The Trails End Ranch
Chapter 25:Night Owl
Bill, Charlie, and Barney were once again on the trail, there was; as usual, never a dull moment on the ranch. Samantha had learned to walk and kept all the family hopping. Flint had begun to notice a weariness in Mary. Concerned that the toddler was overly rambunctious, he decided to fence in a small area under the tree house to create a safe play yard for Samantha; thus limiting the need for Mary to constantly chase after the toddler. .
Matt had completed his schooling and was now working full time with his dad on the ranch.
He and Flint had worked daily to complete the small yard.
It was around two in the morning and for some reason Ty couldn't sleep. The much respected foreman was sitting out on the porch of the bunkhouse. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye a shadow on the roof of the main house caught his attention. He turned to watch more carefully, as slowly the shadow began to take shape. It was a young boy, and unless he missed his guess it was a certain redheaded boy. What was he up two at this hour? wondered Ty.
Mark crept around to the window of his room. Crouching low, he dared to take a peak though the window into his bedroom. Happy that Luke was still asleep, Mark quickly slipped back in the window, closing it behind him.
Ty laughed to himself as he remembered sneaking out the window when he was a boy. Those had been fun times, well fun until he got caught. Well the boy was safe and sound in his bed for now, no use spoiling his fun, but he'd just keep a sharper watch to be sure he was not up too no good.
"Where you been Mark?" came the quiet question in the dark.
Mark jumped out of his skin before he stuttered, "Ah..a...ta..the outhouse. Go back to sleep."
"Yeah, right you always come back from the outhouse through the window," scoffed Luke. "Oh come on Mark, what were you sneaking out to do? I won't tell."
"Nothing, Luke, nothing. Just go to sleep before you wake Mom and Dad."
oOo
"Rise and shine, boys: time to get up," sang Mary as she reached out and shook each boy.
As Mary moved on down the hall, Matt came out of his room,
"Morning Mom, ready for another great day?"
"My Matty, My Matty, carry me I want eat!" squealed Samantha from her bed.
Heading toward the child, Matt called, " I'll get her mom you go on and get breakfast started. Morning, Sammy; let's just see if we can get you ready to face this day."
Just as Matt started down the stairs with Sammy he heard, "Ouch, you didn't have to push me. I was just trying to wake you so you wouldn't be late." said Luke.
"I don't know what this is about, but if I were you two, I'd finish up in here and get down to breakfast," said Matt from the door.
Getting to his feet and rubbing the back of his head, Luke followed Matt, " I'm finished, but Mark is not even up yet."
"Well, Luke; let's leave old grumpy to get himself up or face the consequences. By the way grumpy, I'd say you have about five minutes," said Matt shutting the door and following Luke down the stairs.
"Alright alright, I 'm coming," grumbled Mark as he threw back the covers and sat up.
"Daddy, daddy, I want daddy," yelled Samantha reaching for Flint.
"Morning to you to little one. How bout we stop yelling and sit down at the table," responded Flint smiling at Luke who had gone running by obviously on his way to take care of urgent business.
Flint sat Samantha down and went to take his place looking around he said, "Wait a minute where's Mark? He'll be late again?"
"He was having a bit of trouble getting up. I rousted him though," offered Matt taking his place at the table.
Luke came running back through the back door, stopping at the sink pump to wash his hands, then without giving it a thought he turned toward the table drying his hands on his pants.
"Luke, we have a towel right there to dry your hands on," sighed Mary, pointing to the towel on the hook.
"Yeah, I know, but this is faster," answered Luke sliding into his chair right next to Flint.
"AHEM! Yes Ma'am I will use it from now on," corrected Flint giving Luke a meaningful look.
"Yes Ma'am, I'm sorry mom. I'll remember to use it from now on," repeated Luke knowing what was expected.
"Much better. Now Matt, if you wouldn't mind running upstairs and hurrying your brother along," suggested Flint.
"MARK, DAD SAYS NOW" yelled Matt, without moving.
"Matthew, if I had wanted someone yelling, I could have done that myself," came Flints agitated growl.
"Sorry Sir" said Matt as he stood and turned toward the stairs.
Mark appeared; hair a mess and shirt untucked, clamouring down the stairs. "Please everyone start without me I really have to go," said Mark, making a dash for the back door.
"YOU HAD BETTER BE AT THIS TABLE WHEN WE FINISH GRACE," yelled Flint as the back screen door slammed shut.
Mark ran for the outhouse, knowing by the tone of his dad's voice he was on thin ice already. Mark stopped at the bath house to wash his hand and comb his hair; no need adding to the lecture that he knew was coming. Satisfied that he looked presentable, he slid into his place at the table just as Luke said 'Amen'. Mark didn't dare look up, hoping to go unnoticed as Luke talked excitedly, about the spelling bee at school.
"Dad; Henry ask if I could go hunting with him Friday afternoon as soon as school lets out," said Matt.
"That should be just fine," answered Flint.
"How about you Mark; do you have any afternoon plans?" asked Mary, noticing that he was particularly quiet.
"No Ma'am; just chores and homework, I reckon," answered Mark trying to hide a yawn as he reached for a slice of bread.
"Good, because it seems to me that you need to get to bed early tonight. And Mark if you are late for school again this morning, you and I will be havening a private little talk this afternoon. This makes twice you've over slept and you know that it's your week to do the morning milking and take the cows to the top pasture. Luke's already done the milk'n and I'll take the cows this morning, but that means you will be doing Luke's afternoon chores. Then I want your homework done and you in bed by eight. Is that understood?" grumbled Flint.
"Okay already, I get it, chores, homework bed got it!" snapped Mark.
"Watch your tone, young man or you and I will continue this conversation in private right now!" ground out Flint forcing himself not to shout.
Mark paled realizing that he had almost pushed his father too far, " I'm sorry sir, I will be on time. I will come straight home and get on the chores and then homework and then bed." Answered Mark hoping it was not too late to save his hide.
As the boys left for school, Flint breathed a sigh; he knew he was not in the best of moods. Mary looked weak and tired. He was worried about her and the boy always seemed to pick the worst times to test him. As Mary poured him another cup of coffee, Flint placed his hand on hers. "Sit down my love. Tell me was I too hard on Mark?"
"I don't think so. He has been very irresponsible for the last few days, probably just growing pains."
"You're probably right, but I tell you what; if he doesn't wise up soon, I'm going to give him some growing pains. Then there's this little climber. She's running you ragged." said Flint concern present in his eyes, as Sammy crawled into his lap.
"You worry too much, my love. I promise everything is just fine except that you are getting behind on you mornings work," said Mary as she turned to get a start on the household chores.
oOo
Mark made it to school on time, but boy was he tired. These midnight practices were catching up with him, but what else could he do; he only had two more weeks before the big race in town. He had bragged to everyone how fast his horse, Chief was, so he just had to win. When the rest of the class began to take part in reading aloud, Mark's mind began to wander.
As soon as he went still, he felt Elmer elbow him. "Wake Up, Miss Parker is going to catch you!" Mark sat up confused. He tried to concentrate again.
"Mark, Mark Spence, come up here," called Miss Parker. "You don't seem to think that listening to the others read is important enough to stay awake for, so you can just come up here and read to the whole class."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said. As he made his way to the front of the room, he tried to remember where the last person to read had left off.
"Young man we are waiting, " snapped Miss Parker.
Mark gulped and started. "In several parts of the world there are to be found large herds . . . " The whole class snickered.
"Mark we are on page seventy, now, please began again," directed Miss Parker.
Embarrassed, he turned to the page and started again. 'the Eagle seems to enjoy a kind of supremacy over the rest of the inhabitants of the air. Such is the loftiness of his flight that he often soars in the sky beyond the reach of the naked eye, and such is his strength, that he has been known to carry away children in his talons. But many of the noble qualities imputed to him by Buffon and other writers, are rather fanciful than true . . . "
"That will do, Mark you may return to your seat, and see to it that you stay awake. Now class; take out your tablets and copy your problems from the board, after that you may be dismissed," said Miss Parker.
oOo
"Why Matt, Sammy might just be more of a handful then you three boys combined, though I 'm not sure that's possible. Just this morning your mom had no sooner snatched her from crawling under the corral fence, then she was off and running headlong toward the bull pen," mused Flint, as the two of them headed in for lunch, again having worked all morning on the play yard.
Lunging through the door, Flint scooped up Samantha, as she climbed onto the table by his favorite chair, squealing; pretty flowers, as she reached for the vase.
"Yes little one they are pretty flowers, but you are not to climb on the table," answered Flint trying to sound stern, as he place her in her chair at the table."Mary you look beat, are you sure your okay," asked Flint as he took the dish of hot food from her and place it on the table.
"I'm fine, just a bit tired. I think I'll lay down and have a nap with our little mischief maker," answered Mary as she sank into the chair, trying to sound better then she felt. Noticing the look of concern, Mary knew that she would have to share her little secret soon.
"I'll have Mark chase after her when she wakes. That'll give you some extra rest," chuckled Flint.
"And Luke and I will make rabbit stew for supper," added Matt.
"Well now with all this pampering, I might just become spoiled," laughed Mary taking a long drink of the cool lemonade.
"Then it's all settled, Matt and I will do these dishes before we leave out to finish the gate on the play yard, and you will be a lady of leisure," grinned Flint.
"Nonsense," protested Mary, "I can do the dishes before I lay down."
Flint winked at Matt and raised one eyebrow, then began as if scolding a child, "I'll decide who does what around here and I said you two ladies were going straight from this table to take a nap." Scooping up Samantha Flint headed for the stairs. "Now Mary are you coming, or must I come back and carry you upstairs as well?" scolded Flint in playful sternest.
"You wouldn't dare," retorted Mary beginning to gather the dishes.
"Oh yes I would, and once more if you don't put those dishes down and follow me right now, I just might put you over my knee when we get to our room," answered Flint as he reached the top of the stairs.
Matt laughed as Mary chased Flint up the stairs waving her wooden spoon, "You just give it a try, Flint McCullough" sang Mary.
When Flint reappeared half an hour later, carrying the wooden spoon and wearing a lopsided grin, Matt had finished the dishes, and was just finishing with sweeping the floor.
"Well, dad who swatted who?" teased Matt with a huge grin.
"Boy you get on back outside and let's finish that gate, before I show you who swatted who," laughed Flint playfully swinging the spoon at Matt's retreating backside, before dropping the spoon in the sink and following Matt out the door.
Father and son worked to hang the gate when Flint spoke again, "You think you can handle your brothers and Samantha for the afternoon? I'd like to go into town and inquire about getting your mom someone to help out a bit, she'd put up a fuss if she knew," said Flint with a bit of a worried look.
"Sure thing, I'll even tell them to stay outside so they don't wake mom. If I sneak in about two, I can even get Sammy before she wakes mom," answered Matt proud that he could help.
Matt was just coming out of the barn carrying Sammy when his brothers came galloping full speed into the yard.
"HOLD UP! RIGHT NOW!, Matt bellowed, you two know better than to race into the yard like that, you're lucky it was me that caught you and not dad," he growled.
"You don't worry about what I'm doing," grumbled Mark, "You're not my boss."
"Mark, that's where you wrong. Mom's resting and dad went into town leaving me in charge," answered Matt. "You are to stay outside and look after Samantha in her new play yard. Luke and I will be doing the barn chores and cooking up some rabbit stew for supper," he added.
"I've got other things to do, so you can just look after the baby yourself, bossy," shouted Mark, leading Chief into the barn.
"Here, Luke take Sammy," said Matt practically shoving her into Luke's arms.
"Marks digging himself a hole, Sammy let go play in your new yard where we'll be safe when the fireworks start," smiled Luke, as he struggled to keep the squirming child on his hip.
Matt stormed into the barn, "Okay Mark what's wrong?" shot Matt, as he grabbed Mark's arm and spun him around.
"It's really none of your business, just leave me alone alright," yelled Mark pulling free of Matt's grip.
"Okay, Mark, either you tell me what's wrong, or you can help with the barn chores, and for all I care you can sulk the whole time; your choice." said Matt with fire in his eyes.
"Your right, it's my choice and I choose neither one," announced Mark, turning and running headlong out of the barn and squarely into Ty who had come to investigate all the ruckus.
"Matt you wrangle Luke and Sammy, while Mark and me take care of the chores," ordered Ty, placing his hands on his hips, as he glared down at Mark who sat stunned staring at Ty's feet.
"Yes sir, Ty sir," answered Matt heading off to see that Sammy and Luke were okay before he got the stew started.
"Now, if I heard you right you were making choice, the way I see it you can sit down here and tell me what's on your mind, then we can get these chores done, or we can get right to work. But, if you want to continue your tantrum, I can tan your hide right quick, then we can get to work. So Mark, what's your choice?" thundered Ty in a tone Mark had never heard from their foreman before.
Mark glared angrily; why was Ty butting in? Couldn't he just have a bad day without everyone on his back. Mark began to stomp and slam around the barn.
Ty let him be until he slung the rake into the stall frightening the horses. Stepping up behind Mark he landed a mighty swat to the boys backside. "Now Mark, you pick up that rake and put it away properly," said Ty.
Mark glared defiantly at Ty, as he grabbed the feed bucket and slammed it into the bin.
Ty reached out a hand and spun him face to face, "Mark, I have had enough of this fit, stop now or you can explain to your dad why you're standing in the corner of the bunk house, holding the seat of you britches. You know son, my friends say I'm pretty good at listening. If you want to talk about what eatin' ya, before that temper of yourn gets you more than just a warning swat."
"It's okay sir, I'm sorry for my temper. Nothing's wrong, I'm just tired, sir; honest." answered Mark. Picking up the bucket and started back to work much more calmly. Suddenly realizing that if he weren't careful he be in deeper trouble.
oOo
At supper that night Mark, having surprised himself and finished all the chores, and feeling relieved that Luke had not told on him for getting caught sleeping in class, he decided to see what his Dad felt about the big race coming up.
Mark finished chewing the bite in his mouth and jumped in, "Dad, have you seen the big poster in town about the big horse race?"
"Sure did, I also noticed where it said; for riders fifteen and over," added Flint suspecting the young boys motives.
"Yes, sir I know. I just wanted to know if it would be okay for me to go into town a week from Saturday and watch. It will be something exciting to do that's all," stated Mark enthusiastically .
"I don't see why not, so long as you don't get yourself into any more trouble between now and then. By the way son, I noticed all the chores were finished and Matt said that everything went fine while I was gone this afternoon. Good job," praised Flint.
"Thanks Dad. I decided that you were right; I did need to pay more attention to my responsibilities and I do need to get more rest." Mark hoped that sounded convincing and made a mental note to thank Matt for not telling his dad about the way he carried on this afternoon. "May I please be excused, so I can get to my homework, so I can be in bed by eight?"
"Yes, Mark. Please take your dishes to the sink," asked Mary.
Mark did so quickly and headed for his room. Later after Mary put Samantha down for the night she crossed the hall knocking as she entered.
"Mark, sweety, it's eight, are you finished with your school work?"
"Yes ma'am, just finished the last problem," smiled Mark.
"Then it's in to bed with you, love," she said kissing the top of his head as she turned back to the door, calling good night before closing it.
"Eight already, dang; it's not even dark out. Oh well early to bed early to rise" mumbled Mark, as he pulled his night shirt out of the drawer. He took off his shirt and pulled the night shirt over his head. Then he pulled off his boots and slid under the covers, figuring there was no need to take off his pants. If his dad came in, he'd looked convincing enough, and this way, once everyone was in bed he could slip out faster. Mark was a little angered at having to go to bed so early, but as he was tired he was soon asleep. When he woke at eleven, he was surprised that he had not stirred when Luke came to bed. He climbed out of bed and arranged his pillows in case anyone checked on him. Then he climbed out the window and scurried around to the trellis, scaled it down and made a dash for the barn. Once he was safely inside, he began talking to Chief.
"Hi, old friend are you ready for our workout. I can't wait to show the whole town how fast you are," said Mark patting the horses neck. As if in answer, he received a whiney as they rode along the familiar path before Chief broke into a trot. Mark smiled as he felt the wind on his face. It was a good workout. Chief had run faster than ever. Happy, Mark climbed down and led Chief over to the stream for a well-deserved drink. "Boy we've got this race in the bag. All I gotta do now is get you entered." Chief whinnied, "I know, I'm too young, but don't you worry about that, I've got a plan. We'd better get back, though we have been gone longer than usual."
When Mark neared the barn, he noticed there was a light on in the bunk house. Slipping through the barn door he started brushing Chief frantically; he would be in big trouble if anyone caught him out. He finished and put the brush away, then just as he went to pull the barn door open, he heard Flint coming. He quickly grabbed the pail and milking stool.
"Well, looks like going to bed with the chickens did you good," smiled Flint pleased to see the boy hard at work.
As Flint left the barn Luke came over and kneeled down next to Mark, "I made your bed and closed the window, and I told mom you ran out to the outhouse," he whispered.
"Thanks; I owe you one." Mark stopped at the bathhouse and combed his hair and brushed his clothes before taking the milk to his mom.
"Morning Mark, good to see you up and smiling for a change," called Mary as he opened the back door.
"Your certainly on top of things this morning, son, you even beat me out of bed," praised Flint as he sat down at the table.
"Doesn't it feel good to have all your work finished before breakfast, so you can relax and eat. Why don't you ask the blessing this morning Mark?" said Mary with a wide prideful smile.
"Yes, Ma'am, and I'd be glad to say the blessing." Mark bowed his head quickly or he might have noticed the curious look that Flint tossed his way.
"Father bless this food and bless this day and bless each one of us today, Amen."
"Mark, I'd call that short sweet and to the point, you must be hungry," replied Flint as he thought to himself; from grouch to almost angel there was something just not quite right here.
"Yes sir, I worked up a powerful hunger," said Mark as he started passing hot food. Everyone laughed.
oOo
When the noon recess was called, Mark dragged Elmer Hopper over to behind the big oak at the back of the school.
"Elmer, I need your help. Can you meet me in town around ten tomorrow?" implored Mark.
"I don't know Mark, the last time I did you a favor it cost me two weeks of freedom and a chunk of my hide."
"Okay, well I'm sorry about the last time, but this time it won't cost ya nothin' and I'll throw in my new jack knife. I just need you to pretend to be Matt and sign up for the big race. Tomorrow's the last day. I'd do it myself, but I'm too short to pass for fifteen. Please Elmer?"
"Show me the knife," demanded Elmer, holding out his hand.
Mark pulled the knife from his pocket and waited anxiously while Elmer looked it over.
Handing back the knife, Elmer nodded, "It's a deal, so long as if you get caught you leave my name out of it. I'm coming into town to play baseball tomorrow anyway, so I'll meet you right here at nine-thirty; that way no one will see us together."
The bell sounded and all of the students began to run for the door. Mark had done well all morning, but the afternoon was extra warm and it being Friday, they were having a math test. When everyone got still and quiet, he began to feel the effect of his late night, early morning charade. At around two thirty, only about half way through his test, Mark's eyes got heavy then his head began to bob. He laid his head on his arm fighting to keep the pencil moving. In no time at all, he was sound asleep. When the last student turned in their test, Miss Parker put her finger to her lips and motioned for everyone to rise, then whispered; you're dismissed. Then when the room was empty, except for Mark Miss Parker picked up her hickory stick and slapped the black board. Mark jumped near out of his skin; wait where was he?
"Mr. Spence, come up here at once," commanded Miss Parker. Doom registered as Mark made his way to the front of the room.
"Now young man this makes three times I have caught you sleeping in my classroom this week. What have you to say for yourself?"
Mark just shrugged his shoulders and returned his teacher a blank stare.
"Very well turn around and bend over. Maybe, a little reminder applied to your behind will help you stay awake to finish your test." With that Miss Parker raised the hickory stick and cracked it across the seat of Mark's britches four times.
Mark bit down hard on his lip not wanting to cry out. For a small lady, Miss Parker sure knew how to swing.
"Now Mark, if I have to address this problem again in the near future, I will be sending a note home to your father. Is that clear?"
"Yes Ma'am, I will do my best not to let it happen again."
"See that you do. Now get back to you seat and finish the test."
Mark squirmed, as he tried to concentrate. Finally he finished the test and stood up, smiling to himself. Sure his backside stung, but at least it was over and he didn't have to tell his dad, so he was still good to come into town tomorrow and to race the next Saturday.
oOo
By the next Wednesday, the late nights were catching up again. Mark was becoming a grouch to everyone. He had at least discovered that if he went to bed at eight and got back up at ten and back in bed by two; he could at least stay awake in class.
Thursday night as everyone had gathered around the dinner table, "More Daddy More," demanded Samantha, banging her spoon on the table.
Taking her bowl, Flint spooned in more of the thick gravy and vegetables, "It is good isn't it, baby?" cooed Flint, placing the bowl back in front of her.
"Me like Wabbit tew; yummy!" Samantha exclaimed, throwing her small pudgy arms in the air and getting gravy in her red short curls.
As everyone at the table laughed, Flint looked around and found Mark stirring his bowl slowly fighting to keep his eyes open.
"I hope you don't have much homework. Are you feeling okay, champ?" asked Flint reaching over and feeling Marks forehead.
Mark looked up surprised, "I finished it all at school. I'm fine sir, we were just running really hard at school playing ball. I must have circled that field a hundred times. Then playing with Sammy just tired me out, I guess. May I please be excused."
"Yes you may. It's a good thing you finished all your lessons, because I don't believe you could hold your head up any longer. Night son."
As his parents watched him climb the stairs, Mark was glad they didn't ask to see his homework. He would try to finish it after he and Chief finished the workout tonight; before he went back to bed.
If Flint and Mary had not been watching Mark, they might have noticed the look on Luke's face as the wheels of his mind began to turn.
"Flint honey, something's up with that boy. I just can't put my finger on it. He's been to bed early every night this week and every evening he seems dead tired," said a worried Mary.
"He's just trying to stay out of trouble and in our good graces, so he can watch the race on Saturday. You wait and see; come Sunday he'll be back to the old Mark. Now you stop worrying," assured Flint.
oOo
Now, earlier in the week Ty had come across a worried Luke out behind the bunkhouse. Luke had confided it in him that Mark had gotten whacked by Miss Parker for falling asleep in class and that he had promised not to tell on Mark, but that he was worried that Mark might be doing something bad. Ty began putting the moods and sleepiness together. Ty decided to investigate Mark's night activities a little closer. He decided to use the hammock on Bill's porch for a stakeout. Sure enough around midnight the window raised and out climbed Mark. Ty lay motionless, as Mark crept across the roof and down the trellis. Before long, he disappeared into the barn reappearing in a few minutes leading Chief out across the back pasture and out the far gate. Once the gate was closed, Mark climbed atop Chief and was off like a shot. Ty got up and headed for the barn.
Meanwhile, Luke pulled on his boots and arranged his pillows, before timidly climbing out the window. The roof was steep and it was dark. He was scared, but he had come this far and he figured that Mark was using the trellis to climb down. So, he sat down and scooted across the steepest part, then stood and slowly worked his way around to the trellis. He struggled to get a good hold as he worked to lower himself over the edge searching with an outstretched toe for a foothold below when . . .
"Aaaaaaa . . ."
TBC...
The reading quote was taken from Eclectic educational McGuffey's Third reader 1868, from the story of the eagle on page 70.
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