The McCullough Story
Chapter !0 Once Bitten...Love is blind
Mark and Luke worked hard to get all of the horses cared for and the two cows milked. The morning was dragging along for Mark, First he had to watch every step to see that his shirt-dress kept all of him covered. To make matters worse Luke was having fun teasing him at every turn.
"What a pretty dress, and it complements your lovely red hair my dear," chimed Luke as he carried the pail over to the large Guernsey cow and sat down on the milking stool.
"Cut it out Luke or I'm gonna bop you one," ground out Mark through grit teeth.
"You wouldn't dare, cause if you did your dress might sail up and your bare tail would shine, 'Little Marky done went and lost his Panty's" taunted Luke again darting just out of his reach.
Mark lunged at his brother with fire in his eyes, but before he could make even one good swing, Luke ducked and grabbed the shirt tail and pulled it upward. Mark stopped trying to hit Luke and instead grabbed at his shirts hem to keep it in place.
"Mark! Come in here," called Mary I've got something for you.
Relieved to be away at least for a few minutes form Luke's teasing, Mark hurried to see what his mom wanted. He couldn't really be mad at Luke for he knew if the shoe had been on the other foot he would be doing the same.
~oOo~
When Mr. Stone and Flint returned, all of the chores were finished and an early lunch was on the stove. The boys sat at the table with a checkerboard between them.
Samantha, squealed with delight as she ran to give her daddy the good news.
"Daddy, mommy made, Mark some new shorts to go under his clothes, they're really pretty. They got pretty flowers on them. I don't think that Mark likes them though, cause he won't let me sees them," reported Samantha with a puzzled look.
Mark blushed red. " Dad, does she have to announce it to everyone?" just knowing it myself is torture enough."
Flint laughed, and then turned to Samantha, with a serious look, " Your brother's right boys don't like wearing pretty flowers, and it's not nice for you to go telling things that you know he doesn't want you to."
"You men, wash up. Boys you put the checkers away. If you want to eat before that stage gets here we best get started," boomed Mrs. Stone as he walked toward the table with a platter of steaming fried chicken in her hand.
~oOo~
Miller's Bend was not a large town, but it was not a small town either. The stage pulled up in front of the Wells Fargo office. The street was crowded with people going about their day. As soon as Mark stepped off the stage, he was aware of the whispers and stares. He knew without hearing, what the pointing children whispered and snickered about. He had been forced to arrive in town looking a sight, He wore a large white shirt that swallowed him; hanging well passed his knees and the shoulders draped to his elbows. His father's wide black belt wrapped around him once then looped around its self and hung down at his side. Below the tail of the shirt, his boney legs disappeared into his boots. He stood next to his father waiting for directions, he was listening to two young boys laughing about the boy in the dress, when he suddenly got tickled and started laughing, ' they think this is funny; well at least they couldn't see the flower covered flour sack drawers his mom had sewn this morning.' Oh he was thankful for them, even if Luke had teased him when Samantha had described them to everyone who could hear, before boarding the stage.
Flint held the door of the stage office as his family filed in.
"Afternoon," called the clerk.
"Afternoon, sir I was wondering, if you could be so kind as to direct us to the hotel?"
Samantha stood next to Mark holding onto Mary's was lifting the tail of Mark's shirt and practically turning herself upside down
"Stop it!" hissed Mark pulling the shirt from her fingers.
"Certainly," answerer the clerk smiling at the antics behind Flint. "We have two, do you prefer fancy or clean and plain?" he asked hiding a laugh.
Samantha had again lifted the shirt tail and this time stood with her head under the tail of the shirt.
"Mom!" hissed Mark, louder than he had intended.
Mary reached down and gave the small bottom protruding from under the shirt a quick smack.
"Leave your brother alone," she admonished, as she pulled the now pouting child close to her.
"But mommy hu...hu...hu...my just wanted to see the pretty flowers," argued Samantha as tears began to fall.
"MOM, can't you make her hush," groaned Mark turning bright red.
Flint and the clerk both burst out laughing. "If you don't mind my asking what happen to your clothes son?"came the clerk's response, as he gained control of his voice.
Mark blushed redder and rolled his eyes before he answered,
"I had a run in with a passel of skunks last night and had to burn my clothes. Mom sent our bags on the stage yesterday, so I had to wear this," he explained, wishing he could just vanish.
" I see, that would make you the McCullough family. Mike Zimmerman, that's one of our driver, he had your bags sent to the International house. He said you would be in sometime tonight. By the way that's the plain and clean one; hope that suits you folks."
"That sounds more than fine, now if you will just point the way."
"Out the door and to the right; at the end of the walk take a left, then it is just down at the end of the street on the left. Big yellow building. Can't miss the sign."
"May I please run ahead Dad, please!" pleaded Mark not looking forward to more staring, pointing and whispers.
"Yes son, go ahead."
Mark didn't need to be told twice he was off and running shirt tail flapping.
"Pretty flowers?" asked Flint with one eyebrow raised.
"It was the only material that Mrs. Stone had on hand," smiled Mary.
"Poor Mark. I wonder if he still thinks it was worth the kiss," laughed Flint swinging Samantha up into his arms.
"You should see them dad they are pale blue with little pink flowers all over, they are mighty pretty if I do say so myself," offered Luke with a laugh.
"Too bad, I missed seeing them, but maybe if you ask really nice he'll let you borrow them sometime Luke." teased Flint.
"Not on your life dad. I wouldn't dare deprive him of being the only brother to wear flowers," retorted Luke.
~oOo~
By the time Flint and the others made it to the room, Mark was dressed in his only other clothes, seeing as he and Flint were traveling light. The over-sized shirt and flowered drawers were folded neatly on the chair and Flint belt lay across the end of the bed.
"Here we are gang. Let's all take a minute to wash our face and hands and then we will go down and find a place to get something to eat," said Flint depositing Samantha on the floor.
"Dad, can Luke and I run down and have a look around?" asked Mark.
"I reckon it would be okay, but just out in front of the hotel. I don't want to have to hunt for you so we can eat, okay?" answered Flint taking the towel form Luke.
"Sure, thing dad, let's go Luke."
"I can ride the train now, daddy?" asked Samantha jumping up and down on the bed.
" Not today sweetie, no until we get to Sacramento" said Flint.
"You know dear, you might want to take Mark shopping while you are in Sacramento. I don't think he brought but the one change. Something tells me that he does not want these... packed as his emergency back up," laughed Mary, as she stuffed the discarded things into one of her bags.
"Good thinking my love, are you ready to eat?" replied Flint swinging her into his arms for a long kiss,as he absently began to caress her bottom with. his hand
"Flint, don't put you hand there! Samantha is watching," muttered Mary pushing his hand away.
"Very well my love, I'll settle for a kiss for now.
~oOo~
As soon as the family had finished eating, Flint turned to Mary, "I am going to walk you and the children back to the hotel. Then I am going to walk down to check the stage schedule," explained Flint.
"That's a good idea. The children have had a long day, and I think that we should all turn in early; that way seeing as tomorrow is Sunday, we can all have a good night's rest and be fresh for services ."
"Well, boys you heard you mother, early to bed early to rise. Let's get a move on. All of you around back and take care of business then head across the street, up stairs and into bed," commanded Flint.
"Mary, I'll be right back, maybe you can have all the children bedded down and we can cuddle a little, "smirked Flint with a wide eyed grin,before he turned and walked out the door and down the street.
~oOo~
The next morning as the family finished breakfast they started planning their day Mary was giving orders.
"Hurry up boys, the desk clerk says that church starts at ten, that gives us two hours."
"Well, boys you heard you mom, let's get upstairs and get shined and polished."
The service was a refreshing treat for Mary. The children sat still properly and Flint listened attentively as the sermon ended and the reverend spoke.
"Folks as you all know we are all gathering down by Quail creek for a picnic lunch, followed by family fun and good music. If your new in town feel free to come along. Hope to see you all there, now let's bow our heads."
Soon as the amen sounded, Flint mind went to work, "Mary, why don't I run back to the hotel. I can get the cook to pack a picnic and point me to the creek bank. You and the children can follow the other families. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon," smiled Flint.
"I couldn't agree more." said Mary.""Mark do you think you could be a dear and run back to the hotel and ask the desk clerk for a blanket that we could use for the picnic?"
"Sure, mom be back quick as a flash," said Mark turning on his heels and racing away.
"It will take me a few more minutes, dear, I don't think I have as much energy as him," laughed Flint. "Be back quick as I can," he said, leaning down and giving her a long kiss.
~oOo~
Mark skidded to a halt in front of the hotel, before walking up to the desk, "Mister, my mom wants to know if there is a blanket we could borrow for a picnic?'
"Why, yes sonny. Stay right there and I'll get one for you," answered the man behind the desk, turning and disappearing into the door at the left.
Mark turned and walked toward the open door and looked down the street. He could hear someone shouting.
"This little stay over was your idea. I didn't agree to stay in this one horse town one night, let alone two!"
Mark stepped out onto the porch and strained to see if he could tell where the shouting was coming from.
"Son! Son! Don't you want the blanket?" called the clerk coming out onto the porch.
"Yes sir, I'm sorry, but I think I recognize that girl yelling. Thank you for the blanket," answered Mark before running in the direction that he thought the yelling had come from. Just as he reached the corner of Main street the yelling started again.
"I told you I didn't want to go to church and I don't want to go to a church picnic. You can go, I'll be just fine!" shouted Abigail turning and stomping into the Yellow Rose Hotel.
Mark ran up to Mrs. Witherton. On seeing that she was upset he offered to help. " If you will hold this blanket, I will talk her into coming along, Mrs. Witherton, ma'am."
" Mark!. Oh thank you. I sure would like for you to try. I was waiting here hoping for a chance to talk to you father."
"Then let me get Abigail, and we can hurry along to the picnic. Mom and Dad will both be there. Why don't you take the blanket along and tell Mom. Abby and me will be along in a few minutes."
" You really don't mind? She's really being nasty, today," warned Mrs. Witherton.
"It's only that she's misunderstood. We'll be right along; don't worry" said Mark."What room number are you in ?"
"Six. You sure that you don't want me to wait?' asked Mrs. Witherton.
"I'm sure. We will see you there in about fifteen minutes. I don't want to worry mom or dad," said Mark turning and heading inside the hotel.
Mark looked all around, there were deep rich carpets, classical paintings and a large fancy staircase leading to the rooms above. This was the fanciest palace he had ever seen. He started up the stairs with a grin, he stopped at the landing and looked into the mirror, removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. Satisfied he replaced his hat and continued to room six knocking on the door.
"Who is it!" shouted Abigail.
"Mark, Mark Spence, may I come in?"
"Mark Spence, what are you doing here?" asked Abigail opening the door.
"I came to escort, a lovely, girl to a picnic," answered Mark blushing a little.
"I told Mrs. Witherton I didn't want to go on a picnic. So I don't understand why she sent you up here," grumbled Abigail.
"Come on Abby what better offer have you got today, you have to eat, and besides I sent Mrs. Witherton gone on ahead and if we don't show up soon, she will only send dad after us and he'll make you come," pleaded Mark as he smiled into those blue eyes.
Abigail stood and thought for a minute. Mark was probably had a point, and that cowpoke might not ask nicely. "Okay, I'll give me a few minutes to freshen up. You can wait here on the settee."
"Don't mind if I do." Mark stepped in and started to close the door and then decided to leave it open just in case the desk clerk wanted to check that they were not doing anything improper.
It wasn't long before Abigail came prancing back into the room in a pink dress with lace trim complete with a pink parasol.
"Come along, Mark my audience awaits," smirked Abigail as she strutted toward the door.
All Mark could see was an absolutely beauty blonde hair and blue eye girl wearing a dress. The dress was like icing on the cake as far as Mark was concerned. He followed her out the door and slipped her arm into his as they made their way down the hall.
"You missed all the excitement Abby back at the way station. I went after the flowers, and then… I got sprayed by a whole family of skunks."
"I bet you dad was angry that you missed the stage," said Abigail twirling her parasol.
"Boy, if you only knew, when he came around that bend, well, let's just say I was lucky that the skunks got to me first," blushed Mark with a grin.
"I thought that you said that you got sprayed, how is that lucky?'
"Because, Abby, if not for the skunks I would have gotten it good from dad for not coming when he called me. He didn't think getting you flowers, was a good reason for making us miss the stage.
"Ohhh… yes,that reminds me you still owe me a bouquet of flowers," cooed Abigail.
"Maybe there will be some down by the creek, shall we hurry along," grinned Mark taking longer strides.
~oOo~
"Mrs. Witherton, I didn't expect to see you here," called Mary form across the grass.
"Mrs. Witherton, what happened to calling me Claire?" she said approaching. Both ladies smiled and hugged one another.
"Claire I am happy to see you, but where is Abigail?" asked Mary.
"Mark is at the hotel, trying to convince her to come along to the picnic. He assured me he could get her to even pleaded with me to come ahead and give you this blanket and tell you where he was," said Claire with a laugh.
"Well then, lets spread it over under that tree. Flint should be along in just a few minutes." replied Mary.
" If you're sure that it will be okay, I'm not so sure you will want my company when you learn why we are still in town."
"Nonsense, what could be that upsetting. Oh look there comes Flint, Over here! " Mary called waving her arm.
Flint smiled as he walked toward raised a brow when he notice that Mrs. Witherton stood nearby.
"Why hello, so nice to see you again," responded Flint.
"Mr. McCullough, I have to be honest, as we were leaving on the stage last night, Miss Abigail began complaining and griping worst than ever. When I was trying to reason with her she let it slip that she had sent Mark to fetch the flowers on purpose so that you would miss the stage."
"I expected, as much. I suppose that she didn't like having someone insist that she behave," answered Flint. "I can't say as I liked realizing that she had probably lied to me about knowing where Mark was, but let's just let the past stay there. We will all try and start on a new foot," he added. For the sake of peace and because he understood, how Mark felt about his first love He was willing to try to get along one more time.
"You're so gracious, but that's not the worst of it. I was so miserable on that ride that I decided that the one thing I could control was when we left. I figured if we waited a day or two we would meet again and then we could finish our trip together. I'm ashamed to admit I couldn't bare trying to travel on with her by myself facing her constant tantrums, "explained Claire.
"No need to be ashamed; it not your fault that someone neglected to teach Miss Abigail some manners. And besides, I checked and the next stage headed for Sacramento doesn't leave until eight in the morning. It will be my pleasure to assist you on your journey."
"Daddy, I'm hungry when are we going to eat?" asked Samantha running up.
"Just as soon as Mark and Abigail get here. Why don't you run over there and tell Luke to come over here. "
"Okay daddy. Is Abby going to be nice this time?" chanted Samantha with her hands on her hips.
Flint squatted down on one knee. "Young lady, we will all be nice to Abigail and hope that she will be just as nice to us."
"Yes sir, if she's nice to me," answered Samantha rolling her eyes.
"You little one; will be nice no matter what…And who taught you to roll your eyes like that?" asked Flint poking his finger at her button nose.
"Yes sir, I'll be nice. I learned to wiggle my eyes by watching everyone when Abby is around. When she starts whining and everyone does this…" Samantha cramped her jaw and rolled her eyes. Mary and Claire both covered their mouth trying to smother their laughter.
"Don't look now Dad; but here comes Mark and Abigail arm in arm," smirked Luke, rolling his eyes as he came toward the blanket having seen Flint arrive with the food basket and having over heard the conversation between his dad and his little sister.
"Abigail! Mark! over this way," called Flint with a smile.
"Coming dad, sorry to keep you'll waiting," answered Mark.
"Children, let's all sit down and ask the blessing," said Mary taking the basket from Flint and kneeling on the edge of the blanket. Mrs. Witherton keeled next to her and began to help unpack. As the four children gathered around.
Flint sat down right next to Abigail and grinned as he said, "Let's all bow our heads. Abigail why don't you say grace?" It was said in a tone that even Abigail could tell left no room for discussion.
"Bless this food and thank you for the fine day, Amen," said Abigail as sweetly as could be.
"Just see that you behave and this will continue to be a fine day," said Flint low in Abigail s ear.
Mary passed plates of fried chicken and potato salad, while Claire passed around tin cups filled with lemonade. Flint watched as Mark nibbled on a chicken leg and pushed potato salad around on his plate. He could see the love sick look in his boy's eyes.
"Mark Allen, you had better eat before the ants come calling," prompted Flint.
"Huh! Oh sure dad," answered Mark taking a big bite. "Dad can Abby and I go walking down by the creek when we finish eating?"
"Yes, if Abigail would like to," consented Flint.
"Dad, could I go wading in the creek when I'm finished?" asked Luke.
"Yes I suppose so, but try not to fall in."
"Me too daddy me too," chimed Samantha.
"No ma'am; you will be taking a nap right after we eat, and I don't want any argument. You will be much too cranky if you skip your nap. I tell you what princess, how about you and I go right over there under that big tree and I'll just take a nap with you. Then when you wake up I'll take you wadding just before we head back to the hotel."
In short order the food was cleared away. Mary and Claire sat on the blanket watching Flint and Samantha sleeping under the large oak. The fiddle music started to play and Mark and Abigail wandered aimlessly along the water's edge.
"Mary, you were telling me earlier that you had lost a husband did you find the courage to go on?"
"Claire, I know that it seems impossible, but the pain will end and one day you will even find someone and when you do, that will fill the void," mused Mary.
"But I miss Arty, so much," said Claire.
"Maybe I can explain it by telling you the story of how Flint and I met," suggested Mary.
"Five years ago, my husband Dave and my three boys Matthew, Mark, and Luke started out form St. Joe to California. But just over a month into the wagon train trip, Dave drowned crossing a high running river. I had family in Cumberland, California. I was convinced that my boys were old enough to be a big help. They were nine, eleven and fourteen. It didn't take long for me to decide that I could not handle life on the trail alone, and that was without considering what it would take to raise my boys alone. My older boy, Matthew, was rebelling and causing all sorts of trouble. The other boys were younger, but were quickly following his lead. They were causing all sorts of trouble pulling pranks and pushing younger children around. Every time I tried to correct them, they paid me no more mind Then they would a cranky neighbor..."
"That must have been just terrible, what did you do?"
"Well, things just kept getting worse and worse. One morning I caught Matthew stealing from the trail boss' supply wagon. When I confronted him about it, he shoved me backward knocking me down. Major Adams, and the other lead men it seems where just getting word of all the trouble at the same time. It didn't take them long to decide that my boys and I needed help. The Major talked to his men, Bill, Hank, and Flint. They each agreed to lend a hand. Flint was so sweet and took a special interest in the said that he lost his family when he was younger and if it hadn't been for a scout named Jim Bridger stepping in he could have be in some real trouble too. Even then, he didn't have much patience with children being rude and disrespectful. Before he did anything with the boys good or… well having to discipline them, he came and had a long talk with me. He asked things like; how my husband would have handled things, or what I wanted to see happen. He looked right at me and said Mrs. Spence, I want to help, but I want you to understand that I am a firm believer that boys need consistent rules and consequences, and that if I accepted his help, I should know that he would give him the same firm, but fair treatment that Dave would have used. I need to know that he would not hesitate to tan their hide if that's what it took.
It wasn't long before Flint and Bill as well as Charlie and Major Adams were more like family to us all. I know that my boys were not easy on the fellas. They were causing mischief and mayhem at every turn. But it wasn't long before I found myself falling in love with the handsome dark haired gentleman that could be as kind and understanding as he was firm and consistent. I soon learned that he had the same feelings for me. I had prayed to the Lord for help with my answer was a new father for my boys. A father that they learned to love and respect in every way." Mary stopped and gave Claire a big smile.
"Shucks, Mrs. Witherton, there was one day that I got spanked by every one of the trail hands but dad, and that was the day that he rescued me form the back of the wagon, where Uncle Bill tossed me after Uncle Charlie whooped me. He picked me up and held me in his arms. I remember feeling safe, then when I woke up he let me tell him all about my troubles. It was the day that I started to wish that he was my dad. I bet you didn't know that Mom," interrupted Luke have come and sprawled out on the edge of the blanket.
"Your right son, I didn't know, but I did know you liked him a lot."
"I hope that one day I will be as lucky as you. And for now I am very thankful that you will share your wonderful husband with me and more importantly Abigail.
" Your very welcome, but truth be told I couldn't have stopped him if I had tried. It's one of the things that I love him for. When he makes a promise he will keep it. We will all leave on that eight am stage for Sacramento tomorrow. He will put Luke and Samantha and I on the two o'clock train in Sacramento, and then he and Mark will see you safely to Chapel Ridge, and Abigail's father," stated Mary thinking to herself that she was not sure how restful this trip was turning out to be for Flint.
"Look mom, he tells me not to get wet and he's out there splashing water on Samantha," said Luke pointing to the creek.
"Sure enough, I declare, sometimes he's a bigger child then you children." laughed Mary. Claire and Luke joined in, as they watched Flint scoop up Samantha and tuck her under his arm as he headed for the blanket.
"I think I'll go check on the love birds, I haven't seen them in a while," announced Flint depositing Samantha onto the blanket.
~oOo~
"Oh, Mark, please come on, it's so crowded and hot out here. Can't we go walking down main street. At least that will remind me of being back home, please?" cooed Abigail.
"Okay, let's just walk over and tell Mom and Dad where we have gone. Dad said to stay where he could see us," prompted Mark, knowing that they had sat on the secluded rock for quite some time and that his dad would have missed seeing them as he circled around the picnic grounds.
"Mmmaarrk... we will only be a little ways 't you want to be alone with me?" whined Abigail.
"Of course I do 's just that my folks think it is improper for young boys to be alone with young girls. I have to make sure they approve," explained Mark.
"They treat you like such a child! Come along Mark we will be back before they even know we are gone," smirked Abigail, leaning in and giving him a quick kiss.
Mark looked hesitantly back to where his family sat, then yelled. "Hold up Abby, I'm coming!"
Mark blushed as he walked down main street with the prettiest girl around. Holding on to his arm.
"Where did you live before being sent to live with your father?" asked Mark.
"San had a big house with servants to do everything," answered Abigail.
"What happened?" questioned Mark.
"You see my mother got sick and couldn't keep the servants, and all the work made her sick. It is so hard learning to do all the work the servants did. Then one day mother up and decided that she couldn't take care of me anymore, so she up and sent me to live with a father I never knew. As if living without servants isn't bad enough, now I have to live in this wilderness," said Abigail conjuring up big tears to make the story believable.
Mark's heart melted.
"Don't cry Abby, things will work out just you wait and wipe your tears and then we better get on back to the picnic, before we're missed." responded Mark.
"Okay Mark," answered Abigail between sobs, "Let's just go to that pump there and let me wash my face," hiccuped Abigail. For her plan to work, Abigail had to make sure that Mark would be caught out of bounds again. If every time her and Mark were together, Mark found reason to disregard the rules, Mr. McCullough was sure to decide that they should not travel together, careful not to be seen, Abigail slipped off her broach and dropped it into the water trough.
"Oh no she gasp clenching her neck. I've lost my broach, it's the only thing I have left of my mother. Mark you have to help me find it. I think that I dropped it into the horse trough. Please Mark, you have to help me find it, " pleaded Abigail bringing fresh tears into her eyes.
"Don't cry Abby, I'll find it I promise, don't cry," begged Mark, before jumping into the water on all fours. It didn't take long for him to come out up with the prize he stood in the middle of the trough dripping water with his hand out stretched.. revealing the broach. Mark climbed out and stood in front of Abby.
"Can't I have a little kiss for getting all wet for you," he reasoned leaning his cheek toward her.
"You'll get me all wet, and anyway, what are you going to tell you daddy about being all wet," asked Abigail batting her long lashes.
Mark looked back at the beautiful blue eyes… No thank you kiss, not even a !Who could ever figure them out. He was dripping wet, that was it, she just didn't want to spoil her beautiful pink dress.
"Abby I need to go back to our room. Will you please go back and tell my folks that I fell in the water and went to the room, so they won't worry.! It wouldn't be a total lie, but maybe just enough untold to keep his folks form knowing he had left the picnic area. After all was it his fault if they just assumed it was the creek that he fell in. Mark reasoned to himself.
"Sure I will; that's the least I can do," smiled Abigail giving her blond hair a toss as she turned to go.
Flint spotted Abigail twirling her parasol as she walked in a daze.
"Thank goodness there you are. Where's Mark, I thought you two were together?"growled Flint as he approached her.
"Honestly, Mr. McCullough, you startled me!"gasped Abigail.
"Yes, well I'm sorry about that, but I asked you a question. Where have you been and where is Mark; he is suppose to be with you," barked Flint agitated having already spent thirty minutes searching for the two.
"Honestly, Mr. McCullough I have been sitting right over there under that tree listening to the music, isn't it pretty," answered Abigail in feigned innocence.
"Yes, yes and what about Mark, wasn't he with you?"
"No sir, I'm sorry he left me right after I sat down he said he wanted to wade or something," smiled Abigail.
"Are you sure? I've been all along the creek, I should have seen him," questioned Flint.
"Yes sir, that's what he said," insisted Abigail smiling.
"Very well, you run on back to the picnic with the ladies, and stay there! That way, I can considerate on finding one child at a time," grumbled an annoyed Flint.
Abigail skipped off with a wide grin; certain that she had fixed things. When Mr. McCullough learned that she had caused it all, he would not want to risk having his family exposed to anymore of her troubles."Mission accomplished!" she congratulated herself.
Flint circled the park again, asking several people if they had seen a skinny red head boy; new in town.
Back at the blanket Mary fretted. "That boy, where has he gone now. I'll swear, he's going to be the death of me one of these days."
"All this fuss, you would think he was a little toddler, like little Samantha there. He'll come home when he's ready. He's big enough to take care of himself," snarled Abigail.
"I think it's time that you and I go back to our room. Your attitude can only make things worse," admonished Mrs. Witherton getting to her feet.
"I so agree, it is high time we went back to our room," answered Abigail very sweetly. "May I help you carry anything?'"
Mary watched in shock as Abigail, stooped and picked up their picnic basket and took Mrs. Witherton's hand as they walked away.
"Mary, if you and the children can manage, I am going to run ahead and check the room and then go for the sheriff," said Flint as he returned to the blanket .
"Go ahead dear, we can manage here," answered a concerned Mary.
Flint ran the short distance back to the hotel. Taking the stairs two at a time, he made it to their suite in no time. He checked in the main room and then the adjoining room the children shared. Relief washed over him as he looked down at a sleeping Mark, dressed once more in the over-sized shirt, and the blue drawers with pink flowers.
Flint reached down and shook the boy awake, "Rise and shine son, you've got some explaining to do."
"Hi dad, I fell in the water, and this was all the clothes I could find, so I just stayed here," said Mark rubbing his eyes and sitting up.
Don't you think it would have been a good idea to come and tell someone where your were. I have spent half an hour searching for you. Can you just imagine how worried I was when I found Abigail and she didn't know where you were!"
"I'm sorry, dad didn't..." Mark stopped, if he told his dad that Abby was suppose to tell him, then he would know that she had lied to him, and that would mean that she would get a spanking to say the least. He just couldn't get her in trouble, even if meant getting himself in more.
"Didn't, what son?" asked Flint.
"I just didn't think, while I was wet and then I was dressed like this I just couldn't come out again. I am sorry I worried you and mom," answered Mark.
"Something tells me son that there is more to this than you're telling, and I for one am willing to bet Miss Abigail is somehow right in the middle."
"No really dad, I just didn't think, honest. It wasn't Abby's fault."
"Abby, is it son? Alright we'll drop it for now, but you think things through a little better. Seems to me that all your troubles lately are twisted in the wiles of a blue eyed girl. First she sends you flower picking, so I will miss the stage and now this. I can't help but think she is involved," lectured Flint patting Marks knee."You think about that son, and I think for now you had better stay with your mother or I understood?"
"Yes sir dad I understand, but honest I think that Abby is just misunderstood. She'll come around, you will see," said a lovesick Mark, convinced it was the truth.
" Seeing as you want to face the consequences alone, I think that you can just go right to bed. Maybe missing supper will help you remember to think next time. I will send Luke to hang your clothes out back so they will be dry in the morning. Good Night Son!" said Flint as he closed the door and waited in the other room for the rest of the family to return.
The time had come to have a long overdue talk with Miss Abigail, but first he would talk to Mary. He could tell that Mark was not telling the whole truth. And his gut told him that Miss Abigail, had lied to him again.
Mary was relieved when she returned to the room and found that Mark was safe. She was also not surprised when Flint told her he had sent the boy to bed without supper, saying that they would talk after the children were tucked in for the night.
"I'll just pop in and tell him good night, then we can go get a bite to eat," replied Mary.
Mark lay on top of the quilt facing the window. He had not noticed the door open until suddenly, Whack, "That young man was for worrying me again," said Mary as the sound of the brush smacking a barely covered backside echoed through the room.
"Ouch Mom, that stung!" yelped Mark bouncing up and facing her.
"It was suppose to! Now give me a good night hug and get back in that bed, and stay there; you hear!" smiled Mary, pleased with herself before laying the hairbrush back on the table by the bed and then leaning in to kiss her baby.
"Yes, ma'am Good Night," answered Mark as he crawled under the covers this time.