After getting himself together, Adam walked stiffly from the barn towards the house, unconscious of the two pairs of eyes on him, watching his progress.
"What's up with Adam?" Carl asked Jake who was standing in the doorway of the bunkhouse.
"He's been having a discussion with his father in the barn. He didn't tell Mr. Cartwright about getting drunk the other night and spending the night in jail. I guess that Mr. Cartwright wasn't amused. I don't know why he made such a big deal of it. It's not like Adam got into a bar fight or anything. And besides, I offered to speak to Mr. Cartwright on Adam's behalf, stupidly he wouldn't let me." Explained Jake.
"Jake, I've told you before how a man disciplines his children is between them and him and no one else. Adam knew, or at least accepted, that his father would not approve and therefore he accepted the consequences. " said Carl sipping his coffee.
"Yeah and look where that got him, walking stiffly. Christ Carl, Adam's eighteen! Doesn't Mr. Cartwright remember what it is like to be that age? " huffed Jake.
"Watch your language Jake and your attitude too. I'm pretty sure that Mr. Cartwright remembers what it is like to be eighteen, but he has his rules for his boys to follow and they know the consequences of breaking them. Now I'm not going to stand here all afternoon, discussing how Mr. Cartwright brings up his children with you. Get your stuff loaded onto your horse and we'll go deal with those steers."
"Ain't fucking right, Adam didn't do anything wrong except having too much to drink," Jake mumbled, as he was feeling a little guilty about Adam getting a tanning. He bent down to pick up a saddle bag and was suddenly jerked upright.
Carl slammed his coffee cup down on the step, spilling some of the hot coffee onto his left hand, fuck that is hot! He wiped the liquid on his trousers and rubbed at his hands before shaking the left one and grabbing Jake with his right.
"Ok, that's it; I'm tired of your attitude and sass Jake. You were disrespectful to Mr Cartwright yesterday and now you are being disrespectful about him in front of me again. Get yourself back in the bunkhouse young man."
"What? Why? I thought we were supposed to work with the steers at the north pasture this afternoon. Doesn't Mr. Cartwright need them rounded up for tomorrow morning's collection?" asked Jake loudly.
"Yes Jake, he does. But I'm going to find someone else to do that as we need to have ourselves a discussion about respecting your elders."
Jake held up his hands in defeat, "OK, OK, I get it. I'm sorry OK, Carl. It's just that I'm only 6 months older than Adam and I've gotten drunk more than once since I've been at the ranch and it's bothered no one, yet Adam gets drunk once and gets tanned for it!"
"Inside, I'm not arguing with you out here, " said Carl angrily pointing to the bunkhouse door. "And you better be there waiting for me when I return, if you know what is good for you Jake."
Jake dropped the saddle bag and, turning he stomped into the bunkhouse, slamming the door behind him.
Carl stood in the courtyard fuming, damn that boy, why does he always have to argue? Carl set off to find a couple of ranch hands to take over his job for the afternoon so he could see to Jake. Ten minutes later, he found Walt and Pete, two mid-twenties ranch hands with 5 years' experience of working with the steers.
Needing someone he could trust to choose the steers and get them back to the ranch safely, he walked quickly over to them. "Walt, Pete, I need someone to cover for me out at the North Pasture this afternoon. Mr. Cartwright has a man coming to collect 20 good size steers for his own ranch at 10 am tomorrow morning. I need you two to choose them and bring them back and put them in the corral behind the barn, OK?"
"Sure Carl, let us wash up and we'll be right with you," said Walt the slightly more experienced hand.
"Thanks boys. There are 4 saddle bags of rope outside the bunkhouse already measured out and checked. Take them and I'll see you back at the ranch later."
"Will do Carl," was the reply.
Carl walked off and made his way to the main house. He needed someone quiet to have the discussion he needed to have with Jake and the bunkhouse wasn't likely to be a place they would be uninterrupted. Knowing that the barn was where Ben went with his sons, Carl was going to ask if it would be ok for him and Jake to use it.
Reaching the house, he knocked on the door and then entered. Carl stepped through the door and saw Ben sitting in the red armchair and Adam reluctantly standing up by the fireplace. He seemed to be leaning against the fireplace rather than choosing to sit down. Carl reasoned that Ben must have made quite an impression and he actually felt sorry for the boy especially if Ben had tanned him for the reasons that Jake had said. Shaking his head slightly he reminded himself that whilst he might have dealt with the situation differently, it was Ben's right to treat his sons how he chose without Carl's or anyone else's interference or judgement.
"Carl! " Ben exclaimed when he saw his most experienced ranch hand enter the house. "Come in please. Is this a social visit or ranch business?" he asked softly.
Carl strode across the room and stood in front of his boss. "Howdy, Ben, I was wondering if I might borrow the barn for a while?"
Ben cocked his head and raised an eyebrow, "For?" he asked quizzically.
Carl inclined his head towards Adam and Ben took the hint. "Adam, please go and asked Hop Sing for some of his burn salve for Carl and get us both some coffee will you."
Adam looked at his father and then at Carl and he realised that he was being dismissed so that the two men could talk privately. Wondering what it was about but not wanting to ask he responded," Yes sir," and he left the room quickly.
Ben waited until Adam had closed the kitchen door before he pointed to the sofa and waited for Carl to take a seat. "Ok Carl, what's going on?" he asked.
"It's nothing really Ben, I just need to have a private discussion with Jake and the bunkhouse will be busy with the hands coming and going shortly. I thought about taking him down to the creek but didn't want to embarrass him if someone comes back to the ranch that way."
"What's he done to rile you up so much Carl? Do I need to threaten to fire him?"
"Oh, no Ben, it's kind of personal if you know what I mean. "Carl thumbed at his collar for a moment. "Ben, you know that I've been taking a more parental role with Jake since he came to the ranch don't you?" Carl asked.
"Yes, Yes I do Carl. Jake seems to respond to you very well, and until now I've no complaints about his work. Is he refusing to do something? Is that it?"
"No sir, nothing like that, it's well…. He's gotten a bad attitude of late and as you witnessed yesterday. His sassiness is getting quite disrespectful and I'm tired of it. He needs to learn to respect his elders and accept that there are rules that he might not agree with. Yet he just can't stop his mouthing off and I need to put a stop to it before he says the wrong things to someone. "
"I know you wanted me to go and select those steers for your buyer tomorrow Mr. Cartwright but I feel that I really need to deal with this issue. Walt and Pete are going to see to the choosing of the steers and Walt will select your buyer a good selection. I'll make up my time to you Mr. Cartwright and Jake will do plenty of extra chores to make up his time so you don't need to dock his pay. In fact I'd appreciate it if you let Jake take care of any chores Hop Sing needs doing in the yard."
Ben smiled at Carl, knowing that he had the same ideas about discipline as himself. "Yes OK Carl, you can use the barn and I suspect Hop Sing wouldn't mind having the kindling and fire store restocked with logs. Jake can do that standing up; it won't be pleasant for him all that movement but it's better than weeding."
"Well, Ben, perhaps having to chop wood up for a few hours with a sore backside will convince the boy that I'm serious about him learning when to speak up and when not too. Thank you for being so understanding, old friend."
Carl stood up and Ben joined him, placing his hand on Carl's shoulder. "I trust you to do whatever you need to do to get through to the boy, Carl. I hope he will be able to work tomorrow."
Carl smiled, "Oh he will be Mr. Cartwright. He might have a bit of trouble sitting in the saddle but I'll make sure he does a proper day's work tomorrow. Now if you'll excuse me I've kept the boy waiting long enough." Carl shook Ben's hand and left the house.
Adam returned to the main room with the coffee and two cups on a tray and a small jar of Hop Sing's burn salve for Carl's hand. "Where's Carl, Pa?"
"He's gone to have a discussion with Jake, Adam. You and I will have the coffee; you can take the burn salve to the bunkhouse in a little while. Sit down please Adam," said Ben pointing to the sofa.
"Ah, actually Pa, I'd really prefer to stand."
"Yes I expect you do but I'd prefer to not have to keep looking up to talk to you so you will sit. It's part of your punishment for lying to me. You know that has always been the case when one of you boys got into trouble and I see no reason for it to be any different now, just because you are a little older."
Adam sighed but gently lowered himself down to the sofa, hissing a little as his still tender backside made contact. Ben looked away remembering all too well being in Adam's position after a discussion with his father.
Ben allowed Adam a few minutes to get himself comfortable whist he pour them both a cup of coffee. Passing one to Adam he said, "OK then why don't you tell me about how things went with the ranch whilst I was away."
Adam accepted the coffee and taking a sip before leaning slightly to the side to make himself more comfortable and he related everything that had happened. Ben listened intently and his pride in his son grew, particularly when Adam explained how he had told the story of the deal he made with Mr Adams, the small landowner. Ben allowed Adam to finish his report whilst quietly drinking his coffee.
When Adam finished, Ben put down his coffee cup and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, "Adam I am very proud of you son. You handled the burden of being in charge of the ranch very well. I am particularly impressed with the deal you made with Mr Adams and the calf. It shows maturity and compassion for those around you and it is exactly how I would have handled the situation. I am sorry that your brothers caused you such problems whilst I was away. On top of dealing with the ranch, I realise I left you with a heavy burden to bear and I need you to understand that I realise that now and am grateful that you managed as well as you did. I do not expect to be going away as much and not for a while yet, but when I do, I will do so in the knowledge that you are mature enough to handle things, although next time I will be making sure that I put together a better support team. I hope that Hop Sing, Bill and Carl gave you some supportive advice along the way and I promise that I will not leave you to run everything on your own next time."
Adam looked at his father and smiled, basking in the feelings that Ben was proud of him for the way that he handled things. It had been a hard week, one that he would care not to repeat again soon but apart from Little Joe's injury, life at the ranch had been pretty normal. "Thanks Pa, I tried to imaging what you would have done in each situation. I'm real sorry that I lost my temper with Hoss and Little Joe this past week but I'm sure that you would have too if you had been here. "
"Yes, those boys would have been in much more trouble if I had been here though. Adam, you are a good older brother and I appreciate how you do try and spend time with your brothers and I know you want to protect them always but the only thing I do ask is that you do not try and protect them from me or interfere when I am disciplining them. They are my sons just as you are and I will decide how they are disciplined and not you. If you disagree with that then you are old enough to make you own way in the world, you may leave the ranch. I do not want that to happen, Adam. I want you to stay here and grow up to run this ranch after me but I can only allow that if you respect me, do you understand my son?" Ben asked softly.
"Yes Pa I understand."
Ben lent over and patted Adam's thigh, "Good, I am glad we have an understanding. Why don't you go and rest for a bit."
Adam stood up carefully and unconsciously rubbed his backside before trying to pull his denim jeans away from his sore skin, the burning had eased but his backside was still hot and sore. Ben smiled wryly and received a crooked smile in return from Adam, "You haven't lost anything from your swing Pa," he said and Ben chuckled as Adam walked away and made his way upstairs.
Meanwhile…..
Carl had returned to the bunkhouse and, opening the door, he saw Jake sitting on his bunk. The young man looked forlorn and apprehensive and it touched Carl's heart to see his charge so crestfallen. "With me please Jake," he said sternly pushing away the feelings of regret.
Jake huffed but did as he was told. Where the hell are we having this discussion then? Jake followed Carl and his mouth went dry when he realised where they were heading. No trip to the barn without a chore to do was pleasant.
Carl opened the barn door and ushered Jake inside. Taking off his belt, he placed it on the haystack by the door and, removing his handkerchief he wiped the sweat off his brow. Carl knew that what he was planning to do would be accepted and probably expected by Jake but that didn't mean that he wanted to have to do it. Carl pointed to a haystack near the back of the barn, "Take a seat Jake."
Jake sat down and looked down at his feet, waiting for Carl to begin the lecture. Carl usually lectured before dispensing any discipline, preferring to talk things out before rather than during.
"Jake, please look at me when I am speaking to you."
Jake reluctantly looked up into the eyes of his mentor.
Carl shook his head, "I just don't know what has come over you this last week Jake. Today is not the first time I've had to talk to you about your attitude or levels of disrespect. It ends now son, I will not tolerate you disobeying me anymore. You will give respect to those older or more experienced than you and you will obey instructions even if you disagree or what happens today will be nothing compared to what you can expect to receive. Are we clear?"
Jake nodded his head and looked back down at his feet.
"I'm sorry son, I didn't hear anything. And will you please look at me when we are having a discussion," Scolded Carl
Jake looked up "Yes, Sir we are perfectly clear."
"Do you have anything to say in your defence Jake? If so now is the time for you to speak up." Carl asked.
Jake shook his head, "I ain't got nothing Carl, except to say that I'm sorry for sassing you. I was just angry about Adam is all."
"OK, well you best get up and turn around and lean over that there haystack then," Carl said gently.
Jake did as he was told, glad that he hadn't been ordered to lower his britches too.
Carl went back to the haystack where he left his leather belt and picked it up, taking a slow deep breath he returned to stand behind Jake. Holding the belt in his right hand with the buckle securely in his hand he raised his arm and sent the first lash down on the upturned backside.
"Urgh," grunted Jake
Carl quickly followed the first with 5 more licks. They were hard and he tried to make sure that he aimed just a little lower each time. Placing the last lick on the crease between butt and thigh, he also made sure that it was the hardest. Apart from grunting a little each time the belt landed, Jake showed no other reactions to the belting.
After the 6th lick, Carl calmly threaded the belt back through his jeans, buckling up and allowing Jake a moment to recover his composure. He then leant down and patted his hand softly on Jake back, "OK son it's over you can stand up now."
Jake slowly eased himself up. He was quite frankly surprised as he had expected quite a few more licks for his behaviour but he knew that Carl was a fair man and if he felt that 6 was enough then Jake certainly wasn't going to argue for more. The 6 licks of the belt had set a fire blazing back there but it wasn't the worst Jake had ever felt.
Carl waited for Jake to turn and face him and he placed his hands on both of Jake's shoulders, "Have I made enough of an impression young man?" he asked.
Jake's eyes were filled with unshed tear and he sniffed and nodded, "Y...Yes, s..sir, no more disrespecting people, I got it." he croaked.
Carl smiled and pulled Jake into a hug. Jake resisted at first but Carl wouldn't let go and Jake eventually relented and leaned into the embrace. Carl had his arms wrapped around Jake's back and he whispered into his ear, "I'm sorry I had to do that Jake. Please do not make me have to give you a reminder anytime soon. I love you like my own son and I do not enjoy having to discipline you but it is a responsibility that I have now. I promised your parents that I would look after you and that includes teaching you to be a respectful young man. Now you gonna tell me what has been going on in your head today because I know that there's something."
Jake shook his head into Carl's chest and he mumbled, "You don't really want to know."
Carl let go of Jake and, putting his hands back on the boy's shoulders, he pulled him back out of the hug so that he could look him in the eye. "Yes I do, I'm here for you Jake, you can talk to me about anything. I won't push you to talk to me but it might help."
Jake sighed, "It's my fault Adam got tanned and I just can't get over feeling guilty about it is all."
"Your fault? How so?" asked Carl look intently at Jake.
Taking a deep breath Jake began, "I set him up Carl, Adam I mean. I spoke to Miss Annie, you know the dancing girl at the saloon and well I kinda told her that Adam need to relax a little. I gave her 3 dollars and asked her to spend some time with him."
Carl glared at Jake and Jake gulped, "Don't look at me like that Carl, I never meant she should take him upstairs or anything! I just wanted Adam to have a good time and relax a little, maybe have a few drinks and play some cards with us but he wasn't interested in playing cards. "
"Anyway, I got into a card game with some of the ranch hands and some other cowboys and Adam was talking to some stranger about the ranch. Miss Annie then spent some time sitting with Adam and I think they had a drink or too but I'm not quite sure of that as I was getting involved in the game. Anyway, there was a scuffle with the out of town cowboys about cheating. Someone called the Sheriff and when he turned up he saw Adam a little worse for wear I guess and with Miss Annie on his knee and the next thing is he was hauling Adam off to the jail house. I followed as soon as I could, Carl and offered to see Adam got home safely but the Sheriff wouldn't hear of it. He sent me off with a flea in my ears about getting out of town before the cowboy's buddies could cause more trouble. So you see Carl, Adam got tanned because of me yet I got away with it."
Carl sighed deeply, Boys! "So you set up your best friend with the best of intentions and you now feel guilty that his father punished him for it. Is that was this was all about the Jake? Did you try and push me into giving you a tanning so that you would feel better?" asked Carl angrily as he shook Jake.
Jake stepped back and held up his hands, "No! No Carl, it's not like that! I guess I was just feeling so guilty about things that I didn't care about anything else or anyone else. I am sorry I was disrespectful Carl, but it wasn't about trying to get you to give me a tanning."
Carl's face relaxed noticeably and his anger towards the young man in front of him started to lessen. He rubbed his hand across his head, "Ok Jake I believe you, sounds like you owe your friend a real big apology."
"I've tried Carl and Adam already said he forgives me but I still feel guilty."
"Well now Jake, guilt is a very powerful emotion and it's not very nice feeling like that is it?" he asked.
Jake shook his head sadly, "No sir it's sure not."
Carl stepped a little closer to Jake and put his hand under the younger man's chin and lifted it up so Jake was looking into his eyes, "Adam has forgiven you Jake and now you just have to forgive yourself. It may take a while for you to do so but I suggest you remember how bad this made you feel and resolve not to do something like it in the future. Now, you and I owe Mr. Cartwright some extra work for taking time out to have this discussion. Mr. Cartwright has suggested that you can help Hop Sing by chopping wood to fill the firestore and when that is done the kindling store needs filling, which should keep you busy enough for the afternoon."
"Ah come on Carl, chopping wood is gonna be hard work with my backside on fire. Can't I do something else?"
"Nope, don't complain as at least you can do it standing up. Now get to it before I think about giving you some incentive to do so." Carl turned Jake towards the barn door and propelled him on his way with a light swat to his backside.