October 18, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I was sitting in front of the clinic reading when Miss Paisley walked over. I greeted her with a hug and pulled her inside. “I reading books to get better as a doctor. Thought I would read before school,” I told her. 

“Always a good idea! I will be at school today.” 

“Yay! I haven’t been able to go much.” 

“Well, I am glad you are going today because I will be there.” 

“When the armies go to the different banks around towns I gotta be there to help out. It really the only time I ever see anyone in the clinic so I gotta help out. It gets busy sometimes.” 

“It sure does get busy in here sometimes!” 

“How is you?” 

“I am very good! What do you think you will learn today?” 

“I dunno. I just never get any of the homework done so I always feel bad about goin’ without it. Not sure how much longer Mommy can keep the house in Pearce if we don’t make more money. So I gotta do my part.” 

“I do know that no homework will get assigned today” 

“How you know that?” 

“Teacher told me so.” 

“Ohh!” 

“I know today’s teacher very well,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Who is it?” 

“Not tellin’,” she grinned and I frowned. “You will like the teacher.” 

“I hope so. Mr. Finesmith asked why I not come last week. But he didn’t really wanna hear my answer. He just wanted to lecture me to come.” 

“He likes to do that,” she nodded. 

“May I ask a question?” 

“What your question?” I asked her. 

“Do you like me?” 

“Yeah! Why else I say hi to you all the time?” I grinned. 

“Then you will not object to your teacher at all,” she smiled. 

“You’re a teacher??” I grinned and hugged her tightly. 

“Mmhmm…” 

“Wow! Miss Paisley, can I ask you a question?” 

“Of course.” 

“Where did all the kids go? Did Nora take em with her wherever she went?” 

“No.. they might not be awake yet.” 

“I mean overall… I don’t see much of them. No one to play with.” 

“No, they are still around. Keep this in mind... We all teach each other all the time.” 

“Do you know what time armies start going to banks?” 

“Nine am.” 

“Oooh right after school. That good. I always afraid I miss it.” 

“No, you will be done in time.” 

I walked over to the book then and wrote down that I was done work and said, “Okay I ready to go to school now! Should we go to school?” I tugged on Miss Paisley’s shirt. “We don’t wanna be late.” 

“Yep! Hmm… I wonder where all the kids are.. I bet Molly is asleep,” Miss Paisley looked around as we walked over to the school. 

“I told you not many here,” I looked at her. “Miss Paisley you let me ring the bell?” 

“Sure,” Miss Paisley opened the door. “Go ahead.” 

I went to ring the bell and fed the bird. “Now watch I broke a school rule…” Miss Paisley giggled and I did too. 

“Do we know what the bird’s name is?” I asked, getting some cracker to give the bird and fed it. 

Soria and Mr. Trent came in then and even Mr. Adrian came into the schoolhouse. “Mr. Mayor!!” I grinned and ran over to give him a hug. “Mr. Mayor, do you know what the bird is called?” 

Mr. Adrian laughed and held his finger to his lips in a ‘shh’ fashion, and pointed to the front of the room as Miss Paisley said, “I will give others a moment to arrive..” 

I nodded and grinned, turning excitedly to the front. I was too excited to see the mayor than to behave. I leaned over to Soria and said, “That’s the mayor of Tombstone. He’s Mr. Adrian. Or Mr. Mayor.” 

Mr. Adrian looked over at the bird and then looked back at the class. 

“Mr. Mayor I gonna help with payroll today!” I told Mr. Adrian then. 

“I think that is enough time to wait…” Miss Paisely began and pulled the papers out. “I am going to be giving a series of classes on where clothing came from and how it evolved into today’s clothing. Have you ever looked at what you are wearing and wondered why we wear this?” she asked as others came into the school. “There is a story to what we wear. I hope to show you over this series how clothing transformed to what we now wear.” She pulled the paper again and showed another picture. “Would you believe it began back this far? back before 3100 BC?” 

“Oh my!” Mr. Adrian and a girl named Leena exclaimed together. 

“You’d think clothes would change by now,” I muttered. 

“Our story begins in the Middle Eastern part of our world,” Miss Paisley went on. “Clothing looked much different than it does today and I know many of you have talked Art with Miss Parkin. You see examples of the clothing in art.” She pulled the paper over and revealed a print. “This is a document actually. Egyptians used art to document many things. Mostly historical events were documented in art, and in this document you can see the clothing worn.” 

“How come the men didn’t wear shirts Ms Paisley?” Leah asked after a giggle. 

“Most of the men you will see are not fully dressed according to our standards today,” Miss Paisley smiled and I giggled. “This was quite normal for them and acceptable." 

I raised my hand and when Miss Paisley called on me I asked, “Is that like Apache men wear no shirt?” 

“Some Apache men do not.. Under certain circumstances does that happen.” 

“Oh.” 

“Sometimes, you will even see women in this period topless,” she said and I blinked while Leah gasped. 

“It was just considered normal for them,” Miss Paisley explained. 

“Oh My!! But wasn’t that a sin for them to do that?” Leena asked. 

“Many wore gown with special names. I will get to the names. No, they did not consider it a sin. Their concept of religion was also different. They worshiped a god, but not as we know. The short skirt of a man had a name. A shendyt," she went on. “It was often heavily pleated and gathered at the front. 

I tried to write the name out but looked at the word with a funny look. “I not think I spelled that right.” 

“This is what one look like closer up,” Miss Paisley pulled the print over to reveal another one. 

Soria raised her hand and asked, “Where did the cloth come from miss teacher?” 

“The cloth they used was linen. Mostly a flax linen.” 

“Flax?" I tilted my head. 

“That's a plant," Mr. Adrian nodded. 

“It was a plant grown in the region so that was used to make the cloth,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Oh….” I raised my hand again and Miss Paisley looked at me. “Doesn’t Flax make medicine too?” 

“I have not looked into its medicinal purposes, but quite likely. They tended to make full use of all they grew," she said and I looked back at Mr. Adrian for an answer as she went on. “I know it was used widely for many uses. Not just clothing. Like Sesame is used for seeds to eat, oil for cooking and so on.” 

I pulled out the book I was reading on medicine as Leena asked, “Miss Paisely, is that woman wearing a dress? It looks more like a night gown.” 

“She is wearing one of the period’s later garments… but both versions are a kalasiris Natalie?” she looked back at me.

“I found it! There’s a tribe called Maori. They used flax oil for healing wounds and flax for making clothes,” I grinned and closed the book again and grinned back at Mr. Adrian proudly and he chuckled. 

“The later version always reminds me of overalls,” Miss Paisley said. “Just a long skirted version.” 

“I bet the clothes weren’t soft as they are today too,” Soria commented. 

“Linen is not always a soft cloth and I am sure with the methods they had to produce it, it was rather coarse,” she said and revealed a sketch drawing as Jeff came into class and apologized for being late. “This is what one of the earlier kalasiris might look like,” Miss Paisley said. 

“She looks like a princess!” Leah exclaimed. 

“As you can see, it is full and also pleated," Miss Paisley noted. 

“I see fringes on it. Like cowboys wear,” Soria said. 

“That would be the ends of the material,” Miss Paisley nodded. “This would simply be a length of material wrapped around that had been pleated. Same for the men, only the men’s skirt would be much smaller in size.” 

Leah raised her hand and asked, “Was the clothes always white or other colors too?” 

“Clothing was white,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Very reasonable,” Mr. Adrian nodded. 

“Why?” I asked. 

“I wonder how they kept it from gettin dirty,” Leah said. 

“But… well how come a boy gots a skirt?” Jeff asked, looking around at all of us girls. 

“All wore skirted garments,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Jeffery you should wear skirt like them,” I giggled. 

“It was much easier to tend to um.. certain matters of nature Jeffery,” Miss Paisley explained and I blinked at that as Leah laughed. 

“Well there is a point,” Mr. Adrian blushed.

“But I sure glad I ain’t in that town where boys is a sissy,” Jeff stated. 

“Think about that next time you need the outhouse.,” Miss Paisley smiled. 

“What if Mr. Adrian wears one? Then you wouldn’t be the only one,” I grinned. “Sounds like it made it easier.” 

“He wouldn’t ever wear none of them skirts, ‘cause he ain’t no sissy,” Jeff argued. 

“We can talk about kilts in another lesson,” Miss Paisley said and I tried to imagine Mr. Mac in a skirt.

“Madame, the colour white helps to deflect the sun, I am supposing?” Mr. Adrian asked. 

“Yes it does,” Miss Paisley nodded. “Black absorbs color and white reflects.” 

“Oh yes, I read once that it was very hot there,” Leena said. 

“When they get the linen, it is more of a cream or ivory color,” Miss Paisley said as we continued to giggle. I couldn’t wait to tell Jimmy about this class. “It is natural and in that way, naturally helps them keep cool.” 

“Did they have the same color skin as Indians Ms Paisley?” Leah asked. 

“Not really, but they were quite tanned from being in the sun as the Apache are,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Wait… Apache dark because of the sun only?” I asked. 

Miss Paisley showed another picture and said, “It does play a role in their skin tone, yes.” I raised an eyebrow at that and she went on. “Another document showing examples of the clothing. A man and a woman.” 

“The other picture had nice bracelets and hair band too,” Soria said. 

“The Egyptians wore wigs,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Wigs? Why?” I asked. 

“Oh!” Mr. Adrian exclaimed. 

“Yes,” Miss Paisley nodded as Jeff crossed his arms. 

“Oh. So the hair band was part of the wig?” Soria asked. 

“Oooh she has such a pretty dress on. I sure wish I had one like that,” Leah exclaimed. 

“Possibly part of the wig, but perhaps jewelry,” Miss Paisley said. 

“That is very pretty,” Mr. Adrian nodded. 

“How come they wore wigs?” Leah asked. 

“t was rather unsanitary there,” Miss Paisley exclaimed. “Many of them suffered from fleas. Mostly lice.” 

“Well that ain’t even a dress at all it is a piece of cloth Miss Paisley,” Jeff looked at the picture. 

“Imagine dealing with lice all the time,” Miss Paisley said. 

“I’m sure glad we don’t hafta cut our hair and wear wigs like them!” Leah said. 

“Are they collecting flax in that picture?” Soria asked. “Looks like they are working in a field.” 

“I am sure they still has their own hair, but this covered any thing unsightly," Miss Paisley said. “I think they are more likely dealing with papyrus.” 

“Miss Paisley?!” Jeff raised his hand. “Did boys and girls wear all white all the time?” 

“Yes they did Jeffery. Most often in a document, they talk on papyrus and how much they possessed.” 

“They sure had funny words for things!” Leah said. 

“Sure did,” Jeff nodded. 

Miss Paisley turned the paper over and I asked, “Why didn’t they just call it paper? Pretty much the same word just easier.” 

“Often you see headdress. This is a special one,” Miss Paisley said about the paper. 

“He must be a King,” Mr. Adrian guessed. 

“It is worn by the King,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Yeah Mr. Wise, he gots two girls so he must be a king,” Jeff smiled. 

“It is suspected that it is the Scorpion King by some,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Two girls?” I blinked. 

“Those sure are funny hats!” Leah giggled. 

“Prolly had more then two girls.. just didn’t have enough room on the pappy-rus,” Mr. Adrian guessed. 

“Two women.. likely goddesses as they are wearing the crowns representing the two Niles.... Upper and Lower are placing the crowns on his head,” Miss Paisley explained. 

“Or that!” Mr. Adrian grinned. 

“Goddesses?” I blinked. 

“Yep and he wanted to be looked at more too maybe,” Jeff turned back and looked at Mr. Adrian. 

“The Nile was split into two regions,” she explained. “Upper Nile and Lower Nile. Upper Egypt/Nile is in red and Lower Egypt/Nile is in white.” 

“But…” Jeff started. 

“The King wears the unified crown,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Mr. Adrian should have a crown! He kinda like our king,” I exclaimed. 

“Well how come they ain’t got shirts on?” Jeff asked. 

“That is just how it was back then Jeffery,” Miss Paisley said to her. 

“Well he is. He in charge of everyone and make sure everyone safe. Right Mr. Adrian?” I asked, turning around. 

“Well.. I get lice every now and then. and I do have my topper,” Mr. Adrian said and I giggled. 

“When you see a headdress it is usually for a God other than this crown,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Well I sure am glad we ain’t in them days. I not like be without a shirt,” Jeff said. 

“But what about the Native chiefs? They wear head thingy,” I said. 

“Native chiefs here?” Miss Paisley asked. 

“Is that their crown?” I asked. 

“They are not in Ancient Egypt,” she said. 

“I been learnin’ bout Apache ’cause mommy half Apache. But is that why they wear head thingy’s? Cause they’re like in charge?” I asked. 

“I got my head shaved once here and so did teddy and mildew cause all us kids had lice,” Jeff said. 

“Lil Natalie.. Apache always wear shirts.. and no chiefs where bonnets .. that’s plains injuns,” Mr. Adrian explained. 

“Oh that’s so neat!” Leah turned to me. 

“Oh,” I looked down. 

“When you see an Apache in what you may feel is no shirt... look closer... you often see something beaded…” Miss Paisley smiled and I looked up, blinking. 

“But if they catch us looking closer they might get mad,” Jeff said. 

"Then don’t,” Miss Paisley told him and I was confused. 

“And then they chase us and grab us and kilt us and skin us,” Jeff looked at us girls. 

“I was speaking figuratively. The beads would be very visible Jeffery,” Miss Paisley pointed out. 

“Oh, okay Miss Paisley,” Jeff giggled. 

“Clothing always had rules back then,” Miss Paisley said. “Folks paid close attention. Clothing indicated many things. It could indicate status in society like the headdress.” 

“But clothes is important now like uhm the fireman’s clothes. And the sheriff,” Jeff pointed out.

“Oh yes!" Miss Paisley nodded. “But we are not there yet in the series.” 

“Like how they wear badges,” I pointed out. 

“We are starting small... and in the case of the man’s clothing here... very,” Miss Paisley said. 

“Wooo you gonna tell us more next time too?” Jeff asked. 

“Oh yes! For next time... just think where clothing may go next… I will not ask on it, but just think. and with that... CLASS DISMISSED!” 

We thanked her for class and then I ran over to Mr. Adrian to give him a hug. I headed outside to get on my horse and rode off to find payroll. I found them and followed them from a distance, hearing someone telling Mr. Free, “We take them when they come back through Tombstone again.” 

Black Diamond. 

I rode off after Mr. Wedge and the others and called, “Mr Wdge Mr Wedge Mr Wedge! There two people in Tombstone. They talk bout how they gonna get you guys when you go back to Tombstone. I not know their names.” 

“Oh? Do you know them?” 

“One of them said somethin bout a roof. You gotta be careful Mr. Wedge!!” 

“Oh… that again. I will thank you.” 

“I had to tell everyone! Cause I gonna be a doctor.” 

“Thank you Nat. General...you catch that?” Mr. Wedge asked her. 

“Yep,” Miss Suzy nodded. 

“Be ready then, Nat,” Mr. Wedge told me and I nodded. “I run to clinic if I hear guns.” 

“Maybe we will do something different,” Miss Suzy suggested. 

“I run to clinic if I hear guns,” I promised. 

“It’s dangerous to do that right now but maybe later easy,” Mr. Seth said. 

“Tombstone...they Will be waiting for us,” Mr. Wedge informed. 

“Good Natalie, I no want my assistant to be shot too,” Miss Angeles smirked at me and I grinned at her. 

When the soldiers were done with their work at the bank, I followed them at a safe distance as we rode through the towns. When we were in Goldfield, I warned Mr. Seth about the guys wanting to attack them in Tombstone and he went totell Miss Suzy, even though I said she already knew. As we continued to ride, Mr. Wedge called for them to ready their weapons. 

Tombstone. 

When we got back into Tombstone, I somehow lost the soldiers and rode over to Mr. Trent and asked him, “Mr. Trent, where’d cavalry go?” 

“They was heading up the far tracks miss Nat,” he said. “Towards Ghenna way.” 

“Oooh. I not supposed to go there. I wait here in case they need help here.” 

“Well then I guess you shouldn’t then miss.” 

“I helping with payroll and heard there people gonna shoot em here. So I warned em and now they go through town and prolly get shot.” 

“Golly.” 

“I followed em to Diamond, Goldfield and Pearce. Then we came back here. I like watching all the horses and I wanna help Miss Angeles if she need it in the clinic,” I said and hopped off Velvet. 

“Well just be careful miss.” 

“That why I stay here now. Wasn’t class fun?” 

“Yes miss, it was right informative.” 

“Uh huh. You can call me Natalie, Mr. Trent. Or Nat.” 

“Thank you Miss Nat,” he said and I giggled. 

“I can’t help it I reckon, learned my manners real good.” 

“I gonna go see the fort at least. Bye Mr Trent!” I said and rode off towards the fort. Mr. Wedge and Mr. Seth were on the ground and someone else was shouting. I shouted to Mr. Joe that they were hurt and asked what I could do but a bad man searched Mr. Wedge and stole money from him. “Hey! You can’t take that money! Miss Angel he taking money!” 

“I ain’t doing nothing,” the man shook his head. 

“Mr Joe we taking em to the fort or to Tombstone clinic?” I asked. 

“I don’t carry money,” Mr. Wedge looked up at the robber and I grinned, thinking that Mr. Wedge was the smartest man ever. 

“I go to clinic in Tombstone and wait for you,” I said and ran back to town. “Mr. Trent I was right! They was shot!”

“Who was?” 

“Mr. Wedge and Mr. Seth and I dunno who else.” 

“Golly! That is a shame.” 

“I tried to warn em! They shoulda gone round back or somethin’. There so many of em against not many bad people. How did they... lose?” 

Miss Bree walked over then and Mr. Trent answered, “I do not know miss Nat; sometimes things don’t work out as they should.” 

“By Fort. I go wait in clinic.” 

Miss Bree suggested we go to the fort and we headed out that way. I decided to stay in the clinic though, not wanting to be out in the area of the fort because Mr. Joe said they were all going to come to the clinic. 

I started to make tea and then Mr. Joe started to work on a lady’s shoulder, so I offered her tea and wrote her injuries down in the journal. Miss Bree asked if I was shot and I told her I was helping in the clinic. Miss Bree headed out to find more injured people as I helped Mr. Joe, making tea and getting tools for Mr. Joe. More people came in for treatment and I continued to do my work as things got busy. When everyone had been treated, I replaced the dirty sheets with new ones and swept the floor. 

I wandered out to the fort then to check on the clinic there and Mr. Wedge said that things were okay there. I asked Miss Ang if there was anything I could do and he said that I just had to check on Mr. Wedge. 

“Don't let his grumpy state bother you,” Miss Angeles told me. 

“Miss Xav said that Wedge was sneaky today. I remembered it,” I told them. 

“Xav deserved be shot she a critter,” Miss Bree muttered. 

“I was going to shoot any outlaw I saw today,” Mr. Wedge declared. 

“Well Wedge, they got you instead it seems.” 

“So who shot Xav?” Mr. Wedge asked. 

“Saw gunshots from the hill,” Mr. Seth said as he started to wake up then. 

“I was shooting at her...and Ang got in the way…” Mr. Wedge looked over at Mr. Seth. “Say again, Major?” 

“Someone was on the hill Colonel Wedge and I returned fire and ended up down’ed,” he said. 

“I tried warn you but I guess not good enough. I need to learn names,” I sighed. 

“Gunshots but didn’t see much of where,” Mr. Seth said. 

“Take a rest Major and Colonel try to not moved much, both will have time for write and gives a Suzy the reports,” Miss Angeles said. 

“Names of who, Nat?” Mr. Wedge asked. 

“Of the bad guys. So I can tell you who next time.” 

“Ahh… Okay Captain,” Mr. Wedge nodded to her. 

“I not warn you good enough,” I frowned. 

“Oh, I will teach you that. I deal with they like Ranger too,” Miss Angeles said. 

“No… It was perfect Nat, thank you,” Mr. Wedge smiled at me.

“But Mr Wedge, you got shot,” I went over to him. 

“You did best ya could Nat,” Miss Bree said. 

“Yes, but IN the back,” Mr. Wedge said. 

“That better?” I asked. 

“They rotten shot folks in back,” Miss Bree said. “Maybe we need do that to them.” 

“Well...not much one can do if they don’t see the weasel who shooting you in the back,” Mr. Wedge said. 

“Yeah. I think I go back home. Get better people,” I said then. 

“Ok...thank you Nat...thank you very much,” Mr. Wedge said and I looked around the big fort in awe before heading home. 

October 11, 1900

Pearce.

I walked down the street today and grinned when I saw all the horses. I realized the soldiers were doing their payroll run. 

“Morning sweetie!” Miss Angeles waved at me and I waved back. 

“Thanks for being here Nat,” Miss Bree smiled. 

“I wanna work Miss Bree,” I told her. “Figure I go where people go.” 

Miss Angel waved at me too and then Mr. Finesmith walked out of the bank towards me. “I didn’t see you in class this morning young lady!” he looked firmly at me. 

“Um…” I looked down. “I was workin’.” 

“Poppycock. We’ll be preparing for the Celebrations at the end of the month,” he said. “It will be fun.” 

“I been real behind, Mr. Finesmith,” I backed up a bit. 

“Every time they ask for homework I dun have it done cause I wasn’t there last time. So then I feel bad.” 

“I will see you at my Etiquette class, yes? I will yes?” he looked at me. 

“Diamond will celebrate on the 24th,” Miss Bree nodded. 

“It’s tonight Paden?” Miss Angeles asked. 

“Um…” I shifted from one foot to another. 

“Oh wonderful Miss Breezes,” Mr. Finesmith smiled at her and then looked at me. “Not um…” 

“Well see… We been real scared to go into town lately since uh… Since Mr. James and Miss Lisa chased us all around town,” I started. 

“What did I teach you?” he asked me. “Hmm?” 

“No excuses, Nat. Behind means work harder,” Miss Bree told me. 

“And said they was gonna eat us,” I went on. “We had to hide.” 

“You will be at my etiquette class. And you answer?” Mr. Finesmith asked. 

“But…” I looked down. 

“No buts," he shook his head. 

“Adults aren’t etqiuettey all the time. Maybe they should go to your class,” I insisted. 

“You will be at my ettiquette class.. and you say?” Mr. Finesmith asked. 

“Mr. Finesmith... Sir…” I looked at him. “Jimmy and I we’re… We’re tryin’ to figure out how to get them backs. Without bein too... violent.” 

“This is simple- it is the first thing I teach each class,” Mr. Finesmith said. 

“And if they see us goin’ to school they’ll…” 

“You will be at my ettiquette class, and you say….” Mr. Finesmith leaned in. 

“He not listening, Miss Bree,” I sighed. 

“I would like to volunteer my office for the class on housecleaning!” Mr. Tully shouted. 

I watched as Mr. Finesmith walked away and frowned, looking at Miss Bree as the soldiers rode off. “See? He talk bout etiquette but he don’t listen to anythin I say. So why bother goin to his silly class? He don’t care.” 

“Yeah I know the feeling Nat.” 

“No one cares how adults treat us kids. We just try to behave and… It ain’t fair!!!!” 

“I sure do you come to me if need,” she said. 

“SS Cootie gonna take care of it,” I sighed. “No one else will.” 

Miss Bree headed off and I headed back to Tombstone.  

Tombstone. 

I went to the clinic to get some work done and saw Miss Nim and Mr. Free inside. Mr. Free was holding onto his leg and Mr. Spin was helping Mr. Seth into the clinic. “Hello Miss Natalie,” Miss Nim greeted me. 

“Hi you two. Can I make some tea?” I asked. 

“With a little honey in it, yea, think that would be all the sweet I will get this morning,” Miss Nim nodded. 

“Coffee here please,” Mr. Free grinned. 

“Seth there is bed,” Mr. Spin said and Mr. Seth went over to the bed, holding onto his shoulder. Miss Nim looked around and sighed. 

“Okay I make some tea,” I went to wash my hands. I went to boil some water on the stove as Miss Starling helped Mr. Wedge on the cot and washed her hands too. “What kind of tea you guys want?” I asked. 

Miss Suzy helped Miss Angel on a bed and I looked over. “Hi Mrs Starling. I making tea.” 

“Vat shall ve do vith the box miz?” Miss Angel asked. 

“Arrest them for shooting soldiers and drawing in town,” Miss Suzy said. 

Mrs. Starling got her knife and some willow bark and gave the willow bark to Mr. Wedge to chew. 

“I planned on it.. but the payroll box mis..” Miss Angel said. “Vould you like to take it to the fort?” 

Mrs. Starling checked the wound to see if the bullet was still inside while I made some willow tea for them both and brought the cups over on the tray. 

“Who’s next?” Doc Freja asked.

I made some tea for Mr. Seth, not having seen him till now as Doc Freja asked Mr. Free for his name. “Ok everyone has tea,” I announced. 

“Thank you Natalie! Hello Free....let me get a look at this leg of yours,” Doc Freja said and started to get to work as Mrs. Starling worked on another patient. 

I stayed quiet as they all talked and the doctors worked on their patients. I waited until someone told me to do something and watched everything carefully. 

“Natalie....can you get me some gauze to help tie up his bandage?” Doc Freja asked me. 

“Uh huh!” 

“Thanks!” she said and I went to the cabinet and reached for some gauze, handing it to Doc Freja. She thanked me for it and continued to work on Mr. Free’s leg. 

I saw Mr. Wedge come into the clinic then and put some pillows out for him, telling him, “Lay down, Mr. Wedge.” 

Mr. Wedge tried to shake his head and looked around, asking if everyone was alright. I looked at him and told him to sit down on the bed. He was more concerned that his people were doing okay. 

“So how is my Captain young lady?” Mr. Wedge asked me. 

I looked over and then looked back to him. “Angeles been quiet. I dunno if she okay.” 

“You going to be avlright vedgie?” Miss Angel asked him. 

“Yeah....nasty head ache tho,” he nodded. 

“I not heard her say a thing.” 

“Vell the payroll box iz safe,” Miss Angel nodded. 

“She’s shot, isn’t she?” Mr. Wedge asked. 

I walked over and asked, “Miss Angeles??” 

“Spin...can you get my Captain to a bed?” Mr. Wedge asked. 

“Sure can,” he nodded and helped Miss Angeles over to the bed. 

“Deputy...let me go get my horse....we need to secure the box,” Mr. Wedge said and Miss Angel nodded as Miss Angeles breathed shallowly. 

“Spin, can you take over vatching thease two?” Miss Angel asked him. 

I looked around with worry as things started to get scary and I wondered if Miss Angeles would be okay. I walked over to Miss Starling and looked for something to do, since everyone was ignoring me. 

“Hey, you got and picks?” Mr. Free asked me. 

“Natalie could you get a cup of tea for the Major here please?” Mrs. Starling asked me. 

“Miss Starling I already did,” I told her. “It’s on the tray. I made her some willow tea.” 

“Oh, okay sorry I missed it,” she nodded. 

I looked around then and when Mr. Free looked at Miss Nim, he said, “Seems one is dead…” 

I went to make some willow tea for Mr. Seth and put it beside his bed. “There you go Mr Seth. That’ll help you feel betters.” He grasped the cup and started drinking it slowly. 

“Thanks for your help, Natalie!” Doc Freja smiled at me. 

“You’re welcome, Doc Freja. Is what I here for,” I said. 

“Thank you little nurse,” Mr. Seth smiled at me. “Can see her growing up to be a good doctor.”

I beamed at that and Ms. Starling said, “Yes Seth, she is a good little helper.” 

I went to clean up the other beds and put the dirty sheets in the basket. I replaced the old dirty sheets with new clean ones and then told Mr. Seth, “Be careful Mr. Seth. Don’t get hurted again.” 

“Tell that to those that surprised me,” Mr. Seth said as he got up on his feet. 

“Yes sir Mr. Seth,” I nodded. “At least they gots arrested.” I looked around, seeing that the lawmen had brought the bad people to jail already. 

“Don’t go overdoing that wound mind,” Mrs. Starling told him and then looked at me. “Natalie have you cleaned all the equipment that was used?” 

I went to replace the sheets on Mr. Seth’s bed and put the new ones on the bed in its place. “I will, Doc Starling. Just finished changing the beds.” 

I gathered up all the equipment and put it on a tray. I went to boil another kettle of water and then poured the boiling water into a pot. I took the heavy pot to the counter and started dipping the tools into the hot water to sterilize them. I set the clean tools on a towel to dry when they were clean. I stepped back and looked at Doc Starling. “All done! Now what?” 

“You could sweep the floor,” she suggested. 

I nodded and went to get the broom, sweeping the floor to make sure to get around the beds and in the corners. I swept the dirt and stuff out the door and said, “Ok now I write about the patients again.” 

“Can you remember how many there was?” 

“Um… Miss Angeles, but she was killed… No one got to her in time.” 

“We were all busy in here,” she said. 

“Then um Miss Nim… Where was she shot in?” 

“Her leg.” 

“And who looked at her? That was you right? Or Doc Freja?” 

“That was Doc Freja.” 

“Then Mr. Seth. Where he shot?” 

“He was shot in the stomach and his shoulder.” 

“That was you right? Who healeded him?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then um… Wedge? Or Spin?” 

“There was Mr Wedge.” 

“Or both? Where he shot?” 

“Just Mr Wedge. He was shot in his right arm at the top. Just before his shoulder.” 

“Who looked at him?” 

“I looked after him also.” 

“Okay. That all right?” I asked and put the notes in Doc Freja’s mailbox on the desk cause she was in charge. 

“Was Deputy Angel hit?” 

“Um… I don’t think so she was movin round lots.” 

“I think Doc Freja helped her.” 

“Did she?”

“I think it was just a scratch.”

“Yeah I no think she got healed or anythin’ cause she was all over tha place.” 

“That Angel,” Doc Starling smiled. 

“Oh and Mr Free!” 

“Well that would be Doc Freja who helped him.” 

“He shot in leg I think.” 

“Yes, so do I.” 

“Ok there, now we done!” 

“Yep, all done and dusted for now,” Miss Starling smiled. 

“Now we go play?” I grinned and she nodded so I ran outside to have some fun. 

October 10, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I went into town and ran over to hug Poppy and Sabi. When I asked Sabi what was going on, she said, “Tha Lollipop Gang is ridin again!!” 

“Oh cool!” 

“Yeah and we is looken for witches and ghosties and goblings,” Poppy said. 

“Who is the Boss of the Lollipop Gang, Miss Sabi?” Miss Nim asked. 

“Ooooh all that stuff’s scary. I don’t believe it.” 

“Dats a good question, who is tha boss Poppy?” Sabi asked and looked at Poppy. 

“I think I finded a witch,” Poppy nodded. 

“Oh did ya? Who? How can ya tell?” 

“Well day has lots o candles and a skellyton head and they gots lots of little pots with smelly stuff cooken in em,” Poppy asked. 

“Oh wow. Where?” I asked. 

“Like litty boys,” Mr. Free said. 

“I heard that was orphans they had in those cooking pots?” Miss Nim asked. 

“In the Pimpertons office,” Poppy whispered. 

“Der ain’t no more orfins Miss Nim. We is all free,” Sabi said. 

“Your what?” Miss Nim asked. 

“We is all free. Miss Ireland is gone, so we gots no more matron,” Sabi said. 

“Free the orfings, free the orfings!” Poppy exclaimed. 

“Yeaaaah!” Sabi called. 

“Pinkertons? Nah, mommy not a witch,” I shook my head. 

“Well I think Mayor Wise and Marshal Kris can watch over you until another Matron might be found,” Miss Nim said. 

“Why don’t you do it, Nim?” Mr. Free asked. 

“But she’s gots all the stuff I thinks that what happens to all the missing outlaws,” Poppy said. “She’s maken them frogs.” 

“I dunno I guess they just disappear. But mommy says lots of em turn up years later,” I told her. 

“Poppy, who is da boss of tha Lollipops? It must be you,” Sabi asked. 

“Same reason I do not lawyer anymore Free, they consider me an outlaw, I have no rights anywhere but Ghenna,” Miss Nim said. 

“Or months later. Miss Nim ain’t you been arrested and stuff?” I asked. 

“I have been arrested Natalie, but never convicted of any crimes,” Miss Nim said. 

“Well since thay free move them,” Mr. Free said.

“Oh,” I nodded. 

“There ain’t no boss we is a self run organazton,” Poppy said. 

“Ohhhhhh What’s dat mean?” Sabi asked. 

“But, I could be the Boss of the Lollipops,” Miss Nim grinned. 

“How you get money?” Mr. Free asked. 

“We ain’t gots no boss,” Poppy shook her head. 

“Why they need money?” I asked. 

“Yeah we don’t buy nothing,” Poppy said. 

“Eat, live, have fun,” Mr. Free answered. 

“Eat cake, live have fun,” Miss Nim nodded. 

“Well we gots tha judgie in our pockets alreadys,” Sabi said. “I ain’t sure what that means though. 

“People gives us cookies and ya don’t need money to have fun,” Poppy said. 

“We do?” I asked. 

“I think that means she gets all our lint…” Sabi said. 

“But if you girls are looking for a witch, your right, Pimperton lady is where you should look,” Miss Nim said and I reached in my pocket and looked in it for the judge. “I don’t see no judge. Miss Nim!!!! Ma ain’t no witch!!! Tell her Sabi.” 

“Naw, Auntie Trin isn’t a witchie. She sings likes an angel! Miss Irelund was the only witchie,” Sabi said. 

“What’s she gots a skellyton head for?” Poppy asked. 

“See???? Skellyton head? Where?” 

“See, might listen to Poppy,” Miss Nim said. 

“On the desk with the candles,” Poppy said. 

I folded my arms and glared at Miss Nim. “She don’t have no skellyton. I show you.” 

“No just the head.” 

I ran off and pushed the door to mommy’s office open, but called out, “Poppy it not here!” 

“Where is you? Not there!” Poppy shouted. 

“Mommy’s office!” I shouted back. 

“In Black Diamond!” Poppy said. 

“There’s one there?” I asked her. 

“I show ya.” 

“Somebody messing around with mommy’s office??” I asked and followed her off to Black Diamond. 

Black Diamond. 

Poppy led the way to the office in Black Diamond and looked in the office and then back out at her. “See, it’s there. With all that witch stuff.” 

“That’s mommy’s stuff for fingerprintin’ she told me,” I told her. 

“See a skellyton head. And candles and lots of stuff to make outlaws into frogs.” 

“That don’t sound right. I think mommy just uses it as a way to study stuff. And she needs candles for wax and stuff for prints. I think. I dunno.” 

“Ohh…” 

“She not scary though. She don’t like hurtin’ people.” 

“Well I didn’t say she was a bad witch.” 

“I dunno. She don’t like all that magic and stuff.” 

“Oh well maken outlaws into frogs is a better story thatn putten them in jail.” 

“I dunno. She real scared of frogs too. Don’t think she’d turn people into em. Maybe you should talk to Miss Nim. Maybe she the real witch.” 

“We better go find Sabi she might get into trouble with out us to take care of her,” she giggled. 

“She manages to get out of things even when she does bad stuff.” 

“There she is,” I said, seeing Sabi come over to us. 

“What you think Sabi? Miss Nim could be the real witch.” 

“Did ya find tha witchie poo?” Sabi asked. 

“Nu uh. Mommy usess that stuff for work.” 

“Nat says Miss Trin studys the skellyton head.” Poppy said. 

“Ohhhh. Dat makes sense.” Sabi said. “Auntie Aeryne has one in tha sheriffs office too.” 

“Uh huh. See? It’s a law person thing. And in the clinics too.” 

“Miss Stormy isnt in tha laws no more I guess,” Sabi frowned. 

“No?” I asked. 

“Nopes.” 

“Huh.” 

“She didn’t like haven to shot Mr. Garth,” Poppy said. 

“Fer a couple days auntie wasnt sheriff and there was no law people at all in Black Diamond. Mr Tye lefted too.” 

“Wow,” I said. 

“Mr. Eryk would help,” Poppy suggested. 

“So there no law here?” I asked. 

“Yeaaah auntie is gonna hires Mr Eryk,” Sabi told us. “Oh yeah der is. Auntie Aeryne is sheriff agains.” 

“Or is Aunti Aeryne back again? Oh good!!” I grinned excitedly. 

“He’ll be a good law person,” Poppy said. 

“She and Miss Suzy got it all figgered out,” Sabi nodded. 

“Ah that’s good,” I giggled. 

“He wouldn’t let me bach old Ben in the head with a rock,” Poppy said and we giggled. 

“Now yer gonna wanna bash Mr Rock in tha head wif a rock,” Sabi giggled. “I dun likes him.” 

“Is he a rock head?” Poppy asked. 

“He is a bad man,” Sabi said. 

“What does he do?” Poppy asked. 

“He tolded Swift Fox that he was gonna scalp him!” Sabi exclaimed and we giggled. “Auntie Aeryne frets about him a lot and he aint even a Black Diamond depty.” 

“Huh she shouldn’t has to worry bout him,” I said. 

“Have ya all meeted Miss Xeva? She’s really pretty,” Poppy said. 

“If he stay in Tombstone she stay here it no problem,” I told her. “Nu uh who’s Miss Xeva?” 

“I don’t think I have Poppy, who is she?” Sabi asked. 

“She’s this lady I see sometimes,” Poppy said. “She’s real nice and fancy and pretty.” 

“What she do?” 

“And she showed me this teanny tiny gun she hides. She plays games,” Poppy said. “Five card draw is her faverite.” 

“Oh. Outlaw game? Oh card games,” I said. 

“And she makes lots of money,” Poppy said. 

“You guys wanna see a real scary place?" 

"Yeah!" Poppy noded. 

“It a ghost town. That what mommy says,” I said. 

“Der is a ghost town again?” Sabi asked. 

“Oh I miss the old one,” Poppy said. 

“Me too,” Sabi said. 

“Law and stuff won’t even go there so if somethin’ happens there they won’t care,” I told them. “Wanna see it?” 

“Yeaaaah!!! Sabi and Poppy exclaimed. 

We wandered around and got lost as we looked for the ghost town and then Poppy headed off and Sabi and I talked about our families as she showed me her big house where she lived. 

October 8, 1900

Tombstone. 

Tonight I walked into the clinic, seeing a big group of people there. “Oh good, doc Jess you’re here!” I said to her as she was working on a patient. 

“Hey Natalie. What can I do for you?” she asked as the man coughed hard. 

“I was gonna see if you needed help here.” 

“Not right now,” she said. “I have only had two patients since I got here this afternoon.” 

“I’ll just wait till you need help then Miss Jess,” I said and looked around. 

“Okay, can always use a helper,” she said and I grinned. 

I looked over at the man on the couch and asked, “You okay Mister?” 

“I don’t recall feeling bad,” the man coughing said. 

“Do you need a doctor Mr?” 

“I’m real sick. Best stay away so you don’t get it. Doctor looked at me already.” 

“Oh.” 

“Howdy, I’m Samual,” another man said, who was sitting beside the coughing man. 

“Hi Samuel! How are you Samual?” I asked him. 

“Good. Doc looked at me too,” Mr. Samual said. 

“Oh… You sick?” I asked Mr. Samual as the man beside him kept coughing hard and I frowned at him. 

“No, doc said I was very healthy,” Mr. Samual said. 

“Oh good.” 

“Well, grandpah has consuption.” 

“A consuption? What that?” 

“Yeah. Tuber-cul-liosis. I think the doc name for it.” 

“Ah.” 

“He’s not feelin’ good and thin and pale.” 

“That no good. Hope whatever Doc Jess told him will help him get better.” 

“I hope so too.” 

“Who you live with Samuel?” 

“My family pahs name is Zeth Draconia. He’s a ranger.” 

“Oh I see. My mommy’s a detective. Well she not really my mommy... I kinda adopted her.” 

“Wonderful.” 

“I didn’t wanna live at orphanage anymore. Now that they have no one leading there... I glad.” 

“Aww. True.”
 

“Orphanage lady was mean to me but she not around anymore. She left the town.” 

“Oooh. She was?” 

“Uh huh. So not many sick people tonight then huh?” I looked around as the clinic seemed to be getting quieter.

“Oh there will be.” 

“You think so?” 

“Yup,” he nodded. 

“I not usually out this late but I been wantin’ to work. And there not much to do in the daytime.” 

“Come and I’ll show you.” 

“Okay but I gotta stay close to the clinic in case someone comes,” I looked down the street out the window and said, “Wow lots of people down there!” 

“See I told ya and once there’s shooting… You’ll be real busy.” 

“Uh huh! You have a job Sam? You have brothers or sister?” 

“I have a sister, she’s sixteen years old.” 

“Oh wow who is she?” 

“Her name is Hayden grey Draconia.” 

“Oh I think I met her once but I not sure.” 

“And two other big families I still have to meet. They’re my family too.” 

“Ooh. I don’t have any real brothers or sisters but Jimmy like a brother to me. He my best friend.” 

“I never met Jimmy.” 

“He nice. He protect me.” 

“That’s good.” 

“This one night... Mr James and…” I started but then blinked, seeing Miss Lisa and hid behind him. I watched ther and Mr. James walk away and exhaled. “They musta heard me talkin’ about them!!!” 

“Hmmm wha?” 

“I am goin’ to be leavin’ Allen Street,” Doc Jess said then. “Goin’ up to Shucks if you need me just call for me.” 

“Okay, I’ll get myself home. I’m feeling a bit better,” said the man who was coughing. 

“Okay, I am sure you will be feeling a little bit better,” Doc Jess promised him. 

“Yes ma’am,” he nodded. 

“Those vapors tend to help the lungs..” 

“Yes, I’ll use it just like you say.” 

“I have been runnin them in here while you were sleeping,” Doc Jess said. 

“Is he gonna be okay Doc Jess?” I asked her. 

“As well as he can be Natalie,” she nodded. 

“That’s good,” I smiled. 

“I’m goin up to the dance. You can come if you want,” Doc Jess said. 

“I can change his bed sheet Doc Jess. So you can go to the dance,” I offered. 

“Alright, just don’t get it too close to your body,” she warned. 

“Okay Doc Jess I won’t.” 

“Wash your hands after you are finished..” 

“Of course, Doc Jess.” 

I said goodbye to them as they all headed out of the clinic and then went to gather up the blankets, making sure not to touch myself as I put them in the dirty basket. I went to put new sheets on the bed and washed my hands again before heading home. 

October 5, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I was working in the clinic and then went outside and found Sabi. “Hiiiiii Nat! How is you?” she asked. 

“I’m alright, you?” 

“I is good thankies. What’s goin on taday?” 

“Nothin’. Just thought I’d work at the clinic in case anyone gets shot but no one getting hurted.” 

“Don’t seems ta be many peeples arounds at alls.” 

“Nope. We gotta find somethin’ to do.” 

“We had a great time last nights at the Halloween dance.” 

“Yeah? I don’t like halloween. Too scary.” 

“Was a lot of funs. I was a witchey. And Ruby Stine was tha bride of Franky Stine.” 

“Oh.” 

“I am gonna walks over ta Winslow, wanna comes alongs?” she asked. 

“I gotta stay here. Maybe if I make enough money then mommy have enough to pay for our house,” I grinned. 

“Ohhhh okies Nat. I will see ya laters then.”

“Okay bye bye!” I waved and got back to my journals. 

October 1, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked over to the hotel and I greeted Miss Angel and her new puppy, who’s name was Splinter. We taught it tricks and I played fetch with him as Mr. Ben came over and I showed him the tricks. Sabi came over and I greeted her. 

“I is on a secrets mission!" she giggled. 

“Oh? What kinda mission?” 

“Ohhh secret mission… you gonna be a law woman when ya all grown up?” Mr. Ben asked.

“Ohhh I dunno maybe Mr Ben. Has you seen Mr. Lot?” 

“Nu uh,” I shook my head at her. 

“Nope… I try not lookin for the likes of him anyways,” Mr. Ben shook his head. 

Mr. Rock came over then and talked to Miss Angel about some warrant and Mr. Ben looked at Sabi and she asked, “Whaaa? I didn’t dooo nutton.” 

“And don’t you be gettin yerself in no troubles with mister lot.. ya hear me young one,” Mr. Ben warned. 

“Sabi?” Mr. Rock asked her. 

“Yes Mr Rock?” 

“You want to be a law woman some day Sabi?” 

“Yeaaaaaaaah, like my auntie!” she nodded. 

“Rock ya best not be usein these young girls to do your evil task.,” Mr. Ben looked up at Mr. Rock. 

“No you know me better than that,” Mr. Rock looked back. 

“Ya know ifin ya get in troubles.. it might prevent ya from being adopted,” Mr. Ben looked at Sabi with concern. 

“She knows that Ben,” Mr. Rock assured. 

“I don’t want nothin’ to happen to Sabi,” I put in. “She deserves a family.” 

“Beside me and MIss Prudy would adopt Sabi no matter what she did...smiles at sabi,” Mr. Rock insisted. 

“Mr Rock it don’t work like that,” I told him. “The town decides based on what the mommy’s and daddys and the kid do. Right Sabi? That’s why ya gotta behave and get all them checkups and stuff.” 

“Dat’s right Nat. Besides. Mrs Rye and Mr Cole is gonna be my mommy and daddy,” Sabi nodded. 

“Yeah. So you gotta stay out of trouble. What Mr. Rock want you to do?” I asked. 

“Zat she doze,” Miss Angel nodded to me. 

“I ain’t want her to do nuttin am I Sabi?” Mr. Rock asked. 

“Well then why she in your office Mr. Rock? She do somethin’ bad?” I asked. 

“Oh well gosh... I dun wanna gets in troubles,” Sabi said and Mr. Rock put a finger to his lips. 

“He said I should tell Mr Lots I has a suprise fer him in tha orfanij... and lead him der,” Sabi said. 

“Okay going to work on it now,” Mr. Rock said then and went into his office. 

“Oooh. But…” I looked at her with worry. 

“And den runs away so dey can gangs up and shoots Mr Lots in tha backs,” Sabi said. 

“What if somethin’ happens with Mr. Lot?” I asked. “He scary.”

“Yeah he is! I better run fasts!!” Sabi nodded. 

“This don’t sound right,” I frowned, looking between Mr. Ben and Miss Angel with worry. 

“Don’t do zat, Sabi,” Miss Angel shook her head. “Ye’re more zen capeable of catching mizter lot on our own.” 

“Ohhhh okies.... but Mr Rocks said I coulds be a depty if I dids dis,” Sabi said. 

“No Sabi, iz bezt to stay out of it,” Miss Angel warned. 

“Mister Lot finds out you have a part in that plot Sabi… he might just take your ear off too,” Mr. Ben warned. 

“You gotta be real careful, Sabi,” I agreed. 

“I don’t vant you hurt, Sabi,” Miss Angel said. “I vould feel awful if something happend to you.” 

“Okies Miss Angels I wonts,” Sabi pouted. 

“Me too,” Mr. Ben said. 

“Me too Sabi. You a good friend,” I told her. 

“Awww I dun want you to feel awful Miss Angel,” Sabi said. 

“It not right Mr Rock’s settin’ somethin up against Mr. Lot. He supposed to be law. Ain’t he Miss Angel? How can he do this and put Sabi in danger?” I asked her. 

“Law can set up trapz but iz bezt not to use children..” Miss Angel nodded to me. 

“That’s what he doin’!” I frowned. “It ain’t right! Miss Angel you should talk to Mr. Rock.” 

“I vill,” she promised. “Excuze me a moment pleaze,” she said and went into the office. 

“The fella is a coward… can't face mister lot himself ifin he got a problem with him,” Mr. Ben said to Sabi. 

“Mr. Ben.... he law,” I looked at him. “He not supposed to be doin’ bad things like this so he lettin’ a kid od it. It ain’t fair.” 

“Those lawmen seem to just make up the laws as they go along.” 

“Besides. he s’posed to arrest on his own not with your help. I gonna go somewhere’s.” 

“You girls be safe,” Mr. Ben said and I headed over to the stables to find my horse, wanting to go on a ride. I wanted to be far away from the mean lawman.