New Beginnings
Ch. 13
Week 3 McGinnis Farm
After his second "talk" with his Pa in the barn, Scott is much more inclined to listen to Rob's instructions. The McGinnis boys are learning to gentle horses for riding instead of forcing the horse. Discussing the boy's progress with their father, Rob says "Mr. McGinnis, Aaron is turning out to be great at working with the horses. I realize he's young but he has a lot of patience. He doesn't get upset if things don't work out. He just keeps trying. I wish my younger brother Ben had that patience. Ben and Scott are very much alike. They want to do what it takes to do a job well but they want it done right away."
"Has Scott been giving you trouble again?"
"No Sir! Scott has been listening well. I'm just saying Aaron has more patience. He even has more patience than I do. I get frustrated but I just stay with the horse and not give up. I don't see Aaron even get frustrated."
"Thank you for telling me. I'll be sure to watch Scott more closely from now on. I don't want to have him hurt one of the horses accidentally or be hurt himself." Mr. McGinnis replies.
Walking up to the barn in the middle of their conversation, Scott stops when he hears Rob saying Aaron has more patience. Listening in, outside the barn window, Scott pounds his fist into the grass when he hears his Pa talk about him hurting one of the horses. In his anger, he misses hearing his Father say he doesn't want him to be hurt either. Vowing to himself to get even with Rob for getting him into trouble for the third time, Scott quietly walks back to the house.
Watching Aaron help Alyssa take the laundry off the clothesline, Scott smirks to himself. Good, they're busy I'll just go take care of the business. Sneaking into his Pa's room, he takes the pipe and pouch of tobacco of his Pa's night table. Stuffing it into his pants pocket he goes into his own bedroom. Lifting Rob's pillow, he puts the pipe and pouch underneath and turns to leave the room but Aaron is standing in the doorway.
"So you are the one who tried to get Rob in trouble the other day. Pa heard of the tobacco under Rob's pillow and called him out on it. Lucky for Rob, he showed Pa his hands and they were not stained so Pa didn't punish him. Now you are trying again! I won't let you!" Aaron tells his brother furiously.
"Get out of my way pansy boy. I saw you out doing the girl's work. You're turning into a regular little sissy boy. I'm ashamed to have to call you my brother. I oughta call you a sister! I'd tell everybody I have twin sisters! We could spell your name like this Air ren and even put you in a dress! Yeah, Alyssa and Air ren sound like twin girls."
"Put that pipe and pouch back where it belongs or I'm going to call Pa to come see what you have! I saw you take it from Pa's room and put it in here. You're planning to try to get Rob in trouble, aren't you?" Aaron tells him completely ignoring the words Scott said. He remembers Rob telling him to ignore it when Scott teased him.
"So you did. Well you can't prove a thing. It's not going to work to tell Pa unless you want to see your precious friend get in trouble! Pa might whip him this time!"
"Scotty, either take that pipe and tobacco back where it's supposed to be or you are going to be getting another thrashing! Alyssa and I both saw you take the tobacco. Now, do you want me to call Pa in here and we'll both tell him what we saw? Do you really want to risk it? Which of us do you think he'll believe?"
Snatching up the pouch and pipe, Scott stomps to his Pa's room and puts them back on the night table by his bed. Alyssa is standing by her Father's bureau holding a pile of clean clothes. She gapes at Scott as he puts the pipe back. Before she can say anything they hear their Father coming inside.
Scott moves away from the bed heading for the door of the room but has to stop when his Pa comes to the door. "Scott, what are you doing in my room? You know you aren't allowed in here! What are you up to boy?"
"He was here with me Papa. I brought in the clean shirts and things for your bureau drawers. We just took them off the line and were putting them away." Alyssa speaks up. Scott looks at Aaron who is standing in the doorway just behind their Pa. Aaron doesn't say anything, he just waits with them to see what his Pa will say.
"Thank you Alyssa for explaining. If you will leave the clothes on the bed, I'll put them away myself. You children need to go outside and have some fun. You've worked all morning. Go fishing or hiking. Yes, Alyssa I want to see you go along too. You need to get outside in the sun sometimes." He adds the last when the girl looks questioningly at him.
Rob says "If you don't mind Mr. McGinnis, I'd rather stay here. I'm sure Scott and Aaron can take care of their sister without me."
"As you wish. I'm going to be working in the forge. I have some horseshoes to make."
Scott, Aaron and Alyssa head towards the boy's favorite fishing spot. The pond is a ten minute walk from the house and is surrounded by trees. The trees make a nice shady area for picnics, fishing or just relaxing. After they are far enough away from the house where he feels it's safe to talk, Scott tells his brother and sister "Thank you both for not telling on me today. Alyssa I owe you. Whatever you want me to do I'll do it. You saved my hide by letting Pa think I was in there helping you. Aaron, I'm shocked you didn't tell Pa on me. Even after I said all those ugly things to you and you still didn't tell."
"We didn't want to see you get another whipping Scotty. Two whippings in two weeks is enough." Alyssa answers for both of them.
The Cord Ranch
By the fifth day of his Uncle Matthew's visit, Joseph is completely fed up with the man. All of Matthew's attempts to be friendly have just made him angrier. Watching his young brothers cozy up to the man has made Joseph furious. In his opinion his brothers and sister shouldn't be nice to someone related to their hateful father. Working alongside Ethan in the field, Joseph asks "Pa, how long is he going to stay? Rob will be home soon and he'll need his room back."
"Joseph, even if Rob comes home we will still make room for Matthew. If we need to, you and Rob can share a room. Ben, George and Claire are enjoying his visit. I wish you could also."
Since that wasn't a question or command, Joseph doesn't respond. Instead, he asks "Pa? May I start cutting poles for the fence we want to build in the pasture? I can do it without Rob. I've already found several good tree trunks around here to cut. There are many slim trunks down by the pond also. Maybe you and I can go down there soon and cut some."
"We'll do that son, just as soon as we finish plowing. I'll let you cut the trees around here but only with a saw. You aren't to use an axe at all unless I am right there with you. Agreed?"
"Yes sir."
Later that afternoon, Joseph is chopping the trunk of one of the trees he's chosen to use for the fence. Busy cutting, he doesn't see Matthew approach.
"Does your Uncle Ethan know you are using that axe to cut the poles? I don't believe you should be using an axe at your age. Axes are not nearly as safe as a saw. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself." Joseph hears.
"My PA told me I could use the axe. I'm old enough and I don't need someone telling me how to keep safe. I've kept myself safe long before you ever came!" Joseph snaps back.
"You know Joseph Carroll, you remind me a lot of your Pa. You both have the same quick temper and stubborn ways. Robert was very opinionated about things too. He was quick to get riled up just as you are doing now. I'm not your enemy here. We could be friends if you'd let me. I don't see why you are so against me. I know you are behind the tricks that have been happening also. I've kept quiet but I won't any longer so watch yourself."
"Robert Carroll is not my Pa. He might have been my sire but he sure wasn't my Pa. My Pa's name is Ethan Allen Cord and my name is Joseph Adam CORD! If you'll move away from the tree, I have work to do! I can't just stand around when there's work to be done." Joseph says using a phrase Ethan often uses when he scolds the boys for not doing the chores.
Recognizing the fact that he's been dismissed, Matthew walks back to the barn where Ethan is helping George and Ben wash down the horses. The boys both have large sponges and a bucket of soapy water. They are taking turns soaping up the horse and then scrubbing the soap off. When they finish, Ethan rinses the horse with buckets of water.
"Hi, you look like you are having a bath also. You have soapsuds on you!" Matthew teases the boys. Turning to Ethan he asks "Is it safe for Joseph to be using an axe at his age? I asked him and he told me you allowed him to use an axe. I don't mean to interfere. I'm just concerned."
"You aren't interfering. I allow him to use one only when I'm supervising. Are you saying he is using an axe instead of a saw to cut the trees?"
"I'm afraid so. He got rather surly when I asked about it. He reminds me of my brother, the way he gets defensive so quickly. I mentioned he might not be safe using the axe and he quickly set me straight. I would like to have him be less antagonistic but I can't seem to get past the defensiveness. Do you know why he's so against me being here? I can understand, from what you told me the first night, how he could be angry at Robert. I'm not my brother so why is he angry with me?"
"Yes, I know he's having problems but that is something he needs to explain to you. It's best if he talks about it himself. I'll talk with him. If you don't mind, stay here with the boys while I go have a talk with Joseph. When the boys finish, you pour the buckets of water over the horse to rinse her off. Then turn her out into the corral."
Walking over to where Joseph was cutting the trees, Ethan sees the axe lying on the ground. Taking several deep breaths to calm his temper, he just watches as the boy strips the tree of twigs and smaller branches. Ethan can see that he has finished stripping three trees completely. A pile of different sized branches, having been trimmed is nearby. Reaching down, Ethan selects a small but sturdy branch and lays it by his feet before speaking.
"Joseph, Matthew tells me you used an axe to cut the trees. Is this true?" Ethan asks trying to keep his temper.
"Pa, I can cut better with the axe and it isn't any of his business anyway. He has no reason to be minding my business. The old tell tale! I wish he'd just go back to the cave he crawled out of and leave me alone! I hate him and I hate him being here. He's not my Pa and he isn't going to tell me what to do!" Joseph says his tone of voice very hostile.
Propping his foot on a cut tree, Ethan says sternly "Come here, Joseph!"
Knowing from experience disobeying that command is not a smart thing to do, Joseph slowly walks to his Pa. When he reaches him, Joseph finds himself bent over his Pa's knee and something hard being applied to the seat of his pants. Four stinging licks later he hears Ethan say "You are not to disobey when I tell you to do something! You have been told to be polite to our guest and yet he says you were rude. I heard for myself how disrespectful you are being. You are not to act and speak in this disrespectful manner. You know better than to behave this way! I warned you that doing so would result in a sore backside! I also told you NOT to use the axe unless I was here with you and you disobeyed me on that too. That is a safety rule you will keep from now on. If you disobey and use the axe without me here again, you will be housebound inside for a week! You will also find sitting difficult for that same week! Am I understood Joseph?"
"Yes Sir." Joseph answers shifting from foot to foot and rubbing the sting out of his backside as he glares at his Pa. He has no right to wallop me with a stick like I'm some five year old! I'm nearly fourteen! Man, that stick stung too! He thinks.
"Now that we have that straight, listen carefully to what I'm about to say. Up until now, I have been very patient with your attitude towards Matthew. As I've said I understand why you are feeling the way you do. But, that does not give you an excuse to behave or speak rudely. You will show good manners and be respectful to him from this moment on, or you will regret it. I've already told you the consequences if you don't. Do you need me to repeat them?"
"No Sir, I remember."
"You need to talk to Matthew, Joseph. He deserves to know exactly why you are avoiding him. Matthew isn't your father, son. He deserves your respect and an explanation. Joseph, you will be respectful from now on, whether you choose to talk about the past or not. I do not want to hear of any disrespect either in words or actions on your part, towards Matthew again." Ethan says making sure the boy gets the message by repeating it.
By the barn, Matthew watches as the boys finishing soaping the horse. "Well boys, let's rinse this old horse and do something fun! We can go fishing or go to town to play our new game."
"Uncle Matt, we can't go do anything else until we finish our chores. We still have two more horses to wash." George explains.
"Guys, come on and have some fun with your Uncle Matt. The horses can wait can't they?"
"No Uncle Matt. Even if we do want to, we can't go off and not finish our chore. We wouldn't get our money for doing the extra chore and we'd get in trouble too! Not finishing what we were told to do without a really good reason leads to getting punished." Ben tells him. "We might get walloped or be housebound and if we get housebound we won't get to go anywhere or do anything fun."
After supper that evening, the boys and Claire gather around Matthew to listen to stories about their Papa as a boy. Joseph asks "Pa, may I please be excused from visiting tonight? I'm really tired and would like to go to bed."
"Do you need some liniment for your muscles son? I can come rub some on you if you do. You cut many poles today."
"No sir, I don't need liniment, thank you. I'm just tired."
"Go on then, we'll see you in the morning. Good dreams son."
"I'll just get a glass of water to take to my room. Good night everyone." No one but Ethan has spoken to him since supper was finished.
In the kitchen, Joseph takes a glass and pumps water from the red sink pump into his glass. Glancing back over his shoulder he checks to see if anyone is watching and sees the family is all busy. Reaching behind the curtain into the pantry shelves, he takes the jar of molasses off the shelf and puts it down his shirtfront before turning to go to his room. Placing his glass of water on the small table by his bed, Joseph walks back out to Rob's room. Checking again to see that no one is able to see him, he pushes the door open and closes it behind him. Then walking quickly he goes over to Rob's bed and bends down pulling out the bedroom shoes from under the bed. Then taking the jar of molasses out of his shirt he pours each slipper full of molasses and pushes them back under the edge of the bed.
"Take that Uncle Matt! I hope you enjoy having sticky smelly feet!" Joseph snickers to himself as he walks back to his room. As he drifts off to sleep he smiles to himself. One way or another I am going to get rid of you Uncle. Putting black pepper in your eggs at breakfast didn't work, putting the snake in your bed didn't either so maybe having sticky feet will work. He didn't tell Pa about those things so no matter what he says, he probably won't this time either. He thinks.
At breakfast the next morning, as the platter of pancakes is passed around, Matthew asks "Claire, would you happen to have any molasses? I think molasses on such great looking pancakes would be mighty tasty."
"I think we have some Uncle Matt, let me go look in the pantry." Claire answers rising to do just that. Coming back to the table, she says "No, we don't have any. I sure thought we did. I'll just have to put that on our list for the store."
Joseph sees Matthew looking straight at him so he doesn't change his expression. Inwardly though he is holding his breath waiting for Matthew to say something about the molasses in the shoes. When he doesn't, Joseph breathes easier. Whew, I thought he was going to tell! I'd be in for a whipping if he did! He says to himself.
"Try putting this maple syrup on the pancakes Uncle Matt. They taste really good that way." George tells him.
"I like putting preserves on mine and then sprinkling brown sugar on them. You ought to try them that way." Ben says from Matt's other side.
"Thank you for the information boys. I'll try both ways. I sure do enjoy having pancakes and these are very good. When I was growing up my Ma used to make big pancakes the size of the pan. We'd put molasses on them. If fruit was in season we'd get blackberries or strawberries and put those on our pancake. Ma like to use molasses when she cooked too. Claire, have you ever made molasses cookies? Your grandma used to make them when I was a tadpole like George."
"Uncle Matt, I'm not a tadpole. I'm a boy. I'm not going to be a frog when I get big." George explains to his uncle, shaking his head sadly at the man's confusion.
"Are you really sure of that George?" Matthew teases.
"Sure I am. People grow up to be people not frogs." George answers which causes the others to smile and Ben to smother a giggle in his napkin.
Claire answers "No Uncle Matt, I've not tried to make molasses cookies. When I get some more molasses, could you tell me how to make them? I'd like to try them."
Trying very hard not to squirm with all the talk of molasses, Joseph concentrates on finishing his breakfast without talking. He'd really like to get away from the table before his Uncle Matt changes his mind and brings up the slippers.
"I want you boys to clean up the breakfast dishes this morning and then get the barn chores done. You have some inside work to do today also. Joseph, the stove needs to be cleaned out and the woodbox is getting empty so remember to fill it. Ben, your job this morning is to clean out the fireplace and sweep the hearth while George gathers the kindling by the chopping block. I want to see the kindling box filled. George, you will be responsible for gathering the eggs today also. You three have been neglecting these jobs the last several days. It must be finished today before you have play time." Ethan gives each boy a stern look to show he means business.
"Matthew, I have to go into town to the Sheriff's office again today. There's some work I need to catch up on. I'll be back before five this afternoon."
"Of course, Ethan. I understand you have a job you have to do. Don't worry about the children. I can look after all of them for you."
At that, Joseph starts to say "WE CAN LOOK AFTER….." before he is cut off by Ethan's stern but quiet warning, "Joseph!"
By putting the last few bites of breakfast in his mouth, Joseph is able to keep quiet.
"Pa, would you mind if I went to town today? I'd like to visit Emily for a little while and then get the groceries. We're running out of sugar and some other things too."
"That's fine Claire, just be back home by four. Do you want to take the wagon or the pony cart? "
"I'll just use Dobbin and the cart Pa. I don't really need the wagon."
"Alright then, Joseph will hitch up Dobbin whenever you want to leave."
"Is it safe for her to take the horse and cart by herself? Shouldn't Joseph drive her?" Matthew asks.
Joseph notices how Matthew never volunteers himself to do something it's always someone else, usually him! Wanting to tell his uncle exactly what he thinks but knowing not to open his mouth, Joseph begins to clear the table. He satisfies himself with just spilling the leftover food from Matthew's plate into his uncle's lap.
"Oh! I'm sorry Uncle Matthew, it was an accident." He says quickly before Ethan speaks. This statement earns him a warning look from Matthew.
"Be more careful Joseph. Matthew, Claire is very capable of handling either the wagon or the cart without help. She's been driving the wagon several years now. Thank you for your concern though." Ethan replies.
After Claire leaves, Ben, busy cleaning out the fireplace calls over to Joseph, "What was all that talk about molasses this morning? I kind of figured something was going on but don't know what it was. Do you?"
"Hmm? We can't talk now Ben. We have to get these things cleaned out or we'll be in trouble. If we don't finish the jobs Pa handed out, he might just whip us. You'd best get busy over there."
The door opens and George comes in followed by Matthew who is carrying a wooden crate full of small pieces of wood.
"Ben, Joseph! Uncle Matt cut up a whole crate full of kindling and I didn't have to pick up any. I'm done with all my chores!"
"You'd best get back out there and pick up those loose pieces by the woodpile and chopping block, George. Pa wants all those pieces picked up and you know it. What about the chores in the barn? Have you done those?" Joseph asks.
"Uncle Matt did it. He can rake and spread much faster than I can. He got the dirty hay out and the clean in three times faster than I can do it. He said he did your stalls too Ben. Now as soon as you get finished here, he's going to take us fishing! Are you done yet, Ben?"
"Yeah, I'm all done." Ben says throwing the scoop for the ashes into the bucket. "Let's go did some worms and we can go. Joseph, do you want to go with us?"
"I can't. I'm still housebound for another week. You aren't finished here Ben. You have to go dump the ashes in the manure pile, clean up the floor and sweep off the hearth before you can say you are finished."
"Oh, I'll do that later. Let's go George!"
McGinnis Farm
Boys come here! Mr. McGinnis calls to Rob, Scott and Aaron who are cleaning the barn stalls.
"How soon will you be finished with the chores? I've decided to go in to Larabee and I'm taking all of you along. Alyssa needs chaperones while she does her marketing."
"We'll be done in just a few minutes Pa." Aaron answers, eyes sparkling. A trip to town is always exciting. Even a little place like Larabee.
Going back in to finish the work, Rob whispers to Aaron "What's in Larabee?"
"Well, it's got a mercantile, a land office where you can register your claim, a blacksmith shop, a couple of saloons, maybe some other things too."
"Yeah, it's got a cathouse! That's why Pa wants to go there instead of Paradise." Scott says snickering loudly.
"Why would Pa want to go see cats in a house? You don't make sense Scotty!"
"Aaron! You oughta know that a cathouse is…"
"SCOTT!" Rob interrupts sternly. "Do not continue or I will go tell your Pa all about this discussion!"
"Aaron should know what …" Scott starts to argue. Then seeing Rob walking towards the barn doors he panics "Alright! Please Rob don't! I'm sorry I'll stop! Please don't go tell. Please?"
Looking from one boy to the other, Aaron asks "What did Scotty say to get him in trouble, Rob? Why were you going to go to Pa? I don't understand."
"Aaron, the word Scott used is not a nice word and it means something very different than what you are thinking. It's something that can get you a whipping, so don't use that word at all. Alright?"
"I won't! I don't want a whipping! Please don't tell on me. I didn't mean to say something bad, I didn't know!" Aaron says close to tears now.
"We won't talk about this conversation at all. Isn't that right Scott? It never happened as far as we are concerned."
"Yes, it never happened." Scott agrees.
When they get to the town of Larabee, Rob notices how different it seems from Paradise. The Mercantile is small and looks like it might blow over in a strong wind. The buildings are worn looking and none are painted or even whitewashed. The saloons are so loud you can hear the noise all the way at the other end of the street.
"All of you stay right here in this Mercantile until I come back. I don't even want to see you in the wagon. Stay inside!" Mr. McGinnis orders the children. As soon as Scott feels enough time has gone by he says to Rob "I'm going to check out the saloon. I want to see the new blackjack table my friend says they have."
"That's not wise, Scott. You heard your Pa."
"I heard but if I hurry I can get there and back before he comes. I've done it before."
"Aaron stay here with Alyssa and neither of you move at all from this store. I'm going with Scott and we'll be back soon."
"Yes Rob, we'll stay inside. We'll cover for you if Pa comes but you'd better hurry!"
Rob and Scott dash across the street and duck under the swinging doors to the saloon. Rob is surprised to see it is full of men when it's the middle of the day. They must not have work to do if they are at the saloon. Scott immediately whispers to a serving girl and she brings two glasses of whiskey to their table. Taking the glass, Scott drinks it down in one long gulp. "That's good stuff, I say. Try it Rob, you'll like it I'm sure."
Forgetting all about the pledge he made to Ethan not to drink or gamble, Rob swallows his drink all at once also. "Pretty tasty. Now where's this blackjack table you wanted to see? We need to do it and get out of here."
"I can help you with that boys." A voice behind them says.
With a groan, Rob turns around to see who is speaking. Behind them stands a very angry looking man wearing a badge.
"Scott McGinnis! I should have known it would be you in here drinking! You know the age for boys to drink whiskey is twenty one and you are nowhere near that age. As for your friend here, I do not believe he is twenty one either. Let's go boys. I'll just hold you in the cell while I find your Pa's!"
Following the sheriff, Rob thinks, "Oh this is just wonderful, here I am about to be put in a holding cell again! I have no luck whatsoever! Uncle Ethan is going to be furious when he finds out about this. I knew better than to follow Scott!"
It isn't long before the two boys hear Scott's Father loudly asking "What did the boys do Eric? Your deputy just told me you had put them in the cell. I want to know why." Despite straining their ears to hear neither boy can hear the rest of the conversation taking place in the front of the office.
Looking over at Scott, Rob can see the boy is crying. "Scott? What is it?'
"He's going to thrash me for sure! I know you think the whippings I've gotten were bad. This time will be worse. This is the second time I've been caught drinking. The first time, he took a switch to me on my bare butt and legs. This time it will be more than that. I broke my promise and that is a surefire way to earn a thrashing!"
Out in the front office, the sheriff is answering the question. "I caught the boys in the Broken Bucket and both were drinking. They were also planning to play blackjack right as I caught them. Drinking is forbidden if someone is not at least nineteen. We say twenty one but everyone lets nineteen and twenty year olds drink. These boys are children still. It really isn't safe for them to be in a place like that."
"Yes, I am aware of that. I commanded they stay at the Mercantile with the twins but they disobeyed me. I will take action to see that this does not happen again. You can rest assured of that fact. Scott is not going to be drinking again until he is of age."
"What of the other boy?" The sheriff asks.
"He is the responsibility of Ethan Cord in Paradise. I am leaving him in your care until you can turn him over to his guardian. He was working for me but he isn't any longer. Please fetch my son so I may leave."
Going back to unlock the cell, the sheriff finds both boys looking very anxious. "Scott, your Father is taking you home. I do not want to see your face back in any saloon or especially this jail from now on. If I do, I might forget myself and take a switch to your bare backside! I have the right as your uncle to do so! Now get out there to your father!" As Scott leaves, the sheriff looks at Rob. "McGinnis requested for me to keep you here until your guardian comes to get you. I will send a telegram to Paradise."
"Yes Sir. I'm sorry to be trouble for you sir. My uncle is the sheriff of Paradise, Ethan Allen Cord."
"The Ethan Allen Cord? The ex-gunfighter?"
"He used to be a bounty hunter if that's what you mean. He gave that up though. He's been a sheriff for the last two years as well as a rancher."
"You are the ward of a sheriff and you go drinking and gambling? Not a very smart idea son."
"You don't have to tell me that, I am very well aware of how stupid this was. I'm in enormous trouble." Rob answers sighing.
"What do you expect his reaction to be? You heard what I said I would do to Scott."
"Yes sir, I did. How are you his uncle? Your name isn't McGinnis."
"His mother was my younger sister. Now answer my question." The sheriff says sternly.
"Uncle Ethan will handle this about the way you said you would handle Scott. How many days will it take to get the telegram there and for him to come here?" Rob asks the sheriff.
"I expect he'll be here tomorrow. The telegram goes through instantly as I'm sure you know already."
"Yes, I was just hoping things worked differently here and I would have at least a whole day before he came to kill me."
Smiling at the boy's exaggerating, the sheriff says "Well at least you have the rest of today and tonight before he kills you son. I'd make good use of your ability to sit without hurting if I were you."
Paradise
After a busy day of catching up on bulletins and wanted posters, plus all the complaints from citizens about a wave of robberies, Ethan is ready to get home. Robbery hasn't been a problem in Paradise very often. It seems someone is taking food from several families in the area. They reported smoked meat, pigs, chickens having been taken, gardens being ransacked and fresh bread, pies or other baked goods disappearing from outside cooling shelves. Ethan has long believed it was unnatural to cool baked goods outside and it isn't done on the ranch. Some residents have reported money being taken as well. Not many though.
Riding up to the barn, Ethan unsaddles Lightning and brushes him down. Leading the stallion into the barn, Ethan can see one side of the barn has been cleaned and fresh hay has been spread. The other side hasn't been done. Frowning, he goes inside to look for the boys. On the way inside he notices the kindling has not been picked up around the woodpile area.
Coming in the house, Ethan sees the bucket of ashes sitting on the ash covered hearth. The stove has been cleaned and the woodbox is full to the top. "Boys? Are you here?" Not getting an answer or seeing any of the boys, he goes outside to look for them. He finds Joseph sitting on the fence of the south pasture watching Neptune as he grazes.
"Hi Pa. Are you home already? You're home early aren't you? I mean it's not close to five yet is it?"
"No, it isn't. I guess I am early. Joseph can you explain why on one side of the barn the stalls are clean but on the other they haven't been touched? Where are your brothers?"
"They went off with Matthew again. He said they were going fishing. I don't know exactly other than that. I finished all of my chores already. I wasn't assigned the barn clean up today, Pa." Joseph wants to be sure to let his Pa know since whoever was assigned that chore is in big trouble. Joseph can tell just by looking that someone is in for it.
"I know that son. I've seen the excellent job you did inside. The hen house and coop look very clean today. So I know you did all of your chores. You aren't in trouble, I'm just asking. Have the boys been going off with Matthew often?"
"Yes sir, they go wading or fishing or exploring and to town often."
"I'll be sure to have a talk about this with Matthew and the boys. They know they aren't to leave the ranch without my permission. Matthew should have talked with me before letting them run out on chores by taking them off somewhere."
Later that afternoon, as they came home from fishing, the boys and Matthew are a little surprised to be faced with an angry parent. "Ben! George! Both of you go to your room and stay there until I tell you differently! Matthew, I'd like to speak to you in the barn privately, please."
"Papa? Why are you mad at us? Look we caught enough fish for supper." George declares holding up the long branch with the fish strung on it. "Uncle Matt taught us how to string up fish on a stick like this. You put the stick through their mouth and then…." He doesn't finish what he was saying when Ethan reaches over and takes the fish from his hand, pointing to the house.
"George! Go Inside. NOW!" Ethan demands sternly when the boy just stares at him.
In their room, Ben and George talk by their silent method, reading each other's thoughts. "Ben? Why is Papa mad? Do you know?"
"I don't know for sure. He's mad alright though. Uncle Matt has to go to the barn with him to talk. That means he's really mad."
"Is Papa going to whip Uncle Matt do you think? What if Papa's found out about the new game we play with him. That might be why he's so mad!"
"I don't think grown people get whippings George. If Pa has found out about the new game, WE will be the ones getting the whipping! So DON"T talk about it at all! If you talk about it we'll get our backsides tanned for sure! We shouldn't have done that and I am not doing it again, if I can get out of it"
Out in the barn, Ethan is explaining his problem to Matthew.
"It's not that I don't trust you with the boys, Matthew. I do not allow the children to roam around where ever they please whenever they wish too. It's a safety precaution Matt. I need to know where they are and who they are with at all times. There are dangers in this area and I am going to see to it nothing happens to the children."
"Aren't they a little old for you to be so protective? George is still young enough to need looking out for I guess but I was able to come and go by myself at his age."
"It's different here in Paradise than St. Louis. This is still a mining town and with mining towns you get rough men. Add in the fact that I am a sheriff, a former bounty hunter and gunfighter it could be someone has a grudge against me. If they want to take me on that's fine. I will not let them take me on by bothering the children! Do you see my point?"
"Yes, I do understand. From now on, I will discuss any plans with you before I take the boys somewhere. Is that sufficient?"
"Yes, thank you. Now, I want you to know this also. The children all know the rules for our family. I've been very clear on what they are and why we have them. This is being said because I want you to know Ben and George are going to be punished for breaking the rules. They knew what they were doing was wrong and did it anyway."
"Ethan, it's my fault not theirs. You should not punish them."
"Matthew, the boys skipped out on chores after being told specifically to get them done before play, they broke the safety rule of always asking permission before leaving the ranch. When you were a child and broke a long standing rule, what did your Pa do?"
"He'd tan my hide. You don't plan to use a saddle strap on them do you? Those things burn like fire on your bare skin! I remember to this day what that feels like!"
"No Matthew, I don't plan to strap them with a three inch thick strap. I never have and I never will. I rarely even use the razor strop to punish the children. It's only used for extreme situations. Now, if you'll excuse me, there are two nervous young boys I need to deal with."
Inside the boys' bedroom, Ethan is questioning Ben and George on why they feel they are in trouble.
"George, you asked me why I was mad. Can you or Ben tell me why you think I am upset with you two? What could be the reason?"
Not wanting to admit to anything he might not know, neither of the boys is willing to answer.
"All right, let's try this a different way. Ben, tell me what our family rule is about safety and leaving the ranch."
"We are never to put ourselves or someone else in danger. We must have permission to go off the ranch."
"Very good, Ben. That's exactly right. Did you and George leave today without asking first?'
"Yes Pa, but we thought if Uncle Matt took us that would be alright." Ben answers.
"The rule is ask before leaving the ranch, No matter who you are with!" Ethan tells him sternly. Turning to look at George he asks, George, what is the rule concerning chores?"
"We have to finish all our chores before we do anything else."
"Thank you George, that's correct. Did you two follow those rules today? Did you have my permission to leave the ranch? Were all of your assigned chores completed before you went fishing?"
Ben and George swap a brief look before they answer "No sir."
"George, the kindling was not picked up as I told you to do. Ben, the barn stalls you were to clean, have not been touched and the hearth is filthy. You know better than to leave a job half done that way!'
"Yes sir, I'm sorry about the hearth. I planned to finish after we got home. I didn't do the stalls because George said Uncle Matt had done them for us. I thought he had done them." Ben says close to tears now.
"Boys, let's get one thing straight here. YOU are responsible for your assigned chores not someone else. Uncle Matthew is not responsible for the chores. Well boys, you now know why I was upset. You both have earned a pants down spanking today! George, go stand with your face in the corner until I tell you to come out. Ben, drop your pants and lay over my lap."
Tears running down his face, Ben starts to unbutton his pants. "Please Pa, don't spank me. I didn't mean not to do the barn chores, honest! I really thought they were finished when I left to go fishing. Please?"
"Come here, Ben."
Walking the few short steps to his Pa, Ben keeps his pants up by holding them together. He's not willing to lower his pants quite yet.
"Ben, you disobeyed two family rules today. You put yourself in danger by going somewhere without permission and you did not complete your chores. This isn't just about the barn is it?"
"No sir."
"Then do as I told you to do and do it now. No more stalling or I'll add five more swats to your punishment!" This statement has Ben pantless and over his Pa's lap quickly.
Ten minutes later Ethan has two tearful and squirming boys sitting on George's bed. "Ben, George, I spanked you today not just for breaking the rules but because you deliberately defied me, you did what I told you not to do. When you behave that way you will be getting your backside warmed! Both of you are confined to your room for the rest of the day except for trips out back and supper. We will start fresh tomorrow and I know you will have a wonderful day then. I love you both very much."
Walking out and closing the door behind him, Ethan sees Claire standing by her room. "Are they coming out for supper tonight or do I need to fix trays?"
"They are allowed to come to the table but go right back after supper. Did you enjoy your trip to town?"
"Yes sir. Emily showed me a new dress pattern she has. It's really nice too. We had a great visit."
"Claire, if you want a new dress all you have to do is tell me. I will be more than happy to let you get yard goods for it. Would you like to make one?"
"I have so many new dresses still, Pa. After the fire at the Academy, you bought me six new ready made dresses, remember? I don't need another one."
"Sweetheart, I didn't ask you if you needed it. I asked you if you would like to make a new dress. It doesn't matter how many dresses you already have. The way you sew, the dresses you make are three times nicer than the ones we had to buy in a hurry." Ethan tells her his eyes twinkling.
"Well if you put it like that then, Yes Sir, I would like to make a new dress." Claire answers smiling back at him.
"Claire, when you smile that way you look so much like your Mama when she was a girl. I love to see that smile. Where are Joseph and Uncle Matthew?"
"They were down at the corral talking about horses when I came in. I guess they're still there."
"Good, maybe Joseph is loosening up on his anger and will accept Matthew now. I'll just walk out and see how they are getting along. We'll be in shortly to help with supper preparations."
As the family finishes supper, there's a knock on the front door. Joseph answers the door to find Mitch standing there. "Hi, Mitch! We were just about to get dessert. Would you like some chocolate cake? Mrs. Anderson sent one of her cakes home with Claire today."
"Thank you Joseph but I can't stay. Ethan? I need to speak to you alone."
Walking out on the porch, Ethan asks "What is it, Mitch?"
"It's Rob. I received a telegram today from a sheriff in Larabee. It says he has Rob in his jail and requests for someone to come retrieve him. The telegram was addressed to "Paradise Sheriff's Office" so I read it."
"Did it mention why he was being held in jail?"
"No, it didn't"
"Thank you Mitch. I'll leave tomorrow and go get him. I find it hard to believe he would deliberately do something to break the law but then again he has before. I want to trust that he has learned from his last episode where he wound up in jail. I was pretty sure I made my point that any behavior considered breaking the law would result in severe consequences. He darn well better have a great reason for this or his future of being able to sit comfortably is in jeopardy."
"Are you talking about the last day in Denver when he got drunk?"
"No, I was thinking of the time before when he took Joseph to the gambling facility called The Rodeo. He and the boy named Howard took Joseph with them. They were caught by the sheriff and held in jail."
"Well, let me just say this. When you do go get Rob, listen to him before you punish him. I've gotten to know him these past few weeks and he's not the wild boy he was when he first moved in with you. He's a thoughtful and bright young man who loves his new family. I don't see him doing something crazy to make you upset with him. He really wants to please you. While you were away with Joseph in Colorado Springs, he was worried he wouldn't handle the deal with the Army well enough. I had to reassure him, you wouldn't be upset with his decisions. Just the thought of displeasing you had him upset."
"Are you saying he was fearful? Was he afraid I would punish him?" Ethan asks.
"No, it was more the fact he might make you disappointed in his decisions. He only mentioned punishment when I suggested he sign the contract we made up with your signature. I had to convince him I would set you straight and he wouldn't be punished, before he would agree to sign."
"Thank you for telling me. I see now why he was confused when I reacted so strongly to him forging my name to a withdrawal form at the bank a few weeks back. He brought up the Army contract when we discussed his deceit. I tell you Mitch, raising honest children in this town is very difficult at times. So many temptations and ways to get around what they know is right."
"Yes, I agree. I'm glad you are the one responsible for the children and not me. I get to have fun with them and you get to be the enforcer of rules! Just don't come down on Rob before you take time to listen. I have a feeling there is more to this than just a boy breaking rules." Mitch replies.
"I'll listen to his side of the story, Mitch. I very rarely punish the children without listening to their account of what went on first. I'll leave after breakfast tomorrow to go to Larabee."