New Beginnings ch. 1
Characters : Ethan Cord Sheriff of Paradise, Colorado, a mining town. His children by adoption and nieces and nephews by birth Claire age 15, Joseph 13, Ben 9, George 8 and his nephew by default Rob Jordan age 16. Ethan accepted guardianship over Rob whose father and uncle have died in the past year. Mitch Williams deputy of Paradise, honorary uncle to Ethan's children.
This story is a sequel to The Masquerade. If you haven't read the last two chapters of that story you may wish to do so. This will make more sense knowing what happened at the end of The Masquerade.
March 1900
Ethan calls the boys together in the front room while Claire is taking her afternoon rest. "Boys, Wednesday is the day I take Claire back to Colorado Springs for her appointment on Thursday. We'll be staying over Wednesday and Thursday nights and come home early Friday morning. Dr. Carpenter wants to check her arms to see how well the burns are healing. Since it is spring vacation from school, I thought I'd see if Ben and George would come along. Would you like to go boys? We'll be taking the train."
"Yes Papa, I want to go to help Claire. I'm her helper you know." George answers, smiling.
"Yes George, I know you help out with anything Claire needs. I'm proud of you for being such a big help to your sister. The fire at the Academy did more to her than just burn her hair and arms, it left her feeling different. That's why she acts different at times. Dr. Amy and Dr. Carpenter both said going through something frightening like that is often hard for people to get over."
Looking at Ben, Ethan sees the boy looking upset. "What's the problem Ben? Do you want to stay here with Rob and Joseph?"
"No Pa, I want to go but maybe you'll think I shouldn't be allowed to go."
"Why is that Ben? What is it that you think you have done that is so wrong you would not be allowed to go? You need to explain yourself son or I'm going to think you need a trip to the barn. Do you?"
"No Sir! I haven't done something to earn a whipping! I swear it! " Ben says quickly holding up his hand in the swearing in pose he's seen others do."
"Then what is the problem here Ben?" Ethan asks quietly.
"I'd like to help Claire too but every time I try she tells me to leave her alone. I'm not doing anything to hurt her Pa. I promise I'm not. Can I go on the trip too even though I'm not really helping Claire?"
"Of course you can Ben. I know you aren't doing anything to hurt Claire. As I said, she's having a hard time right now. Just keep being patient with her. I'm sure we'll see her back to herself soon. "
"I hope it's really soon. I don't like to see her so quiet and sad all the time. I don't think I've seen her smile since you brought her home right before Valentine's Day. She never laughs either. I've told her all my jokes and she just sits there. Even Rob thinks my jokes are funny and he's hard to make laugh." Ben answers.
"Ben, you just have to give her time to heal son. She is hurting both in her arms and in her feelings. I imagine nothing seems funny or happy right now. Remember how much she loved her school and her friends? " At Ben's nod, Ethan says "Well she doesn't have them anymore and she knows they won't come back. It makes her feel very depressed. Can you understand what I'm telling you?" He looks at both of the younger boys for an answer.
"Yes Pa. I think we both know how she feels. We felt just like that when Mama died." Ben says as George nods agreeing. "I didn't think I could ever be happy again. I didn't for a long, long time. It wasn't until you came to get us that I felt a little bit happy. I felt scared then too." George says as Ben nods this time, agreeing with him.
"What were you scared of?" Rob asks before Ethan can.
"I was scared the rest of my family would be going away from me too. I wouldn't let them go anywhere without me in case they didn't come back." George tells him.
"I was scared because there was no one to take care of me other than Claire and Joseph. They had taken care of me but they were children too. I was also scared my other Papa would come back and make us live with him. He probably would have beaten us every day for nothing if he had." Ben answers shuddering.
"Well boys, lucky for all of us, that never happened. I hope both of you know now how much I love you and will do everything I can to keep you protected." Turning to the older boys Ethan says "Rob, Joseph, I need the two of you to look after the ranch. Mitch will come out if you want him too."
"Uncle Ethan, we can handle the ranch by ourselves for the short time you'll be gone. Isn't that right Joseph?" Rob asks.
"Sure we can. We've looked after the boys and the ranch by ourselves before. We'll take care of everything Uncle Ethan." Joseph assures him.
Colorado Springs, Thursday morning
"Ben, George, Claire has to be at the doctor's office by ten this morning. I'm trusting you two to stay here at the hotel by yourselves. Now I want to hear what the rules we discussed are. What do you remember me telling you about today?"
Ben speaks up first "You told us to stay in the hotel room until you are back. We can play with our toys or read but we're not allowed to leave the room for any reason."
George tells him "We can't open the door for anyone unless it's you telling us the password and we're not to let anyone else know we are in the room alone. We have to stay in and play or read until you and Claire get back."
"Those are exactly the things we talked about. I'm really proud of you boys for listening and remembering so well. Now before we leave, I want you to make your trips to the water closet. I've ordered your lunch to be delivered outside the door at eleven thirty. Now if it happens that Claire and I are back early we'll have lunch together but don't wait on us. I don't believe we'll be back before one o'clock. Ben, I'm leaving my extra pocket watch on my night table in my room. You may go in to check the time but don't move the watch."
"Yes Pa, I won't move it. I don't want to break it." Ben answers quietly.
"It's not that I think you'll break it Ben. I just think it would be better not to move it in case it accidentally got lost. The new one you all gave me is the one I'm taking with me. See boys, I have it on the watch fob you also gave me." Ethan says as he pulls the chain and pocket watch out of the watch pocket. The watch has an etching of a train on the front and has the names of the children inscribed on the inside front cover.
George asks "Papa, if we need to use the necessary what are we supposed to do if we can't leave the room?"
Frowning just a bit at his eight year old, Ethan replies, "The same thing you do at home at night George. You know the answer to that question so why ask me?"
"I know, but Papa I hate having to use a chamber pot. It's disgusting! When are we going to get a water closet in our house? Mr. Axelrod has one and so do the Andersons. My new friend Sam has one in his new house. A lot of the new houses in town have one, he says. We could put one in too couldn't we? I wouldn't have to almost have accidents if we had one."
"That is something we will have to discuss at a later time, George. You wouldn't be almost having accidents if you didn't wait so long. For now go use the water closet down the hall and come back here. Both of you, Claire is about ready to leave."
"All right boys, now behave yourselves or next time you'll have to stay home. I'm counting on you both to obey our rules for being by yourselves. I want to be able to know you are capable of staying by yourselves safely."
"We'll be good Pa. I swear it!" Ben tells him.
"Yes Papa we'll be good. I won't let Ben be bad!"
"Me! What about you?" Ben says glaring at George.
"I'm not going to be bad either, Ben." George answers, showing his angelic smile.
"Bye boys, we'll be back by one o'clock if not before. Enjoy yourselves but please don't cause any trouble." Ethan says smiling as he and Claire leave the room.
After playing with the puzzle they brought, reading aloud from a book, playing three games of checkers and checking the time every ten minutes the boys are tired of being cooped up in the room.
"Hey George, you know what I think?"
"What, Ben?"
"Judge Henry needs to know about Claire. He'd want to know don't you think? He really seemed to like her since he sent us the money for her to go to the Academy in Denver. "
"Well yeah, I guess he'd want to know but I don't know how to get to his office. Besides we aren't allowed to leave the room so we can't go off to find him!" George answers.
"We don't have to go find him. We can just call him on the telephone and tell him about it. I saw the telephone just down the hall. I bet I could work it if I tried to. Will you go down there with me? " Ben asks.
"Well okay since it's helping Claire. I'll go with you but I don't know how to talk on that thing so you'll have to do it. We'll put the book in the door so it won't close us out."
Walking up to the box telephone, Ben finds he is too short to reach the mouthpiece.
"I'm going to need a chair, George. I'm not tall enough to reach the talk into part. I can hold the listen to part but I have to reach the talking part."
"I'll bring out the chair from our room. You just wait here and I'll be back in a minute." George tells him.
As he lifts the small chair out of the room he accidentally kicks the book and the door closes. Not thinking about anything but carrying the chair George just walks back to Ben.
"Here's the chair Ben. I think it will be big enough for you to reach now."
Climbing up on the chair, Ben says "It's just perfect George, thanks for the help."
Reaching up he yells into the mouthpiece "Hello?"
When a voice answers thru the earpiece "front desk" he drops it in surprise. He had forgotten Claire told him he would hear an answer right away. Picking up the earpiece he listens again. Hearing a voice saying " Hello? Anyone there?" Ben answers quickly.
"I need to talk to Judge Henry in his office here in Colorado Springs. Please find him for me." Ben tells the person on the phone.
"Young man, first of all please don't shout into the phone and second you need to talk to the operator outside the hotel not me. Hold on and I'll connect you to the outside line." The voice tells him.
Ben turns around on the chair and says to George "The telephone said it would connect me to the outside line and then find Judge Henry. Oh and it said to hold on. Take my hand will you? Okay we're both holding on now so maybe that will help it find Judge Henry."
Just then Ben hears a different voice come thru the listening end. "Hello, may I help you?"
"Yes Ma'am. My name is Ben Cord and I need to talk to Judge Henry here in Colorado Springs. He works in a big building with really shiny and slippery wooden floors. Can you find him for me?"
"Yes young man, hold on and I'll get you connected to Judge Henry's office."
Ben whispers to George. " Hold on to me again. The telephone is connecting us to Judge Henry."
"Judge Henry's office, Mrs. Adams speaking." Ben hears.
"I need to talk to Judge Henry please. Tell him it's Ben Cord and Ethan Cord is my Pa."
"Young man, Judge Henry is very busy. He doesn't have time to talk to small boys. Does your Father know you are calling?"
Avoiding the question Ben says "Ma'am please, it is very important. It's about my sister. She got burned and Judge Henry would want to know since he helped get us adopted. Please try to get him to call the Colorado Springs Hotel and ask for room 210 or Ben Carroll Cord. We need to talk to him today. We're going back to Paradise tomorrow."
"I'll pass on the message young man. Now you go back to your Father and stay off the telephone." Mrs. Adams tells him.
"Yes Ma'am, thank you Ma'am." Ben says. He puts the listening end back on its shelf and climbs off the chair. Lifting the chair he carries it back to their room with George following. When the boys get to the door they see it's closed. Reaching over Ben's arm George tries to open the door.
"It's locked Ben! What do we do now? We can't get in the room! If Papa comes back and finds us out here we'll be in loads of trouble!"
"Oh George! Why did you lock the door? Why didn't you leave it cracked or something? We are going to be stuck out here for a long time!'
Deciding it would be best to just sit beside the door and wait, Ben whispers to George "We need to come up with something to say to explain this to Pa. If we don't, he's going to be mad!"
Just then they hear footsteps coming up the stairs. Both boys swap a worried look, hoping it isn't Ethan and Claire. A boy about Rob's age appears at the top of the stairs carrying a tray loaded with covered plates, a pitcher and two glasses. Surprised to see two young boys just sitting outside the door, he walks closer.
"Hello boys, I'm Nate and I'm to deliver this to room 210. Would you two happen to be the residents of that room?"
"Hi Nate, I'm Ben and this is my brother George. I don't know if we are residents or not but we're staying in this room with our family. We accidentally closed ourselves out and no one is answering the door. Can you open it for us?"
"Of course I can. Here you two hold the tray while I unlock the door. " Opening the door he says "Here you go boys, all open. Now next time you leave, take the key with you just in case you get locked out again. When you finish with the tray just lay it outside the door and I'll come back and pick it up."
"Okay and thank you Nate for opening the door for us." George answers.
"Anytime young fellas. Oh and fellas?"
"Yes?"
"Next time you use the telephone, do me a favor and don't yell into it. You nearly busted my ear off!" Nate says grinning at Ben.
"Sorry Nate, I've never used the telephone before." Ben answers, turning a little red in the face.
"Yes, I kind of realized that when you shouted into it! Don't worry most people do the same thing when they talk on a telephone for the first time. Now you know how to use it. Well, I've got work to do so I'll be off. Have a good rest of the day fellas."
Paradise
Rob is pacing back and forth across the front room. Every few minutes he alternates glancing out the front window and back at the clock sitting on the fireplace mantel.
"Where is he?! He knows to be home by five! It's six ten already! It's already dark outside!" Rob mutters to himself.
At six twenty the front door opens and Joseph strolls in looking very happy.
"WHERE WERE YOU?! You've had me walking the floor for an hour! I can't believe you would be so irresponsible, Joseph! Did you not care that I might be worried? " Rob says, his voice just below shouting level.
"What has your pants in a wad, Rob? You told me I could go visit Jason and Jeff. What were you so worried about? You knew I was with them. So what if I'm a little late. Uncle Ethan's not here so what difference does it make? I came in a little late, big wow! Just calm yourself why don't you?"
"CALM MYSELF! Answer me this Joseph, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Rob says shouting now.
"Don't yell at me, Rob. I only went to Sutter's Pond with the twins. We've been fishing all afternoon. I caught us a good mess of fish for supper too. I got several big guys, come on out and I'll show you." Joseph says walking towards the door.
"JOSEPH!" Rob says sternly, watching the boy stop and slowly turn to him.
"Come over here to me."
"What Rob? You want an apology? Okay, I'm sorry for not coming in on time. I just was catching so many I didn't stop. I'm sorry for worrying you. There! Are you happy now? I apologized!" Joseph says glaring at Rob.
"No Joseph, I'm not happy. Let me show you exactly how unhappy I am." With that he grabs the younger boy by the arm, throws him over the back of the bench and proceeds to apply his hand to the boy's britches.
"HEY! WHAT''RE YOU DOING? LET GO OF ME!" Joseph yells struggling to free himself from Rob's arm holding him face down across the bench. "OW! That hurt! OW! Rob! OW! ROB STOP IT! You're my brother not my Pa! OW! Come on Rob, STOP! OUCH! ROB, YOU'RE HAND HURTS! What do you think you are doing?"
"I think I'm giving you a well earned walloping Joseph! I was left in charge here so that gives me the right to punish you when you misbehave. You know very well you are not allowed up at Sutter's Pond and you also know you are to come in by five o'clock before it gets dark. You broke both of those rules so you earned yourself a hard spanking tonight. While you lay here complaining think about it this way. If you don't like my punishment, think about what Uncle Ethan will have to say when I tell him about this. I will be telling him also unless you stop the squirming and yelling! Understand?"
"I'm sorry Rob! I'm sorry I went off and didn't tell you and stayed too late and went somewhere I shouldn't have. Please stop Rob. I'm sorry!" Joseph sobs out after the eighth hard whack on his pants.
"I'm sorry you disobeyed too, Joseph. You deserve this and you well know it." Rob says laying down four more whacks. Delivering one final spank which was harder than the rest, he continues "Since you apologized again and meant it this time, I won't tell Uncle Ethan about this. But, if you cause me anymore trouble, I will take back what I just said and report everything to Uncle Ethan. If I do what will happen then Joseph?"
Standing now and wiping the tears off his face, Joseph says quietly "He'll take the strap to my backside if he hears about me going to Sutter's Pond and coming in after dark. Ever since that boy was attacked by something three years ago, all children are forbidden to go there and I'm never allowed out of the yard after dark. Please Rob, you punished me already and it hurts so please don't tell. I don't want to get a thrashing on top of the blistering you just gave me. I also don't ever want you to punish me again. You really hit hard Rob! No wonder Ben and George cry so hard when you spank them. You really must have metal in your hand!"
"Maybe so, Joseph. I've never spanked Ben or George as hard as I did you. You're older and can take more than them. I gave you my word, I wouldn't tell Uncle Ethan and I won't unless you break your promise to me and cause more trouble. Agreed?" Rob asks holding out his hand.
Taking it, Joseph shakes his brother's hand "Agreed, metal hand."
"Good, now how about getting those fish you just paid so dearly for so we can cook them for supper. I'm famished from all the pacing and worrying you made me do so you get to do the cooking. I want fried fish not blackened and burned fish, you hear? You burn up my fish and I'll use my metal hand on you again! Got me?"
"Yes Sir, Rob. I won't burn the fish, I swear it!" Joseph replies wide eyed.
Watching Joseph scurry out to get the fish, Rob smiles to himself. This big brother business does have a few advantages. I can now sit here and make him fix all the meal while I just watch!
Colorado Springs : Twelve thirty Thursday afternoon
Having finished their lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches with soup, crackers, pie and milk, the boys are discussing some very important business.
"But Ben, Papa said Not to leave the room." George reminds his brother.
"I know that but we've already broken that rule so why not take a quick trip to the necessary? You said you had to go bad. I know you don't want to use the chamber pots so come on! We'll take the key this time." Ben answers.
"Okay but we have to hurry! Papa and Claire could come back anytime and I don't want to get caught! He'd spank us if he caught us out of the room and you know it!" George says frowning at the thought.
"I know so come on and we'll hurry." Ben says tucking the door key into his pocket.
Coming around the corner from the necessary Ben sees someone standing outside their room. Holding out his hand, he stops George from walking further.
"Who is it?" George whispers not getting a good look at the person.
"I'm not quite sure from here. It's not Pa though so we're okay. Come on let's go see who it is." Ben whispers to his brother before walking towards the room.
When he gets closer the person at the door turns to look at them. "Well, Well! You two sure have grown a lot in the last year! Just look how big you are! My secretary delivered your message and so I decided to come see for myself how you were. What's this about Claire being burned?"
"Judge Henry?" Ben asks. "Is it really you? You look different."
"BEN!" George hisses at his brother. "That's not polite!"
Chuckling a little, Judge Henry says "Yes, I've grown a beard and my hair is more gray than it was when we last met. Now will you let me in to your hotel room or do we just stand here and talk?"
"Oh! Yes I'll let you in. I'm sorry I just can't believe you really came. Let me get the door open." Ben says pulling the key from his pocket.
"So you two are old enough now to stay in the hotel by yourselves! My goodness you have grown up. You don't need your brother or sister to watch you any longer. That's very good boys."
"We have a new older brother now." George finally speaks up as he feels more comfortable with the Judge.
"Ah yes, Rob Jordan is his name. Correct?" Then seeing the boy's shocked looks he explains. "Ethan wrote me about how he became guardian to the young man. So tell me do you all get along with Rob?"
"Yes sir. He's like another big brother. I like having him around because he does fun things with us. He does get into trouble sometimes though." George answers.
"Oh really, and what does your Papa say about that?"
"The same thing he says to any of the children who misbehave including the two you are now talking too!" says a voice from the doorway.
"Pa!"
"Papa, you're back!"
"Yes I'm back. Now just what is going on here? Good to see you again Judge! Now Ben and George, as much as I enjoy talking to Judge Henry, care to explain what he's doing in our hotel room? Just what exactlymade him decide to come visit especially since I did not tell him we were in town? I just don't believe the Judge would happen to be walking in the area and decide to come up to room 210! I thought you were told not to leave the room! I want an explanation boys!" Ethan says giving both boys a very stern look.
Paradise: Thursday night
After having a supper of fried fish with boiled potatoes and bread, Rob and Joseph share clean up chores.
"Thanks for supper Joseph. You are turning into a good cook. The fish was cooked just right and the potatoes were perfect. How did you know how long to cook the potatoes? Every time I try they come out rock hard or raw!"
Snickering at that, Joseph answers "Claire taught me how to cook them. It's a special trick we use to tell when they are cooked enough. You have to watch them as they cook so you can see the potatoes change color. "
"Joseph, you're just trying to fool me aren't you. I'm not Ben or George. I'm not falling for one of your tall tales."
"It's not a tall tale and I'm not making this up. The potatoes are a darker white color when they have cooked long enough. Next time we have potatoes I'll show you. Once you learn what to look for then making potatoes is easy. I kind of enjoy cooking. Uncle Ethan doesn't need to know this though. He'd have me cooking all the time. I like it when we take turns doing it."
"Well on my nights to cook, we wind up having breakfast for supper! I can cook eggs and toast and pancakes but not much else. When did you learn how to cook?"
"When we moved in with Uncle Ethan. Claire taught me everything she knew, which wasn't a lot at the time. She knew a little more than you do but not much. Uncle Ethan knew about cooking so he taught her and then she showed me. I've been doing most of the cooking ever since she went to boarding school. When Uncle Ethan was home he cooked one meal and I did the other. For lunch we'd just have sandwiches. We're in school most days at that time you know." Joseph explains.
Later that night Joseph is awakened by the sounds of horses whinnying in the barn. Looking out his window he doesn't see anything around the barn. Deciding he'd better get Rob and check the animals he goes into Rob's new bedroom.
"Rob! Wake up! Come on, WAKE UP! " He says shaking his older brother.
"Joseph, I swear if you are not dying you are going to be feeling my metal hand again! You are not to come in here without my permission and since I was asleep I know you don't have my permission!"
"Oh come off it! You are not so high and mighty Rob! I woke you because there's something going on in the barn. I heard the horses whinnying and they only do that when they're upset. Come on! We've got to go check it out!"
"You go. I'm going back to sleep. Wake me up if there's something I need to know otherwise just leave me be so I can sleep. While you were off gallivanting around forbidden areas, I was here doing all the chores including the laundry and I'm beat!"
"Rob, what do you think Uncle Ethan would have to say if I told him you didn't care enough to go out to see if the horses were safe? Aren't you the guy who is "in charge"? Doesn't that mean you are also in charge of the ranch or is it just me you are in charge of? I don't think Uncle Ethan would be very pleased if you don't help me check the barn! Have a nice sleep Rob!"
"How did you learn to be so annoyingly right at such a young age, Joseph? Come on brat, you woke me and threatened me so now you get to come to the barn with me. I hope for your sake it's not just a raccoon out there. Because if it is, I'm going to murder you!"
"Gee thanks, I'm really worried here. Get the shotgun and let's go!" Joseph replies.
As the boys walk out the front door they see smoke coming from underneath the barn doors.
"FIRE!" Joseph shouts as he leaps off the porch running to the barn. Rob is just behind him. Reaching the doors first Joseph is just about to pull them open when Rob shoves him away.
"WAIT Joseph! You can't just pull the doors open like that. You have to feel them first!" He says touching the doors in several places. "Alright they're cool so let's go in."
Pulling the doors open the boys see one stall towards the back or the barn is on fire and the wall behind it is beginning to burn. "Quickly Joseph, grab the team and take them out! I'll get Dobbin and Lightning! Hurry!"
Just as Joseph gets the team to the door, they hear a 'whoosh'. Looking back over his shoulder, Joseph sees the back wall on fire now and the hay in the haylofts is smoldering! Quickly he slaps both horses on their flanks and yells "Out! Go! GEE!" The horses run from the barn as Joseph turns back to grab Dobbin from Rob who is trying to pull two horses.
Pulling Dobbin out, Joseph turns to run back into the barn. "NO! It's too dangerous! The barn could go up any minute!" Rob yells but Joseph ignores him.
Minutes later, Joseph is running out with his horse Brown Betsy pulling the pony cart. "Rob, come help! We've got to get the wagon out too! "
Turning to run back into the barn, Joseph is surprised when something hard lands on his back forcing him to the ground. Realizing it's Rob, he shouts "GET OFF ME! I HAVE TO SAVE PA'S WAGON!"
"NO! I WON'T LET YOU! Joseph, the barn is going any minute! The roof is on fire! GET UP, WE'VE GOT TO GET BACK!" Rob shouts over the sound of burning and creaking wood. Standing up but keeping a tight hold on Joseph, he pulls the younger boy back towards the house. As the boys get to the porch the barn walls begin to sway and a few minutes later the barn collapses burning.
Standing there watching the barn burn, Joseph has tears running down his face. "Why didn't you let me get the wagon? What are we going to do without a wagon? Oh, Uncle Ethan's going to be so angry at me!"
"Joseph, did you start this fire? Did you have anything to do with this at all?" Rob asks suspiciously. "If you were smoking in there you'd better tell me now. I can help you but you've got to tell me the truth. Were you smoking in there today?" Rob asks holding Joseph by both arms and forcing him to look him straight in the face.
"No Rob, I wasn't smoking in there. I didn't start the fire. Rob? We've got to round up the horses and tether them somewhere."
"We'll put them in the corral, Joseph. Then we need to start putting buckets of water on the fire so it doesn't spread. Come on let's get busy."
Two hours later the boys have a smoldering, black, wet mound of wood where the barn used to be. Looking at it, Rob sighs quietly and says "One of us needs to go to town and get Mitch. He needs to come out here and check this. Do you want to stay here and watch the pile or go to town?"
"I would rather go get Mitch than stay and look at that mess any longer! Let me go, please Rob? I'll go straight there and straight back, I promise. "
"That's good Joseph. Mitch will want to come back here so just come straight home with him. I can't leave to go find you so do as I say please."
"I will, I swear it. You can trust me Rob. Rob?"
"Hmm?"
"What do you think Uncle Ethan will say when he finds out we let the barn burn up? Do you think he'll whip us for this?"
"We didn't 'let the barn burn up' Joseph! We tried to stop it but we couldn't. I think he'll be very happy we are safe and the animals are too. Why would you think he would punish us? We didn't start the fire."
"I still think he's going to be mad! I just hope not mad at us! Hey Rob?"
"What?"
"I just thought of something good about the barn burning!"
"What could be good about that, Joseph?!"
"The razor strap burned up too! It's all gone, Rob! He can't whip us with it because it burned up!" Joseph answers smiling happily.
"There's still the one in the woodshed and all he has to do is go to Mr. Axelrod's and buy another one!"
"Couldn't you have let me be happy about that for a little longer? You just had to go and ruin it didn't you! Thanks a lot for nothing Rob!"
"Go get Mitch, Joseph. This is a crime and he's got to investigate it before people start coming around to get into things. Hurry up!" Rob says as Joseph continues to stand leaning against the porch.
"I'm going but I need to go somewhere else first. "
"Joseph! Either go on and get Mitch now or I will. We've waited long enough tonight. It's going to be morning before you get back now. GO ON!"
"Fine, but you've got to tell me where I can find a saddle because all the ones we had burned up!"
"Ride bareback, Joseph. I've seen you do it before so I know you can." Rob answers.
"Alright." Walking into the corral, Joseph catches his horse by her mane and swings up on to her back. "How am I supposed to guide her without a harness or a bit?"
"You'll just have to use her ears and your knees, I guess. Good luck, Joseph." Rob says watching the boy guide his horse from the corral.
Riding out of sight of the house, Joseph stops the horse by saying "Whoa Betsy." When she stops he slides off the side. "Stay Betsy, I'll be right back." He tells his horse as he rushes to the bushes beside the road. Coming back to his horse and mounting he tells her "Thanks for waiting Betsy, I had to go throw up! Rob doesn't need to know about that or he'd start being nosy again. Oh wait, I have to get off again. I forgot to do something! "
Sitting back on the horse a third time, Joseph tells her "Thanks again for waiting for me. I had to go bad and all this bouncing wasn't helping at all! The twins had a bottle of whiskey today. It sure goes through you fast. I don't want to do like George does. If Uncle Ethan knew how often he wets his pants he'd be in a lot of trouble. He only does it because he doesn't like to go into the outhouse. I caught him using the outhouse in the barn last week, remember? I should have walloped him but I didn't. He said he couldn't wait and was going to have an accident so he had to go. Well Betsy, he won't be doing that for awhile since we don't have a barn anymore!"
Reaching Mitch's house just on the edge of town, Joseph slides off his mare. "Stay Betsy. I need you to wait for me again." Walking up to the door, he knocks and waits to hear any movement. Not hearing anything he knocks again this time calling "Mitch? It's Joseph, please let me in!"
The door is opened so suddenly, Joseph stumbles into the house. "Joseph Cord! What in all that's holy are you doing in town at this time of the morning?!" Mitch scolds as he is lighting a lamp. As he takes in the boy's blackened clothes and his soot covered face. "Joseph! Are you alright? The house? Rob? What's happened! Tell me!"
"I will tell you Mitch but you keep talking! I'm not allowed to interrupt when someone's talking."
Then seeing the glare directed at him he hurries with his explanation. He talks fast before Mitch starts whacking him for being insolent.
"We woke up and the animals were making noise so we went to the barn to check on them. When we got there the back wall and the stall under it were on fire. Rob and I got all the horses and the boy's cart out but we couldn't stop the fire." Stopping he realizes his face is wet with tears.
"I couldn't get the wagon out Mitch! We've lost the wagon and all the saddles and tack too! There wasn't enough time to get the tack out. I tried to go back in but Rob wouldn't let me. He tackled me and made me stay down just as the barn collapsed. Oh Mitch, it was awful! " Tears are running freely down his face by the time he finishes his explanation.
"Come here son." Mitch says reaching out to pull the boy into his arms. Holding him tightly he pats Joseph's back while the boy sobs into his chest. "It's all right son. Nothing matters except the two of you are safe! You two did very well to get all the horses and the boy's cart out safely. You didn't panic and that's how you were able to save the horses."
"Uncle Ethan's coming home today and he's going to whip me for letting the barn burn! I tried to stop it but I couldn't do it." Joseph sobs out into the man's nightshirt.
"Joseph! Ethan is not going to punish you for this. It wasn't you're fault. I'll get dressed and we'll go see if I can find out what happened. While you wait, please heat some water for me to have a cup of coffee. I can't function without my coffee and you know it!"
"Yes sir, I'll do it right away."