CHAOS AT THE PONDEROSA
by
Cindy

"Well I'll be, listen to this," said Ben, "It's a letter from my old pal John Peterson. It seems he went and got himself married. It says here that he and his wife Emily, and his daughter Katie will be arriving in Virginia City on the sixteenth of the month. Hey, that's day after tomorrow, that doesn't give us much time to prepare for their visit."

"So, John finally found a woman foolish enough to marry him, huh?" said Adam, grinning.

"Oh Adam," said Ben, slightly frowning when he read the last part of the letter. "It says here that he has a big favor to ask of me. I wonder what it could be. Oh well, whatever it is, I'll be more than happy to help him out."

"He probably realizes the mistake he made and wants you to take his wife off his hands," teased Little Joe.

"I reckon we'll just have to wait to find out what it is when they get here," piped up Hoss. "At least Katie has a mommy now."

"Yes she does. The last time we saw her she was what, maybe two years old?" She must be around ten now. It'll be a pleasure to see her and John again," said Ben, thinking of the past. He and John had went to school together and had sailed on the same ship before he had decided to give up the sea. John had stayed a while longer until he had met his wife Libby. They stayed in touch over the years even though distance between them had kept them apart. It had saddened his heart when he had heard that Libby had died from pneumonia when Katie was only four years old. John had to become both mother and father to Katie until now. It brought a smile to Ben's face as he thought about the letter and how his friend had told him he felt his life was complete again. He snapped out of his reminiscing when he heard Hop Sing calling for supper. He folded the letter and placed it in his vest pocket and got up to go to the table.

“Smells mighty good, Hop Sing,” smiled Hoss, plopping down in his chair. He was always ready to eat no matter what time of day or night it was, and he was especially fond of Hop Sing’s cooking.

“We have roast beef, potatoes, and peas, you like?” asked Hop Sing.

“You bet I do,” answered Hoss.

“By the way Hop Sing, we’re going to have special guest arriving day after tomorrow. Perhaps you can prepare an extra special supper?” said Ben, while helping his plate with potatoes.

“I make supper vely special, you see.” He then disappeared into the kitchen.

The rest of the night went about as usual. Hoss and Little Joe played checkers, Adam read, and Ben sat at his desk working on the books.

******************

Ben and Little Joe rode into town to meet John and his family. Adam and Hoss had to stay back at the ranch to finish branding the remainder of the cattle. Roy saw them and strolled over to say hello.

“Howdy Ben, Little Joe, you expecting someone?” he asked.

“As a matter of fact, we are. An old friend,” said Ben. He hadn’t gotten the words out of his mouth good when the stagecoach came barreling around the corner, a dust cloud following close behind. “Here they come now.” He watched in anticipation as the stage came to a halt. The driver jumped down and wiped his brow with a red handkerchief he pulled from his back pocket.

“Sure is a hot one, ain’t it?” he said, placing the step stool at the door of the stage.

“Sure is,” answered Roy. The driver opened the door and the passengers stepped out. An older gentleman with a mustache and round spectacles that balanced themselves on the tip of his nose was the first to come out. He was grumbling something underneath his breath as he stepped off the stage. Next came John and his wife Emily.

"John! My goodness, it sure is good to see you," said Ben. The two men embraced. "You remember my son Joseph?"

"Sure do, but he was a mite smaller the last time I saw him," answered John, while shaking Joe's hand. "Ben, this is my lovely wife Emily." A warm smile crept across his face when he said her name. She was quite lovely indeed. She had long raven hair, her eyes were ocean blue, and she had an hour glass figure. Little Joe's eyes sparkled when she turned and gave him a sweet smile. He blushed and gave her his famous boyish grin.

"It's so nice to meet you both," she said. "The way John talks about you Mr. Cartwright, I feel I already know you."

"The name is Ben. I can just imagine the things he's said about me," said Ben, laughing. "Hey John, didn't you bring Mary with you?"

"Oh yes, she's sleeping. She's exhausted from the trip," he said. Ben peeked his head inside the carriage and saw her.

"John, I can see right now you're going to have to beat the boys off with a stick. She looks just like Libby," he said.

"Yes she does. About those boys, unless she grows out of her boyish ways, it may be a while before I have to start worrying about that," he said.

"Well, I guess we can gather your things up and be on our way," said Ben.

The driver brought down all their luggage. Little Joe placed it in the back of the buckboard. He helped Emily up in the buggy while John retrieved his young daughter in his arms. He handed her over to Emily, who lovingly held her in her arms. The child slept through all the commotion, not even blinking an eye. She reminded Ben of when Little Joe was young. A shot gun could go off next to his head, and he wouldn't hear it. He slept solid as a rock too. They all climbed in and were off to the Ponderosa.

+++++++++++++++

"Welcome to the Ponderosa," said Ben, proudly, when they rode up into the yard. He brought the buggy to a stop, and then he and Little Joe helped his friends into the house. Mary had woken up just before they had arrived. At first she sat in Emily's lap with a spaced-out expression on her face until she was fully awake. When John helped Mary down from the buggy, he tried to get her to say hello to Ben, but she only clung to her father's pant leg and shied away. Ben had Little Joe put the buckboard into the barn, while he escorted his guest into the house. The aroma of roast pork and fresh apple pie filled their senses.

"Oh Mr. Cart..., I mean Ben, it smells divine. I hope you didn't go through too much trouble on our account," said Emily.

"No trouble at all. Our cook Hop Sing, wanted to prepare a special meal for our special guests," complimented Ben. He removed his hat and placed it on the peg in the wall behind the door. "Come on and sit down, and remember, while you're here our home is your home."

"Thank you Ben." Emily scanned the room. Everything was built solid and strong, just like the Cartwrights themselves. "The Ponderosa is as beautiful as John described it."

"Yes dear, but the Ponderosa has grown since I last saw it. Ben, you have done all right for yourself," said John.

"I thank you. The boys and I have worked hard to get to this point, but it was worth every aching muscle we encountered along the way," said Ben. "Let me show you to your rooms. I'm sure you're tired and would like to rest up a bit before supper."

"Yes, that does sound nice," agreed Emily. Mary grabbed hold of John's hand as they climbed the stairs.

"Here you go, I hope you'll be comfortable while you're here." Ben brought them into the large guest bedroom they had near the end of the hall. It had a large double bed with a comfy blue down comforter and crisp white curtains at the window. A fireplace was in the corner of the room for cold evenings. Next to the bed was a table with a bowl and pitcher for washing in. There was also a dresser to hold their clothes if they chose to use it.

"This is perfect," said Emily.

"Glad you like it. Now, if you need anything, anything at all, don't hestitate to ask," said Ben. He turned his attention to Mary who was still staying close to her father.

"Now, would you like to see your room?" he asked, bending down to her level. Her brown eyes grew large.

"No! Daddy, I want to stay in here with you," she whined.

"Mary honey, I think it best you sleep in your own room. There's really not enough room in here for the three of us," said John, kneeling down next to his daughter.

"But I...,"

"Daddy will go with you if you'd like," he said. Mary nodded her head up and down. He glanced up at Ben. "Will you show us her room then?"

"Yes, right this way." Ben led them to the next room. "Here you are Mary, a room just for you. Your ma and pa will be right in the next room."

"I don't like it daddy," she said. "I want to stay with you. I don't like it in here at all." She gazed up at her father with the saddest expression on her face she could muster. "Please daddy," she begged. He let out a defeated sigh and patted her on the back.

"All right sweetie, but its just for tonight," he said. Mary beamed up at her father. Ben was surprised to see how Mary had her father wrapped around her little finger. He tried to keep what he was thinking off his facial expression.

"I'll let you all get settled in. Supper should be ready in about an hour," said Ben. He turned on his heels and went downstairs.

John went back to their bedroom. Emily had already washed up and had changed into a more comfortable dress. He smiled when he saw her. She was such a beautiful woman. He thought how lucky he was to have met her. She was brushing her hair, when he and Mary stepped through the door. She spun around.

"So, how do you like your room?" she asked Mary. She bent down to be eye to eye with her new step-daughter.

"I didn't like it at all. Daddy says I can stay in here tonight," she said triumphtly. "Isn't that right, daddy?" she looked up at him and smiled.

"Uh, yes dear." He glanced at Emily and could see she was upset with him.

"John, may I have a word with you, alone?" she asked, with emphasis with the word alone.

"Sure. Mary, why don't you go downstairs and get acquainted with Mr. Cartwright and Little Joe."

"Mr. Cartwright scares me daddy, I'd rather stay here with you," she said.

"Oh, all right then, do daddy a favor and wait outside the door. Me and mommy have something we need to discuss."

"Ok." She happily skipped out the door and leaned against the wall in the hallway.

"John Peterson, what is the meaning of this?" asked Emily, with her hands on her hips and a deep frown across her forehead.

"Now darling, don't go getting yourself all riled up. I told her she could stay just for tonight. She's frightened, you know new surroundings, new people, and the house is so big she could get lost," he said sheepishly.

"You know good and well there isn't enough room in that bed for the three of us, besides, I haven't had the chance to be alone with you for five whole days," she complained. She pouted her inviting red lips making John wished he had never given in to his daughter's request.

"I'm sorry, you're right. But I've already promised her for tonight. I promise tomorrow she will be in her own room. I can just sleep here in this chair so you and Mary can have the bed," he reasurred her. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. She melted into his arms. Suddenly they realized they had an audience. They quickly parted. "Mary, I thought I asked you to wait out in the hall," he said, frustrated the kiss had to end so abruptly.

"You were taking too long," she answered.

"Well, now that you're here, you might as well wash your face and change into a clean dress. We'll be going down to supper in half an hour," said John. Mary was quick to obey her father.

+++++++++++++++

John, Emily, and Mary had barely gotten downstairs and were heading for the dining room when Adam and Hoss returned home. They were tired and filthy, but only had time to wash their face and hands before going to the dining room table.

"Emily, these are my other two sons, Adam and Hoss," said Ben.

"Nice to meet you ma'am," said Adam, with a smile. Hoss parroted his brother.

"Adam, you look the same after all these years, but Hoss, you're bigger than a mountain boy," said John, grinning.

"Yes sir, I guess I am," said Hoss, sheepishly.

"Do you boys remember Mary?" asked John.

"Sure we do, but she was just a baby last time we saw her. Look at you, you're practically grown," said Adam, with a grin. Mary just stared up at him with a wide-eyed stare.

"Everybody, come sit, supper get cold," called Hop Sing. He was putting the pork roast on the table. They walked toward the dining room.

"Emily, you sit here, John you sit there, and Mary, you can sit next to Emily," directed Ben.

"I want to sit next to my daddy." She clung to her father's hand. John glanced toward his wife. She read his eyes, and then sat where Mary had been assigned. Though she didn't utter a word, her facial expression showed her disapproval. But she was trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation that would no doubt ebrupt if Mary hadn't gotten her way. Emily tried to brush it off and drew her attention to the banquet in front of her.

"Ben, everything looks so scrumptious, I don't know where to begin," she said.

"How about with the roast," suggested Ben. He handed it first to John. He helped his own plate and then gave the platter to Emily. After adding some to her plate, she picked up a slice and was about to place it on Mary's plate, but was met with a protest.

"No! I don't like it, it's yucky," she said, screwing up her face and covering her plate with her hands. Emily didn't argue. She past the platter onto Adam. When the vegetables were passed around, Mary whined about not liking them as well.

"Honey, you have to eat something," said John. "Now daddy wants you to eat some peas and potatoes at least." He placed a small spoonful of each onto her plate.

"I don't like vegetables," she grumbled, shoving the plate away from her. She crossed her arms and poked her lower lip out as far as she could possibly get it. This went on for the entire duration of the meal. Every once in a while, John would plead with his daughter to take a bite, but to no avail. She refused to open her mouth until Hop Sing brought out dessert. Suddenly she became interested in eating. Hop Sing had made an apple pie and a three layer chocolate fudge cake with lots of gooey icing. She licked her lips as he sat them in the center of the table.

"All right, what can I get for you Emily?" asked Ben. He stood with a knife in his hand ready to serve her.

"Oh my, they both look so delicious, its hard to choose. I guess I better stick with the apple pie, but make it a small slice Ben. I haven't much room after that wonderful meal," she said, with her hands over her stomach. Ben happily sliced her a piece and handed it to her. He went around the entire table, except for Mary. He didn't offer her anything.

"Hey, you forgot me!" she yelled at him. Ben raised his eyebrows at the tone she used toward him, but kept silent waiting for John to step in.

"Mary, you didn't eat any of your supper, so I can't see allowing you to have dessert," he said. Mary's face scrunched up into a deep frown and her eyes filled with tears.

"But daddy......, oh please daddy," she whined and whimpered like a mistreated pup. Her expression was so pitiful he caved in.

"Oh, all right, but just this time. Next time I expect you to eat your supper or no dessert, understand?" he said. A big smile crossed her lips and the tears left as quick as they had come. She wanted a slice of cake. It didn't take her long to devour it. She drank her glass of milk. Once she was finished, she sat back with the look of contentment written all over her face.

Ben had watched this little scenario and was quite shocked at John for allowing his daughter to manipulate him in this way. Adam was appalled by the way she played her own father and got away with it. He was thinking to himself that she better be glad that he isn't her father, or she wouldn't be sitting very comfortable right about now and would have been sent to her room long ago. He wiped his mouth with his linen napkin and dismissed himself from the table. He had seen enough.

"If you will all excuse me, I have to go tend my horse in the barn," he said, rising from his seat. Little Joe and Hoss were just as anxious to get away from this uncomfortable scene. They excused themselves as well and followed Adam out the door.

"What do you think of that little gal?" asked Hoss, as they strolled toward the barn.

"I think she's a spoiled little brat who needs a firm hand," said Adam. "I don't see why John puts up with her." He began to fill the trough with fresh water and laid down fresh hay in Sport's stall. Afterwards, he brushed Sport. Hoss and Little Joe had the rest of the stalls to muck out.

Once they had finished, they made their way back toward the house. From outside, they could hear Mary protesting about something. She had this awful high-pitch whine that just went right through a person. Adam frowned as he opened the front door. Mary was begging to stay up a little longer, though John kept persisting she go to bed.

"But daddy, I had that long nap today, and I'm not tired yet. Please let me stay up just a little bit longer."

"Mary, you've had a very busy day, I think it best you listen to your father and go to bed," said Emily, approaching Mary to take her hand, but Mary snatched her hand away.

"No! Daddy, daddy," she cried, running and jumping into his lap. She buried her face into his chest. he melted yet again. He rubbed her back to calm her.

"it's all right angel," he soothed. Little Joe rolled his eyes when John used the word angel. She was anything but an angel. "You can stay up thirty minutes more, but then you will have to go to bed with no arguments."

"All right daddy." She raised her head and kissed him on the right cheek. She jumped down and ran over to her doll she had brought with her and began to play.

Emily was seething. She was angry with John for not putting his foot down and hurt that he allowed Mary to be disrespectful towards her. How would she ever be able to be a mother to her if John kept caving into his daughter's every little whim? Each time she had tried to tell Mary to do something or discipline her, Mary would run and carry on so that John would dismiss the error that she had made. He was only putting up a wedge between her and his daugher, and one was also beginning to develop between her and John as well. He seemed to be blind when it came to Mary. In his eyes she could do no wrong, but Mary was very well aware of what was happening and was enjoying this little game of hers.

"I'm going to bed," said Emily, through gritted teeth.

"So soon darling?" asked John.

"Yes, so soon." She turned and ran up the stairs. She slammed the door behind her and fell on the bed in tears.

+++++++++++++++++

The new morning brought bright sunshine and clear skies for the Ponderosa. It was the kind of day that made a person glad they were alive. Breakfast had went much better than the supper the night before. Fortunately Mary liked Ham and eggs. The conversation was pleasant all around the table, including Mary. She answered questions asked of her, and her behavior was completely opposite from the night before. It was refreshing to see. Adam thought she could have been extremely tired last night which can cause some children to misbehave. Once breakfast was over, she even asked to be excused.

"Daddy, can I go outside?" she asked.

"You sure can," he said. She rose from her chair and planted a kiss on her father's cheek. Emily reached out to her, but she barely acknowledged her. Emily was crushed, but kept silent.

"Mary, just be sure to stay away from the corral. We have a new bull, and he's not very friendly. I don't want you to get hurt," cautioned Ben.

"Ok." She skipped happily toward the front door. Ben glanced over toward his sons.

"Well, you three have a full days worth of work ahead of you, I think you should get started," he said, pouring himself another cup of coffee.

"Yes sir," they answered in unison. They rose and went on their way.

"Ben, you have done a fine job raising your three boys," said John, once they had left the house. "They have turned into fine young men," he praised. Ben sat taller in his seat with the compliments.

"Thank you John. It took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. I'm very proud of my boys," he said beaming.

"As you ought to be. How about another cup of coffee?" asked John. Ben poured him a cup.

Emily had excused herself from the table and went up to her room. She knew John wanted to speak to Ben this morning, so she left the two of them alone. She shed a few tears from the way Mary refused to show her any affection. She hoped Ben would agree to what John was about to ask of him. It would be a chance for her and John to draw close again, like the beginning of their romance. It would also be a perfect time for her to pour her heart out to John about how she feels about Mary and how she longs to have Mary accept her as her mother.

++++++++++

John cleared his throat and took another sip of coffee. "Uh, Ben, remember in my telegram I had mentioned a big favor?" he asked.

"Yes. I was wondering when you were going to bring it up," said Ben.

"Well you see Ben, Emily and I, well, when we got married last year, we uh, we never got to go on a proper honeymoon. You know with Mary and all. I promised her that on our wedding anniversary I would take her on one. Well, the favor is this, I was hoping you would agree to watch after Mary for us while we went away for about three weeks, just the two of us. Like I said, we haven't been able to be alone yet, and I think we really need this break from.....," he babbled, but Ben held up his hand.

"John, John, you don't need to say another word. I would be delighted to have Mary stay here. You should have come to me when you were first married, I would have taken her then," he said. "I think its about high time you took that lovely bride of yours on that honeymoon."

"I know, and I feel really bad that I didn't even go away for at least the weekend, but Mary was so upset about me getting married that I was afraid to leave her at the time. It's been a bumpy road let me tell you. She is just beginning to accept Emily, and I am hoping over time she'll grow to love Emily as her mother," he said, almost in deep thought.

"I'm sure its hard for Mary to suddenly have another woman in the house, when she was use to having your undivided attention," said Ben, understandingly. "Don't you fret over it another minute, John. You go and take that beautiful wife of yours on a honeymoon she'll never forget. And don't you go worrying about Mary for a minute. As long as she stays here, she will be treated as if she were my own daughter."

"Thank you Ben. You don't know how much better I feel. If you'll excuse me, I want to go tell the good news to Em," said John, standing up and pushing his chair back. He ran up the stairs two steps at a time like an excited school boy. Ben chuckled to himself.

Emily was busy sewing the finishing touches on a dress she had made for Mary. It was a surprise for her. She wanted to give it to her if Ben agreed to watch her. She heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. She laid the dress across the bed and strolled to the door. She met John in the doorway. His huge smile told her the answer she had hoped for.

"Oh John," she said, wrapping her arms around him. He squeezed her hard and then planted a passionate kiss on her. Once again all her power left her when he held her this way.

"That's only the beginning of what is to come Em. It's going to be wonderful, I promise. Ben didn't even hesitate. He said he was more than happy to have Mary, even when I told him we would be away for three weeks. It didn't even bother him. We can leave in the morning, how does that sound," he said, embracing her. She laid her head on his chest.

"It sounds wonderful," she said, with a big smile.

++++++++++++++++

After their regular morning chores, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe headed toward the corral to see about the new bull. What they saw caused their blood turn to ice. Mary was standing inside the corral with a handful of hay in her hands. She was trying to coax the bull to come near so she could feed it. She showed absolutely no fear of the massive beast. Adam was the first to awaken from the shock of what he was seeing.

"Mary! Get out of there now!" he yelled. He was frowning as he ran towards her. She turned her head to see who was making all the noise, but then just went back to what she was doing. She took a couple steps toward the bull. "Mary, no! Stand still! That bull is dangerous!" Adam slowly opened the gate to the corral. "All right, come on, get out of there, but walk slowly. Don't run." He kept hold of the gate in case the bull charged, so he could quickly close it behind him. Mary didn't budge.

"Aw, he's not going to hurt me," she said, taking yet another step towards the animal. She shook the hay towards the bull and called out to it as if she was calling a kitten. The bull's eyes were squarely focused on her. It's nostrils flared, and it's front hooves were digging in the dirt. Adam was afraid for her life. He knew in a split second the bull could attack, and there would be nothing anyone could do to save her. Still determined not to listen to him, he decided the only solution to this problem was to dash inside, grab her, and pull her out quickly as possible. He glanced over his shoulder.

"Hoss, come hold onto this gate," he ordered. "If the bull starts to charge, close it." Hoss nodded. Adam took off his hat, and then quick as a flash, he ran inside and scooped Mary up into his arms and without looking, ran for all he was worth until he was safe on the other side of the gate. Hoss quickly shut the gate and secured it, and not too soon. The bull had suddenly bolted when Adam had grabbed Mary and begun to run.

Mary was squirming and screaming at Adam to put her down. He was so angry he could spit. He put her down, and then spun her around and made her look at him. "Didn't my pa tell you not to go near that corral?" he asked, with a deep scowl. She tried to turn away from him again, but this time he spun her around and grabbed her shoulders so she couldn't move. "I asked you a question."

"I don't have to answer you," she sassed.

"All right, you won't answer me, perhaps you'll answer your pa. Come on," he said, pulling her towards the house. She tried to fight herselft loose, but his grip was tight. Hoss and Little Joe followed close behind. Adam swung the front door open and practically had to drag Mary inside. Ben stood as he saw how roughly he was treating the child.

"Adam, what's going on here?" he asked, frowning. John also rose when his little girl began to cry and acted like Adam was killing her.

"We found her inside the corral with the bull, that's what's wrong," he snarled. "John, she could have been killed if we hadn't gone out there when we did." Mary freed herself from Adam's hold and ran to her father's arms.

"Mary, is what Adam is telling me true?" he asked, holding her close. She nodded.

"But daddy, the bull was nice," she said.

"Oh Mary," said John, realizing how close he came to losing his little girl.

"I only wanted to give him some hay," said Mary, but her father pulled her from around his neck. His face was serious.

"Mary, I am very upset with you. You could have gotten yourself killed because you didn't obey Mr. Cartwright. I want you to go up to your room right now and stay there until I say you can come out."

"But daddy, I..."

"No arguing. Now go on, up to your room this minute." Mary's eyes widened when she saw he meant business and her lower lip poked out. He pointed toward the stairs. She stomped away, and mumbled all the way up the stairs, and then slammed the door as hard as she could almost busting it from the hinges. John turned toward Ben who was standing with his arms crossed over his broad chest and wearing a deep scowl. "Sorry Ben. Adam, boys, I'm sorry Mary scared you like this. Sometimes I don't know what to do with that girl," he said. Adam knew what he would like to do with her. For starters a good sound spanking would do her a world of good. "If you all will excuse me, I need to go up and speak to my daughter." He disappeared up the stairs.

Ben stood watching his sons and seeing the anger and worry etched on their faces. He didn't know how to break the news to them that this was only the beginning of their woes. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Well boys, it looks like we're going to have our hands full for the next three weeks," he said, with a heavy sigh.

"What do you mean, Pa?" asked Adam.

"Well, I have agreed to let Mary stay here with us while John and Emily go on a trip."

"You what?!" asked Little Joe, in disbelief.

"You didn't Pa," said Adam, rolling his eyes.

"Yes, I'm afraid I did. But there isn't anything we can do about it now. We'll just have to be on our toes while she's here," he said. He sat down in his favorite chair waiting for the complaints to follow.

"Pa, they haven't left yet, couldn't you tell John you changed your mind?" asked Little Joe.

"Joseph, I can't do that. I've already promised I would; I can't go back on my word, besides this trip is very special for John and Emily. He was never able to take her on a honeymoon. They haven't had the opportunity to be alone once since they got married. No, I couldn't go back on my word to John," he said, running his hands through his thick silver hair. The dilemma he had gotten himself into was just starting to sink in.

"Looks like we'll all have a full-time job just keeping that little gal out of harms way," said Hoss.

The sound of Mary's laughter could be heard. In a few minutes, she and her father were walking down the stairs hand in hand; Mary displaying a huge smile. It seemed she had won him over once again. Adam's brow scowled. As she skipped past him, she stuck her tongue out at him. She went back outside to play.

I suppose we best get to breaking those horses," suggested Adam. He put on his hat and gun belt. "Hoss, Joe, you two coming?"

"Yeah, we're coming," said Hoss. He and Little Joe headed towards the door.

While they were in the barn saddling their horses, the chickens suddenly began squawking. You would have thought a fox was after them or something the way they were carrying on. Hoss was the first one out of the barn. He saw chickens running in all directions.

"What in the world," he said to himself. Then he saw the reason they were in such a tizzy. Mary was chasing after them, trying to catch one. "Mary, don't to that," said Hoss, taking long strides toward the chicken coop. She paid him no mind, but continued her pursuit. He finally reached her and grabbed her by the shoulder stopping her dead in her tracks. "Did you hear me little lady? I said stop chasing these chickens like that." She jerked herself from him.

"You can't tell me what to do, you ain't my daddy," she snapped.

"Well, I'm tellin' you right now young lady, if I see you chasing after these chickens again, I'll tan your hide whether I'm your daddy or not," he warned, frowning his disapproval. She backed away until she was out of his reach, and then twirled around and ran towards the house.

"I'm telling my daddy what you said. You'll be sorry," she hollered as she ran.

"You do just that," called out Hoss. Adam and Little Joe stood behind him with big smiles on their faces. Hoss didn't usually get angry easily, but when it came to any animal being mishandled or mistreated in any way, it infuritated him.

"Hoss, ain't you scared? I mean she ran inside to tattle on you," teased Little Joe. Adam couldn't help but laugh.

"Very funny, Joseph. These chickens were scared so bad they probably won't lay eggs for a week. How are we suppose to get anything done with that little imp around here?"

"We'll have to find a way. Let's leave now before anything else happens," said Adam.

"You two go on, I'll be there as soon as I can get the chickens settled again," said Hoss. Adam agreed, so he and Little Joe mounted their horses and rode out toward the north pasture where the new horses were kept.

Done with this task, Hoss went into the barn and walked Chubb out. He thought that by now Adam and Little Joe were sure to be steaming mad that he still hadn't arrived, but it had taken longer than he expected to gather all the poultry and get them back in the coop.

Mary had told her pa a long sobbing lie how she wanted to make friends with the chickens, but big bad Hoss stopped her and yelled at her. Ben could see right through her fake tears, but John seemed to be totally blinded to it. She surely had him fooled, and knew exactly what to do to make him melt and believe her every word. He held her in his lap and comforted her. Ben figured he would get the truth when Hoss returned home.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Once Mary had calmed down and was busy playing with her doll, John had sat down and told her his plan of leaving her here with the Cartwrights while he and Emily took a special trip. Needless to say, Mary didn't take the news too well. She had a full blown temper tantrum trying to win her father over so he would give in and take her along. But this time he had stood his ground, and Mary wasn't at all happy, and if she wasn't happy, then no one would be happy.

Supper was a solemn one. She was still bruting when it was time to eat. She was disagreeable throughout the meal. If Emily even attempted to ask her anything, Mary would sass her or cut her off in the middle of her question, and John did absolutely nothing about it. He allowed her ill manners to continue, and it was difficult for Ben to sit back and watch it.

Tension between Mary and Emily was so thick, it could have been cut with a knife. She had blamed her for her daddy leaving her here. Unfortunately, that tension spread around the entire table. No one felt comfortable sitting there. It was difficult for Adam to sit and watch Mary being so disrespectful to Emily and John totally ignoring her behavior. He let out a long sigh, trying to keep his temper in check. Hoss and Little Joe nervously glanced around the table while trying to eat. Ben knew he had to have a serious talk with John before he left in the morning. Before the meal was over, it was Emily who left the table embarrassed and near tears.

+++++++++++++++++++++

The house was finally quiet. Mary had finally settled down and was asleep. Emily had been packing all day and was tired, so had went to bed early. Tomorrow she and John would be leaving on their romantic honeymoon. Little Joe started giggling after beating Hoss yet again in a game of checkers. Adam was out on the front porch struming on his guitar and enjoying the star glittered sky. Ben and John had been involved in small talk the entire evening over a glass of brandy, with Ben still not telling John what was on his mind. John yawned and stood deciding to go up to bed as well, but Ben finally realizing it was now or never asked him to stay.

"John, I wanted to talk to you about Mary, if I may," said Ben.

"Sure Ben. Is there something wrong? You can still keep her, can't you?" he asked, sitting back down on the couch with a worried expression.

"Nothing has changed in that regards John. I'll keep her, but I just want to get something straight with you."

"All right."

"Now John, I hope you don't get upset with me, but I feel it has to be said. I have observed the interactions between you and Mary since you've arrived, and frankly, I don't approve of the way she has behaved. I understand she's your only child, and a girl, so it's easy to spoil her, but you don't do anything at all to discipline her. I want you to know that if she is going to stay here in this house, she will have to abide by my rules whether she likes them or not. I will treat her as I would my own sons, and that means if I feel she needs to be disciplined, then that's the action I will take. I just wanted you to be aware of that before you leave," said Ben.

"I understand what you're saying Ben. I have no problem with you making her mind you. I know she can be a real handful sometimes." He stood and began pacing the floor. "Since her mother died, it's been so hard to be both mother and father to her. I guess I have been a little lax with her, but now that she has a mother, I'm hoping things will start to change," he said, making excuses to why Mary acted the way she did. "Was that all you wanted?"

"Yes, I want you and Emily to go and not worry about Mary. She'll be just fine," said Ben. He patted his friend on the back. "If you plan on getting an early start, we best get to bed."

"I think you're right, and Ben, thanks again. I won't worry, I know Mary's in good hands."

+++++++++++++++++++++

It was a glorious morning for traveling. The birds were chirping, there were puffy white clouds floating across a bright blue canvas, and the spring flowers were in full bloom. Emily was humming as she took her bags down the stairs. She was so excited, she couldn't even eat her breakfast, so Hop Sing packed a nice food basket for them to take along.

"Well, I guess we have everything, so we'll be on our way," said John. He glanced toward his daughter. She was standing in the doorway, her eyes filled with tears. He went to her and held her in his arms promising that he would be back before she knew it, but she wasn't listening. She wrapped her arms around his neck and begged and cried for him to take her with them. No matter how he tried to explain how he couldn't take her and it would only be a short while she was here, it did no good. She miserable. He stood and walked back to the buggy. He helped Emily in her seat and then climbed in beside her. Ben could see his heart was breaking as he waved bye to Mary.

When the buggy went over the hill and could no longer be seen, Mary turned and ran upstairs to her room. She flung herself on her bed and sobbed into her pillow.

+++++++++++++++

Ben had left her alone, feeling she needed the time alone. But now it was supper time and she still hadn't come out of her room. He was getting worried about the child. She had refused lunch from Hop Sing when he had brought her up a sandwich and piece of cake, and she hadn't eaten breakfast either. He decided it was time to go up and check on her. He knocked softly on her door before entering. He found her sitting by the window looking out.

"Mary?" he said. He approached her. "Mary honey, it's time for supper. Hop Sing has made something special just for you tonight," he said, trying to wrap his arm around her shoulder, but she jerked his hand off and walked away.

"I ain't hungry," she said, sitting on the edge of her bed looking down at her feet.

"But you haven't eaten all day. You should have something in your stomach."

"I said I ain't hungry," she laid down and buried her face into her pillow. Ben thought it was useless to try to force her to join the family tonight.

"Suit yourself then," he said. He left the room, closing the door behind him. He thought that tomorrow he would have to put his foot down and make her come downstairs and eat with the family. She couldn't keep going like this.

+++++++++++++++

the following morning hunger had overcome any kind of stubborness Mary might have had. When Ben had came to her door, she walked down the stairs with him and sat with the rest of the family. Hop Sing had made scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, pancakes, biscuits with butter, fresh fruit and plenty of homemade maple syrup. Ben helped her plate with a little of everything. She ate in silence. Ben was pleased to see at least she was eating.

"Mary, I hope you slept well," said Ben, buttering his biscuit and taking a big bite. She glanced at him, but didn't comment. She wouldn't look at anyone at the table, but kept her head down while she ate. Ben was lost for words. Silence filled the room for a bit before Ben cleared his throat and decided to try again. "It's such a beautiful morning, is there anything particular you'd like to do today, Mary?" The child only shrugged her shoulders. Ben thought how she wasn't making it easy for him. Hoss came to his rescue.

"Hey, I tell you what, I have some free time this morning and after breakfast I can take you out and show you how to ride a horse. Would you like that?" he asked Mary. He saw a slight sparkle in her eye. "How about it Mary?" She glanced up at him, her mouth full.

"I don't need no help, I know how to do it," she stated matter of factly.

"Oh, so you've ridden horses before then?" aksed Ben.

"Once at the town fair. They had pony rides, and I rode one all by myself," she said proudly.

"Well, there's a big difference in riding a horse at the fair and riding one on the ranch," said Ben. "A horse at a fair is in a pen and only allowed to go in a circle with a trainer by your side the whole time. To ride a horse on your own, there are a few things you have to learn first."

"I don't need Hoss to show me how to ride, I already know what to do," she said with sarcasm in her voice. Adam's brows went up as well as Ben's.

"Really? Then maybe you can tell us the first thing you do before getting on a horse," said Ben. He laced his fingers and placed his elbows on the table.

"That's easy, you have to put a saddle on him," she answered.

"That's true, but before you get on, there's a very important thing you must check first, what is that?" questioned Ben. He could see her wheels turning in her head as she tried to come up with an answer.

"Uh, I don't know," she had to admit. Little Joe snickered, but quickly stopped after noticing the expression on Ben's face.

"If you don't know then I think you do need Hoss' to help you, my dear," said Ben, picking up his cup of coffee and taking a sip.

"I don't need nobody to help me," she said in a very low, but deliberate voice.

"Look Mary, all Pa is saying is that you can get really hurt if you don't know what you're doing on a horse. Hoss is real good with horses; he could teach you in no time," said Adam, trying to be helpful, unfortunately it seemed to ignite Mary's anger.

"I said I can do it myself!! I don't need that, that big ox...," but she wasn't able to finish her sentence.

"Mary, that will be quite enough!" yelled Ben. She jumped up from the table and ran up to her room, slamming the door behind her. Ben sat in silence for a moment but then stood and headed up the stairs. He opened the door to her room and found her staing out the window.

"Young lady, I will not tolerate that kind of behavior in this house, is that understood?" he bellowed. Mary continued to stare out the window, but nodded to acknowledge that she had heard him. "Now, when you're ready, Hoss will show you how to ride a horse properly. If you insist on being stubborn, then you can remain in your room, and you will not be riding any horse today, tomorrow, or as long as you remain with us. It's your choice. I would like you to go downstairs and apologize to Hoss." He had his hands on his hips waiting to see what she planned on doing. She did stiffen at first, but then thought about her option. She decided to go downstairs with him. Once they were in the living room, Ben had to slightly nudge her shoulder to motivate her. Hoss was still at the breakfast table.

"I'm sorry I called you an ox," she said. Hoss' face melted into a smile. He was never the kind to hold grudges. He was always ready to forgive.

"Are you willing to let me show you how to ride?" he asked. She nodded yes. He wiped his mouth off with his checkered napkin, and the two of them strolled out to the barn. He knew which horse would be perfect for her. He had her follow him to the last stall. "There she is. Her name is Daisy, and she's as gentle as a lamb. I'll get her saddled, and then we'll take her outside," he said, picking up the horse blanket to lay over her back.

"I like that horse over there much better," she said, pointing a big, black stallion. It was fairly new to the saddle and was still skittish around strangers.

"Sorry Mary, but he's a little too much horse for you," said Hoss, continuing to saddle Daisy. Mary stomped her feet and let out a loud sigh, but Hoss just ignored her. He tightened the cinch. "All right, she's ready. Come over here, and I'll help you up."

"I can do it myself," she said, pushing his out-stretched hand away. She placed her left foot into the stirrup and tried to pull herselt up, but the horse was so tall, she slipped. Hoss caught her. "Let me go!" He ignored her and helped her up on the horse anyway. He adjusted the stirrups for her. She sat tall and straight while Hoss walked them outside. He was aiming for the corral. She didn't like the idea of having to stay in a confined area, so when Hoss let go of the reins for just a second to open the gate, she took her chance to get away by kicking Daisy causing her to go into a full gallop down the road. At first Hoss stood with his mouth opened, but then quickly got Chubb and went after her.

"Dang fool kid," he said, galloping towards her. Mary was going at a good clip and holding on for dear life. Hoss managed to catch up with her, and as soon as he was close enough, he grabbed hold the reins and slowed Daisy down until she finally stopped. He jumped down from Chubb, walked up to Mary and pulled her off the horse. He held her with his left hand and with the other gave her one hard swat across her behind. "You could have gotten your neck broke if you would have fallen off that horse. Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, or I'll give you a real tanning you won't soon forget," he scolded. He mounted Chubb and reached down for Mary to take his hand. He pulled her up and had her sit in front of him. He took Daisie's reins and headed back to the ranch. Little Joe was out cutting some fire wood when they came walking into the yard. Hoss' face wore a deep frown and Mary didn't look any too happy herself.

"Hey, that was a short ride," called out Joe, bringing the axe down onto a piece of wood. Hoss climbed down and tied Chubb to the hitching post.

"Come on," he said to Mary. He reached up to get her down, but she refused to have him help her and jumped down by herself. It hurt her legs, but she would never admit that to Hoss. Adam came outside buckling on his gun belt. He saw the anger in his brother's eyes.

"How did the ride go?" he asked, with a slight sarcasm sound to it. Hoss just rolled his eyes. Mary turned to go into the house.

"Wait just a minute," said Hoss. Mary stopped and stared at Hoss with defiance in her eyes. "You rode this horse hard, and she's all hot and sweaty. I'm going to show you how to clean her, so let's go to the barn." He took the reins and headed for the barn. Mary stood with her hands on her hips with her mouth gaped.

"You expect me to clean that horse?" she asked, in disbelief.

"Yep, sure do," said Hoss, over his shoulders. "You ride a horse, you clean them up afterwards. That's the rules."

"I ain't cleaning no nasty old horse, and you can't make me." She twisted herself around and ran towards the house.

"Mary, get back here," yelled Hoss. Adam shook his head.

"Well younger brother, better you than me." He gave Hoss a sympathy pat on the back and then proceeded to the barn. Mary glanced around just before entering the house and saw Hoss advancing towards her. She made a run for it. She flew the door opened and ran up to her room slamming the door behind her. Ben had been sitting at his desk finishing up the pay roll when she came dashing through the living room. She had been so quick, he hadn't even had the chance to tell her to slow down. Hoss suddenly came barreling through the door and slammed it with such force one of the pictures almost fell off the wall.

"Hoss, wait, what's wrong?" Ben asked, frowning. "I thought you and Mary went out for a ride."

"Yes sir we did, that is until she got the notion to take off on me. She could have been killed Pa. She is one stubborn little gal. Where is she?" he asked, looking up the stairs.

"In her room, I think," said Ben. Hoss' face darkened.

"She thinks she can run away from me and get away with it, she's got another thing coming," he said, climbing the strairs two steps at a time.

"Hoss, Hoss?" said Ben, but Hoss wasn't hearing his pa. He had only one thing on his mind. He took a deep breath when he reached her door, and then opened it. Mary jumped like she had been shot.

"Young lady, you have a job to do, and you're going to do it," he said, his voice deep. He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her towards the door, but she began flailing her arms and trying to kick him. "All right, you want to do this the hard way, then that's the way it'll be." He swooped down and picked her up and carried her over his broad shoulders. Her legs were kicking, and she was screaming to the top of her lungs.

"Put me down! Put me down! You big ox, put me down!" she kept saying over and over. Ben stood at the base of the stairs with his hands on his hips and a deep frown creased across his forehead.

"Hoss, would you mind telling me what this is all about?" he asked.

"Pa, I told her to do something, but she just flat out refused to listen to me," he explained. Mary was hitting him in the back with her small fist, but it didn't hurt. Ben saw the determination in Hoss' eyes and decided to let him handle the situation. He backed away and allowed him to pass. Hoss took long strides toward the door with Mary screaming all the way. Little Joe watched Hoss walk past him grumbling to himself. He couldn't help but to burst out laughing at seeing his brother's plight. He went back to chopping wood when Hoss disappeared inside the barn.

"All right little lady, you stand still while I get the brush. If you move from that spot so help me I'll tan your bottom, do I make myself clear?" he asked, through gritted teeth.

She only stared up at him with her big brown eyes. She had never in her life had anyone treat her in such a manner. She was use to doing what she wanted, when she wanted it, and how she wanted it. Now here she was stuck in this stinky old barn in the middle of nowhere with the biggest and meanest man she had ever seen, and he was about to force her clean a dirty horse. As each minute passed, the more she disliked Hoss.

He brought over the brush and showed her how to use it, and then he handed it to her. He watched as she began copying what he had done, and when he felt she was comfortable, he told her he had some other things to tend to, but he would return in half an hour to check up on her. He warned her she had better stay put and do the job, or else. When he first stepped out, her first thought was to toss the brush as far away as she could and run away, but the sound of Little Joe whistling outside made her think twice.

**********************

"Well, you've done a mighty fine job," said Hoss, when he returned. He was quite surprised to see that she had actually listened to him. He gave her one of his broad gape-toothed smiles. "Maybe we can try riding her again tomorrow."

"No, I don't want to ride her anymore," she said.

"That's up to you," said Hoss. "It's about time for lunch. Let's go get washed up." Mary was more than happy to quit. She tossed the brush on the ground, but Hoss made her pick it up and put it away properly. She gave a huff, but did it once she saw his expression. She stomped past him and ran into the house.

Adam had gone to the north pasture to check on some fencing, so he was missing for lunch. Little Joe had finished his chores chopping the wood, so after lunch he and Hoss were going to see about a couple of new horses that needed to be broke. That left only Ben and Mary.

"Mary, I have to go into town after we eat, and I want you to come along with me" he said. He wasn't about to leave her here alone with Hop Sing. She actually liked the idea of escaping this place for a little while.

++++++++++++++++++++

First Ben needed to stop by the bank. He was carrying a large amount of money that had to be deposited right away. He pulled the buggy up in front of the general store. He had some errands to do in there as well, and the bank wasn't too far away. He could walk.

"Come on Mary, I need to go to the bank," said Ben, jumping down. He tied the horses to the hitching post. Mary jumped down and landed in the remains of a mud puddle from the rain they had gotten the night before. Mud was slung all over her clothes.

"Dang it," she moaned, as she tried cleaning herself up. The more she attempted to wipe off the mud, the worse the stain got.

"Mary, just leave it alone for now, come along," said Ben. He turned and started walking up the street. Mary ran after him.

"Mr. Cartwright, I want to go into the general store while you're in the bank," said Mary, while taking long strides to keep up with him.

"I think it would be best if you stayed close to me," he answered.

"But I don't want to go with you," she said.

"I already gave you my answer, now come on," said Ben, in a no nonsense tone.

She followed behind him with her arms crossed and her lower lip poked out. There were a group of boys on the corner playing marbles. They were known to be trouble makers. As Ben and Mary went past them, one of the boys wearing a plaid shirt glanced up and stuck his tongue out at Mary. Ben didn't pay the boys any mind, but Mary did, and she stuck out her tongue as far as she could get it.

++++++++++++

"Good afternoon Sally," said Ben, when he entered the bank.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Cartwright. How may I help you today?" she asked. She was a pretty little thing. Ben often wondered why one of his boys hadn't snatched her up by now. She was slender with long brown hair and dark brown eyes. She had a sweet smile, and was the most polite girl Ben had ever met. He turned his head to check on Mary. She was up on her knees in a chair looking out the window. She was making faces and sticking her tongue at the boys outside.

"Mary, sit down properly," said Ben. He had a slight frown. She sat down, but as soon as Ben's head was turned, she was at it again. "I'd like to deposit this check into my account." He signed the back of it, and then handed it to her. She took it, stamped the back of it, and gave him a receipt. "Thank you Sally. You have a good afternoon now," he said, tipping his hat before turning to leave. When he turned he saw Mary once again on her knees, her face pressed up against the window teasing the boys on the other side. They were showing her their fists and saying something that Ben was greatful couldn't be heard through the glass. He quickly approached her and grabbed her by the arm. "I thought I told you to sit properly. What exactly are you doing?"

"Nothing," she said.

"Well, lets go. I have some supplies to pick up at the store before we head back home," he said. He opened the door allowing Mary to go ahead of him. The group of boys were still hanging around outside, but when Ben stopped and gave them one of his scowls, they took off running in the opposite direction. He knew who they were and had always said that if he could have them for just one day, he would teach them to respect their elders.

Mary ran up ahead of Ben skipping along the way and stopping every now and then to peek through the window fronts. Ben smiled remembering Little Joe at her age and what a handful he had been. When Mary opened the door to the General Store a little bell jingled. Mr. Harris was busy helping a young woman with her groceries. She was carrying one baby on her hip and had a set of twins arguing back and forth and tugging on her skirt, both wanting her attention. Mr. Harris offered to help her carry her goods out to her carriage.

"I'll be right with you, Ben," he said, carrying two heavy bags stuffed with food. Ben held the door opened for him.

"Take your time Dan, I'm in no hurry." Mary started eye balling all the wonderful jars of candies. Her eyes danced. She licked her lips. She had her hands on the lid of the jelly beans when Ben caught her. "Mary!" She jumped like she had been shot. "Don't touch anything. You can look, but don't touch," he stated.

"I want some jellybeans," she said, boldly.

"We'll see." She stared at him briefly, and then turned and began strolling down the aisles of merchandise. "Remember what I said, don't touch."

Mr. Harris came back inside wiping his hands onto his white apron he wore around his ample waist. He shook hands with Ben.

"Well Ben, what can I do for you today?" he asked. Ben took out his list.

"I have quite a few things to pick up today, and I best get them home quickly or Hop Sing will be hopping mad," said Ben, chuckling.

Mary was making her way to the back of the store. Along the way there were new clothes for ladies and men, an assortment of hats, frilly bonnets, colored material for making new clothes or curtains, food stuffs, tobacco, and at last she saw what she was looking for, the toys. There were small cars and train sets. There were marbles and jacks, a ball and jump rope, books and spinning tops, and then on the tippy top of the shelf, she noticed it. There sat the most beautiful doll she had ever seen. It had a pink lacy dress with a bonnet to match. Her eyes looked like blue glass, and she had the rosiest cheeks Mary had ever seen. She wanted that doll more than anything in the whole world. She tried reaching up to grab hold of it, but it was just too high for her to reach. She noticed a stool near the hats Mr. Harris used for items that was far from his reach. Ben and Mr. Harris were engrossed in conversation and wasn't paying her any mind. She dragged the stool in front of the shelf. She stepped up and tried grabbing the doll, but it was still too high. She got the idea of climbing on the shelf itself. She placed one foot on the middle shelf and tried climbing up. She was making some headway when suddenly the shelf gave way. She and entire contents of all six shelves came tumbling down to the ground with a loud crash. Mary landed on her back and bumped the back of her head, but seemed to be all right. Unfortunately some of the items that had fallen hadn't faired as well. On her way down, her arms had hit a nearby table that held glass vases. A few of them had taken a fall and was now shattered into a million pieces. The doll she so admired now had a large crack across its face. Marbles and other small toys were scattered about. Mr. Harris and Ben quickly ran towards the rear of the store when they heard the commotion.

"What on earth happened here?" asked Mr. Harris, both anger and concern in his voice. Ben scurried to Mary's side.

"Are you all right?" he asked, helping her stand up. She nodded her head. "How did this happen?"

"I was trying to reach this doll." She bent down and scooped it up in her arms, but once she saw it had been ruined, she tossed it back to the ground.

Mr. Harris reached down and grabbed it. A deep scowl came across his forehead. "Do you know how much this doll cost? It was twenty-five dollars!! It came all the way from England, and now look at it, it's ruined!" he yelled. He looked at the other items that had been destroyed or damaged and went on another rampage about his losses he would encounter. Ben stared down at Mary.

"I thought I made myself clear that you were not to touch anything, isn't that right?" he asked, with his hands on his hips. She nodded. "I think it best you go sit in the wagon until I'm done here. We'll discuss this when we get home."

Mary just couldn't understand why Mr. Cartwright was so upset with her. It wasn't her fault the shelf wasn't sturdy enough to hold her weight. She folded her arms and just glared at him. When she didn't make an attempt to move, Ben's eyes narrowed.

"Get moving, now!" he said, his voice raising. She let out an annoyed huff, but headed for the front of the store. Instead of going out to the wagon though, she stopped when she was passing the jars of candy. She saw Ben and Mr. Harris talking, so she took advantage of the situation and took the lid off the jelly bean jar and grabbed as many candies her hands would hold. She was about to put the lid back on when she heard footsteps. She dropped the lid on the floor in a panic and ran out the door. She had a little pocket in her skirt, so she stuffed the candies inside and climbed up into the wagon.

"I'm really sorry about this mess, Dan. I'll be glad to pay for the damages. Just tell me how much it'll be," said Ben.

++++++++++++++++++

Outside Mary sat watching the people walk by while eating her stolen candy. The group of boys that had been teasing her at the bank came from the alley and saw her.

"Hey guys, would you look at that, it's a toad in the wagon," said one of the bigger boys. Mary's mouth fell open. "You open your mouth any wider, you might catch some flies," they laughed.

"I ain't a toad. How dare you call me that," she spit back.

"Yep, that's exactly what you are, an ugly old toad. It looks like you've already been swimming down in the swamps by the look of those clothes," they said, sarcastically, roaring in laughter and pointing fingers at her.

"You better shut up and leave me alone," she warned.

"Oh my, we're really scared now, aren't we?" They snickered. "I don't think you have enough mud on you." One of the boys picked up a handful of mud and flung it at her. It landed in her lap. Some of it spattered her in her face and got into her eye. It caused it to sting and water. "Oh looky, she's crying. Oh boo hoo, she's a baby toad. Wahh, wahh, wahhhh," they teased unrelentlessly.

"Go away," she cried. When one of the boys bent down to pick up more mud, Mary stood and jumped on top of his back causing him to fall face first in the black goo. She grabbed hold a handful of mud and smeared it all through his hair. He pushed her off. He had to wipe the mud from his face, but then he pushed her down on the ground. She was quick as a rabbit though and was back on her feet before he realized what hit him. Her arms swung wildly and landed a punch right into his left eye. He yelped and backed away.

"Let's get out of here," he said, holding his eye. Mary bent down one more time for good measure and filled both hands with the mud and threw them toward the boys as they were running away. Unfortunately, it never reached it's intended target, but instead landed in the face of Mr. Harris who had stepped outside to help Ben put the supplies in the back of the wagon.

"What in the world...," he said, surprised. He touched his face and saw the mud on his hands. "Why you little....., I ought to....., what is the meaning of this?" he sputtered in an angry tone.

"I didn't mean to hit you; I was trying to hit those nasty old boys," said Mary, pointing in the direction they had ran, but they were nowhere to be seen.

"Boys uh, I bet there was some boys," he said, wiping his face with his apron.

There were some boys here just before you came outside," she was trying to explain. Mr. Harris glanced up just as Ben came out of the store carrying two boxes of supplies. When he saw fresh mud on Mary's clothes and face and then noticed the condition Mr. Harris was in, he quickly tossed the boxes into the back of the wagon and ran to Mr. Harris' side.

"Dan, what happened?" he asked.

"Mary says she was aiming this mud at some boys, but missed," he said.

"You wish to explain what this is all about young lady?" asked Ben, frowning.

"Those boys came back and called me names and then threw mud on me. I warned them to go away or I'd pound them, but they wouldn't. So I gave it to em' good," she said proudly, forming her hands into fists. Ben cleared his throat, obviously embarrassed over Mary's behavior or lack of.

"Dan, I'm terribly sorry about all this," he said, lost for words. "I assure you Mary will be punished."

"Punished! What did I do?" she asked, in a shocking tone. He narrowed his eyes. She turned the other way and climbed into the wagon. Dan gave Ben a heavy sigh and went back inside the store. Ben stood for a second wondering if he should further his conversation with him, but thought he best let it lie for now. He untied the reins and climbed into the wagon. Neither of them spoke a word all the way home. But once they pulled into the yard, the silence was broken.

"I want you to go into the house, get cleaned up, and then wait for me in you room," instructed Ben, his voice stern.

She jumped down and headed for the house, not because Mr. Cartwright had told her to, but because she would be grateful to get out of these clothes. When she entered the front door, Hop Sing was busy cleaning out the fire place. He saw Mary, and he burst into his Chinese jargon. He put the silver pail down and his arms went flailing through the air.

"What happen to you?" he finally mangaged to get out.

"I got into a fight."

"A fight! Mr. Cartwright know about this? You bad girl get into fight. Go, change clothes. I get bath water ready so dirty little girl can wash up. You always give Hop Sing work to do," he yelled.

"I ain't gonna take no bath!" she yelled.

"Vely dirty, you take bath!" he yelled, and began speaking Chinese once again. She was about to smart off to him again, but Hoss andLittle Joe strolled through the door. Little Joe started his contagious laughter when he saw the mess Mary was in.

"Oh my, what happened to you?" he asked, in between giggles.

"Stop laughing!" she yelled. Hoss joined in with his brother. "Shut up!" She picked up one of Adam's books that was on the coffee table and was about to throw it toward Little Joe's head, but Adam walked in just in the nick of time.

"Put that book down," he demanded. She glanced over her shoulder toward Adam and saw the stern expression on his face, but chose to ignore it. She drew her arm backwards getting ready to throw the book anyway, but then it was Ben who stopped her this time.

"Young lady, I thought I told you to get cleaned up and wait in your room," he said, frowning deeply and placing his hands on his hips. Adam walked over to her and snatched the book from her hands. Hop Sing came into the room.

"Water ready for bath now," he said.

"I said I ain't gonna take no bath!" she yelled. Little Joe snickered again, but soon lost his humor when he noticed the hard stare Ben was aiming his way.

"Boys, don't you have something you could be doing, or shall I assign you some chores of my choosing?" asked Ben, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"Oh, we have plenty to do Pa," said Hoss, giving his father his wide-toothed grin. "We just stopped by real quick to pick up a snack, ain't that right Joe?"

"Uh, oh yeah, that's right. Come on Hoss," he said, pulling Hoss towards the front door. "See ya later Pa." When Ben was upset with any one of them, they learned early on, it was best to stay out of the way until things blew over.

Dadburnit Joe, I'm hungry. My stomach is growling like an old grizzly bear," complained Hoss. He rubbed his large belly.

"It won't hurt you to miss one meal. Besides, witht the expression on Pa's face, I'd rather go hungry then get in the middle of whatever is going on in there."

"I reckon you're right. I hope Hop Sing is cooking a whole lot of supper," said Hoss. They mounted their horses and took off to do more chores.

Ben turned his attention back to Mary who was standing with her arms crossed and defiance written on her face.

"Now for you young lady, you are to get up those stairs and do as you're told and get a bath," stated Ben.

"I don't want a bath," she said, frowning.

"Whether you want one or not is not for you to decide, so stop your whining or I'll really give you something to whine about," he said. He pointed toward the stairs. She hesitated, but finally gave in. After some protest between her and Hop Sing she found herself soaking in a tub of hot water. He had given her instructions to scrub herself down real good with the soap and cloth he had given her and to be sure to wash her hair. At first she just sat pouting, but then she began to relax and the warmth began to soothe her and she was soon having a fun time in the water.

She was in her room buttoning the last button on a fresh clean dress, when she heard a knock on her door. Ben cracked it opened and walked in.

"Well now, you must feel better," he said. He sat on the edge of her bed. "I want to have a talk with you about what happened in town today. By you disregarding my instructions, you caused a lot of damage to Mr. Harris' merchandise, and then to top if all off, you chose to get into a brawl. So, I've been doing some thinking about how this situation can be settled, and I think the only way that you will learn from this is that you should be the one to pay Mr. Harris back for the damages."

"What!?" she said, surprised.

"If you would have listened when I told you not to touch anything, none of this would have happened. Because of your disobedience Mr. Harris lost a lot of money, which has to be paid back, and it's only proper that you pay for the damages since you're the one who caused them."

"I ain't got no money," she said.

"Oh, you won't be needing any money. What I have decided is that you will work it off by doing chores around here and at the end of each week I will pay you. You can then give the money you've earned to Mr. Harris. You won't be here long enough to pay the full bill, but at least you'll be going in the right direction. You can start after supper by helping Hop Sing clean the dishes." As he was talking, Mary's face grew redder and redder and her eyes squinted as she peered at Ben with such distaste. He stood to leave the room, but she stomped her feet and proceeded to yell at him.

"No, I won't do them!" she blurted out.

"Excuse me?" he said, crossing his arms.

"I ain't gonna do no chores around here. If my daddy was here, he wouldn't make me do them," she snapped.

"Yes, and that's part of the problem. But your daddy isn't here. He has put me in charge of you until he returns, so from this moment on you WILL do as you're told. You have caused enough trouble in this household since you've arrived and it's going to stop now," he said, his voice was low and controlled, which meant he was trying to keep his temper in tact.

"And if I don't do the chores...," she started.

"Then you will get a tanning you won't soon forget, and young lady, that is a promise. You can just stay up here and think about what I've said. I'll call you when it's time for supper." He turned and left the room.

+++++++++++++++++

"I wish that little gal would come on. I'm starving. I've already missed one meal today on account of her," complained Hoss. The family was sitting around the supper table waiting for her arrival. Hop Sing was getting upset. He had just brought out the final dish.

"I wonder what is keeping that girl. I called her ten minutes ago," said Ben.

"I go check now," volunteered Hop Sing. He scurried up the stairs like a jack rabbit and knocked on her door. "Little girl done yet?" he called through the door. Mary opened the door.

"What do you want?" she asked, hatefully. She was mad with him because in her mind he was one of the reasons she had gotten into so much trouble with Mr. Cartwright.

"You ok?" he asked.

"I look ok, don't I?" she sassed.

"Come, supper getting cold," he said. He let her lead the way.

"Well, you sure look a lot different than the last time I saw you," piped up Little Joe. "I bet you feel better too."

"No I don't. I felt fine the way I was," she said, sarcastically, as she took her place at the table. Ben scowled, but kept silent. Adam raised his brow and gave her that expression he had when he was displeased.

"Hoss, why don't you start us off?" said Ben, pointing to the fried chicken that sat in front of him. Ben didn't need to repeat the request twice. Hoss was more than happy to get started. He piled his plate with at least three pieces of chicken before passing it on to Adam.

"Thanks for saving some for the rest of us," he said, in a flat voice. Hoss didn't pay him any mind. He bit into a piece of chicken leg and closed his eyes in complete satisfaction. Adam just rolled his eyes, helping his plate and passing the meat to Little Joe. Soon everyone had their plates full. Hop Sing had prepared mashed potatoes and gravy, green peas, squash, and homemade biscuits dripping with butter. He had also made an apple pie and three tier coconut cake for dessert.

The conversation was pleasant for the most part. Mary was hungry and concentrated on eating her food. She only complained a little about her peas. Ben told her she had to at least try them before she could have dessert. She gagged on the spoonful she put in her mouth, but with the thought of that cake in her mind, she managed to get it down.

Once dessert was served, it was now time to clean up. Adam excused himself from the table. He loved sitting by the fire in the evenings reading one of his many novels. It helped to relax him after a hard days work on the ranch. Hoss and Little Joe went to sit up their usual game of checkers. Hoss bet Joe he would beat him for sure tonight. Mary rose from her seat and started walking toward the stairs.

"Mary, where are you going?" asked Ben, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

"My room to get my doll," she said.

"I'm afraid that will have to wait. Remember our little conversation we had upstairs this afternoon?" he reminded her.

"But I don't want to," she whined. Ben pushed his chair back and stood. Adam peered over his book to see what might develop here.

"Mary, come over here and start clearing the table off right now or you will get that tanning I promised you," said Ben, in a no nonsense manner. She glared at him, but after a few minutes saw that he wasn't backing down, so she stomped her way back to the table. She began to pile the plates on top of one another, clashing them together. "Mary! Don't show your temper. Do your work properly," ordered Ben. She pierced her lips and let out an angry sigh, but did as she was told.

Being made to do something was a brand new experience for Mary, and she didn't like it one bit. She kept thinking she would tell her daddy how cruel Mr. Cartwright had been to her, and he would probably become so angry that he would no longer be friends with Mr. Cartwright. That would show him. Every now and then she'd forget and clash a glass or two, but Ben quickly reminded her how to behave or face the consequences. The rest of the evening went without incident.

++++++++++++++++++++

Morning came with a bang. It started off peacefully but was soon interrupted by an out burst of tantrums. Ben had given Mary a list of things he expected her to do for the day, and she went into a rage.

"Dishes again! Weed the garden? Help wash clothes and windows! I won't do it, you hear, I won't!" she screamed. She threw the list on the floor and stamped on it with her shoes. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe sat at the breakfast table watching in amazement at this little girl's defiance toward their father. They all knew that she was in some serious trouble now. Ben stood from his seat and slowly and deliberately walked to Mary's side. He grabbed her by the arm and led her up to her room without uttering a single word.

"I'm sure glad I'm not in that little gal's shoes right now," said Hoss. "When Pa is silent like that, o wee, that spells trouble in capital letters."

The three of them sat around the breakfast table and just listened. First, they heard Mary sassing Ben, and then they heard Ben's deep voice bellowing through the house. Little Joe winced at the sound of his Pa's voice realizing what was soon to follow. The next thing they heard was crying and screaming from Mary, begging Ben to stop. He had swiftly put her over his knee and gave her the tanning he had promised her. It was the first time in her young life she had ever been punished.

Adam had a slight grin on his face as he listened to her cries. She had caused so much chaos since her arrival that it was like music to his ears to hear her receiving what she had whole heartedly earned.

Suddenly the cries stopped, and the only thing that could be heard was the clanking of Hoss' fork against his plate. Nothing stopped him from eating. After some time passed, they heard Mary's door open and shut, and Ben with Mary came walking down the stairs side by side. She was still sniffling.

"All right young lady, now start doing your chores beginning with clearing off the breakfast dishes," stated Ben. Mary wiped her nose on the back of her sleeve as she obeyed. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe quickly left the table when Ben turned toward them. They didn't want any of his wrath upon them, so they skedaddled out the door to start their own chores for the day.

The remainder of the day went by without anymore disruptions. Mary remained quiet as she did her work. By the end of the day, she was so tuckered out she fell asleep even before supper.

"Well Pa, maybe you finally got through to her who's boss around here," said Adam, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I sure hope so son." They ate in peace and then retired around the fireplace to relax before heading off to bed.

+++++++++++

Mary woke up with the bright sunshine beaming in through the slits in the curtains. She jumped out of bed and glanced outside. She couldn't believe it was morning already. She quickly got dressed and ran down the stairs. She was starving. She made her way to the table, and when she sat down, she found a slip of paper underneath her glass with a note written by Ben. It read:

"Mary, I have gone into town for the day. Here is a list of the chores I want you to do today. Clean out the stalls in the barn, gather the eggs and clean the hen house, help Hop Sing with the dishes and laundry. I expect most of them to be completed by the time I return.
Mr. Cartwright

Mary's eyes misted up for a second, but then she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She hated it here. She couldn't believe she was forced to do such hard labor. She didn't think she had done anything to deserve this type of treatment. Hop Sing had heard her running down the stairs eariler and came from the kitchen carrying a plate of eggs, bacon, and hot cakes for her. She quickly stuffed the piece of paper underneath her leg tying to keep Hop Sing from seeing it. But to her disappointment, he was already aware of the note.

"Here you go missy. You eat all up. Then you help Hop Sing in kitchen," he said, smiling. Mary didn't return the friendly gesture. He took a pitcher and began pouring her some milk. He frowned. "You see a note Mr. Cartlight left for you?" he asked, when he noticed the note missing.

"Nope," she answered.

"Mr. Cartlight left note here for you to read. He give you chores to do," he said. He bent down and looked under the table, but found nothing.

"I didn't see anything when I came down. Are you sure it was a note for me? It could have been for Adam, Hoss, or Joe," she lied.

"No, it for you. You eat first, then you help Hop Sing in kitchen," he said. He brought her some syrup for the hotcakes. He disappeard intot he kitchen once again.

Mary ate slowly while trying to figure a way out of doing her chores. She would much rather be out riding a horse or going swimming. The sun was so warm and the sky was crystal clear. It was much too nice of a day to be stuck with a bunch of chores. Her face brightened as she came up with a solution. If she pretended she never saw the note, how could Mr. Cartwright get angry with her if they're not done when he returns? She figured this was a swell idea and a big smile crawled across her face.

Before she could make her great escape, Hop Sing did manage to catch her and make him help her do the breakfast dishes. As soon as she was done with that, she fled as if the house was on fire. She ran into the barn and found that big stallion she had noticed when she first got here. She placed a rope around his neck and pulled him outside. He was such a tall animal, she just wasn't able to saddle him, so she took a step stool and climbed up on him bare backed. She clicked her feet and the horse went into a trot. She held onto it's mane and aimed for the pond.

Unfortunately for her, her big adventure was quickly squelched, for she ran right into Adam on the trail. He had been to the east side of the ranch since early morning checking out the fencing and was returning home to gather some supplies he needed to repair a couple of weak areas. When he noticed Mary, he had clicked his heels in order to catch up with her. She was going at a pretty fast pace, so he had to use his lasso and tossed it over the animal's head in order to get them stopped.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, as he leaned forward in his saddle. "Pa left you with a list of chores to do."

"No he didn't. I helped with the dishes, but that was all I was suppose to do today," she said, trying to outwit him.

"No, afraid not. I was at the table when Pa wrote you that note. He even showed it to me and gave me instructions to make sure you got them done. So little lady, lets turn this horse around and go back to the ranch. You have a big day ahead of you." He grabbed the rope and began to pull the horse along side him as they trotted down the road. "You best be glad I found you, because if Pa comes home and you haven't done your chores, I don't think you'd be too anxious to sit in a saddle for a while." Mary glared at Adam. She was furious. Hop Sing came running out of the front door when they returned home. He was visibly upset.

"You bad girl. You run off and no tell Hop Sing. Where you go?" he chattered. "Hop Sing found note in garbage. Try to find you, but you gone, verly bad girl." He began his Chinese chatter. "Come help me with laundry." He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her toward the house.

"No, no! Let me go! Let me go!" she screamed. She wiggled herself free from his grip and tried running in the opposite direction, but Adam was there to catch her. He put his death grip on her arm.

"Young lady, you are to turn yourself around and do as you're told, or I'll be tan you myself right here and now," he said, with a deep scowl and his voice low and steady just like his Pa's. He stared her down until she finally relaxed underneath his grip. He let her go, and she walked back to Hop Sing. Adam shook his head and turned toward the barn. When his back was turned, she stuck her tongue out at him.

+++++++++++++++++

It was close to supper when Ben arrived back to the ranch. He was weary and hungry. When he stepped into the barn his eyes blazed with anger. The barn hadn't even begun to be touched. He went inside the chicken coop. He thought he better not see it in the same state as the barn. He ducked his head as he walked through the door. He scanned the room and then checked underneath the chickens. At least the eggs had been gathered and the hen house cleaned. He turned to go into the house. He was so tired he had Henry, one of his hired hands, tend to his horse. He was met with the sweet aroma of a chocolate cake baking in the oven. It made his stomach growl all the more. Adam was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper. He heard Ben walk in.

"Hi Pa, so how did you make out in town?" he asked. He turned the page of the paper to continue reading an article about the possiblity of building a railroad soon.

"Well, Mr. Williams still hasn't come to a decision who will get the contract, but he promised to give us an answer by noon tomorrow." He removed his hat and gun belt and placed them on the sideboard next to the door.

"There must have been a lot of others bids I take it," said Adam.

"Yes there was. It's good money to be made when dealing with lumber for the mines. Everybody wants a piece of it." Ben poured himself a glass of brandy. "Where are your brothers?"

"They haven't come back from rounding up the cattle on the south side yet," answered Adam.

"Why aren't you out there helping them?" asked Ben. He took a sip of his brandy and raised his brows at his son.

"I had to go down to the east side and mend the fence in a few places. I only got home an hour ago myself." He flipped the page of the paper again.

"And Mary, where is she? That barn hasn't been touched," said Ben, his voice sounding a little miffed.

"It hasn't?" asked Adam, folding the paper and putting it on the coffee table.

"No, it's as dirty as when I left this morning. Where is she?"

"I don't know. I thought she was out there cleaning it now. We uh, we had a little problem with her this morning about doing her chores."

"Oh?"

"She tried sneaking away from the ranch, but I found her and brought her back. She had thrown the note you left her in the garbage in hopes you would think she hadn't seen it."

"Oh she did, did she? You say she should be out there right now cleaning the barn?" asked Ben.

"She didn't go out there without a tantrum though. I had to threaten to give her a swat on her behind to calm her down, but I watched her go out there. You want me to go look for her?" asked Adam, standing up.

"I would appreciate it. I'm dog tired. When you do find her bring her to me. She and I have some serious talking to do," he said. He flopped down in his favorite leather chair by the fire and continued sipping on his brandy. He watched the flames flicker while thinking of Mary. He hoped she was all right.

Adam shrugged into his yellow coat and grabbed his hat on his way out the front door. He first went into the barn to double check, and sure enough, it hadn't been touched and Mary wasn't anywhere to be found. He checked each stall. All the horses were accounted for. She couldn't have gone too far on foot, he thought to himself. He saddled Beauty, mounted her, and began his search.

After searching for about an hour, Adam found her sitting down underneath a tree with her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped around them. She had her head down, and she was crying. He dismounted Beauty and walked towards her. She heard a noise and glanced up. When she saw it was Adam, she jumped up and ran into his arms. He knelt down and she buried her head into his shoulder and sobbed.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked, but all she could do was cry. He carried her back to his horse and placed her on the saddle. He hopped up and sat behind her. They rode all the way to the ranch without talking.

Hoss and Little Joe had arrived home while Adam was out. Ben asked them if they had come across Mary or Adam on their way home, but they hadn't. His anger was now turning into worry. They had volunteered to go help search for Mary. Ben agreed to the idea. They were out saddling the horses when they heard horse's hooves. They scrambled out of the barn to see Adam pulling Mary off the horse and carry her inside the house. They followed behind.

"What happened to her?" asked Ben, backing up to let Adam through the door. "Lay her on the couch. Where did you find her?" He sat next to the child and caressed her forehead. She was sleeping soundly.

"She was almost at the lake. You know that big oak tree we use to have our picnics under?" asked Adam.

"Yes."

"That's where I found her. She was scared to death," said Adam. "That was quite a trek she took."

"What in the world was she doing there in the first place?" asked Ben to himself, not expecting an answer. Mary stirred, and then slowly woke up. Ben was the first person she saw. She tried to smile because she was happy to be back where it was safe, but then tears filled her eyes out of fear of what Mr. Cartwright might do to her for running away. He gave her his fatherly expression, one that showed he was glad she was safe, yet showed he wasn't too pleased with her right now. She scooted herself up to a sitting position.

"I, I'm sorry. I just wanted to go for a walk, but I got lost," she said.

"Well, you're home now, and you're safe," said Ben. At that time Hop Sing brought supper out of the kitchen carrying a pot of stew saying supper was ready. Ben told her they would talk later, but for now to wash her hands and come to the table. now that everyone was home.

*********************

Ben didn't allow Mary to have dessert, but sent her to her room after she had finished eating. Once he finished his cup of coffee he went upstairs to speak with her. She was lying on her back on her bed with her arms underneath her head. She quickly sat up when he entered the room.

"Feeling better?" he asked. She shook her head up and down. He pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed. "Good, glad to hear it. I'm sure you know the reason I've come up here." She shrugged. "I thought we needed to talk about what you did today. Why did you take off like that?"

"I, I got tired of doing chores," she said.

"I see. I hear you gave Adam and Hop Sing a rough time this morning, is that true?" he asked.

"I uh, I....," but stopped and just shook her head.

"Why?" She only shrugged. "You should be glad I wasn't home, or you know what would have happened, don't you," he stated in a stern voice. She stared up at him with her big brown eyes. "And then this afternoon, you took it upon yourself to decide that you weren't going to do the chores I gave you to do, and as a result, you became lost. You're lucky Adam found you. I am angry with you for trying to defy me, but I think you've learned your lesson, so I'm not going to give you a tanning this time, but if you try this little stunt again, I promise you will find yourself over my knee, is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Now, it's time you went to bed. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow starting with the cleaning of the barn," he said, rising from the chair. She let out a mournful sigh, but she got into her night gown without complaints and snuggled under the warmth of the soft down comforter. Ben tucked her in before leaving the room.

******************************

It was a hot and muggy morning, and Mary found herself faced with cleaning out each of the horse's stalls. The smell made her gag as she used the shovel to remove the dung. She had been at it for the last couple hours and was all hot and sweaty and miserable. Ben walked in to check up on her progress.

"You haven't gotten too much done, have you?" he commented.

"I'm doing the best I can. This is disgusting," she said, holding up a shovel full of dung.

"Yes I know it's not a pleasant job, but we all have to take our turn doing it. You better get a move on, otherwise you'll miss having lunch," he said.

"Who could eat after this?" she complained, screwing up her face. Ben chuckled as he left the barn. Mary watched him go with daggers in her eyes pointing to the back of his head. She had a lot of things she would like to say, but thought best to keep them to herself. She wiped her brow with the back of her sleeve and continued on with the task ahead of her. She had two more stalls to do and then she would be done.

************************************

She had missed lunch, but she wasn't exactly hungry anyway. She finally completed the barn and strolled toward the house. She was hot and tuckered out. Ben was sitting at his desk working on the bid he had made for the lumber contract when Mary entered the house.

"I'm all done," she said, happily. Ben glanced up from his work.

"Good," he said, grinning. "Now you can go see Hop Sing. He has plenty of chores for you to do."

"But I'm tired," she whined.

"Yeah, hard work will do it every time. It makes you sleep like a baby at night. You'll be able to rest up a bit after your supper," he said. "Right now I want you to go find Hop Sing. He'll tell you what needs to be done."

"No, I don't want to!" she yelled. "I'm sick and tired of cleaning up around here. My pa would never make me do....," she yelled, but was stopped dead in her tracks.

"Young lady, would you like to have the same conversation we had in your room just a couple of nights ago?" Ben asked, a deep frown forming across his forehead. She opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it when she realized what he meant. She put her hands behind her in hopes of protecting her sensitive area. "I asked you a question." He stood up like a giant tower over her. She slowly nodded her head no. "Then I suggest you do as you are told, right now." He pointed his right index finger toward the kitchen. She stepped backwards just in case he had it in his mind to administer a swat. Once she felt she was safely out of his reach, she turned and ran into the kitchen. Ben rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. She sure was a handful.

******************************

Over the remaining time at the Cartwrights, Mary slowly began to change in a positive way. Once she got it through her head that she wasn't the boss in the house, Ben had started seeing a change in her. At first, it wasn't easy for her to listen since she was so use to having things done her way. She had found herself over Ben's knees more than once, but she had begun to learn how to have respect for her elders. Instead of being the spoiled brat she had been when she first arrived, she seemed to be developing into a charming young lady. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe actually enjoyed her company for the most part. Every now and then she would try her old antics, but found them to be squashed immediately.

It was time for her father and step-mother to return. They would be arriving on the noon stage the following day. Ben sat her down and spoke to her and tried to help her see how much they both loved and cared for her, and explained how she should behave with them. She seemed to understand.

Hoss was going to ride into town to pick them up and had asked Mary if she wanted to come along, but she reclined the offer. Hop Sing had taught her how to make sugar cookies, and she had wanted to stay behind for she had wanted to surprise them with a batch of her very own.

********************************

"Um mmm, those cookies sure do smell good," praised Ben, as he came into the kitchen the morning Mary's folks were coming in. Mary was covered in flour and sugar, but was happy as a lark. She glanced up at Ben.

"You want to try one?" she asked, smiling. She picked up one that had just came out of the oven and aimed it in his direction.

"You read my mind. Thank you," he said. He took a bite. "This is the best sugar cookie I think I've ever tasted." Mary just beamed with pride. "Your ma and pa are going to be delighted. Are you about done here? They should be arriving soon, and you need to get cleaned up."

"I have one more batch to bake and then I'll be done."

"Miss Mary, you go clean up. Hop Sing bake last cookies and clean kitchen. Hop Sing need to make supper for family anyway," he said. She was happy to leave. She was excited to see her pa and wanted to look her best. She skipped happily across the floor before starting up the stairs.

"Pa, her father is going to be quite surprised to see the change in her," said Adam, closing the book he was reading.

"Yes son, he sure is. Now all I hope is that he will make sure she continues where we left off."

"That's been my thoughts too," said Adam. They heard a noise outside. Ben took long strides toward the front door and opened it with gusto. It was Hoss. He stepped outside, grinning from ear to ear.

"John, Emily, welcome home. How was your trip?" he asked.

"It was wonderful Ben, just wonderful," answered John. "How's Mary?" He asked as if he was afraid of the what the answer might be.

"She's just fine. She's up stairs right now getting dressed," said Ben. Little Joe and Hoss helped bring in the luggage.

"I hope she wasn't too much trouble," said John.

"Not too much," said Ben, laughing. "It was difficult at first I have to admit, but John, she has changed in many ways. She's gone from a little girl to a young lady. I think you're going to be quite surprised."

"Oh I have missed her so," spoke up Emily. "Do you think it would be all right to go to her? I have a surprise for her."

"Of course my dear, you go on," said John. Emily excused herself, picked up a large box from the back of the carriage and disappeared into the house.

"Come on in the house John. I want you to tell me all about your trip. You and Emily sure look rested," said Ben, as they strolled side by side toward the house.

******************************

"Who is it?" asked Mary, hearing a knock on her door.

"It's me, Emily. May I come in?"

"Just a minute." Mary wanted to finish tying her pink bow to her dress. Once satisfied with her appearance, she opened the door. Emily stood in the doorway carrying a large blue box with a yellow ribbon wrapped around it.

"Hello Mary, I missed you so much." She bent down a gave Mary a hug. Mary returned the hug. It made Emily's heart leap for joy. "Here, your father and I bought you this for you in San Francisco. We hope you like it." Mary took it from Emily and placed on top of her bed and opened it.

"A new doll! Oh, she's beautiful!" squealed Mary, in delight. She ran into Emily's arms. "Thank you. I love her. Where's Pa?"

"He's waiting down stairs for you, darling," she answered. Tears filled her eyes as she watched Mary run for the stairs, not out of pain this time, but out of joy that she seemed to be accepting her.

The reunion was a happy one. John and Emily couldn't believe Mary was the same child they had left. She was being so polite, and she helped Hop Sing clear the supper dishes. She shocked them when she had told them to sit down and shut their eyes because she too had a surprise for them. She presented them with the cookies she had baked. They were quite astonished to find out she had made them all by herself.

They drank their coffee and ate the cookies while telling funny stories about the things that had happened while on their trip. Afterwards, John turned to his daughter and asked her about her stay here with the Cartwrights.

"So honey, what exciting things did you do while we were gone?" he asked, smiling.

"Oh daddy, I'm so glad you're back. I've been just miserable since you've been away. I was forced to work everyday," she said, pitifully.

"What do you mean you were forced?" asked John, his smile fading.

" Mr. Cartwright forced me to clean out his stinky old barn, and the chicken coop, and the kitchen. And he made me do it everyday. And if I didn't do it the way he thought I should have done it, he would beat me. it was just awful staying here daddy," she stated with a shaky voice. John stood and glared at Ben.

"You struck my child?" he asked. He held his arms around his little girl. She snuggled up close to him. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe glanced at one another. They could see where this was leading. Sweet little Mary was about to turn sour.

"I did spank her when she needed it," said Ben. He was frowning and staring hard at Mary. How could she suddenly turn from this angelic child to this little devil in a matter of seconds.

"What in the world could she have done that was so bad that you felt the need to beat her?" asked John. Mary clunged closer to her father as if she was scared to death.

"John, first of all, I didn't beat her. I did administer a few swats to her bottom when she refused to listen to me or when she carried on with one of those temper tantrums she is so accustomed to. And I gave her chores to do only after she disobeyed me. I assure you, it didn't harm her. If anything, it taught her responsibility and how to show respect to others. But it looks like she has suddenly forgotten everything she's learned," he said, staring down at the girl. He took a step forward.

"Daddy, keep him away. I'm afraid of him," she whimpered. He pushed her in back of him as if to protect her from Ben. Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe just watched in disbelief. Adam stood to get himself a glass of brandy. Mary pointed at him. "He's mean too daddy. He tried to hurt me." That did it, that took Adam over the edge. He had had enough of this game Mary was playing.

"What?! You have got to be kidding. Listen John, I never touched your daughter, not that I didn't want to mind you. Do you actually believe Pa would do anything to harm Mary? Didn't you tell him he had your permission to treat her as if she was his own child while she was here?" John had to agree. "Ok, that's all he did. He didn't treat her any different than if it would have been one of us behaving the way she was. He has given us many a swats and we survived, and we also had to do chores when we disobeyed Pa. No, it wasn't pleasant at the time of the punishment, but it taught us all a valuable lesson. Mary had turned into a different child until you returned. She knows she can get away with anything with you. She can even lie to your face and you will believe her over the truth. She knows exactly how to wrap you around her little finger to get the attention she wants, and you buy right into it," he bellowed, with his arms flailing. It was a well known fact that he was a man of limited patience, and one thing he couldn't tolerate was a child who was manipulative. He took long strides to the front door. "I've seen enough." He put on his hat and went outside in a huff. John stood stunned at the words Adam had said. Mary began tugging at his shirt trying to get his attention.

"Daddy, I told you he was mean," she said.

"Be quiet Mary," demanded John. Mary was shocked hearing those words from her father.

"But daddy, I...," she whined, but was quieted by John. "I said to hush up."

Adam was right, it's just he never noticed what his daughter was doing to him. It took another man to make him see that he had been a foolish man raising his daughter with no disciplene of any kind. He knew in his heart of hearts that Ben would never do anything to harm Mary. He felt bad and embarrassed that he had gotten angry with his best friend. Mary kept whining and pouting trying to get her father to pay attention to her. She even ran over to Emily trying to get her to take her side, but she found no sympathy there. John realized for the first time that Emily had all along been trying to get him to see what Mary was doing, but he had been blinded.

"Ben, please forgive me. I, I don't know what to say. I've been so......," he said, but couldn't finish his thought. He hung his head in shame. Ben felt his friend's embarrassment and quickly walked to him.

"It's all right John," he said.

"No, no it's not. I was wrong in accusing you of harming Mary. I know you would never punish her unless it was absolutely neccessary. I'm just so sorry that I haven't seen it before. I've allowed her to get away with murder, but I swear that's all going to change." He turned to his daughter. "Mary, I want you to come over here and apologize to Mr. Cartwright for your rude behavior." Mary just stood with her brown eyes wide open as if she didn't know the man who had just spoken to her. "Mary! Do as you're told, now!"

"D, daddy, why are you making me do this? Don't you believe me?" she asked, tearing up.

"I did, but no more. Now come over here and apologize."

"No, I won't!" She turned and ran up to her room.

"I, uh, I,.......uh, excuse me Ben," stuttered John. He glanced at Emily as he made his way toward the stairs. She gave him a supporting smile.

There was silence for several minutes, and then Mary could be heard screaming for her father to stop. Hoss and Little Joe looked at each other and broke out in wide grins. After about half an hour, John made his way back down the stairs with Mary by his side. He had tears still streaming down her cheeks. She stood close to him once they reached the bottom. He peered down at her. By his expression, she knew what he expected her to do. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, and then slowly walked up to Ben. She hung her head at first, but then glanced up at him.

"I'm sorry for the way I behaved Mr. Cartwright," she said, sadly. Ben gave her a reassuring smile to let her know he had forgiven her. She quickly turned and ran to her father buring her head into his chest. "I'm sorry daddy," she cried.

For the first time her father had punished her, but it actually hadn't made her angry. It made her feel more loved. The next day John, Emily, and Mary packed up and left the Ponderosa. It was the first time in weeks they had total silence. The chaos had left.

"Pa, I never thought I would ever say this, but I miss that little gal," said Hoss, heaping his plate full of chicken and dumplings.

"You've got to be kidding," piped up Little Joe. He threw his napkin at his older brother and it landed on top of his head. They all started laughing. It was good to have life back to normal again.

The End

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