Book 10 - Chasin' Rustlers

Beau discovers that the herd of yearlings is missing. Daddy, Celly and Beau search thoroughly for them before concluding that cattle rustlers have visited the Lazy Arrow Ranch. They quickly round up Sheriff Longslim and Squatty, then set off after the cattle. The chase turns into quite an adventure for the children. A close call with a rattlesnake scares Celly, after which a cold, lonely, hungry night awaits them. Unexpectedly, Mommy and Rainey cheer everyone up by arriving with food and supplies. Early the next morning, Daddy, Longslim and Squatty get on the rustlers' trail, intending to capture the thieves and gain possession of the herd. Mommy and the children are left to pack up camp and follow along. However, when the three pursuers close in on the herd, the rustlers abandon the cattle and run away - right back upriver toward Mommy and the children. Quick thinking on Mommy's part leads to setting a trap and capturing the rustlers - much to the surprise and dismay of Daddy, Longslim and Squatty.

Book 9 - Workin' Cattle

The entire family, with the assistance of Sheriff Longslim and Deputy Squatty, set the day aside for workin' cattle. They first have to separate all calves from their mommas, and then select, earmark and brand thirty prime heifer calves to keep on the ranch. Later, the remainder will be driven to the Amarillo Stockyards for sale. The work progresses rapidly and pleasantly until a visitor arrives - uninvited and unwanted. Keeping him from meddling in the actual work, scaring the cattle, offending the children, and causing general chaos, becomes a greater chore than working the cattle. His actions cause patience to wear thin and tempers to rise. Finally, Sheriff Longslim thinks of a way to keep the visitor 'busy,' but out of the way, so the work can continue.

Book 8 - Mule For Sale

The Barton Family needs money to buy a new herd bull. Their only means to raise cash is to sell their young, wild mule. However, a gentle, tamed mule brings more money than a wild unbroken one. So, Daddy advertises the mule for sale, and then he begins gentling him. It proves to be more time consuming, and a more arduous task, then he expected. Much to Celly's dismay, and Beau's disappointment, the mule bucks Daddy off repeatedly. While he is still in the process of breaking in the mule, buyers arrive. Sheriff Longslim and Deputy Squatty pitch in to help. Finally, after much debate, haggling over price, and more mule-busting, a sale is made!

Book 7 - The Cows are Out

Mommy notices several head of cattle out of the pasture. Beau is the only one available to put them back in. However, the only horse left on the ranch is lame, so, much to his dismay, he has to go on foot. Several problems arise as he goes about the task. The gate is closed, and he cannot open it. When he fianlly gets it open, he cannot close it. He gets the first group of cattle in, and then he sees more out. He discovers the fence is broken, and he has no way to fix it. While running after the huge Brahma bull, he falls into a hole in the river and loses his hat. When he reaches the bull, it runs away from him. Weary and disgusted, he lays down on the riverbank to rest and falls asleep. The unexpected arrival of certain friends provides the means to get the bull back into the pasture and the muscle to repair the fence.

Book 6 - Rainey Needs Goat Milk

Rainey is allergic to cow milk, thus must have goat milk. Though neither Celly nor Beau has ever milked the goat, they must do it this time because Daddy is away. What sounded like a simple little chore proves to be a rather difficult and frightening experience. After much trial and error, bruises and buttings, spilled milk and tears, unexpected help arrives. Finally, they are able to return to Mommy with a pail of goat milk for Rainey!

Book 5 - A New Name for Skinny?

The mayor and city council of Ole Muddy decide that "Skinny" is not an appropriate name for their Sheriff's horse. They instruct Longslim to select a more suitable name for the beautiful and dashing steed. Sheriff Longslim and Deputy Squatty ride to the Lazy Arrow Ranch for suggestions. Celly, and especially Beau, reluctantly join Mommy, Daddy, and Lummy in volunteering possibilities. After much time and a long list of exciting and daring names, Beau becomes even more stubborn. It is soon evident to all that no one really wants to change Skinny's name. The choice is left to Longslim, who returns to Ole Muddy to inform the mayor of his decision.

Book 4 - Celly and the Doll

Celly is wandering around on the river one day all by herself. She kicks around in the mud wondering what to do next, when she spies a beautiful doll. She rescues it and lovingly cleans it as best as she can. She is busily admiring her newly found possession when Longslim and Squatty come along. She proudly shows them her beautiful doll. However, they know who it belongs to and are dismayed when they realize that Celly has become extremely attached to the doll. They tell her who owns it, but, understandably, Celly does not want to give it up. They put her atop Fatso and take her up the river to find the wagon train that carries the little girl who lost the doll. When Celly meets the girl, she willingly relinquishes the odll and is grateful to Longslim and Squatty for "making" her do the right thing.