Learning to Love: The Fruit of the Spirit Series

By Jean Ellis Hudson

The saga of the lives of Clem and Susannah Brown and their family continues to unfold. The first book in The Fruit of the Spirit Series dealt with Clems childhood and subsequent marriage to Susannah and all the trials and tragedies they experienced through the years. Their children are Thomas, Ruth and Jeff. This book deals with their daughter Ruth from ages four to eighteen. She misbehaves as a child and doesnt show respect and love to her family and feels they dont love her. The prayer life of her family is greatly increased due to her attitude. She wants out of Victory, Texas, and off the farm. She wants big city life and wants to teach school. Her grandparents spoil her by giving her anything she wants. She eventually goes off to college in Houston and graduates top of her class in 1910, but through it all she shows lack of respect and love to her family many, many times with her prideful and haughty attitude. She applies for teaching jobs in four states and wants a big city. The only offer she gets is from a small town in Georgia in a one-room school. Everyone advises her to take it as a first-year teacher. She finally consents, but God has a plan for Ruth. The plan unfolds in a most unusual way to get her attention. Discover what happens to and in Ruth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Mar 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490728681

Jean Ellis Hudson

Jean Ellis Hudson has her B.A. and M.Ed. in Secondary Education/Social Studies and taught high school for fifteen years. She went on to be a church secretary for several years. Upon retiring, she followed her dream of writing which she has wanted to do since she was fifteen years old. It only took her fifty years to get there! She enjoys writing Christian historical fiction. Her first book, A Journey to Faith, received a positive review from the US Review of Books which earned the book The Gold Seal of Literary Excellence. This was the first book in the series called The Fruit of the Spirit series. Her plans are to follow through all the fruits of the spirit in this series. This book, the sixth one, is the culmination of the series. Her interests include reading, writing, gardening, crafts, and graphic design. She live with her husband, Jimmy, in Georgia.

Book preview

Chapter 1

"N o!"

Ruthie, honey, come in for supper. We’re ready to eat and everyone’s at the table except you, Susannah Brown tried to encourage her middle child who was four.

No, I wanna stay outside. Eat here.

I said come in the house for supper. Do not argue with me! Ruthie sat down in the dirt, began to kick her legs and cry loudly. Clem, come and see what your daughter is doing now.

Clem went to the door while Susannah stepped aside for him to see. He began to shake his head and frown. Just leave her.

I can’t just leave her there without any supper, Clem!

If this was the first time this had happened, I’d agree, but she’s thrown fits too many times. I don’t understand this rebellin’. I really don’t. When she gets hungry she’ll come in.

But, Clem, she’s only a child.

I know, Susannah, a rebellin’ child. I don’t know what else to do, do you? We will pray about this very much, but for now—leave her. Clem put his arm around Susannah’s shoulders and turned her back to the table where Thomas, their five-year-old, and little Jeff, their two-year-old, sat with wide eyes. They sat down at the table to tomato soup, roast rabbit with gravy, stewed beans, cream potatoes, and baked apples for dessert. Thomas said the blessing, and they began to eat, with everybody just looking at their plates. Nobody said anything, waiting to see what Ruthie would do. They could hear her screaming and kicking. Susannah cast her eyes at Clem, hoping he would change his mind, but he wasn’t looking at her. She felt conflicted because she wanted to feed Ruthie on the one hand, but on the other she wanted Ruthie to behave properly. She just couldn’t understand why Ruthie was like this. Their two boys were not like that. Have I been too soft on Ruthie? Have I spoiled her as the only girl? I didn’t think so—well, maybe a little, but not enough to cause her awful behavior. Where did this come from? And how can we change it? So many questions without answers. They would definitely have to do a lot of praying through this one.

They all began to hear Ruthie slowly stop kicking and the screaming become less. They all looked up at one another but said nothing, except little Jeff who was enjoying the creamed potatoes in his hands. Finally, Ruthie was quiet and they heard her come in the mud room and shut the door. The ever curious Thomas blurted out, Pa, what’s wrong with Ruthie? Clem and Susannah looked at one another, thinking the same thing… that they hoped Ruthie hadn’t heard Thomas which could set her off again.

We’ll talk later, son.

Ruthie quietly stood in the doorway between the mud room and the kitchen, watching them eat. Hungry.

Susannah smiled and said, Come to your chair, Ruthie. Ruthie slowly but quietly walked to her chair and sat down. Susannah dished out food for her, and Ruthie ate the rest of the meal quietly. Clem and Susannah more or less held their breaths, waiting to see what would happen but nothing did. When the meal was finished, Clem let the children go outside to play until dark and he helped Susannah with the dishes. Usually Clem took the two youngest children outside and played with them while Thomas helped his mother, but tonight he needed to talk to Susannah about Ruthie.

Before you say anything, Clem, you were right. She came in when she got hungry. Why is she doing this? I just don’t understand. Have I spoiled her? I’ve tried to treat all my children the same. I love all three equally. She’s having these tantrums a lot… like when I try to teach her the alphabet or her numbers and when she has to take a bath. Why is this happening? I am so frustrated and upset that I’m just tied up in knots all the time wondering what she’s going to do next! It’s like she doesn’t love us at all! Susannah began to cry and tremble. Clem took her in his arms and held her, one of many times to come.

Susannah, I don’t have the answers, but I do know it’s not your fault. Quit thinkin’ that. Look at me. It-is-not-your-fault. Susannah cried harder and held onto Clem’s shirtfront until it had wet spots. I hope those are tears of relief.

They are.

I don’t understand her either. I think we’ve showed her as much love as the other two, but I know none of the three are alike. I don’t know… maybe it’s just a stage she’s goin’ through and she’ll come out of it. I sure hope so. I’d like one meal where everythin’ went like it should.

I’m sorry, Clem.

What did I just tell you? It’s not your fault, so don’t be apologizin’. We need to really pray for Ruthie like everythin’ and have faith that God can change her in His time. It may not be as soon as we’d like but in His time. Let’s go see what the children are up to. Okay? Clem and Susannah finished up the dishes and went outside.

Little Jeff was playing in the mud, following a recent rain, and it was on his face, his head, his hands, his legs, but he was laughing out loud, loving every minute of it. Clem and Susannah laughed out loud too at the sight of their youngest. Well, somebody’s gonna get a bath tonight! They looked around for Thomas and spied him just outside the stable, riding his make-believe horse around the yard. Two accounted for. Where was Ruthie? They both began to look for her, scanning the area between the house, the stable and the barn. They couldn’t see her in the twilight. Clem shouted, Ruthie, where you are? Answer me. No answer. Ruthie, don’t play games. Answer me. Clem and Susannah began to walk quickly as Clem said, You go toward the stable; I’ll go toward the barn. They called her name over and over but got no response. Thomas stopped his play to watch what was happening.

Clem, where is she? She won’t answer and I can’t see her anywhere! She could be hurt or in the creek! Oh, Lord, no, no, not in the creek. They both began to run for the creek, one of Ruthie’s favorite places to play. They walked the edge of the creek in two different directions but didn’t find her. Clem waded out into the creek up to his knees and began to walk down the center of the creek, looking from side to side.

Ruthie, where are you? Answer Papa. No answer. He continued to wade in the creek down one way and then the other, praying as he went. She’s just not here. There must be some other place she’s hidin’. Where else does she like to play or hide, Susannah?

Well, sometimes she plays in the hayloft in the barn, not often though, Susannah replied, wiping tears from her face. They headed to the barn. Clem ran on ahead and climbed up to the hayloft, while Susannah searched downstairs in the barn. Clem stuck his arms into the hay and moved it around, walking farther into the hayloft. She was not there.

Susannah, she’s not up here. Do you see her?

Not yet. Ruthie, answer Mama. Where are you? Susannah was crying harder and harder and began to sob. Oh, Clem, what if we don’t find her?

We’ll find her, Susannah. She can’t have gone far.

Clem came down from the hayloft and suggested they ask Thomas, who was a bright and curious boy, if he knew where she might be. Thomas, do you have any idea where your sister might be?

Thomas looked up at his Pa while he tried to think. She could be in the woods. She likes it there. Or she could be in the tree house. She really likes it there.

The tree house! They hadn’t thought of that. They both ran for the old cypress tree which sheltered the family cemetery and held the tree house Clem’s G’amps built years ago, calling her name. When they stopped under the tree with their hearts beating fast, they heard it. A faint little giggle. Ruthie, are you up there? Answer me. Clem began to climb the ladder and heard a louder giggle. Ruthie, come to me! Right now! As Clem’s head cleared the floor of the tree house, he saw Ruthie in the opposite corner, grinning and holding her kitten Doughboy in her arms. As Clem came up into the tree house, Ruthie began to kick her legs and scream, No! No! No! No! Clem thought, What is the matter with this child? Does she have a demon or somethin’? At least she’s safe, but I don’t know what to do with her. Susannah, she’s here and safe, and I’m sure you can hear her.

Ruthie, honey, come down to Mama. We love you.

Not love me, Ruthie whined.

Clem slowly walked over to her and knelt down in front of her, while she continued to kick and scream. Ruthie, you know we love you. We always have and always will. Come to Papa. Clem held out his arms, but she batted them away. Susannah, why don’t you come up and try talkin’ to her right soft-like?

Susannah hiked up her skirt and climbed the ladder. Clem helped her up to the floor and she softly and slowly walked over to Ruthie. Ruthie, sweetheart, I love you so much. I couldn’t live without you. You mean so much to me. Will you take my hand? She extended her hand to Ruthie, and Ruthie stopped kicking and screaming and looked at her Mama’s hand, as if trying to decide whether to take it or not. Suddenly, she shot her arm out and took the hand offered her. Susannah cried harder and slowly moved closer to Ruthie until she could put her arms around her and pull her close. Ruthie allowed herself to be held for a moment but then pulled away. She kept hold of Susannah’s hand, however, and together they began to climb down the ladder. Clem was at the bottom by then to help them down. Susannah stooped to envelop Ruthie in a motherly hug, but Ruthie ducked under her arm and ran for the house.

Clem and Susannah looked at each other with tired eyes and emotions. What are you thinking, Clem?

I’m thinkin’ . . . I don’t understand her at all. I don’t know what to do but pray and we are about to do that. I sometimes wonder if she has a demon that makes her do that.

Clem! How can you say that? She’s your own flesh and blood!

I know. I know. It’s just so hard to figure out. She said we didn’t love her. How can she feel that way? We try to show her love… and do show her love… but she… oh, I don’t know. Let’s get the other children and go in for Bible readin’, and then you and me are goin’ to pray as hard as we’ve ever prayed. Come on, Thomas, little Jeff, let’s go in now. It’s about dark. Thomas dropped his stick and came right away, and Susannah picked up little Jeff but held the muddy little fellow at a distance.

Clem, do you think I should just drop little Jeff in the creek to get him clean, Susannah laughed. It felt good to laugh.

Clem laughed and said, Tell you what. Get me a rag and some soap and I’ll just take him on down to the creek and wash him. Susannah brought him the things he needed and they both laughed at good-natured little Jeff who was laughing and waving his arms like a muddy tadpole. Clem went on to the creek and dunked a naked little Jeff in the water which made him laugh even more. Clem soaped up the rag and washed him and then dunked him again and again because little Jeff just loved it and laughed and laughed. It lifted Clem’s spirits after the hard struggle they’d just had with Ruthie. He wrapped a towel around little Jeff, gathered up his muddy clothes in the other hand and carried him to the house. In the mudroom, he briskly dried little Jeff and put on his little nightshirt Susannah had left for him.

Clem carried little Jeff into the front room where Thomas was drawing a picture and Ruthie was sitting by herself with one arm around her doll. Susannah had the Bible in her lap where she sat in her favorite rocking chair before the fireplace. As they came in, Ruthie spoke first, Love him. Not love me. Clem looked at Susannah and laid a sleepy little Jeff on the rug before the fireplace. We do love you, Ruthie. We always have and always will, Susannah told her. Would you like to sit in my lap while we read the Bible?

No! Ruthie looked sullen.

Would you like to sit in Papa’s lap?

No!

Alright, let’s tell a Bible story tonight. Okay? Thomas settled in, sitting Indian-style beside his Papa, while Clem hugged him to his side. Little Jeff was asleep in front of the fireplace while Ruthie sat where she had been, across the room in a chair alone with her doll under her arm looking sullen.

Clem asked Ruthie again, Would you like to come sit with us, sweetheart?

No!

The story tonight comes from Luke chapter 15 in the Bible. There was a young man who asked his father for his half of his father’s inheritance right then. Inheritance means what money and things he would get when his father died. So the father divided his money between his two sons. The younger son took the money and left and went far away and spent all his money with no thought of tomorrow, for what he would eat or where he would stay. He had had some friends while he had money, but when he had spent all his money his so-called friends left him. He went to work for a man feeding his hogs, and when he became so hungry he couldn’t stand it he actually thought about eating what he was feeding the hogs! Can you imagine, Ruthie and Thomas? Just think about eating what we feed our hog!

Thomas said, Yuck! Ruthie said nothing.

Well, in the story the young man comes to his senses and decides to go home. He knew he had sinned against God and his father. So he began walking toward home. What he didn’t know was that his father had been coming out every day looking down the road to see if his young son was coming home. On this particular day his father looked down the road and saw his son coming! What joy was in his heart! His son who had been lost was now coming home! He met his son part way down the road, and his son told him he was not good enough to be called his son anymore… to just let him work as a hired hand. But his father hugged him and told his servants to bring new clothes and sandals for his feet, then to cook some meat and other food because they were going to celebrate! The son that was lost had come home! Now, children, if you remember we’ve talked about parables in the Bible before. What is a parable, Ruthie?

Ruthie’s head was down but her eyes were looking up, so she was listening, but she said nothing.

Thomas, what’s a parable?"

A story Jesus uses in the Bible that teaches us a lesson.

Very good, Thomas. God has parables in the Bible to teach us a lesson. What is the lesson in this parable? Susannah waited.

Thomas piped up, Not to eat with the hogs.

Clem and Susannah both laughed a little, then Susannah said, Well, that would be true, but there’s a bigger lesson too. I think it means if we wander away from God and come to our senses and ask His forgiveness, He will accept us back with open arms and very much love. He never turns His back on us. I think, too, it shows us that our own father on earth, like your Papa and me, would always love you no matter what and would never turn our backs on any of our children. If one of you wandered away and sinned, we would always welcome you back when you asked forgiveness. We love you all three so much, almost as much as God does. He loves you more than anybody on earth ever could. Do you understand?

Thomas almost always jumped in first. Yes, I’m glad you and Papa love us so much. I love you too. I’m glad God does too.

Clem spoke up, I’m glad too, Thomas. We love you and Ruthie and little Jeff very, very much. We always will no matter what you do or where you go. ’Course we want you all to live by the Bible and what it teaches. Clem looked at Susannah to see if she had anything else to say, but she nodded slightly toward Ruthie. When Clem looked, he smiled because Ruthie was asleep curled in her chair with her doll under her arm and her thumb in her mouth. Clem told Susannah, If you can carry little Jeff, I’ll carry Ruthie and Tom-Tom can walk. Can’t you?

Uhmmm. Thomas stumbled a little as he walked. All three children were either asleep or on the verge. Clem helped Thomas into his nightshirt while Susannah helped Ruthie. When all was settled and quiet, Clem took Susannah’s hand as they stood over Ruthie in her bed, stroking her hair and just touching her.

I wish Ruthie could see how much we love her. Susannah, it felt good to hold her close to my heart when I carried her. A single tear ran down his cheek.

I know, Clem, I know. She was already crying. What can we do?

Pray, Susannah. Let’s pray right now. Lord, we don’t understand all things and we really don’t understand why Ruthie won’t let us love her. We pray, Lord, that You will put Your arms around her and let her know how much You love her, and then, Lord, somehow let her know how much we love her. She is a child You gave us… a gift from You. Our only daughter. It hurts to hear the things she says and does. Have we done somethin’ wrong? If we have, please show us. Above all, give us wisdom to know what to do because we feel so helpless. Help this daughter, Lord, to understand how much we love her and help her learn to love in return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Susannah was crying and wiping her tears. Thank you, Clem. Prayer always helps me know God is listening and cares much more than we do even. I really love this child and she’s breaking my heart.

I know, mine too. What’s that I hear? Clem walked over to the door in their simple log cabin home and opened it. Oh, it’s rain. I should’ve known. If it doesn’t rain just about ever’ day in the Big Thicket of the Piney Woods of East Texas, you’d think the world had come to an end. Wanna step out on the porch? Susannah and Clem stepped out and watched the rain pour down and enjoyed the coolness of it, although in the summertime it was very hot and humid. You could take a bath in the summer and before you could dry off you were as wet as you were before you started. East Texas and most of the South suffered from that malady.

I love you, Clem. You take care of us so well and show your love in so many ways. You are the love of my life. I’m so glad God brought us together. Do you remember when we met the first time? Reaching for the same chicken leg at the church social! Remember?

I do. I do. I had forgotten till you reminded me. I think I started likin’ you right then. You were so beautiful and still are, mind you. That beautiful auburn hair and green eyes. Sometimes I still can’t believe you’re mine. God is good.

Do you remember how shy you were then? You would barely speak to me. And that cowlick! It was always popping up!

Oh, yeah, I remember. That’s just the way I was, but, thank God, I got past it with you. And, Susannah, I love you too. More than you could ever know. I lay awake at night sometimes just watchin’ you sleep and thankin’ God for you and the children. Let’s go on to bed. It’s gettin’ late. I have a full day tomorrow.

Clem and Susannah walked arm in arm to their bedroom and got ready for bed. Clem fell asleep almost immediately, but Susannah had a hard time falling asleep. Her mind was still on Ruthie. She prayed silently, Lord, what can I do differently with Ruthie? Show me, Lord. Show me what to do. Tears ran down her cheeks and onto the pillow. She lay there thinking and worrying for an hour before sleep finally came. Many sleepless nights were to come.

Chapter 2

A few days later Susannah was hanging linens on the line to dry when she heard a conversation between Thomas and Ruthie. No, can’t come up here. Mine!

Ruthie, the tree house is as much mine as it is yours. G’amps built it for our Pa when he was a young boy. You know that. I want to play up there in the old cypress tree too.

It’s mine now! No boys can play here!

I can play there. I’m comin’ up anyway.

I have rocks. Throw ’em at you.

No, you won’t. Ruthie, come on. Be fair, Thomas pled with her.

Go away!

Mama, Ruthie won’t let me up in the tree house. She says it’s hers now and me and little Jeff can’t play there anymore. That’s not fair.

Susannah went to the old cypress tree and put her arm around Thomas’ shoulders. I know, sweetheart. Try to be patient with Ruthie. She’s having a hard time. Ruthie, honey, you will let Thomas and little Jeff play in the tree house. You can take turns. Do you hear me? Silence. Answer me, missy! More silence.

Thomas, find something else to play with for now, will you? After Ruthie comes down, you can have a turn. Okay?

Thomas looked down and scuffed his bare foot in the dirt. It’s not fair. It’s just not fair. Why does she have to be so mean? He walked on toward the creek with his head and shoulders slumped. Susannah watched him and thought, I know it’s not fair, Thomas, but I don’t know what to do but love Ruthie through all this. Lord, help me know how to handle Ruthie. Show me what to do. Help me to never put her first above the other children but never treat her with less love. Oh, this is hard! Lord, please give me strength and wisdom with my children, especially Ruthie.

Ruthie stayed in the tree house most of the morning while Thomas played with his pretend horse and brushed down Blackie, their horse. Working with Blackie lifted his spirits as it always did with the animals. He checked on Silas, their hog, who was doing his usual rooting in the mud. He loved to watch the animals. He checked on Mollie, their cow, who was content chewing her cud and flicking her tail at the flies. Thomas heard his mother calling, so he ran to see what she wanted. "It’s time for lunch, Thomas. Little Jeff’s in the house. I’ll get Ruthie. Hopefully, she thought. Ruthie, come in for lunch. We’re having some of your favorites, cold pork pie, biscuits and applesauce. Your Papa is on his way from the field. Come on now.

Susannah went into the house, hoping Ruthie would follow, but until then she would see to her family’s needs. Hello, sweetheart, she planted a kiss on Clem’s sweaty cheek. Hope you’re ready for one of your favorites—cold pork pie.

Umm. Umm. I’m ready. Got up an appetite. Susannah carried the food to the table, along with honey and butter. Clem said the blessing and food was passed. Where is Ruthie this time?

She’s in OUR tree house! Thomas exclaimed. And she won’t let me and little Jeff even up there. And now she won’t come down! He looked at his Papa as if to say, do something.

Clem glanced at Susannah and she confirmed with a slight nod of her head. She’ll come down when she gets hungry. This is gettin’ tiresome, Susannah. Maybe it’s time for that spankin’ we talked about.

Not in front of the other children, Clem.

Alright, but I will take care of it.

They began to eat and enjoy Susannah’s cooking when Ruthie appeared at the mudroom door. Quietly, with head down Ruthie came in and sat at the table. She began to eat what Susannah put on her plate. Thomas was eating as fast as he could eat. He saw his opportunity to get the tree house away from Ruthie. In about fifteen minutes, he asked, May I be excused, Pa?

Yes, but why are you in such a hurry?

I have somethin’ to do.

Alright, go ahead. Clem looked at Susannah with a small frown and the obvious question on his face. She mouthed the words, tree house. He nodded.

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Thomas ran for the tree house and up the ladder. Now it was his! No girls allowed! He planned to stay there all afternoon. He had books up there, his arrowhead collection, and lots of things to play with.

The family finished eating and Ruthie left the house to go back to the tree house. Susannah cringed, Oh, no! Ruthie is headed for the tree house. Wait for the explosion. They both stopped to listen.

No-o-o-o-o! My house! Get out!

Thomas replied rather smugly, It’s my house too and it’s my turn to play in it. Go play somewhere else.

Ruthie stomped both feet and screamed. Clem headed out the door to handle the situation. When Ruthie saw him coming, she started running. Clem easily caught her and took her to the barn. Ruthie, what is the matter with you? The tree house does not belong only to you. Thomas and little Jeff have the right to play there too. Ruthie, look at me. I said, look at me. She shyly looked up through her dark hair. I love you, Ruthie, very much. He tried to hug her, but she pushed against him. He held her up close anyway for a moment before he let her go. I am goin’ to have to punish you, Ruthie, because of the tree house and your fits of anger. I hope you know it’s because I love you that I do this. He unbuckled his belt while he held her by one arm. She squirmed and tried to get away but he held tightly to her arm. He sat on a barrel and pulled her across his knees. He gave her several licks with his belt, and she began to cry and scream. He gave her a few more licks. What she didn’t see were the tears running down Clem’s face. He hated doing this but they’d tried everything. He let her up and she ran out of the barn with her dark hair flying out behind her. He sat there for a few minutes to pull himself together. He would never have imagined having to spank one of his children, but he supposed it had to be done at times.

Clem, how’d she take it? I heard the screaming.

Susannah, I never thought I’d ever have to do that. I don’t know if I can do it again. It hurts me too much. She squirmed and screamed and then ran out of the barn. He still had tears on his cheeks.

Oh, Clem, I see your tears. I know it was hard. I could never do it, and I’m sorry you had to. I can only hope it does some good. Do you know where she went?

No, she just ran out of here. I guess we’d better see where she is.

Clem and Susannah came out of the barn and looked around. No Ruthie. She did love to hide from them. Susannah called up to Thomas in the tree house to ask him if he knew where Ruthie went. I saw her run out of the barn and into the woods over yonder. He pointed to the densest part of the woods.

Oh, no, Clem. She could get very lost in those woods!

I know. Thomas, go in the house and stay with your brother. Don’t let him out of your sight and don’t wander off to play. Stay in the house. Your Ma and me are goin’ to look for Ruthie. I don’t know how long we’ll be gone. Till we find her, I guess. So stay put. You understand?

Yes, Pa. He scrambled down the ladder and ran to the house with wide eyes which showed that he was scared too.

Susannah, let’s walk about ten feet apart so we can keep each other in sight. Can you do this or do I need to send for help?

Of course, I can do this. I’m scared for Ruthie. I’ll do what I have to. They began walking toward the woods, praying as they went. Lord, help us find Ruthie. Watch over and protect her wherever she is. Keep animals away. Help her find a safe place.

Thomas was watching from the back door when little Jeff came to stand beside him with his mop of sandy-colored hair hanging almost in his eyes. Little Jeff started to go outside, but Thomas took him by the hand and said, We need to stay in the house right now, buddy. Let’s play fort, okay?

’Kay. They went back in the house to play together. The two brothers got along very well. They took four kitchen chairs and draped an old quilt across them and crawled in. Their imaginations took them many places as they played.

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Clem and Susannah fought the thick underbrush and tree limbs as they walked through the woods. Susannah’s skirt kept catching on the underbrush and slowing her down. She just yanked her skirt and kept going. Her child’s life could be at stake! They took turns calling her name but got no answer. They looked in every direction but could see no sign of her. They looked for broken twigs or bits of cloth caught on something but saw nothing. They walked on this way for at least two hours. It was dark in these woods because they were so dense. Clem could tell Susannah was beginning to wear out.

Susannah, why don’t we go back? You’re wearin’ out. I can get Joshua Logan to help me. We can go at this hard for a few more hours or as long as it takes. Whadda ya say?

Oh, Clem, I want to find my child! But maybe you and Joshua could do it better. Alright, let’s go back.

It took them about two hours to walk back. When they reached the barn, Clem jumped on Blackie and rode hard to Joshua Logan’s place, their nearest neighbor and friend. Susannah stumbled into the house and plopped in a kitchen chair. She was exhausted and laid her head on her arms on the table. She happened to notice all the scratches on her arms and didn’t even care.

Thomas, are you and little Jeff alright?

Yes, ma’am. She didn’t lift her head. Little Jeff and me were playin’ fort at first and then we built a tower with all his blocks, he answered as he and little Jeff came into the kitchen to stand beside her. Thomas walked over to his Ma and put his arm around her shoulders. He’d never seen her like this. It scared him. Mama, are you alright? Did you find Ruthie?

Susannah sat up and tried to smile through her tears. Come here, you two. She put an arm around each of her sons and pulled them close. I love you so much. You are such good boys. Thank you, Thomas, for taking care of little Jeff for me. We didn’t find Ruthie yet. Your Pa is going to get Mr. Joshua to come and help. That’s where he’s gone.

Mama, you’re all scratched up. Do you want me to clean them and put some salve on them?

Susannah looked at Thomas, who looked like Clem so much with his dark hair and green eyes, with love in her heart and replied, You know, Thomas, sometimes I forget you’re only five years old. We’ll worry about the scratches later. I’ll let you do it then. Okay?

Okay. What can we do to find Ruthie? He began to cry. It’s my fault. I shoulda just let her have the old tree house. It don’t matter who plays in it.

"Oh, Thomas, it’s