Hard lessons

"Micah, have you seen Mark he didn't come home from school I just seen Mr. Grunewald, he says that Mark has been absent all week."

"No Lucas, I haven't seen the boy since the two of you took lunch with me over at the hotel with me Sunday.. I take it by the way you said that; you sent him to school all week, answered Micah.

"Micah, would you asked the boys around town and I'll ask out my way on by way to the ranch," replied Lucas.

"I'll just do that, chances are that he'll be there by the time you get back fretting about what to tell you. When I finish my rounds here I'll ride out and we can have some pie and coffee" quipped Micah trying to ease his friends mind.

" Your probably right, all boys ditch school once in a while, I know I did, see you at the ranch say around eight." smiled Lucas. Stepping back up onto his horse and turning toward home.

Lucas rode along thinking to himself, If Mark and missed school Monday and Tuesday, then he and been lying to him each night at supper. Lucas wondered what excuse he would give for being late today. He could abide a little mischief, but lying that was something he could not and would not stand for, and he intended to see to it that Mark would think twice before continuing down the path of this nasty habit. Lucas pulled up at the hitching rail in front of the Peterson ranch,

"Howdy Lucas, what brings you our way this evening?" boomed Calvin Peterson, stepping off the porch and offering his hand.

Lucas stepped down and threw the reins around the rail before shaking hands,

"Howdy Calvin I was wondering if I might speak to your children for a minute," smiled Lucas

"Sure thing George, Becky come on out here,' he shouted before motioning Lucas to take a chair on the porch."

"Yes pa you called?' asked the two children coming out onto the porch.

"Mr. McCain here wants to have a word with you," said their father bringing the two over to stand in front of the chair where Lucas sat. If you will excuse me I'll just see if the misses has some fresh coffee.

"That would be fine, children, I was wondering if either of you had seen Mark today, he hasn't come home form school?" questioned Lucas.

"He could tell by the worried looks on their faces that they didn't want to say anything that could get Mark or them into trouble So he was not too surprised when he received George's quick "No Sir".

"Mr McCain, Mark has been out of school all week," answered Becky timidly, she was kind of sweet on Mark and didn't want to get him in trouble, but she didn't want to lie to Mr. McCain either.

"Yes Becky, Mr Grunewald told me, would either of you know where he might be?'

"No Sir, I sure don't," answered Becky

"What about you son, you and Mark are pretty good friends," questioned Lucas

"N o Sir, he didn't tell me nothing I don't know where he might be," replied George looking away as his pa came back onto the porch holding to steaming cups of coffee.

"Thank you Mr. Peterson," Said Lucas reaching out to except the cup as Mr. Peterson sat down next to him. Thanks for your time and the coffee," said Lucas taking a long sip.

"No trouble, did you get what you needed?' asked Mr. Peterson looking up at his children.

"Yes sir, I came hoping they might know where Mark was he's late coming home, but they haven't seen him." answered Lucas draining the cup of coffee and excusing himself.

"I best be getting back he probably there worrying where I am by now, thanks again for the coffee." said Lucas stepping up onto his horse.

"Sorry we couldn't help, hope you find him soon,"called Mr. Peterson.

Lucas made three more stops getting much the same answers No one seemed to know where Mark was of where he had been. Lucas turned toward home hoping to find the boy rushing to finish his chores.

oOo

Micah must have talked to every family in town, instead of turning up Mark he had succeeded in finding a frantic Mrs. Davis; Billy,was missing as well. I had taken him over an hour to calm her down and he only managed to do that by promising to go find the boy personally. Now Micah rode toward the McCain ranch hoping that Lucas had had better luck. Maybe he had found both boys.

Micah, dismounted and started for the front door, he turned the knob as he knocked entering without waiting to be ask,

"Did you find him, said Micah frustration evident in his words.

"No Micah, and none of the families between here and town have seen him, he knows better then to go off without someone knowing where he is," grumbled Lucas obviously becoming upset.

"I Got the same story in town, cept that the widow Davis says that Billy is missing too; it took me some time to calm her down or I would have gotten here sooner," said Micah sitting down and taking a steaming cup from Lucas.

How about some stew, I was just about to dish some up. We'll have to give them to morning to show up it's too late to start searching tonight." said Lucas

"Don't mind if I do,"

Lucas sat two steaming bowls on the table before taking the chair opposite Micah.

Micah took one bite and looked toward Lucas,

"Mrs Davis said she had scolded Billy for skipping out on his chores, told him he wasn't to leave the house except for school for the next week. Then yesterday she threatened to take a switch to him. So she figures that he might have taken the notion to run off. You don't suppose that Mark got the same notion do you?"

"I suppose he could have but he and I haven't had words, and I haven't punished him in long while. So I don't think he would.

" I guess that we can meet in front of my office at six and start looking, I'll send Molly over to check on Mrs. Davis. In the morning.

"Okay maybe we will have better luck picking up their trail in the morning" said Micah pushing back his empty bowl.

"How about a piece of that apple pie I promised you," said Lucas

All at one both men jumped up the could hear the sound of horses approaching, both men ran toward the door. Lucas grabbing the lantern from the table as he ran. Holding it high as he follow Micah out the door.

"Maybe it's them now," he said.

"It's Mr. Peterson, wonder what brings him out at this late hour." said Micah.

"Lucas, Sheriff, I don't guess your boys home?"

"No, as a matter of a fact the sheriff and I were just making plans to go out search at first light. Turns out the Davis boy is missing too.

"Well, I just rode out to let you know that after you left I caught my to fighting when I asked what was wrong George calmed up tight. But it didn't take more then a stern look to get Becky talking, seems that George has be playing hooky with Mark and Billy he would have been right where they are except he got a late start this morning and I drove him to school." said Mr. Peterson.

"I see, does that mean that you know where they are," asked Micah.

"That's why I'm a might late getting out. I had to take my belt to George to get a straight answer out of him, you know boys, he didn't want to rat out his friends. Anyways he says they have been hanging out at the old Banning Mine." answered Mr. Peterson.

"I must have told Mark at least a half a dozen times to stay away from that old mine, I guess your boy's not the only one that's in for a whippn. Thanks for coming out, I'm sorry to be the one bringing trouble to your door tonight." answered Lucas with signs of anger evident in his voice.

"Don't worry, they brought the trouble on themselves. I only wish they had spoken up sooner. You might have been ably to get him home before dark." replied Mr. Peterson.

"Well, at least we know where to start looking, Mr. Peterson, I'll ride back toward town with you. Lucas I'll see you at six, try not to worry.

"I'll try, if he shows up in the night, we will both ride in to tell you; Mark may be over the saddle instead of in it," called Lucas as he watched the two ride away.

oOo

"Ouch, Mark stop kicking me," groaned Billy.

"Mark turned over and continued sleeping. Mark! Mark! Where are you, the sound of shouting echoed in Mark's dream.

"Down here Pa ! Down here!" he Shouted.

The shouts would get louder and louder, until Mark was sure they had been found and then they would come from far off again. Some were deeper down into the shaft a timber cracked and rocks began to rumble and fall. The Mining car learched and began sliding downward, finally come to a stop with a thud. Both boys sat up wide awake. Neither boy dared to move, as the sound of rocks crashing below continued. There was a dim light somewhere up above.

"Just think if I had minded my ma I would be home have biscuits and gravy right now," whined Billy.

Mark laid back against the car and looked up, he was glad Billy couldn't see the tears spilling down his face. When the rumbling stopped and the light grew brighter, Mark wiped his eyes on his sleeve and began to stir,

"Billy be really still I'm going to climb up and see if we might fall again."

"No Mark you can't move the rocks will shift again, just be still." said Bill in a broken voice that Mark knew meant that he had been crying too.

"Look Billy, I'm scared too, and if you must know I have to relieve myself and I'm not doing that in this cart.

Billy wrinkled his nose and squirmed a little reminded that he needed to go too,

"Okay, but be really careful," cautioned Billy.

Mark stood slowly around the small car. After that he tried to rock the care from side to side, all the while praying the car would not move. Thankfully his pray was answered and the car didn't budge. Mark climbed up onto the edge of the car. From here he could see that the car now rested on what was now the bottom of the shaft Rocks and timbers packed the shaved with one piece of timber jutting up and wedging the care against the walls of the shaft except for one small rock filled corner. Mark pulled his leg up and over the cart dropping out of the cart. And stumbling across the rocks as he unbuttoned his britches.

"Mark, come back, don't leave me!" shouted Billy.

"Stop shouting, I told you I had to go, I be right back to help you out of the cart," answered Mark.

As soon as Mark finished he returned to the cart and help Billy out before stooping down and checking under the cart. Satisfied that the cart really couldn't fall any farther he jumped back in leaving Billy to do his business.

Bill returned, relief showing in his eyes it was light enough now that they could see all the way to the top of the shaft. They could see scrap marks down the walls and a jagged rock protruding from the wall about fifteen feet above, that must have been where the cart lodged last night.

"Gees, Mark that looks a long way up, and I don't see anything we can grab hold of," whined Billy.

"I agree its at least sixty or one hundred feet. We'll just have to wait Pa or somebody is sure to come soon. We could try yelling for help," suggested Mark.

Both boys began screaming at once,

"Somebody anybody we're down here! We need Help!" they screamed and screamed for what seemed like an eternity. They kept it up until neither could scream any longer and clasped to the bottom of the cart. Pronouncing it hopeless.

"It's no use, there's no one around for miles. We may never get out of here!" shrieked Billy.

"Listen Billy I told you my pa will find us." said Mark

"When he does I can promise you one thing I'm never going anywhere near this place again. That is if my ma ever let's me out of the house again." said Billy.

"At least your lucky, you just get sent to your room and confined to the house. My pa promised he would take his belt to me if he ever caught me here," responded Mark letting himself think of what he had brought on himself for the first time.

"Gee I guess I really am luck, not having a pa, all my ma's hollering and crying is bad enough," said Billy.

Both boys sat quietly for a long time before Mark finally broke the silence,

"What's it like having a ma, Billy?"

"Most times she's really nice, she'll always helping me and making things nice. We always have good things to eat. And she is real good at explaining things. But when she get worried or upset she cries a lot and when she get that why she don't want me out of her sight. Then if she starts telling me how she was worried or I scared her she makes me feel like a musta stepped right on her heart. You know she goes all mushy and sappy just like a girl." finished Billy turning his eyes on Mark.

"What's it like having a pa?" he asked.

"My pa does all the fuss and worryn stuff just without the mush, he just say it straight out and that 's how things are. He and I are good friends, we're even partners on the ranch." answered Mark.

Does it hurt real bad...? Getting a belt used on ya I mean," asked Billy.

"I don't know, I've heard the other boys at school say it hurts like the dickens, pa ain't never used one on me before, mostly I just do like he says, I don't like disappointing him. He did put me over his knee once last year for going to Cooper's Bluff alone. He only used his hand then but he sure put a sting in my britches. I don't know how bad it will hurt, and I'm not looking forward to finding out.

"My ma's always threatening to take a switch to me, be she never does, maybe you pa was just threatening." suggested Billy.

"Nope, if there's one thing I learned about my pa in ten years it's that he don't make threats, he promised to take his belt to me if he caught me here, and it sure looks like the only way out of here is going to be his finding me. Let's think about something else I don't like thinking about it," answered Mark.

"Maybe we can come up with some story of how we was kidnapped and brung up here against our will," suggested Billy.

"I Wouldn't try that if I were you, Billy Davis, your in enough trouble already without adding a lie on top. Are the two of you okay?" shouted Micah from above.

" Yes Sir, Billy's arm has cut but we are okay, Boy are we glad to see you, is my pa up there?" shouted Mark.

"Yes Mark you two just stay put, we'll have you out in no time," answered Micah.

"Okay, Micah lets bring Billy up first, you ready? Questioned Lucas dropping down at the edge of the shaft and call down to Mark.

"Mark I'm throwing this rope down and I want you to tie it around Billy then we will pull him up first. Then I will throw it back to you." ordered Lucas sternly.

"Yes Sir," called Mark reaching up to catch the falling rope.

Twenty minutes later, Mark watch over his shoulder as Micah squeezed Billy in a bear hug just like the one his pa was giving him. Dropping Mark to the ground Lucas lay a hand on his shoulder,

"The two of you are mighty lucky boys," said Lucas looking deep into Mark's eyes.

"You can say that again, Sir," added Billy.

"Sorry to cause all this trouble and worry, Pa" stuttered Mark not liking the disappointed look in his Pa's eye.

"We'll discuss that later right now let's get the two of you over to see Dr. Adams, and let Billy's ma know that he's alright." said Lucas laying down one firm swat to the seat of Mark's britches propelling him forward.

"That goes for you too, son get moving," ordered Micah landing a swat of his own to Billy's backside.

oOo

"Lucas, Micah, what can I do for you," asked Dr. Adams as the ushered the two boys in in front of them.

"Well Doc. Billy here has a cut on his arm and both boys spent a long night in the old Banning mine, I thought it would be a good idea to give them the once over," explained Lucas.

"Good thinking, Mark why don't you step into the examining room and undress, you will find a wash basin and a towel to clean up abit while you wait, I'll be in to check you over as soon as I get Billy's cut taken care of," said Dr. Adams.

"I'm fine Pa honest, there's no need for the doctor to look at me," said Mark.

"Mark, you heard the doc, now get in there and do like he said," Said Lucas giving him a stern look.

"Yes Sir," answered Mark dragging his feet toward the exam room.

" Alright son, hop up here and let me look at that arm." Tell me son what on earth were you two doing at the old Banning mine, that's no place for youngns' to be hanging around. I been telling folks for years that we should blast the entrance and seal it for good." said the Doc Adams.

"We, sorta snuck away from school, we were looking for some excitement, nothing much ever happens around here." answered Billy.

"Micah it's gonna need a couple of stitches, and it's gonna hurt a might son, but by my way of thinking you got a little pain coming, sneaking off and worrying folks like that." grumbled doc. Adams.

"Okay, Doc you take care of that, and I'm going to go tell his ma he's alright and then we'll be back to get him." said Micah tipping his hat," as he headed for the door.

Mark stood in the next room convinced he had done a fair job of washing up; when he looked in the mirror he didn't see any cuts or bruises, just a scratch or two. Mark jumped up on the exam table in just his cotton drawers and waited, it sure was taking a long time. He leaned back on the table thinking things sure didn't turn out the way they had planed. Finally the door open, and Doctor Adams came in, he didn't say much as he poked and prodded and took inventory.

"I'm think we're finished son, you can get dressed, looks like you were right you are medically fine."

"Are you sure that you can't find something wrong, just enough to save my backside from that lickn' pa promised me?" asked Mark buttoning his shirt.

"Not on your life, I think you might just need a good dose to help you remember, not to go sneaking around where you don't belong." answered the doc, opening the door.

"Lucas, these boys' are fine, but I concur with your recommendation; a good hide dusting for the two of them." laughed the doctor tussling Mark's hair.

"Thanks, doc I'll see to it that your recommendation is carried out. Come on boys," said Lucas with a wide grin.

Mark and Billy both hung their heads as the proceeded Lucas out the door. Just as the door was closing Micah and Mrs. Davis were crossing the street. Seeing his mom Billy broke into a run throwing himself into her out stretched arms.

"Billy, you have made me half sick with worry, what am I going to do with you, running off like that and me no knowing where you were. Oh Billy, I was so worried," she said before bursting into tears.

"Micah, I think I will leave Billy and his ma with you, Mark and I need to get home we've got some unfinished business to tend to before we get to all those neglected chores." said Lucas motioning for Mark to mount up.

"Bye,Micah bye Billy, sorry for worrying all of you." called Mark as he turned his horse toward home.

"Bye Mark, see you in school," called Billy turning from his mothers skirt.

"Now, young man I going to walk you and your mother home and then you and I are going to have a long talk now march!" thundered Micah. I must have been the longest two block Billy had ever walked the only sound he heard was his mother's crying.

Billy stepped up onto the front porch and opened the door he was greeted by all five of his sisters each one expressing how worried their mother had been. Micah waited for a few minutes and then Mrs. Davis dried her eyes and sent the girls out of the house so that she and Micah could talk to Billy.

"Sit down son, I want to talk to you, I am at my wits end with what to do with you, first your skipping out on chores and now skipping school and going off to who knows where getting your self near killed. Sherri ff Micah and I have talked and I think he's right it time someone took a firm hand with you. I have given him permission to do just that, so you do just as he says you hear?" said Mrs. Davis as tears started to fall again.

"Alright Billy, I think you understand what that means, let's go we're gonna take a walk out to the shed."

Micah stood and place a firm hand on the boy's shoulder following him through the kitchen and out the back door. As soon as the two of them were outside all five sister trooped back inside. Once inside the shed Micah lead Billy over to a nail keg where he sat down and pulled Billy up in front of him.

"Billy your mother tells me you have become some what of a problem lately, you won't do your chores and you aren't going to school like you are suppose to and now this I know that I have told everyone of you children myself not to go anywhere near the mine. But as I was telling your mother boys sometime require a firm hand to get the message," with that Micah reach out and pulled the ten year old over his knee and began to send the dust flying from his britches. Billy wailed an squirmed with every swat. After ten, Micah stopped and stood the boy up.

"That was for all the worry and work you caused folks, but as I understand it you were told to come straight home from school and you were to go no where else but to school is that correct?" asked Micah standing up.

"Yes Sir," answered the sniffing and blubbering young man,

"Very well I want you to turn around and grab hold of that bench," said Micah as he reached down and removed his belt. I want you to remember this the next time you think of disobeying your ma." with that he raised the folded belt and brought it down five times before turning Billy around.

"Now young man if you and I have to address this again I promise I'll leave your backside so sore you won't sit for a week, Do we have an understanding?" said Micah as he retreaded his belt.

"Yes Sir, I will remember you won't have to remind me again" sniffed Billy as tears ran down his face.

"Then we're finished here; now pull yourself together and go in and tell your ma your sorry for worrying her." said Micah pulling the boy into a quick hug.

oOo

Lucas and Mark pulled their horses to a stop in front of the ranch house, it had been a long silent ride.

"Mark you get these two horses cared for and then wait for me in the bedroom," said Lucas sternly.

"Mark obeyed without a word. He knew things were not good his pa went about the barn chores with saying a word. When he had given both horses a good rub down and oats he turned and started for his room.

Lucas let Mark stew for about half and hour, he knew what he had promise and therefore what he would do. Rising from his easy chair he reached down and unbuckled his belt folding it as he crossed to the bed room door.

"Mark, I'm very disappointed in you, First off you know how important your schooling is, yet you choose to play hooky for three days, why?"asked Lucas sitting down on the bunk next to Mark.

"Pa, I don't have a good reason, just kid stuff I guess." said Mark.

"And what do you have to say for yourself about lying to me, about going to school for the last three days?" questioned Lucas.

"I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't thinking sir," answered Mark.

"And I guess you weren't listening when I promised to take my belt to you if I ever caught you anywhere near that mine."

"I heard you pa honest, but that's where all the fella want to hang out, what could I do they would all call me chicken if I said my pa won't let me go there. I mean I kept saying no until Billy gave in then I had to go, everybody knows Billy is the biggest chicken in town." answered Mark.

"Mark McCain, if that's your logic I suppose that if Billy decided to go jump off of Cooper's Bluff you would have to jump too." thundered Lucas.

"Why no pa it not the same that would be suicide, everyone knows that people cant fly. The mine is different, we been there lots of times and not gotten hurt are even endangered until this time."

"Mark why do you thing I warned you not to go there," Lucas asked.

"Because you thought it was dangerous," answered Mark.

"No son it was because I know it is dangerous, but since you didn't think enough of me to mind my words I'll just have to go at it another way. Stand up son,I want you to turn around and lean over the end of that bunk." ordered Lucas.

Lucas delivered five solid licks, before stopping to speak,

"Mark when I tell you to do, or not to do something I expect you to mine me, Lucas brought the belt down five more time,

"Ouch pa please, I'm sorry I will do just what you say from now own, ouch pa it hurts." shouted Mark between licks.

"See that you do son, because if I have to do this again, you will not sit comfortable for a week." said Lucas delivering one last hard lick to the crease of his legs where Mark would feel it most when he sat."

Lucas stood retreading his belt and watching Mark sob into the quilt. When he finished he reached down and pulled Mark into his arms. Giving him a tight hug.

"You know son whipping you like that hurts me almost as bad, you remember that and stay out of trouble you hear?" said Lucas.