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When Roy turned sixteen, Thaddeus purchased a horse for his son One day Roy decided to visit the Riddle hoht his son's shoulder while Roy saddled the horse

"Son, do s I need and sooing to visit Stanley," Roy protested

Thaddeus smiled "I know you are, but take Stanley with you into town and get the things on my list Can you do that for me, son?"

"Sure Pop For ato stopwith Stanley"

"Not a chance, Roy You two are like brothers Plus, I always feel better when you two are looking out for each other I' a fewthat direction thisSo, don't wait for me at supper, I'll be home late if I'm lucky, or by tomorrow if not lucky"

Torn between the two opportunities, Roy faced a difficult choice Meeting up with Stanley, and riding horses sounded like fun, butelse altogether He wanted to do both Roy ran into the log hoathered the list of items, silver, and his canteen As Roy walked back, Thaddeus could read his son's thoughts

"Roy, you and I will go hunting another day, I proo have fun with Stanley Oh, and don't let me hear any wild tales fro into more trouble" Thaddeus winked

Roy could see his pop was teasing "I won't Pop By the way, thank you again for getting me this horse" Roy hopped into his saddle and patted the horse's neck

Thaddeus held the bridle in one hand while stroking the neck of the horse "I'reat man I know you're not too happy about it, but I appreciate you teaching your old man how to read and write"

Roy shifted his cowboy hat to protect his eyes from the sun and s the reins, Roy set off toward the Riddle property, and Thaddeus patted the hind quarters of the horse as Roy rode away

Once Roy arrived at Stanley's far the two boys with caution and instructions They hurriedly saddled Stanley's horse and set off for the town Glancing over their shoulders, they could see Mrs Riddle wiping her hands on her apron, wearing a worried look on her face