North of Springville. Justin Rowland

some of Mama’s beef stew,” Adam answered with a smile. “She made the best stews! I don’t think it’ll come close to hers, but we thought it might be fun to try.”

      “It sure smells good,” Jedidiah said as he pulled the steam to his face with his hand.

      “It should be ready shortly,” John said as he added some carrots to the pot.

      Jedidiah had planned to talk to the boys about possible locations for the execution, but decided not to bring it up and spoil their high spirits. That conversation, he thought, could wait until morning.