Back On The Trail
Recap:
Heavy hearted he stepped up onto Charger and giving him a gentle kick said" home friend". Two days later he could tell by the look on Tom's face that the news was not good.
"Howdy Flint, glad to see you back, shaking his head in answer to the question Flint need not ask. Mary and the children are over to Robert and Susan's, they came in last night wanted to be near when I got word about Matt." said Sheriff Tom as Flint stepped down.
"Matt? You mean Luke," came Flint's confused reply.
"Afraid not. Come on in and I'll fill you in before you talk to Mary." Following Tom inside Flint elapsed into the chair dog tired excepting the steaming cup and waiting for Tom to settle before asking.
"What, about Matt?"sighed Flint.
Chapter 7: Rounding up strays.
Meanwhile on the trail to Bear Creek...
The fella's had laughed and enjoyed each other's company all along the trail, but somehow this time alone; just as family was pleasantly different. Maybe because none of them had the weight of being responsible for a whole train of people.
Charlie and Bill both lay back and watched, as Barney cooked Flapjacks and bacon. They were both drinking steaming cups of hot coffee that was very good, though they had teased Barney about it.
"How much further Bill? Seems like we have been riding forever," asked Barney, passing Bill a plate of hot food.
Ole Charlie laughed with a mighty 'gwaugh', as he watched Barney settle himself gently on a log to eat.
"What's the matter Barney, you still smarting from that little ole reminder Mr. Chris gave you yesterday?"
"Ha Ha Charlie, you should try sitting in the saddle after sitting on a hot bed of coals and see how you like it. Even if it was just three licks; My A..backside is as sore as the dickens," grumbled Barney just a bit harshly.
"Now Barney, I think it's you who should be thankful. Ya know he warned you last month if you disobeyed his orders again he'd take a belt to you," came Bill's reproach along with a stern look that let Barney know his poor attitude was not appreciated.
"But Bill, I was only going to ride out a little ways and meet you on the trail. I wasn't going to get out of sight of the train," argued Barney in defence of his behavior.
Raising his brow and pulling himself up so he was right next to Barney, Bill growled, "What were Chris' orders to the whole train, boy?"
Barney swallow hard and answered, "No one was to leave the train, sir."
"And what were children supposed to do?" prompted Bill.
"Stay with their wagons and inside the circle sir," Barney answered, a little afraid that he might have just gotten himself in more trouble by being rude to Charlie.
"Then I'd look at it this way, Pal, he could have given you worse, and he didn't order you to drop your britches. So I'd say you got off easy wouldn't you?" suggested Bill, giving him that stern look once more.
"Yes, Sir. Sorry Charlie, I know you were just fun'n," apologized Barney with a shy grin.
"Come on, 'Son of Wounded Pride', lets ride," laughed Bill, as he clapped Barney on the back.
Barney smiled, remembering the story Bill told that got him that nickname. He liked being called Bill's son, even if it was because of a not so gentle reminder to follow orders.
oOo
By the time the fella's reached Bear Creek everyone was tired of the saddle and ready to step down and walk around.
"Mister. is there a Mrs. Carter and her child here? We came from the Hale wagon train to pick them up and take them to meet with her husband," asked Bill of the older gentleman that came out to greet them.
"No Sirs, hadn't seen a soul today expecting the stage. It's a might early yet, though; they just might show afore dark. How about some coffee while you wait?" drawled the old man.
"Don't mind if I do. Coming Charlie, Barney?" shouted Bill over his shoulder as he tied his horse and started toward the porch.
"Bill, may I just wander down that way toward that creek?" asked Barney wanting to stretch his legs and rest his aching body.
"I think that would be fine, but stay where you can see the way station. You don't know the area," answered Bill, giving Barney a smile.
Back to the little cabin three days earlier...
Luke woke to Mrs. Isabelle shaking him, "Wake up, sweetheart, it time to change your bandages. Come on now, little one, I got lots to do before Mr. Battles get here to drive us to Bear Creek," pleaded Mrs. Carter gently.
Luke jumped up and pulled the quilt around him, "I can do it myself. I'm not a baby you know," shouted Luke, not wanting her to see him naked.
"Child, you must be feeling better. Now stop your nonsense and come on over here and let me remove the bandages from your back and legs, so you can get in that bath," admonished the now stern looking Mrs. Carter, losing her patience.
"I can take a bath and bandage myself just fine ma'am," shouted Luke, backing toward the door.
"Tich,tich,tich... I can see I am going to have to put a stop to this right now," and with two quick strides, she had Luke draped across her starched white apron. Then with her free hand, she unwound the quilt from him and gave him several quick sharp smacks to his now bare bottom, before reaching out and removing the bandage form his back, side, and then his leg. She picked him up and plunked him in the wash tub, before reaching out and unwinding the bandage from his head.
"And now little man, you will not give me anymore fuss, or I will have to give you a right good spanking before we get your bandages changed and you get dressed. Do we understand each other?" asked Mr. Carter stooping to hand Luke the soap.
"Yes Ma'am," answered Luke, still wide eyed and not wanting to anger her more.
After he had washed and she had poured a bucket of warm rinse water over him she held a towel out for him. He stood up and allowed her to wrap it around him, as she picked him up. She returned to the chair she had used earlier and stood him in from of it.
"You can dry yourself and wrap the towel around your waist. Then I'll come and replace your bandages," she said turning and scooping a bucket of the water out of the tub and heading out the door.
Mrs. Carter came back in and sat down in the chair. "Now child, I need you to lay down across my lap. I am going to have to put this save on your cuts and it may hurt a bit. And I want you to be as still as you can, understand." Not waiting for an answer, Mrs. Carter pulled him over her lap. And this time she gently opened the back of the towel and folded it down to cover his backside, while she worked on his back and then his side. Finally she pushed the towel up just enough to get to the place on his leg; not wanting to embarrass the child, having taken time to think about his earlier reaction.
Reclosing the towel, Mrs. Carter stood him to his feet and said, "Now that wasn't so bad was it. You come with me to the corner by the fire place and I will hold the towel while you get dressed. I mended your britches and cut you a shirt form and old one of Mr. Carters. It might be a might big, but it will keep you warm and covered until we can get you another or find out where you belong," smiled Mrs. Isabelle.
"Thank you," smiled Luke, taking the clothes she offered.
Meanwhile back at the Sheriff's office...
"Well, Flint last Tuesday, I think it was, Mary comes tearing in here crying and a waving a note, pleading with me to help her." Tom rummaged around on his desk and passed Flint the note he still had laying there.
Mom,
Try not to worry, I've gone to seal the deal with Mr. Cartwright.
Don't worry, I've got a good map. Plenty money and I know what
Dad wanted to pay. I'm sorry to leave without telling you but I knew it
Would frighten you. Will send wire when I arrive.
Love you Matt
Sheriff Tom Johnson watched, as anger filled Flints eyes.
"Good news is; I sent a wire by special massager to the Ponderosa advising them of the situation, asking them to keep a tight rein on him and contact me when he arrives," explained Tom, waving the paper from his pocket.
"Does Mary know yet?"asked Flint, with a new look of worry in his eyes.
" No, I was just headed that way. Here; why don't you save me a trip," recommended Tom, passing Flint the telegraph. "But first, Flint, I've got to tell you one more thing. Luke's horse was found the other day just outside town. I put him up over at the livery. I didn't want Mary seeing him; upsetting her," said Sheriff Tom.
"Thank you Tom, that was good thinking, and now if you'll excuse me, I think I be getting over to see Mary now," smiled Flint, as he took off at a run; fair to busting to see his family.
Meanwhile in Virginia City...
Matt rode up to the livery, feeling right proud of himself. He'd met with Joe Cartwright and presented the offer just the way he watched his dad do time and again. All that was left to do, was for the senior Mr. Cartwright to sign off the contract and he could make the down payment, and get started home tomorrow night before anyone became too worried. It had been so easy; Mr. Cartwright had not even looked twice at the signatures at the bottom of the offer.
Having finished taking care of his horse and room for the night, Matt decided that he'd head over to the saloon for just one drink; after all he had earned it. Matt crossed the street and headed down toward the sound of the piano playing. Walking through the batwing doors, he looked around smiling and adjusting his gun belt, before siding up to the bar.
"Bar Keeper, how about a cold one," boomed Matt trying to sound important.
"Son, ya eighteen? We don't serve younger then eighteen in here," came the sceptical reply from behind the bar.
"Sure am, Mister," lied Matt, 'least I will be come January, he thought to himself.
"That'll be two bits," said the man behind the bar, satisfied he had ask the boy, and not really concerned if it were true or not.
Matt placed his pennies on the bar and accepted the mug of beer. He began wandering around the room taking in the sights and sounds; this being his first visit to such a place. He soon found himself in the back corner watching a card game.
"That tears it, Silas you done cleaned me out; I fold," snapped the young cowboy, as he stood and stomped out of the saloon.
"Want in Sonny? Now's your chance," asked Silas nodding toward the empty chair.
"Matt looked around, what harm could it do? He had ten dollars of his own, so he dropped down into the empty chair.
Silas introduced the other player. "This here's Red and I'm Silas; five card draws our game," he said and with that Silas started to deal.
Matt looked at his hand; a full house. What luck? he thought and threw out a dollar.
"How about you, Red; you in or out?" mumbled Silas, drumming his fingers.
"Give me two cards," came Red's request, thinking to himself that his luck seemed to be fading.
Meanwhile at the Ponderosa Ranch...
"Yes Joe, I agree it's a good price and a well presented offer. What confounds me, however, is McCullough sending one so young and alone to negotiate the deal," sighed Ben.
"I know what you're saying, Pa. He looked a might young. And another thing; he was acting nervous the whole time we talked. That's why I convinced him that I had to talk it over with you. I told him to meet us here tomorrow to make the deal final, if we all agreed."
"Good thinking, son. I just can't help thinking, he looked to be about the same age as Jamie. Now Jamie's a very responsible young man, but I still wouldn't send him off this far alone. I'm tempted to send a wire and check on the boys story. Why don't you get on out and finish the chores, while I complete this book work and think this through," said Ben, turning to his desk as Joe headed out the door.
Half an hour later there was a loud knock at the door. Rising Ben opened the door. "Hello Mr. Cartwright, this just came for you, sounded mighty important so if raced it right out," chimed a young man, handing over a telegram.
"Thanks Frank," said Ben giving the lad a dollar, before closing the door and opening the message :
Mr .Ben Cartwright stop Missing boy believed headed your way stop Matthew Spence Seventeen stop Absent from home without permission stop Mother worried stop Father, Flint McCullough away on emergency stop Detain and notify please stop
Sheriff Tom Johnson
"Well I'll be... JOE, HOSS,!" bellowed Ben, as he headed out the front door.
"What's up Pa?" said Hoss coming from the barn.
"Where's your brother?" Ben asked with a determined look in his eye.
"Which one Pa?" asked Hoss with a slight grin.
"Well, I was looking for Joe, but just where is young Jamie?" said Ben running his hand through his hair.
"Here I am pa," announced Joe, having come from the back side of the corral when he heard his Pa yell. "Jamie rode off early this morning to go fishing with Rick," he added
"Hoss could you saddle Buck for me, please? Joe, seems our hunch was right; McCullough was not that irresponsible. It appears our young friend took out on his own. Sheriff wired to keep him with us. Flint McCullough is off on some type of emergency. Matthew lit out on his own and his Mother is real worried. Where did he tell you he would be staying in case you needed to contact him?" asked Ben, becoming upset that the boy would do that to his ma.
"Miss Anne's Boarding House. You want me to go fetch him?" asked Joe.
"No, I think I will fetch him myself. I want to send the wire personally that eases his ma's mind," answered Ben. Taking Bucks reins from Hoss, he mounted up and turned his horse around so he was facing his sons."Let Hop Sing know to make up the guest bed and set another place for supper. We will not be back in time for lunch," ordered Ben, as he gave Buck a kick headed for town.
"Sure thing Pa, ride safe...See you when you get back," shouted both men as they watched him go.
The Silver Dollar; Back at the card game...
Matt's luck had held for several hands, but now he's streak was fading; and he was out of his own money. He had the perfect hand too, but to prove it he'd have to dip into the money to buy the horses. Then again he thought; once I win, I can put it right back.
"Quit stalling; ya in, or out kid. Red done folded," growled Silas impatiently.
oOo
Having inquired at the boarding house and not finding Matt, Ben started over to Roy's office. On the way he met a couple of his ranch hands.
"What brings you into town, Sir?" asked one of the two men as they stopped in front of Ben.
"Hunting down, a young man. That young fella that was out to the ranch last evening; ya seen him round town?" Ben enquired.
"Yes Sir. He was having a beer over at the saloon earlier, might still be there."
"Thanks men. If you happen to run across him before me, haul him over to Roy's office and tell him to hold the young rascal for me, would ya," asked Ben, before striding toward the saloon. "Having a drink indeed," growled Ben under his breath. As he stepped through the swinging doors.
"JAMIE HUNTER CARTWRIGHT !" Ben's voice thundered across the saloon." WHAT IN BLAZES ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?" he bellowed, placing his hand palms flat on the table and leaning to look the young red head straight in the eye.
"Just watching Pa, honest," answered Jamie.
Matt dropped his cards and started to stand.
"Freeze right there, Matthew. You have some explaining of your own to do, young man," growled Ben as he fixed the boy with his best fatherly stare.
Then Ben turned his attention to Silas for just a few minutes.
"Silas Barns, if I catch you or better yet even hear of you playing cards with Jamie again, I'll ring your scrawny cheating neck. Now take your winnings and get!" Ground out Ben just above a whisper.
"But Pa, if he cheated, can't I have my money back?" argued Jamie, before catching the look in Ben's eye.
"No, You cannot!" roared Ben fighting not to lose his temper in public. "Perhaps losing will help the two of you remember not to get involved in gambling games in the future."
"But Mr. Cartwright..."
"But nothing, boys. I'll tell you what you had better do; you had better take yourselves out of here; get your horses and meet me at Roy's office in ten minutes, before I change my mind and have a very 'necessary talk' with both of you right here. Now! Move!" said Ben standing and turning toward the bar.
Jamie left like there was a snake on his tale, while Matthew just sat staring. 'I'm sure glad I'm not in Jamie's shoes' thought Matt.
Noticing his failure to move, Ben leaned down right next to Matt's ear and spoke slow and with forced restraint. "Boy, do you have a hearing problem?" Grabbing the front of Matt shirt and hauling him to his feet. "I said move and I meant move, unless you would like for everyone in this saloon to witness our little 'talk," barked Ben releasing his shirt.
"I'll go, sir, but not until I get my money..."
Ben reached over and grabbed Matt's arm and spun him around sideways and planted a very hard and loud swat to the young boys britches. "Now, I will give you one last chance to do as I said, or we will finish what I just started right here; your choice."
Matt went running out the front door still stunned that Mr. Cartwright had given him a swat in front of God and everybody.
"No more beers or cards for either of those two in here without me or one of my older boys; you hear me, Frost," requested Ben, as he tipped his hat and left for Roy's office just as the room erupted in laughter.
Ben arrived at Roy's office to find Jamie sitting on the chair on the porch.
"Where's Matt?" asked Ben with a very stern look.
"He said something about not having to answer to you and took off that away sir," answered Jamie looking like a doomed man.
"Oh, For Pete's sake! Jamie stay put, I won't be long."
oOo
Matt was laying stretched out on the bed in his rented room, thinking maybe he should have done what Mr. Cartwright asked. He hoped it would not cost him the deal. Suddenly, there was a knock and the door opened.
A very angry looking Ben Cartwright filled the doorway. "I am not accustomed to being defied by seventeen year old boys and I will not start tolerating it now. I received a telegraph message from a very worried mother, asking me to find you and keep you with me and, by Job; that's just what I'm going to do. I gave you a chance back at the saloon, so now I am left with no choice."
Ben closed the door and stepped across the small room. Pulling Matt to his feet he sat down on the small table in the room. He drew Matt across his leg and pinned him in place with his left hand. Ben began bringing his hand down hard until he had delivered a dozen or so hard swats, before pulling Matt up and turning him around.
"Now if we have an understanding young fella, I would like to get a wire off to your ma and get some lunch. Would that be okay with you?" demanded Ben sarcastically.
"Using the back of his hand to wipe his eyes, Matt answered very quietly, "Yes sir."
"That's better now gather your things, you will be coming to stay at the ranch," said Ben calmly while pulling Matt into a quick hug.
"That's not necessary sir, I'll be fine here, sir," answered Matt.
"I thought we just came to an understanding that you were going to do as you were told," said Ben giving Matt a searing look.
"Yes sir, I didn't mean to argue. I was just trying not to cause you any more trouble," said Matt turning and picking up his saddle bags and heading for the door.
As they passed by Roy's office, Ben turned the door knob and spoke to both young boy. "I want you to go in and wait with Roy. I'll be right back, after I send the wire...And Matthew; Stay Put!" said Ben smiling.
"Law breaking or mischief boys?" asked Roy with a grin, as two solemn looking lads walked in. "Do I need to put you in a cell or can you just sit quiet?"
"Just disobeyed Pa, sir. I can sit quietly," answered Jamie.
"I'm not sure sir, but I don't think I broke any laws, sheriff. I can sit too, maybe..." sighed Matt, whistling, as he lowered himself onto the wooden chair. 'Darn, I forgot how painful a firm hand powerfully applied could be' thought Matt as he squirmed on the chair.
Ben returned and came through the door. "Let's go over to the International House and get something to eat. Roy would you care to join us?" asked Ben.
"Don't mind if I do, old friend," answered Roy, closing the door behind him and followed the others across the 'C' street.
As they sat down and waited for their food, Ben took the time to explain to Roy what was going on.
"So Roy if you catch either of these rascals in the Silver Dollar or any other saloon you have my permission to tan their hides all the way to the jail house. Jamie you and I will be having a necessary talk when we get home and Matthew you and I will be having a discussion as soon as I hear from your folks. Until that time you will follow all the same rules as Jamie. Now let's eat," finished Ben.
That short lecture served to give both boys reason to eat quietly; contemplating their fate and leaving Ben and Roy free to visit with each other.
Meanwhile back to Mary and Flint...
Flint came to a stop in front of his brother in law's house. He was nearly trampled by the wave of family rushing toward him. When he looked up he spotted the almost ashen pale look on Mary's face.
"Flint, you're back! You found Luke? Please tell me you found Luke!"gasped Mary.
"Baby, I've looked for miles. I wish I could tell you I had him. I just came back for supplies. I did bring some good news though... Mr. Cartwright has Matt."
Suddenly Mary went limp in Flint's arms. Scooping her into his arms he made for the front door. Susan ushered him into the guest room, assuring Flint she would look after the children while he stayed with Mary.
TBC Chapter 8; Finding Lost Sheep.