Trick Or Treat?!

     Trust me my friend this is one story you don't want to miss. The story I'm about to tell you happened more than thirty years ago and yet I remember it like it was yesterday. I lived in the country on the outskirts of a small town at the time and the world seemed a lot safer back then. I was almost nine that Halloween. It was the first year I was going to get to go Trick or Treating all by myself. No more having to walk slowly when I wanted to run. No more having to hurry up when I wanted to rest. Yep, I was going to get to go at my own pace for a change. To say I was excited was a definite understatement.1


     I thought long and hard that year about what I wanted my costume to be. Of course I didn't have as many choices as some children. I was the second youngest out of six children and we didn't have a lot of money most of the time. Needless to say we usually had to create our own costumes. Every year my older brother and sisters wanted to dress me up as a girl. That was absolutely out of the question. I was still narrowing down my choices of costumes when I overheard why I was going to get to Trick or Treat by myself. 2

     My mom and dad had been invited to play cards on Halloween at one of my aunt and uncle's houses. This was the worst news I had ever heard in all of my almost nine years of living. I was devastated. You see they lived in an even smaller town than the one we lived near. It was barely a fourth, no make that an eighth of the size of the town we lived by! As far as I was concerned it didn't count as a town. After all it didn't even have its own grocery store or gas station. I was now one of the most miserable kids on the planet, or at least in mid-western Kansas.3


     As I said before, we didn't have a lot of money. That also meant not a lot of candy. This made Halloween candy very valuable to me. Even the ones I hated like black licorice, because they could be traded for something edible. Sometimes I could even sell them to my mom or dad for two or three pennies. I wasn't one of those children who gobbled up their candy as fast as possible. In fact I did just the opposite. I would ration it so that it would last as long as I could make it last. Every year I would divide up my candy into separate categories. Each category would then be divided into smaller piles if necessary. After the sorting process was complete I began packing every last piece into small jars and little tins I collected over the years. 4


     Next my entire stockpile of candy had to be hidden, remember I had four older and much bigger siblings. I had to be very clever or my candy would be discovered and consequentially devoured. I had hiding places throughout the house. Some were as simple as in the bottom of my toy box, under my bed behind mounds of junk, buried in my closet under even more junk and under my dirty clothes in the corner of my room. I never took all of my clothes to the laundry because the ones on the bottom of the pile were things I never really wore anyway.5

     Other hiding places were much more creative. We lived in an old farmhouse which had large heater vents at the base of the walls. I would tie a string around a jar just under the lid then tie a loop in the other end of the string. I would lower the jar down into the vent then hook the loop onto a screw just inside the vent out of sight. I not only had a jar in the vent in my bedroom, I also had one in the vent in Mom and Dad's bedroom and one in the vent in my dad's den.6

     The other vents in the house were too visible to be of much use except the one in the bathroom and it seemed like there was always someone in there. Sometimes it wasn't even safe to go in there after they came out. I only used it once then learned my lesson. I'd hide candy in the tool shed, the barn, and the old chicken coop. I would even hide one jar of candy in an abandoned squirrel's nest that was in the same tree I had a tree house in. I would also bury a few jars around our property.7

     Our old house had a big attic, the middle of which had been made into a bedroom. There were two small doors, one on either side of the room, which led into the unfinished parts of the attic. There was a full size basement also. The basement and the unfinished parts of the attic had some great hiding places. However my sisters shared the room upstairs and my older brother had a bedroom in the basement so I steered clear of both of those areas. It was just too risky trying to get to anything hidden in either place.8


     All I could think of now was how I could possibly get enough candy in that tiny place they called a town. I had to think of something. As Halloween grew nearer I began to grow even more worried. After several restless nights I finally had an idea. It seemed a little dishonest but I was desperate. As the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. I began secretly gathering the various items and materials I would need to put my plan into action. If I pulled this off I could rake in enough candy to last for an entire year!9

     A few days before Halloween I was fairly sure I had everything I would need. I hid most of these things behind the seat of my dad's old pickup truck a few days before Halloween. I had my supplies in two separate bags. One was a paper sack and the other was a burlap gunnysack. It was one of the ones we'd gotten our potatoes in. The gunnysack was tied securely to a nice sturdy tree branch I had cut and trimmed down just for the occasion. Every night I would lie in bed and go over my checklist in my head. I had to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything.10


     When the big day finally arrived I was sure I was ready. I had already told Mom and Dad I wanted to be a cowboy for Halloween. It wasn't a big stretch since I grew up riding horses and playing Cowboys and Indians. All I had to do was dress up like I was going out to ride.11

     My costume was pretty simple in my opinion. I was wearing my favorite pair of old blue jeans. I put on my western shirt with its fancy snaps. I pulled on my boots and buckled on my spurs. I fastened on my chaps and strapped on my "six shooter" cap gun. I tied a red and white bandana around my neck then put on my old straw hat.12

     I climbed up on my bed and admired myself in the mirror on the back of my dresser. There was no doubt about it; I was the spittin' image of a cowboy right out of an old west story. I pulled the bandana up over my nose until it was just under my eyes. At that point I was certain my plan would work.13


     The day seemed to last forever. I thought it would never be time for the eight of us to pile into Dad's old red nineteen sixty nine Ford pickup truck. When it was finally time to go my older brother and sisters argued over who was sitting on whose lap as we loaded up. As for my younger brother Christopher, and me, we had our designated places. Mom held my younger brother, Christopher who was only about two years old at the time.14

     I on the other hand was the secondary driver. I placed my straw hat on the dash and climbed on top of Dad's lap. You could get away with that back then even though it wasn't safe. I was actually a pretty good driver. After all I'd been "driving" since I was about three or four years old if not younger. Why that was almost as long as I had been riding ponies.15

     On the way to my aunt and uncle's house my mom began to have second thoughts about letting me Trick or Treat by myself. She and my dad were debating the subject like I wasn't even in the truck. Funny how often that kind of thing happens isn't it? My older brother and sisters were complaining about the very idea of having to take me with them even one more time.16

     My older brother Bruce didn't want to take me because he was planning on soaping windows, egging houses and toilet papering trees. I knew this because I had peaked in his army man backpack and had seen his supplies. I wasn't really sure why my sisters were protesting so much. Looking back now I'm sure they were planning on flirting with some of the boys they might meet. I guess I can see how having a "spoiled" little brother whining to hurry up so he could get more candy would make that tough. Either way, I had my own plans and having any of them around would spoil them completely. Not to mention the dreaded candy tax. That was what my older siblings called taking part of my candy for having to take me with them Trick or Treating.17

     I promptly joined in on the discussion. I argued that I was plenty big enough to take care of myself, especially since I had my faithful "six shooter". "Any boy old enough to drive by himself ought to be old enough to go Trick or Treating by himself." My dad said letting go of the bottom of the steering wheel.18

     "I can do it Mom! Please let me go by myself!" I pleaded with my mom as I steered the truck straight down the center of the blacktop road.19

     "Besides it's such a small town..." My dad added quietly as he took the steering wheel and put us back in the right lane. All parties concerned gave a big sigh of relief as my mom reluctantly gave in. No one was more relieved than me.20


     When we reached my aunt and uncle's house everyone scrambled out of the truck. My sisters made a mad dash into the house calling "dibs" on the mirrors so they could touch up their makeup. As for Bruce and me, we both stayed outside, each for our own reasons. I raced over to a small stack of hay bales. I climbed to the top and began pretending to shoot bad guys from behind one of the bales. Bruce slowly untied the bailing twin holding his army pack into the corner of the bed of the pickup truck. As he lifted the pack out of the truck he nonchalantly sniffed the pack to see if any of the rotten eggs carefully packed inside had been broken. Satisfied that they were fine he stashed the pack under a bush by the corner of the house then turned and went inside.21

     After the door had shut I raced to the pickup to get my stuff from behind the seat. I quickly grabbed everything and then ran as fast as I could to the old doghouse behind the shed. Taking one last look around me lifted the floor of the doghouse and dropped everything into the hole underneath it, which I'd been digging over the years. I could hide in there forever when we played hide and seek and not be found. They always accused me of cheating to try to get me to give up my hiding place but I was smarter than that. Confident that my plan would work, I sauntered into the house in true cowboy fashion.22


     Now it was a matter of waiting. We always waited until just before dusk to begin Trick or Treating. I'd like to say I waited patiently, but that would be an outright lie. I pestered my mom about starting early until I heard that final warning...23

     "If you don't leave me alone you will never, AND I MEAN NEVER, go Trick or Treating again for the rest of your life!"24

     At that point I knew it was time to retreat. I quietly accepted the brownie offered to me by Aunt Sandra. When I had finished it off I hit Uncle Ray up for a stiff glass of orange coolaid. With my head hung low I went out the back door. I climbed up onto the haystack and sipped my slightly sour coolaid. After I drank down the last shot I crumpled the small paper cup and threw it towards the trash can. I then sat sullenly with my head in my hands.25

     My heart began to race when I finally heard my older brother and sisters yell that heavenly phrase, "It's time to go Trick or Treating!" Bruce grabbed his pack and took off running up the curve in the little dirt road to the North. My sisters slowly followed. I was relieved to see they had all gone in the same direction. At last I could hit the trail and begin my quest for Halloween candy. I eagerly sprang from the top of the hay stack. With my "six shooter" in one hand and a bag in the other I galloped off across the yard in the opposite direction of everyone else as fast as my short little legs could carry me.26


     As soon as I was on the neighbors steps I pulled my bandana up over my nose and tipped my hat down on my forehead, hiding as much of my face as possible. In the blink of an eye I had gone from the average cowboy to an outlaw bandit. I jumped on my pony and began to Trick or Treat like lightening. I galloped from door to door until I was out of breath. "This is a Trick or Treat Hold Up! Give me the good stuff and no one will get hurt!" I said in my best cowboy drawl at each door. As my bag began to fill up I began to slow to a canter.27

     About half way through my route I stopped to rest at the playground. It looked like a ghost town. Haunted by the many bad spills I'd had while playing there. I decided this was a good time for some sugar. I knew of a good hideout in the middle of some bushes. I thought to me, 'that should be a good place to hole up for a few minutes and catch my breath.' After I was safely out of sight I sat there breathing deeply. I dug through my bag of assorted loot. I wanted something really sweet that I could eat fast so I could get back on the trail. "Candy Corn. Just the thing I need." I whispered to myself. After quickly devouring two little bags of candy corn I carefully peeked out of my hideout.28

     There were a few children dressed as various monsters climbing the steps of the small house across the road. I decided to lay low until they were a couple of houses away. Once the coast was clear I slowly crept out of the bushes. I darted across the road to the house across from the playground. I wasn't wasting any time so I was covering ground quickly. It wasn't long at all before I passed the kids I'd been watching from my hideout.29

     "Who was that?" one of the boys asked.30

     "Who cares?" another boy asked.31

     "Not me!" the third boy sneered.32

     The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I recognized that voice. He was the town bully. He picked on me every time he saw me at the playground. He picked on almost everyone from what I saw. I figured the other two kids would find out what kind of gang leader he was before the night was over. That monster was the kind of outlaw that the saying 'There's no honor among thieves' was based on. He'd end up taking his share of their Halloween loot before the night was through. I spurred my pony and finished canvassing the rest of the town at a trot so to speak.33


     As I rounded the last curve in the road before I reached my aunt and uncle's house I pulled the bandana back down around my neck. I slowed way down and looked around cautiously. I didn't want to be spotted slipping back into camp to get my supplies. If I was caught it wouldn't even do any good to run. They'd just send a posse out after me. As I drew near I slipped my pistol into its holster and stepped off of the road. I stopped next to the row of shrubs that divided their yard from the neighbor's property.34

     I became one with the end of that row of shrubs for several minutes as I studied each window to make sure no one was looking out. There was a pass in the shrubs towards the back of the property. I knew if I could make it that far without being detected I'd be in the cover of darkness the rest of the way. My heart raced as I stared at the little ranch house. It was beating so hard I feared it alone would give me away.35

     I steeled my nerves and crept along the shrubs. I moved slowly, staying as close to the shrubs as I possibly could. I reached the pass and slipped through. On the other side I dropped to the ground. I skillfully crawled across the yard on my belly pushing my bag of candy in front of me. I had perfected this technique over the years by crawling across the wilderness of our farm to keep from being seen by Indian scouts.36


     Once I had made it to the old doghouse I relaxed a little. It was dark behind the shed so I felt pretty safe. If it hadn't been for the moonlight I wouldn't have been able to see my hand in front of my face. I was sure I couldn't be seen from the ranch house or the trail out front. I lifted the floor of the doghouse and pulled out my supplies. I carefully lowered my bag of candy into the hole. I dumped several things out of the paper sack onto the ground. I quickly pulled off my western shirt, my holster holding my "six shooter", my boots (with the spurs still on) and my chaps. I shoved everything into the paper sack then tossed it into the hole with my bag of candy. Then I took off my straw hat and placed it in the hole also.37

     Just as quickly I pulled on an old t-shirt that had holes in it, and a pair of worn out tennis shoes. Next I untied the bandana from around my neck and tied it around my leg to cover the small rip in my right pant leg which was just above my knee. Then I carefully tied a fuzzy black cloth beard and mustache over my face. After I had it position the way I wanted I put an old floppy hat on my head. Then I picked up the sturdy branch with the burlap gunnysack containing the rest of my supplies hanging from it. I placed the branch over my shoulder and in no time at all I had gone from a cowboy bandit to an old hobo.38


     I was now ready for phase two of my plan. I slowly crept the rest of the way across the back of the yard. My heart was beating extremely fast again. This time it was from sheer excitement. Just as I reached the edge of their yard I heard a noise behind me. My heart jumped into my throat. Had I been caught? Was I headed for the poky? As I slowly turned around my mind raced. How would I ever explain my actions? I probably wouldn't even get to keep the candy I already had. I was ready to beg for mercy. I felt like I was about to cry.39

When I turned around I was startled to find myself face to face, or rather face to nose, with one of my uncles horses. I felt the relief pour through me like a cold drink on a hot summer day. With a huge smile hiding underneath my fuzzy cloth beard and moustache I slipped out of their yard and into the other neighbor's yard. I hurried through the shadows up the side of their house. After once again making sure the coast was clear I stepped out of the shadows. I was ready to hop in a box car and began round two.40


     This time I paced myself. I was hurrying but not too much. For my second trip around I had two treat bags. At each house I would check to make sure no one was looking, and then hide one of the bags somewhere in the dark. Since I always had an empty bag some of the people figured I must have just started and would often drop a few extra pieces of candy into my sack. After they closed the door I would look to see what type of candy had been dropped into my bag. I kicked a mark onto the dirt road in front of the houses that were giving out the best kinds of candy. I would again check to make sure no one was watching then empty the candy into the other bag.41

     I was about a third of the way around again when I turned to start down a set of steps and heard three familiar voices. I froze. I glanced up and saw my sisters standing right in front of me. I knew they would tell on me just to see me get hauled off in the paddy wagon. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there on the steps staring into my bag.42

     "Come on." Cheryl said.43

     "Yeah move already." Cynthia coaxed.44

     "We don't have all night." Susan said glaring at me. 45

     Then it hit me. They didn't recognize me. I stuck my tongue out at them through my fake beard and pushed my way past. "BRAT!" They all said, pretty much at the same time. I smiled from ear to ear as I nonchalantly wandered over towards my other bag. After a quick look to make sure they were no longer glaring at me I grabbed my candy sack, then hurried down the road to put some distance between us just in case. Being found out by them would be worse than getting roused by coppers for loitering.46

     My plan was working great but I was starting to get tired. I was beginning to stumble like I'd had one too many root beers. I needed a sugar fix but I didn't have time to stop even if I'd had a shanty to rest in. I knew just what I needed. I dug around until I felt one. I pulled out a pixie stick, sour sugar in a paper straw, whoever thought of this stuff was a genius. I tore off the end and dumped the entire contents into my mouth. My face twisted from the intense sourness of it but I knew it would get me going again. In no time at all I felt that old familiar rush. I picked up my pace and hurried along. I was back on the hobo's train tracks that led to a sack full of candy.47


     When I reached the curve in the road just before my aunt and uncle's house this time, I stopped. I slipped out into the field next to the road for one final change. I untied the gunnysack from the stick and stuck the bailing twine into my left front pants pockets. I pulled off the old hat, my t-shirt and the fake beard and stuffed them into my candy bag.48

     I reached into the gunnysack and pulled out one of my older brother’s dirty button up shirts and pulled it over my head. I had skipped the top two buttons, and then buttoned all but the last two or three buttons. I had tied the bottom of the shirt into a knot. Next I removed the bandana from around my leg exposing the torn pant leg. I then tied it over the top of my head. I kicked off my shoes and replaced them with a pair from out of the gunnysack.49

     I pulled an eye patch out of the shirt pocket and tied it over the bandana and positioned it over my left eye. I hung an old brass curtain ring from my earlobe. It had taken awhile to get that stupid thing bent just right so that it would hang there without actually trying to pierce my ear. For the final touch I snapped the stick over my knee to shorten it a little and give it a sharp point. In no time flat I had changed from an old hobo to a swashbuckling pirate. Because of my brothers shirt, I even smelled the part!50


     I reached down to the bottom of the almost empty gunnysack and felt around for my secret weapon. I pulled it out and dropped it into the shirt pocket. Then I fished around in my candy bag until I found a couple of butterscotch candies. I unwrapped one and stuck it in my mouth and stuffed the other one into my right front pants pocket. I shoved my old shoes into the gunnysack followed by my candy sack. I was ready to set sail on my journey back around the little town one more time.51

     I slung the gunnysack over my shoulder and hoisted anchor. I pointed the bow of my ship back up the road. This time I went back in the direction I came from. I didn't want to risk smashing my ship into the jagged rocks I called my older sisters. I continued to empty my candy sack, only this time I emptied it into the gunnysack. Of course I didn't bother to hide it. I simply kept it slung over my shoulder like it was just part of my costume. If someone asked me what was in it I would say "Arrgh, dat be me booty land lubber!" in the best pirate voice I could muster.52

     As I was walking up the streets I started noticing a lot more toilet paper hanging from the trees in front of the houses that weren't giving out candy. There were soaped windows here and there also. Even on a few that were giving out candy that was just gross or they only gave you one little piece. I smelled something awful coming from a couple of yards. It could have been the garbage cans but I hadn't noticed it before so I had my doubts. This also made me a little uneasy. I wasn't worried about Bruce telling on me because I knew too many secrets about him. However I was keeping an eye out for him on the horizon just in case. I knew if he spotted me he'd board my ship and loot my treasure. He might even shanghai me for his more dangerous deeds.53


     Whenever I would come to one of the houses I knew was giving out caramel apples, popcorn balls, full sized candy bars or just some of my favorite candies I used my secret weapon. I reached into my shirt pocket, pulled it out and then un-wrapped it. Then I would wave my chunk of onion under my eyes just long enough to make them water like crazy. After it was once again hidden in my pocket I would knock on the door like I had been "crying". I felt pretty bad the first couple of times but then it got easier. I'd say I had fallen down or something had scared me.54

     One man had asked me if his dog had torn my pants. I didn't really say anything. I just started blubbering louder. "Dogone Mutt!" He yelled at the yapping pooch as he dropped a handful of candy into my bag. "I'd better build a pen to keep him in instead of keeping him on that chain." He muttered to himself as he gathered up another handful and threw it in as well. "Let's keep this between us, OK son?" He added. "OK" I said meekly.55

     At another house the lady who answered the door was positive I had ripped my pants on a nail that stuck out on their porch. She razzed her poor husband pretty hard for not having hammered it in already while she fussed over my leg to make sure I wasn't bleeding. I felt bad for him so I tried to get him off the hook by telling her I had ripped it on a barb wire fence a long time ago, which was the truth, but she wasn't buying it. She said she knew it had been that darned nail and I was just too scared to admit it as she dropped two popcorn balls into my sack.56


     I was starting to get tired so I dug out my other butterscotch and popped it into my mouth. I was about ready to quit. My bulging gunny sack was getting heavy and making my shoulder sore. Not to mention I was starting to worry. What if Mom insisted on coming to look for me? If I got caught she'd make me walk the plank for sure. I unfurled my sails and did my best to pick up the pace. I wanted to just quit but some of the houses on the last block gave out the absolute best stuff. So I sailed on, even though it felt like I was sailing against the wind. After all I could rest a little whenever I pulled into port to get more booty.57

     What happened next made me glad I hadn't dropped my sails and rowed into my home port. I pulled out my onion and got teary eyed for a house that I knew was giving out several party size candy bars at a time. I still love those. When the little old lady opened her door she saw my tears and my empty bag and immediately said "Oh you poor dear, did some big bully steal all of your candy? That happened to me once too!" I didn't know what to say. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of that myself. I just wailed a little louder. "Well I was ready to go to bed anyway." She said as she dumped every last candy bar out of that bowl right into my empty bag. I was in shock. "You better go straight home now dear." She said as she slowly closed the door. I staggered down her steps in disbelief like I didn't have my sea legs. I had every intention of doing just that, setting a course straight for my aunt and uncle's house with my ill gotten gains.58


     Then I spotted the house that was giving out caramel apples and I couldn't help myself. This time I found a good hiding spot for my gunnysack and grabbed a few handfuls of candy, threw them in my bag and headed for the door. I knocked and Trick or Treated them like normal, then slipped back off into the dark where I had my gunnysack hidden. I shoved the bag of candy into the gunnysack and pulled out my onion chunk. After my eyes were good and watery again I went back to the door. I stood there sniffling as I knocked on the door.59

     When the man answered I broke loose. "Some big kid grabbed my bag of candy and ran away with it!" I wailed. In an instant I knew I'd made a big mistake.60

     "Which way did he go?" He asked with the fury of a typhoon in his eyes. "I'll find that kid and teach him a lesson!" He yelled as he looked back and forth up the street. "Which way do you live?" He asked. "I'll walk you home." He added as he looked down at me. At that moment I thought my ship was sunk. I was petrified. I stood there desperate for a way out. I was about ready to jump overboard and swim for it.61

     "No, no thanks mister." I managed to stammer quietly "I'm not supposed to walk with strangers." I said a little louder. "I'll tell my big brother about that kid and he'll give him what for all right!" I added, feeling a little braver as I turned to walk away.62

     "Wait just a minute there young man!" he said behind me. My heart jumped into my throat then dropped into my stomach. 'Uh oh! I'm headed for the gallows for sure.' I thought to myself. "Don't you at least want another caramel apple?" He asked kindly.63

     "Ummm, I guess so." I answered quietly. "Thanks." I added as he handed it to me. "I'd take a big bite out of it right now if I were you. That way no one else will want it." He said with a smile.
"Good idea." I said right before taking a bite. He obviously didn't have a big brother like mine, I thought, because he wouldn't care how many bites I had taken.64


     As I drifted up the road I could feel that man watching me. I wasn't taking any more chances with him so I coasted right on by my gunnysack. I kept going until it felt safe to look back. When I did I was relieved to find he had gone inside and there was no one else in sight. Just to be on the safe side I steered my ship into the shadows and floated in the shallows just to steady my nerves and make sure. After a few minutes I scudded back up the road to where I had hidden my gunnysack. I dropped my stick and picked up my gunnysack, and then set sail out of there like there were hurricane winds filling my sails. I skimmed straight up the channel towards Dad's truck.65

     At the corner of my aunt and uncle's yard I stopped and peeked around a big bush to make sure I was sailing into a safe harbor. I froze when I spied the kitchen window. I could see someone standing at the kitchen sink. I dropped anchor until the coast was clear. Then I glided up to dock beside the driver’s door. I sat my caramel apple on the edge of the truck bed and quietly opened the door.66

     In a flash I pulled off the eye patch, curtain ring, my brother’s shirt and my shoes and stuck them behind the seat. I pulled the bailing twine out of my pocket and tied it around the end of the gunnysack. Then I placed it behind the seat also. When I laid the seat back into position I thought my heart would stop. It didn't go all the way back. I quietly climbed inside the cab of the truck and gently pushed on the back of the seat several times until it went back all of the way. I jumped back out and carefully pushed the door most of the way shut.67

     After I had successfully scuttled my pirate ship and buried my treasure. I shuffled to the front of the truck and peered around for another look at the house. Seeing that it was safe I made a beeline for the old doghouse. As quickly as possible I changed back into my cowboy gear and grabbed my first bag of candy. I then ran back to the truck and grabbed the caramel apple I had almost forgotten. I was truly beat as I went moseying into the house dragging my bag of candy and nibbling the caramel apple.68


     "It's about time you came back! I was starting to worry!" My mom said when she saw me. "You look tired." She added as she pulled me up onto her lap. 'You have no idea', I thought to myself.69

     "Is that all you got?" Cynthia asked as she picked up her bigger bag of candy.70

     I just shook my head and mumbled "Uh huh." My oldest sister Cheryl looked at their obviously bigger bags then back at mine.71

     "What took you so long?" She asked pointedly.72

     I thought for a split second about telling a story about getting lost or chased by a dog or something. I realized of course that if I did I wouldn't get to Trick or Treat by myself again until I was at least thirteen. Instead I just shrugged my shoulders. "I guess I just walk slow and rest a lot because I'm still a little kid." I said softly.73

     "Baby." Susan muttered and made a face at me. I was too tired to care. 74

     At the time I couldn't figure out how they managed to have bigger bags of candy than the one they saw. I hit every house there was my first time around. Now that I think about it I figure they had hit some of the houses more than once themselves. They probably had just hoped no one would notice and pretended it was an accident when someone did. My sisters were fairly tricky themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if they had sweet talked some of the poor boys they met out of some of their candy. Pretty girls can do that you know.75


     Shortly after that my mom and dad loaded us all into the truck to go look for Bruce. We had just backed out of the driveway when he came walking back around the curve in the road with his army pack slung over one shoulder and a sucker stick hanging out of his mouth. He always showed up at the last minute.76

     "You almost had to walk home this time." Dad told him. Dad said that almost every time. Mom got out with Christopher asleep in her arms.77

     "Hurry up and get in." She said.78

     I wondered if anyone else noticed that his army pack was shaped completely different and wasn't near as full. Or that he carelessly threw it in the bed of the truck before he squeezed in instead of tying it in the corner like he had before. Maybe they were too tired to notice. If they were anywhere near as tired as I was that could very well have been the case. I was so beat I fell asleep with my head hanging out of the driver’s side window on the way home. Good thing I wasn't the only one driving this time. 79


     If you're ever out in western Kansas about five miles south of a little town called Cheney on the Soupysville black top road keep your eyes open for an old farm house with huge oak, elm and cedar trees scattered about. It's around seventy first street south just East of the Hillman dairy farm on the corner. If they haven't taken it down there's an old sign that says 'JUIT RANCH'. If you find that sign stop in and ask them if they've ever dug up any mason jars with hard candy in them. I'm sure I probably lost at least one that year.80