New Beginnings ch. 7

Colorado Springs

Checking the time again, Jack sees it's close to nine o'clock. "Joseph, we need to be going. Tell Mrs. Cannon thank you and you enjoyed the meal."

Obeying quickly in case Jack decides he needs more licks, Joseph says "Thank you very much for the meal Mrs. Cannon. It was really good."

"You are quite welcome young man. Would you need the W.C. again before you go?"

His face a light pink color from embarrassment, Joseph answers. "No Ma'am, thank you."

"You two just come back and visit when you come this way again. Mr. Dempsey go easy on your young brother here. He's a well behaved young man and doesn't deserve to be treated as harshly as you seem to think. I know I'm overstepping my bounds saying that but it's the truth! I've seen many youngsters in my years and this one is not a troublemaker. Go easy on him from now on for my sake."

"I'll keep your words in mind, Mrs. Cannon. Thank you for your gracious hospitality and delicious cooking. I'm sure we'll stop back here again. Let's go Joseph." Jack says standing up from the table.

As they leave the boarding house, Joseph wants to ask Jack if all the sternness was part of his big brother act but keeps quiet.

"Alright Joseph, let's go see that rodeo. We'll have to hitch a ride out to the fairgrounds though. Let's walk over to the blacksmith and ask about a ride."

"Hello sir." Jack greets the blacksmith. "My young brother and I are traveling through and wish to see the rodeo. Do you know how we can get a ride to the fairgrounds?"

"Well, I could rent you a buggy for the day. It would be four dollars for the use of a horse and buggy. I don't know of anyone who would give you a lift so it's either walk the three miles or rent the buggy."

"We'll take a buggy. Thank you sir. I'll have it back to you by two this afternoon."

"What's the problem Joseph? You seem to be thinking about something deeply. I thought you'd be excited to go to the rodeo."

"It's nothing Jack. I am excited, so thanks for taking me. I was just thinking about how much money you are spending on me. The food, the buggy, the set of clothes, I guess the tickets to the rodeo. I am going to have to get my Uncle to wire you some money when I do get back home. I'll probably be in trouble for this too! Everything I do lately, I get in trouble. Maybe I'd best go on to St. Louis and not go home."

"You really need to go home, Joseph. Your family is going to be really worried about you. The longer you stay away, the harder it is for them. You are lucky to have a family who cares enough to punish you when you do wrong. I never had a family." Jack tells him.

"Well, today you do. I'm your brother, right?"

"Yes, so as the older brother you have to obey me. I want you to stay right beside me today. If you don't mind me, you will be in trouble with me! Follow me and stay close." Jack says as they park the buggy and walk to the entrance gate for the rodeo.

"How much for two please?" Jack asks at the ticket booth.

"One dollar for two tickets, price includes all events and food and drink for the day. Just show the ticket for each event or when you get food or drinks."

"Fine, I'll take two tickets then. What time is the first event?"

"Barrel racing starts in three minutes. You and your young friend have just enough time to make it to a seat."

"Thank you. Let's walk Joseph." Jack announces as he walks off towards the area the man indicated.

After watching the horses and riders race around the barrels, they moved over to the next event, the bucking broncos.

"I'm going to go get us a couple of drinks. You stay right here and do not move from this seat until I tell you to. I'll be back soon." Jack says at the end of the event.

After watching Jack walk out of sight, Joseph walks over to the corral where the horses are kept. Noticing the boy looking at the horses, a man dressed as a cowboy walks up to the fence.

"Hi ya youngster. Come to see the horses have you? These are fine horses just not tamed yet so don't get near."

"Yes sir. I'm familiar with wild horses. My Uncle trains horses for the Army and I help. What makes them buck like they do? I've ridden some wild horses and they don't buck after the first few times someone sits on them." Joseph replies.

"The boys spur them son. That makes them buck the way they do."

"They SPUR them with those metal pointed spurs? That would hurt! That's cruel to do that!' Joseph exclaims angrily.

"You know what else is cruel?" says a voice behind him, "Running off when I specifically said to stay put! Let's go Joseph!" Jack says putting his hand on the boy's shoulder and steering him back behind the stands they were sitting in. "I told you to do something and you defied me!" Jack exclaims angrily. He then takes Joseph by the arm and proceeds to land six very hard smacks to the boy's backside.

"OUCH ! Jack! Jack stop! You are not to hit me as you aren't even my brother! STOP IT! I want to go to the train station! I'm ready to move away from you! I want to go to St. Louis!" Joseph finally gets out after Jack stops spanking him.

"That is fine with me boy. I will put you on the train and we will be rid of each other! Let's go!"

As they enter the station Jack points to the set of chairs across from a ticket counter.

"Alright then, you go sit on those chairs while I get the tickets. Do not move from the chairs until I get back. I will spank you again in front of all these people if I need to!"

"Yes Sir."

Waiting for the boy to get to the chairs several feet away, Jack approaches the ticket window. "Hello, I need to purchase two one way tickets to Paradise, Colorado please. One adult ticket and one for a child."

"That will be four dollars, sir."

"How much for the same tickets for a private car? "

"That would be eight dollars sir." The teller replies.

"Very well then, I'll take two tickets at the eight dollar price. When is the train expected to leave?"

"I'll check on that, just one second, here it is…. Paradise ….. It's scheduled to leave here in thirty minutes. We just had a train come in from there by the way."

"Thank you for the help."

"You're quite welcome Mr. Dempsey. You have a good reputation around here. " At Jack's surprised look, the man continues "I knew who you were the minute you walked in the station. Thank you for working our territory Mr. Dempsey."

"You are welcome." Jack answers as he takes the two tickets. Turning back towards the seats where Joseph is sitting he sees a man hurry through the front doors of the station. The man is wearing a wide brimmed hat and a long duster over his clothes and has the look of a gunman or the law. Jack watches as he scans the station without moving his head. He sees him stiffen slightly when he catches sight of the boy.

Alright Jack, time for plan two. Jack tells himself. Walking over to the chairs where Joseph is sitting all slumped over, he says "Sit up straight! You need to look respectable here. There's someone I want you to see."

"Who?" Joseph asks curiously. As far as he was aware, they were supposed to be in hiding not meeting people.

"Look across the room towards the front doors and you'll see." Jack says quietly.

Turning in the chair, Joseph looks where Jack directed. His gaze passes over the women, children and the men all standing in a group by the doors. Then he sees him. Standing a little way inside the doors but apart from everyone else. His deep brown eyes staring straight at Joseph.

"Go to him Joseph. He needs to feel you right now. Go on! I'll be behind you." Jack tells the child staring open mouthed at the man.

Hesitantly Joseph begins to walk across the room. The man doesn't move he just seems to be waiting. Halfway across the room Joseph stops and waits. Biting his lip he watches for a sign. Anything to let him know he isn't angry.

The man removes his hat and opens his arms wide. Seeing the brown hair and the open arms Joseph feels his feet begin to move and in seconds he's running full out to those arms.

As he crashes into the man he says "Uncle Ethan! I'm so sorry! I apologize sir, for everything I've done! Please forgive me! I'm sorry for running off and I want to go home!"

Wrapping the boy up in his duster with his arms around him, Ethan whispers "SHH, Calm down son. Everything will be all right. You are safe now and that's all I care about. Just let me hold you a little longer." Feeling wetness on his shirt front he tips the child's head back to see his face. "Tears Joseph? Are you scared of me son?"

"NO SIR, I'm just so happy to see you! I'm very ready to go home and I'll take whatever punishment you need to give me, without complaining. I know I deserve to be punished for this."

"Let's not talk about that at this time, Joseph. Let's just get the tickets and get home. We'll have a long ride to discuss what you did and why." Turning with Joseph still wrapped in an arm, he sees a younger man standing nearby.

"Would you be Jack Dempsey?" Ethan asks.

"Yes Sir, Mr. Cord. I am Jack Dempsey. I work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency based in Denver. I just happened to run into Joseph here unexpectedly while I was working a case. We talked and I figured out who he belonged to. You see, I was one of the agents who helped with the kidnapping case against Jake Driscoll. How is George now? We've never met but I was one of the investigators in the case."

"George is doing well now, thank you. As soon as the trial was over and Jake sent away, George began to come back to being the boy he used to be. So you are the one who has kept Joseph safe all this time?"

Shocked to hear this man is really an adult and a detective instead of being just an older brother figure, Joseph feels betrayed in a way.

"He didn't keep me all that safe. He's the one who hurt me. He walloped me when I hadn't even done anything!" Josephs speaks up angrily.

Giving the boy his best 'watch your behavior' look, Ethan says firmly but quietly "You just keep a civil tongue young man, I just might decide to spank you right here. I will too, if you're not behaving more respectfully in the next few minutes! Now apologize !"

"Yes Sir. I apologize Mr. Dempsey for what I said." Joseph whispers not looking at the man.

"Oh, am I Mr. Dempsey now? What happened to calling me Jack?"

"I didn't know you were a grown up and a detective when I called you that. You didn't tell me. You said you were nineteen. I'm thinking you must be older. I'm not allowed to call adults by their first name, sir. I'm already in deep trouble here so I am not going to make it worse if I can help it!"

Laughing at Joseph's sour expression and words, Jack says "Understood Joseph. You're right, I"m twenty six not nineteen. Now what if I give you permission to call me Jack. Would you do it?"

"Only if Uncle Ethan allows me to, sir." Joseph answers as respectfully as he can.

"You may call him Jack if you wish Joseph. Mr. Dempsey, I owe you for keeping the boy safe and sound. He seems well taken care of and I know that is your doing. I appreciate you sending word where to find him also. We had no idea where he was. I checked the train but no one had seen him get on and he wasn't seen boarding a stage either. If you would, send me a statement for what I owe you and I'll wire the money to you."

"Mr. Cord, I was happy to look out for him. He's a good kid just a little mixed up right now. As to money, you don't owe me a thing. I wired the office and they sent me word to pay for everything. According to my boss you helped capture several criminals wanted by the agency. This is our way of paying you back. Here are two tickets for a one way trip back home to Paradise. I believe the train is about to begin boarding. Enjoy the trip and take care."

"Thank you again. I will see to it this does not happen again. This should be the last of my children the Pinkerton agents have to rescue!" Ethan replies.

"Yes sir. Now Joseph, I'm sorry for all the hateful things I did and said to you today. I know I confused you and hurt you with my behavior. I wanted to make sure that you would turn to your Uncle here when we did see him. I felt if you were afraid of me, it would make you want to go home. It worked didn't it?"

"I wanted to go home last night after I climbed in the boxcar. I really didn't want to run away but I was scared. Then I met you and you were so nice at first, I thought I could at least go to Colorado Springs first and then go back home. Now I wish I'd just gone home to begin with. Jack? How did you know I belonged to Uncle Ethan? I only told you my first name."

"I knew because you mentioned the two younger brothers and older sister plus you mentioned you living with your Uncle. I knew Ethan lived and worked in Paradise and had taken in his niece and nephews. It didn't take much to guess who you were. When we got here yesterday I sent a telegram to my boss and he confirmed I had the right family. I then sent a telegram to your Uncle telling him to meet you today here at the station."

"Joseph? We need to get on the train. Tell Jack thank you and let's go."

"Thank you for being my friend and for helping me get back home."

"You are welcome. Now go home and stay there. If I hear you have run off again, I will come find you and I will give you that spanking I promised you!"

"Yes Sir, I'll stay put. I promise!" Joseph grins as he walks off with Ethan towards the train.


Paradise

"So do you have the contract signed ?" asked the young captain.

"There seems to be some mistakes on it. We need to discuss the terms before it is signed." Rob answers.

"Boy! I am a captain in the United States Army therefore you do as I say! I say sign the contract so I can get out of this God forsaken hell!"

Opening the barn doors and stepping out, Mitch says "You are not a captain young man. I know that for the truth. Who are you really and where is your superior officer?"

"Just who are you to demand and make false accusations! I should report this to the authorities!"

"Report away young man. The authorities as you call it are standing right in front of you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Deputy Sheriff Mitchell Williams formerly of Colorado Springs! I believe you and I have met before but you were not wearing a uniform at the time."

"I have never been to Colorado Springs! I am here to get a contract for the army for the training of these beasts some people call horses. Please instruct this child to do as I bid him and sign!"

"Rob? Do you have the paper with the original details of the contract?" Mitch asks looking to his side at Rob.

"Yes Sir! It's right here. Here is the original contract drawn up by the army and Uncle Ethan."

"I have read through this contract plus the original agreement both the army and Ethan agreed on. It plainly states there will be ten horses delivered to the Cord Ranch to be trained for two months for payment of ten dollars a head. The agreement says payment will be made at delivery and at return. That means the army owes Rob a total of seventy five dollars today. The remaining seventy five will be paid when you return for the horses." Mitch explains.

"Wait just a minute! Ten horses at five dollars now is fifty dollars not seventy five. Are you trying to flim flam the U.S. Army sir?" The captain snarls glaring at Rob and Mitch.

"Not at all. The price is higher than originally stated because you brought in five extra horses. Surely you don't expect the Cord Ranch to board, train and care for the horses for no money. It costs money to feed horses! Now we have talked this down to the end. You want these horses trained then you pay the boy the money. If not just let me know and we will help you drive them back to your encampment."

Shaking with fury at being out manipulated, the young captain reaches into his coat and withdraws a large black leather money holder. Peeling off two twenties, three tens and five ones he thrusts the money at Mitch. Here, take it. We will pick up the beasts in two months!"

"Thank you very much for the payment. The Cord Ranch accepts the money and will train the horses expecting the remaining debt to be paid at pick up. Rob, go ahead and give him the copy of the contract you signed."

Snatching the paper from Rob's hand the man wheels his horse around and gallops off without saying another word.

Standing there staring at the money, Rob asks "Did you really know that man, Mitch?"

"No I've never seen him before."

"Then you lied?"

Realizing this was not what he wanted Rob to remember, he explains. "Rob, that boy is not really with the army that we know. I'm not sure, but it may be some kind of renegade group. If they want horses trained, they will pay the price everyone else pays. Joseph and Ethan do a good job and deserve to get what they ask for in payment. I did what needed to be done to see this happened. Do you understand that?"

"Sure Mitch. You lied!" Rob says grinning evilly at Mitch.

"So I did. I admit it, Rob. Don't tell Claire or the boys. I don't want them to know. We'll just keep this to ourselves. Okay?"

"Anything you say Mitch."


Colorado Springs

Boarding the train and finding they are in a private car, makes Joseph feel a little uneasy. At least with a regular car, there are people around. Joseph feels having people around would stop any punishment he might be given at this time.

Watching as his Uncle hangs up his coat, hat and gunbelt, he asks "Uncle Ethan, why are you wearing your guns? You never wear them except for work these days. I thought Jack sent a telegram saying I was with a friend."

"Just because someone writes something like that, doesn't always mean it is true. You could have been held hostage for money, kept for other unsavory things which you don't need me to spell out if you think back to our conversation about some men and younger boys, killed outright for nothing other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I didn't think about any of that I just reacted."

"So you traveled here in a boxcar? This would mean you climbed up in the boxcar and hid because you were traveling illegally without paying?" Ethan asks his voice stern.

"Yes Sir. I wanted to get away."

"I know why you ran off Joseph. We will be discussing that at a later time. Right now we're discussing the fact that you risked your life and safety to climb up into a BOXCAR where you had no business being! You didn't know who or even what was inside that boxcar! There could have been ….. I don't even want to have to think about this."

"Yes Sir. I am really sorry Uncle Ethan."

"I appreciate the apology Joseph. It does not get you out of trouble here. You made really dangerous choices here son." Upon seeing Joseph looking confused he continues "Joseph! People who hop the boxcars are usually not detectives! They are people who shoot first and talk later. Your headlong rush to get away from home was foolish, dangerous and extremely unnecessary! All you had to do was come to me, explain what happened to Rob's money and we would have dealt with it. Instead you chose to run off and put your life in danger! You were extremely lucky to get a car with Jack inside instead of someone much more dangerous!"

"Yes Sir, I realize that now. I just reacted, I didn't think first."

"Young man, you better START to think first! I have an incentive to get you started doing just that! Stand up, drop your pants and bend over this seat!"

After applying eight hard licks with his hand, Ethan pulls the boy into his arms and lets him cry. "Joseph, I don't like punishing you. I despise doing anything to any of my children to hurt them in any way. You have to be punished son. You put your life in danger by those actions. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

"Yes sir, you were angry and I was stupid, so I get my butt paddled for it." Joseph answers using one hand to rub his burning "butt" and the other to wipe the tears falling down his face. This spanking stung more than usual!

"NO Joseph, I never punish one of you children because I'm angry. Yes, it's true you boys sometimes make me angry but it's about what you have done. When you put yourself in danger, it's my job as your father to see to it you do not repeat that mistake. You are far from stupid young man and better start using that brain you have for the good things unless you want more fire across your bottom!"

"Yes Sir, I'll think about what I am doing first. Thank you for coming to get me and for caring that I could have been hurt."

"Oh Joseph, when are you going to get the message? You don't need to thank me! I will always be there to look out for you to help you when you need it, to listen, to guide you to making better choices. I am your Father and that is what I am here to do. We may knock heads and argue and yes you may wind up getting your britches tanned once in a while but it's part of being loved. If I didn't love you I wouldn't care at all how you behaved. Can you see that now?"

Wiping away the tears that want to fall after hearing these words, Joseph manages to say around the lump in his throat "I love you too, Pa. I've loved you since you came to St. Louis and rescued us. You took us in and made us your children right away. I've been difficult at times and I'm sorry. You ought to whip me right now for it!"

"I believe all the times you were "difficult" have already been taken care of. Let's just sit down and talk for a while. I'd like to hear about your time with Jack."

"I'll tell you but I would rather not sit right now if that's alright with you. You set my backside on fire! I don't know how you can do that with just your hand. I'm sorry I have been so much trouble lately. I'll do better."

"Yes you will. We do have much to discuss at home but we are not there yet so let's wait. What did you and Jack do on your misguided adventure? Let me warn you, if you did any other thing to break the law, you better not tell me about it. I would hate to have to bend you over this couch for a meeting with my belt."

"I didn't break the law anymore sir. Honest! Jack paid for everything we did. When we got to Colorado Springs last night ….. just last night, it seems so long ago….anyway he went somewhere and I hid behind a store building. He came back with these clothes and food and even some milk for us to drink. We went over to the closest stable and had supper then we went to sleep. Early this morning he woke me up and we went over to a bathhouse and took a bath and put on the new clothes. Unc… I mean Pa, can we buy a real bathtub instead of having to use the washtub still? Rob and I are getting too big to fit comfortably in the washtub." Joseph asks hopefully.

"Maybe after we get the money from the army for the set of horses we are going to train. I'll look into building a bathing room with a water closet. Claire would enjoy having a place to soak her arms when they hurt. "

"Yes and George would love it if we had a W.C. since he despises using the outhouse. He finds other places to go! He's gotten really good at hiding this."

"I'll have to have a talk with him about that. I had no idea. Why didn't you speak up sooner?"

"Rob has been handling it. He's spanked him twice in the last three weeks. He told me to keep it quiet because you had enough worries. After our bath we went over to this really nice boarding house. The lady who runs it is named Mrs. Cannon and she fixes a tremendous breakfast. We were there early so it was just the two of us. We had eggs, biscuits, sausage, ham, bacon, toast, gravy, fried potatoes and she had hominy but I didn't taste that. Mama used to make grits sometimes and they were good especially with cheese but this hominy was not looking good. Oh, she had apple juice too. it's sweet and really good when it's cold. Mrs. Cannon has a box to keep ice cold in her kitchen. She gets a block of ice every morning and that keeps her cold foods chilled! Maybe we could get an ice box with the Army money."

"Didn't you say just a few minutes ago, you would like a bathing room? Now you want an icebox! Are you going to say let's get a telephone for our house next?" Ethan teases him smiling.

"No, I don't think I would use a telephone. I don't need one of those. I would use a bath tub and an ice box though. Just think we could have cold milk and keep meat more than one day!" Joseph says excitedly.

"Joseph, we already keep meat more than one day. We get it smoked first and keep it that way. We also keep the milk cool by putting the bottle down into the well. You know this."

"Yeah, I know but the new ways are so much easier and nicer. We need to keep up with progress, Pa!"

"We keep up with progress as it comes to Paradise well enough. Now calm yourself down. Tell me more about your time with Jack. You said earlier he walloped you. What was it you did? I'm ashamed you would act out with a person trying to take care of you!"

"I really didn't do anything bad sir." Joseph answers thinking he needs to be as respectful as possible to avoid more licks. "He started out being all nice and friendly acting like Rob does sometimes, then he got mean. We were at the boarding house and he started lecturing me on my eating. I had eaten a lot but I mistakenly filled my plate to full. He told me to eat what I had chosen. I tried but it was too much. When Mrs. Cannon left the room, he made me lean over the table and he spanked me hard with his hand. He didn't warn me or tell me why I was going to be spanked the way you do. He just lit a fire on me. That's one reason your spanking hurt so much I guess. I was already a little sore." Joseph decides not to tell about the spanking for wandering off at the rodeo as it just might earn him another one.

"Pa? Do you mind if I stretch out and sleep? I'm really tired and my backside is throbbing still."

"Go ahead and take a rest son. We have more than three hours before we get home. I'll wake you in an hour." After letting Joseph sleep over the hour he said, Ethan walks over from the other side of the car to wake him. Looking down on the boy, he thinks how lucky the child was on this escapade.

Look at him, he's a good looking boy and looks younger than thirteen. We're so lucky it was a man like Jack who caught him and not someone who would harm him. He's still innocent of the evil out there in the world. As much as he's been through already, he still doesn't realize how evil people can be. Lucy? If you can hear me, I'm really doing my best by them. I hope you know that! You left me with them and now they are my children but I don't let them forget their Mama.

"Joseph? Time to wake up son. You need to wake up. Let's sit up now." Ethan lifts the boy into a sitting position leaning him up against the arm of the couch.

"Mama? Where did you go? MAMA?" Joseph whispers.

"It's Uncle Ethan Uh, Pa, son. Mama isn't here Joseph. Come on open your eyes."

Opening his eyes and seeing only his Pa, Joseph says "Mama was just here. I could feel her hand on my forehead and she was running her fingers in my hair. She told me it was time to tell you. She said I needed to be brave and tell you what happened."

"What happened when, Joseph?" Ethan asks in a strangled tone of voice. His own thoughts coming back to him making him think the boy had been harmed in some way.

"What happened to cause me to take Rob's money. " Joseph says cautiously not understanding the look on Ethan's face.

"I'm listening and I promise not to interrupt or scold until I hear you out."

"Well three weeks ago I saw this man in town and he had a lot of people around so I went to see what was happening. He was promising he could double people's money. He said even five dollars could be doubled. The man said to bring in the money to the new hotel the next day. I knew we could use the money to help pay for Claire's doctor visits so I took ten dollars from the butter and egg jar."

Receiving a glare at that announcement, he rushes to keep talking. "When I got to town the man said he would bring me back twice my money but I had to choose a horse first. He showed me a list of names of horses and I picked one. The next day I had twenty dollars! Uh, Pa? Are you going to be okay? Your face is all red."

"Finish the story Joseph." Ethan says taking deep breaths.

"I was excited so I told the man I wanted to do it again. I picked another horse and came back the next day to find I had won again. Now I had forty dollars. Forty dollars is a lot of money. The man told me he could get me sixty if the horse came in second but he also said if the horse lost I would owe him sixty dollars. This time the horse lost and I had to come up with sixty dollars or the man said he would hurt my family. I went in Rob's room, took the bank draft, filled it out for sixty dollars and sent it out. Denver sent back word the money was in Paradise Bank so I went in told them he needed the money and they gave it to me. I took it to the man at the hotel and left."

"Are you real mad? I'm sorry I stole the money. I was scared. That's why I did it. Pa? Uncle Ethan? Would you please say something? You are scaring me."

Taking a deep breath and counting to fifty in his head Ethan controls his urge to shout at the child or put him back over the couch for a whipping. "Joseph, I need to get away for a few minutes. I'm heading down to the dining car for something to drink. I'll bring you a glass back. STAY IN THIS CAR, HEAR ME?"

"Yessir." Joseph whispers seeing the anger in his Pa's eyes.

"Mama? If you can hear me, I just told him the whole story. He is really angry at me, Mama. I'm a little scared of what he might do to me. I've never seen that look on his face before. Mama? Can you help me out? I am in big big trouble. I think he's going to take the buggy whip to my backside this time! Please Mama, talk him out of it. Please?" Joseph says out loud after Ethan has left.

After waiting a long time and thinking about what all he's done, Joseph sees the door to their car open. Ethan comes in carrying a covered tray. "I brought you a sandwich as well as a drink. I thought you might be hungry. Your breakfast was some time ago."

"Thank you Sir. I'm a little hungry and really thirsty. I had some water but that didn't help much. What did you bring me."

"It's a ham sandwich and a glass of lemonade. I also brought the pitcher in case we need more to drink. The conductor said we can leave it all in the car and it will be picked up later. Here go ahead and drink some and eat if you'd like."

"How much did you have to pay for us to have this? I will find a way to pay you back for the money you had to spend on me. The cost of the ticket to come to Colorado Springs and the cost of this food."

"That won't be necessary son. There is nothing that would have stopped me from coming to get you. The cost of this food is included in our tickets. Just relax Joseph. I'm not angry any longer and I won't be punishing you at this time. We will take care of that once we arrive home and settle everyone down. In fact it can wait until tomorrow."

"If you don't mind Pa, I would like to go ahead and deal with the punishment today. I've been waiting and thinking about it for weeks. I would just like to get it over with! No matter what you decide to do to me I'm ready."

"All right Joseph we will handle it today. For starters you are housebound to your room all day tomorrow and to the ranch for one month. You will attend the rest of your school days and come home. There will be no visitors or trips to visit friends not even with the family. If the family goes to town you will remain at home. You will be assigned extra chores to help pay back the money you stole from Rob. I will get him to assign some of these chores."

"Yes Sir. That's pretty much what I thought would happen. Is there anything else?" Joseph asks wanting to know but not wanting to give his Uncle any ideas.

"Should there be something else? What do you think you deserve besides the punishments I listed?"

DON"T MAKE ME SAY IT! Joseph thinks all the while knowing he will have to answer. This is just like the time he was caught cheating in school and had to say what his punishment should be.

He glances at his Pa to see if he's still waiting for an answer and finds he is. Sighing deeply, Joseph whispers "I think I deserve a thrashing for gambling, lying and stealing, sir."

"We will deal with that when it is time. Right now just enjoy your last train ride for a long time. You will not see anything but the ranch for quite some time."

"Yes sir. Pa? Do you think I can still work with the horses? Am I restricted from training the army's horses? They were to be delivered today weren't they?"

"That was yesterday, Joseph. I'm not restricting you from working with the horses at this time. If you find yourself in any more trouble though, I will. You are very valuable to our contract. I would have difficulty trying to train all of those horses without your help."

"Rob could help you."

"Yes, Rob is good at working with horses too. He does well at saddle training. You are best at gentling the horses Joseph. Rob doesn't have that same talent. I don't quite have it either, I'll admit that to you. It's hard to admit a thirteen year old has bested me in the horse training!"

"Um Pa? Ben wants to try it too. He told me the other day that he wished you would let him try to work with a horse. Don't be surprised if he comes and asks to do it."

"He may ask all he wants but I will not allow a ten year old rambunctious child to go near untamed horses. Ben knows he is not allowed anywhere near these horses."


Paradise

Joseph is relieved to have been able to walk to Mitch's place without running into anyone they know. Now if they can just come by, get the horses and go home without having to talk to Mitch. Dealing with another angry adult is not something Joseph feels ready to do at this time. When they arrive at Mitch's house he sees Brown Betsy and Lightning waiting in the corral. Both horses are already saddled. Just as Joseph thinks about how good it is to see his horse, the door opens.

"Well I see the lost sheep has been found. Welcome back Joseph. You are still in one piece and walking so I'm guessing you two haven't had the discussion yet. Ethan, the army brought the horses out. Rob can tell you about what went on. I'll only tell you this, you have fifteen horses to work with instead of the ten you were expecting. I know you are ready to get home so Ethan, I'll see you when you are in town. Joseph? It was nice knowing you the short amount of time I did." Mitch says laughing at the stricken look that passes over Joseph's face.

"Mitch, you shouldn't tease the boy. From the stories I've heard you had some wild ideas of your own growing up. Joseph's not the first boy to act this way, not that this excuses him from what he did. If you come to the ranch tomorrow, I'm sure Claire would be happy to have you for supper."

"Thank you but I would not like to be eaten!" Mitch says trying to get Joseph to at least grin, if not laugh. When that doesn't work he says "Well, I really have plans to eat in town tomorrow night. I'm escorting someone to dine at the new hotel. I'll take you up on the supper offer another day."

"That will be fine, you are welcome to come anytime with no invitation. Let's get home, Joseph. I have much to do at the ranch." Ethan says giving Lightning the signal to walk.

In the barn, the boys are finishing up their assigned chores while Rob supervises. Not finishing that afternoon now has them being watched. Ben has just lifted the pitchfork to rake another fork of dirty hay from his stall when he glances out the window. Seeing Ethan and Joseph riding up the road, he shouts to George "Pa's home!" Tossing the pitchfork, he turns to run from the barn only to collide with Rob.

"Hold it! You DO NOT throw that pitchfork! You could hurt someone or one of the horses! Find it and put it where it's supposed to be. "

"But Rob! Pa's home with Joseph! " Ben explains.

"So I heard when you shouted loud enough to scare the horses. Make the choice Ben. Either pick up the pitchfork and put it up or I turn you over my knee again. It won't do to be getting a spanking when your Pa comes to the door now will it? Do you really want to add this incident to the list of things I already have to tell him?"

Seeing Ben standing there glaring angrily at Rob, George says "Oh Ben, just pick up the pitchfork! You don't have to make everything a battle and Rob's right. Do it before you get a whipping first thing from Papa!"

Stomping back to the stall to pick up the pitchfork, Ben glares at George and mutters "traitor"! This word earns him two stinging swats from Rob. "Watch yourself Ben! I still have plenty of time to put you over my knee and paddle your backside!"

"Yes Sir. May we go greet Pa now, sir?" Ben asks formally but has his hands clinched in fists at his side.

"Go on but do NOT run at their horses or both of you will get a tanning first thing from Uncle Ethan!"

The boys run from the barn but stop at the corral fence to wait for Ethan and Joseph. As soon as Ethan has dismounted, the boys rush to hug him. "I'm so glad you are back Pa! Rob Bossy Britches is just plain out mean!"

"I missed you too, Ben. You know better than to call your brother names. In what way do you think he's being 'mean'?"

"Hello Uncle Ethan, Joseph nice of you to come back home. I'm being mean because I insisted the boys complete their chores correctly instead of halfway done. Plus a few other reasons we won't get into right now but I will tell you later." Rob answers coming up from the barn.

"Ben, George? Did the two of you try to get out of doing your chores correctly?"

"Yes Papa we did and we're sorry." George tells him.

"Both of you go back into that barn and do everything you have been told to do! I will come check to see that it's been done so unless you want a trip over my knee, you'd better do it correctly! Joseph, go inside and stay with Claire. She'll want to fuss over you so let her for a little while. We'll talk later.

"Yes Sir." Joseph says but wonders about his horse. It's a long standing rule to always take care of the horse before anything else. Ethan is very strict about that. Joseph begins to unsaddle Betsy when Rob says "I'll do that, Joseph. You go on in to see Claire. She's been very worried about you."

"Thanks Rob." Joseph replies walking off to the house.

"Rob, I see the horses have been delivered. Mitch said there were some problems. What problems?"

'This man who said he was a captain, had a different contract than the one you told me about. His had fifteen horses for four dollars a head."

"Did you sign that?" Ethan asks more sharply than he means to.

"NO Sir, I knew better than to do that. I put the man off and told him I needed to get with you first. I told him to come back this morning. Mitch told me to look for the original agreement so when I found it, he and I made up a new contract. Mitch told me to copy your signature, Uncle Ethan." Rob stops to see if Ethan has anything to say about that information.

Not being scolded, he continues "Mitch came out early this morning and confronted the 'captain'. We were able to get him to agree to the terms of the original contract and sign it. He paid us five dollars a head for the fifteen horses. We have five extra, I hope you don't mind. The army will pick up the horses in two months and pay the other five dollars for each horse at that time."

"Did you keep a copy of this agreement, Rob?"

"Yes sir, I put it back into your metal box in the chiffarobe."

"You handled this very well, Rob. I'm very proud of you for being able to handle the swindler. I don't know who he may be, but I know for a fact it isn't the same person I talked with. This man's name was Captain Henry. He was a stocky, short man about twenty five or somewhere in there. What did the man you met look like?"

"He was older maybe thirty, skinny, tall, crooked teeth and had a mustache. He was wearing an army uniform but the jacket didn't have the right markings on it. He told me he was a captain though. Both Mitch and Ben say he wasn't. I haven't been around soldiers enough to know what to look for. But apparently my ten year old brother has!"

"Ben is a knowledgeable boy that's true. He sees things and remembers them from then on. He would make a good lawman or detective when he gets older."

"Yes but only if he curbs that reckless and stubborn streak he has now. If not he'll be the kind to act first and think last if at all. He's way to impulsive right now in my opinion anyway. I worry he's going to get into something really dangerous and no one will be there to get him out!" Rob tells Ethan.

"That sounds as if you had a run in with his stubborn streak while I was away. Go ahead, tell me what he's done, I'm ready." Ethan says pretending to have to hold on to the corral fence to brace himself for the bad news.