Back on The Trail
Chapter 12 : Money Problems and Worry...
Red Field...
Bill and the three boys continued to wave their good-bye's to their parents as the stage rounded the dusty road of Red Field's main street.
Bill turned to the boys, dug his thumbs into his belt and looked down at the excited trio.
"Well, now, boys, we have to wait here for a few days, for Charlie and Chris to meet us. So, I am going over to the hotel yonder and get us a couple rooms. While I'm doing that you can look around; but mind you stay out of trouble and meet me in front of the hotel at twelve o'clock and we will get some dinner. Barney you still got your watch?"
"Yes, sir," answered Barney, producing the timepiece.
"Fine then stay together and I'll see you in two hours," said Bill as he set off for the hotel.
"Well, men where shall we go first?" asked Barney taking charge.
"Let's start at the mercantile. I need me some liquorice," suggested Luke turning and running toward the center of town.
"Well, I guess we may as well start there. Hurry or we will lose him," gasped Mark, as he turned and chased his brother, then was closely followed by Barney.
As the galloping boys reached the door of the mercantile, a ladies voice called, "Slow it down boys; no running around here; you will knock someone over."
Coming to a stop, all three boys echoed, "Yes Ma'am," before walking slowly into the store and up to the candy counter.
"Now, that's better. What can I do for you boys today? I don't believe that I seen you around before. Are you new in town?" asked the clerk with a smile, as she followed them over to the candy counter.
"Yes, ma'am, we're new in town, just finished leading a wagon train of folks from St. Joe clear across to Sacramento. Now my Pa and I are headed home, so we're just passing through," answered Barney proudly, before turning and heading to the other side of the store to look at the side arms displayed on the wall there. Barney ran his hand across several of the guns there before picking up a fancy black holster with white leather laced around the edge and strapping it on. Stepping back he turned and looked at his reflection in the looking glass nearby.
" Too, bad we're nowhere near old enough for that yet," said Mark as he came to join Barney.
"I know, that's why I'm only wearing the holster. A few months back, I learned that wearing one against orders was no way worth the price. But, I still like to think about it sometimes," said Barney with a wishful look in his eyes.
"You just remember that, ya hear," boomed Bill, then with a big laugh as both boys jumped at the clap of his hand.
"We were just looking, Uncle Bill, honest," said Mark as he gulped for air.
"It's not time yet, Bill," said Barney as he unbuckled the hoister an put it back on the shelf.
"I didn't come looking for you, I came shopping," laughed Bill. "I seen some boys playing baseball down by the school; thought maybe they would let you join the game.
"Good idea, let's go," said Luke heading for the door.
Two doors down they stopped in front of the saloon, watching the dancing girls, through the swinging doors. They stared wide eyed at a scantily clad young blonde, who sat atop the piano swinging here bare legs. All at once she caught Barney's eye and smiled; waving for him to come on in. Barney blushed and pushed passed the others.
The next thing they knew, they were all standing wide eyed in the middle of the saloon watching Miss Opel spin and twirl as the lively music played. Mark and Luke had never seen such a show. Barney had seen the girls dance when he was with Sam Spicer, but had never been the recipient of their attention before, so none of the boys noticed the none too happy Bill come through the doors,
"AHEM!" I think you boys might want to get movin' before I decide to break in this new belt I just bought," growled Bill, placing his hands on his hips as he glared down at the boys.
The three boys near tripped over each other getting out the door and did not stop running until they reached the schoolyard.
"Is he coming after us?" panted Barney, as they dropped to their knees under a large oak tree.
"No he went into the telegraph off," gasped Luke between breaths.
"Guess that makes it a sure bet that he didn't see me drinking that beer that Miss Opal gave me," said a relieved Barney.
"I didn't see you drinking. I wish I could have had a taste," said Mark disappointedly.
"You won't tell will you?" pleaded Barney, looking first at Mark and then Luke.
"Of course not. Hey Barn, what time is it?" said Mark.
"Most eleven, we got one hour, let's go see if them boys will let us play."Got room for three more," shouted Barney, as he made his way over to a couple of youths in the middle of the field.
Two bigger boys turned and looked at Mark Barney and Luke. "You know how to play? It's kind of a new game. My Uncle Carl learned it some years back on a wagon train, when he was coming out here form St. Joe," said the taller of the two.
"We sure do. My dad taught us how on the Seth Adams wagon train before we moved to our ranch in Cumberland, California," offered Mark, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey that's the train that My Uncle Carl was on. You fella's are lucky getting to travel by wagon train; must have been a grand adventure. My name's Howard, you can be on my team and they can be on George's team."
Everyone was having a grand time when all of the sudden the school bell started to ring.
"What's that? School is still out; right,?" asked Luke confused.
"That's our signal that it's time to get home so we're not late for dinner. Miss Atwood, she rings it for us so we don't get in trouble for being late. We'll be back around one and play until chore time, if you want to come back," answered Howard.
Barney looked down at his watch, five to twelve. "We had better hurry or we will be late. See you later, Howard," he yelled as they ran back down main street.
Bill stepped out on to the boardwalk, just as the boys came thundering toward the door. "Hold up men, we don't want to run into anyone. I hope your all hungry the hotel dining room has fried pork chops and apple pie on the menu. You boys run up to room seven and wash up, while I go check on a table," grinned Bill.
The Ponderosa...
The fish supper had been delicious and now everyone except Joe, relaxed in the great room.
"Pa I swear, Joe takes longer than a dadburn girl. If he don't hurry up by the time we get there the dance will be over," groaned Hoss.
"Hoss you're just worried that all the refreshments will be gone," laughed Joe as he came bounding down the stairs two at a time. He then headed for the front door with Hoss on his heels.
Jamie and Matt giggled, as they sat either side of the large coffee table where they had started a game of checkers. Jamie leaned over the checkerboard, "Now is your chance to talk to Pa, I'll go upstairs."
"Thanks," whispered Matt. He stood up and started across the room, stopping to stand nervously in front of Ben's desk.
"Excuse me Mr. Cartwright, Sir. Could I talk to you about something; if you're not too busy?"
Ben looked up from his books. "I'm not too busy, what's on your mind, Matthew?"
"It's about the horse sale," answered Matt nervously wiping his hands on his pants.
Ben leaned back and lifted his brow. " I thought we had already settled that. I told you I intended to honor the sale price. I have even gotten new papers drawn up, so they can be signed legally," he emphasised.
"Yes, I know sir, but it's about the money. I should have told you earlier Sir... I...I... a lost some of it in the poker game," said Matt breathing a big sigh of relieve glad at least to have got it out.
Ben looked at Matt; it was a stern look that pierced through him like a knife. "Was it yours to lose?" came the low grinding inquiry.
"No Sir. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Jamie said that you might be able to help me work out some way to repay the money," answered Matt trying hard to keep his voice from shaking.
"You gambled with the money that was to purchase the horses; is that what you are telling me?" asked Ben trying to keep a clam tone.
"Yes, sir. I thought that I could win it back, but that was before I started losing."
Ben sat back once more and drew in a deep breath. "How much money are we talking about, son?"
"I lost twenty-two dollars in the game, but honest, Sir, only twelve of that didn't belong to me." stuttered Matt.
Ben growled under his breath as he rubbed his hand over his face; he couldn't help but smile, as he thought how much this young man reminded him of Joseph when he was younger, and in trouble.
"Sit down Matthew," Ben ordered as he glared at the young man across the desk. "Now just what is it you were hoping I would do for you?"
"Mr. Cartwright, I know what I did was wrong. I know that I more than deserve to be punished. It's not about trying to save my hide. It's that I feel bad, because I know my dad works hard and twelve dollars is a lot of money; money that I as much as stole. I was hoping that maybe you could help me come up with a way to pay my dad back," answered Matt.
Ben nodded and 'huraumpht' under his breath, before leaning back against his dark oak captains chair and crossing his large arms across his chest. "Matthew, go upstairs and get me the rest of the money," he ordered.
"Yes, Sir," answered Matt, as he stood and headed for the stairs.
Ben watched the boy scramble up the stairs, then stood up and walked to the crystal decanter and poured himself a brandy, while he considered how to handle this new situation. When Matt came back downstairs, Ben was sitting in his red chair.
Matt moved down the stairs and around to stand in front of Ben. "Here you are sir."
"Sit down on the edge of the table there, son," said Ben sternly as he looked deep into Matt's eyes. Ben sat this way for a long while before he finally spoke. "I suppose, I have several options here, son...I could just forget about the missing twelve dollars and accept what's in here as payment in full, but then what would that teach you about gambling with things you can't afford to lose? I could also take you out to the barn and take the twelve dollars out of your hide...but I think, I'll leave that option for your father when he arrives. Now I suppose that your best option would have been to work it out as a hired hand on the ranch, that would have worked well, but there is no time for that now..." Ben stopped and pierced Matt with another look. He could see that Matt was getting anxious."Matthew, how much do you make working on your ranch at home?"
"Six dollars a month Sir."
"Very good that should do nicely. What's say that I assign you some extra work for the next two days, for oh let's say a two dollar down payment, then when you get home you can send me two dollars a month until your debt is paid," offered Ben smiling.
"You would do that for me sir? That would be great; thank you sir, thank you," replied Matt trying not to jump and shout.
However, Matt sounded just a little to relieved for Ben's liking. "Just a minute there, son, this arrangement means that the money comes from you and your efforts, not you father. I still expect you to tell your father the whole story! I expect adding squandering hard earned money to your other transgression will not sit well. Don't you?" barked Ben.
"No sir, I expect not, but I do thank you for the chance to pay the money back myself," answered Matt getting Ben's point.
"While you have been here you have shown yourself to be a fine young man. I believe you can be trusted, that's why I am willing to give you a chance to make things right. Now why don't you get on upstairs and get ready for bed. I'll have that list of chores ready at breakfast. Night Matthew."
"Night sir and thanks again," said Matt holding out his hand to shake.
Ben grabbed his hand firmly, as they both stood.
Carson City Hotel...
Mary and Flint stood on the balcony watching the sun set.
"Flint it has been a lovely day; thanks for taking me to the dress shop and waiting patiently while I tried on all of those dresses," grinned Mary.
Flint marvelled at how the deep rich color of the dress made her powder blue eyes sparkle like fine jewels.
"That my beautiful, Ocean Pearl, was pure pleasure for me as is getting to see you standing there in the sunset. And now if you are ready, my love, I believe we should go if we don't want to be late for the show. May I have the pleasure of escorting the most beautiful lady in Carson City," grinned Flint as he bowed and held out his hand.
~oOo~
Mary's heart soared as she held Flint's arm as the strolled back toward the Hotel in the moonlight later that night. This would be a trip to remember, thought Mary as she felt Flint's arm tighten around her shoulder.
Flint smiled to himself, for all the trouble his oldest had caused, he just might have to say thank you for this unexpected chance to spend time alone with Mary. Marrying and having an instant family and responsibilities hadn't left them much time to just enjoy each other.
Stopping just outside the hotel Flint looked down at Mary."Would you care to have some tea down here or would you like to have it in our room?" he asked.
Mary's eyes sparkled. " In our room, my love, I'm feeling the desire to have you all to myself love," smiled Mary feeling her face and ears flush bright red.
"As you wish, My Lady." Flint laughed as he sweep her up into his arms, then headed for the stairs.
Once inside the room, their fancy clothes were soon scattered about the room and the tea forgotten as Mary and Flint wrapped them self in each other's arms.
The Ponderosa...
It was late Friday night and Ben had finally finished the book work he had been wrestling with, as he climbed the stairs. He laughed as he followed his normal routine; I still like to see them safe in bed each night, he thought as he pulled Hoss' door closed and turned to Joe's door. Next he peeked into Jamie's room. The boy lay stretched from end to end, but a peaceful look covered his face. Ben reach down and pulled the cover over the sleeping red head, as he whispered; "Sleep well my son," and left the room. He reached for the knob to the room that had once been Adam's, the one Matt was now in, when he noticed a light coming from under the door. Knocking gently he opened the door. Matt sat staring at a blank paper on the desk.
Ben laid his hand down and gently squeezed Matt's shoulder. Matt turned and looked up at Ben. Ben could see that Matt had been crying, but made no reference to it as he spoke softly.
"It's late son, would you like to talk about it?" he asked. "Worried about tomorrow, are you?" Ben lifted the boys chin so he could look into his eyes.
"Yes sir, I am," whispered Matt.
Ben felt for the lad. He remembered each of his sons having expressed the same, when they had come to face him and the consequences of their actions in their youth.
"Matthew, tell me which are you worried about facing, your father or the consequences of your actions?" said Ben, as he sat down and turned Matt's chair so he could see his face.
Matt thought for a minute. "I'm not scared of my Dad or the consequences, if that's what you mean. I did a lot of things that I knew were wrong. I knew even before I left home what the consequences would be. I'm not saying that I'm looking forward to it, but I know that I have earned ever lick of the whipping I've got coming . . . But, Mr. Cartwright, I was just sitting here thinking. I started this trip to prove I was grown enough to handle ranch business alone. I was gonna prove that Dad could leave me in charge. All that I proved was that I'm just a big disappointment, that I can't be trusted. That all I know how to do is cause trouble. I'm still just a dumb kid."
"Matthew, look at me," asked Ben gently. "You're being a little hard on yourself. True you made several mistakes and some bad choices. It's a credit that you owned up to what you did, you're willingness to except the punishment for you wrongs and you're not whining about your lot shows good character."
"But, Mr. Cartwright, you don't know how disappointed my Dad's gonna be," Matt almost yelled.
"Matt, I think you're forgetting an important fact here. I am a father of four sons, but more important your father and I were both young once too. I'll bet you haven't done one thing that we did at one time or another. I'll tell you something else, speaking as both a father and a son, there is nothing you have done or will ever do that will not be forgiven."
"But, I don't deserve to be forgiven," mumbled Matt.
"Matthew, the bible teaches us that God loves us and forgives us though we don't deserve it. And we as earthily fathers are to follow his example, and forgive as well. That what growing up is all about; learning from our mistakes."
"Thanks, Mr. Cartwright, I guess that makes a lot of sense. I better get to bed. I got those chores to finish and Dad to face tomorrow."
"You're welcome, Matt. You think you can sleep now?" said Ben as he stood and pulled back the covers. When Matt had settled himself in the middle of the bed, Ben sat down again and asked, "You Pray, son?"
"Yes Sir," answered Matt puzzled.
"Well then, you might ask him to help you forgive yourself. Night son," said Ben blowing out the lamp as he left the room closing the door.
Then a few moments later, smiling Ben whispered;"Night Adam sleep well," before entering his own room.
~oOo~
Ben watched Matt as he sat quietly eating breakfast. His sons had all eagerly expressed plans for the warm Saturday.
"Matthew, I'm riding into town this morning to meet the stage. Would you like to come along? I'm sure your parents will be eager to see you," offered Ben turning to watch Matt's face. Figuring after last night's talk that the boy would be a little apprehensive, about facing his parents alone.
"No Sir. I'd rather stay here and finish that list of chores, if it's all the same to you. After all, I have to finish to work to uphold my end of our agreement," answered Matt, dropping his eyes back to his plate.
Ben was about to insist that he come along, but changed his mind. Maybe this arrangement would work out better; it would give him a chance to speak to the boy's parents alone, before they confronted Matthew.
"Very well, in that case I expect the chicken coop to be clean and Hop Sing's garden to be weeded before we return. We should be back in time for dinner. I've asked Hop Sing to prepare his special almond glazed chicken, in honor of your parents' arrival," announced Ben, as he pushed back his plate.
"Yes sir, I will get right to work on the extra chores as soon as Jamie and I finish the morning chores. I'm sure mom and dad will enjoy anything that Hop Sing fixes," replied Matt.
Ben stood, noticing a look of relief cross Matt's face he turned to Jamie. "Jamie walk me to my horse, please."
"Yes Sir, excuse me," said Jamie to the others at the table, wondering why his pa wanted to speak to him alone.
Once outside Ben smiled, "Don't look so worried, Jamie. I just wanted to thank you for understanding about not being allowed to go into town with me today," grinned Ben, patting Jamie on the shoulder.
"Gee, shucks Pa you don't have to thank me. I understand about Matt being nervous. Maybe you can explain things some to his Pa," suggested Jamie with a smile.
"I know I told you yesterday not to help Matthew with the extra chores, but I think it would be okay if you offered to do all the regular chores on your own so as he could get to his extra one's sooner. Then maybe the two of you would have time to go for a quick swim to cool off before dinner. Might help calm his nerves a bit. Just be sure that your back by one o'clock? We don't want Hop Sing upset, over having to serve late now do we?" said Ben as he stepped up into the saddle.
~oOo~
Stage coach between Carson City and Virginia City...
Mary and Flint shared a cup of water as the coach raced alone the dusty road. "I have truly enjoyed our time together, but I don't mind telling you I'll be glad when we reach Virginia City. "If I wasn't so anxious to see Matthew, I would check into our hotel and take a long soak, while you went and collected him," sighed Mary as she rubbed at the knots forming in her neck.
"I know what you're saying. If we weren't so close, I'd asked the driver to stop and let us stretch our legs," answered Flint in a whisper as he looked around the crowded coach.
Next to him sat Mary, and then next to her a young mother with two young children. On the seat across from them sat two well dressed, long-legged gentlemen with smug looks glued to their faces. Then beside to them was a rather portly, bald gentleman that liked to talk a lot. In the short trip they had learned that he was a banker, who had no time for children or family. He liked to fish, but seldom found the time. They learned that stage travel disagreed with him and caused him to cough continually. As he finished a fit of coughing, Flint poured some of the water into one of the tin cup the coach driver had provided with the canteen of water. He offered it to Mr. Wheedle, grinning to himself as he thought, the name strangely suited the portly red faced man.
"How much farther, Ma," whined the small boy next to Mary.
"It won't be long, now dear; we're almost there," said his mother smiling down at him.
"But Ma, I'm squished and my legs are sore. I don't want to sit anymore!" demanded the child.
"Johnny, that's no way to act; now mind your manners or you may have more than just a sore leg," warned his mother.
"Ma'am, would you mind if Johnny came and stood over here by the window we could use someone to tell us when the town is in sight; we wouldn't want to miss it," offered Flint.
Seeing Johnny's eyes light up, she couldn't refuse him. "Thank the nice man, and mind you don't step on the lady's toes. Thank you Mr. McCullough; it is hard for one so young to sit so long," said the boy's mother with a smile.
"We understand. We have three older boys and a two-year-old little girl at home," added Mary as Johnny stepped carefully over her feet.
Just as everyone finished shifting on the seat glad for the few extra inches, Johnny squealed and pointed out the window. "Look! Mister, I see building, is that 'ginya' city?" asked the excited four- year -old.
"Why, I do believe you did spot Virginia City there, son. You be sure to hold on tight to the window so you don't fall when the coach comes to a stop. Then we will let the other's off before us, okay?" asked Flint smiling at the little boy.
"Cause that's good manners, right Mister?" asked Johnny with a smile.
When the stage stopped and all the others had climbed down. Flint helped young Johnny down and turned to get the bags from the driver. Just as he turned to point Mary towards the hotel, he spotted Mr. Cartwright coming towards them.
"Flint McCullough. I trust your trip was a pleasant one," called Ben as he reached Flint's side.
"It was, Ben, it truly was. Ben this is my wife Mary. Mary, this is Ben Cartwright," introduced Flint with a smile.
"Please to meet you, sir and thank you so much for looking after Matthew. Is he here with you?" asked Mary scanning the street.
"No, Mary he waited back at the ranch. I have a buggy waiting right over this way if you will follow me," answered Ben stepping out into the street.
"It was nice of you to ride into town to meet us Mr. Cartwright, but if you don't mind I'd like to check into our room and give Mary a chance to freshen up and rest a bit," answered Flint knowing Mary was tired.
"Nonsense, you won't be needing a room we have more than enough room at the ranch, I insist. And as for letting Mary rest a bit why don't we put your bags down and head on over to the hotel dining room for a nice cup of tea," politely offered Ben.
"If you're sure it's no trouble, and a cup of tea sounds delightful," politely accepted Mary.
"No trouble at all; right this way," said Ben.
Once everyone was seated and waiting for their tea, Ben spoke again, "So Matt tells me it was his little brother that you were out rounding up. I trust that you have gotten him home safely?"
"Yes, we did. Luke and his brother, Mark, should be safe at home with their uncle Bill," answered Flint taking a drink of his coffee.
"I would like to thank you again, Ben, for looking after Matthew for us. I do hope he wasn't too much trouble. You will never know just how relieved I was to know that he was safe with you. I just can't imagine, what he was thinking taking off like that," said Mary with a look of relief as she reached for her cup.
"I was glad to do it. You do have a fine boy there, a bit headstrong once in a while; but then what boy his age isn't," mused Ben with a laugh. He paid for the refreshment and they headed for the buggy.
As soon as everyone was settled and they were on their way Flint spoke, "Sounds like maybe that boy of mine might have given you a little trouble?" he asked with a knowing look.
"Not trouble really, but he did buck some when I first went to bring him home," laughed Ben.
Flint raised one eyebrow and waited for Ben to continue.
"I rode into town to round up your stray soon as I got the sheriff's wire. I wanted to ease your wife's mind as quick as possible. You see I have four sons; all are grown now, except for Jamie; he's fifteen. I just recently adopted him. All of my sons lost their mother's at an early age, so hearing he had worried you didn't sit well with me. I don't mind telling you McCullough, I was questioning your sending one so young out alone. Anyway when I got into town and checked at the boarding house he told my son he could be reached at; I didn't find him. Then I ran into a couple of my ranch hands, the pointed me to the saloon."
"Ugh!" gasped Mary, covering her mouth with her hand. Flint reached over and squeezed her hand, before turning back to Ben.
"Well, that answers my next question; you don't approve of youngsters in saloons any more than me. I went stomping through the doors. I found not just your Matt but my son Jamie as well. They were both drinking and playing cards. That's when we had our first run-in. I gave them both orders to get their horses and wait for me at sheriff Coffee's office; I wanted to have a few words with Silas and the barkeeper. Well my boy ran out fast enough, but yours just sat rooted to his chair. I asked him if he was having a hearing problem. He started arguing something about money and not answering to me. Well Flint, I'm not accustomed to boys defying me. I pulled him to his feet and gave him a few swats to get him moving. Then when I got to the sheriff's office seems he figured he still didn't have to take orders from me. I marched over to his room and let him know really quickly, that I was not in the habit of allowing young boys to disobey me and wasn't going to start now. I hope it doesn't offend you folks, but I put him over my knee right then and there, finished what I started at the saloon; you might say I persuaded him to see things my way."
Mary blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Mr Cartwright that Mathew was so rude."
Ben laughed, "No need for you to apologize ma'am. Mathew did enough of that, and he's been really agreeable ever since," chuckled Ben.
"I'm sure he has," smirked Flint.
TBC Chapter 13
Author's note An ocean Pearl is a tiny blue wild flower the color of Mary's eyes.