Back on the Trail
Chapter 9: A Father's Attention . . .
Meanwhile back at the Ponderosa...
Ben sat in his favorite red chair sipping slowly from the glass of brandy, turning the morning's events over in his mind. He thought back over the last several weeks in particular. Jamie had been in trouble at school; in trouble for not finishing assigned chores and just yesterday he had reprimanded Jamie for back talking. Now that Ben thought on the misdemeanors together, he could see that the acts of disrespect and disobedience were becoming more frequent. Maybe, he had been too lenient with the boy.
Ben remembered the incident where Jamie had taken the gun and busted it and then tried to pretend he had no idea what happened about it. When Ben had decided that he should be punished for i t Jamie had decided to leave; not wanting to be owing to anyone. It had been a tough time for the family. Ben remembered tracking the boy down and telling him that sometimes if you were part of a family you had to worry about other people's problems. He remembered saying that sometimes, as the parent he would make decision that Jamie would not like. And, that he would be asked to follow rules and accept discipline, just like any member of the family.
After mulling things over Jamie, had come home late that night and started to work on the wood pile; the original punishment that Ben had assigned. Jamie wanted to show Ben, that he wanted to be a part of the Cartwright family; with all the rights and privileges and consequences that came with being Ben's son.
Ben pondered what he felt he must do, he wondered how Jamie would respond. Ben had never given Jamie a tanning. Taking the last sip of brandy, he sat the empty glass down and climbed the stairs to Jamie's room. As much as he disliked it, he felt that the time had come for his youngest son to have a 'very necessary talk'
Answering the firm knock, Jamie stood and faced the door as he called; "Come in."
" We have some talking to do, sit down, son," commanded Ben in a low controlled voice.
" It goes without saying that I was very disappointed to see you in the Silver Dollar. I thought that I was very clear about you being too young to drink or gamble," clarified Ben as he stood arms crossed looking down at Jamie.
"Yes Sir, you did I was just... I'm not sure why I was there," mumbled Jamie staring at his feet not wanting to see the anger in Ben's eyes.
"Look at me son. When you left the ranch this morning where did you tell Joe you were going?"
"Fishing sir," answered a nervous Jamie not liking the look in Ben's eyes.
"Did you, ever intend to go fishing?" ground out Ben angrily.
"No sir, but I knew that you would not let me do what I really wanted to do."
"I call that willful deceit. You knew you were forbidden to go into the saloon; forbidden to drink or gamble, and you know that you were not to leave the ranch without someone knowing where you are. I call that wilful disobedience, and dangerous behavior. Then you lied to me and said you were just watching, and yet in the very next sentence wanted your money back, Jamie why did you feel you should lie to Joe or me?"growled Ben, fixing Jamie with a glare.
"I knew you would disapprove, sir," admitted Jamie, now ashamed of himself.
"I haven't asked how much you had to drink, but I know that's not sarsaparilla on your breath," added Ben, disappointment evident in his tone.
"Just one beer, sir honest," answered Jamie on the verge of tears.
Pulling out the desk chair and sitting in front of Jamie Ben crossed his legs and let out a long breath.
"So what we are concerned with here is the punishment for deceit, disobedience, and lying," came the booming determined reply. "Do you remember when you and I took that trip around the ranch and we talked about being concerned with the punishment for disobedience? You remembered that we decided that the guilt you felt because of the accident was punishment enough?"
"Yes Sir, but I don't think this is the same sir," answered Jamie wishing he could be anywhere but here.
"And can you tell me why, son?" prompted Ben.
"Because, then sir I felt bad about what I had done and what I had cost you . . . " stuttered Jamie.
"And?" prompted Ben.
"Because, I didn't intend to anything wrong. I didn't intend to hurt the horses . I did disobey you, but it wasn't a deliberate act of defiance. But this time, Sir... Well I guess the difference is I meant it; I planned it and if you had not found out this time, I would have just remembered having a grand time . . ." Jamie's voice trailed off as he realized how bad that all sounded.
Satisfied that Jamie understood what he had done, Ben cleared his throat and started again. "Do you remember when I asked you what you thought we should do about your disobedience, and you said some kids get a belt used on them when they do something wrong?" asked Ben.
"Yes Sir," answered Jamie, sure that Joe had been right, he was about to get a tanning.
"That's right, son; the difference is that you were sorry you disobeyed me then, but this time you're just sorry you got caught. Jamie I want you to stand up and bend over the end of the bed," said Ben as he stood and unbuckled his belt and pulled it through the loops.
Jamie looked at Ben with tears brimming in his eyes, before stepping around to the foot of the bed and draping himself across the spot where Ben pointed with the now folded belt.
Stepping forward and placing his free hand on Jamie's back, Ben brought the belt down hard and fast. Sending a searing message that the young boy would not soon forget.
" Jumpin' Jehoshaphat!" yelped Jamie, as Ben bought the belt down on his denim clad backside. Jamie had had licking's before, though not many. His father had paddled him once when he was little. And then Dusty once gave him a good spanking when he was about twelve, for being sassy to a lady in a store. But, neither of them, in Jamie's memory, compared to this.
The belt dropped again and Jamie threw his hand back. "Oweee... Pa, please, I'm sorry," he yelled trying to contain his tears.
Ben paused for a moment. Jamie had only recently started calling him, Pa. He still he used; Sir, a lot when he was taking orders, or Mr Cartwright when asking for something special, but just recently after The big Swing of last summer especially, Jamie would often call him Pa in the lighter moments or when he was around his friends; feeling like he belonged. This was nowhere near a light moment in their relationship, but Ben felt an odd sense of pride that Jamie perceived that what he was doing and the sting in his tail was being created by his Pa, because Jamie was to Ben; a son. One he loved very much and intended to raise as a good and trustworthy man.
"Jamie Hunter Cartwright, move your hand unless you want to feel the sting across it," warned Ben.
"But Pa, it hurts a lot already; I'm sorry."
Ben sat on the side of the bed next to Jamie and moved the boy's hand away, before adding another four quick sharp licks to the seat of his pants. "Yes, young man, I bet it does," he said, as he laid down another lick. "Just you remember it, because it hurts nothing like a bad hangover, or the loss of your money, your home or your dignity." He added with another slap. "Nowhere as much hurt as it would have caused me or you brothers, if you were gunned down by a drunkard or a cheat, either. So, I hope to hell it hurts, son; enough so that you'll remember." Ben laid the last crack of his belt down, though a lot lighter that the four before, as Jamie had burst into racking sobs when Ben spoke of the hurt they would all feel if something bad was to happen to him.
"Sorry Pa, really... I'll never do... I never... thought... anything... like that ...could happen...I just wanted..."
Ben pulled his boy close, and patted his back. "I know, Jamie. You just wanted to have fun. I know. I love you."
Once Jamie had settled, Ben stood up. "Okay, it's over and done. We start a fresh; just no more lies. Now you can rest for about thirty minutes, before I want you to get on your afternoon chores. And Jamie, I'll be sending Matt out to help you. He will be expected to follow the same rules as you while he is here and you can split your chores with him," said Ben as he picked up the belt closed the door and headed across the hall.
oOo
Across the hall Matt jumped, when he had heard the unmistakable sound of someone getting a tanning. Unconsciously he reached back and rubbed at his rear, as he listened to Jamie howl each time he heard the thwack of the belt. All at once he wondered if he were in for the same.
When the knock on the door came, Matt jumped to his feet. "Come in Sir," he offered.
Ben opened the door with the folded belt in his hand. "Sit down son. I don't mind telling you that the only thing keeping me from using this belt to express my displeasure with your recent behavior, is that you are not my son. But, hear me well. You will be staying here with me until I hear from your parents and you will do what I say. You will not leave the ranch without me or my sons, and that does not include Jamie, he is not old enough to be responsible for himself let alone you. You will not drink or gamble and you will follow the same rules as Jamie. And, Matthew if you give me any more trouble, I will give you a tanning just as I did Jamie, understood?" said a very stern Ben retreading his belt.
"Yes sir, I'm sorry for causing you such trouble Sir, but what about the horse sale?"
"I thank you for that apology, but it's your Mother you should be apologizing to. You should be ashamed of yourself worrying her like this. We will talk horses again when I hear from your father. Matthew, while you are here, you will be responsible for half of Jamie chores, you will be down stairs for chores in fifteen minutes," said Ben turning and closing the door.
Meanwhile, back to Mary and Flint...
Mary and Flint began to stir the next morning.
"Mary, I've been thinking. How would you like to leave Samantha with Susan and you me and Mark go meet Bill and the train? Then when you've had your fill of hugging Luke you and I can leave the two boys with Bill and catch the stage to go after Matthew."
"Oh Flint, could we really? That would be so wonderful. I'm sure Susan will agree. When would we leave?" smiled Mary about to jump up and down on the bed.
"Well, my Ocean Pearl, we could send a wire to Mr. Cartwright right after breakfast and then go out to the ranch and let Ty know our plans. We can head out early tomorrow, if that's not too soon," laughed Flint at Mary's exasperated expression.
All was a buzz, as the final plans were made and Flint and Mary hugged Samantha. "You be a good girl for Aunt Susan and Uncle Robert," smiled Flint passing the grinning little one to Susan, before he and Mary set off for the telegraph office.
Mark headed to tell his friends that he was going to join the train. Finally some excitement, that didn't get him in trouble, he thought happily to himself.
Back To Bill And The Wagon Train Gang...
Bill, Charlie, Luke and the Carter's made good time and were back with the train by mid morning of the next day.
Mr. Chris had laughed as Bill told of finding Luke lost on the trail. "It could only happen to you Bill. Guess I shouldn't be surprised if we gain a certain young scout you're always talking about, "groused Chris smiling.
"No Sir, that would not be a surprise at all. And, if he does show up, I think you will like him," replied Bill.
"Bill, now that you and Charlie and the boys are back, can I please hand the cooking chores back over to Charlie and Barney," laughed Duke.
"You just give me my cooking pot and my coffee grinder afore you plum ruins them, Duke," growled Charlie, good natured.
"Uncle Bill, you always say everyone has to earn his keep on the train, what will my job be?" asked a wide-eyed Luke.
Grinning, Bill winked at Chris. "Chris, Luke here is getting to be a right good cook, we could just put him in charge of the fire and retire old long tooth here," he said enjoying the chance to poke fun at his friend.
"Ha ha, you think you're funny don't ya. Maybe while you're doing that, I'll just try my hand at doing your job whatever that is," snarled Charlie pretending to be mad.
"Alright, men, or should I say, boys, I think we can find enough work for everyone and I suggest that all of you get to whatever it is you do!" ordered Chris, joining in the fun.
Back to the Ponderosa...
"Matthew, come down here, please," shouted Ben.
Instantly both boys appeared at the top of the landing. "Coming Sir," answered Matt, wondering if he should be concerned by that tone. He stole a glance at Jamie, who just shrugged, not knowing what it was all about.
"Oh Jamie, you may come too," replied Ben seeing the two together. He sat back and waited for them to reach the two chairs in front of his desk, then as they sat down he started. "This morning, Matthew, I was reading over the contract you gave to Joe, when I received a rather lengthy and expensive answer to the wire I sent to your folks. They have asked that you stay here for the time being and allow them to go and roundup your little brother. Of course that will be fine. They go on to say that I should feel free to treat you just as I would my own sons. As we will be spending some time together, I would like you to give me a few answers. First; why did you leave home without permission. And, just out of curiosity, why are they out rounding up your little brother?" asked Ben, watching Matthew's expression.
When Matthew did not answer, Ben asked, "Would you rather I ask Jamie to leave the room, Matthew? I didn't consider it personal information, but if you would be more comfortable . . . ?" continued Ben.
"Oh no, Sir; Jamie is fine to stay. He will know it all sooner or later anyway, and like you said it not personal information.
Matthew took a huge breath. "Well, you see sir, it all started when my little brother was having trouble with a bully. He was too embarrassed to tell me, or my dad; you see he is small for his age and didn't want folks thinking he could not fight his own battles. And then, Sir, a little over a month now, a fight broke out between this bully and Luke; that's my brother. The problem was my Mom just happened to be in town that morning and notice that a bigger boy was picking on a smaller one. Well, Mom she got hopping mad and she got her a switch from somewhere and gave that bully what for! Trouble was; Luke thought she did it just to embarrass him, because she thought he needed her protection. And he up and ran off, and then got himself really lost. I bet he still don't even realize that Mom didn't know it was him getting beat up, until he jumped up and ran for his horse." Matt paused and took another deep breath watching Mr. Cartwright's face.
"So, your father was out looking for your lost brother? That was the emergency that the sheriff mentioned in his wire?" surmised Ben with a stern look that conveyed his disapproval, without words.
"Yes, Sir and because my Dad was busy chasing after my little brother. It was decided that I could be of the most help by bringing the contracts he had prepared to you. After all, Dad and I are partners in the horse ranch," finished Matthew with a proud smile. Hoping that it sounded like his Dad approved of the venture.
"So, your father, left your worried mother home alone, and sent you to bring me these papers?" asked Ben picking up the afore mentioned papers. "I suppose he just forgot to mention the trip to your mother!" came Ben's reproach.
"Well, no Sir, not exactly, Sir," Matt was getting nervous. This conversation was beginning to sound like a trap to him. "Dad did not send me... exactly Sir. I decided that with Dad out finding Luke, and Ty there to look after the ranch, and my brother, Mark to look after Mom and Samantha, I could come here and take care of business and get back before Mom or Dad noticed I was gone."
Noticing the color rising in his Pa's face, Jamie jumped to his feet. "Pa, excuse me please. I just remembered something I need to do in the barn."
At Ben's nod, Jamie fairly ran for the door, knowing full well the signs that his Pa's temper was rising.
Ben smiled a little before turning back to Matthew. "Right then, let me get this straight. You left your older brother at home with your mother, and left without asking her permission, so you would not worry her more; is that how it was?" questioned Ben.
"Mark is younger, Sir, and I thought that if I told Mom where I was going, she would be scared. I thought that she would be so busy worrying about Luke that I would be here and back before she even noticed," answered Matthew, realizing that sounded real dumb even to him.
Ben had heard enough dancing around the truth. "Young man as I see it. Your father left you at home expecting you to look after you mother. But, you decided that you wanted to come make this deal for your father, and you knew that your mother would forbid you to come. Of course you thought that you would get back before your father and he would be so proud of you that your, SELFISH, DISOBEDIENCE, and the additional WORRY you caused your mother would be all forgotten. Is that's just about what you were thinking?" thundered Ben, as his parental persona took over.
Ben glared at Matt as the boy fairly squirmed in the chair. 'Dang this father was good,' maybe he hadn't thought this through very well, thought Matt. He wondered just how he was going to get out of this mess.
"Yes, Sir, that's about how it was," answered Matt in a whisper, starting to feel a little remorse and shame.
"Matthew, look up here at me son. I sat here and listening to your story. As a father, if one of my boys and acted so irresponsibly and worried their Mother half out of her wits, like you have, they'd be headed straight for the barn. You may not realize it now, son, but you are one very lucky young man to have gotten to grow up with a Mother. My four of my sons lost theirs at an early age. I'd be willing to bet that you wanted to prove to your father that you could handle ranch business on your own. Am I right?" Asked Ben lowering his tone when he noticed Matt was beginning to see that he had made a bad choice.
"Yes, Sir. I just wanted to prove that I was grown and could handle myself. I knew Dad was busy and worryin' about Luke and he'd worked hard on this contract with you Sir, gosh Sir, we all did. I thought I would be helpin'."
"And you rather saw yourself a big grown up deserving of an adventure. I have son's Mathew four of them, I've watched them test their boundaries, young man. Matthew, if you had thought things through, you would have realized that if you had to be sneaky or deceitful, then you were not making a wise decision. Tell me son, why did you want to be back before your father?"
"So, he would not know I did not follow his instruction, Sir," mumbled Matt hanging his head.
"Look at me when you answer, son. I did not hear you!" said Ben sternly.
"I knew I was disobeying him, Sir," answered Matt, fully ashamed of himself now.
"I see, son. Now answer me one last question. Who signed these papers?"
Knowing that he was caught out, Matt wondered how he might explain his Dad's signature to Ben now, and his Dad later. Looking up into Mr. Cartwright's eyes, he decided to come clean and answered, "I did Sir" and then he waited for the worst.
"Matthew, do you understand that by signing your father's name to this contact you have committed a crime; one that could have landed you in jail?" stated Ben in a firm low voice.
Matt could not answer, he had not thought of that.
"Matthew, tell me what will your father have to say about all this when he gets here?"
"He will be very disappointed, Sir and I expect he will react much the same as you would have. I will get the worst tanning ever," answered Matt now a truly sorry young man.
"Matthew, you did a really good job with the negotiations and handled yourself well, but I cannot ignore the fact that what you did was dishonest and broke the law."
"I understand, Sir. I cost my dad the contract, because of my selfish plan," answered Matt hanging his head.
"Ben leaned forward. "No Matthew, I am going to sell the horses to your father for the agreed price, with one addition, instead of pressing charges against you, I am going treat you the same as I would one of my sons if they had forged my name. And, I believe I have your fathers blessing too," he said as he waved the wire in the air, watching as Matt's face registered what he actually implied.
"Let's go, son" said Ben rising and leading Matthew out the front door toward the barn . . .
Back to Flint and Mary and Mark...
Flint smiled as he watched Mary squirm on the wagon seat. She reminded him of a school girl on Christmas morning. She smiled with bubbling excitement and had gotten more and more excited with each mile they passed. When they had left camp that morning, Flint let her know that they would meet up with the wagon train today. He was not sure who was more excited; Mary or Mark.
"Mark, that was some good shooting you did last night. You can be proud of how you cleaned and cooked the rabbit as well," praised Flint.
"That's right, Mark, you are becoming a fine young hunter," beamed Mary. At peace now that all of her children were safe, scattered all over the countryside, maybe; but safe. The family would be together again soon.
"Look!" shouted Mark I see dust; It's the wagon train!"
"Good eye, Mark. It's just part of the train; just the ones going on to Sacramento and the lead wagon, but that's just the part we want. Let's pull up here and let them catch us and tell us where we should fall into line," suggested Flint, patting Mark on the back.
"Wagons Ho!" Shouted Chris seeing the wagon and the three very eager looking people.
"Lucas . . . Lucas . . . front and center, son. There's some folks here anxious to see you," bellowed Chris.
Luke jumped over the wagon seat an ran head long into Flint and Mary's out stretched arms as they rested on their knees. For the next twenty minutes, he was smothered with kisses and hugs. He was squeezed and shaken, and even given a smack or two on the seat of his britches, as both Mary and Flint grinned in relief and delight.
"Luke, I was so worried. I was so scared that you had been lost forever," exclaimed Mary, as she hugged him again.
"I'm really, really, sorry, Mom. Uncle Charlie did tell you. It was not your fault, didn't he?"
"Oh Luke, baby fault or not, I was worried sick. Don't you ever run off like that again, you hear?" scolded Mary as she looked deep into his eyes.
"Auhum! . . . folks, my name's Chris Hale, and I just want to let you all know that we will be making camp in about two hours. You can just pull your wagon right in behind Charlie here and we will get a move on."
"Yes, Sir. Mark, help your mom back up on the wagon seat. We'll have plenty of time to here all about this young scallywag's, adventures later," ordered Flint swinging Luke up into the wagon box seat with the assistance of a quick swat to his britches.
Back at the Ponderosa...
Matt followed Ben, knowing what was in store, to the barn. The whole way there, the words of a past solemn promise ran through his mind; 'I Matthew David Spence, promise never to forge my Dad's signature ever again.' Tears began to slowly slide down Matt's face. He was ashamed of himself. Mr. Cartwright was right; he was not making adult decisions and he truly deserved what he had coming. Mr. Cartwright stopped in the back corner of the barn, nodding toward and empty saddle stand as he reached down and removed his belt.
"Young man, signing someone else's name is a very serious offence. As a father, I hope that taking the time to give you a tanning will keep you out of a jail cell later. Do you have anything to say before we get down to business?"
"No, Sir" answered Matt trying to keep back the tears.
"Very well, turn around and unfasten your britches, then lean yourself across that saddle stand," ordered Ben doubling the belt.
Matt, did not argue. He knew he would be getting the same if his dad were here, so turned and unfastened his clothing and pushed britches and drawers to his knees. Then he reached forward and pulled himself over the saddle stand, presenting Ben Cartwright with a clear target.
Without hesitation, Ben brought the belt down hard and fast, ten times. Matt was crying hard, and his knuckles were white from gripping the saddle stand, trying to remain in place as the leather burned across his backside. Five more licks seared his burning backside even more and then it stopped.
Matt stood up sobbing, feeling nothin' like the brave young man out for an adventure he was some days ago. Instead, he'd been a foolish kid, leaving his worried mother alone.
"Matthew it's over now, fix your clothes and turn around." came Ben's gentle reply as Matt realized that a comforting hand rested on his shoulder. Matt reached down and gently tugged his britches back into place. Ben watched as Matt turned and looked into Ben's face. Then, Matt let himself be pulled in for a hug, glad to find comfort in the large man's arms.
"Son, I doubt you will believe me, but it pains me to punish you or any of my sons, almost as much as it pains you to receive it, but I would do it again tomorrow, if it will keep you out of jail. This clears the slate between you and me, as far as I'm concerned," responded Ben as he released Matt from the hug.
"Thank you, Sir for not hauling me to jail. You did just what my Dad would have done. He is always telling us that we must conduct ourselves in a way that brings honor to our name. And, that there are always consequences for our actions; consequences, that we must be willing to accept," offered Matt. "I can only hope that Dad will be as understanding when he gets here!" he added with a lop sided grin.
"Well, Matthew according to the wire you will have a month or so before you have to face him." smiled Ben.
"Might be a good idea to get in some extra sitting, before then," laughed Matt sheepishly.
"The most important thing is that they know you are safe. Now, get out of here, young fella. Why don't you go find Jamie and see if the two of you can find something to entertain yourselves?" laughed Ben turning toward the house.
Back To The Wagon Train...
Everyone, had listened quietly, as Luke told of his adventure, or misadventure, if the truth be told. Mary had laughed and cried in turn. Barney and Mark had chuckled, as Luke told of being embarrassed that he was naked under the blanket.
"You fella's think that's funny it gets worse. She wouldn't let me have my clothes for three days after that. She said; that I would be staying in bed, and so would be fine. But do you know how hard it is to a take care of business in a one room cabin full of girls. I would hold it until they were asleep and then jump and run and hop back under the covers. It was awful," groused Luke. "I swear Mrs. Carter, she must have thought I was five years old or somethin'."
"Baby, don't swear. Besides, I'm thankful Mrs. Carter found you and took really good care of you," scolded Mary.
Luke rolled his eyes, "Baby!...Mom!" he whined.
"Don't you mom . . . me! After all that worrying; you owe me a baby or two," responded Mary leaning over and kissing his cheek.
"That's right, Luke, I did forget to relay the part about your Mom having your permission to use her hairbrush on you, if she would just not blame herself. Maybe I should fetch it for you, Mrs. Mary?" laughed Charlie, as Luke's eyes got big.
"Did, I tell you all about that day when I was hiding in the tree, when all the sudden I hear the greatest sound in the whole world?" piped up Luke, wanting to change the subject quick before his Mom got any ideas.
"What sound would that be, 'little buddy?" Asked Flint.
Grinning from ear to ear, Luke stood and shouted; "BARNABY DANIEL WEST; FREEZE ! I thought I would never hear a voice I knew, and I knew that was my Uncle Bill!" Giggling Luke launched himself into Bill's lap and was rewarded with a huge bear hug.
TBC Chapter 10