21-2

The other officer walked back around to the front of the wagon. Shined the light on Richard and noticed his wet cloths and bare feet. “Why are you wet boy and where are your shoes?” The officer asked pointing the light down at Richards's feet.

Richard thought of something quickly. “ Was watering fields and I fell into a ditch.” he said. Which was true, he did fall into a ditch and it was in a field.

The two officers laughed in spite of themselves. “What's your name boy?

Richard almost panicked. “Richard Crow officer.” Robert, Will and EJ underneath the hay, tried not to crack up when Richard announced his last name as “Mr. Crow.” The boys covered their mouths trying not to rattle the wagon. Richard looked towards the movement knocks on the boards whispered, “quiet” to the boys and to distract the officers from the wagon movement. “Well officers I need to get back to the farm. It’s been a long day. If there is anything else I can help you with,” he asked hoping they will let him be on his way.

“So boy where is this farm?” They asked.

Richard points in the general direction hoping it well satisfy them. “Just up the road a piece.” Richard said as he climbed back on to the wagon and waved them on, “goodnight sir's,” headed on down the road. With very light flick of the wrist to start the horse like an old pro, While Robert and Will gritted their teeth and braced themselves.

 

Richard looked over his shoulders could see the officer were following him whispered back. “Stay down. They are right behind us,” he said.

Will and Robert looked through cracks whispered back. “Just keep going Mr. Crow,” Robert said. 

When they reached the edge of the old dirt road that leaded to their farm. The officers turned off. Richard and the boys not taking any chances went on a little further until they could see the farm before them uncovered themselves. Robert slapped Richard on the back for job well done as Richard mopped his face. “How ya doing Mr. Richard Crow?” Will asked as Robert and Will laughed hysterically, Richard smiled as he grabbed the reins of the horses and with flick of the wrist, “like this.” They started to gallop with a start and Robert and Will fell back on there butts in the soft hay EJ grabbed his ribs from laughing so hard all the way back to the farm.

 

Boys entered the farm quieter than they left; hoping their parents where still asleep, but not realizing that Pa and Ma were just waiting for them in the kitchen as they looked through curtains counting the boys, one, two, three, and four. Ma gave a soft sigh of relief. “They are all back safe and sound where they belonged, what silly boys they have been.” Ma said her eyes glared at Pa and her boys chasing after scarecrows. For Ma and Pa have been busy while the boys have been chasing their scarecrow. They made each boy a scarecrow of their own and placed him next to their sleeping bags prior to their return, including Richard.

 

The boys put the horses and the wagon away, realizing it was no use trying hided their ride since Ma and Pa was going to skin them alive, “oh well,” Robert thinking how much fun they had, sighed, “it was worth it.” As they try to sneak back too their sleeping bags, checking too make sure the coast was clear. Richard was grinning from ear to ear because he had secret about tonight's ride of his own. That Robert and Will did not know that their Pa already knew about it. And it was fun watching them suffer, as they got closer to the house.

 

The boys reached the house peeked around the corner where their sleeping bags are Will and Robert gasped at the sight. Standing right by their sleeping bags a scarecrow boy for each one of them waiting, Richard lost it right there and then slapping the boys on the back. “Now look who chasing who boys,” he said laughing his guts out.

Will and Robert stood bewildered. “How? When?”

Ma and Pa came out of the house. Pa gave Richard a wink and the boys. “Did you enjoy your ride tonight boys?” He asked as Ma raced over to EJ trying still to be mad as she checked his stitches making sure he was alright then giving each kiss on the head and each stern look.

“Yes sir,” and they all laughed.

 

“Alright you silly boys,” Ma said giving them each hug. “Now get to bed.”

“Yes Ma. Yes ma’am.” The boys removed their wet clothes and climb into their sleeping bags and Ma and Pa re tucked them into bed. Ma shaking her finger at them. “Now stay put where you belong… you silly boys.”  As she picked up their wet clothes and returned to bed. The boys are tired they quickly fell asleep.

“I told you Martha they'll be fine,” Pa said.

“I know, but can a mother worry?” She said.

“Yes dear,” and turns out the light. “Now my house full and again thanks dear by the way thanks for the meal and the laughter in my heart today to, even though you nearly worried me to death letting them off the farm,” she said.

“Yes dear,” he replied.

Martha socks him in the arm. “Chasing after a scarecrows,” and giggles like a schoolgirl at her silly boys.

Reviews

[Lane Craver]

What a hoot!

[TKBickel]

Serious light hearted fun. A great chapter in total. I wonder if the scarecrow will make the front page news.