The Trails End Ranch

Chapter 26 : A Cooked Goose

Recap:

Ty began putting the facts together; Mark's moods and sleepiness, and so decided to investigate the boy's night activities a little closer. He intended 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 later 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 shook his head, 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 . . .

Chapter :26 A Cooked Goose

Luke lay crying where he had landed on the hard ground of the front path. Ty, having just came out of the barn leading his horse, ran toward the scream. Flint ran stumbling though the dark and down the stairs, as Mary hurried to light a lamp.

Ty dropped to his knees and tried to calm the boy.

"Luke, what the devil were you doing? Be still and stop screaming, I'm here. Where do you hurt?" Ty asked the questions so fast that there was no time for the boy to answer.

The front door flew open and out ran Flint wearing only black pants. "What in tarnation; Luke are you okay?"Asked Flint taking in the scene in front of him.

Ty checked both Legs and his neck, as Flint knelt at Luke's side.

"I think I'm okay 'cept my arm hurts really bad," said Luke, as he fought to control his fear and tears. "Please dad don't be mad, I didn't mean to wake everyone," quivered Luke, as Ty slipped his arms under him and began to rise.

"You just be still and let Ty carry you; it'll be ; let's just put him right over here on the table where we can see to his arm better," suggested Flint as he followed Ty into the house, and moved towards where Mary had placed the lamp, and was beginning to light several more around the table.

Matt arrived on the scene and started to help his mother light the lamps.

"Matt, since you're up; how about going out and finding me two straight sticks of kindling. Mary can you find something to make a bandage?" ordered Flint, taking charge.

"Now Luke, this is going to hurt, there's just no stopping that. You've broken your arm, and I have to straighten it so it can mend," trying to comfort the boy, but warn him as well.

"HEY, LOOK A SNAKE," shouted Mary causing a distraction, as she pointing to the corner behind Luke, when she returned with the bandages.

"WHERE?"shouted Luke spinning to get a look just as Flint pulled."Auhouch..."screamed Luke.

"Now son, the worst is over. Hold still while I bandage it. Ty, how about you get him just a bit of that whiskey the men keep in the bunkhouse?" Flint smiled at Mary's shocked look, "It will help him sleep; it won't hurt him none. There now buddy, that should do it. It will still hurt some, but it should heal just fine. Let's see if I can still carry you up the stairs?"

Once in his room, Flint stood Luke on his feet and helped him out of his cloths and into his night shirt. Luke, dared to speak, "I'm sorry about causing all this trouble," he said in a voice that trembled.

"Now, don't worry about that tonight; we'll talk about it later, " said Flint. Then seeing that Ty had come into the room carrying the bottle of whiskey, Flint took the glass Mary held and poured a good dose. "Drink it down and your mom can get you some water."

"Actha...Augh; that's awful, how can anyone drink that stuff," spluttered Luke, as Mary turned to fill the glass with water for him.

"Now young man, while your climbing under this quilt, suppose you tell me where your brother is?" asked Flint taking the empty glass.

"Honest, dad, I was following him, cause he didn't want me to come," answered Luke about to cry again.

"Boss sir, I might be able to shed a little light on things for ya," interrupted Ty.

"Okay, Luke you try and go to sleep. Ty let's you and I go downstairs and talk." said Flint rising, and then left the room with Ty while Mary attended to Luke.

Both men sat down in the main room, while Ty told his story.

"It was about two weeks ago. I happened to see Mark sneaking in. I didn't think much of it at the time, cause I remember doin the same as a boy. But then the other day, while you were in town, he had himself a bit of a temper fit, and he let it slip that he had gotten in trouble for sleeping in class. I kinda put two and two together and decided to keep a look out tonight. Sure enough around midnight, out the window he came. I was just getting my horse to follow him and see what he was up to when I heard Luke scream. Sorry I didn't come to you earlier boss."

"That's alright Ty; you did fine, you might be right, it's probably just boys having fun. You could do me a favor though, go up and tell Mary that I've gone after Mark. Tell her not to worry. I'll put your horse away," answered Flint. Picking up his watch from the mantle and heading out the door.

"Sure thing, I'll see you in the morning boss," said Ty as he rose and started up the stairs.

Flint unsaddled Buck an put him away, and then decided that Mark would have to come into the barn to put Chief away, so he grabbed the milking stool and propped himself up in the shadowed corner of the barn behind the door. Later, by match light, he checked his watch. It was three am and he could feel his anger rising."That boy, what must he be thinking?" The barn door started to creek, so Flint froze and watched.

Mark lead Chief in and closed the door. Flint watched as he brushed Chief and gave him some oats. "Night, ole boy. I gotta get back inside before I'm missed," whispered Mark as he patted Chief's neck.

Mark turned toward the door, then let out a short squeal. He stood eyes popped, face to face with a none too happy Flint.

"Young man, I want an explanation. Where have you been?"

Mark stood frozen, as his mind raced as to what story he could tell that his dad would believe. Mark stared at the barn floor not daring to glance up.

"I'm waiting Mark, what have you been up to that you have to sneak out at all hours of the night?" growled Flint through clinched teeth.

"W-E-L-L- D-A-D..., I a...We, we were just out playing spy games honest. We weren't doing nothing wrong," shuddered Mark hoping that it sounded believable.

"You weren't doing anything wrong! Mark, you were suppose to be home in bed. You climbed out the window. That fact tells me that you knew that it was wrong," said Flint, as he tried not to lose his temper with Mark.

The look on Flint's face caused Mark to jump,"Yea, Dad, but we weren't hurting nothing, we were just having fun," answered a nervous Mark.

"Are you sure about that son? Just how many times have you been out playing this spy game of yours? Asked Flint angrily.

"Just twice, dad; once last week and tonight sir. I 'm sorry, I worried you, sir, but we was just a game. It was much more fun at night is all," pleaded Mark again, not liking the look still on his dad's face.

Flint rubbed his hand across his face and released a deep breath, "Son, I can see how you might think that sneaking out at night to play a game with your friends might be harmless, but Mark climbing on the roof was dangerous and you know that riding your horse at night is not safe. What if you had gotten hurt?" growled Flint as he stared at Mark. "And worse, son is the reason that I 'm up at this hour is that someone did get hurt."

Mark looked confused. "I'm not hurt dad, at least not yet," answered Mark knowing that he could still be in for a lickn'.

"No Mark, you're not hurt, but your brother decided to climb out the window and follow you and he fell off the roof," explained Flint.

Panic covered Mark's face. "Is he okay, I didn't tell him to come, honest dad."

"He'll be okay, but his arm is broken. We've talked before about how he watches you and Matt, and how it's important that you set a good example for him and your sister," lectured Flint, a little calmer now.

"I'm sorry he got hurt, dad, really, but it's not my fault he got hurt..."said Mark instantly mad that his little brother had somehow gotten him into trouble once again.

"Your right, Mark, you did not cause him to fall, but if you hadn't been sneaking out the window it's my hunch he would not have tried it. He and I will be having a long talk about his actions later. Right now, though I'm concerned with your actions." Flint drew a deep breath and chewed his bottom lip as he thought.

Mark paled as he waited on trembling knees for his dad to speak.

"You will be confined to the ranch except for school for the next two weeks, and you will be responsible for all of Luke's chores for that time. And you will be in bed every night at eight o'clock. Is that understood?" said Flint after releasing a long breath.

"THAT'S NOT FAIR, YOU PROMISED I COULD GO INTO TOWN SATURDAY !" Shouted Mark.

All at once the look on Flint's face registered and Mark took a step backward, throwing both hands behind him, realizing he had let his temper get him in hot water again.

"FAIR!" boomed Flint, I said you could go into town, if you stayed out of trouble. You want to talk fair? I'll tell you what; you had better wise up and stop shouting at me and I mean quick. What you deserve is for me to take a belt to you for sleeping in class, climbing out windows, being rude and disrespectful. I think the punishment is more than fair, but if you disagree, you can march right out yonder and cut me a switch and we'll go at it from your other end," growled Flint letting his hands come to rest on his hips.

"Mark, knew a good deal when he heard it. " No sir, I'm Sorry sir; your right you have been very fair."

"That's better. Now, Mark before you get on in to bed, I have just one more thing to say, you are never to climb out the window again is that clear? Now off to bed, GET!" yelled Flint.

"Yes sir," answered Mark almost running, as Flint followed him out of the barn, for fear he might still receive a good whack.

Topping the stairs, Mark walked quickly to the door of his room. Stopping short he nervously stepped in. There sat his mom, gently stoking Luke's forehead, as he slept. As Mary looked up at him he could see the fear and worry in her eyes. Slowly Mark walked over and sat down on his bed and began pulling off his boots. Dropping his boots to the floor he looked at his mom. "I sorry, I know that Luke's falling must have scared you."

"Your right son, if he hadn't broken his arm, I would have blistered him good for scaring everyone like that...And you I could just..."

"Want me to go fetch your brush," asked Mark hoping the answer was no.

"Mary stood and pulled him to her and hugged him tight, "Don't think that I didn't consider it. You just get yourself into that bed and I mean quick, or I'll change my mind."

Mark moved fast to get into his nightshirt and climb into the bed, as Mary held the covers open,

"And stay there," she said, punctuating the words with one sharp smack with the hairbrush she drew from her robe pocket. She leaned down and kissed his forehead before blowing out the lamp and turning to go to her bed.

Once in her room, Flint stepped up behind her wrapping his arms around her as she laid the brush in it proper place on her dressing table.

"All safe and sound once more," he whispered kissing her neck and smiling as he felt her relaxing into him.

Mark lay in his bed feeling the sting of that single swat, knowing that if his dad found out he lied he'd get the worst whipping ever. But, he had bragged so much about Chief and his abilities; how could he back out now just two days before the race. He'd not sneak out again not until Saturday morning, hoping that maybe the race would be underway before his folks found out. If he won, maybe they would be so proud, they'd forget about his disobeying them. Who was he kidding; he get a lickn' for sure, but then maybe winning the race would be worth it, thought Mark as he drifted off to sleep.

oOo

It was around six am Saturday morning when Luke woke up to discover that Mark's bed was empty again, and the window was not quiet shut. Slipping into his boots, he made his way down the stairs, as he headed for the outhouse. He argued with himself; should he rat on his brother? If he didn't and his dad discovered him gone that would be deceitful and he would be in trouble along with Mark. He remembered how worried his mom had looked last night as she waited for him to be found safe after he had broken his arm. Then he had thought that his dad was going to bust a vein when he had let it slip that Mark had gotten spanked at school for sleeping in class. Mark would be in so much trouble if he told, but then if he and only told just once in the last three weeks, he wouldn't have a broken arm.

'Jeepers, taking care of business wasn't easy with just one arm' thought Luke wrestling the nightshirt back down as he open the door and went to the barn where he knew he would find Flint Milking. He always let the boys sleep until breakfast on Saturday.

"What, is it buddy, is your arm hurting? Asked Flint, turning as Luke entered the barn.

"Some dad, but that's not it," answered Luke, fighting not to let the tears in his eyes spill.

"Mark went out the window again. I hate to tell on him, but dad I'm scared. I overheard him and Elmer talking about something he was too young to do. And dad, I 'm scared he's doing something bad. He's been sneaking out almost every night for two weeks," said Luke as a tear slid down his face.

"Luke you stop worrying. You were right to come to me. Now you go get ready for breakfast and let me worry about your brother."

As Luke left, Flint went to talk to Mary. It took every ounce of control Flint had to stay calm. He had felt that they was more to the story the Mark was letting on; Thursday night in the barn. Flints temper rose and he growled to himself, "Just wait until I get hold of that boy..."

Flint suddenly aware of Mary's worried expression, patted her gently and kissed her on the cheek. "Honey try not to worry. I know there is a horse race in town that he wanted to watch. I'm going to fetch him you just take it easy here, if he gets back here before me, just send him to his room to wait for me," said Flint giving her a kiss as he turned and walked out the door.

oOo

With breakfast over Mary, busied herself with the wash, while Luke looked after Samantha in the play yard. As she wrung out the last dress, she felt dizzy and before she knew it, she sank to the ground. After a few minutes the feeling passed and she quickly got to her feet and dropped the dress back in the water. She looked around, relieved that no one had seen, she rinsed the dress again and pined it on the line. Knowing that Matt would come along when he finished in the barn and empty the water, she turned toward the play yard and checked on Luke and Samantha.

oOo

Flint rode along mulling it all over in his mind...All the tired nights; the sleeping in class and the grouchy fits, something he was not old enough to do? The Race! It suddenly all came to light in Flints mind. If Mark had entered that race, it will be the last time he'd sit in a saddle for a long while. Mark had deliberately lied, he been deceitful and worse Flint had fallen for it. Just before reaching town, he let his mind look at things form Mark's point of view. He could see the attraction that all this held or a boy of fourteen, but Mark knew the consequences. As Flint rode into town, he was calmer, but more determined that Mark had earned a tanning and that was just what he was going to get.

Flint searched town for more than an hour with no sign of the boy. Maybe, he was wrong and Mark was back home waiting in his room. Flint turned and walked toward the sheriff's office, where he had left his horse to head home, when the race announcer called all riders to the start. Within minutes, right there, bold as brass sat Mark atop Chief. Flint saw red and just as the starters pistol fired, Flint reached out and dragged Mark from the saddle. Nodding toward Sheriff Tom, Flint proceeded to stride toward the office leading Mark by the arm. Opening the door he flung Mark inside and turning to shut the door, he reached out and grabbed the wooden pan brush sitting next to the stove, then crossed the room and sat on the corner of the desk.

"Get over here boy," said Flint pointing to the floor in front of him. As soon as Mark was within reach, Flint pulled him across his leg and began to paddle his backside repeatedly. Satisfied that he had done a fair job of getting Mark's attention, he stood him up, then took Mark's face in his hand, forcing him to look into his eyes."You were told not to leave the ranch. You were deceitful, and you obviously out right lied to me the other night. And, I said you were never to climb out that window again!" growled Flint.

Flint released Mark's face.. Reaching down he unbuckled his belt."Turn around, drop your britches and bend over the desk," ordered Flint.

"But Dad can't we..."

Mark never finished his sentence, as the look on Flint's face told him that there was no room discussion. As soon as Mark unfastened his britches, he bent over the corner of the desk and bit his bottom lip waiting for the worst. Flint took hold of the boys waist and pulled him closer to his thighs, still sitting on the desk next to Mark. From that position Flint undid the flap of Marks long johns, then laid down a volley of strokes with his folded belt. Within minutes, Mark was crying; the boy was right; this was the worst whipping ever. His Backside was on fire. Just when he thought he could stand no more the tanning stopped and he felt his underwear righted and then he was being pulled to his feet.

As Mark quickly reached down and pulled up his pants, Flint spoke. "Now, young man, I want you to get on you horse and get yourself home. I expect you to have a full explanation and this time I want the truth. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" said Flint, as he rethreaded his belt.

"Yes, sir," hiccupped Mark, fixing his clothes. As he watched Flint replace the brush next to the dustpan and open the door. "Get going!" pointed Flint.

Mark shuffled past Flint too busy scrubbing the tears from his face to consider the vicinity of Flint's hand. As Mark passed his father, Flint added a resounding thwack to the seat of the boys britches almost catapulting him out onto the boardwalk.

Mark yelped and scurried to Chief.

Closing the door to the office behind him, Flint smiled at a grinning sheriff Tom, "Thanks for tying the horse and for the use of you office," said Flint.

"Anytime Friend," responded Tom without moving from his chair on the porch.

Mark's ears turned red hot as he realized that the sheriff had heard the whole thing. Mark left town standing in the stirrups. Flint turned to find the race coordinators and Miss Parker to sort out a few facts, before heading home to finish his talk with Mark.

oOo

"Mark, I'll take your horse your Ma wants to see you right away," said Ty.

"Thanks, Sir. Is she mad or crying sir?" asked Mark, as he absently rubbed at his backside.

"That partner, is what you must go find out," laughed Ty, watching Mark turn and walk stiffly toward the house.

"Just where have you been, young man?" came Mary's angry cry.

"In town. Sorry, if I worried you. Dad sent me home to wait for him, so if you'll excuse me, I'll just go to my room."

"Oh I see. You just keep saying you're sorry but you keep being disobedient. You can just take yourself right over to the corner by the fireplace there, where I can keep my eye on you until your dad gets home," ordered a very stern Mary.

Mark just stood staring.

"Did you hear me, Mark; I said in the corner, now scoot, or do you plan to add defying me to your list of wrong doings this morning?"

"No Ma'am, I 'm going," said Mark making his way to the corner.

He stood sulking in the corner, convinced that no one understood him. He never got to do anything he wanted, and every time he did find something to do one of his dumb brothers would go and spoil it for him. He was so tired of always being the one too sore to sit. And now on top of that he had to do all of Luke's chores; just grand! 'And just because, Luke had to go and be stupid and fall and break his arm, I get punished.' he thought.

Mark's stomach growled; 'Oh jeeze, did that ham smell good, but you just watch, with the way folks are treating me, they would all sit down in a bit and leave me standing, knowing that I missed breakfast, thought Mark. "I hate this damn family," Mark muttered under his breath as he kicked the fireplace. "OUCH!" yelled Mark grabbing his seat where Mary had planted a solid lick with her wooden spoon,

"You will not use language like that in my house."

Mark returned to sulking, 'that just goes to prove they all just looked for reasons to mistreat me...'

Mark's ranting pout was cut short by a knock at the door, Mark turned to look at the door.

"Young man, you get your nose right back in that corner," snapped Mary as she opened the door.

"Mrs Vickers do come in, it's so nice to see you," Mary enthused as they hugged one another.

"I was a doin some baking and got to thinking about how long it's been since we all had a visit, so I just wrapped up and applesauce cake and trotted myself right on over," smiled Mrs. Vickers.

"That's just wonderful come on in and have a seat. I'll pour us so tea to go with the cake," invited Mary waving her hand towards the table.

"I see your boys are like mine always finding some mischief. Why I was just telling Horace the other day, that the fireplace looked bare without one of the boys standing guard," quipped Mrs. Vicker's as she passed behind Mark.

"That's for sure. This one can't seem to stay put, so I had to stand him where I could keep my eye on him," said Mary pouring two cups of tea and placing the tea kettle back on the stove. Mrs. Vickers unwrapped the cake and cut two slices with the knife that Mary had laid on the table.

"Just how have you been fairing, Violet?" asked Mary.

"With that big rain last week, we should be set for a good canning season. Oh, lookey here, come over here you little doll," cooed Mrs. Vickers stretching out her arms to Samantha.

Samantha suddenly realized there was someone other than her mom in the room and eagerly climbed into the awaiting arms full of smiles and laughs.

"Mary, I do envy you. I wish I would have had just one girl. I love my five boys, but there's just something special about little girls. Speaking of boys; my Larry tells me Mark has gotten into trouble at school lately. Something about sleeping in class."

"As a matter of a fact, he has been caught a time or two. It seems that he and some of the other boys have been sneaking out at night to play some sort of spy game," answered Mary.

"Well, I never. If I find out one of mine's been sneaking out, I'll see to it that his pa warms his britches, lessons is too important to waste," this she said loudly as she turned toward Mark's back.

"Nosey old witch; just itching to get me in trouble," mumbled Mark in anger for which he received another whack of the spoon.

"No another word out of you, young man," said Mary.

"So, how's the rest of your brood, Mary?" asked Mrs. Vickers with a smug look.

"We're all fine, except for Luke; he had a bit of an accident the other night and broke his arm. He is upstairs resting."

"Well now let me see, I've seen everyone except Flint, he must be out working?"

"No; as a matter of a fact he had to go into town and round up Mark. I expect him any time. Mark has been just a magnet for trouble lately, at home and at school. Flint gave him a good talking to and restricted him to the ranch, but he snuck out again this morning. Much as it pains me, I hope that after Flint gives him a good tanning; he might finally get the message." said Mary still angry with Mark, and finding the need to talk to someone.

"Good glory, did mom have to tell everything, might as well have me drop my britches and show her my red ass, so she would have all the details," Mark hissed, beginning to fume.

Mrs. Vicker's snickered, as Mary stood and planted two more swats before leaning in to Mark's ear and whispering, "One more sound and you'll get your wish. I'll put you over my knee right here and Mrs Vickers can just see how red I can turn your behind. Now get your nose in that corner and keep quiet."

Mark did not hear the rest of the conversation. He had work it up in his mind, that he was one very mistreated young man. And he had half a mind to run away; that would show everyone, he thought. As Mark turned this new idea over in his mind, he never noticed Mrs. Vickers leave.

Just as Mrs. Vickers pulled onto the road, Flint came riding in. Ty took his horse, while very tired and an unhappy looking Flint march toward the back door. Opening the door Flint noticed Mark standing in the corner nearest the kitchen.

"Hey sweetheart, any trouble out of Mark?" asked Flint as he stopped to wash his hands at the sink.

Mary placed the bread on the table the answered, "None I couldn't handle, dear. Dinners almost ready would you call the boys."

"Sure thing. I told Matt to wash up on my way in, so I'll go get Luke." Flint headed for the stairs, not even stopping to look toward Mark.

"Just as I thought, nobody cares if I starve," thought Mark.

Mary sat down next to Samantha and watched as Flint and Luke came down the stairs.

"Mark get over to the sink and wash up before you sit down," said Flint.

Mark turned to obey, realizing he was stiff from having stood so long, but as he lowered himself into his chair, he quickly decided that maybe being left in the corner would not have been such a bad thing. As everyone bowed their heads Mark was squirming, Flint shot him a look that said; be still, before starting the blessing. As soon as Flints eyes were closed Mark stood up quickly then sat back down just as the amen was said, and everybody opened their eyes.

TBC….