Growing Up McCullough
Chapter 4: Conflicted and Confused
Thursday afternoon….
Luke sat staring into space, all of his detective work had paid off. All of his sneaking away from school was over. All he had to do now was figure out how to get the information to Mr. Hughes. Trouble was; he couldn't let anyone know how he got the information, because as exciting as solving the case was, his Dad finding out about all the rules he had broken had him a little worried. If he had to explain how he'd found out that Mr. Downey, Mr. Hughes' foreman, had been selling off the cattle four or five head at a time for almost a year before his boss had noticed, and that Downey had made up the story of the Rustler's to cover his tracks, and then, how Downy had caught two drifters on the Hughes' spread and framed them for the crimes, Luke would have to explain, just where he actually was to have discovered that information. Putting himself in danger was no going to sit well with Flint, and ironically he in turn wouldn't be sitting comfortably at all for a long time. Luke had overheard one of the drifters say that they were innocent and that someone should investigate. He had asked his Uncle Robert how one should go about investigating. His Uncle had said; that it took lots of money to hire someone to snoop around and try to prove the men were innocent, and that Mr. Hughes and Mr. Downey had standing in the community and so it was unlikely that the matter would be investigated as no one would speak up for the two drifters. They were caught by Downey with two steers. And that would be the end of it. That had gotten Luke to thinking. Maybe he could help the men out; after all, no one should be punished for a crime they did not commit.
"Luke, Luke Spence…" snapped Miss Parker whacking her wooden pointer across the front of his desk.
Startled, Luke jumped to his feet. "Yes Ma'am. I'm sorry, Miss Parker could you repeat the question?" said Luke as the rest of the class giggled.
"To the corner, we will discuss your behavior after class," she snapped using the wooden pointer to indicate the front corner of the room.
"Now class, as I was saying; can anyone name the eastern state where the Declaration Of Independence was signed?"
"Great just what I need, more trouble to explain," muttered Luke as he crossed the room and faced the corner. Well at least now he would be free to concentrate on how to make sure that Mr. Hughes found out who the real thief was…
Meanwhile On the Creek Bank…
Benjamin sat on the bank wondering what to do. He knew that his mother thought he was in school. He wanted to be in school; had so much to learn if he wanted to become a doctor and help his people. But, when Miss Parker had given him the note, she had said that his father must sign it before he returned to school. He had known that his father would be upset about his leaving school, and he was bound to want to know where he had gone. If Ben explained that he was following Luke, that would get his little brother in trouble. He didn't want that, either. So, Benjamin had decided to wait until yesterday to give his father the note after supper when they could talk alone, but Mark had thrown his fit and then and when he gotten up this morning his father was gone, along with the opportunity to sort out the mess he now found himself in. How was he to get the note signed now? This new world had so many rules. Maybe his father would be home before School on Monday. Or maybe the teacher would forget about note. He would eat his lunch and wait here for the sun to go low in the sky, then he would walk home with Luke.
Later Back at the School house…
"Class dismissed. Luke Spence come to my desk," commanded Miss Parker as the other students noisily filed out. Luke came and stood at attention in front of her desk.
"Young man you were two hours late this morning and then when you did arrive, you daydreamed and fiddled the day away. What have you to say for yourself?" lectured Miss Parker, giving Luke a stern look.
"I'm sorry, Miss Parker, I must have been just plain distracted today. I'll do better tomorrow," he answered; hoping she would not ask him to explain what had him so distracted.
"Luke this just isn't like you. Is there something we need to talk to your parents about?" asked Miss Parker.
"No ma'am, I'll have everything settled when I get to school in the morning," answered Luke dropping his eyes to the desk.
"Very well, I'll let it go this time, but mark my words; I'd better see a changed young man or you'll be smarting from my hickory stick standing in that corner. Do we have an understanding?" admonished Miss Parker.
"Yes ma'am, don't worry, I will pay attention real good tomorrow," promised Luke hoping he sounded sincere enough.
"Very well, gather your books and run along before Samantha gets worried. Don't forget to tell Benjamin I hope he is feeling better."
Ranger Headquarters Laredo Texas…
"McCullough, Captain Parmalee wants to see you pronto," said Joe as he came back into the Barracks, after having tried to explain everything to the captain.
"Yes Sir," said Matthew as he headed out the door, sorry that he had caused his mentor so much trouble.
Matthew knocked twice and waited for captain Parmalee to answer.
"Come in."
Matthew entered and stood at attention. "You wanted to see me Sir?"
"Yes, McCullough. Joe tells me that you were at the bottom of today's situation."
"Yes Sir, I'm sorry, Sir." Answered Matthew staring forward.
Parmalee came from behind the desk angrily pacing to and fro in front of Matthew before stopping just inches from his face. "Sorry, you're Sorry? You disobey a direct order, almost get yourself thrown in jail, and all you can say is you're sorry? I want an explanation cadet!" thundered Captain Parmalee.
"I didn't mean… I was looking for some action… I mean; well you see, Sir; we've been here going on three months and the only ranger work we've done amounts to nothing more than chores and more chores," answered Matthew trying to read the Captain's eyes. So far the more he talked it appeared the angrier his Captain became.
"I've heard enough! I want you back in the Barracks, and I want a full report in writing on my desk by eight am. And, Cadet McCullough, I don't want to see even one spelling mistake. Is that clear!" boomed Captain Parmalee.
"Yes Sir, complete and error free, before eight, yes Sir," answered Matthew.
"I'll have to think some on the consequences for this stunt. Except for your meals, I do not want you out of the barracks before morning. DISMISSED!" ordered Captain Parmalee.
"Thank you Sir," said Matthew as he turned and hurried through the door. He finally dared to let out the breath he had been holding. He'd been chewed out before, but never by anyone as angry as Captain Parmalee.
Returning to the Barracks, Matt sat down at the table to start his report…
I was stacking fire wood against the wall under your office window, I overheard you telling Mr. Franklin we just didn't have the manpower to chase down measly pie snatchers and apple pinchers. When I heard you suggesting a undercover notion; the part about needing a young ranger to pose as a school boy, I got an idea I could help.
Flashback
"But Joe; What danger? I'd be riding a desk, keeping my eyes and ears open. Besides, I know how to handle myself. What am I training for if not to stop crime?" argued Matt.
"I applause your willingness to help, but I have to agree with Captain Parmalee; it just too risky, especially with the rest of us out of town handling that matter with Lazy foot down in Precious." countered Joe.
"Undercover is the best way we've got to stop this crime wave before someone gets hurt and I'm the best man for the job. I'm smaller than any of the other cadets and none of the boys in town know me. Please Ranger Cooper I can do this! "pleaded Mathew.
"Matthew, listen I know you think you can do this, but you have to understand that as a Ranger we have to follow captain Parmalee's order and he said; no. Discussion over. You only have three weeks before you head home for Christmas, just tend to your daily assignments and concentrate on you target practice."
The Next Friday Morning...
As Matthew walked back into the ranger office, where he had spent most of the morning filing, he was met with a tall man with an angry scowl on his face.
"Sir, the Rangers are out right now. Is there something I can help you with?" asked Matthew.
"Yes, I need a young Ranger to pose as a school boy so as we can determine who's behind the rash of stealing and vandalism."
"I'm sorry Sir, like I said the Rangers are out, and I'm not sure just when they will be back," apologized Matthew.
"What's wrong with you helping me; you're a Ranger aren't you?" barked Mr. Franklin.
"Yes Sir, I am a Ranger's but… I have orders to remain here until the others return; can't leave the station unattended," answered Matthew.
"We gotta put a stop to it afore there ain't nothing left of our town. The Rangers was our last hope," explained Mr. Franklin
Matthew thought for a minute before answering Mr. Franklin. "I'm at your service, Sir," he said offering his hand. Matthew had to admit as he that he felt more important and respected than in the weeks he had been practicing, finally he was being of service to someone.
"The schools just a hop skip and a jump yonder; down at the end of Hickory Street. The youngsters round here generally show up to school in coveralls," said Mr. Franklin, looking suspiciously at Matt's freshly shined boots and pressed shirt.
"Why don't you come on in here Sir, and we'll discuss the details," said Matthew opening the door to Captain Parmalee's office. "First off we need to come up with a story; one that folks will believe. I say we start by picking a name." Matt thought for a few minutes and then said, "I got it. Spence, Matt Spence. No one here about knows that name," he suggested. "But, Mr. Franklin if anything goes wrong send for Captain Parmalee," added Matt.
"Okay so what's the rest of your cover? Umm the other kids will probably ask lots of questions, like; where are your ma and pa?" said Franklin.
"Ma passed on and Pa move us here so we could start over. Oh and Pa always promised Ma he would keep me in school, that way if I look a little older than most young'uns it will make sense. And Pa; he had to go down to Precious; on business, he left me here to get started in school," elaborated Matt.
"That's right cleaver, keeping the detail close to truth, so we can remember easy. You must have been right good at stretching the truth when you were back home," said Mr. Franklin with a laugh.
"Well, I won't say I never tried, but most times my Dad was right good at getting at the truth; one way or another if you know what I mean," said Matt with a smile.
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch…
Friday morning at breakfast Mary, had been busy trying not to worry about Flint, so was giving orders to the troops. "Benjamin you and Luke be sure to come straight home from school, there will be extra chores to tend to with your father and the other men gone. Luke you be sure and tell Miss Parker that I am keeping Samantha home today, she's coming down with a cough. Your lunch pails are on the counter by the back door. You better hurry; I don't want you to be late. Mark, you better hurry too Ben and Charlie may need your help.
"Yes, ma'am," they all answered at once as they took their dishes to the sink and headed out the back door.
"Barney, wait up, I want to tell you something," called Mark spotting Barney just coming out of the bunkhouse.
"I've change my mind. You're right; now's our chance. I heard Mr. Turner talking in town yesterday. He said that Mr. Peter's tracked that old cat clean up to Fox Canyon. That's not far from we are supposed to be fixing the fence, so me can sneak away without anyone seeing us," explained Mark.
"Super, Mark. I knew you wouldn't want to miss out. Henry and Kevin are coming too; they're going to meet us at the tool shed at the far corner of the fence line. We have to give them about an hour, though because they are supposed to ride over to helping at the Vickers's place," said Barney.
"We can't wait for them to get all the way over there and back; it would be noon or better., groaned Mark.
"Don't worry they're not going all the way, but they have to hitch the wagon and drive away like they are going. They are hiding the team and wagon over in the Widow Carter's barn, and then cutting across the back pasture and meet us. We done stashed the rifles in the back of the wagon. You best sneak yours in too," suggested Barney.
"I stashed mine down by the back gate, so I could stop and get it as soon as we were out of sight of the house," said Mark excitement in his voice.
"Shucks, I wish I had thought of that. You better go get yourself a lunch from Charlie, and asked him to tell your Ma you won't be back 'til supper. I'll go saddle your horse," said Barney anxious to be on his way.
~oOo~
No one notice that Benjamin was standing behind the woodpile listening. He smiled to himself. What luck no one would be around to catch him down by the pond to day. He still didn't know what to do about the note from Miss. Parker, he couldn't go back until it was signed by his father. Maybe, he would practice and see if he could right like father, he thought. It might work, he had signed for his father once at the trading post in town. Now all Benjamin had to do was figure out a way to slip past Luke. Benjamin turned and headed toward the barn and his horse.
"Come on Benjamin, you heard mom, we better not be late. I saddled Blaze for you," said Luke leading both horses out of the barn.
"Thanks, little brother," Ben said stepping up and putting his foot in the stirrup, then he yelled, "RACE YOU!" as he galloped off. Just outside of town, Benjamin brought his horse to a stop and turned in the saddle. When Luke caught up he sighed. "You go ahead, I forgot my homework. I don't want Miss Parker mad at me today; no need in us both being late."
"Oh Okay, I'll tell Miss Parker you'll be late," offered Luke.
Benjamin didn't wait for Luke to answer, he just spun the horse around and galloped off. Luke rode the rest of the way to school muttering to himself.
"Did his brothers think he was that dumb, he didn't know what they were up to but he knew they were up to something, there had been too much whispering and looking over their shoulder during morning chores and after breakfast."
Luke reached the back fence of the school yard where they tie their horses before realizing; with no one else at school there was no one to tattle on him; he could spend the day figuring out how to tell Mr. Hughes's that Mr. Downey was the real thief, without getting himself in trouble.
Luke ran for the cover of the bushes to think it all out some more, before someone spotted him. After several minutes he got an idea. He untied the strap from his books and turned the tablet to a clean piece of paper. With his stub of a pencil held tight, he stuck is tongue out to the left and began to scribble. This had to work; it was such a brilliant plan. Luke grinned as he folded the note, stashed his books under a bush and peeked out to see if the coast was clear, before running full speed toward his uncle Robert's house. Once there, he would stash this note in the lunch basket that Chan always fixed for Robby to carry to his father. Robby was sure to see the note was addressed to him before he got all the way to the office. Luke came to a screeching stop. What was aunt Sharon doing hanging out laundry at this time of the day?
"Luke, how nice to see you, but shouldn't you be getting to school?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am, I just needed to deliver a message for Robby. It's very important, so I thought I would leave it in Chan's lunch basket," answered Luke.
"Okay dear, run on inside, the baskets on the counter just inside the back door. Then, you better get moving, you don't want to be late," she said before returning to hanging her laundry.
Luke breathed a sigh of relief and dashed for the door drop the note and dashed back out.
"Have a great day Aunt Sharon, see you again soon," he called as he ran by.
Luke scramble and darted form post to barrel until he was safely out of sight in the old shack behind the feed and seed. Now, all he had to do was wait for Robby to read the note and meet him. Robby was studying to become a lawyer just like his father. Surely he would be able to find a way to explain things to Mr. Hughes without letting him know Luke was involved.
School house just before noon…
"Miss Parker, I'm mighty sorry to interrupt you class like this but I'm afraid that it can't be helped. I want everyone to listen close, school will be dismissing early today, I want each of you to gather your things and go straight home. I don't want anyone lingering; straight home!" said Mr. Clark in a very authoritative voice.
"Class dismissed. You older ones, be sure to watch the younger ones. Everyone gather your things in an orderly fashion. I'll see each of you tomorrow morning," said Miss Parker watching the children file out before she turned to Mr. Clark.
"Whatever is the matter?" she asked knowing by the look on his face, the head of the school board was holding something back.
"That injured cat's tracks have been spotted getting close to some of the farms just outside of town. He seems to loitering around just before dusk, probably coming down for some easy prey. The town council was concerned that some of the children that live on the outlining farms might be in danger if they left at the regular time; by the time they get home and finish their chores it is near dark. We felt that by letting them out early, they would be safely inside by the time the cat started to prowl. I did not want to start a panic by telling the children the details," said Mr. Clark tipping his hat as he excused himself.
Back at the Ranch...
Mary breathed heavy as she bent to pick up the smaller sticks of woof for her cook stove. It was the third morning this week that Benjamin had taken off without tending to his morning chore. Mary struggled to place the log on the chopping block. As she picked up the ax someone called to her.
"Whoa Miss Mary, you shouldn't be doing that! Here let me," said Gary taking the ax from her.
"Thank you Gary, I hate to bother you," sighed Mary.
"Ain't no bother, Ma'am. You go on back inside and I'll have this split and the wood box filled in no time."
"You're a dear. I know you have work to do," smiled Mary.
"And right now, that's helping you. If the boss even thought I let you chop wood, I'd be sporting blisters," grinned Gary swinging the ax hard into the log.
Gary finished filling the wood box and went looking for Ty or Bill he wanted to ask them what he should do about how Benjamin was treating Miss Mary.
Charlie was hunched over digging for worms when Gary rounded the corner.
"Wooster Sir, do you know where I can find Ty or Bill?' asked Gary stopping just behind Charlie.
"They're all gone off with the sheriff. Might be gone for several days. Is there something I can help you with?' asked Charlie dropping a huge night crawler into his tin can.
"I don't, know. I don't want to be a snitch..." said Gary mumbling to a stop.
"It ain't snitching just to talk it out with a friend; sort of sort things through. I was just fixing to get me a pole and see if I might catch a mess of fish. Why don't you come along, that is if your morning works all finished," offered Charlie.
~oOo~
Mary had just put Hunter and the girls down for a nap. She began smoothing out the fabric to make new curtains for the kitchen window, hoping that work would occupy her mind, as she waited for the men to return. She ran her hand over the green fabric hoping she could finish them before her planned Christmas dinner. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Who could that be at this time of the day?" said Mary as she hurried to answer.
Mary couldn't hide her look of confusion as she opened the door and spoke. "Come in Miss Parker. It's nice to see you, but I'm afraid I don't understand; it's early for school to be out?" queried Mary stepping aside so she could enter.
"Afternoon, Mrs. McCullough. Yes, it is early, but school was dismissed at noon today so the children could get home early. That injured cat has been spotted close to some of the outlying ranches. I stopped at the general store to get a few items and overheard some boys talking; they were saying a group of the older boys had gone out to hunt for the animal. I was worried..." said Miss Parker.
"My that does sound dangerous. I'm sure that the parents will understand your decision. My boys haven't made it home yet," said Mary with a little reassurance.
"That's just it Mrs. McCullough. I'm stopping by each home where a child was absent today. Benjamin, Samantha and Luke did not come to school today," announced Miss Parker.
"Oh Samantha, I kept her home; she has a cold coming on, but…" Mary suddenly stopped, recalling Marks discussion about the cat the other night. Surely Luke or Benjamin wouldn't be involved. "Oh dear, you don't suppose..." Mary's voice trailed off as worry began to take over.
"I am sorry to bring such worry, and I hope they are not involved in such a wild idea, but I thought you should know. I hate to rush off, but I have one more stop to make and I want to be back in town well before it gets dark," apologized Miss Parker.
"Thank you, for coming out, I appreciate your concern," said Mary fighting the rising fear in her chest, as she followed Mrs. Parker to the door.
Closing the door, Mary absently folded the fabric; there would be no sewing today. She gathered her bible and sat down. If they had deliberately waited until Flint's back was turned, they knew full well that he had expressly forbidden them to hunt that cat. As Mary worried, her anger rose. Every time that Flint was out of sight one of the boys would… Well not this time; this time he would not have to come back and deal with disobedience. What was it her Dave had said; if she was in charge it was she they should answer too!" she ranted to herself as she rocked. Mary rose, took a kitchen knife from the drawer and headed out the back door for the large hickory tree beside the barn.
TBC...