Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#343
Ivy and Eldon sat in the barn next to the cow stalls. The warmth and sounds of the milk cows was familiar and comforting; they were homesick and very unsure of their status in the large, noisy clan.
"Do you think they will let us stay?" Eldon asked for the ninth time, jittery with dread that Ivy was keeping information from him.
"I don't know, I wish I could tell you that everything will be alright, but I can't. We just have to accept that we are orphans, and the world isn't kind to kids like us."
"Almost everyone here except Miss Tess is an orphan," Donny's voice cut in the conversation. "I am, and so are most of the adults. I wouldn't worry about Miss Clora and Mr. Mark sending you away. They usually watch and learn about people, they are very fair; but you will sink or swim on your own merits. Walk a straight line and you will do fine; lie, cheat and steal and you will be out quicker than a blink of your eye."
"You're a orphan?" Eldon wanted to know. "You never said anything about that."
"I've been here since I was 14. My folks turned us out to fend for ourselves, cause the rest of the family was starving. We, my brother Andy, and me left and were starving to death, eating whatever we could find, when we met up with Miss Clora and Mr. Mark. They fed us, and the only thing they asked us to do was read our bibles and go to church on Sunday morning. Nothing that hurt in any way, just people that believed and taught us to believe in God. It wasn't and isn't hard to do."
"We belonged to a church at home," Ivy sighed hard , "it seems so long ago, so many hard lessons have happened since then. Our Uncle took away my parent's farm, and Eldon and I became almost like slaves; working on our own place. It makes me so sad to think about that beautiful place in his greedy hands." Ivy had a catch in her voice .
"I'm sorry to hear that," Donny almost whispered, "why don't you talk to Mr. Mark and tell him about your situtation, perhaps he has some ideas." his voice straightened as he proposed a good solution. "Mr. Mark knows everything."
Ivy and Eldon sat in the barn next to the cow stalls. The warmth and sounds of the milk cows was familiar and comforting; they were homesick and very unsure of their status in the large, noisy clan.
"Do you think they will let us stay?" Eldon asked for the ninth time, jittery with dread that Ivy was keeping information from him.
"I don't know, I wish I could tell you that everything will be alright, but I can't. We just have to accept that we are orphans, and the world isn't kind to kids like us."
"Almost everyone here except Miss Tess is an orphan," Donny's voice cut in the conversation. "I am, and so are most of the adults. I wouldn't worry about Miss Clora and Mr. Mark sending you away. They usually watch and learn about people, they are very fair; but you will sink or swim on your own merits. Walk a straight line and you will do fine; lie, cheat and steal and you will be out quicker than a blink of your eye."
"You're a orphan?" Eldon wanted to know. "You never said anything about that."
"I've been here since I was 14. My folks turned us out to fend for ourselves, cause the rest of the family was starving. We, my brother Andy, and me left and were starving to death, eating whatever we could find, when we met up with Miss Clora and Mr. Mark. They fed us, and the only thing they asked us to do was read our bibles and go to church on Sunday morning. Nothing that hurt in any way, just people that believed and taught us to believe in God. It wasn't and isn't hard to do."
"We belonged to a church at home," Ivy sighed hard , "it seems so long ago, so many hard lessons have happened since then. Our Uncle took away my parent's farm, and Eldon and I became almost like slaves; working on our own place. It makes me so sad to think about that beautiful place in his greedy hands." Ivy had a catch in her voice .
"I'm sorry to hear that," Donny almost whispered, "why don't you talk to Mr. Mark and tell him about your situtation, perhaps he has some ideas." his voice straightened as he proposed a good solution. "Mr. Mark knows everything."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lovely, I was needing a chapter 
Thank you.
Thank you.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
IT's only been since Friday, sheesh, seems like it's been a week.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Thank you so very much!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Folks,
Sorry I've been gone. We have been in the middle of a neighborhood help situtation. A farmer broke her leg, so all the neighborhood pitched in to help complete her harvest.
Our crop land renter even helped, so we helped him make up the time, There was nasty weather forecast for today and the rest of the week, so there was an anxious push to get the work done. It's raining this morning, so we were thankful and blessed to finish.
We have several work related chores we need to do today and tomorrow, a winter mix of weather is forecast for Tuesday, so we have to get a jingle on. I will try to get a chapter tonight, Thanks, Pac.
Sorry I've been gone. We have been in the middle of a neighborhood help situtation. A farmer broke her leg, so all the neighborhood pitched in to help complete her harvest.
Our crop land renter even helped, so we helped him make up the time, There was nasty weather forecast for today and the rest of the week, so there was an anxious push to get the work done. It's raining this morning, so we were thankful and blessed to finish.
We have several work related chores we need to do today and tomorrow, a winter mix of weather is forecast for Tuesday, so we have to get a jingle on. I will try to get a chapter tonight, Thanks, Pac.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wonderful being able to help her. We have a neighbor at 1/2 mile as the crow flies that needs help from time to time. His dad is living with him now and helps him out. He has a new girl friend and they are engaged so we a lot less of him
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#344
Chuck and Dory made it back to the river in four days. They waved the flag that signified they wanted to cross, and settled down to wait as the instructions stated. The ferry wouldn't cross empty, so they had to wait three days before a wagon appeared to use the ferry services.
"I hope you have money," Dory said the first night at supper. "I have absolutely nothing, so if you have none, we're just wasting our time, and might as well move on."
"I was under the impression that you had some money," Chuck turned around in surprise, "this wasn't very smart of us to leave with no way to cross or re-supply."
Dory just shook her head no, "no money, not even any loose change. The guy charged us two wheel horses to cross the first time with the big wagon. I haven't a clue what he would charge for this smaller wagon and pair." despair tinged her reply. The chance to find Pricilla was fading fast, and it was impossible to see across the river and make any sort of identification of people on the other side.
Chuck had the money, he simply wasn't all that inclined to share it with a free loading woman. "I think we might as well turn around and follow the wagon tracks South. There has to be a settlement on the East side of the river, and," he paused dramatically, "it might be cheaper to sell the wagon and horses on this side and go across as individuals. There would always be something for sale in the city, I believe we could count on that." Chuck said confidently.
Dory felt a sick lump forming in the pit of her stomach. If it was true that Chuck had no money, then the both of them were doomed to work the lessor desirable jobs to get a grubstake. It was frightening to know that a man could normally find honest work; but that it was much more difficult for a woman to keep her dignity.
Dory nodded her agreement, they would have to go South, there was no other choice.
Chuck noted her sad face and went about his business checking the harness. He had no intention of flaunting what money he did have, he wasn't all that sure of Dory, they didn't have that much time together, as of yet.
Chuck had his money in his chest pocket, sewed shut. He was not going to take any chances of losing it, and the fringe on his shirt hid the slight bulge. He would hunt to provide their food. It sure wouldn't be fancy, but they were on the economy plan.
When the ferry did inch it's way across the river, the fee was a thousand, and Chuck declined. Dory asked about Pricilla, and the ferry man's disgusted looking face said volumes' without saying a word.
Early the next morning they left for the southern climes, they had a long way to go.
Chuck and Dory made it back to the river in four days. They waved the flag that signified they wanted to cross, and settled down to wait as the instructions stated. The ferry wouldn't cross empty, so they had to wait three days before a wagon appeared to use the ferry services.
"I hope you have money," Dory said the first night at supper. "I have absolutely nothing, so if you have none, we're just wasting our time, and might as well move on."
"I was under the impression that you had some money," Chuck turned around in surprise, "this wasn't very smart of us to leave with no way to cross or re-supply."
Dory just shook her head no, "no money, not even any loose change. The guy charged us two wheel horses to cross the first time with the big wagon. I haven't a clue what he would charge for this smaller wagon and pair." despair tinged her reply. The chance to find Pricilla was fading fast, and it was impossible to see across the river and make any sort of identification of people on the other side.
Chuck had the money, he simply wasn't all that inclined to share it with a free loading woman. "I think we might as well turn around and follow the wagon tracks South. There has to be a settlement on the East side of the river, and," he paused dramatically, "it might be cheaper to sell the wagon and horses on this side and go across as individuals. There would always be something for sale in the city, I believe we could count on that." Chuck said confidently.
Dory felt a sick lump forming in the pit of her stomach. If it was true that Chuck had no money, then the both of them were doomed to work the lessor desirable jobs to get a grubstake. It was frightening to know that a man could normally find honest work; but that it was much more difficult for a woman to keep her dignity.
Dory nodded her agreement, they would have to go South, there was no other choice.
Chuck noted her sad face and went about his business checking the harness. He had no intention of flaunting what money he did have, he wasn't all that sure of Dory, they didn't have that much time together, as of yet.
Chuck had his money in his chest pocket, sewed shut. He was not going to take any chances of losing it, and the fringe on his shirt hid the slight bulge. He would hunt to provide their food. It sure wouldn't be fancy, but they were on the economy plan.
When the ferry did inch it's way across the river, the fee was a thousand, and Chuck declined. Dory asked about Pricilla, and the ferry man's disgusted looking face said volumes' without saying a word.
Early the next morning they left for the southern climes, they had a long way to go.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh wow, thank you Pac.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
I'm thinking when Dory learns how Chuck's parsimony cost her the last chance to reunite w/ Pricilla and made Dory's passage south a lot tougher, there'll be a fair-to-middling confrontation. Just a thought but Chuck has a history of digging holes to step into ........
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#345
Donny heard the supper bell ring. t's suppertime," he announced needlessly, "why don't you plan to talk with Dad Mark, after we eat. If you'd like, I'll go along and tell him about your problem, but it would be better coming from you guys firsthand."
Eldon looked at Ivy and they came to some shared conclusion, nodding that they would talk to Mark. "Would you just be there for moral support?" Ivy timidly asked. "I'm terrible nervous and anxious dealing with that guy, he's so important, he scares me. He's almost as stern as our uncle. Does he get mad easily?"
"Not really," Donny was more involved in getting the two to their feet and moving in the direction of the waiting supper. "C'mon, hurry up, those hungry sharks will have supper half gone by the time get get there." he complained.
Eldon well understood the hurry; he was a growing boy with an hunger that never got satisfied. Ivy, on the other hand was tied up in knots and dreading the 'talk' with Mark.
"Hey, I ain't gonna wait fer ya to make up your mind," Donny started for the barn door, "I'm hungry." As he was carrying the lantern and the full milk pail, the other two got up and followed, closing the door behind them.
"What about the two in the barn apartment?" Eldon wanted to know, as they walked across the open driveway.
"Ahh, they're living on love, they don't need real food." Donny smirked, "love takes away your mind, so you don't feel any hunger."
"You're kidding," Eldon breathed in horror, "they don't want to eat?" he could hardly fathom such a situtation.
"It's the solid truth," Donny promised. "They will sit around and look at each other and that's all they need to get by." he chuckled as he asked for them to open the kitchen door.
"Oh, I can't believe it," the young boy shuddered, "I sure ain't never gonna fall in love then, man I gotta eat. I'm always hungry."
Eldon's last proclamation hung in the air as the three walked into the kitchen, causing the gathered adults to smile and laugh gently.
"You're never going to what?" Toby asked with a grin. He already suspected what Eldon was talking about, he just wanted to hear the words from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
"I ain't never gonna just live on love," Eldon spoke before he completely thought about what he was saying. "I need real food, not mushy stuff."
That brought another gentle laugh from the clan seated at the table. "We'll see," Toby drawled, "we'll see."
Donny heard the supper bell ring. t's suppertime," he announced needlessly, "why don't you plan to talk with Dad Mark, after we eat. If you'd like, I'll go along and tell him about your problem, but it would be better coming from you guys firsthand."
Eldon looked at Ivy and they came to some shared conclusion, nodding that they would talk to Mark. "Would you just be there for moral support?" Ivy timidly asked. "I'm terrible nervous and anxious dealing with that guy, he's so important, he scares me. He's almost as stern as our uncle. Does he get mad easily?"
"Not really," Donny was more involved in getting the two to their feet and moving in the direction of the waiting supper. "C'mon, hurry up, those hungry sharks will have supper half gone by the time get get there." he complained.
Eldon well understood the hurry; he was a growing boy with an hunger that never got satisfied. Ivy, on the other hand was tied up in knots and dreading the 'talk' with Mark.
"Hey, I ain't gonna wait fer ya to make up your mind," Donny started for the barn door, "I'm hungry." As he was carrying the lantern and the full milk pail, the other two got up and followed, closing the door behind them.
"What about the two in the barn apartment?" Eldon wanted to know, as they walked across the open driveway.
"Ahh, they're living on love, they don't need real food." Donny smirked, "love takes away your mind, so you don't feel any hunger."
"You're kidding," Eldon breathed in horror, "they don't want to eat?" he could hardly fathom such a situtation.
"It's the solid truth," Donny promised. "They will sit around and look at each other and that's all they need to get by." he chuckled as he asked for them to open the kitchen door.
"Oh, I can't believe it," the young boy shuddered, "I sure ain't never gonna fall in love then, man I gotta eat. I'm always hungry."
Eldon's last proclamation hung in the air as the three walked into the kitchen, causing the gathered adults to smile and laugh gently.
"You're never going to what?" Toby asked with a grin. He already suspected what Eldon was talking about, he just wanted to hear the words from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
"I ain't never gonna just live on love," Eldon spoke before he completely thought about what he was saying. "I need real food, not mushy stuff."
That brought another gentle laugh from the clan seated at the table. "We'll see," Toby drawled, "we'll see."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Many thanks pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#346
Donny bussed the dirty dishes and Ivy was part of the dish drying crew. She once got close enough to Mark, to squeak that she and Eldon would like to talk to him, please, at his convenience.
Mark nodded, saying that he had time after supper, and to come to his study, but that he would have to have Clora there also.
Ivy nodded, and looked like she was going to cut and run at the slightest twitch from Mark or any of the other adults. She smiled wanly at Donny when he came over to lend her moral support, and hurried back to the safety of the sink.
Mark motioned for Donny to sit down, and when Ivy was busy, he quizzed the young man, about what might be going on.
Donny wrinkled his forehead and quietly asked if they might go to Mark's study, indicating that he didn't want to 'spill the beans' out loud. Nodding, Mark waved his hand in the direction of the room, and stopped to tell Clora in a low voice that she was needed when Ivy got done with her work, and to meet him in his office.
Donny was comfortable with Mark, and he motioned Eldon to come join them, ushering the young boy in the room and closing the door.
Eldon looked like a trapped fawn, nervously shaking and looking for a way out.
"Sit down please," Mark invited, and the three of them found chairs to their liking.
"Dad," Donny started, "Eldon and Ivy have a couple of problems that need advise. I want to tell you at the 'get-go' that their uncle mentally and emotionally and sometimes physically abused them, and they are afraid of you for that reason."
Mark could easily tell that Eldon looked scared out of his mind, so Donny was accurate in his estimation of the youth's state of affairs.
There was a soft rap on the door and Mark hollered "come in."
At the loud tone, Eldon about jumped a foot high, and settled back sheepishly in his chair, looking around in a hopefully casual manner.
Clora and Ivy came in the room and Mark and Donny respectfully stood up until the ladies were seated. Eldon was a little slow, and got a sharp jab from Donny for his tardiness.
Once again, Mark asked what he and Clora might do for them, and Ivy, holding on to the chair arms with a death grip, tried to talk. She had to clear her throat a couple of times before any of the words would come out.
"We, Eldon and me, would like to know if there is any way we could get our place back. Our uncle took it from us after our folks died, and he's been terrible mean to us. He prit near worked Eldon to death, and wouldn't feed him none. I used to steal food from the kitchen to give to El at night, when they all went to the house."
As the words all came out in a rush, Ivy seemed to deflate like a balloon, collapsing back into the chair.
"First of all, both of you are welcome here;" Mark issued his standard greeting. "We do not charge people to live and eat here; only asking that you help with the work and attend church on Sunday." He looked at both the youngsters until he got their nods of agreement.
"So, tell me your uncle's name, where the farm?" he questioned, "is located, and how long your parents have been gone."
Ivy waved her hand at Eldon and Donny, wordlessly asking them to provide the information, she was trembling too much to talk.
Clora leaned toward Ivy nd gently took the girl's hand, lending strength and calmness to the jittery child.
Eldon had to try a couple of times before his voice would respond, the enormity of what they were doing, frightening him badly.
"Dad," Donny broke in, "we met Eldon and Ivy just as we were starting to cross the Ohio river. I think it was the Ohio," and he looked at Eldon for conformation. When the boy nodded, Donny continued.
"They both were riding the old white mare and pulling a travois with all their stuff. They were out of food and we shared with them." Donny finished, waiting for Eldon to pick up the slack.
Mark and Clora both nodded their approval, and Eldon got bold enough to speak.
"We're scared to tell you where we're from, we ain't never going back and let Uncle treat us as he done.. We was just wondering if we might ever get our place back, uncle has a way bigger place than us, he's greedy, that's all. Dad never liked him none, and Mom had to pull a gun on him one time." Eldon started to shake in anger.
"Tell me this, before we go any further, how old are the both of you? That's going to make a difference as to how we go about re-claiming your place." Mark interjected.
"I'm 19," Ivy said softly, "Eldon, he's fifteen."
"Ok," Mark said, tenting his fingers under his chin, "now I need to know what state you are from."
Both clammed up tight, unwilling to give out too much information that might pin point where they were from.
"I have to know, because the states are all different. Ivy should be old enough to claim ownership, if your from a state where women reach their majority at age 18. Actually, we need Toby here, he's a lawyer and can give us advise. Donny, would you please go get him?" Mark requested, looking at the lanky young man.
"Sure, do you want Miss Rennie too?"
"Not right yet, let's get Toby's view of the problem." Mark replied, looking at Clora and smiling. Donny hustled out to find Toby.
Eldon looked very much like he wanted to go with Donny, but Clora asked a question that kept the youth in his seat.
"Tell me Eldon, are you getting enough to eat?"
Eldon hung his head and refused to look at the white haired grandmother. "He don't get enough, but he don't want to make you mad at him for eatin so much," Ivy tattled. "He was prit near starved to death, but he's doing much better here."
Eldon made a hissing noise between his teeth, like he didn't want Ivy telling of his weakness.
"Ivy, was there food left over from supper, if there is, Eldon is welcome to eat that. I will tell Tilly to prepare more."
At the thought of more food to eat, Eldon's stomach growled long and loud, just as Toby and Donny walked in the room.
Donny bussed the dirty dishes and Ivy was part of the dish drying crew. She once got close enough to Mark, to squeak that she and Eldon would like to talk to him, please, at his convenience.
Mark nodded, saying that he had time after supper, and to come to his study, but that he would have to have Clora there also.
Ivy nodded, and looked like she was going to cut and run at the slightest twitch from Mark or any of the other adults. She smiled wanly at Donny when he came over to lend her moral support, and hurried back to the safety of the sink.
Mark motioned for Donny to sit down, and when Ivy was busy, he quizzed the young man, about what might be going on.
Donny wrinkled his forehead and quietly asked if they might go to Mark's study, indicating that he didn't want to 'spill the beans' out loud. Nodding, Mark waved his hand in the direction of the room, and stopped to tell Clora in a low voice that she was needed when Ivy got done with her work, and to meet him in his office.
Donny was comfortable with Mark, and he motioned Eldon to come join them, ushering the young boy in the room and closing the door.
Eldon looked like a trapped fawn, nervously shaking and looking for a way out.
"Sit down please," Mark invited, and the three of them found chairs to their liking.
"Dad," Donny started, "Eldon and Ivy have a couple of problems that need advise. I want to tell you at the 'get-go' that their uncle mentally and emotionally and sometimes physically abused them, and they are afraid of you for that reason."
Mark could easily tell that Eldon looked scared out of his mind, so Donny was accurate in his estimation of the youth's state of affairs.
There was a soft rap on the door and Mark hollered "come in."
At the loud tone, Eldon about jumped a foot high, and settled back sheepishly in his chair, looking around in a hopefully casual manner.
Clora and Ivy came in the room and Mark and Donny respectfully stood up until the ladies were seated. Eldon was a little slow, and got a sharp jab from Donny for his tardiness.
Once again, Mark asked what he and Clora might do for them, and Ivy, holding on to the chair arms with a death grip, tried to talk. She had to clear her throat a couple of times before any of the words would come out.
"We, Eldon and me, would like to know if there is any way we could get our place back. Our uncle took it from us after our folks died, and he's been terrible mean to us. He prit near worked Eldon to death, and wouldn't feed him none. I used to steal food from the kitchen to give to El at night, when they all went to the house."
As the words all came out in a rush, Ivy seemed to deflate like a balloon, collapsing back into the chair.
"First of all, both of you are welcome here;" Mark issued his standard greeting. "We do not charge people to live and eat here; only asking that you help with the work and attend church on Sunday." He looked at both the youngsters until he got their nods of agreement.
"So, tell me your uncle's name, where the farm?" he questioned, "is located, and how long your parents have been gone."
Ivy waved her hand at Eldon and Donny, wordlessly asking them to provide the information, she was trembling too much to talk.
Clora leaned toward Ivy nd gently took the girl's hand, lending strength and calmness to the jittery child.
Eldon had to try a couple of times before his voice would respond, the enormity of what they were doing, frightening him badly.
"Dad," Donny broke in, "we met Eldon and Ivy just as we were starting to cross the Ohio river. I think it was the Ohio," and he looked at Eldon for conformation. When the boy nodded, Donny continued.
"They both were riding the old white mare and pulling a travois with all their stuff. They were out of food and we shared with them." Donny finished, waiting for Eldon to pick up the slack.
Mark and Clora both nodded their approval, and Eldon got bold enough to speak.
"We're scared to tell you where we're from, we ain't never going back and let Uncle treat us as he done.. We was just wondering if we might ever get our place back, uncle has a way bigger place than us, he's greedy, that's all. Dad never liked him none, and Mom had to pull a gun on him one time." Eldon started to shake in anger.
"Tell me this, before we go any further, how old are the both of you? That's going to make a difference as to how we go about re-claiming your place." Mark interjected.
"I'm 19," Ivy said softly, "Eldon, he's fifteen."
"Ok," Mark said, tenting his fingers under his chin, "now I need to know what state you are from."
Both clammed up tight, unwilling to give out too much information that might pin point where they were from.
"I have to know, because the states are all different. Ivy should be old enough to claim ownership, if your from a state where women reach their majority at age 18. Actually, we need Toby here, he's a lawyer and can give us advise. Donny, would you please go get him?" Mark requested, looking at the lanky young man.
"Sure, do you want Miss Rennie too?"
"Not right yet, let's get Toby's view of the problem." Mark replied, looking at Clora and smiling. Donny hustled out to find Toby.
Eldon looked very much like he wanted to go with Donny, but Clora asked a question that kept the youth in his seat.
"Tell me Eldon, are you getting enough to eat?"
Eldon hung his head and refused to look at the white haired grandmother. "He don't get enough, but he don't want to make you mad at him for eatin so much," Ivy tattled. "He was prit near starved to death, but he's doing much better here."
Eldon made a hissing noise between his teeth, like he didn't want Ivy telling of his weakness.
"Ivy, was there food left over from supper, if there is, Eldon is welcome to eat that. I will tell Tilly to prepare more."
At the thought of more food to eat, Eldon's stomach growled long and loud, just as Toby and Donny walked in the room.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Poor kids!! I hope Mark and Clora and Toby can help them!! If not anything else, get the skinflint uncle to cough up the money to pay for the property and for abusing the kids! Then they'd have a stake to work with. I'd not want to see them go back to that state or area. That uncle would take it out on them....
I'm not telling you what to write, Pac, as I know God is your "writer's brain" and you are His hands. Just saying how I see the situation. You and our God always seem to come up with surprises, so I await the latest!
And THANK YOU and BLESS YOU for being the hands!
I'm not telling you what to write, Pac, as I know God is your "writer's brain" and you are His hands. Just saying how I see the situation. You and our God always seem to come up with surprises, so I await the latest!
And THANK YOU and BLESS YOU for being the hands!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wonderful find tonight. Growing boys need more. We canned chicken and broth today. Last of the canning for fall and winter .
.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#347
"Donny, go get that kid something to eat." Toby ordered.
Donny's stomach, when it heard Eldon's growl, did the same; causing Toby to laugh.
"Ok, we're gonna wait till you get back with some food, hustle it buster," he reached out to give Donny a clap on the back.
Donny was quick, he was already on the move, thinking of more to eat. When he returned, he had two of the serving bowls and big spoons. Manfully, he gave the largest bowl to Eldon and started eating from the not quite as large- but almost the equal sized bowl in his hand.
"Eat," Toby commanded, "Ivy here, can give us the answers while you fill up." Toby was aware he didn't have as much an imposing stature as his Dad. Something about having young children in the immediate family, made him more approachable than the stern visage of Mark.
"Ok, let's start, what is this about? You begin Ivy, tell us as much as you can remember, and why you need help." Toby settled back in a old office chair that creaked as alarmingly as the one Mark was using.
Donny had given Toby a rapid run down of what the problem was, as they were returning to the big house; Toby wanted to hear the young woman's voice and words, checking them out for honestly, so he listened intently as Ivy began.
The tale was long and drawn out, told with lots of tears and deep sadness. Neither child had been allowed to grieve the death of their parents, as the uncle had moved right in and taken over. Eldon was the general dogs body errand runner, and Ivy had worked in the kitchen as a scullery maid.
Up before dawn and not finished with work until late at night, the brother and sister felt they were being worked to death. When Ivy had been caught slipping food to Eldon and locked up for a week, Eldon in all his 15 year old wisdom, knew they both had to get away.
Eldon started giving grain to their old white mare, to strengthen her for their get-away. That lasted for several months, until the loss of feed was noted by the farm manager and a trap set for Eldon.
When he was caught, he was disciplined with a whip and locked up for two weeks. He wasn't fed during that time, but he was able to sleep, and the rest from the constant hard work helped.
Locked in the grainery room, Eldon came up with the idea of a travois and quietly went about fashioning the framework. Grain to chew on, kept his strength up, somewhat, and Ivy brought him what ever she could sneak away from the kitchen.
The night Eldon was released from his makeshift prison, the two escaped in the dark of night. Hoping to evade the search party they expected to come after them, the kids crossed the river at night in a desperate attempt to get away.
The white horse had been a problem, the starkness of her coat finally disguised with branches and mud. Where the animal would stand out against any background, concealed, she blended in to the landscape. The two of them had walked until they were physically incapable of going any further, and were forced to depend on the old horse.
There had been no food for several days, when they had encountered Donny and Chuck. That the men had shared food, saved the lives of the duo.
Donny had finished his snack, and Eldon was still eating, when Toby asked if Eldon agreed with what Ivy had recounted.
"Yes Sir, she did leave out a couple of the beatings both of us got, but we lived through'em, so they don't count."
"Ok, now you know we will have to know where you kids were living and where your place is. What are we talking about, a farm, a house and lot? What state you're from is important, as is you're last name and the name of your uncle." Toby tried to reason.
Ivy was so scared that she was shaking, and Eldon was still busy eating. Eldon stopped eating long enough to reiterate that they were never going back to their uncle and his slave ways. But, neither youngster gave out any more information, either.
"Donny, go get that kid something to eat." Toby ordered.
Donny's stomach, when it heard Eldon's growl, did the same; causing Toby to laugh.
"Ok, we're gonna wait till you get back with some food, hustle it buster," he reached out to give Donny a clap on the back.
Donny was quick, he was already on the move, thinking of more to eat. When he returned, he had two of the serving bowls and big spoons. Manfully, he gave the largest bowl to Eldon and started eating from the not quite as large- but almost the equal sized bowl in his hand.
"Eat," Toby commanded, "Ivy here, can give us the answers while you fill up." Toby was aware he didn't have as much an imposing stature as his Dad. Something about having young children in the immediate family, made him more approachable than the stern visage of Mark.
"Ok, let's start, what is this about? You begin Ivy, tell us as much as you can remember, and why you need help." Toby settled back in a old office chair that creaked as alarmingly as the one Mark was using.
Donny had given Toby a rapid run down of what the problem was, as they were returning to the big house; Toby wanted to hear the young woman's voice and words, checking them out for honestly, so he listened intently as Ivy began.
The tale was long and drawn out, told with lots of tears and deep sadness. Neither child had been allowed to grieve the death of their parents, as the uncle had moved right in and taken over. Eldon was the general dogs body errand runner, and Ivy had worked in the kitchen as a scullery maid.
Up before dawn and not finished with work until late at night, the brother and sister felt they were being worked to death. When Ivy had been caught slipping food to Eldon and locked up for a week, Eldon in all his 15 year old wisdom, knew they both had to get away.
Eldon started giving grain to their old white mare, to strengthen her for their get-away. That lasted for several months, until the loss of feed was noted by the farm manager and a trap set for Eldon.
When he was caught, he was disciplined with a whip and locked up for two weeks. He wasn't fed during that time, but he was able to sleep, and the rest from the constant hard work helped.
Locked in the grainery room, Eldon came up with the idea of a travois and quietly went about fashioning the framework. Grain to chew on, kept his strength up, somewhat, and Ivy brought him what ever she could sneak away from the kitchen.
The night Eldon was released from his makeshift prison, the two escaped in the dark of night. Hoping to evade the search party they expected to come after them, the kids crossed the river at night in a desperate attempt to get away.
The white horse had been a problem, the starkness of her coat finally disguised with branches and mud. Where the animal would stand out against any background, concealed, she blended in to the landscape. The two of them had walked until they were physically incapable of going any further, and were forced to depend on the old horse.
There had been no food for several days, when they had encountered Donny and Chuck. That the men had shared food, saved the lives of the duo.
Donny had finished his snack, and Eldon was still eating, when Toby asked if Eldon agreed with what Ivy had recounted.
"Yes Sir, she did leave out a couple of the beatings both of us got, but we lived through'em, so they don't count."
"Ok, now you know we will have to know where you kids were living and where your place is. What are we talking about, a farm, a house and lot? What state you're from is important, as is you're last name and the name of your uncle." Toby tried to reason.
Ivy was so scared that she was shaking, and Eldon was still busy eating. Eldon stopped eating long enough to reiterate that they were never going back to their uncle and his slave ways. But, neither youngster gave out any more information, either.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Nice Pac, if they don't talk there is no way to help them.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
I agree with sara and ted. The kids won't talk until they feel safe and know that they won't be returned. But if they don't reveal where they came from, there's no way to help them.
Unless...................Miz Clora knows or gets the information from God................God's ways and plans trump everything!!
Unless...................Miz Clora knows or gets the information from God................God's ways and plans trump everything!!
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
and she'll tell Mrs Pac who'll let us in on the rest of the story.
The only questions for me are how badly the uncle will suffer for his bad acts and if the kids will stay w/ the clan if Mark & Co help them recover their spread
We'll find out in a while
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#348
"Children," Clora spoke calmly, "we can't help you if you can't tell us who and what we are dealing with. Now on the surface, Ivy, you are old enough to be considered an adult, and Eldon I suppose we might consider you an emancipated youngster. Do you know if your uncle has any papers on you two. Such as a will your parents might have made giving him legal control over you and or your land?"
"He never said," Eldon replied, finally scraping the bowl clean. "Mom and Pop never said anything about having a will, I guess they never thought danger would ever happen to them. It sure was a stupid mistake on their part, we're in a world of hurt."
"ELDON!!!!" Ivy was incredulous. "Don't you be saving such things. How dare you say that, Mom and Pop did the best they could do by us."
"IVY," Eldon mocked her back, "are you thinking, or in some kind of spaced out reality. If as parents, they had taken the time to make a will, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in. I'm for telling these people who we are, who Uncle is, and what kind of property is involved. The sooner we nail his sorry hide to the barn wall, the better off we're gonna be. You heard him say he's gonna take the fences out between Dad's and his fields and destroy the corner markers. Soon we won't know where our land starts and his ends. You can pretend and drag your feet, but we need to be proactive and get this done."
Now that he was full, Eldon was making more sense than Ivy. He took one look at his sister and started speaking.
"Our last name is Jacks. Our uncle's name is Scott Jacks, and we had 800 acres of the blackest Illinois bottom land. Uncle badgered Dad every week to sell him our land and Dad always refused. They each got the same amount of land from Granddad when he passed away, but Uncle always tried to bully Dad." Eldon stopped to draw a breath.
Ivy looked sad and defeated. "I've been trying to make sense of this all, for so long, I'm so tired and can't seem to think straight."
Toby was sitting in his chair, jiggling his foot in a agitated manner. He certainly did know who Scott Jacks was. The man had a reputation as a sleaze bag politician from way back. How one so greasy and ill intentioned had escaped the cleansing wind, was a great mystery.
"Do you kids know what happened to your folks?" Toby asked, and then was shocked to hear what they had to say.
"The Sheriff said they were gone in the big wind, but that ain't so," Ivy spoke up. "I happened to read a piece of paper in Uncle's office that said they had been shot and buried."
"Ivy, you never told me that," Eldon sputtered.
"I was afraid of what you'd do; Uncle was trying to kill you anyway, and you're just hot headed enough to retaliate."
"Darn right I would, I'd have killed him; in any way I could. I found a gun, and hid it, I wasn't gonna take any more beatings." Eldon looked at Donny, as if to say...you'd do the same thing, I know you would.
"I'd like to have time to discuss this with Dad and Mom," Toby cut off the rash talk, "let's get together tomorrow after lunch and get a few more facts."
"Children," Clora spoke calmly, "we can't help you if you can't tell us who and what we are dealing with. Now on the surface, Ivy, you are old enough to be considered an adult, and Eldon I suppose we might consider you an emancipated youngster. Do you know if your uncle has any papers on you two. Such as a will your parents might have made giving him legal control over you and or your land?"
"He never said," Eldon replied, finally scraping the bowl clean. "Mom and Pop never said anything about having a will, I guess they never thought danger would ever happen to them. It sure was a stupid mistake on their part, we're in a world of hurt."
"ELDON!!!!" Ivy was incredulous. "Don't you be saving such things. How dare you say that, Mom and Pop did the best they could do by us."
"IVY," Eldon mocked her back, "are you thinking, or in some kind of spaced out reality. If as parents, they had taken the time to make a will, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in. I'm for telling these people who we are, who Uncle is, and what kind of property is involved. The sooner we nail his sorry hide to the barn wall, the better off we're gonna be. You heard him say he's gonna take the fences out between Dad's and his fields and destroy the corner markers. Soon we won't know where our land starts and his ends. You can pretend and drag your feet, but we need to be proactive and get this done."
Now that he was full, Eldon was making more sense than Ivy. He took one look at his sister and started speaking.
"Our last name is Jacks. Our uncle's name is Scott Jacks, and we had 800 acres of the blackest Illinois bottom land. Uncle badgered Dad every week to sell him our land and Dad always refused. They each got the same amount of land from Granddad when he passed away, but Uncle always tried to bully Dad." Eldon stopped to draw a breath.
Ivy looked sad and defeated. "I've been trying to make sense of this all, for so long, I'm so tired and can't seem to think straight."
Toby was sitting in his chair, jiggling his foot in a agitated manner. He certainly did know who Scott Jacks was. The man had a reputation as a sleaze bag politician from way back. How one so greasy and ill intentioned had escaped the cleansing wind, was a great mystery.
"Do you kids know what happened to your folks?" Toby asked, and then was shocked to hear what they had to say.
"The Sheriff said they were gone in the big wind, but that ain't so," Ivy spoke up. "I happened to read a piece of paper in Uncle's office that said they had been shot and buried."
"Ivy, you never told me that," Eldon sputtered.
"I was afraid of what you'd do; Uncle was trying to kill you anyway, and you're just hot headed enough to retaliate."
"Darn right I would, I'd have killed him; in any way I could. I found a gun, and hid it, I wasn't gonna take any more beatings." Eldon looked at Donny, as if to say...you'd do the same thing, I know you would.
"I'd like to have time to discuss this with Dad and Mom," Toby cut off the rash talk, "let's get together tomorrow after lunch and get a few more facts."
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