Stories: Alias Smith and Jones
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 A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen

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royannahuggins
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Join date : 2013-10-13

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PostA Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen

Starring

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pete_a20

Pete Duel and Ben Murphy as
Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry

Guest Starring


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Wally_12

Wally Cox as Deacon Miller


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen John_r10

John Ritter as Reverend Whorley


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen James_13

James Drury as Sheriff Lom Trevors


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Elijah10

Elijah Wood as Peter


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Kristi10

Kristi McNichol as Alex


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Michae12

Michael Burns as Caleb


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Peter_11

Peter Billingsley as Hiram


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Ricky_10

Ricky Schroder as Mark


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Paul_p10

Paul Peterson as Eddie


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Johnny10

Johnny Whitaker as Henry


A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Johnny11

Johnny Crawford as Bo



A Cargo of Kids
by Kathy Knudsen


Jed Curry lay stretched lazily across his hotel bed, the sheet draped loosely across his legs, his feet sticking out of the end of the covering.  Even the sound of the key turning in the lock did not waken Curry, though the subsequent lighting of an oil lamp did bring a vague awareness to him that Heyes had returned from his evening of poker at the Porterville Saloon.

They had arrived in Porterville earlier that afternoon, having been summoned by a telegram from Sheriff Lom Trevors for “an urgent matter about which our mutual friend is quite concerned.”  But as yet, despite knowing of their arrival, Sheriff Trevors had not provided them with any details.

“You awake?” Heyes asked, but his partner didn't answer.  “Hey, you awake?”

“I am now,” the Kid replied, but not so much as a muscle twitched.

“I know what the job is,” Heyes said with a slightly louder voice.

Eyes still closed, the Kid tried to discourage any further conversation.  “Unless it involves bein' a night watchman, can't this wait till mornin'?”

“It's a transport job,” Heyes replied, ignoring the attempted reproach.

The blond man sighed, opened his eyes, and shifted in the bed so he was facing his partner.  Then he raised himself on one elbow and sighed heavily a second time.  “Apparently this can't wait till mornin'.”

Heyes was readying himself for bed and had removed his hat and gun belt.  He unfastened his pants and slid them down as far as his thighs, then sat down on the edge of his bed to remove his boots and finally his pants.  “Pays three hundred dollars,” he said as first one, then the other boot landed on the floor with a thud.

“Apiece?”

Heyes shook his head.  “But it ain't a difficult or dangerous job.  And it don't start till the end of the week.”

“So, this couldda waited till mornin',” Curry said flatly.

“Lom said when he heard the details, he thought about us right away.”

Curry cringed.  “Ah, Heyes.  This is just another lousy job for the governor, ain't it?  What's he want us to do, rescue his ninety-year-old grandmother from the throes of some pack of wild Indians?”

Heyes smiled and chuckled lightly. “No, Kid.  Nothing dangerous about this job.  It does involve people, though,” he added as he pulled off his socks and tossed them on top of his boots.

“People?  As in people who might be able to identify us?  Or maybe people workin' for the governor.  You know, like government people?”

“I wouldn't call them government people exactly.”

“Who are we transportin' and where are we takin' ‘em?”

“Well, there's a little bit of a story to that.”

Curry shifted himself in the bed again, so he was now sitting, leaning his back against the frame of the brass bed.  He shifted the sheet around so it covered him from his waist down.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_1_13

“Alright, I'm ready.  Start explainin'.”

“Well, about a dozen years ago, the Methodist church here in Porterville started up a sort of home for young boys...”

“An orphanage for waywards?” Curry asked, a look of despair on his face.  “We're transportin' waywards somewhere?”

“Not waywards, Kid, at least not necessarily.  This is just a home for orphan boys.  They went to the regular school in town.  The home was more of a place to live.  You know, like hot meals, a place to sleep, a weekly bath, that sort of thing.”

“Go on,” Curry said.  “I'm listenin', even though I don't think I wanna hear it.”

“Well, the church operated the home with donations but also with state funding, and...”

“Heyes, they didn't steal the state funds for those kids' care, did they?”

“No, no, this orphanage ain't like Valparaiso. But the state yanked the funding out from under them, claiming to have more useful roads for that money in other projects.  The church tried to keep the home going, but just couldn't elicit enough donations to pay a staff and feed and clothe all them kids...So they gotta close by the end of the month.”

“And like I said, we're transportin' them boys somewhere.  Just how many boys are we transportin'?”

Heyes got up, opened the curtains, and raised the window higher.  “It sure is hot in here.”

“Heyes?” Curry prodded.

“Well, we're not transporting them all by ourselves.  The minister and one of the church deacons is coming along.”

“Where to and how many?” the Kid asked again.

“Eight and to Evanston.”

Curry frowned a bit but nodded his head.  “That shouldn't be too hard.  Four adults and eight kids, and it's only a two day's ride by train.”

“There's the catch.  We're not going by train.”  Heyes sat down on the edge of his bed again.

“We ain't?  Why not?”

Heyes shook his head.  “State says that's too costly - almost four hundred dollars.”

“And the stage?”

“Almost as costly.”

“So, how are we goin'?”  Curry frowned.  “Aw, Heyes, we ain't drivin' wagons, are we?”

“'Fraid so, Kid.”

“That'll take...nearly a week!”

“Uh-uh.”

“With eight wild boys?”

“And,” Heyes paused, “two adults.  And us, of course.”

“What do you mean two adults?  You ain't puttin' us in the adult category?  Where you puttin' us – in the horse and mule category?”

“Now, Kid, be reasonable.”

“Reasonable?  Might I remind you that you accepted this job without even consultin' me?”

“Well, you were sleeping and...”

“And Lom told you we ain't got no choice if we want our amnesty!”

“Something like that,” Heyes quietly confessed.

“Why do you let him push us around like that!?  You really think the governor would cancel our amnesty if we said no to one lousy job?”

“No, I don't, Kid.  But I think we should pick our battles.  And this one sounds like a pretty easy way to make three hundred dollars.”

Curry sighed and shook his head.  “Least you couldda done was ask.  You know, Heyes, sometimes I could just flatten you,” the Kid growled as he slid back down into the bed, turned his back on his partner, and pulled the sheet up to his shoulders.

Heyes sat watching his partner for a minute, before reaching over and dousing the light.  “Good night, Kid.”  His words were met with silence.

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The next morning, Heyes and Curry ate their breakfast in silence. Halfway through the meal, Lom Trevors walked into the cafe.

“I thought I'd find the two of you in here,” the lawman said as he sat down at the table without having been invited.

“Why don't you join us, Lom,” Heyes said with just a hint of irritation in his voice.

“I actually asked Reverend Whorley and Deacon Miller to meet us here at nine.  Figured they could explain everything to you.”

“You mean there's more to this than just drivin' a half dozen kids to Evanston?” Curry asked as he pinned Lom with a look.

“Eight boys, and I think it's just more the itinerary they want to go over, and meet the two of you, of course.”

“Lom, why does a minister and a deacon want a couple of ex-outlaws escortin' a bunch of kids anywhere?” Curry asked.

“They don't know know you were outlaws and, as far as I'm concerned, that information don't need to make it into the Book of Revelations.  All they need to know is that you two fellas volunteered your time to help.”

“Volunteered?” the Kid echoed.

But Lom wasn't paying any attention to him.  The sheriff turned when he heard the cafe door open and saw the two men they'd been waiting for.  “Over here, Reverend,” he called out and waved them to the table.

Heyes and Curry stood in the presence of a minister and Lom provided all the introductions as the four men shook hands.

“I can't tell you how much we appreciate your kind offer of assistance,” Reverend Whorley said as he sat down.

“Offer of assistance?  I thought this was a payin' job?”  Curry's brow furrowed.

“Oh, it is,” Deacon Miller quickly replied.  “We're just grateful to have the help.”

“Who exactly is paying us?”  Heyes looked at the other three men.

“The state is paying half,” Lom explained.  “The church has graciously agreed to match that amount.”

“And just when, exactly, are we getting paid?” Heyes pressed.

“I'll give you the state half up front.  Reverend Whorley will pay you the rest when you get to Evanston.”

“Lom mentioned you have an itinerary,” Heyes stated.  “Why don't we start with that?”  He glanced at the reverend, who nodded.

“Perhaps I should tell you a bit about the boys, first.  We, that is, the orphanage, has been in existence for a dozen years.  The staff has been dedicated to placing the children with appropriate families and the success rate has been remarkable,” Reverend Whorley added with great enthusiasm.  “Porterville truly is a caring and giving community.”

“Yes, they've always been very friendly to us when we visit, especially Sheriff Trevors here,” Curry answered.

“I beg your pardon, Reverend.”  Heyes looked into the man's eyes as he spoke.  “But it sounds to me, that for some reason or another, these boys haven't been successfully placed?”

The Reverend glanced down at the table.  “I'm afraid not.”

“They're waywards?” the Kid asked and gave Heyes a sideways glance.

“Oh, I wouldn't say that at all, no,” Reverend Whorley quickly replied.  “They are... independent, perhaps even a bit strong-willed, likely due to their situation.  They've had to grow up rather quickly you see, and in two cases they are brothers who refuse to be separated and that makes placement a bit more difficult.  But they are typical boys.  Well-mannered.”

“We're not hearing much from you, Mr. Miller.”  Heyes looked at the other man.

“Please, call me Deacon.”

“You mean that's your first name?”  Curry frowned.  “You ain't a deacon of the church?”

“That's right,” the man replied, nodding vigorously.  “I'm Deacon Miller and not a deacon of the church.

“Deacon ran...well, I suppose I should say he runs the orphanage and has done a fine job all these years,” the Reverend explained.

“So, let's hear from you then, Deacon,” Heyes said with a flash of a smile.

“Well, waywards may be a bit harsh, but perhaps not terribly off the mark in describing these boys.  Oh, they're not troublemakers, mind you, just...strong-willed, perhaps mischievous, perhaps a little...too independent at times.”

“You mean they don't listen to you, so, like the Reverend said, they're just normal boys?” Curry asked.

Deacon nodded.  “They'll give you a run for your money, Mr. Jones.  They'll see just how far they can go.  Why, I once found a frog in my desk drawer and another time, a tack in my chair.”

“That is pretty dangerous behavior for boys,” Heyes said stifling a grin.

“Like I said, just typical boys,” Curry nodded.

Heyes gave the Kid a questioning glace and received a single nod in return.

“Before you go any further, gentlemen, it might be...worthwhile for you to know that Mr. Jones and I grew up in an orphanage in Kansas.  The Valparaiso School for Waywards.  We met a lot of different kinds of kids there.  Some nice and some troublemakers.  Thaddeus and me were kind of a combination.”

The Reverend smiled.  “Then you can appreciate the challenges that lie ahead, maybe even anticipate some of the things these boys might attempt.  Perhaps you'll be able to thwart a plan or two along the way.”

“Babysit 'em is what you want us to do.”  Curry gave Lom an exasperated look.

“Help us oversee their activity,” Deacon clarified.  “I doubt any of them will really be of any serious trouble.  They are just high-spirited boys, that's all.”

“Gentlemen,” Reverend Whorley politely interrupted.  “We would like you to come to supper at the orphanage tomorrow evening to give you a chance to meet the boys.”

“You mean size 'em up, Reverend?” Heyes asked.

Reverend Whorley smiled.  “Gain an understanding of the challenge, Mr. Smith.”

“We'll be there,” Lom replied

“Not you, Lom,” Curry said, leaving no room for debate.

“What Mr. Jones means, Lom, is that you being a sheriff might put these boys on their best behavior.  Seeing their best behavior is not going to help us much,” Heyes explained.

Disgruntled, Lom shook his head.  “Alright.  Suit yourselves.”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Arriving at the orphanage the following evening, Heyes and Curry remained on their horses at the hitching post and watched the boys playing in the yard.

“Them two older boys that are shoutin' out all the orders seem to be the leaders,” Curry told his partner.

Heyes rolled his eyes.  “They're not a gang, Kid.”

“They are to me.”  Curry pointed to one of the smaller children.  “Look at that little scrawny one over there.  Looks like the runt of the litter.  Now don't it seem funny nobody's pickin' on him?”

“Maybe they're just having an off day.  We've had those from time to time,” Heyes teased.

“Maybe,” Curry agreed seriously.

“Gentlemen, welcome.  Come in, please,” Reverend Whorley called from the porch steps.

Heyes and Curry dismounted, tethered their horses, and approached the porch.

“I see you found the boys.”

“They look like a fine bunch of children,” Heyes replied.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_2_14

Reverend Whorley stepped off the porch and walked to the side of the house.  “Boys, dinner in ten minutes,” he shouted.  “Go in and wash up.”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

The dining room in the old two-story house was massive, a wall having been removed to accommodate one very large, long dining table.  Eight children were seated in chairs, four on either side of the table.  Deacon Miller sat at the foot of the table and Reverend Whorley sat at the head.  Heyes and Curry sat opposite each other, along the sides, and next to Reverend Whorley.  

Reverend Whorley stood and bowed his head, and the room grew silent as he uttered a brief prayer of thanks.  As soon as he sat down, hands flew out to grab bowls and plates of food as the boys served themselves, then passed the food down the line so each person could fill his plate.

“Boys, this is Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones.  They are going to be traveling with us to Evanston.  Perhaps each one of you could introduce yourself; tell them your name, age, and some little point of interest about yourself,” Reverend Whorley suggested.

Eight pairs of eyes looked around the table, no one daring to be the first to speak.

“Maybe Mr. Jones and I should go first,” Heyes said with a smile.  “I'm Joshua Smith and this is Thaddeus Jones, and we grew up in Kansas, on farms next to each other.  As luck would have it, we ended up living in an orphanage ourselves.  Of course, ours wasn't as nice as this one.  We slept in a dormitory with twenty other boys, so there wasn't much privacy, but a lot of opportunity for dreaming up mischief.”

“You two was orphans?” a freckle-faced, brown-haired boy in a blue shirt asked.

“Still are,” Curry replied.

“Caleb, introduce yourself, then ask your question,” Deacon Miller told him.

Caleb nodded.  “My name's Caleb Atkins and I'm fourteen.  You grew up in an orphanage?”

“We sure did,” the Kid nodded.  “We got ourselves into a lot of mischief, too.  The orphanage we grew up in was bigger than this place, but the thing I remember most was that it was always cold, and we never ate as fine a meal as this.”

“I'm Mark Atkins,” a blond boy of slight build announced.  “I'm ten.”

“So, you two are brothers?” Curry asked.

“Yes, sir.  What kind of mischief?”

Curry smiled.  “Oh, s'pect not much different than the mischief you boys get into.”

“Anybody else related?” Heyes asked.

“My name's Eddie Thompson,” explained a tall, lanky, dark-haired boy.  “Alex here is my little brother.”  He turned to look at the boy in the purple shirt sitting next to him.

Curry looked a bit perplexed.  “How old are you two?”

“I'm fourteen.  Alex is eight.”

Alex raised curious eyes at Curry, but quickly looked away.

Curry gave Heyes a quick glance.  Alex was the boy the Kid had described as the runt of the litter.  “I see...  And you're brothers?”

“Yes, sir,” Eddie replied, but Curry noticed all the nervous glances the boys shared with each other.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_3_13

Alex remained quiet but shot curious glances at Curry several times.

“Well, that takes care of half of you boys; how about the rest of you?” Deacon Miller prompted.

“I'm Bo Conners.  I'm twelve.  I can work a sling shot better than any of the other boys.”

“Henry Rawlins and I'm eleven.  I can whistle using my fingers.”

“Everyone calls him 'Red' cause of his hair,” Bo piped up.

“Shut up, Bo!” Henry warned.

“My name's Peter Hastings.  I'm ten.  I ain't good with numbers, but I like to read.”

“And how about you?” Curry asked the last boy.

“Hiram Davenport,” a chubby-cheeked, blond boy wearing round spectacles answered very quietly and with his head down.  “I ain't good at nothing.”

The rest of the boys giggled, and Hiram pouted.

“Yeah, he's scared of his own shadow,” Bo explained.

Curry started to speak but Reverend Whorley interrupted.  “We have one wagon loaded with all the boy's belongings, food supplies, blankets, canteens, tarps and poles and stakes for tents.  The boys will ride in the other one.”

“What time do you plan on leaving in the morning?” Heyes asked.

“As early as we can,” Deacon Miller replied.

“We'll be here at sunup,” Heyes assured them.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Two wagons sat in front of the orphanage house, one packed with the supplies, the other loaded down with eight children.  Reverend Whorley stood beside them waiting, while Curry sat in the seat of their wagon.  Holding the reins, Heyes sat next to Deacon Miller in the supply wagon.

“Everybody got everything?” Reverend Whorley asked.

“We're all set, Reverend,” Caleb answered.

The Reverend climbed up into the wagon with Curry.

“Red sky,” Heyes announced.  “Might be in for some rain today.”

“Then best get some miles behind us while the roads are dry.”  Reverend Whorley cast an anxious look at the sky.

Heyes gave the reins a shake and Curry's wagon fell in behind.

The anticipated rain skirted around them, and the wagons traveled at a steady pace along the road.  The boys talked and giggled and entertained themselves.

“Tell me about Alex and Eddie,” Curry said to the Reverend.

Reverend Whorley smiled.  “They came to us three years ago.  Their mother died giving birth to Alex.  Their father tried to raise them, but it was just too much for him, I suppose.  As you can see, Alex is of a rather slight build and Eddie never lets him out of his sight; he's very protective.”  

“I can see where he would be,” Curry replied.

“Why?”

“Oh, no particular reason.  I was a pretty small kid and Joshua was that way with me.  Likely has something to do with the age difference, maybe.”

Reverend Whorley smiled.  “They came to us from Cheyenne.  Alex was five, Eddie was eleven.  They traveled alone by train.  The train was held up.  No one was hurt, but it scared poor Alex; made quite the impression on him.”

“I s'pect it would.”

“According to Eddie, Alex wasn't such a timid child before that train robbery.  I suppose the combination of traveling alone and being held up had a rather negative impact on him.”

“You know who it was that held up the train?” Curry asked.

“The Devil's Hole Gang.  I think they are about the only gang that commits such crimes in this area.”

“I wouldn't be so sure about that, Reverend.  I think the Unger Gang and the Plummer Gang have done their fair share of robberies in these parts.  Course, the Plummer gang ain't active no more.”

“You seem rather familiar with all the gangs in eastern Wyoming, Mr. Jones.”

Curry shook his head.  “Not really.  I guess I just like to read the wanted posters in Sheriff Trevors office when we pay him a visit.”

“How long have you known Sheriff Trevors?” Reverend Whorley asked.

“Mr. Smith has known him longer than me, but probably close to eight or ten years.”

Heyes pulled his wagon off the road and brought it to a halt.  “Thought it might be a good time for lunch, stretch our legs, take care of any...business...anybody might have,” he called to the Reverend as Curry pulled the wagon up behind Heyes and the children clambered out.

Deacon Miller pulled a dozen small paper lunch bags from the supply wagon and dispensed one out to everyone.  Most of the children sat down immediately to eat their lunch, but Alex handed his bag to Eddie and pulled his brother down low to whisper in his ear.  Eddie nodded and Alex walked away from the group toward some nearby bushes.

A few minutes later, a blood-curdling scream was heard in the distance, coming from behind the bushes where Alex had ventured.  Eddie scrambled to his feet and took off running toward the sound of Alex's scream.

“I'll go!  Rest of you stay here,” Curry ordered the adults and raced off after Eddie.  Reaching the bushes, Curry saw that the boy had come to an abrupt halt several feet in front of Alex, who stood shaking and staring at the ground.  

All three then heard the hissing sound of the rattlesnake.

“Don't move!” Curry warned them.  “Don't even breathe.”  Curry's eyes swept the ground until he located the snake.  In a split second, the Kid drew his gun and fired, killing the snake instantly.  He looked at Alex, who was staring at him wide-eyed, not with fear or relief, but with recognition.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_4_12

At the sound of gunfire, Heyes acted quickly.  “You two stay with the boys,” he directed the two men.  “I'll call you if I need you,” he added and ran toward the foliage just in time to see the Kid holster his gun.

Curry crouched down, then held his hand out and Alex slowly walked up to him.  He stood, hoisting Alex up on his hip.

“I know who you are,” Alex whispered.  “I seen you once when we was on a train.”

The Kid shot Heyes a quick glance and a subtle wink of his eye while Heyes pressed his lips together to keep from smiling.

Curry grinned.  “Well then, Missy, I guess we each know a secret about the other.”  Curry looked over at Eddie as he spoke.  “I tell you what, you two keep our secret, and we'll keep yours.”

“How did you know?” Eddie asked.

“Oh, the face, the hair, and the way she clings to you.  Curious how you've kept that a secret from the others for three years.”

“Our pa told them we was both boys when he wrote to the church to see if they had room for us.  The other boys all know.  Reverend and Mr. Miller don't, though,” Eddie told them.

“Just out of curiosity, Eddie, where's your pa now?” Heyes asked.

“He died of the grippe about a year ago,” Eddie replied.

Curry glanced over at his partner, who closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Well, guess we best be gettin' back before they come lookin' for us.”  Curry put Alex down and led the way back to camp.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Later that afternoon, they made camp at the edge of a wooded area near a river-fed pond.  Pup tents were erected, a fire had been built, and Deacon Miller and Curry were busy preparing supper.

“How much time before we eat?” Reverend Whorley asked.

“About an hour,” Deacon replied.

The Reverend looked at the pond and then at Heyes, who shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_5_12

“Anyone interested in taking a swim?” the Reverend asked, and all the children shouted with excitement and rapidly stripped down to their long johns.  Moments later the boys were jumping into the water and the air was filled with laughter, sounds of water splashing, and squeals.

“Don't venture out too far,” Reverend Whorley cautioned.  “We don't know how deep the water is!”

Hiram stood nervously at the edge of a short, crudely-made split log pier.

Seeing him, Bo swam up near the edge of the pier and stood up.  “It's alright, Hiram.  See, it ain't deep right here.  You don't gotta know how to swim.  You can just stand in the water like me.”

Hiram nodded, but remained cautious.

Bo waded up to the pier and held his hand high in the air.  “Here, take my hand.”

Hiram sat down on the edge of the pier, then timidly reached for Bo's hand.  Once a grasp had been achieved, Bo gave Hiram a yank and the boy plunged into the pond, then slipped under the water, and came up sputtering.  Catching his breath, Hiram looked at Bo for a moment before both boys broke into gleeful giggles.

Heyes walked to the edge of the water to stand beside Reverend Whorley.

“Oh, I'm truly going to miss these boys,” the Reverend said.

“The place they're going to, what's it like?” Heyes asked.

“Oh, it's quite nice.  It's large enough that only two boys share a room.  It's on several acres of land so there's room to play and explore.  Once they are acclimated, I'm sure they will all fit in quite well.”

“Oh, I'm sure they will,” Heyes agreed.

“Of course, Alex and Eddie aren't making the entire trip with us.”

“They're not?”

“Deacon has a sister in Layman, not more than half a day's ride from Evanston.  She and her husband have been married for eight or ten years.  No children.  They have visited our orphanage often and when they heard we were closing, they decided to adopt Alex and Eddie.”

“Alex and Eddie know that?”

Reverend Whorley nodded.  “We're planning to spend the night there, then drive into Evanston the next morning, just to give the boys all a chance to say goodbye.”

“So, Deacon's sister and her husband, they know those two pretty well, I suppose?”

“They've been coming by train once a month for the past three months, so they and the boys could get to know each other,” Reverend Whorley replied.

“Help!  Help!  Hiram's under water and we can't find him!” Bo shouted.

Heyes pulled off his gun belt and tossed it to the ground.  Reverend Whorley was already waist deep in the water when Heyes plunged in after him.

“Where did you see him last?” the Reverend shouted.

“Right here where I'm standing!” Bo cried.

Six boys and two men immediately dove into the pond, eyes open and straining to see in the now murky water.  Their hands groped wildly for the lost child, each surfacing for a gasp of air before plunging again into the river's churned-up bed.

Heyes suddenly felt a long johns clad limp leg and he grabbed onto it.  He then followed the leg up the torso and wrapped his arm under the limp shoulder, pulling the child to the surface.  Gasping for air himself, Heyes quickly waded his way to the shore while the others followed as fast as they could.

Heyes laid Hiram face-down on his stomach, then placed the palms of his hands between the child's shoulder blades.  He pumped the youngster's back until a stream of water spurted from the boy's mouth and he began to cough and sputter.

“At least he don't appear to be dead no more,” Henry announced to the group.

“Shut up, Henry!” Bo scolded.

“Think you can sit up now?” Heyes asked.

Still coughing, Hiram turned himself over and slowly sat up.

“You alright?”

Hiram nodded weakly.  “Yeah.”

Heyes noticed that the boy wasn't coughing as much and his breathing seemed better.

“Alright boys, the show's over now.  Hiram is going to be fine.  Go get your clothes back on.  It's almost time for supper,” Reverend Whorley announced.

Bo reached for Hiram's hand and pulled him to his feet, then wrapped a supportive arm behind his friend's shoulders.  All the boys walked over to the heaps of clothing and began to get dressed.

Heyes looked at Reverend Whorley.  “Well, a near miss rattlesnake bite and a near miss drowning.  Not too bad for the first day out, wouldn't you say?”

Reverend Whorley smiled.  “I'd say the evening prayer will certainly include a lot to be thankful for today, Mr. Smith.  You and Mr. Jones both saved a child's life today.”

“All in a day's work when you're dealing with a pack of boys,” Heyes joked.

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Last edited by royannahuggins on Fri 04 Mar 2022, 9:08 pm; edited 2 times in total
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A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen :: Comments

royannahuggins
Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Fri 04 Mar 2022, 8:56 pm by royannahuggins

After breakfast the next morning, all the equipment was loaded up. The boys climbed into the empty buckboard and Deacon Miller did a quick head count. Heyes climbed into the seat beside Reverend Whorley, while Curry rode with Deacon Miller, who was driving the wagon of supplies.

“I'm hoping we can get beyond Laramie today,” Reverend Whorley told Heyes as he drove the team of horses down the road.

“That shouldn't be a problem. The road's good and the weather's nice. I suspect we'll get as much as twenty miles in today, maybe even a couple of miles more than that.”

That would be splendid! You know, I must admit, Mr. Smith, that I am curious. You said that you and Mr. Jones grew up in an orphanage. I believe you said it was the Valparaiso School for Waywards, right?”

Heyes smiled. “You've got a good memory. That's right, back in Kansas. You familiar with orphanages in Kansas, Reverend?”

“I went to Seminary School in Kansas. My first ministry position was in Kansas City.”

“We were a long way from Kansas City, a much more rural setting is what I'd call it.”

“Oh, I see,” the Reverend said compassionately.

“We weren't waywards. That was about the only orphanage around in them days, that's all. I suppose we were a bit wayward by the time we left, though.”

Reverend Whorley smiled. “One of my classes in Seminary School was about how to offer compassion and hope in a time of tragedy. It covered a wide variety of situations. I've never actually visited that particular orphanage, but the professors spent a full day lecturing us about all the possible situations that can befall children who lose their parents. Orphanages were just one of several possibilities. It sounded to me that most orphanages did not have an optimal outcome.”

“Don't mind my saying so, but I doubt there really is any optimal outcome for a child that's lost his parents. Oh, don't get me wrong. I can see now that there are some very fine orphanages. It's just that the orphanage me and Thaddeus was sent to did have a good record for taking in children and churning out waywards.”

“I've heard of many such orphanages. It seems the government funding is quite an enticement to some less reputable individuals. That's why, when we were given the opportunity to open our orphanage, I jumped on it. I wanted to create a better, less- structured environment for the children. Make it as much of a home, and as little of an institution, as possible.”

“Shame it has to close, then. These boys do all seem pretty well-adjusted.”

“Well, the governor decided funding a home for orphans was not money well spent, I'm afraid. And, I must admit, in some situations, unfortunately he is correct.”

“Just from my own experience,” Heyes continued, “this governor, in fact all the governors, seem to operate on their own agendas. I think a good many of them are more interested in filling their own pockets than feeding a bunch of starving children.”

Reverend Whorley nodded. “Well, whatever the reason, funding has been a challenge for the past few years.”

“I liked the fact that you sent these boys to regular school, so they didn't feel isolated from the other kids in town.”

“In fact, we also hosted picnics, an annual fair with games and booths, a fall festival and encouraged all the children in town to attend.”

“Sounds like you did a lot of things right, Reverend.”

“But we still couldn't keep it financially afloat on our own, I'm afraid.”

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Curry and Deacon Miller continued to follow the lead wagon throughout the day, the boys in tow and chattering among themselves in the back of the wagon.

“Joshua tells me two of the boys are on their way to a new home,” Curry said.

“Yes, Alex and Eddie. They are both fine children; very smart and imaginative.”

“I've got that impression already about them. Do they like the people that are adoptin' them?”

Deacon nodded. “It's my sister and her husband. They've visited the boys several times.”

“So... They’ve gotten to know them pretty well?”

“Yes, I'd say so. Alex and Eddie have both agreed to be adopted by them.”

“You give them boys a choice? I'm impressed.”

Deacon nodded. “We want what's best for these boys. If they weren't happy going into a new home, well, the outcome might not be pleasant.”

“I see what you mean. Might be kind of hard goin' from an orphanage to a home, then gettin' bounced to a new orphanage if they or the parents ain't happy.”

“Oh, that won't happen in this case. My sister and her husband are very fond of the boys. It's all very amicable.”

“Have you and the Reverend seen this new orphanage?”

“I haven't seen it, but I hear it's quite nice. I think the boys will be happy there.”

“As nice as your place?”

“I used to think no place was as nice as ours. Now I hope I'm wrong. It does appear to be a very nice place. Well-run, good staff, and the boys will attend the public school just as they did in Porterville. That's very important, you know.”

“I imagine so. There was a big difference between the school I started in and the orphanage school we ran away from.”

“You ran away?”

“Uh-uh.”

“How old were you?”

“I was thirteen, Joshua was fifteen. He actually graduated but didn't want to leave me there without him.”

“That must have been very difficult for you.”

“We managed, but yeah, you're right.”

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Arriving in Laramie, they pulled the wagons up in front of the general store and all the boys eagerly climbed or jumped out. Deacon Miller quickly began sorting out fruits and vegetables from the supplies to provide the boys some lunch.

“I'll take the boys in the store with me,” Curry told Reverend Whorley.

“I'll go with you, Thaddeus,” Heyes said and quickly followed him into the store.

“Each of the boys can pick out a nickel's worth of candy,” Curry told the man at the counter and the boys scurried over to the colorful jars lined up on the counter.

“Once you get your candy, head back out to the wagons,” Heyes instructed the boys. He followed the last one out while Curry paid.

“Five cents worth of peppermints, too,” the Kid gave the man a fifty-cent piece. “Nickel for your trouble.”

“Looks like a nice spot over there on the courthouse lawn for lunch,” Reverend Whorley pointed, and everyone headed across the street.

“Peppermint?” Curry offered, holding the bag out to the Reverend and Deacon Miller.

“No, thank you,” both replied.

Heyes didn't wait for an invitation and simply shoved his hand into the bag for a peppermint.

“We've made good time this morning.” Reverend Whorley sounded pleased as he took a bite of an apple.

“Well, we got an early start. That helps.” Heyes nodded. “Quite a few miles between here and Arlington.”

“Then perhaps we should keep lunch short and get a head start. I'll ride with Deacon and the boys this afternoon,” the Reverend offered.

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With everyone once again in the wagons, they headed west out of Laramie and traveled the desolate dirt road surrounded by fields of wild grass and mountains in the western distance.

Heyes glanced back at the other wagon where the boys were all busy comparing and sharing pieces of candy. Having the opportunity to talk among themselves, he and Curry kept their voices low while the boys were engrossed in their activity.

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“Well, I'll give Lom credit, Heyes; for once, this is an easy job,” Curry said as he worked the reins of the supply wagon.

“You know, in a couple of days we're going to be awful close to Devil's Hole.”

“You sayin' you want to drive the boys in to meet the gang?” The Kid arched a brow and added sarcastically, “You be careful, boys, cause livin' in an orphanage can lead you off the straight and narrow and take you down a path of thievery, liquor, and loose women.”

Heyes smiled. “Shhh. They might hear you. No, I wasn't thinking that at all. It just made me start wondering how the gang's doing, that's all.”

“Well, I 'spect if they was in any trouble, Lom would know and he'd of told us. Since none of them can open a safe, it kinda limits their options a bit. You gotta admit, it is kinda funny knowin’ just how close so many people travelin' this road come to a band of outlaws, and most of them travelers never know it.”

Heyes smiled. “Or come in contact with the likes of us,” he added. “They never know that, either.”

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By mid-afternoon of the fifth day, they reached the Green River.

“That might be a good place to stop for the night,” Deacon Miller commented.

“It's a bit earlier than most days, but maybe we could take the boys fishing before supper,” Heyes suggested. “We have made good time today and the weather is so nice, it would give the boys a chance to play and expend some energy. I'm sure they would enjoy a chance to go fishing.”

“We'll go on a bit further until we find some level land near the water,” Heyes told him.

An hour later they found a good spot to make camp and pulled the wagons off the road.

“After we get the tents pitched, we can all head down to the river and we'll find some branches to make some fishing poles. I always carry some string for just such occasions as this,” Heyes told the boys.

“What'll we use for hooks?” Peter asked.

“I'm sure Deacon Miller can open a can of peaches. We can cut and shape the tin from the top and the bottom of the can. Works just fine,” Heyes explained.

Everyone set to work, and forty minutes later, the boys and four adults were walking along the banks of the river. With fishing poles slung over their shoulders, they hunted for the perfect spot to cast their lines.

“Ground is soft enough to dig for worms, but if you can't find any, I brought a bit of salt pork,” Deacon Miller told them.

They spent the next hour fishing. Reverend Whorley walked a half mile length along the river, making sure everyone was accounted for.

“I think we've got more than enough fish for supper,” Curry said when the Reverend stopped at the spot near the middle of the line where the Kid had been fishing.

“I'll go down to the far end and tell them we're ready if you'll go to the other end and do the same. We'll all meet right here.”

“Sounds good.” Curry picked up his string of fish and started on his way.

Twenty minutes later, they all were gathered together again. Reverend Whorley quickly did a head count. “Peter and Henry are missing. Anyone seen either of them?”

“Red said they were going over that way, where that tree is hanging out over the water.” Bo pointed in the direction the boys had gone.

Together the group walked the short distance to where Bo had directed them, but the two boys were not to be seen.

“Peter! Henry!” the Reverend shouted, but there was no reply.

“Alright, we've got to split up,” Heyes announced. “Two boys with each man. Deacon, you stay here in case they come back. We look for half an hour and then meet back here.”

“What if we don't find them?” Deacon asked.

“Then we just expand the search,” Curry answered matter-of-factly.

“There's some fresh footprints leading downstream,” Heyes pointed out as he pulled two boys over to him. “We'll start there. Thaddeus, if you find them, fire a shot. I'll do the same.”

Each group set off in a different direction.

“Peter!”

“Henry!'

“Peter!”

The shouts grew fainter as groups spread out more.

Half an hour later, Heyes, Curry, and the boys who had gone with them returned empty-handed to the rendezvous site and they waited for Reverend Whorley and his boys to return.

“Think we ought to check the water?” Heyes spoke quietly to his partner.

“If the Reverend comes back without them, it wouldn't be wise not to,” Curry responded.

A few minutes later, the group returned with the missing boys, Reverend Whorley carrying Henry in his arms. “Seems these two decided to do a little exploring on their own and Henry sprained his ankle.”

“Well, I suppose we'd best return to camp to clean and fry up these fish and tend to that ankle,” Deacon Miller declared.

“I think Henry and I will stay here for a few minutes so he can soak his ankle in the cool river water.” Reverend Whorley helped the boy to the water's edge and eased him down to the ground.

“I'll stay with you, just in case you need any help getting Henry back to camp,” Heyes offered.

As they sat at the water's edge with Henry soaking his bruised and swollen ankle in the water, Heyes picked up a few nearby twigs and several small rocks.

“Henry, you know how to mark a trail?' Heyes asked.

Henry shook his head.

“Well then, I'm going show you. That way, if you ever go straying off from a group, you'll know how to mark bushes or tree branches. Marking a trail makes it a whole lot easier for you to retrace your steps, or for someone to find you if you do get lost.”

“I'd be interested in learning that myself.” Reverend Whorley nodded.

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“Well, there's lots of ways to mark a trail. You can build cairns or ducks,” Heyes explained, and began stacking the stones he had gathered. “You would use much bigger rocks than these because you want your mark to be easily seen. Build these piles up to maybe a foot tall and keep the distance within eyesight of each other.”

“That's pretty interesting, isn't it, Henry?” The Reverend ruffled the boy's hair.

“Yes, sir.”

“Another way is to carry a pocketknife and cut etchings into the bark of trees. If you're turning in a particular direction, carve an arrow in the direction you're going. Now, doing that is going to hurt the bark of the tree, so only do that if you don't have any other option.”

“Yes, sir,” Henry replied.

“If you've got no other way to mark a trail, you can bend or break a branch with the open end of the break pointing in the direction you're going. That hurts the tree or bush too, so only do that as a last resort. And finally, if you've got a bandanna or shirt to spare, you can tie scraps of cloth on branches, but again, keep them close together so they are easy to spot.”

“Thank you, Mr. Smith. That information could come in very handy someday,” Reverend Whorley said with a grateful smile.

“Well, I can smell the fish frying, so I expect we'd best get back to camp while there's still some to be had.” Heyes grinned at the others.

After supper, the Kid was packing the last of the supper supplies into the wagon when Eddie and Alex each emerged from two separate clusters of bushes.

“You two got a minute?” Curry asked as they started to brush by him

Both stopped in their tracks and looked at Curry, who nodded with his head, indicating for Eddie to take a seat on the back of the open wagon. The Kid then reached down and hoisted Alex up on the wagon beside her brother.

“I hear you two are movin' into your new home tomorrow.”

“Uh-uh,” Eddie answered.

“You like this couple that wanna become your folks?”

Both kids nodded.

“They know about our little secret?” Curry asked.

Alex and Eddie shared a nervous glance.

“Not yet.” Eddie shook his head. “We figure there's time to break it to 'em gentle-like.”

The Kid nodded his head. “Think that's a fair way for a family to be startin' out? Keepin' secrets and all?”

“We thought maybe once they got used to us, and maybe started to like us...”

Curry smiled. “I s'pect they already do like you; else they wouldn't have asked you to become a part of their family. But, startin' out by not tellin' 'em the truth? Well, maybe you ought to give that some thought. I s'pect it ain't gonna bother 'em one little bit. But if it does, well, we'll still all be there in case you decide you wanna go on to Evanston with us. If they wanna be your parents, they wanna love you for who you are, not who you appear to be.”

“We'll give it some thought,” Eddie promised and jumped down off the wagon.

“I know a little somethin' about pretendin' to be somebody I ain't. It wears thin, and there's gonna come a time when you just can't hide behind it no more.” The Kid helped Alex down.

Eddie looked at Curry and nodded, then turned to his sister. “Come on, Alex. It's getting late.”

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The morning sky was a pale, clear blue without even the hint of a cloud. Birds could be heard chirping from the nearby trees as the three men packed the last of the supplies into the first wagon. Reverend Whorley herded the boys into the second one. Bo and Caleb helped Henry limp his way over to where the reverend could hoist him up and ease him into a comfortable sitting position.

“How is your ankle feeling this morning, Henry?”

“Feels fine so long as I don't move it, Reverend.”

“Everybody ready?” Deacon Miller called out.

Every head nodded, along with a chorus of “Yes.”

“How far is it to your sister's place?” Curry asked.

“Fifteen, maybe sixteen miles,” Deacon answered as he climbed into the wagon with the boys.

“Then we should be there by early afternoon.” Curry took his seat and turned back to give Alex and Eddie a quick, but reassuring smile.

“Thaddeus, why don't you and Deacon lead today, being as Deacon knows where we're going?” Heyes suggested.

Curry gave Deacon a quick glance, then gave the reins a shake and started down the road.

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“There will be a lane about a mile up ahead,” Deacon told Curry early that afternoon. “It will take you up to the farmhouse.”

“What's your sister and brother-in-law's names?”

“My sister is Hanna, and her husband is James. Their last name is Bowers.”

“Your brother-in-law is a farmer, rather than a rancher?”

“That's right.”

“Don't see too many farmers this far west.”

“Well, he seems to have a pretty profitable business, so I guess he knows what he's doing.”

“I suppose that's helpful in any business; knowin' what you're doin'.”

Deacon smiled. “Yes, I suppose it does help.”

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A short while later, as they reached the house, Hanna and James stepped out onto the porch. Greetings were exchanged and Heyes and Curry were introduced as Smith and Jones.

“I've got sandwiches and lemonade around back on the picnic table,” Hanna announced. “I'm guessing everyone is hungry from the long trip.”

The boys all ran around to the back of the house. Henry was assisted by two of the boys, but they still made good time. The adults followed at a slower pace.

“Eddie and Alex, are they still willing to have us as parents?” Hanna asked Reverend Whorley.

“Oh yes. They are quite pleased, as well as a little anxious.”

Hanna wrapped her arm around her husband's waist and smiled.

“We're just so happy that they're willing to consider us family,” James added.

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The children played in the large yard for most of the afternoon while the adults sat around and chatted about various pleasantries. At four o'clock, Mrs. Bowers got up and announced she was going in to finish getting supper ready. Mr. Bowers also stood and, offering to help her, followed her into the house.

Curry walked over to check on the children but made a point to single out Alex and Eddie. “Your new folks just went into the house to fix supper. Now might be a good time to go in and offer to help and maybe have a little chat with 'em, in private?” he suggested.

Eddie looked at Alex, who nodded.

“They need to know the truth, Eddie,” she said as she slipped her hand into her brother's.

“Alright, but you know it means we might be going on to the orphanage?”

“I know,” Alex whispered.

“Go on then.” Curry gave them an encouraging smile. “It ain't gonna be as bad as you think.”

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An hour later, Mr. Bowers called everyone to come in for supper. After they were all seated at the main table, as well as two smaller tables that had been brought in to accommodate the large crowd, Mrs. Bowers appeared in the dining room doorway, her face wreathed in smiles. Knowing what she had planned, Mr. Bowers crossed the room to join his wife.

“I would like you all to meet our two children. First, Mister Edward Bowers,” he proclaimed proudly as Mrs. Bowers reached behind her skirt and signaled Eddie to come forward. Dressed in brand new dungarees and a plaid wool shirt, Eddie nervously shuffled his feet as he came to stand in front of his new mother.

“And now, Miss Alexandra Bowers,” he announced proudly, with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

Mrs. Bowers then reached behind her again and brought Alex around to stand in front of Mr. Bowers. Almost everyone in the room gasped when they saw the pretty little eight-year-old girl dressed in a blue and white dress with blue ribbons tied in her hair.

Curry paid close, and amused, attention to the surprised expressions on Reverend Whorley's and Deacon Miller's faces.

“I had no idea!” Reverend Whorley exclaimed.

“I did.” Mrs. Bowers smiled. “From the first time I met the children. So, when we decided to adopt them, Mr. Bowers and I went to town and bought them both some new clothes.”

“I'm sorry, Reverend. We didn't mean to be lying to you all this time. But we knew we wouldn't be able to stay together if anyone knew Alex was a girl,” Eddie explained. “That's why Pa told you we was both boys, and he told us to stick to that story if we knew what was good for us.”

“I see, but...”

“But nothing, Reverend,” Curry told him. “The boys knew all along and everyone protected her. It's water over the dam now and nobody's any worse for the wear.”

“You... You look real pretty, Alex,” Caleb said shyly, and all the other boys chimed in with similar compliments, while Alex blushed, but smiled.

“Well, it's time we all had some supper,” Mrs. Bowers said, gently guiding her two children to the table, then taking a seat herself. “Reverend, would you be so kind as to say grace?”

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That evening, Heyes, Curry, and the six boys who were continuing on to the orphanage, carried blankets up to the loft in the barn to settle in for the night. Caleb and his younger brother Mark settled in next to the blond.

“You two gonna be warm enough?” Curry asked.

Mark, who was positioned next to the Kid, nodded.

“Yeah. We're fine.” Caleb turned on his side and propped himself on an elbow. “Mr. Jones, what was the orphanage you grew up in like?”

The Kid gave his partner a glance, but Heyes was busy talking quietly with two of the other boys.

“Well, like I said, it was always cold. It was a big, old stone buildin' that most likely was used for somethin' else before it became an orphanage. I remember my boots echoed in the halls when I walked.”

“And you went to school right there?” Caleb asked.

Curry nodded. “Teachers were real strict and there wasn't a day that went by that at least a couple of boys didn't get their knuckles rapped with a ruler.”

“How'd you get to be orphans?” Mark asked.

The Kid looked down at the little blond, blue-eyed, innocent-looking boy and smiled rather sadly. “Soldiers,” he answered quietly.

“Ours was Indians.” Mark nuzzled up closer to Curry, who gently stroked the boy's hair.

“I'm sorry,” Curry whispered.

“You know anything about this place we're going?” Caleb scooted closer, too.

The Kid shook his head. “Only what the Reverend and Deacon Miller have said.”

“Can you keep a secret?” Mark asked.

“Mark!” Caleb cautioned sternly.

“Maybe you'd best keep it a secret,” Curry told the young boy. “But I'll tell you somethin' Mr. Smith and I did when we was at the orphanage... We ran away.”

Both boys eyes widened and it was obvious that Caleb struggled to hide his excitement.

“Did you make it?” Caleb asked.

Curry nodded. “Uh-uh. We was just about your ages, give or take a year, and we knew life shouldn't be the way it was there. So, we planned, and we had enough food to last us a couple of days. But I'll tell you, as bad as it was at the orphanage, life out on the road wasn't no easier. Now, I ain't sayin' it wasn't worth it, but if you have a mind to run away, give this place some time, a couple of months at least. Make sure it's as bad as you might think it is, or that you're really as miserable as you think you are.”

Mark rested his head against Curry's arm. “I'm glad you and Mr. Smith decided to come with us on this trip.”

The Kid smiled and gave Caleb a knowing look. “Me too.”

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They got a late start the next morning as Mrs. Bowers insisted on making a hearty breakfast for all, and the boys lingered with their goodbyes. It was nearly noon before they set out in the wagons.

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The travelers arrived at the Evanston School for the Orphaned and Disadvantaged late in the afternoon. The town itself was just a quarter mile down the road which gave the school a quiet rural setting. As they pulled their wagons to a halt, the four men climbed down, but all six boys remained where they were, hesitant to move.

Heyes and Curry unlatched the back end where the boys sat.

“Well, you can't sit here all night,” Heyes prodded gently.

Slowly the boys began to file out of the wagon. Just as the last child climbed out, the front door of the large and rather prestigious looking house opened. Father Murphy, two nuns, and six boys stepped out onto the porch, then came down the walk to greet them.

Father Murphy, Reverend Whorley and Deacon were quickly engaged in conversation while the two nuns stood nearby.

But the boys from the orphanage greeted the newcomers with smiles and introductions and, within minutes, were leading the boys into the house to give them the grand tour.

“Looks like the boys are gonna get along just fine,” Heyes said to his partner.

“A shame we didn't have a place like either one of these orphanages, ain't it? Who knows, we might of turned out alright comin' from one of these places.”

“Well, I hate to tell you, Kid,” Heyes spoke quietly so no one heard the familiar euphemism, “but we did turn out just fine.”

Curry laughed and slapped Heyes on the back. “You're right. We did at that.”

“Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, we've been invited to supper,” Reverend Whorley announced as he approached them.

“I'm afraid Mr. Jones and I really must be on our way.”

The Reverend reached into his vest for his wallet and withdrew the hundred and fifty dollars he had promised them.

Curry shook his head. “Oh, Mr. Smith and me talked about that, and we can't take your money.”

“But it's your money. You earned it,” the Reverend protested.

“You'll find a good use for it, I'm sure.” Heyes smiled. “Maybe give a little of it to the Bowers on your way back to Porterville. They just doubled the size of their family so we're sure they could use it.”

“You're not going back with us?”

“Thought we'd go on to Red Rock. We know a fella there that usually has a job for us.”

“You'll at least stay for supper? Say goodbye to the boys? They'd be terribly disappointed if you didn't.”

Heyes looked at Curry, who shrugged.

“Alright,” Heyes relented, “but we'll be going right after supper.”

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Both Father Murphy and Reverend Whorley participated in saying grace before the boys dove into the bowls of food. Dinner was loud and rambunctious, though not out of control. The nuns and Father Murphy demonstrated that they had a good understanding of the natural behaviors of boys. They didn't try to curtail the camaraderie and bonding so long as it didn't disrupt the meal, and conversation could be heard over the noise.

“Boys, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones are going to be leaving after supper, so if there is anything any of you would like to say to them, now is the time,” Reverend Whorley announced.

Hiram scooted his chair back and stood up. “Mr. Smith, I appreciate you not letting me drown,” he said very seriously and quickly sat back down in his chair.

Heyes and Curry both worked to curtail a smile and the Kid noticed wrinkles of curiosity stretched across Father Murphy's brow.

Heyes cleared his throat and looked at Hiram with a very serious face. “You're welcome, Hiram, and thank you for keeping my conscious clear by not drowning.”

Henry and Peter, who were sitting beside each other, stood simultaneously.

“We want to thank you both for looking for us when we got lost in the woods,” Peter said solemnly.

“And for teaching me how to mark a trail, Mr. Smith,” Henry added.

Heyes nodded. “You remember what I taught you,” he replied with a wink and a grin.

Bo stood up next. “I didn't really get in no trouble. But I'm glad you made the trip with us,” he said and quickly sat down.

Caleb looked across the table at Mark and gave him a nod, then both stood up. Mark chewed on his bottom lip, waiting for Caleb to do the talking.

“Mr. Jones, me and Mark, well, we think that advice you gave us last night was real good, and we're gonna follow it. Maybe we'll turn out just like the two of you. Think we could be right proud of ourselves if we did,” Caleb added, giving Heyes and Curry a definitive nod before sitting back down. Mark followed his brother's lead.

Heyes gave Curry a glance, then they, too, respectfully stood.

“Mr. Jones and I appreciate all this fine sentiment, boys. I think it's fair to say we have definitely learned a lot from all of you as well.”

“Well, it certainly sounds like your trip here was quite an adventure,” Father Murphy commented, and all the boy's heads began to nod.

“Oh, it was that, Father.” Curry grinned.

“Well, I hate to cut this short, and the meal was wonderful, but Mr. Jones and I really must be going,” Heyes announced.

Everyone stood up and walked with them to the front door.

“What are you doing for horses?” Reverend Whorley asked.

“We're heading to the livery from here,” Curry explained.

“It's just a couple of blocks down the street,” Father Murphy informed them.

“Will you come back for a visit?” Hiram shouted as they headed down the walk.

“If we're ever in this area again, we'll be sure to stop by. That's a promise,” Curry called to them.

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“Heyes, you think those boys are gonna be alright?” the Kid asked as they saddled the horses they had purchased at the livery.

Heyes nodded. “I think so. It appears to be a fine place they've come to live.”

“Yeah.” Curry mounted his horse and gathered his reins. “Just one thing worries me...”

“And what might that be, Kid?” Heyes asked as he settled himself in the saddle.

“Mark and Caleb. They wanna grow up to be just like us.”

Heyes smiled. “Yeah, that makes me a little worried myself. Of course, it won't happen.”

“Why not?”

“Technology. Railroads have already gone the way of technology. It's all just a matter of time till banks and stages do the same. Why, ten years from now, there won't be no such thing as crime anymore.” Heyes gave his horse a nudge and headed down the street.

Curry paused a moment and watched the horse and rider from behind. “You're right, Heyes; you're probably right.” The Kid grinned and kicked his horse to catch up to his partner.

A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen Pic_9_11



Author's Notes: Several of the pictures used in this story came from AS&J sites including the AS&J library, but a special thank you to Nikki Pauline Conard who does such wonderful craftsmanship with photograph enhancement as well as her own photography. Guest cast photos were from stock images, as were the pictures of the orphanages and the swimming hole. A very, very heartfelt thank you to Penski and moonshadow who both provided such wonderful and insightful guidance in what turned out to be at least an eight-month project. I have learned so much from the two of you and thank you both for your patience and wisdom. All in all, this was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a challenge!



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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sat 05 Mar 2022, 12:10 am by Penski
A first-time writer for Virtual Season and you wrote a wonderful episode - thank you, Kathy! Loved the plot, your pictures, and casting. The boys were cute and fun. Loved the twist with the "brothers" Eddie and Alex. And all was wrapped up with a happy ending. Excellent!

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sat 19 Mar 2022, 2:18 pm by Uk_rachel74
Oh I loved that story- made me smile :) The boys were adorable and a great plot. Nicely done lady!

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sat 19 Mar 2022, 3:02 pm by serhena
Kathy, you never fail to tell a great story!

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A Cargo of Kids
Post Sat 19 Mar 2022, 6:40 pm by Kattayl
Kathy, what a great story. It is hard but rewarding to write a virtual season story as I tried my hand at it this year. You produced a marvelously entertaining and very visual story. Great job!

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sat 19 Mar 2022, 10:35 pm by kdrew
Wonderful story! It was heartwarming. Loved the story twist with Eddie & Alex. Writing any story is challenging but writing as if watching an episode takes a bit more work. It was great, Kathy!
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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sun 20 Mar 2022, 12:57 am by calicole
Awesome story! Very heart warming and well thought out. Loved it.

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Mon 21 Mar 2022, 3:25 am by Nightwalker
I agree with you, writing a vs episode is challenging, and different from writing any other story. Beautiful first episode you wrote. A job well done.

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Sun 27 Mar 2022, 12:37 am by nm131
An entertaining feel good VS story. I loved the casting and the pictures you chose to accompany your story. For a first time writer of a VS, you did very well. The story was easy to picture in my mind, The children has their own personalities to differentiate them and the other ocs were well drawn. It felt natural when the Kid and Heyes offered little pieces of advice and knowledge. Thank you, I very much enjoyed your story.

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Re: A Cargo of Kids by Kathy Knudsen
Post Wed 30 Mar 2022, 4:44 am by Dan KerThis story is a ni
This story is a nice contribution to the VS and an example that the main focus of the plot can vary in different directions.

Heyes, Curry and children - that combination always provides a good basis for discussion.
I have to admit that the first part of the story kind of fooled me...
Written in Kathy Knudsen's unique, own style, with particularly protruding dialogues and descriptive behavior.

I like the way Heyes imparts the sleepy Kid information about their next job for the governor - only throwing in small pieces of information, somehow coded, waiting for further specific questions, accompanied by delaying actions.
The Kid's changing attitude hearing it will take an entire week of travel instead of two days is well in character for me, after all he is a lazy one...
Also I like his rising temper during their conversation.
Wonderful Heyes' argument " to choose our battles" in order to convince his partner.
Sometimes Kathy Knudsen has to be careful not to exaggerate a situation, though.

After reading the description of the orphans I got the impression this job could promise to be like herding cats - I thought the orphans were waywards; strong-willed, mischievous, no troublemakers but a little too independent (great description, BTW); like some other former boys we know...but the orphans didn't live up to their reputation to give Heyes and Curry a run for their money. In fact, they were normal, nice boys.

I like the further impulse the reader gets to ponder about the social question about what a Wayward actually is, how he is classified and what the circumstances could be to start a transformation; according to Kid they are "boys, who don't listen to you".
I have to smile about Heyes' realistic assessment of themselves as "a combination of nice boys and troublemakers".
Heyes natural leading qualities are good implemented in the story.

For me, the moral of the story is the realization for Heyes and Curry that not every orphanage must be like Valparaiso, though of course, everything could be better if you could push the fact aside that everything is a matter of funding and money. But there are people who really are interested to care for and place orphans.
Nice thing for the boys to get the understanding, with a little more luck they could have followed another path of life.

For once an easy job, though I am not sure if especially Heyes really would have done without half of their promised money. Charity, in my opinion, is not one of his strengths.
According to Roy Huggins they aren't Good Samaritans and rather selfish.

A story with more depths than noticeable at first glance.
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