3.3 “Just remember how you felt that night.”

 Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas - February 1874

“I think your dog wants in, Sir.” ARJ told him.

“It isn’t my dog, but it’s been hanging around here for a few days.” He opened the door a crack and attempted to shoo it away, but the dog took advantage of the opening and pushed its way inside. The dog went directly to the boys, wagging its tail and jumping on them.

Dad appeared behind them and bent to pet it.

The clerk reached the dog and tried to direct it back out. “You boys don’t need a dog, do you?”

“How much does he cost?” ARJ asked.

“You can have him for free if you’ll take him with you. He must be a stray looking for a home. I can’t have him getting in the store every time a door opens!”

The boys looked up at Dad.

“You know, we could use a good dog to watch over the farm...” He patted the dog’s head.

As they started for home, ‘Buddy’ sat between ARJ and JW in the back of the wagon, as if he had always been part of the family.  

ARJ stood up to tell Mum and Dad about the name they'd given their dog but realized they were in the middle of a conversation.

“Arthur, do you think the lawyers can help us?”

“They seem to feel fairly confident the jury will find me not guilty.”

“How will I find the courage to testify in front of the judge, not to mention the three men who have threatened us for a second time… and the jury..., and all the onlookers Mr. Brewer suspects will come to watch?”

“Just remember how you felt that night.” Dad caught Mum’s eyes and held them. “You’ll find the courage to speak.” He continued to hold her gaze for a long time, before turning his eyes back to the road.