Also, a big thanks to McVey for betaing, she caught some inconsistencies. Oops. Another big thanks for her wonderful attention to detail to -- as BCW likes to call her -- The Divine Ms. M! I'll find a way to shorten that, eventually.

Most importantly, my gratitude to my co-writer, BCW, for letting her characters Justin and Paddy play in my world. Those guys belong to her and her alone. Dang it. Gracias, Querida.

Comments welcomed by BCW and myself.

Li'l Indians
by Klair and BCW
September 11, 1998

Wyoming Territory, late September 1874, The Chelsea and Prospect Creek
Ranches

Justin kept his bandanna tight over his nose and mouth, trying not to cough at the cloud of dust kicked up by the sea of cattle moving ahead of him and his little horse. Baba had been riding right next to him since they started the round up, keeping a worried, watchful eye on him his first time out.

His father and the new hands were gathering the herd to drive it to the rail head bound for the slaughterhouses back east. Paddy said by the end of the week they'd be ready to hit the trail. At first, Justin had been excited by the thought of participating on a cattle drive, and had weedled his way into helping. Now, pulling his hat down farther on his head in an effort to keep the dust away from his face, Justin admitted he was not looking forward to the trip. The boy tried to take his mind off his discomfort by thinking about tomorrow when the Ellisons would come for Sunday supper. Recently, the two families began the tradition of visiting each other every other Sunday, alternating which ranch would host.

"Pay attention, chiquito," Paddy's stern voice cut across his daydreaming. "Cattle are unpredictable," he said, pointing to a steer that was wandering off into the brush.

"Yes, Baba," Justin said from behind the colorful piece of cloth covering his face. Fortunately for him, the big man couldn't see his pout.

Paddy rode off on Dancer towards the escapee and began coaxing it back towards the rest of the herd before returning to his son's side. Justin sighed heavily, then coughed again. The dime store novels made being a cowboy seem a whole lot different. The adventure of the next two weeks now looked like one long, dirty chore.

~~~~

That night, a very tired Justin turned heavy-lidded eyes to his father as Paddy tucked him in. "Baba?"

"Si, chiquito."

"Do you really need me to go with you on the drive?"

Paddy tried to hide his surprise at the question. Justin had pestered him for over a week to convince the very reluctant rancher to take him along. Paddy needed all hands with him, including Chu Wa. Taking the boy along solved his care-taking dilemma. "You can't stay home alone, Justin."

"Well, I was thinkin'. . .maybe I can stay with the Ellisons. . .if Uncle Jim says it's okay."

The young father mentally kicked himself. Of course! Jim wouldn't mind, would he? As quickly as his spirits lifted, they fell. "Things'll be pretty hectic getting ready to go, chiquito. I don't think I can take the time to ride you over."

Justin took a deep breath. "I could ride over myself before you leave on the drive," he said, and waited anxiously.

The ideal solution was looking more sinister than the initial problem. "I don't know, Justin. It's a long ride alone."

"It's only two hours or so. Please, Baba?"

"I'll think about it, hijito." Paddy leaned down and kissed Justin's forehead before heading for the door, putting an end to more discussion. "Sweet dreams, chiquito."

Choate trotted down the stairs, thinking of a way to approach Jim about taking Justin while he was away. His desires warred with one another. On the one hand if Justin stayed with him on the drive, Choate could keep careful watch over his often overly enthusiastic son. On the other hand, allowing Justin to stay with the Ellisons meant the boy would be spared the perils of the trail, but would have the added uncertainty of trusting another with Justin's safety. Even with that person being Jim Ellison, the choice was difficult to make. No, Paddy thought. The decision has already been made to take Justin along. No sense even asking and putting Jim in an awkward position. With that, Paddy put the whole thing from his mind -- while Justin fell asleep planning how to talk both his uncle and father into agreeing to his wishes.

~~~

Justin stood at the entrance to The Chelsea waiting impatiently for his friend and uncle to ride close enough.

"Hey, Justin--" the big rancher began as he rode up alongside the gate.

"Hi, Uncle Jim! Baba's waiting up at the house. Can I ride up on Ceylon with you, Blair?"

Blair looked puzzled for a moment, but rode up alongside the fence, allowing the older boy to slide on behind him.

Justin settled in and both boys looked over at Jim, who watched them suspiciously.

"We'll meet you up at the house, Uncle Jim," Justin said over Blair's shoulder with a wide smile.

"All right, boys," Jim said slowly, a warning in his voice. He cinched down on his keen hearing as he rode towards the house, sure he'd learn soon enough what the imps were up to.

As soon as the big rancher was out of earshot Justin said, "I was thinking, maybe, I could come over to your place while they're on the drive."

"That's great! Uncle Paddy said yes, didn't he?"

~~~

"Please, Papa, can't Justin stay with us?" Blair asked, setting his fork down. He and Justin had talked of nothing else since the Ellison's arrival at The Chelsea that morning. Now, over Sunday supper, the boys made their move. "It'll be nice having someone else to play with for awhile."

Blair's begging, pleading expression was more than Jim could stand. It didn't help to have Justin next to Blair, staring at him with a similar countenance. Jim used his coffee cup to hide his smirk. "It's fine with me if it's okay with your father, Justin."

The two little con artists turned their attention to the younger rancher
sitting at the head of the table.

Fixing his son with a stern look, while internally thanking his lucky stars, Paddy chose the lesser of two evils and said firmly, "You keep to a canter and you stay to the trail. Is that understood?"

Smiling brightly, Justin replied, "Yes, Sir!"

The following Sunday had dawned crisp and clear, the weather warm. Justin rode over the golden grass covered hills, fighting the urge to gallop Dulce as fast as she would go. He kept her to a walk, interspersed with a canter. Paddy, correction, Baba, had been very firm about acceptable riding maneuvers on the trail (even though he was almost twelve!). Justin eased Dulce's canter back down to a walk. He intended to keep his solemn promise to obey his father's instructions -- because he planned to make this trip often in the future!

Rounding the bend where the road entered the valley of the Prospect Creek Ranch, Justin spied a familiar curly-headed figure on a small bay horse. He trotted over to meet his friend.

"Hey, Justin! Papa let me come meet you," Blair said, all but bouncing in his saddle with excitement, one of his moccasined feet slipping through the stirrup, the stitching of the well-worn footwear unraveling even more.

"Hi, Blair." Justin answered, all smiles and pride. "Too bad you didn't start out sooner. We could have ridden in most of the way together."

The boys turned their horses towards the Ellison's cabin at a walk.

With a slight pout, Blair answered his friend. "No. I'm not allowed past that point. Papa said I have to wait until I'm ten before I can ride over to your place by myself, and that's only if I've shown him I can be 'sponsible enough." The younger boy rolled his eyes. "I'm not a baby, but he won't budge."

Justin nodded solemnly. "I know. Baba treats me the same way." He sighed. "I'm surprised he let me come alone. I keep expecting to see him on the horizon, watching me, making sure I obey the rules."

Blair nodded, too. "Fathers," he said in the long-suffering voice of youth.

"Yeah, fathers," Justin agreed.

They chatted away while riding up to the Ellison's cabin.

~~~

Jim Ellison chuckled and tried to stay focused on the Morgan mare he worked in the corral. He could hear the boys coming a half mile away. They talked of horses and Justin's upcoming birthday. When the two young riders passed through the gate he left the Morgan in the corral to greet them.

"Well, squirt, I see you made it in one piece," he teased. Abruptly the rancher stopped and cocked his head to the side before a wide smile settled on his face. He looked back up the road toward the horizon and laughed as his enhanced sight picked up one Patrick Choate turning Dancer for home. He turned back to the boys who were busy watering their horses. "Have any trouble on the trail?"

"No. I had the strangest feeling though," Justin said, smoothing the horse's golden coat. "Like Baba was watching me. I know it was hard for him to let me come alone and not follow."

"I know I'd be tempted if the situation were reversed," he said, catching the murderous glare his son sent him out of the corner of his eye. "Hurry on and get your horses tended to. Lunch will be ready soon."

They were soon sitting down to a meal of grilled cheese sandwiches, fried apple rings and lemonade.

"Mmm, these are really good," Justin exclaimed before taking another big bite from his sandwich. "Maybe you could show Chu Wa how to make 'em. . . and the fried apples, too."

"Thank you, Justin. Maybe next Sunday when we all go back to your place I'll just do that," Jim said. "Now close your mouth while you chew and finish up. We have work to do."

Blair giggled at the mild admonishment directed towards his friend. Jim frowned at his child, saying a bit sternly, "That goes for you too, Blair. You two want people to think you were raised in a barn?"

Blair shut his mouth and chewed, mimicking his friend sitting across from him. It wasn't long before a contest developed to see who could shadow the other's moves the best. Jim ignored the silly behavior, after all, boys would be boys. Soon the cabin was awash in giggles.

"All right, you two," Jim said, not able to suppress an amused grin. "Come on, let's get these dishes cleaned. We've got some riding to do
today."

Jim saddled their horses while the two boys did the dishes. Blair washed and Justin dried.

"Boys!" Jim called impatiently from the yard. "Shake a leg, we're burning daylight!"

Like a shot, the two came running from the house. Half way to their horses, Blair stopped and turned around, running behind the house. Justin got in his saddle and looked around for his missing friend.

"Where'd Blair go?"

"He remembered some business he needed to take care of before we head out. Do you need to go, too?"

"No, I--" A look came across the boy's face and he dismounted. "I'll be right back." He took the path his friend did, passing Blair on the way. Several minutes later, all were ready to ride.

Just as Blair nudged Ceylon in motion, Jim put a hand on the little horse's bridle. "Wait a minute," he said with a furrowed brow. He gestured toward the well worn moccasins encasing his son's feet. "Blair, you can't wear those. They're not safe. Go get your boots on."

"But, Papa, I like my moccasins. Please." Jim frowned deeper at his son's whiny plea. The boy ought to know by now how far that would get him.

"Son, they're falling apart. Now go get your boots on and be quick about it."

"Yes, sir."

Watching his young friend run to the house to change, Justin sighed. "It's a shame. Those are so pretty."

"What?" Jim asked absently as he gathered Ceylon's reins in his hand.

"The moccasins. All those beads. They're real pretty. Were they made by a real Indian?"

Blair soon came running back out of the house with the mandated brown work boots on. Jim handed Ceylon's reins to him once he was in the saddle.

"Yes, they're Shoshoni,' was Jim's answer to Justin's question as he spurred Sentry into motion.

"Whatcha talking about,' Blair asked as they got underway, horses at a walk.

"Your moccasins," Jim said to the boy riding on his right side. Justin rode on his left.

"Oh. Why?"

A bit embarrassed, Justin said, "I just thought they were pretty. It's a shame you have to throw them away now that they're worn out."

"Oh, I'm not throwing them away!" Blair said emphatically. "Running Doe made those for me. Papa, when are we going to go back to their camp? Maybe she can sew the cats on another pair?"

Justin asked hesitantly, "Maybe I can come, too? I've never seen a real Indian camp before."

"Never seen!" Blair exclaimed, shocked at his friend's statement. "Papa, please, can we go to the Shoshoni camp while Justin's here? Please?"

"Please, Uncle Jim?"

"I don't know, boys. There's an awful lot that needs to get done before the snows come. I doubt I'll have time until the spring."

All chatter stopped. Jim looked at the two dejected boys along either side of him. The sight was too much. A quick overnight wouldn't be too bad, he told himself.

"Then again, I have two helpers instead of one. That should make the work go more quickly. Maybe Tuesday we'll head on over there."

Jim tightened the knot on his sense of hearing as the boys whooped their approval.

~~~

Jim counted to ten for what seemed like the twentieth time that evening. Dinner had been harrowing at best. If the rancher had warned the boys once not to bolt their food, he'd done it a thousand times. Now he had to rescue the dinner dishes from little hands that tried to wash slippery dishes with the haste of excited children.

Now outside, he cinched the knot on his hearing tighter as the boys hollered and raced around him in another make-believe adventure while he set the tent equipment on the ground.

"Boys," he shouted sternly to be heard over the noise. "If you want to camp out then pay attention."

Blair and Justin trotted over, still shoving and giggling at each other, and stood before the rancher.

"All right. First you need to pick a site and clear it of debris, unless you like sleeping on rocks. Then we pitch the tent."

"We get to have a fire, too, Papa. Remember? You promised. Explorers need a fire."

Wearily, Jim scrubbed his face. He had promised in a moment of weakness. "That's right, so you need to make a fire ring as well. It'll be getting dark soon so let's get to work."

About a half hour later, a good three times the amount of time it would have taken the rancher to do the job himself, Jim supervised Justin pounding in the last tent stake, giving it a small tug to make sure it was seated properly.

Patting the boy on the shoulder, Jim praised Justin's efforts. "That looks real good, squirt. Let's see how Blair's doing with the fire."

Blair had gathered fuel for a small blaze and arranged it in the fire ring he had built. Jim lit the sticks with his tinder box and soon a small flame warmed the two little campers.

"Looks like you're set boys. Your bedrolls are in the tent. When the fire burns down, it's time to hit the sack. Understand?"

The boys nodded absently, their attention on the cheery blaze in front of them.

"All right, I'll leave you to your 'adventure'." Jim's knees cracked as he rose from his position by the fire and slapped the side of his leg. "Come on, Nemo."

Blair threw his arms around the little dog before she could obey the command.

"Please, Papa. Can't she sleep with us?"

"Please, Uncle Jim."

The bone-weary rancher was no match for the three sets of pleading eyes staring him down.

"All right. This once."

He walked back to the cabin as the two boys chattered by the fire.

~~~

Jim worked on the ranch's account books, the crackling of the fire the only sound until the excited voice of Justin reached his ears. He loosened the knot on his hearing to eavesdrop a little since he knew that the fire should be embers by now and the boys in bed.

"And they live in teepees and ride bareback and wear hardly any clothes?" Justin asked excitedly.

"No. They use saddles, but they do live in teepees...and their clothes are different. Lots of buckskin and stuff," Blair sagely replied. "I got to sleep in the shaman's teepee last time we went."

"Shaman?"

"Seeks The Waters. His wife, Running Doe is a shaman for the ladies. They--"

Jim rose from his comfortable chair and stuck his head out the cabin door. "Boys! That fire's burned down. Get to bed."

"Yes, Papa."

"Yes, Uncle Jim."

Jim shut the door and listened to the sounds of the fire being banked and two boys crawling into the tent.

After a few moments, Justin whispered. "I didn't mean who was the shaman. I meant, what is a shaman?"

"Oh. Well," Blair began hesitantly, "well, he makes medicines and helps people with their problems." He laughed. "He tells good stories, too. And he showed me all kinds of plants that are good to know, only I don't remember a lot of them, but maybe he can show me again and --"

"And maybe he can show me, too?"

"Sure! He's real nice. So's Running Doe. She made my moccasins and took care of me while Papa went someplace with Seeks the Water."

"Wow!" Justin breathed in awe. "A real Indian medicine man."

With a heavy sigh, Jim got up again. His angry voice cut through the night. "This is the last time, boys!"

Not a peep came from the little tent, just the sound of rustling bedding. Soon there wasn't even that.

Then a soft voice reached the rancher's ears as he made his own preparations for bed. "Papa?"

With a weary sigh, Jim stepped outside, moving beyond the porch and around the creek side of the cabin to the small tent the two "explorers' had erected earlier. Jim checked the smoldering fire pit outside the tent, proud to see the coals properly banked. Slowly, he drew back the tent flap and loosened the knot on his sight to see the boys were finally in their bed rolls, a content dog curled between them. Blair fingered the edge of his blanket absently.

"What is it, Blair?" he asked, kneeling at the entrance of the tent.

"Just wanted to say, goodnight."

The rancher hung his head for a heartbeat, ashamed he'd forgotten, and then looked up. "Goodnight, Little Bit," he said, smiling as he leaned forward to tuck the blankets more securely around Blair's shoulders.

The rancher leaned over to tuck the covers around Justin, too. "Goodnight and sweet dreams to you, too, squirt."

"Night, Uncle Jim."

Ellison began easing back out of the tent when the plaintiff little voice stopped him again.

"Papa?"

The rancher's patience nearing its end, he asked wearily, "What, son?"

Even in the darkness, Jim could see the two sets of sad eyes watching him expectantly. "Aren't you gonna--" the father could almost see the heat radiate from his son's blush, "you know--' Blair finished in an almost inaudible whisper.

'Big brave explorers, indeed,' Ellison smiled to himself. Jim leaned back in and kissed his son's forehead, then Justin's.

"Sweet dreams, boys. I'll leave the cabin unlocked if you need anything."

That was all the reassurances his 'tribe' needed. Their smiles were back in place.

"Sweet dreams, too, Papa. And don't worry about us," Blair assured as he drew his dog closer. "We're mighty explorers."

"Sleep well, boys," Jim chuckled.

Smiling to himself as he walked back to the cabin shaking his head in disbelief. The imps had done it to him again.

~~~

Before sunrise, Jim climbed out of bed and, after stoking the stove and setting the coffee on, he went outside to rouse the boys. Scanning ahead with his hearing to tell if they were still asleep, Jim was surprised to find the sounds he was searching for come from behind him. Turning, he headed towards the barn and the source of the quiet talking he'd picked up before.

The rancher entered as his son was forcefully coaxing one of the draft horses out of its stall.

"Come on, Brownie. Move," the little boy commanded with authority. Blair led the giant to another stall while Justin slipped in to begin shoveling.

Jim smiled warmly at the sight. It reminded him of himself and Steven. It would do both boys good to have more than a day together. The rancher grabbed a pitchfork and made his way to where the two boys worked.

"Mornin', boys," Jim greeted with a smile. "Let's get this done so we can eat. I was thinking of making flapjacks."

Jim had never seen the stalls cleaned so quickly.

~~~

"May I have some more, please?" Justin asked, holding up his plate.

Jim smiled to himself as he went back to the griddle and managed to scrape enough batter from the sides of the bowl for two more flapjacks.

"You got a hollow leg you haven't told us about, squirt?" he joked while flipping the pancakes.

The boy just blushed a bit and ducked his head while Blair giggled in amusement.

"How about you, Little Bit?"

Blair popped another piece of syrup laden flapjack into his mouth and shook his head.

Jim set the flapjacks on the boy's plate. "Here you go, Justin. Those are the last." Jim then sat down to finish his coffee.

After swallowing a huge bite, Justin asked, "What're we doing today, Uncle Jim?"

The rancher took a sip of his cooling drink before answering. "Make the repairs on the holding pens we looked at yesterday. There's some tack that needs repairs." He eyed the two boys, a slight smile on his face that he tried to hide behind his cup. "I noticed the chicken coop needs cleaning, too." As predicted, the boys groaned. "And, if we can get all that done today," Jim took another sip of cold coffee, making the boys hang on his words, "then we need to pack up what we'll need for our trip to visit our Shoshoni neighbors tomorrow." Jim winced at the din that announcement created, wishing he'd remembered to tighten that knot on his hearing again.

~~~~

In the early morning light Jim hitched Blaze and Brownie to the wagon. He thought about just packing the rabbit furs, deer hides, firewood and smoked venison haunch he had for trade and gifts onto one of the horses, but changed his mind. On the way home from the Shoshoni encampment he wanted to stop by a good place he knew of to replenish his own supply of wood. Bringing the wagon would save him a trip later.

"Blair. Justin. Your horses ready?"

Both boys had pleaded to bring their own mounts instead of riding in the wagon. Jim was easily swayed.

"Yes, Papa. Just checking the cinch."

"Me too, Uncle Jim."

The big rancher finished with the wagon and gave a final inspection to the saddling job done by the boys. After tightening the bindings a bit
further, Jim gave the go ahead to mount up and they were off.

As soon as the Shoshoni village came into view the boys' endless chatter stopped. Justin took in everything he saw with wide eyes. He pulled Dulce in closer to the wagon. The action didn't go unnoticed by his uncle who reached over and patted the boy's shoulder.

"They're nice folk, Justin. Long time friends."

The boy just nodded, still taking in the new things around him. There were fifteen teepees in clusters over a flat area between low grass covered hills.

Blair whispered to his father. "This isn't the same place we went to before."

"No, Little Bit. That was their summer camp. This is their winter camp. We're at a lower elevation here. It won't snow as bad."

Before Blair could ask another question, Jim stopped the wagon by a group of men. The boys halted with him.

Blair smiled, recognizing the gray-haired man who stepped forward. "Greetings, Watchman. You and your family are welcome here."

Jim dismounted and motioned for the boys to do the same. "Thank you, Walks the River," Jim said as he heartily shook the elderly man's hand. "We'd like to stay the night if that's all right with you."

"As always you are welcome in my home."

Blair came to his father's side and stepped forward. "Hi, Walks the Rivers. I want you to meet my friend." Blair motioned to Justin who stood slightly behind Jim. "This is Justin Choate. He's my best friend."

"He is very welcomed also."

Jim put his arm over Justin's shoulders, pulling the boy from behind him. He kept in contact as he nudged Justin forward.

"Thank you, sir," the boy squeaked out.

"Why don't you boys go run along and play." Jim shooed a somewhat reluctant Justin from his side, aided by Blair pulling on his friend's arm. Soon the boys were playing some kind of tag game with the village children. Jim relaxed as Justin laughed and ran with the rest of them.

A hand on his shoulder turned the rancher's attention back to the shaman.

"Walk with me, my friend."

The two men strolled down to the creek side and walked a ways before either one spoke.

"How are you handling your gifts, Watchman?"

"How did you know about those? I brought skins and fur for Running Doe. I hoped she could make a pair of moccasins for each of the boys by next Friday."

The old man laughed, slapping the confused rancher on the back.

"Watchman, I meant your senses."

Jim blushed a bit. "They're fine. They don't get in the way as much as they used to."

"You have learned control."

"I've learned to be careful with them. Gray Wolf comes sometimes, too. Blair helps as well. He's a pistol, that boy."

"He is part of this." The shaman held up his hand to curb the protest he saw rising in his friend. "But for now you need to practice control. Come, I have more lessons for you." The elderly man laughed at the groan that elicited from the Watchman.

Over two hours later, Jim walked back towards the village, leaving the shaman to his other work. It'd been a good idea to come back here. He'd gotten more guidance for his senses and the boys were in heaven.
The Watchman let his hearing flow, scanning for two familiar voices. Hearing their peals of laughter, he headed towards the joyous noise. They were clearly having the time of their lives playing with the children of the camp.

Coming up the rise, Jim easily located the heartbeat of his son and the voice of his charge, but as he cleared the crest he saw only a small group of Indian children playing a game with a large leather ball.

Knowing he heard his children, Jim uncinched the knot on his senses further. There, in the midst of the group, he saw the reddish-brown curls of his son. A moment later, the rancher located the golden skin of his nephew.

They had gone completely native!

He whistled sharply, and when their heads turned towards him, Jim motioned them over.

When the two sweaty, puffing boys stopped in front of them he asked firmly, "Boys, where are your britches?"

Blair pointed back to Running Doe's teepee while Justin tried to make their case.

"Aww, but Uncle Jim! They don't got britches on!" he indicated the other boys playing the game.

Jim looked to the sky for patience. He voiced his one true objection. "What would your father think of this, squirt? And where did you get these leggings and loincloths from?"

"Borrowed them, and he won't mind, if you say it's okay. Please, Uncle Jim!"

Jim only snorted in response.

"Please, Papa. The flaps cover the front and the back," Blair said, twisting to show his father.

Justin mirrored his friend's action. "You can't see, Uncle Jim!"

"You let me before. Please, Papa!"

"Please, Uncle Jim!"

How do they make their eyes that big? Jim thought helplessly.

"All right! But as soon as we get ready to leave, the britches go back on and stay on. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," the boys chorused.

"Can we go back and play now, Papa?" Blair asked.

"Sure." The rancher had barely gotten the word out when the two children hightailed it back to the game.

While the boys played, Jim put their horses on a picket line and traded the goods he brought for fur-lined moccasins for the boys, himself and Patrick. He also bargained for a blanket made of ropes of rabbit pelts sewn together. That should keep Blair warmer this winter, he reasoned. As he stepped from Running Doe's dwelling, he smiled as Walks the River approached with his two very animated children in tow.

"Hi, Uncle Jim. Walks the River showed us all kinds of useful plants."

"Uh-huh." Blair enthusiastically nodded in agreement. "And he told us more stories about Coyote and how he brought fire to The People."

"Yep, and how he was chased by Rock and how the fox got a white tail! And--"

"And how he was tricked by Turtle like Brer Fox was tricked by Brer Rabbit and the brier patch!"

"Okay, boys. Save some for the trip home tomorrow."

"Ohhh," both boys whined.

"Do we have to leave tomorrow, Uncle Jim?"

"We're learning lots of good things from Walks the River. It would be very educational, Papa," Blair said very seriously, knowing that citing how it was good for them was the better way to get a longer visit out of his father than whining.

All it got him this time was a hair tousling from his father. Justin's too.

"Sorry, boys. We have a lot to do back home. This was just a quick trip."

"Yes, sir," both boys said, looking sadly at the ground.

"Maybe we can come back in the spring."

"Promise?" Justin asked with hope-filled eyes.

"As long as it's okay with your father."

"Yippee! Maybe we can come back before we go see Tito."

"We? Tito?" Blair asked.

"Baba promised he'd take us to see his grandfather in Mexico this spring."

Jim raised an eyebrow at this news. It was the first he'd heard about it.

"All the way to Mexico?" Blair asked excitedly. His enthusiasm was quickly replaced by apprehension. "Without Papa?"

"Stop being a baby, Blair. We'll be fine. Baba will be with us."

"I am not a baby!" Blair stamped his foot and pouted. "It's just that I don't want Papa to be by himself. He needs me."

"Boys, that's enough. You go gather some kindling for Running Doe so she can get supper ready."

The rancher turned away, missing the boys sticking their tongues out at each other.

Jim sat by the campfire with the adults of the tribe. His boys had finally gone to sleep after Running Doe promised to tell them the story of the brothers, Wolf and Coyote. It had been a good trip. A nice way to break up the week. He excused himself from the circle and got ready for bed. Entering the teepee, Jim used his sensitive sight to check on the sleeping boys in the darkness of the dwelling. All he could see was the tops of their heads and the blankets gently rising and falling.

"Sweet dreams, boys," he whispered to the sleepers after he got comfortable in his own bedroll. Before he faded off to sleep, Jim could have swore he heard the purring of a large cat coming from somewhere in the darkness.

"Can't we stay just a little longer?" Justin asked the next morning, trying hard to keep the whine from his voice. "Please, Uncle Jim?"

"No. We need to get back. Make your goodbyes, boys, and then mount up."

The two somewhat sullen children obeyed and bid their new friends goodbye. After giving Walks the River and Running Doe a big hug each, they scrambled into their saddles. Jim shook hands all around and, with a final wave from his seat on the wagon, they began their journey home.

It was almost noon when Jim pulled off the main trail to head off into a stand of trees.

"Why we going this way, Papa?" Blair asked.

Jim pulled back on the reins bringing Brownie and Blaze to a halt next to a large fallen tree. "We need firewood and this is already well seasoned." The rancher jumped down from the wagon and grabbed his ax from the wagon bed. "You boys tie your reins to that bush over there and then start collecting some of the smaller pieces." As the boys began picking up sticks, Jim added, "And when you're done, there is a pond down that way. You can go swimming after you eat."

Before too long, Justin and Blair were wading knee deep in cool water. Blair ventured into the deeper water, but Justin never let it get past his waist.

"Come on, Justin. I'll race you to the other side of the pool."

"No. I don't want to race."

"Suit yourself," Blair said before swimming to the opposite side of the pond. He got out and climbed on top of a tree stump next to the water's edge and jumped off making a big splash in the process.

"Cut it out, Blair!" Justin shouted as water showered down on him.

"Why? Cannonballs are fun. You should try."

"No, thank you."

"Stop being a wet blanket, Justin. Give it a try."

Feeling a burn come to his face, Justin got out and went to the stump.

~~~

Jim frowned as the taunts his son tossed at his friend reached his ears.

'Come on, Justin. Jump! You afraid to get your face wet?'

He fought the urge to go straighten out his misbehaving son. No, he'd let Justin defend himself, then, later, when he and Blair were alone, Jim would give his boy a well deserved lecture on "do unto others".

'Come on, chicken, jump!'

'No, it's too cold.'

'It is not. Guess I'm not the baby after all.'

Yep, Jim thought, boy, if you keep this up, I wouldn't be surprised if Justin told you where you could get off. I probably should get over there and break it up, before it gets too out of control.

As Jim made his way through the trees he heard a muttered from Justin then a splash and a cheer from Blair. After a few moments he heard his son cry out, 'Justin!' The panic in Blair's voice had Jim running. He made it to the pond edge just as Justin frantically grabbed onto Blair, pulling them both under the water. Jim dove in, swimming hard to the center of the pond where the boys had vanished. His hearing guided him to the boys, their hearts still beating strongly. He grabbed two fistfuls of panicking children and swam to the surface, pushing the boys above him. Once they broke the surface, the boys let go of each other and clung to Jim's arm. Reaching the shallows quickly, Jim secured a sputtering, coughing boy under each arm and charged up to the bank where he set them on the ground.

Only then did he let himself think about what just happened. Jim bent over, breathing heavily, hands on shaky knees. Water dripped off his soaking clothes and hair, but his thoughts were on the two little boys regaining their breath in front of him.

"I ought to cut a switch and tan you both," he scolded loudly. Straightening, he shook a finger at the two wide-eyed, naked children. "What the Sam Hill has gotten into you two? Justin! Can you swim?"

"Well--"

Impatiently, Jim snapped, "Just answer the question, boy. Yes or no, can you swim?"

"No, sir," Justin squeaked and looked at his feet.

Drawing a deep breath, Jim looked to the sky before exhaling roughly. "Then why the blazes did you give into a younger child's taunts and jump in? That was a stupid thing to do, son. You let your pride get in the way of your good judgment. You can do better than that." Jim finished his stern lecture to the older boy and turned on the younger. "And you, Blair Sandburg Ellison, have you got rocks in your head? For someone who doesn't like being teased, you sure did a fine job of it yourself. You never, ever taunt someone into doing something they're uncomfortable doing. Are we clear on that?"

Nodding solemnly, his son softly replied, "Yes, sir."

"Good. Now, Justin, I want you to go sit under that tree over there until I tell you otherwise. And put your clothes back on. You, too, Blair. And Blair? After you're dressed, you sit yourself down on that rock until I come back and I don't want to hear a peep out of either one of you. Do you both understand?"

"Yes, sir," they miserably said in unison.

Jim left them to carry out his orders. Making his way back to finish loading the wood into the wagon, his temper barely in check as his wet, clammy clothes stuck to him, Jim wondered how he was going to explain to Patrick Choate his reasons for selling their children to the first gypsies that came along! Shoot, he'd give them away at this point! The thoroughly angered rancher split a few more logs to blow off a bit more steam before confronting Blair and Justin again. His whole body trembled at the thought of what might have been and he attacked the wood ith a vengeance. Nitro and glycerin. That's what they were!

Almost half an hour later, Jim pulled the loaded wagon up by the pond. The two boys were sitting in their designated spots, heads bowed.

Jim stepped from the wagon and made himself comfortable on the opposite side of the rock Blair sat upon. He called Justin to him. When the boy approached, very hesitantly, Jim stood him between his spread thighs.

"Justin Choate that was a foolish thing to do." The boy's lip trembled and tears welled up in his eyes. Jim took him by the shoulders. "And to make sure this never happens again," the rancher said in his firmest voice as Justin's hands moved to cover his bottom, "I'm going to teach you how to swim."

"I won't do it again, Uncle Jim, honest! Please don't spa--" Justin paused mid-rant and blinked. "Teach me to swim?"

"Shake the water out of your ears, squirt. That's what I said." The rancher shook the boy slightly then pulled him down on one thigh and drew his son to his other side. Hugging both boys tightly he said, "You both gave me a bad scare. No dessert today or tomorrow and you can forget about staying up late tonight. It's early bedtime for both of you. You'll need your rest because tomorrow, on top of your regular chores, you two are going to swamp out the barn by yourselves. You'll need to work fast, we're spending the rest of the day at the swimming hole."

Both boys opened their mouths to protest the loss of dessert and promised late night, but at the look on the rancher's face, quickly thought better of it.

"Yes, sir," they chorused quietly.

~~~~

True to his word, after the essential chores were done, as well as the punishment chore of cleaning out the barn, Jim rounded up the boys, and packed a quick picnic lunch. He only saddled Sentry, letting Blair ride in front of him and Justin at his back. Nemo trotted alongside them. Riding to his favorite swimming hole, a small lake nestled in the low hills to the east of his cabin, Jim ordered the boys to strip down so they were only wearing their underpants, since neither had a newfangled bathing suit. He did the same. He let the boys play in the shallows a bit to get used to the water, then the lessons began.

"Justin, Blair, come on over here." The rancher motioned the boys to the deeper end of the pool. Using Blair as an example, Jim demonstrated what he wanted Justin to do before drawing his reluctant pupil over.

"No."

"Justin--"

"No. I'll sink."

"Did Blair sink?" Jim asked as he continued to tread water while keeping an arm around Justin, who clung to his neck.

After a long pause Justin conceded. "No, but—"

"I'll be right here and I won't let go until you're ready. Okay?"

"Well--okay."

They first practiced how to breathe while swimming and underwater. Jim led the boy through the basic crawl and how to float. An hour later, Justin swam the diameter of the deep end with imperfect, but enthusiastic,form.

"That's great, Justin! Straighten your legs and turn your head to the side to breathe. Better! That a boy!" Jim encouraged and praised while treading water next to the boy. Blair cheered from the shallows and Nemo yipped from the edge of the water while pacing back and forth.

When Justin's hand touched the bottom when he reached the shallow water, he stopped and looked back at Jim with a triumphant smile on his face. "I did it! I did it, Uncle Jim!"

The rancher swam over to the crowing boy, pride showing in his face. He hugged the boy to his side and mussed his hair. "You sure did, squirt. How about we have some lunch and then you can practice some more?"

After lunch, while they rested by the pond until Jim said they could go back in, the rancher explained what to do if they saw someone struggling in the water.

"Throw them a rope, a big branch, anything that will float, but what you don't do is jump in after them. They'll just pull you down with them. Is that clear?"

Both boys nodded solemnly.

"Okay. It's been long enough, you can go back in." Jim shouted as the boys raced to the water. "Remember boys, when your lips turn blue, it's time to call it quits!"

Before that happened, Jim noticed clouds building in the sky and called the boys out of the lake. Dressing quickly, they almost made it home when the first raindrops began to fall. Jim left the boys off at the porch with orders to get the fire going while he tended the horses. The rancher finished securing the barn and made his way back to the cabin under sheets of rain. End, part 1

****

on to part 2. . .