"All right, kids, today we're going to draw a cute little Halloween black kitten."
"First, draw a big U-shaped line. Then bring it down into a large circle, and curve it back up."
"Okay? Make it a little higher than where the kitten's eyes will be… Oh, Little Jackie, yours is a bit… hmm, that actually works too."
"You left less space for the ears than I did, but that's fine as well."
"Now, children, let's start outlining the body…"
"Little Dolly, Little Jackie, I really like your kittens. But Little Bro—your black kitten… well, I don't think it would enjoy having its ears growing right on top of its head."
Land Farm, inside Davey's mansion.
Arthur was teaching five children, including Little Jackie, how to sketch.
Of course, this had been Davey's idea.
With Arthur's left shoulder injured and nothing much to do while recovering, Davey had gathered several children around Little Jackie's age and asked Arthur to teach them. After all, Arthur held the pencil with his right hand.
"All right, your kittens all look great. That's the end of today's art class."
"Now it's time for you to go home."
After an hour of teaching, Arthur's task was finally done.
Watching the children excitedly clutch their drawings and run off to show them to their fathers and mothers gave Arthur a strangely unreal feeling.
"Uncle Arthur, I think drawing is way more fun than fishing," Little Jackie said with a grin.
Little Jackie was very happy here. He had found friends his own age—playing together was clearly much more fun. And there was plenty of good food, along with clean, nice clothes.
"So, Little Jackie, you really like it here, don't you?" Arthur asked.
Little Jackie nodded without hesitation.
"I think so. Even though Mom has to go into town sometimes, and Dad has his own things to do, I'm not lonely here. Dolly and Bro are both my good friends."
"We're allowed to play together a lot, as long as we don't leave the farm."
Arthur gently patted Little Jackie's head.
"All right. Put your kitten drawing away first, then show your masterpiece to your mom."
"Now go play with your friends."
With Arthur's permission, Little Jackie flashed a victory sign and ran off happily.
At that moment, Davey walked over.
Standing beside Arthur, he watched Little Jackie run off toward the farm and said,
"Compared to when he was at the gang camp, Little Jackie is much more cheerful now, isn't he, Arthur?"
Arthur nodded.
"Yes, you're right. This place suits him better. With friends his own age, I think he's really happy."
"But Davey, why did you think of having me teach them art?"
"You've successfully made me… a little less fond of children."
There was a hint of complaint in Arthur's voice. He had been teaching for several days now. Little Jackie was fairly well-behaved, but some of the other kids were quite mischievous, which gave him a headache.
Davey rested a hand on Arthur's left shoulder and laughed.
"Oh, Arthur, trust me—you'll grow to like them. Even if they're a bit naughty, that's what makes children charming, isn't it?"
"They've improved a lot these past few days, and that's all thanks to you. That's why their parents all want to thank you—Abigail included."
"Who knows? Maybe one of them will become an artist someday. You never can tell."
Davey's words brought a warm smile to Arthur's face. He then said,
"Yes, you never know. Maybe there really will be an artist someday. But I can't teach them for much longer."
"My left hand is already regaining strength. In a few more days, it should be fully healed."
"I can't stay here forever, Davey. Even though this place is great, Dutch, Hosea, and the rest of the gang still need me."
If Davey hadn't arranged for Arthur to teach the children drawing, Arthur would have left several days ago.
"Of course, Arthur, I won't stop you," Davey said.
"But you should recover properly first. That bastard Colm won't let this go so easily. You'll heal better here, won't you?"
"As for Doctor Ben Calloway—his general medical skills might not be impressive, but when it comes to treating gunshot wounds, that's his specialty. After all, plenty of young men come to him every day for practice."
"Just look at how neatly he wrapped your bandages. Pretty good, right?"
Davey joked with a smile.
Arthur shifted his injured shoulder slightly and laughed.
"Yes, they're quite good."
Davey continued,
"There's something interesting coming up, too. If you're free tomorrow, you might want to take a look—it's about the Laramie Gang."
"He's already been sent to the Valentine police jail. Tomorrow at noon, Sheriff Malloy will hang him on the gallows. I've paid to have it reported in the newspapers."
"Once the news spreads, Valentine's security will definitely appeal to more businessmen. More people will come here to invest."
"Maybe in a few years, Valentine will change a great deal."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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