NOVEMBER 7, 1861

Teaspoon, Rachel, Blaine and Zee were in their finest go to church Sunday clothes as they entered the saloon. Zee and Blaine had never been in an alcoholic beverage establishment before, so their eyes scanned the entire room, memorizing each and every little aspect of it, so they could describe it to the other kids, those that hadn’t been inside it because they didn’t need to get adopted cause they had a real family.

Though Rachel wasn’t their real ma, Zee and Blaine had sat up most of the night talking about living at the Pony Express Station, and how they both like Mrs. Dunne a whole lot. They both had agreed that they were both lucky to be getting such a great home. Of course Blaine hadn’t voiced her opinions. She had signed them, and Zee had understood because for about a month now, on of the Pony Express riders would come to the school each day and give all the kids a brief lesson in Indian Sign language.

As the four of them took their appropriate seating arrangements, the girls stopped their roaming opticals to focus on Judge Chamer. The young girls were nervous and afraid that they would not be able to live with Rachel on a permanent basis. Even Rachel was a little apprehensive, but of course she would never let it show or be known that she was.

“Mrs. Dunne, I have here your petition to adopt these two girls. I’ve collected facts and statements from several different people and having reviewed your request.” He paused as he shoved the papers a little ways away from him. “Before I tell you what I’ve decided, do you have anything you wish to tell me?”

“Well, your honor, I’d just like to say that I can give these two girls a loving and caring home.” Zee and Blaine nodded their heads at the judge to show they agreed with what Rachel was saying. “I’ve been looking after eight boys for a couple of years now, and they seem to be no worse for wear.” She started to sit down and then said, “Your Honor,” then she took her seat.

Judge Chamer looked down at his makeshift bench and then he looked up and scanned all four of them. He knew that Blaine couldn’t speak, and that the Pony Express riders had taught her some Indian Sign language because Jennie had informed him of that. “Mrs. Dunne, I can’t in all good conscious grant your adoption request,” he paused as he watched the two youngin’s expressions went sour.

Teaspoon quickly stood up, “But Your Honor, Mrs. Dunne is a wonderful person. I can vouch for that, and she has taught the lads some very good moral lessons, in which I no doubt that she will do the same with these two young girls. She’s already teaching them to be proper young ladies and how to sew.”

“Mr. Teaspoon, if you’ll let me finish please.” Teaspoon nodded and sat back down. “At this time I can’t grant your adoption request, but I am going to let the girls stay with you until I return in about a month or so to see how things are going.”

Rachel smiled, “Thank you, Your Honor.” The girls looked at each other and smiled.

“Well, you’re dismissed.” He kept a serious expression until they were heading out the door and then a smile broke out, but Teaspoon caught a glimpse of it before walking outside, and a grin crossed his face as well.