The Flu Outbreak of 1963

Merchant Trouble

"Well, is that all the high sheriff has to do? Just set?" scolded an unpleasant voice.

"Howdy, Ben. Why? Do I need to do something else?" said Andy.

"Yes. Come on here. The three of you" said the man.

"Who's that?" Sam said.

"That's Ben Weaver. He's a merchant here in Mayberry" said Andy.

"Sheriff!" Ben shouted.

"Alright. What's going on, Ben?" said Andy.

"You know they don't allow peddling in these streets" said Ben.

"But, sir, he isn't necessarily peddling" Sam said.

"You a newcomer?" said Ben.

"Yeah"

"Then I wouldn't expect you to understand all this right away"

"Sam, don't worry about him" said Barney.

"Now, Sheriff. You get that man off the streets. You wanna keep being sheriff, you get him off the street" scolded Ben before leaving.

"Oh, of all the gall!" shouted Barney.

"I can't believe he said that, Andy!" Sam said.

"Ben's always been a problem, honey. And I know how to handle him" said Andy.

"How?" Sam said.

"We're gonna pick on him. You're good at that" said Andy.

"Yes I am" Sam said.

"Come on" said Andy.

"So, uh... Bert. Your feet hurt. You got bursitis" said Barney.

"And you're getting sick of ringing doorbells" Sam added.

"Yeah. Ringing them doorbells is driving me crazy" Bert agreed.

"I think we can fix that. Why don't we move this here bench away from the street and you can sell your stuff there." Sam said.

"That does sound fine, Officer Pan. She's doing well for a first-timer" said Bert.

Later, in the office, Andy was playing guitar when Barney and Sam ran in.

"Andy. Here comes Ben. I think we got him" said Barney.

"Great. Let's be singing" said Andy.

The three police officers sang as Ben walked in.

Spread a little sunshine every day

Spread a little sunshine every day

Help someone along life's way

Spread a little sunshine every day

"Ain't that perdy?" said Andy.

"I didn't come here for a concert! I came to complain!" said Ben.

"What complaint would that be, Ben?" said Andy.

"You know what it is! I told you I didn't want that man peddling the street!" Ben shouted.

"Bert? Oh, Bert ain't on the street. Our young Officer Pan moved him into an empty space. That's a good eight feet off the street" said Andy.

"Officer. You did what you could. But Bert Miller is still on the street. And he does not have a legitimate business" said Ben.

"But he's selling stuff. Isn't that a legitimate business?" Sam said.

"Technically, yes. But he needs to have a roof over his head. A business isn't legitimate without a roof. But I wouldn't expect you to know that on your first day" said Ben.

"I didn't know that, sir." Sam said.

"Yes. The three of you must know that. Now do something about this!" Ben shouted.

"Now, Ben, you're getting yourself worked up over nothing. Just listen to this song. Music helps" said Andy.

The three officers sang the song again.

Help someone along life's way

Spread a little sunshine every day

"Ain't that perdy?" Andy said again.

Ben storm out of the office in frustration.

"We got him going good" Barney laughed.

"But Ben's right" said Andy.

"About getting Bert off the street?" Sam said.

"No. About a roof. So let's build a stand that Bert can sell his stuff in" said Andy.

And that's what they did.

Later that day...

"So, Sam, the next thing you should know is that while Barney and I head home, you and Gomer work late. Think you can handle that?" said Andy.

"Yeah, I think so" Sam said.

Looks like Sam's gonna be working late.

Think she'll ever find out about Murray?

Peace and love,

Sammy