Author's Note: I see that I have gained some new followers of late, welcome, I hope that you are enjoying the story. Don't be shy, review if you like the it. It isn't difficult to do and is complete painless for you. To those that do review, I can't express just how much I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Warning this chapter does contain the old fashioned discipline of an older teenager. If this bothers you please just don't bother to read any further.

Adam trotted around the bend and into the ranch courtyard, happily whistling to himself. He had completed his errands in town and had purchased his father a large hand wrapped cigar at the mercantile. Ben was not normally a smoker but he did enjoy the rare cigar to relax, often with a large glass of brandy.

On the way home Adam had planned out how to tell his father about his exploits at the saloon. He decided that he would have lunch, spend the afternoon hours bring his father up to date with the ranch business whilst he was away. After Supper when the younger boys were in bed, he would pour Ben a large shifter of brandy, present him with the cigar and then tell him about having to spend the night in the jailhouse sleeping off a hangover. Adam had convinced himself that if he was able to get Ben to relax that he might be able to persuade him that it was youthful exuberance and that he had not intended for the night to happen like that. Indeed, he had been reluctant to go into town and only relented when Bill, the ranch foreman had suggested that he could look after Little Joe. Adam trusted Bill and Carl the most and knew that his father would not mind either of them minding the younger boys whilst he had a night in town.

Adam's happy tuneful whistling stopped abruptly when he saw Sheriff Roy Coffee's horse being led out from the shade of the barn by Jake. Wilma was a very recognisable horse. Looking up towards the house, he spied The Sheriff and Ben standing together on the porch. Ben had looked up at Adam's entrance and scowled at him.

Adam's mouth suddenly became dry. Shit looks like my plan to tell Pa is out of the question now. Damn it Sheriff. I know you said you'd give me a few days and then tell Pa if I didn't but how could you know that I hadn't told him yet!

Ben and Sheriff Coffee exchanged a few words that Adam couldn't quite hear and then they shook hands. Ben remained standing on the porch arms crossed and glared at still saddled Adam. Roy strode across the yard and took Wilma's reins from Jake. "Thanks Jake."

"No problem sheriff," said Jake his eyes unable to stop from shooting from Ben to Adam wondering how Adam was going to handle this situation.

Roy mounted his horse and guided her towards Adam. Reaching him he put out his hand and slapped the younger man on the top of his right shoulder. "Sorry son, I didn't know you hadn't told your Pa."

I was going to tell him, you just beat me to it! Adam sighed and nodded his head in acknowledgement.

Roy looked at Adam's worried face and inwardly sighed. I did warn him that I'd inform Ben, but I must admit I expected Ben to tell me he already was aware and had dealt with it. Glancing towards the porch Roy saw Ben's angry glare and he suddenly felt a touch of pity for Adam. Ben was a good man, 'old school' in his methods of disciplining his children, just like Roy and he had been raised and, he certainly had a temper but Ben would never be unfair. Ben would allow Adam the chance to explain himself before deciding what, if any, actions needed to be taken to prevent the situation re-occurring. Certainly Roy had no doubt that Adam would accept the consequences of his actions whatever there may be and Roy would never again see Adam in his jail house for the same reasons. Feeling the tension in the air, Roy decided that he had out stayed his welcome and waved his hand in the air in a goodbye sign and trotted out of the courtyard.

Adam glanced up to the porch and Ben still stood in the same place glaring at him. "Sort your horse out quickly Adam and then come in the house," he said sternly.

"Yes, sir," said Adam quickly dismounting and leading Sport into the barn. As soon as he was out of sight, Adam slumped against the barn door. Oh god how am I gonna get Pa to understand no?. He picked up Sport's reins and led him into his stall, tying him up securely. Adam made short work of the saddle straps and took off the saddle. He has just placed the saddle on the rest, when the barn door opened and Jake stuck his head inside.

"Hey Adam, are you OK?" Jake asked.

Adam laughed sardonically, "What do you think Jake?"

"Uhm, I'm guessing not. What was that all about? Your Pa sure looks angry."

"I'm not completely sure Jake, but I'd bet my last dollar that Sheriff Coffee got me into hot water by telling my Pa about the incident in the saloon the other night. And he probably also mentioned that I had to spend the night in the jail house because I was too drunk to get home."

"Oh shoot, Adam, you didn't get to tell your Pa about that?"

"No Jake. I had planned to tell him tonight. At first I didn't tell him because of everything that was going on with Little Joe. And then what with Hoss' stuff to worry about it seemed that Pa didn't need any more stress. I could have told him last night but he was so full of anger, disappointment and worrying about dealing with Hoss that I didn't think it was a good time to mention it. I know my father, Jake, and he wouldn't have been able to listen to my explanation fully when he was in that sort of mood."

"I'm sorry Adam. Do you want me to talk to him and explain that it's partly my fault? After all I did ask that "dancing girl" to provide you with one of her services. It was all a joke Adam." Jake bit nervously at his nail, "I never meant for you to get into trouble. I know that you're not like some of the ranch hands and lust after every woman they can get their hands on."

Adam picked up a curry comb from the pile by the saddle rest and started brushing through Sport's coat. "It's OK Jake. Everyone works hard at this ranch and Pa doesn't mind them letting off steam in town so long as they don't do anything to get into trouble with the Sheriff. However my father holds my brothers and I up to a different set of standards, something about being more responsible because we will have to manage men someday."

"So you forgive me Adam."

Adam stopped combing Sport and smiled at his friend, "Yeah of course Jake, besides you didn't make me drink the beer or the brandy." Adam sighed, "I should never of have tried to look so macho in front of the ranch hands, it's not like I've ever drunk more than the occasional drink before. "

"Yeah well you certainly looked ill when the sheriff had two men help you to the jail house. I was gonna follow you and speak with the sheriff about safely seeing you home but he ordered me back to the ranch before I had a chance to say anything. Reckon he didn't want no more fighting between the hands and the gambler's friends."

"Really? I didn't know, thanks for trying anyway. Now if you excuse me, " said Adam as he put down the curry comb and filled Sport's water and feed troughs. "I gotta get in the house before my Pa comes looking for me. It wouldn't work out for me too well if he thinks I am avoiding him."

"Hmm, I think I understand exactly what you're saying Adam, good luck explaining."

Adam took a deep breath, "Thanks Jake." And Adam patted Sport's flank before he quickly left the barn.

Adam walked in the house and found Ben standing by the fireplace with a large glass of brandy. Ben was not known to drink so early in the day, particularly when there was no company to entertain. Noticing Adam entering the house, Ben pointed at the red armchair silently and took a long swallow of the harsh liquid. Adam put his hat on the sideboard, unbuckled his gun belt and placed this also onto the sideboard before reluctantly approaching his father and sitting down in the red armchair.

"Why Adam?" Ben asked in a hard voice.

"Sir?"

"Why did I hear about your escapades in town from the Sheriff instead you?" Ben growled whilst glaring at his eldest.

"I'm sorry Pa; I was going to tell you but…"

"I've been home a few days Adam. You've had plenty of time to speak to me. Yet you didn't and I want to know why, boy?" interrupted Ben.

Adam winced at the 'boy' statement that meant that this conversation would not be a discussion between 'two adults' but instead would be a conversation between a very 'pissed off' father and his troublesome son. Adam remembered this scenario from his past and it never ended well for him.

Taking several deep breaths before he spoke, Adam looked directly into his father's eyes, trying to maintain eye contact even against Ben's increasingly angry glare.

"Sir, I am sorry but a lot has happened whilst you have been away. I am not trying to convince you that I forgot, far from it, but I didn't think that it was something that I thought you needed to know about straight away. We haven't even talked about the ranch business yet and that is usually the second thing you ask about on your return from business, at least it was the last time. Pa…I know that you normally ask first ask about us boys and then we talk about the ranch. I admit I was and still am worried about your reaction, but I had intended to be the one to tell you about what happened this evening when Hoss and Little Joe had gone to bed." Adam maintained eye contact with Ben the entire time and Ben's glare softened slightly.

Ben sighed and, taking a seat in the other armchair, he leaned forwards with his arms on his knees. "OK son, I believe you. Now tell me what happened at that saloon and do not attempt to leave anything out or I will know." Ben said sternly.

Adam recounted the story slowly, right from being asked if he wanted to go into town. Ben raised both eyebrows when Adam mentioned about 'Annie' sitting on his lap and he sat up straighter when Adam recounted about being talked into drinking more. Ben was ok with Adam having the occasional beer at the ranch and had on occasion offered his eldest during the last year a glass of Brandy to celebrate with. But he wasn't happy with his son's drinking, especially in public and when he clearly drank more than Ben would have allowed. Ben allowed Adam to finish his story without any interruptions. Leaving nothing out, Adam watched Ben's face carefully whilst he recounted the details.

When Adam had finished recounting his story, he looked down at the floor, not wanting to see his father's disappointment. Ben coughed "Look at me please Adam." Adam obeyed the request.

"Son, I was your age once and, although you may not believe it, I do understand how you want to show your friends and even the ranch hands that you are an adult. However, your behaviour is not something to be proud of. You know I don't mind you having a the occasional beer or glass of brandy here at the ranch when I am home but drinking in a saloon….and as for getting involved with a 'dancing girl'.."

Adam started to speak but Ben held up his hand in the universal "stop" sign. "Don't even try and defend that Adam. If you hadn't gone to the saloon and drunken liquor then that wouldn't have happened. "

Adam dropped his head, "I'm sorry Pa," he mumbled.

"Adam look at me when you address me please."

Adam compiled but instead of the anger he expected in his father's eyes, he saw only disappointment. "Son, you are growing up into a fine young man, one I am very proud of. " Ben sighed and rubbed his hands over his head. "Adam, I know that I probably ask too much of you. But that is part of the role that you are growing into Son. Being the son of a wealthy land owner is a big responsibility and you already have responsibility in my absence for managing men much older than you. To do that effectively, you need to have the men's respect. And, so you, unlike your friends will need to mature much quicker. I do still want you to get the chance to act your age and have fun, even date a pretty girl, but you have to realise that everyone is watching you and your reputation will be formed by your actions. Trust me son, men will exploit any weakness they can and respect can be lost twice as quickly as it is gained."

"Yes sir, I understand. I'm sorry Pa, for drinking too much and I am really embarrassed at having to spend the night in the jailhouse. I didn't invite Miss Annie's attention though, apparently it was a joke some of the men arranged (Adam was not prepared to tell Ben that it was Jakes idea and he unconsciously crossed his fingers hoping that Ben would not ask who's idea it was). "It will not happen again Pa I promise."

Ben nodded, "I'm glad to hear it, Adam. But what I am most disappointed in is that you didn't tell me about it before I had to hear about my son's behaviour from the town's Sheriff. Do you know how that made me feel, Adam? I thought that hearing about Hoss' exploits was bad enough but to hear that my son spent the night in jail because he was so drunk that he could not ride home…."

"I said I was sorry Pa and I was going to tell you myself," said Adam indignantly.

"Yes I heard you Adam, but you didn't son. And, yes, I do understand that with Little Joe being hurt everyone's focus was on that but I still think that you had ample time and opportunity to talk to me and you avoided it, probably because you wanted to get me in a good mood first. " At that Ben looked into Adam's eyes and when Adam looked away he knew that he was correct. "That's what I thought. Son, avoiding talking about this earlier just made me angrier; I probably would have let this go with a lecture. But by keeping quiet by choice, you were in a way lying to me and you know that I do not allow that do I?"

Sigh, "No sir, you don't."

"Lunch ready, everybody sit at table," was the call from the kitchen.

Ben looked at Adam, "Go and see if your brothers are awake Adam. We will have lunch and then you and I are taking a trip out to the barn for a discussion with the belt about lying."

Yeah, I was expecting that. I knew it was coming. Guess I'll just have to deal with it like a man.

"Yes sir," said Adam. He stood up and quickly ran up the stairs. Little Joe and Hoss were playing cards still. Adam knocked on the door and putting his head in, he said, "Lunch is ready, you boys hungry?"

"I am," said Little Joe.

"Me too, I could eat a horse Adam," said Hoss who had clearly regained his appetite.

"Can I stay up here to eat though Adam?" asked Little Joe.

"If you want to Joe, I think it'll be ok with Pa," said Adam wishing that his little brother hadn't asked that. He knew that Hoss was restricted to the room for the day so if Little Joe stayed in the room too, it meant just Adam and Ben at the table and what with the upcoming discussion in the barn. Adam could have done with someone to distract his attention.

Deciding that he didn't want to think about the discussion in the barn yet, Adam decided to create his own distraction. He thought he would have some fun with his brothers and maybe that would help Hoss feel a little better too.

"OK! Two meals to bring up, I'll put your order in with the chef shall I?" said Adam stepping in the room and picking up a small nightshirt from the floor. It had probably become dislodged from Little Joe's bed when Hoss had settled himself there earlier. Adam had draped the nightshirt over his arm just like the waiter at the International Hotel did. "Your meals will be up shortly young sirs, " said Adam with a bow and the younger boys laughed at Adam's antics. Adam took the nightshirt off his arm and threw it at the bed; Hoss caught it and passed it to Little Joe who pushed it under his pillow.

"Ok, you two behave and I'll bring up your lunch. You best get back to your bed now Hoss so that you can both eat properly."

"I will Adam," said Hoss, slowly edging himself off little Joe's bed. Adam turned tail and returned downstairs.

"Pa, Little Joe asked if he could stay in his room and eat his lunch. I think he wants to keep Hoss company. Is it OK or do you want me to bring him downstairs to the table?"

"Does he look tired, Adam?"

Adam cocked his head, "A little Pa but that's to be expected, but I still think it's more about keeping Hoss company. I said that I thought you wouldn't mind this time Pa, so is it OK?"

"Yes Adam, that's fine. Hop Sing!"

Hop Sing appeared at the kitchen door a moment later, "You call Mr. Cartlight?"

"Yes Hop Sing, we are ready for lunch now but the younger boys would like to eat in their room. Would you please plate up another meal for Little Joe so that Adam can take them up?"

"Yes sir, I already make up a tray for Master Hoss, I quickly make up small plate for Master Little Joe. You think little boy very hungry Mr. Cartlight?"

"I am not sure Hop Sing but he is definitely more alert so please plate him up what you think and I'm sure that if there's anything left, his brother will help him out." Ben smiled at the family cook.

"OK, I go plate up food," said Hop Sing returning to his kitchen.

Meanwhile, Adam paced the room not wanting to sit down at the table with his father whilst he waited.

Hop Sing returned to the main room a few minutes later with a tray of two plated meals, cutlery and napkins. Southern fried chicken with mashed potato and gravy piled high on one and a much smaller portion on the other plate. Two glasses of apple juice and two large freshly baked cookies accompanied the plated meals. Adam accepted the tray from Hop Sing and, walking carefully, he walked across the room and up the stairs. The boys had left the door open and were sitting in bed, well Little Joe was sitting propped up with lots of pillows and Hoss was lying propped up on his side. Hoss had tried to find a way to sit with pillow under his backside but the stinging pain that had dulled over the last few hours was reignited and he couldn't sit comfortably.

Adam placed the tray down on the bedside table next to Hoss and taking the smaller plate a napkin, fork and knife he crossed the room to Little Joe's bed. Grabbing a spare pillow he put it in front of Little Joe and placed the plate on it and passed his brother the knife and fork. Tucking the napkin under Little Joe's chin and into his shirt, Adam arranged it so that if Little Joe was messy most of the food dropped would go on the napkin. Ruffling his Little brothers head he stepped away, "Eat what you can Joe."

"I like fried chicken and mash, Adam," said Little Joe.

"Good then I expect you to eat it all." Adam smiled and received one in return before Little Joe started on his gravy covered mash.

Adam returned to the tray and looked at Hoss, "Are you comfortable like that Hoss, it's not the best position to eat in?"

"I've tried to sit up Adam, but Pa sure lit a fire back there and I still can't. I've made a space. Can I just put the tray on the bed?"

Adam nodded, "Sure, sit back a bit though as it needs a bit more room to be stable." Adam waited whilst Hoss shuffled back a little and then he took one glass of apple juice off and put it on the bedside table for Little Joe and then put the tray on Hoss' bed. "Hop Sing, must have guessed that your appetite would return Hoss," laughed Adam at Hoss' grin at seeing his plate piled high with food.

"yooom, i…ooolove frioooed chicken," said Hoss with his mouth full of the succulent crispy skin fried chicken.

"Enjoy boys, I'll be back after lunch to collect your plates and I expect clean ones too. "

Adam left the room in good spirits which waned quickly on his way downstairs. Adam didn't hate Ben at all for what was going to happen after lunch but that didn't mean that he was looking forwards to it. Before he knew it Adam reached the bottom of the stairs and Ben was still across the room at the head of the dining table. Ben sat with his hands in front of him and his eyes open staring into space in no particular direction. He had prayed silently for the strength to get through disciplining his son.

Adam reached the table and pulled out his seat to sit down before Ben noticed he had returned. Coughing gently Adam shuffled his chair in under the table which startled Ben out of his trance.

"Everything Ok upstairs son?" he asked softly.

"Yes Pa."

"Good, then let's eat. Hop Sing we are ready for lunch now please bring it out," called Ben. Hop Sing brought the food out on a tray with a fresh pot of coffee and placed everything on the table before withdrawing to his kitchen. Ben handed Adam the chicken first and Adam accepted, taking a couple of portions before passing the plate back to his father who also served himself two portions before returning the rest to the table. Adam picked up the mashed potato bowl which was nearer to him and passed it to his father who served himself before passing it back to Adam who scooped up a pile and dumped it on his plate. All of this happened without a word being uttered. The gravy jug had been placed in the middle in the table with easy reach of both men but neither made any attempt to take it until Adam decided to speak up, "You first with the gravy Pa."

Ben nodded at Adam and grabbed the jug and poured gravy on his mashed potato before he handed it to Adam. After he poured gravy over his chicken and mashed potato he returned the jug to the table. Both men then bowed the heads, folded their hands and Ben uttered the blessing, "Lord, bless this food for which we are about to receive. May you always bless this house and those within. Amen"

"Amen," said Adam and then placing his napkin on his lap Adam began to eat slowly.

Lunch was a very quiet affair, Adam ate slowly not really wanting to eat at all but he knew that Ben would not accept his reason for not eating as being because he wasn't really hungry. Adam had ridden back from town looking forwards to lunch but of course that was before he knew what awaited him at home. Ben studied his eldest son, noticing that Adam was pushing his food around his plate more than eating. Adam's nervousness was understandable and Ben had seen Adam react like this more in the past but it had been a long time since he had seen it. Not wanting to cause Adam any more distress than was necessary he took pity on the eighteen year old acting more like a twelve year old now. "Adam, if you're not going to eat, then don't push your food around on your plate. Go out to the barn son. I'll be out soon and we can get this over and done with so we can move on.

Adam put down his knife and fork and stood up, "Yes sir" and he trudged slowly across the room and out of the door walking like he was taking the walk of the condemned man. Ben smiled inwardly knowing what that walk was like having been there on many occasions in his youth. Ben wasn't looking forwards to disciplining his son but it was a duty he felt he had to undertake. However he had no intention of being as harsh as Adam was making it out to be.

Putting down his own knife and fork he wiped at his mouth with his napkin. He drank a quick mouthful of coffee and he stood up. "Hop Sing, please could you put the food in the warmer as I need to go out to the barn for a while." He called out. Hop Sing came out of the kitchen with a tray and collected both meals to do as he was asked. Ben smiled, "Thank you Hop Sing." And with that he headed out to the barn.

Adam was sitting on a haystack when Ben entered the barn but stood up as soon as his father entered.

"OK son, let's get this over with, you understand what you are being punished for correct?"

"Yes sir, I am being punished for drinking too much in the saloon, ending up in jail and for not telling you about it before the Sheriff did," replied Adam.

"That's not why I am punishing you son, I am not punishing you for drinking too much although I certainly do not approve, nor am I punishing you for consorting with a dancing girl something which I also do not approve of. You are a young man with lots of hormones running through your system and I realise that you are growing up will want to try acting a certain way to look 'macho' etc. in front of your friends. I also understand the attraction of the opposite sex but I do expect you to try and act responsibly and learn from your mistakes. I think the hangover and the embarrassment of spending the night in jail have been punishment enough for the drinking.

However, I cannot condone you ever keeping things from me. I would always prefer you to be honest and accept responsibility for your mistakes, whatever they are and that is why we are here. By keeping things from me you were lying to me and that will never be acceptable; whether to protect yourself or your brothers or friends. I know that I mentioned this to you the other day when you tried to protect your brother yet you still failed to take that opportunity to come clean. Now I have to give you an incentive to remember that in the future. Take you belt off please and give it to me."

Adam unbuckled his belt and pulled it slowly through the loops, and then passed it to his father. Ben accepted the 2 inch wide leather belt.

"Over that saddle rest then please son," said Ben pointing to the only free A-framed saddle rest. Adam walked over and looked at his father as if to ask if he needed to remove any clothing. Ben shook his head.

"Bend over please Adam and hold on to the rail."

Adam did as he was told and gripped the rail tightly.

"Ready?"

"Yes sir."

Ben stood to Adam's left and after folding the belt into two and securing the buckle he raised the belt up to his shoulder and brought is down on the denim clad backside in front of him. WHACK, Adam grunted quietly. Ben followed the first one with 5 quick licks, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK. All on the top most section of Adam's backside. Adam stayed in place grunting quietly at each lick just loud enough for Ben to hear. Pausing for a moment, Ben adjusted his position and let loose with the belt again; laying the next 6 licks quickly just a bit lower down. WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK. Adam grunted slightly louder at each of these licks but still remained in placed holding the rail tighter and taking in a few deep breaths at the pause.

Ben moved his feet back slightly so that he could aim even lower. Placing his left hand on Adam's back he said gently, "Last six son, brace yourself." And with that he raised the belt again and landed the last six licks on Adam's sit spots. WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK, WHACK.

Adam hissed between each lick this time but the last lick was the hardest of the lot and made Adam grunted loudly. He remained in place over the saddle rest holding onto the rail with his knuckles turning white in his attempt to focus his mind on something other than his burning backside.

Ben dropped the hand holding the leather belt down to his side and with his left hand he rubbed Adam's back, "It's done son. You took your punishment well. Please stand up." And Ben stood back to allow Adam to stand.

Adam took several deep breaths before he stood up slowly. There were unshed tears in Adam's eyes and his backside was burning fiercely. Ben had definitely made an impression even through the thick denim. Although it was certainly not the hardest tanning Adam had experience it had been over a year since he last felt his father's displeasure with the belt and he was not glad to have a reminder of how hard his father swung a belt.

Adam turned around and faced his father.

"So will you be trying to conceal things from me in the future son or have I made my point?" asked Ben softly.

"No, sir, you made your point perfectly, I will not be keeping things from you in the future."

Ben smiled, "I'm glad son," and he opened his arms hoping that Adam wouldn't feel too proud to accept his father's forgiveness. Adam did not disappoint his father. He stepped forwards into his father's arms and accepted a hug rest his chin on his father's shoulder.

"It's over son, we will not speak of this again I hope. I love you very much son and I am very proud of the man you are becoming. I know that you may feel that I expect too much from you at times and, maybe I do. But one day this ranch will be yours to run Adam and I hope to prepare you fully for that task. However, I do want you to still enjoy your life until you are ready to take on that mantle, you remember that."

"I will Pa, I love you too."

Ben kissed Adam's forehead. "I'm going into finish lunch, take all the time that you need to get yourself together and join me in the house so that we can discuss the ranch business whilst I've been away. Hop Sing put your food in the warmer so if you don't feel up to it straight away we can sit on the armchairs to discuss the ranch."

"Ok Pa, I'll be in in a bit," said Adam pulling away from Ben's hug. Ben patted Adam on the back, "OK son, see you in the house." And Ben handed Adam his belt back.

"Yes sir, I'll be there shortly." Ben left the barn and as soon as he was out the door Adam's hands went back to rub frantically at the stinging.