Category: Deweys

Chapter 18

It was three o’clock in the afternoon when a big white Cadillac turned into the driveway. Jim had placed several folding chairs in the shade of the big pine tree. He and Elly May were seated in two of them. Shirley Green remained inside.

The car pulled up in front of them and came to a stop. The left side was facing them as the Doctor was behind the wheel. Aunt Nelly was beside him.

The Doctor removed the dark glasses he was wearing and laid them on the seat. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and looked around.

Jim took Elly May by the arm and walked over to the car. She poked her head through the open window and kissed the Doctor on the cheek.” Oh, Uncle John, it is so nice to see you.” She turned around and ran to the other side. “And, Aunt Nelly, it is so nice of you to come.”

There was a faint smile on Aunt Nelly’s face. “And it is good to see you girl. How are you? is everything alright?”

Elly May reached through the open window and gave her a big hug and a kiss. “Everything is wonderful, Aunt Nelly, and in a minute I will give you some great news.”

She backed away from the car and walked back to where Jim was standing. She slipped her right arm around his waist stuck out her left hand and wiggled the finger with the diamond on it.

“Oh uncle John and Aunt Nelly, Jim and I are getting married. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Elly May was sure doing her part to keep everything on an even keel, Jim thought. Maybe everything would be all right. He hoped so.

But the Doctor’s next words didn’t sound like it.

“Are you ready to go girl? Get your bags! We haven’t got all day!”

Elly May moved closer to Jim. “1 told you Uncle John Jim and I are getting married right away. We want you to stay for the wedding, don’t we darling?”

Jim stepped up close to the open window. “Maybe I should introduce myself. I am Jim Green.” He stuck out his right hand toward the Doctor. “Get out and rest a spell.”

Aunt Nelly spoke. “Yes why don’t we John? He seems to be a nice young man.”

The Doctor’s face was dark. “Get your things, Elly May. I’m not going to tell you again”

Jim’s hand dropped to his side. He was having a hard time controlling his temper. He took the little arm from around his. waist and gently pushed the girl back.

For a minute he stood there, sizing up the Doctor. Elly May had said that he was a big man and she was right. Be was big and blond and probably in his early thirty’s. He was well groomed every hair in place including a thin moustache. Right at the present moment his lower jaw was thrust out like that of a bull terrier.

Jim thought he would try once more. Once again he stuck out his right hand. Slowly the Doctor turned in his seat he extended a big right hand.

Jim grasped it firmly then was almost yanked bodily into the car. The Doctor had tricked him. Andersen had both hands wrapped around his wrist and was pushing down hard. A little more pressure and the arm would break.

Jim pushed himself forward, poking his head through the open window. Both his arms were now inside. No longer could the Doctor use the window ledge to bend the arm over.

Aunt Nelly screamed and bailed out the opposite side of the car.

For a second Jim had the advantage. Andersen was bent over backwards and Jim’s left hand was free. He didn’t have much leverage but the fist that had made the barn rattle and shake was playing a tune on the Doctor’s face.

Andersen twisted around trying to elude those cutting blows. It was of no use they kept coming! In desperation he let go of Jim’s right arm and tried to cover his face with both hands.

This was a mistake. The fist come down hard, burying itself deep in the Doctors stomach. The Doctor grunted and lowered his guard. With the right hand Jim had lots of leverage. He swung a crushing blow that landed square on the chin. The big man trembled and tried to get up, but another fist to the jaw drove him back down. Then another to the solar plexus knocked all the wind out of him. Finally came a crashing right to the jaw and the fight was oven.

For a few seconds Jim stared at the man beneath him. No need of more punches the man was out cold. He pulled his feet inside opened the door and crawled out. The Doctor’s legs were sticking out the open doorway. He grabbed the ankles and gave a mighty heave. The man landed flat on his back on the dusty driveway.

Jim didn’t want the Doctor to wake up in or near the car. He could have a gun or some other weapon concealed there. He grabbed the ankles once more and dragged the man over into the shade of the big pine tree. He let the legs drop.

The three women were standing in a huddle their arms around each other. Jim took charge. “Mother, get a bucket of water some towels. “ He looked at Nelly Andersen. “Lady, if you can find some clean clothes for your husband I will help him clean up a bit. When he wakes up…”

The Doctor groaned and rolled over. Blood was dripping from his swollen nose and battered lips.

Only a few minutes ago he had been a big clean handsome man. The terrible beating he had just had turned him into a dirty battered hulk. And he was the one that had started the whole thing. Even his wife showed him no sympathy for him. She went to the car brought a suitcase and set it down.

Shirley Green brought a bucket of water and some towels and set them beside the suitcase.

Elly May walked up to Jim, her eyes were wide. “Are you alright darling? Oh Jim, he tricked you. He tried to break your arm.

“He tried alright.”

The doctor was sitting up. He groaned and spit blood.

Jim turned to the three women. “The fight is over, but the Doctor and I have a few things to talk about, so if you don’t mind leaving us alone for a few minutes I am sure everything will turn out just fine.”

The three women looked at each other. Then without a word arm and arm they started walking toward the house.

For a moment Jim stood there. Staring at the man on the ground. What had possessed the Doctor to try and break his arm? Before they were through here he was going to find out.

Andersen struggled to his feet and looked around. He was still in a daze his, eyes looked glassy. Jim picked up the bucket of water in one hand and the suitcase and the towels in the other. He motioned for the Doctor to follow him. They walked to the number two cabin. Jim swung the door open and motioned for him to go in.

The cabin was small, about twenty feet square. It was used as a spare bedroom in roundup season. It’s only furniture was a bed and a couple of chairs.

Jim dipped a towel in the bucket and handed it to the Doctor. He sat down the bucket and the suitcase in the corner of the room. Andersen took the towel and began wiping his battered face. Jim watched him closely. The guy was tricky he wouldn’t be caught off guard again.

The man was recovering fast. He was young and evidently in excellent health. He walked over to a mirror that hung on the wall. The reflection showed his battered features. The nose was badly swollen and the lips puffed. One eye was almost closed.

A look of hatred crossed his face. “Damn you!” he muttered. “I won’t be able to face the public for two weeks. What in hell did you hit me with?”

He turned away from the mirror and looked around. His eyes fell on the suitcase he started toward it.

Jim stepped in front of him. “Not so fast. Where do you think you are going?”

The Doctor glared at him. “1 was just going to get a clean shirt.” He took a step forward. “Get the hell out of my way!”

Jim hit him square in the mouth. Andersen staggered back and spit out four hundred dollars worth of bridgework. His face was livid. Like a mad bull he charged.

Jim stepped under a wild haymaker and buried his right hand deep in the solar-plexus. Andersen gasped for breath his knees started to buckle. Jim brought up an uppercut that landed square on the chin. Like a punctured balloon the big man sank slowly to the floor.

For a few moments Jim stood over the senseless form. The man was out cold. He retrieved the water bucket and poured on his face.

The man on the floor sputtered and sat up ï He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and looked up at the figure standing over him. He ran a hand over his battered face placing a finger inside his bleeding mouth. He shook his head and groaned. “For Gods sake man” he muttered. “Don’t hit me: again.”

Jim’s voice was cold. “Why did you try and break my arm?”

Andersen’s hands went to his stomach. He rocked slowly back and forth.

Jim. repeated” “Why did you try and break my arm? “

The Doctor looked up at him. He licked his bleeding lips.

His voice was harsh. “Don’t you know man? Are you that stupid?”

Jim didn’t answer. He stared down at the beaten man.

The Doctor slowly shook his head. His voice was just above a whisper. “Don’t blame me. I couldn’t help myself…. I fell in love with the girl the minute I set eyes on her.” He hesitated for a moment. “She was only fourteen then. But there was something about her that was so different from anyone I have ever known… ” His voice trailed off.

Jim was dumbfounded. This was unbelievable!

The Doctor cleared his throat. “Last month she was eighteen. Four long years I have waited…And now too late…” His chin sank down on his chest. “So now you know. Congratulations. Anything Else?”

Jim took a deep breath. Things began to make a little sense. If the Doctor had succeeded in breaking his arm the girl would of been at his mercy. He would of been in full command He could have forced her to get in the car and return to Seattle. God only knows what would happen after that.

And Aunt Nelly… She had tried to reason with the Doctor.

Evidently she knew nothing of his plans. He had taken her by complete surprise, then she had seen the handwriting on the wall. When the fight started she had jumped out of the car and let him fight his own battle.

Suddenly, Jim remembered. That night in Ontario Elly May had said. “I have two good reasons for leaving Seattle. One of them is there is a man.. He keeps coming on strong and I don’t care for him in that way.”

So Uncle John was that man. She had tried to protect him by not telling his name!

Jim had one more question. “I know you removed most of the scar would you care to talk about it?”

The Doctor nodded. “1 figured you would get around to asking that question. If I don’t answer you will probably beat me some more. Alright I will tell you…That’s where it all. started…”

For several minutes he talked. It seemed to Jim that he was like a sinner confessing his sins. Unloading part of the burden on someone else. It was a strange story.

For about a year he had been practicing medicine in Seattle. It was hard getting started…He was short on money. For a young man just out of school and newly married there were lots of problems.

Then came his big chance. A couple of well-known doctors had asked him to join them. By doing this success was assured. If all went well1 in a couple of months he would be sitting pretty. He decided to take a short vacation.

His wife had relatives here in Idaho. He had loaded his camper with fishing and hunting gear and drove to the Rotten ranch.

Seth and Martha had an old school bus which they used for a camper. Seth knew where the fishing was good they had taken off for the high mountains. They took Elly May with them.

They had driven to Cascade lake and found a nice camping place.The fishing was great..

Then Seth had produced a jug of white lightning. It was powerful stuffs and they consumed a lot of it.

The jug was about half-gone when they decided to hold a shooting contest. Shooting cans and bottles off a stump about fifty yards away.

They had kept Elly May busy running back and forth setting up targets. The Doctor was an expert with a rifle and was holding his own with Seth.

Then he suggested that they shoot at some flying objects.

They had picked up a bunch of rocks about the size of a man’s fist. They had directed the girl to throw them high in the air. They had stepped back about a hundred feet and she began throwing…

Seth could lever the Winchester with great speed. The doctor had an automatic. Most of the rocks were broken before they hit the ground.

Then there were no rocks in the air…

The girl was lying on the ground a gaping wound in the side of her head. One of the bullets had glanced off a rock and went spiraling across the side of Elly May’s head.

At this point in his story the doctor stopped and wept.

Of course they didn’t know whose bullet had struck her, but they were both responsible, and both drunk on Seth’s potent booze.

He had examined the girl’s It was a nasty wound but didn’t appear to be too deep. Her pulse and blood pressure was good. She was’ in no immediate danger.

He and Seth had held a conference. They were both scared. Seth was already in trouble with the law. He could see his own career going down the drain. If they took her to the hospital in Cascade there would be a lot of questions asked. They might even be arrested. One thing for sure there would be a lot of publicity. The doctors in Seattle would probably decide they could do without a junior partner.

They had made a quick decision. They loaded her in his camper and headed for Seattle. Nelly drove and he sat beside her all the way.

At this point the Doctor got to his feet, staggered over to the window and stood, staring out.

“I guess it was on that ride home that I fell in love with her. Each year she has become more and more an obsession to me. Each year she has become sweeter more beautiful, more desirable. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing her to another man.”

It had been a strange story. Jim couldn’t help but feel sorry for’ the man. On the other hand the guy had tried to break his arm. Also he had been protecting himself all this time. He was not one to be trusted.

Jim had everything under control now and he intended to keep it that way. His voice was as cold as an iceberg in Alaska.

“Gather up your junk Doctor and get the hell out of here! If I ever see you again so help me God, I will kill you.”

Chapter 17

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and the sun was peeking over the mountaintop.

Jim had gotten up early as usual and went to the meadow to take care of the irrigation water. He found the shovel where he had left it and proceeded to get the job done. Doctor Andersen and his wife would be here sometime today and he intended to be at the house when they arrived.

Last night his mother had prepared a good meal, opened the bottle of chilled champagne and drank to their health. She appeared to be very nervous and looked worried.

He left Elly May in the Living room and joined Shirley Green in the kitchen. ”Something is bothering you, Mother. What is it?”

She had told him in a low voice. “I hate to tell you this but I think you must know. Doctor Andersen sounded very upset. He was very rude. He said to have her things all packed they were taking her home with them.”

He had spent a restless night. He had said nothing to the girl about this conversation. No need of bothering her. But now it was morning and they could arrive here most any time. He must tell Elly May.

Jim swore under his breath. So Doctor Andersen figured on taking her home. Home? She was already home!

And another thing, the guy had been rude to his mother. Damn his hide, what right did he have giving orders like he was everyone’s boss!

Jim tried to tell himself that the Doctor was just a little upset coming home and finding the girl gone. He would soon calm down and act like a gentleman.

But he didn’t think so. The Doctor was hiding something and he intended to keep it hidden.

The Doctor didn’t know the facts about himself and Elly May what right did he have to pass judgment? What kind of a man was he? He intended to find out!

Jim looked at his watch, ten o’clock. He should spend a couple of hours more here but there were other things that were much more important. He put the shovel over his shoulder and headed toward the house. To hell with the pasture.

Neither he nor his mother had told the girl of the Doctor’s intentions. He had better take care of that now. Then a terrible thought struck him. Was there a chance that she would go with them? After all she had been taking orders from them for the last four years!

Jim swore. Damn his hide! He had no business coming down here throwing his weight around, trying to spoil everything.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was perspiring freely and the morning temperature was still cool. Jim shook his head as though to clear it. He must keep calm. If he used his head everything would turn out all right.

The first thing to do was to talk to Elly May. After all, she was the subject of the whole affair. She should have something to say about what went on around here. He would talk to her alone.

He leaned the shovel against the tree and opened the door. In an instant Elly May was in his arms. “Oh darling, you are home early.” She drew herself close. “You got something for me?”

He kissed her on the lips. “Want to go for a little walk?”

She nodded, “That would be nice.”

He guided her out the back door to a bench beside the pond. They sat down. He put his arm around her and held her close.

She looked up at him with here blue eyes were wide. “Oh Jim, you look so serious. Is something the matter?”

As always, she seemed to read his mind. Slowly he shook his head. “No everything is just fine. So far so good.” He hesitated for a second. “But there is something that we should talk about. There is something that you should know.”

“Yes darling what is it?”

His voice was low and gentle “Your Uncle John told Mother on the phone that they were going to take you home with them.”

The girl’s eyes were wide. “Did Uncle John say that?”

Jim nodded. “He said to have your clothes all packed. So you could leave as soon as they got here.”

Her big blue eyes flooded with tears “He shouldn’t of said a thing like that. Sweetie, I don’t know what to tell you.”

“Maybe they were shaken up when they returned and found you gone.”

“Maybe so, but, darling, they had no right calling your mother and telling her those things. They could of waited and talked to me.” She hesitated for a moment “Or you,” she finished.

Those last two words seemed to lift a ton of weight from Jim’s shoulders. He pulled her close and kissed her gently.

The little hand with the diamond on it stole around his neck. “You didn’t think I would go with them, did you darling?

Jim’s eyes were stinging; he held her close. “No Sweetie, but it is sure as hell good to hear you say so!”

Chapter 16

Another day had gone by and dinner was over. Dinner is the noon or twelve o’clock meal. Supper comes in the evening at six.

Jim pushed himself away from the table. “That was a fine meal,” he said. “Guess I’ll get in the pickup and go to town.”

His mother lifted an eyebrow, “Are you going by yourself Jim?” He shook his head. “Haven’t decided yet. Are you supposed to take the girl along when you buy her a diamond?” Elly May’s eyes grew big and round.

Shirley Green laughed. “1 don’t think it would hurt a bit. By taking her along you are sure to get one that will fit.” Jim nodded “I will give it some thought ‘

Elly May’s eyes were flashing, “In this case I will do the thinking. I am going along! Be ready in five minutes.”

It was a proud moment in Jim’s life when he walked into the jewelry store with Elly May on his arm.

The jeweler was sitting on a stool back of the counter. He looked up, “Hello Jim. What can I do for you and this lovely young lady, or must I take a guess?”

Jim grinned. “You guessed right. We are going to get hitched. What you have in a complete set?”

“I can make you up most any combination.” He hesitated for a moment and nodded toward the back room. “If we could just have a word.”

Jim understood. He turned to Elly May “Wait here a minute.” He followed the jeweler to the rear of the store.

The man lowered his voice. “It would sure help if I knew how much you intend to go.”

Jim whispered back. “About a cow and a calf.”

“Thanks. Now we are getting somewhere.”

An hour later they walked out of the store. Jim had a box in his pocket containing a matched pair of His and Her wedding rings. Elly May was flashing a diamond that could be seen for a city block.

It was a great day in the life of young Jim Green. Elly May gave vent to her feelings by crying one moment and laughing the next.

Jim went to the State Liquor Store and bought a bottle of champagne. They would celebrate the occasion when they arrived at the ranch. He helped Elly May into the Jeep, put an arm around her and headed for home.

He hadn’t as yet asked her about the scar. Now would be as good a time as any, he thought.

He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Sweetie when we were riding Old Spot yesterday the wind blew your hair over to the right side. I noticed a scar in your scalp. What happened? Did you hurt yourself?

She looked up at him. “Is it noticeable Jim?”

“Not really. Only when your hair is pushed or blown to the right side. How did you get the scar, Sweetie?”

There was a puzzled look on her face. “I don’t know how I got the darn thing. You should have seen it before Uncle John operated on it. It looked terrible.”

“Tell me more.”

Elly May lifted her left hand and ran her fingers through her hair. “I guess I forgot all about it. So many things have been happening lately a little thing like a scar didn’t seem important.”

“You say doctor Andersen operated on it?”

The girl nodded. “Yes. It was quite large very red and ugly before he fixed it.” A frown crossed her face. “Didn’t I have it before I went to Seattle?”

Jim was silent for a moment. He figured she had suffered a bad head injury. Is this what caused her loss of memory? She had no scar at the school picnic but when she arrived in Seattle it was there; Uncle John had operated on it. He knew all the answers!

Jim gave her a gentle squeeze. “Sweetie, before you went to Seattle your hair was long and hung in ringlets. It could have covered a multitude of scars.”

He felt better. Forget about scars for now this was the most important day of their life.

Elly May also had more important thoughts on her mind. The sun was about to disappear behind the mountain. It’s long rays flashing through the windshield also created many shadows. She kept her little white hand exposed watching the dancing lights coming from the diamond on her hand.

Jim felt great. How could a man be so lucky? He wondered. Soon they would be married! How soon? He would get Elly May’s opinion.

“When shall we tie the knot, Sweetie?

Elly May looked up at him and laughed. She looked back at the flashing diamond. “Oh Jim, it is so much fun being engaged let’s enjoy it for awhile. Let’s wait at least another week.”

It was twilight in the mountains when they arrived at the ranch. Shirley Green kissed them and gave them her blessing.

Then she broke the news. They were going to have company. Doctor Andersen had called from Seattle. He and his wife were on their way down. They would be here tomorrow.

Chapter 15

It was Saturday morning. A week had gone by since Jim had taken Elly May up Dead Horse Gulch. A lot had happened this last week and a lot more could happen in the next. He might even get married!

He was doing his morning chore taking care of the water on the meadow. He stuck the shovel in the ground and sat down on the ditch bank. He had just finished plugging that gopher hole again. The next time he came here he would bring a trap.

He had worked up a sweat. A few minutes rest seemed to be in order. He spread his lanky frame on the grass and looked up at the sky.

It was as blue as Elly May’s eyes. Funny, he thought, every few minutes something come up to remind him of her. Now it was the sky.

He had a sample of what married life would be like and found it delicious and refreshing. She would make him a wonderful wife. This afternoon he was going to town and buy her a ring, a good one. She deserved it

His mother was also making plans. She could see the handwriting on the wall. All her life she had longed to travel. She wanted to see what was on the other side of that mountain. She had a lady friend, like herself, a widow who also yearned to travel. Together they made plans.

When her husband died Shirley Green found herself financially in good shape. The ranch was out of debt and there was a large insurance policy. With her one and only child married there would be nothing to stop her from doing as she wished.

She and her friend planned on buying a motor home. They would do a lot of traveling. They would stay in Alaska in the summer and Arizona in the winter.

Jim glanced at his watch. It was almost noon and he was hungry. Time to go eat. The faint sound of a galloping horse came to his ear. He glanced up and saw it was Elly May on Old Spot – they were coming toward him.

He grinned; she had surely been giving that old crow bait a workout these last few days. Jim recalled the first time she had climbed aboard. He had saddled the horse, shortened the stirrups and helped her on. “Now take it easy,” he told her. Old Spot was as gentle as a dog, but there was still plenty of life in him.

At first she had been scared, holding the reins tight, guiding him around in a circle. Gradually the look of fear was replaced by one of confidence. There was a smile on her face.

“Are you okay?” he had asked.

She nodded, “I am fine, just trying to get the feel of the critter.” She raised herself up and down a few times keeping most of her weight in the stirrups. Then she had leaned forward and patted the horse on the neck. Then without warning she had let out a yell and buried her heels in Old Spot’s ribs.

Old Spot was a quarter horse and had the acceleration of a jet propelled rocket On the second jump he was going full speed. Only an experienced rider could stay on his back.

Jim had been terrified. He should have warned her that this was not just some old plug. Then a look of astonishment spread over his face. Elly May was leaning forward bent low over the saddle urging him on. They covered about two hundred yards and she reined him to a stop. Then she wheeled him around and came racing back. She brought the horse to a sliding halt. She had dropped the reins and slid off in front of him. There was a big smile on her face. “Boy that was fun!”

He had been scared stiff. He picked up her hat which she had lost on the first jump and handed it to her. “You seared the hell out of me!”

She was all smiles, “You shouldn’t have been scared. Wasn’t it you that told me that I stuck to a horse like a cockle burr?”

He had decided right there he had better be careful what he told her she could do. Dancing was one thing, riding a horse was another. She had been Queen of the Little Britches Rodeo a couple of times, but she could have forgotten a lot.

Elly May rode up in front of him and brought Old Spot to a halt. “Want a lift?” she asked

“Sure why not? This old nag used to carry double. I guess he still will.”

He stuck the shovel in the ground, borrowed a stirrup and swung up behind the girl. Old Spot snorted and pranced around for a few seconds, then settled down to a fast walk.

A strong breeze was blowing Elly May’s hair, whipping it about.

“Where’s your hat?” Jim asked.

Elly May laughed, “It is lying in front of the barn. Just where this old crow bait, as you call him, made his first jump.”

The honey colored hair was tickling Jim’s nose. He moved his head to the left. Now he was looking straight down at the side of the girl’s head. A gust of wind caught her hair blowing most of it to the right side.

A pink scar ran across the side of her head. It started at the hairline, just back of her temple and ran almost to the back of her head. In the center was another crossing it. It ran from just above her ear to the top of her head.

Where the two crossed there was a bald spot about the size of a dime.

Jim stared in amazement. He couldn’t remember any scar. She certainly didn’t have it before the school picnic. She had gotten it since then!

Did it have something to do with her loss of memory? He would surely ask her about it later. He didn’t think that the proper time was while riding double horseback.

They rode up in front of the barn and dismounted. Elly May picked up her hat. Jim took off the saddle and bridle then looked around for the oat bucket. Old Spot deserved a treat.

In the big red barn there were many things. One side was packed full of machinery. There was a tractor, a disc a harrow and many other items.

Back in the far corner was something that seemed to be of interest to the girl. She was looking it over.

Jim gave Old Spot the bucket of oats and walked over to where she was standing. “Got it figured out?” he asked. She shook her head.

Jim walked over to the wall and flipped a switch. The room was flooded with light

There were four posts set in a square. Two heavy ropes were stretched around them. They had been wrapped with some kind of soft material. Outside the roped off square was a heavy bag hanging from an overhead beam. It was a punching bag. Another about the size of a football was hanging in it’s frame.

“This is my gymnasium,” Jim explained. “Many years ago my dad built it for me. He said he didn’t want his kid growing up to be a sissy. He was plenty handy with his fists. He taught me a lot. I even won a couple of metals while I was in college.”

She stared at him, “But Jim, You don’t look like a fighter, and you are not a bit mean.”

Jim laughed, “You don’t need to be mean to be a fighter – just the opposite. Learning how to defend yourself gives you confidence. It is the coward that is mean.”

He walked over to the light bag and jabbed it a couple of times with his left hand. It hit the rail on the opposite side and came bouncing back only to be hit with the right hand. Faster and faster he struck the bag. Each time it returned, it met a doubled fist. The rattle turned to a roar. Dirt came sifting down from the platform. For about a minute he kept this up. Suddenly he backed off. The bag bounced back and forth a few times and then came to a stop.

He dusted off his shirt and turned to her. “How was that for a demonstration?”

Elly May laughed. “You sure made a lot of racket, and you made the barn rattle and shake, but what has that got to do with fighting? The other day when Clyde and Oswald tried to put me in the truck I fought them. I scratched, screamed and even bit one of them. Now that is what I call a fight.”

Jim looked at the girl. He couldn’t think of a word to say. He shrugged his shoulders. “Oh well, you can’t win them all!”

 

Chapter 14

Jim stuck the steel blade of the shovel in the ditch bank and sat down beside it. He glanced at his watch. It was almost noon and there was a chill in the air. High valley had an altitude of over five thousand feet. It was much cooler there than down in the city of Boise.

His mind was on the happenings of yesterday. When they left here they were prepared to stay for several days. He hadn’t expected to solve this part of the riddle in only one day, but they had gotten lucky.

There would never be any doubt in either of their minds as to the identify of the Rogers woman. When she had stood just inside the doorway with her hair hanging over her eyes there had been much more than a family resemblance.

The greenish brown eyes the coarse features the hair hanging down in strands were all a Rotten trade mark. When she had walked to the back room, the sway of her body, the way she carried her head was very much the same as that of Martha Rotten.

Of course, there was no actual proof, but is there ever? Jim could just imagine seeing the two girls side by side and then standing Martha there. If you were to ask a thousand people which was the daughter, there could only be one answer.

Jim grinned. At least they wouldn’t be afraid that their offspring would resemble the Rotten family from Dead Horse Gulch!

Yes, they had found out who her parents really were. She would never meet them in this world and would never bear their name. But this didn’t matter. She had a mental picture of them, and it was a good one. And now her true origin was resolved she was happy.

His thoughts drifted to the other girl. At least one of the Rotten family had gotten a break. She hadn’t been born and raised on a ranch up Dead Horse Gulch and didn’t have a Rotten name.

No one but himself and Elly May knew this secret. No one else would ever know.

Doctor Reynolds had said that they could stir up a hornet’s nest, and he was right. They could but they wouldn’t. The Roger’s girl must never know.

At least part of the mystery concerning Elly May was solved, but there was more. What had happened to make her forget fourteen years of her life?

Could there be a connection between the two? He couldn’t see how, but he would keep his eyes open.

And there was Doctor Andersen, and then Uncle John came into the picture about the same time she had disappeared – the same time she lost her memory. Neither he or aunt Nelly would tell the girl what had happened to her. Why?

And the Rottens knew. When she had asked Martha she had said, “I am not free to tell you and don’t ask me again.”

Yes the whole damn bunch of them knew. Why the cover-up? Usually in a case of this kind there is a large amount of money involved. Here there was nothing, or was there? Suddenly Jim sat up straight. Maybe there was lots of money: From the looks of their house, the Battens could have been very wealthy.

Jim got up and started pacing up and down the ditch bank. Had the Rottens discovered that she was not one of them? Had they sent her to Seattle and held her as a hostage while they bled the Batten family dry? Was the Doctor and aunt Nelly in on the deal and had kept her drugged causing her to lose her memory?

Seth and the boys sure wanted her home all of a sudden. Yes something funny had been going on and he intended to find out what it was.

The Rottens hadn’t showed a lot of prosperity these last few years, but you could never tell about that bunch. The State had paid them a lot of money but they hadn’t been throwing that around.

Jim felt like he should get Seth cornered somewhere and beat the truth out of him. He had it coming, the dirty rotten bastard.

Yesterday after they had left the furniture store they had got in the car and drove around for awhile. Elly May sat staring out the window saying nothing. Suddenly she gave vent to her feelings and buried her head in his lap and cried softly.

No doubt this had been an ordeal for her to go through. One minute she was the daughter of the Rotten family that lived up Dead Horse Gulch. The next she was the daughter of the Battens that lived in the house with the swimming pool, tennis court and all the trimmings.

Jim had found a shady spot and parked the car. Elly May dried her eyes and attempted to smile. She retrieved some things out of her purse, powdered her nose and put on fresh lipstick.

She looked over at him. “Darling, you are wonderful. You have made my dreams come true. The other day at the ranch you told me that I was not one of them. I believed you. Somehow you have a way of knowing what is right, and you have been so right.” She drew herself close to him. “I know I will never meet my real parents, and I know we must burn our bridges behind us. So please, tell me what were they like?”

Jim held her close. Once again she seemed like a four year old.

He leaned back and closed his eyes. “Your father was a big guy, even bigger than me. He had dark curly hair and blue eyes, a straight nose, a firm chin, full mouth and white teeth. He was a real handsome guy. Everyone liked him.” Jim wondered how he was doing.

“And my mother?”

Jim reflected and continued, “Your mother was small, about your own size. Like your father she had big blue eyes. I guess that is why your eyes are so big and so blue. You take after them both. Your mother liked to sing, dance and play the piano. Oh yes, she had golden hair that hung in curls. She liked to be adored. For several minutes he rambled on.

He had looked down to see how he was doing. There was a smile on her face and she was sound asleep.

He had started the car and headed for home. He kept looking down at the girl beside him. She certainly had been through her share of troubles. He tried to put himself in her place. How would it feel to wake up some morning and not know who you are? All you knew was that you had to go to the john. That would be awful!

Everything around you would be strange, even the people! How would it feel to know that a dog was a dog and a cat was a cat, but you couldn’t remember how you had learned these things?

You might come to the conclusion that you were JUST LITTLE BIT CRAZY.

After they had arrived at the ranch and everyone was in bed Jim went to the book casein the living room. He pulled out a big black medical book and laid it on the table.

Years ago his mother had bought it from a book salesman. Doctor bills would become a thing of the past, the man said. The Green family had studied the thing and looked at the pictures. For years it had been lying here gathering dust.

He consulted the index then opened it to a chapter called: Amnesia. He began to read. According to the book it was caused by damage to the brain. It listed ways that the damage might occur: mental shock, physical shock and a high fever headed the list. Right at the last there was a notation. Be sure and call a doctor.

Jim got up from the ditch bank and dusted off his trousers. No doubt Elly May had somehow received damage to her brain.

The book had said mental shock could cause amnesia. Had she been frightened? Scared out of her wits, as the old saying goes. Maybe the thought of being one of the Rotten tribe and living up Dead Horse Gulch had been too much for her. That would cause most any sound mind to crack, Jim thought.

Physical shock was another. Had she been badly hurt? Had she been in a car wreck? If so why keep it a secret?

The book said a high fever was a possibility. Had she been real sick and had a high fever? Maybe she had spotted fever. His father had died of it and had been out of his mind in his last few days.

But this didn’t make sense No one would try and keep something like this a secret.

It had only taken them one day to find out who her real parents were. It shouldn’t take much longer to solve the rest of the riddle. He wondered where would be the best place to start.

He would only be inviting trouble if he went to the Rotten ranch. Oswald would have a mighty sore arm. There had probably been a big doctor bill and Seth would be madder than a hornet!

Uncle John and Aunt Nelly knew what was going on, but they were in Hawaii. He wondered when they would return.

He put the shovel over his shoulder and headed for the house. He was hungry.

He leaned the shovel against the big pine tree and looked around. The Buick was gone. Then he remembered his mother had said something about having dinner at the Grange Hall today. He opened the door and walked in.

Elly May was standing there, all smiles, in front of him. She stepped up on top of his shoes and put her arms around his neck. “Got something for me?” she whispered.

Jim kissed her on the lips. “Something smells good. You got something for me?”

She pushed herself back. “How about a nice big trout dinner?”

“Sounds and smells good. Where did you get the trout?”

“Out of the pond of course.”

“You mean to tell me that you caught a trout out of the pond?”

“Two of them.”

“How in the world did you know how to go about it?” “Your mother showed me how to put the worm on the hook. I did the rest.”

“And you cleaned and cooked them too?”

“Sure nothing to it.” She slid down off his shoes. “Come and get it while it’s still hot.”

Jim thought it was the best meal he had ever eaten. The trout fried to a golden brown were delicious. She also served him French fries and a salad topped off with a cherry pie.

Jim was amazed. This certainly didn’t look like the work of a four year old.

“Where did you learn to cook?” he asked.

“Aunt Nelly taught me a lot. For the last two years I have been cooking and keeping house for them. Both Uncle John and Aunt Nelly work most of the time.”

“What does your aunt Nelly do?”

“She is an R.N. and works at the hospital.”

Uncle John and Aunt Nelly would have a sizeable income, Jim thought. They were probably good respectable people. At least they had taught her a few things.

He felt great. Not only would he have the prettiest wife in the neighborhood but one that could cook as well.

Then when the meal was over she put the dishes in the dishwasher and came over and stood beside him. “I have everything put away. Shall we retreat to the back yard? It is so nice out there.”

Jim got to his feet. “Sounds like a very good idea. Lead the way.”

She took him by the hand and guided him through the back door. They walked over to where the water left the pond and sat down in one of the love seats. The water made sweet music as it went tumbling down over the rocks.

Elly May leaned her head on his shoulder. “Did you enjoy the dinner, darling?”

“It was wonderful; the best I hare ever tasted!”

“Oh I am so glad. I want so much to make you happy. You have been so wonderful to me, Jim. You are so kind and considerate.” Her little fingers were running through his hair. “Oh darling, I am so happy. I feel like I should stand up and shout! A few days ago I was nothing. I didn’t even know my name.”

The nimble fingers were doing things to his shirt. A little white hand slipped inside. Under her gentle touch the Goose pimples began to rise. She kept talking, “Life is a funny thing Jim. A few days ago I was so scared I couldn’t have thought of marrying you or bearing your child. I would died of fear. I would close my eyes. and I could see the little ones running around with black stringy hair and green eyes. Oh Jim, it was awful:”

He kissed her gently. “Everything is going to be just fine now. We got rid of that problem.”

“When will we be married Jim?”

“Right away. But first we must get some rings.”

She slipped over on his lap. The little arms were around his neck. She drew herself close her eyes were bright. “Do I get a diamond, a real diamond?

“As real as they get.”

“Oh Jim, I can hardly wait.”

“You won’t be waiting very long” he grinned, “but I might have to sell a cow and a calf.”

She kissed him on the lips. “Maybe Uncle John and Aunt Nelly can come down for the wedding.”

“that would be nice. By the way, have you called them or wrote to them since you have been here?”

“No, but I left them a note telling them I was going home for a visit.”

Jim thought this over. If the Andersens suddenly returned home and found the note they might become alarmed. There was no phone at the Rotten ranch so they would have no way of getting in touch with her. “Is there anyone staying at the house?” Jim asked.

She nodded, “Yes, a woman that decorates the house every spring. It is a very large house and it takes her quite awhile . She will be there for another week or so.”

“Does she stay there at night?”

“Yes, and I am sure she will stay there until the Andersens return.”

Jim thought for a moment. If the Andersens called their home from Hawaii the cleaning lady could give them very little information concerning Elly May They might be very worried. “Did you tell the cleaning lady where you were going?

“I told her that I was going home for a visit.”

“But she doesn’t know you are here at my place?”

The girl shook her head, “No she doesn’t. Do you suppose I should write her a letter?”

“Better than that, give her a call.”

“Right now?”

“Right now!”

She rose to her feet. “I will hurry darling. Wait right here.”

“If the cleaning lady answers give her our phone number. So that the Andersens will know where to get in touch with you.”

“Right you are, and I am on my way.” she took off on the run, like an obedient child, Jim thought. She was doing what she was told to do. She didn’t seem to know how to argue. Probably no one had taught her how.

He made himself comfortable on the bench, leaned back and closed his eyes. She was going to make him a wonderful partner. No longer was she a member of the Rotten clan and soon she would be his wife. He felt proud.

They had told his mother about their experience in Boise. She had not been a bit surprised and said so. They told her everything but the names of the people involved. This would be their secret forever.

One riddle had been solved but there was one left. And it was indeed a puzzler. It wouldn’t seem nearly so important if certain parties weren’t so damn secretive. Why the cover-up? They probably had a reason all right. What could it be?

When Elly May questioned Martha, she had answered, I am not free to tell you.” She also said, “I am in no way responsible for what happened to you,” and, “You are well now so why don’t you forget the whole thing.”

These weren’t the exact words but they held meaning. Martha knew what was going on all right. She wasn’t the most intelligent person in the world, but still a good hearted old girl. If she was covering up something it probably was to protect Seth or one of his worthless offspring.

Martha probably believed Elly May to be her daughter. If she did she certainly owed it to the girl to confide in her. If it was some sort of sickness that caused her to lose her memory she had a right to know.

Could it be that this was correct and they were afraid of a reoccurrence? Were they trying to protect her?

He didn’t think so. Martha had said, “Thank God you are well now.” He didn’t think she was putting on an act.

He swore under his breath, “Damn their ornery hides, we have a right to know and I will get to the bottom of this if it takes me the rest of my life.”

The back door opened and Elly May came walking out. Jim got to his feet. “Any luck?” he asked.

Elly Nay nodded. “Yes I talked to the cleaning lady. I told her where I was staying and gave her your phone number. There have been no calls or letters from Uncle John and Aunt Nelly.

“Good girl,” Jim took her by the hand. “We won’t have to worry about that any more.”

As they sat down on the bench once more she moved toward him and put her head on his shoulder.

He slipped an arm around. her drawing her close.

The big blue eyes looked up at him, “Jim darling, I am so glad you had me phone. It was stupid of me not to do so without being told. Forgive me?”

“There is nothing to forgive.

“Be patient with me darling and keep in mind that four years ago I hardly knew anything. It was only a few days ago that I learned that my name was Rotten. Then yesterday we discovered that it wasn’t Rotten at all. It was Batten.” The trace of a smile crossed her beautiful face. “Give me time Jim, I will learn.”

“We have lots of time,” He whispered.

She snuggled close, “And don’t forget darling. This is the first time that I have attempted to do anything on my own. I never left the house without telling Uncle John or Aunt Nelly. I really had so summon all my courage to catch the bus that morning.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “I am sure glad you did.”

“And I was so scared when I took off. I didn’t know if there would be anyone to meet me. Then you come walking up. I didn’t recognize your features but something down deep inside me told me that you were my man. Then like I knew my man would do you started taking care of me.”

The girl paused for a moment and kissed him on the lips.

“Then when you danced with me and held me close. I knew I had found what I was searching for.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Then you told me I had been your sweetheart before.”

“You were darling.”

“Oh, I was so glad and so thankful. I didn’t know how to act. I have had no experience with men before. I probably didn’t act at all like a lady should. But I couldn’t stand to have you leave me for just one second.”

Jim leaned over and kissed the red lips. “For an amateur you did alright.”

She slid over on Jim’s lap. Once more the little white hands were busy. The fingers on one of them seemed to be counting the bumps on his spine with the other tracing little figures on his chest.

She was in a talkative mood, “I don’t know much about men, but one day I heard Uncle John talking to another man who was evidently having trouble with his wife. After listening to what the guy had to say, Uncle John told him, ‘Some women are really stupid. They enjoy cutting off a man’s sex life. They expect him to pay for whatever he gets. Then they wonder why he goes out with other women.’”

“Sounds like your uncle is a very smart man.”

“He is, and Jim, darling, don’t you ever worry about me cutting you off, or making you pay.”

Once more the animal in Jim was coming to life. He pulled her close and kissed the ruby red lips.

“That is.” she whispered, “if you take care of me.”

Jim looked wildly about. Why was it always daylight? Prying eyes were everywhere!

Her warm breath was in his ear. “Your mother will be gone all afternoon darling. We can go to your room.”

Jim got to his feet and she was in his arms. They would be there in one minute. Time was wasting!

Chapter 13

Half an hour later the couple was seated in a plush cocktail lounge in downtown Boise. Each had a tall bottle of Bud in front of them and a frosted glass in their hands.

“Sure dark in here,” Elly May whispered.

Jim took a big swallow from the glass. “Sure is.”

“Why do they keep it so dark in these places? The other night in Ontario it was the same.”

“Maybe they are trying to save energy.”

A girl in skintight slacks was hovering over them. “How are you folks doing?”

Jim picked up his bottle, which was about empty. “Bring me another. How about you Sweetie?”

The girl shook her head. She was thinking of that other night in Ontario. The air conditioner was working overtime. The place was nice and cool. For several minutes they sat there enjoying the cool air. Jim broke the silence.

“I wonder if this Rogers guy that lives at that place knew the Battens. We could go out there this evening and talk to them. Mrs. Rogers was playing golf today. At least that is what her neighbor said.”

“Maybe they will both be home this evening.”

“We can go see. And if they don’t know anything about the Battens we will keep trying. Some of the people that live around there is bound to know where we can find them.”

“That’s the way I love to hear you talk.”

“A couple of beers and I am as good as new again. In fact have another idea.”

“Tell me darling.”

Jim glanced at his watch. “It’s four thirty now and still a long time until evening. The woman that said their name was Rogers also said they had a furniture store over on Fairview. It should be listed in the phone book. We could drive out there right now.”

The girl was on her feet. Let’s go!”

“Don’t I get to finish my beer?”

“Sorry Jim.”

“Let’s do a Little planing before we go out there. We’ve got to be careful. Remember what the Doctor said?”

“Yes Darling.”

“I think we should just play it by ear. We can go out to the store and look at the furniture. We might even buy some. How about a new waterbed? We could have a lot of fun on one of theme”

Elly May smiled, “It doesn’t have to be a water bed, darling.”

He kissed her on the cheek, “You are a little rascal.”

Her arms were around his neck. “You can do better than that!”

Jim tried. Immediately, his thoughts shifted to a nice cool motel room. He would pick up a bottle of champagne.

Elly May pushed herself away from: him, “Please darling. Let’s go look at the furniture. When we get this off our mind then I’m sure we’ll find time for other things.”

Jim sighed. “Ah hell!”

“We have our whole life ahead of us, my love.”

“Okay Sweetie, one thing at a time. But look out when this is over.”

“I will be ready.”

They finished their drinks and went outside. The sun was bearing: down which was quite a contrast from the air conditioned bar. They climbed into the Buick. Jim started the motor and turned on the air conditioner.

The telephone book was on the seat beside them. Jim looked in the yellow pages under Furniture and found the address.

Ten minutes later they were in the parking lot at Rogers Furniture. They got out and walked.

It was quite a large store and everything looked expensive. The front of the store was crowded with dining rooms sets. A well-dressed young man walked up to them. “Find anything you like?” he asked.

Jim looked him over. “Are you Mister Rogers?”

“No, my name is White, Howard White.” He reached in his shirt pocket, drew out a card and handed it to Jim. “Would you like to see Mister Rogers?”

Jim nodded. “If he isn’t too busy.”

“Wait here for a minute,” said White. “I’ll be right back.” He walked up a stairway to a balcony above and disappeared.

Jim glanced at Elly May. Her face was white but she seemed to have control of herself. He was thankful for that.

The young man returned to the edge of the balcony and beckoned for them to come up the stairway. In back of the balcony was a private room. White held the door open and told them to enter.

A short heavyset young man with a black curly beard was sitting behind the desk. He was a young man and appeared to be in his middle thirties. He looked up and smiled, showing large white teeth. “Good afternoon. And what can I do for you folks?”

Jim smiled back. “We are trying to locate the Batten family. Years ago they lived where you are living now.”

The man pulled a cigarette from his shirt pocket. “And may I ask why you are looking for them?”

Jim nodded. “Sure it is no secret.” He looked toward Elly May. “This young lady is from Seattle Washington. She is visiting here. She has some relatives by the name of Batten. The last she heard from them they were living in this area. We were looking through an old telephone book it listed a S.T. Batten at the place you are now living. We thought you might know something about them.”

Rogers lit the cigarette took a deep drag and closed his eyes. He appeared to be deep in thought. Suddenly he looked up at them. “Maybe you had better sit down.” He motioned to a couple of chairs. Jim and Elly May sat down.

Rogers cleared his throat, “I have never had the pleasure of meeting the Battens, and never will. They were killed in a plane crash about two years ago. However, I do know their daughter. We were married about six months ago.”

Both Jim and Elly May were speechless. It looked like they were nearing the end of the trail.

The girl licked her lips her face was white. “Do you have any pictures of them, Mister Rogers? “

“Not here, my wife has some at home.”

“What did they do for a living?” The girl bit her lip – Jim was afraid she was going to cry.

Rogers stared at her. “He was a mining engineer. At the time of his death he was working for a big oil company. His work took him all over the world. Mostly he traveled by plane.

Usually he took his wife and daughter with him. On this last and fatal trip they left the daughter at home. Does this sound like the people you are looking for young, lady?”

“It could sure be them alright.”

Rogers got to his feet. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. “It’s five o’clock and my wife should be here any minute. She can tell you a lot more about her parents than I can.”

This is her golf day and she drives a pink Cadillac and you can’t mistake it. The back seat will be full of golf clubs. Just browse around in the show room she will come through there. She loves to talk about her folks. I know she will be glad to answer your questions. Now if you will excuse me have some work to do.”

Jim thanked him. He took Elly May by the arm and together they walked down the stairway. They went through the showroom and over to the front window. Here they could see the front parking lot. If she pulled up here they would get a good look at her.

Elly May’s face was pale her eyes were bright. “Jim, darling, we must be careful. What shall we do? We can’t come right out and tell her of our suspicions. We can’t tell her we think our parents got us mixed up.”

Jim grinned, “She could get mighty peeved alright, especially if she got a look at Seth and the boys.”

“Yes, and I know exactly how she would feel. I went through that myself.”

Jim slipped an arm around the girl’s waist, “This is surely a delicate situation. Maybe we should go somewhere and talk this thing over. Maybe we can find a better way.”

A pink Cadillac pulled up in front. The back seat was piled high with golf clubs and groceries. A young woman jumped out and started walking toward the front door.

She was wearing a short sleeve shirt, shorts, golfing shoes and sox. She also wore a cap that was pulled down low to shade her eyes. Her skin was a golden brown. Evidently she spent a lot of time in the sun.

She opened the door and stepped inside. She removed the cap and shook her head. The dark hair came tumbling down over the greenish brown eyes. She stood there for a moment as though posing for them. With one hand, she pushed the hair back out of her eyes and headed for the back room.

Jim turned to Elly May beside him. She was as white as a sheet. He took her by the arm they walked quietly out of the place. Neither of them said a word. The answer had been placed in front of them.

There was no doubt in either of their minds they had found the daughter of Seth and Martha Rotten.

Chapter 12

It was almost noon when they left the Doctor’s house. They were both hungry. Jim drove to a restaurant in Garden City where ordered a meal

His mind was confused. He had asked the Doctor for advice and he had given it. What he had to say made sense alright, but, on the other hand, there was Elly May to think about. She would go through the rest of her life not knowing who she really belonged to. She had been through enough already and he couldn’t let her down.

He glanced up at her and saw her staring straight at him. Her face was pale; her eyes were bright. It seemed as though her lower jaw was thrust out just a bit. The childish look was gone. Her voice was Low and husky. “What do you think Jim?”

He stared at her. He was not talking to a child now. He thought for a moment. It was her life why not let her decide?’

“Do you think we should take the Doctor’s advice?”

She reached under the table and found his hands She gripped them tight. “Jim, Sweetie, we started out to do something let’s not quit now.”

Slowly he nodded his head. No one likes a quitter. “You are right Sweetie. You are so right.”

The grip on his hands relaxed a trifle. “We will not hurt anyone, Jim. And it means so much to me.”

He nodded. “I know exactly how you feel. We will finish our dinner then damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!”

Elly May giggled, “Where in the world did you get an expression like that?”

Jim’s face colored,“Darned if I know. Read it somewhere I guess.”

They finished dinner. Their next stop would be the newspaper office. He checked the address in the telephone book and they were on their way. Ten minutes later he parked the Buick in front of The Idaho Statesman. They got out and went in.

On one of the desks was a sign which read: Information. They stepped up to it and the girl looked up at them. “May I help you?”

Jim nodded. “I hope so. Can you get us a copy of the page listing all the birth’s here in Boise on May the first eighteen years ago?”

On the first?”

Jim nodded.

The girl was figuring on a piece of paper. “Yes we can make you a copy. Give me your name and address plus one dollar plus postage and I will mail you one.

Jim took out his billfold and took out a ten dollar bill.

He laid it down in front of the girl. He put on his best smile.

“Lady.” he said. “We are from a long ways out of town. We would sure like to get the information this afternoon. It would save us a big long trip. I know it will cost more you are welcome to the ten.”

The girl eyed the bill then picked it up. “It will be done if I have to do it myself. Come back about two O’clock. It will be ready for you.”

Boise Idaho is known as City Of Trees. Many of the streets are named after the species that grows there and most of the town is shaded by the many varieties. It is a truly beautiful city.

Jim had been here many times and knew the town quite well. He drove to the Julia Davis park and stopped in the shade of some big poplar trees. It was getting quite warm. The mercury had climbed into the upper eighties. He looked Elly May. She looked quite comfortable in her white blouse and short blue skirt.

He slipped an arm around her shoulders. “We have about an hour to kill,” he told her. “Would you mind answering a few more questions?”

“Sure why not?”

“Tell me about when Seth came to the house. What did he do? What did he say?”

Elly May leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes.

“I was in my room making my bed. There was a loud knocking on the door and your mother went to see who was there . They talked for a moment then your mother called me. She looked scared. She said that my father and two brothers were here. I guess it was stupid of me but I opened the door and stepped outside. I was expecting to see a loving father and two sweet brothers. Oh Jim, it was awful! They looked like something out of a comic strip. It was scary. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

Then Seth, as you called him, said, “We came to take you home, Elly May.”

UI didn’t know what to say, but I think I told him that I would come down when I was ready.

Then the two boys, Clyde and Oswald, grabbed hold of my arms and started dragging me toward the truck. I could hear your mother shouting at them. I kicked them on the shins and bit one of them on the hand and broke loose. I ran into the house and your mother slammed the door and locked it. Then she ran to your room and came out with a big gun with two barrels.

We pulled the curtains almost shut. They were open just enough where we could watch. I was terribly scared. Then you came walking across the yard. Your mother raised the window a bit and we could hear you talking. We could see one of them coming up behind you with a knife in his hand. Your mother pushed the gun out the open window. I heard her say. “I’ll kill the bastard!””

Then things happened so fast. The man charged and I screamed. Then It was all over. Your mother took the gun back to your room.”

Jim had listened with great interest. This was one part of the story he had not heard. His mother knew how to use the old twelve gage shotgun and if his life depended on it she would not have hesitated to pull the trigger.

He had hoped that Seth might have said something that would give them an idea why they wanted her home all of a sudden.

Four long years she had been in Seattle and he hadn’t as much as wrote her a letter. It sure wasn’t fatherly love that had prompted him. That was for sure!

Seth had another reason for wanting her home. What was it? They would have cut him to pieces to get her away from there.

Why?

Did it have something to do with her loss of memory? Did the girl know something they were afraid of? Maybe they thought she might suddenly remember and start talking.

And maybe it was this other thing – her true identify. Did they know and had been keeping it a secret for fourteen years?

Had there been some sort of blackmail going on and they had kept her hid out in Seattle these last four years?

Jim shook his head. Nothing seemed to make any sense.

Also there was Uncle John and Aunt Nelly. Where did they fit into the picture? Why had they taken care of the girl all this time? Maybe she could answer some of these questions.

He slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Tell me about your Uncle John and Aunt Nelly. Who are they? Is she a sister to Martha?”

Elly May nodded, “They are half sisters. They have different fathers I believe.”

“And your Uncle John, what does he do for a living?”

“Oh didn’t I tell you? He is a doctor.”

Jim sat silent for a moment, letting this sink in. So Uncle John was a Doctor. Things seemed to make a little more sense. Perhaps this was the reason she had been sent to Seattle. She had probably been under his care these last four years.

“Did you ever ask Uncle John or Aunt NeIly what happened to you?”

The girl nodded. “Yes lots of times. However it has been a long time since I brought up the subject. I sort of gave up getting an answer.”

“Do they have any children?”

“No. I guess they can’t have any.”

“By the way I don’t believe you told me his last name.”

“Andersen. Doctor John Anderson. He is a big Danish man.”

The picture seemed to be clearing up a little. There was one thing for certain. Doctor Andersen knew a lot of the answers.

He drew the girl close and kissed her gently. It was time to go to the newspaper office.

They picked up the ten dollar page and went in search of more shade. Jim drove to Ann Morrison Park and located a shady spot with table and some benches. He parked the car then picked up the phone book a pen and some paper.

There was no one else around. He laid the copy on the table and looked it over. It wasn’t too plain but it could be read. There were a lot of newcomers that day at Saint Luke’s hospital. There was a long list and another at St. Marys. Then there it was.

May hospital.

There was quite a list, ten in all. The last one read: To Mr. and Mrs. Seth Rotten of Payette, a girl.

There was one thing for certain and that is they had the right paper and the girl was born on May the first. If there had been a mix-up it probably happened on that day. At least it would be with someone born on that day and with someone listed here.

That day on May the first there were ten babies in all. The score was even: five boys and five girls.

Jim grinned. “To begin with we might just as well cross out all the boys. I understand that the first thing a mother hears ‘It’s a boy!’ or ‘It’s a girl!’ They sure wouldn’t mistake you for a boy.”

“Thanks.”

He took the pencil and paper and copied the names and the address of the parents of the baby girls. All of them had a Boise address. This seemed to be a point in their favor.

He opened the phone book. He wondered how many of them were listed here. He started thumbing through the pages.

Only one of the four was listed. A Chester Brown on Grove St.

“Well, we have one to check out,” he remarked. “Do you have any suggestions how we should go about it?”

“Why don’t we drive over there and take a look around. Maybe someone will be there that we can talk to. We have to do something.”

There was a city map in the phone book. Jim looked it over. The address was only a few blocks from where they were.

Five minutes later he pulled up in front of a big two-story house. It was old and had evidently been turned into an apartment. Several youngsters were playing in the yard and every one of them were black.

He put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb. Come to think of it this section of town had been black as far back as he could remember.

Elly May giggled. “I guess we can cross that one out. One down and three to go.”

Jim drove a couple blocks and pulled in to the curb. The paper that he had wrote the names on was lying on the seat between them. He glanced down at it. Next on the list was a W. A. Saunders. The address was 3220 Elm Street. They weren’t listed in the telephone directory but they could still be there. Every one doesn’t have a telephone or they could also have an unlisted number.

Once more he turned to the map. He studied it for a moment then put the car in motion. He smiled at the girl beside him.

“They aren’t listed but maybe we can find out something. At least we will give it a try.”

A few minutes later he stopped the Buick in front of the house on Elm Street. A box for the local newspaper was nailed to a tree. On it was the printed name Alfred Adams.

For a moment they sat staring at the house. A young boy was in the yard playing with a dog. He came walking up to the car.

“My daddy ain’t home,” he said. “What do you want?”

Jim looked the boy over. “Is your name Adams?”

The boy nodded. “Right Fred Adams.”

“Is your mother here?”

“Right’ But we don’t like peddlers. What are you selling?”

Jim laughed. “We aren’t selling anything, but we would sure like to talk to your mother for a minute.”

The boy looked them over. “I guess it will be alright. I’ll tell her that you are here.” He ran to the house and disappeared through the open doorway.

Jim turned to the girl beside him. “I Just figured how to get the information from her. Might have to tell a few white lies.”

Elly May nodded. “You do the talking I will listen.”

The lady greeted them at the door. There was a suspicious look on her face. “What is it that you want?”

Jim put on his best smile. “My name is Jim Green and I am from. High Valley. This is a dear friend Elly May Rooten.”

The lady was very stern. “What can I do for you?”

Jim sighed. “I hope we are not bothering you but this is very important to us. We are looking for an old friend of the family. We understand he lived here several years ago. His name was Saunders. Did you know him? Maybe we have the wrong place.”

The lady relaxed a bit. “And maybe not. We bought this place from a fellow by that name. It was about ten years ago.”

Jim gave her a gracious smile. “Do you recall if they had a daughter? Let’s see, she would have been about eight years old then.”

The woman frowned, “Yes I guess one of them. was about that age. There were three of them. They were as alike as three peas in a pod. If they had been the same age they could of passed for triplets. They all had that pink hair and hazel eyes. And as freckled as a turkey egg.

Jim looked up at the woman and smiled. “I’m sorry we bothered you mam, but this couldn’t be the family we are looking for.”

Once more the Buick was in motion. Elly May giggled, “Two down and two to go. Guess I had better see who is next.”

She picked up the pencil and paper and drew a line through the first two. For a minute she sat there staring at the names.

“Who is next?” Jim asked.

The girl didn’t answer. Jim looked over at her there was a strange look on her face. He pulled the Buick over to the curb and stopped. “What’s the matter Sweetie? You are as white as a ghost.”

Elly May pointed at the names on the piece of paper. Her voice was just above a whisper. “Jim, you wrote these. Take a look at them! Look close, I may be seeing things?”

He took the paper from her hand. He was a sloppy writer at the best. And he had wrote these down in a hurry, but he could read them alright.

The next name on the list was… Good lord! No wonder the girl was excited.

The next name was S.T. Batten, but the way he had made the B it looked more like an R. Also the a looked more like an o. Good Lord, what he had written down had looked like – S.T. Rotten!

Elly May was really excited. “Can’t you see Jim? Doesn’t that name look like Rotten to you?”

He was stunned, “It sure as Hell does and I wrote it myself! He was as excited as the girl. “And I think you have just discovered how it happened. Lots of people are sloppy writers including myself. Now if I write those names where they look alike a Doctor or a nurse could do the same thing. Did you ever notice a Doctor’s handwriting? I have never seen one yet that I could read.”

“I know what you mean. When Uncle John writes out a prescription I often wonder how the druggist can make it out. Oh Jim darling, I think we have stumbled on to the key to the answer. Now we must contact the Battens.”

Jim nodded. “Right you are. But also we must be very careful. Remember what the Doctor said? We could stir up a hornet’s nest.”

“Yes Jim, we will be careful not to hurt anyone.”

He took another look at the paper. “I wonder how they keep the new born babies from getting mixed up. I presume they hang a tag around the kids neck that says, ‘Brown Smith’ or whatever their last name might be. They can’t write down the kid’s first name if it hasn’t been named yet.”

Elly May nodded, “Here is another way to look at it. Suppose those four babies were in a crib. They have a hand-written tag around their neck or on the crib put there by the nurse on duty. Then the shift changes with different nurse

She glances at the names and takes the babies to their mothers. Oh Darling it could happen so easily.”

Jim nodded. “It certainly could.” He opened the phone book to the city map once more. “Well I’ll be darned!” he muttered. “The Batten home is in the same district as the Reynolds mansion. It won’t be hard to find.” He kissed the girl on the cheek. “Are you ready?”

“What are’ we waiting for?”

Jim switched on the motor and yanked the car in gear. The Battens weren’t listed in the phone book but again that didn’t mean they had moved. They could have an unlisted number.

Jim was watching the house numbers. They were getting close. “Sure a nice district, “ he murmured.

Elly May giggled, “At least they don’t live up Dead Horse Gulch!”

Jim laughed. The girl had a sense of humor.

The houses here were well kept. This part of the city had been developed some twenty years ago. The trees were large and the shrubbery was well taken care of. Flowers were blooming everywhere.

Jim glanced at his watch. It was three o’clock. The sun was bearing down. Close to a hundred. He thought. The sidewalks were empty and there was very little traffic.

Just ahead of them was the house they were looking for.

It was quite large and built on a corner lot. It was constructed of brick and stone having large planters full of flowers under a huge picture window. From where they were parked they could get a partial view of the back yard. There was a large swimming pool also a tennis court. Who ever built this place must of been in the chips, Jim thought.

There was no mailbox in sight and no name on the door. There was only one way to find out who lived there. He gave Elly May a reassuring hug and slipped out of the car.

He walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. No one answered. He tried once more and still no answer. He walked around to the back of the place but no one was there.

He started back to the car. Just across the street a woman was just getting out of her car. She opened the back door and started removing soma groceries. Jim walked over to her.

The woman looked up and smiled

Jim grinned back at her. “Good afternoon. I was looking for the people that live across the street. I rang the bell but no one answered. I guess there is nobody home.”

The woman laid her groceries on the hood of the car.

“He is probably working, and very likely she is playing golf.”

Jim glanced at the house across the street. “Can you tell me do the Battens still live over on the corner? It’s been a long time since I have been here.”

The woman shook her head. “1 don’t know anyone by the name of Batten. Their name is Rogers, Melvin Rogers. He has a furniture store over on Fairview.”

“Have you lived here for quite awhile?” Jim asked.

“We’ve only been here for about a year. The people next door have been here for quite awhile. Maybe you should talk to them.”

Jim thanked her and walked back to the car. Elly May was fanning herself with the phone book. He opened the door and climbed in.

“Any luck?” the girl asked.

Jim shook his head. “No one home Some people by the name of Rogers lives there who has a furniture store over on Fairview.”

“What do you suggest now?”

“It’s only a few blocks over to the Reynolds mansion. Maybe the Doctor knows something about the Battens.”

Elly May shook her head, “No Jim. Let’s not go there. Remember what he told us? Forget the whole thing.”

Jim ran his finger around and under the collar of his shirt. He took out a soiled handkerchief and mopped his damp forehead. As he turned to the girl, there was a twinkle in his eye. “I’ve just come up with a great idea Sweetie.”

“Tell me darling.”

“It’s hotter than Hell and I think we need a break. Right now a cold beer would taste mighty fine. What do you think?”

“Lead the way,” she said.

Chapter 11

For about a year after Jim’s fathers death, Shirley Green had no transportation other than old Spot or Jim hauling her around. She had never learned to drive an automobile. She always depended on her husband to take her where she wished to go.

His old car stood in the car-port gathering dust. Jim preferred to drive: the Jeep.

Then suddenly one day Shirley Green decided she was going to learn how to drive. Getting a driver’s license in Idaho is easy, providing you answer the questions properly. A driving test was not required, which was lucky for Shirley Green.

She acquired a book of driving laws and studied it carefully. She took the written test and passed with flying colors. She received her driver’s license although she had never driven a foot.

Jim had cleaned up the old car they had taken it to town and traded it in on a brand new Buick. It had power steering and many other extras. It was painted a canary yellow.

She had waited until they got back to the ranch before she attempted to drive. Here there were wide country roads and very little traffic – a good place for a beginner. All the fenders were dented and one side badly scratched before she mastered the thing.

For miles around the neighbors had cooperated. If they saw her car coming and had time they would get completely off the road. If there was room enough they would turn around and run for their lives!

Now after about a year and no casualties she had finally learned to be a reasonably good driver. Jim had taken the car to town and had all the dents removed. That had been several weeks ago and there were no new ones. He thought she deserved a metal.

Early the next morning and Jim and Elly May were on their way to Boise. Shirley Green had insisted that they take her car. It would be much more comfortable on a long trip.

They were approaching the fork in the road where the mailboxes were located. Jim stopped and took some mail from the box. He sorted through it then tossed the pieces in the back seat. There was nothing important, just a few letters to his mother.

Just below them was the bridge where Jeb and Zeb had blew up the frog.

They sure were little devils, Jim thought. Another time when he was waiting for the mail they had been under the bridge playing in the pond of water. They didn’t have a bull frog to blow up but they had something else.

Many long legged: water skippers were there. They found it great sport to tear the legs off one side and watch them skip in circles. Jim shuddered. They should have their asses paddled.

They passed the two metal signs – DEAD HORSE GULCH and ROTTEN RANCH. Elly May pretended not to see them.

Soon the new highway would go through here. The whole Rotten tribe would be forced to move out of there. Thank God for that, Jim thought. Another thing, if the State or forest service didn’t do away with those two signs he would see that they were taken care of himself and give them a decent burial.

He glanced at his watch. It was about sixty miles to Boise. They should arrive there before ten o’clock. There would be plenty of time today to start digging into the records. The big question was where to start.

There just had to be a mix-up. She couldn’t be one of that tribe. He was sure of that.

And Elly May? She hadn’t been hard to convince. The Rotten family had done a pretty fair job themselves.

She was a girl of mystery all right, even to herself. But anyone with a lick of brains could see that she wasn’t one of that clan. At least he thought so

They were approaching the new highway. From here on in the roads would be much better. Jim slipped an arm around Elly May and she moved over close to him.

There were many questions he wanted to ask her. He hardly knew where to start. Probably at the beginning of her new life would be as good as any.

He gave her a gentle squeeze, “Sweetie,” he said. “We are going to find out who you really are and what happened to you. It might help if you answered a few questions for me.”

The big blue eyes looked up at him. “Go ahead Jim. Ask me anything you like. I will answer the best I can.”

He thought for a moment, “Let’s start with your new life which began about four years ago. Go back as far as you can. What is the first thing that you can remember?”

She snuggled closer to him. “Just any little thing? No matter what?”

He nodded. “Any little thing. As long as it is the first.”

She closed her eyes and remained silent for a few moments. Then her eyes were open and she was looking up at him.

“I was lying in bed.” she began. “1 guess I had just awakened. I must of laid there quite awhile trying to think.”

“Yes?”

“I knew there was something I must do and I couldn’t remember what it was.”

“Try hard Sweetie.”

“Then it suddenly dawned on me.”

“Yes?”

“I had to go potty.”

Jim stared straight up the road. It would have been mighty easy to burst into a fit of laughter. Instead he bit his lip and gripped the wheel tighter.

Seconds later he looked down at her. Her big blue eyes were looking straight up at him.

“Does that tell you anything?” she asked softly.

The seconds ticked by. He had asked her a simple question and she had given him a simple answer. Like an obedient child she had done her best.

Slowly a thought entered his mind. Maybe she had told him something of value. He nodded his head. “Yes Sweetie I believe it does. It tells me that you were just recovering from being mighty sick, or badly hurt. Tell me where were you when this happened?”

“I was at uncle John and aunt Nelly’s place, in Seattle.”

“Were you sick? Were you hurting anywhere?”

She shook her head. “Those first few weeks were like a bad dream. Nothing is very clear.”

Jim concentrated on his driving. There were no more questions that he could think of. He watched the landscape flash by as he reflected.

Now they were only a few miles from Boise. He glanced down at Elly May beside him. She was sound asleep.

She had answered his questions and had given him simple answers.

It is very likely she had been sick, or had been in a bad accident. Something had affected her brain to cause her to forget those fourteen years. What could it be? What ever it was, he was going to get to the bottom of this mystery.

The problem must be brain damage, but was it permanent? Would she regain her memory? Probably, but only time would tell. Would she be different if she did regain her memory? Would he want her to be different?

He glanced down at the beautiful girl asleep on his shoulder. Would he want her any different, he thought a second time.

Hell no! She was perfect just the way she was. Maybe she was just a little bit different, but he couldn’t think of any change that would be an improvement.

She stirred slightly and moved closer to him. A little white hand found its way inside his shirt and came to rest there.

Jim took another look. Was she really asleep? He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She moved closer. The little hand stole farther under the shirt.

The goose pimples began to rise and the animal in him awakened. If she didn’t pick the darndest times and places!

Just up ahead was a roadside rest stop. A good place to freshen up a bit before they entered the city, he thought. He pulled in by the rest rooms and shut off the motor.

He glanced down at the girl beside him. There was a smile on her face. She sure didn’t look her age when she was asleep. The expression on her face was more like that of a four year old – pure innocence. Or was it?

He removed her arm from under his shirt and set her up straight. The blue eyes opened wide.

“Oh Jim, we are stopped. Is something the matter?”

“Not a thing. Just a rest stop. We will be in Boise in a few minutes and I thought we should freshen up a bit.”

“Sounds like a good idea. I will go pottie and powder my nose. By the way have you figured out where our first stop will be?”

“No but I think that right now would be a good time to do just that. Do you have any suggestions?” He opened the door and they both slid out.

“I can’t think of any, but I am sure we will find a place to start.”

Ten minutes later they were again on the road. Elly May had put on fresh makeup and was sitting up straight beside him. “Did you have a good nap?” Jim asked.

“I sure did. I always get sleepy when I ride. I hope you forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive, sweetie.”

“I had the: most wonderful dream.”

“Oh yeah, want to tell me about it?”

Her face was flushed and her eyes were dancing. “Are you sure you want me to?”

“Sure go ahead.”

The little white hand once more found it’s way under his shirt giving him goose pimples once again.

“I was dreaming about you. Shall I tell you more?”

Jim swore under his breath. He had goofed again: He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Save it for tonight darling,” he grinned. Well at least he had salvaged something.

As the countryside slipped by Jim returned to the problem at hand. They were almost there and still they had come to no decision. The county court house should have a record of everyone born in this county, but they certainly wouldn’t have a record of any mixup. No one admits to anything like that.

If they could locate Doctor May he might remember something about that day or night which ever it was. This seemed to be as good a place as any to start.

He had brought along a Boise phone book. It was in the glove compartment. He opened it, took out the yellow book and handed it to Elly May. He grinned. “I just thought of something. I wonder if doctor May is still in Boise.”

Just ahead was a roadside business. He pulled in and parked. The girl was excited. “Oh Jim, I hope he is.”

The phone book was for Boise and vicinity. The first part was the city of Boise and the latter the surrounding towns.

They opened the book to the classified section in the City. The search was on.

There vas no doctor by the name of May listed in the city of Boise. They turned to the other section with the same results – no doctor May.

They turned to the white pages. “It would help if we knew his first name,” Jim muttered “Maybe he is retired. He could be any one of these.” He pointed at the long list of people by the name of May. “We could go to a phone booth and call them all. But surely there is a better way.”

“I wish I could help. Maybe we could call some doctor’ and ask.”

“Right you are. That is the answer! There is a doctor here in the city by the name of Reynolds. He is an old friend of the family.”

He opened’ the book to the Rs. He went down the line with his finger. “Here it is! C. A. Reynolds. My dad used to call him C.A. all the time. I think he is retired now. Maybe we can find him at his home. Here it is. 5407 Locust Ave.”

He glanced at his watch. Ten o’clock. The doctor should be up and around by now. He was about to receive some callers:

It had been several years since he had seen the doctor. He tried to recall what he looked like. He was tall and thin and had a black moustache.

His father and Doctor Reynolds had been very good friends. Before his father had passed away the doctor would come to the ranch every fall and together they would go Deer and Elk hunting. They had many good times together.

Jim started the Buick and once more they were on their way. Ten minutes later he pulled up in front of the Reynolds home. It was a big house in a swanky district. The doctor was in the front yard mowing his lawn.

Jim and Elly May got out of the car and walked over to where he was working.

The Doctor shut off the motor and wiped his damp forehead. He was a tall slender man that appeared to be in his early sixty’s. He was bald on top and had a bristling moustache. Jim recognized him instantly.

He spoke. “Good morning doctor. I don’t know if you remember me I am Jim Green from High Valley.”

The doctor grinned and stuck out a bony hand. “Sure I remember you. I have known you every since you were a little twerp. What brings you here so early in the morning? And who is the lovely girl with you?”

Jim shook the Doctors hand. “It’s good to see you Doc. And may I present my girl friend.” He turned to the girl. “Elly May this is Doctor Reynolds.” He was trying hard to avoid her last name. “She will soon be Mrs. Green,” he finished lamely.

Elly May smiled and held out a white hand. “It is nice to meet you, Doctor.”

Reynolds took her hand and looked down at her, “Such a pleasure,” he said, “to meet such a beautiful girl, especially so early in the morning. And I beg your pardon I don’t believe I caught your last name.”

Jim’s face was turning red. He swore under his breath. May God damn the whole Rotten family. If they liked such a fitting name why didn’t they keep it to themselves! They had no right passing it on to her: Well he was going to do something about it and damn soon!

Elly May came to the rescue. “Rooten Doctor. Elly May Rooten.”

“A pleasure indeed.” The Doctor turned to Jim. “Let’s retreat to the shade of that tree in the back yard. It is getting rather warm here in the sun.”

Under the tree was’ a table and several chairs. The trio sat down.

“Now,” said the Doctor, “what brings you here so early in the morning? I am sure that this is not just a social call. My wife hasn’t even got out of bed yet.”

Jim nodded. “You are right Doctor. There is one question we would like to ask you.”

“Well go right ahead. Shoot.”

“Do you remember a Doctor May? He was practicing here some eighteen or twenty years ago.”

“Sure I remember him – Doctor Earl May. What about him?”

“Do you know where we can find him?”

Reynolds grinned. “Not for sure. He has been dead for over ten years.”

A look of disappointment passed over the faces of the young couple. But they weren’t really surprised. Any doctor practicing twenty years ago would be along in years by now.

“There was a May hospital,” Jim continued. “Does it still exist?”

Reynolds shook his head. “No, it has been gone a long time. It wasn’t really a hospital. The old boy had a big house on Warm Springs Avenue and turned it into a maternity ward. Most everyone called it the May hospital. There is an apartment house there now.”

Jim glanced at Elly May. She was pale but there was a determined look on her face. He must keep trying. He turned to the Doctor. “How do we go about finding out who was born there on May the first eighteen years ago?”

The Doctor looked puzzled. “Perhaps it would help if I knew what you are trying to do. Are you trying to find the girl’s birth certificate?”

Jim took another quick look. at Elly May. She smiled quickly as though giving her approval.

Jim cleared his throat. “Doctor we don’t wish to bother you with the details but we believe there was a mix-up. The people that took this girl home somehow managed to get hold of the wrong one.”

The Doctor stared at Elly May for a moment. “Doesn’t she resemble the rest of her family? Or maybe I should say the people that took her home?”

Jim shook his head.“In no way.”

“Strange things happen sometimes.”

“Not that strange!” he said softly.

“And who do you think she got traded for?” the Doctor asked.

Jim shook his head. “That’s just it Doctor. We don’t have the slightest idea. All we know is she certainly doesn’t belong to that family.”

Reynolds shook his head. “There have been cases where babies have gotten mixed up. To prevent this, their footprints are taken right after their birth. However this doesn’t prove a thing if the nurse gets the mothers names turned around. We can take blood tests but if they both have the same type this will prove nothing.” The Doctor stared at the girl. “Does her parents believe they took the wrong child?”

Jim slowly shook his head. “We don’t know. They got rid of her when she was fourteen.

The Doctor scratched his head. “Just why do you wish to prove that she is not the daughter of the people that claim to be her parents?”

Jim searched for an answer. “If you could just see them you wouldn’t ask that question.”

“That bad eh?”

“That bad.”

The Doctor thought for a moment “In that case go down to the Daily Statesman news paper office and get a copy of the page that listed all the births on that day. If the ones at the May house are listed separately you will know who she might have gotten mixed up with “ He paused for a moment then slowly shook his head. “However I am going to be honest with you. I suggest that you forget the whole thing. You might stir up something that you will be sorry for – after all what is a name? And you are going to change it, aren’t you? Yes if I were you I would forget all about it.”

Chapter 10

Jim spent most of the afternoon doing a few chores around the place. He weeded the garden, dusted the potato patch and watered the flowers.

Tomorrow he would take Elly May to the city of Boise, to the birth place of this beautiful girl. There should be some records there somewhere that would give him the information he was after.

There should be records at the county court house as well as the May hospital if it was still there. He would also check out doctor May, if he was still alive.

Anyhow they would just have to play it by ear. Boise certainly seemed the proper place to start their investigation.

The Green ranch had one hired hand, which they kept the year around. His name was Rusty Reed. Rusty had worked there for a lone time. He was just past sixty-five and was now drawing his Social Security. He lived in a small house at the end of the meadow that to the Green Ranch but everyone called it Rust’s Place.

Rusty’s job was looking after the cattle. The ranch ran about two hundred head of cows and a dozen bulls. In the summer time they grazed far back into the timber. Every day he would saddle up and ride out and look them over.

All the cows had at least one calf by their side and many of them two.

Just before winter set in was round-up time. The cattle would be moved to the valley below where the weather was much milder and the snow not so deep.

Then the calves would be sold. The cows would give birth to another crop and once again they would be moved back to High Valley along with a dozen bulls. Here they would spend the summer.

When Jim finished with the gardens he climbed into the Jeep and drove up to Rusty’s place.

Rusty was at the back of the house sitting on a stump, cleaning a mess of trout. He greeted Jim with a big smile. “Hello Jim just in time for a fish fry. Seems like all I get done any more is fish and do a little prospecting. Of course I ride out once in awhile and take a look at the cows – that and pick up me security check once a month.”

Jim grinned. “You have it pretty tough alright.”

“I don’t think I do enough work to pay my rent. Can you think up something else for me to do?”

“I just did. In fact that is what I came up for. I want you to do me a favor.”

“Shoot pal.”

“Tomorrow morning get on your horse and come over to our place. I am going to Boise tomorrow and I might be gone for a day or so. I want you to keep an eye on things while I am gone. The number one cabin is well stocked with food, and there are clean sheets on the bed.”

“Sure thing.” Rusty nodded. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine. I just don’t like to leave mother there by herself. Don’t tell her 1 asked you to come over, just say you have a few things to do around there.”

“Will do; you can depend on it.”

Jim got into the Jeep and headed back toward the house. He was glad that was taken care of, for he didn’t trust Seth Rotten.

He parked the Jeep under the big pine tree and walked over to the house. He opened the door and stepped inside.

Elly May was alone in the big living room. She stood there smiling at him. She certainly had a quick recovery, Jim thought. She walked over to him and held out her hands.

Jim took them and looked down at her. “Want to go to Boise in the morning?”

“Did you think you could get away without me?”

He grinned. “I don’t intend to try.”

She had completely regained her composure and moved closer as her arms stole around his neck. She climbed up on top of the toes of his heavy shoes, her eyes sparkled, “Do you have something for me?”

He looked down at the ruby red lips. A pink tongue peeked out between the pearly white teeth and moistened them slightly. “Please?” she whispered-.

His arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. He could feel his heart pounding. He looked wildly about. No one was looking but he must be careful. Someone would come rushing in or the roof would fall. Something would happen.

He kissed her gently then pushed her away, “You little devil,” he whispered.

She smiled prettily. “Is that all I get?”

Jim flushed. “For right now yes!”

Elly May giggled, “I guess I can wait if you can:”

Chapter 9

Dawn was breaking at the Green ranch. Two bushy tailed pine squirrels chattered in the treetops. The old red rooster crowed his loudest telling the world it was time to get up and get going.

Jim sat up in bed and yawned. He had spent a very restless night. Telling Elly May that he was convinced that Seth and Martha were not her real father and mother was not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially where he had no proof. It was a delicate subject alright. Maybe he should take her up Dead Horse Gulch once more and let her get a good look at the rest of the family That should do the trick.

Jim shook his head. This didn’t seem to be the right thing to do. He had better come up with a better idea than this.

He climbed out of bed and dressed. The women were still sleeping and there was no need to awaken them. He went into the kitchen and cooked himself a good breakfast.

The water on the meadow needed his attention. He slipped outside and carefully closed the door. He picked up the shovel, which was leaning against the big pine tree and headed for the meadow. There was a lot of work to be done. Maybe after a good workout a better idea would come to him.

It was almost noon before he got the watering done. He was hungry so he put the shovel over his shoulder and headed for the house.

No new ideas had came to him about how to tell the girl about his suspicions. But he knew he must do something. She had been a member of the Rotten family long enough:

He passed the barn. He would feed Old Spot later. One look at the house and he could see that they had company. An old beat up truck was parked in the driveway. It belonged to Seth Rotten.

As he drew closer he could see Seth and his two offspring, Clyde and Oswald. They were lined up in a row leaning against the truck bed.

They certainly hadn’t dressed up for the occasion. Their faces were covered with a couple of days growth of whiskers. Clyde and Oswald’s was a dirty black and Seth had a black and white mixture.

Their clothes were filthy dirty, covered with grease and grime from the old cars they were always working on. The three of them had on black hats that matched the clothes. At one time they had been the broad brim high crown type. Time had taken it’s toll. The brims sagged down over their ears almost touching their shoulders. They were withered and shrunken. They were a frightful looking trio.

Each of them had a straw in his mouth. Each had a pocket knife and was whittling on a piece of bark.

Jim stopped a few feet from them. He tried to make his voice sound cordial, “’Howdy fellers. How are you gents today?”

Seth chewed on the straw and whittled on the piece of bark. “We’ve come after Elly May,” he stated flatly.

Clyde and Oswald grinned showing tobacco stained teeth. “Yeah we come after Elly May.” they chimed in.

Jim took a quick look at the house. No one was in sight. A slight rustle of the window curtain indicated that someone was peeking through. He wondered what had taken place. How long had they been here?

His voice was cold. “Have you talked to her Seth?”

Seth spit on the ground. “Yeah we talked to her a bit. Seems like she has taken on some high and mighty ways. Say’s she will come down when she is ready.”

Jim leaned on the shovel handle. At the same time keeping a sharp eye on them. “Ain’t that alright Seth? If she says she will come down when she is ready I reckon that is the way it will be.”

From under the sagging brim of the black hat Seth glared at him. “She is my daughter, feller. And we are taking her home. You wouldn’t try and stop us now would you?”

Jim nodded. “I’ll stop you Seth. So better you crawl into that bucket of bolts and get the hell out of here”

Clyde and Oswald were grinning like a couple of apes. Clyde sucked air between his teeth. He hissed. “Let me take him Pa. Get out of my way Ossie!” He took a John Sullivan stance his fists stuck out in front of him.

Oswald moved down to the rear of the truck. Whittling away on the piece of bark. Jim took a firm grip on the shovel handle. He knew what was coming. He had seen this pair in action before.

Clyde was sputtering. “All right man. Put that shovel down and let’s get with it!”

Seth moved to the front fender of the truck. There was a sly grin on his face. He had taught his boys well. It would all be over with in a few seconds.

Clyde was moving slowly toward Jim. His: fists moving out and in like pistons.

The sun was at Jim’s back. Oswald was no longer in front of him. He was back there somewhere. When Clyde yelled to attract his attention Oswald would charge. He was ready and would watch for the shadow.

Suddenly Clyde let out a loud yell. Somewhere a woman screamed!

Jim spun around swinging the shovel like a baseball bat. The steel blade caught Oswald in mid air. The knife flew from his hand he came crashing to the ground

One quick glance told Jim that he was out of the fight. He was groaning loud and was clutching his right arm which was shattered at the elbow.

Jim turned to Clyde who was staring at his helpless brother.

“Want some Clyde?” he whispered.

Clyde’s face was as white as a sheet. He licked his dry lips and slowly he shook his head.

He turned to Seth who had not made a move. “Alright Seth are you getting off my place?”

A faint smile passed over Seth’s homely face. His voice was low and polite. “Yes sir, mister Jim. I reckon we had better do just that.”

Jim leaned on the shovel and watched while Seth and Clyde loaded the groaning Oswald on the back of the truck. It would be a long time before they pulled any more of their tricks.

Seth and Clyde crawled into the cab and without a backward glance retreated down the road. Jim had a feeling that this would be their last trip here.

Shirley Green opened the door and come walking out. Her face was white. Otherwise, she had retained her composure. She stopped in front of him with a faint smile on her face.

“You are a good man Jim. You remind me so much of your father. You certainly took care of that situation in a hurry.”

He glanced at the house. “How is Elly May did they bother her?”

“Yes and they tried to take her away from here. But she put up a fight.”

“Did she see what happened here”

Shirley Green nodded. “She saw it alright. Didn’t you hear her scream when he came at you with that knife?”

“I heard someone. Is she alright?” Did they hurt her?”

“Clyde and Oswald tried to put her in the truck. She fought Like a wild cat. Thank God you came when you did.”

Jim cursed under his breath. “Damn that dirty Clyde! I should of busted him one.”

Shirley Green shook her head, “No Jim boy you did just right. But right now I think the girl needs you. Go take care of her. I am going out gather the eggs and take care of some chores.”

Jim walked to the house and opened the door. Elly May was curled up on the couch her head buried in her arms. She was sobbing softly.

He walked over and looked down at her. What she had just gone through must have been a terrible shock to her. Even the trip up Dead Horse Gulch hadn’t prepared her for this.

His eyes smarted as he knelt down beside her. “Elly May darling. Are you alright?”

She did not seem to hear him.

“Elly May,” he whispered. “Look at me darling; I love you.”

Slowly she turned her head and looked up at him. “What did you say?”

“I love you darling.”

She propped herself up on an elbow. The big blue eyes were red rimmed and filled with tears. “Oh Jim you can’t love me. You mustn’t love me. I am nothing. They were so horrible, and I can never be your wife. Suppose I bore you a child and it was like one of them?” Sobs shook her body.

He slipped an arm under her and raised her to a sitting position. He then sat down beside her, “Elly May,” his voice sounded hoarse. “Listen to me for just a minute. Those people are no kin of yours they only pretend to be.” He stopped talking searching for the right words. Yesterday he wondered how he could ever bring up the subject. It was much easier now. The Rottens had opened the gate.

Her sobbing ceased. Her body stiffened. Slowly she turned her head and her blue eyes were wide. “What are you saying Jim? Your mother said they were and he said he was my father. Now are you telling me something different?”

Jim licked his Lips. He couldn’t lie to her and he had no proof. He must not mislead her for she had been through enough. He stroked the honey colored hair and kept his voice low. “Listen Sweetie.” he said. “I have no proof of what I am about to tell you. but it can be no other way. You are in no way related to that family.”

“But your mother said.”

“I know, darling, but she doesn’t believe.”

“Oh Jim, I am so confused!”

“So am I Sweetie. And we are going to get to the bottom of a few things. By the way, what day is your birthday?” She looked confused. “May the first why?”

“Just checking I have an idea.” His mother had this date correct. He continued, “Eighteen years ago, in the latter part of April, Seth and Martha took a load of scrap iron to Boise.

Martha was expecting. She hurt herself while unloading the iron. She was taken to a hospital and several days later on May the first she gave birth to a baby girl. They named her Elly May.”

He hesitated for a moment. The girl was listening to every word. He continued, “I guess it was Martha’s first time in a hospital. Seth had been the doctor for all the boys. Anyhow Martha returned home with a blue eyed beautiful baby girl which was quite a step above the rest of the family.

As the girl grew up she was the subject of many a conversation. No one could understand how such a lovely girl could belong to the Rotten family.”

A slight grin crossed Jim’s face, “As I grew up couldn’t keep my eyes off this girl. Rotten or not I was in love with her. Rut no one could ever make me believe that she was one of them. I always figured that Martha came home with the wrong child, and believe me, I wasn’t the only one that thought this.”

Elly May’s eyes were wide she said nothing.

“This is nothing new,” he continued. “It has happened a lot of times. A lot more than have been discovered.”

He drew her close and kissed her. “Listen sweetheart I don’t give a damn who your parents are. We will be married just the same.”

The girl moved close to him and put her head on his shoulder. “Keep talking.” she whispered. “Tell me more.”

He closed his eyes and rambled on. .

They would be married. There would be a long honeymoon. Probably they would go to Hawaii. They would have several kids. They would always be happy.

Jim quit talking and looked down at her. She was sound asleep with a contented look on her face . Once more she reminded him of a sweet innocent child about four years of age.