New Beginnings ch. 4

During the time Ethan and the older two boys were away, Claire had the younger boys doing her bidding. The sheets and blankets Joseph had washed were dry enough to bring in all except for the blanket the boys had to rewash.

Claire took the sheets and blankets off the clothesline, while Ben and George folded them. "Okay boys, remember the game we always played when doing sheets? Let's see if you remember the rhyme Mama taught us."

Each taking an end of the sheet the boys chant "Corner to corner (as they walk together matching the two ends) side to side (matching the long sides) corner to corner (matching the two ends once more) and take it inside." As they finish folding the sheet one of them places it in the laundry basket.

"Great remembering boys! It's been a long time since I've heard that. Did you know I was only five and Joseph was only three when Mama made up that rhyme? Joseph and I used to have a lot of fun singing that when we helped her on laundry day. You know boys, even when we moved here I would still sing it in my head when I folded up the laundry. Thanks for helping me today. I don't think I could have folded the blankets and sheets without my arms hurting. Okay, I'm finished so you two find something quiet to play while I stretch out and rest. DON'T leave the yard and you better stay out of the burned pile if you know what's good for you!"

"Yes Ma'am" George answers, earning a strange look from Ben.

After Claire has gone inside, Ben and George go to their favorite getaway place, the treehouse! After they climb up and get comfortable, Ben says "Ma'am?" Why did you say that George?"

"She made me think of Mama. She sounded just like a Mama so it slipped out. I called Rob "Sir" the other day when he barked at me about jumping off the middle rung of the ladder here at the treehouse."

"That's funny! 'He barked at you.' I know what you mean though sometimes when he's mad, it sounds just like a growl when he talks. You better watch yourself when he growl talks or you'll wind up over his knee. He's much quicker to spank than Pa or even Joseph. I wish Pa hadn't let them have the right to spank us. Rob spanks really hard!"

"He's only got me two times since he came here at Thanksgiving. That time you went into the saloon and I was the lookout….."

"He used his belt that time though so I guess that isn't a spanking." Ben says interrupting.

"Maybe not but it still hurt! The other time was three weeks ago. He came into the barn and caught me as I was using the outhouse in the stall. He just stood there and watched me until I was through. Then he asked me if I was confused about where I was. He said "Do you know this is the barn and not the outhouse George?" George says imitating Rob as best he can.

Ben giggles at this. "What happened then?"

"When I answered yes, he took me over to the hay bale, pulled down my pants, turned me over his lap and walloped my bare backside until it was on fire. He only used his hand but my stars it hurt! Rob said if he ever caught me relieving myself somewhere other than the appropriate places he would take me to Papa for a whipping!"

"Ben?" George asks gnawing on his lower lip in concentration.

"Hmm?"

"Do you know what "relieving yourself in appropriate places" means? I'm not at all sure and I don't want to mess up and get a whipping from Papa!"

Grinning at George, Ben says "Yeah, I know. It means only using the outhouse in the approved places. The outhouse, a chamber pot, a water closet or the bushes. You know he means what he says so you're just going to have to bear up and use the outhouse like the rest of us. You're nearly nine now and that's too old to be using it somewhere else because you don't like the outhouse. I'm really surprised Pa hasn't whipped you for this already!"

"So far I've been lucky and no one has told on me about it. When Joseph or Claire or Rob have found out they just punish me or scold me and tell me not to do it again. I haven't been found out by any of them more than one time. Sometimes I don't know I need to go until I have to go so bad I can't wait long enough to get to an "appropriate place".

"George, all this talk of having to go is going to make me have to go. Let's talk about something else so I don't have to go down right now. Okay?"

"Okay Ben, let's talk about our birthday present. Papa said it was in and he would be getting it tomorrow. What do you think he got us? Do you think we get one big present or each of us get something."

"Well, he did say he had to pick IT up so I guess it's one big present for both of us like last year. You know it was just last year that we got this treehouse. I sure do have fun up here too."

"I love the treehouse. It's the best place on the ranch! I don't know what Pa bought us but whatever it is I know it'll be something good. Do you think Rob bought us a present? Claire and Joseph always get something for us." George says smiling at the thought of presents.

"I'm sure he will, George. It was this time last year that we met Rob for the first time, remember? Claire met him in town and invited him to the party. Joseph got mad because Rob wanted to be with Claire more than him. Now he stays with Joseph more." Ben says.

"Doesn't Rob like Claire now? I've seen how he doesn't talk to her much or sit around with her like he used to do. They don't go on picnics or long walks by themselves this spring like they did last year." George says thinking out loud.

"When you get to be grown up like Rob is, you don't go on walks or picnics with a sister unless everyone in the family goes along too. Last year they were not brother and sister but now they are. Do you ever see Joseph and Claire going off on a walk or picnic together without the rest of us?" Ben asks.

"Nope, I sure don't. I never thought about the idea that brothers and sisters didn't do things together after they were older. I'm glad you are my brother Ben instead of my sister. If you were my sister we would have to stop doing fun things together. If you were my sister you wouldn't be Ben you'd be someone else. What would you think your name would be? Benetta? Bernice? Hmm, Bernice Etheena Carroll Cord sounds nice. Whatdya say Bernice?" George asks falling over giggling.

"I say IF you ever call me that stupid name I'll bust you one right on the lip! I don't care that I would get a bad whipping for hitting you. I'd take it for being able to get you for calling me that name!" Ben says glaring angrily at the giggling boy rolling from side to side on the floor.

"STOP laughing George. It's not funny! "

"Yes it is too funny! It's hilarious! Just wait till I tell Joseph, he'll think it's hilarious too, Bernice."

"GEORGE! Don't you dare tell someone else that stupid name. You're really making me mad now! I'm going to get you George!" Standing up Ben takes a couple of steps towards him when he suddenly trips over George who rolls into him. "I'll get you! You don't call me a girl!" Just as they roll back towards the wall there's a loud ripping sound.

Ben gasps "George there was a nail sticking out and now I've got a big long rip down the leg of my pants! I'm in big trouble here George. I might get a spanking if you don't help me get past Claire. We've got to hurry because I think Pa and the boys could be back anytime now. I sure don't want to get caught by Pa! You know how he said that time we messed up the kitchen, if we make extra work for Claire, he'd see to it we'd think long and hard before we did it again."

Yes, I remember, we got our britches tanned good that time. I'll help and I am sorry Ben! If we get caught I'll tell it's my fault. I'll take the spanking for you." George says tearfully.

"Don't cry! We'll never get past Claire if you are sniffling! Now let's go and be QUIET! We'll go in the side door. You go first and if she's not where you can see her signal me. I'll rush to my room and change while you go find Claire and keep her occupied for a few minutes. Can you do it?"

"Yes Ben!"

George has just opened the door and then signaled Ben to come in when Claire walks out of her bedroom. Seeing George obviously helping someone sneak in, she waits to see what he's up to. When Ben appears seconds later she steps into the front room from the small hallway.

"Claire!" Both boys squeak.

"What's going on with you two? Ben what happened to your pants?" Claire asks, waiting to see what story they will come up with this time. But to her surprise neither one makes up anything.

George speaks first "It's my fault, I did it."

While Ben quickly jumps in with "No, it's my fault. I'm sorry Claire but I ripped my pants. We were up in the treehouse and we were talking about our birthday this year and last year. We kind of had a argument and were rolling on the floor when something tore my pants." Ben says biting his lower lip and looking at her anxiously. "I guess you'll have to tell Pa about this won't you? I didn't mean to do it. It just happened."

"George, why did you say it was your fault and you did it? How could you have torn his pants?" Claire asks trying to get the boys to smile.

"I was teasing him and made him mad then I rolled into him and made him fall. He was rolling when his pants tore. That's why it's my fault and I should be the one to get in trouble not Ben."

"I am very proud of both of you boys! You both are showing how grown up you are. Both of you just told me the truth about this instead of trying to make up something as you would normally do. Ben, just go change. George you bring them out when he takes them off. We'll take your torn pants to the mending basket.

"Yes Claire." George and Ben hurry into their room to follow instructions. A few minutes after George has brought the pants, Ben comes out of his room. Seeing Claire still inside he asks "Claire? Did you really mean you weren't going to tell Pa about this?"

"Ben, it was an accident, that's all it was. You did the right thing by telling me the truth instead of trying to cover it up. I' don't need to say anything to Uncle Ethan. He has enough to think about right now. I can take care of this problem myself. Now go help George and stop worrying about this."

"Thanks Claire, you are the best sister in Paradise!"

"I'm not the best sister in the world?" Claire asks pretending her feelings are hurt.

"I don't know all the sisters in the world but I guess you are if you want to be!" Ben says quickly, not wanting her to be upset.

"Thank you Ben. You are a real charmer! Now hurry and help George start the chores before Pa comes home and wants to know why you aren't helping."

That night at supper, Ethan notices Ben being unusually quiet. He means to ask about it but is distracted by Joseph.

"Uncle Ethan, I met the new hotel owner in town today. His name is Mr. McBride and he asked me if I'd like a job. Uncle Ethan I would like to go work for him. It would be after school on Thursday and Friday and until five o'clock on Saturdays. He said I could deliver food to the rooms, wash dishes, serve food and help keep the lobby clean. I'd wash windows and sweep the porch too. I would make fifty cents a day! Please may I tell him I can take the job?"

"Joseph, the new hotel has a bar area in the dining room. This means men will be buying drinks and people will order drinks to be delivered to their rooms also. You know how I feel about you children being around any drinking so the answer to your question is no. You may not take the job. You can wash windows, dishes, and serve food here."

"Uncle Ethan! I'm thirteen now! I can take care of myself and not be tempted by someone having a drink to try it myself. I wouldn't touch the liquor. I really want the job, PLEASE."

"I'm well aware of how old you are Joseph. I fail to see what difference that makes. I don't want you around men who are drinking! That is the end of this discussion. If you want to continue to argue more, we'll just take this conversation to the woodshed. Is that what you wish to do, Joseph?" Ethan says sternly seeing Joseph glaring at him.

"No Sir, I don't want to continue in the woodshed." Joseph answers lowering his eyes and trying hard not to sound disrespectful.

"Good, now finish eating."

"I am finished sir. May I please be excused to go to my room now?"

"Go ahead, Joseph." Ethan says as he sees the tears in the boy's eyes. He knows Joseph needs some private time to get his emotions in control.

In his room, Joseph wipes the tears that succeeded on falling despite his fighting them. A few minutes later Rob comes in to check on him. Joseph whispers his complaints to his older brother. It wouldn't do for Ethan to hear what he's saying.

"Rob, he's not being fair! So they serve drinks at the hotel, who cares about that anyway. It's not like I haven't seen people drinking before. When we stayed in Colorado Springs and again in Denver, I saw men drinking. Even here in town, I've seen men drinking. I need that job for the money. Why can't he see I'm not just a little boy who needs to be protected?"

He's only doing what he feels is right, Joseph. I understand you are mad and you want the job. Uncle Ethan is not going to change his mind on this. If you push him on it any more, he's going to punish you. You nearly caught it tonight for arguing back. You should consider yourself lucky."

"I know,I saw the look so I quit pushing him about it. Then he told me I was pushing too far when he said we could continue the discussion in the woodshed. I don't want to feel the belt tonight. I'm not fond of the things he likes to apply to my backside. Don't worry Rob, I'm not going to mention this again. I'm going to stay in here the rest of the night."

Later that night after all the children were in bed, Ethan is in his bedroom reading over the report on the status of Rob's bank account. The First Bank of Denver sends him a report every two months showing deposits or withdrawals in the account. This latest report is showing a withdrawal. Someone has withdrawn sixty dollars from the account in the last month. Knowing he did not take any money and with only two people having access to this money, himself and Rob, he intends to have a talk with a certain fifteen year old.

Ethan is pondering over what could have been the reason for withdrawing that amount of money when there's a knock on his bedroom door. "Come in."

The door opens and Ben is standing in the doorway. "Come on in son. What is it? You can't sleep can you? I know you are upset about something because you were too quiet at supper. Come talk to me." Ethan says softly.

In seconds, Ben is across the room and has his face buried in his Pa's chest. "I'm sorry, Pa." Ethan hears him say.

"Son, let me close the door and we'll talk. I don't want to wake anyone."

After settling back on to the bed he says "Just what is it you are sorry for Ben? I think I need to hear the rest don't you? What do you need to tell me?"

Ethan listens as Ben tells him all about what went on in the treehouse and afterwards. "Claire didn't punish me. She said she was proud of me for telling her the truth and not hiding what happened. She said she knew it was just an accident. It was an accident but I didn't have to try to fight. I also planned to try to sneak in and hide what happened. I thought you should know because you might think I was lying when I said we had a good afternoon."

Ethan looks at him curiously "When did you say that, son?"

"I didn't but if you had asked how our afternoon went, that's what I planned to say. That would not have been true so I was planning to lie as well as sneak around and disobey by causing Claire trouble again. Oh, I forgot! I told George I would bust him in the lip if he ever teased me the way he was doing." Ben sits back with a sigh and just seems to be waiting for Ethan to speak.

"So you say you were in the treehouse talking and you ripped your pants by accident?" Ethan asks.

"Yes sir."

"You said George was teasing you and you got mad so you threatened to hit him?"

"Yes sir."

"You were planning to try to sneak inside and hide what you did but Claire caught you first. When she asked you what happened you told her the truth didn't you?"

"Yes sir."

'Ben, did you deliberately tear your pants or did it just happen? Did you hit George at all or just tell him you were going to hit him?"

"I didn't hit George Pa! I just told him I would if he ever called me Bernice. We were talking about how brothers and sisters didn't do fun things together the way brothers did. He said something about me and if I was a sister then called me Bernice. I got mad but I didn't touch him. I didn't mean to rip my pants they caught on a nail."

Ethan has to bite his cheek to remain stern looking after all of that long explanation. "Well Ben, it's very fortunate for you that you did not strike your brother. Of all the things you told me about that one thing would have sealed your fate. If you had struck George, I would have given you a whipping."

Ben nods glumly waiting to hear what his punishment is.

"The rest of what you told me was nothing but an accident and then a plan. You did not carry out the plan, you told the truth when asked, you didn't hide anything, you never lied to me about anything either. Now you have come to me and told me everything that happened even when you thought I would punish you for it."

Ethan sees Ben slowly look up at him with a question in his eyes. Gathering up all his leftover courage Ben manages to whisper "I'm not going to get a whipping? You aren't going to punish me at all?"

"I'm not going to whip you or punish you Ben. I agree with Claire. You don't need to be punished when you tell the truth. I am so proud of you Ben for being brave enough to come to me tonight. I want you to go back to bed now. Tomorrow is going to be a fun day so try to get some sleep."

"Yes sir and Pa?" When Ethan looks at him again Ben says "I love you Pa!"

"I love you to scamp. Off with you now."

Back in their bedroom George waits nervously for Ben to come back. Ben had woke him up to tell him he was going. Seeing Ben come in, he holds his breath while Ben closes the door.

"Are you in for a whipping? Did you get housebound with chores? What happened?" George whispers.

"I'm not going to get punished. He said he was proud of me for coming to him and telling the truth. I guess telling the truth will get you out of trouble the way Pa has told us. It worked this time! George, I'm just worn out from worrying all night."

"Good night Ben, I'm glad you didn't get in trouble." George whispers.

"Good night. Pa must be in a really good mood tonight. After how Joseph acted about getting the job, I just knew he would whip him after supper. He didn't though. Then when I went in and told him about the accident and our argument and the plans to sneak in, he didn't even spank me. He said he was proud of me for coming in and telling him about it. Why do you think he didn't punish me?"

"Ben, you just said it. You told him the truth and didn't hide anything from him. We didn't do anything bad really. I guess trying to sneak in might have been bad but we told the truth to Claire. Sometimes we get lucky and this time you and Joseph were the ones who got lucky. We'd better hush before your luck runs out and Pa catches us talking. We'd both get a spanking if he did. Good night again, I'm really sleepy."

"Night George. I sure am glad I got lucky tonight. I hope my luck will hold a long time." Ben whispers one last time.

Waking up with the sun, Ben bounces out of bed and dresses quickly. Glancing at the other bed he sees George still snuggled up under the covers asleep. Deciding not to wake him, Ben quietly leaves the room. Walking down the narrow hallway he stops and knocks softly on Joseph's door.

"HMM? Whoo's Airre?" Ben hears Joseph say sleepily.

"It's Ben. Can I come in?"

"Umm yeah."

When he reaches Joseph's bed, Joseph whispers "What are you doing up? You never get up before breakfast is ready! The sun's just come up and you're dressed. What's going on, Ben?"

"I'm just ready to start building the new barn. It's going to be so fun to see it being built. I've never seen anything but a store being built before and then only the one time. Do you think Pa will let me help build too? I can use a hammer pretty good. I only put a nail in crooked a few times."

Looking at his brother's excited face, Joseph really doesn't want to disappoint him by telling him what he really believes so he says "I just don't know Ben. Uncle Ethan and the other men will probably be doing most of the work. I've never been to a barn raising either so I can't say what we might be allowed to do. We'll ask him at breakfast, okay? Would you like to snug up with me and go back to sleep now? Claire won't be up for at least two hours to start breakfast."

Nodding Ben climbs in the bed beside Joseph. "BEN!" Joseph whispers sternly.

"What?"

"Get out and take off those boots! You're NOT getting in my bed with hard heeled boots on! I don't want to be kicked with them!"

Giggling at his brother's words, Ben does as ordered and then snugs up next to Joseph.

"Ben?"

"Hmm?"

"What do you have in your pants pockets?"

"Not too much. Why?"

"Something is poking me in the back! Empty your pockets out!"

Grumbling just a little about bossy older brothers, Ben takes out the pocketknife, broken pocket watch, watch chain, six marbles, three pennies, a fish hook, two long strings and a small ball from his pockets.

Being able to see all of this by the light from the window, Joseph just shakes his head and grins to himself at his little brother the packrat.

"Where did you get a pocketknife?" Joseph asks.

"Oh somewhere, I don't really recall right now."

"Well, let me give you a little older brother advice Ben. DO NOT and I mean DO NOT let Rob or Pa see you have that knife. If you do, you'll be doing everything standing up for at least a day! I know as well as you do that you took that knife from the Sheriff's office day before yesterday. It was on the desk there in the office. If Uncle Ethan catches you with it, he'll give you a whipping with the strap! That's stealing to take something that isn't yours and you know it!"

"Are you going to tell I have it? No one else needed it and I do. All the boys in my class at school have pocketknives except for me. They keep teasing me saying "Ben's a baby" because Pa won't let me carry a knife. On Wednesday, I had to punch that Will Duke for saying it. Mr. Davis made me stand in the corner for thirty minutes during lunch recess. I sure hope he doesn't tell Pa about it when he comes today."

"You'd better hope really hard. If Uncle Ethan hears about it, you'll be in for a whipping for fighting. He warned you just this past Monday not to fight. Ben, you have to learn to control your impulses before you really do something to get yourself in major trouble."

At Ben's questioning look he explains, "I mean you can't just do whatever pops into your head. You have to learn to stop and think first. So many times if I had thought it out first, I wouldn't have been into something that wound up getting me a sore backside. You are a lot like me. You don't take time to think first. For your backside's sake, START thinking first!"

Later that day

Fourteen men counting Ethan and Mitch are busy measuring, sawing and hammering the barn walls. The boys twelve and older have been put to work splitting shingles for the roof. Mr. Erickson, the new butcher in town has taught the boys the technique of putting a wedge to a piece of log and tapping it down until a shingle is cut off. The eight boys are to make twenty shingles apiece.

The younger boys are left to play until someone needs something. They've all been told to stay within sight of the house and within calling range. One of the father's will call them when they are needed to fetch the water jug or some other small chore.

After exploring the treehouse and trying out the two swings, the four ten year olds are looking for some excitement. "Ben? Whose horses are those in that back corral?" Ted Jernigan asks.

"They're ours. Why?"

"Is that pony big enough to ride yet?" Pete asks.

"He's a full grown horse but he's called a Shetland Pony, they are just bred to be smaller. We got Dobbin for Christmas. No, we can't ride Dobbin. He hasn't been saddle taught yet."

"Don't you mean saddle broke? He hasn't been broken to saddle?" Pete asks.

"No, I said it right. Pa teaches horses to accept the saddle he doesn't force them to wear it. So we call it 'saddle taught'. Joseph can teach horses to accept a saddle faster than anybody around here! Even Pa!" Ben brags just a little.

"Well that's fine but I betcha you can't ride that big stallion in there. He's so big you'd be scared! " Will Dukes taunts. "Ben's too scared to ride the stallion! Ben's just a baby!" Will singsongs over and over making Ben clinch his fists.

"Stop it Will! I'm not afraid to ride Lightning. I'm just not allowed to do it . If I got on him and my Pa found out, I'd get a whipping! " Ben spat out angrily.

"Ben's afraid of a whipping!" taunts Will. "You really are just a baby aren't you. You can't carry a knife, can't smoke, can't ride a grown up horse, just a little baby's pony! You act like a baby so you must be one. Do you wear diapers too? Let's see!" Will reaches for Ben's pants as Ben backs away.

"Stop it Will! I'm not a baby!" Ben answers getting red in the face.

"Well then, prove it. Go get on the stallion and show us what a grown boy you are!"

Cautiously, Ben walks into the corral getting closer to Lightning. "Hey boy. It's Ben. You won't mind if I lead you around a little will you?" Ben asks the horse as he stands under the stallions head. Reaching up he takes the bridle strap and begins to walk to the fence. Just as he climbs the fence and prepares to swing his leg over Lightning, he hears George in his head saying "NO! Don't do it, Ben. You'll get hurt. Do what Papa says and tell them No!" Looking over to the other side of the corral fence, Ben sees George and three of his friends watching.

Ignoring his brother, Ben swings his leg over and settles himself on the broad back. Grabbing hold of Lightning's mane he holds tight.

Mitch has just climbed the ladder to begin nailing the first and second walls together. After putting in the triangular crosspiece to bind the walls together, he glances towards the corral. Something caught his eye minutes before. Now being able to see into the corral behind the woodshed from this height, he sees the boys in the corral. Looking again, he sees Ben on the back of Lightning!"

Without hesitating, Mitch calls down "ETHAN! Ben's on Lightning!" Immediately dropping the hammer Ethan heads toward the corral moving as fast as his bum leg will allow. It's times like this he wishes he'd never had the bullet go into the bone that time in Dallas. Ever since it's been difficult to run on that leg. Joseph catches up moments later. When they reach the corral, they see Ben on the ground with Rob holding his head up. The other three boys are standing around white faced. When Ethan vaults over the fence, two of the boys whimper in fear.

"Take these three boys to their Pas, Rob. Tell them where you found them and what went on here. Th

en come back to the house for I may need you." Ethan says after checking to see if Ben has broken an arm or leg. Not finding any misshapen legs or arms, he lifts Ben into his arms to carry him inside. Ben hasn't spoken or moved since Rob found him minutes before.

"Yes Sir." Rob answers. Then turning to the boys he growls angrily "Let's go boys. I dare say you have quite a bit of explaining to do. I hope for your sake its good because if it isn't you are all in for a whipping! All of you know better than to go into a corral with a stallion!" Rob scolds them as they follow him to their fathers.

Upon hearing the story and how Ben was taunted into getting on the stallion, the boy's fathers take all three behind the woodshed. From where Rob is left standing, it sounds to him as if the boys are getting quite the pants warming! Smiling to himself, Rob goes inside to check on Ben.

"How is he? Has he come around yet?" Rob whispers as he walks into Uncle Ethan's room.

"No, he hasn't moved. Rob, take a horse and ride for Dr. Amy. Tell her what happened."

"Yes sir! I'll get her back here as quickly as she can come. Do we need anything from town?"

"Licorice." Ben whispers from the bed. When everyone in the room turns to look at the boy in surprise, Ethan asks leaning over the bed. "Did you say something son?"

"I need licorice for my head. It hurts." Ben whispers without opening his eyes.

Joseph whispers "Does he even know what he's saying?"

"I don't think so Joseph. He seems to be talking in his sleep." Ethan answers. Turning to Rob he says "Go on son. Tell Dr. Amy, Ben is talking but not waking up."

An hour later Dr. Americus comes into the front room where Mitch, Ethan and the children are all waiting. "He's one lucky young man. It's a good thing the ground was soft because of the rainstorm two days ago. If it hadn't he could easily have a concussion."

"Dr. Amy, what's con cue zion?" George asks

A concussion is when your brain bangs into the side of your head. You remember George, I told you about how the brain is what makes you able to do things. It's the boss of your body. If someone has a concussion their brain is too sore to be the boss for a while and they might have some problems doing normal everyday things. But Ben does not have one so he will be just fine by morning. He may have headaches for another day or two and some soreness from the fall but other than that he'll be fine."

Seeing the look of relief followed by a quick flash of anger on Ethan's face, Rob thinks that's not all that's going to be the cause of his soreness. When Ethan walks Dr. Amy out to her buggy, Joseph says in a mock sad tone "I'm deeply afraid our dear brother is going to be sore in his backside as well as his head in the next few days." George and Rob both snicker at that while Claire scolds "Joseph! This isn't at all funny! Ben could have been badly hurt!"

"Yes, which is why I predict he will have an extremely sore bottom to match his sore head! He knew better than to try to ride Lightning and yet he did it anyway. It doesn't look good for him with Uncle Ethan and even you have to admit he deserves a whipping, Claire."

Two days later, the Cord Barn is officially finished. Walking inside for the first time George gasps "It's huge, Papa!"

"Yes, George it's quite a bit larger than the old barn. We need to have the extra room for all the horses we will be training for the army. The next group of ten is going to be arriving next week. Back here we have the stalls for those horses. I designed it where the tack room is back here and the stalls are separated by this half wall. Our horses will be in the front stalls and the guests will be in the back." Ethan tells the boys who grin at the joke.

"Papa, you've always said we had to treat guests as nicely as we did ourselves. Is putting them in the back doing that?" George teases.

"Well, yes it is. You see all the stalls are the same. We didn't fix our horse's stalls to be better than the others. So, George your guest horses will be just as comfortable as our own! You boys will have the added responsibility of cleaning those stalls as well. We have double doors on both ends of this barn instead of just the front. So you will have two wheelbarrows to fill with the dirty hay and be able to roll the one for the back stalls out the back door. This will save a little work."

This barn also has the top two haylofts that run all the way around the walls. The upper loft is for storage of winter hay while the middle will be used for the hay bales we need now. The bottom loft is for the grain barrels and loose hay. The two upper lofts are higher in this barn than the old one. They are off limits to all of you. They are too dangerous for you to be climbing in or out of. The lower loft is as high as you need to climb. Am I understood boys?" Ethan asks leveling his firmest stare on the four boys.

"Yes Sir." Answer Joseph, Ben and George.

"No Sir, I don't understand. Why am I not allowed in at least the middle loft? Someone has to be allowed to go there to be able to get the hay bales down." Rob answers.

Joseph swaps a look with Ben, both are thinking: Rob's about to be in big trouble. You don't question Uncle Ethan when he uses that tone or look. The boys stand waiting to see what might happen.

Ethan looks at his oldest to see if the boy is being defiant or just curious. Not seeing any sign of disrespect on the boy's face, Ethan takes a breath and lets it out slowly. "Well Rob, I do see your point. You are correct in thinking someone needs to be able to move the hay bales when needed. That someone will be me."

"Yes sir, I understand that but what if you are not home and we need more hay? We can't wait for you to come home to feed the animals! I should be allowed to go into the middle loft also! I'll be sixteen in November. That's old enough!" Rob declares forcefully.

"When you are sixteen we will discuss it more but at this time YOU are NOT to go into the middle loft. Do you have anything else to say about this Robert? " Ethan asks his tone deadly.

The tone in his voice makes George slink over to Joseph and grab his hand tightly. Ben does the same on Joseph's other side. Putting his arms around his younger brothers Joseph hugs them close while watching wide eyed to see what might happen next. Rob's going to get himself a whipping if he doesn't watch his mouth! I can't believe he argued back that way! If it were me, I'd be over the hay bales with my pants at my feet by now! Joseph thinks.

Seeing the look on Ethan's face and realizing just how close he is to pushing it too far, Rob wisely answers "No Sir, I don't."

"Good, now you, Joseph and George go back inside. I need some time alone to talk to Ben." Hearing this news makes Ben shudder in Joseph's arm. Joseph gives him a reassuring look and squeeze before letting go to take George's hand and follow Rob to the house.

"Ben, let's go inside the tack room. You and I have several things we need to discuss."

Following his Pa as slowly as he dares, Ben goes inside the new tack room. Forgetting for a minute why he's being brought in here, he looks at the walls. One wall has rows of wooden pegs. There are saddle blankets, bridles, harnesses and many other things hanging. The other long wall has shelves for storing saddle wax, rags, clean saddle blankets and bottles of something Ben isn't familiar with. The third wall holds the one thing Ben does not want to see. Buggy whips, a long horsewhip and the dreaded razor strap, hang from nails on the third wall.

"Take a seat on the tool bench, Ben." When Ben is sitting, Ethan asks 'Where did you get this pocketknife Ben?" as he holds the knife out for Ben to see. "It was in your pocket the day you fell from Lightning. Where did it come from? Tell me the truth, Ben."

"It came from your office sir. I saw it on your desk and I needed one so I borrowed it for just a little while. I was going to take it back by this weekend or early next week"

"What did you need it for?"

"To prove I wasn't a baby. The other fellas were teasing me and calling me a baby because I didn't carry a pocketknife. I wanted to show them I wasn't a baby so I borrowed it to take to school."

"Was this also why you punched a boy at school? Because he was teasing you?"

"Yes sir."

"Is fighting something allowed in this family? Is that how we solve problems Ben, by punching someone?"

"No sir. I'm supposed to use words and talk it out or get a grown up to help not fight." Ben answers quietly not liking where these answers are leading.

"When you 'borrow' something without asking permission, what is that called Benjamin?"

"Stealing. I'm sorry Pa! I'll give it back, honest I will. I won't fight anymore, I promise!" Ben gulps as he sees the look on his Pa's face. Just having heard his Pa call him by his full name is enough to let Ben know he is in huge trouble.

His conscience starts to tingle: You might as well tell him about the pipe now. You are already in trouble so why not tell him. Then he thinks: NO, I can't. That on top of all the rest! He'd thrash me for sure then. I have to wait.

"Ben, let's talk about you being on Lightning. Are you allowed to be near the stallions? Not just Lightning but ANY stallion?"

"No sir." Ben whispers trying not to burst out sobbing.

"Then explain to me WHY you felt the need to not only go near Lightning, but to CLIMB on his back! What were you thinking young man?! You put yourself in danger that day! You could have been badly hurt or even killed by your foolish actions! DID YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?" Ethan ends on a roar.

Shaking now with the suppressed sobs, Ben says "I didn't think sir. I just acted. I wanted the boys to see how brave and grown up I could be."

"Ben, you and I have had this conversation before. Do you remember when you convinced Joseph to let you try to ride the stallion we first moved here? Do you remember how that stunt ended?"

"Yes sir, I couldn't get the horse to stop and nearly fell off. You had to rescue me. Then you spanked me really hard with a piece of board for a paddle. My bottom hurt for two days when I sat down after that."

"Well If I had it to do over again, I would not use a thin piece of wood, I'd use the strap! Maybe then we wouldn't be where we are right now!" Ethan says sternly. "Then more recently when you disobeyed and nearly fell off the cliff, we discussed not being reckless and putting yourself in danger. Perhaps I've been too lenient. This reckless behavior has to stop."

"Yes Papa. I'll behave. I'm very sorry for not staying off the horse. I just wanted to show I was brave enough to sit on him. Then he reared and I slid off." Ben answers

"Ben, what you did was not brave or grown up. You risked your health, your life and your friends safety! Someone could have been badly hurt if Lightning had charged them. When you deliberately put yourself or someone else in danger you will receive strong punishment. In this case for stealing, fighting, deliberately going near the stallion when you knew it was forbidden and for putting yourself plus your friends in danger, I'm going to be using the strap. Stand up Ben and come lean over this barrel."

After four licks with the strap, Ben felt as if his bottom was burning off. "Please Papa! I'm so sorry! Please stop whipping me! I'll behave! I promise! " Ben gasps out between licks. Ethan hears but applies two more before stopping. He intends to make sure this message is one Ben will remember. "All right son, it's all over now. Stand up and come here." Ethan tells the sobbing child.

Ben obeys but has difficulty seeing where he's going through the tears. He feels himself pulled into his Pa's chest and grabs hold. Burying his face he continues to sob while he feels his Pa stroking his hair and patting his back. After a few minutes he calms down enough to speak "I'm really sorry for all I did Pa. I made you have to give me a thrashing. Do you hate me now?"

"Ben! Of course I don't hate you. I love you just as much as I always have. You made a lot of mistakes son and you were punished for them. I do want you to remember to think before you act from now on. You could have avoided this whipping son, by doing just that. If you had stopped to think you would have probably talked yourself out of most of this if not all. That is what made you get into so much trouble. Acting first instead of thinking first." Ethan tells him.

"Joseph tried to tell me the same thing the other day. He said me and him were a lot alike and if I learned to think first I could keep my backside from getting whipped. He said he wanted me to know that early because it took him a long time to learn it."

"Joseph is correct, Ben. You are both very impetuous, you act before thinking. Joseph is doing better at thinking first most of the time. When you begin to learn to do that you will stay out of trouble. Will you try for me Ben? I don't ever want to have to bring you in to the tack room for a thrashing again!"

"Yes sir, I so don't want to come back to that barrel ever again. May I go now? I really really have to go to the outhouse!"

"Go on and then straight to your room for the rest of the night. Your supper will be brought to you. You will stay in your room until breakfast. Understand me?"

"Yes sir." Ben says as he walks quickly from the barn.

At suppertime, Rob brings him a tray. "Here's your supper Ben. We have venison, potatoes, gravy, beans and biscuits. We're having chocolate cake but Uncle Ethan said I couldn't bring you any. So, I brought you this instead. Won't you sit up and see what I brought?" he asks the boy on the bed.

Ben is on his stomach with the pillow over his head. Rob can see he's still crying some by the way his back is quivering. Reaching out he begins to rub the boy's back up and down all the while murmuring "It's okay Ben. Everyone forgives you." After about five minutes of this Ben finally rolls over to look at him.

"Rob, do they really forgive me? Does Pa? He took the strap to me Rob! He's never ever used the strap before! He must really be mad at me."

"Ben, he was more frightened than mad. Yes, he was mad too. Think about it. What you did was stupid and so dangerous we could have lost you. You could have been killed by Lightning and then Uncle Ethan would have been devastated. We would have lost you and the horse. Any horse that kills someone would be put down. That's why he was so harsh with you. He's trying to teach you to THINK. Lord Ben, you scared five years off my life when you slid to the ground and didn't move! If Uncle Ethan hadn't already whipped you I would be whipping you right now!"

"I'm sorry Rob! I'll work on thinking more. You said you brought me something special. What is it?" Ben asks getting the talk of whippings to something else.

"Look at the tray and see."

"Licorice! How did you know I've been wanting some?"

"When you were unconscious you told me you wanted some right before I left to get Dr. Amy. I stopped by Mr. Axelrod's and bought two bags full of both red and black. We have enough to last you at least a week." Rob says as Ben flings himself into Rob's arms for a hug.