One Mans Family – Book 71, Chapter 5.

Title: Father Barber’s Aching Bones.

The Sky Ranch vacation is in full swing, with everyone present except those who have to work, Pinky at the lumber camp, and Paul and Joan at the airport. The mail arrives, full of bills and magazines. A letter from Roberta Evans arrives for Cliff.

Henry Barber rests his aching bones, but tries to act spry when he comes down the stairs. Has he let a secret slip to his son Cliff, about Skippy and Roberta? Franny is worried that her husband Henry ought to see a doctor. Henry reads the latest letter from Pinky. Is the boys sufferings growing worse? His homesickness is becoming more open.

Elsewhere, Skippy tells Cliff that he likes being called Andrew. Will Cliff learn what transpired between his son, and Roberta? Cliff makes a long distance phone call to Roberta to clear up the matter she wrote about in her letter.

At Sea Cliff, Joan arrives home after her day of work. Cliff is to bring his aching dad to town to see the doctor, and go on a date with Roberta. Henry is still unwilling to admit to his stiff bones, but the doctor appointment is arranged. Will Franny and Hazel worry over Henry, since no phone calls on his progress have come in yet? Paul finally gives a report. Though everyone is thrilled at Joan’s improved behavior, Henry shares some concerns over her indulgences. Has Cliff and Roberta mended things?