Growing Up McCullough

Chapter 8: Into the Fire...

Matthew hadn't slept much; the cot was hard, and his supper had been cold. His nerves were shot. He had been in a heap for trouble lots of times, but this time was different. He didn't know what to expect, or at least he hoped he didn't know what to expect.

"Rise and shine, time to eat," sang Joe as he hopped in carrying breakfast.

"Boy, am I glad to see you, Joe. Do you know where you're taking me this morning?" he asked coming to stand at the bars waiting for Joe to open them.

Just then the office door opened and in barged Mr. Clawson with Captain Parmalee on his heels.

"Now, there you are Mr. Clawson; you can see for yourself we have that young scallywag, as you call him, locked up tight. Fact is; just as soon as he's finished his grits and milk, my associate Ranger Riley here is going to escort him out to his house to have a little talk with his pa about his activities and the damages. And just as soon as Riley reports back to me, I will be right over to see you," said Captain Parmalee, waving his arm toward the cell.

"Well, then I reckon the sheriff was right; it couldn't have been him that broke into my store this morning and made off with my cash box; had nearly twenty dollars in it. I was just sure that it was him, because just like before there were busted eggs splattered everywhere and the only prints anywhere belong to a boy not a man."

"I promise you, that Matthew has been right here all night, but I tell you what; why don't you and I just go talk to the sheriff maybe if we put our heads together and figure out how to end all this trouble," said the Captain offering his hand and turning the man toward the door at the same time.

"Riley, I want a full report as soon as you get back from talking with Matthew's father and you be sure to let him know that he will be responsible for that three dollars to Mr. Clawson for the damages," he called over his shoulder before closing the door.

"Yes sir, I'll just be getting a couple horses saddled while he finishes his breakfast," answered Joe, opening the bars just long enough to set the tray down then turn and close them again. "Sorry kid, I guess you will just have to eat alone, gotta stay in character, don't you know," he whispered.

"I'll be back in half an hour. I want you through eating and ready to ride," he growled loudly as he opened the door just in case someone was outside to hear.

"Darn, I hate grits and Joe never did get to answer my question," muttered Matt slowly pushing the spoon around in the bowl. He took one bite and dropped the spoon. I can't eat this without butter and sugar," he muttered. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled; he was so hungry, and now it looked like he'd have to wait until he got to wherever and faced whoever before he could hope for something to fill the empty spot.

Meanwhile out on the Road near the Trails End Ranch…

"Shawn, Mike, what are you men doing out this way? Have you been sent to find the boys?" asked Flint concern showing in his face, as the two pulled up and stopped.

"No boss; fact is your boys all turned up last night. The Misses and Wooster are seeing to them. We just came from town; Roy's been hurt pretty bad. That cat got him last night. Carl killed the Cat, but Doc sent us to bring in the carcass. Says; he need to test it for rabies," explained Mike.

"What was he doing out at night, was he chasing after the boys?" Flint suddenly started making sense of how the boys could have got mixed up this. It sent a cold chill down his spine.

"Yes sir. When the boys came home safe last night, but Carl and Roy didn't, Wooster sent us out at first light. We kinda figured they got tired of looking and headed to town for a drink, so we started our search in town. Well we found them, but not in the saloon. Roy's lost a lot of blood, but Doc thinks he will make it. Jack on the other hand is pretty shook up."

"Flint you ride on home, we three can handle getting these crooks to town," suggested Bill.

"Mike, Shawn, you said that the boys were fine right?" asked Flint.

"Yes sir all four, Mark, Barney, Henry, and Kevin. Your Misses is fine too. She was sleeping in, this morning Wooster said, he had all the boys working and looking after the little ones when we left so she could," explained Mike.

"Well then, you men better get on with the doctor's errand. Sounds like Mary and Charlie are on top of things. I think I best ride into town so we can get these prisoners settled and get a report on Roy. Then we can all ride out to the ranch together," said Flint.

The rest of the ride to town was quiet, but one would only need to look at the veins twitching and the red faces of the four men to know that they were working over in their minds just what to say to their sons. It was a just before noon when the posse rode into town.

"Alright, the four of you step down, and don't try anything. Bill can you open the door and show this bunch to the cells. I'm gonna go see if Walter is up to coming over and setting at my desk, while we check on Roy. Then, I'm going out and do so explaining to that boy of mine as to just what happens when he deliberately disobeys me," growled Sheriff Tom.

"Sure thing I'll wait for you right here. Ty can help me and Flint can head on over to the Doc's office," answered Bill.

"Alright men, you heard the sheriff; get on in there," barked Ty, as he stepped down and followed the prisoners into the jail.

Bill clanged the cell doors shut. "Stick your arms through the bars here and we will untie your hands," said Ty.

"What about food; we ain't ate since supper, even prisoners get to eat," grumbled the one called Pete.

"Shut up; you'll eat when you eat and not until," snapped Bill, before sitting down and propping his feet up on the desk, tired and angry all at the same time.

Back to Matthew and Joe and the Texas Rangers…

They had been riding a good while, when Matt decided he had to try and get Joe to answer him once more. He pulled his horse to a stop and yelled, "Joe, hold up! I think my horse has a stone," called Matt. Sliding off his horse he lifted the animals offside front leg.

Joe snorted and turned in the saddle. "Nonsense; you're just stalling," answered Joe slowly turning his horse around and ambling back to where Matt stood hoof in hand.

"Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. You would be too, if you were me. Joe, can't you at least tell me where we are going or who you're handing me over too!" asked Matt almost tempted to whine like his little brothers use to.

"I've got strict orders. I can only tell you my orders. I am to escort you to your father's place about two miles out of town; big yellow house. I'm to hand you over to your pa if he is there. If he's not, I am to wait with you until he turns up or Captain Parmalee sends for us. I'm to explain to your Pa that you are charged with making a mess of the feed store and that you owe three dollars in damages. Now mount up we've got some ways to ride," answered Joe struggling to keep a straight face as he watched Matt squirm.

"Come on Joe, there no one here but us, who's to know?" pleaded Matt.

"I will and you will; that's who. Look, disobeying a direct order is what got you in this mess; be darned if I'm going to get caught doing the same. Now come on."

"But Joe, last night Captain Parmalee, well he sorta implied that I was in for a lickn'… like I really was a school boy… That was just for show, right?"asked Matt worry in his voice.

"Could be, Matt that he was just mad that you didn't follow orders, and he wanted to let you sweat a bit to get his point across. Then again, the Captain always says the key to a good undercover operation is in the details..." said Joe with the slightest grin.

"Yes Joe, I know, but he wouldn't let my pa, whoever he is, take a belt to me for just doing my job. I mean, he knows that I was only doing those thing to get in with the gang. I would have come back and made sure to take care of the damages."

"I don't know, Matt, you will just have to wait until we get there to find out," said Joe.

Matt shook his head and climbed back into the saddle.

"Look kid, it hasn't been that long since you were a kid back home. If you had gone and disobeyed your father and landed in jail, what would he have done?" asked Joe feeling a little sorry for the boy.

"Shucks, did you have to bring that up. He would have hunted me down last night and tanned my hide right there in the Captain's office. Then he would have marched me over to apologize to Mr. Clawson. He might have even let Mr. Clawson take a whack at my hide too."

"Well, partner let's just hope this pa's a little softer hearted then your pa or mine; for that matter would have been," smirked Joe.

Joe and Matt rounded the corner and a yellow house came into view. There was a stone walk lined with flower boxes leading up to the door. Joe stopped his horse at the hitching rail and waited for Matt to do the same.

"Get on down, son things aren't going to get any easier," said Joe putting a hand on Matt's shoulder and kind of pushing him along. Just as they reached the front porch the door flew open.

"Boy, where have you been? I've been up all night pacing wondering where you were! I rode in yesterday afternoon, ready to take you for a steak dinner. I thought I told you I wanted you home every night no later than six, what with your chores and school work, you had more than enough to keep you busy," ranted this dark haired stranger.

He was almost a head taller than Matt. He had a neatly trimmed beard that and a bushy moustache. Matt couldn't help but stare. He was dressed in bib overalls and a blue denim shirt. If he hadn't known better, he would have believed the man was family.

"Speak up boy, I asked you a question." growled the angry parent.

Matt jumped at the loud growl, and stammered for a bit "I...a...I was...I got myself in a bit of a fix, Pa. I had to spend the night in town. Sorry I worried you, sir...I didn't mean to."

"Got yourself in a bit of a fix! What it the Sam Hill, is that supposed to mean!" boomed his father angrily. "And just who is this you got with you?" he bellowed, noticing Joe for the first time. "Pardon my manners, son my names Spence, Chester Spence," he said extending his hand.

"Please to meet you, sir. I'm Joe Riley, of the Texas Rangers. I'm here to inform you that your son has gotten himself in a little trouble. Why don't we just step inside and I'll explain."

"Sure thing, Mr. Riley come right on in. Matthew, run on around back there and get us some more wood for the fire," said Mr. Spence before turning and following Joe into the house.

"Yes Sir," answered Matt almost running around the house. Glad for some time to breath. A wood pile that should be easy to spot, he thought to himself as he rounded the house. "They sure did a good job picking a fella to be my pa, don't know about his bite but he sure can bark," mused Matthew spotting the wood pile stacked neatly against what looked like a tool shed. As he got closer, he noticed that the door was open, it was a tool shed alright, there in plain sight was one well-worn razor strap. Matt shuttered as he began to gather the wood; just the kind of tool he didn't want to see.

"Matthew get that wood and get yourself in here; you've got some explaining to do," bellowed his Pa from the back stoop.

Matt grabbed one more log and practically bolted for the back door. Once inside he quickly located the fire place and dropped his wood into the box to the side. After placing two logs on the fire, Matt picked up the poker and started poking around.

"The Ranger here tells me that you have gone and gotten yourself mixed up with the wrong crowd. That they talked you into throwing eggs and paint all over the feed and seed. If that ain't bad enough, he says you done gone and got yourself thrown into jail because you wouldn't tell anyone where you live until this morning. Have you got anything to say for yourself?" asked his pa in a gruff tone that Matt was sure meant he wanted an answer.

Matt knew he should answer, but he didn't know what to say. He wished he knew what Joe had told the man, and what Captain Parmalee had said when he hired him. He was in big trouble and somehow he knew that this father was not going to put up with the blank stare for long.

"What with the chores school and sneaking around, he says it's a wonder you had time to sleep. I leave you on your own for little more than a week; I trusted you, and this is how you behave? I thought you were grown enough to handle things," ranted Mr. Spence before stopping to sit down on the coffee table right in front of Matt. "Speak Up. What do you have to say for yourself?" he growled leaning forward and glaring at Matt.

Matthew wished that he could just scream; "I quit!" and storm out of the room, but he had given his word. He had told Captain Parmalee, he would finish what he started, no matter the cost, so he squared his shoulders sat up straight swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke. "I don't know what to say sir. I just did what I did. I can't really explain it; not right now, sir." Matt mumbled to a stop knowing that his answer was not going to sit well.

Mr. Spence slapped his thigh as he stood and turned to Joe. "Well there you have it Mr. Riley; he just can't explain it right now!" he said in a cold calm voice as if trying not to set off a keg of dynamite. Matt shook a little as he waited; half expecting to be yanked up by his suspenders and walloped right in front of Joe.

Mr. Spence was silent for a several minutes glaring at Matt and then at Joe, breathing in and out as if counting to calm himself. "I tell you what Mr. Ranger, sir. I sure thank you for bringing the boy out. You can tell that Mr. Clawson, the boy and I will be in to settle up first thing in the morning. Now if you'll excuse us, I can see that I am going to have to have a very different, and more private discussion with my son. Maybe then I can get some answers," he said as he walked Joe to the door.

Once they reached the door, and their backs were to Matt Joe leaned in and whispered. "Don't be too hard on him, sir, after all he was just trying to help."

"Don't worry, Joe I'm not going to be any harder on him then I was on you when you first came to work for me six years ago," he said with a slight smile.

Joe left shaking his head, poor kid, he hadn't wanted to sit for days after that private chat.

Mr. Spence closed the door and turned his attention back to Matthew. "Alright son play acting is over it just you and me now," he said with a grin as he carefully removed his beard and moustache, as he sat down next to Matt with a grin.

"Captain Parmalee, it's you! Boy am I glad, you really had me going," exclaimed Matt. "You really had me worried there for a while. I thought for sure I was headed for that woodshed out back," exclaimed Matt letting out a loud sigh of relief.

"Hold up there, McCullough. I agreed to go along with this little charade, so long as you agreed it was on my terms remember?" said Captain Parmalee.

"Yes sir, but..."

"No buts, son. You remember I said you might not like some of the consequences, if you decided to go through with the assignment?" interrupted Captain Parmalee. Stopping and watching to see if Matt was listening. Satisfied he continued. "I always say that the success or failure of any mission is in the detail. That said Son if you want out, this is the time to tell me. Corse we don't know who's watchin' If they are we might just blow the whole case. Still it's up to you. In for a penny in for a pound," said Captain Parmalee with an ironic smirk on his face.

Matt closed his eyes in thought, going ahead, meant taking a lickin' no doubt. Matt bit his lip and squirmed a little in his chair.

Captain Parmalee had to fight not to smile, he looked for all the world like a little boy, sitting before his pa hopping to get out of a spanking and knowing he could not.

Suddenly Matt opened his eyes, "I'm not a quitter, sir, the boys at school would know something was up right away, if I didn't show up at school in the morning with sitting troubles. After all, I not only vandalized the feed store, I made a public display of getting myself thrown in jail," conceded Matt.

"Very well, then here is what we are going to do. You and I are going to live here as father and son until this mess is solved. That means you have to help with chores and cooking and such. Tomorrow you and I; as Mr. Spence, are going to the feed store where you will have to apologize. Then I, as your father, will escort you to the ranger station, to say your I'm sorries. That way I get some paperwork done as well. After that, I'll drop you at school and come back here. After supper each night you will tell me any details you have learned, and we will decide together how to handle things. Any questions?" explained Captain Parmalee in that same tone that Matt's father used when what he meant was I am in charge, and you will do as you are told.

"Yes sir, I understand you are in charge. My job is to follow orders," answered Matthew.

"Good man. Maybe you are the right man for the job. That just leaves one more thing to take care of. I'm not going to punish you for the vandalism or for getting locked up, after all that was in the line of duty, but you did disobey a direct order. I did me some thinking last night. And I firmly believe that you're of good Ranger material, you just need some direction. My Pa always said let the punishment fit the crime, I think a good hiding will serve that just fine and remind you not to defy my orders in the future," explained Captain Parmalee, giving Matt a stern look as he stood.

Matt stood too. "Yes sir, do you want me to wait for you in the shed out back?"

"No, son we're here alone, no need to go out back we can take care of things in your room. It's right through that door," said Captain Parmalee pointing to the door behind the chair Matt had been sitting in. "I'll be in in a few minutes," said Captain Parmalee before turning and crossing the room and disappearing through a door off the kitchen.

Matt shifted from one foot to the other as he waited inside the bedroom. It was a nice room there was a desk under the window, a shelf with a few books and a small chest on the far side of the bed. Matt began to get antsy and his mind began to wonder; he had been sent to his room to wait for a whipping' more times than he cared to admit, so why was he so nervous this time? He guessed not knowing what to expect was the problem. Would he use a strap or maybe a paddle? Would he have to bend over the desk, or worse would he have to go across the Captain knee? Matt blushed, maybe he would have to take down his britches, he sure hoped not; just knowing that the Captain of the Rangers was going to tan his hide was bad enough. Matt paced the room considering this new worry. Suddenly he spotted a night shirt laying on the end of the bed. He'd meet him halfway, quick as a flash he was out of the knickers and dropping the night shirt over his head, the door opened and in walked Captain Parmalee carrying a folded belt in his hand.

"I see you've been here before," he said noting the change of clothes.

"Yes Sir, not to long ago sir," answered Matt shifting from one barefoot to the other.

Stepping up to the end of the bed, Captain Parmalee kicked the discarded clothes out of the way as he spoke. "Grab the bed frame and bend over," he said tapping the folded belt on his thigh as he waited for Matt to get into position.

Matt did as he was told, relieved that he hadn't be ordered to lift the nightshirt. His relief was short lived however as with the aid of a hefty swing Captain Parmalee went about setting fire to his thinly covered and soon to be very sorry behind. Matt's knuckles were white from gripping the bed frame as he tried not to cry out. Captain Parmalee placed his left hand on Matt's back and pushed him down onto the bed causing Matt's feet to leave the floor, as his torso was draped cross the iron footboard his backside raised into the air. Captain Parmalee knew just what he was doing, raising the belt he aimed for the sit spot and delivered the first of five final licks. Matt's resolve gave way and he cried loudly into the quilt, as each lick burned across the last. Captain Parmalee stopped and helped Matt to stand before turning and leaving the room.

When the door closed, Matt made his way to the side of the bed, stretchered out on his belly letting the tears flow.

Meanwhile back to The Ranch…

"Men, I sure want to thank you for riding with me, and I'm sorry for all the trouble you've got waiting at home. If you could have stayed home, your boys wouldn't be in this mess," said Tom as they rode along.

"Now, Tom don't you be thinking that way; our boys, as you put it might well have pulled the same stunt, if we had been home all week. And besides, one of them boys is yours, remember," laughed Flint.

"I sure do remember, and I'm a gonna make darn sure he remembers what happens when he defies me," said Tom giving his horse a little kick to start him moving again.

"When I get through with Barnaby, he may just forget what it feels like to sit down," growled Bill. "Imagine being as old as him, knowing I said no and taking out anyway. Sometimes I just don't know what's going on in that boy's mind," grumbled Bill come up alongside Tom.

"I know what you're saying Bill, Mark and I talked and talked the other night. I finally absolutely forbade him to go after that cat. He stood right in front of me and promised he would not…" said Flint anger flaring in his eyes. "And worse than that, you know that this mess has worried Mary sick. When I get hold of that boy he's gonna wish he'd never heard of that cat."

"I've been a thinking boss; I know that it's your ranch and all and that the boys they ain't really my responsibility, but that younger boy Kevin and I have become mighty close and well boss, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me see to him," said Ty turning in the saddle to look at Flint.

"I don't mind at all, long as you see to it he understands what he did was wrong and that he's not to do it again," said Flint as the four men turned down the lane to the ranch.

All looked quite, as Charlie came out of the bunkhouse waving them towards them. Charlie met them in front of the barn where some of the other hands took their mounts. "Fellas, I'm so glad your back, things around here have gone plumb wild. Mary and all of the young'uns are a napping. Come on over to my kitchen and I'll tell you all the happenings," he said.

All four men followed Charlie; glad for a rest. Helping themselves to a bowl of Charlie's stew and a cup of coffee, they listen to him pour out the details; from Mary's frightening visit with Miss Parker, to her taking a switch to first Luke, then all about the misunderstanding with Benjamin over the note. He told all about Mary's panic over the lost boys, he even told about him overhearing, her paddling Benjamin with her hairbrush. He took a deep breath and a long drink before he started in about his sleeping on the sofa and her waiting up until the early morning hours, worrying and how she had made all four boys march up to her, and receive their due, from her hickory stick one minute and her motherly coddling the next.

"I don't mind telling you fellas, it took some doing to talk Miss Mary out of wearing herself and several switches out on your boys. I finally convinced her that, even if she used every limb she could cut from that old tree, and wore their britches thin; when you fellas got home they were going to get it again. Her motherly instincts kicked in, so instead, she promised to work every one of them to a frazzle cleaning and a polishing for her Christmas dinner. This being Sunday, she couldn't start them a working today so she's had them in there copying the good book all morning. Then soon as they ate a sandwich, she sent them to bed for a nap. Took some doing, but I convinced her to lay down too, while the little ones slept," said Charlie, leaning Back in his chair; now exhausted from his animated narration of the events.

"Charlie, ole friend, I'm mighty glad I left you looking after things. I knew you were the right man for the job," said Flint.

"I reckon, you won't mind if I just go on over to the boy's bunk house and wake my boy. He and I need to have a father son chat, before we get back to town," said Tom looking at Charlie as he stood and tipped his hat.

"Nope. As a matter of a fact all four of the boys are sleeping in there, so as I could keep my eye on them."

"That a fact, guess that means there's no better time than right now for all of us to have that chat," said Bill as he and Ty rose with Flint.

Charlie whistled, shaking his head as he headed for the hammock on Bill's porch and to finally get a rest.

TBC Chapter 8: Fathers and Sons