Ticktock and Jim, Deputy Sheriffs

by Keith Robertson

"Someone has to stay home to give Colonel Flesher that Jersey calf," said Mr. Meadows. "Since we are the only men around the place, it looks as if you're elected." "O.K. I'll stay. I don't mind," Jim answered cheerfully, if not too accurately. He did mind very much. "I'm sure everything will be safe with you," continued Mr. Meadows as he climbed in the car. "Oh, I'll take care of things," said Jim nonchalantly. He watched the car drive off. His father, mother and sister Jean were all going into town for the afternoon while he stayed at home alone. He felt rather proud that his father had called him a man, but that didn't make up for the disappointment of not going with them. He went over to sit on the edge of the front porch, where he forlornly kicked his heels against the lattice work. It was a beautiful spring day with a warm sun shining, but Jim was in no mood to appreciate the wonders of nature. His small brown face looked very mournful as he sat there feeling sorry for himself. Something exciting was certain to happen in town, and he would miss it. He wondered how long the family had been gone now. Jumping up, he ran inside the house and returned with a large gold watch. "Quarter past one," he said aloud. Doubtfully, he held the watch to his ear. "Ticktock, ticktock," came the answer. It seemed impossible that it was only a quarter past one; it would be almost four hours before the family returned. Although it was a form of treason to doubt that watch, Jim peered through the kitchen door to compare it with the kitchen clock. The watch was right. It promised to be a long dismal afternoon.

Genres: Fiction

215 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1948

About the author

Keith Robertson was born on May 9, 1914 in Dows, Iowa. He joined the Navy in 1931, and served as a radioman on a destroyer. Later, he attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with a B.S. degree. He attributed his initial decision to study at the Academy to a "fanatical aversion to washing dishes." He said, "When I discovered that midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy did not wash dishes but were gentlemen by act of Congress, I promptly applied for entrance." Robertson served in World War II as captain of a destroyer. He was awarded five battle stars. He retired from the service as a captain in the United States Naval Reserve.

Robertson published his first book, Ticktock and Jim, in 1948. His writing career spanned 40 years. As a member of the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature, he was active in encouraging aspiring authors.

He was married to Elizabeth Woodburn Robertson, a rare-book dealer, and had four children. He died of cancer at his home in Hopewell, New Jersey on September 23, 1991, aged 77.

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oct 10, 9pm ~~ Review asap. Great story!

Oct 11, 830am ~~ The third title in my Project Gutenberg Horse Book Fit, Ticktock And Jim was a delightful, entertaining story about a farm boy and his horse.

Jim has to stay at home on the day the rest of the family heads to town. Someone has to be around to give the calf to the stock buyer when he comes, you know. But Jim is disappointed that he is the chosen one. He pouts for a bit thinking about all the fun he is missing, but then his adventures begin: first he gets chased by the bull, saving himself by climbing an apple tree. The bull hangs around below the tree, though, so Jim is stuck but good.

While sitting in the tree he sees a horse drawn wagon heading his way, with a string of horses behind it. The wagon pulls into the farmyard and the driver gets down, heading towards the house. Jim yells to get the man's attention and in turn the man rescues Jim from the bull and asks permission to give his animals a drink of water.

And one of the horses catches Jim's eye. He is not in very good shape, but there is something about him that appeals to Jim. And did that horse just wink at him? He asks about the horse, decides to offer his grandfather's watch in trade (he's had it for eight months, ever since his birthday) and the deal is done.

I will say this, the horse trader was an honest man, and promised Jim that he would return in three months to trade back if there was any trouble about the trade, or if the horse did not turn out to be what Jim hoped he could be. I would say Jim was very lucky to have such a wise man show up!

The rest of the story follows Jim and Ticktock (named that because of the watch, of course) on their many adventures. A boy and a horse can have all sorts of fun in three months! But it is not all clover hay and sweet grain. Will Dad let Jim keep the horse? How will that bull treat Ticktock? Who is Horace? And what about that slippery pig?!

This was the author's first book, published in 1948 and dedicated to his daughter Christina, Who at two is somewhat confused about horses and thinks they say “Moo”.

Keith Robertson went on to write many more books for young people. I suppose his daughter eventually figured out that horses do not say "Moo". lol

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really heart-felt story. The author didn't write a cheesy little adventure for children, but made a dangerous and logical mystery for two teenage boys, eager for adventure, to fall head over heels into without warning.
It took me three fourths of the book to realize I knew some of the area Jim lived in-35 miles from Springfield, the nearest "big town". A pleasant surprise. The author evidentially was familiar with the Ozarks as well as buggies, farming, riding horses both saddled and bareback (been there) and trucking.
It's satisfying to see a good hearty read, with plenty of people who step off the page as individual characters with their own quirks and mannerism's.

[Alan Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first couldn't-put-it-down-book and first bedtime reading book. At the time of reading it, I had a love of horses and experienced vicarious emotions during reading - want to read it again. I would say that the book is written with a "you are there style."