New Beginnings
ch.18:
New Experiences and Unexpected Problems
While Ben and George are cleaning the chicken coop and henhouse, Aaron is sitting on the fence of the corral watching Rob.
"Rob? When can I have a turn at teaching that horse to accept the saddle?"
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen, Aaron."
"Why not? You taught me to saddle train horses. You know I can do it! Why won't you let me try?" Aaron answers angrily.
"Look Aaron, it's not my decision, alright? I'm sorry but I don't make the rules here. I have to obey what I'm told same as you. Have you not noticed this is a stallion? What did Pa tell you about the stallions?'
"That I am to stay away from them at all times. But if you can work with him, why can't I? I am good with horses. You said so yourself!"
"Aaron, all I can say is that Pa won't allow anyone but he or I to work with the stallions. Joseph is not allowed either. If I let you do anything around this horse, I'd be asking for trouble. Pa would punish both of us if I let you do what you want. You better not sneak around and try it either. If you do, you won't sit for the rest of the day. I'm not kidding either, I mean it!"
"Your Pa hasn't whipped me yet and I've been here two weeks already. I don't think he would really whip me. He's just saying that to make me do as he says."
"You don't believe he'll do as he says, hmm? You are mistaken. He will always do what he says! I speak from experience."
When he sees Aaron still looking doubtful, Rob says "Let me put it another way. IF you go near the stallions, I will put you over my knee! When I'm finished, you won't want to be near another stallion for a long time. If you doubt me, just go ask any of the other boys if I wallop them. I MEAN WHAT I SAY!"
"Alright! You don't have to get so grouchy about it! You act like I'm not old enough to help. I'm twelve! I'm going to help the boys since you are in such a mood today. I thought we were friends but now I see we aren't!"
Watching Aaron stomp across to the chicken coop, Rob sighs regretfully. "He might be twelve but he's acting like he's around seven! C'mon horse we have work to do. I can't mollycoddle a little boy right now. For his sake, I hope he will heed my words!"
Seeing Aaron stomp up to the coop, George calls out "Aaron, what're you mad about?"
"Rob won't let me help him. I know how to saddle train too but he won't let me. If I'm good enough to do it at home, why aren't I good enough to do it here? I told him that and he still said I couldn't help. He's being all bossy and mean today."
"Yeah, I know. He's mad because Papa told him he can't go to town to visit Emily today. He has to stay home to help with the work." George says beginning to rake straw again.
"Rob won't let any of us help with the horses either. It's not just you. Listen Aaron, Don't go and try it anyway, not unless you want a sore bottom. Rob will spank you and he spanks hard." Ben tells him.
"You have to mind Rob and your Pa? Doesn't that get confusing? Trying to keep up with what both are telling you must be hard."
"We have to do as Pa says and also Rob, Claire and Joseph. It does get hard sometimes when we're trying to do what one says and one of the others tells us to do something else." Ben answers as he leans on his metal rake.
"Really, tell me about that. I don't have to mind anybody but Pa. Scotty thinks I have to mind him but I don't."
"Well, there was the time we were to help Claire wash clothes. Pa told us to do as she said. As we were gathering clothes from everyone's room, Joseph told us we were to get out to the barn and rake the stalls. We have to rake stalls every day! We were going to start the clothes boiling and then do the stalls. We went out to put the clothes in the boiling pot outside and Rob told us to get away from the boiling water! We were going to be in trouble with everybody because we couldn't do what they told us."
"What happened?"
"Joseph came back ready to spank us for not coming to the barn when he said, Rob was still mad and scolding for going near the fire and boiling water and Claire was fussing because we hadn't taken the clothes pile from the house. About that time, Pa came back from checking the horses in the south pasture. I told him we couldn't do as he said because the older ones wouldn't let us. I told him how they were all mad at us and why. We had a long family meeting after that. It wound up that we still have to mind the older ones, but they can't all boss us at the same time. Rob is in charge first, then if he's not here, Claire and last Joseph. If we go off with just one of them then whoever we are with is in charge."
"Wow! I'm really glad now that I don't have all those older brothers and sisters to boss me around. I don't want to be punished by everybody!"
"Well, we've got to get this coop clean or we will be punished. Papa is already mad at us for not doing it when he said to. This is the second time since you came, that he's told us to do this and we forgot to do it. We're going to get spanked if we don't get it done today! C'mon Ben get busy! I've raked my half already. We still have to clean out the henhouse and put in fresh hay before we can spread the straw on the ground out here." George tells his brother who is still leaning on his rake.
"Aaron? Would you like to help? There's an extra rake in the barn or you can spread the straw when we get ready. Would you want to help?" Ben asks.
"Ben, Papa might get mad if we don't do this by ourselves."
"I'm not telling him he has to help. I'm just asking him if he wants too. Pa won't get mad."
"Okay Ben. But don't complain to me if he winds up giving you a walloping for not doing your part. I'm doing my share and I have not asked for help either!"
"I do want to help. I'll clean the henhouse with you and help with the straw. I'll go get the clean hay for you too." Aaron answers grinning at the two boys arguing.
"Get the hay from the back corner haymow, not the hayloft. We aren't to get hay from the lofts. The hay is thrown from the lofts to the haymow." Ben explains. "There's a small wagon near the haymow to put the hay in."
While Aaron is gone to get the hay, George says "Ben, you need to think about this more. We were to clean this out yesterday and didn't. Now we are being told to do it today. I really don't think Papa is going to like it if you get Aaron to do your share! I'm trying to help you, Ben."
"Will you just mind your own business George? I'm doing my share too. I just think as a guest, Aaron would like to do something and not just stand around. Besides he's been helping us with the chores so why is this any different? Don't worry, I'll tell Pa it was my idea and you had nothing to do with it. You don't need to worry about being in trouble. Alright? Will you stop talking about it now?"
By the time Alyssa came out to the barn to announce lunchtime, the boys had their chores for the morning all finished. After washing their hands, arms and faces at the pump outside the barn they raced each other to the house.
"HA! I win!" Aaron announces reaching the steps just before Ben.
"You wouldn't have won if you had not started before I said GO." Ben says panting.
"Come inside boys. The girls have lunch on the table and are waiting for you three." Ethan says coming to the door to see what the boys are doing.
During the lunch conversation, Ethan says "Ben, George, both of you did a great job on the chicken coop. The straw is spread very well and the henhouse looks nicely lined with hay."
"You need to thank Aaron too, Pa. He did some of the work." Joseph tells him.
"Is this true? You had Aaron do the work for you?" Ethan asks sternly, his eyes on his two youngest.
"He did help, Pa. We did the work together." Ben answers after giving Joseph a brief glare across the table.
Seeing the stern and slightly angry look on Ethan's face, Aaron speaks up "Sir? UM Uncle Ethan? May I say something please sir?"
"Yes son, what would you like to say?"
"I wanted to help sir. Ben and George were doing the work but I wanted to help too. Ben asked me if I wanted to help sir. Neither one of them made me do their work. I helped rake the straw and fluff the hay in the henhouse but I didn't do it alone. I don't want to watch, I want to help."
Alyssa adds "At home we do all the work. Here we just get to help out. Aaron and I don't want to just sit around, we want to help."
"Well thank you children. You are both very helpful. Aaron, thank you for explaining. If you volunteered to help, that is fine."
Sitting next to Aaron, Ben breathes easier and reminds himself to thank Aaron later for helping get his Pa calmed back down.
"Pa?" Joseph asks ignoring Ben's glare again.
"Yes Joseph?"
"Claire is running out of meat and some other things. May I go into town this afternoon and get those things, please?"
"Claire? Don't you want to go yourself?" Ethan asks.
"No Sir. Alyssa and I want to go down to the creek and wash each others hair. Is that alright?"
"That's fine. I just wanted to ask. All right Joseph you may go but I want you to take all three of the younger boys along. You can give Aaron a tour of the town. I'll even give each of them some spending money for doing such a great job on the coop and the barn!"
"I was hoping to go visit Jeff and Jason for awhile before shopping. I haven't seen them in two weeks, Pa."
"You will have to wait for another day to go visit your friends. Today you will be entertaining our guest." Ethan answers in a tone Joseph recognizes as his final word.
"Yessir. Rob, are you coming also?"
"No Joseph. I am still working with the horse and won't have time to go play in town. You children have fun though." Rob answers. The glare he receives from Joseph at the term children, makes him grin.
"Rob, Joseph, both of you have clean up chores for this meal. Stop glaring at your brother, Joseph and start clearing the table. You boys go change into town clothes and brush your hair. Come back when you are dressed and we'll talk."
When the younger boys are back in the front room, Ethan says "Boys, Joseph is in charge today while you are with him. You are to mind what he tells you without arguing. It's one o'clock now and I expect all of you home by no later than four. Here is a nickel for each of you to spend on something other than candy. You may buy a little candy if you like, but do not spend more than three cents on candy."
"Yessir" Ben and Aaron agree while George replies "We'll be good Papa."
"Good to know boys. All three of you go sit on the steps. Joseph will be out in just a minute. Joseph, come to my room for a minute, please." Ethan says seeing the boy has finished his clean up chores.
In his bedroom Ethan tells him, "I told the boys that you are in charge today. I gave each of them five cents and told them to buy what they wanted but no more than three cents of candy. I'm depending on you to keep them out of trouble. If they cause problems in town because you weren't watching them, then you will also have a problem. Do you understand my meaning? I do not want a repeat of what happened when they were in town with you last time."
Remembering the incident he's referring to, when the boys climbed a tall shelf in the new General Store to reach something and the whole shelf collapsed, Joseph answers "Yes sir. I'll watch carefully and won't be distracted this time." I'll just remind the boys about what happened that time! All three of us wound up with sore backsides! He thinks.
"Very good, I know you will be true to your word. Make sure you take your pocket watch with you, as I want all of you home no later than four o'clock. The girls will need time to prepare the meat and we will need time to put up the rest in the smokehouse. I want you to take the wagon and purchase what's on this list. I believe Claire has given you her list also. Am I right?"
"Yes, she has a list too. Do you want me to bring home this fencing or just order it today?" Joseph asks reading the list.
"Just place the order and we'll pick it up later this week. I will need you to get everything else on the list as much as possible. If someone is out of something we'll get it when we can."
"Yessir, I'll do my best to get everything. I'm sure the boys will help too."
"Take time to enjoy showing Aaron the town, son. You don't have to only do the shopping. I'm giving you plenty of time to do more. Now, the boys are waiting so get your watch and meet me in the barn. I'll hitch up the wagon for you."
Riding to town, Joseph tells the boys "Pa said we were to be back by four so we have time to show Aaron around. Ben, George, you better mind me and stay out of trouble. We don't want a repeat performance of what happened the last time we all three came to town by ourselves do we?"
"I sure don't. It was an accident though, so I don't know why Pa got so mad." Ben answers.
"He got mad because the two of you climbed up the shelves and they came loose with everything on them crashing to the floor. You could have gotten hurt not to mention the fact that some of those things broke costing him money."
"Yeah I guess, but did he have to take the money owed out of our backsides? Couldn't we just have done extra chores or something?"
"When did this happen Ben?" Aaron asks listening.
"About six weeks ago I think. It wasn't long after the new store opened. We have two stores now. Mr. Axelrod still has his and then we have the one Mr. Hiram owns. Mr. Hiram doesn't like kids coming around at all. Mr. Axelrod has a soda fountain in his store. George and I used to be able to fix ourselves sodas but we can't anymore. Pa won't allow us to touch the soda fountain machine any longer."
"Why not?"
George answers "We got into some trouble making sodas and it made a mess so we are forbidden to do that anymore. It was fun to make our own sodas. Have you ever had an ice cream soda, Aaron?"
"No, I've only had ice cream two times. The last time was when I was eight."
Ben and George exchange a look at this news. George tells Ben mentally "We've got to get him some ice cream before he goes home with his Papa! Think of a way Ben!"
Well, we are here so let's put the wagon by the Hardware Store and we'll walk around some before shopping. Pa told me to get some things from here so we'll do that last." Joseph tells the boys as he drives the wagon to the side of the building..
"Okay guys, what should we show Aaron first? Aaron, maybe you have something you'd like to go see."
"Let's show him the soda fountain! Let's go to the gazebo!" Ben and George both answer at the same time.
"Actually, I'd like to go see the school. Can we go there?"
"The SCHOOL?! Are you nutty? Why'd you want to see that?!"
"Ben! Mind your tongue! Aaron, we'll be happy to show you the school" Joseph replies giving Ben a stern look.
Walking up to the school, Joseph explains "Up until the end of term, we only had one schoolroom and everyone was altogether. But because Paradise has become much bigger with all the mining families and merchants families, the town built on to the school. Now we have two rooms. The younger kids will be in one class and the older ones in another."
"Do you think we can go inside? I'd like to see it " Aaron asks.
Ben and George, following behind, speak to each other silently "Why do you think he wants to go inside? Don't all schoolrooms look similar?"
"I dunno George. I've only been to this school. Maybe he doesn't go to school." Ben sends back.
As they follow Joseph and Aaron into the building and Aaron sees the desks lined up where the front of each one is attached to the back of the next in line he says "Doesn't it feel cramped with everyone sitting so close together?"
"Yes, sometimes. Do you go to a school like this?" Joseph asks.
"No, we don't go to school at all. There isn't one where we live and Pa said it's too far to come here. Some kids are taught by their Ma's at home. We were like that until our Ma died."
"Well, let's go see something else. How about we go to the town's gazebo?" Joseph says not knowing what else to say to that news.
"This is where we have the Independence Day celebration and the town has a big Christmas tree put here for Christmas. We have some men who come and play instruments on the days we celebrate. In the summertime we just get to come and sit in here and as Papa says "watch the town".
"Why does he watch the town? Is it going to go somewhere?' Aaron asks as Ben giggles.
"No, I mean he watches the people as they do things in town. He is always watching the people. Even when he's supposed to be taking time off the Sheriff's job, he watches everyone." George answers giving Ben a slight shove when he won't stop giggling.
"Not funny, Ben! Stop laughing."
"I can't help it. I just keep picturing the stores with feet walking off somewhere. That's what I saw when he asked If the town was going to go somewhere."
"You are just being silly, Ben. You know a town can't go anywhere." George replies irritably.
"Okay guys, what about us going somewhere else now. What else do you want to go see Aaron?" Joseph speaks up before the two boys get into more of an argument.
"Can we walk down that side of town? I want to go see what is making that music I hear." Aaron says pointing down the opposite side of town.
"NO! Sorry." Joseph says at Aaron's startled expression. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. It's just that the place you hear music from is the saloon. There is NO chance that I'm going to take you down there. Pa would burn my backside for sure. He'd get Ben and George too, if we went near there. We are not allowed to go on that side of town, Aaron. That's the mining camp on that side and the saloon too."
"Isn't the silver mine down that road too? I've never been to a mine before. Can we go see it?"
"Aaron! Didn't I just tell you what would happen to us if we went down there? Do you want us to get a whipping? If I took you to the mine, I wouldn't be able to sit comfortably for days! He'd probably use the razor strop! We're NOT going on that side of town. Understand?"
"Fine, let's go see the soda fountain then. I've never seen one of those before either."
"Alright, that we can do. Come on boys. Let's go to the Mercantile. You three can spend your money there and I can do some of Claire's shopping too."
"Hi, Mr. Axelrod, this is our friend, Aaron. He's been staying with us at the ranch!" Ben announces coming into the store.
"Hello boys. What may I help you with? Joseph, your Pa has mail in his box, so don't forget to get it."
"Thank you sir. Claire asked me to get some staples for her. We need flour, sugar, and more. I'll just hand you the list if that's okay. The boys all have some money to spend so I need to watch out for them while they shop."
"That will be fine. I'll put everything in a crate. Did you walk in today or do you have the wagon?"
"We have the wagon but it's over by the Hardware store. I have to pick up some more things from there." Joseph replies.
"Well, you just come back by here and I'll load the crate for you if it's too heavy to carry. We'll see when I get the order filled."
"Yes sir, thank you sir." Joseph answers while thinking , He sure is a different person than he was two years ago. When we first moved here, he was so hateful and acted like he hated children. Now he's all helpful and nice. So strange.
Walking over to the section of the store where the mail slots are, he pulls the mail from the C slot. Looking through it, he sees an envelope addressed to Sheriff Ethan Cord, Paradise, Colorado. Glancing at the return address, Joseph sees Judge Henry's name. Wishing he could open the letter but knowing he'd better not, he just puts it in the crate on the counter. "I'm putting the letter in here Sir. I don't have any pouch with me to put it in." Joseph tells Mr. Axelrod.
"Take this pouch, you can return it the next time you come in or send it with Ethan. I don't want to risk getting the letter ruined if you put it in the crate." Mr. Axelrod says handing Joseph a leather pouch to wear over his shoulder.
While Joseph is busy with Mr. Axelrod, the younger boys are examining the pocketknives and watches in the display case across the store.
"Look Ben, do you see that pocketknife? That one right there with the pearl handle? I wish I had one like that. I can't buy it though since it costs a whole two dollars. I don't have a pocketknife, do you?' Aaron asks as they look into the case."
"I don't have a knife either. Pa won't let me have one. He won't let us carry a knife until we are twelve. It's not fair because all the boys at school have knives. Even some of the eight year olds have their own knife. I told him that too but it didn't help. Does your Pa let you carry a knife?"
"He's never said I couldn't. We've never had the money for me to get one so it doesn't matter. Do you think I could just hold that knife for a few minutes?"
"Yeah, I don't see why we couldn't look at it closer. I'll just get it out." Ben says as he opens the lid of the case and pulls it out.
"Ben, you boys be sure to just look at that knife. Don't you be opening it, you hear me? I don't want you hurt by it and it's sharp." Mr. Axelrod calls over to them.
"Yes sir, we'll just look at the outside of it." Ben says regretfully.
Just then George rushes over and says excitedly, "Ben! Guess what I just thought of! I know how we can get Aaron an ice cream soda!"
"How do we do that? Are you going to spend your money for one? They cost three cents." Ben reminds him.
"I know but listen a minute will you? If I used three of my five cents we could get one and all three of us could share it. We'll just get three straws! Then maybe you would let me have a little of your money so I could still buy some things? I thought if you let me have one cent, then you are helping buy the soda too. What do you think? Will you do it?"
While Ben and George are talking, Aaron puts the knife in his pocket just to see what it would feel like having a real pocketknife in your pocket.
"I think that is a good plan, George. I'll let you have one cent off of my nickel. Let's go get one!" Ben says smiling at George.
"Mr. Axelrod?" George calls out.
"Yes George?" he answers as Joseph, standing nearby, scolds "Don't yell across the store! Walk over and talk to him where he is! Go on!"
"Yes Joseph, I apologize for yelling. I just got excited." George tells him walking past to the counter.
"Mr. Axelrod, we want to buy one soda and share it. Can we do that with three straws? Our friend Aaron hasn't ever seen a soda fountain or had a soda either."
"I'll fix one of those for you as soon as I finish filling your brother's order, George. You boys go on and get the purchases you want and I'll finish this."
"Yes Sir. Thank you sir."
"We have to wait until he gets done filling our order. He said to get our purchases while he finishes." George tells the other two boys when he walks back to the soda fountain where they are standing.
"LOOK Papa! A soda fountain just like we saw in Boston!" A young girl says as she comes in the store.
"Yes, I see. You go on over and have a look while I get our supplies." Her Papa answers.
Standing by the fountain's counter, Joseph just stares at the girl. She's very pretty with dark brown eyes, shiny brown hair tied up on the sides with yellow ribbons to match her yellow and white dress.
"Hi, do you know how to work the soda fountain? Could you make me a soda?" The girl asks Joseph.
"Uh, no I can't. I don't work here, miss."
"Oh, please excuse me. I thought you were the soda jerk."
"The what?" Joseph asks surprised the girl would say that word. He's heard the word jerk but it wasn't used in a nice way.
"The soda jerk is the person who makes the sodas. I'm Camryn Eve Quaker and we just moved here from Boston. My Papa is going to be the new manager of the Paradise Silver Mine. What's your name?"
"I'm Joseph Cord, my Pa is the sheriff here. These are my brothers Ben and George. This is our friend Aaron. Are you going to go to school?"
"Yes, I'll be in the sixth reader group."
"We go by grades in this school and I'm in the sixth grade so you probably will be also. You look about my age."
"I'm almost thirteen. My birthday is in July."
"I'm thirteen too." Joseph says as he hears Ben say "NO Aaron! We aren't to touch the guns!" Eyes going wide, Joseph says "I'm sorry but I have to get over there to watch the boys. I'll talk to you more later."
Rushing back to the back of the store where he knows the guns are kept, Joseph sees Aaron standing there holding a revolver in his hand.
"Aaron! Put that down! It's a good thing for you our Pa isn't here or you'd be getting your britches warmed! He told you yesterday, when you picked up the revolver Rob was cleaning, 'NEVER touch a gun' remember?"
"I'm just looking at it, not hurting it. Besides it's not even loaded, I looked."
"Put it back right now or I swear, I'll tell Pa about you picking it up and holding it, the minute we get home! If I did that, he would most likely give you a whipping! Now ... Put ... It ...Down!" Joseph whispers sternly.
"Fussy aren't you." Aaron says putting the gun back on the display rack.
"I'm trying to keep you from getting in trouble so Yes, I'm fussy." Joseph answers while thinking I'm trying to keep myself out of trouble too! If Pa found out you did this because I wasn't watching, I'd be in trouble.
"Did you all pick out what you want to buy other than the one soda? We need to finish up and go to the butcher and the Hardware store. It's already three and I don't know how long it will take to get the order loaded from there."
"I picked a bag of broken candy to share, Joseph. It costs four cents." George says.
"I picked a bag of marbles. Aaron is going to get some too plus get Alyssa hair ribbons." Ben answers. Aaron doesn't say anything he just gives Joseph an angry look.
"Come on, let's pay and we'll get that soda too. We need to speed up so we can get it all done to get home on time. I for one do NOT want to be late."
"We don't either!" George agrees.
Sharing the soda, Aaron tells Joseph, "This is the best thing I've ever had! I wish I could take one home to Alyssa. She's never tasted a soda either."
"Yeah, it would be nice to be able to take one with you, but there's just no way to do it. We can't take a soda glass home and besides, it wouldn't last. It would be all runny by the time we got home. Maybe we can bring her here before you have to leave."
"Hello again, Joseph. Are you sure you aren't the soda jerk? You look the right age." Joseph hears beside him.
"Hello, no I'm not working here. I am a customer just like you."
"Well, I was hoping you had changed your mind and would work here. I'd like it if we could talk to each other more. I don't know any other people my age here. Don't forget my name is Camryn. I guess I'll see you when school begins again." She says as her Pa walks up.
"Making some new friends, my girl? It's always good to have friends. Enjoy that soda, boys. Let's get home Camryn. Your mother is waiting for the supplies."
"Bye" Ben and George call as the man and his daughter leave. Joseph feels too tongue tied to speak. Noticing his brother just staring at the door, Ben whispers to Aaron "I think he's found himself a girl, don't you?"
"Looks that way to me. He's got that strange look on his face that they get when they are all about girls." Aaron answers.
"Hush, will you? I'm not 'all about girls'. It's just that I've never seen a girl who was that friendly first off the way Camryn is." Joseph tells them.
"Camryn is a pretty name for a girl" George puts in trying to make his brother feel better.
"Um hmm. Are you three finished? We need to get moving to be home on time." Joseph reminds them.
"We're done. We can go now." Ben answers. "Didn't she say her middle name is Eve?" he asks George.
"Yes, she did. Why?"
"Well Joseph's middle name is Adam. They fit together! Adam and Eve!" Ben says grinning at Joseph's growl.
"Ben, HUSH! I said I wasn't into girls that way. She's just a nice girl is all."
"Umm hmm, just like Rob isn't into Emily!" Ben answers back.
"Get moving boys, let's walk." Joseph says ushering them out the front door and across the street.
"All right, I've got to go into the butcher shop and I know you don't want to come. You see that bench by the wall?" Joseph asks and then at Ben's nod he says "All three of you go sit on the bench and DO not move. I don't have time to go hunting you so stay put!"
As the boys are sitting and waiting, a door opens at the building beside their bench. Ben glances up to see who came out and is surprised to see his Uncle Matthew.
"Well hello there boys! Ethan finally let you come to town I see. Listen fellas, I'm sorry for getting you into that game. I was wrong and I made you two do something wrong also. Did you get into much trouble because of it?" Matthew asks after walking over to see the boys.
"We got in enormous trouble because we did what you told us! Mitch spanked us and then Pa whipped both of us. We are also going to be confined to the ranch for two weeks as soon as our company leaves." Ben answers angrily.
"Uncle Matthew, I thought you had to go to jail." George speaks up.
"I did and I am still staying there. Mitch trusts me enough to walk over to get a shave every day. He times me so I have to be back at the jail soon. Could you come visit me? I'd like to tell you why I did what I did."
"Pa has forbidden us to come see you. He said we would get a whipping if we did. He probably isn't going to like it that we are talking to you now!" Ben replies coldly.
"Well if you can get around your Pa, come visit and we'll talk this out. I have an explanation and I want you to hear it."
"What are you doing here?" Matthew hears and turns to see Joseph standing behind him.
"Joseph! Hello, I was hoping to get to talk to all of you at once. I do have some explanation for what went on."
"I don't need an explanation to know you are a thief and a liar. Leave my brothers alone and crawl back to the cell you obviously belong in. Let's GO boys. We have thirty minutes to get our order and get home! We have got to move fast!"
"Mr. Anderson? It's Joseph. I'm ready to get that order loaded, sir." Joseph calls as they enter the Hardware store.
"How come you can yell in a store but scold me for doing it?" George asks him.
"Because Mr. Anderson told me to call for him if he's not out front. Now go sit by the door with Ben and Aaron and stay there! I've got to go get our order loaded." Joseph tells him.
"I'm tired of always being bossed around like this." Ben complains when George sits down. "Go sit there, do this, don't do that, boss, boss ,boss. All we get is bossed around. Joseph acts like he thinks we're going to destroy something in here."
"Well from what the two of you told me you did in the two stores, I see why he gets worried. You told me you messed up the soda fountain and made shelves fall. Why wouldn't he think you would do something else?" Aaron asks.
"Those were accidents. We weren't trying to do either. They just happened." George tells him. "Ben, do you see Joseph from where you are?"
"No George, Why?"
"I need to go out back really bad. I've needed to go since before we went to the butcher."
"I'm going to go tell him I need to go." George says standing up. Walking back into the area where the lumber is kept, he nearly gets hit by a board someone is moving.
"Watch it kid! What are you back here for? I don't believe you need to be back here." The man moving the lumber tells him loudly.
"I'm looking for my brother, sir. Have you seen an older boy?" Just then he hears "GEORGE! You are not to be back here! I said sit out front and stay there! Now GO!"
"But Joseph, I need to go…" is as far as George gets before Joseph turns him back around to go inside the store. Giving him a sound smack on the seat of his pants, Joseph says "What you need to do is MIND! Now get in there and stay before I spank you ! It's not safe for you to be out here!"
Walking back to the front and joining Aaron and Ben, George tells them "He scolded me, swatted me and made me come back here before I could tell him what I was back there for." George knew Ben was going to ask and answered before he had a chance to.
"I can't hold it any longer. I'm going out back! If I get in trouble from Joseph, I don't care! I'm not going to sit here and have an accident. Papa would give me a spanking if I did." George says as he stands up.
"I need to go too." Aaron says also standing up. "I'll just go with you but you go in first since you are in a hurry."
When Joseph comes back to collect the boys he finds Ben sitting alone. "Ben! WHERE are Aaron and George? Where did they go?"
"They had to use the outhouse so they went out back to use it! George tried to tell you he needed to go but you wouldn't listen! You almost caused him to have an accident! You need to stop being so bossy and listen. You get all high and mighty when you're 'IN Charge' and never listen to us. We're tired of it too!" Ben answers angrily.
"Okay, calm down will ya? I'm sorry for not listening. Pa told me I would get a whipping if you got into trouble. I've been trying not to let you do anything that might get you or ME in trouble. On top of that, I had to get all the things from the lists and we've got to get home on time. It's a lot to think about."
"Alright, I accept that but I still don't like being bossed around. Let's go get Aaron and George so we can leave. They should be done by now." Ben answers just as the other two come in the door.
"Good, you're back! Let's go get in the wagon and start for home. We have to move fast as we only have ten minutes to get there!" Joseph tells the boys.
Just outside of town, Joseph says "Guys, we've got to hurry if we're going to make it on time. Ben? George? I need to run the horses. Will you keep quiet about it if I do?"
"Yes Joseph." They both answer.
"Good, everyone hold on to the sides of the wagon. Ready? Okay, HUP!" Joseph smacks the reins on the horse's backs as he yells the word hup. The horses break into a run. The wagon is bouncing along the road now. Ben, George and Aaron are nearly flung around the wagon bed as it bounces down the road.
After five minutes of galloping, Joseph slows the horses to a walk again. "WHOA boys, settle down now and let's walk." He calls to the horses as he pulls back on the reins. The team slows down and the wagon rolls smoothly again.
"Now I know what popcorn feels like in the popcorn basket!" Ben calls to Joseph. "We nearly bounced the meat out of the wagon on that run!"
"We didn't lose anything, did we?" Joseph asks worriedly.
"No, everything is still here it just bounced around a lot just like we did!" George calls out.
"Aaron? You okay back there? You are awfully quiet." Joseph asks.
"I'm okay. I don't want to gallop anymore though. It's a good thing I went to the outhouse before we left, I tell you! All that bouncing around is not good! Why did you ask George and Ben if it was okay to gallop the horses?" Aaron asks.
"Because I wanted to be sure they wouldn't tell on me before I did it. If Pa found I did this with a fully loaded wagon, he wouldn't be pleased. I'd lose my driving time for weeks and I would have trouble sitting for a time also! You won't tell will you?"
"No, I'm not a tattler. Besides it was kind of fun now that we stopped."
"Thanks Aaron, you are a nice guy to know. Did you like visiting our little town?"
"Yeah Joseph, it's great. I wish we lived here so we could go to school and get sodas too! I wish my Pa would go away so we didn't have to live with him anymore or Scotty either! I don't have a great Pa or big brother like you all do."
"Well, I hope you get to stay a long time. We're having fun too." Joseph answers as he drives the horses into the ranch yard and up to the barn.
"Ben, I need you to help me unload and George, I need you to go tell Pa we're back. Here, take this meat in for Claire." Joseph says handing him one of the packages of pork.
Coming out to help unload the wagon, Ethan asks "Any trouble with the boys today?"
"No, Pa. No exploding soda fountains or shelves jumping from the wall today. They were good and listened to what I told them, mostly. I was good too."
"Mostly?"
"Oh, just one time at the Hardware store, George didn't stay out of the way. He had to go out back and came to tell me but nearly got hit by a walking board! I scolded him and sent him back to where he was to stay." He thought about telling his Pa about running into Matthew but decided not to mention it.
"Well, let's get this meat salted and hung in the smokehouse. We'll unload the rest after we finish that task. I see you have a mail pouch on. What mail did we get?"
"Oh! I forgot I had it on! It's a letter from Judge Henry, I think. It has his name on it anyway. Here you are." Joseph says pulling the letter out and handing it to Ethan.
"I'll read it later tonight. We need to work right now. Bring the packages of meat over to the smokehouse. I'll carry the salt barrel."
After salting the meat by rubbing salt over it to keep it fresh, they hang the hams. pork shoulder, cuts of beef and venison on hooks in the smokehouse. Walking back over to unload the rest of the wagon Joseph decides he had better tell about meeting Matthew.
"Pa? Something happened in town today that I need to tell you about. None of us caused trouble but something happened." Joseph tells Ethan.
"What happened? You seem nervous, are you expecting to be in trouble Joseph? Did you do something you shouldn't have?"
"No sir, as I said, all of us were good and we didn't get into any trouble. While I was getting the meat, the boys waited outside the shop. When I came out, Uncle Matthew was out there talking to them. "
"What?! I thought he was locked up! What was he doing walking the street?" Ethan asks sounding angry.
"I don't know. I came out and he was telling the boys he wanted to have them come visit so he could explain why he acted as he did. I told him we weren't allowed to visit and didn't want to. I took the boys and we left. Are you mad because we talked to him? We couldn't help it, Pa. He came up to us first. We didn't go looking for him and we sure didn't go into the jail."
"No Joseph, I'm not angry with you boys. I am a little angry at Mitch for letting him out of jail. I'll be talking to him about this."
"Yes sir. Pa? Are these pipes and wood you bought for the water closet? Mr. Anderson said we needed to send away for directions to build one before we start. He gave me the address. "
"I've already done that Joseph. We have the instructions and now we have the materials We're ready to begin adding the bathing room and water closet. I'll get you boys to help and maybe we can have it put in by next week."
"Yes sir, I'll help. I like to build things!"
Later that night as Aaron undressing for bed, empties his pockets. Putting everything up on the top of the night table he's surprised to see the pocketknife.
Watching from the bed, Ben gasps then whispers "Aaron! The knife! You took it!"
"I didn't mean to take it! I put it in my pocket and then forgot it! What do I do, Ben? I STOLE! I'm going to catch it bad!"
"You need to go tell Pa right now! It'll be much worse if Mr. Axelrod comes and tells him first. I know because it happened to me."
"I CAN'T! I don't want him to whip me, Ben! I'll get a thrashing from my Pa if he learns I caused trouble here." Aaron says wiping his eyes as tears threaten to spill over.
"Maybe you'll get lucky, Aaron. After all it was an accident. You didn't mean to take the knife. To me that makes it not stealing just accidentally borrowing."
"Maybe that's true. Will you go in and talk to your Pa with me? I'm scared, Ben."
"I'll go with you but you have to promise something first."
"What?'
"Promise that you will tell Pa that I was not involved in taking the knife. I don't want him to think I helped. Promise you will tell Pa that and I'll go with you."
"I promise."
"Good, let's go talk to him. Bring the knife with you." Ben tells Aaron.
Out in the front room, Rob and Joseph are finishing their checkers game while Ethan is reading the letter from the Judge. Hearing a door open, Ethan puts the letter on the side table as he watches Ben and Aaron walk slowly to him.
"I thought Aaron was to be getting ready for bed and you Ben, were already asleep. What's the problem boys?"
"Papa, we need to talk to you in private. Can we go into your room?" Ben asks.
"Yes, come on. Joseph, Rob, it's time for you two to go on to bed too. Put the game away now."
"Yessir." Rob answers as Joseph looks startled. He and Rob were to have at least forty more minutes before bedtime. Catching the slight shake of Rob's head, he wisely keeps his mouth shut and doesn't argue.
"Rob! Why did you just agree? We aren't supposed to have to go to bed this early unless we are on punishment!" Joseph whispers as they put up the game.
"Pa had a look in his eyes. Something is going on to make him tense and I for one, wasn't about to risk getting in trouble by arguing. I don't know what the boys did, but they better hope he keeps his temper. Let's get to bed before we get in trouble!" Rob answers walking quickly towards their bedroom.
"I'll be there in just a minute. I have to go out back first." Joseph answers.
In Ethan's room, the two boys sit on his bed while he sits in a chair in front of them. This arrangement makes Ben a little nervous as he feels his Pa could easily turn one or both of them over his knee. It's happened before!
"Well boys, what do you need to tell me? What have you done?"
"Why do you ask that Pa?" Ben asks as Aaron begins to sniffle a little.
"You two look guilty and you asked to speak privately. Now out with it. What is going on here?!"
"Pa, today when we were in town, we were looking at the pocketknives. Well, it seems that one accidentally... Aaron, you tell him." Ben says as Ethan's eyes get dark and his eyebrows go down.
"Mr. Cord, I accidentally put a knife in my pocket. We were just looking at them and then George called us to go over to the soda fountain. I had put the knife in my pocket just for a minute to see what it felt like and I forgot I had it there."
"Where is the knife now?" Ethan asks quietly.
"Right here, sir. It was in my pocket when I cleaned them out getting ready for bed." Aaron answers as the tears start going down his face.
"Benjamin, what part did you have in this escapade?" Ethan asks sternly.
"None, other than we were both looking at the knife in the store. Honest Pa! I didn't even know he had it until a few minutes ago."
"He's telling the truth, sir. I'm the one that did it not him. He wasn't even looking when I put the knife in my pocket." Aaron explains quickly after remembering his promise to Ben.
"Very well then, Ben you may go back to bed. I wish to talk to Aaron privately. He'll be along in a few minutes."
"Yes Sir." Ben answers giving Aaron an apologetic look for having to leave.
"Well Aaron, it seems you have put yourself into a pickle here. What is it called when you take something without asking or without paying for it first?"
"Stealing, sir. It was an accident though! I didn't do it on purpose! I didn't mean to take it out of the store at all!"
"Aaron, did Mr. Axelrod get the knife out of the case? Did he tell you it was alright for you to even be touching it?"
"No sir, but he did know we had it. He told us not to open it and we didn't. We just looked at the outside of it. Then I stuck it in my pocket. I'm really really sorry sir. I didn't mean to do this at all. Are you going to whip me?"
"No, but you do deserve to be punished. You know better than to put something in your pocket that does not belong to you, don't you?" At Aaron's slight nod, he says "This is what we are going to do. Tomorrow, you and I will go back to town and you will explain to Mr. Axelrod what happened. I will tell him to assign your punishment and whatever he decides is what will happen. You won't be whipped Aaron so you can relax. You may find yourself getting a few whacks from my hand, however. It depends on what Mr. Axelrod decides."
"Yes Sir, thank you for not whipping me sir. My Pa would have taken the whip to me for this. May I go to bed sir?"
"You will never be beaten as long as you are in my care, Aaron. We'll go to town right after breakfast so be ready. I will see you in the morning."
Still wiping the tears off his face as he comes into the room he's sharing with the boys, he hears Ben whisper "Did you get a whipping?"
"No."
"Did he put you over his knee and spank you then?"
"No, not that either."
"You didn't get punished at all? Then why are you still crying? You got off without punishment!"
"I have to go to town and tell Mr. Axelrod what I did. He is the one who gets to decide what my punishment will be. Your Pa said he wouldn't whip me but he would still spank me, if Mr. Axelrod wants him too, I guess. I don't know if that's what he meant but he said I might find myself getting a few whacks with his hand."
"He means on top of what Mr. Axelrod hands down. I think you are going to get a spanking, Aaron. I'm sorry to tell you that."
"Maybe he won't. I hope not anyway. Good night Ben. Good night George." Aaron says as he notices George is sitting up listening too.
"Night Aaron and good luck tomorrow." George whispers as Ben nods in agreement.
"Maybe we can get Rob to talk Pa out of spanking you." George whispers. "He's pretty good at getting us out of trouble sometimes."
The next morning, Ben tries to get Rob to help out by talking to their Pa. "C'mon Rob! You can talk him out of punishing Aaron."
"No, I can't and I'm not going to get involved in this. I wasn't there and I have no say in what happened. I'm sorry boys, I would help if I could. Now, let's go to breakfast. Aaron, you just take whatever Mr. Axelrod wants you to have for punishment and maybe that's all you'll have."
Later that morning, Ethan explains to Mr. Axelrod in private, what happened. "Cyrus, I told the boy you would decide his punishment. I believe him when he says it was an accident. He knows better than to put something in his pocket when it does not belong to him."
"What do you want me to say? Are you thinking he needs a whipping? I'm not comfortable saying that!" Mr. Axelrod whispers looking over Ethan's shoulder at Aaron.
"No, I promised him I wouldn't whip him. I did say he might get a spanking. If you want to choose that option that would be acceptable. Extra chores would also be good. Just something to remind him to THINK before he acts. His Pa would use a whip on him if he knew so do not ever mention this to anyone."
"I'll keep it quiet. Let's go face the guilty one before he has himself so worked up he can't even breathe. He's trembling all over."