SATURDAY MORNING,
OCTOBER 7, 1871
- Not in a Pig’s Eye! -
Saturday morning was another sad day for Justin. This was the second day he went to the empty goat barn and sat on the doorsill. Everything was too quiet without Ticktock’s bleating, her noisy bell, and the happy little sounds she usually made when she greeted him.
Although the family spent the better part of yesterday asking if anyone had seen a girl with a goat, no one had. Father even checked with the police, but not a soul had any idea where Poppy went with Ticktock.
They had eaten supper silently last night. Justin could tell the rest of the family felt they’d done everything they could.
Later that Saturday morning, at the church fair, tables were filled with various items of clothing. One side of the hall had men’s clothes—piles of sweaters, flannel shirts, trousers, and shoes, all only slightly worn. On hangers were nicely pressed suits and dress shirts. Justin was posted in that area, along with his chum Randy and Randy’s father. Forrest was there, too, wandering among the people, inviting them to church services.
Claire and Mother helped on the other side of the hall, where women’s and children’s clothes were laid out in neat piles and on hangers.
All Justin could think of was Poppy and Ticktock. Poppy could use clothes. Maybe she’d come into the church today. But it wasn’t likely. He knew she’d probably never show up around his family again. In any case, she sure knew the best way to hurt me, Justin thought. She knows how much I love Ticktock. I’ll never forgive her for stealing my goat.
Justin’s brooding was interrupted when he looked up to see Four Fingers Foley and Patrick Cahill enter the church hall. They looked uncomfortably out of place, treading slowly and uneasily into the large room. Probably the first time they’ve been in a church, Justin thought.
Justin went up to them. “I’ll help you find a sweater and shirt as promised, fellas. Do you need anything else, Fingers?” he asked.
“Anything else that fits.”
“I can use more new duds, too,” Patrick added.
“But first, have you seen Poppy?” Justin asked.
“Yeah, yesterday—down by the park at the lake. We gave her your message, but she said she couldn’t come to your house ’cause you’d probably have her arrested.”
“Did she have Ticktock?”
“She sure did,” Patrick answered. “She said she was protectin’ your goat ’cause …” He turned to his pal. “Why had she taken Ticktock, Fingers?”
“You dummy. You can’t remember your own name!” Fingers snapped. Then, turning to Justin, he said, “She said Ma Brennan was lookin’ to steal Ticktock to kill her.”
Patrick nodded. “Oh yeah—she said she’d cook her into a stew or throw her at the dogs.”
“What?” Justin yelled, and several people, including Forrest, looked his way. “Why?” he asked more softly.
“I dunno. It was about Ma punishin’ Poppy for somethin’ or other,” Patrick said.
“Yeah. Poppy said to tell you that she didn’t steal Ticktock. She was hiding her from Ma.”
“Why didn’t she just come and tell me? Didn’t you tell her we know she didn’t steal anything?”
“She said she wouldn’t come—not in a pig’s eye. Those were her exact words,” Fingers said.
“She may come here for clothes, though.” Patrick looked accusingly at Fingers. “You told her she needed clothes and she looked a mess.”
“I’ve got to talk to her. I thought she was getting even with me by stealin’ my goat,” Justin said. “So now it’s time to come back and we can straighten everything out. It was all a big misunderstanding.”
“It’s more than that,” Fingers said. “When Ma Brennan’s out to get someone … believe you me, it’s not just a misunderstandin’!”
“So Ticktock really is in danger, right?” Justin asked.
“Right,” Fingers replied. “And I’m thinkin’ Poppy’s in big danger, too. Why don’t you go lookin’ down by the river park where we saw her?”
“She saw me Thursday. I called but she ran away. Please, chums, if you see her first, tell her to come here to the church. She and Ticktock will be safe here.”
“She won’t come,” Patrick said.
Fingers shook his head. “Nope. Not in a pig’s eye.”