Back on the Trail
Chapter 13: Sparks Fly
"Flint, despite all that, I have to say that Matthew, did an excellent job with the negotiations. He looked over every horse before he made one offer. The only trouble my sons and I were having with the deal was whether to sell to one so young. And why you would send one so young alone? That was the reason the deal was not final and your son long gone when I got sheriff Johnson's wire. He and my son Jamie have been getting along well. Matt has pitched in and helped and followed the same rules as Jamie. You can be proud of the way he handled himself while he was with us," said Ben smiling.
"I'm glad to hear all that Ben. To tell you the truth, I'm still not certain just what I will say to the boy. I think I can understand why he wanted to do it, but he did several things that he knew were wrong, and I want him to understand that while his reasons might have been honorable, he went about it wrong," sighed Flint.
"Yes, as a father I can understand. We teach our children that there are consequences for their actions, and that even if they confess, those consequences still have to be faced. I think you will find that Matthew understands he did wrong and earned the punishment. He is concerned some about your ability to forgive him, though. I think it's more just having to wait so long to face you and know that you have forgiven him. That brings me to the other run in I had with Matt," announced Ben.
"Oh?" said Flint.
"I was reading over the contracts that were still laying on my desk, about a week after I brought Matt home. Something about them didn't sit well; something I couldn't put my finger on. It was then that your lengthy wire came. I decided that as you had spent good money, I should call Matthew down and let him know, what you had said. After telling him we would be together for a month or so, I asked him to explain two things to me. First; why he had taken off without permission? And, just out of curiosity, why you were out rounding up his little brother? Something told me the two were somehow connected. I tell you, Flint, five minutes into the explanation, that boy of yours put me in mind of my son Joseph, at his age; they both can run circles around the truth so fast it makes a body tired. Mind you he never out and out lied, just skirted around the truth," said Ben with a laugh.
"I know what you mean. I keep telling him and his brothers that they are just dragging things out, but sometimes it like hoeing corn with a cooking spoon. I'm worn out when I finally get at the truth," grinned Flint.
"Right, and I had finally had enough dancing around the truth and the father in me came booming out. I chewed him up one side and down the other. It was then that it clicked what was wrong with the papers. If he didn't have permission to negotiate the sale, he didn't have your signature," Ben stopped talking and let what he had said sink in.
It was Mary's turn to offer the calming hand, as she watched the anger rise in Flints face.
Ben continued with his story. "I made him look straight at me and asked loudly; who signed this contract? I could tell from experience that he was trying to think of a lie, but just as I was about to warn him not to, he dropped his eyes and answered; I did Sir. I sat there looking at a truly sorry young man. I took some time to think about how I would handle this if it were one of my sons. I remembered what you wire said about treating him as my own. So hoping you would approve, I started to lecture about how it was deceitful, illegal, and reckless behavior that could have landed him in jail. I told him that instead of proving him grown, he had proven he was still a boy. He looked at me and apologized before he said that he knew that he had cost you the horse sale with his childish actions. I leaned across the desk and looked him right in the eye and informed him of my decision to honor the contract with one minor change; he and I were going to have a long discussion in my barn. After the shock wore off, it registered what I meant. Matt followed me to the barn and took the tanning without a fight." Ben finished and waited for Flint and Mary's response.
"You read my words correctly, I would have done the same. We thank you for not having him arrested," answered Flint as Mary nodded.
"It has been my experience with boys his age that they work harder to avoid a few well-placed licks than any knowledge they gain from time sitting idle in a jail cell," said Ben.
"I can attest to that. My Papa Jim let me sit in jail over night once when I was caught sneaking into the back door of the saloon. He didn't add any other punishment, just said that he hoped I had learned my lesson. Not more than two nights later, my friend convinced me that the bottle of whiskey would be worth a night in jail. It might have been worth that, but it was not worth having to take down my pants in front of the sheriff and the saloon owner, and have my papa Jim, lay his belt down hard. I was never tempted to do that again," said Flint with a whistle.
"So Ben, why didn't Matt come with you to meet the stage?" asked Mary when they had ridden in silence for a time.
"In truth, Mary, I was a bit surprised myself. He said something about finishing an assigned chore, but when I didn't insist, I thought I noticed a look of relief. He has been wrestling with some guilt about his mistakes as I said, but I will let him explain that," answered Ben, leaving enough food for thought with the McCullough's.
~oOo~
Meanwhile up at the lake...
"Hey Matt, what's taking you so long? It's hot out here. I figured you would have done shucked them clothes and dived in by now," said Hoss wading back onto the bank to talk to the boy.
"Sorry, I'm coming. Just thinking, anxious, I guess," mumbled Matt, stepping out of his pants and laying them aside.
"We're all swimming in our drawers, so what got you worried; afraid you got a whole in yours?' laughed Hoss light heartedly.
"No, it ain't that. I got to thinking at breakfast this morning. When I was a kid, my dad promised that if we took off without permission, he'd take us across his knee and give us a bare butt busting right where he found us. Do you think he would really do it now, I mean I'm way too old to go over his knee, don't you think?" asked Matt a little embarrassed.
"Well, I can't speak for your Pa, but if my pa made a promise, he kept it. That's why you didn't go into town to meet them?" asked Hoss feeling for the red-faced boy.
"Yea, I got to thinking, Dad has kept every promise that he ever made me, and even though I think I'm too old, I didn't want to push it," answered Matt.
"Seems to me, young fella, you should have weighed things out a little better and been real sure it was worth the cost. Made sure you were willing to face all the consequences. Now you don't have much choice but to face your dad and take what comes," advised Hoss.
"But I... "
"Knew better, but you convinced yourself that your little adventure was worth the risk. And now when things went just like you probably knew they would, you want to say I'm sorry and have all the trouble go away... don' t work that way pal, you will be forgiven, but you will also pay for it."
"If you put it that way, I might as well stop fretting and enjoy the swim. I'll know the full price for my adventure soon enough," said Matt managing a week smile.
~oOo~
"How lovely, it's so big," exclaimed Mary as the buggy stopped in front of the house.
Joe and Hop Sing came out to greet their guest.
"Flint, Mary, this is my son; Joe and our friend and cook; Hop Sing," Introduced Ben.
"Please to meet you both," answered Mary, while Flint nodded with a smile.
"Dinner ready in two hours. I show guests to room all ready. Right this way," said Hop Sing taking one of the bags and heading through the front door and up the stairs.
Hop Sing lead them to a room at the end of the hall right next to Ben's room.
It was a big room with a large window overlooking the back of the property.
"Hop Sing, fill tub for Mrs. McCullough, you can freshen up before dinner if you like," offered Hop Sing. He opened a door to the left of the bed, revealing a large tub and dressing table with a mirror."Hop Sing bring more hot water be right back," he said and with that he was gone.
"Oh Flint, it's lovely here, thanks for bringing me," gleamed Mary choosing a fresh dress and putting her small case on the dressing table, as Hop Sing appeared with two pails of steaming water.
"My pleasure love, enjoy your bath. I will see you downstairs later," spoke Flint, placing a kiss on her cheek before turning and following Hop Sing out of the room and down the stairs.
Flint reached the bottom of the stairs and found Ben and Joe sitting in the great room. He made his way to the settee just as Hop Sing can with a fresh pot of coffee for everyone.
"Joe what time did you say Hoss and the boys would be back?"asked Ben.
"Any time now, Pa. You know Hoss' stomach is better than a dinner bell," grinned Joe, causing all to laugh.
"Did you get your other boy rounded up, Mr. McCullough?" asked Joe.
"It's just Flint, and yes Joe, we did. Turns out he was having problems with a bully. You see he is small for his age," answered Flint.
"I remember those days. I bet I got in at least one fight a week growing up," smiled Joe.
"I can vouch for that. For a while there I was seeing more of your backside than of your shining face. I can't count the number of times I warned you not to fight at school," laughed Ben.
As everyone laughed, Hoss, Jamie, and Matt came in the front door.
"Hey, Pa we're back," called Hoss.
"Come over here boys, I want you to meet Mr. McCullough." Flint stood and turned around as Ben spoke, "This is Hoss, and the red head over there is Jamie."
"Glad to meet you Hoss, I'm Flint. Glad to meet you as well, Jamie," replied Flint as he extended his hand to both the young Cartwright's before turning his attention to the other young man in the room. "Matthew David, glad to see your safe son, come on over here," said Flint pulling him into a hug. Stepping back Flint looked into Matthew's eyes, he could see he was anxious, and so decided that he should get it over with, taking him by the arm he walked over to the chairs in front of Ben's desk.
"Matthew, the first time you took off without permission, I made you a promise, do you remember what that promise was?"
"Y-e-s-s s-i-r," answered Matt.
"And what was that promise son?" replied Flint in a low stern voice.
"You promised to bust my bare backside right where you found me sir," answered Matt as quietly as he dared turning bright red as he looked around the room and noticed that Hoss, Joe, Jamie, and Ben were all sitting in plain sight. "Please, Dad, Please, I'm too old for that; I was only a kid when you made that promise. I'm almost a man, Please I'll take a licking, I even take down my pants just, please not in front of everyone," pleaded Matt taking a step backward.
Flint looked into Matt's eyes for a minute, before answering, "You're right son, you are almost a man..." Flint growled before letting out a long breath . "In light of the good report I've gotten from Mr. Cartwright, I'll honor your request, and we will have our discussion in private...After dinner. Now why don't you go on upstairs and get ready for dinner?"
A look of pure relief washed over Matt's face as he took the stairs two at a time. Just as Matthew reached for the door knob to his room Mary stepped out into the hall.
"MATTHEW," squealed Mary wrapping her arms around him. She looked more like a child, as he was several inches taller than her. Stepping back, she pulled him into her guest room and closed the door.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was? I could just imagine all the dangers out there. Thank heavens Mr. Cartwright found you. Now come sit down son and let me look you over. I was so worried about Luke that I almost crumbled when I found you note. Do you know how badly you scared me? If I could have gotten to you, oh Matthew," cried Mary stopping to wipe the tears away.
Matt was caught off guard; having just narrowly escaped public embarrassment, and not expecting Mary to scold him, he began to argue."Mother. I told you not to worry. I'm old enough to look after myself. I don't see what you were so scared of. I mean I didn't commit a crime. I went to take care of business. I don't understand all the fuss."
Mary's face hardened, "You didn't commit a crime! You told me not to worry. You cause made me near sick with worry and you dare to sit there and say you don't understand the fuss..." fumed Mary.
"Calm down, mom; there's no need to get excited. Honestly your acting like I was some little kid that you have to chase after every minute. I would have been back in five maybe six days if you hadn't panicked," responded Matt without giving it a thought.
" Matthew David Spence; you get your behind into your room and into a night shirt right now!"
Matt thought he had seen sparks fly, as he moved out the door and down the hall. Once in his room he laid back across the bed. He'd expected his dad to be angry but his mom; she was just plain over reacting.
Mary marched down the hall minutes later opening his door. "Young man, I gave you instructions, now unless you want to go over my lap bare, I expect you to get changed right this minute!" admonished Mary crossing to the bed with a hairbrush in her hand.
Having heard the loud voices, Flint excused himself and headed up the stairs.
"Mom, really I'm sorry for what I said," pleaded Matt, deciding he had seriously underestimated his moms feelings about his little adventure.
"Now! Matthew!" came Mary's command, as Flint reached the doorway.
"But Mom, I'm too old to spank with that," argued Matt, still sitting on the bed.
"Matthew, do as your mother says, or I will paddle you first and then let her have her full round," growled Flint angrily.
Matt jumped to his feet and started changing, pleading as he went, "Dad, I'm too old; can't you and me please just go to the barn; this is embarrassing," pleaded Matt as he tossed his shirt on the chair and let the night shirt drop over his pants.
"Matthew, that's enough, drop the pants, son before I do it for you, "ordered Flint making one step toward Matt.
Matt finally decided that by fighting this, he was only making it worse. He unfastened his pants and stepped out of them. Slowly he walked over and laid himself across the bed with his backside on Mary's lap. Embarrassed he buried his face in the quilt.
Mary raised the brush and brought it down four times before stopping to lecture; "You will not take off without permission." Four more stinging whacks covered his seat. "You were told to stay and look after your family, that was the business you should have been tending to." Matt threw back his hand as Mary brought the brush down again. Whack, "move..." Whack, "Your..." Whack, "hand..." Whack.
S..t, this is bad; I've never seen mom this mad, though Matt. Pulling his hand away as the next two whacks came down on his thighs.
Mary stopped again. "All the worry and fuss is because we care about you. And contrary to your thinking, you are not grown you will not disrespect me or disgrace this family."Whack "is..." Whack "that..." Whack "clear!"Whack. Mary heard only tears."I asked you a question, and I want an answer," ordered Mary as she applied two sharp whacks to the back of his thighs.
"Yes, Ma'ammm, yes ma'am," shouted Matt.
Mary stopped, let Matt up, pulling him into a hug as she stood. When he stepped back, Mary looked into his face."My son, I expect you to remember this discussion and think hard next time before you act so irresponsibly, now change your clothes and get ready for dinner. I'm sure it is almost ready," said Mary, giving Flint a nod as she turned and headed back to her room.
"Dad, can't I just stay here? I'd rather not face everyone. You know they heard all that, besides I don't feel like sitting?" asked Matt.
"No son, you cannot. You will sit with the rest of us. I expect you downstairs in ten minutes," answered Flint, turning from the room and pulled the door closed behind him.
"You okay, Mary," asked Flint coming to stand in front of her.
"Yes, did you know he looked right at me and said he didn't know why we would all worry. That I was fussing for nothing. I know that honestly he is way too old to turn over my knee, but I just couldn't think of another way to express how his attitude and actions disappointed me. He clearly was not listening to my words," answered Mary as she relaxed into his arms.
"I understand Mary, you know as well as I that each of our boys is different. Luke wants to make things right. Mark has to try everything no matter the cost and Matt; he's one that would argue with a fence post and slap it for talking back, before finally admitting that he is in the wrong. He'll be okay Mary. He fully expected more than he got. He had just pleaded for me not to put him over my knee in front of everyone, I suspect that when you started scolding him was a bit embarrassed and uneasy. I think he reacted out of nervousness. To tell you the truth, I was wondering if I did the right thing by going back on my promise and not putting him over my knee. Well, it seems you settled that one," said Flint, giving Mary a hug and a wink.
"I was so upset, when he so easily dismissed his disobedience and my concern, but Flint when I came into the room and he had ignored what I said and then began to argue with me...If you hadn't come to the door, I wasn't sure what I could do to make him do as I said, "sighed Mary.
"I understand. I am glad that he didn't decide to push the issue more than he did, that's something he and I will be talking about later also. Let's go down and have a nice dinner," said Flint leading Mary out into the hall.
Matt came out of his room just ahead of Mary and Flint.
"Matthew, I expect you to be respectful at the dinner table. You will remain sitting at the table until everyone has finished and then you and I will go for a long walk and have a long talk," said Flint in a calm tone.
"Yes, sir, mom I'm sorry. I should not have argued with you and I should have changed like you said," answered Matt, as Mary slipped up beside him.
"Son, I love you," said Mary wrapping her arm around him.
Just as they topped the stairs Hop Sing came into view, "Dinner ready, everyone come sit down."
Hoss smiled, as he watched Matt ease himself into the chair next to him, "Sounded like you had your eye on the wrong parent," said Hoss quietly.
"Boy did I," whispered Matt as he's face turned deep red.
"Let's offer grace before Hop Sing, threatens to take the chicken and go back to China," joked Ben.
After the blessing Flint and Ben talked 'Ranching' and Mary and the others talked about taking a ride to see the Ponderosa and is beautiful lakes. Matthew ate quietly. He was enjoying the food and in no hurry for the meal to end.
"Ben if it is alright with you, I made arrangements for us to take the stage back on Monday afternoon. If I could leave Matt's horse, I'll send Ty and a couple of my hands to bring him and the other horses back on Friday," said Flint as he finished the last of his meal.
"Certainly, maybe you and Mary would care to join us for Sunday services, and then we could go for a picnic at the lake."
"We'd be honored," answered Flint, smiling.
"Yes Ben, that would be lovely, and now if you would excuse me, I would like to go thank Hop Sing, and congratulate him on the fine meal, before Jamie and Hoss take me for a ride around the ranch." answered Mary.
"Yes, of course. Joe don't you have an appointment in town this afternoon?" asked Ben.
"Yes Sir, please excuse me," requested Joe.
"Matthew you may be excused; wait for me on the porch please. I want a private word with Ben before we go for our walk," said Flint.
Everyone went their separate ways and left Ben and Flint sitting at the table.
Matt leaned on the pot at the corner of the porch. He watched his Mom, Hoss, and Jamie come out and leave in the buggy. Next Joe came out the front door, pausing to give Matt a clap on the shoulder and an encouraging word.
"Matt, if it helps any, waiting is always worse than the lickn' and your pa and mine were laughing when I passed by just then."
The Front door opened and Flint came out, "You ready Matt. Ben says you can show me how to get to the creek bank. He says it would give us a nice private place to talk," said Flint.
"Sure I can dad it's this way," said Matt turning and walking away in thought, knowing that he would be expected to give his dad a full explanation when they reached the creek.
Flint walked quietly, knowing that Matt was worried, but wanting to give the boy time to think about the explanation for his actions. After about ten minutes the creek came into view.
Matt wandered over to the edge of the water stooping to pick up a rock, which he chucked into the water.
"Where you want to sit son?" asked Flint calmly.
"Nowhere," quipped Matt, easing himself down on the grass with a hiss.
"Sorry, partner but you brought that on yourself," smiled Flint sitting down and leaning back against a tree across from Matt.
"What have you got to say for yourself son?" asked Flint.
"Dad, I have done so many wrong things, that I don't know where to start," admitted Matt with a sad look.
"Why not start with, why you deliberately disobeyed me and left your mother to worry alone? I distinctly remember telling you before I left that she didn't need any more worry?"
"I just wanted to help. I wanted to keep you from losing the contract? I didn't think it through very well. I know it was the wrong thing to do, "answered Matt looking to the ground.
Flint was proud that he could hear the remorse in Matt's voice. "Son, Ben told me about your trip to the saloon and your card playing and drinking. Why did you choose to disobey me on that as well?" asked Flint.
"Honestly, Dad I fancied myself grown and on my own. I was wrong; Mr. Cartwright set me straight right quick. He smacked me right there in front of everyone. Then I took off and defied him; thought I didn't need to answer to him. Well he marched into my rented room and wasted no time starting a blaze on my tail; wised me up fast about who was the adult and who was the boy," sighed Matt dropping his eyes once more.
Flint was pleased that Matt was not try make things sound good or trying not to tell too much. "Ben, tells me you did a really good job choosing the horses and on the negotiations. It made me proud to hear that you had watched and learned well."
"Thanks Dad, but I don't deserve your pride. Heck, I don't even deserve your forgiveness. I was deceitful and underhanded. I signed your name to the contract, even after I made a solemn promise never to do that again. And worse, I gambled with some of the horse money. I lost twelve dollars . . . I have been working for two days to make a two dollar down payment and Mr. Cartwright had me sign a letter agreeing to send him two dollars a month until it's paid back. I know that does not excuse it; but like he said it makes my mistake come out of my pocket not yours. I'm just a disgrace. I started this trip to prove I was grown, but all I proved is that I am selfish, and disobedient," once more Matt stopped and looked at the ground.
"Matthew, did you own up to what you did? Are you truly sorry for what you did?"
"Yes sir."
"Have you accepted the consequences for what you did?"
"Yes sir, well most of them . . . " answered Matt looking at Flint for just a second before looking away.
"What do you mean most of them?" asked Flint snapping his fingers, to get Matthew to look back at him.
"Well, dad Mr. Cartwright he gave me a tanning for deceiving him and signing the paper illegally. And mom took care of my being rude and disrespectful to her, but I haven't been punished for taking off in the first place or for signing you name, and there's the drinking and gambling," answered Matt.
Flint reached over and put his hand on Matt's arm. "Matthew, you showed real maturity in admitting what you did, and in taking the steps to correct it. By accepting that there would be consequences to face, you proved you have integrity. That son gives me every reason to be proud. You did wrong that's true, but you owned up to it and ask forgiveness and that's all any of us can do. Matthew, fathers never expected their children grow up without making mistakes. I know I sure didn't, but Matthew I want you to know that I may not always like what you do, but I will always forgive each of you, just as I hope you can forgive your mother and I, because we too make mistakes," said Flint looking deep into Matt's eyes.
"Thanks, Dad, Mr. Cartwright said something like that last night. Something about a bond between fathers' and sons and a responsibility to God to forgive, not to forget, but to forgive," answered Matt brushing his arm across his face not wanting to cry.
"Son, it seems to me that you have proven you are a young man, that makes mistakes and given the chance learns from them. So as I see things, you understand what you did and what the consequences are, so all that's left is for me to keep my promise as your father."
"Yes sir," answered Matthew, looking straight at Flint now sure that he was forgiven.
"Matthew, I promised to take a switch to your bare hide, if you ever signed my name again. You know drinking and gambling, are causes for a lickn'. You deliberately disobeyed my instructions and left your mother. You took off without thinking about the dangers you were putting yourself in and, you took money that did not belong to you and lost it. And we have already discussed my promise to blister your hide for running off without permission . . . "Flint stopped and waited for what he said to sink in before continuing.
"That adds up to more than A tanning," continued Flint giving Matt a very hard look. Furthermore my Papa Jim always told me, if you promise a child something, good or bad makes sure you keep that promise. Something I have always lived by. The problem is if I give you all that at once that would not be a tanning it would be a beating, " stated Flint matter of fact.
Matt gulped."Sir, I guess maybe I could take one whippin' every night for the next week."
"That would be one solution, but I think you have had to wait long enough for this punishment to be over," replied Flint.
"But Dad, what other way can you keep your word," asked Matt trying to sound braver than he felt.
"I have something in mind. First about the promise to put you across my knee, where I found you . . . I think you and I can agree that your mother did a first rate job of that one. So long as you listen well; If ever I find out you argued with your mom or do not do exactly what she says, I will personally take a switch to you and I promise I will not be worried about your modesty, or how embarrassed you will be you understand me?" said Flint in a stern tone of voice.
"Yes Sir, I fully understand," answered Matt.
"Now as for the other offences. Instead of taking a belt to your britches and then having you go cut a switch for me to use on your bare backside. I am going to use a different approach," said Flint stopping to take a breath before continuing.
"You and I are going back to the barn, and I am going to give you eight licks with a razor strop. Do you have any other questions before we head back to the barn?"asked Flint watching Matt as he stood up.
"No Sir, I don't think so . . . " answered Matt quietly, thinking to himself that he that the sting that he still felt was just a spark compared to what was coming.
~oOo~
Flint followed Matt into the back corner of the barn."Matthew, reach over there and hand me the strop hanging next to the saddle stand."
Matt's eye widened as he turned the thick two ply leather instrument with a wooden handle over in his hand. Though he had never had one used on him before, he could tell by looking at it he did not want to have it used now. As tears started to form in his eye he handed the strap to Flint.
Flint, cleared his throat before he spoke. " Matthew, son I am not going to lie this is going to hurt. You will get four with your pants and four without. Is that understood?"
As Matt answered, "Yes Sir," Flint could see the tears were already falling. Matt turned and pulled himself across the saddle stand. Flint brought the strap down across the middle of Matt's seat, causing Matt to let out a loud hiss. The next lick landed just above the first and Matt hissed again. Flint brought the strap down twice more on the center of Matt britches. Causing Matt to cry out .
Flint stood waiting; giving Matt some time to calm before giving the next order. "Matthew, it's time."
Standing on shaking legs Matt unfastened his britches and pushed them to his knees, before pulling himself once more into position. Flint stood, tears threatened as he looked at the angry welts. He quickly applied two licks to his sit spot, and two quick ones to his backside, sure that Matt would feel it every time he sat for the next couple days.
As the crack of the last lick fell, Matt could think of only one thing; retching with sobs, he turned quickly and threw himself into Flint's arms. They both hugged and cried for a time, as Flint continued to whisper it's over son, it's over all is forgiven. When Matt pulled back and wiped at his face with his sleeve, he was suddenly glad for the long tail shirt he wore, as he was still standing with his pants around his knees. Matt reached down and tugged his cotton drawers back into place, Flint reached down and picked up the strap and put it back on the nail. Matt hissed once more as his pants pulled tight across his flaming hide.
"Son, I think it best if you go on up to your room and stay there until morning. I'll see about bringing you some supper. I don't think you will be sitting at the table tonight."
"Yes sir, thank you for not requiring me to sit for supper."
"I love you, son, rest well. I'll be up to talk again later."
Matt walked stiffly toward the house, eager to make it to his room and change into his nightshirt.
Ben gave a small grin when Matt grimaced as he climbed the stairs, then turned and looked at Flint.
"I see you are like me, it usually hurt me almost as much as my sons when I had to give them a dose of the strap. Sit down, I'll get you a brandy."
"I won't lie; he wasn't the only one who shed a tear out there," said Flint excepting the glass.
~oOo~
The Sunday service was a little hard to sit through, but Matt managed. He even enjoyed the Music. The picnic proved to be the best part of the day the cool water gave his stinging rear some relief. Matt and Jamie enjoyed dunking Flint, and trying to dunk Ben, a feat that only Hoss could master. Even Hop Sing had come along, though he and Mary did not swim, instead they spent the time swapping recipes.
That night Flint sat down on the edge of Matt's bed. "Matthew, I understand that you wanted to prove that you could take care of ranch business, but do you understand that I entrusted you with a responsibility far greater than a horse sale. As you grow into a man and someday a father, you will learn that there is nothing more important the safety of your family. I was far more disappointed to learn that you had broken my trust and left you Mom to worry alone. In the morning it will be time to sign the new contracts.; I was wondering, as my Partner, would you be willing to sit down and sign your name above mine. All legal and proper," grinned Flint.
"I don't know dad, I..."
"Son, I'm proud of you; you make a good partner..."
"It's not that dad. I'd be honored to sign my name, just as long as I can stand, "laughed Matt.
"Night partner, sleep well," Flint smiled and blew out the lamp.
Just before the door closed Matt called, " I love you Dad."
Meanwhile Back in Red Field . . .
TBC chapter 14