"Want to play a game Ez?"

"What game were you thinking of?"

"I don't know. How 'bout hide an seek."

"I don't know JD. The last time you played hide and seek, you were 'lost' all day. You fell asleep in your hiding place and no one could find you."

"But I'm not sleepy now. I had a nap."

"I'll play with one stipulation."

"What's a stip...i...lation?"

"A condition. A rule."

"Oh. Okay."

"That I get to hide, and you have to count while covered up in my bed."

"But I can't count very high."

"You don't have too. I will set my alarm clock to go off in five minutes, and when it rings you have to come find me. Okay?"

"Okay." JD scrambled under the blankets and tried not to giggle. Ezra set the clock and quickly made his escape down the back stairs. He knew that Chris would be checking on him soon and this may give him a few extra minutes of freedom.

Chris returned to the kitchen to check on JD and noticed the empty milk glass but no JD. He decided that he would check and see if JD was upstairs with Ezra before he checked outside. Upon entering Ezra's room he noticed 'Ezra' curled up asleep with the blankets over his head. He smiled as he remembered Ezra's words about not being tired. He was slowly leaving the room when he heard a small giggle. He looked around the room to see if JD was hiding in here. Then it occurred to him that the lump in the bed was a little too small to be Ezra. Going on a hunch, he pulled the blankets back to reveal a giggling JD.

"Hey Sprout. What are you doing in Ezra's bed? And where is Ezra?"

"Shhh Chris. I don't know where Ez is. We's playing hide and seek. He's hidin' and I'm 'posta wait til the clock rings to go find him."

Chris looked at the alarm clock and noticed that Ezra never pushed the button to start the timer. "Well JD, I think you've waited long enough. Why don't I help you look?"

"Okay, but the stiplation was I wait for the ring."

"You mean the stipulation?"

"That's what I said, stiplation."

Chris had to laugh at the serious face JD was giving him. "Well let's go find that lost brother of yours and then I'm gonna have a very necessary little talk with him about obedience."

JD was only five, but he heard his pa say 'a necessary little talk' before and it only lead to one thing. "Chris?"

"What Sprout?"

"You're not gonna necessary little talk me are ya?"

It took Chris a minute to realize what JD was talking about and then he smiled. "No Sprout. You didn't do anything that would make me 'talk' to you like I'm gonna Ezra."

"Good." Chris laughed and finished searching the entire house. Not finding him anywhere, Chris figured Ezra was outside and it wasn't going to go easy for him, if he was.

Ezra spent about fifteen minutes with his horse and then decided he had better hide better. He went out to the side yard where Nathan's work shed was. The shed was locked with a padlock because Chris and Josiah were letting Nate practice with some harmless chemicals. Nathan was working with the doctor after school on Friday's and after chores on Saturday's. Ezra had picked the lock many times to get away from Chris or Josiah. Sometimes he just went in there to get away from everyone for some peace and quiet.

Ezra picked the lock and went inside. Nathan was a very tidy young man and he liked to know where everything was. Ezra on the other hand, liked to mess with Nathan's head. During his little visits to the work shed, he would move things around. Nothing to dramatic, but enough to drive Nate crazy. This time he decided to switch the ingredients in two of the bottles to see what would happen.

As he was doing this, he heard JD hollering for him. Time to leave and be found, before Chris sees him. Ezra exited the shed and made it to the back door before he was grabbed and spun around. He looked up into the very angry face of Chris Larabee.

"Hi Chris. I was just getting some fresh air."

"I remember telling you to stay in your room and get some rest, didn't I?"

"Yes, but..."

"No buts Ezra. Why do you feel it necessary to disregard everything I tell you? You were close to death only two days ago."

"I feel fine now."

"I think it's time for the two of us to have a very long and necessary little talk."

"Now? You said I was suppose to rest. How am I suppose to rest after one of your little talks."

Chris led Ezra back up to his room. "You should have thought of that before you conned JD into playing hide and seek."

"I didn't con him. Hide and seek was his idea."

"And who decided on the 'stipulations', huh?"

Ezra groaned. JD must have been found out. He didn't fault his baby brother. The boy just couldn't keep a secret to save his life. It was worth a try though. "Would it help if I told you I wasn't bored anymore and I would like to rest now?"

"You can rest when we are finished."

"Please Chris. You know I get into trouble when I'm bored, and I did warn you."

"I don't think so Ezra. You're not talking your way out of this. You have two choices."

"What choices?" Ezra sat on his bed and waited for Chris to give him a way out.

"You and I can have this talk now, or I can leave the talking up to Josiah when he gets home. So what will it be?"

"Some choices." Ezra crossed his arms in front of his chest. Ezra had to think fast. He didn't want a spanking at all, but he didn't have a lot of choices. Normally he would go with waiting for Josiah, but Josiah wasn't such an easy touch anymore. However, if he waited he had a better chance of there being some sort of distraction later. Besides, Chris was angry and he didn't want to be on the receiving end of an angry Chris wielding a belt.

"I'll wait for Josiah, please."

"Really? What are you up to Ez?"

"Nothing. I would just like to be able to sit until dinner."

"Have it your way, but if you leave this room again, WE will be having that talk before Josiah does. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Good." Chris left the room and headed out to round up JD.

Ezra lay back on his bed dreading the next couple of hours. Maybe he should have gotten it over with. The waiting may kill him.

Nathan was excited as he entered the yard. The doctor had given him a new compound to experiment with and he couldn't wait to try out a few things. He quickly dismounted and put the new compound in the shed and locked it up. He took care of his horse and hurried through his chores. He knew he could be in a little trouble rushing through his chores, but it was worth the risk. Besides, Nathan was the 'good' brother who hardly ever caused any problems.

Nathan was finishing up when Buck and Josiah came in off the range.

"How was school today, Nate?"

"Good. I got something new from the doc. I can't wait to see what kind of things it will do."

"Just be careful. We don't need you blowing yourself up."

"I will. Jeesh. Sometimes you guys treat me like a kid. I'm old enough to get married if I wanted."

"Ha. Old enough by other's standards, but I'd like to see you use that theory on Chris. Hell, I'm 19 and he still treats me like the kid brother." Buck said.

"Yeah Buck, but he doesn't have to worry about you ever getting married. It won't happen." Josiah jeered.

"Ha Ha. Laugh it up Josiah, but why would I want to deprive all those lovely ladies of my animal magnetism."

"Don't you mean 'maggot-tism, Bucklin." Everyone turned to see Vin lead his horse in.

"Hey, you watch it there little brother or I'll have to tickle ya." Buck lunged at Vin, but Vin avoided him and giggled as he hid behind the barn door.

"Hey Vin? What took you so long to get home from school? Nathan beat you home." Josiah asked.

"He beat me 'cause he was ridin' fast the whole way. I weren't in no hurry to get home ta chores and bein' grounded." Vin took his pony and started to remove the saddle.

"Hey Vin, I didn't mean to upset ya, I just wanted to make sure you don't get into anymore trouble."

"I'm sorry Josiah. I just had a rough day at school. I'm glad it's Friday, but I'm not lookin' forward to all the chores Chris has picked out. Ez lucked out by getting' sick. He ain't got to worry 'bout being grounded fer another few days."

"Don't worry Vin. Being cooped up in his room is worse than being grounded. Don't ya think?"

"Yeah probly." Vin finished with his pony and Buck and Josiah headed to the house. Nathan went to his work shed.

Buck wasn't even half way to the door when it flew open and JD ran to him. Buck swept him into his arms and hugged him.

"Hey Little Britches. How was your day?"

"Good. I played over near the water trough in da mornin' and made mud pies."

"Mud pies? Did you save any for old Buck?"

"Ya can't eat mud Buck."

"Oh." Buck smiled. "What else?" They walked through the door and Chris met them as JD finished his day.

"Then Chris washed all the mud off and made me take a nap." JD scowled and Buck laughed. He looked toward Chris and asked, "How'd you get him to take a nap?"

"It was a nap or I was gonna shoot him. He chose the nap."

"Smart boy." Buck tickled JD.

"Buck! Stop I's tellin' ya somethin'"

"Sorry." Buck put JD down and took off his gun and hat. Chris caught Josiah's eye and motioned for him to join him out on the porch.

JD filled Buck in on the game of hide and seek, while Chris talked to Josiah.

"He really chose to wait for me?"

"Yep. I think he was hoping that there would be enough distractions with everyone home, that he could get lost in the shuffle."

Josiah sighed and sat down. "I don't know Chris. He shouldn't ignore what you tell him, but does a tanning make an impact? I was thinking of a different punishment."

"Like what? Confining him to his room just makes him think of new ways to get out without getting caught. Grounding him doesn't affect him much, because he doesn't like to wander off like Vin does. You could make him do 'menial labor' but not right now, with his recovering from that infection."

"I know."

"Josiah, I have no problem dealing with him if you want. I'm actually glad he didn't choose me at the time because I was so angry I probably would have hurt him."

"I'll think about it. Is he joining us for supper?"

"He shouldn't, but since he was out playing hide and seek all afternoon, he can join the rest of the family at the table."

"Sounds good to me. I'll go deal with him, then we'll come down for supper."

"Sounds good. I'll check on Vin."

Chris found Vin in the barn sitting with one of his schoolbooks. He smiled when he saw Vin sitting concentrating on what he was reading. His tongue was out and he looked like every word was a struggle, which it was. The teacher had discovered that Vin wasn't learning as well as the other children. At first she thought he was too dumb to learn but quickly realized that Vin was a very smart little boy. If you read the story to him, he could answer all of your questions. For some reason he couldn't comprehend the written word, which made his handwriting horrible also. The teacher spent extra time with Vin to help him with his letters and reading. It was taking a while but Vin was starting to learn with the help of his teacher and family.

Chris cleared his throat to get Vin's attention.

"Hey Chris. I's jest readin'."

Chris sat down next to Vin and smiled. "This one of those special books she sent for?"

"Yeah. The letterin' is different. It's different colors and I can read them better. They don't swim all over da page no more."

"That's great. You hungry? Supper's almost ready."

"Yeah a little."

As they both stood up, a great explosion was heard. Chris and Vin ran out of the barn and saw Nathan brushing himself off in front of what was left of the work shed. The shed had collapsed and was completely flat and smoking. Josiah, Buck, Ezra, and JD ran to Nathan to make sure he was okay.

"Nate You okay?" Chris asked.

"Yeah. I don't know what happened. Nothing I mixed should have caused this." He motioned toward the ruined shed.

"I'm just glad you're okay."

"Yeah. I'm fine. I realized something was wrong as soon as they chemicals mixed. I simply ran as quick as I could."

"I'm starting to think that you aren't ready for this kind of experimenting if this is what happens."

Nathan was shocked. "But Chris, it was an accident. I didn't mean to blow up the shed."

"No Nate. From now on you'll have to do these experiments in town with the doctor supervising."

"Chris. I can't do that. The doctor is always busy. He only lets me work with him on Fridays and Saturdays. Please Chris."

"No Nathan. What if it had been JD or Vin who got in there and messed with something? They wouldn't know enough to run like you did. I'm sorry but it's too dangerous." Chris headed into the house. "Supper's ready. Let's get washed up and eat. We'll clean this mess up after supper."

"Josiah? Could you talk to him please? It was just an accident. Those two chemicals shouldn't have reacted that way."

"I'll discuss it with him Nate, but I doubt he will change his mind. I've seen that look."

"Thanks." Nathan headed upstairs quickly so that no one would see his tears. He felt foolish for reacting like a baby, but he was disappointed.

Outside Josiah was about to go inside when a hand stopped him. Josiah turned to see Ezra swallow hard. He was about to say something when Josiah stopped him.

"Forget it Ezra. We still need to have our discussion about obeying Chris."

"That's not what I was going to say." Ezra said indignantly.

"What then?"

"Is Chris really going to keep Nathan from doing his experiments?"

"You heard him. Those chemicals were not supposed to be this explosive."

Ezra chewed his bottom lip. "They weren't."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Chris told you I snuck out today."

"Yeah?"

"Well, I snuck into Nate's work shed and switched a couple of the things in the bottles. I didn't think they could do this." He motioned toward the ruined shed. "I didn't mean for Nate to almost get hurt." Ezra wiped away a stray tear. Josiah knelt down in front of Ezra and said, "Why?"

"I was bored. I didn't mean any harm Josiah. I'm sorry." Josiah gathered Ezra into his arms and let him cry. When he stopped crying, Josiah spoke. "You need to tell Nathan and Chris what you did. Then you need to face what ever they decide as proper, how do you like to say, remuneration?"

Ezra smiled. "Okay. You believe me that I never meant to hurt Nathan?"

"Yes Ezra. It was an accident, but it never should have happened. After supper we will be having a long talk, but right now I want you to go up and apologize to Nate and tell Chris. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Good."

The sun shone brightly through the curtains in Chris' bedroom. Saturday's were a more relaxed day from ranch work. The work still needed to get done, but they could leave most of the work to the hands for the weekend.

Chris rolled over and bumped into someone. For a fraction of a second, he wondered where he could be if there was another person in his bed, but he dismissed it when he recognized who it was. He propped his head on his hand, leaned on his elbow and stared at his brother. It was rare for Vin to wake at night and crawl into bed with him. It was usually JD.

The special connection they had was working as Vin began to wake up feeling like someone was watching him. He opened his eyes slowly and saw Chris looking at him. He smiled and said, "Mornin' cowboy."

Chris raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Cowboy! You always did have a death wish little brother."

Vin giggled and rolled over onto his back and stretched like a cat.

"What brings you to my warm bed in the middle of the night?" Chris moved to get up and stopped when he saw a serious look on Vin's face. Vin didn't answer right away. "What's wrong Vin?"

"Bad dream." Was all Vin said as he got up and headed back to his own room.

"Vin? You want to talk about it?" Chris stood to follow Vin. When Vin stopped and turned to look at Chris, there were tears in his eyes. Chris immediately embraced him and held him close. It was then that Chris smelled the faint odor of urine. He noted that Vin was dry, but probably changed before he came in last night. "That must have been some dream. Why don't you tell me about it?"

Vin just nodded and looked at Chris. He saw acceptance of what happened and slowly started to tell Chris about the dream. "I's at the grave where papa was buried and I heard all these noises all around me and then I was cryin' for papa and when I's near the grave a hand..." Vin paused to swallow back his tears.

"It's okay Vin. It was just a dream."

Vin took a deep breath and continued. "A hand came up and grabbed me. I screamed and..." Vin looked at Chris, "I wet the bed." He whispered and let the tears fall again.

Chris held him close. "It's okay Vin. It happens to all of us."

"Even to you?"

"When I was a little boy, like you, it happened sometimes and Pa was always there telling me it was okay. I could even tell you about Buck wetting the bed only a couple of years ago. He was 17 at the time."

"Really? Was he upset?"

"Yep. But Pa still told him it was okay. Accidents happen."

"Ya think you could help me change the sheets 'fore Miz Nettie sees 'em?"

"No problem. I think you need a bath too though."

"Yuck. I'm dry now."

"Yes you are dry, but you still have the stink on ya."

Vin smelled his nightshirt and frowned. "I hate baths."

"All little boys do."

"I bet Ez didn't." Vin giggled.

"I wouldn't make that bet. Let's get you washed up." Chris lead Vin down to the bath house and set him up in a small tub of warm water. With instructions to use soap, Chris left Vin to deal with the wet bed. JD was up running down the hall when Miss Nettie stopped him as she came out of Vin's room. She had the soiled sheets rolled with some others to hide the 'accident' from the rest of the family. Chris smiled and kissed Miss Nettie on the cheek. The simple 'Thank you' from Chris held all of the understanding either of them needed.

Chris got himself dressed and retrieved clothing for Vin. After checking on Ezra, who was still sleeping, and sending JD out to pester Buck in the barn, he returned to Vin. Dried and dressed, both Vin and Chris sat at the breakfast table minutes before Buck, JD, and Josiah came inside.

"Ezra still asleep?" Josiah asked as he sat down.

"Yep. I'm letting him sleep because he will need the rest to go see the doctor this afternoon. Where's Nate?" Chris said.

"Outside trying to salvage something from the shed." Chris simply nodded and resumed his breakfast. "Chris?"

"No, Josiah."

"I think we need to discuss what happened last night." "Not here."

"In the Den then." Josiah stood up and walked toward the Den expecting Chris to follow. Chris sighed and followed Josiah out.

"I won't change my mind Josiah. I keep thinking about what could have happened if Vin or JD had picked that lock or figured some other way in. It's too dangerous."

"There has to be a better solution then punishing Nathan. It wasn't his fault."

"I know it wasn't his fault and I'm not punishing Nathan." Chris said with irritation.

"But he feels like you are. Do you realize that he cried himself to sleep last night?"

"What?"

"He was so upset, that he fell asleep sobbing. How many times has Nathan sat in his room and suffered through some injustice because of something that wasn't his fault? He tries to be the strong older brother, but I think we sometimes forget he's still a boy too."

Chris sat down and sighed. "I didn't know Josiah."

"Do you still trust him?"

"Of course I do? What kind of question is that?"

"You trusted him to keep the little ones out of the shed before, and he did. Ezra is old enough to know better. So do you still trust Nathan to keep JD and Vin out?"

"Yes." As soon as he said it, he knew Josiah had won this argument. Josiah just smiled. "Fine! If he wants to rebuild the shed..."

"With Ezra's help." Josiah added.

"With Ezra's help, then he can keep doing his experimenting, I'm telling you now Josiah, if this happens again..." He left the threat open.

"Thanks Chris. I know Nathan will be happy."

"Hurumph. And I called you the softy."

Josiah laughed. "Well, brother. We all have our strengths and weaknesses."

"Sure Josiah. Lets go finish breakfast before I change my mind again."

When Josiah and Chris returned to the table, Ezra had joined them. Chris smiled and sat down. "Morning Ezra. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." Ezra groused.

"I'll be taking you to town after lunch to see the doctor."

"Ah Chris. I'm fine. What do I have to go to the doctor for?"

"Ezra." Josiah warned.

"Ezra. I will not argue with you. You will be going with me after lunch and if you don't behave I'll just shoot you."

JD piped it. "Better jest go Ez, he was gonna shoot me yesterday." Everyone at the table laughed; everyone but Chris.

"I get no respect around here." Everyone laughed again. After they resumed eating, Chris turned to Nathan, who looked sadder than usual.

"Nate?"

"Yeah Chris?"

"I've changed my mind about your experiments. If you want to continue them, you will have to rebuild the shed and put a new lock on it. Ezra will help you."

"What? Why?" Ezra exclaimed.

"Ezra. You are the reason the shed blew up. You will help Nate rebuild and you will not go in the shed again without permission. Am I clear?" Josiah said.

"But..."

"I said, am I clear?"

"Crystal." Ezra pouted. "May I be excused?"

Josiah looked at Ezra's plate and noticed he hadn't eaten much. "No you may not. I want you to finish your breakfast."

"I'm not hungry."

"Did I ask you if you were hungry? Eat!"

Ezra picked up his fork and tried to will the tears to not fall in front of everybody.

"Well, Chris. That arm looks much better. Has he been resting?"

"Sure Doc. When I tied him to his bed."

"That bad huh." The doctor laughed.

"Excuse me, but I'm still in the room." Both men looked at Ezra and smiled. The doctor patted Ezra's knee and said, "Sorry Ezra. It's just a habit. You'll just tell me you're fine."

"I am fine."

"Yes Ezra, you are, but you would say you were fine if someone tore off your arm."

Ezra scowled at the doctor and turned to Chris. "Can we go now?"

"All set Doc?" Chris asked.

"Yep. He's all yours until the next time he's 'fine'."

"Thanks Doc." Chris and Ezra headed out of the building and walked toward the buckboard. As they pasted the saloon, Ezra heard a familiar voice. //Mother?//

Chris heard the same thing and groaned inwardly. //Just what we need, Maude.//

"Ezra. Stay here."

"Chris. I was raised in saloons."

"No you were dragged through them for selfish reasons. You are still too young to be in saloons. Besides, Josiah would shoot me if I let you."

"And the bad side of that would be...?" Ezra said sarcastically.

"Keep it up young man. Stay here." Chris entered the saloon and was soon exiting with Maude behind him.

"My baby boy! How are you Ezra darling?"

"Mother. What brings you to Four Corners?"

"Why you my dear. I was planning on heading out to see you as soon as I was finished here."

"Did you leave anyone with any money?" Ezra said with a sneer.

"Ezra." Chris warned. He didn't like Maude either, but she was his mother.

"I'm sorry Chris."

"Certainly Ezra dear."

"Maude. We were just heading back to the ranch, would you like to join us?"

"That sounds wonderful." They gathered her luggage. "How are you Ezra dear?"

"I'm fine Mother."

//Sure Ezra. Sure.// Chris thought. It was going to be a long weekend.