Growing up McCullough
Chapter 9: Fathers and Sons
The four fathers walked single file to the door of the bunkhouse. Tom opened the door and stepped to the side letting the others pass by him. They each stopped at the foot of the bunk where his boy slept.
"Darned if they don't look plumb innocent when their asleep," said Flint moving around to the side of Mark's bunk.
"In this case they're anything but," said Bill stepping up to Barney's side.
"I reckon, we best get it over with," said Tom before all four father's reached out and shook their boys shoulder.
"Up and at it son, on your feet, time to get up, wake up, son on your feet," said each of the father's in turn.
One after the other, the boys sat up and rubbed his eyes. Then one after the other the boys began to get worried as they looked into their father's faces.
"H...I.. Pa, how long have you been home?" asked Barney with a nervous squeak.
"Long enough to know you're in for a lickin'," growled Bill glaring angrily at him.
"Pa, it's not what you think," stuttered Henry, not liking the look on his pa's face.
"Are you telling me; you didn't defy me by going after that cat? "growled Tom as he stared down at Henry.
"No, sir, but we…"
"Dad, I know we worried folks, but we kinda couldn't help it, cause we kinda got ourselves kidnapped. Didn't we fellas," interrupted Mark looking first at his dad and then the other angry fathers.
"Heck, Mark, can't you see we're in enough trouble already. We had better just come clean and get it over. Ty, I'm sorry I disobeyed you and took off like I did. I'll take my lickin' without a fuss," said Kevin nervously rubbing his hands on this pants, as he dropped his eyes to the floor.
"Son, I'm proud of you. It takes courage to speak up in front of your friends. You're right that you're about to get a lickin', but not just for taking off without permission. You took off after that cat, after every one of us told you not too. All four of you did, ain't that right?" asked Ty, reaching out and making Kevin look him in the eye.
"Yes Sir," he said trying not to let tears fall, as he watched the look of disappointment cross each of the father's faces.
"I think there's been enough talk. All of you knew better and you knew what to expect when..." The room got deafeningly quiet as each, man reached down and took off his belt.
"On your feet, and boys I think you should drop your britches," said Bill in a tone that made all the boys cringe.
"But Dad, can't we go in the office; one at a time, private like… after all it's embarrassing enough to have them hear me get a lickin' I don't want to have to drop my britches in front of the fellas," complained Mark.
"Mark, I'm done talking,unless you would rather I bare your backside and pull you over my knee' while the others watch. You'd better turn around and do like your uncle Bill said," commanded Flint in that deadly calm tone that all the boys knew meant there was not room for discussion.
That got all the boys moving; they turned and began unfastening their britches as each father waited folded belt in hand.
Charlie was just settling into the hammock next door. He couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the boys, as the sound of leather smacking bare skin filled the air. Ouch, they were going to remember this day for a while, thought Charlie.
"Ow..E..e, Pa, please I'm sorry! I won't do it again, I promise!" yelped Henry from where he lay across the bunk.
"That's right son. You had better not do it again," lectured Tom, as he reached down and slapped Henry's hand away, before landing another hard lick right where Henry was sure to feel it the most.
Not four feet away, Barney yelped and hollered, as the belt snapped across his backside. But try as he might, he could not budge an inch. Bill's right foot was propped up on the bunk, Bill held him firmly over his raised knee with his left hand welding the belt in his right. There was no doubt in Barney's mind that Bill intended to make sure that he would not be sitting for a long while.
Across the room, Kevin bared his backside and bent over grabbing his knees without argument, but with the first lick he was hopping and dancing, "Ouch! I'm sorry," he cried standing and throwing back his hand.
"Kevin, move your hand and bend over, we're not finished." Kevin winced, but did as he was told. Ty drew his arm back and swung the belt again.
"Aug, please... aaughhh..., that hurt," he yelled popping up and flinging his hands back and rubbing at the sting, this time turning his backside away from Ty.
"Ty dropped the belt onto the bunk and seizing Kevin by the arm, sat down and pulled him over his knee. He used his left hand to pin Kevin hands to his back, before raising his right and delivering a walloping Kevin would never forget.
"Ouch dad, that hurts, ouuu...ch. I've had enough," wailed Mark as the belt landed on this sit spot again. Gone were the worries of having a bare backside in front of his friends, his only concern now was stopping the attack that was setting fire to his behind. "I promise dad I'll never, ever disobey a direct order again. Ouch, Daddy, please I promise…" wailed Mark.
"I just bet you won't, not for a long while, and as for it hurting; you just remember that the next time you think about lying to me," admonished Flint, shifting Mark forward over his knee before laying down several licks one on top of the other.
Suddenly, all four father's stopped as if things had been timed perfectly. All that could be heard now were sobs as each father allowed his boy a few minutes to calm.
It was Ty who moved first, uncrossing his leg and helping Kevin to stand. "Don't you ever scare me like that again you hear," he said as he stood and rethreaded his belt.
"Yes, sir, Pa, I mean Ty..." said Kevin between hitched breaths wincing as he pulled his britches across his very well spanked behind.
Ty smiled, "Pa, I like the sound of that, Son. Why don't you stretch out on your bunk, I'll come get you for supper," said Ty giving his shoulder a squeeze before turning toward the door.
As Bill watched Barney tug his pants back up he lectured. "Barnaby, you know you scared the dickens out for me and Miss Mary. As much as I hate whippin' ya boy; I'll do it if you take a darn fool chance like that again," admonished Bill before pulling Barney into a hug. "Back to bed with you, and you stay there until I come for you," he said replacing his belt as he turned to leave.
"Pa, I'm sure sorry I didn't stay home like you said. I wouldn't blame you if you never trusted me again," said Henry, running his sleeve across his eyes as he stood and face Tom.
"It's alright boy, we'll talk about it later. Fix your pants, then you can rest here in the bunkhouse. I'll come get you when I'm ready to go home," said Tom fishing tightening his belt around his waist as he spoke.
Flint reached down and pulled Mark's drawers and denim britches up over his tender hide before allowing him to stand. Still crying hard, Mark allowed himself to be guided face down onto the bunk. Flint replaced his belt and sat down next to Mark.
"The worst is over now son. You rest until supper. I'm going in to see your mother, we can talk later, okay?" said Flint rubbing a few quick circles on his back before he stood.
"Yes, sir. Please tell her, I'm real sorry I worried her," he said as a tear slid down his cheek.
When Flint turned around he noticed that Mary stood in the now open bunkhouse door, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, Flint, what if it Mark or one of the other boys had been hurt, killed by that cat or scratched up like…" she said dissolving into tears.
"Shush, now baby, it's over now. They're all going to be just fine," said Flint, quickly pulling her to him in an effort to comfort her and to keep her from seeing the tears he wanted to shed. What if it had been… He hadn't told any of the boys about Roy, he didn't quite know how. Flint wrapped a protective arm around Mary and turned to the other men gathered on the porch. "Come on up to the house we could all uses some coffee and a minute to gather our thoughts."
Back to the Farmhouse in Laredo…
Captain Parmalee sat in the armchair staring into the fire. It had been almost an hour since he had put away his father's belt. He had stopped hearing the muffled cries from Matt's room some time ago. He had been tempted to go in and comfort the boy, but waited for fear he might embarrass the young man, but now before chores and supper he had a few words to say. He let out a long sigh, as he rose and went to knock on the closed door. When there was no answer, he opened the door, and he couldn't help but smile. Matt was on his side; the back of the night shirt was around his waist his right hand turned behind him. It was clear that he had been allowing the cool air in the room to fan the flames, before he had fallen asleep. Captain Parmalee chuckled softly, as he crossed the room and straightened the nightshirt. He would let the boy sleep; he could do tonight's chores alone. As he closed the door, he smiled again; he couldn't help but remember a time long ago when he had nursed a sore backside in that very same bed.
Back to the bunkhouse from Gary's point of view
"Whoa, there young fella, suppose you tell be just where you're going in such a hurry, and what you were doing sneaking in the back door of the bunkhouse. If you were anywhere within a mile of the place just a little bit ago, then you know them boys don't want no company." Charlie stopped with a puzzled look on his face as he stared at me.
"Mr. Wooster sir, honest I can…" But, I never got a chance to finish. Charlie's whiskers twitched and he exploded.
"Just a gall darn minute! You were sent to take a nap just like the others. Now I catch you trying to sneak in the back door! You was gonna try and pretend you didn't leave. Guess I didn't do a good enough job with that hickory stick this morning. Well you just come with me. This time when I'm through, you'll do some real thinking before you sneak out on me, and you'll be a doing it, standing up I tell you!" fumed Charlie stomping over toward the wood pile.
"Mr. Wooster sir, please! You gotta listen!" I yelled, while bein rushed toward the wood pile. "I wasn't sneaking in honest," I tried agin, my eyes getting big as I watched Charlie reach down and unbuckle his belt and pull it clear of his britches. "Please listen I was sneaking, OUT, not in. I promise, I can explain, if you'll just let me!" I exclaimed in one last attempt to save my hide.
Charlie turned and glared toward me, then he sat down with a huff on the chopping block. "Alright boy, start explaining, and this had better be good," said Charlie slapping his belt down on the log as he waited.
I was so nervous it just all sorta poured out. "I went straight to the bunkhouse just like you said. I was so glad to be finished copying the bible. I went right to sleep. But, then it all happened so fast; One-minute I was sleeping peacefully on my bunk in the corner, then the ruckus started and when I opened my eyes, there was Mr. Hawks telling the fellas they could drop their britches. I didn't know what to do. I tried to close my eyes at first, but I couldn't help but watch. It was all kind of strange. The four boys and their fathers were all in the same room, but it was like each pair was in a room all to themselves. Barney and Bill were the closest. Barney yelped and hissed but, he'd took it like a man. Next in line was Henry, it was easy to see that this wasn't his or his pa first battle, he yelped and pleaded with his pa but; in the end, his ass was just as red. Then there was Kevin; at first I thought he was going to take it the best, but it didn't take long watching him dance to figure out that this was probably his first time having to feel a belt on his bare butt. I almost laughed out loud then, when Ty dropped the belt and drug Kevin over his knee kicking and screaming. I had to cover my mouth when Ty pinned his legs and proceed to deliver theworst bare bottom spanking any fella ever got. Land sakes, would he be embarrassed if he knew I watched the whole thing. Then there was Mark; first he's standing there bold as brass fixing to try and cover things with a lie. Boy he dropped his britches fast enough when the boss threatened to tan his hide first in front of everyone. He yelled and squirmed trying his best to get out of the lickin' he earned, but the boss had him tight, and boy did he let him have it. His butt was flaming red by the time the boss turned him loose." When I finished telling it all to Charlie, I was sorta trying not ta laugh, cause I was embarrassed and well sorta…When I try not to laugh I get this stupid goofy half grin on my face. Guess that weren't such a good thing.
"Whoa there, son, let me get this straight, you watched the boys get a lickin' and you think it's funny?" barked an angry Charlie.
"Well, at first, when it was happening," I admitted biting my lip. "Maybe just a little, but then when it was over and I was laying there thinking. I felt kinda bad, sorta like the fellas I reckon, they were all worried at first about the others seeing their bare asses, and then by the end. I don't think any of them cared who was looking just as long as the lickin' was over.
When it was over, and the fellas were laying there crying; things were different. I started thinking that the fellas would be awful embarrassed if they knew that I had watched, so I decided to sneak out. I waited until things got really quiet, like maybe they was all sleeping, again. I eased up off of my bunk and tip toed over to the back door. I eased the door open just enough to squeeze through. Then as quick as I could I pulled the door closed and turned around and damned if I didn't run right smack into to you and that's t the truth, sir; the whole truth." I announced dropping my eyes to the dirt, hoping that Charlie would believe me.
Charlie reared back and let go with a loud "woosh of air" slapping his thigh with his folded belt.
I near jumped outta my skin at the slap of leather. "You do believe me, don't you Mr. Wooster, don't ya?" I asked getting' nervous all over again.
"I believe you boy; there ain't no way you could have described all that unlessen, you had seen it. Trouble is what to do about ," muttered Charlie watching me as he thought some.
"I know, it was wrong of me to watch, but I was kinda, trapped; honest I was just trying to save my own ass... Their pa 's was so mad; I didn't want them to think I had a part in that cat hunt."
Charlie nodded at me. "Alright, son I tell you what we're gonna do. First off, you ain't gonna tell a sole what you seen, cause if you tell anyone, any of it; I'll give you the gall -darnedest public lickin' and don't you think I can't...And another thing, you better start watching your mouth, There ain't no need you a using words; like damn, and ass, and especially not in front of the little ones like this morning. The next time I hear that kind of talk, I'm gonna wash your mouth out with soap," said Charlie with a smile as he stood and started putting his belt back on.
"You got a deal, and thanks, for letting me explain," I said relieved as all get out, so I leant down and gave Charlie a quick hand shake ta seal the deal.
"Don't need to thank me. Now, seeing as you are awake, why don't you do your friends a favor and get started on the chores for this afternoon," suggested Charlie shaking his head as he started for the main house to see what Flint knew about Roy and Carl.
Great extra chores, maybe I should've turned over and closed my eyes, pretended I didn't see nothing. Still, extra chores, is better than a lickin, and maybe it will get some of those red ass images outta my head: their backsides was so red, I could feel the heat commin' right offa them.
Meanwhile Back to the Farmhouse in Laredo
Matt woke up, his stomach rumbled, he could smell food. Rolling over he groaned the stinging returned instantly as he slid his feet to the floor and sat up. It hadn't been a nightmare, Captain Parmalee had really done it. Matt slowly stood and made his way to the small washbasin splashing water on his face. "Aug...ouch..." he groaned once more, as he stretched reaching for the towel hanging on the back of the door. "Easy McCullough; move easy," he mumbled, as the movement awoke the burning fire across his backside. Slowly he made his way across the room and slowly he reached for the discarded clothes. Dropping them onto the bed; "Who was he kidding, hungry or not, he might as well go back to bed," he grumbled dropping himself once more face down across the bed.
"Time to get up son, supper's almost ready!" called Captain Parmalee from the other room.
"That's alright sir, I'm not hungry," groaned Matt turning his head to face the door. His stomach growled as if to protest, just as the door popped open.
"On your feet son, I expect you at the table in ten minutes," said Captain Parmalee in his commanding voice.
"Yes Sir," answered Matt, wincing as he pushed himself up off the bed once more. Slowly and carefully he stepped into his drawers. "I don't know how he expects me to sit," he moaned as he pulled the knickers across his gluteus maximus. He quickly discarded the night shirt and threw on his shirt not daring to try and tuck it in. "I don't know which is worse; face the Captain, or knowing I have to sit," thought Matt as he quickly combed his hair and reached for the door knob.
Captain Parmalee smiled and nodded toward the chair nearest Matt. Matt let out a breath of relief when he noticed a cushion in the chair he pulled out. Captain Parmalee couldn't help but smile as he turned just in time to catch the awful face that accompanied the groan as Matt's rear connected with the chair's cushion. Without a word Captain Parmalee placed two steaming plates of food on the table and sat down, starting the blessing without waiting for Matt to stop squirming.
"Lord, be with my parents as they travel. Thank you for the day you have given and for young men like Matt. Lord bless this food and those who partake. Amen," said Captain Parmalee.
"Amen," said Matt taking his napkin and placing it in his lap.
"I hope you like steak and potatoes, you were sleeping so soundly earlier that I didn't want to wake you." said the Captain as he forked food into his mouth.
"I like steak and potatoes just fine sir, thank you" said Matt as he cut a bite of steak and brought it to his mouth. "Mm-mm... that's so good," he mumbled around the bite.
Both men ate in silence for several minutes.
"Did you learn anything, Matt?" asked Captain Parmalee before taking his next bite, and looking straight at Matt.
Matt jumped a little being caught off guard, then swallowed the food in his mouth before answering. "Not to disobey your orders?" asked Matt hesitantly.
"Good, anything else?" asked the Captain before taking another bite.
"That this ain't your first time swinging a belt," answered Matt timidly, not sure what answered the Captain was looking for. He took another bite and stared at his plate.
"Ha ha ha ha," laughed the captain, "You're right about that son. Fact is you're not even the first Ranger I've taken leather too," he said.
Matt looked up wide eyed. Staring at the captain; had he really said what he thought he had said?
"Boy was Ranger Joe right, when he said you believed in giving every assignment your fullest attention." said Matt after a time.
"He should know, I always did say, do it right the first time you won't have to do it again," said the Captain with a grin.
Matt laughed, and he relaxed a little, or as much as one could be; sitting on a bed of blistering hot coals. "You did it right sir real right! Fact is if I had known just how good you were at tanning hides, I would have backed out while I had the chance," said Matt with a half grin as he shifted once more in his chair.
Captain Parmalee, stopped and pointed his fork right at Matt waiting until their eyes met before he continued. "You say that now, but I don't believe you would have: You gave your word, and that means something to you and to me. From the first day I met you; I said to myself, something about that young man makes me know he's Ranger material. I learned some time ago that stubborn young men make the best rangers if I'm willing to take the time to give the proper attention at the proper time," said Captain Parmalee dropping his fork onto his plate.
"Thank you, sir, it means a lot that you think I can be a good Ranger," said Matt sitting a little straighter.
"Your welcome, Matt. I learned some years back, that even the best recruits mess up now and again, and it's up to me to keep them and you on your toes. I'm going to let you in on another little secret… If you had thrown in the towel this morning when you had the chance, the undercover worked would have ended, and the crimes would have continued, but I still would have blistered your backside for disobeying a direct order and going off on your own without back up. One of the very first things a Ranger must learn is to never go into any situation without back up. Is that clear?" said Captain Parmalee giving Matt a very stern, very fatherly look.
"Crystal. Clear. Sir," answered Matt.
"Okay, and now that that's cleared up; I cooked, so you clean up, and while you're at it pour me another cup of coffee and answer the question I was really asking… Have you learned anything about the case?"
Matt startled the Captain when he jumped to his feet so fast. "Just what I wrote in the report sir. If I hadn't gotten caught yesterday, I was supposed to get to meet the boss after my caper was done," answered Matt excitedly, as he stacked the dishes into the sink and began pulling at the pump handle.
"There's some hot water in the reservoir, there on the back of the stove. Think back, Matt; was there anything about Saturday morning that stands out as peculiar or different, or maybe out of place to you?" asked Captain Parmalee taking a long sip from his coffee.
Matt was silent for several minutes staring into space, as he absently wiped the plate in his hand. "Nothing much really, except the everywhere I turned, if took notice of the crowd there was Herbert, and Jack, snickering and watching, almost as if they knew I was going to get caught, and then itching to see what happened when I did," said Matt.
Captain Parmalee stood and carried his coffee cup to the sink, watching Matt work as he thought. "Son, think real hard, when was the first time you heard them laughing or saw them… this could give us an important clue," he said with a look of deep concentration as he retrieved his pipe from the fire place and returned to his chair.
Matt finished the last dish and turned to face Captain Parmalee, hissing as his backside pressed against the counter before he quickly decided not to lean against it. "I'd almost swear, I heard them snickering when Mr. Clawson snatch me by the shirt collar and hauled me out of the feed store. Then I thought I heard snickering again, just outside the sheriff's office. Then I saw them lurking outside forty-five minutes or an hour later when Joe and I came out of the office that" s why I ran. Where do I put these dishes sir?" asked Matt as he didn't have any more to add.
"In the cupboard to your left there, son. When you're finished, you best get to your school work, while I think this over?" Suggested Captain moving to the arm chair in front of the fire place to enjoy his pipe and think some more.
"I can't captain, I don't have my books," answered Matt as he emptied his water and hung up the dish towel. Glad for the modern convince of a sink that actually drained; relieving him of the need to tote and empty water, as every step only reminded him of his discomfort.
"They're on your desk, son. Joe brought them out; he thought you might need them," answered the Captain without looking away from the fire.
"If you don't mind, sir, I'll just say good night. I think I'll turn in as soon as my homework's finished," said Matt starting for the bedroom.
"Not so fast son. We got us some talking to do about tomorrow. I expect you finished with you school work and dressed for bed within the hour. We can talk then," he said in that low stern tone that he had used for his ruse as Mr. Spence earlier.
"Yes Sir," answered Matt rolling his eyes as he made the slow tortured walk to his room.
Once inside he crossed to the desk and pulled out the small wooden chair. Then, sliding it back into place he gathered his book and tablet and tossed them and his pencil onto the bed and stretched out. The bed was the only way he was going to be able to even pretend to concentrate on math.
TBC Chapter 10: The Talk...