The Trails End Ranch
Chapter 14: Jeepers' Creeper's
It was decided when everyone had returned to camp and finished supper that Robert, Robby and Charlie would all return to town at first light; right after breakfast. Robert and Robby were anxious to get back and tell Susan things would be okay, and old Charlie was well and truly ready to get back to his resting. So it was a content, but a sore crew that gathered around the campfire that evening.
Mark and Luke sat cross legged in front of Bill, with a chunk of wood and a knife in hand, listening intently as Bill showed them how to cut slowly and carefully whittle. Then he showed them how to begin shaping the block into the unique likeness that they imagined one could see in their own block of wood.
"Luke, always be careful to push the blade away from you when you cut, just in case the knife slips," admonished Bill, turning his block so that Luke could better see just what he was saying.
"How did you get so good, Uncle Bill?" asked Mark admiring the head of a large bird taking shape.
"Practice, Champ; lots of practice. You see when I was about Barney's age, I kept finding myself looking for wild a adventure. Now my Pa he says to me; 'Billy, I think you could do both of us a heap of good iffin you'd find yourself something that you like to do with your spare time, as I am about worn out with all the attention that your adventure seeking is causing me!' So I took his advice and just as soon as I could sit again . . . I took to carvin' and a whittlin'," laughed Bill, smiling at the looks on the boys faces.
"Well Uncle Bill; I don't think it worked," grinned Luke.
"Ya don't think I practiced enough?"questioned Bill.
"No, Uncle Bill it ain't that: it just that it seems to me you must have just fit it around your adventures, or my dad would say mischief, with all the stories you tell us," laughed Luke.
"My Pa would probably have agreed," answered Bill with a hardy laugh.
Robby and Barney sat watching the flames dance in the fire as Matt eased himself down next to them and leaned back against the log,
"Sorry I got you fellas in trouble this morning," apologized Robby.
"Weren't your fault. I knew exactly what my Dad said, and what would happen. Truth is I should have tried to stop the two of you," replied Matt.
"Hey, what's say we ask if we can go for a quick swim before we turn in? " suggested Matt.
"There's Dad down by the horses," said Matt.
"You two go ahead, I think I want to just go sit and talk to my Pa for a while," smiled Robby turning back toward the spot where his Pa sat lost in thought.
Flint told them they could go swimming and so Matt and Barney stood next to the water's edge piling their clothes on a nearby rock before racing each other into the water. As Matt ran past, Barney noticed there were red stripes still visible across Matt's backside.
As both boys heads came back above water Barney spoke, "I see ya didn't get to keep your britches up?" mumbled Barney.
"Well Barney, I didn't try. I figured that my accepting what Dad said would be the consequences was sort of my way of telling him I trusted his judgment," answered Matt a little embarrassed. "Sides I see you got a couple red marks yourself," countered Matt.
"You mean it leaves marks even through your britches? I knew that it felt like I was on fire, but Matt, I'll let you in on a secret, the only other spanking I have ever had was the one back home when I threw the fit about school." now it was Barney's turn to show embarrassment.
"I told you he wouldn't think you were too old," laughed Matt splashing water at Barney.
The two swam and splashed around for a while enjoying the cool water. "It's probably time we get back, ya know morning comes early round here," called Matt, swimming for the bank.
As they finished dressing Barney looked over at Matt and said, "Ya know something, as bad as it stung, it was worth every lick to see that look of forgiveness in Bill's eyes," grinned Barney. Then they turned and headed back to their waiting bedrolls.
Before long everyone was settled on their bedrolls listening to Charlie, Flint and Bill telling tales of Indian raids and trail rustlers.
~oOo~
At sunrise the next morning, Robby caught sight of Flint down by the horses, he suddenly jumped up and jogged down to talk to him.
"Uncle Flint, I ah... I caused you an awful lot of trouble the last three days and I really want to say I'm sorry. We were lucky that no one was hurt. The way I was acting, I'm surprised you all didn't just leave me lost; it would have served me right," said Robby jamming his hands deep into his pockets and pausing nervously as he tried to find the words he wanted to say.
What, Matt said about always knowing you'll keep your promises;, that's what finally made me see what I was missing. I use to be able to count on my father that way too... Before William died. Thank you for helping us see what we were missing . . . And Uncle Flint, I remember that you told me that if I broke the rules one more time you'd tan my hide, so if you still aim to give me the tanning I earned, I won't be fighting or running away." finished Robby with sincere repentance in his eyes and voice.
"Robby, thank you for apologizing; it shows real strength and character. I'll be honest you. When I first took out after you three yesterday, I had every intention of giving all three of you a tanning none of you would forget. But, in light of how things turned out and that you are well on your way to working through things with your father, I think I'll make just one point," said Flint reaching out and grabbing Robby elbow, turning him sideways and landing three swats as he thundered, "STAY. Sawt. ON. Swat. THE. Swat. TRAIL!"
"Yes, ow, yes, ow, Sir, ow, sir," shouted Robby, then tried not to cry that came with the understanding of a parents love and acceptance when Flint pulled him into a hug.
Flint felt the boys tremor of emotion and knew it was heartfelt of belonging. He ruffled Robby's hair then laughed and suggested they go get breakfast started.
Robert sat drinking coffee with a smile on his face as he watched the camp come to life. Mark and Charley were up, with bacon and flapjacks piping hot and coffee ready.
Luke crept around right next to Bill's head and clanged on the lid of the stew pot as he shouted, "Time to get up; breakfast waits for not man!" Luke dropped to the ground in a fit of laugher, as Bill Matt, and Mark and Charlie all jumped near out of their skin.
All of the camp was up and laughing, as Bill reached down and scooped the giggling boy up and throwing him over his shoulder went running toward the lake. Flint laughed as he watched Luke go sailing by; fully clothed into the water. Bill and Luke laughed all the way back to the camp fire as Bill hopped away from Luke's offered wet hugs.
It was good to laugh again; thought Robert smiling as Robby walked up shyly giggling next to Flint. They all soon settled down before Flint sent Luke to find dry clothes while everyone else lined up to fill their plates.
"Charles, you better just be careful, Mr. Chris is just liable to hire on Mark here as chief cook next season," teased Bill.
"Taught him well, ya say," laughed Charlie, enjoying the banter and his place in this family.
The men sat astride their horses waiting for Robby.
"Come on here, 'Tag', your dragging your wagon, boy," boomed Robert playfully.
"I'm coming, I'm a coming," laughed Robby beaming at the nickname his family had given him; one that he had not heard in years. 'Come on Tag a long', both William and his father would call.
When they were out of sight Flint turned back to the family, "Who's up for a little cave exploring? announced Flint.
"We are; you bet!" cheered four eager boys."
"Then let's get the gear packed and camp in order. I still want to get back here before dark, so let's
get a move on!"replied Flint.
He and Bill laughed at how fast the boys moved, nearly tripping over one another.
"Bill will you grab a couple of those canteens and the stew pot, I figure we can get a rabbit or two along the trail for dinner."
"Sure thing, Friend, sounds like a good plant to me," said Bill gathering the things and going off to saddle his horse.
In no time everything was in order, and the troop was off. The Boys rode along engrossed as Flint and Bill pointed out animals and plants, as well as land marks of the trail. They took time giving each boy a chance to mark their trail and pick wild onions and berries. Matt used his gun to get one rabbit and Barney got another. Then Bill showed them how to find roots that could be eaten. As they stopped at a small stream, Bill gave Luke and Mark a flour sack and had them gather some long wide green reeds and some giant leaves that grew near the water, while he had Matt and Barney wash the roots, berries and wild onions they had collected.
"Why can't we wash them when we get to where we will be eating," questioned Mark?
"Because son, when you're out on a trail that you don't know, you should be sure to make the best of every opportunity; there might not be water again for a long while and you don't want to use up you drinking water," said Flint as he kneeled to fill the canteens as he spoke.
Soon they were all back on the trail. Before long they could see a cave up ahead and all four boys jumped off their horses and ran for the cave.
Bill, placed his fingers to his teeth and gave a sharp whistle blast, as Flint shouted, "Whoa, there men, hold up," laughed Flint at their excitement.
"Get back over here, first things first, men," laughed Bill shaking his head.
Freezing in their tracks, the boys started walking backward at the sound of the whistle blast. Turning slowly to meet the adults eyes.
"Tie your horses over there in the shade and take their saddles off, then let's get this stew on before we go exploring; 'together, okay'," suggested Flint, slowly raising one eye brow.
"Yes sir, sorry sir," echoed four voices.
"Mark you bring that sack of vegetables we washed. Luke you run and get that small sack out
of my saddle bag. While Flint here gets those two fine rabbits dressed, Matt why don't you and Barney get a really good fire going right over there. Barney, throw in some green wood like I showed you on the train, so it will burn longer," ordered Bill.
Flint watched and followed directions, not knowing just what Bill was up to, but figuring it would be fun to find out.
"Flint, you're a cutting that rabbit up in small pieces right?"asked Bill.
"Bill how else can you cut rabbit, ya know you didn't shoot one of them giant jack rabbits," joked Flint.
"Now, boys, every good scout is prepared. That's why we brought along the stew pot and this here bag of provisions. And cause we eat off the trail, we got to keep a sharp eye open . . . "
"That's why we pick the roots berries and onions right?" asked Luke.
"Right," said Flint.
"Now boys, you cut and peel those and these potatoes and carrots I brought to add flavor to whatever we came up with..."
"What in this tin, Uncle Bill?" asked Luke.
"That, Little Buddy is something I never leave home without; a mixture of salt and pepper." smiled Bill.
"You wouldn't by chance have any gumdrops or liquorice in there would you, Friend," grinned Flint enjoying the fun.
"Nope they were the Major's emergency supplies, I got some dried hot peppers and sugar though," smirked Bill.
Dropping all the meat and vegetables into the pot, Bill covered them with water and added some salt and pepper and put the lid on the iron pot. Grinning Bill looked over at Flint and winked, "Boys what do you suppose we could put these berries in so we could sprinkle some of my sugar on them and let the set for a bit and get them right tasty?"
"We're all out of bowls and pots and we each only brought a cup and plate; you said travel light," gulped the boys.
"What's left that we gathered?" asked Bill pretending to be puzzled.
"Nothing, but some leaves and long grass. I guessed you were gonna make a salad in your hat, Bill," said Barney trying to be funny.
"That might work, but each of you get yourselves six of these long reeds and put it in front of you just like this and then start weaving them in and out like this..." said Bill, demonstrating the process over overlaying and weaving the long stands together. The boys copied him, "That's right keep going." Then Bill reared back, pulled on his long reeds and started weaving lighting fast, and in nothing flat he had a bowl.
"Wow, Old Friend, I didn't know you could do that," said Flint with true surprise.
"An Indian friend taught me that. He taught me how to weave really fast by eating while I weaved, I had to move fast or I would not need a bowl," he quipped.
"Neat, Uncle Bill, you're not going to eat all the berries while we weave, are ya?" asked Luke looking a little worried.
"No, Luke but you got a good start. You keep practicing and you'll be faster than me in no time at all," assured Bill.
"Now, Matt pass me those two big leaves yonder; we'll just put them in the bottom just like this," Bill said crossing them over on another and creating a solid bottom.
"Barney, you pour in the berries and sprinkle them with sugar. Then add about two swigs of water and using that twig there stir it gently; careful not to tear the leaves. Then we fold the two leaves down over the top and carefully place them in my saddle bag to wait until we are ready to eat, where the varmints can't get at them while we are gone." said Bill.
"And now, Boys here the trick, how's our fire going?" asked Bill trying not to laugh as Barney and Matt gasped.
"Shoot it's almost out. I'll get it going again," shouted Barney jumping to get it started.
"Hold up fella, you got it just right, watch." Bill scooted the hot coals around with a stick and then jammed the heavy iron pot down in the center. Then he racked the coals up and around and over the pot as tightly as he could. "Now boys if Flint is ready, we can go explore while our dinner cooks snug as a bug," smiled Bill with a great bow.
Once at the mouth of the cave, Bill stopped."Flint, why don't you lead the way and I'll bring up the rear," he offered, passing Flint the lantern that he had just lit.
They all ducked low, as they climbed into the mouth of the cave. "Stick close together and hug the wall boys even with the lanterns it will still be dark," cautioned Flint in the no nonsense tone they had learned to respect.
They walked carefully alone in a single file for several minutes, when suddenly Flint stopped and looked back at them. "Okay the rocks get a little jagged here and there is a drop off, so be sure to stay against the wall." he warned. As soon as, everyone was safely across the narrow spot Flint spoke again, "Now we all have to crawl through here. It's a little tough, but I know that it's worth the work." Flint got down on all fours and reached the lantern as far into the dark space as he could reach."Wait till I get all the way through. Bill; then I'll call and you can send them through one at a time." recommended Flint.
"Sure thing, Friend you're in charge," answered Bill, laughing as Flint dropped to his belly and began to inch along like a worm; scooting the lantern along as he went. Just as Flint was beginning to tire of the belly crawl, he reached the opening and stood, picked up the lantern and sat it on the rock behind him and in front of the opening so the boys could head towards the light.
"Ok Bill, send them through" shouted Flint. Mark, dropped down and stared into the dark hole where Flint had disappeared. Excitedly, he laid flat on his belly and started scrambling back and forth like a snake. Bill laughed, seeing that Mark was small enough to have crawled on hands and knees. Quick as a flash he was popping up next to Flint with a huge grin.
"Wow dad that was keen!"
"Okay Bill; next," shouted Flint rubbing Marks red head.
Luke too scooted through with no trouble, popping up just as excited and eager. Next Barney answered the call. Because he was a little bigger, it was necessary to belly crawl. He used his arms to pull himself along and his feet to push off; sort of like swimming in the dirt. When he had made it about half the way through, he began to feel something crawling around on the inside his clothing. With added motivation, he began to fairly glide toward the dim light at the end of the tunnel, yelping and squealing as he squirmed. As he shot out the end of the passage clothes began to fly, everyone stood mouth hanging as he kicked out of boots and britches, dancing wildly, in nothing but his in birthday suit.
Suddenly Flint caught sight of the cause of all the commotion, reaching out he pointed to a large lizard fleeing in freight, "Barney, your safe it just a man-eating lizard," everyone laughed as Barney grabbed his britches and quickly jammed first one leg then the other in them.
"Everyone okay in there," shouted Bill and Matt, not knowing how to read the noise they were hearing.
"Fine, Bill just a critter; now send Matt," shouted Flint.
Flint turned and looked at Barney, "You okay son? that probably was a bit unnerving."
"Ya, but I sure am glad that there were no girls along. That would have been real embarrassing, cause all I could think was it might have teeth," smiled Barney a little red faced.
Matt's face appeared in the opening, "What's up fellas? Sounded like someone was being attacked," said Matt grinning up at the others.
"Barney there, just came out dancing and a screaming like a mad man," laughed Mark.
"Yea, well, it's funny now, but next time you can pick up the passenger and see how you like it," said Barney with a nervous laugh.
As the small cavern erupted in laughter again, suddenly, "Yaaarreakkk!" squawked Matt, shooting out into the room.
Followed by Bill who was covered in dust and with another cave resident in his hand. "Anybody mind if I join the party," Bill said groaning as he pulled himself the rest of the way through.
"Matt, I thought you were going to leave me hanging around in there with this little bug eyed critter all day," smirked Bill opening his gloved hand as the Boys crowded around the lantern to see what he held.
"Sorry, Uncle Bill, I got distracted, I think Barney found a critter too. What you got?"
"It's a very small bat, I don't think he liked me waking him with the lantern. By the way Mark, why don't you scramble back through there and get my lantern it's not too far back, I left it where I grabbed 'old screeches' leg," added Bill with a hardy laugh of his own.
"And the rest of us can help Barney round up the rest of his clothes," grinned Flint smiling at Barney.
Bill lifted an eye brow as he looked at Barney, "What'd you do jump clean out of your clothes boy?" questioned Bill.
"Something like that. I just knew one thing; there was something in my clothes with me and I was not take'n chances, not even if the rest of you laugh for days," answered Barney grabbing up his shirt and shaking it before putting it back on.
As Mark reappeared with the lantern in hand, Flint moved toward the back of the cavern and motioned for everyone to follow, laughing to himself as Barney hopped on one foot pulling on his last boot. Bill reached out and released the bat, watching it disappearing into the dark ceiling of the cave.
"Okay, Bill we are going to have to sort of pass the boys across this spot here, it's just a bit slippery and I don't want them trying to jump across. I'll get myself across to that flat place then you can put yourself there," he pointed, "then we can just pass them arm to arm," said Flint knowing Bill would understand.
"Got it, do I hear water?" asked Bill.
"Yap. That's right. Ice cold, I might add," grinned Flint.
"How'd you find this place, Dad?" questioned a wide-eyed Mark.
"Adventure, my boy; Adventure," smiled Flint.
They all watched as Flint and Bill got themselves and their lanterns placed just where they needed them to be. The boys stared in awe. In the lantern light they could see they were crossing an underground stream.
"All right, Little Buddy, climb down here really carefully and give me your hand," said Bill stretching out his hand to Luke.
As Matt watched the others cross he grinned, "Dad it looks easy, can I try on my own?"questioned Matt.
"Okay, Partner, but I warn you that water's mighty cold and we didn't pack dry clothes."
"I've got this!" Stepping back Matt leaped forward landing with one foot on the tip of the rock where Bill stood, letting out a loud, "Yaaarreakkk!" once more as he landed with a splash in the cold water.
As the others laughed Bill reached down and offered the boy his arm, "Now, who's got what?" laughed Bill as he and Flint passed the now cold and wet Matt across like the other boys.
"Burr, Dad your right that is cold," admitted Matt.
"Well, it a good thing it's August, or you might have frozen up, not just be uncomfortable" replied Flint.
"Now boys listen. You hear that?" asked Flint with excitement in his voice.
"It sounds like water running," answered Mark.
"Not just running, it's falling, It sounds like a Waterfall, Bill," said Barney. "Is that right? " Barney asked, looking eagerly at Bill.
"Could be, son, we'll both just have to follow Flint and find out," smiled Bill.
They all followed Flint, and suddenly they rounded the bend and the narrow passage opened to a wide-open space and right in the middle there was a Waterfall cascading down from the darkness above.
"I'll bet you fella's never notice that we were travelling steadily downward. We're at least a mile down under the ground. Be careful as you look around; I don't know where anything goes from here," cautioned Flint as the boys began walking around the underground room.
"Sure don't feel like August hot down here. Flint tell me how did you find this," said Bill as they sat on a ledge watching the boys explore.
"Me and Ty; we were chasing that stallion of ours last spring and he lead us here. I knew then that I had to bring the boys here. I think I'll sneak up here with Mary this spring, if you and Charlie are brave enough to watch the fort again," Flint subtly requested.
"Watchin' the fort that's no problem, but do you think Mary will be up for the crawl to get back here?" asked Bill.
"Well, Bill, I might have stretched the truth just a bit. I do know where that one passage to the left goes. And I hope you aren't too sore at me when you find out," sighed Flint flashing his infamous grin.
"Let me guess, an easy way out with no crawling," replied Bill shoving his friend good naturedly off the ledge.
"Yes, well it's almost a staircase, but Ty and I went out the way we came and I thought it would be fun for the boys." smiled Flint as he brushed the dust off himself as he climbed off the floor.
"You know, I'm just pickin' at you friend, it was a great adventure and we are all having fun, well except for maybe Matt there, he is beginning to turn a little blue," said Bill pointing at the shivering boy.
"You're right; let's get going; I'm ready for some of that stew of yours anyway," laughed Flint.
"Men let's move out," said Flint as he and Bill started for the dark passage.
The boys moaned but followed. It only took about twenty minutes of climbing to reach the outer opening of the cave. As they made their way back across the woods, everyone was in good spirits. When they finally made it back to the horses, everyone began to realize just how hungry they were.
Flint walked up behind Matt, "I think you had better get out of those wet clothes and spread them in the sun to dry."
"But Dad, I ain't got no more and I can't sit around..."
"Matt, go over to my horse; I always care an extra blanket, every since we ran across 'flaming mad' here that day after he met with Straight Arrow and Running Fox," laughed Flint winking at Mark.
Matt ran quickly to obey, as Luke ran to get the berries and Bill used a stick to fish the stew pot out of the ashes.
With steaming bowls of stew and cups filled with cold water from the cave every one ate; fairly scraping the plates. Then everyone enjoyed a good helping of sweet berries to top off the meal.
"That was really good," offered Flint. And now while we let Matt's clothes finish drying how about a little target practice" asked Flint.
"Good thinking, Dad that'll be lots of fun," squealed Mark, jumping up and down.
"Now wait just a minute," started Flint getting really serious.
"I don't want you boys to ever get the idea that guns are to be played with. They are tools, and just like any tool; there is a right and safe way to use them. So..."
Rule number one; Never and I mean never, let me catch any of you showing off with a gun.
Rule number two; Always remember that guns are dangerous, they don't just hurt they kill
Rule number three; It is important, if you are going to handle a gun that you learn to do it safely.
Rule number four; From now until I or Bill tells you different, you are not to use or touch a hand gun unless one of us is present.
Rule Number five; When shooting at a target always make sure that the area around you is clear and that you are shooting toward something that can contain the bullets. Because you don't want a stray bullet flying.
"Now, I think that it is important that you learn to use them safely and carefully, and that is why I think that it is important to let you practice. So you see that clay mound over there? It will give us a good place to shoot into; the bullets will not bounce off and we know there is no way to shoot threw it," stated Flint.
Bill walked over and placed the woven bowl in front of the mound, "First off; make sure that everyone is behind you before you shoot. Now Barney you and I have already talked about gun safety and how to clean and care for the gun, why don't you take the first shot." said Bill.
Barney stood tall and took careful aim, he shot three times, missing the target, "Golly Bill, why is it so different to aim a hand gun, I can shoot a rifle pretty good," asked a disappointed Barney.
"It takes a steady hand and a good eye and lots of practice, don't get too discouraged," praised Bill.
"Mark, come over here by me, you remember what we talked about when you were helping me to clean the guns at home right," asked Flint handing the gun to Mark and stooping on one knee as he place his arms around Marks shoulder to show him how to hold it steady.
"Fire when ready son," said Flint as he released the boys arm. He too missed the target.
"Good try Mark, you got really close with that last one," encouraged Bill.
"Now, Luke being as you are not old enough to shoot a long rifle yet; I 'm sorry but no hand guns. However, you can come shoot at the target with Matt's smaller rifle," said Flint.
Luke was a little disappointed at first, but at ten getting to shoot anything was exciting. Smiling he took the gun from Flint and took aim just the way Flint showed him, BANG, the bullet flew and Luke landed on his backside...
TBC
Chapter 15: