"Well, Billy and I are going to visit the bank, Frank's General store, the blacksmith and then we will have a root beer together."
Without being aware of Abe's presence, Sara and Roy were startled when Abe ran into the house slamming the front door on his way in.
"I'm not sure when he showed up, but he certainly didn't like your plans for Billy."
Roy shook his head and smiled. "I was afraid this would happen. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with Abe. I feel it's only fair that Billy and I have some time together too."
"Don't worry about him. I'll talk to Abe, and I'm sure he'll be okay by the time you two get back for supper. See you later. Billy? You be good for Roy, will you?"
Billy nodded with excitement.
Along the ride into town, Roy brought up Billy's previous bed wetting incident. Billy was immediately embarrassed.
"Billy, it's nothing to be ashamed of, you hear me?"
Billy slowly nodded in agreement but was not convinced.
"Now look here, your maw says your paw was a bed wetter too. She said he wet the bed until he was fourteen. How old are you Billy?"
Holding up four fingers, Billy proudly proclaimed, "Five."
Roy opened Billy's thumb so that all the fingers were showing. "That's five Billy. What you were showing me, at first, were four fingers."
Billy giggled and then changed his expression to one more serious. "I didn't wet the bed this morning."
"Wow, that's great, Billy. I've got an idea for you that may help you have lots of mornings just like this one, every day."
Billy looked at Roy with a questioning expression.
Roy placed his arm around Billy. "When we get to town my friend, we're going to visit the bank, and then you'll understand."
After dropping the mare off at the blacksmiths, Roy and Billy went to the bank. Everyone noisily greeted Billy and acknowledged Roy. Walking up to the teller window, Roy nodded to the woman.
"Hi there Martha, can I get some of those new shiny mercury dimes?"
"Sure Roy. How many do you want?"
Roy rubbed his neck and pushed his hat back. "How many can I get?"
"We have several double shotgun rolls available. They're twenty dollars each."
"Whew, how many dimes is that Martha?"
"There are one hundred in each roll.
"Well then, I'll take one." Roy pulled some money from his back pocket.
"Roy, are you planning on gambling this money in the saloon?"
"No ma'am. I've got special plans for Billy with these.
Martha smiled down at Billy. "You're a lucky boy, Billy."