Growing Up McCullough
Chapter 7: Out of the Frying Pan...
"Shush, untie Kevin," whispered Barney, before slipping over the log to untie Henry. Quick as a flash, all four boys disappeared into the bushes. They were shaking like leaves as they followed the moonlight back to where the horses were tied hoping that none of the gang woke up and discovered them gone.
Somewhere out in the night...
Carl and Roy, were tramping around in the ravine waving lanterns; trying to spot any signs to which way the boys may have gone. They had been looking for hours, but did not want to go back to Mary without the boys. Suddenly things got eerily quiet. Carl looked at Roy; his eyes were big as saucers, as not more the one good leap in front of them, the big cat stood ready to pounce. Before either of them had time to react, the cat locked his gaze on Roy and pounced.
"Aaaaugh..., HELP aaaaugh," screamed Roy, as he rolled to the ground beneath the cat, doing his best to shield his face from the claws that ripped at his back and shoulders.
Carl dropped his lantern, scrambled to his horse and got his rifle. He was almost frozen with fear, as he tried to get a clear shot at the cat. There really wasn't time to think; either he shot now and gave his friend a chance, or watched Roy be mauled to death. Bang, bang; he emptied both barrels and the cat dropped motionless on top of Roy.
The next several minutes were a blur, as Carl ripped off Roy's shirt and worked to stop the bleeding. It didn't take long to decide that Roy's only chance for survival would be if he got to a doctor and fast.
One O'clock Sunday Morning back at the Ranch...
"Alright fellas remember; we were kidnapped. They jumped us as we were just getting to the back fence line. Then they tied us up and forced us to go with them to Fox Canyon. It took hours to work the ropes lose and then we had to wait for the bank robbers to go to sleep. That's when we were able to slip away, or we would have been dragged all the way to Mexico in the morning," whispered Mark, as he stood in the shadow of the oak that stood in front of the ranch house.
"Good, plan, for you and Barney, but how are Kevin and I going to explain how we got from the Vickers's place, to the fence row with you fellas? And, just what do we say happened to the wagon?" asked Henry, suddenly wishing he had just gone about his business that morning.
"Let's see…Maybe you can say the widow Carter needed some fencing repaired and you came looking for us to help. You can say that you left the wagon at her place, because the horses would be faster," responded Mark, pleased that he could think on his feet so quickly.
"That's good. And, if old man Vickers' complains that we never showed up, we can claim we were helping the widow Carter, on account of she is out of town visiting her sister, and we didn't want her cows to get out," added Kevin also pleased with himself.
"Okay fellas, if we're all in agreement with the details, all we have to do is be extra quiet while we sneak the horses past the house. I don't want to wake mom. In her condition, she don't need the worry," said Mark leading the way along the garden wall and around the house; thankful for the full moon that helped lead the way.
Mary dropped the curtain, breathing a pray of thanks that the boys were home, before she headed down the stairs. She didn't know which to react to first; the relief that they were home, or the anger that they had deliberately disobeyed and worried her sick.
"What is it Miss. Mary," called Charlie as he jumped to his feet when she hurried past him and into the dining room.
"The boys are home. I've just seen them heading for the barn," answered Mary letting relief wash over her for a few seconds.
"No need you going out into the night air; I'll tend to them and see that Mark gets in here pronto," said Charlie, as he snatched his hat form the chair where he had place it, and headed for the back door.
"Thank you Charlie, but I gotta see to this mess myself," answered Mary, as she reached out and retrieved her switch from the table before heading out the back door.
"Something tells me they are gonna wish they hadn't riled her," mused Charlie, as he followed her out onto the back porch.
"Night fellas," called Mark in a low whisper, as Kevin and Henry headed for the bunkhouse.
"Night Mark, see you in the morning," whispered Barney as each turned and headed for their own bed.
"Ya have to admit it's been a wild day, even if we didn't get the cat," said Mark as he walked backward toward the porch.
"Wild Day, you just march yourself right into this house; it's been a wild day alright! I've gone near out of my mind with worry," ranted Mary pointing her switch at Mark.
Mark spun around and his eyes popped as he caught sight of the switch in his mom's hand. He glanced over his shoulder hoping that the others had already gone inside. Getting a switching from his mom was bad enough, but having his friends witness it…
"That's right, they're watching. The three of you can just march yourselves right up here with Mark. He didn't get in this mess alone," fumed Mary.
The other boys froze, as they watch Mark climb the porch stairs. Mary reached out and gave Mark a hard smack across the seat of his britches. They all stared in silence, as Mark yelped and dance to the side throwing his hand back to ward off another lick. Mark bit his lip and hissed as the switch made a stripe across the palm of his hand. "You just plant yourself in that chair, until I see to the others," she said turning her attention back to the audience in the yard.
"You boys heard me, am I going to have to come out there and get you?" called Mary glaring at the three statues staring back at her.
"You three, best get to movin' afore I come out yonder and see what my belt can do before Miss. Mary gets her say," growled Charlie grumpy from lack of sleep.
"That was enough for Barney. After all, he knew what Charlie could do with a belt. "Come on fellas we might as well get it over with," whispered Barney through gritted teeth; moving as slowly as he dared.
"Do you have any idea just how worried I've been?" admonished Mary, as she waited for Barney to reach her. As he turned she popped him twice, sparking a blaze across his backside, before sending him to sit down next to Mark.
Next up was Kevin, hissing as he too felt the switch land, first on his backside, then on his thigh, as he scooted past Mary; not waiting to be told to join the others, and none too eager to sit.
Henry was dead sure that his face was flaming red, as he turned sideways in front of Miss Mary. He was glad that she didn't speak as she administered the two licks that set fire to his britches.
Charlie smiled as he looked on. Mary dropped her switch on the table beside the back door, before turning on them; tears now streaming down her face.
"You just can't imagine how worried I was when Mrs. Parker came by here today… Oh my goodness I didn't even ask you if you were hurt!" She cried. As a new flood of tear flowed, she pulled first one boy then the next into her arms for a hug. Now each of the boys also stood near tears, more from seeing how worried Mary was, but glad that it was too dark in the shadow of the porch for the others to see each other's face.
They each fought not to let tears spill or make a scene by rubbing at the fiery sting that burned their backsides as Mary exclaimed, "Come on into the light, so I can see that you are okay. I just bet you are all starved." In a motherly frenzy, Mary turned and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the boys staring after her in bewilderment.
"You heard the lady, get moving," ordered Charlie.
"She don't gotta fuss over me. I'll just go wash up and get to bed," said Henry.
"Me too," echoed Kevin.
"You'll do no such a thing. You have worried that little woman to a frazzle. So, you will march in there and take your medicine just like the others," barked Charlie giving the two a warning glare.
All four boys dropped their shoulders and turned as one and headed for the kitchen were Mary had lit a lamp to see by. Mary couldn't help but gasp as the four boys trooped in; dirt smudged faces torn and dirty clothes and mud caked boots. "My but you are a sight. I guess we will just have to get you cleaned up some, before we can see what's what," exclaimed Mary, a sound of fear backing in her voice.
Charlie watched as worry that one of them might be hurt filled her eyes. "Boys run out to the bath house and get yourselves clean up, and then get back in here and be quick about it you hear?" he ordered, before Mary had time to object.
"Yes sir," they chorused, nearly tripping over one another as they scrambled for the door.
"Now Miss Mary, it's awfully late or early ar...why don't you just make them some warm milk and a slice of bread and butter. They probably need rest more than anything. You need the rest too; think of the baby," suggested Charlie.
"You're right. I am a mite tired. Why don't you go out to the bath house and hurry them along," she said returning the egg basket to its place on the counter and reaching for a loaf of bread and a knife to slice it.
Mary had just set the bread and butter on the table when the boys came trooping back in followed by Charlie.
"Do any of you boys need any bandages or salve?"
"No Ma'am; Uncle Charlie took care of it," said Mark as he gently sat down.
"That's right Miss Mary, there all fine nothing a little soap and water couldn't fix.
"When you boys finish your milk and bread, put your dishes in the kitchen and get to bed," said Mary letting out a yawn.
"If it alright with you Miss Mary, I'll just take Mark along with the other boys to the bunkhouse, that way he won't wake Benjamin or the little ones, and I can keep my eye on the four of them," said Charlie running a tired hand across his face.
"Alright, but I want to have a talk with the four of them right after breakfast," said Mary
"You heard her boys eat up; you ain't got long to nap before morning chores and breakfast," said Charlie washing down his last bite of bread with the warm milk that sat in front of him.
Back at Fox Canyon just as the sun to rise…
"Okay men, Flint and Bill why don't you ease around and come at them that way and Ty and I will come in from this way. When you're in position give us a whistle. Then, we will move in together," suggested Tom.
"Okay Tom. You men stay low and out of sight until you hear our signal just in case," said Bill as he and Flint ducked low and started across to the other side of the camp. As the sun started to shine, each of the four men with their guns drawn crept up on the camp of sleeping robbers.
"Everyone up and on your feet," shouted Tom kicking at the bedroll at his feet.
Hearing the commotion, Wayne rolled over and reached for his gun.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," growled Bill as he pointed the gun square in the face of the lanky man in front of him.
"On your feet, nice and easy, no sudden moves," said Flint.
It didn't take long to have all the prisoners apprehended. "There are a lot of supplies here, and the fire is still warm. Why don' t I just throw on a log or to and make us make us some coffee before me move out?" asked Tom pleased that things had gone so well.
"Don't mine if we do, might make that long ride in front of us go a little better," said Ty.
"What do you fellas think?" asked Tom.
"You're the boss. I don't think they are going anywhere. And there's plenty of fresh water right here. I have to say that they picked and excellent spot for a hide out," said Flint.
"You can't just leave us tied here while you use our supplies to feed yourselves," grumbled the man with the scruffy beard.
"Keep quiet and we will be headed for the jail before you know it. I don't suppose you would like to save us some time and tell us where the money you took is hidden?" asked Bill stopping in front of the four bound men.
"I don't know what you're talking about; we've been camp here for a week or more just doing some hunting," said the bearded man.
"That's right, we ain't rob..."
"Shut Up Wayne. All of you just clam up, not another word until I tell you to," growled the old man.
"Well men, looks like we on our own looking around camp," said Bill walking away and over to the fire.
"They've got quite a collection of rifles stacked against this tree; reckon they're waiting for more men?" asked Ty as he began digging through the pile of supplies next to the guns.
"I don't think so. Deputy Perkins and the bank teller only reported three hold up men and one look out. I guess we better find something to tote them back with; it wouldn't do to leave them lying around here. Flint look over there and see if there might be a gunny sack or something we could put them in."
"Fellas come over here; it looks like someone was tied up over here," called Bill as he dropped to one knee over near the fallen' tree.
"Looks like more than one somebody to me, and judging from the size of the foot prints and the way the grass is mashed down I would say they were boys not men.
Suddenly Tom turned ashen and quickly made his way back to the tree in the center of camp.
Bill didn't like the look on Tom's face something was wrong. "What is it Tom," he asked as he and the others quickly joined him at the tree.
Tom picked up one of the rifles and turned it over in his hand, "I knew it, somehow I knew it," growled Tom as he stomped across to where the criminals were tied. "Tell me, what have you done with my boy!" he shouted, grabbing one of the men and hauling him to his feet.
"I ain't a telling you nothing, lawman. I ain't got no idea what you're talking about."
Tom what are you yelling about?" asked Bill hurrying to his side.
"This here is the rifle that I bought Henry for his birthday just last week. One of them boys he had tied up was Henry. If you've harmed so much as a hair on his head I'll see that you hang, if it's the last thing I do," growled Tom still holding the prisoner by the shirt.
"Bill, Ty, he's right these other guns belong to Mark, Barney, and this one here is Luke's. Somehow they kidnapped our boys."
"Wait just I cotton pickn' minute, we ain't kidnapped nobody..."
"Wayne I told you to clam up, we don't know nothing," growled Scruffy.
"No you clam up, I done told you; I signed on for bank robbery, and that's all I'm going down for, kidnapping is a hanging offence. Mister, you're right we had four boys tied up over yonder. But, I promise we didn't do nothing to them. They came sneaking up on us yesterday just after noon or there about. We was just holding them until we could get away this morning. I reckon, I didn't get them tied up as well as I thought. Please Mister, you gotta believe me. I don't want to hang," said Wayne pleading with his eyes.
"I got a hunch, Tom, that if they got loose on their own, the first place they will head is the ranch; it's on the way back to town so we can stop off there," said Flint.
"You're right, but I say we should check around here first just in case he's lying," said Bill.
"He's not lying Mister. If those boys came to any harm, it had nothing to do with us. They've been nothing but trouble from the minute Wayne herded them in here. I say good riddance," shouted the gravelly voice of the one they called Doug.
"Just the same; the four of you had better pray they are found safe and unharmed, because if there not, there won't be a judge powerfully enough to save your necks." snapped Flint. "Tom you and Ty stay here we're almost to the back of the canyon we didn't see any sign of them coming in. Bill and I will make a quick search and if we don't find anything we go to the ranch and round up some men to start a proper search."
"Aright Flint, we'll be ready to ride soon as you get back."
Back at the Ranch…
Charlie had staged an early morning raid of his own. He had gotten the boys to go in and get all the little ones and Luke and Benjamin out of the house and over to the bunkhouse for breakfast, hoping that Mary would sleep in. He had succeeded in getting all of the children feed and had set Luke, Kevin and Mark to looking after the little ones in the boy's bunkhouse, while Barney, Henry and Gary took care of morning chores and he cooked breakfast for the men. The boys had all grumbled at first; figuring they could talk ole Charlie out of diaper duty and doll patrol. That was until, Ole Charlie turned a cold glare on them, reached down and unbuckled his belt, promising that the next one that gave him any sass was gonna find just what was worse than minding babies.
Mary rolled over and stretched. The house was certainly quiet, but for such a long night she felt rested. As he rose from her bed and started to dress she heard the clock chime. "Nine O'clock; it can't be nine," she muttered to herself. She dressed and hurried down the stairs, there were no children anywhere. "Charlie, Boys, where is everyone," she yelled running out onto the back porch in a panic.
"It's alright, Miss Mary. Charlie has them all over in the boy's bunkhouse; he wanted to let you rest. I'll let him know that your awake," said Gary who was busy chopping some kindling.
"Thank you, Gary. Would You please tell him, I'd like to talk to him alone before we have a talk with the boys," said Mary with a smile, as she drew a deep breath, Charlie was smarter than the fellas gave him credit sometimes. She felt much better now that she was rested.
~oOo~
"Miss. Mary is awake, she says she wants to talk to you alone before you have a talk with the fellas," said Gary, as he came into the boys' bunkhouse that had been taken over by baby dolls, and diapers and bottles.
"Thanks Gary. Boys, I expect you to stay right here and look after the children. When Mark and Barney get back from washing all the dishes, you tell them, I said to help you and stay here until I come after the four of you."
"Yes sir, Mr. Wooster," answered Henry and Kevin as Charlie turned and headed out the door.
"You fellas okay? I heard all the ruckus this morning. I was sure that the four of you would be standing for breakfast this morning," said Gary.
"I'm kinda surprised we're not. Wooster and Miss Mary were powerfully mad. The way that Wooster was growling, I was sure that as soon as Miss Mary had her say he was going to march us out to the barn for a round with his belt. I guess we kinda deserve it. I mean, we all knew that we were to not to go after that cat," said Kevin.
"You can say that again fellas, but don't count your chickens before they hatch; we're not out of the woods yet. We might still get a lickn' from Uncle Charlie. He's still thinking on it, I can tell," said Barney having come in on the end of the conversation.
"I'm not so worried about Uncle Charlie; what worries me is that mom is bound to tell dad and..." started Mark before being interrupted by Henry.
"...and he's bound to tell my pa and he's bound to tell yours, Barney… and when that happens the only one's backside that might not be blistered is Kevin; after all he doesn't have to face an angry pa, not his anyway," said Henry.
"Who you kidding! I gotta face four angry fathers and wonder which one is gonna set fire to my backside?" added Kevin with a hint of nervous fear in his voice.
Gary reached out and placed a hand on Kevin's shoulder, "trust me, it ain't gonna matter which one's swings the belt; it's gonna hurt like hell. I told you fella yesterday it was a crazy idea."
"Never mind that, let's stick to trying to save our hide from one set of angry adults at a time. Besides, we're still sticking to our kidnapped story, right? It might just work on mom and save us a trip to the barn with Uncle Charlie if we can all keep the details straight," suggested Mark.
Luke was playing with Hunter and looked up when he heard the boys game plan. "Hold it right there fellas; I don't think you better start lying. Miss Parker was here yesterday asking after us. She got Mom all worried cause you weren't home when we shoulda been. Mom got so mad she took a switch to me and she even used her hair brush on Benjamin after he let it slip that…"
He hadn't finished his sentence when Charlie came back through the bunkhouse door. "Alright; you four march in and sit down at the table. Luke, Gary, you watch the little ones and Benjamin you go get started on shoveling out the barn stalls. If you get your job finished, you can trade places with Luke. Remember all of you boys are restricted to the bunkhouse, unless you are doing a chore, that goes for you too Gary!" said Charlie having come back out just in time to hear that bit about Gary knowing their plan, early yesterday.
"Me what'd I do?" questioned Gary staring back at Charlie blankly.
"Don't start; just do like I say and stay put. When we finish with the mighty hunters, I'll tend to you," said Charlie fixing Gary with an angry stare.
"Gary, dropped his shoulders, and dropped to the floor to help Brooke and Samantha with their baby doll dressing.
~oOo~
"I am so disappointed in you boys; causing all of this trouble and worry. Why every time I think about it, I almost cry. What were you thinking? You could have been hurt or even killed. I hardly slept a wink thinking about it and what to do with the four of you. When I found out yesterday that you boys had all waited until the men folk were gone to deliberately disobey direct orders, I decided right then and there that this time, Flint and the others were not going to have to come home and deal with naughty little boys. So…" Paused Mary. "I cut myself a switch and set Luke straight. Then I had a long talk with Ben, and set him straight as well. That just leaves the four of you to set straight," She lectured, stopping to glare at the faces of the four boys in front of her.
"But mom, aren't you gonna let us explain?" argued Mark.
"No Mark, I'm not. I just too blame tired to sort out the truth from your lies, that I'm bound to hear. I came down the stairs this morning with the full intention of seeing to it that between Charlie and myself every one of you got the thrashing of your lives," answered Mary waging her finger at the boys as she spoke.
Four sets of eyes popped open along with their and mouths, as Charlie came in and sat down at the end of the table.
"But Miss Mary..." Barney dared to begin a plea.
"Don't you Miss Mary me, young man. You can thank your Uncle Charlie that your sitting here listening to a lecture, instead of being marched one at the time into the office. He and I sat down and had a talk and we have decided that we're not going to give you a whipping..." Mary paused for a minute to collect her thoughts. Charlie couldn't hope but smile at the collective sigh of relief that covered the boys faces… "He explained that even if we gave you a thrashing, nothing would stop your father's from tanning your hide, after being so deceitful, and disobedient, so we've decided leave that to your fathers, and in the mean time you boys are going to get this place shined and polished for our Christmas dinner in two weeks. That should keep you busy and out of trouble and help me out at the same time," finished Mary with her hands on her hips.
All four boys groaned, "When do we have to start," questioned Mark.
"That brings me to my next point. Because of you boys, this family missed church this morning. Being Sunday, and the day of rest, I can't have you working scrubbing floors and such, so you will sit right here at this table and copy from the bible, until it's time for dinner," said Mary disappearing into the office and returning with a pad of paper and several pencils.
"Do we have too? I hate to write; I'd rather just take a lickin'," said Henry.
"Me too," said Mark and Kevin in unison.
"That's enough complaints; you heard what she said; you don't get a choice; that is unless you want a sore seat while your copying outta the good book," growled Charlie.
"Thank you, Charlie," smiled Mary nodding in appreciation.
"Your welcome, Miss Mary. Can you set one more place at the table, I think that Gary needs to join the boys in this lesson. I'll be right back."
Quick as a wink, Charlie and Gary were back. Gary stepped up in front of Mary with his hands in his pockets looking ashamed he swallowed.
"Miss Mary, I'm sorry I didn't tell you what the boys were up to. I knew even before breakfast. I should have come to you right away."
"That's right Miss Mary. I done gave him a good taste of that hickory stick for letting you worry, and I figured some copying of the good book couldn't do him no harm either," explained Charlie as Gary blushed and eased himself down into the chair next to Kevin.
"Very well then you boys get busy, while I go check on my other children," said Mary opening first Flint's Bible and then hers and placing them in the middle of the big table so five boys could copy.
TBC