The Masquerade

Characters; Ethan 37 Claire 15, Joseph 13 Ben 9 George 8

(Based on the TV series Paradise)

Background:Ethan Cord is an ex gunfighter living in Paradise, Colorado in the late 1800's. Paradise is a mining town. Ethan became the guardian of his sister's four children in August of 1897, after she died of tuberculosis. Ethan's sister, Lucy Cord Carroll was living with her children in St. Louis, Missouri and working as a singer in the theater. Ethan has purchased a small ranch. He is determined to raise the children as young ladies and gentlemen as his sister would want them to be. Although he wants to stop using his gun as a way to make a living, he has been appointed a deputy sheriff in town. In June of 1898, Ethan legally adopted his niece and nephews.

Fall 1899 Denver, Colorado

"You wanted to see me Sir?" asked the man of his new boss.

"Yes, I'm sending you on the next mission. The location is a small community south of here. Paradise is the name. I'm sure you'll find paradise in Paradise! I need you to do what you do best. Go but keep me informed. Write to me as Uncle Al. Do remember our code words my 'nephew'.

"Yes Sir. I'll be happy to write to you " Uncle." How long is this mission?"

"No pressure but move with haste. Keep the low profile though. What do you plan for your image?"

"I'll have to go and see what is needed first, Uncle."

Paradise: The Ranch October 1899

"Joseph? Why isn't Ben with you boys? Did he go off to play with Michael and Brian again?" Ethan asks as Joseph and George walk past the corral.

"Ben has to stay after school, Uncle Ethan. Mr. McConnell is keeping him after school. George and I knew we had chores waiting so we came home." Joseph replies quietly.

"What did your rapscallion of a brother do? This makes three times he's been kept after school and school has only been in session a month! It looks like he may need more incentive to behave than a serious talk this time."

"Uncle Ethan, if you don't mind, I think I should let him tell you what he did. Come on George, let's get changed and start the chores." Joseph says walking off towards the house.

"I'll be in in just a few minutes, Joseph. I want to talk to Papa first."

"Yes, George? What did you want to talk about? What's bothering you?" Ethan asks as he leans down and lifts the boy to sit on the corral fence.

Looking at the face of his youngest, Ethan can see something is definitely bothering the boy. George has his worried look and is biting his lower lip.

"George? Did you do something wrong at school? Are you worried about being in trouble or is it Ben you're worried about? Come on, out with it. You know I always listen and I promise to keep my temper no matter what. Now will you tell me?" Ethan asks wiggling his eyebrows at the boy.

Grinning a little at the wiggling eyebrows, George explains. "It's the new teacher. Mr. McConnell doesn't like children, Papa. He punishes us for no reason at all. No one can do anything without him threatening to punish us. It makes me nervous. He won't let us go to the outhouse except for recess and lunch. Whenever someone asks he says 'don't drink so much and we'll just have to hold it.' Little Davey wet himself yesterday and he said he got a whipping at home for it. He's only five, he can't hold it that long. It's not right Papa. Children shouldn't be treated like that. I want you to go arrest him."

"Well George, I can't really do that. You are right though, he is being harsh. Maybe he'll let up some after everyone settles down. I think he's a bit new at being a school teacher. That could be why he's being so tough right now. You just stay well behaved at school and I'm sure he'll leave you alone. If he's cruel to you I want you to be sure and tell me. Now do you have any other worries you want to talk about? "

"No Papa, I'll be all right I guess. By the way I don't like that Mr. McConnell much. He's too mean!"

"George, like him or not you will be respectful and obedient. I don't want to hear about any misbehavior out of you. Joseph's waiting so go change clothes and start on your chores. We'll have time to read together if you can get all your chores and homework done in time."

In town- schoolhouse

"Benjamin, Come Here!" Ben, standing with his face to the corner, sighs at the sound of his name. Turning around he walks slowly to the teacher's table.

"Yes sir?"

"I want you to tell me what it is you have done to deserve to be kept in after school for two hours."

"I helped rope the outhouse closed, Sir." Ben answers politely as he stands with his hands behind his back facing his irate teacher.

"There is a little more to this misbehavior than that. Who was inside the outhouse at the time?"

"UM, well I didn't know who it was when we did it, Sir" At the man's glare he adds "It was you Sir. But I'm sorry! I honestly didn't know there was anyone in there. I was told to grab the rope and pull it so I did."

"Do you still refuse to tell me the names of the others who were involved in this? Let me warn you, failure to disclose the information will result in harsh consequences for you young man!" Mr. McConnell announces as he continues to glare at the boy standing in front of his table.

"I'm not an informer Sir. I won't tell on my friends."

"Very well, you were warned." Mr. McConnell says as he stands up behind the table.