EPISODE 1 - Family

 

Bobby Ewing is sitting in the living room at Southfork Ranch in the afternoon, his laptop computer on his lap as he is looking at a web page.  Bobby smiles looking at the page and a an old photo.  Bobby's brother, Ray, walks into the room.  

 

"Bob, Ann said you were in here."

 

"Hi, Ray,''  Bobby says. 

 

''Any news yet on Alex?"  

 

''No,'' Bobby says sadly.  "No word yet."

 

Ray sighs.  "I'm real sorry to hear that.  So what've you got your head buried in?"  Ray asks, taking a seat in the chair beside his brother.

 

"Last Christmas, Alex gave me a membership to Ancestry.com.  I've been finding a lot of information about the Ewing side of the family.  Right now, I need something to keep my mind occupied, or else I'll go crazy."

 

 

"So, what sort of information have you found out about our family's history?"  Ray asks. 

 

''Look here,''  Bobby says, turning the laptop to Ray.  ''This here is a photo of our grandparents, Thomas Leander James Ewing and Sarah Ross Ewing.''

 

Ray looks at the photo and smiles.  "Handsome couple, weren't they?''

 

"Runs in the family.  Daddy sure looked an awful lot like Grandpa Ewing.''

 

"You never did know Jock's parents, did you?"  Ray asks.

 

"No.  They both died when Daddy and Uncle Jason were just kids,"  Bobby replies.

 

"I wonder what life was really like for them in those days," Ray says.

 

"Good question,"  Bobby says.

 

"Jock never even mentioned his early life to me.  He never told you any stories about when he was growin' up?''

 

"Unfortunately, no.  Daddy never talked about his childhood or his youth, or even about his parents.  I didn't even know our grandparents' names until Catlin came to town a few years ago and showed me the old family Bible that had belonged to his aunt.  One of the things I regret the most now that I'm older is that I was never interested in this stuff when I was a kid.  The things I would've loved to ask Mama and Daddy, especially Daddy.  But, with this Ancestry site, I'm able to fill in some of the blanks.  In a way it's like takin' a trip back in time.''

 

''Too bad we can't REALLY travel back in time, and see what life was actually like a hundred years ago,"  says Ray.  

 

"Yes, it is,"  Bobby agrees.

 

 

''Good,'' Leander says.  ''Soon as they get back, send Jason on out here.  I'm gone need his help.''

 

''I will.  I'll let you get back to it.''

 

''Thank ya for the water, Sarah.''

 

''You're welcome.  Don't get too hot out here,''  Sarah says.

 

''Don't worry, darlin', I won't."

 

Sarah Ewing kisses her husband, then begins walking back to the house while Leander returns to his work.

Meanwhile....a pond near the Ewing farm....

 "Jock, ya got one!  Don't let him get away!''  11-year-old Jason Ewing yells to his 8-year-old younger brother.  "Careful, bring him in."  Jason hurries over to his brother and grabs his fishing pole.  Together, the two boys pull in a large cat fish.

 

"Boy, look at him, Jason!"  Jock says proudly.  

 

"Come on,"  Jason says.  "Let's get home."

 

"Wait til Pa sees this one!"  Jock says excitedly.  The two boys grab their fishing poles and Jock's fish and start off running toward the house.  

Back at the Ewing farm....

  As he continues plowing his field, Leander Ewing hears a roar in the distance.  Looking up, he sees a motor car 

driving toward the farm carrying two men.  A look of anger comes over Leander's face as he recognizes the two men.  ''Damn,''  he says.  ''Henry McCauley.''  Leander takes off his gloves and begins walking toward the house.  The car comes to a stop in front of the house as Sarah comes onto the front porch.  

 

''Afternoon, Miz Ewing,''  one of the men says as he and his companion get out of the car.

 

"Mr. McCauley,''  Sarah says.  

 

Leander walks up to the house.  ''McCauley," he says.

 

"Well, hello there, Ewing.  Told ya I'd be back today to collect.  I trust you have that tax money."

 

"McCauley, I need a little bit more time.  Just like I told you last week.  Soon as my wheat crop comes in......."

 

"Ewing, look, I'm a patient man.  But my patience is runnin' thin.  I'll give you a little more time, Ewing.  You owe me the lump sum of fifty-eight dollars and twenty three cents, and if I don't get that money by the end of next week........I want you and your family off this land.''  McCauley snaps his fingers.  The man with him reaches into his pocket and pulls out a paper.

 

While their parents are talking with their unwelcome visitors, Jason and Jock come running up to the barn carrying their fishing poles and the fish Jock had caught at the pond nearby.  "There, I win,"  Jason says, reaching the barn first.

 

"That aint fair, you're bigger'n me!"  Jock complains.

 

"All's fair.  Come on. Let's go show that fish to Pa.  Maybe Ma'll cook it up for supper.''  As the two boys are about to go to the house, Jason stops short when he sees the car parked in front and his parents talking to the two men.  ''Wait,'' Jason tells his brother.

 

''Jason, what is it?''

 

''Jock, look it.  It's that mean old Mr. McCauley back agin.  'Member last time he was here, how mad Pa was?''

 

"Yeah, Pa was mad for two days.  Wonder what he wants."

 

"Let's go find out,'' Jason says.  He and Jock run from the barn to the house and take their places at their parents' side as McCauley is showing Leander and Sarah the paper he had taken from his companion.  

 

''This here paper hereby orders one Thomas Leander James Ewing........man, that's a mouthful, aint it?.......and Sarah Ross Ewing to pay the sum of fifty-eight dollars and twenty three cents to one Henry Taylor McCauley by the date of Friday, April the 6th, nineteen hundred and seventeen, for property taxes, or said Thomas Leander James Ewing and Sarah Ross Ewing will vacate said property within forty-eight hours.  Here it is in black and white, Ewing.  Have my money by a week from this Friday, which is.......ten days from today, or you, your wife, and your boys get off this land by sundown that Sunday.  Now, do I make myself clear, Ewing?"

 

"Clear,"  Leander says.  

 

"Good,"  McCauley says with a smile.  "Let's go, Tommy."  He and his companion get back into their car.  McCauley lights a cigar, then smiles at the little Ewing family.  Leander, Sarah, and their boys watch as McCauley and Tommy drive away.

 

"Pa, what was that all about?"  Jason asks.  

 

"We gotta move, Pa?"  Jock asks.

 

"Now, you boys listen to me,"  Leander says.  "I'll take care of Mr. McCauley.  Aint nothin' for y'all to worry about.''

 

''I best go in and start dinner,'' Sarah says.  

 

''Ma, we got dinner,''  Jason says.  ''I caught a big ol' catfish.''

 

''Jason, I caught that catfish!'' Jock says.

 

''Well, anyway, we got dinner,'' says Jason.

 

Leander looks at his sons and smiles.  ''Well, now, I got a little more plowin' to do, so why don't you two go and clean that catfish just the way I showed ya, and your Ma will cook us up a catfish feast tonight."

 

"Okay, come on, Jock,''  Jason says.  

 

Leander and Sarah watch as the two boys walk off in the direction of the barn.  ''Lee, what are we gonna do?"  Sarah asks.

 

"I don't know.  I got til next Friday.  I'll figure somethin' out.''

 

''We could always go to your Daddy for the money.''

 

''You know Pa aint likely to have that kinda money.''

 

''Well, then, we could always go to........''

 

"Don't you even say it, Sarah.  Don't even THINK it.  I am NOT goin' to Ben for that money.''

 

 

 

''Lee, Ben is your brother.''

 

''Yeah, some brother,'' Leander says.  ''He stabbed me in the back, Sarah.  I don't trust him, and I don't like him.  Ben is the last person I would ever go to to borrow money, no matter how hard up we are.  It's a damned shame Jesse don't have the money.  'Cause I know my baby brother would give it to me in a heartbeat, without no strings attached or without us havin' to sell him our souls, unlike Ben.  I gotta get back to the field.''  Leander walks away from his wife.  

 

"Stubborn man I married,"  Sarah says, watching her husband return to the field.

 

Back in the barn, Jason and Jock put away their fishing poles.  

 

"Jason?"  Jock says.

 

''What?"

 

''You think that mean ol' Mr. McCauley will really make us move?''

 

Jason sighs.  ''You heard what Pa said.  He'll take care of it, and we aint supposed to worry none about it.''

 

''I can't help it.  Jason, I don't wanna move.  I like it here.''

 

''Me, too.  Just hush about the farm and about mean ol' man McCauley.  Help me clean your fish so Ma can fix it for supper."

That evening....

''Pa, Uncle Ben's rich, aint he?''  Jason asks.

 

Leander and Sarah exchange glances.  ''Sure, I suppose he is.  Why would you bring him up?''

 

''Well, I was just wonderin'.  You got two brothers, right?  Uncle Ben and Uncle Jesse?"

 

"That's right."

 

"Uncle Jesse comes to visit all the time.  But how come Uncle Ben never comes here?''

 

''Jason, I'd really rather not talk about your Uncle Ben, alright?  You boys eat your supper.''

 

Sarah Ewing looks at her husband, then at her sons.  ''Eat up," she says.

Later that night....

  Leander and Sarah are getting ready for bed later that night.  While Sarah brushes her long, silky blonde hair, Leander sits on the bed counting what little money they have.  Once he's finished, he sighs in frustration.  

 

Sarah turns and looks at her husband.  ''How bad is it?  How much are we short?''

 

''We've got exactly $1.60, which means we're short $56.83.''

 

Sarah walks over to him.  ''Lee, we got no choice.  We're gonna have to ask your Pa for the money.''

 

Leander nods.  ''I know.  I hate this, Sarah.  Never in my life have I ever had to ask anybody for money, not even my own father.  And now I can't even provide for my family. Can't even keep a roof over your head and the boys' heads.''

 

"Lee, none of this is your fault.  Everybody falls on hard times at some point.  You just had a couple bad years, with the drought and all.''

 

''And I thought this was gone be a good year,''  Leander says.  ''But here we are, payin' for the drought of the last two.''

 

''Well, nothin' we can do about it.  We best get some sleep.''

 

Leander nods at his wife as Sarah begins turning down the covers on their bed.  

The next morning....

  Jason comes out of the little farmhouse the next morning, while his father is chopping firewood.  The boy walks out to his father.  "Well, mornin', little man,''  Leander says.  

 

"Pa, can I help?"  

 

Leander looks at the 11-year-old boy and smiles.  "Sure, I can always use some help.  You can stack this wood over on the wagon.''

 

Jason smiles, and comes down the hill to the wood pile where his father is working.  

 

"Here,"  Leander says.  "You can go ahead and stack this on the wagon, what I already got cut here."

"Pa, can I ask you somethin'?"  Jason asks.

 

"You bet you can.  What's on your mind?"

 

"Are we really gonna lose this farm?  Are we gonna have to move?"

 

Leander looks down at the little boy.  "Now I want you to listen to me, Jason.  I don't want you and your brother to worry about a thing.  We're gonna make it and we're gonna be just fine.  I'm gone take care of you, Jock, and your Mama.  You believe that?"

 

"Yes, sir.  But, I don't wanna move.  I like it here."

 

"I like it here, too, Jason,"  Leander says.  "And I promise you, I'm gone do all I can to see that we don't have to move off this farm.  This is our home, and nobody's gone take it away from us if I can help it."

 

Jason looks at his father and nods.  

 

"Now you go on and stack that wood like I told ya."

 

Jason smiles.  "Yes, Pa,"  the boy says. 

 

As he takes a load of wood into his small arms and struggles to carry it to the wagon, Leander smiles with pride.  Then a serious look comes over his face as he realizes he has to do something to keep from losing his farm and uprooting his boys yet again from a home they love.  

The farm of Charles Ewing near Tyler, Texas....

 Leander drives his wagon up to the farm of his father, Charles Ewing, that afternoon.  "Whoa," he says, bringing his horses to a stop in front of the house.  He looks around, and hears the sound of someone around back.  Leander climbs down from the wagon and walks around to the rear of the house, where a young man is plowing in the field, his back to

 Leander.  "Hey, Jesse,"  Leander says.

 

The young man turns around and smiles.  "Well, hey, big brother."

 

"I'm surprised to see you here.  Where's Pa?"

 

"Pa is where he spends about 85% of his time these days,"  Jesse Ewing replies.  "Up in that cemetery, visitin' Ma's grave.  I came over here to see if I could help him with the plowin', choppin' wood, or whatever needs doin'."

 

"That's good of you to do,"  Leander says.  "I'm glad Pa has you to look in on him since Ma died."

 

"Well, Susie and me are really the only ones who can.  I know you're busy with your own place and that fam'ly of your.  And Ben......well, that son of a bitch don't give a damn about anybody but himself."

 

"I need to start gettin' over here more.  It's just that, well, you know me and Pa never did see eye to eye on too many things."

 

"I know that, but he's still your father, Lee,"  Jesse says.  "Pa's real lonely here without Ma.  Maybe now's a good time for you to mend fences with Pa.  He's gettin' old, Lee.  He's slowin' down.  Who knows how long he's gone be around."

 

Leander lowers his head and nods.  "Yeah.  Well, I think I'll go up and talk to the old man.  You and Susie come by the house when you can."

 

"Will do, brother."

 

Leander nods at his brother, then turns and walks away. 

 A cemetery on a hill....

 

Leander walks up behind Charles and watches his father for a moment.  Finally, he clears his throat.  Hearing his son, Charles stands and turns around to face him.  "Hello, Pa,"  Leander says.

 

"Lee.  What are you doin' here?"  Charles asks.

 

"I went by the house and Jesse said you were up here."

 

"Yeah, I come up here every day to visit your Ma.  God, I miss that woman."

 

"I know, Pa, I miss her, too,"  Leander says.  

 

"Is there somethin' in particular you wanted?"  Charles asks.  "You don't usually drop by like this without wantin' somethin'."

 

"Well, Pa, there is somethin' I needed to talk to you about, and ask you.  But aside from that, I did wanna see you.  It's been a while."

 

"Well, that sure as hell aint my fault."

 

Leander sighs.  "Look, Pa, I know things have been hard between us.  Always have been.  And the thing is, I never could figure out why.  I know I failed a lot.  Failed you, and failed Ma.  I even failed Sarah a few times.  But I'm really tryin', Pa.  I'm tryin' to be the kinda husband Sarah deserves and the kinda father my boys can look up to and be proud of.  And the kinda son you can be proud of."

 

"I am proud of you, Lee.  You've come a long way since your drinkin' and gamblin' days.  I'm real glad to see you finally settle down and bein' a real husband to Sarah and father to my grandsons.  And you did it all on your own.  So, I am proud of you."

 

"I appreciate that, Pa.  That means a lot to me.  And it makes what I have to say even harder."

 

"Oh?  Well, just come out with it,"  Charles says.

 

"Well, Pa, fact is, I've run into some trouble and.......and I need your help."

 

"What kinda help?"

 

"I need money, Pa,"  Leander replies.  "Y'see, I'm behind on my property taxes, and ol' Henry McCauley is threatenin' to take my farm if it's not paid by a week from this Friday."

 

"A week from Friday?  That's just ten days away,"  says Charles.

 

"I know.  Pa, I wouldn't have come to you, but, I didn't know where else I could turn."

 

"Damn.  And just when I was praisin' you, and tellin' you how proud I am that you're finally standin' on your own two feet, and then you go and ask me for money.  I should've known you come over here wantin' somethin'."  Charles starts to walk away from his son.

 

"Pa, wait,"  Leander says, following his father.  "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't desperate."

 

Charles stops walking and turns back to face his son.  

 

"Pa, I don't want Sarah and my boys tossed out on the road.  Look, this itn't my fault, if that's what you're thinkin'.  You know we had those two years of drought."

 

"And I told you to plant crops like lima beans and okra, and what did you do?  You deliberately went against my advice and planted corn and wheat, crops that shrivel up and die durin' a drought.  If you had only listened to me, you wouldn't be in this mess right now, but, that's just like you, Lee.  You never did listen."

 

"Alright, Pa, enough of the damned lecture,"  Leander says.  "Will you loan me the money or not?"

 

"How much?"

 

"Fifty eight dollars and twenty-three cents."

 

"That's a lot of money."

 

"Best I can do is around.......forty,"  Charles says.  "I'm cash poor myself these days, just like everybody else around Tyler.  But I'll give you the forty, which is all I got because of my grandsons.  This is for them, Lee.  NOT for you."  Charles turns and walks away from Leander, leaving him hurt by his father's harsh words.

The Ewing farm....that night....

  Leander is sitting on his and Sarah's bed that night as he takes off his boots, then unbottons his shirt for bed.  Sarah walks into the bedroom.  

 

"Those boys did NOT wanna go to sleep tonight,"  she says. She looks at her husband, who appears to be staring off into space, deep in thought.  "Oh, Lee, honey, I know how upset you are about the things your Pa said to you today, but......"

 

"But he was right, Sarah,"  Leander says.  "If I had listened to him at the start of plantin' season, we wouldn't be in this mess."

 

"Lee......."

 

"Sarah, let's just get some sleep,"  Leander says.  "I've got a long day tomorrow.  Lot of work to get done."

 

Sarah sighs.  "Oh, Lee, WHY?  If we're just gonna have to move from here soon, why go on workin' and breakin' your back on this farm?"

 

"Because I always finish what I start, Sarah.  You know that about me."

 

"But how are you gonna finish what you started here when we're about to be kicked off this farm and into the road because of those damned property taxes?"

 

Leander stands to face his wife.  "Sarah, somehow, I am gonna find a way to pay the rest of those taxes.  Now, I know I've let you down before, but not this time.  I'll find a side job.  I'll ask Henry McCauley for a little more time."

 

"He won't give it to you,"  Sarah says.

 

"It won't hurt to ask.  I'll crawl, I'll beg, I'll work my tail off  I'll do anything and everything I have to do to keep a roof over your head and the boys' heads."

 

Sarah walks over to Leander and puts her arms around him.  She looks up at him and smiles.  "That's what I love about you, Leander James Ewing.  You're determination."

 

"It's more'n determination, Sarah.  It's my love for you and our boys that keeps me goin'."

 

Sarah kisses him and smiles.  "Well, since you've got such a big day ahead of you tomorrow, then, we should get some sleep."

 

"I love you, Sarah Ewing.  I've loved you from the very first moment I laid eyes on you."

 

"Are you serious?"  Sarah asks with a smile.  "As I remember it, I was the one who fell hard and heavy in love with YOU the first time I saw you.  It took you the better part of the next year before you even noticed me."

 

"Oh, I noticed you,"  Leander says.  "I was just playin' hard to get.  Now we'd best get some sleep."  Leander kisses his wife again, then he and Sarah quietly go to bed.  Sarah blows out the lamp beside her bed.

The Ewing farm....the next morning....

 Jason and Jock are doing their chores in the barn early the next morning when Leander opens the barn door and walks in.  "Mornin',"  he says to his sons.

 

"Mornin', Pa,"  Jason says.

 

"Mornin', Pa,"  says Jock.

 

 

 

 

"Well, you fellas sure are up and hard at work early this mornin'.  I know Christmas itn't comin' up soon, so, I can't imagine what the two of you are up to."

 

"We aint up to nothin', Pa,"  Jock says.

 

"Heck no," adds Jason.  "We just wanna help out."

 

Leander looks at the boys with a smile.  "And I thank you, both."

 

"Pa, can I stay home and worth with you today?"  Jason asks.

 

"Yeah, me, too?"  Jock asks.

 

"Nothin' doin'.  You boys have got school.  And your Ma should have breakfast on the table right now, so why don't you two go on in the house and get washed up."

 

"Okay, Pa,"  says Jason.  "C'mon, Jock."  The two boys walk past their father and start to leave the barn.  

 

"Jason,"  Leander calls to his older son.

 

"Yeah, Pa?"

 

"Hang on just a second, I wanna talk to you.  Jock, you go on in the house and get washed up for breakfast."

 

Jock nods, then turns and leaves the barn.

 

Leander walks over to Jason and places his hand on the boy's shoulder.  "Did I do somethin' wrong, Pa?"  Jason asks.

 

"No, Jason, you didn't do anything wrong.  I just wanted to talk to you a minute.  You know this situation we're facin' right now, with the farm?"

 

"You mean that we might have to move?"  

 

"Yeah.  Jason, I already told you, I don't want you worryin' about this,"  Leander says.  "I'm gonna take care of everything."

 

"I know, Pa."

 

"And, Jason, somethin' else.  Listen, son, I don't want Jock to know about how serious this is.  You haven't said anything to your little brother about it, have you?"

 

"No, sir.  But Jock knows somethin's bad wrong."

 

"Yeah, well, I still don't want him to know.  And like I said, I don't want you to worry about it.  Now you go on in the house and get washed up for breakfast."

 

"Okay.  I love you, Pa,"  Jason says, hugging his father.

 

"I love you, too, boy."

 

Jason looks up at his father and smiles.  He walks to the door and starts to leave the barn, but he turns back to Leander.  "You comin', Pa?"

 

"I'll be there in a minute,"  Leander says.

 

Jason nods, then walks out of the barn.  After Jason leaves, Leander smiles with pride at the little family he and Sarah have created.

 

A few minutes later, Leander walks into the house, where Jason and Jock are seated at the table, beginning their breakfast. and Sarah is placing a plate of biscuits on the table.  "Somethin' smells good,"  Leander says.

for this food.  We thank you for allowin' us to wake up and see another day.  I thank you for my fam'ly, and for all the many blessings you bestow on us every day.  We ask your guidance and your protection.  In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen."

 

"Amen,"  Sarah says.  "You boys hurry and eat your breakfast.  Don't want you bein' late for school."

 

"I don't mind bein' late.  I hate school," says Jock.

 

"Never mind, just eat your breakfast,"  Leander says as a knock comes at the door.  "Now who can that be?"  He asks.  

 

"Why don't we find out?"  Sarah asks.

 

"I'll get it,"  Jock says, getting up from the table.  The boy walks to the door and opens it to Leander's brother, Jesse Ewing.  "Uncle Jesse!"  Jock excitedly says.

 

"Hey, Jock, how ya doin'?"  Jesse asks, walking into the house.  "Mornin', y'all."

 

"Mornin', Jesse,"  Sarah says.  "Sit down and have some breakfast."

 

"Sarah made pork sausage, just the way Ma used to make 'em,"  Leander says.

 

"No, thank ya, Sarah, I'm fine."

 

"Well, little brother, what brings you over here this early?"

 

"I guess y'all hadn't heard the news,"  Jesse says.

 

"What news?"  Asks Sarah.

 

"No, we hadn't heard any news,"  Leander says.  "What is it, Jesse?  What's happened?"

 

"The United States has declared war on Germany.  President Wilson made the announcement last night."

 

"Oh my Lord,"  says Sarah.  

 

"Do you know why?"  Leander asks.

 

"Has somethin' to do with Germany violatin' its pledge not to wage submarine warfare against our ships.  I kinda feel like this has been a long time in comin'."

 

"What's it mean, Pa?"  Jason asks.

 

 Early in the afternoon, the tiny Northeast Texas town of Tyler, about 7 miles from Leander and Sarah Ewing's farm, is bustling with activity.  

 

 

A car is slowly moving through town, driven by a young man who is smiling and waving to the various residents of Tyler as he makes his way down the main street.  The young man pulls the Model T into a parking space and stops.  

The young man gets out of the car and looks around the town.  His eye falls on a beautiful young blonde woman walking down the street.  The young man smiles at her and tips his hat.  The young woman looks at him, then turns her head away as she goes into a store.  The young man approaches another man who is sweeping the sidewalk in front of a restaurant two doors down from the store.  "Good day to you, kind sir,"  the young man says.  

 

"Howdy.  What can I do for you, stranger?"

 

"I was wondering if you could tell me if how to get to the farm of a Mr. Jesse Ewing,"  the young man says.

 

"Jesse Ewing?"  The older man asks.  "Yeah, I sure can.  You go down the main street almost to the end, then you turn right on Old Mill Road.  You go about 8 miles out of town, and Jesse's farm will be the second one on your right.  Can't miss it."

 

"Thank you, sir."

 

"No problem, young man.  You a friend of Jesse's?"

 

"Oh, could you also tell me.......this restaurant......how is the food?"

 

"Best restaurant in Tyler,"  the man replies.  "Actually, it's the ONLY restaurant in Tyler.  But the food's real good."

 

"Thank you, I'll check it out for myself as soon as I do a little shopping.  Good day to you, sir."

 

"Yeah, good day, stranger,"  the man says.  He looks at the young man curiously as he goes down the street and into the little store the young woman had gone into earlier.  

 

Walking into the little store, the young man looks around until he spots the young woman.  He smiles as he looks her over, watching her as she picks up a few items to purchase.  Her arms full, the young woman starts to approach the counter to purchase her items when she suddenly drops them to the floor.  The young man immediately rushes to her assistance.  "Here, let me help you,"  he says as he begins picking her items up off the floor.

 

"Oh, thank you,"  the woman says.  "I'm afraid I was tryin' to carry too much."

 

"It's no problem, ma'am.  No problem at all.  Here, I'll carry this stuff for you."  The young man smiles, picks up her things, and carries them to the check out counter for her.  "There ya go, ma'am,"  he says, placing the things on the counter.

 

"Thank you again.  I don't know how I could ever repay you."

 

 

 

 

 

"Well, I can think of one way,"  the young man says.  "Let me buy you a cup of coffee or lunch at the little restaurant down the street."

 

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't,"  the young woman says.

 

"Come on, why not?  Just a cup of coffee and a little friendly conversation.  I just arrived in town and I'm afraid I don't know anyone around here yet, with the exception of yourself."

 

 

"Well, you don't actually KNOW me," she says.

 

"True enough, but, I sincerely hope we can change that.  So come on.......just a cup of coffee?  After all, I did help you with your packages, so you do sort of owe me."

 

The young woman looks at him and smiles.  "Alright, I suppose there's no harm in one cup of coffee."

A little while later....

The young man and woman are sitting at a table at the restaurant having coffee.  "Well, this seems like a nice place,"  the young man says.

 

"Oh, yes, it's lovely.  The food is really good, and it's also the only restaurant for another 20 miles or so."

 

"Okay, so what would you like?"

 

"I only have time for a cup of coffee."

 

"Sure I can't persuade you to have something to eat?  A roll, perhaps?"

 

"Thank you, but no,"  the young woman replies with a smile.  "I really do have to be going in just a minute."

 

The young man looks at her and smiles.  "Well, I do thank you for having coffee with me, and for being my first friend here in Tyler."

 

"You're very welcome, and thank you for the coffee," the young woman says as a waiter comes over to them carrying a pot.  

 

"Would you like some more coffee?"  The waiter asks.

 

"I'd love some,"  replies the young man.  

 

"No, thank you,"  says the young woman.  

 

"Come on, now,"  the young man says.  "Surely you have time for one more cup of coffee, or at least a couple of sips?"

 

The young woman laughs slightly.  "Alright.  Of course, I'll have some more coffee."

 

The waiter pours her coffee, then walks away.  

 

"You're very persuasive,"  she says.  "So what brings you to Tyler?  Are you a traveling salesman or something?"

 

"Now what on Earth makes you think that I'm a salesman?"  The young man asks.

 

"Well, you're certainly dressed like one, and you're very persuasive."

 

"Well, it just so happens, I am something of a salesman."

 

"I knew it.  I can always spot a salesman.  But, I'm sorry,  there's really nothin' I need.  I just bought all the things I have need of at the store."

 

"Darn, just my luck,"  the young man says.

 

The woman takes a sip of her coffee.  "Are you just travelin' through Tyler, or do you plan on stayin' here for a while?"

 

"I have some business here.  And then......who knows?  Depending on how I like your little town and its people, I just might stick around for a while."

 

"Then let me be the first to say welcome to Tyler.  And now, I really do have to go."

 

"Would you like for me to drive you home?"

 

"No, thank you, I have my buckboard outside."

 

"Buckboard,"  the young man says with a smile.  "In this new age of the automobile, it's sometimes difficult for me to remember that many people in these small towns still use a horse and buggy."

 

"Yes, well, around here, only the richest people are able to afford horseless carriages.  Thank you again for the coffee," the young woman says, getting up from her seat.  Maybe I'll see you around."

 

"Yes,"  the man says, getting up as well.  "Wait, you haven't even told me your name."

 

The woman looks at him and smiles again.  "You didn't tell me yours, either.  Why don't we just keep it a mystery until the next time we meet?  Good day."

 

The young man smiles as nods as she walks away.  He watches the young woman as she leaves the restaurant.  He retakes his seat.  "I think I'm going to like this little town very much."

Tyler Creek School....

  Meanwhile, the school children are having lunch and recess at Tyler Creek School just outside of town that afternoon.  Young Jock Ewing is sitting on a rock with another boy eating a sandwich his mother had packed for his lunch that morning when an older boy approaches them.  "Uh-oh,"  Jock's friend says.  "Here comes Tommy Jacobs."

 

Tommy walks up to Jock and the other boy.  "Whatcha eatin' there, Ewing?"  He asks.

 

"None of your business."

 

"Come on.  You know the drill.  You got another sandwich in that bag, give it here."

 

 

"Go fly a kite, Tommy.  I'm NOT givin' you my other sandwich."

 

Tommy grabs Jock by the shirt collar and pulls him to his feet.  "I said give it here."

 

"No way,"  Jock says.

 

"Okay, then you're gonna get it,"  Tommy says, drawing back his fist to hit Jock.  "This is your final warnin'.  Do I get that sandwich, or do I give YOU a knuckle one?'

 

Jock closes his eyes in preparation for getting punched.

"Last chance, Ewing,"  Tommy says.  "Do I get YOUR sandwich?  Or do you get MINE?"

 

Jock clinches his eyes shut more tightly.  Meanwhile, seeing what's happening from across the playground, Jason quickly runs over to aid his younger brother.  "Let my brother go, Tommy,"  Jason says.

 

"Oh yeah?  And what are YOU gonna do about it?" Tommy asks.

 

Jason steps closer to Tommy and shoves him.  Tommy quickly rebounds and pushes Jason, knocking the slightly smaller boy off his feet and to the ground.  Jason gets up and head butts Tommy in the stomach, tackling him to the ground.  The two boys wrestle around on the ground as the other children begin yelling and cheering on one boy or the other.  

 

Hearing the commotion, the teacher comes out of the school and sees the boys fighting, with the other students gathered around them cheering and yelling.  "Oh my goodness!"  She says, and runs out to the children.  "Stop it!  Stop it!"  The teacher says, making her way through the crowd of kids.  She grabs Jason and Tommy each by the arm and pulls the boys to their feet.  "Jason Ewing, Tommy Jacobs, that's ENOUGH!  Now what on Earth is this all about?"

 

"Tommy started it, Miss Webster,"  one little boy says.  "He was tryin' to take Jock's lunch."

 

Miss Webster sighs.  "Is that true, Tommy?  Honestly, I don't know what I'm gonna do with you.  This is the third fight this month.  I'm gonna have to inform your parents about this.  Yours too, Jason."

 "But I didn't start it, Miss Webster,"  Jason protests.

 

"Nevertheless, you were still fightin', and you know the rule we have against fightin' in my school.  I'll send a note home to your mother and father.  Alright, everyone, lunch is over.  Everyone back inside."

 

"Awwwww,"  comes the collective sighs and moans of disappointment from the children as they reluctantly follow their teacher back to the school.

 

As he passes by him, Tommy looks at Jason.  "This aint over yet, Ewing.  You got me in trouble, and I'm gonna get you."

 

"I hope your pa tans your hide good, Tommy Jacobs!"  Jock says.  

 

"Boys, let's go,"  Miss Webster calls back to them.  

 

Jason and Tommy angrily glare at each other, then follow Miss Webster and the other students back into the schoolhouse.  

The farm of Jesse and Susie Ewing....

 

Jesse Ewing is working on fixing his plow in his field when he looks up and sees his wife driving up on their buckboard.  Jesse tosses his hammer to the ground, and heads toward the house to meet his wife as she parks the rig in front.  Jesse walks over and helps her down from the buckboard, and Jesse's wife, Susie Ewing, turns out to be the young woman who had met the stranger in town earlier.  

 

"Thank you,"  Susie says as Jesse helps her down.

 

"You're welcome, my dear.  Have a good trip to town?"

 

"Yes, I did.  Did you get the plow fixed?"

 

"Nope,"  Jesse replies.  "I'm afraid there's no fixin' to that thing.  Gonna need a new one."

"Hello, Jesse,"  the young man says.  "Been a long time."

 

"Not nearly long enough to suit me," says Jesse.

 

The young man is about to say something else when he sees Susie.  "Well, hello again.  Never imagined I'd see you here."

 

"Neither did I,"  says Susie.

 

"Wait a minute,"  Jesse says.  "You two know each other?"

 

"This charming young lady and I met in town,"  the young man says.

 

"Yes.  Jesse, this gentleman is a travelin' salesman.  But how do you know him?"

 

"Susie, this aint no travelin' salesman," Jesse says.  "This is my brother, Ben."

 

"What?"  Asks a shocked Susie.  "Your brother?"

 

"Ben Ewing, ma'am," Ben says.  "And, Jesse, who might this lovely young lady be?"

 

"This lovely young lady is my wife, Susie."

 

"Your wife?"  Ben asks.  "Well, now, how about that?  My little brother married.  And to such a beautiful woman, too."

 

"Ben, what the hell are you doin' here after all these years?"  Jesse asks.

 

"Well, I just happened to hear that my whole family had moved here to this quaint little town of Tyler, so I figured it was about time I looked y'all up and said hello."

 

"After four years?  Why didn't you look us up when Ma died, or better yet, BEFORE she died?  Ma went to her grave not knowin' if you were alive or dead.  Or did you even know that your own mother died almost a year and a half ago?"

 

"Yes, I did hear about Ma.  That's one of the reasons I came, little brother.  I wanted to see Pa and to see my brothers again."

 

"Have you seen Pa yet?"  Jesse asks.

 

"No.  No, your place is my first stop."

 

"Well, as far as I'm concerned, you can just go see Pa, and then hit the road again.  Because I really don't care to see you, BIG BROTHER, and I think I'm speakin' for Lee, too."

 

"C'mon, Jesse,"  Ben says.  "Y'know, you and me, we were always close.  A hell of a lot closer than me and Lee were.  Or you and Lee, for that matter."

 

"Maybe growin' up, we were, but you messed that up.  Now I got work to do.  Ben, I really wish I could say it was nice seein' you again after four years, but........I can't."  Jesse turns and walks away, heading back to the field.  

 

Ben sighs.  "Well, I expect a chilly reception from my oldest brother Leander, and maybe even my father, but, I thought sure Ben would be happy to see me after all this time."

 

"Ben, what happened between you and Jesse?"  Susie asks.

 

"You mean he didn't tell you?"

 

"Not really.  They've barely even mentioned you since I married into the family.  Of course, I knew there was a middle brother, but, all I knew was that you left the family fold a few years ago, before your father and brothers moved here, and nobody ever said why."

 

"Nobody in this family ever understood me, Susie,"  Ben says.  "My father and my two brothers were content to remain poor dirt farmers all their lives, but not me.  I set my sights on becomin' a successful, and wealthy, businessman, and I achieved that success.  But my family just never did approve of my methods I used in attainin' that success.  Well, I'd best be movin' on and seein' the rest of my family.  It was real nice meetin' you, Susie.  My baby brother did real good for himself in choosin' a wife.  And I have to say that, I'm sorry my brother met you first.  You take care now."  Ben smiles at her, puts his hat on, and walks back to his car.  Susie watches him as he gets into the car and drives away.

 

As Ben is driving off, Susie walks out to her husband in the field.  "So, that was the Ben Ewing I've heard so LITTLE about,"  she says.

 

"Yep, that was him,"  says Jesse.  

 

"What happened, Jesse?  What happened to make Ben such an outcast with his own family?"

 

"Long story, Susie.  But don't let Ben charm you.  He's a snake.  He's never been anything but a liar and a cheat, and he's hurt just about everybody who's ever cared about him. The quicker he moves on, the better off we're all gonna be."

 

 

Leander and Sarah Ewing's farm....

Leander is pouring some water into a trough for his horses when he hears an automobile coming.  He sighs, thinking 

his unexpected visitor was probably Henry McCauley, the county commissioner he owed property taxes to.  As Leander watches the car approach, he realizes that the driver is not Henry McCauley.  Then, as the car draws even closer, Leander recognizes the driver is his younger brother, Ben Ewing, perhaps the only person he wanted to see even less than Henry McCauley himself.  

 

Ben drives up in front of his brother's house and parks his car.  Getting out, he looks around, then spots Leander by the barn.  Ben smiles, and walks over to him.  "Hello, big brother,"  Ben says.

 

"Ben.  You're about the last person I expected to see.  Or wanted to see.  What the hell are you doin' here?"

 

 

"Now, Lee, is that any way to greet your own brother after four years?"  Ben asks.

 

"Brother?  Some brother."

 

"Look, Lee, what happened was a long time ago."

 

"A long time ago?"  Leander asks.  "Ben, you cheated me.  Your own brother.  You cheated Jesse, and you tried to cheat Ma and Pa.  You'd do anything for money, even betrayin' your own family.  And then you didn't even bother to come to Ma's funeral, and I know you had to have heard that she died."

 

"Yes, I heard,"  says Ben.  "I just didn't think that I'd be welcome."

 

"Well, you're sure as hell not welcome now, so I'd appreciate it if you'd get off my property."

 

Meanwhile, Sarah comes out of the house.  Seeing her husband and Ben at the barn talking, she walks out to them.  "Ben?"

 

Ben turns to face her and smiles.  "Well, hello, Sarah.  You're just as beautiful as ever."

 

"Ben, what are you doin' here?"

 

"I was just about to explain that to my brother, here,"  Ben says.  "I came for two reasons.  First of all, I wanted to see my family again.  To reconnect with you all.  I'll bet those two little nephews of mine are growin' like weeds, huh?"

 

"You said there were two reasons you came,"  Leander says.  "What's the other?"

 

"Business.  Business with you, big brother."

 

"What the hell kinda business could we possibly have with one another?"  

 

"Lee, I understand that you're in a bit of a financial mess,"  Ben says.  "From what I hear, things are pretty bad for you, money wise."

 

"Now just where did you hear that?"  Leander asks.

 

"Word gets around.  That's why I'm here, to help."

 

"You're offerin' to help ME?  Why in the world would you wanna do that?"

 

"Because we're brothers.  I have an offer for you.  I represent a company called Gulf Western Industries.  And we're doin' some land developing in this area.  We'd like to buy your farm, Lee."

 

"You'd like to buy my farm?"  Leander asks.  

 

"That's right.  It's my understanding that you owe more than $50 in property taxes.  Gulf Western will pay those taxes, and pay you a very fair price for this land.  Enough money that you could buy you another piece of property somewhere else and start over, fresh."

 

"Why would you wanna buy this farm?  I mean, THIS farm in particular?"

 

"Not just this farm, Lee.  We're makin' the same offer to 3 more farmers right in this area,"  Ben replies.

 

"What does your company plan on doin' with all this land?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Developing it, and then we'd resell it."

 

"Probably at triple the price you'd pay the farmers for it, right, Ben?"  Leander asks.

 

"Well, not that much, but of course, we would be expectin' to make a small profit.  After all, that's what business is all about."

 

"Oh, of course,"  Leander says.  "Well, here's my answer......HELL NO."

 

"Lee, be reasonable,"  says Ben.  "You owe those taxes on this place.  That's money you don't have."

 

"What the hell have you been doin', Ben?  Checkin' up on me?  Checkin' into my finances?"

 

"That information itn't all that hard to find out, big brother.  Point is, if you can't pay those taxes, then you're gonna lose this place anyway.  My company will step in, pay the taxes, and own this farm.  You and your family will be out on the road.  Accept my offer, sell this farm to my company, and you'll come out very well off.  You can buy you another piece of land and build a farm on down the road a ways.  Maybe even one a little closer to Pa.  Sarah, you try talkin' some sense into this husband of yours.  I'm only tryin' to help you, Lee."

 

"Help me?  The only person you've ever been interested in helpin' is yourself.  So you can take your offer and shove it."

 

Ben looks at his brother angrily.

Meanwhile....

 

Jason and Jock are walking home from school, a sad Jason walking with his head down.  

 

"Pa's prob'ly gonna tan your hide for fightin',"  Jock says.  

 

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't have gotten in that fight with Tommy Jacobs if I hadn't been protectin' you," Jason says.  

Jock sighs.  "I know.  Jason.......I'm sorry."

 

"It's okay, don't worry about it,"  Jason says.  "Pa's got a lot on his mind.  Maybe he won't even notice."

 

"Thanks for stickin' up for me, Jason."

 

"It's okay, I said.  I'm your big brother.  I'd do it again. I tell ya, Jock, one day I'm really gonna let that mean ol' Tommy Jacobs have it."

 

As the boys make it to the top of the hill overlooking their farm, Jock looks down at the farm and sees his uncle's car parked in front of the house.  "Hey, Jason,"  he says.  "Look......at our house."

 

Jason looks down the hill and also sees the automobile.  "Looks like we got company."

 

"Who do you reckon it is?"  Jock asks.

 

"I dunno.  Might be that ol' Mr. McCauley.  Come on, Jock.  Let's go see who it is."  The two boys take off running down the hill to the farm.

 

"Lee, you're makin' a huge mistake,"  Ben Ewing tells his brother.  "Why don't you think about your wife and those two boys."

 

"I am thinkin' of Sarah and my boys,"  Leander says.  

 

"Obviously you're not, or you'd take me up on my offer.  Because it's like I said, if you don't come up with that tax money, you're gonna lose this place anyway, and you'll end up with nothin'.  Take the offer, sell to my company, and come out of this debt free, and with a big profit."

 

Just then, Jason and Jock arrive home and walk over to their parents and Ben.  "Pa,"  Jason says.  "Ma."

 

Ben turns and looks at the two boys.  "Well, now, don't tell me these two are my nephews.  Last time I saw you fellas, you were just babies.  You know who I am?"

 

"No, sir,"  Jason replies.  

 

 

"I'm your Uncle Ben, your Pa's brother."

 

"Really?  Uncle Ben?"  Jock asks.

 

"Your uncle was just leavin', boys,"  Leander says.  

 

Ben smiles and looks at his brother.  "I'm gonna give you til day after tomorrow to think about my offer.  But you better think long and hard before you say no and give up this chance, Lee.  To me the choice seems clear.........take my offer, go buy yourself another piece of land somewhere else, and live happily ever after, or, refuse, lose this farm of yours and have your whole family tossed out on the street.  Up to you.  Now, I must be goin'.  I'm gonna stop by and see our father.  Sarah, you try and talk some sense into this brother of mine.  Make him realize how dumb it would be to refuse this generous offer."  Ben smiles and winks at his two nephews, puts his hat back on, then goes back to his car.  Leander, Sarah, Jason, and Jock look on as Ben gets into his car and drives away.  

 

"Lee, what are you gonna do?  Are you gonna take Ben's offer?"  Sarah asks.

 

"I don't know.  I feel like we're caught between a rock and a hard place.  Ben is the last man on Earth I'd ever wanna do any kind of business with.  But if we don't sell..........Henry McCauley's gonna take this farm away from us anyway.  Looks like I don't have much choice.  I got some plowin' to do."  Leander walks past his wife and sons and heads toward the field.

 

"Pa, what's wrong?"  Jason asks as his father walks away.

 

"Shhh, hush up, now,"  Sarah says to the boy.  "Come on.  You boys on go on in the house and grab an apple.  Then do your homework."

 

 

 

"Let's go, Jock,"  Jason says.  The two boys go to the house.  Sarah watches her husband as he goes into the field and begins his plowing, worried about Leander, and puzzled about why he would even bother with plowing a field that, unless a miracle happens, will belong to someone else in a matter of days.

 

 

 

 

A home in Tyler....

 

A man pours a glass of brandy and hands it to Ben Ewing.  "So you think your brother might be willin' to sell?"  The man asks Ben.

 

"He doesn't have much choice,"  Ben replies.  "Either way, I think we'll end up with that land.  if my brother is unable to pay that property tax, then the farm becomes the property of Henry McCauley, and McCauley'd sell his own mother for the right price."

 

"Any chance your brother might be able to come up with the money he needs to pay those taxes?"

 

"Not a chance in hell.  My father loaned my brother every penny he had and it's still not enough.  The bank won't give him a loan, so he has no way to raise the rest of that money to pay his taxes."

 

The other man smiles.  "If only your brother knew the real reason why we want that farm of his.......because it's sitting on top of a huge pool of oil........I don't think he'd take too kindly to us, do you?"

 

Ben laughs.  "Oh, hell no.  My brother already hates my guts.  If he knew about this, he'd probably try and kill me."

 

"Then we're just gonna have to make damn sure that he doesn't find out,"  the other man says. 

 

"And that he sells us that farm before the deadline comes due on those taxes,"  says Ben.  Me and my brother may have had our share of problems, but I don't wanna see his wife and two little boys end up without a home, so I'd rather pay Lee for that land than to give one red cent to a snake like Henry McCauley.  Lee may hate me, but he's not stupid. I think he'll sell.  Especially when a couple of his neighbors start pressurin' him to do so."

 

"Well, let's hope so,"  the man says, taking a sip of his brandy.  "I'd hate to have to resort to anything drastic."

 

Ben looks at the man.  "Now wait a minute, Stanton,"  he says, standing to face the man.  "I don't like the sound of that.  I got no problem puttin' a little pressure on Lee to get him to sell, but that's IT.  I won't have any harm come to him or his family.  He's still my brother."

 

Stanton looks at Ben and smiles.  "Then you best make damn sure he sells, or pray that he can't raise the rest of that tax money.  Because one way or another, Ewing........I'm gonna have that land, and all the oil that's underneath.  One way........or another.  Now you run along.  Go visit your old man, or somethin',  I've got some thinkin' to do."

 

Ben hesitates for a few seconds, then nods and leaves the room.  After he's gone, Stanton sticks a cigar into his mouth and lights it.  He takes a long puff on the cigar and removes it, looking at it.  "Maybe I just ought to pay Ben's brother a little visit myself," he says, looking out the window, watching Ben as he gets into his car and drives off.  

The Ewing farm....that night....

  "What?  You mean Ben really wanted to buy this farm for the comp'ny he works for?"  Jesse Ewing asks as he, Leander, and their wives sit at the table in Leander and Sarah's house that night.  "But why?"

 

"I been askin' myself that same question ever since Ben left here this afternoon,"  Leander says.  Jason and Jock are listening to the adults talk from their bedroom.

 

"I mean, why THIS farm?  There must be a hundred others they could buy."

 

"He said they were interested in buyin' several farms around here,"  Leander says.  "Not just mine, but all my surroundin' neighbors, too."

 

"That doesn't make any sense,"  says Jesse.

 

"It didn't to me, either.  Ben claimed he was tryin' to help me out.  He knows about my problem of not bein' able to pay the tax on this place."

 

"You really believe that?"  Jesse asks.

 

"About as much as I believe pigs can fly," Leander replies.  Jesse, Sarah, and Susie laugh at the humorous comment.

 

"Now, wait a minute,"  Susie says.  "Maybe y'all are judgin' Ben too harshly.  Maybe's he's changed and he really IS tryin' to help you, Lee."

 

"Susie, you don't know Ben,"  Leander says.  

 

"Lee's right,"  Sarah says.  "Only person Ben Ewing ever helps is himself."

 

"My wife seems to have taken a likin' to our middle brother," says Jesse.

 

"I didn't say I liked him," Susie says.  "I just said maybe he's changed.  I mean he seemed real nice and charmin' when he came by the house."

 

"A snake oil salesman is also nice and charmin'," Jesse says.  "Lee, I'm real sorry you're in this mess.  You know if I had the money to give you for those taxes, I would."

 

Leander looks at his brother and puts his hand on Jesse's shoulder.  "I know you would, little brother.  And I appreciate it.  Don't worry.  I'll get that tax money somehow.  I went to see John Edwards this afternoon."

 

"Oh, so that's where you went before supper,"  says Sarah.

 

"Yeah.  John said he had some work he needed done.  Couple fences he needs mendin', stuff like that.  I've worked for him before and he pays decent."

 

"Lee, how in the world are you gonna be able to work over at Edwards's place and here, too.  You just plowed your field,"  Jesse says.

 

"I can do it.  Just long enough to raise the rest of that tax money."

 

Suddenly, Jason and Jock come running out of their bedroom.  "I can help, Pa,"  Jason says.  "Me and Jock both can!"

 

"You two were supposed to be in bed asleep an hour ago," Sarah says.

 

"We couldn't sleep,"  Jason says.

 

"So you were listenin' at what we were sayin'?" Jesse asks with a smile.

 

"Yes, we were,"  replies Jock.

 

"Hey, what's with that bruise on the side of your face?"  Jesse asks, looking at Jason.

 

 

"Oh, that happened at school,"  Jason replies.  "We were, uh, playin' ball, and I got elbowed in the face.  So can we, Pa?"  The boy asks with excitement in his voice.  "Jock and me are gettin' bigger, and we can plow and work the field and help Ma while you're workin' for Mr. Edwards!"

 

Jesse looks at his nephews and smiles.  "Well, now, there ya go," he says.  "Problem solved."

 

"You boys forget, you've got school."

 

"Aww, Ma, we can stay home from school and help," Jason says.

 

"Yeah, we can stay home," Jock echoes.

 

Leander laughs.  "These two would do ANYTHING to get out of goin' to school.  Boys, thanks, but, like I told you before.  I don't want you worryin' about this.  I'm gonna take care of this family, 'cause that's my job.  And it's your job to go to school."

 

"Lee, I can help," says Jesse.  "I can come over every afternoon and work your field."

 

"Jesse, I appreciate it but you got your own place to take care of,"  Leander says.

 

"It's all settled.  I don't wanna hear any more about it.  You'd do the same for me."

 

"Damn right, I would,"  Leander says, looking at his youngest brother with a smile.  "I'm glad to know I've got one brother I can count on."

The Ewing farm.....the next morning....

  "Jason!  Jock!"  Sarah Ewing calls to her sons from the kitchen.  "Hurry up or y'all are gone be late for school."

 

"Comin', Ma," Jason says, he and Jock rushing in from their bedroom.  

 

"Here's your lunch,"  Sarah says, handing both boys a brown paper bag.  

 

"Is Pa gonna go see Mr. Edwards today?"  Jock asks.

 

"Yes, he said he's goin' over this mornin' after he finishes all his chores here.  Now you hurry on to school."

 

"Bye, Ma,"  Jason says.  He and Jock kiss their mother on the cheek and then leave.

 

"You boys have a good day,"  Sarah says as the boys leave the house.  

 

Leander passes his sons in the front yard as he is heading into the house.  He gives both boys a quick hug, and they proceed on to school.  Leander stops on the front porch for a moment and watches his sons with a pride filled smile.  Once Jason and Jock are heading down the road toward school, Leander goes into the house.  "Guess I'm gonna head on over to John Edwards's place," he tells Sarah.

 

"Alright."

 

"Shouldn't take me more'n three days to earn the rest of that money to pay McCauley for the taxes.  Then things can get back to normal."

 

Sarah walks over to her husband.  "I sure hope so.  Lee, you look so tired.  I know you haven't been sleepin' well at night, worryin' about those taxes."

 

Leander puts his arms around her.  "Well, that's all about to be over,"  he says.  

Meanwhile....

Jason and Jock are walking slowly down the road toward school when an automobile passes them heading toward their farm.  The boys look at the horseless carriage with curiosity.  "Wonder who that was,"  Jock says.

 

"I dunno.  Somebody with money, I guess.  Like Uncle Ben."

 

"I wonder why Pa and Uncle Jesse hate him so much."

 

Jason sighs.  "I don't know, Jock."

 

The younger boy looks at his older brother.  "You never did tell Ma and Pa about that fight you had at school yesterday with Tommy Jacobs."

 

"No.  You saw how worried Pa was about losin' the farm.  I don't wanna add to his worry, so you keep quiet about that, ya hear."

 

"I aint gonna say nothin'."

 

"Good, because if you do, I'll pound you,"  says Jason.  "C'mon, we best get goin' or we're gonna be late.  And I'm already in enough trouble."

 

Jock nods, and the two brothers pick up the pace of their walking.

Back at the farm....

Leander is finishing a cup of coffee and is about to leave to go over to his neighbor John Edwards's farm to ask for work, when he and Sarah hear the sound of an automobile outside.  Husband and wife exchange looks.  "You reckon that's Ben comin' back?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Gotta be. Or Henry McCauley. I don't know nobody else around here with one of them contraptions.  I'll see."  Leander opens the door and walks onto his little porch and sees a man he doesn't recognize getting out of a car.  

 

"Well, good mornin', Sir," Stanton says, walking up to the porch.

 

"Mornin',"  says Leander.  "Can I help you with somethin'?"

 

"Yes, sir, I think you might could.  Are you Leander James Ewing?"

 

"Sure am.  And who are you?"

 

"Mr. Ewing, my name is George Stanton.  I own a company called Gulf Western Industries.  And I'd like to talk a little business with you about your place here.  You know, your brother, Ben Ewing, works for me."

 

"You can just saye your breath, Stanton,"  Leander says.  "My brother already came to me with your offer to buy my farm, and my answer's the same to you as it was to him.......not interested."

 

Stanton smiles.  "Mr. Ewing, from what I understand, you're about to lose this farm anyway because you can't pay your property tax.  Now wouldn't it be a whole lot easier, and better, for you if you'd just sell to me, take the money I'm gonna pay you and buy yourself another parcel of land someplace else?"

 

"I repeat my answer.........I'm not interested in sellin' to you or anybody else."

 

"Well, Mr. Ewing, come next week when I've paid off your taxes and own this farm, don't say I didn't try to make you a real fair offer."

 

"Mr. Stanton, I'd appreciate it if you'd get the hell off my property,"  Leander says, losing patience with the man.

 

"Fine, I'll go.  For now.  But a week from now I'll be back, and then it's you who's gonna have to get off MY property.  Or, hell, I could just go to ol' Henry McCauley and pay those taxes today and own this place by sundown."

 

Leander takes a step toward him as Sarah comes out of the house and onto the porch.  "Stanton, you've got about ten seconds to get back in that fancy contraption you came here in and get off my land, or I won't be responsible for what I'll do to you."

 

Stanton looks at him and smiles again, then lets out a slight laugh.  "I'll go.  But I WILL be back, Ewing."  Stanton turns and walks back to his car.  As he is about to get in, he pauses and looks back at Leander.  "You should've took me up on my offer, Ewing.  For the sake of your wife and those boys of yours.  Hate to see anything happen to them."

 

Angered by Stanton's threat, Leander starts toward him, but Sarah grabs him by the arm.  "Lee, no,"  she says.

 

"GET OFF MY LAND!"  Leander yells.

 

"Ma'am,"  Stanton says, tipping his hat to Sarah.  He gets back into his car and drives away as Leander and Sarah watch.

 

"Lee, who was that?"  Sarah asks.

 

"The man my brother Ben works for.  He's the one that wants this farm."

 

"Lee, what are we gonna do?"  Sarah asks.

 

"I'm goin' on over to John Edwards's place.  I'm gonna earn that money to pay those taxes if it's the last thing I ever do.  No way in hell are the likes of that Stanton and Henry McCauley gonna beat me.  And neither is Ben Ewing."  Leander kisses his wife, and Sarah watches with worry as Leander heads out to the barn and climbs onto the buckboard.  She begins to cry as Leander heads down the road toward their neighbor John Edwards's farm.

Henry McCauley's home....later....

  Henry McCauley is sitting on the spacious back porch of his antebellum plantation mansion just outside of Tyler when his maid comes to the door.  "Excuse, me, Mr. McCauley, sir?"

 

"Yes, what is it, Martha?"

 

"There's a gentleman here to see you, sir.  A Mr. Stanton."

 

"Stanton?  I don't know any Stanton,"  McCauley says.  

 

"Hey says it's real important."

 

"Alright, Martha, send him in."

 

The maid leaves the room.  A few seconds later, Stanton walks in.  "Mr. McCauley,"  he says.

 

"You wanted to see me?"  McCauley says, standing from his seat.  

 

"That's right."

 

"Do I know you?"

 

Jason and Jock are sitting at a pond a couple of miles from their family's farm fishing early in the afternoon, the boys having skipped school.  

 

"Think we're gonna get in trouble for not goin' to school today?"  Jock asks.

 

"I'm already in trouble for that fight the other day," says Jason.  "You should've just gone on to school.  You didn't have to come fishin' with me."

 

"Nah, I'd rather be fishin',"  Jock says.  A moment of silence follows as the young brothers continue fishing.  "Jason?"  Jock says, breaking the silence.

 

"What do you want?"

 

"You think we're gone have to move?"  

 

"What?"  Jason asks.

 

"You think we're gone have to move?"  Jock repeats his question.  "You think Pa's gonna lose the farm?"

 

"Jock, now Pa told us not to worry, that he was gone take care of everything.  He's workin' at ol' man Edwards's farm today to earn the money he needs to keep the farm.  Now stop worryin' about that.  Pa's gone take care of it, like he always does.  Now let's talk about somethin' else."

 

Jock sighs and lowers his head.  "You gonna tell Ma and Pa about the fight you got into at school?"

 

"No, and don't you say a word, either."

 

"Jason, they're gonna find out."

 

"How can they if we don't tell them?"  Jason asks.  

 

"What if they see Miss Webster and she tells them?"

 

"Jock, will you stop worryin' so much?  I swear, I aint never seen a 7-year-old worry as much as you do."

 

"Jason, ya got a bite!"  Jock says with excitement as a fish tugs at Jason's line.

 

"Looks like a big one.  Jock, help me!"  Jason says.

 

Jock quickly grabs hold of his brother's fishing pole and together, the two boys pull the large catfish in.  "Wow!"  Jock says, looking at the big fish.  

 

"Just look at him, Jock!  That's the biggest fish I ever caught!"

 

"Yeah, too bad you're gonna have to throw him back," says Jock.

 

"Are you crazy?  Throw him back?"

 

"Yeah.  If you take that fish home, how are we gonna explain it?  We're supposed to be at school, and not fishin'.  Remember?"

 

Jason sighs.  "Oh, yeah.  Darn.  Pa sure would've been proud if I'd have brought this one home.  Oh, well.  Maybe we'll come fishin' Saturday and I can catch him again."  Jason takes the hook out of the fish's mouth and looks at his catch, then he reluctantly throws it back into the water.  "Come on.  It must be almost 3.  Let's head home."

 

Jock nods his head, and the two boys stand to their feet.  

The farm of John Edwards....

Meanwhile, Leander is working hard at the farm of his neighbor and friend, John Edwards, plowing Edwards's field, when Edwards and his wife come out of their house.  While Mrs. Edwards climbs onto a buckboard wagon in front of the house, her husband walks out to the field where Leander is plowing.    "Lee,"  he says.

 

"John."

 

"Just wanna let you know that Martha and me are headin' into town for a while.  Anything ya need?"

 

 

"I appreciate it, John, but I'm just fine,"  Leander replies.

 

"Okay, well, we'll be back in a couple hours.  Take it easy, it's gettin' kinda hot out here.  Don't over do it.  You're lookin' a little tired.  You sure you're feelin' okay, Lee?"

 

"I'm feelin' fine, John.  Just a little tired."

 

"Lee, look, it's like I told you.  I'm in no hurry to get this field done.  I know you're workin' to make money to pay your taxes.  Now I could pay you now, and then you could come back and plow my field later."

 

"John, I appreciate that, but you know me well enough to know that I don't work that way,"   Leander says.  "I don't accept payment for work until I get the job done."

 

John nods.  "Well, the house is open and there's a big jug of water in the kitchen, so you just help yourself if you need anything.  See ya when we get back."

 

"Alright, and thanks, John."

 

 

 

 

John smiles, then turns and walks away as Leander returns to his work.  After John and Martha Edwards drive away on their buckboard headed for town, Leander suddenly stops in his tracks, a worried look on his face as he is suddenly stricken with a terrible pain in his chest.  He leans over for a moment, hoping the pain and tightness in his chest would pass. 

 

Meanwhile....

  Jason and Jock are walking slowly down a dirt road toward home.  Seeing some rocks in the road ahead, Jock runs to them and begins kicking the rocks down the road, easily amused by the little game.  Jason, however, seems annoyed. "Jock, would you stop kickin' that darn old can?"  Jason sternly asks.

 

"Jason what's the matter with you?"  Jock asks.  "You been grouchy all day.  You're actin' like Grandpa Ewing now."

 

Jason sighs.  "I'm sorry, Jock.  I'm just worried."

 

"Whatcha worried about?"

 

"What Ma and Pa are gonna say when they find out about that fight I got into the other day,"  Jason replies.  

 

"Pa's prob'ly gonna tan your hide so hard you won't be able to sit for a week.  Like he did when you set that fire in the barn last winter."

 

"That fire was an accident.  And stop bringin' that up."

 

"Can't help it,"  says Jock.  "It was funny, to me, anyway.  Pa sure didn't think it was funny."

 

Just then, Jason looks up and sees John and Martha Edwards's wagon coming down the road in the distance.  "Hey, it's Mr. Edwards, and his wife,"  Jason says.  

 

"I wonder if Pa's done workin' yet,"  Jock says.

 

The boys stop on the side of the road and wait until John Edwards's buck board pulls up beside them and John brings the horses to a stop.  "Well, now,"  John says.  "The Ewing boys.  Hello, boys."

 

"Hello, Mr. Edwards, Miz Edwards,"  says Jason.

 

"Afternoon Jason.  Jock,"  Martha Edwards says.  "You boys on your way home from school?"

 

Jason and Jock exchange nervous looks between them.   "Umm, yes, sir, we are,"  Jason lies.  

 

"Is Pa still workin' at your place, Mr. Edwards?"  Jock asks.

 

"Why, yes he is, son,"  John replies.  "Why don't you boys just stop by our place and say hello to your Pa?  I'm sure he could use a break right about now."

 

"Thanks, Mr. Edwards, we will,"  Jason says.

 

"Well, you fellas take care,"  says John says.  

 

"Bye, Mr. and Miz Edwards," Jason says as the older couple drive away.  Jason and Jock watch the Edwards' for a moment as their buck board makes its way down the dusty dirt road.  "Come on, Jock.  Let's go by and see Pa,"

A few minutes later....

Jason and Jock walk into the Edwards's front yard.  "Pa must be in the field,"  Jason says, running on ahead of his little brother, with Jock rushing to catch up.  When Jason and Jock reach the partially plowed field, they suddenly stop short when they are greeted by the sight of their father laying face down in the middle of the field. 

 

"Jock, look!  IT'S PA!"  Jason says.  The two small boys quickly run to their father.  "PA!  PA!"  Jason exclaims, kneeling beside an unconscious Leander.

 

"Jason, what's wrong with Pa?"  Jock asks.

 

"I don't know!  Jock, run and get help!  GO!  HURRY!!"

 

Jock immediately takes off running across the field toward the road as Jason sits by his father, crying, terrified that 

his father was dying.

 

With a frantic Jason riding in back of Jesse's wagon with his father and Jock sitting on front of the buck board with his uncle, Jesse was rushing Leander home while Susie took one of Jesse's horses and rode into town to get the doctor.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ewing farm.....that evening....

  Later, Leander is in his bed, as Tyler's only resident physician, Dr. Joe Snider, is examining him.  "Take a deep breath," the doctor says, placing his stethoscope on Leander's chest.  Leander takes a deep breath in, then releases it and winces in pain.  "Okay, now just relax and let me listen to your heart."

 

Sarah watches impatiently as Dr. Snider listens to her husband's heart, a look of concern on his face.  Dr. Snider puts down his stethoscope and sighs deeply.

 

"Dr. Snider, what is it?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Sarah, let's talk in the next room,"  Dr. Snider says.  "Lee, you get some rest."  The doctor and Sarah walk into Jason and Jock's bedroom.  

 

"Doctor, please, tell me,"  Sarah says,  "What's wrong with my husband?"

 

Dr. Snider removes his glasses and looks at her.  "Sarah, Leander has had a heart attack."

 

"What?  A heart attack?  But, Lee is so young.  He's only 36."

 

"That doesn't matter,"  Dr. Snider says. "A heart attack can happen at any age, even in seemingly healthy young men."

 

"Is he going to be alright?"  Sarah asks.

 

"I think so.  Fortunately, this was a fairly mild one.  However, if Leander has another attack.......it could be fatal."

 

"What can we do for him?"

 

"What Leander needs now is rest,"  Dr. Snider replies.  "And I do mean COMPLETE rest.  He should stay in bed for at least a week.  After that, he can get up and walk a little, but he'll have to take it easy for quite some time to come.  And Sarah, Lee will have to avoid stress at all costs.  I know your husband pretty well, and Leander Ewing is the hardest working man I've ever known.  But from now on, he'll have to cut back."

 

Sarah nods.  "Of course."

 

"Sarah, I can't emphasize this enough..........Leander is going to HAVE to avoid undue stress and worry.  You might wanna tell the boys not to play close to the house to keep down noise.  What he needs right now is rest."  Dr. Snider reaches into his medical bag and pulls out a bottle of pills.  "I'm leaving these with you.  Make sure he gets one every morning.  If anything changes, let me know."

 

"Yes, I will."

 

Dr. snider puts his hat on, and he and Sarah walk into the larger main room of the small house, where Leader's father, Charles Ewing, is sitting at the table, drinking a cup of coffee.  Charles gets up from his seat when Sarah and the doctor come into the room.

 

The doctor goes to the door, then turns back to Sarah.  "I'll be back and check on Leander sometime tomorrow afternoon."

 

"Thank you, Dr. Snider,"  Sarah says. 

 

"Appreciate it, Doc,"  says Charles. 

 

The doctor nods.  "Mr. Ewing," he says, then leaves. 

 

Sarah closes the door behind Dr. Snider, then lays her head against the door as she struggles to hold back her tears.  

 

"What'd the Doc say, Sarah?"  Charles asks.

 

"Lee's had a heart attack."

 

"What?  A heart attack?  But, how's that even possible?  My son's a healthy, vigorous young man."

 

"Yes.  A healthy, vigorous young man who's worked himself into a heart attack at 36.  Dear God, Pa, what are we gonna do?"  Sarah asks, her tears finally beginning to flow.  "My husband has had a heart attack, and if we don't come up with the rest of that property tax money, we're gonna be without a home in just a couple of days."

 

"Sarah, that's not gonna happen,"  Charles says.  "My son and me have had our problems, but, you know that you, Lee, and the boys always have a home with me at my place."

 

"I know.  But THIS is our home."

 

Charles walks over to his daughter-in-law and embraces her.  "If I had the rest of that money, you know I'd give it to you,"  he says.

 

"I know.  We'll get by somehow.  We always do."  Sarah looks at her father-in-law and wipes her tears.  Where are the boys?"

 

"Jesse and Susie are keepin' 'em busy out in the barn."

 

"Could you look in on Lee?"  Sarah asks.  "I have to go and tell the boys about their father."

 

Charles nods, and Sarah slowly turns and leaves the house.

  

Meanwhile, as Jesse and Susie are playing a game with Jock in the barn to keep him occupied, Jason is standing near the barn door looking out toward the house, tears running down the little boy's face.  

 

Jesse looks up at his older nephew.  "Hey, Jason, why don't you come play with us?"

 

"No, Uncle Jesse.  I just wanna know about Pa."

 

"Sweety, your Ma will let us know as soon as she can,"  says Susie. 

 

"Why did we have to come out here?"  Jason asks.  "Why couldn't we be in the house and hear what the doctor has to say?"

 

"Uncle Jesse?  Is Pa gonna die?"  Jock asks.

 

"A heart attack?  No....not Pa,"  Jason cries.  

 

"Do you know what a heart attack is, Jason?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Yes.  Billy Ferguson's grandpa had a heart attack, and he died."

 

Sarah walks over to her son and places her hands on his shoulders.  "Sweetheart, your Pa is not going to die.  Not as long as he takes it easy and does what the doctor tells him to do."

 

"Sarah, you know you can count on me and Susie to help any way we can,"  says Jesse.

 

"I know, and thank you, Jesse."

 

"I have an idea,"  Susie says.  "Why don't Jesse and I take the boys for a while, until Lee gets back on his feet."

 

"It would give Lee a little peace and quiet to recover,"  says Jesse.

 

"NO,"  Jason adamantly says.  "I wanna stay here.  I'm not leavin' Pa."

 

"Jason, it wouldn't be for long,"  Sarah says.

 

"No, Ma.  I wanna stay here."

 

Sarah looks at the boy, then wipes his tears with her hand.  "Alright, Jason.  You can stay here and help me.  But Jock, I do think that you should spend a few days with your Uncle Jesse and Aunt Susie."

 

"Sarah, I hate to bring this up right now, but, what are you gonna do about Henry McCauley and the rest of that tax money?  Lee never finished the job for ol' man Edwards."

 

"I know,"  Sarah says.  "But, maybe if I went to him........John Edwards is a good man, a FAIR man.  Maybe he would.... "

 

"You know my brother'd never go for that,"  says Jesse.  "But I do have an idea.  First thing tomorrow, I'll finish the work Lee started for John Edwards, and he can pay me the money."

 

"Jesse, I really appreciate that, but you've got your own farm to take care of.  And you're in the middle of plantin'.  I can't ask you to take on a big job like that on top of everything else.  I guess the only thing I can do is go to McCauley and ask for an extension on the deadline to pay those taxes.  Sure he wouldn't put us out with Lee so sick."

 

"I wouldn't bet on that,"  Jesse says.  "Henry McCauley is one low down son of a........"  Jesse stops before he finishes his sentence when he realizes Jason and Jock are still there.  

 

"I have to get back to the house to check on Lee,"  Sarah says.  "You boys come on in.  Jock, you have to get some things together if you're gonna stay with your Uncle Jesse and Aunt Susie."  

 

Sarah takes Jock and Jason by the hand and they leave the barn together as Jesse and Susie look on.  

 

"I feel so bad for them,"  Susie says.  "Jesse what are they gonna do if Henry McCauley won't hold off on that tax payment?"

 

"I dunno, Susie.  But I have to do somethin'.  All my life, my big brother's been there for me, and now it's my turn to do somethin' for him.  I'll get Lee that money he needs."  Jesse puts his arm around his wife's waist.

Tyler Hotel....the next morning....

  Ben Ewing is finishing up getting dressed in his room at the Tyler Hotel the next morning when someone knocks on his door.  "Just a minute,"  he says as he finished putting on his bow tie.  Ben goes to his door and opens it.  To his surprise, he finds that his early morning visitor is Jesse.  "Well, this is sure a surprise."

 

"Can I come in?"  Jesse asks.

 

"Of course,"  Ben says.  He steps aside.  Jesse walks into the room, and Ben closes the door behind him.  "Well, what can I do for you, little brother?"

 

"I need to ask a favor, Ben."

 

"A favor?  From ME?"  Ben asks with a smile.  "Wow.  Must be somethin' real important, considerin' the way you basically ordered me off your land the other day.  You in some kinda trouble, Jess?"

 

"No, I'm not in any kind of trouble.  But I do need to ask for a loan."

 

"A loan?  You're askin' ME for money?  How much?"

 

"Eighteen dollars and twenty-three cents,"  Jesse replies.  

 

"Eighteen dollars and twenty-three cents?  Hmmm.  Now, why does that amount sound so familiar?"  Ben asks, walking across the room.  He pauses, then turns back to Jesse.  "Oh, yes.  If memory serves me, that's the exact amount Lee needs to pay his property taxes after Pa already gave him the rest.  So, did big brother send you here to beg for him?"

 

"No.  Lee doesn't even know I'm here."

 

"Lee was even less happy to see me  than you were, Jesse, and even less hospitable.  So why should I give money to either one of you?  I use the term 'give' because, let's face it, if I did let you have that money for Lee, there's no chance in hell I'll ever see a dime of it back."

 

"I'll pay you back myself,"  Jesse says, an angry tone in his voice as he is having to swallow every bit of pride within him to beg to the brother he can't stand.

 

"So Lee doesn't know you're here, huh?  How do you think he'll feel if he were to find out that you came beggin' to me on his behalf?  Especially given the fact that he hates my guts.  Well, I'm sorry, little brother.  If Lee really needs and wants that money so desperately, then he's gonna have to come to me and ask for it himself."

 

"He can't do that,"  Jesse says.

 

"Can't?  More like he WON'T.  Well, again, I'm sorry.  But no.  You go back and tell Lee that I'll loan HIM the money. But only if he comes and asks me himself."

 

"Y'know what, Ben, just forget it.  Forget I even came here and asked you to have some compassion and help your own family,"  Jesse says.

 

"My family?"  Ben asks.  "My FAMILY?  For the last four years my family has treated me like scum."

 

"Because you ARE scum!  I should've known better than to come here expectin' you'd be any different than you've always been.  And not that you even deserve to know, but Lee couldn't come here himself even if he wanted to.  For your information, our brother had a heart attack yesterday, and he's bedridden.  And unless he can pay his property taxes, he, Sarah, and those two kids are gonna be thrown out of their home in just a couple of days.  Not that you'd give a damn."

 

"What?"  Ben asks.  "Lee's had a heart attack?"

 

"That's right.  Now you're gonna pretend you actually care?"

 

"Of course, I care.  Lee is still my brother.  Jesse, how is he?"

 

"He's gonna live, but the doctor said he should avoid gettin' upset.  Kinda hard to do when you're about to lose your home and everything you've worked for.  But I guess that's not your problem, is it, BROTHER?"  Jesse angrily leaves the room.

 

"My God,"  Ben says after his brother leaves.  He pauses for a moment as he tries to digest the news Jesse has just given him.  After several seconds, Ben grabs his hat and rushes out of the room.  

George Stanton's home....a little while later....

 

"Ewing, come in,"  George Stanton says as he welcomes Ben into his home in Tyler.  

 

"Mr. Stanton, we have to talk," Ben says.

 

"I'm glad you're here, Ewing. I was gonna give you a call in a little while.  I want you to pay another visit to your brother."

 

"Well, my brother is the reason I'm here."

 

"Oh?"  Stanton asks.  

 

"Look, Stanton, we're gonna have to hold off on tryin' to get my brother's farm,"  Ben says.  

 

Stanton turns and looks at him.  "What?  Hold off?  You've gotta be kiddin'.  Why in the hell would I wanna hold off?"

 

"Because I just learned that my brother suffered a heart attack yesterday."

 

"A heart attack?  Is that right?  Well, now, that's too bad."

 

"Then you'll hold off on takin' the farm?"  Ben asks.

 

"No, Benjamin, I won't,"  Stanton replies.  "The process has already been set in motion.  I already paid the tax on your brother's farm, so, I effectively own that little oil rich piece of land.  All the remains is takin' possession of my property."

 

"Look, Mr. Stanton, my brother is in a bad way right now, and....."

 

"A bad way?  Well, now, from what you've told me, you and your older brother don't exactly have the best relationship.  In fact, you pretty much told me that he hates your guts."

 

 

"Despite our rather strained relationship, Lee is still my brother,"  Ben says.  "I don't wanna see him and his family thrown out of their home when he's laid up from a heart attack."

 

Stanton smiles.  "I admire your sudden burst of family loyalty.  Or, is it a sudden attack of conscience?"

 

"It's family.  I'm willin' to do anything you ask of me, but just hold off on takin' my brother's farm away from him until he's back on his feet."

 

"And just how long do you think that'll be?"  Stanton asks.

 

"I have no idea."

 

"Could be a month, two months, six months, or even a year.  I can't wait that long.  I plan to start drillin' that oil on your brother's place before the end of next month."

 

"Stanton, please, I'm askin' you......."

 

"Sorry, Ewing, but no deal,"  Stanton says.  "If you wanna help your brother, then go help him and that pretty little wife of his start packin' up all their belongings."

 

"I'm not gonna let you get away with doin' this, Stanton,"  says Ben.

 

Stanton looks at him.  "You WHAT?  You're not gonna let me get away with this?  Ewing, do I have to remind you that you work for ME?  I'm willin' to forget this little conversation ever happened and let you keep that cushy job and nice salary I'm payin' you, if you get the hell out of here right now and do what I asked.  Now go."

 

Ben lowers his head and remains silent for a moment.

 

"Ewing, I said get the hell out of my house.  You might wanna go and inform your brother of what's happened.  I think the news will be better comin' from you.  And I'll be in touch."  Stanton turns and walks across the room to a mirror and begins straightening his tie.  

 

Ben looks at the man for a few seconds, then angrily turns and leaves.  A minute later, Ben exits the stately home and walks onto the front porch.  He puts on his hat, an angry look on his face.  He pauses for a second, then nods, realizing what he has to do.  A slight smile comes to Ben's face, and he quickly leaves.  

The Ewing farm....later....

  While Leander sleeps, Sarah gently wipes her husband's face with a wet wash cloth as Susie fixes lunch in the next room.  When lunch is finished, Susie puts three plates on the table, and walks into Leander and Sarah's bedroom.  "Sarah,"  she says.  "I have lunch ready."

 

"Thanks, Susie."

 

 

"How is he?"  Susie asks.

 

"Sleeping soundly.  Doc Snider says that rest is the best thing for him."

 

Susie looks at her sleeping brother-in-law.  "I'm sure that's right."

 

"I really appreciate everything you and Jesse are doin' for us right now.  Takin' care of Jock, and Jesse finishin' Lee's work in the field."

 

"It's the least we can do, after all you and Lee have done for us," Susie says, Sarah noticing a hint of sadness in her voice.

 

"Susie, is everything alright with you and Jesse?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Am I that obvious that I've got somethin' on my mind?"  

 

"Yeah, you are.  You worried about us gettin' involved in the war in Europe?  Worried that Jesse's gonna be called to fight?"

 

"Worried?"  Susie asks.  "No, I'm not worried.  I'm scared to death.  Sarah, I need to tell you somethin'.  I need to tell SOMEBODY, or I'll just burst."

 

"Susie, what is it?"  Sarah asks.  She looks at her for a second, then gasps.  "Oh my Lord.  You're gonna have a baby, aren't you?"

 

Susie is shocked.  "Yes.  Sarah, how did you know?"

 

"Because you're glowin'.  Another woman can tell.  Oh, Susie, I'm so happy for you.  How did Jesse take the news?"

"Help?"  Jesse asks.  "The day you come to help will be the day they have a blizzard in hell."

 

"This doesn't even concern you, Jesse, so why don't you just mind your own damned business?"

 

"Why don't you make me?" Jesse angrily asks, taking a step toward his brother.

 

"Oh, HELL, will you two boys just KNOCK IT OFF?" Charles says sternly.  "Ben, tell 'em what you told me, and Jesse, you'll damned well listen to what your brother has to say!"

 

Jesse and Ben look at each other.  "Sarah, I'm afraid I've got some bad news,"  Ben says.  "The man I work for, George Stanton, owns the deed to this ranch."

 

"What?  Ben, what are you sayin'?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Stanton paid the property taxes to McCauley, who turned around and gave Stanton the deed to your farm.  He's plannin' on takin' ownership of the property soon."

 

"Good Lord,"  says Susie.

 

"I can't believe it,"  says Sarah.  "After all that Lee has gone through, all the work that put him in that bed in there, and we lose the farm anyway?"

 

"Did you know about this?"  Jesse asks his brother.  

 

"No.  Not until just a little while ago," Ben replies.

 

"You're lyin'!"  Jesse says.  

 

"Jesse....."  Charles says.

 

"Pa, why should we believe him?  After everything he's done, why should we believe that he didn't know what Stanton was doin'?  He works for the man!"

 

"Jesse, I promise you, I did NOT know,"  Ben says.

 

"He's tellin' the truth, son,"  says Charles.  "Ben, tell 'em the rest."

 

"It may seem like Stanton has won, but I think I have a plan that just might stop him and get this farm back for Lee and Sarah."

 

"Ben, what kind of plan?"  Sarah asks.  

 

At that moment, Leander, who has woken up and gotten out of bed, appears in the bedroom doorway.  "Wha.....what's goin' on here?"  He asks in a weak voice.  "What the hell is he doin' in my house?"  Leander asks, looking at Ben.

 

Sarah rushes to her husband.  "Lee, what are you doin' out of bed?"

 

"I heard loud voices, and I wanna know what that skunk is doin' in this house....."  Leander manages to say before he collapses to the floor.  

 

"Lee!"  Sarah yells.

 

Jesse rushes to his brother.  "I'll get him back to bed,"  he says.  "Come on, Lee."  Jesse and Sarah manage to help a very weak Leander to his feet, and Jesse carries his brother back into the bedroom, Sarah following. 

 

A moment later, Sarah returns.  "Alright, Ben, I'm listenin'.  What is this plan of yours to stop Stanton from takin' our farm?"

 

Before Ben can answer, Jesse comes back into the room.  "Sarah, you're not gonna listen to this guy, are you?"

 

"Jesse, I wanna hear what he has to say."

 

"What have you got to lose by listenin' to me?"  Ben asks.  "Stanton already owns this farm.  I just wanna help Lee and Sarah get it back."

 

"So tell us,"  says Sarah.  

 

"As an employee of Gulf Western Industries, I have access to all of Stanton's files.  His company files, and........and I believe I can gain access to his personal files."

 

"So?"  Sarah asks.  

 

"I happen to know that George Stanton has been involved in some pretty shady business dealings, and there are records of those deals in his files."

 

"Deals you've been involved in, no doubt,"  says Jesse.

 

"Always ready to believe the worst in me, eh, little brother?"  Ben asks.

 

"Ben, I don't understand,"  Sarah says.  "So what?"

 

"I can use that information in those files to........bargain with Stanton.  To force him to relent and sign the farm back over to you.  As bad as he wants this land, I think stayin' out of prison is more important to him."

 

"The information in those files can send Stanton to prison?"  Susie asks.

 

"Oh, yes.  For at least the next 20 years."

 

"Why does this Stanton guy want this farm so bad?"  Jesse asks.  "There's a lot of land around here, and people who'd be willin' to sell.  So what's so special about THIS particular farm?"

 

Ben looks at his brother and smiles.  "I guess he just likes the location and the scenery around here."

 

"That's not important right now,"  Charles says.  "What IS important is forcin' Stanton to return this land to its rightful owner, Lee."

 

"Ben, if you think this will work, and, if you can get our farm back for us, I'll be eternally grateful to you,"  Sarah says.

 

Ben nods to her.  "Then I'd best get busy, and get back to our main office, where Stanton's files are kept.  I'll be in touch real soon."  Ben turns and starts to leave.

 

"Ben,"  Jesse says.  

 

"Yes?"  Ben asks, stopping at the door.  

 

"Why are you doin' this?"

 

"Because despite what you think of me, Jesse, and despite what Lee thinks.......he's still my brother,"  Ben says, then quickly leaves.  

 

Charles Ewing looks at his youngest son.  "Your brother's tryin' to do the right thing here, Jesse.  I believe he deserves a second chance from all of us."

 

"I just pray to God this works and that Ben can help us,"  says Sarah.  "Lee loves this farm, and we've finally found a place to raise our boys.  I honestly think losin' this farm would flat out kill Lee,"  Sarah goes back into the bedroom where Leander is back in bed and sleeping again.

Gulf Western Industries, Longview, Texas....that night....

  Ben unlocks the door of a darkened office at his company's headquarters late that night.  Opening the door, he and a young woman walk into the office.  "Caroline, I really wanna thank you for doin' this,"  Ben says, quietly.  

 

A heavy downpour of rain is falling on the Ewing farm the next morning, and occasional rumbles of thunder can be heard in the distance.  Inside the little wooden farmhouse, Sarah is setting the table for breakfast.    After finishing the table, she walks to her and Leander's bedroom door and looks in.  Leander is still asleep.  Sarah walks over to his bed and gently touches his forehead, then she pulls the quilt over him.  Sarah looks around and sees Jason

"If you really believe that, then why were you cryin' last night?"  Jason asks.  

 

"Oh, Jason, I was just......I just lost control for a moment.  Sometimes us women do that."

 

"Is Pa really gonna be okay?"

 

"Yes, Jason.  Your  Pa's as tough as they come.  He's gonna be just fine."

 

"But what's Pa gonna do about the farm?  Is Mr. McCauley gonna make us move?"

 

"Jason,"  Sarah says, then she pauses and looks at her son.  "Come, let's go in the next room so we don't wake your father."

 

Jason nods, and he and Sarah leave the bedroom.  Sarah closes the door behind them.  

 

"Jason, sit down,"  Sarah tells the boy.  Jason obeys and takes a seat at the table.  Sarah sits down beside him.  "Sweetheart, I think that you're old enough now to be told the truth.  Jason, there is a good chance that we may have to leave this farm."

 

"But, where will we go?"  Jason asks.

 

"Your Grandpa Ewing has offered to let us stay at his house for a while, until we can find another place of our own."

 

"But, I don't wanna go to Grandpa's.  I like it here."

 

"I know.  We all do.  But, Jason, home is wherever we're all together.  Me, you, your father, and Jock.  And speaking of your little brother......Jason, I don't want you to tell Jock anything about this when you see him today.  You're a big boy now, but Jock is a little young to understand.  So I don't want you to say anything, alright?"

 

"Don't worry, Ma, I won't say nothin' to Jock."

 

Sarah looks at him and smiles.  "Good.  I knew you'd understand.  Jason, I want you to be brave and strong now, for your little brother, and for your Pa.  He's gonna need you to be strong now."

 

"I will, Ma,"  Jason says, reaching over and hugging his mother's neck tightly.  "I'll be strong, like Pa."

 

"I know you will, Jason,"  Sarah says, holding her son close to her, a worried look on her face as she frets over her family's plight.  

Jesse and Susie Ewing's home....

  Jock is sitting at the table in Jesse and Susie's kitchen that morning while Susie is preparing breakfast.  Jesse comes out of the bedroom.  "Mornin',"  he says, walking over to his wife and greeting her with a kiss.  

 

"Mornin',"  Susie says.  

 

"Can't believe I overslept like that," says Jesse, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

 

"You were exhausted last night, so I didn't wake you early."

 

Jesse takes a seat at the head of the table and looks at his small nephew seated beside him.  "You're awful quiet this mornin', Little John."

 

"Uncle Jesse, how come you always call me Little John?"  The boy asks.

"Jess,"  Ben says.  

 

"Ben."

 

"You got some news about Stanton?"  

 

"Better'n that, little brother," replies Ben.  "We got Stanton right where we want him, but we gotta hurry.  I went by Stanton's place on my way over here, and his maid said he was already headed out to Lee's place."

 

"Damn.  We best get over there,"  Jesse says.  He goes back into the house, where Susie gives him a curious look.  "Susie, I gotta go somewhere with Ben.  I should be back soon."

 

Susie nods.  Jesse grabs his hat and quickly leaves the house again.

 

"Okay, let's go,"  Jesse tells his brother.  He and Ben get into Ben's car and the two drive off, headed for their older brother's farm to stop George Stanton from taking the property.  

The Ewing farm.....a few minutes later....

  Sarah is coming out of her and Leander's bedroom when she hears the sound of an automobile driving up outside.  She quickly closes the bedroom door, composes herself, and then walks out of the house and onto the front porch as George Stanton is stepping out of his car. 

 

Stanton looks at Sarah and smiles.  "Morning, Mrs. Ewing,"  he says.  "I'm George Stanton."

 

"Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Stanton."

 

"Fine.  First of all, Mrs. Ewing, let me say that I heard about your husband's heart attack, and I am very sorry.  But despite your family's misfortune, I am here to inform you that I now own the deed to this here property.  I paid the taxes in full that your husband owed on this land, and therefore, this farm is now mine."

 

"Mr. Stanton, my husband is sick in bed, and he can't be moved,"  Sarah says.  

 

"For how long?"  

 

"I'm not sure.  Possibly for several weeks."

 

"Well, I'm just as sorry as I can be to hear that, Mrs. Ewing, but I can't wait that long.  You see, I've got plans for this here farm, and I'm gonna need to take possession of it immediately."

 

"But Mr. Stanton, if my husband is moved, it could seriously jeopardize his heath."

 

"Like I said, I'm real sorry for your family's misfortune, but I paid the property tax on this farm, and I now own the deed to this land," Stanton says.  "Your family has until sundown to vacate my property."

 

Meanwhile, from his bed, Leander can hear Stanton talking to Sarah outside.  Hearing that Stanton had come to take possession of the farm, Leander realizes that he has to do something.  Using every bit of strength he can muster, Leander struggles to get out of bed.  As he attempts to stand to his feet, Jason comes into the bedroom.  

"Pa, what are you doin'?"  Jason asks.  "Get back in bed."

 

"I can't, son,"  Leander says.  "Got business to take care of."

 

"But Pa!"

 

"Jason, just go to your room.  Go on, now, do like I tell ya."

 

Reluctantly, the boy does as his father has instructed and goes to his bedroom.  Leander scrambles to put on his pants, then he stumbles out of the bedroom.  A moment later, he walks onto the front porch beside his wife.

 

"Stanton, you get the hell off my land,"  Leander says.

 

"Lee, dear God, what are you doing out of bed?"  A frantic Sarah asks.  

 

"I heard this man out here sayin' he was here to take our land away."

 

"Mr. Ewing, I own the deed to this property,"  Stanton says.  "I paid the property taxes that you owed, and now this farm is mine.  And since you're obviously well enough to be on your feet, then you're well enough to vacate my property by sundown."

 

"My family and I aren't goin' anywhere, Stanton,"  Leander says.

 

"Lee, PLEASE, go back to bed,"  Sarah says.

 

"Oh, but you ARE getting off my land, Ewing,"  says Stanton. "I'll have the sheriff here this evening to see that you do."

 

Leander is about to say something, when the sound of another automobile can be heard in the distance.  Leander, Sarah, and Stanton all look toward the road and see Ben's car coming.  Ben drives up in front of the house and comes to a stop behind Stanton's car.  Ben and Jesse get out of the car.  "Stanton,"  Ben says.  

 

"Well, Ewing, you're just in time to see me evict your brother and his wife from my property."

 

"Oh, I don't think so, Stanton," Ben says.

 

"You don't think so?  Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?"  Stanton asks.

 

"What it means is that my brother and his family aren't goin' anywhere.  But you are."

 

Stanton begins to laugh.  "Ewing, I own the deed to this little piece of land that this farm sits on."

 

"That may be,"  says Ben.  "But I..........have THIS little piece of paper."  Ben reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a folded document.

 

"And just what is that?"

 

"Take a look,"  Ben says, holding the paper out for Stanton to see.

 

Stanton looks at the paper, and the smile slowly fades from his face.  He looks at Ben angrily.  "Where the hell did you get this?  This was locked up in my private files."

 

"Yes, I know.  Let's just say I have my ways."

 

 

"Give me that!"  Stanton says, reaching for the paper.

 

"Uh-uh,"  Ben says, pulling the paper away from him.  "I'm gonna hang on to this."

 

"Jesse, what's goin' on here?"  Leander asks.  "What the hell's this all about?"

 

"It's about our brother finally tryin' to do the right thing,"  replies Jesse.  

 

"Y'see, this here paper I hold in my hand, along with a couple others I have in my pocket, are proof of Mr. George Stanton's crooked and illegal business dealings,"  says Ben.  "There's enough here to send Stanton to prison for a long, LONG time."

 

"What the hell do you want, Ewing?"  Stanton asks.

 

"I always knew you were a smart man, Stanton,"  Ben says.  "What I want is for you to sign this little piece of paper I have here,"  Ben says, again reaching into his pocket.  He brings out another paper, as well as an ink pen.

 

"What's this?"  Stanton asks.

 

"Oh, just a little bill of sale.........for this farm," Ben replies.  "It says that you agree to sell this farm to me for the amount of money my brother owed in property taxes."

 

Stanton grabs the paper from Ben's hand and looks at it.  "You're out of your mind.  This farm is worth several times more than a measly fifty-eight dollars."

 

"Yes, but how much is your freedom worth to you?" Ben asks.  "I'm sure the sheriff would be very interested in how you swindled all those elderly people out of their land.  Or your little side enterprise over in Longview.  Oh, and then there's all that money you've embezzled from the people who invested in your company.  Jesse, you know a little somethin' about the law from all those books you use to read as a kid.  How many years do you think Mr. Stanton could get for his various crimes?"

 

"Oh, I'd say he could get at least 10 or 15 years at hard labor,"  Jesse says.  

 

"So what'll it be, Stanton?"  Ben asks.  "Sell me this farm for $58.23.........or this information finds its way into the hands of both the local AND state authorities."

 

Stanton looks at Ben with contempt.  Then he grabs the pen from Ben's hand and signs the paper.  "I'm not gonna forget this, Ewing.  You're through at Gulf Western.  I don't even wanna see you on the premises."  Stanton gives the paper back to Ben as Leander and Sarah watch in amazement.  

 

"You made a wise decision, Stanton,"  Ben says with a smile.  "I also trust that you will give me a glowing recommendation when I go to look for another job."

 

"You can go to hell, Ewing."

 

"And you, Stanton, can get the hell off my land."

 

Stanton looks at Ben, then at Leander and Sarah on the porch.  After a brief pause, the defeated man goes to his car, gets in, and drives away as the Ewings watch.  

 

Jesse looks at Ben and smiles.  "Nice job."

 

"Thanks."

 

"Ben, thank you,"  says Sarah.  "I don't know how we could ever thank you enough for what you've done."

 

"Thank him?"  Leander asks.  "Thank him for WHAT?   Sarah, don't you see what this means?"

 

"Yes, it means we get to keep our home."

 

"So that HE can put us out?  Or worse yet, so that he can be our landlord?  No thanks."

 

"Lee, I have no intention of puttin' you and your family out of your home," says Ben.  "And I don't have any particular desire to be a landlord, either."

 

"Then why?"  Leander asks.  "Why'd you do this?"

 

"Because you're my brother.  And after some of the things I've done in the past, I feel I owed you."

 

"I really believe he's sincere, Lee,"  Jesse says.

 

"And what's in this for you, Ben?"  Leander asks.  "You've never in your life done anything out of the goodness of your heart."

 

"Well, now that you mention it I do have one condition,"  says Ben.

 

"I knew it.  What is it?"

 

"Lee, I'll sign this land back over to you, with one stipulation......that, should anything ever happen to you and Sarah, God forbid, the land reverts back to me."

 

"What?"  Leander asks.  "You mean.......that's it?  That's all you want?"

 

"That's all I want.  I took the liberty of havin' this contract drawn up,"  Ben says, taking the piece of paper from his pocket.  "All you have to do is sign it, and this farm is yours for as long as you both live, or as long as you both wanna stay here."

 

"Lee, I'm no lawyer, but as our middle brother pointed out earlier, I have read a lot of law books, since I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid, and the contract looks solid,"  Jesse says.  "Sign it, and no one can ever force you off this farm."

 

"As long as you can pay your property taxes from now on, that is,"  Ben says.  

 

Leander looks at both of his brothers, and at the contract Ben is holding out in front of him.  

 

"Lee, for heaven's sake, sign it,"  Sarah says.  "Ben has just saved our home for us."

 

After a brief hesitation, Leander takes the paper, reads over it quickly, then signs it, returning it to Ben.  

 

"Done, and done,"  says Ben.

 

Leander looks at his brother, his heart softening toward Ben.  "Thank you,"  he says in a weak voice.

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Lee, come on, let's get you back to bed,"  Sarah says.  

 

"I'll help,"  Jesse says.  As Ben watches, Jesse and Sarah help Leander, who has been weakened by the excitement, back into the house.

 

After his two brothers and sister-in-law have gone into the house, Ben turns and looks around the farm with a smile.  "One day," he says quietly to himself.  "One day this land and all that oil underneath it will be mine.  All I have to do is make sure that I outlive my brother."  Ben's smile grows larger as he thinks about one day being able to pump oil from this property.  

The Ewing farm....a few weeks later....

  Sarah, Jason, and Jock are all seated around Leander's bed as he sits up and the family is having supper.  A few weeks have passed, and Leander is recovering nicely from his heart attack.  Leander is listening as Jason is telling him a story

"Ooops, sorry, Jason,"  Jock says.  "I forgot Ma and Pa weren't supposed to know about that."

 

Leander looks at Jason.  "You really got in a fight with that big Jacobs boy?"

 

"Sure did, Pa.  But, he was pushin' Jock around, so I told him to stop."

 

"Well, then, I'm proud of ya."

 

"Proud?"  Sarah asks.  "Lee, that Jacobs boy is twice as big as Jason, not to mention 2 or 3 years older.  He could've gotten hurt."

 

"But Ma, I couldn't just let him push Jock around, now could I?"  Jason asks.

 

"In that case, I think we can let it slide this time," Leander says.  "But from now on.....no more fights."

 

 

"You bet, Pa,"  Jason says, relieved that he had escaped punishment for fighting.  Jason looks at Jock, who winks at him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Y'know, I think from now on, everything's gonna start lookin' up for the whole Ewing family,"  Leander says.  "I'm just about fully recovered now.  Jesse and Susie are expectin' a baby by Christmas, and my relationship with my Pa is better'n it's been in years.  And, at least for now, Jesse has a deferment from bein' drafted because Susie's expectin'."

 

"And don't forget, Pa, you and Uncle Ben are friends again,"  Jason says.

 

Leander looks at his son and smiles.  "That's right, son.  Uncle Ben and I are friends again."  Leander and Sarah look at each other and exchange smiles, then Sarah leans over and kisses her husband, both feeling extremely blessed at the change of fortune for their entire family.

The Ewing farm....eight months later.....Christmas Eve, 1917....

  Eight months have passed, and it is now Christmas Eve, 1917.  While Sarah and a very pregnant Susie are preparing the family's Christmas dinner, Jock is playing by the fireplace.  While war rages on in Europe and the 300-year-old Russian Empire has collapsed, all is peaceful on the little Ewing farm in Tyler, Texas this Christmas Eve, as a light snow is starting to fall outside.  Inside the little farmhouse, Sarah watches Susie with concern as she helps prepare the meal for the family.

 

"Susie, why don't you sit down and let me finish this?"  Sarah asks.  "You must be tired."

 

"I'm okay,"  Susie says.  "Besides, I'm enjoyin' this."

 

"Well, just don't over do it,"  Sarah says as Leander, Jesse, and Jason come into the house, each carrying an armload of firewood.  

 

"Whew, it sure is gettin' colder out there by the minute,"  Leander says.

 

"And guess what!  It's startin' to snow!"  Jason exclaims.

 

"Is it, really?"  Sarah asks.

 

"Yeah, there's a light snow fallin' out there," replies Leander.  

 

"Ma, can Jason and me go out and play?"  Jock asks.

 

"Yes, but don't get too far away from the house,"  Sarah says.  "Stay right around the porch.  It's dark, and if it's startin' to snow, it could get rough out there."

 

"Okay, Ma,"  Jason says.  He and Jock grab their jackets and hurry out of the house.

 

"I sure hope we get a white Christmas,"  Susie says.  

 

"Me, too,"  Jesse says with a smile.  

 

"I just hope the weather doesn't get too bad for your father to get here," says Sarah.

 

"It won't,"  Leander says.  "Pa'd never let a little thing like snow keep him from spendin' Christmas Eve with us."

 

"Oh!"  Susie says, suddenly gripped by a severe pain in her stomach.

 

"Susie, what is it?"  Jesse asks.

 

"Well, I'm not real sure, but, Jesse........I think I'm startin' to go into labor."

 

"What?  Oh my God."

 

"Don't panic, Jesse,"  Sarah says.  "Susie you're havin' contractions?"

 

"Uh-huh."

 

"Okay, let's get you into our bedroom.  Lee, you go and get Doc Snider before the snow gets worse."

 

"Right.  And I'll take Jason with me."

 

"Take both boys,"  says Sarah.  "That way they won't be under foot."

 

"What can I do?"  Jesse asks, nervously.  

 

Sarah looks at him and smiles.  "For now, just come and hold your wife's hand while she's havin' her labor pains," she replies, helping Susie into the bedroom as Leander leaves.

Two hours later....

  "OOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"  The sounds of Susie's screams as her labor continues can be heard all through the little farmhouse of Leander and Sarah, and outside as well, where the snow is now coming down pretty heavily.  Sarah and Dr. Snider are in the bedroom helping Susie as she is giving birth.  While a nervous Jesse paces anxiously around, Leander and his father, Charles Ewing, are attempting to calm him, and Jason and Jock are right outside in front of the porch building a snowman using a lantern.  "OHHHHHH!!!!"  Susie yells out again.

 

"How much longer is this gonna take?"  Jesse asks.  "It's been goin' on for more'n two hours now."

 

"Calm down, son,"  Charles says.  "When your Ma had you, she was in labor for over 7 hours.  Lee was the easy one.  He come out an hour and a half after labor started."

 

"And what about Ben?"  Leander asks.  

 

"Ben......now Ben was the REAL hard one.  With him, your Ma was screamin' and yellin' out in labor for 10 hours.  I thought that younun' never would come out."

 

Leander smiles.  "Leave it to Ben,"  he says, taking a sip of his coffee.  

 

Just then, Susie lets out another blood-curdling scream, frightening Jesse.  And then......silence, making Jesse even more nervous that something was wrong.  But, a few seconds later, the sound of the doctor slapping the baby's bottom can be heard, and, then the beautiful sound of the baby's cries.  Jesse sighs with relief.  

 

Sarah comes out of the bedroom.  "Jesse," she says.  "Why don't you come see your daughter?"

 

"Daugh.......I have a daughter?"  Jesse asks, choking back tears.

 

Sarah smiles.  "Oh, yes.  A beautiful, perfect little girl."

 

"And......and Susie?  Is she alright?"

 

"Well, why don't you just come see for yourself?"   Sarah asks.

 

Jesse rushes into the bedroom.  He stops short in the doorway as she sees his wife sitting up in bed holding the most 

 beauiful baby he'd ever seen.  

 

"Jesse, come meet your daughter,"  Susie says.

 

As Charles comes into the room, Jesse slowly walks to the bed and looks down at his baby girl.  "My God,"  he says. "She's so beautiful.  My daughter.  Itn't she beautiful?"

 

"She sure is,"  Charles replies.  "Congratulations, son."

 

"Thanks, Pa."

 

"Lee, go get the boys and let them meet their new little cousin," Sarah says.

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  Leander says with a smile.  He goes to the front door and opens it, finding Jock and Jason still working on their snowman.  "Come in here, boys."

 

"Is somethin' wrong, Pa?"  Jason asks.

 

"No, nothin's wrong at all.  Just thought you fellas might wanna meet your new cousin."

 

"Is it a boy, Pa?"  Jock asks.

 

"No, son.  Your Aunt Susie had a little girl."

 

"Darn,"  Jock says.  "I wanted a little boy cousin."

 

Leander laughs at his son's comment.  "Come on in and see her."

 

Jason and Jock follow their father back into the house and into the bedroom.

 

"Jason, Jock,"  Sarah says.  "Come say hello to your new cousin.  But don't get too close."

 

"But don't get too close, now,"  says Dr. Snider.  "We don't want the baby gettin' any germs."

 

The boys slowly walk up to the bed and look at the baby.  "She's so small,"  Jason says.  

 

"All babies are small,"  says Susie. 

 

"Ma, was I that small when I was born?"  Jock asks.

 

"Yes, you were."

 

"Just look at that angelic little face,"  Leander says.  "Your first granddaughter, Pa."

 

"Our little Christmas miracle,"  says Jesse.

 

"Christmas miracle,"  Susie says.  "And I have the perfect name for her.  Since tonight is Christmas Eve, her name will be Mary.  After both the Virgin Mary, and after her grandmother."

 

Charles looks at his daughter-in-law, then at his newborn granddaughter, and smiles.  "Mary Ewing.  I like that.  My Mary would, too."

 

Leander walks over to the dresser and picks up his Bible, opening it up to the Gospel of Luke.  He begins reading as the assembled group, including Dr. Snider, listen:  "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

 

As Leander finishes reading the Christmas story, everyone joins hands as they look at Susie and the newest little Ewing, their Christmas miracle.  As war rages across the ocean in Europe, inside the little farmhouse of Leander and Sarah Ross Ewing, there was only peace and happiness on this Christmas Eve of  1917.

 

THE END....