The Revival

The Revival

“Look at this Jack. A tent revival right here in Camden Corners.” Audrey said to her husband of two weeks. “This handbill says we will be saved from our sins if we attend the meeting tonight. What do you say, shall we be saved or do you like all my sinful ways?”

“I like my vixen just the way she is.” Jack said as he caught her around the waist and nuzzled her neck.

“Seriously, I wouldn't mind going tonight. I've told you about my cousin Cora who went to a revival meeting and ended up joining the followers. Aunt Sophie hasn't seen or heard from her in over six years.”

Audrey Lynch was a nurse living in Buffalo. She had a crush on Dr. Grady Murphy and convinced her friend Elizabeth to join her on a trip to Camden Corners to inquire about nursing positions at the new hospital. The hospital hadn't been completed yet and they weren't looking for nurses at the time. Audrey had led her friend on a wild goose chase just to be close to the handsome doctor. Dr. Murphy had just finished his residency with Buffalo General and was meeting with Dr. McMillan about a position with his medical practice.

Elizabeth was not happy about being a pawn in Audrey's scheme but had no choice but to go along after a sudden snowstorm hit Camden Corners stranding the ladies.

To Audrey's dismay, Dr. Murphy only had eyes for her friend, Elizabeth. It wasn't long before Audrey switched her attention to artist, Jack Mackenzie.

“Everybody that comes into the gallery is talking about this revival meeting. I heard some fellow was walking through town telling everyone to come to the meeting and be saved. Shall I bring my tambourine?”

“I can just see you marching around a tent with a tambourine and being saved.”

“I've already been saved by you. You saved me from a life of loneliness,” Jack said with a laugh.

“You, Jack Mackenzie have never been lonely in your life. Some woman is always after you. Remember Daphne St. Marie?”

“Daphne who?” he laughed.

“Hush. I'd better get to the hospital. I'll see if Elizabeth and Grady want to join us tonight. Maybe we can get a quick supper at the pub before the big meeting.”

All of Camden Corners was abuzz with talk of the tent meeting that evening. Some folks had gone the night before and had seen a man cured of his blindness. The collection plates were overflowing but Brother Jeremiah asked that those attending tonight, bring more to help him carry on the Lord's work. Leland Harvey heard the bank was inundated with folks withdrawing their savings. He stood outside the bank and tried to discourage his former customers from taking out all their money but to no avail.

“That man is trouble,” he told his wife, Millie. “I'm afraid it's going to be a mighty sad winter for those who are giving money to that so called man of the cloth. I know Eb Mendenhall will be there with his deputies but the man isn't doing anything illegal, just immoral.”

Audrey and her friends arrived in time to get a seat fairly close to the stage. The music was playing and Audrey thought back to her cousin Cora.

Audrey had been invited to go to the revival with Cora and their friends. Audrey and Cora went to the same school. They both planned to begin nursing school the following month. They had talked about being nurses for as long as Audrey could remember. Audrey stayed home that evening to help her mother bake a cake for her grandmother's 75^th birthday party the next evening.

The following morning, the doorbell rang at 4:00 am. Aunt Sophie was standing at the door in her bathrobe. “Audrey, is Cora here with you? She never came home last night. Her friends said she went backstage at the revival and they couldn't find her after that. I'm so worried about her. She was always such a responsible girl.”

Audrey had never been so frightened in her life. Her cousin and best friend was missing. The people involved in the revival claimed they had not seen her. The police and sheriff's department were unable to locate any sign of her. It was assumed she had run away or had been kidnapped. How was it possible an 18 year old girl would disappear into thin air?

Brother Jeremiah was introduced by the man who was prancing through town calling everyone he saw a sinner. The music was so loud the chairs in the tent vibrated. Audrey and Elizabeth were getting into the spirit. Even Grady and an extremely skeptical Jack were tapping their feet. Brother Jeremiah had a booming voice that seemed to go right to the soles of Audrey's feet. She was beginning to see how a young girl could become mesmerized by the whole thing.

Brother Jeremiah called several folks from the audience up on stage. He began his ritual by restoring hearing in a young boy. Next a man in a wheelchair stood up and walked off the stage. The audience was cheering as Brother Jeremiah walked to a young lady who was with an older woman.

“Brother Jeremiah my daughter Charity has been mute since birth. Please wash her sins away so that she may speak.”

Brother Jeremiah put his hand to Charity's head and shouted to the heavens. Charity fell backward and was still.

Shouts could be heard through the tent. “Is she dead?” “Did he kill her?” Suddenly, Charity began to move. She stood tall, opened her mouth and started singing Onward Christian Soldiers in perfect pitch.

“Praise the Lord,” said Audrey.

Jack couldn't believe what he'd heard. “You aren't falling for that act, are you?”

“It's a miracle!”

“Audrey, what's wrong with you? It's a sham and you know it.”

“I know it's a sham. That's Cora. Charity is Cora.”

Charity was handed a tambourine and began dancing through the aisles as she sang. The woman who claimed to be her mother was emptying her pockets of dollar bills shouting thank you to Brother Jeremiah.

People appeared out of nowhere with collection plates in their hands. The plates were being filled to the brim. Jack noticed others with huge sacks emptying the plates and passing them around for more donations. He and Grady were appalled.

“Let's get out of here. I can't bear to watch this,” said Grady

“You two go ahead, I have to find Cora. Jack, will you come with me? She must have gone backstage. I can't believe she is a part of this abomination.”

“No, we will stay with you. Won't we, Grady?” said Elizabeth

The four of them headed backstage where they were stopped at the doorway by two very large men.

“My cousin is backstage, sir. Please let us pass. I must speak to her.”

“Sorry miss. Nobody goes backstage. Even a pretty little thing like you.”

Audrey began to shout, “Cora, are you back there? Where are you Cora? It's me your cousin Audrey.”

“There's nobody back here named Cora. Now get away from the door or I'll pick you up and carry you away along with your friends.”

Audrey didn't doubt for one minute that he would do just that.

Brother Jeremiah heard every word of the conversation outside the doorway. He remembered a starry eyed young girl coming backstage six years ago. She had the look of innocence. Just what he needed for his act. He took her under his wing. She was his best routine so far. She brought out the generosity in people. He wasn't about to let this cousin get anywhere near his prize disciple.

“Audrey, I think we'd better go home and try to figure out a way to see Cora. It's obvious these gentlemen are not going to let us back there.”

Audrey agreed and walked away. “Did you see the look on her face? She looked dazed. I wouldn't have recognized her had I not heard her voice. She always did have a beautiful singing voice. I don't know what to do Jack. I have to talk to her but I have a feeling those two goons aren't going to let me anywhere near her.”

On their way out of the park Audrey noticed there were several small tents in the background with one large tent in the middle of them. “I'll bet the big tent is for Brother Jeremiah and I wouldn't be surprised if Cora is sitting in that tent right now. The three of you go distract that huge man standing in front of the entrance. I'll see if I can get a peek in there.”

“I don't like this Audrey. I know you want to find your cousin but these men look very dangerous.”

“They won't hurt me. I don't think Brother Jeremiah would want the sheriff to find a beaten body on the grounds where he set up his tents.”

The three friends walked to the far end of the row of tents and started laughing and singing loudly. Just as Audrey planned. The man at the doorway walked over to see what the commotion was all about.

Audrey quietly walked to the entrance of the tent and sitting at a dressing table was her cousin.

“Cora, it's me Audrey.” she whispered.

Cora looked at Audrey with no sign of recognition. “My name is Sister Charity. I don't know anyone named Cora.”

“Oh dear, Cora, what has happened to you? You and I were best friends. Don't you remember what fun we had when we were just children? We used to go to the old swimming hole on Uncle Handley's farm. Remember we used to call him Uncle Handlebar because he had a handlebar mustache. At Christmas our papas would chop down Christmas trees for our parlors. They used to argue over which tree was the prettiest.”

Audrey kept talking about every old memory she could come up with but there wasn't any spark of recognition in Cora's eyes.

Brother Jeremiah appeared at the door and very quietly whispered in Audrey's ear that she had better leave and not come back.

Audrey turned to Cora and said “Your mama cries everyday not knowing where you are. We all still love you Cora.”

She glared at Brother Jeremiah and said “I am going to pray for you sir. I'm going to pray that you rot in Hell for what you have done to my cousin.”

She felt a familiar arm around her. It was Jack telling her she had done all she could and it was time to leave.

Audrey telegraphed her aunt that very evening telling her what transpired. She found it impossible to put a positive slant on the situation. She did tell her aunt that there was an announcement that their next stop would be in a small town outside of Buffalo a week from Thursday. If nothing else, Aunt Sophie would be able to see Cora.

Sophie was happy to hear her precious daughter was still alive. She was grateful to Audrey for trying to persuade her to remember her past. Sophie was counting the days until Thursday when she would see Cora again. She was prepared to face the fact that Cora may be lost to her forever. While sitting at her kitchen table sipping her afternoon tea, there was a gentle knock on the back door. She opened it to see Cora standing there.

“Mama, may I come home?”

A Fresh Start

A Fresh Start

Just weeks before Hillary Bella Duesenberry came into the world, Ella Pritchard walked into Will's office.

“As much as I'm enjoying being with Billy and all of you, I think it may be time to return to my life in Pittsburgh. I'm afraid if I stay too much longer I may never be able to leave.”

“Ella, why leave at all? Kate and I consider you a part of the family. Billy will be crushed if he loses his big sister. We have all grown to love you very much. I believe I have detected a little sparkle in your eye when James Robinson is around. I noticed he was looking in your direction during services this morning. I know you have lived in Pittsburgh all your life but with the exception of Charlotte Sanders, do you have any real ties there? Why not think about moving to Camden Corners permanently?”

“Oh Vicar Will, I couldn't impose on your family. I know you don't need another church typist and that is the only position I would be qualified for.”

“That's not true Ella. Why, you and Josie Blackburn were discussing the possibility of your writing a column for the Chronicle just this morning. Isn't that something you have always dreamed of doing?”

“I think Mrs. Blackburn was just being polite. Billy pulled her aside and told her of my interest in writing.”

“Josie Blackburn is a polite young woman, that is true. However, after her new baby and Reggie, the Chronicle is her pride and joy. She started that newspaper on a shoestring with the help of Randy Burke and together they have made it into a superior publication with readers from all the surrounding areas. Josie would never suggest you try your hand at writing for her paper if she wasn't being sincere.”

Butch happened to walk by the office while his pa and Ella were talking. “You can't leave Ella. Mr. Crowley said we can use his cabin on Cedar Lake anytime we want to. Billy and I wanted you to go fishing with us.”

“Whoa sport! Remember your mother is going to have a baby any day now. We won't be going to Cedar Lake any time soon. I must admit though, it is a temptation,” said Will.

“What's this talk about Cedar Lake and Ella leaving? Do you have a reason to go back to Pittsburgh, Ella? I was hoping you would stay on until after the baby is born and maybe permanently.”

“You all make me feel so welcome. I just don't want to impose on you. I would love to stay until the baby is born. My only experience with newborn babies was helping mama with Billy so many years ago.” A sadness came over her but she shook it off.

“You have more experience than I have Ella. We will learn together. I'm sure Grandma Alma will be a big help too. Now, no more talk about your leaving us.” Kate gave Ella a hug.

There was a knock on the door. Billy came running into the office.

“Ella, you have a gentleman caller. It's James, he has flowers for you and he looks very spiffy. His hair is all slicked down and he smells of perfume.” Billy pretended to squeeze his nose with his fingers and made a silly face.

Ella blushed but was happy to hear she had company. “It's called cologne when a man uses it and I'm sure he smells very nice.” said Ella as she tried not to skip out of the room.

“Hello James, what beautiful flowers.”

“My Aunt Millie insisted I bring them to you. She also made me comb my hair in this ridiculous fashion and sprayed me with this terrible smelling stuff. I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I let her do it.” James laughed.

“I think you look very handsome. Maybe we should take a walk outside until the perfume fades a little. You won't be helping the vicar's allergies any. Did she spray you with the whole bottle?”

It was a warm summer day but James and Ella didn't notice. James told her all about growing up in Albany thinking he was Chester Robinson's son. Chester was a fine man who married his mother knowing she was going to have another man's child. James wasn't the least bit ashamed of his parentage and wanted to set the record straight with Ella.

Ella didn't think anything unusual about the circumstances of James' birth. “I'm so happy Chester married your mother and gave you a home. There are so many children who are forced to live their entire young lives in an orphanage.” She had a tear in her eye thinking of Billy being left at the orphanage doorstep because Aunt Beatrice was afraid of her husband.

“Mr. Merryweather is very proud of you James. He is the one who discovered where Billy had grown up. If it hadn't been for him and Mr. Harcourt, I still wouldn't know the fate of my little brother. I will always be grateful to them both.”

“He said it was an easy task to find you and I'm awfully glad he did.” James smiled down at her. “I think my father is enjoying his new role as private investigator. He was an insurance salesman until recently. Quite the contrast in careers. I think he is just trying to occupy himself until he can officially court my mother.”

“I think it's wonderful when two people find each other no matter what age they are.”

“Yes, I have to agree with you there Miss Ella Pritchard.”

James took hold of her hand and they walked down by the lake to watch the bathers splashing around in the water. Ella was very happy her new family wanted her to stay in Camden Corners. She had a feeling, that summer afternoon, she would never be going back to Pittsburgh to live.

After a perfectly delightful day, Ella sat down at the desk in her room and began writing the first of many columns that would appear in the Camden Corners Chronicle. She wrote a total of fifteen columns to present to Josie the next morning. She had many more subjects in her mind, but she was feeling very sleepy and wanted to be fresh when she met with Josie. She and James were having lunch in the park after the meeting.

The next morning as James came to breakfast all eyes were on him. “Good Morning everyone, I trust you slept well. Do I have my clothes on backwards? You are all looking at me in a strange way.”

Millie said “We are waiting for you to tell us how your evening with Ella was and you know it James Robinson. Now go ahead we want all the details.”

“Miss Pritchard seems to be a very nice young woman. Please pass the marmalade.”

“James, stop your teasing. We know Ella is nice. We want to know everything you talked about, when will you see her again and should we start making wedding plans?”

James loved his aunt. She always said exactly what she meant. “Alright Aunt Millie. I do have to go to work today so I can't tell you everything we talked about in such a short time. I do know she is thinking of making Camden Corners her home permanently and I will encourage her to do just that. She wasn't appalled when I told her my mother and father were never married. As far a wedding plans, maybe Addie could save some rice from the pantry in case it's needed for other purposes in the future.”

Helene smiled at her son. “James, I couldn't be happier that you have met a wonderful young woman who you are thinking of sharing your life with. Why don't you invite her for supper tonight, I would like to get to know her better.”

“I'll do that soon Mother. I don't want to scare her off by seeming too anxious.”

Ella was brushing her hair when there was a knock on the door. Billy and Butch came running into her room.

“Ella, Pa is going to take us fishing this morning. We have to hurry if we are going to catch any today. I'll let you borrow a pair of my overalls and you can come with us. You can't go fishin' in a dress.”

“Thanks fellas, but did you forget I am meeting with Miss Josie at the paper this morning? I have my columns all ready. Do you have time to read one or two?”

Billy and Butch both sat on the bed and started reading.

“Gosh Ella, you are real smart aren't you? If I didn't know better I would think you grew up in an orphanage yourself. I like how you said people should think about adopting orphans. I don't feel like an orphan anymore. Do you Billy?”

“Nope 'cause orphans don't have mamas and papas but we do so we aren't orphans anymore are we, Ella?”

“You certainly are not. Maybe you'd better get going while the fish are still biting. Have fun you two.”

Ella was nervous about showing Josie her work. She sat and watched while Josie read each carefully written article.

“Randy, if you aren't too busy would you come in here for a minute,” Josie called out to her partner at the paper, “I'd like you to read some of Ella's work.”

Ella thought that was a good sign but maybe Josie was going to have Randy tell her they didn't need her services. This is not going well she thought to herself. I should have gone fishing with the boys.

“Ella, I'm sorry to be ignoring you. I am mesmerized reading your words. I find it difficult to believe you haven't had any formal training. These are wonderful. My only problem is I don't know which one to publish first.”

Randy spoke up, “Josie these are great. If you're asking my opinion, I think we should start with the one about adopting orphans. You know how I feel about adopting,” he turned to Ella. “Faith is Polly's daughter. I adopted her after we were married.”

“I agree Randy. Let's get this one typeset and it will be in the next publication. Welcome to the team Ella. We can't pay you much money now but our advertising revenue is picking up. We'd like to consider you a partner. How do you feel about that?”

“I'm flabbergasted. I was hoping you might decide to publish one or two of my columns but I never expected to be a partner. I was debating whether I should stay on in Camden Corners and you have made that decision for me.”

Just then there was a soft cry from behind Josie. Jonathan was making it known he was hungry. “Why don't you let Randy show you how he does his magic with his typesetter while I feed this young man. Might as well learn the newspaper business from the ground up.”

Ella was fascinated with the process and thrilled when she saw the first copy of the newspaper with her column and byline printed inside. Randy gave her the first copy as a keepsake.

“I won't even charge you, partner. Although it is eating into our profits,” Randy chuckled.

Ella couldn't wait to show the paper to James. He was waiting for her on the park bench. He was so happy for her he picked her up and swung her around to the delight of the children playing nearby.

“This calls for a celebration. How about dinner at the Trattoria this evening, just the two of us?”

“I'd like that James, I'd like that very much.”

Meanwhile the fisherman weren't having much luck catching a fish big enough for dinner. They didn't mind because Grandma said she would have roast chicken for them if the fish weren't biting this afternoon.

“Butch” Will said while Billy was on the other side of the dock, “would you like us to try to find where you came from? We could ask Mr. Merryweather to do some checking? I just don't want you to be disappointed if he isn't able to find any information about your family.”

“I don't know Pa. Maybe sometime but not now. I have you and Ma and two sisters now. I even have Grandma Alma and Grandpa Melvin. My brother Cody too when he is home from college. I don't think I have room in my heart for anybody else.”

Will gave the boy a hug. He suspected whatever memories the boy did have of his past were not happy ones. “Alright son, but if you are ever curious or decide you want to look for your kin, I will help you.”

The three of them all heard a man's voice call out. “I've lost it! What will I do?” They went running to the stranger.

“How may we help you sir?” said Will.

“I can't find it. I don't know what to do,” said the stranger. “I'll give the first person who finds it a crisp new $100 bill.

Billy and Butch's eyes lit up until they looked in Will's direction.

“We'll help you look for whatever you lost sir. You don't have to give us any money.”

“What have you lost sir? My boys and I will be happy to help you look for for it.”

“I have lost my soul. Yes I have. Young man, do you see that big tent going up over there? I do believe that is where we will find my soul. Come with me one and all. Brother Jeremiah Hershey is waiting to save us all from our sins. Come young people, come with me now or wait until 7:00 this glorious evening for our revival meeting. You see that blind man over there? Brother Jeremiah will help him see if only he believes.”

Will noticed the blind man, he was wearing dark glasses and carrying a white cane He carefully walked around a toy boat that was lying in the sand. “Come on boys. Time to get home to Grandma Alma's chicken.”

“Ah, a non-believer in the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen, that man is a sinner but it isn't too late for the rest of you.”

“My Pa isn't a sinner. He's the vicar of St. Peter's Church. He doesn't yell about it either and he doesn't call people sinners.” Butch shouted back at the man.

“Let's go boys. Don't pay any attention to him. I think Grandma was putting a blackberry pie in the oven as we were leaving today.”

Will glanced over his shoulder as they left the lake. He could see the crowd getting bigger and bigger around the stranger. He had seen this type of revival before and knew the bank accounts of some in the crowd would be lighter tomorrow. There wasn't anything he could do but pray for the lost souls who would be giving Brother Jeremiah their hard earned money to save them.

The Scam

The Scam

Billy tried to wiggle out of the lady's arms without kicking her in the shins. Before the Duesenberrys adopted him, he would have done just that to get away. She finally let him go enough for him to back away.

“You aren't my ma. My ma is Kate Duesenberry. She and Will adopted me and I'm their boy now. I don't have a real ma. What kind of a dumb name is Philippe anyway?”

“Oh my darling Philippe. Don't you see? You were stolen from me when you were just a wee babe. I named you Philippe after your brave deceased father, Philippe Le Claire the famous tightrope walker who fell during his performance and landed in the jaws of a nasty old lion.”

Butch and Kenny shuddered at the thought. Anton, the instigator of the scam just shook his head hoping the dumb woman would just stop with her stories. He couldn't wait until he had the money from this scam in his pocket. He had no intention of keeping his promise to marry the wretched woman.

Anton stepped out from the shadows. “My dearest, what have we here? I can't believe my eyes. Could this possibly be your long lost son Philippe? Young man you look exactly like my fiancee. You surely are her beloved son.”

“This is crazy. I'm not your son. My name is Billy Duesenberry. I was adopted fair and square.” Billy started running and didn't stop until he got to the only home he'd ever had. He ran past Alma, Kate and Melvin who were sipping tea at the kitchen table. Without a word he went to his room and closed the door. He couldn't let anyone see him crying. He didn't ever want to go back to the circus and that woman and her lies. She was not his mother.

Butch and Kenny came running in behind him. Butch said “Billy's ma is in the circus. She said his real name is Philippe and someone stole him when he was a baby. He ran away from her because he said she was lying. She looks like she could be his ma though.”

Kate went to Billy's room and knocked on the door. “Billy, let's talk about this. I know you are upset but hiding in your room won't make the problem go away.”

Kate could hear him whimpering and knew Billy well enough to know he would not leave the privacy of his room until he had cried it out.

“Come downstairs as soon as you are ready Billy. Butch has gone to find your pa. We love you and will find an answer. If this lady is truly your mother, it will be a blessing that she found you. You will never stop being our son. No matter what.”

A worried Kate walked back into the kitchen. Alma and Melvin understood that Billy needed to be alone right now. “We should leave and let you and Will handle this without our interference.”

“Grandma please don't leave. You and Melvin are our family too. I don't know what we will do if we have to give Billy up. I know I should be rejoicing that he and his birth mother have found each other but I can only think of the void it will leave in our family if he is separated from us.

“Child, you don't know that this woman is who she claims. I'm often mistaken for Thomas Jefferson's son but I can assure you he is definitely not my father.”

The women laughed and hoped he was right.

“Just in case this woman is up to no good, I think I'll take a stroll over to Oscar Crowley's and see how he suggests we handle it.”

Butch came back shortly with Will. “Butch filled me in. I saw Melvin on the way here and he told me he was going to ask Oscar his opinion. That's a good idea. My first inclination is to pay a visit to this woman who claims to be Billy's mother but I think I will wait to see what Oscar recommends.”

“Kate are you doing alright? I don't want you overly stressed with the baby coming so soon.”

“Don't worry about me. I just wish I could hold Billy in my arms but you know how he is. He would rather die than let anyone see him cry.”

“I'm not crying Ma.” Billy said

He ran into his mother's arms. “You are my only ma and I don't want to see that lady ever again.”

Kate tried not to let the tears flow but she couldn't hold them back. She loved her boy and she couldn't bear the pain he was feeling.

“Pa, do you think she could take me away from you?”

“I don't know Billy. First we have to find out if she really is your mother. We have never really talked about what you do remember about your life. I know you said you never saw your mother but what are your first memories?”

“I remember being in an orphanage with a bunch of other kids. One of the older boys told me he was going to run away. He said I could go with him so I did. We were running down the street together but he ran too fast for me and I couldn't catch up. I was sorry that night because it was cold and I didn't have a bed to sleep in. I couldn't find my way back to the orphanage and I was afraid I'd get a whipping for running away if I did.”

“Do you remember what city the orphanage was in?”

“I think it was in Pittsburgh. I remember seeing that sign when I was outside playing on the lawn. The train station was on the next block and there was a big sign that said Pittsburgh. I didn't know it was a city until a few years later.”

“That's a big help Billy. It may be a clue to your identity.”

Melvin came back with Oscar. Will could tell by the expression on Oscar's face that this situation could put Billy's adoption in jeopardy.

Will told him what Billy had said about Pittsburgh. “It's a start. I think our first step should be to visit with the woman who claims to be Billy's mother.”

“I don't want to see her.” Billy said

“Billy, your pa and I will go to see her. You stay here with your family. Do you remember if the lady said her name?

“I think the slimy guy called her Marzetta,” said Kenny who didn't miss a trick. He was standing behind a post when the lady was holding onto Billy. He came out and acted surprised, but he was watching all along so he wasn't really surprised.

“That helps Kenny, thank you.”

“Be careful you two. If this is a scam maybe we should call the sheriff to go with you.” Melvin said.

“I don't think there will be a problem. Kate, I will invite Marzetta back here if it's alright with you. I think we will be able to get to know her better if we have her in the house.”

Kate shook her head in agreement and gave her husband a hug.

Will and Oscar climbed down from Oscar's carriage. They parked far enough away from the big tent so they could observe the circus people before they stated their business and because they didn't want the horses to be spooked by the other animals. Will spotted Marzetta right away.

“Oscar look at that woman, she does look like our Billy. I can feel Billy slipping away from us.”

“Don't jump to any conclusions, Will. Do you see that fellow lurking in the background? He saw us pull up and I think he may have been expecting us. I agree with Kenny's assessment. He is a slimy guy.”

“Good afternoon ma'am. My name is Will Duesenberry. My son Billy was here this morning and told me someone here claims to be his mother.”

“How do you do vicar? My name is Marzetta Le Claire. I am so happy to have found my long lost son. You have to admit he does look like me. You know he was stolen from me when he was a baby.”

“Mrs. Le Claire, I'm Oscar Crowley, a friend of the family. I wonder how long ago was your son stolen.”

“Oh I don't remember it must be about twelve years now.”

That foolish woman, she is going to ruin everything.

Anton stepped out from behind the post. “Gentlemen. I am Mrs. Le Claire's intended. You can imagine she doesn't have her wits about her after discovering her son today. I'd rather you didn't ask her any questions in her fragile state.”

Oscar didn't think the woman looked very fragile and appeared to able to resume her normal activities shortly after discovering her child who had been missing for twelve years.

“I understand Mrs. Le Claire. I would like to invite you to our home for supper this evening. It will give you a chance to get to know Billy.”

“She and I will be there.” said Anton

“Supper is at 5:30 and we are in the church house next to St. Peter's. I am the vicar there but then you already knew that, didn't you Mrs. Le Claire?”

Oscar was wondering if Will had picked up on Marzetta's slip. She called Will vicar. How did she know that unless she had gotten some information from someone.

Oscar and Will walked around to the elephants. They pretended to be admiring the huge animals but kept their eye on Anton as he grabbed Marzetta's arm roughly and practically dragged her to his trailer.

They heard a rustling sound and looked up to see a man in a clown suit. “Meet me over behind the concession stands. I have information for you.”

Oscar and Will walked leisurely to the concession stand which was open and selling lemonade. They bought a couple of drinks and walked behind the stand where Chuckles was waiting for them.

“Your boy Butch was here earlier. A nice kid. He told me all about him and Billy and how you adopted them. I've known Marzetta for the last fifteen years and she never had a baby or even a husband. Marzetta Le Claire is her stage name. She is Edna Mason and she is from a small town in Texas called Paris. That's the closest she's ever been to France. Anton is a con man. I'm sure he overheard my conversation with Butch. Marzetta does look a little like your boy but I can assure you she is not his mother. All the girls around here fancy themselves in love with Anton Hamlin. If any of the others resembled either of your boys they would have been the one he selected to con you. Anton probably promised Marzetta he would marry her if she went along with his scheme. Marzetta is a sweet kid but not too bright. I suspect she will be out of a job when this whole thing is over and Anton will be on to his next victim. Just give him time. He'll be asking for money soon.”

Oscar and Will thanked Chuckles for his help. Their next stop was to Sheriff Mendenhall's office. The sheriff changed out of his uniform and would be joining the Duesenberrys for supper.

“I hope Alma has prepared enough food for all of us Will. Do you mind if I stop by to pick up Nettie as well. She would love to watch the likes of Anton try to weasel his way out of this one.”

“The more the merrier. I can't wait to tell Billy he doesn't have anything to worry about. This whole thing has made me wonder if maybe we shouldn't check a little more into both boy's backgrounds. We don't want this thing to happen for real in the future.”

All the way to the Duesenberry home, Marzetta was begging Anton not to make her go through with it. “I just have a bad feeling about this Anton. What if they want to get rid of the kid and then I'll be stuck with him.”

“You're not going to be stuck with the kid. That vicar guy won't give the kid up. His friend looked like he had money. Did you see the fancy carriage he had. I'm sure we hit the jackpot with these two. That reminds me. Watch what you say. You called the guy vicar and you wouldn't have any way of knowing that. I don't think they caught it but be careful tonight.”

As Will predicted, the whole family celebrated when they were told Marzetta was not Billy's mother. They agreed to go along with the charade until Anton offered to sell the boy and that is when Eb Mendenhall would become the sheriff again.

Anton didn't like so many people sitting around the table when he got there. The more people the more chance Marzetta would spill the beans.

Billy was very polite to the guests. He held the chair out for Marzetta when she sat down and even referred to her as ma at one point. Everyone was full of questions. The questions seemed innocent enough but were all meant to catch Marzetta off balance. It worked. As much as she prided herself on being an actress, she couldn't keep her story straight. Anton was afraid she would ruin everything if he didn't act quickly.

“Vicar Duesenberry, I wonder if we could have a little chat in the other room.” said Anton.

“Anything you have to say may be said in front of our friends and family. Go ahead sir. Let's chat here.”

Anton didn't like it but it was now or never. “I can see you are a happy family and dear Philippe seems to be an important part of it. As much as Marzetta's heart will break, she is willing to let Philippe stay right here with you. Of course, she will have much pain and suffering and I'm sure you would be more than anxious to compensate her for that.”

“Compensate her in what way, sir?”

“Oh $20,000 should cover it.”

Marzetta choked on her glass of wine but said nothing.

Sheriff Mendenhall brought out his badge and showed it to a stunned Anton. “Anton Hamlin, you are under arrest for attempted extortion.”

Anton felt the metal of the handcuffs around his wrists. “How did you know? Did that stupid woman give it away when she called you vicar?”

“No, you gave it away when you were lurking behind the post in the tent this afternoon. A decent man would have been standing beside his fiancee not hiding in the shadows.” Will didn't think it was necessary to tell him that Chuckles was the one to fill them in.

Anton and Marzetta were hauled away. Billy was especially happy to see them go.

He changed his mind about going to the circus and along with the rest of the town had a wonderful time watching the performances. Butch introduced him to Chuckles. The entire Duesenberry family was grateful to Chuckles for telling the truth about Anton. Billy was glad there wasn't any one else in the circus who looked like him.