"That's a big change," Roy muttered, as they drove past the construction.
Tying the mules up, Sara gave instructions to her sons concerning their conduct while in town.
"Abe, you keep an eye on Billy. Billy you listen to your brother. Abe, you let Billy decide where he spends his money. Billy, hold onto that jar tightly. You don't need to have it broken."
Sara looked at her sons, to make a final eye contact ensuring that they knew she was keeping a watchful eye on their activity.
"Maw, can we go now?" cried Abe.
Sara threw up her hands. "All right, just go."
Abe and Billy did not hesitate and disappeared quickly.
Sara wore a long western skirt and a light blue gingham blouse. She complemented the outfit with her usual boots. She and Roy had several errands and at one poin, they came by the saloon and peeked in the windows. Sitting on stools the boys had their arms locked around each other as they sipped on root beers. Billy's jar looked like some of the dimes were now missing. Roy and Sara exchanged smiles as they walked down the street. Roy was proud to have Sara holding his arm.
"Roy, again I want to apologize for getting so upset about Billy's jar of dimes. I was wrong and your idea was quite smart."
"I'm just glad it worked."
"How did you know it would?"
"I didn't. A lucky guess I suppose."
"Are you making a joke?"
Roy shook his head.
"Well, thank you because I'm amazed how fast it worked for Billy."
"I must tell you, I got nervous when I needed more dimes. I was afraid Billy would put me in the poor house."
A little later, Roy and Sara watched the boys exit one shop and head for the general store. The boys were wearing matching new red shirts and sporting western belts with shiny buckles. The level of dimes in Billy's jar was much lower. Later in the afternoon, when everyone gathered together to head home, Abe and Billy showed up with their pockets stuffed with candy. Billy's jar was now down near the bottom. Sara started to chastise Billy for being so foolish, but Roy stopped her and queried the two boys.
"Did you two have fun today?"
Both boys nodded wearing broad smiles.
Roy took Billy's jar and held it up. Giving the jar a slight shake, Roy continued with his questions.
"Say Billy; are you ready to go get your new fishing pole?"
"Yes sir."
"Roy? You can't keep spoiling these boys like this!"
Roy snatched Billy's hand and marched into Dillard's store, ignoring Sara's disapproving expression. Once inside, Roy helped them pick out a rod each. Billy opened the jar and dumped the dimes out. Frank started counting the coins, but then Roy leaned over the counter and whispered something in Frank's ear.