Doing The Right Thing - Jim Lang, B.C.B (Before Cool Beans) A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words Entry

"Yes, Pa. I'm sure. Wind and I can do it, I know we can!"

"I don't doubt that you can do it, Jim. But are you sure about giving all of your winnings to the Paddricks? That kind of money is mighty important."

"Their house burned to the ground, Pa. I want to help them."

"I'm proud of you! I just want you to be completely sure before you tell anyone about your plans. Once a man gives his word, it's as good as set in stone."

"It's what I want to do. And I know Wind would feel the same."

"Then off with you two. Bring home some fish for supper!" said the tall, lean man as he slapped the rump of his son's fine young Morgan horse.

Jim galloped his lightning fast horse across pastures and prairie land. Not that he was in any hurry, he just reveled in the speed.

When they approached the edge of the thick stand of young willows, he slowed Wind to a walk. It was a hot day, and he wanted his horse properly cooled before allowing him to drink from the ice cold river.

---

"Hello, Ben! How are you?" Jim asked, grinning. He was delighted to see Ben Webbs, eldest of the eight children who had recently moved into the area with their father.

The rumor going around town was that Mrs. Webbs had died giving birth to her youngest, a daughter. If this was true, they had been without her for about two years.

"I'm alright, Jim. Just trying to catch some trout for supper. But nothing's biting."

"What are you using for bait, Ben?"

"Worms. It's always worked before."

"The fish around here like bread and cheese. Here, let me show you!"

Soon, young Jim had a fat trout beside him on the riverbank. He looked at Ben expectantly.

"Uh, I didn't bring any food..." he said, looking down.

For the first time, Jim noticed that Ben's clothes were too small for him. He felt awkward, and looked down too.

"That's okay, Ben. Ma always fixes too much. We can share."

---

After a successful day of fishing, the two boys went upstream to the deep eddy, which was a perfect swimming hole. Refreshed, they went back to their fish.

Jim looked at his catch. It would be enough for at least three days for him, Ma, and Pa. And he could always come back for more.

"Ben, I think I caught too many. I really don't want to eat fish three days in a row!"

At that he made a funny face. Ben laughed.

"Do you think you could take the extras?"

Suddenly serious, Ben nodded. The big load would be plenty, everyone could even have seconds if they wanted.

---

Two days later, Jim and Wind won first place at the big race over in Wheatville. They were several lengths ahead of the rest of the participants.

On his way home, Jim decided to visit the river. He was hot, and it would feel good to go for a quick swim. Instead of racing through the fields, he rode leisurely down the dirt path which cut through them. It looked like two brown ribbons, with green in the middle.

On the way, he saw Ben Webbs. He was going in the same direction. Jim slowed even more, to talk to him.

"Hey Ben. Where you headed?"

"The river, to get some fish. You?"

"I'm just going for a quick swim. Wind and I won the big race over in Wheatville!"

"That's great, congratulations!" Ben said, genuinely happy for his new friend.

During the short conversation, Wind had become impatient. He was tossing his head, and stamping his front right hoof.

"I better get going, Ben. I think Wind wants a drink. See you!"

As soon as Jim loosened up on the reins, Wind set off at a smart trot. He was impatient, and didn't want any more delays. Unknown to Jim, the small brown pouch containing the prize money came loose from the saddle. Seconds later it fell to the ground.

---

Ben didn't see this, but he did find the bag of money. His eyes became as round as saucers.

"This is more money than I've ever seen in my life! I wonder where it came from?!?!"

Not wanting to meet the owner along the road, he stuffed the small leather pouch under his shirt, and ran home as if Satan himself were on his heels.

"I need time to think before I tell Pa... I'll hide it in the hayloft for now."

He did so, in an old box of worn out tools and bits of broken harness.

---

"Pa, I lost the prize money! I retraced my steps all the way back to where I know I had it." cried Jim.

"Well then, that means it was found. We will just go into town tomorrow, and put up a notice at the store. Write out a good description, and be sure to mention what you plan for the money. People in general are good, you'll see."

"I sure hope so! The Paddricks can't keep living in their barn, winter will be here all too soon."

---

Ben saw that notice the very next day. But it was three days later that he crept up to the Lang farm. He had the little brown pouch.

"This is for you, Ma. I hope I make you proud, always." whispered Ben, looking at the bright blue sky.

He quietly set it on the step, and ran. When he reached the bushes, he got out his slingshot. Ben put a small pebble in, and aimed carefully. The pebble bounced off of the thick, sturdy door loudly. Seconds later a tall, lean man came out. His foot nudged the pouch, and he picked it up.

Describe what you see

I see a small leather pouch sitting in the middle of a dirt road. It looks well taken care of.

Describe what you feel

I feel like it was lost, and since it was well cared for, the owner is probably missing it. Maybe it contains something important.

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Cover image from here and edited on Canva using their gallery