New Beginnings ch. 9

Not knowing what to say to the young boy about his last statement, Rob just picks him up. "Come on young one, I'll show you where you'll be sleeping and we'll get your clothes put up. You get to stay in the same room Ben and George sleep in. They're going to share a bed while you take George's bed."

"Do you sleep in here too, Rob?"

"No young one, I have my own room down the hall. I'll be close by though if you need something. You don't need to worry, Jamey. No one is going to let anything hurt you while you are with us. We take care of each other in this family. We take care of our guests also." Rob adds the last as he sees the little boy's mouth turn down. He has guessed what he might be thinking.

"Rob? When you get our young guest settled, both of you come on back in to the front room. We all need to talk together for a few minutes." Ethan says from the doorway.

"Yes sir, we're coming now." Rob answers taking Jamey's hand and walking him to the front room. After Jamey snuggles down on the bench seat next to Rob, Ethan takes a seat also.

"I called all of you in here to discuss the family rules. Jamey as long as you are staying with us, I will treat you the same way I treat all my children. Each of us has chores to do and is expected to follow certain rules. The main rules are: To be obedient- to always do what you are told without complaint, To keep yourself safe- by being obedient, I think you will be kept safe. You do whatever I tell you to do and also Rob, Claire or Joseph. Another important family rule is to treat each other and other people with respect. We don't allow arguing, fighting, being mean to each other and that includes throwing things at each other. There are several things that are forbidden in this family : Lying, stealing, putting yourself or someone else in danger are all things you make sure you do not do. Because if you do, it will mean a spanking."

"Do you have any questions about what I just told you?" Ethan asks the child sitting next to Rob.

"No sir. I'll be good for you Mr. Cord. My Papa said he would spank me again if I didn't. Spankin's hurt and I don't like them."

"Well Jamey, you just follow those rules and do as you are told. When you do that you won't need to worry about getting a spanking. I do want you to hear me though. If you misbehave while you stay with me, I will spank you if I think you deserve it. I don't just spank for everything. I'll only spank you for breaking one of those rules I just told you. If one of us tells you to do something and you do not do what you're told, you will get one warning, if it happens again I will punish you. Do you understand what I am telling you? I'm in charge of you until your parents return."

"Yes sir. Mr. Cord?"

"Yes son?" Ethan asks watching the wiggling child curiously. He's been seeing the boy wiggle for several minutes now.

"Uh, I need to … Uh that is … Can I use the W.C. before we talk any more? I need to real bad!" Jamey says bouncing and wiggling now.

"Rob, take him out back and you'd better hurry." Ethan says looking at Jamey.

"Yes sir. Let's go Jamey." Rob says standing and taking the boy by his hand. On the way back from the outhouse, Jamey asks "Rob, would you take me to see the big horse over there? It's pretty."

Looking to see where Jamey is pointing, Rob says "No Jamey, that is the stallion and only Uncle Ethan or myself goes near him. You be sure to stay far away from that horse because he can hurt you. He is out of bounds for anyone younger than sixteen. Do you hear me?"

"I hear. I don't see why I can't go look at him. I just want to look at him up close that's all."

"Because I just told you to stay away, that's why! Let me catch you near that horse and I'll spank you myself before I tell Uncle Ethan! You just ask Ben, George or even Joseph if I spank them and you'll see I mean what I say."

Gaping up at Rob in astonishment, Jamey says "I thought you were my friend! You're just going to be a mean ole bossy just like everyone else! " He yells "Leave me alone! I don't like you anymore!" while jerking his hand away when Rob tries to hold it. Beginning to cry, he runs off into the barn leaving Rob standing there wondering what caused the explosion.

After a minute or two, Rob follows the boy. Finding no sign of him in the stalls or lowest loft, he calls for him. "Jamey? I didn't mean to make you upset. Please come out so we can talk. I won't be bossy, I swear it." He says borrowing one of Ben's favorite sayings. Not getting an answer he says "Jamey? If you don't answer me or come out then I'll have to go get Uncle Ethan. You are going to be in trouble if I do. Running away and not coming when called will get you punished for not doing as you were told! Is this really how you want to start your stay here with us?"

Standing very still and quiet, Rob listens for any sounds. He hears something coming from the back stall of the barn. Walking quietly he walks up to the back stall and sees their young house guest curled up on the hay crying.

Before he can say anything to the boy, he feels a hand on his shoulder. Glancing behind him he finds Ethan standing behind him looking at Jamey. "I heard the yelling so I came to see what was happening. Why is he so upset?" Ethan asks quietly.

"He asked me to take him to see the stallion and I refused telling him he was not allowed near that horse. He threw a screaming fit and ran off calling me bossy and mean." Rob answers still confused over what caused the boy to react that way.

Nodding his understanding, Ethan moves over to inside the stall. Reaching down he plucks Jamey off the floor. "Here now Jamey, what's all this fuss about? Come let's sit down on the hay bales and talk." Ethan says carrying the child out to the main part of the barn. Sitting down on the bale, he holds Jamey in his lap rocking slightly until the boy seems to relax a little and isn't crying. "Now, tell me what the trouble is out here. I heard yelling. What's going on Jamey?"

"I thought Rob was my friend. He's been real nice to me until 'while go then he got mean."

"I see. What did he do that was mean? " Ethan asks the young boy.

"He started bossin me round. Tellin me I couldn do this and couldn do that! He said he would spank me! I don want him to spank me! You should spank him for bein mean to me!" Jamey finishes with a glare up at Rob.

Ethan also looks at Rob who is trying his best not to laugh at Jamey's ridiculous complaint. "Rob, go inside please. We'll talk about this later." Ethan tells him.

"Yes sir. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings Jamey. I still want to be your friend if you want me to be." Rob says before leaving the barn to go in the house.

"Jamey, Rob isn't trying to be mean to you. He's trying to keep you safe and out of trouble. He is right about the stallion. That horse is dangerous for anyone to be around except Rob or myself. I do not allow anyone else no matter who it is, to go near him. I don't want you hurt. You need to remember that in this family, you obey what you are told. It does not matter if it is Rob, Joseph, Claire or myself, we are all in charge of you. You will do what you are told without temper tantrums or you will find yourself in trouble! Am I understood?"

"Why do I have to mind all those people? Why do they get to tell me what to do? They're not grown people. Papa says I have to mind grown people he didn't say I had to mind other children."

"Rob, Claire and Joseph are older and they know how to keep you safe. You will listen to them and do what they tell you or you will be punished. If I hear of you disobeying or arguing the way you did with Rob, I might just take you over my knee and spank you! Is that understood now?"

Not getting any answer and seeing the pouting look on Jamey's face, Ethan continues. "Jamey! I asked you a question and I expect an answer! Do you understand you will be obeying what you are told? If you do not answer, we can go straight to the spanking this time! Young man, I told you before that you were to do as you were told and obey. You've already disobeyed me once, I'm giving you a warning you'd better not do it again!" The sternness in his voice makes Jamey begin to cry again.

"Yes Pa, I mean Mr. Cord. I'm sorry for what I did and said. I don't want a spanking. Please don't."

"I accept your apology and this is almost over. I want you to apologize to Rob and it will be all over. Jamey, you may call me Uncle Ethan not Mr. Cord. Your Papa and I are friends and he wouldn't mind if you called me that. Alright?"

"Yes sir, Uncle Ethan."

"Good boy, now let's go talk to Rob. You hurt his feelings when you shouted and ran away. Rob likes you very much. He's not trying to be mean, son. He just wants to keep you safe. A ranch is a dangerous place for young boys. Ben and George know the rules to keep themselves safe. You are new here and don't know this so Rob is trying to help you."

"I know that now and I'll listen better. I don't want to get in trouble." Jamey answers.

"After you apologize to Rob, we'll eat lunch. The boys want to take out the pony cart so you can ride with them. They have a treehouse to play in and some swings also. I'm sure the boys will show you more fun things to do while you stay with us the next few days." Ethan says standing and taking Jamey by the hand, he walks him back toward the house.

"Uncle Ethan sir?" Jamey asks stopping.

"Yes?"

"Why do my Mama and Papa want to get a new baby? I think it's because I'm a bad boy. I am you know."

Lifting the little boy up to sit on the corral fence, Ethan says "No Jamey, you aren't a bad boy. I think you really are a good little boy who just needs some attention. Your Papa and Mama enjoy having you around so they want to get another child too. Papa's and Mama's don't ever replace a child with a baby. They just want to have a big boy like you and a little baby too. You are going to be a big brother just like Rob and Joseph are to Ben and George. Let's go eat and if you want to talk to me more about this we can do it after lunch."

After lunch is finished, Ben stands up and says "C'mon Jamey! We're going to get Dobbin to pull us in the cart. I'll teach you to steer if you like!" He gets almost to the front door when his Pa's question stops him.

"Do you plan to walk out without doing your share of the kitchen chores today, Ben?" Ethan asks quietly but Ben hears the stern tone in his voice. Turning back to the kitchen area, Ben answers "No Sir, I just forgot about it being my turn to help do it today. I'm sorry Pa. I was just excited."

"I understand son. Dobbin will be there when you finish so don't rush through the clean up. Claire needs clean dishes and pots to use for our next meal. Jamey? I want you to take a wet cloth and wipe off the table after George clears the dishes. After that you and George are to dry the dishes after Ben washes them. Ben, you are to put the dishes and pots away after they are dry and help George sweep the floor."

"Yes Pa, I'll be sure to check that they are dry first." Ben answers remembering a time when he put up the pots while they were still wet. When Claire pulled out one later to use, it had moldy spots in it. The pot wound up being taken to the barn for use with the animals and he had wound up spending the next afternoon confined to his room.

As the three youngest boys were cleaning up, Ethan took the older three outside for a private talk. "Claire, I asked you and the boys to come out so we could talk without Jamey hearing us. Scotty told him he would be back for him by Saturday. During the next few days, I need you three to really keep your eyes and ears open. Jamey is very young and hasn't been brought up to mind very well. I know I told him the rules and consequences for behavior but I don't know if it matters. He's not like Ben or George in the way that he respects what he is told. He's already had a tantrum just because he was told he couldn't do what he wanted. I'll be here most of the time he's here but I'm asking for your help. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes Sir." All three answer.

While the older children were outside, Ben and George were having problems. "I don't want to clean the table! That's a girl job and I'm a BOY not a girl. Washing dishes is a girl job too! Ben must be a sissy boy to wash dishes!" Jamey announces once Ethan and the older children are outside. Without them, there is no one to make him mind as far as he's concerned.

"I'm not a sissy boy, Jamey!" Ben says glaring at the younger child. "We take turns cleaning up from meals in this family. Whoever does the cooking doesn't clean up, that's the rule."

"If we didn't clean up when it was our turn, we'd be in trouble. If you don't want to be in trouble then you'd better start doing your share. Papa will punish you if you don't do what you are told." George says as he takes the last of the plates off the table.

"I'm not drying these dumb ole dishes or wiping the dumb ole table either! I'm a guest and guests aren't supposed to be made to work!" Jamey says stomping his foot.

"That's fine Jamey. You just sit down there at the table and wait for Pa to come in. You can tell him how you are a guest and don't have to do any chores." Ben says winking at George.

BEN, you shouldn't tell him that! If he doesn't work he's going to get in trouble! We shouldn't let him get in trouble. George says silently.

I don't care if he gets in trouble, George. He's being a brat and I don't have to let him get by with that! Let Pa take him over his knee and he'll be a nicer kid! Ben sends his message back to George.

Ethan and Claire come in the front door just as Jamey plops himself down in a chair scowling at Ben and George. Claire goes to her room for a rest while Ethan stays in the kitchen area.

"Jamey? Why are you not helping the way I told you to do?" Ethan asks firmly, seeing the boy just sitting at the table. Glancing at Ben and George, he can see Ben is angry about something just from the look on his face.

"I don't want to do those chores because I am a boy not a girl. Those chores are girl's work not boy's work." Jamey answers still scowling angrily.

"Young man, in this house there are no girl's jobs or boy's jobs. All the work is handled equally. You are going to do as you were told or you will get a spanking. Now I believe I told you to wipe off the table and help dry the dishes, you need to start your share of the chores."

"Yes you did but those are girl's jobs and I'm not going to do girl's work. I am a boy NOT a girl and don't have to do girl things." Jamey answers back loudly and sullenly.

Ethan sees Ben and George swap a look and shake their heads at Jamey's answer. Moving into the kitchen, Ethan leans over, lifts Jamey off the chair and sits down with the boy over his knee. After three smacks to his bottom, Jamey is pleading to be able to do the chores.

"I'll help! Oh, stop, I'll do it, I will! OWEE! Oh, stop I be good now! PWEASE STOP!" Jamey calls out after spank number three. Ethan finishes with one harder spank and sets the boy on his feet.

"James, as I told you earlier, you WILL do as you are told and be respectful or you will suffer the consequences. Now get yourself busy with what I told you to do before I put you over my knee for a second set!"

Ben can't help but giggle as Jamey scampers to the sink to help dry. At the look from his Pa, he gets quiet. He knows he isn't to be laughing about someone else being punished.

After the boys finish the kitchen chores and Ethan has checked to see that everything is done, they go out to the barn. Once they reach the barn they find Dobbin already put into his harness and hooked to the pony cart.

"Who do you suppose hooked him up?" George asks Ben.

"Rob or Joseph I guess. I'm glad they did so we can have more time to ride around." Ben answers helping Jamey up into the cart. "Okay Jamey now that you are in the cart you have to stay sitting down and not try to get out until we stop. George you drive first and then I'll take a turn. After that if Jamey wants to try we'll help him."

After several trips around the yard, Jamey, still sniffling, asks "Does your Papa always spank that hard? My bottom still hurts. My Papa doesn't spank that hard. It didn't hurt a long time after, the way your Papa's does."

"When did you get spanked by your Pa, Jamey? " Ben asks.

"When we got home from your house last time. He gave me five spanks for throwing food and making a mess at your house. He'd never spanked me before that. Mama had though. They won't anymore because they'll have their own baby to love now. I'll just be in their way. Maybe I could be one of your Uncle Mitch's kids. I met him the other day. He doesn't have any so maybe he'd want a boy around. Can I drive now?"

Later, after all three boys had taken a turn to drive the cart. Jamey says "Ben? Where did you and George get this pony cart? I want my Papa to find one for me too. Now that I can drive one maybe he will. If I had a pony and cart I would be outside and not inside in the way of the baby."

"We got this last Christmas. Rob and Joseph built it and Claire painted it. Your Papa can buy you a different kind of cart but he won't be able to get one just like this." Ben answers proudly.

"He could so to buy one like this! You can't tell me I can't have a cart like this! You can't tell me what to do. I'm tired of riding I want to get out." Jamey announces with his lips poked out and eyes flashing.

Seeing the little boy run back to the house, Ben says "I'm glad he's not going to be here very long. He's such a bratty little kid. If we ever acted the way he does we'd get a whipping!"

"I still like him even if he does act ugly. I think he's just scared right now. Maybe tomorrow he'll act better." George answers.

"Maybe but I'll be surprised. Come on help me get Dobbin out of the harness. We've got to start on the afternoon chores pretty soon and I want time to go up in the treehouse for awhile first."

"Do you think we should go in and check on Jamey before we go to the treehouse?" George asks with a worried look towards the house.

"NO! If we go in Pa will make us stay in and play with him or make us take him outside with us. Let's have some time away from him for a little while. Okay George?"

"Alright, but I hope we don't get in trouble for not going in to check on him."

"I'll tell Pa it was my idea if we do. I won't let you get in trouble for it. I don't think we would anyway. Pa didn't say we had to be with him all the time." Ben reassures his younger brother as they lean up against the treehouse walls.

Hearing someone calling them, the boys jerk awake. Noticing it is dark outside the treehouse window, George quickly stands up to answer whoever is calling. "We're up here!" he calls out.

A few minutes later, Rob is standing under the treehouse. "You two better get down from there. Both of you had better have a good reason for not answering or coming when you were called."

Once inside the house, the boys are met by their very anxious Uncle. "Where were they Rob?"

"They were in the treehouse, sir." Rob answers watching the expression on his Uncle's face change from worry to sternness.

"Ben! George! We have been calling and looking for the two of you for an hour! Explain to me WHY you did not come or at least answer when you were called. Did you intentionally set out to make us worry? Were you hiding from us? You know you are to come when called! I want an answer right now!" Ethan snaps out, eyes blazing at the two boys.

"III'mmm sorry Papa! I didn't mean to worry anybody! Honest I didn't. It was an accident!" George answers through sobs. The look on his Papa's face makes him think he's in for a whipping.

Ben is also worried about the punishment he might be about to receive. "I'm sorry too Pa. We didn't plan to worry anyone. We were up in the treehouse just talking and then we heard Rob calling us and answered. I didn't hear anyone calling until I heard Rob. Why is it so dark already? It was just a little while ago when we climbed up to the treehouse."

"Where was Jamey when you went to the treehouse, Ben?" Ethan asks calming down as he realizes they didn't do this deliberately.

"We had finished putting Dobbin and the cart back in the barn and Jamey had gone inside. We just wanted to be alone for a few minutes before we started the chores." Ben answers still confused over why it is dark outside.

"Boys, Jamey has been inside and asleep for over two hours. He came in and told me you were being mean to him so he wanted to stay inside. He helped Claire with folding the laundry, played a few games of checkers with Joseph and fell asleep on the couch. It sounds to me as if the two of you also fell asleep. Just by the looks of you I think that's what happened here. Why would Jamey think you were being mean to him?" Ethan asks calmly.

The boys look at each other for a second before Ben, having heard George in his mind say tell the truth answers. "He started asking where we got our pony cart and I told him the boys made it. He was bragging about how his Pa could get him one. I told him he wouldn't be able to get one just like ours since Rob and Joseph built it and he got all mad about that. He yelled something about 'he could have one' at me and ran off to the house."

George speaks up then "Papa, Ben and I have tried to be nice to him and play with him but we just needed some time together for just us. Are you still mad at us? Are we going to get a spanking?"

"Come here boys." Ethan says as he settles himself on the long bench in the front room. When the two boys reach him he guides them to sit one on each side of him. "Now you two, listen. I am not mad or upset with either of you. Now that you have explained, I understand what happened. I can also understand how you might need a little time just for the two of you. I'm pleased with how well you have kept your tempers and tried to entertain Jamey. I can see it hasn't been easy."

"Thank you Papa for not punishing us. I was worried you would." George whispers.

"You don't need to worry George. I'm not going to punish you for being tired or wanting time to yourselves." Ethan whispers back but he makes sure he's loud enough for Ben to hear also. "Alright Boys, I want the two of you to take a trip out back and then do the barn chores. We will have supper ready to serve by the time you finish. Rob is cooking tonight and Claire is helping him."

During supper that night, Ethan announces the plans for the next day. "Tomorrow, I'd like all of us to go into town to the mercantile. We need several things for the house and then we need to go to the Feed and Seed for some other supplies. I'll even treat you to lunch at the hotel after we finish. I want to get started early so we need to get our morning chores done by eight o'clock. Then after you wash and change we can set off for town."

The next day when they arrive in town, Rob asks "May I please go visit a friend while you do the shopping? Joseph and Claire can keep the boys out of trouble. Please? I haven't seen any of my friends for three weeks!"

"You brought that restriction on yourself Robert! If you had come home on time from the meeting with your friends you wouldn't have been housebound. You may go but I want you back here at the hotel by noon today. I don't mean twelve ten or twelve twenty either! I mean by twelve o'clock! Understand Robert?"

"Yes sir, I understand. I'll be here by twelve o'clock sir. Thank you Uncle Ethan!" Rob says as he turns and hurries off down the boardwalk. Walking swiftly he heads over to the newest shop in town, a Millinery shop that sells ladies hats and bonnets. Checking to see none of his friends are around, Rob quickly opens the door and slips inside.

"Well young man! It's about time you came by! I was beginning to think you had me do all that work for nothing. That bonnet you ordered has been ready for over a week."

"Yes Ma'am. I'm sorry Mrs. Hanson. I just couldn't get away from the ranch to come get it. How much do I owe you Ma'am?"

"That will be four dollars son. You asked for quite a bit of extra detail and that costs extra." Mrs. Hanson says seeing the boy frown at the price.

"Yes Ma'am. Um, I only have half of that with me today. Could you please let me take the bonnet and I can come back with the rest of the money tomorrow?" Rob asks.

"I'm afraid not. I need the full payment before I give you the bonnet. I don't mind holding it for one more day but after that I'm going to put it out for sale to anyone who wishes to purchase it."

Hateful ole biddy! She could wait just a little longer! Rob thinks.

"I will have all of your money later this afternoon Ma'am. Please hold on to it just a little longer. I'll pay you fifty cents more for your trouble." Rob says giving his best smile.

"Yes that will be fine. I will expect you back before I close up at five o'clock."

Walking back along the boardwalk to the mercantile, Rob tries to figure out how to get Ethan to agree to his plan. If I just ask him to let me take some money out of the account , he'll say "No". If I tell him what it's for he'll say "I don't need to be spending that much money on that kind of gift." I have to get that money! I need to pay for that bonnet! Dang it! It's my money and I should be able to get a little without him having to agree! I'm going to the bank and demand some of my money!"

Having made this decision, Rob walks down and across the street to the bank. Entering the bank he is greeted by the bank manager, Mr. Mullins. "Good Morning, how may I help you this morning?"

"I came to withdraw a few dollars from my account sir. I wish to withdraw eight dollars this morning." Rob answers, smiling politely.

"Yes young Mr. Jordan. That will not be a problem. Now do you have your withdrawal slip signed by your Uncle with you? You know I can not release any of your money without your Uncle's permission. May I have the slip please?"

Patting his pockets while he pretends to have lost the slip Rob says "I must have lost it! Please sir, I need to get back to my Uncle as he is waiting on me. May I just get the money so I can go? I didn't bring any blank slips with me. I must get the money and get back sir!"

"Rules are rules young man. You either bring me a withdrawal slip signed by your Uncle or have him come with you to get the money. Until then you do not get to withdraw any money from this bank! Have a good day."

"Yes Sir. May I have a blank withdrawal slip then? I'll just run back and get Uncle Ethan to sign it. He's busy getting the feed sacks loaded in the wagon so he can't come down here."

After he is handed two withdrawal slips he says "Thank you sir. I'll be back in just a few minutes."

Going around behind the closest woodshed, Rob finds a piece of smooth board. Placing the withdrawal slip on the board, pulling out the pencil he swiped at the bank, he fills out the slip. Amount withdrawn $8.00, account holder's name Robert Jordan/ Ethan Cord, signature of account trustee or holder _. Rob hesitates for a few minutes thinking of the consequences of what he is about to do. Shrugging his shoulders and letting out a sigh he signs Ethan Allen Cord on the line.

After all, It is my money! Why shouldn't I be allowed to get just a little of it without having to beg for it! I'm not taking that much anyway. It shouldn't be a big thing! He thinks as he looks at the paper.

His conscience answers It will be a big thing when Uncle Ethan finds out I forged his signature and took money without his permission! NO HUSH, don't think about that. Rob scolds his mind.

Rob waits a few more minutes before walking back into the bank. "Here you are Mr. Mullins. This is a signed withdrawal slip just as you requested. May I get my money now, sir?"

"Hmm, a bit unusual to have the slip filled out in pencil not ink. Well you did say your Uncle was busy getting feed sacks loaded so I doubt he had a pen and ink nearby. Anyway let me just get that money."

Rob tries desperately not to show how nervous those comments make him as Mr. Mullins walks back with the money.

"Here you are young man. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding today. It's always a pleasure doing business with you and your Uncle." Mr. Mullins says as he hands over the money.

"Yes sir. Thank you." Rob answers while really thinking I know how you just love to have all that money in your banks. Even if most of it is in the Denver bank. I'm glad I can withdraw ten dollars or less here. Any more than that has to be wired to Denver first.

As he leaves the bank, he checks his pocket watch for the time. Good, it's only nine forty. I still have time to get the bonnet and deliver it before I have to be back at the hotel. He says to himself as he once again goes into the Millinery shop.

"Hello? Mrs. Hanson? It's Rob Jordan, I'm here with my payment Ma'am." Rob calls out after finding no one up front in the shop. After waiting for what to him seems hours, Mrs. Hanson finally comes from behind the curtain.

"Back already? I hope you brought payment this time around." Mrs. Hanson says as she sees Rob standing there by the counter.

"Yes Ma'am, I have all of the money now including the extra fifty cents for you. Thank you for holding the bonnet as long as you did. It's a special gift for someone I care deeply for and she's going to love it! Would you please box it for me and I'll take it with me now."

When he finally gets his box he says "Thank you again Mrs. Jacobs. I'll be sure to tell who made this lovely bonnet."

Outside the shop, he checks the time once more. Ten o'clock already. Well, I guess an hour and a half visit is better than no visit. I'll hurry and maybe that will help me have extra time.

Hurrying down the boardwalk for the third time that morning he comes up on Ben, George and Jamey sitting on the front steps of the Mercantile. All three look upset.

"Hi boys, how is the shopping trip coming along? Is Claire inside still?"

"Yes she's inside but she told us to come out here and sit to wait for her. We didn't mean to cause trouble, Rob." George answers brushing a tear out of his eye.

"What happened, George?"

"We wanted to show Jamey the soda fountain and how we knew how to work it. We went over and started to make some sodas but something went wrong and the soda syrup started to squirt everywhere. The fountain went crazy Rob. It was spitting the syrup and the soda water everywhere. Claire blamed us for what happened and made us come out here. She said she's going to tell Papa that we disobeyed her and caused a huge mess."

Ben speaks up then "If she does tell him, he's going to be mad! He might be mad enough to whip us for this. Will you help us out Rob? You are good at talking us out of getting big punishment. Please help us."

"Look boys, I can't help this time because I wasn't there. I don't know what went on so I can't tell Uncle Ethan anything. You'll have to tell him yourself. If it truly was an accident, he'll see that and you won't be punished. Now I've still got time to go visit my friend so I'll see you mischief makers at lunchtime."

Coming up to the house Rob knocks on the front door. When the door opens he finds Mrs. Anderson standing there. "Rob! Well hello. It's been a long time won't you come in?"

"Yes, thank you. Mrs. Anderson, I don't mean to be rude but I have to be back at the hotel by noon. May I speak to Emily please? I have something for her."

When Emily comes into the sitting room following her Mother, she exclaims "Rob! I haven't seen you in weeks! I thought you didn't want to come visit anymore. I thought maybe you didn't like girls who didn't have long pretty hair the way I used to have."

"No Emily, that's not true. I don't like you for your hair. Even if I did, it's not your fault you were caught in the school fire the way Claire was. I'm just happy you both were rescued. I couldn't come visit because I was housebound again. I may be in trouble again so I need to give you this present." Rob says holding out the box from the Millinery shop.

Opening it she finds a light blue silk bonnet with yellow, light green and pink silk ribbons woven around the top. There are small flower buds arranged across the top made with the same colors of silk ribbons. The ties are made with light blue silk ribbons.

"OHHH Rob, it's just divine! How could you think to buy me such a gift? I can wear this to church and be able to cover my hair! Oh thank you so much!" Emily says as she leans over to give him a hug.

"OHH Mama, come see what Rob just brought me! It's so gorgeous!" Emily calls out to her Mother in the next room.

"My goodness, Rob. You do have nice taste in Ladies fashions. How ever did you pay for such a fancy headgear? Does Ethan know how much you spent? I don't want you to be in any trouble over this."

"it's fine Ma'am. I didn't spend nearly as much as you seem to think. I do have some money to pay for things I want and I wanted to get this for Emily. I'm going to get one for Claire for her sixteenth birthday. Don't let her know about that please."

"I won't breathe a word to anyone. Now, how about joining Emily, Lydia and myself for a light lunch?"
"No, thank you Ma'am. I have to be back at the hotel by noon. Uncle Ethan is treating us to lunch today. Maybe I can come back again soon." Rob answers as he glances at the Grandfather clock in the hallway. AHH ! FIVE MINUTES TO TWELVE? How does time go by so fast? "Mrs. Anderson, Emily, I'm sorry but I must leave right now. I have to be at the hotel by noon or I'm going to be in trouble again. I'll see you as soon as I can Emily." Rob says as he begins to run.

"That boy has a good heart but he sure does get himself in some trouble at times. Ethan has his hands full with all four of those boys. I'm glad we just have the twins even if they are great at finding trouble!" Mrs. Anderson says to Emily as they watch Rob run towards the hotel.

Rob stops just outside the doors of the hotel, smooths his hair and straightens his shirt. Still breathing hard he opens the door and walks quickly to the dining room. Seeing Ethan and the rest of the children sitting at the table closest to the back wall he walks to them. Sliding into a seat, he looks over at Joseph. Joseph just shakes his head slightly to signal don't ask.

"Good of you to join us for lunch today Rob. Did you happen to notice what time it is when you walked by the clock in the hallway?" Ethan asks quietly.

"Yes sir, it was four after twelve sir. I stopped outside the hotel to smooth my clothes sir. I didn't want to come in with my shirt and hair mussed up. I'm sorry I was a little late because of that. I did make it to the hotel by twelve as you said to sir." Rob answers crossing his feet in hope that this response will keep him out of trouble. He sees Joseph hide a grin at his explanation, behind a menu.

"Yes, you did. I saw you out the window as you made your mad dash across town. Next time you need to leave earlier if you plan to arrive somewhere on time and not be in such a hurry. You could have injured yourself or someone else with that all out run you did." Ethan says with his eyes twinkling at Rob.

"Yes Uncle Ethan, I'll do that sir." Rob answers as he picks up his menu.

After lunch was over, Claire speaks up "Uncle Ethan before we leave today, Mr. Axelrod asked to see you." Ben and George swap a look at that news. Ben, seeing George's lower lip trembling, sends his thought to George Don't worry too much. Mr. Axelrod is a friend. He won't tell on us. I don't think anyway.

George answers, If he does you and I are in big trouble! Papa might spank us for this one, Ben! I sure wish we hadn't played around with that fountain. You just had to show off for Jamey didn't you?

Walking into the mercantile, Ethan has to wait for several customers to finish their business before talking with Mr. Axelrod.

"I have to tell you something, Mr. Cord and I wish I didn't. I just can't let this go because it caused problems and lost me some money." Mr. Axelrod begins.

"I'm listening, what happened and who did it?" Ethan replies.

"Claire and the boys were here earlier. The boys were showing off at the soda fountain to the little McBride boy. Ben and George got carried away and started squirting the syrup and soda water at the glasses. They made such a mess, I had to shut the doors for thirty minutes to clean up the area. Then there's the cost of the syrup and soda water. They must have wasted at least two dollars' worth on the floor."

Eyes' glittering with frustration, Ethan says, "If you'll just put the cost of the soda materials on my bill, I'll pay it when I come to town tomorrow. Right now, I have two youngsters who need to get their bottoms tanned. They will be in to apologize tomorrow and when they do, I want you to assign two hours' worth of chores here for them to do. I'll bring them in right after lunch tomorrow. Thank you for telling me of their misbehavior. I can assure you, it will not happen again!"

As Joseph started to drive the wagon back to the ranch, they all heard someone yelling "Wait! Sheriff! Telegram for you!"

Pulling the wagon to a stop Joseph turned to see Jason running up. "Sorry for shouting Sir. I was afraid I couldn't get to you before Joseph took off. He drives way too fast you know? The last time he came in he had the horses galloping." Jason says giving Joseph a smug grin.

"Jason! Are you trying to get me in trouble here? You know I'm not allowed to drive fast!" Joseph having climbed down to talk to his friend, whispers to him.

After reading the telegram, Ethan folds it and puts it in his shirt pocket. Seeing all the children looking at him curiously, he says "It's private. We'll discuss this at home along with other things I will not mention right now." The look he gives Ben and George has both of them wiggling on the seat.

"Thank you Jason for running to catch up with us. I'll make sure Joseph drives more carefully from now on. Let's get home Joseph."

Climbing back on the driver's side, Joseph looks over at his Uncle. "Jason was just teasing me, Uncle Ethan. You know that right? I didn't really gallop any horses! You'd fry my backside if I did that!"

"You are right there, I certainly would! I recognize teasing when I hear it Joseph so you can relax. I didn't think you mistreated the horses or put yourself in danger. I like to think you have learned better than to do such a thing. Take us home Joseph."

Once they reached the ranch, Ethan told the three oldest to take Jamey inside. "Jamey, you go on in with Rob, Joseph and Claire. You can help Claire with getting lunch ready. Ben and George, I need to speak to you in the barn please."

With a glance at each other, Ben and George go into the barn. Waiting for Ethan to unhitch the team and bring them in, Ben whispers to George "Let me do the talking this time. I think I can talk him out of spanking us. If it looks like I'm not getting around him, you jump in with the sniffles and Please Papa's you do so well. We're going to get it if we can't talk him around to our side!"

"Ben! You know he sees through all the talking we try to do. Sometimes it makes him even more mad at us! Remember last summer, when we didn't stay with Joseph and Claire at the town carnival? We tried to tell him we just couldn't find them but he whipped us with his belt!"

"Yeah, but it was because we scared him and deliberately disobeyed what he said. This time we didn't do either of those things." Ben whispers back just as the barn doors open.

After putting the horses in their stalls, Ethan walks over to where his two nervous boys are sitting.

"Well boys, Mr. Axelrod said you deliberately caused problems in his store today. What do you have to say about that?"

Ben speaks first "It wasn't our fault Pa. We were just using the soda fountain and the hoses and everything started squirting. We tried to get the syrup and soda water to go in the glasses but it went all over."

"So you are saying the fault lies with the sprayers not you?"

"Yes sir."

"George, what do you have to say about what happened?"

"Um, well, uh Please Papa, we didn't do this. It was the hoses and sprayers not us." George says with his best puppy sad eyes look and pouting lip.

"Put the lip away George, it isn't going to help you, either of you. This is what I see here. I see two young boys who deliberately showed off with the soda fountain and made a big mess. These two boys when asked about what happened, are making up something to try to get out of punishment. Am I correct?" Ethan asks sternly.

"Yes sir." Both boys whisper.

"Then both of you are about to receive a whipping for lying! Now do you want to tell me a different account of what happened or stay with this story?" Ethan asks with his hands at his belt.

"I'm sorry Papa. I made a mess in the mercantile because I wasn't looking at what I was doing." George says quickly.

"I was trying to show off and I didn't take time to be careful. The soda water and syrup missed the glasses because I wasn't looking either. I'm sorry." Ben answers.

Ethan says "Both of you are to go to your bedroom now and again straight after lunch. You will not be coming out until supper and then will return to go to bed early. Tomorrow morning, after your regular chores you will spend the morning cleaning the chicken coop and hen house out and putting in clean straw. Then tomorrow afternoon, we will go into town again. You will apologize to Mr. Axelrod and you are no longer allowed to go behind the soda counter. From now on you will have someone else make any soda you might be getting. He had to close the store and lose money while he cleaned up your mess. Both of you go to your room until lunch."

Once inside, Jamey asks "Ben? George? What happened?"

Not getting an answer, he follows them to their bedroom. "Did you get spanked?" Jamey asks seeing their faces.

"No, we got housebound to our room and extra chores! We'll be working all day tomorrow and won't get to play! Now go on and leave us be. You're not to be in here when we're being punished. We'll have to talk to you later." Ben says.