Chapter 14
Everyone has a story…
Alright fellas, I told you my story, so who's gonna tell their story first?" asked Wes, as he sprawled out on his bunk.
Gary; settling cross legged on the end of his bed and waiting for the others to do likewise, "I'll go first," he volunteered. "Let's see. I was just sixteen when I came to work here at the ranch. I had gotten myself in some trouble; teamed up with some bad boys in town. To sum it up; they talked me into borrowing things from people around the area. Trouble was, I wasn't good at it like some of the boys were. Sheriff Johnson, he caught me and when he locked me up he found out that I was a runaway and that I didn't have any family. Well, the second time he caught me, we were borrowing a ham from Mr. Vickers' smokehouse, so Sheriff Johnson decided that maybe a regular job would do more good than locking me up. He dragged me out to meet your pa. He wasn't home, so he and Ty talked things over and he hired me on just like any other hand here on the ranch. I was even making the same money as the other men. This bunkhouse was just a barn back then.
"You say; borrow, but sounds to me like you were stealing," said Benjamin.
"You're right Benjamin, we thought it sounded less wrong." explained Gary.
"Well things went along right good for a while; I was learning lot of things. The work was hard, but nights in the bunkhouse were fun, almost exciting. I learned to play five card draw; no one minded if I cussed and no one growled if I took a chew. Heck, I could even ride into town and go to the saloon for a drink with the men on my day off.
"Wow, Gary sounds like you had It good, what happened?" asked Wes, excitement evident in his voice.
"You're right; I had it good, but I got it into my head that I had life all figured out. I got all cocky and wouldn't listen to any of the men. Bob was going to teach me how to mend the fence with that new barbed wire. He sent me out to set the posts, while he went into town. He told me not to touch the barbed wire, until he got there. He told me it was dangerous and should only be handled by two men. I set a few posts while waiting for him. But, he seemed to be taking forever. I look over at the section of fence they had strung the day before then at the roll of wire. It didn't look that hard, so I decided that I'd just show the other men I could do any job they could." Gary stopped and took in a deep breath and his eyes darkened as he remembered the day.
Flashback
Gary walked backwards, rolling the wire across the gap from one post to the next, muttering to himself about how easy it was. He set the spool down and went for the stretching bar; wrapping the wire just as Bob done it the day before. Next, he pulled it tight and hooked the bar behind the far post, grinning with pride when he let go and it stayed in place. Gary grabbed the hammer and nails and dropped to his knees to better reach the bottom of the post. Two nails later, he stood admiring his work.
"That was a piece of cake, I'll have this whole bottom section by the time 'old Bob' shows," Gary boasted, flinging hammer to the next post and jamming a full hand of nails into his pocket before picking up the roll of wire. Just as he had hooked the bar around the far post Bob called out.
"What in tarnation do you think you are doing boy!" he yelled as he pulled the wagon to a stop a few feet from the fence. "What part of: don't touch the wire didn't you understand!" shouted Bob "I should a known better then to send a boy out here to do a man's work."
"Simmer down old timer, I got this under control," Gary spouted. Reaching down, he grabbed the hammer, but as he raised up he caught the stretching bar with his shoulder causing it to release the tension and fly free striking the team of horses. The frightened the team bolted; the wire wrapped around Bob's legs knocked him flat on his fat "as...well you know."
The Horses ran wildly, bucking and kicking right into the section of fence that had been completed the day before. Within minutes they were down tangled up in busted wagon tongue, three strands of barbed wire and harness straps. Gary stood eyes wide not knowing what to do next.
Bob wrapped his kerchief around his ankle to stop the bleeding and ran to the thrashing animals. It only took him one look to know what had to be done. Sadly, Bob drew his gun and fired one shot; putting the big black mare out of her misery.
"Don't just stand there, boy, can't you see this animal is suffering," He bellowed, as he pulled out his knife and began cutting tangled harness away so he could now see how to help the chestnut. "Gary, get over here, I need your help," he ordered.
It took the longest time; the two of them working like mad to free the frightened horse. As soon as she was free, she jumped to her feet. She had several deep cuts and some nasty scratches.
"Give me your shirt, We'll have to leave the burying of Ollie, and get Omar here back to the ranch," said Bob as he ripped the shirt into strips and pressed it into the worst cut using a piece of harness strap to hold it in place. Then he started growling... "Thanks to you, boy it's going to be a long walk,"
"It's not my fault— you're the one shouting and startling people. I was doing just fine before you arrived," snapped Gary, darting toward his horse.
"Gary, get back here, I need you to ride for the doc. If me and Omar make it back to the ranch, he's gonna need a vet as soon as we arrive."
Gary didn't give any indication that he'd heard, or that intended to go for the doc. Poor Bob had to walk toward home and hope.
Flashback ends
"Gosh, Gary that was tough luck, but you didn't mean to hurt the horses, it was just a bad accident," sympathized Kevin.
"I was so mad that Bob blamed me; I mean after all I'd worked non-stop for hours, and what thanks did I get, bawled out for his careless yelling. I kicked my horse into a run, I'd show them I didn't need someone bossing or blaming me. I'd pack my gear and be gone," said Gary crossing his arms in a huff. Before smiling, "Boy was I a tough guy."
"You mean you didn't go for the doctor, or even tell someone at the ranch, there had been an accident. Didn't you at least feel bad for the horse that got hurt?" asked Barney.
"No Barney, I didn't— instead I almost ran my horse into the ground, stormed into the bunkhouse and snatched up my few possession and some money that belonged to Pete, before saddling one of the horses in the corral and riding for who knows where," explained Gary.
"But you're still here, so when did you change your mind?" Mark enquired with a smirk, eager to hear how the story turned out.
"Well Mark, as it turned out I wasn't as slick as I thought, and as I galloped off, Hank was galloping in calling for Ty. You see he had ridden out to check on our progress and found Bob and Omar. He sent one of the men for the doctor and began telling Ty what had happened, and I guess it was about then Pete can out of the bunkhouse complaining that his money was missing, and Buck came in announcing that my horse was all lathered up and winded, and that one of the boss' horses was missing. Hank lit out for town to find me, as Bob had told him all about my behavior when Hank first found him. Well, Mr. Ty, he figured that I had gone for help, that is until about thirty minutes later when doc Steely rode in announcing that I had gotten into a fight with Hank, and had got thrown into jail to cool my heels.
The next day, Ty came riding into town. I was sullen and well just plain rotten and I wouldn't listen to anyone. Ty had the sheriff unlock the cell and let him in. He sat down on the bunk next to me and started to talk. I just drew up in the corner determined that I wasn't going to say a word."
Flashback
"Gary, according to the other men, you have gotten yourself into quite a mess. You seem to be having a hard time following orders. And, as if this business with the horses and the fence weren't enough, you have added stealing and horse thieving to your bag of tricks. Have you got anything to say for yourself?" asked Ty staring into Gary's eyes.
"I didn't cause the accident with the horses, that loud mouth Bob did, and who says that I stole money or a horse — nobody can prove that," blurted out Gary, forgetting his promise to stay quiet.
"Gary, look, let's not beat around the bush; you were told not to touch the wire, without help. Because of your recklessness there was a wagon wrecked, a horse killed and another badly hurt. Bob has a bad cut. He needed you to go for the doctor, as much for him as for the horse. You rode off in a huff with no thought for him or the horse. Are you going to sit there and tell me that you have no responsibility in all of this?"
"Alright, I'm sorry, I sorry that the horses were hurt, and I'm sorry I didn't go for help, there now does that square things?" snarled Gary in a huff.
"Square things! Son, you took off on a horse that did not belong to you," growled Ty.
"I left you my horse, and besides what makes you think I wasn't gonna come back?" asked Gary in a high and mighty tone.
"Because you took all your things from the bunk house. That and the fact that Hank caught you trying to buy a train ticket; no doubt with the money you stole from Pete," exclaimed Ty, fighting to control his temper.
"You, can't prove I took anything. I get paid just like the other hands, and I wasn't the only one in the bunkhouse alone," snarled Gary turning away from Ty.
Ty took a deep breath and let it out slowly before starting again, in a much calmer tone. "Gary, I'm trying to help you here son. No one, is saying that you planned for any of this to happen, but it did happen and I need you to admit that you at least take some responsibility for your actions. I'm not talking about the horses; I'm sure that was an accident, but I need you to own up to taking the horse and the money..."
"I ain't owning up to nothing, and as soon as I get out of here I'm coming to collect my horse and I'm leaving," spat Gary slapping Ty's hand from his knee, as he drew his knees up and turn to face the wall.
"I give up; you want to go to jail— fine! I'll swear out the horse thieving complaint and send Pete in to press charges for the stealing," growled Ty, throwing up his hands as he called for sheriff Tom to let him out of the cell.
"It's okay Ty, you gave it your best shot. I guess there are just some boys that can't tell a good thing when they step on it," said Tom, reading the disappointment on Ty's face, as he relocked the cell door.
"Good riddance, I don't need that job anyway. I'll just serve my time and the ride away from the place. I don't need boss'n all the time. I'll find me a place somewhere down the line," muttered Gary, as he stretched out on the bunk and crossed his arms.
Several minutes later, Sheriff Johnson stormed back into the jail. "On your feet son, we need to have a talk,"
"I ain't got nothin' to say," answered Gary without even looking up."
"That right, then listen up real good, cause I'm going to spell it out one time. You've had your last break. Ty decided not to sign the complaint for stealing the horse, otherwise, if found guilty, you would be sentenced to hang, instead, he's agreed to my sending you to the workhouse. As much as I hate sending a sixteen-year-old into that kind of life; with no remorse and nowhere to go, I have no choice." finished Tom before turning back to the paperwork on the desk.
Flashback Ends
"Gosh Gary, I can't wait, to see how you got yourself out of this one..." injected Kevin.
"Well, fellas, turns out that leaving me there to sulk and think things over was the best thing. And, Mr. Ty knew it," laughed Gary letting the story turn his mind back once more to that day. "I'd been in an orphanage before coming here, I hated it. The workhouse sounded worse, so I started pleading; begging really; I promised I'd do anything, anything at all. Well, the sheriff and Ty they had a long talk. Turns out that Ty figured that I was a pretty good kid. Trouble was, I wasn't getting the chance to be a kid; Sheriff Tom helped Ty arrange for him to become my guardian until my twenty-first birthday. Then Mr. Ty and I sat down and had us a long talk about everything I had done. However, this time, things went a lot different."
Flashback
"Alright Gary, Sheriff Johnson and I have talked to the judge and have come up with that last chance you wanted. I've had papers drawn, making me your legal guardian until your twenty-first birthday, but before I sign them you have to agree to my terms."
Ty paused to make sure he had Gary's full attention. "First off, liked I tried to tell you yesterday, I know you didn't mean for the horses or Bob to get hurt. So, what we're concerned with are you disobeying Bob, you taking the horse without permission, and your stealing of Pete's money."
"I told you yesterday I didn't…" Gary let the sentence go unfinished as he watched Ty reach for the buckle of his belt.
"I was going to let this wait until we were home, and alone, but if you would rather, I can start right here and now with a lesson in honesty and taking responsibility for your actions," barked Ty as he pulled the belt through the loops of his jeans.
"Okay, already, I took the money, are you happy?" snarled Gary.
Ty stared the kid down. He pointed the folded belt towards Gary with a firm and serious tone in his voice. "Look son, it's up to you can accept my terms. That means you are going to give Pete every penny that you took from him and apologize. I've already let him know that I will be tanning your hide, in place of him pressing charges. Or…" He emphasized "You can go to the workhouse! So what will it be son?"
Flashback Ends
"Golly, you were really asking for it," added Benjamin bringing Gary back to the present.
" I signed my name on the dotted line. All the way home, Ty didn't say a word. When we got here, he took me into the barn and…"
Gary blushed as he remembered the encounter.
Flashback
"Men, would you excuse us, me and Gary have some talking to do?" said Ty.
"Sure thing boss, we just finished with the barn chores anyway," answered Hank and Pete before leaving the barn.
"Gary, do you understand what's about to happen here?" asked Ty opening the tack room door.
"Yes Sir, I disobeyed a direct order; I borrowed Pete's money, and Mr. McCullough's horse."
"Hold it right there, son, let's get one thing straight; you didn't borrow anything— you stole the money and the horse," growled Ty glaring hard at Gary.
"You're right, sir. I stole the money and the horse," repeated Gary, hanging his head in shame.
"Do you understand what it means; me being your guardian?" asked Ty.
"Yes sir; it makes you like, well a pa. It makes you responsible for me and any damage I do," answered Gary getting nervous.
"Very good. Is there anything else you want to say before we get this over with?" asked Ty.
"No Sir, I don't think so," answered Gary.
"Come over here son, turn around and unfasten your britches, after that you can lean over the saddle stand," directed Ty removing his belt, as he waited for Gary to comply.
The leather smacked loudly, as it left a red welt on the bare flesh. Gary let out a loud yelp, as the belt landed once more. He hissed and stood for a minute before returning to position. Smack, the belt landed again, just below the last spot. Gary groaned louder, as he thought to himself; consequences indeed, his butt was on fire and there had only been three licks. He wasn't sure how many more he was due, but he knew there were more; three more and he was no longer yelping and groaning, but was starting to cry. One landed smack on the back of his thighs and Gary jumped and threw his hand back. As the tears fell, he felt his hand being moved away then he felt a hand push against his back holding him in place, as the belt continued to fuel the fire on his backside. Gary lost count of how many licks, but it seemed like forever, before Ty dropped the belt and let him stand.
"It's over now son, you can pull up your britches," said Ty gently as he squeezed the boy's shoulder.
Flashback ended
"Ty then surprised me when he pulled me into a hug; a tight hug. And somehow I knew things were never going to be the same— somehow he knew I had found a family," said Gary wiping a tear from his eye, forgetting for the moment where he was.
"Ouch, I could almost feel the belt as you described it. I bet you learned your lesson," said Benjamin after all he did not remember Gary being in trouble since he had come.
"Well, sort of; with the whipping and all the ribbing I took from the men. But, really, I'm just lucky the men were happy to have Ty handle things. He made me march out right after the licking and give Pete back his money and apologize. As I remember, I thought I would die of embarrassment, standing there in front of all the men in the bunkhouse, knowing they had heard ever lick of that belt and every yelp. After that, Ty made me move my bunk in next to his and added a few rules like, no drinking, smoking, or gambling and lights out at ten. And, worst of all no going into town without an adult," finished Gary.
"Sounds like you're the reason for this 'wrangler in training program and all the rules," said Wes.
"Well, it's like Mr. McCullough's always saying,"it's going to take strong men to build this country and strong men come from well-trained boys."
"I bet you yelped and hollered louder than anything. I know I would have," injected Kevin, whistling as he shook his head.
"No worse the you the other day, after Y'all went hunting. You were kicking and jumping so high that Ty finally dropped the belt and pulled your bare butt over his knee. I haven't seen anything redder then your butt or louder than your cry's. Boy were you pleading for him to stop," laughed Gary at the sight in his mind's eye.
"How would you know that, unless..." Kevin never finished as Barney and Mark both jumped in.
"YOU WERE WATCHING, YOU HAD NO RIGHT, THAT'S AND INVAS..."
"HOLD UP FELLAS, I DIDN'T WATCH ON PURPOSE!" Gary fairly screamed.
"Why are you yelling, do I need to come in there?" shouted Ty from his private bedroom in their bunkhouse.
"No sir, Sorry sir, shouted all the boys in unison, as they settled back onto their bunks.
"I was sort of trapped, honest" said Gary lowering his voice almost to a whisper.
"Yea, I bet, just were. Did you hide to watch somewhere in Mr. Ty's office, peaking through a knot hole, like we did that time. We were coming back with Uncle Bill," responded Mark with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"It wasn't like that, honest. I was just resting on my bunk, like you fellas are now, after copying the bible all morning for miss Mary. I was minding my own business, when all the sudden it happened— four of the angriest fathers I've ever seen came stomping in, and in a thundering voice ordered every one of you to drop your britches. I didn't have time to move, before belts started to snap all around me. What was I supposed to do; hold up my hand and say excuse me but...not on your life. I was afraid to move; they were so angry that they might have skinned my hide right along with you fellas; NO! Thanks," explained Gary.
"Well maybe you could have turned over and faced the wall; you didn't have to watch," said Kevin, blushing just thinking about have someone watching Ty giving him a spanking like he was five years old and him bare bottom to boot.
"Look, Kevin, I'm sorry. I know it wasn't nice to watch..."
"Come on Kevin, you're telling me that if you were laying on the porch swing and pa drug me up on the porch and went to work on my hide you wouldn't look… you know you would; we all would," laughed Barney punching Kevin lightly on the arm.
"I guess you're right. Well, I guess this would be a good time for me to tell my story. But, I gotta warn you it's mighty boring compared to you fella's," said Kevin rubbing his arm.
TBC
Arthur's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, and encouragement.