’t seem to remember you helping Jarrod.” Nick countered with “They took a lot of catching.”

“Nick’s just sore because of what happened the previous time to that.” Jarrod laughed as he remembered the time.

Heath, picking up on Jarrod’s mirth, sensed a funny story about to be told and looked forward to a laugh at his older brothers expense.

“So?” He prompted “Go on.”

“Don’t even think about it.” Nike warned.

“It seems that McKinney has trouble with his cages a lot and this time a rare white tiger cub got loose. Now mama tiger was safe and in her cage but the little one got out.” Jarrod said.

“And?”

“We’d just got it cornered when the cub made one last bid for freedom. It sank it’s teeth into..”

“Jarrod!” Nick made threatening advances toward his older brother.

“Nick’s behind.” Jarrod continued. “ It charged down Main St with the seat of Nick’s pants and long johns hanging out of its mouth.” Jarrod collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Heath too doubled up with laughter. The picture of Nick standing there with his dignity exposed watching this little cat running the down the street was just too much for him.

“Jarrod, that ‘little cat’ had sharp little teeth.” Nick complained, “I couldn’t sit down for three days after that.”

“But you have to admit Nick it was very funny.” Jarrod said finally managing to control his laughter.

Nick just scowled.

“Hey mister.” A voice from down the street yelled. “Stop it quick before it gets away.”

All three Barkley brothers look up.

“Stop what?” Jarrod asked looking decidedly displeased as Alex McKinney came into view.

“That.” A small furry animal hopped past the brothers and made for the bank and general store.

“Did I just see?’ Heath asked in shock

“Yes little brother you did.” Nick confirmed, “What is that McKinney?”

“It’s my Joey.”

“YOUR WHAT?” Nick growled. It sounded like something else that might take the seat out of his pants.

“Nick, a Joey is a young kangaroo.” Jarrod explained, “They’re native to Australia.”

“A what?”

“A Kangaroo, a native Australian marsupial. They get about by hopping on their two hind legs.” Jarrod explained. “What just went past us was a young one.”

“You’ve got to help me catch it.” McKinney pleaded.

“Just how did you get your hands on it McKinney?”

“Long story.” McKinney looked anxiously down Main St “Please help.”

Nick, Jarrod, Heath and McKinney along with several others began the pursuit

The little kangaroo led them on a merry dance up and down the street, in and out of various shops, up and down the numerous alleyways.

“This little rascal sure can move.” Nick complained as they paused to take a breath.

“You ain’t just whistling.” Heath agreed hands on knees.

“Over here.” Somebody called. “It went this way.”

The pursuit was on again.

“Gottach you.” Nick and Heath said together as they both made a leap at the little kangaroo they had cornered.

But again the little one jumped out of reach, causing the boys to knock heads.

“Why you little…” Nick swore as the Joey just stood and watched them. It was like the little one was enjoying this watching the big ungainly humans making fools of themselves.

Heath rose to his hands and knees as he caught his breath again. His shirt, once neatly buttoned and tucked in his jeans, now hung open the top three buttons undone.

“Hey! What the?” He shouted and jumped back in alarm as the little kangaroo jumped into the open garment. “Get out of there.”

Joey turned itself around and poked its head out of the opening.

Nick now doubled up with laughter at the sight of both Joey peering out of the shirt and of the look of total surprise on his younger brothers face.

“Leave it. Leave it there.” McKinney said as he and Jarrod approached the pair. “It’s looking for the safety of the pouch..”

“Get it out.” Heath gasped as the claws of the young kangaroo scratched his chest. “Dammit Nick this isn’t funny. Those claws are sharp.”

“Now you heard the man.” Nick clapped his brother on the shoulder tears rolling down his face. “It feels safe in there.”

“Safe, I don’t care if…” Heath stopped as a tail whacked him in the face.

“McKinney this time I’m going to close you down.” Jarrod turned to face the sideshow owner. “The Joey here and all the other animals you have will be transported to our ranch until a representative from the San Fransisco Zoo can come and take charge of them.”

“You can’t.”

“Believe it Mr I can.” Jarrod told the stunned owner. “I’ll be wiring the head of the zoo at once.”

McKinney walked away head down.

“Any chance you could hurry that up?” Heath begged as the Joey squirmed in his shirt again.

“I’ll try Heath, but it is Saturday afternoon don’t forget.” Jarrod told his brother as he wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes.

“Come on Jarrod. “Nick said wickedly. “Let’s get these two home. After all it’s not everyday our little brother becomes a mother.”