Original subtitles

Bye.

It's open.

How's it going, Albert?

Well, hi, Paul.

What are you doing home so early?

Mr. Caldwell gave me the rest of the day off.

I guess he figured I might want to come home and celebrate.

Celebrate? Uh -huh.

Boy, you are looking at the new purchasing agent for J .R. Bennett and

Oh, Paul, that's great.

Congratulations. Hey, listen, that's not all.

They're going to send me back to Minnesota on a business trip for one

For a month?

Yeah.

Yeah, I feel kind of bad about being away from you that long.

I tell you, I worked so hard to get this promotion. I just have to keep at it,

you know.

How would you like to go with me?

How would I like it? Are you serious? How would you like it?

But if you're going to be gone for a month, Mom, I need you. I've already

to your mom. She was the one who suggested you go with me.

Really?

Really. Now, listen.

If we can spend some time at that university you're going to attend, look

around, see what it's like, and then go on and spend some time at Walnut Grove.

What do you say?

Well, when do we leave?

End of the week soon enough.

Oh, thank you.

All right, Isaiah.

It's now or never.

No, I know.

All right then.

Let's get him out. All right.

Close decision.

But the good Lord helped me make the right decision. Well, that's wonderful,

the good Lord wasn't leading by two runs. We were.

Beautiful slide, Willie. This is Sunday.

Let's not question divine guidance.

Let's go, everybody. Time to eat.

I dropped the ball.

Oh, this would have been Saturday. Willie would have been out.

Oh, John.

The team was pretty lucky, didn't they? Oh, I don't know about that.

Willie gave Isaiah Snakeball a pretty good lick.

That was not my snakeball, but you can bet your boots it will be next time.

Isaiah, are you telling me your team wants a rematch?

Sure. Why not? And I guarantee you things are going to be different, too.

Well, well, gentlemen, it sounds to me like we have the basis for a possible

wager here. Now you're talking there, Monty. You put up the money and I'll put

up my snakeball.

Snakeball?

Mr. Montague, and I'd hardly call your snake ball a sound investment.

We'll talk about this later.

thank you for this food that you've given us and for this beautiful day so

we can enjoy the fellowship of our good friends.

And we would also humbly ask your guiding hand to lead us and our

through these most difficult times.

These things we ask in Jesus' name.

Amen. Amen.

I was talking to Brad Sutherland after services today.

Did you know he was going to sell off his place? Oh, no.

I knew things were getting tough for him, but Brad had his grain crop.

I think we were all set to mill it for him.

Yeah, it wouldn't have been much, but it would have been enough to keep him

going.

That's what he thought, too, but, well, he had an agreement with Zach Taylor to

sell their crops together.

But then Zach went ahead and sold his on his own.

So Brad was forced to sell at Zach Taylor's prices, right? Yeah, exactly.

Taylor has three times the property Brad has.

Why didn't he just wait for Brad to harvest?

That's what he wanted to know. But when he went out to see him, Zack chased him

off his property.

I heard Mr. Olsen say Bobby Sutherland's moving away.

So?

So, it makes me feel bad.

All my friends are moving away.

Now I'm wondering if we have to move away too.

Here are the records you requested, Mr. Holmes. Thank you, Mrs. Guinness.

So

you

want to be a doctor, Albert?

Yes, sir.

It's going to take a lot of hard work.

Oh, I know that, sir, but that's my goal.

I hope to be able to go back home one day and become my town's doctor.

Well, from what I see in this file, you take that goal very seriously.

Mr. Ingalls, you have a very bright young man here.

You'd be proud.

Thank you, sir, I am very proud.

You've got that little nosebleed again, son.

Oh, no, not again.

Excuse me, Mr. Hall, I'll go take care of this. Do you want to go with him? No,

I'll be fine.

The water closet is down the hall and to the right.

That's the second one he's had. It must be the dry air.

I'm sorry.

Don't be sorry. I understand.

Now then, Mr. Ingalls, here's the complete breakdown of the tuition fees

the book and laboratory costs.

Is there something wrong?

To be perfectly honest with you, Mr. Hall, the costs are just a lot more than

thought they were going to be.

Mr. Ingalls, the study of medicine is not an inexpensive endeavor.

But please remember, the investment you make today will be more than returned

once Albert becomes a doctor.

Do you mind?

No, no, go right ahead.

It may sound strange to you, Mr. Hall, but Albert wants to become a doctor so

can help people.

When he opens his practice in Walnut Grove, more than likely his fees are

to be paid in chickens and bushels of apples.

Well, the university has a number of philanthropic scholarships at its

It is possible with Albert's fine scholastic record that he could qualify

partial, if not complete, scholarship grant.

Well, that'd be wonderful if you think he can do it.

Well, when the scholarship committee convenes next week, I shall give them my

strongest recommendation.

Albert is a fine student, and I think he'll make a very fine doctor.

His mother and I feel the same way about that.

Oh, here are some papers you need to fill out.

Perhaps I'd better go over them with you. For some reason, the admissions

makes forms that are only understandable by those with a master's degree.

I appreciate everything you're doing.

Well, and I appreciate a young man like Albert.

wanting to help the people he grew up with.

Well, where do we start?

Hey,

how's your nose? Oh, it's

fine. What'd you find out from Mr. Hook?

Well, the first thing I found out is your tuition's gonna cost about twice as

much as we thought it was going to.

Well, I could drop some classes, Paul, that'd help.

Maybe get a job. Maybe I just better wait till next year.

Mr. Hall told me he had a good chance of getting a scholarship, and I'll pay for

most of it.

Paul, are you serious?

No, right, I'm serious, and I'm hungry, too. Come on, I'll take you about it on

the way.

Scholarship, can you believe it? You think I have a chance?

Hey, you're in England. Of course you got a chance.

Howdy, Jason.

Hi.

I lost my job today, did I?

Mr. Newton's going to have to cut back.

Two days a week, so he hadn't let me go.

Oh, man.

At this rate, I'll still be trying to build us a house when I'm 80.

But I'm still teaching.

I mean, it may not pay much, but at least it's steady.

No.

Etta, when you said you'd marry me, I promised to build you a house, and

what I'm going to do.

You have to postpone the wedding.

Sorry.

Vance.

I don't need you to build me a house.

I'd be just as happy living in a tent.

As long as we're together, that's what really matters.

I'm going to talk to Mr. Anderson over at the bank.

Maybe he can loan me the money.

Jason, what are you doing?

Quiet, Jim. Just go away.

Jason, what are you looking at?

I'm watching Mr.

Reed give Miss Plum a kiss so I'll know how to do it right when I try it on Amy

Bryant.

Jason Carter, I wouldn't kiss you if the last boy on Earth.

You see what you've done?

I haven't done anything.

You did, too. You messed everything up.

You heard her. She wouldn't kiss me if I was the last boy on Earth.

You believe that?

You think she was lying?

Of course she was.

Yeah.

Sure.

All you gotta do now is wait for all the rest of us to die.

Thanks a lot, Jeb.

Oh, excuse me. I mean, Mr. Ingalls, sir.

Welcome to Walnut Grove. What are you talking about?

Well, Laura told me about your new job. Just wanted to feel at home. I feel

quite at home without all that. Thanks. Ah, there's your little granddaughter.

How are you doing, Pop? How are you doing? Hi, Jimmy.

Look, Pop.

Hi.

Yeah.

Here, come on.

The road was a little rough.

Feeling a bit queasy.

You going to be all right?

Yeah, I think I'll need some fresh air, so... Pop?

Welcome home. Hi, darling.

I just got off the phone with Ma. Aunt Wu had twins.

A boy and a girl. I think your uncle's going to be in shock.

Hi, Laura.

Hi, big brother.

How do you feel?

All right now, I'm a little tired.

Well, I'll tell you what. Why don't we go back to the house and you can rest

while I make supper. That sounds very good to us.

First it was the wheat, then it was the barley. Charles, the prices on all the

crops have dropped to practically nothing.

All the farmers, well, they're bitter and angry.

It's hard to believe things got so bad so quickly.

Tell you what, if it wasn't for that lumber contract with the army, the mill

would be closed down too.

Mr. Ingalls, I have made a thumbnail assessment of the financial dilemma

has befallen this town.

And it is quite clear that the primary shippers have chosen to purchase goods

from areas...

Closer to the railroad.

As I've told everyone, Walnut Grove simply cannot compete and expect to

Pa, with your new job, maybe you could do something.

I don't know, darling.

At least not until I get to talk to that shipper over in Redwood Falls.

I'll tell you, Charles, anything you can do will be appreciated.

I'll do what I can, you know that.

Albert, Laura tells me that you have decided to study medicine.

Yes, sir. That's right.

Well, it is a commendable endeavor.

And I wish you all the best.

Well, thank you.

I'm sure I'll need it.

Of course, first I have to get the scholarship.

Yeah, we ought to know in about two weeks. I told them to contact us here.

Seems like Laura's teacher must have done some good after all, huh?

Tell you what you got to do, Albert. As soon as you learn all that doctor stuff,

you got to get back here to Walnut Grove so Doc Baker can go fishing with me all

the time.

I'll tell you, Mr. Edwards, when that happens, it'll be a dream come true.

I propose a toast to the future Dr.

Ingalls.

May the medical challenge be easily attained.

Hear, hear.

Hear, hear.

Jeff, can I ask you something?

Sure.

Have you ever kissed a girl?

Yeah, lots of times.

Listen, I'm not talking about the goodbye kind of kiss, Jeb.

I mean the real thing. You know, the I like you kind.

If you're going to put it like that, then I guess I've only kissed two.

Well, did they like it?

I think one of them did, but not the other one.

How come?

Coming, Ma.

Wait a minute.

Didn't the other girl like you kissing her?

I don't know. Come on, Jason, or the eggs will get cold.

This is more important than eggs. We're talking kissing.

Jason, will you just forget about it?

Amy Bryant already told you she ain't gonna kiss you.

Well, so what? I'll kiss someone else. I don't care who it is.

That's brilliant.

I'll be an old man before I get any kissing.

Mr. Montague, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I just wanted to tell you... Then

don't.

Well,

I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready.

Today is the 12th. Must I remind you of the significance of that date?

Oh, you're fast. I'm sorry. I forgot.

It's too late.

I'm afraid Mr. Montague has started his fast, so he won't be joining us in a

little while.

So what's that noise?

That's Mr.

Montague. He has a few unusual habits.

Unusual? I'd call it downright strange.

Now, Mr. Edwards, you be nice.

Well, I am being nice.

Charles, don't you think it's a little peculiar for a man to get up every

morning, stand on his head in a corner and howl like a coyote? Well, just

offhand, I'd say that was odd.

I went to wake up Albert, and he passed asleep.

He didn't get much sleep on the train, and that stagecoach ride was pretty hard

on him. Well, I'll just let him sleep as long as he wants, then.

Charles, if you want to stop and see Nell before we go, we ought to get

All right.

Get your books checked.

Good day.

Good day.

Hey, Carl.

Think you'll be back by Sunday?

Sure, why?

Well, we got this here baseball game after the services. I thought maybe you

could play on my team. Albert could play for John Carter. It sounds like fun.

We'll be there. Give me a kiss. I'm going to walk you out. All right.

Hey, we'll see you in a couple of days. Have a good trip.

You know, this is some crap around here.

Fourteen, no, fifteen cans of peaches.

Well, that's it.

See how we did last month.

Morning, Al.

Charles!

Hey, how are you?

Good to see you. Oh, it's good to see you. You look very well yourself.

Laura told me that you and Albert were coming.

Oh, Charles.

Rachel. Rachel, this is Charles Ingalls.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ingalls.

Willie's told me so much about you and Albert, I feel like I know you both

already. Oh, thank you.

I must say, Willie married himself a very, very lovely bride.

If you'll both excuse me, I'll go help Willie open the restaurant.

All right.

Pleasure to meet you.

That's hard to believe. Willie married.

Yeah, it sure is.

And where's Mrs.? Oh, she's on her way to St. Louis.

She left two days ago.

We have some land down there, and Harriet went down to see if she could

We're pretty much down to empty pockets.

You and everybody else?

Oh!

Paige is coming!

I'm heading over to Redwood Falls. Going to meet Otis Wagner. He does a lot of

shipping for our company.

You wouldn't know him, would you?

Yeah, I know Otis.

Shrewd businessman.

But he is honest.

I'm glad to hear that. Maybe we can get some business going around here. Oh,

Lord, I hope so. I'll see you on Sunday. You bet.

Come in.

I'm glad to see you finally woke up.

I didn't realize I slept so late.

What time is it?

It's almost noon.

You look kind of pale. Are you feeling all right?

I feel so tired.

I guess it's all the excitement from this trip and getting to visit the

university.

How about some breakfast?

Or I should say lunch.

No, I'm really not very hungry, Laura.

Tired. Not hungry.

What's city life done to you, boy?

I don't know.

Well, I'll tell you what.

I'm going to go downstairs and pack us a nice picnic lunch.

I think a little fresh country air is exactly what you need.

I'd like that.

Good. You come down when you're ready.

Okay.

Oh, well, thank you, Jason. I'll keep the grouse away until I can get back to

the mill.

Mr. Edwards, you probably know quite a bit about kissing girls, don't you?

Kissing? I mean, ain't you kind of young to be thinking about a thing like that?

Oh, uh, I wasn't asking for me.

It's for my friend.

He's older, but kind of shy.

Well,

it's pretty much up to the individual, but mostly you just pucker up and smack

him on the lip.

Do you keep your eyes open or closed?

Well, the ladies, they like to close their eyes, see, but I keep mine open.

Why?

Well, mainly because my aim ain't too good, see? I don't want to wind up

them on the nose.

Especially if they got a cold.

Yeah, that makes sense, all right.

Pucker up, smack them on the lips, eyes open.

I got a thing.

I loved coming here when we were kids.

It's still so peaceful.

Yeah, well, nothing's changed.

Fish still aren't biting.

Do you remember when we told Willie that we had a family secret for catching

fish?

Do I?

Do you remember? He spent the entire summer trying to figure out what that

secret was, and he was so mad when he found out that it was just cheese.

Gosh, it was fun growing up here. Oh, yeah.

Sometimes I wish I was still a little girl.

Laura, are you happy here?

I mean, now that you're married and you have Rose.

Yeah, I'm very happy.

If I had it my way, I'd stay here the rest of my life.

Me too.

I'm going to school to become a doctor, but I want to come back here.

This is where life seems the best.

Not in a city where no one has time for one another.

Will the future Dr.

Ingalls be giving my family a discount?

Oh, of course.

You can pay me one chicken instead of two.

Oh, no.

This always seems to happen at the wrong time.

Here.

Do you get these often?

Yeah, it seems like every darn day lately.

I used to get them when I was little.

I guess it's just a phase that all kids go through.

Kids?

I'm about to start medical school.

Well then, physician, heal thyself. I'm going to go catch a fish.

As you can see, Mr. Engle, everything is shipped right on schedule.

I've been doing business with Bennett and Company for over five years.

And I like to think we have a good relationship.

Well, it goes without saying, Mr. Wagner, you're probably the most

all our shippers.

Why, thank you.

I do try to run a smooth operation here.

Mr. Wagner, I'm curious as to why your agents stopped buying from the farmers

around Walnut Grove.

May I call you Charles?

Charles, ever since the railroad put in its new spur line, we've had our

business practically double.

I mean, take your company.

You can see for yourself the amount of goods we ship just to you.

I know that, but you're shipping the same things those farmers raise.

Yes, and I have to say that the quality is much better than I'm buying now,

but... The problem is that the farms around Walnut Grove are just too small.

From the amount of goods I need to fill my customers' orders, I have to deal

with the large farms who can deliver.

I guess that's what people call progress.

I'm afraid it is.

Well, to be going.

It's a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Wagner.

Please. Call me Otis. All right, Otis. I'm going to be leaving for Walnut Grove

in the morning. I'll see you on my next visit. Very well.

Have a good trip. I sure will. Thank you.

Time's up.

the center.

Now then, I'd like to remind you all that our annual field trip will be at

end of the month.

Please make sure that you selected a subject for your nature projects by

Yes, what is it, Nancy?

Miss Plum, I just want to know if the whole class has to make that silly climb

up to Harper's Bluff again.

Yes, I think it's a tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Well, not me.

Nancy? Yes, Amy.

Ma 'am, I wasn't here last year. And what's Nancy talking about?

Well, Amy, each year, at the end of a field trip, we all climb up to the top

Harper's Bluff.

And you take along a keepsake to put in the strongbox that's buried there.

But what for?

That's what I keep asking.

You see, Amy, it all started about ten years ago when a group of children found

some old Indian artifacts up there.

They thought it would be a good idea to leave something of their own.

You know, something for those who come later to remember them by.

Oh, I think that's a wonderful idea.

Well, so do we.

And that's why we're going to climb up there again.

Right, children?

Right!

All right, children, time for lunch.

Yeah!

Hi, how are you doing?

Hi. Hi, Albert.

Yeah, how are you doing? Do a little baseball then. Okay, after lunch. Okay.

Albert!

Hi, Miss Plum.

How are you? I'm fine, just fine.

I just wanted to come by and say hello to everybody.

Oh, I'm glad you did.

Good to see you.

Hello, Albert.

Hi.

Michelle.

Michelle Pearson.

Uh -huh, the one and only.

The last time I saw you.

Probably wearing dirty overalls, cutting down weed alongside my two brothers,

right?

All right.

Miss Plum, Nancy took the ball again and stuffed it down her dress. Now we can't

use it.

I'm coming.

Will you be visiting a while, Albert?

Yes, ma 'am. My pa and I will be here for about a month. Oh, good. I look

forward to seeing him, too.

Well, if you'll excuse me, my favorite student needs some attention.

Have a good day.

All right.

I'll answer first.

I'm fine.

Now it's your turn.

Oh, it's not bad.

But I'd much rather be living here.

How's that?

Just fine.

You really have changed.

Oh.

Gosh, I didn't realize I looked so bad.

Oh, no, that's not what I meant.

I meant she really looked nice.

You know, your dress and all that.

Oh.

Thank you.

I guess I just figured it was time to start being a girl, and since I'll be

going to college, I better look like I belong there.

You mean you'll be going to the university?

Uh -huh.

I want to be a teacher, so I've been helping Miss Plum here a few days a

you know, just to get the feel of things.

Oh, that's nice.

You know, I'll be starting at the university myself.

I want to become a doctor.

A doctor?

Albert, that's wonderful.

Oh, my gosh. Well, maybe we think... I mean... I'll probably see you there once

in a while.

Yeah, I'm sure you will.

Well, I better go.

Sure was nice to see you again, Michelle.

Yeah.

It was nice to see you too, Albert.

Michelle, I'm going to a picnic and baseball game on Sunday after church.

If you're not busy, would you like to go?

Why, yes.

Yes, I'd like that very much.

Well, great.

I'll see you on Sunday, then.

Yeah.

See you on Sunday.

Yes, who is it? Notice it's me, Charles Ingalls.

Charles, come in. I thought you'd left for Walnut Grove. No, no, I don't leave

till the morning. Could I talk to you for a minute? Why, certainly. Come in.

down.

I just made some fresh coffee. Would you like a cup? Yeah, that sounds good.

How do you take it? Just black.

I was hoping you'd still be here.

Oh, yes, I usually am.

In fact, my wife is threatening to move my bed in here.

Otis, let me tell you why I'm here.

I was thinking about what you were saying this afternoon about not being

buy from the farms around Walnut Grove because they're so small.

It can't be helped, Charles.

As it is, I kept on buying from them long after the other shippers stopped.

I know that, Otis. I found out and I appreciate it.

But let me ask you this.

What if I could get those farmers to work together, form a co -op?

Could you buy their goods then?

This is something I thought about myself.

But as far as I can see it, It won't work.

Why not?

You already told me you preferred their products to anybody else's.

Yes, I know, but the price I'd have to pay your people in order for them to

a profit would just be unrealistic.

Why, they can't compete with the larger outfits.

They buy their seed in quantity.

They use the most modern machinery.

You do? Write them off?

I mean, they work their whole lives for these parts.

Look, suppose I could...

Suppose I can sell you those goods for the same price you're paying now,

delivered here.

You don't realize what you're saying, Charles. Your people would be working

at the very most, just a few pennies. What do they have now? They have

Come on, let's try it.

What do you say?

All right, I'll buy their goods.

But you have to guarantee that Bennett & Company supports this deal 100%. I

guarantee it.

Well, I hope you can make it work.

Very seriously. You're telling me. It's all I've heard about the last two weeks.

Well, you know what they say. Boys will be boys.

He has been having some nosebleeds.

He's been feeling kind of tired lately.

How often has he had them?

Let's see. He had one on the train.

Another one when we were at the university.

When we were at the pond the other day, he had one, too. It was kind of bad.

I had one at the mill yesterday.

Charles,

I think you ought to take him to the hospital in Mankato.

Hey, what do you think's wrong, Doc?

I'm not sure.

But they're much better equipped to diagnose Albert's problem than I am.

I'd only be guessing.

Oh, it's just a couple of nosebleeds. I don't need a hospital.

Well, Albert, it wouldn't hurt for him to take a look at you.

Dr. Hauser's the chief of staff over there, and he's an old colleague of

I'll call and set things up for you.

Appreciate it. We're ready to leave any time.

Hey, Charter, I'll drive you ahead. The wagon's ready in no time.

Thank you.

Why do we have to go? I mean, all this fuss over some nosebleeds.

Heck, why don't you just do what the doc tells you?

You become a doctor, you don't want to have the patients ignoring your advice,

do you?

No, sir.

Here are the last two, Doctor.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Are you able to find out what's wrong with Albert?

Yes, yes, we were.

Why don't we all sit down?

Mr. Ingalls, Albert is a very sick young man.

I'm afraid he has a blood disorder, which is... It's causing him to lose

strength.

How long?

How long will the treatments take before you can get him back on his feet?

Mr. Ingalls, I'm sorry, but... Well, there is no treatment.

Albert's not going to get any better.

Only worse.

Wait a minute, Doc. You're telling us how Albert can't be helped?

up until yesterday.

He's been a little bit tired and all.

Stringo, you see, Albert has had this problem for a long, long time.

Well, we're just now beginning to see the signs because he's getting

progressively worse.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

Blood disorder you're talking about.

I don't know if I told you, but Albert had a... He had a problem with morphine

little while back, and I think that this is probably just an aftermath of that.

I don't think so.

I've seen this disease in infants as well as adults.

What do you mean you've seen it before? You're supposed to be a doctor. You know

what it is. Do something about it.

Mr. Ingalls, I've told you... I don't care what you told me. You're a doctor.

You went to school to learn how to save lives. I can't.

How long is my son?

It could be any time.

There'll be days when he'll be just fine, full of life.

And then he'll weaken again.

That's usually a sign that the end is near.

Have you taken hold of him?

Petringo? Would it be theory if I told him?

to sleep ever since you left.

I'm going to sleep.

Can I get you anything?

No, that's water.

That's my car.

Yeah, talk to Laura. She and Almanzo are making plans to come see you before I

get young.

What have I been thinking?

I want to go home.

But I don't want to go home to Burrell.

I want to go home to Warner Crowe.

Paul, just hear me out.

I'm trying to think of what I'd like to do with the time I got left.

You know, seeing some of the places I've read about.

And going to see.

And my mind keeps going back to want to grow.

I've been thinking about that, too.

I've been thinking about Mom, my brother, and my sisters.

Mom.

I don't want him to watch me die.

That's all he'd be doing.

Watching it happen.

He wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

I mean, it's better for them.

Believe me, they want you to be with them. But I don't want them to be.

I don't have much time left.

I want to spend it doing as many things as I can.

Things I used to do when I was a kid.

I know it sounds selfish.

But it's my last chance.

But I understand how you feel. Paul, you don't understand how I feel.

No one understands how I feel with me.

I know you're trying to.

But you don't know.

I'm gonna die, Paul.

Don't you think it's my right to say what I wanna do with the rest of my

I'll call her in the morning.

I'll call her in the morning.

I'll call her in the morning. I'll call her in the morning.

I'll call her in the morning. I'll call her in the morning.

I'll call her in the morning.

God bless you forever.

I got worried when I woke up and didn't see you.

I found these today when I was packing for the trip.

Albert and I made them for each other a long time ago.

I remember we were 11 or 12.

And we wanted to start a club.

And it was me and Albert and Willie and

another boy named Andrew Garvey.

And we made these leather badges for each other.

And then each one of us cut our fingers.

Not much.

Just enough to get some blood.

And then we put our fingers together.

We became blood brothers.

All except Willie.

As soon as he saw the blood, he fainted.

That sounds like Willie.

Beth, why don't you come back to bed?

I'll heat up some milk. It'll help you sleep.

No.

I just like to sit here by myself if that's all right.

Personal profiles seem to be the most popular, so I thought we should put the

one about your pa right next to the announcement for the town meeting.

You know, to remind people to be sure and come.

That's a good idea.

Um, we can't forget Jenny Gallagher's new baby. I promised her we'd put an

announcement in, too.

Oh, of course. I'll add it on to the back page.

Laura, I can finish this if you want.

No, thanks.

It helps keep him busy.

You know, I keep thinking this is all just a dream.

And I'm just going to wake up and... I know.

Jeb and Jason haven't really known Albert that long, but it didn't make it

easier to tell them.

You know, I think children can understand when someone old is dying.

But to see someone like Albert...

Mr.

Potter's out front.

He's on me home.

I don't know what to say.

Now be strong.

Be strong, promise me.

There you go.

How have you been, Mr. Carter?

Just fine.

How about yourself?

Well, I have had some better days.

Oh, big sister.

I'm home to stay if you'll have me.

Dad promised me.

After today, no more tears around me, all right?

Okay?

Dad promised.

Well, I'm going to go and get some sleep.

Lord, Mr. Edwards must have hit every rut between here and Mankato.

Here, now, don't go blaming me. I didn't start driving until we were more than

halfway home.

Agreed to give our team a rematch.

What do you say?

We'll do it.

Snakeball and all.

Can't believe it.

Another boy wants to play baseball.

He just wants us to treat him like nothing happened.

And that's what we're going to do.

That's what we're going to do.

Now listen to me.

Now listen to me for one minute. Just hear me out. Believe me, it'll work.

All we have to do is combine our labor.

Everybody contributes, everybody benefits.

And we take one man's team, we put it with another farmer's unused plow. The

same with the seed.

Some of you need a little bit, some of you need a lot. We buy it collectively.

We save money. For the first time, you're going to be competitive with the

outfits.

Mr. Ingalls, everything you've said seems to make sense.

But what about a profit?

How much is everybody going to be able to make?

Well, I'm afraid not a lot in the beginning.

At least not until we can get a guaranteed contract from the shipper in

Falls.

Mr.

Ingalls. Mr. Ingalls.

I read in here in the bulletin about your new job and your plan to help us.

And what some of us would like to know is, what's in all of this for you?

Excuse me, I don't think we've met.

Name's Taylor.

Zach Taylor.

All right, Mr. Taylor, would you believe me if I told you absolutely nothing,

not one red cent?

Can't say as I would.

See, I wasn't around this country back when you were such a vital part of this

community. All right, now hold on.

Charles here is trying to help us. Of course, we all know you don't need any

help, so why don't you just leave? I say so, I say so.

Mr. Ingalls, I remember you as being a good man.

Now, if indeed you are here trying to help, why can't you just pay each of us?

We'll have the crops at fair price and let it go at that.

Because it's not my money to pay.

Look, I'm just trying to show all of you how to get back on your feet until

things get better. That's all I can do.

I'd still say he's with them.

The city buyers.

Making the price so low that you're going to steal the profit.

Yes, he is.

What's happened to all of you?

Just who are you to ask that kind of question?

My name's Albert Ingalls.

The man who's trying to help you is my father.

Well, that don't make you something special.

Going back to the big city with your old man.

We don't need no kid not grown telling us what for.

Come back in ten years when you're a man.

That's enough, Zachary.

That boy that just walked out of here is more of a man than you will ever be.

And he cares a hell of a lot more about this town.

He remembers it when it was a town full of friends and neighbors who really

cared about each other.

Who were willing to work together, no matter how tough it got.

You told him to come back here when he's a man.

But you see, he can't do that.

Because he's dying.

But he came back here.

Because of all the places in the world, this place, this town, is where he want

to spend his last days.

And you all think you've got it tough.

I'm just sorry you saw what happened to this town.

Edwards.

I'd like to take part in Charles' plan.

Good for you, Zachary.

Let's take a vote.

All right, all in favor?

Aye. All opposed?

All right, by God, we got us a town again.

Morning. Morning?

I dare say it's past noon.

It is.

I wanted to go back out and help with the farm.

Why didn't somebody wake me up?

Well, I asked Pa not to. I didn't think you needed to be in that hot sun.

It's really not that bad. I enjoy working and talking with everybody.

Albert, you've got to get some rest.

Why is it that you have to be doing something all the time?

If both of you will excuse me, I have to get these chapters on the afternoon

stage.

Mr. Montague, would you mind giving me a ride to town?

Why, no.

Not at all.

I'll bring the buggy around to the front.

Laura.

The things I want to do, I can't put off until tomorrow.

Pa understands that. I just wish you could.

wheat, barley, and the corn.

All right, that's all of them.

Thanks, Jenny.

All right, class, everyone back to your seats.

Albert!

Albert, I'm not doing anything.

No, not at all.

Good to see you.

We just finished making plans for our field trip.

Oh, really? That's nice.

Oh, does the class still make the climb up to the keepsake tree?

Oh, yes.

In fact, we just finished making our keepsake.

Class, does anyone want to tell Albert what we decided to put in the strongbox

this year?

Amy?

Well, we all thought since the town is starting a new community farm, it might

be nice if the keepsake were some seeds from each of the crops.

Oh, well, yeah, that is very nice.

Miss Plum? Yes, Nancy?

Could I ask Albert a question?

Certainly.

What's it like knowing you're going to die?

Nancy, I don't think that's any of your business. Oh, it's all right, Miss

Flynn.

I don't mind talking about it.

Well...

What

first I...

I was scared.

And angry.

But, you know, once I started to think about my life, I found that I made

some really wonderful memories.

You know, things I'd done.

All the good times, all the good friends.

And you know, the best thing about it all is that they all took place right

here.

And that's why I came back.

Because there's no better place on God's earth.

Just don't waste the time you have on it.

You have a good time.

Make yourself lots of good friends.

You see that way.

You see that way.

When it's your time to look back and find your memories, you'll see that you

won't be scared or angry either.

Real fine stuff, Michelle. Your mom sure can cook.

I'm sorry I couldn't eat much.

Oh, that's all right.

But she doesn't get all the credit. I made the dessert.

Well, it was really good.

That guy sure is pretty nice, isn't it?

Yeah, true.

Albert, you know, I had a dream about you and I.

You had a dream about us?

Yeah.

Or is this a silly dream?

Well, come on, tell me about it.

No, you'll just laugh and think I'm really silly.

Michelle, I promise I won't cross my heart and hope to die.

Why do you joke about it?

Why not?

Oh, I know. Come on. Tell me about your dream.

Well...

We

were sitting out here just like now and...

I said how beautiful the sky was.

Then you turned my head and I saw you smiling at me.

Then you took my hands and you pulled me close to you.

And you kissed me.

See, I told you it was stupid.

Just go ahead and laugh if you want to.

Michelle, I'm not going to laugh.

Especially not at you.

I don't know how to say all this.

But I've been doing some dreaming about you, too.

Thing is, I haven't got much time to do everything just proper.

You know, the courting kind of stuff.

I'm so glad you came back to Walnut Grove.

I am, too.

Albert, is that you?

Yeah, Pop.

Sorry I'm so late.

All right.

Your sister was upset.

She got mad at me for letting you out alone.

I wasn't alone.

Have yourself a good time over, Michelle.

Oh, yes, I did.

What'd you two do?

Oh, we just sat on our porch.

Just talking.

And you know things like that.

Sounds like you made yourself another nice memory.

Yeah, I sure did.

It's been the best one yet.

Hey, wait a minute.

A letter came for us today.

Therefore, we proudly award you a four -year academic scholarship to the

University of Minnesota School of Medicine.

I made it.

I made it. I taught like you did.

I really think I would have made it for my doctor.

I know you would.

I want to tell you something.

You've been the greatest son a man can ever have, I'll tell you.

You were in a bad hole yourself.

I can't believe you're going along with it.

Laura, he's going on a field trip. It's no different than anything else he's

been doing.

Yeah, well, I guess it's all right then.

I mean, if Albert wants to play baseball, then it's fine.

If it's working on the farm or going to Michelle's house till all hours of the

night, everyone just smiles and wishes him well. These are the things he wants

to do. You know that.

Oh, you've seen him. He looks so weak.

He needs to get some rest.

Why?

I guess it doesn't matter what I have to say.

I mean, if it's climbing up to the keepsake tree that Albert wants to do,

he's just going to go right ahead and do it.

All right, what is it you want me to do? I want you to tell him that he cannot

climb up that mountain.

Laura, Albert is going to die.

I know that. Why are you telling me that? Then let him spend the time he had

left doing what he wanted to do.

If you had it your way, spend the rest of his life in bed.

Well, why not?

watching him drain himself.

Better for him or better for you?

Come on, Laura, let me hear you say it.

My brother is going to die.

Come on, I'm not pretending. Say it.

My brother is going to die. Let me hear it.

I can't.

You can.

I can't. Now come on and say it.

My brother is going to die.

to be stopping this train, though. Yeah, I know.

Hold this again.

Maybe we gotta get you back home.

Oh, no, Paul.

It'll stop.

Just give it time.

Woo.

Glad you came.

Are you all right?

Mm -hmm.

See, Pa, I told you to stop.

Now, you're not out here just to worry, are you?

No. And I brought you these.

Oh, my gosh. Where did you ever find them?

They were in one of my trunks. Do you remember when we made those?

Oh, do I? Are you kidding?

I remember when Willie fainted because we all cut our fingers.

I thought you might like to put him up in the strong box with the keepsake

I love you.

I love you, too.

Albert, we're going up the hill now.

Let's come after he leads the way and put our keepsake in the strong box.

Oh, you bet I will.

You sure you can make it, son?

Yeah, I think I can, Pa.

I know he can, because I'm going to be with you all the way to the top.

Are you serious?

Oh, we did it once a long time ago, and we're going to do it again today.

You're not the only one reliving old memories, Albert Ingalls.

Okay. Come on.

Come on, Cheryl, let's get going.

Let's go.

They reached the halfway point.

How's Albert doing?

Looks to be doing all right.

I think I'd better rest a while.

It's fine with me, Albert.

Take all the time you need.

I don't remember being this hard to climb.

Yeah, but... That was before you became an old married woman.

Very funny.

Come on!

We can let those young 'uns catch up to us.

Not if we can help it.

They're moving again.

Well, boy, you're sure of something.

It sure is.

He made it.

Thank you.