New Beginnings: Chapter 37

Good Intentions

Ethan, returning to town after visiting the mining camp, is surprised to be flagged down by Delphie.

"Is something wrong?" Ethan asks. "Is Ben worse?"

"No, but Americus asked me to request you come by the barn before you head home."

"Are you positive there is nothing you are holding back and not telling me? Perhaps I need to go right away!"

"Ben is no worse, Mr. Cord. I would never lead you astray on your child's health. When I left a few minutes ago, he was still asleep."

"Thank you. I need to meet with my deputies but, I will come to talk with Dr. Amy afterwards."

"We will look for you then. Please don't worry anymore than you already are. There has been no change in your son's condition."

"That is what is worrying me. He should be getting better by now. It's been over a week. How long should he sleep the way he has?"

"You'll have to talk to Americus as she is the one with that knowledge. Let me leave you to your work and get back to mine." Delphie replies, turning to walk back to the makeshift medical clinic.

Joseph and George are on the trail to the canyon and caves where Joseph believes John Taylor lives. The same canyon where the runaway stallion was trapped earlier in the summer.

"Joseph? My backside hurts from all the bouncing. Isn't there a softer, less rocky trail?" George complains halfway there.

"Not that I know of, George. Just try to hold on and think about how we are doing this for Ben."

"I do think about it. We nearly go caught taking Will out! We were just lucky Rob wasn't coming to the barn when we snuck him out!"

"I know. It would have been difficult to explain why we were in the barn saddling a horse when we told him we would be at the pond fishing. We'll apologize for lying later. After we get help for Ben and everyone is happy again." Joseph agrees.

"Do you think John Taylor will be able to help us today? I really want Ben to come home tomorrow."

"Even if he goes to help Ben today, I really doubt Ben will be well enough to come home by tomorrow, George. It might take several days before he feels well enough or Dr. Amy believes he is well enough to come home. All we can do is get help and then wait. You have to be patient."

"I have been patient! I've waited all week for Ben to get better and come home!" George answers sniffling.

"Don't cry, George. We're going to get Ben back with us. I think he's better than he was. Now we just have to get him to wake up. You believe me don't you?"

"Yes, but I'm still sad. I miss Ben."

"I miss him too. It's not the same as when Claire went away to school. This feels different. Ben is supposed to be with us and he isn't. Don't tell him I said that, though. I don't want him to get a swelled head thinking everyone missed him." Joseph replies as the horse makes his way over the stone filled trail.

Inside the sheriff's office, Ethan is having a meeting with his deputies, Chris and Mitch.

"There are seven children and one adult ill with the fever up at the mining camp. I tried to convince the families to move them down to the makeshift clinic but only one family consented. The Matthias children are being brought down as we speak. That's three boys and one girl. They are the newest group to come to the mining camp and I'm not convinced they weren't infected when they came. I don't know how this illness could make it's way from the camp to town. None of the children in town are allowed at the camp. I know Ben did not go near the camp. With the three additional children coming, that makes sixteen people ill. Ten children plus six adults."

"Who came down with it? The last I heard, it was just children." Mitch asks.

"Besides three of the miners, the two Robinson bachelors and Mr. Harrison, the traveling salesman who comes to the mercantile once a month. I want each of you to go door to door and tell everyone to keep their family at home. Tell the women to boil the water and make sure they wash everything they eat. I don't know how this illness is spread but those are two things I remember Dr. Amy saying prevents illness from spreading. I'm going to meet with her again in a few minutes and if she has any ideas on how to stop this, I'll let you know. Also, the town is under quarantine. No one is to leave or enter Paradise until we are clear of this illness. Make sure to tell the families this also. I've already posted signs at the two ends of town stating this fact."

"Ethan? What about the stage? It's due to arrive today." Chris informs him.

"They will have to turn back. We won't be receiving mail, visitors, or anything else from out of town until this illness is over. It's too much risk to our safety to allow outsiders to come. This may be where the illness came from. We also don't want to spread it out of Paradise. Mitch, if you will, meet the stage out on the route and explain what is happening here. They will be able to turn back."

"Yes, I'll be there when it is due in. Chris, I'll take the left side of town if you'll take the right. We'll go door to door. The dividing line will be the school."

"That's fine. I'll handle that area."

"If anyone complains or causes problems with the quarantine order, tell them I will be happy to come explain it to them personally." Ethan tells his deputies.

"I'm sure we won't have a problem after they hear this, Ethan." Chris answers as Mitch smirks.

Having finished discussing the town business, Ethan makes his way to the makeshift medical clinic in the Fire Barn. The firewagon has been pulled to the side of the barn. The horses used for pulling the wagon are kept in a stable nearby. Knocking on the front double doors, Ethan waits for an answer. A few minutes later, the right door is opened by Delphie.

"Oh, hello again Mr., I mean Sheriff, Cord. Do come in. It's a good thing you were immune to this disease or you wouldn't be able to visit."

"Yes, I had a round of it as a youngster from what I've been told." Ethan answers following her inside.

"Ethan, nice to see you again. I assume Delphie told you I asked you to come." Americus greets him, looking up from one of the patients.

"It isn't Ben, is it? He isn't worse is he?" Ethan asks glancing towards Ben's pallet on the floor by the back wall.

"No, he isn't worse but there hasn't been a change for the better either. I can get him to sip broth and water when asked to but he doesn't awaken. It all seems to be done in his sleep. At least we have lowered his fever. It's still there along with the red rash and sore throat but it isn't as high. I asked you to stop by again for a different reason. Did you give permission for the children to visit today?"

"Which children? I have given orders to the town to stay away unless they have been ill with this fever before. I just placed the town under quarantine. I have Chris and Mitch delivering the news now. Paradise is closed until this illness is over. I visited the mining camp this morning after I left here. There are more people ill up there. Three children will be moved here. The others refused to come."

"Are they all children?"

"No there are three adults also. I did the best I could but they refuse to allow a lady doctor to treat them. You know prejudice is still alive, Amy. Most men just do not believe a woman is capable of being a doctor. I tried to talk them around but had no luck. Now answer my question. Which children are you referring to? The parents need to know their children have been exposed."

"I agree with you, Ethan. The young visitors were Joseph and George. Joseph stayed out front talking to Delphie while George came in the back way to visit Ben. I walked in and he ran out the back door."

Shaking his head, Ethan replies "Those two scamps planned this, I can tell. I apologize for their intrusion. They knew this was off limits. I explicitly forbid them to even leave the ranch! I can assure you they won't be bothering you again!"

"Please, do not be angry with the boys. They miss their brother, I'm sure." Delphie says to the flashing eyed man standing beside her sister.

"I'm aware of that. The fact is they put themselves in danger as well as defied a direct order. Those two boys are going to miss something else when I get hold of them! Let me speak to Ben and I'll be out of your way." Ethan says walking over to his son's pallet.

"Ben? I hope you can hear me. Everyone misses you son. We all want you to fight this illness and wake up. You are strong and a scrapper, Ben. I know you are in there fighting back. We are fighting it on the outside also. Be brave and keep doing what Dr. Amy tells you. I'll be back tomorrow." Ethan tells the comatose child, tucking the stuffed toy under the boy's arm. Then bending down just so Ben can hear, he tells him softly as he strokes the boy's hair "Your brothers and sister love you and I love you, Ben. Come back to us."

After Ethan leaves, Delphie asks "Amy? Why didn't you mention to the sheriff about sending the telegram to Boston requesting medication or advice?"

"I just didn't want to give him false hope. I don't know that there is a medication. I'm only asking. If there is, I will gladly tell him when it arrives."

"Sheriff Cord is one stern man or so he wants us to think. Those blazing eyes made me cower and I haven't done anything wrong. I saw the tenderness with Ben. What do you suppose he will do to his boys?"

"Ethan is strict with them. He believes in stern discipline. I don't agree with his methods and he knows it." Amy responds.

"What do you mean? He plans to beat the boys? He better not use a whip on those children! I'll have something to say myself if he does!"

"No, Delphie. Ethan does not beat them. I meant he believes in applying something on their backsides. I don't agree with that method but it's commonly used."

"Amy, we were brought up that way. Papa whipped both of us with his belt and the boys with his razor strop. I don't see Mr. Cord being as harsh a man as Papa. He shows such tenderness with Ben. So he is raising three boys alone?"

"He has five children and yes, he is raising them alone. Rob is sixteen, Joseph is thirteen, Ben is ten and George is nine. He also has Claire who is sixteen. He adopted them all. Rob is a friend's nephew and the rest are Ethan's late sister's children. You are right, he isn't harsh yet. He could easily turn to it. He has the steely edge because he is a former gunfighter. I don't think it would take much to have him become like Papa."

"I believe you are wrong on that, Amy. Any man who would take in that many children on his own, has to have more of a gentle side. I see it differently than you. We'll just have to watch to see which of us is correct in our thinking."

Riding up to the pasture, Ethan unsaddles his horse and walks him through the wooden gate. "Here you are boy, enjoy the grass." Walking to the house he finds Rob sitting on the side porch rubbing wax on the leather harnesses. The oil can sitting at his feet let's Ethan know he is also oiling the metal.

"Thank you son, for taking on that chore. I was planning to work on them later tonight so you have saved me some work. Why didn't you ask Joseph to help? He should be assisting you. Is he inside?"

"No Sir, he and George aren't here. They went to the pond to fish. I told them to come straight home if some other person showed up. They've been cooped up here on the ranch and need to do something different."

"Robert, that wasn't your decision to make. I'm the parent and I set the rules. You knew I don't want you children to be away from the ranch! Your brothers were seen in town earlier. Were you aware of this trip also? Did you give them permission to go to town?" Ethan asks, his tone of voice now stern and demanding.

"No, Pa! I didn't tell them anything about town. I said they could go fishing as long as they were alone. I only meant to give them something to do besides sit here and worry about Ben. I'm sorry I overstepped, I just wasn't thinking. I'll go get them for you."

"Yes, I know. You need to start thinking, son! You need to make sure the boys obey the instructions I give, not allow them to disobey me. I would appreciate it if you would fetch the boys. Tell them they are needed here but don't mention the trip to town." Ethan answers.

Twenty minutes later, Rob has returned home alone.

"They weren't there Pa. I looked all over the area and I didn't see footprints or any sign of them. The fishing poles aren't there either. If the boys were taken by somebody, would they take the bait and poles too?" Rob asks, panting from his all out dash home.

"Calm down and stop letting your imagination get the best of you! I don't believe the boys were taken off by someone, Rob. Let's go to the barn and take a look. I'm guessing, but I believe that fishing trip was just a way to cover up the trip to town. What I need to know now, is where they went after the visit to town. Those two have a lot of explaining to do!"

"The poles are here, Pa! Right back here behind the haymow! They must have sneaked back in somehow. Where do you suppose they went?"

"That's what I'm going to find out, Rob. Will is missing, so apparently they are on horseback. I'm taking Lightning and following them. You stay with Claire. The boys can't be so far ahead that I can't catch up to them. We'll be back by supper, I'm sure."

Riding into the area where he first met John Taylor, Joseph tells George "I'm going to take us up closer to those caves. I believe John Taylor lives in one."

"Are you sure? I thought he lived in town. We better not go up in a cave, Joseph. Papa does not allow us to 'spore caves."

"This is where he was staying when I met him. We aren't going to explore the caves, George. The word is explore, not spore."

"John Taylor, It's Joseph Cord! I need your help! Please come out!" Joseph shouts as they approach the base of the caves.

"I came too, John Taylor. Please come down." George yells as loudly as he can.

Waiting and listening, the two boys decide to sit down while they wait. After what seems to be a long time to George, he asks "Joseph? What if he isn't here? What do we do then? Maybe he lives in town somewhere and we just haven't found his house."

"We haven't found his house because he doesn't have one, George. I KNOW he lives here. We just wait until he comes back." Joseph answers, leaning against the large boulder they are sitting in front of. After sitting for a few more minutes, Joseph hears someone walking across the loose rocks near the caves. Standing up he sees it is John Taylor carrying what looks to be a burlap sack.

"Hi John Taylor! We have been waiting for you!" Joseph calls out, causing the man to spin around in surprise.

"Joseph Cord! What are you doing back in the canyon again? Did you lose another horse? George! Joseph, you shouldn't have your little brother here also!" John Taylor scolds as George stands up beside Joseph. "You two should not be up here alone! Joseph, I expect your Pa will be looking for you. You two best get on home, now."

"John Taylor, we came to ask you to help us. We need you to be a healer." Joseph answers sidestepping the scolding and order to go home.

"A Healer? What makes you think I am such a thing? I'm a hermit not a healer. Go home boys before you find yourselves in trouble."

"John Taylor, we know you are a healer because our Mama told me. She said to come find you so you can make Ben well again. Dr. Amy is trying but he isn't better. We need you to make him better so he can come home to play with me again." George tells him sounding as if the man should know all of this already.

"Look son, I don't know your Mama. How could she know anything about me if we have never met. I'm sure the lady doctor can help Ben."

"Mama knows you. She told me to show you this ring when you wouldn't listen to us. She knew you would recognize it. Can I show it to you now? It's a ring her Mama got from Mama's Grandmother. She told me to show it to you and you would understand. I'm coming up there." George says climbing up the rocks with Joseph right behind him.

"I'm Here! Please! Look at the ring! It's something you know about, see?" George declares as he reaches the man frowning at him and holds out the ring.

"Where did you two boys get this ring? It's a Cherokee love ring. Where did you find this?"

"My Mama kept it in her treasury box and she told me where to find it. I found it and brought it up here to show you as she told me to do. It means something special and she said you would know what it meant. She told me you would help us and make Ben well, when I took this to you. What does it mean?" George asks eagerly looking up at John Taylor.

"Please, John Taylor. Tell us what it means so we can use it to help Ben. He is very sick with Scarlet Fever and we need your help." Joseph adds to George's plea.

"I told you, it's a Cherokee love ring. Your Mother must have found it somewhere. You two children are not safe out here alone! Joseph, I'm telling you once more. Take your little brother and GO home! Your Pa is searching for you and here you are clamoring about some ring! I thought you were more adult than this." John Taylor tells Joseph as the two boys try to persuade him to listen.

"I'm doing this for Ben. I believe in what George told me and if you would just stop scolding me, look at the ring, I think you will too! I have a Pa and don't need another one!" Joseph snaps back, losing patience with the man he thought was a friend.

"JOSEPH ADAM CARROLL CORD! Apologize, NOW! You are being extremely disrespectful. Leave this man alone and let's go home. I've a few things to say to both of you boys!" Ethan reprimands, walking out from behind the large boulder down below.

"Hi Papa! We came to meet John Taylor the way Mama told us to do. He's going to help Ben. He knows what the ring means he just won't say. Make him say, Papa." George calls.

Climbing up to where the two boys are standing, Ethan looks at the man the boys call John Taylor, for the first time.

"Timber Wolf! That is you under all that beard and gray hair, is it not?" Ethan asks in shock.

"I haven't gone by that name in many years. Hello Ethan. It's been a time since I've seen you. I take it these boys belong to you. You have come far, I see. The badge on your vest tells me this. Please take the boys out of here. This isn't safe territory for children. The wolves are moving in to the caves for Winter."

"We have much to catch up on, old friend. Now is not the time, however, I agree. We will find each other again, soon. As for now, I need to get these two badly behaved boys home." Ethan responds giving Joseph a look.

"Joseph, I am waiting to hear the apology." Ethan announces firmly.

"I apologize, sir. Please, John Taylor, listen to George's story. Our Mama wants you to listen."

"I do not know your Mother, as I said. Now obey your father and leave. I have things to do beside argue with impudent children!"

"I'm not impudent! I don't even know what that is how could I be it! Mama said to tell you: Ben needs your help. Only you know how to help him. The ring is from her Mother, Melissa Claire Willamette. She said to tell you to remember John Joseph Willamette. I don't know what any of that means but you are supposed to." George rushes to say as Ethan tries to get him to leave the cave.

The ride home is too quiet for George. He is ready for answers to the mystery of the ring. Joseph has been too busy trying to come up with a good enough explanation for their actions to talk, so George speaks up.

"Papa? May I ask you something?"

"Yes."

"What does Mama mean about the ring? Who is John Joseph Willamette and Melissa Claire Willamette?"

"Melissa Claire is our Mother's name, your Mama and myself. John Joseph was her Father, our Grandfather. I never met him so I can't tell you much about him. I do know he was an Indian Agent at one time. A man who helped the Indians with their dealings with the white settlers. I don't know what the ring you are asking about, signifies. Where did you get the ring?"

"Mama told me where to find it. It was in a box of her treasures in the chest Claire keeps in her room."

"You took something from Claire's room without asking? You know better than that, George!"

"Claire didn't know about the ring. I did ask if she knew about it. She said she never heard of it. Mama told me to do it." George answers squirming on the saddle in front of Joseph.

"Be Still, George! You're hurting me when you squirm around that way!" Joseph scolds.

"Papa? I need to go to the bushes. Can we stop?" George calls out.

"Go take care of your business, George and come straight back to the horses." Ethan commands after they stop in a group of small trees.

A few minutes later, George is back carrying a small animal.

"Look! Papa, Joseph! I found a small dog! He was in the bushes back there! He's all alone and needs us to be his family. Let's take him with us."

Getting a closer look at the animal, Ethan shakes his head. "No, George. This is not a pet. This is a wild animal. Leave him and let's go."

"NO! I found him alone and he needs me! I can't leave him out here to die alone!"

"George! Do as you are told, young man! Put that animal down and come here."

"NO! I'm keeping him. I'll stay here with him if you won't let me take him home!" George shouts turning to go back into the woods. This day has completely frustrated him until he has no patience left.

"Head him off Joseph. You go left, I'll go right. Catch him and hold on to him but be wary of that animal." Ethan says quietly as he moves in the direction his youngest child went.

Catching up to the boy, a few minutes later, Ethan holds the child firmly by the upper arms as he stands behind him. Put the animal down slowly, George. That is a wolf pup not a dog. Put him down son. You are putting all of us in danger if the mother wolf is nearby." Ethan says quietly to the now sobbing child.

After watching the wolf pup, run off into the woods, Ethan lifts George into his arms. "Let's go home, Joseph. George, you are riding with me. Joseph, ride beside me and let's move quickly."

"Yes sir." Joseph answers scanning the woods for any other animals as he follows Ethan to the horses.

"Pa, I'm sorry about today. I shouldn't have let George talk me into taking him out here. I didn't think about wild animals, there weren't any here when I was out here last time." Joseph says after riding for a time.

"We have much to discuss, Joseph. It's a discussion we will wait for home to have."

Hearing this answer from his Pa, does nothing to reassure Joseph that he will be understanding during the upcoming discussion.

After what to Joseph, seems a day long ride, they reach the back corral on their property. Riding on they come to the barn. Dismounting, Ethan tells George to go inside while he and Joseph take care of the horses.

"You go show your brother and sister, you are safe. Stay inside and we'll be in soon."

"Yes sir." George answers not wanting to stay anywhere near his Pa right now. His misbehavior at the cave and in the woods, has him worried.

After unsaddling and rubbing down Will, Joseph gives him some oats to eat in his feed bucket. Closing the stall door behind him, Joseph waits for Ethan to finish with Lightning.

"All right Joseph, come sit on the hay bales and let's talk about today. Explain your thinking to me. What possessed you to take George in to town to visit Ben when I specifically warned you of the danger? I told you boys I did not want you near town because you could catch this disease, also. You deliberately disobeyed me and lied to Rob to do it! You had no intention of going fishing, did you?"

"No sir. I took him there because he was so upset about not seeing Ben. He says he hasn't talked to Ben through their connection in a week and he was scared Ben was dying. I didn't know what else to do."

"What is this about going to John Taylor and the ring? Explain that for me." Ethan responds.

"George says Mama came to him and told him to find the ring. She told him we needed to go to John Taylor to tell him to heal Ben. Mama said to take the ring to show some kind of connection between her family and John Taylor. I don't understand it all myself. George could not go alone so I took him. We want John Taylor to help Ben. He's a Healer and can cure Ben, or so George says Mama told him. I only meant to get some help for Ben, Pa. That's all I was trying to do." Joseph replies now biting his lip anxiously. The look in his Pa's eyes isn't making him feel very reassured.

"Son, I know your intentions were good. I do understand this. However good your intentions were Joseph, the fact remains you deliberately disobeyed me. By going into town to the clinic and by leaving the ranch to go into the wilderness! You put both yourself and your brother in danger!" Ethan explains firmly.

"We were only trying to find help for Ben. We didn't mean to cause trouble. Mama wanted us to do this!" Joseph protests.

"Joseph, I will not allow you to do something you know is wrong even when you have good intentions. All you needed to do was come to me and explain what was going on with George. I would have helped you with the situation. Together we could have found a way to deal with this and you would not be in the trouble you are now in. Come with me." Ethan says taking the boy into the tack room.

"Pa! I'm sorry! I know I deserve punishment but not the strap! Please?" Joseph begs as Ethan takes the leather strap off the wall. This strap, the thickness of two heavy belts, stings much more than his Pa's belt. Joseph would very much like to avoid having it applied to his backside.

"Joseph, you defied my orders, put yourself and your younger brother in danger, lied to Rob, and you were disrespectful to John Taylor. I will not allow you to behave in this manner. Lean over the barrel."

"Pa! I was only trying to help!" Joseph tries once more to stop the upcoming punishment.

"Joseph, lean over the barrel now, or lose your pants. Which is it to be? You knew while you were doing these things, it was wrong and you did it anyway."

Brushing the hated tears off his face as he slowly makes his way to the house, Joseph is feeling very misunderstood.

"I was only trying to help! I got my backside whipped for trying to find a way to help my brother. I don't think that's fair! He should be grateful that I at least try to help out. Dr. Amy doesn't know what to do. I just know it." he thinks to himself.

Walking in, he meets George in the front room.

"Pa said to tell you to come to the barn, George. He's not happy with either of us so I would hurry, if I were you."

"Did he spank you, Joseph? Is he going to spank me?" George asks quietly after seeing his brother's tear streaked face.

"I don't know what he might do to you. Just get out there before he has to come get you. You know the punishment will be worse if he has to come get you."

Sitting at the family table, George and Joseph are busy eating and trying not to squirm on the wooden chairs while Claire and Rob talk.

"Pa, where were the boys?" Rob asks when he can't keep himself quiet any longer. His question earning a quick glare from Joseph who does not appreciate being called a boy. In his mind "the boys" are Ben and George only.

"We don't need to discuss that at this time, Rob. Let's enjoy this delicious meal. Claire? What is this you have made for our supper?" Ethan asks.

"It's called Chicken Pie, Pa. It's chicken, vegetables, a sauce and spices all put together in a crust just like a pie. Mrs. Anderson told me about it. Do you like it?"

"I love everything you cook, Claire. This is something I've never had before. It's very interesting. I think I could use a little more to eat if you have any more. It's been such a long day, I didn't have lunch."

"I have more, I made extra chicken and vegetables. I didn't make it into a pie though. Do you want bread with it?" Claire asks, rising to fix the plate.

"No, I still have the crust here. Just a few spoonfuls will do me." Ethan replies. Turning to Joseph he says "Joseph? I believe you have something you need to say to Rob about your fishing trip today. Tell him now and stop glaring at him, unless you want another visit to the tack room!"

"I lied to you about going fishing. George and I only pretended to go towards the pond. We actually went to town. I'm very sorry for deceiving you and making you worry. Will you forgive me, Rob?"

"I will but if you pull a stunt like this again, where you run off on me and I don't know where you are, I will come down on you until you are more than sorry." Rob answers glaring at Joseph.

"George, I think you need to apologize also. You were just as involved in this scheme as Joseph." Ethan tells the younger boy.

"I'm sorry I was bad today. I only wanted to help Ben and to see him. I'm sorry for making everybody mad at us. I won't listen to what Mama tells me ever again, either! She got me walloped with Papa's belt!" George says before he leaps up and runs to his room.

Claire, rising to follow him, is stopped when Ethan says "Leave him be, Claire. He is being punished and is to have alone time to think about what went on today. Joseph, you may go to your room until morning, also."

"Yes sir." Joseph answers as Claire sits back down.

"Pa? What is George talking about when he said he won't listen to Mama anymore?" Claire asks a few minutes later.

"I will tell you the whole story, but for now, I'm just needing to think things through. If you two will excuse me, I'll see you in the morning. The boys aren't to be out of their rooms except for W.C. visits. They are also housebound completely for a week. They do chores and come inside. There's to be no playing outside since they can't be trusted to keep their word to you two." Ethan answers.