The Masquerade ch.36
(The family has traveled to visit Claire's boarding school. George has just realized his sister will be staying in Denver instead of returning home with him. He's having a very difficult time leaving her behind.)
Ben says "Come on George, stop crying before you get me to crying too. We'll see Claire again when she comes home next time. She said she would be home in March remember?"
Ch. 36 The final chapter of The Masquerade:
"Yes, but I want Claire to come home NOW! No one will listen to me! She CAN"T stay here I'm telling you! Why won't anybody listen?" George yells angrily.
As Rob tells Claire he'll be happy to see her in March, Ethan lifts George into the carriage. Sobbing loudly George just curls himself up against the side of the carriage and refuses to look at anyone.
"I'm sorry he's acting so badly Claire. Please don't let it spoil your good time here. George will be fine. He just needs to learn to accept he can't get what he wants by having a tantrum. Well, give me a hug and a kiss so I can get him back to the hotel. We'll be leaving early so we really do have to get going. I love you sweetheart. Be sure to write us when you have time. We all love your letters. Thank you for making this Christmas extra special for all of us. I don't think the boys will ever forget it!"
"Good bye Uncle Ethan, I love you too. I know I'll never forget this Christmas. It's the nicest one we've ever had. Thank you for it. I'm so glad Rob is going to be with you now. I just know you can help him with what he needs. Don't be too hard on all the boys Pa. They have to make mistakes sometimes."
"Did you call me Pa?"
"Uh, yes I did. Do you mind? Sometimes I like to think of you as Pa. You are our Pa you know."
"Claire, you can call me Pa anytime you like. I don't mind it at all. Now as your Pa, I have to tell you this. Keep yourself safe and do everything the ladies tell you. They are good teachers and love you almost as much as we do. Good bye sweetheart, we'll see you in March."
Claire can't stop the tears as she watches the carriage drive away from the school. She waves to Ben who is frantically waving at her. With a sigh she turns and walks back into the school.
In the carriage, George is still curled against the side sobbing. Ben tries to get him to sit up but is ignored. Neither Joseph nor Rob has any success either. Ethan finally pulls the boy away from the side and holds him in his lap.
"Hush George, you must calm down. Everything is going to be alright. Claire is going to write and we'll get to see her again in a few weeks. It will be warmer then and maybe she'll even go fishing with you." Ethan tells the still sobbing child.
After what seems to be a long time to the rest of the boys, George finally stops crying. Looking at him Ethan sees he's cried himself to sleep. Continuing to hold him he motions with one hand for the others to stay quiet so as not to wake George.
Nodding their understanding, Rob, Joseph and Ben ride silently back to the hotel. Rob doesn't feel like talking and Ben and Joseph are to upset about leaving Claire to talk either.
Arriving back at the hotel, Ethan lifts George to his shoulder and climbs down from the carriage. Rob, Ben and Joseph walk on inside as Ethan thanks the carriage driver. Following the boys, Ethan takes George up to their room planning to have the boys wash up before going to the dining room for supper.
Waking George gently he tells him "It's time to get washed for supper, son. Go with Joseph and he'll help you." Ethan motions for Joseph to come over and take George.
"Come on short stuff, I'll help you wash the sleep dust out of your eyes so you can see what you're eating."
"NO! I'M NOT GOING! LEAVE ME ALONE! I WANT CLAIRE!" George shouts at Joseph.
"George Allen Carroll Cord! I have had enough of this tantrum. You will hush immediately. Your sister is staying at school and that's all there is to it." Ethan tells the boy sternly.
"NO, I WON"T HUSH! YOU NEED TO LISTEN! GO GET HER! I NEED CLAIRE TO COME HOME!" George shouts at Ethan.
Turning to the other boys, Ethan tells them "Go on and wash up. George and I will be down to join you for supper soon. Go ahead and order what you'd like. You don't need to wait for us. Rob, remember to tell them to put it on our room number."
"Yes sir, I will. Let's go boys." Rob says taking Ben by the hand and shooing a gaping Joseph out the door.
"George is in for a whipping! He was shouting at Pa!" Ben whispers to Rob and Joseph.
"I heard that Ben. If he gets a whipping then he deserves it. Uncle Ethan has been very patient with him all day today. More than I would have been! He acted like a brat today." Joseph answers.
Back in the room, Ethan has just taken off his belt and told George to come to him. Backing away in tears, George says desperately "Papa, please don't. I'm sorry I yelled. I won't do it anymore. Please Papa."
Walking to the boy, Ethan picks him up and carries him back over to the bed. Reaching down he unbuttons the boy's pants and puts him over his lap.
"I told you many times today to stop this behavior but you would not mind me. Now you have added being disrespectful to being defiant. When I tell you to do something you do it! You do not ever raise your voice to me young man! I know you are upset. I have explained why Claire can't be with us several times and yet you insist on throwing this tantrum. If you remember, I told you what would happen if you didn't cease the tantrum. George you have earned yourself a whipping today."
With that said, he gives the boy's bare backside six licks with the belt and another six with his hand. "I love you George and want you to show your best behavior at all times. You embarrassed Claire today with your behavior. I was very disappointed in your behavior also. You are nearly nine years old now and know how to behave. We won't talk of this anymore. Let's start again and have no more of these tantrums."
"Yes….. sir,…. I'm… sorry …Papa." George sobs quietly after he gasps out the words.
"Your punishment is over son. Calm down and let's get washed up for supper. The boys have probably started eating already." Ethan says after holding George and letting the boy cry on his shoulder until he can stop crying enough to listen.
"Papa?" George asks still sniffling.
"Yes son?"
"May I say one more thing about Claire, please?"
"George" Ethan says warningly, "I don't want to hear any more about Claire coming home. She's staying at the school and that's final! Now, let's go have some supper."
Knowing better than to keep pushing to talk, especially after just receiving a spanking, George nods his head. Inside he feels his stomach turning. If only Papa or someone will listen, he could explain why he is upset. Grownups don't always listen like they say they will.
When they reach the dining room, Rob and Joseph are still waiting for Ethan before eating. Ben has his supper and is busy eating. "I couldn't wait Pa, I'm sorry. I tried but I was just so hungry." Ben explains when Ethan sits down.
"That's fine Ben, I told you all to go ahead and order. You didn't need to wait."
Rob tells him "Joseph and I have ordered, but asked them to wait to bring it until you ordered. We wanted to eat with you."
Ethan nods before saying "That is very considerate, thank you boys."
Then as the waiter comes up he says "We'll have another hamburger plate with a glass of milk and I'd like a steak with the trimmings and coffee."
"Yes sir, I'll have the beverages right out Sir."
Looking at his brother's face, Ben can tell George has been crying hard. While his Pa is busy talking to Joseph and Rob, he sends George a message. What did he do to you for yelling the way you did?
He whipped me with his belt! I got six hard licks with it and then more with his hand! Ben, that belt really burns. My bottom's on fire right now.
I know I've had a whipping a lot more times than you have, George. You just better be good from now on 'til we get home. He'll whip you again if you keep having these fits.
I'm going to be good Ben. George sends back.
The next morning after boarding the train, the boys are all busy reading or playing card games except for George. George refused to play when Ben asked him too. He just wants to be alone to think. All he can think about is how to get Claire to come home. Since no one is listening to him and a temper tantrum didn't help, he is busy trying to come up with something else.
Maybe if I pretend to be really sick she would come home. No, that wouldn't work. Papa didn't tell her about me being kidnapped so he probably wouldn't tell her if I was sick either. Besides if I pretend to be sick he'll just take me to Dr. Amy. She'd know I wasn't sick and tell him. He'd probably spank me again then.
I just have to keep thinking. I wish I could get Ben and Joseph to help. They're no help at all. Ben thinks I'm being a big baby. I'm not either. I just want Claire to be safe. No one will believe me!
Exhausted, George falls asleep leaning against the window. As he sleeps the same scene he saw in his mind at Claire's school comes back to him. Claire is afraid. She and a lot of other girls are running from something behind them. T hey are screaming and running down the long staircase. George can hear them screaming to each other to keep running.
Feeling something warm in his lap he wakes up only to find he has wet his pants during his sleep. Remembering Ethan's promise to spank him if he didn't speak up in time makes him start to cry.
"Joseph! George is crying!" Ben says looking over at his brother curled up against the window.
"What's wrong George? Why are you crying? Do you hurt somewhere?" Joseph asks worriedly.
"No, I don't hurt. I didn't mean to do it. I was asleep and it just happened! I don't want another spanking, Joseph!" George whispers, still crying softly.
Finally realizing what might be wrong, Joseph takes a quick look at his brother's pants. "It's alright George. No one is going to punish you for having an accident when you were asleep. It's just something that happens. I'll help you wash up and change if you'll come with me into the sleeping area."
"Joseph, Papa's going to spank me when he finds out. He said if I didn't speak up and stop waiting to the last minute he would spank me. I waited way past the last minute!" George whispers as Joseph helps him into some dry clothes.
"I don't think he will be upset at all. You were sleeping George. That's different. I'll talk to him for you, Okay?"
"Okay, but tell him I didn't mean to and I won't do it anymore. I'm really tired. Can I just lie down in here for a little bit Joseph?"
"Alright George, but just until lunch, then I'm going to tickle you up out of the bed if you don't get up!" Joseph says trying to make his little brother at least smile if not giggle.
"I'll get up when you tell me Joseph, I promise I will. I'm not going to be bad anymore." George tells him as he crawls up on the bunk and closes his eyes.
When Ethan comes back from visiting with Mitch in the next car, Joseph tells him about George.
"Something isn't right with him. He's very withdrawn and won't even play with Ben. All he wants to do is sit or sleep. He fell asleep looking out the window and wet his pants. Now he's scared you're going to spank him for it. I helped him clean up and change. He wanted to lie down and sleep some more so I just let him. Why do you think he's acting so strange, Uncle Ethan?"
"This is hard for him son. Remember how much he cried and acted out when Claire left to go to school? I think it's just as hard for him this time, maybe even harder. George somehow got the idea Claire wasn't going back to school. He thought she would come home to Paradise when we left Denver. If I 'd known that I would have talked with him sooner."
"He's acting like he'll never see her again Uncle Ethan. I've never seen him seem so sad. Even when Mama died he didn't act like this."
"You have to remember how young he was then. He's older and understands what it means to have to leave someone. I will talk with him again. Maybe he'll come out of it when we get back home. Right now I think I'll go wake him for lunch."
Walking into the room with the bunks, Ethan says quietly "George, wake up son, it's time for lunch."
Rolling over George looks at him but doesn't answer. "Come on son, let's get up and find your shoes. Everyone is waiting for us to go to the dining car." Then seeing the tears in the boy's eyes Ethan says "What's wrong son? Tell me and I'll try to help you."
"I didn't mean to. It just came out. I'm real sorry I didn't speak up." George whispers as the tears start.
"If you are talking about having an accident while you were asleep, then there's nothing to be sorry about George. It was an accident and I know that. Are you ready for lunch now?"
"Yes sir. Papa?"
"Yes George?"
"Will we ever see Claire again? I think she's going to be going away like Mama did. I can't remember Mama good and I don't want to forget Claire too!" George says beginning to cry again.
"Claire is coming home again George. I promise you she will. Once you get home and back to school, you'll be surprised at how fast the time goes until she comes to see you again. Then it won't be long and it will be summertime. She'll come home for the summer. We can't be stingy George. We have to share Claire with her teachers and friends. She loves her school and is happy there. Do you want her to be unhappy by having to come home and not be with her friends?"
"No sir, I want her to be happy but I want her with me too."
"Well son, it just doesn't work like that. She can't stay at school and be home at the same time. Please try to understand George. She needs to stay at her school right now and come home later. Now let's don't talk about this anymore for today. Let's go get some lunch."
Later that afternoon – Paradise
The ranch looks great Bill. Thank you all for taking such good care of it. I imagine you'd like to be getting back home now. We'll see you in town later in the week. I know we'll need to come in and buy some things. Before you go would you allow the children to ride in the pony cart?" Ethan asks Bill Anderson.
"Sure thing Ethan. They've begged me all week to take the cart out but I wouldn't let them. They did ride the pony around the corral each day just to keep him exercised."
"Joseph! Come here son." Ethan calls.
"Yes sir?" Joseph asks coming up to his uncle's side.
"Hitch up Dobbin and take the twins and the girls for a ride in the cart will you? They'd love to ride around a little."
"Yes sir. Come on guys and help me get the cart rolled out. I can't hitch him up inside the barn." Joseph explains to the twins. Once they get the horse into his harness, Emily helps her little sister into the cart. The twins climb up next.
" I'm not riding, so hold onto the baby guys. She might tumble out!" Emily says watching as they trot around the yard.
Four year old Lydia calls out exasperated "I'm Not a baby! I'm FOUR!"
Chuckling at that, Ethan says to Bill "She's a spunky one isn't she? She reminds me of Ben when he first came here. She's always tagging along with the twins! Ben never would believe he was too young to do things his older brother did! I had to get Joseph to constantly watch out for him or he'd follow right along behind if he could. We had quite a time getting Ben to stay home with Claire so Joseph could go to town by himself for the supplies we needed. After several weeks of his crying each time, I finally gave in and let Ben go too. I shouldn't have but it tore me apart seeing him cry every time Joseph went off without him. At the time the younger boys were afraid to let Claire and Joseph out of their sight. They thought they would go away the way they felt their Mother had. "
"We tend to spoil Lydia a bit as she's the youngest. I guess with the youngest you just tend to let them get by with more. Do you find yourself doing that with George?"
"Yes, he gets by with things much longer than Ben or Joseph. Now that you bring it up, I do let him off more than I should. His tears affect me the same way Ben's used to! I hate to see them cry and what's even harder is being the one to cause the tears in the first place. He's been having a very difficult time since we had to leave Denver without Claire. He threw such a tantrum he earned himself a whipping last night." Ethan tells Bill.
"George, throwing a tantrum? I'd never expect him to behave like that. Ben, yes I could see it happening but not calm, polite little George."
"Well Bill, calm, polite little George has changed since you last saw him. While he was in Denver, he received two whippings. One for stealing and the other for being defiant and disrespectful to me. I'm beginning to think he's going to give Ben a run for his money in bad behavior. Ben seems to be the calmer and better behaved one now." Ethan says, watching Joseph drive the cart around for the fourth time.
"Joseph, pull up when you get to the fence." Ethan calls out.
"Yes Sir." Joseph answers, turning the cart towards the pasture fence. "Everybody out now, the ride's over and I have to get the cart unhitched to clean it up."
"Why do you have to clean it? I thought it belonged to Ben and George. Besides it's your Uncle's idea to take it out so why should you have to clean it?" Jeff and Jason ask alternating sentences as they so often do.
"Who ever takes the cart out is responsible for cleaning and making sure Dobbin is taken care of. If I didn't clean it before putting it away, I'd be in a lot of trouble! How about the two of you helping me clean it up?"
"No thanks, we have to be getting home. I imagine we have a lot of weeds to get out of the garden as well as some vegetables to pick after a week away. Are you coming to town tomorrow? At Joseph's shake of his head, Jeff asks "Why not? We have some plans to talk about. We have a great plan to do when school starts back next Monday."
"I have too much to do to help out around here to go to town tomorrow. As far as I know, we won't be in town tomorrow." Joseph answers.
"Just slip off for a little while, ask to go fishing or something! This is important Joseph! Surely Rob can handle the chores for a little while! Besides, we have been keeping the chores done all week, what's there for you to do?" Jason says aggravated.
"I don't know, Jason. Uncle Ethan said we needed to stay close to home for tomorrow though. I'm not going to be disobeying him either! I'll have to tell you why later. Right now just know I'm not going to be at your meeting and I'm not going to join you on anything that could possibly earn me a whipping!"
"I thought we were the Three Musketeers!" Jeff complains.
"We are, it's just that this Musketeer is protecting his backside very carefully these days! If you want to be mad at me, then be mad. I'm not joining in on another of your schemes!" Joseph says glaring at his friends.
Watching the twins huff off to their family's wagon, Rob coming up beside Joseph asks "What's up with them? They look upset."
"They're mad because I told them I wouldn't help them with some plan they have for causing trouble at school. I told them I wasn't going to do anything that might earn me a whipping."
"Good for you for standing up for yourself Joseph! So, they were mad. They'll get over it eventually." Rob tells him seeing the frown on his younger brother's face.
"Yes, but for now, I just lost two friends to have fun with." Joseph says still frowning.
Putting his arm around Joseph, Rob says "I'm your friend and you can have fun with me. We'll start right now even!"
"Doing what?" Joseph asks skeptically.
"Why, we'll have fun cleaning the cart and rubbing down Dobbin! Won't that be fun?"
"Not really Rob. I can think of a lot more fun things to do than that!" Joseph says making a disgusted face.
"I'm sure you can Joseph. But, do you remember what's going to happen to you if you don't clean the cart and care for the horse first?"
"Yes."
"Then let's get started. Who knows if we hurry and do a good job maybe Uncle Ethan will let us go fishing until suppertime. Want to?"
"Yeah, I want to. Fishing sounds much better than going to bed early with a smarting backside for not doing my job! Thanks for cheering me up Rob."
Two weeks later
Sitting at the kitchen table doing his homework, Joseph hears Ben call out "Pa, what are you doing home so early? We didn't think you'd be back until time for supper tonight."
Not hearing the answer, Joseph continues to work on his math homework. He's still struggling with this subject and has a failing quiz to have his Uncle sign. Dreading the moment he has to show Ethan the quiz, he doesn't go greet his Uncle the way he usually would.
Coming into the house with Ben and George following him, Ethan seeing Joseph asks
"Joseph, where is Rob? I have some news to share and want all of you here when I do."
"I don't know Sir. He wasn't home when we got here from school. Should I go look for him?"
"No, I'm sure he'll be home by six as that is the curfew. I'm going to lie down for awhile. Wake me by six o'clock or if Rob comes home whichever comes first."
When Rob came in at five forty five, Ben told him what their Uncle said. "I guess he wants to check on me to make sure I obey the curfew rule. I'll go wake him now."
"Uncle Ethan? I'm home and Ben said you wanted to be waked up whenever I came in." Rob said quietly as he gently shook his Uncle's shoulder.
"I'm awake Rob. I heard you come in and woke up. You know I sleep very lightly."
"Yes sir." Rob had found that out the hard way last spring when he'd stayed two months with Ethan. He had tried to sneak into Joseph's bedroom quietly but woke Ethan anyway. The next few days had him sitting very carefully. Sneaking in and out plus what he had been doing while out earned him a whipping he'd never forget.
"Tell the boys to gather in the front room. I have some news to share." Ethan tells Rob.
"Well everyone, I received a telegram from Denver today. It's from…."
"Claire! Is she alright Papa? Is she hurt?" George asks quickly.
"If you listen and not interrupt, I'll tell you George! " Ethan says giving his youngest a scolding look.
"Yes Sir, I'm sorry for interrupting you Papa." George says eyes filling with tears.
"You're forgiven this time. Just remember your manners from now on. The telegram is from Ted Connors. The jury has reached a verdict." He deliberately stops there and pretends to be about to stand up.
"Uncle Ethan! Tell us! What did they decide?" Rob and Joseph both say at the same time.
George looks worried and Ben says "Papa! You can't just go off and not tell us what they said. We have to know!"
Smiling at the boy's frustrated looks, Ethan says "You're right, you do deserve to know. I apologize for teasing you that way. The jury convicted Jake on all charges! The vote was ten to two to convict on all charges. The two only had doubts about the charge of attempted murder apparently. They were not sure he really meant to harm the mine workers but maybe just meant to destroy the mine."
The boys all sit silently, each thinking about what this meant. Not being sure exactly, Ben asks "What does this mean Papa? Is Jake coming back here?"
George shudders beside him when he asks that question.
Seeing his youngest's pale face, Ethan says "It's all over George. Jake will never ever bother you again. He's going away to prison in Dodge City, Kansas. It's a federal prison and he will never get out. You can stop worrying son. Now, how about getting washed and changed so we can go to town for supper? We need to celebrate a little."
As Rob, Joseph and Ben hurry off to do as he says George stays behind.
"It's really over now Papa? He really won't be able to come get me again? Ever? I'm safe now?" George asks incredulously.
Lifting the boy into his arms, Ethan gives him a tight hug and buries his face in the boy's hair for a moment just to swallow the lump in his throat. He had no idea George still didn't feel safe even after all of their talks concerning the boy's safety.
"Yes son, I promise you Jake is never going to hurt you again. He's not going to be anywhere near here ever again. Y ou are definitely safe from him. People in federal prisons are guarded very carefully and the prison he is going to is one of the toughest. No one has ever escaped from it."
"That's good Papa. I wouldn't want Jake to escape and come after us. I'll go change now."
In town, people kept coming by their table in the restaurant congratulating Ethan and Mitch who had joined them for supper.
"Ethan, Mitch, well done on getting the evidence the jury needed to do the right thing! That man deserved what he got!" Cyrus Axelrod said stopping by for a moment.
A little later another man stops by to say "Great job Sheriff! We knew you could get the bas… " at Ethan's sharp look towards the children the man changes his words, "err … that is get the criminal. We're all proud of both of you. You simply saved this town. Without the mine, we wouldn't have a town!"
Joseph can't help but snicker softly and nudge Rob at the man's near slip up. This earns him a sharp reprimanding look from his Uncle. Nodding his understanding Joseph quickly turns to his dessert.
The next morning when Joseph awakens, he suddenly remembers the unsigned quiz. With everything that went on last night it slipped his mind. Dressing quickly he hurries out to take care of his personal needs and then start on the chores. He plans to show his uncle the quiz right before breakfast.
"Uncle Ethan, would you come in my room please? I have something I need to show you and it's private." At least this way if he gets reprimanded or punished it won't be in front of his brothers, Joseph feels.
"I have a quiz here that I need you to sign. I didn't try to hide it from you. I was going to show it to you yesterday but forgot with all the good news. I'm sorry." Joseph says handing Ethan the quiz.
Taking the quiz, Ethan sees a large F written on the paper along with the words "Does not listen!"
"What does he mean by "Does not listen, Joseph?" Ethan asks sternly.
"He caught me daydreaming the other day during class. Then right after that he gave us this unannounced quiz. I am trying to do my best Uncle Ethan. I am. I don't understand this math and Claire never got time to help me with it like we thought she would." Joseph explains waiting anxiously to see what his Uncle will say.
"All right Joseph I will sign your quiz this time without punishing you. However, if I hear or see that you are making failing grades or not paying attention in school, we will have a discussion in the barn. Do you understand me young man? You find a way to get the help you need. Ask Mr. McConnell if you can't find some other person to help you. No more failing grades on any subjects or that trip to the barn will become a reality."
"Yes sir, I hear you." Joseph says relieved to escape punishment this time.
After breakfast, Ethan tells the boys "Have a good day at school boys. Remember to listen and do as you are told. You go to school to learn not to act up. I'll see you later tonight. I have a meeting this afternoon so I won't be home until supper again tonight. Make sure you change to work clothes, Ben and George before doing your chores. Go on now before I make you late for school!" Ethan says smiling as the two youngest take off running.
"Bye Uncle Ethan, have a good day. Thank you for not whipping me for the bad grade. I sure thought you would." Joseph says happily.
"Off with you Joseph. If you are late today, I will be giving you a whipping and right in front of all the school kids too!" Ethan says rubbing the boy's hair before giving him a slight whack to his backside!
Laughing at his uncle's teasing, Joseph hurries off to catch up to his younger brothers.
Later that day
The school children are all busy studying their lessons or reciting them to the teacher when the school door bangs open and Sheriff Cord walks in.
"Excuse me for interrupting Mr. McConnell but I need to see Joseph for a few minutes."
"Certainly, Mr. Cord. I hope you are here to talk to him about paying attention to his lessons instead of staring out the window."
"I will be addressing that Mr. McConnell. Joseph, let's go." Ethan says stopping next to his nephew's desk.
Rising out of his seat, Joseph swallows fearfully. In all the time he's been to school, he's never had his Uncle come take him out of class like this. Trying unsuccessfully to think of what he possibly could have done that was this bad, Joseph follows his Uncle outside.
"Come with me Joseph. We're going to the Sheriff's office to talk." Ethan says walking swiftly away from the school.
Once inside the office, Ethan motions for Joseph to go into the back room where there is a table and chairs. His legs shaking now, Joseph sits down still wondering what he could have done to have caused the look in his Uncle's eyes.
Finally noticing the boy's fearful look, Ethan says softly "I didn't bring you here to punish you Joseph. I have some news to tell you and I wanted to do it privately. I received a telegram about fifteen minutes ago from Denver. Joseph, there's been a fire at Claire's school. The school was badly damaged. She's alive son! " He says quickly when Joseph turns pale and looks like he might pass out.
"It happened last night. The girls were asleep and someone alerted them to a fire. Most of the girls got out. From what I know now, the two ladies we met both perished getting the students to safety. The girls were split up and sent to different homes in Denver. Claire is with Ted's family. He's the one who sent me the telegram. I'm leaving this afternoon for Denver. I'm bringing her home."
"She's all right then?" Joseph asks.
"She's not talking right now. Ted wrote she was too emotional to speak. He also said she lost some of her hair and was burned on her arms. She's already being treated by a doctor. I'm going to spend the night in Denver to make sure she is well enough to travel. I'll send you a telegram when I find out more. If all goes as I plan, we'll both be home by supper tomorrow night or lunchtime the next day at the latest."
"What are you going to tell the boys?" Joseph asks as he wipes at the tears running down his face.
"I'm going to tell them just the facts. Claire is at Ted's because there was a fire at her school and I'm going to go get her. I'm not going to tell them she was injured and you will not either. Understand?"
"Yes Sir." Joseph says his whole body shaking with sobs he won't let out.
Standing up and walking over to the boy, Ethan pulls him up into his arms. "It's all right to cry son. Let it out but know your sister is safe. She might be slightly injured but she's still with us." He stands there just holding the boy tightly as the sobs and tears keep coming.
Finally able to speak again, Joseph says "Uncle Ethan! This is just what George saw in his dreams before we got home. That day when we left Claire at the school and that night and on the train!"
"What are you talking about Joseph?"
"George dreamed about something awful happening to Claire and the other girls at school. That's why he was so upset about leaving her! He didn't tell me until we got home to Paradise or I would have told you. I thought it was too late to tell you then."
"What exactly did he say about the dream?"
"He saw Claire and other girls running down the stairs looking frightened. He said they were going to be hurt and it was happening at night. He said he had tried to tell us but no one would listen to him. That's the reason he threw the temper tantrums. Then I guess he just gave up because he hasn't mentioned it since we came home."
"Has he ever had this happen before? Where he dreamed something and it really happens?" Ethan asks.
"Not that I know about. He's never told me anything. He might have told Ben though. Are you going to make us stay at school today or go back tomorrow? I won't be able to concentrate until I see Claire for myself. I'm pretty sure the boys will be the same. Can we please just go home and stay until you come home with Claire?"
"Yes Joseph, that's what I was planning. I know you boys will be too worried to learn at school. You'll stay home with Rob while I'm away. Now let's go get Ben and George. I'm going to need you to help comfort them when I tell them. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes sir."
Walking back into the school, Ethan requests a brief conference with Mr. McConnell outside the school.
"Mr. McConnell, I just received word that my niece was injured in a fire at her school in Denver. I'm going to be leaving this afternoon on the train to go get her. Joseph and the younger boys will be going home early and will not return for a few days. If you'll write out any assignments they will miss, I'll see to it they stay up with their studies. I'll have Joseph come to town tomorrow to pick up the assignments. Will that give you ample time to have them ready?"
"Yes Mr. Cord that will be fine. I sincerely hope Claire is better soon. I'm sure coming home will help."
Walking into the school again, Ethan says quietly "Ben, George, you're leaving school early today. Gather up your things and get Joseph's books for him too. Meet me outside when you are ready."
Obeying his Pa's command, Ben gathers Joseph's books and notebooks. Helping George pack their own books and tablets into their shared bookbag, Ben sends a thought to his brother. What did we do? I don't know of anything we all three or even one of us did to have us all taken out of school like this!
It's not something we did. Papa's not angry at us or anyone, I can feel it. He's upset but he's not angry. He's thinking of ways to talk to us about something really important. George sends back.
Walking out of the schoolhouse, Ben and George are surprised to see the wagon sitting there. Joseph is standing beside the wagon and Ben can instantly see he's been crying. Nervously Ben leads the way over to the wagon.
"Climb on in boys. We're going home early today." Ethan says.
About halfway to their house, Ethan stops the wagon and climbs down from the seat. Going around to the back of the wagon he says "Ben, George come on down for a minute."
Climbing down, Ben sees Joseph is with their Uncle now.
"Boys, I have some news about Claire. First off I want you to know she is all right. She's staying with Mr. Connors and his family until I can go get her." At the perplexed looks he is getting, he sighs inwardly really wishing he didn't have to say the next part.
"Ben and George, Claire was in a fire last night. Again she's going to be alright! The school caught on fire somehow and was badly burned. The girls escaped but they had no place to stay. They are staying with families in Denver until their own families can come for them. I'm leaving as soon as I can get the train to Denver. I'll bring her home as soon as I can."
"Papa, she was hurt wasn't she? In the fire I mean. Those two ladies, her teachers were hurt too. Some girls died didn't they?" George asks his voice shaking and tears running down his face.
Ethan looks at Joseph in amazement. Joseph just shrugs shaking his head to show he didn't know how George knew either. He himself didn't know about the other girls.
"Yes George, you are correct." As both boys burst into sobs, Ethan says "Remember though, I told you Claire is going to be all right. She is alive and coming home. I don't know how badly she was hurt and won't know until I can see her. Everything's going to be alright boys. We'll have Claire home by the day after tomorrow, if not tomorrow so you can see her yourselves. Let's get home so I can pack and leave. We need to tell Rob what's happened also." Ethan says as he and Joseph hold the boys close.
At the ranch
"All right boys, Rob is in charge while I'm away. You do exactly as he says. He has my full permission to punish you if he thinks you deserve it. If you cause him to punish you then you will also be punished by me when I get home. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir." Ben and George answer together.
"Good, now hug me goodbye and be good for Rob. We have enough to think about without adding in misbehavior on top of it. I'll send you that telegram as soon as I get to see Claire and find out when she can travel. Joseph, Rob's going to drive me to town and bring the wagon back. You stay here with the boys while he's gone."
"Yes sir."
Watching the wagon drive down the road, George says "I will be so happy when Claire gets home. I wish everyone had listened to me before. I could have told you this would happen." His voice sounding bratty.
"Well let me tell YOU something George. You better get your work clothes on and get the chores done before I spank you! You don't need to be so bratty. We didn't see anything but a little boy having tantrums and that is why no one listened to you. Now Get!"
Both boys ran for their room to change clothes before he made good on his threat. Out in the barn, Ben asks "George? How did you know Claire was going to be hurt before she was?"
"I'm not sure Ben. Someone kept telling me about it and wouldn't go away. It might have been Mama. She talked to me when I was all alone that time Jake took me. She told me Papa was coming and I could go home soon."
As the four boys eat sandwiches and soup for supper there's a knock on the door. Opening it Rob finds Mitch standing on the small front porch.
"Mitch, come join us for supper. We don't have anything fancy, just soup and sandwiches."
"Thank you Rob but I've already eaten and I'm on duty tonight so I can't stay. I came out with the telegram from Ethan." Mitch says handing it to Rob and giving the older boy a raised eyebrow look.
Catching the message, Rob opens the telegram and quickly scans it before reading it out loud.
"Boys, Claire is unable to travel until next week. The doctor here says it's best not to move her from a comfortable place just yet. He says Monday would be a good time to travel with her. That's only four days from now. Behave for Rob, do your schoolwork and stay safe." Rob skipped over the words saying "Stop" and the part describing Claire's injuries. After all, the part about the injuries was addressed to him only. Ethan had written:
"Rob, don't let the little boys know this until I can tell them. Claire has lost most of her hair. The wig maker here in Denver has a wig almost ready. Mr. Connors went to her immediately and started getting one made for Claire. Her arms have several deep burns that are requiring medication six times a day and wrapping. They are changing the wrapping with each application of the medicine. This is the cause for the delay in travel. If anything changes I will send word. Uncle Ethan"
After putting the boys to bed, Joseph comes over to where Rob is sitting reading by the fire. "Rob, I want to see the telegram from Uncle Ethan! I know there is more and you haven't told us all of what he said. I'm old enough to know about what is happening to my sister! I won't say anything to the boys!" he says forcefully.
"Calm down will you? There's no need to get so mad. I wasn't holding it from you Joseph. I was going to let you read it as soon as the boys were in bed. Here, read it yourself." Rob says handing Joseph the telegram.
After reading through the section describing Claire's injuries, Joseph slowly sits down on the bench beside Rob.
Not saying anything, Rob just reaches out and hugs Joseph to him. Sitting holding his younger brother and friend, Rob and Joseph both find themselves crying quietly.
"Oh Rob, she's always been so happy to have hair like Mama instead of brown hair like me and Ben. Now she's lost it all." Joseph whispers sadly.
"Joseph, Claire's not vain she'll be fine with this. You know that as well as I do!" Rob whispers back.
"That's true now but when we were younger she was vain. In fact, the next to last spanking I got from Mama was because of Claire and her hair. I was ten and she was twelve. She had been tormenting me with the fact that she was more like Mama and I was more like Papa. Her reasoning was our hair color. She said since I had brown hair that meant I took after Papa. It wasn't long after Papa had left. Now remember, I hate my Papa. I got really mad and slapped her. It wasn't a hard hit but she cried and went to Mama."
"Uh oh, I can guess how that went over." Rob says.
"Yeah, Mama was really mad at me. So mad she wouldn't even listen when I tried to explain what happened. She just took me into her room, made me drop my pants and spanked me with a wooden spatula. That thing stung like you sat in an ant bed, Rob!" Joseph says irritably when Rob snickers.
"Would your Mama have spanked Claire if she'd known how she behaved?"
"Probably. She never liked it when we argued or tried to boss each other around."
"You said that was the next to last spanking. What was the last one for?" Rob asks.
"She caught me smoking in the alley next to the club she was singing in. That time she borrowed a belt from the costume rack and whipped me with it. That night she sat down and wrote Uncle Ethan a letter telling him she wanted us to visit him during the summer and she had made him guardian of us. She knew she was sick and dying but we didn't. We knew she was sick a lot but that was it. I think Claire knew more than us boys. She never did get to mail that letter though. She collapsed on stage two weeks later and never got out of bed again." Joseph says.
"How did Ethan find you then, if he didn't get the letter?" Rob asks.
"Claire told the minister who performed the funeral and he contacted the Sheriff who sent a telegram to Uncle Ethan. It took a month to get to him because he had been shot and was recuperating from that. By the time he got better and saw the telegram he got on the train and came for us. He brought us here to live."
"If it weren't for Uncle Ethan, Joseph, all five of us could have been sent to an orphanage somewhere. You all could have been split up and sent off to never see each other again." Rob says quietly.
"Let's celebrate not being put in an orphanage and Claire's not being to badly hurt in the fire. I have just the thing we need right in the bedroom. Come on Joseph."
Rob leads Joseph into their room and closes the door. Walking to the bed, he lifts his mattress and pulls out a bottle of whiskey.
"Rob! Where did that come from?"
"The saloon, where do you think? I took it that time we dragged Ben and George home from gambling in the saloon. I thought I would give it to Mitch for Christmas but realized I'd better not."
"It's a good thing you didn't! All four of us would have gotten a really bad whipping if you had! You for stealing and going into a saloon, Ben for going into the saloon and gambling, George and me for being anywhere near the saloon to begin with and for covering for Ben too."
"Well we didn't get caught so that's something else to celebrate. Come on Joseph, let's have a drink. No one will know because there's no one here but the boys and they're asleep. Have some." Rob says handing Joseph the bottle.
Giving the bottle a suspicious look, thinking about how much trouble he will be in if he gets found out, Joseph takes a brief sip. "Rob, this stuff tastes terrible!" he gasps as the whiskey burns his throat.
"I know but to be a man you have to know how to drink and hold your whiskey. Now let's practice. We'll only take five sips each and then stop. That way we won't get sick or drunk either. Okay?"
"Yeah, but you take the next sip. My mouth is burning too much." Hearing himself Joseph winces at the thought of how much his backside would be burning if his Uncle ever found out about this.
After five sips each both boys are collapsed on the bed having a giggling fit. Forgetting the bottle, they are rolling on their beds in laughter when a knock sounds on the door. Getting up Rob opens the door to find Ben standing there.
"You two woke me up. What's so funny? I want to know so I can be happy too." Then seeing the whiskey bottle he says "You've been drinking! Just you wait until I tell Pa! He's going to blister your backsides for this!"
"Come on Ben! Be a good guy and don't tell. Remember we didn't tell about you and George going in the saloon." Rob answers.
"I won't tell if you let me see the telegram Pa sent . I'm not stupid Rob and I know you hid something from us. I want to know what it was. Show me or I swear I'll tell Pa the minute he gets home that you two were in here drinking whiskey from a bottle!" Ben says glaring at Joseph and Rob.
"Threatening me will only make me want to paddle your bottom Ben!" Rob says angrily.
"If you spank me, I'll tell anyway. The only way I won't tell is if you let me see the telegram." Ben replies.
"Show him Rob. It's the only way to save our hides." Joseph says wearily.
"All right, Ben you must promise not to tell George or talk about it where he can hear. Okay?" Rob asks.
"I promise to keep it quiet. Now may I see it?" Ben asks.
"Here, but remember you wanted to see it. I didn't make you look at it" Rob says handing him the telegram.
After reading it through Ben walks over to Joseph and falls into his arms crying.
"SHHH, you'll wake George! Ben quiet down!" Joseph whispers stroking his little brother's hair as Rob pats the boy on his back.
"Oh Joseph, her hair! She loves her hair and now it's gone. She got burned too. That's just awful! " Ben sobs quietly.
"Uncle Ethan will make sure she is taken care of. You'll see as soon as they come home he'll have Dr. Amy out here to check on her. Claire will be alright again Ben." Rob whispers soothingly.
Yawning now, Ben says "Can I sleep with you guys tonight? I don't want to sleep in my room."
"Yes, you can stay with me. Climb under the covers Ben." Joseph says. Just as he gets himself under the covers there's another knock on the door.
Opening it after tucking the whiskey bottle back under his mattress, Rob finds George standing there looking sleepy. "Oh there you are Ben! I woke up and you were gone. I waited and waited and you didn't come back."
"Come on in George. You can sleep with me." Rob tells him.
A few minutes later all the boys except George are sound asleep. Joseph is sleeping with his arms around Ben and George is snuggled tight against Rob's side. It's been a long hard day and they need the comfort they are feeling from each other.
"Goodnight Mama." George whispers, looking over into the corner of the room. "Thanks for taking such good care of Claire for me. I knew you would when I told you how nobody would listen to my dream. I love you Mama." Falling asleep he feels a feather light kiss brush his cheek.
A/N: Thanks so much for sticking by me in this long story. I'd love to hear from all who read it! To all who review each chapter, thanks again. I love the feedback! There will be more adventures ahead for Ethan and his family. The series will continue.