Robin by Julane Hiebert Read Free Book Online Page A

encircled John’s neck so tight it hurt, but he wouldn’t mention it. It was the first time a child had ever run into his arms. He’d ignore the fact that his lip throbbed like it had been stepped on and that it would no doubt swell bigger than the nose the kid pretended to pull off.
                  “Yep, Ty. You shore know how to settle a kid, don’t ya?” He patted the boy’s back, and the kid squeezed even tighter. Much more and he’d be gasping for air. “Don’t worry, little man,” he managed to squawk. “He ain’t takin’ you nowhere.” John stretched his legs, and set the boy on his lap. “I surely do wish you’d give a thought to stayin’ here for a spell. I could use me some help a gatherin’ eggs and haulin’ wood, and things like that. I reckon you’re man enough for a job, don’t you think?”
                  Jacob swiped a pudgy hand under his nose. “How come my nose is so drippy?”
                  John scratched his head. “Well, there’s a real good reason for that. That’s my nose on your face. Remember? And it’s tryin’ to run off so it can come to me again.”
                  Jacob scrunched his hand around his nose then poked a fist in John’s shirt pocket and wiggled his fingers. “There. Now can I hav e m y nose back please?”
                  John laughed and hugged the boy. His arms had never been so warm or so full. “You surely can, my boy. You surely can.” He wiggled his thumb on Jacob’s face. “Now, I think you need to stay here with me ‘til we can be sure that little thing I gave you is gonna stay on your face.” He winked at Ty.
                  Jacob grinned. “Do you for real got eggs?”
                  “Sure do. You like eggs, do ya?”
                  The boy nodded. “Fried, with the insides all runny. Then Mama lets me sop it up with my bread.” He sniffed and picked at his fingernails.
                   John held the boy clos e . He can’t fool an old man. It ain’t a big nose that’s makin’ the little fella’s face drippy. No siree. He’s missin’ his mama for sure. Strange he don’t talk about a pa.
                  “I’m a little short on bread right now, but I reckon Miss Robin could stir us up some biscuits.” He stood the boy on the floor. “Now, you stay right there while Mr. Morgan helps me up.”
                  John groaned when Ty pulled him to his feet. “You go on about your business, Ty. I think the kid likes me.”
                  “Uncle John? Where might I find—”
                  He turned to Robin. “You’ll find flour in the can behind the blue curtain in the kitchen, and soda’s in the cupboard. Make yourself to home. Me and the boy got eggs to gather.”
    ###
    “Here, don’t want to forget this.” Ty handed Robin the package Emma had sent along. “I’ll be back tomorrow, if that’s okay with you. Looks like John has made a new friend, though I don’t understand why the boy took to him so readily, yet pushes me away.” Ty’s voice held a twinge of awe. Or was it jealousy?
                  Robin tucked the package under one arm. “Uncle John wasn’t the man who made him leave his mama. If he stays long enough, I’m sure he’ll learn to trust us.” She smiled. “If Emma were here she’d likely tell you that scowl on your face says you’re worried.”
    Ty wiped his hand across his forehead. “Sure hope his pa isn’t injured and lying out there waiting for help. I’ll go on to my place. Maybe my men have seen someone. I’ll see you in the morning.”
                  Robin waited until he was no longer in sight then stepped into the kitchen. A large round oak table occupied the middle of the spacious room, and a line of cupboards occupied the wall to the left of the door. White curtains billowed in the breeze