Monkees' Tails page 9

The Monkees in Tennessee

By: Larrysgirl and Mickys411 Rated PG

The bright-red Monkeemobile zoomed down the four-lane highway. Inside the souped-up GTO were Micky, Mike, Peter and Davy of the rock group the Monkees. Driving the car was Mike, the leader of the group, who was taping his fingers on the steering wheel to the music of a country record playing on the radio. Napping next to him was Micky, the curly-haired drummer of the group. Behind him was Peter, playing with a yo-yo and next to him was Davy, who was taking pictures with a camera his grandfather had sent him several months ago as a Christmas present.
The July fourth holiday was coming up soon, and many of the farms they saw had barns painted in patriotic colors. Davy saw a grain silo being done up very nicely in red, white and blue and took its picture. Peter looked over at Davy.
"What a groovy time of the year it is." Peter said with a smile, "At least for us Americans."
Davy smiled back. Being from Great Britain, he was used to the ribbing his friends gave him around this time of year. He loved America, though. It had given him a better opportunity in life than if he had stay in Britain, singing in small pubs for a few pounds a day. Still, he liked to kid back about how wonderful England was.
"Yeah, Peter." Davy said, "It's too bad we lost."
"I guess England doesn't have a July fourth." Peter remarked.
"You're right, it doesn't Peter." Davy replied seriously. "Our calendar simply goes from July third to the fifth."
Peter stopped playing with his yo-yo and looked at Davy, puzzled, "What?" He asked, but Davy had already turned to look out the window again to hide his laughter.
Mike chuckled at the joke from the front seat. Micky was still sleeping. Peter decided to ask Davy about his comment later and looked over to Mike.
"How much further, Mike?" He asked.
"We should be at the Tennessee border real soon, Pete." Mike replied.
After about a mile, a large sign appeared over the highway; WELCOME TO TENNESSEE! Davy took a picture of that too, while Mike and Peter cheered. Micky woke up at the noise.
"Are we there yet?" He asked sleepily.
"Well, we're in Tennessee, now." Mike replied. "It shouldn’t be too long. Johnny gave me pretty good directions on how to get to his house."
"Great!" Micky replied, "I can't believe Johnny Cash invited us to his house."
"You can't believe it?" Mike asked, "Being from Texas, I grew up loving country music. Johnny Cash is one of my biggest idols."
"We're lucky that one of the security guards at Johnny's concert in LA was a high-school buddy of Micky's, and let us sneak backstage and meet him." Peter remarked, "I had no idea he knew your Dad, Mike."
"I didn't either." Mike replied. "It seems that when I was very young, my Dad, who also played country music, met Johnny in a bar they were both playing in. Johnny didn't have a place to stay that night, so my Dad invited him home. Now, he's repayin' the favor."
"What a groovy fella to remember that after all those years." Davy replied.
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Mike noticed the road sign and turned off the highway. The new road they were on led them deeper into the back country. After a few miles, they noticed an old square-shaped structure off to their right. It looked like a fort made up of heavy stone and wooden logs, but it was in very poor condition, like it was ready to collapse any second.
"What's that thing?" Davy asked, taking a picture.
Micky looked it up in a guide book he bought at their last rest stop. "It's Fort Shenandoah, Davy." Micky replied. "It has a long history in this area. First used to protect settlers from the Indians and later used by the south during the civil war."
"That means we're not too far, then." Mike said. "Johnny said his house wasn't far from the old fort."
Sure enough, about a half-mile later, the Monkees came upon a large, two-story log-cabin house. Since it was the only house they'd seen in a while, they assumed it was Johnny's. Mike pulled into the driveway and shut off the motor. As they got out of the car, a man dressed in black appeared on the front porch. It was Johnny Cash.
The Monkees looked in awe at him. Johnny was a tall, rugged, handsome man in his early forties with short dark hair and brown eyes. He looked down at them from the front porch for a moment, and then his face lit up with a wide smile. The Monkees breathed a sigh of relief. They had worried whether or not Johnny really meant his invitation to come visit him, but his smile put them at ease.
"Hi, Fellas!" Johnny exclaimed, "Glad you boys made it safe." He came down off the front porch and shook their hands. The Monkees were still a little shocked by seeing Johnny again but soon relaxed.
"Thanks for inviting us, Mr. Cash." Peter said.
"What did I tell you boys?" Johnny asked, "It's Johnny, ya hear?"
"Ok, Johnny." Mike smiled.
Johnny called up into the house. "June! The Monkees are here!"
A few seconds later, Johnny's wife June came out onto the front porch. She was very beautiful with dark hair down to her shoulders and she wore coveralls. June appeared to be in her early thirties and in her arms she held a young baby.
"Oh hi, boys!" June called out. "Glad y'all could make it."
"Boys, I'd like you to meet my lovely wife June. June, this is Mike Nesmith, whose Dad Robert I told you about, and his friends Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones."
Micky, Peter and Davy were a little surprised that Johnny would remember their names after several weeks.
"The young'en June's holding is our son Johnny." The man in black finished.
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Cash." Davy said.
"Please, call me June." June said with a smile. "We don't stand on formalities here like they do in the big city."
The Monkees went inside the house. Though it looked like a log cabin outside, inside the house was modern with all the modern conveniences. As they came in the front door, a young lady about eighteen years old with short dark hair wearing a blue mini-dress came down the front steps.
"Oh, hello there." She smiled at the Monkees.
"Hello miss." Davy replied, getting stars in his eyes.
Johnny smiled. "Boys, I'd like for you to meet my cousin Mary Lou Pritchert from Savannah. She's staying with us over the July fourth holiday."
"Pleased to meet you, Mary Lou." Mike said and quickly introduced the other Monkees. Davy looked at Mary the whole time.

Once everyone was settled in, everybody went outside and sat down on the front porch and relaxed. June and Mary brought out tall glasses of lemonade and soon Johnny and the Monkees were talking about the music business. Not long afterwards, everyone heard a loud noise coming down the road. Johnny got up to see what was causing the noise, then sat down and shook his head.
"What is it, Johnny?" June asked.
"It’s the Fitts brothers coming down the road." He replied, shaking his head again.
"Who are they?" Mary asked.
"Their names are Billy Bob and Ray Fitts." Johnny said. "They're kin to the sheriff and judge in these parts. I wonder what they want."
Just then, a dilapidated old pick-up truck pulled up in front of the house. It had a revolving red-light on the top. Two men in their fifties came out and stood outside their truck. One of them was wearing a badge. Johnny stood up to greet them.
"Hi Billy Bob, hi Ray." Johnny called down. "What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"Hi there Johnny!" One of the men said as he and his brother walked closer to the porch. "We're just here to let you know somethin' important."
"What's that Billy Bob?" Johnny asked.
"Our cousins, Judge Roy and Sheriff Edward are both gone for a few days to celebrate the fourth." Billy Bob, who was wearing the badge, said proudly. "So me and Ray are in charge. Just thought you should know that."
"Thanks for tellin' us, Billy Bob." Johnny replied. "We'll let you know if there's a problem."
Ray, who was standing behind Billy Bob, looked over at the Monkees. He noticed their clothes and long hair and immediately pegged them as troublemakers. "Look at the weirdoes on the front porch." Ray whispered to his brother.
Billy Bob looked at the Monkees and asked them. "And who might you fellas be?"
"Oh, we're just visiting from California, sheriff." Mike replied.
"Yeah, we'll behave." Davy said with a smile.
Billy Bob looked at Davy as if he had just grown a third arm. He had noticed Davy's British accent.
"And where are you from, son?" He asked suspiciously.
"Me? I'm from England." Davy replied.
"A redcoat!" Ray exclaimed.
"No, an Englishman." Davy replied.
"Take it easy, Ray." Johnny put in. "I can vouch for these fellas. They won't cause any problems."
"Ok, then." Billy Bob said. "I intend to keep order around here."
"I know you'll do a fine job too." Johnny said.
Billy Bob and Ray smiled and walked back to their truck. "See ya later, Johnny!" Billy Bob said as they finally pulled away.

As their truck lurched down the road, Ray turned to his older brother.
"Think they'll cause any problems? “Specially that English fella?" He asked.
"They better not." Billy Bob replied. "We don't need any tourists causing trouble right now. But if they do, well, we'll know what to do with 'em!" He fingered the shotgun he kept under his seat.

Johnny and June entered the house, with The Monkees following them.
"Wow, you have a groovy house Mr. Cash," said Mike, looking around the halls.
"Thank you Mike, and please call me Johnny." said the man in black.
"And you boys call me June," said his wife.
Just then, there was a noise coming from the baby.
"I gotta put little Johnny down, it's his nap time. He gets fussy when he gets tired."
"Same here," said Micky with a chuckle.
Everyone started to laugh.
June went up the stairs to put the baby in the nursery.
"Come with me boys, I'll show you where the studio is," said Johnny.
He led the boys to the back of the house, where the studio was located.
As they walked down the hall, Peter noticed some shiny objects on the wall.
"Those are some unusual light bulbs on the walls Johnny," said Peter.
"Those are my gold records Peter.” said Johnny.
"They sure are bright."
"I bet they come in handy when the power goes out," said Davy.
That made Johnny and the others laugh.
"Here we are," said Johnny, opening a door.
It was indeed the studio. Inside there was all different kinds of recording equipment. Microphones, recording reels, instruments, and other items that the Monkees could only wish they had for recording.
"Would you boys care to have a jam session with me?" Johnny asked.
The Monkees couldn't believe what they just heard.
"Yes, sure, absolutely, groovy, outasite, neat-o," The Monkees said altogether.
In fact, the guys were all talking at once, that Johnny didn't understood what they were saying.
"Now now, one at a time boys," said Johnny with a laugh.
"Yeah, we’d love to." said the Monkees altogether.
"Great."
Johnny placed his guitar over his shoulder, and then told the Monkees that they were allowed to use the studio equipment.

Mike picked up a guitar. He still couldn't believe that not only was he talking to his idol, but now he was going to jam with Johnny Cash himself.
Peter grabbed a bass, while Micky hopped on the drums and Davy went to check out the percussions.
The five then began to jam.

The five of them played several of Johnny's songs, like 'I walk the line' and 'A boy named Sue' then took a break. Mary joined them and sat down next to Davy. After a few minutes, Johnny asked the Monkees if they would like to do a few of their own songs.
"Well, Johnny." Peter hedged, "I don't know if you'd like our stuff. It's mostly rock and roll."
"I like to listen to all sorts of music, Peter." Johnny replied with a smile. "I've even listened to the Beatles. It helps keep me in touch with what is popular right now. Go ahead, play something. I'll try to keep up."
The Monkees chuckled at that and quickly launched into 'Last Train to Clarksville'. Johnny quickly caught on and played along with them. Mary smiled and swayed back and forth in time to the song. They then did 'It's nice to be with you' with Davy doing the lead. He kept looking over at Mary the whole time and Mary smiled and winked back at him. When the song was over, Johnny looked over at Mike.
"Got anything for us, Mike?" He asked, "You told me you were into country music."
Mike looked down at the floor. He did have a new song he just wrote, but he didn't think it was too good.
"I do...have a new song....but it’s really not done yet." Mike said, embarrassed.
"I'd like to hear it." Johnny replied.
Mike looked up. "You would?" He asked, surprised.
"Sure." Johnny said, "It's nice to hear from up and coming talent."
Mike swallowed. Johnny Cash wanted to hear one of 'his' songs? Managing a wane smile, Mike picked up his guitar again.
"I don't have a proper name for it yet, so I'm just calling this song 'Nine Times Blue'. Mike cleared his throat and began to sing:
"There's a certain something in the way you looked at me and said you'd stay that let me know that I was out of line. But I didn't know what else to do and like a fool I tested you by demanding things of you which weren't mine."
The other Monkees joined in on the chorus. Johnny sat back in his chair and closed his eyes while he listened. When the song was done, he opened his eyes and looked at an apprehensive Mike.
"I liked it Mike." Johnny said, "You obviously have inherited your father's talent."
Mike was shocked. Johnny Cash actually liked one of his songs! He felt like dancing around the room, but barely managed to stay seated.
"Thank.....thank you, Johnny." Mike said, trying to keep cool.
Johnny looked at the other Monkees.
"All you boys are talented. I have no doubt that you four are going to go far."
Micky, Peter and Davy smiled big smiles. "Thanks Johnny." They said.
"I agree with Johnny." Mary said, "You boys sure have talent."
"Thanks, Mary." Davy said sincerely.
Just then, June came into the studio.
"Ok, y'all come and get it!" She said.
"Get what?" Peter asked.
June laughed. "Supper, hon. That's what!"
Everyone laughed and quickly left the studio and went into the dining room. Once everyone was seated, June and Mary served up fried chicken, green beans and corn bread. The Monkees hadn't eaten since that morning and were starving. Between mouthfuls, the Monkees asked Johnny about their encounter with the Fitts brothers. Johnny just shook his head.
"I wouldn't worry none about them, boys." He said, "Other times they've been left in charge and nothing's happened."
"About the only problems in this neck of the woods is a lost dog or something." June added.
Davy was still puzzled, though. "Why did Ray call me a redcoat, though? British troops haven't been on American soil since the war of 1812."
"Those two have always been a little suspicious of strangers." Johnny said with a laugh. "And since you're not from this country, it riled him up a bit. Like I said, don't worry about those two."
With that, nobody else brought up the subject of the Fitts brothers. After dinner, Davy and Mike helped June and Mary wash and put away the dishes. As they were finishing up, baby Johnny began to cry. June smiled and put down her dish towel.
"Looks like someone else is hungry too. Excuse me." June left the kitchen and went upstairs to the nursery. Davy moved over to Mary, who was drying a dish.
"So, Mary, what do people do for entertainment around here?"
Mary shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "There really isn't much to do back in these parts." She said, "I guess that's why cousins Johnny and June live here when they want to get away from the public for awhile."
Davy then had an idea. "Why don't we go explore the old fort nearby?"
"Fort Shenandoah?" She replied, "Yeah, why not? I've never really looked it over myself. Let's ask Cousin Johnny if it would be ok."
Seeing that Mike was drying the last dish, Davy and Mary went out to the living room where Micky, Peter and Johnny were sitting.
"Johnny, would it be ok if Davy and I went and explored the old fort?" Mary asked.
"I don't see why not, dear." Johnny replied, "The land is a little rugged around there, so take the motor bike. Key's in a box next to the door of the shed."
"Thanks Johnny." Davy said.
"It's ok, Davy." Johnny replied. "Just try and be back before dark, though. There's no street lights so it'll get pretty black out there."
"Be careful, you two." June said as she walked into the living room, giving a bottle to the baby.
"We will, June. Bye y'all." Mary replied.
"Oh, wait, Mary." Davy said suddenly, "Let me get my camera." Davy raced up the stairs, grabbed his camera and joined Mary once again.
"Cheerio." Davy said.”

“Bye.” Everyone replied and Mary and Davy went out the back door and over to the shed.
Once inside the shed, Mary quickly found a box on a table near the door. Inside was a key, and while she walked over to the motor bike, Davy opened the shed door wider, so Mary could drive out. Once she had the bike out of the shed, Davy closed the door and climbed on behind her. He put his arms around her waist and the two of them quickly were roaring down the road toward the old fort.
They followed the road until it was close as possible to the fort, then Mary gently eased the bike off the road and slowly began to drive over to the structure. Like Johnny said, the land was rugged and uneven. Finally, though, they were at the fort's front gate. Mary shut off the bike and her and Davy climbed off. He looked at the broken gate.
"What a mess." He said.
"Yeah, it's a shame it's fallin' apart." Mary replied, "I had heard a long time ago there was a preservation society that wanted to fix the fort up, but the state keeps draggin' its heels."
"Pretty soon, there won't be anything left to preserve." Davy replied as he took some pictures.
As the two of them walked around the perimeter, Davy looked over at Mary. "So, Johnny tells me you're just out of high school. Any plans after that?"
"I'm going to the university of Georgia in Atlanta." Mary replied. "I'm going to take pre-law."
"You're going to be a lawyer?" Davy asked, surprised.
"I'd like to be." Mary said, "The world is finally starting to open up for women, and I'd like to be a part of it." She raised an eyebrow at Davy. "You surprised at that?"
"I've never met a woman who wanted to be a lawyer." Davy answered sincerely, "The other women I've known have talked about being secretaries and teachers."
"There's nothing wrong with those professions." Mary replied, "But I've already taken a few law courses in high school and I think that's my calling."
The two of them sat down on a low wall. They were quiet for a few moments, and then Davy took Mary's hand.
"I'll think you'll be a great lawyer, Mary." Davy said honestly, "Maybe I'll need your services someday."
"Would you like one of my services now?" Mary asked quietly.
Davy smiled. "Sure."
He took Mary in his arms and they kissed. After several seconds, they broke apart, got up and continued to walk around the fort. Davy continued to take pictures.

What Davy and Mary didn't know was that a short distance away Billy Bob Fitts was watching them with a pair of binoculars. He put the binoculars down and turned to his brother.
"That English fella sure is interested in that fort for some reason." He said suspiciously.
"He is at that." Ray replied, rubbing the stubble on his chin, "Ya think he knows about the treasure?"
"Its possible Johnny told 'im." Billy Bob said, shaking his head.
"Well, let's let 'em look around for awhile." Ray replied, "But if he finds somethin' though, we'll deal with that redcoat once and for all....legally of course."
The two brothers chuckled at that remark.

Later that evening, Davy came back to the house with Mary.
June and Johnny were upstairs saying good-night to the baby, while Mike, Peter and Micky waited for the two in the living room.
"Well, I better go upstairs, said Mary; I have to be at my job early in the morning. I'm interning at the local court office."
"Ok, good night." said Davy, giving Mary a quick kiss on the cheek, before she headed up the stairs.
"I see you're enjoying your visit here," said Peter to Davy with a smile.
"Well, she's a very groovy lady," said Davy.
"Lady uh, whatever happen to chick or babe?" asked Micky with a chuckle.
"This is different."
"Well, just be careful Davy, after all she is the cousin to a famous person," said Mike.
"I know I know," said Davy, still in a daze from Mary's smile.
Just then, June and Johnny came downstairs.
"Well, I guess this has been a long day," said Johnny.
"So, where are you boys staying tonight?" asked June.
"The motel downtown," answered Mike.
"How ‘bout if you guys stay with us?" said June.
"Good idea darlin' we have plenty of room." said Johnny.
"That's very nice of you, but we don't want to be a burden to you guys," said Peter.
"No, we don't mind at all," said June.
"Everyone's welcome in our home," said Johnny.
The Monkees thanked the Cashes and went to grab their items from the car.

As the Monkees were going back up to their rooms, Johnny noticed Davy's camera sitting on the coffee table.
"Hey, Davy. Don't forget your camera." He said.
Davy came back over to Johnny. "Thanks Johnny. I don't want to lose this. My grandfather in England sent it to me for Christmas last year."
"Take any pictures so far?" Johnny asked.
"Yeah, I took a whole bunch of our trip so far." Davy replied, "Including several of the old fort tonight."
"That reminds me." Johnny said. "I have a darkroom down in the basement. How about in the morning, you and I get those pictures developed?"
"Sounds groovy, Johnny." Davy replied, "I'll see you in the morning."
"Have a good night everyone." June said.
"Goodnight." The Monkees said to Johnny and June, and then went into their rooms. Just like in the pad, Mike and Micky shared one room, while Davy and Peter shared another. The Monkees quickly changed into their nightclothes and soon were fast asleep.

The next morning, the Monkees came down for breakfast. Johnny, June, Mary and baby Johnny were already there. Mary was just finishing up. She had to be at work early.
"Good morning, guys!" Mary said.
"Morning, Mary. Morning Johnny and June." Micky replied, still half-asleep.
Johnny chuckled. "Not a morning person, I see."
"I'm more of an afternoon person." Micky said with a yawn.
Mary smiled and shook her head. "Well, I'm off to work, everyone. See y'all this afternoon."
"Bye, Mary." Davy said. "Take care. Johnny and I are going to develop my pictures, so I'll show them to you tonight."
"I'd like that." Mary replied, "Bye now."
"Bye, Mary." Everyone replied.
Mary left the house, got in her car and drove off to the court office she interned at. The Monkees joined the Cashes at the breakfast table. June served them heaping plates of bacon, eggs and grits and the four of them tore into the food.
"You boys sleep well?" June asked as she fed a jar of baby food to her son.
"Yes we did, thank you." Mike replied. "Haven't slept on a feather bed in years."
After breakfast, the Monkees helped June with the dishes and clean baby Johnny up. Afterwards, Johnny invited the four musicians down to his darkroom to get the film in Davy's camera developed. The five of them went inside the darkroom and Johnny turned off the lights.
"Hey, who turned on the dark?" Peter asked.
"It has to be dark in here Peter." Micky replied, "Or the film will be ruined."
"Then how will Johnny see what he's doing?" Peter said.
Johnny replied by turning on a red light over a tray of developing fluid.
"We can see the red light, but the red light won't affect the film." Johnny said.
He began to unroll the film and place it in the tray of developing fluid. The Monkees watched as Johnny slowly brought to life the pictures Davy had taken yesterday. Johnny then hung the pictures on a clothesline to dry. After awhile, the pictures were dry and Johnny told Davy to turn on the light. He did so, and the five of them gathered around the stack of pics in Johnny's hands.
A few of the pics were still from Christmas, with the guys goofing off in front of their tree. The rest were pictures of the barns, grain silo and other objects of interest.
"Nicely done, Davy." Mike said, "Those are really sharp pictures."
"Thanks Mike." Davy replied, "Oh, here's my pictures of the old fort."
The five of them slowly went through the pictures Davy took. They were pictures of the crumbling walls around the fort. The last pic was of Mary as she sat on what used to be the north-east cornerstone of the fort. Davy smiled as he took the picture in his hand. Mary sure was a honey.....
Then Davy noticed something strange about the rock Mary was sitting on. There seemed to be some sort of markings at the base where her feet were.
"Johnny, do you have a magnifying glass around here?" He asked.
"Yeah, I think so." Johnny replied. He rummaged around in a drawer for a minute until he found one, then handed it to Davy. The Englishman thanked Johnny and used it to take a closer look at the markings.
"Want a better look at Mary?" Peter teased his friend.
"No....I just want a better look at the base of the rock she's sitting on."
With the magnifying glass, Davy was able to make out the markings. It looked like an arrow pointing down into the ground.
V
Puzzled, he handed the pic and glass to his friends.
"What do you make of that marking?" He asked.
Micky, Mike, Peter and Johnny took turns looking at the mark.
"It looks like an arrow pointing to the ground." Mike said.
The others agreed. It did look like someone had carved the arrow into the stone very close to the ground so no one would notice it.
"Maybe it's pointing to the lost treasure of Captain Bates." Johnny chuckled.
"Treasure?!" The Monkees said at once.
"Now, now boys." Johnny said with a laugh. "That's only a legend that's been told around these parts for years."
"Tell us about it." Peter pleaded.
"Well, during the war of 1812 the British briefly occupied Fort Shenandoah before being driven out by American forces. Legend has it that a British Captain by the name of Quincy Bates buried some stolen items inside the fort somewhere when the British were forced to retreat. People have been searching for years, but haven't found a thing. It's not even clear what was supposed to be buried in the first place." Johnny smiled. "Even June and I tried our hand at finding it when we first moved here, but found nothing but dirt."
Davy was looking at the photos once again. This time he was looking at the wall fort pictures he took before he took one of Mary. Once again, he took up the magnifying glass and was looking at the base of the stones.
"What now, Davy?" Micky asked.
Davy looked up at his friends. "I think I see more arrows on the other stones as well."
The others gathered around and looked at the pics. Sure enough, it seemed there were more arrows all pointing in the same direction.
> > > >
Davy looked at Johnny. "Do you think we could have a few of these pics blown up?"
Within minutes, there were several large photos of the fort wall lying next to each other on the table. When they were put side by side, the arrows seemed to form a line which led to the stone which Mary had sat on.
> > > > > V
After several minutes of silence, Johnny spoke up. "I think you might be on to something here, Davy."

That afternoon, Mary came home from work to find a very excited Davy. He showed her the pictures, and she was shocked to see how the arrows seem to lead to a place underneath the rock she had sat on.
"This is incredible!" Mary exclaimed. "I had no idea!"
"Neither did we." Davy said, and then looked at everyone. "Let's go back out there and see if we can find the treasure!"
The other Monkees looked skeptical.
"You and Mary go ahead, Davy." Mike said, "If there was a treasure, it would've been dug up long ago."
"Yeah, someone probably has seen those arrows long ago and searched the area." Micky put in.
Just as Davy and Mary were about to leave, it began to rain. It quickly began to pour cats and dogs, making any exploring impossible now.
"Looks like you treasure hunters will have to wait until tomorrow." June said smiling.
"If there is a treasure out there, it can wait another day." Johnny said to a disappointed Davy. "It's waited this long."
"I'm off tomorrow, so we'll have the whole day to explore, Davy." Mary said, patting Davy on the back.
Davy reluctantly agreed. He couldn't wait until tomorrow.

The next day, the rain had cleared off and the sun shone hot and bright down on the Cash homestead. The Monkees and Mary came out of their rooms and went down to eat breakfast. Mary was wearing jeans and a red blouse. Johnny, June and baby Johnny were just sitting down to eat as they walked into the kitchen.
"Mornin' everybody!" Johnny said brightly, "And happy fourth of July!"
"Good Morning, y'all." Mary said, "And same to you too."
"Can't believe America is one hundred and ninety-two years old today." Micky said as he sat down at the table.
"Yeah, not bad for a former colony." Davy said with a sniff.
Mike playfully cuffed Davy on the back of the head for that.
"Too bad England doesn't have a July fourth." Peter said, shaking his head, and then looking at the Cashes. "Did you know English calendars skip over July fourth? It goes from July third to the fifth."
Johnny and June looked at each other, then over at the Monkees who were trying to hold their laughter in. Davy finally decided to tell Peter the truth.
"Peter, I only told you that as a joke." He said with a sympathetic smile, "British calendars have a July fourth, but its just another day to us."
"Oh, so no fireworks?" Peter asked sadly.
"Nope. No barbeques or parades either." Davy replied.
"What a drag." Peter replied.
Everybody chuckled at that and then got down to eating. When everybody was finished, Davy looked over at Mary.
"Want to try the old fort again, luv?"
"Sure, but we'll need some boots, since it'll probably be muddy out there." Mary replied.
"I have some old boots you two can use." Johnny said. "They're in the shed with the motor bike. Better take along a few shovels as well if you want to dig under that rock."
"Thanks Johnny, we'll do that." Davy said with a smile, and then looked over at the other Monkees." Fancy an expedition, lads?" he asked.
The other three just shook their heads.
"Digging in the mud isn't for us, Davy." Micky replied. "You two go have fun."
"Ok, but what will you three do then?" Davy asked.
"I think I'll show them around our property." Johnny replied, "It's got some mighty pretty views of the mountains. You boys up to that?" He asked.
"Sounds groovy, Johnny." Peter replied.
June walked over to a table and handed Mary a small book.
"Here, dear." June said, "It's a book I found that tells about the local sites. There's a few pages about Fort Shenandoah in there that might help you."
"Thanks June." Mary replied, "This'll be a big help."
"All right, then." Davy said, picking his camera up off a nearby table. "We'll see you guys later."
"Don't forget we're havin' a picnic this afternoon, then heading off to see the fireworks in town." June said.
"We should be back in plenty of time, June." Mary said. "See you later."
"Bye." Everyone said as Davy and Mary left.

Davy and Mary went back out to the shed and found the boots Johnny had mentioned. They put them on, and then got two shovels. Mary pulled the motorbike out of the shed and Davy closed the door and soon the two were once again heading back to the fort.

What they didn't know, however, is that the Fitts brothers were already at the fort looking around where Davy and Mary were the day before. They had parked their pickup truck some distance away and had walked over to the fort. Now they were looking at the walls, but were confused as to where exactly Davy and Mary had been looking.
"I still think those two young'ens were at the other corner." Billy Bob, still wearing his sheriff's badge, insisted to his brother.
"Well, there's four corners to this here fort, and they all look alike to me." Ray shot back.
Suddenly, they heard the roar of Davy and Mary's motorbike. Billy Bob looked around the corner and saw the two getting off their bike. He also noticed the shovels they were holding as well.
"It's that redcoat and his girlfriend." Billy Bob whispered to Ray. "Let's hide and see what they're up to."
The Fitts brothers hid behind an interior wall as Davy and Mary came over to the fort's gate. Mary opened up the book to where it talked about the fort.
"This seems to have been an important defensive place, Davy." Mary said as she read the book.
"Tell me about the fort, Mary." Maybe it'll give us a clue to its secrets." Davy said.
As they walked over to the cornerstone with the downward arrow on it, Mary began to fill Davy in on some of the specs of the fort.
"The walls were twenty feet high and four foot thick." Mary told Davy. "There were four cannons on each of the walls and they each could shoot a twelve pound ball hundreds of feet away."
"Wow, that's awesome." Davy said. "Does it say anything on how the Americans were able to drive out the British troops?"
Mary scanned down the page further. "It turns out the Americans had better, more powerful cannons, and the British were forced to retreat. Those cannons, however, did a lot of damage to the fort and it was never the major stronghold it once was again."
Billy Bob and Ray were silently following the pair as they walked along the wall. They were able to hear only bits and pieces of their conversation. What they did hear, however, was Mary telling Davy about the fort's defenses.
"Why's that redcoat so interested in how many cannons were in the fort?" Billy Bob whispered to his brother.
"I dunno, Billy Bob." Ray whispered back, "But I don't like no foreigners asking about our defenses."
Davy and Mary's conversation had now turned to other matters.
"Can't wait to see the fireworks tonight." Davy said.
"Yeah me neither." Mary replied. "Do the British have fireworks displays often?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah!" Davy exclaimed loudly, "We British love a good display! The bombs are be so loud; it could knock this fort down!"
"Wouldn't take much to do that." Mary giggled quietly.
The Fitts brothers heard the last thing Davy said loud and clear. Ray grabbed his brother by his shirt.
"Did you hear that?" He said. "The British are gonna knock this here fort down!"
"I'll bet they wanna take America back!" Billy Bob said angrily.
"I knew that redcoat was up to no good!" Ray said. He then whispered something in his brother's ear and Billy Bob ran off back to the truck.

Meanwhile, Davy and Mary were at the rock with the downward arrow carved on it.
"This is it, Mary." Davy said as he bent down to look at the arrow. "This arrow was definitely carved into this rock."
"Well, let's get cracking." Mary replied and pushed her shovel into the soil in front of the rock. Davy quickly followed suit. The soil was still wet from the rain the night before, so it wasn't too hard to move. They dug a hole about two feet down when Davy's shovel hit something hard. Davy and Mary looked at each other in surprise.
"I think you found something there, Davy." Mary said slowly.
"Yeah, I think I did." Davy replied quietly. He bent down and felt the bottom of the hole with his hand. Sure enough, he felt something wooden lying at the bottom. Feeling around, Davy was surprised that the object wasn't too big at all; maybe six inches all around. Getting his fingers around the edges, Davy was finally able to pull the object from the hole. It wasn't heavy at all and it turned out to be a small wooden box. He showed it to Mary, who gently took it out of his hands. Neither of them spoke a word. Davy looked at the lid of the box. It seemed to have some markings on it, but the mud and dirt prevented them from seeing them clearly. Mary gently placed the box on top of the cornerstone. She looked at Davy.
"Go ahead, open it." Davy said quietly.
"Let's open it together." Mary replied.
Davy nodded and together, he and Mary pulled off the lid. Inside was a bag made of oilskin, which was used years ago to keep things from the elements. Mary opened the bag and pulled out a piece of parchment paper. She handed it to Davy. The paper was very old and yellow, so Davy took great care in unfolding it. The markings on the paper were faded, but Davy and Mary could clearly see it was a map of the fort as is used to look many years ago.
The pair were so engrossed in their find they didn’t notice the Fitts brothers coming up behind them.

"This is amazing!" Davy exclaimed, "This is a detailed diagram of the whole fort looking from the top! It shows where all the battlements were located and the walls...."
"Plus the storerooms and barracks!" Mary said excitedly, and then noticed a small 'X' in one area.
"I wonder what that 'X' is for?" Mary asked.
The Fitts brothers had heard enough. The redcoat and his girlfriend had finally stumbled on the map to Captain Bates' treasure! Billy Bob looked over at his brother. Ray nodded and they stepped out from behind a wall. Billy Bob had a shotgun in his hands now, the one he took from his truck.
"Hold it right there!" Billy Bob shouted, "Put your hands up!"
Davy and Mary spun around to see the Fitts brothers standing a few feet from them. Billy Bob had his shotgun pointed at Davy's chest. Davy and Mary quickly put their hands up.
"What's the meaning of this?" Mary demanded.
"My brother and I have heard enough to know that your English boyfriend is a spy!" Roy exclaimed.
"Me? A spy?" Davy asked, "That's ridiculous!"
"We heard you asking about the fort's defenses and talking about knocking this here fort down." Billy Bob answered smugly.
"And you also have that diagram showing the fort's details." Roy said. He walked over and took the paper out of Davy's hand. Ray smiled. "More than enough evidence to convict you."
"Judge, you know England and America have been friends for years!" Mary said angrily.
"You can tell me all that at his trial, missy." Ray said, putting the paper in his pocket.
"Trial?" Davy asked.
"Yeah, we'll make sure you get a fair trial before we hang ya." Billy Bob said, snickering. "Now turn around."
Davy did as he was told and Billy Bob came up behind him and grabbed Davy's hands and handcuffed them behind his back.
"I'm placin' you under arrest, redcoat. You have the right to remain silent." Billy Bob smirked as he tightened the cuffs, "You have the right to an attorney, if you can't afford an attorney, one will be provided for you."
"You can't do this!" Mary exclaimed, "Davy's innocent!"
"We're the law here missy." Ray said, "We can do what we want. Now I suggest you head back home and forget about this whole incident if you don't want to join your friend in jail."
"Speaking of friends, what about his long-haired companions?" Billy Bob asked his brother.
"They might be in on it too." Ray replied. "I'll start searching for them."
"Johnny Cash is a friend of mine." Davy said, "And her cousin. You won't get away with this."
"You'd be surprised, redcoat." Billy Bob replied and began to drag Davy back to his truck. Ray followed close behind. Davy looked behind him at Mary. She mouthed, "Don't worry" and blew him a kiss as he was led off.
Forcing herself not to cry, Mary grabbed the old box, then ran back to the motorbike as fast as she could to tell Johnny and the others the terrible news.

"And they took him down to the county jail," cried Mary, telling the story to Johnny, June and the other Monkees.
"That's terrible," said June.
"I knew those Fitts brothers were no good from the day I met them," said Johnny with a bit of anger in his voice.
Peter then began to cry.
"Poor Davy," he wept.
Mike then put his arm around his band mate and said, "Now don't cry Peter, we'll get Davy out of jail."
"Yeah, but how?" asked Micky.
"I'm not sure, but let's go down to the jail and find out."
The Monkees hopped into the Monkeemoblie, and drove down to the jail house.
They entered the jail and courthouse, where they found a man sitting up front at a desk.
Although he had his hat covering his face, the guys could see he was a man around the same age as Johnny.
"Uh, excuse us sir," said Mike.
The man looked up at the Monkees.
"Yeah, what do you boys want?" he asked.
"We're here to get our friend out," said Micky.
"Who's the trouble maker?"
"He's not a troublemaker, and his name is Davy Jones," said Peter.
"Ah yes, the redcoat who threatened to do damage."
The Monkees couldn't believe their ears.
"What kind of damage?" asked Mike.
"Yeah, such damage I can't even tell you how bad it is," said the man.
"Can't we at least bail him out?" asked Micky.
The man sighed and said," Very well, the cost of bail is $5,000."
"$5,000?!" The Monkees shouted.
"Something tells me you don't have the money?"
The Monkees looked at the man with a sad look on their faces nodding in a yes matter.
"If you don't have the $5,000, then Mr. Jones will have to stay for the trial."
"Trail?!" The Monkees shouted once again.
"Yeah, trail for the damages, the trail will take place the day after tomorrow."
"Seems more like two days from today," said Peter.
Mike was about to say something, however it was not the time or place.
The Monkees asked if they could see Davy, but because of this situation, visitors were not to visit.
The Monkees thanked the man, and left the jailhouse.
As they got in the car, the guys wondered how they were going to help their friend.

As the three Monkees drove away from the jail, Ray walked into the front office. He had some papers in his hand.
"Who were you talkin' to, Hank?" Ray asked.
"Oh, just three long-haired boys tryin' to bail out that Jones fella." Hank said with a shrug. "The bail was too high for them, so they left."
Ray stamped his foot on the ground. "Dagnabbit!" He shouted, "I got arrest warrants for those three!" Ray shoved the papers at Hank.
"I'm sorry Judge, I didn't know!" Hank said quickly.
"Yeah, well I think I know where they're headin'." Ray snapped back. He turned on his heel and went back into the jail.
It was a cell block with only a few cells along one wall. In the middle was a wooden table where Billy Bob now sat, looking over the map he had taken from Davy. Davy was occupying the middle cell and he stood at his cell door looking over Billy Bob's shoulder.
"Hey, I'm entitled to a phone call!" Davy protested.
"Hush up, redcoat!" Billy Bob growled, "The only thing you're entitled to is a last request!"
Just then, Ray walked into the cell block and over to the table.
"Any luck with that map, Billy Bob?" Ray asked.
"Nope. There's an 'X' here, but everything is seems to be written in some kind of foreign language." Billy Bob replied.
"So close, yet so far." Ray said, shaking his head.
"What about me?" Davy asked.
"Your trial will be in two days, redcoat." Ray replied, "Your friends were here, but couldn't make your bail. Good thing I made it nice and high. Don't want you runnin' away back to England."
"Or gonna to look for the treasure." Billy Bob added.
The truth dawned on Davy. These two rednecks were simply after the treasure! The spy charges were just an excuse to arrest him and get him out of the way!
"My friend and I found that map first!" Davy shot back, "You two are abusing your authority!"
"Oooh, big words from a little man." Billy Bob mocked. He turned around and looked at Davy.
"Another word from you and you'll be put into solitary confinement!" He said angrily. "Now shut up!"
Davy shut up, but there was anger in his eyes. Billy Bob turned to his brother. "Whatcha gonna do now, Ray?" he asked.
"We're gonna go back to the Cash's house and pick up his three friends, and pick up that box that map was in." Ray replied with a smile. "With them all locked up, we won't have no interference at the fort."
The Fitts brothers laughed and headed out the door. Davy shook the bars of his cell in frustration and placed his head on the bars, hoping his friends had a plan to get him out of this.

As the Fitts brothers walked to their truck, Billy Bob stopped his brother.
"Y'know, Ray, I've been thinking."
"You shouldn't do that too often, Billy Bob." Ray replied.
"I know, Ray, but we really don't have good evidence to convict that redcoat." Billy Bob said. "And what if Cash comes in here with one of those high-class lawyers from the big city to defend him?"
"It doesn't matter, Billy Bob." Ray replied. "Once we lock up his friends, we'll go looking for the treasure. When we find the treasure, we'll high-tail it out of here before our kin come back from their trip. Who cares what happens to that redcoat when we're living high in Las Vegas?"
"Yeah, I've always wanted to date one of them pretty showgirls." Billy Bob said with a smile.
Ray just rolled his eyes as they climbed back into their truck.

The three Monkees drove back to the Cash's house and told Johnny, June and Mary what had happened.
"Five thousand dollars?!" Mary exclaimed. "Just for 'threatened damage'? That violates the eighth amendment that say 'excessive bail shall not be charged, nor cruel and unusual punishment administered'."
"Looks like those law course you took in high school are a big help here." June said. She was working on cleaning the box the map had been in and was almost done.
"I've been trying to call some of my attorney friends," Johnny said, "But everybody's away for the Fourth of July holiday."
"Just great." Micky said sourly.
"But there's one thing we can do." Johnny said with a smile.
"What's that?" Mike asked.
"You boys come with me to the barn." Johnny replied.
Micky, Mike and Peter followed Johnny into the barn he had in back. It was a small barn with two stables that held two beautiful horses, one black and one brown. Off to one side was a large pile of hay used to feed the horses. Johnny went over to a corner of the barn where there were some crates stacked against the wall. He moved one of them to reveal a small opening in the floor. Reaching down, Johnny pulled up a small metal strong box and handed it to Mike.
"I think they'll be enough in there to pay Davy's bail." Johnny told him.
Before the three Monkees could say anything, they heard a voice calling Johnny's name from outside.
"Hey, Johnny! Johnny!" The voice said.
Johnny quickly peeked from behind the pile of hay. It was the Fitts brothers, with Billy Bob carrying a shotgun. The man in black turned to the three Monkees.
"It's the Fitts brothers, and I think they mean trouble. Hide inside the hay until they leave."
The three men didn't need to be told twice. They quickly burrowed themselves into the hay and Johnny pulled more down on top of them until they were completely hidden. Satisfied, Johnny stepped out to the front of the barn to confront the Fitts brothers.
"Oh, there you are, Johnny!" Ray exclaimed, your lovely wife said you'd be back here."
"To what do I owe this honor?" Johnny said coldly.
"Well, I think you know by now that your English friend Davy has been arrested for espy, uh, espion...." Ray fumbled.
"For spying." Billy Bob put in.
"And for threatening to blow up Fort Shenandoah!" Ray said.
"I heard, Ray." Johnny replied, "That boy is no spy. He loves this country. And as for blowing up the fort...." Johnny began to chuckle, "Where would he get the means to do that?"
That stopped the Fitts brothers cold. They had no answer to that. They looked at each other and Billy Bob finally nudged his brother.
"We'll get that sorted out at his trial in two days." Ray replied hastily. "In the meantime, I've got warrants for his three friends."
"On what charges?" Johnny demanded.
"Aiding and abetting that redcoat." Ray answered. "Now where are they?"
"They're not here." Johnny lied.
"Yes they are." Billy Bob replied, "We saw their funny-looking car out front."
"I own a lot of property, Billy Bob." Johnny said coolly. "They could be miles from here."
"Well then, we're gonna go have ourselves a look see." Ray replied. "Starting with this barn."
"I'm afraid you can't do that." Said a female voice from the door of the barn. "Unless you have a search warrant."
The Fitts brothers turned to the woman in the doorway. What they didn't know was that it was Mary all dressed up, carrying a briefcase and wearing one of June's wigs to disguise herself.
"And who might you be missy?" Ray said with a sneer.
"My name is not missy, sir." Mary said formally, walking into the barn, "I am Ms. Howe of the law firm Duey, Cheatem and Howe." She handed Ray the business card of the court office where she was interning. "Mr. Cash has employed my services regarding one of his friends, Mr. David Jones. I believe he's being held at the county jail, correct?"
"Ah, yes, you're right, Ms. Howe." Ray replied, a little upset that Cash had gotten hold of a lawyer so fast. "And right now we're looking for his three friends."
"Do you have a search warrant authorizing you to look around Mr. Cash's property?" Mary asked sternly.
"No, but I have reason to believe they're around here somewhere." Ray responded.
Billy Bob nudged his brother. "Oh, they'll turn up, Ray." He said quickly, "Let's go get that box."
"What box?" Johnny asked.
"Your friend the spy had a box that held the map; I mean the diagram showing the secret areas of the fort." Billy Bob said.
"Without a warrant, you can't search Mr. Cash's property for that either." Mary said, her heart pounding from nerves.
"Then I'll go back and get one." Ray said angrily, "I am a judge you know."
"Uh, Ray, we do have....other....things to do today than chase after a box." Billy Bob whispered to his brother. He simply wanted to find that treasure and get out of the area.
Ray exhaled sharply. "Very well, Ms. Howe. You've won this round." He gave Johnny a stern look. "And if I find you've been hiding those boys, you'll be in jail with 'em. Country music star or not. Let's go, Billy Bob."
Ray and Billy Bob strode out of the barn, got into their truck and took off. Mary collapsed onto a bale of hay.
"I can't believe I did that." She said, shaking her head. "I wonder what the penalty is for impersonating a lawyer."
Johnny patted her on the back. "You did fine, Mary." He said, "I'm proud of you." He then turned to the pile of hay.
"You boys can come out now." He called.
Micky, Mike and Peter came crawling out of the hay, Mike still holding the strong box.
"Good going, Mary." Peter said. "You had them fooled."
"Thanks, fellas." Mary said.
Johnny opened the strong box in Mike's hands. Inside were several bundles of money. Johnny handed a few bundles to Mary.
"Take this down to the jail and bail Davy out, Mary." He said.
"Thank you so much, Johnny." Micky said sincerely, "We'll pay you back somehow."
"You're welcome, Micky, but I'll get it back when Davy shows up for his trial." Johnny answered.
June, carrying baby Johnny, now walked into the barn.
"I'm glad to see Mary's ploy worked." June said with a smile.
"She was terrific." Mike replied, and told June about the confrontation with the Fitts brothers.
"I came here to tell y'all I got the box all cleaned up." June told everyone, "It's got some interesting writing on it to say the least."
"While you people look at the box, I'll go and get Davy out of jail."
"Wish we could, but we're wanted men right now." Mike said grimly.
Mary shook her head, "All this fuss over a treasure that might not even exist anymore."
"Greed does strange things to people." Johnny replied. "Come back as soon as possible and we'll see if maybe that box might have a clue on it."
"Count on it." Mary replied as she walked out to her car, while the others went back inside the house.

While Mary went to bail Davy out and the others went to examine the box, the Fitts brothers went back to the fort. Map in hand, they walked all over the fort, until they found what they thought was the spot marked by the 'X'. Still, after several minutes of digging, all they got were sore backs.
"Doggone it!" Billy Bob exclaimed, throwing down his shovel. "The 'X' is right here on this map and no treasure!"
"I wish I had finished high school." Ray sullenly, "Then maybe I'd be able to figure out this funny writing on the map."
Billy Bob looked over at his brother. "Ya don't think the treasure might be already gone do ya?"
"No, since the map leading to it was just discovered." Ray replied, and then had an idea. "What say we go back and talk to the redcoat? Maybe we can 'persuade' him to help us out."
Billie Bob smiled. "Maybe we can at that, Ray. Let's go."
The Fitts brothers got back into their truck and went back to the jail.

Meanwhile at the jail. Davy sat in his cell with his head in his hands. He was worried about his friends getting arrested by the Fitts brothers and put in jail too. Suddenly, he heard a knock on his jail cell. Davy looked up to see Hank standing there, a smirk on his face.
"Well now, redcoat. It seems this is Independence Day for you too." He said, opening the cell door.
"What do you mean?" Davy asked.
"I mean your lady lawyer posted your bail, boy." Hank replied. "You're free until your trial."
"My lady law..." Davy said, puzzled, then remembered Mary had taken law courses in school. "Oh yes, my lawyer." He said as he walked out of the cell. Davy followed Hank back to the front office. There he saw a professionally dressed lady with dark hair waiting for him. It took a moment to realize it was Mary.
"Here's your client, Ms. Howe." Hank told Mary. "He's due back in court in two days."
"Thank you." Mary said stiffly. "We'll be there." She turned to Davy. "Let's go, Mr. Jones. We have a lot to discuss."
"Indeed we do, Ms. Howe." Davy said and followed Mary outside.
Davy had a million questions for Mary, but she put a finger to her lips to forestall any questions. "Wait until we're out of the area." She whispered as they got into her car.
Once they were far enough away from the jail, Davy leaned over and gave Mary a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, luv." He said sincerely. "You were great."
"Thank Johnny when we get back." Mary replied. "He's the one who came up with the money."
"Oh, man." Davy said quietly, "How am I ever gonna repay him?"
"Let's worry about that after your trial." Mary replied. "Plus a lot more has happened while you've been in jail."
"What's happened?" Davy asked anxiously.
Mary told Davy about the Fitts brothers coming to Johnny's house with warrants for the other Monkees. Davy leaned back in his seat in disbelief.
"My friends had nothing to do with this!" He exclaimed angrily.
"I know, Davy." Mary said, shaking her head, "But the Fitts want everybody out of the way. One good piece of news is that June has the box cleaned up and she says it has some strange writing on it."
"Maybe that box can help us." Davy replied. "I'm gonna do whatever I can to keep that treasure away from those Fitts blokes."
"You and me both." Mary replied.

A few minutes after Mary and Davy had left the jail, Billy Bob and Ray came back to talk to Davy. Ray looked over at Hank as he and his brother started to walk to the cells.
"Anything happen while we were gone, Hank?"
"Just some lady lawyer coming down to bail out that redcoat, Ray." Hank replied.
"WHAT?!" Ray shouted and stopped short, causing Billy Bob to crash into him. "The redcoat's gone?!"
"Well, well, yeah." Hank stammered, puzzled by the judge's anger. "She had the five thousand, in cash, so I let I let him go."
Ray balled his hands into fists. "If you weren't my brother-in-law...." He growled, and then stormed into the cell block, Billy Bob close on his heels.
Ray looked at the middle cell. It was indeed empty. Sharply exhaling, he looked at the floor.
"I should've known Cash would've come up with the cash to free that redcoat." He said angrily.
"Cash coming up with the cash." Billy Bob laughed, "Hey that's funny, Ray."
"Shut up, Billy Bob." Ray snarled, "I'm thinkin'."
After a few seconds, Ray started to walk over to his chambers. "Let's go, Billy Bob." He said.
"What are we gonna do?" Billy Bob asked.
"I'm gonna get us a search warrant for Cash's house." Ray replied. "We're gonna get the box this map came in, and I'll bet my bottom dollar that redcoat's friends are in that house too."

Meanwhile, Micky, Mike, Peter and June were in a back workshop looking over the box the treasure map had been in. It was a nice lady's jewelry box at one time, but being buried for so long had caused it to fade and crack. Only because it had been made of an expensive wood had prevented it from disintegrating completely. Johnny came down the back steps with a paper in his hand.
"I finally found the address and phone number of Judge Roy and Sheriff Edward." He told everyone, "But nobody is answering the phone. Guess everyone's away for the fourth."
"I'll keep trying, hon." June said taking the paper. "They have to know what their cousins are doing."
"Any luck on the writings?" Johnny asked.
"Well, one part is in English." Mike replied, "But the rest doesn't make sense." He showed Johnny the side of the box with the writing. It said,
"Through the looking glass you will see
eb to tnaem erew yeht yaw eht sgniht
"That is an odd language." Johnny remarked.
"There's more like that on the bottom of the box." June said.
Just then, they heard a car pull up. Johnny cautiously went to the front door to have a look. To his relief, it was Mary and Davy.
"Hey everyone!" Johnny called out happily. "It's Mary! And she has Davy with him!"
Micky, Mike and Peter charged over to the front door, and would've gone outside had Johnny not reminded them the Fitts brothers might be watching the house. So, they waited until Mary and Davy came into the house, before they gave an upset Davy a group hug.
"Davy, we're so sorry about this." Peter cried.
"Are you ok, Davy?" Mike asked.
"I'm fine, fellas." Davy, on the verge of tears, replied. "They didn't hurt me, but June; do you think I could have something to eat?"
"Of course, sweetheart!" June said, "Shame on them for starvin' you! Let's go into the kitchen."
The other three Monkees let go of Davy and he turned to Johnny. "Thanks Johnny for paying my bail. I'll repay you somehow."
"Don't worry about it Davy." Johnny replied, "I'm going to make sure those Fitts brothers give that money back."
Davy followed June into the kitchen while Mary went upstairs to change clothes. Everyone else went back into the workshop to look at the box.
After a few minutes, Mary joined the guys in the workshop and looked over the box. "Pretty box at one time." She remarked, "It must've been stolen by British soldiers and Captain Bates used it to hide his map."
Peter showed her the writing around the box. She read the English portion, but had no idea what the rest meant. A little while later, Davy and June joined everyone at the table.
"So, how's the detective work coming along?" He asked, munching on a banana.
Mary showed him the lines with the half-english half-gibberish words on it.
"Through the looking glass you will see..." Davy read, "Hmmm." He said quietly. "Looking glass....."
"What's a looking glass?" Micky asked.
"Oh, that's a British word for mirror." Davy replied, "This Captain Bates was British, so he'd use British words."
"Anybody have a mirror?" Mary asked.
June looked around and found a mirror in a drawer. She handed it to Mary. "Have an idea, hon?" She asked.
"Well, it said to look through a mirror, so let’s see if the mirror shows something." Mary replied.
She held the mirror up to the mixed up words and looked at their reflection. She gasped in surprise.
"What is it?" Mike asked.
"The words are now all in English!" She exclaimed. "The funny looking words were written backwards!"
"What does the rest of it say?" Micky asked.
"Things the way they were meant to be." Mary replied.
"Through the looking glass you will see, things the way they were meant to be." Davy said. "I'll bet that means the rest of the writings, even the map, are written backwards!"
June turned the box upside down to show more backwards writing on the bottom. Using the mirror, Mary read off what the rest of words said.
"You need me to open the treasure, but it will take no small measure. First move the sun and then the moon and you will find your reward soon."
"Move the sun and the moon?" Peter asked. "But they're too big!"
"I think it means something a little closer to Earth, Peter." Mike said patiently.
"Wait a minute." June said opening the box and looking at the interior of the lid, "I noticed a sun and moon design inside here."
On closer inspection, there indeed was a circle painted inside the lid, half of it representing the sun, the other half, the moon with a face covering both halves. June slid her finger along the sun side and to her surprise, it slid back a little. She took her finger and ran it along the moon side and a little hidden compartment opened up! Inside the compartment was a metal key. June took it out and showed the others.
"Wow! Amazing!" Everybody said.
"That unlocks the treasure chest!" Peter said excitedly.
"Yeah, we know the map is written backwards, and we have the key to open the treasure," Davy said, "But the Fitts have the map itself. Without it, we can't find the treasure."
"But neither can they." Johnny said with satisfaction. "When we get this mess settled, we'll go to the fort and dig it up."
"Hello! Anybody home!" A voice cried out from not too far away. It was the voice of Ray Fitts.
Mary grabbed the box and key and ran off to a side room. Johnny went over to the front of the house and saw Ray standing in the living room.
"What do you want now Ray?" Johnny said angrily.
"I'd watch my mouth if I was you, Johnny." Ray said smartly, and then held up a piece of paper. "I have a search warrant giving me and Billy Bob permission to search everywhere on your property."
"I told you the boys aren't here." Johnny replied.
"I'm not just after those three boys," Ray said, "I'm after a small wooden box that'll be used as evidence in that redcoat's trial."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Ray." Johnny said.
"Then you won't mind me looking around, then?" Ray asked, waving the warrant.
"No, not at all." Johnny replied sarcastically.
Ray smirked and headed toward the back of the house; toward the workshop where the Monkees were!
June heard Ray coming and turned to Micky, Mike and Peter.
"You three get out of here!" She said quickly.
"What about Davy?" Micky asked.
"If I run, it'll be worse for me." Davy replied. "Just go!"
Mike grabbed the paper with Judge Roy and Sheriff Edward's address on it, as Davy shoved his three friends onto the back porch. They stopped at the top of the steps as they saw who was standing at the bottom.
It was none other than Billy Bob Fitts, pointing a shotgun at them. He smiled evilly.
"Going somewhere, boys?"

"I figured you boys would try to run out the back." Billy Bob said smugly, "Now y'all just get back into the house." He began to walk up the back steps.
The Monkees slowly backed away from Billy Bob. Davy however threw the banana peel he still had in his hands onto the steps. Billy Bob stepped on the banana peel and his foot shot out from under him. He lost his balance and tumbled down the steps with a shout. His shotgun hit the ground and discharged. Micky, Mike and Peter ran down the back steps, knocked over Billy Bob as he tried to get up, and sped towards the Monkeemobile in the front of the house.
Inside the house, June heard the shot and gasped in fright and baby Johnny began to cry. Ray, with Johnny close behind him, charged through the workshop and onto the back porch. Billy Bob had finally gotten to his feet and picking up his shotgun, raced after the three Monkees.
"Get 'em!" Ray shouted after his brother. He stopped and grabbed Davy's arm. Johnny continued down the back steps and raced after Billy Bob.
"What do you think you're doin' Johnny?" Ray called after him, but Johnny ignored him.
Micky, Mike and Peter had jumped into the Monkeemobile and Mike was putting it into gear when Billy Bob came around the front.
"Stop in the name of the law!" Billy Bob shouted, pointing the shotgun at them, but Mike floored the gas and showered Billy Bob with a fountain of dirt and rocks. He covered his face with his arm, giving the three Monkees time to get away.
Billy Bob wiped his eyes with his sleeve and aimed his shotgun at the back window of the Monkeemobile. But before he could fire, Johnny grabbed his arm, spun him around and punched him in the face. Billy Bob hit the ground hard and his shotgun fell from his hands. He tried to grab it, but Johnny kicked it out of his reach. Johnny was about to pick the shotgun up, when he felt something hard jam into his back.
"That's quite enough, Johnny." Ray said, "Quite enough."
Johnny slowly turned to see Ray holding a pistol in his hand. Ray had his other hand around Davy's arm, who had his hands handcuffed in front of him. Billy Bob slowly got up and picked up his shotgun.
"Sorry, Ray." Billy Bob said.
"Forget it, Billy Bob." Ray replied, "I'll put out an APB on them when we get back to the courthouse." He looked at Johnny. "Well now, Johnny. Looks like you're in a heap a trouble. Hiding fugitives, assaulting an officer of the law, and maybe a few more I'll think of at the jail."
"You and your brother will be the ones in trouble, Ray," Johnny replied. "When your cousins find out you've abused your authority just to get a treasure."
"Oh yeah, the treasure." Ray smiled, "Thanks for reminding me of that. Watch him, Billy Bob." Ray uncuffed Davy's left wrist and took the cuff and snapped it on Johnny's left wrist. "Now let's go back into your house. There's a few things we need to talk about."
Billy Bob shoved Johnny and Davy back into the house. June was in the living room, trying to calm down baby Johnny. She stood up as they came inside.
"Ray, please let them go." She begged, "We won't interfere with your treasure hunt."
"Well, we can't find the treasure, June." Billy Bob replied, "We need to have a look see at that box the map came in."
"You want a box?" June asked, "Come on, I'll show you a box." June led the way into the pantry that was next to the workshop. She opened a cupboard door.
"Here's all the boxes I have." She said. "Any particular size or color you want?
Billy Bob looked inside the pantry. It was filled with lots and lots of boxes of all shapes and sizes! Billy Bob looked over at Ray.
"I think it was...it was..." Billy Bob fumbled.
Ray exhaled sharply, walked over to the pantry door and slammed it shut. Baby Johnny started to cry again.
"Now look what you've done!" June said angrily.
"I've had enough trouble from all of you!" Ray shouted above the baby's crying, "I want to know where that box is!" He pulled out his pistol.
"I don't know what you're talking about." June said.
"I think you do." Ray said slowly. "If you don't tell me by the time I count to five, this gun might go off accidentally and hit either this here redcoat or your husband."
"You can't do that!" June cried.
"One, two, three...." Ray began to count, "Four...."
"Stop! Here's the box you want!" Mary shouted as she ran through a side door. In her hands was the old box the map had been buried in. She had been listening in the next room and heard the whole thing.
"Ah, very good missy." Ray laughed as he put the pistol away and snatched the box from Mary's hands. "I knew someone would see things our way."
"You got what you came for, now please let them go!" Mary exclaimed.
"Not a chance!" Ray said, "These two are under arrest for aiding wanted men, hindering an investigation and assaulting an officer! C'mon, fellas! I got a few empty cells waitin' for you!" Ray and Billy Bob pushed Johnny and Davy out of the house and into their truck.
"Hold on, Johnny and Davy!" June called out to them from the front porch, "Everything will turn out alright!"
Johnny and Davy waved to June and Mary as they were driving away. June and Mary began to cry. Mary turned to June.
"It'll be ok, June." She said, wiping her eyes. "They may have the box, but I doubt those two have enough brains to figure out the writing is backwards." She smiled and reached into her skirt pocket. "Plus they don't have this!" She pulled out the key that had been hidden in the box lid.
June smiled. "Good going, Mary." She said. "We still have a card to play yet. Those Fitts brothers will never discover the secret compartment."
"Unless they force Johnny and Davy to tell them." Mary said quietly.
June gave Mary a hug. "Let's hope they'll hold out until we can get the real judge and sheriff back."

Back at the jail, Ray and Billy Bob were looking over the box. Johnny and Davy were in separate jail cells, with Davy back in the middle one and Johnny next to him. They looked on with satisfaction as the Fitts brothers had no luck figuring out what the writing on the box said.
"Through the looking glass you will see..." Ray said for the hundredth time. He pounded the table with his fist. "Doggone Britishers! Can't understand a word of this!"
"The proper term is 'Englishmen'." Davy said to Ray.
Ray turned to look at Davy. "I'll call them whatever I feel like callin' them, redcoat." Ray snapped. He got up and walked over to Davy's cell. "Perhaps you know how to read this writing."
"No I don't." Davy replied. "And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you two thieves."
Ray grabbed Davy's shirt through the bars, "You're just askin' for solitary confinement aincha, redcoat?" Ray snarled.
"My name is David Jones, you uneducated hillbilly!" Davy shot back hotly.
Ray opened up Davy's cell. "That's it! I'm putting you in solitary confinement with bread and water rations, until you agree to help us with that box!"
Hank now came into the cell block. "Hey, your honor?" He asked.
"What is it, Hank?" Ray snapped.
"It's time for their arraignment. You said yourself you were gonna arraign them on their charges."
Ray cursed under his breath. As much as he didn't like to, proper procedure still had to be done. He grabbed Davy and shoved him towards Hank.
"Take him to the courtroom. We'll bring in Cash." Hank took Davy away while Billy Bob unlocked Johnny's cell door. Ray looked smugly at him.
"I'll set your bail so high, you'll be in here for a very long time, Johnny. What do ya think of that?"
"It'll be bearable knowing you two will be with me shortly." Johnny said calmly.
Billy Bob snorted and led Johnny to the courtroom, while Ray went to his chambers to change into his robe.

The courtroom was empty except for Billy Bob, Hank, Johnny and Davy as they waited for Ray to come in. Johnny and Davy were standing in front of the bench with Billy Bob behind them. Hank was over by the side door that led into the judge's chambers. Suddenly Hank said, "All rise for the honorable Judge Ray Fitts."
"They're already standing, Hank." Ray said rolling his eyes. He was now dressed in a black judges' robe and he took his place on the bench. He looked down at Johnny and Davy.
"You two are charged with hiding wanted men, obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting wanted men and assaulting an officer of the law; one Sheriff Billy Bob Fitts. How do you plead?"
"Does it matter, your honor?" Johnny asked, putting a little sneer on 'honor', "You're going to convict us no matter what."
"We all know you're just doing this to get the treasure!" Davy added.
Ray banged his gavel. "Answer my question!" He shouted. "Do you plead guilty or not guilty?"
"Not....guilty." Johnny and Davy both said slowly and clearly.
Ray smiled down on the pair. "Since you have both entered a plea, I'm setting bail at $500,000. A piece."
"What?!" Davy exclaimed, "That's outrageous!"
From the back door of the courtroom, seven people, some with hats over their eyes, came in and sat down to watch the proceedings.
Ray banged his gavel again. "Order in the court!" He shouted, "Any more outbursts and I'll hold you in contempt of court!"
Johnny and Davy stayed silent and Ray continued.
"Now then, I might be persuaded to lower that bail a tad if I get some co-operation from you two." He said, leaning back in his chair. "If you two will help me and my brother decipher the writings on that box, I'll even consider dropping all charges."
"No your honor." Johnny said. "We won't help you steal that treasure."
Ray's face grew red. "I can make life very hard for you two." He threatened.
"You already have." Davy replied, "You've arrested me on false charges of being a spy, disrupted our lives, tried to arrest my friends for no reason and threatened Johnny and I. And tried to make it all legal." He finished.
"That's enough!" Ray shouted, banging the gavel on its base. "I'm sentencing you to hang, redcoat! And Cash is getting life in prison!"
"No they're not!" A man wearing a large cowboy hat and an apron shouted from the back of the courtroom. "They're not going to do anything but go free!" The man, along with the others, got up and walked towards the bar.
"How dare you interfere in a court of law, sir!" Ray shouted hotly.
"How dare you hide behind the law to get away with your dirty work, Ray." The man retorted. He took off his hat and Ray and Billy Bob gasped in shock.
"Roy? Cousin?" Ray stammered, "What...what are you doing back so soon?"
Judge Roy looked back at the others. Ray had finally noticed it was Micky, Mike, Peter, Mary and June with baby Johnny sitting in the back of the courtroom.
"These three men sought me out and dragged me from my picnic to tell me what you've been doing, Ray." Roy replied. Another man took off his cowboy hat. Ray and Billy Bob gasped again.
"Hi...Eddie." Billy Bob said slowly at Sheriff Edward.
Ed ignored Billy Bob as he and Roy walked over to the bench. Roy walked over to ray and pulled him out of his seat. "And from what they told me and from what I've seen just now, I can easily say I've never seen such a travesty of justice."
"But, but Roy," Ray stuttered, "Billy Bob and I have been looking for that treasure for years!"
"So you abused people's civil rights and abused your authority to look for it?" Roy shot back.
"We thought we'd get the treasure and high-tail it out of here before you came back, Roy." Billy Bob replied.
"Take that robe off Ray." Roy demanded.
"NO!" Ray shouted, "This court is still in session! I'm still in charge!"
"You 'were' in charge until I saw you, remember what I said, Ray?" Roy asked sweetly, "And I'm looking at you right now."
Ray slowly took off the black robe and handed it to Roy. Ed walked over to Billy Bob and held out his hand for his badge. Reluctantly, Billy Bob handed it back to Ed. Roy put on his robe and took his place at the bench. He looked at Ray.
"Kindly stand in front of the bench, Ray." Roy said.
Ray did as he was told. He and Billy Bob stood next to each other. Roy banged the gavel and looked at Johnny and Davy.
"Mr. Cash and Mr. Jones, I want you two to know I'm deeply sorry for what has happened today. I am ordering all charges that were brought against the both of you dropped and the warrants on your friends rescinded."
"Thank you, your honor." Davy said happily.
"I'm also ordering that any property taken from you is to be returned and the $5,000 dollars paid for your bail is to be returned to Mr. Cash."
"Thank you, your honor." Johnny said.
Roy now looked at his cousins. "Billy Bob and Ray Fitts. I'm deeply ashamed of you two and your actions. You've brought disgrace to law enforcement in this area and to our families."
Billy Bob and ray simply hung their heads.
"Based on what testimony I've heard and seen," Roy continued, "I'm charging you two with false arrest, false imprisonment, dereliction of duty, and making terroristic threats. I'm also going to report this whole matter to the state judiciary board and seek to have your licenses permanently revoked, so this will never happen again."
"But...but Roy!" Ray pleaded.
"Bail is set at $20,000 dollars. A piece." Roy said, sternly. He then banged his gavel. "Take them away, Hank."
"Yes your honor." Hank said, and took Ray and Billy Bob away.
"And as for you two," Roy said to Johnny and Davy. "Case closed." Once again the gavel banged down.
Everybody let out at cheer. Mary and the other three Monkees went to embrace Davy, while June went over and kissed her husband.
"Thanks, fellas." Davy said, "I knew you'd come through."
"We had the judge's address, so we drove over to his summer house and got him." Peter said. "He wasn’t' too happy about it, but once we told him what was going on, he went with us."
"Then we stopped and got June and Mary and came here." Micky finished.
Hank came back and handed Johnny his $5,000 back and the box and map to Davy. Davy looked over at Johnny.
"Fancy a treasure hunt, Johnny?" Davy said.
"It's getting late, Davy." Johnny replied, "Let's go home and have that Fourth of July picnic June promised first. Want to come with us Roy and Ed?"
"We'd be delighted." Ed replied.
So everybody went back to Johnny and June's house for a long-overdue picnic. The treasure of Quincy Bates would have to wait one more day........

Back at the Cash house, everybody finally was able to sit down and enjoy the Fourth of July holiday. With everyone pitching in, the food was quickly prepared and the table set and soon the Monkees, the Cashes, Mary, Roy and Ed sat down and ate. A great time was had by all. Later on, Johnny, Mike and Peter grabbed guitars and jammed.
Roy and Ed told everyone about how they had received complaints about the Fitts brothers before, but nothing like this. The judge explained that even though he wouldn't be able to preside over their trial because he was their cousin, he would do whatever he could to see the Fitts brothers stayed in jail for a long time. He also wished them luck on their treasure hunt and promised to ask the state to finally bestow protection on the fort before it vanished. Ed gave Davy the name of the local archivist who would be able to help them if they found anything of value.
After apologizing for their cousins' behavior once again, Roy and Ed went back to their own homes. It was getting dark and soon enough, fireworks were shot off from the nearby town.
Davy and Mary sat on the grass and watched the fireworks explode above them. Mary turned to Davy.
"Too bad the British don't celebrate the Fourth of July." She said smiling.
Davy smiled back. "This one does." He said, then leaned over and kissed Mary. She returned the kiss and the two quickly made their own fireworks appear.

After the fireworks were over, everybody went inside. June put the baby to bed and everyone once again gathered in the workshop to look at the map. Using the mirror, Mary quickly was able to see the fort as it was meant to be seen.
"Everything had been written backwards." Mary announced. "Turns out the Fitts brothers were digging in the opposite area from where the treasure really is!"
Everybody chuckled at that. Micky spoke up.
"So, where does 'X' mark the spot, Mary?" He asked.
Mary looked through the mirror. It looks like the treasure is where the barracks used to be. Let's hope it hasn't been accidentally found by now. Lots of people have come and explored the fort."
"Ooh, I hope its still there!" Peter exclaimed.
"We'll find out in the morning." Johnny answered, "Let's all get some shuteye. We've all had a long, full, day."
Everyone agreed and went to bed, despite being tired from all that went on today, it took awhile for Davy to fall asleep. He couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Everyone got up early that morning; even Micky. They quickly ate breakfast and then Johnny and the Monkees went over to the shed to get supplies for their expedition. When Johnny pulled his pickup truck to the front of the shed, the Monkees loaded it up with shovels, buckets, flashlights, a tent and small table and chair. Climbing onto the back of the truck, the Monkees rode with Johnny to the front of the house, where June, baby Johnny and Mary were waiting for them. They had the map and the box with them, plus an ice chest full of food and drinks.
June, holding the baby, and Mary climbed into the front part of the truck, while the Monkees sat in the flatbed part. Soon enough, they were on their way to the fort. Johnny slowly drove over to the fort, so as not to jostle everyone around too much. He stopped the truck a short distance from the fort's gate. Mike quickly pitched the tent and placed the table and chair inside. This was the 'base camp' where June would wait with the baby and keep him out of the hot sun.
Mary took the map and the mirror and lined it up with the front gate. She located the 'X' and turned to the others.
"Well, gentlemen, lets get started." She smiled and led the way into the fort. Johnny and the others picked up their shovels and followed her inside.
It little resembled what was shown on the map, but a least there were a few walls left standing that helped Mary stay on track. After a few minutes of climbing over fallen debris, Mary stopped and declared that this was where the 'X' was located on the map.
"But there's nothing here." Peter said. "I don't see an 'X' anywhere."
He was right. Just stones and dirt were to be seen. Nothing to indicate where a treasure might be.
"Let's look on the ground." Davy said. "There might be clue there."
The six of them slowly combed the area, using their shovels to turn over any rocks. After nearly a half-hour, they were no closer to the treasure than they were before. Johnny called everyone together. They gathered around.
"I'm sorry, Mary and Davy." He said, shaking his head. "We've been all through his area. I'm afraid the treasure is long gone."
"It's not fair!" Mary cried, "After all we've been through, and we get nothing."
"The map itself will be of historic value." Johnny replied, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Same with the box. I'm sure the historical society will be interested in both things."
"Well, let's go back." Micky said, wiping his brow, "It's getting hot out here."
Everyone agreed and began to walk back to the tent. Peter was very disappointed and kicked some dirt out of his way.
"What a drag this has been." He said, looking at the ground. Then he noticed his foot had cleared off a flat stone with a carving on it. He called to the others.
"Hey guys!" Peter yelled, "Look at this!"
Everybody rushed over to see what Peter was pointing at. Several gasps were heard as they looked at the carving:
V
"It's another arrow!" Davy exclaimed, "Great work, Peter!" Davy patted Peter on the back. He knelt down and examined the arrow. "Let's see if there is more!"
It didn't take too long before more arrows were uncovered. They all seemed to point to where an inner wall had collapsed. Johnny and the Monkees quickly cleared the stones out of the way and sure enough, there was an 'X' marking the spot! The fallen wall had hidden it from other treasure seekers. Mary tapped the area around the 'X' with her shovel and it sounded hollow.
"Seems like there's a hole under here." she said. Her and the Monkees felt around the area and soon had the edges of a wooden trapdoor outlined. Using the edges of their shovels, everybody pried the trapdoor up and out. Davy looked inside, but it was too dark to see. He looked up at Peter.
"Hand me a torch, would you Peter?" He asked.
"We didn't take any torches, Davy." Peter replied, "Just flashlights."
Davy chuckled and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Pete. We call flashlights 'torches' in England."
Peter quickly handed a flashlight to Davy. He looked down into the hole. It didn't appear to be too deep. Further inspection showed there was a small tunnel at the bottom that went for several feet under the fort's walls.
"Looks like some sort of tunnel." Davy told the others.
"It might've been a storage area for the soldiers who were garrisoned here." Mary replied. "Are you going down there?"
"You bet." Davy smiled. He took a rope and tied it around his waist. "Someone let me down, please." Davy asked.
Micky and Mike held the rope and let Davy down the hole. At the bottom, Davy untied the rope from around his waist and turned his flashlight on again. Slowly walking down the narrow tunnel, his flashlight lit up something metallic on the floor. He knelt down for a closer look. It was a metal box! It was the treasure of Quincy Bates! Smiling a big smile, Davy dusted off the box and tried to pick it up. To his surprise, the box didn't weigh much at all. He carried it up to the hole.
"I found it!" Davy shouted happily.
"Hooray!" Everyone cheered.
Davy tied the rope around his waist again and Micky and Mike quickly pulled him and the box to the surface. Davy set the box on the ground and untied the rope around his waist.
"Not too much to it." Johnny remarked, "Just an ordinary strong box."
"Yeah, but its what’s inside that counts." Mike replied.
"That's true, boy, that's very true!" A voice said loudly.
Everybody turned to see Ray and Billy Bob Fitts standing a little ways away. Billy Bob was once again holding a shotgun.
"How did you two get out of jail?" Johnny demanded, "There's no way you two could've made bail."
"Well, now, it turns out ol' Hank had a few skeletons in his closet he didn't want revealed, and we promised not to tell anyone if we 'disappeared'. Billy Bob replied. "Plus 1/3 of the treasure. Now hand over that strongbox."
"My how the mighty have fallen." Davy said sarcastically, "Going from judge and sheriff to common thieves."
"Shut up, redcoat!" Ray shouted, "I shoulda had you shot from the beginning!"
"You're not getting the treasure, Ray." Johnny said.
"Oh yeah?" Ray replied, "Hey Hank, would you please come over here?"
To everyone's shock, Hank the Bailiff came from behind a wall. Worse yet, he was holding June's arm. She was holding the baby with the other, and looked scared but defiant.
Johnny's face grew very dark. "If you hurt them...." He growled.
"Now, now, lets not make threats here now, Johnny." Ray smiled. "I'm gonna make it real simple for y'all. Give me the strongbox, and I'll let yer wife and baby go."
After several seconds, Johnny bent down and picked up the strongbox. He looked at Mary and Davy.
"I'm sorry you two." He said quietly.
"Don't be, Johnny." Mary replied.
Johnny walked over and handed the strong box to Ray. "Now let them go." Johnny demanded.
Ray nodded at Hank and he let go of June's arm. She walked over to Johnny and he put his arm around her shoulders.
"You ok, sweetheart?" Johnny asked.
June nodded her head, glaring daggers at Ray, Billy Bob and Hank.
"Well, now, that's that." Ray said with a smile, "Can't say its been a pleasure." He and the other two men began to back away.
"I hope you can handle the curse that goes with that treasure." Mary told the men.
The three men stopped. "What..what curse?" Billy Bob stammered.
"Oh, that's right. You fellas never deciphered the writing on that wooden box." Mary smiled, "It said they'll be a curse on anyone who opens the strongbox."
"I've hunted down everything I could about this treasure, missy, and I ain't never heard of a curse." Ray said.
"That's because nobody has seen the box in years." Davy replied, catching on to what Mary was doing.
"I..I don't wanna be cursed, Ray!" Billy Bob cried.
"You fool!" Ray shouted, "She's just sayin' that to stop us from opening that box!"
"Open it and find out then." Micky said slyly. "Maybe there's a curse and maybe there isn't."
"C'mon, you two!" Hank said sharply, "They're bound to notice we're gone from the jail and come lookin' for us!"
"I don't want no parts of that treasure!" Billy Bob shouted, getting scared. He looked over at Hank and lowered the shotgun.
That was the break Johnny was looking for. Spinning quickly, he grabbed the shotgun and pulled it from Billy Bob's hands. Billy Bob tried to grab it back, but Johnny brought it up and hit Billy Bob on the side of his head with the stock. Billy Bob went down in a heap, unconscious. Johnny leveled the shotgun at Ray and Hank.
"Put that strongbox down, Ray and both of you put your hands up!" Johnny commanded.
"You.....you..." Ray stuttered, shaking in anger.
"Now, now, Ray." Johnny replied, "Watch your language. We've got women present."
Ray put the box on the ground and then he and Hank put their hands in the air. Micky, Mike and Peter grabbed some rope and quickly tied up Ray and Hank. A minute later, Billy Bob came to and he was tied up as well.
"Well done, honey." June said and gave Johnny a kiss.
"Yeah, that was terrific!" Davy exclaimed.
Just then, Roy, Ed and a few other policemen ran over to the area. Roy looked the scene over.
"Looks like you people didn't need our help after all." He said smiling. "We figured these three would go here after we found them missing from the jail."
"And this time, we're taking them to the state penitentiary." Ed added as his men took Ray, Billy Bob and Hank away. "They won't find it so easy to escape there."
"Have any luck?" Roy asked.
Johnny picked up the strongbox and showed it to the judge. "Here it is, Roy."
Roy smiled, "Good luck to y'all. I hope you find something valuable inside."
Roy, Ed and the policemen with them walked back to their police cars. Everybody else decided to go back to the house to see what secrets the box held.

Back at the house, everyone gathered around the strongbox. Mary pulled the key from out of her skirt pocket.
"Who wants the honor?" She said, holding the key up.
"You go ahead, Mary." Davy said. "You worked hard to find the box."
"No, you should do it, Davy." Mary replied, "You're the one who suffered the most to get to this moment."
"Why don't the both of you open it?" June asked with a laugh. "You two both discovered the map leading to it in the first place."
Davy and Mary smiled. Davy took Mary's hand that held the key and they both put the key in the lock. It was rusty and hard to turn, but finally the lock clicked open. Together, Mary and Davy opened the lid of the box.
Inside the box were papers, a few coins and buttons. Davy reached in and pulled out a few papers. The writing was faint but legible.
"What do they say, Davy?" Mike asked quietly.
"These are writings from Thomas Jefferson and Quincy Adams." He said slowly. "This other paper is a copy of the Declaration of Independence."
"Wow!" Micky exclaimed, "An undiscovered copy! That'll be worth a lot of money!"
Mary reached in an pulled out some smaller pieces of paper. "These are bank notes, drawn from the bank of England."
"Groovy." Peter said. "Those look like gold coins." He continued, looking at the bottom of the box.
"They're gold sovereigns." Davy said in shock. "Worth money."
Mary pulled out a small circular object. She turned it over and saw a small portrait of a young women with dark brown hair inside. Mary read the engraving on the back.
"Laura Bates, my one and only love."
Everybody was silent for a moment. This was a portrait of Captain Bates' wife. It was too bad he was never able to get this portrait back. June broke the silence.
"Let's have lunch and take this all down to the historical society."

After lunch, everybody got into their cars, Mary going with the Monkees, and drove over to the historical society. The curator was ecstatic over the find. She promised to have everything examined for its value. Mary and Davy thanked her and everybody went back home.
Back at the Cash home, Davy and Mary borrowed Johnny and June's horses and went for a long ride in the countryside. When they came back in, Mike gave Davy the bad news that they would have to go home tomorrow. They had a gig coming up that they couldn't afford to miss.
Davy and Mary made the most of their time left together.

The next morning, the Monkees loaded up their car and said their fond farewells.
"Johnny, June, its been such an honor to be your guests these last few days." Mike told them.
"I'm glad you boys came, Mike." Johnny replied, "I just wish it hadn't been so busy."
"Yeah, but at least the area will have peace now." Micky said. "Davy, you ready to go?" He called out.
Davy and Mary came onto the front porch. They both had tears in their eyes.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Davy said sadly. He kissed Mary one last time. "Thank you two very much for your hospitality." He told Johnny and June. "It certainly has been an adventure."
"Don't worry, Davy." Mary said, "I'll write to let you know about the objects we found."
"Is that all you'll write about?" Davy asked, smiling.
Mary giggled and hung her head to hide her tears. The four Monkees got into their Monkeemobile and slowly drove off. Johnny, June and Mary waved until they couldn't see the car anymore.

A few weeks later, Micky, Mike and Davy were at the pad watching TV. Peter came in with the mail.
"Hey Davy! You got a letter from Mary!" He shouted.
Davy bounded up from the couch and took the letter from Peter's hand. "Thanks, mate." He said and ripped it open. There was a letter inside plus a smaller piece of paper. Davy read the contents of the letter and let out a gasp.
"What's the matter, Davy?" Mike asked, getting up off the couch. "Is Mary ok?"
"Yeah, she's fine, Mike." Davy said slowly. "She wrote to tell me the historical society has examined the stuff we found and found it all very valuable indeed. Not so much in monetary value as in historic value. Still, they're paying us the fair market value of our finds." Davy held up the check in his hands. "This is half the value." He handed it to Mike.
Mike gasped and dropped the check on the table. Micky and Peter looked at all the numbers on the check and dropped it too.
"Mary said she's using her half to pay for law school. She'll be starting in the fall." Davy finished.
"That's great!" Micky said, finally finding his voice. "It looks like we won't have to worry about the rent for awhile either."
The four Monkees looked at each other. Davy went to the refrigerator and pulled out the milk and got four glasses. He poured the milk and the four of them held their glasses up.
"To Quincy Bates, we thank you!" Davy exclaimed.
"Thank you, Quincy Bates!" Micky, Mike and Peter replied. The four of them clicked their glasses together and downed their drinks.

THE END