New Beginnings

ch. 26

Independence

Moving quietly, the older man walks over to look at the boy who talks to horses. Smiling at the thought of the child commanding the horse to accept his capture, he gently covers the boy with a warm blanket. After patting the boy's horse and giving it some water from an old bucket he walks back into the rock cave.

The next morning, Joseph wakes to the smell of something cooking. Rolling over he sees an older man crouched nearby. The man is busily cooking something over the fire. Remembering Ethan's teachings of caution, he carefully eases towards his horse for the gun he put in the saddlebag.

"No need for a gun, young one. I mean no harm to anyone. I provided your blanket and am now going to provide your breakfast." The man says without turning around.

"How do I know you aren't going to harm me? Why should I believe you?".

"Well now, that's a very good question. I don't have the answer to that. Maybe you yourself can answer your question." The man replies finally looking over his shoulder.

"While you think about the answer, would you join me in some breakfast? I have eggs and meat with coffee. No milk though so you'll have to drink it black. You do drink coffee, don't you?"

Moving to the other side of the fire and sitting down, Joseph answers testily "I can drink it black. Who are you and where did you come from?"

"Hmm, is that how your parents taught you to speak to adults?"

Blushing at being reprimanded by a stranger, Joseph replies "No Sir and I apologize for sounding rude. My Pa would be upset with me for it if he were here. I wish he was here even if I am in a lot of trouble."

"What is your name son? My name is John Taylor and yes, I'm an Indian. An old one but still an Indian. You don't seem to mind that though."

"I'm Joseph Carroll Cord and no, I don't mind that you are an Indian. Why would I mind?"

"Long story. Let's eat Joseph Carroll Cord and we'll talk later."

"Okay but call me Joseph. When people call me my whole name it makes me think I'm going to be in big trouble. When my Pa calls me that, he's really upset with me."

"Eat up Joseph. You have much to do today." John Taylor answers with a smile.

"This is really good. Thank you for the breakfast. I wasn't going to have anything because I didn't bring any food along."

"You should never travel without some kind of food and a canteen of water. I fed and watered your horse earlier. Why are you out here alone without supplies? Are you a runaway?"

"No sir, Mr. Taylor. I am not running away from anything. I was following the horse that is in the canyon. It belongs to my family, well for now anyway. You see, we gentle horses for the Army and he is one of their horses. My little brother let him out of the corral and he ran off. I came to take him back with me."

"Joseph, call me John Taylor not Mr. Taylor. So your family breaks horses to ride for the Army hmm. I would think there is money to be made doing that. Is that what your Pa does for money?"

"We don't break the horses sir. We gentle them. There's a difference. Pa does many things for money and this is one of them. He's also the sheriff in Paradise, the town closest to our ranch. He has to have money to take care of all of us."

"Who is 'all of us'?"

"I have three brothers and a sister. Rob is sixteen, Claire turned sixteen last week, Ben is ten and George is nine. I'm thirteen almost fourteen. I'm stuck in the middle. I'm not old enough to do things Claire and Rob do and I'm too old to play with Ben and George." Joseph says firmly.

"You say the two older ones are sixteen. Are they twins?"

"No sir, Rob is our brother but it's by us adopting him. Pa was his guardian after Rob's own family died. He's lived with us awhile now. The rest of us are adopted too but we're all brothers and sister. Pa is our Mama's brother and took us when she died nearly four years ago." Joseph answers briefly wondering why he is telling this stranger all of this. He just seems easy to talk with.

"Mr., I mean John Taylor sir? Do you have any ideas on how I can get the horse out of the box canyon?"

"I've been thinking but haven't come up with a good plan yet. We'll think some more." John Taylor replies leaning back against a rock with his eyes closed.

"Yes sir. It's just that I need to get him home before my Pa gets home. I'll be in trouble with him if I am gone when he gets home. Right now he's in Colorado Springs and he won't be home for a couple of days. I hope I can catch that stallion and get him back before then."

"If you are unsuccessful, what do you expect to happen with your Father?"

"He'll be upset because I left home without permission. I was to go to town to get the deputy sheriff to track the horse but I did it instead. I didn't obey my Uncle so I'm probably going to get a whipping."

"A whipping? I have seen men with whip marks. Children should not be whipped, men either."

"OH! Sir, a whipping is not like that in my family. I get a few whacks with a belt or a leather strap that's a little thicker than his belt. Maybe I won't get a whipping at all and just be housebound. Pa doesn't always whip us when we mess up."

"You do not seem to be much upset about the possibility of this whipping. Does it not hurt?"

"Well, it stings pretty bad during the time he's giving it and for a little afterwards but it's not like he beats us. I have a friend whose Pa did use a buggy whip on him. Our Pa would never hurt his children. He punishes us but he doesn't do it to hurt just to make us remember to make better decisions."

"You love your Pa don't you son?"

"Yes sir, I do. I want to grow up to be like him. Strong, kind, honest and everyone respects me for who I am."

"That is a very admirable ambition to have."

Colorado Springs Day 2

"Rob, Claire, Chris and I will be in meetings all day until probably five. We will come back here to the hotel and meet you two for supper by six. Enjoy yourselves but stay together. Rob, be sure to take care of your sister and not leave her."

"Yes sir, we'll stay together. We want to go to the fair by the river today. Is that alright with you?"

"As long as you stay together and keep yourselves safe. Remember what I've told you about carnivals."

"Yes Pa, I remember." Rob responds sighing quietly. "Carnivals can be places that have people of ill intent so keep your eyes and ears open." He responds to Ethan's raised eyebrow look.

Once at the carnival, Rob and Claire take time to walk and take in the sights before deciding what they want to do first.

"It doesn't have to be first, but I'd like to ride on the ferris wheel. The boys and I rode one once before. Have you ever been on one? It's a lot of fun."

"No, I haven't ridden one, Claire. I'll go on it with you but first I want to try my luck at winning a game. If I can win, we'll have double the money to spend and can buy things for the boys."

"Robert Jordan Cord are you thinking of gambling? You better not be!" Claire scolds fiercely.

His face turning red at her scolding, Rob whispers "You are my sister, not my parent! I'll do what I please! You can wait out here and play ring the bottles or something else while I go in the tent!"

"You're really going to go inside? You are willing to risk being caught? You do remember the consequences for gambling, correct? It will be mighty uncomfortable if you have to take a four hour train ride when you can not sit down without stinging!"

"I won't be caught so I don't need to worry about that. Wait here." Rob answers walking into the gaming tent.

A few minutes later, Claire sees a large, angry man holding Rob's arm as he is being escorted out of the tent.

"No one under twenty one is allowed in this tent. You keep yourself on this side of the tent flap or deal with the members of the Marshal's office!" The man says loud enough for her to hear.

"C'mon Claire, we'll take a ride on the big wheel now. I'll tell you later." Rob whispers the last as she asks "What happened?"

As the wheel turns, Claire asks "Will you tell me now?"

"The man you saw is working for the Marshal's office. I wasn't playing, I was just watching a game and he grabbed my arm and made me leave. He told me not to come back in either or he'd report me to the Marshal. I'll just have to wait until he takes a break before I go back in."

"I don't believe you! Go Back IN? You just told me, he would report you if you did! What is so fascinating you want to risk getting caught?"

"Girls just don't understand. It is the risk that makes it exciting! Either the risk of getting caught or the risk you take when you play a game. You want to win and you have to take risks to do it! Don't you want money to get gifts for the boys?"

"Of course I want to get the boys something, Rob. I just want to do it without breaking the law! You are the son of a sheriff now. You really should stay on the right side of the law. Please Rob? Do it for me if not for yourself or better yet do it for Emily! She hasn't seen you in three weeks because of your punishment from the incident at the picnic. Do you really want to wait another month before seeing her? You get caught breaking the law and it might be more than a month! You'd best think about that Rob."

"Claire?"

"Yes?"

"Where did you learn to sound just like a Mother? You really know how to lay on the guilt well. You win, I won't go back in the tent."

"I learned it from raising three younger brothers. With Ben and Joseph around you learn to use all the tricks you can to make them behave. I also have one weapon I save for times guilt, scoldings and reasoning don't work."

"What's that?"

"Telling Pa about their behavior. If I mention I'll just talk to Pa about it, they will straighten up immediately! They don't want to face him after disobeying me."

"I don't blame them. I've seen what happens when they do! Would you have told him about my going into the tent today?"

"No, not unless he asked me straight out if you had been in the gambling tent. I'm trying to keep you out of trouble not throw you straight into it."

"You are a great sister, Claire. I'm happy you got to be my sister even if you didn't get to be my girlfriend or wife."

"Can you believe we actually thought we would get married when we were fourteen? Your Uncle Vernon would have been furious and so would Pa. They would never have let us see each other again if we'd tried to run off the way you suggested."

"I mentioned people, not us, just people doing that and got my ears busted for it with his scolding. He threatened to take a whip to me if I ran off! I was a lot younger then and didn't think things through very well."

"Rob, you still don't think things through very well!" Claire tells him giggling.

"When we get off, what do you want to do next?" Rob asks changing the topic of discussion.

"Let's go ride on the tall swings we passed coming in. How do you suppose they make them go up and then turn in a circle?"

"I don't know. It could be a gas powered motor or maybe that new electricity. I don't know how this works either. How about we get something to eat and maybe try to win a prize before we try the swings? I really could eat something soon."

"What do you have in mind, Rob? There isn't much to pick from."

"Well, there's a frankfurter stand right down there near the largest tent, we could get that. I want to try one, how about you?"

"I've had one before. They're quite good if you put the right toppings on them. George calls them 'Franks Foot Things". We had one at the carnival I told you we went to once before."

"Claire, come with me and let me see if I can win at the shooting gallery." Rob coaxes as they finish their lunch.

"Hello young feller, care to try your luck? Twelve shots for a twenty five cent piece. Shoot in the number twenty ring five times to win a prize. Get ten shots in the exact black center for a large prize. Are you up for a go at it?" The carnival worker asks.

"Yes sir, I'm ready. Here's the money. Ten shots in the black center, hmm? I can do that." Rob says as he lifts the air rifle. The first shot went to the left of the center although he had aimed dead center. "Hmm, they've fixed this to shoot off, I can handle that." He thinks as he adjusts the aim. The next shot hit dead center followed by the next eleven shots.

"Eleven shots straight center, sir. I'll take the large stuffed toy you have on the wall."

"That old thing? No, you want a better prize than that. Here, try again. If you hit the center once more, you can pick any prize I have." The man answers, holding out a different gun.

"No thank you. I'm finished here and I'll take the bear thank you." Rob replies.

Grumbling a little about stubborn children, the man hands over the black bear.

"Thank you sir. Have a nice day."

"Rob! That was great shooting. When the gun went wide the first shot, I didn't think you'd pull it off. He was trying to cheat you." Claire whispers as they walk away.

"I know, I realized the gun was fixed so I was able to correct my aim. Here's your bear, Claire. I'm not walking around carrying a bear with a big yellow bow around it's neck. You carry the thing."

"Fine, be a silly. I'll carry her. Now will you ride the swings with me?"

"Yes, I'll ride. What are you going to do with "her"? How do you know it's a girl anyway?" Rob teases.

"That's easy, boys don't wear yellow ribbons. I think I'll ask the attendant to watch her for us."

"Excuse me, sir? Would you keep an eye on the bear while we ride? We don't have anyone to keep it for us." Claire asks giving the man a sweet smile.

"Sure thing miss. I'll keep it for such a pretty little lady. Is your boyfriend going to win another prize for you today?"

"He's my brother and he probably will. Pay him Rob. The ride is ten cents." Claire answers.

"Ben, George and Joseph would love to ride something like this. I wish they were able to. Maybe sometime a fair will come to Paradise and they can enjoy this too." Claire calls out to Rob as they swing in a circle beside each other.

"Maybe so, Claire. Claire? Look over by the frankfurter stand. Does that man look like Chris to you?"

"It must be Uncle Chris. He's even wearing the gray pants and blue shirt he was wearing today. What do you suppose is going on? Why would he be here?" Claire calls back.

Getting off the swings and picking up the bear, Rob and Claire walk towards the booth where they last saw the man they believe is Chris.

"Uncle Chris?" Claire calls as they get near enough for him to hear.

"Claire! Rob! I'm glad to find you. I've been looking all through this place for a sight of the two of you. I couldn't spot you anywhere."

"We were up on the swings, sir. Is something wrong? We were to stay until four and it's only twelve o'clock now." Rob asks.

"There's something Ethan wants to tell you and asked me to come get you. We are leaving to go back home as soon as we can get a train going that direction."

"What's happened? Please tell us Uncle Chris!"

"Claire, Ethan will explain as soon as we get to the hotel. Let's go. I have a carriage waiting at the entrance."

Rushing into the hotel room, Claire calls "Pa! We are back, what's going on? Is someone hurt or lost or sick or kidnapped?"

"Claire! Take a breath and try to calm yourself down. There's no need to panic." Ethan answers walking in from the sitting room. "Where is Rob?"

"I'm here, Pa. Claire ran off ahead of us and we couldn't catch her." Rob answers walking into the room with a glare for his sister.

"There's some trouble at home. I received a telegram about an hour ago. George is ill and Joseph has disappeared. Matthew requests we come home to help him as he can't handle two situations at once. We have tickets for the one o'clock train to Paradise. Let's get packed." Ethan explains.

Arriving home, Claire starts questioning Matthew. "Uncle Matt, what's wrong with George? How long has he been sick? Did you even send for Dr. Amy?"

"Claire Lucille! I realize you are upset and anxious, but there's no reason to be rude to your Uncle. You need to calm down and we'll find out together what is going on." Ethan scolds quietly.

"Yes sir. I apologize Uncle Matt, I'm just worried."

"That's understandable. George has been ill since the night you left. Doctor Amy has been here and is giving him treatments. She said it's a very light case and not to panic. He's going to be just fine. She told me this just this morning when she came to check on him."

"Matthew. You need to be more specific. What does he have a light case of?" Ethan asks as Claire turns pale.

"Doctor Amy thinks it's a very mild form of Malaria."

"MALARIA!"

"Ethan, calm down. I promise she said it's a very mild case and he's already much better. He is sleeping..."

"PAPA? Is that you? I neeeeeeeeed you Papa!" They hear George call from the bedroom.

"Hi there young man. What's this I hear about you not feeling well?" Ethan says entering the boy's bedroom.

"Oh Papa, my legs have hurt so bad and I was sick and hot and cold and thirsty and you weren't heeeeerrrrrree."

"I'm here now son. We'll have you feeling good again soon. You just go back to sleep and we'll talk again later." Ethan says as he slides George down under the blankets and softly strokes his face. "Here is your bear, George. You keep him safe and warm. I'm here and you're going to be just fine."

Walking back out to the front room, Ethan tells Claire "You and Rob may go see him but not for longer than a few minutes. He's nearly asleep and we want him to go to sleep not to get all stirred up."

"I understand." Rob answers as he follows Claire who rushed into the bedroom as soon as she was given permission.

"George?" She whispers standing by the bed.

Coming to stand beside her, Rob whispers "He's asleep. Let's leave him be, Claire. You'll be able to mother him when he wakes up. Come, let's go back to talk to Uncle Matt."

"He's so pale, Rob. He doesn't even have any color at all in his face. He must have been really ill."

"Well, you heard the same as I did. He's getting better so we don't need to be all worried." Rob answers.

Walking back out to the front room, they hear Ethan ask "Where are Ben and Aaron? Has Joseph returned?"

"The younger two went fishing earlier this afternoon and were going to the Boarding House. They've been there since George became ill. Doctor Amy suggested they stay in town. I haven't seen Joseph since the afternoon George took sick which was two days ago. We had an argument over who was going to go after the horse the boys let out of the corral. I said to go get Mitch and Joseph insisted he could track the horse. Apparently he went after the horse instead of going for Mitch. Mitch tried to track him but got no further than the woods at the end of your property."

"Matthew, are you saying Joseph knew George was very ill when he ran off?" Ethan asks, his voice stern.

"No, he left just as George was beginning to tell me he felt sick. I did tell Joseph to send Doctor Amy out when he went to town for Mitch. She didn't get the message so I sent Ben for her. The two young ones have been very helpful and well behaved after the horse incident."

"Rob, please take a lantern, get Ben from town and ask Dr. Amy to come out. Matthew, I appreciate you staying and taking care of the children. I apologize for Joseph's behavior and it will be dealt with. He will apologize also."

"Ethan, he did what he felt was best. He was concerned about losing the horse. If you don't need my help any longer, I'll just go home. I'll see you all tomorrow when I come visit George."

"Matthew, I'll ride into town with you. I'll see all of you later. Ethan, if you need me to help look for Joseph, let me know."

"I will Chris. I'm pretty sure I can find the miscreant by myself. I have a fairly good idea of where he is. We'll see you both soon, have a good night."

Once in town, Rob picks up Ben from the boarding house and together they go over to the Doctor's clinic.

"Rob, when did you get home?" Ben asks as they walk across the dirt street.

"About an hour ago, I think. We left Colorado Springs at one this afternoon. Pa left as soon as he could after he received Matt's telegram. What happened with the horse Ben? I heard a little about it from Matt but not all."

"Oh Rob, Pa's going to whip me. Aaron wanted to pet the gray mare and I opened the gate of the corral. The stallion ran out and Joseph went after him."

"Why do you think you are in for a whipping?"

"Pa told us not to go near the corral but we did it anyway. We lost an Army horse!" Ben whispers now that they are close to the clinic.

"Look Ben, I know you did wrong but I don't think he's going to be angry enough to whip you. It was a mistake. He's worried about George and Joseph so just apologize and maybe you won't get punished at all. What does it say on the chalkboard by the door? You're closer than I am."

"It says "Gone to Pete Adams home for baby. Leave message below. What should I write?"

"Hmm, just say "Please come to Cord Ranch to talk." That way she'll know it's not an emergency." Rob tells him.

Back at the ranch, Ben is enjoying the hugs from Claire and then from his Pa.

"I'm glad to be home again. It's not fun staying in the Boarding House. Mrs. Greenbush is nice enough but there just isn't much to do there, not like here. No wonder Aaron likes to come here." Ben tells them.

"Matthew told me you boys behaved well for him. He also said you have been very helpful. I am very proud of you for that Ben. Son, I need to know what happened with the corral. How did the stallion get loose and when did Joseph leave?"

"Pa, I'm really sorry. It was an accident and we didn't mean to let the stallion get out." Ben says but stops waiting to see a reaction from his Pa.

"Go on, tell me the truth, Ben."

Swallowing and hoping for the best, Ben continues "Aaron wanted to pet the gray mare but I kept telling him we couldn't. He went down to the corral and was going to do it anyway so I opened the gate. Before we could do anything the stallion stampeded past us and kept running into the woods. I told Joseph and Uncle Matt what happened. Uncle Matt wanted Joseph to go get Mitch and they argued until George called saying he felt sick in his tummy. When Uncle Matt told Joseph to go get Dr. Amy and Mitch, Joseph ran off after the stallion. Oh, he told Uncle Matt that George wasn't that sick and just needed castor oil."

"Castor oil, hmm. Well that answers why he didn't go get the Doctor." Ethan says as Rob chuckles over Ben's face at the words 'castor oil'.

"Well Ben, I think some consequences need to be given here. You did deliberately disobey me. I specifically told you younger boys to stay away from the corral, did I not?"

"Yes sir." Ben answers crossing his fingers behind his back in hopes he doesn't wind up with a very sore backside.

"Come with me Ben." Ethan says walking into his own bedroom.

Stopping at the door, Ben apologizes once again.

"I'm soooo sorry, Papa." hoping the 'Papa' might work to stop what he thinks is going to happen.

"I accept your apology. Come to me, son."

When he reaches his Pa, sitting on the bed, Ethan turns him over his lap. After applying his hand firmly to the boy's backside several times he says "You were told to stay away from the corral, Ben. If you had obeyed me you would not have a stinging seat! I believe this plus being housebound for three days and doing all of George's chores for the week will be sufficient. I advise you not to go near the corral again because if you do, you and I will take a trip to the barn. You stay away from the Army horses! This is the last time I'm warning you! They are dangerous and you will do as I say or you will find yourself standing up because you are too sore to sit! Do you understand me, young man?"

"Yes Pa." Ben answers rubbing the seat of his pants as he tries not to let the tears fall. It might have only been seven smacks but his bottom is burning!

"See to it that you do. Now, help Claire fix something for our supper."

Coming into the kitchen Ethan announces "Rob and I will go do the chores while you two fix supper. Claire, anything will be fine. You don't need to worry over what to make."

"Yes sir, I think we can come up with something easy. Ben's a good helper."

"Boy Claire, I'm glad that's over. I just knew I was going to get a whipping!"

"Ben, just stay away from those horses and you won't need to worry. Go out to the smokehouse and bring in some beef. We'll have beef, carrots and potato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches. Get the cheese from the wellhouse too while you are out there."

"Pa? May I go with you when you go for Joseph, please?" Rob asks as they do the barn chores.

"Rob, I really need for you to stay here with Claire and the boys. If George needs something, you would be here to help. I plan to leave as soon as Dr. Amy comes and lets me know how George is doing. I'll find your brother, you don't need to worry."

"I'm not worried about whether or not you will find him. I'm worried about what you will do to him when you do!" Rob answers grinning.

"I promise not to punish him until we are home and I have the whole story. Is that reasonable enough for you?"

"Yes sir. I'm glad I am not Joseph though."

The next morning after Dr. Amy assured Ethan that George was going to be just fine, Ethan is out filling saddlebags by the barn.

"Pa, can I go with you to find Joseph?" Ben asks watching him put sandwiches and dried beef in his saddlebags.

"No son. I don't know where he is exactly so I don't know how long I'll be gone. I need you to stay and help look after Claire and George. Rob needs your help here. Right now you can go fill these four canteens with water for me."

"Sure, I'll be right back." Ben says running to the pump by the barn.

Following the trail Mitch told him about, Ethan comes out of the woods into a rocky area. Continuing forward he searches the ground for signs of a horse traveling through. Riding on, he follows the tell tale signs: rocks with dusty hoofprints, horse droppings, also small dark pebbles are every few feet. "The boy at least knew to mark his trail." Ethan thinks following the pebbles. Finally coming into a more level section he sees a canyon up ahead. Knowing that just might be where Joseph is, Ethan rides closer.

Hearing a rider coming, John Taylor eases back into the shadows to watch. Joseph is busy building a fire and doesn't notice his disappearance. He's so busy setting the fire he isn't aware of his Pa coming closer. Ethan has stopped the horse and is walking quietly. Approaching the boy, Ethan doesn't see anyone else around and Joseph seems to be fine.

"Well young man! Just what are you doing way out here in the canyon?" Ethan asks sternly causing Joseph to whirl around in fright.

"PA! You came! I was beginning to think no one was going to come help me!" Joseph replies.

"You didn't answer my question young man. What are you doing out here all alone? Why didn't you return home instead of worrying everyone the way you have?"

"I had to stay with the horse. I couldn't go off and leave him now could I?" Joseph answers sounding angry.

"Watch yourself, son. You are bordering on being disrespectful. Explain what you mean. What horse are you referring to?"

"The stallion, Pa. I forced him into the box canyon and he's still in there. I don't know how to get a rope on him to get him home though. Every time I try he runs away. I have been feeding him some grass and giving him water. He drinks it after I leave the bucket but not if I'm standing nearby."

"You have the stallion trapped? It didn't get away?"

"I tracked him and he ran this way. He was outside the canyon when I got here but ran in when I rode closer. I covered the entrance with a blockade of branches and rocks. It gets tiresome to rebuild it each time I have to go in to feed him. I think he's beginning to trust me some. He doesn't run all the way to the other end of the canyon when I go in now." Joseph tells Ethan sounding a little proud of himself.

"Joseph, it's been three days. It's time to get home. Let's let the stallion loose and he can be free. We'll just take a loss on that horse."

"Pa, how can you say that?! You and I can rope him together and take him back! I spent all this time watching him and now I have to just let him loose? John Taylor might be able to help us catch him. We can ask him."

"Joseph, there is no one here but us. Who is John Taylor? Where does he live?"

"He was here a few minutes ago. He's a man who has been keeping me company and sharing food with me. I don't know where he lives. He has slept out here with me since I got here. He's an older man and an Indian."

"Well, let's see if we can't rope the stallion. I'd like to get home by nightfall. We'll talk more about this adventure at home." Ethan says standing and walking to get his horse. As he brings the horse closer and ties him next to Joseph's horse he lifts a coiled rope out of the saddlebag. He also takes out the food and unties a canteen of water.

"Are you hungry son? I brought sandwiches and also dried beef if you are. Here's some water if you are thirsty."

"I'm not hungry or thirsty. John Taylor has been keeping me fed and there's a stream not far from here. Pa? I need to know. Are you going to punish me, either here or when we get home? Are you going to give me a whipping for running out on Uncle Matt the way I did? I guess you know he told me to go get Mitch to track the stallion and I didn't do as he said."

"You are correct, you certainly didn't obey Matthew. I could go cut a switch and take care of your punishment right here couldn't I?"

"Yes Sir." Joseph answers biting his lower lip. "Please don't Pa. I knew I could track the horse much better than Mitch. If I waited to go into town and then waited for Mitch to come out to the ranch, we would have lost the stallion. I caught up to him in time to keep him. I was only trying to help."

"We will talk about this more at home. Right now we need to catch a horse. You climb up on the rocks on this side of the opening. Make your loop and hold it steady. I'll put the water pail out and some of these sandwiches. Let's see if he will come to investigate the food. I'll be on the opposite side from you. When I say "go" throw your loop."

Just as Ethan suspected, the stallion came close enough and they were both able to throw a rope around his neck.

"Alright Joseph, I've got a good hold on him. You climb down carefully but stay far enough away that he can't stomp, kick or bite you. He's pretty angry at us right now."

"I'll be careful, I promise. Okay Pa, I've got him in a tight hold. You come down now." Joseph answers climbing down and staying back near a boulder. He's wrapped the rope around the boulder to keep the horse from pulling away.

"That's good thinking Joseph, to tether him that way. Now, loosen the rope a little at a time while I see if I can get him through the opening. I'm going to go through and pull. You DO NOT move from there until I call you. This horse is angry and dangerous. You understand me, son? You move closer before I tell you and I will take a switch to you!"

"I hear you Pa. I'll do as you tell me, sir."

A few minutes later, Joseph has played out his rope until there is only a hand hold left. He either has to drop the rope or come out from behind the boulder and walk with the rope closer to the opening of the canyon. Trying to decide what to do, he hears Ethan call "Joseph, it's safe to come out."

Just as Joseph thinks about walking he glances down and sees a rattlesnake curled at his feet. It isn't rattling, just coiled up. Not daring to move or breathe hard, Joseph stands frozen. The rope he was holding has been pulled out of the canyon. After what seems to him to be hours, but is only a few minutes, he hears his Pa come back in.

"Joseph? Did you not hear me? I said it was safe for you to come out." Ethan asks.

Not getting an answer and seeing the terrified look on Joseph's face, he realizes there is something wrong. Pulling his gun from his holster, he walks closer.

"Snake, Pa!" Joseph whispers still looking down at his feet.

"DO NOT MOVE. Close your eyes, Joseph." Ethan says firmly but quietly.

Obeying instantly, Joseph hears the snake begin to rattle and then the deafening sound of a shot being fired. Something wet hits his legs.

"It's over son, you can open your eyes and move now. Come on away from the boulder." Ethan says taking Joseph by the arm and guiding him around the writhing body of the headless snake.

"Oh Pa. I was so scared it was going to get me. Pa? I think I wet my pants." Joseph whispers not looking down.

"No son, you didn't. That's blood you feel. Come, let's go to the stream and wash off." Ethan says holding Joseph close in his arms.

"The stallion?" Joseph asks too shaken up to speak more.

"He's tied up and can not get loose. Let's get you taken care of and we'll start home if you feel ready to ride."

"Rob, Pa's back with Joseph! They have the stallion too!" Ben calls rushing for the side door.

"STOP. You stay inside. Pa and Joseph need to have a talk and they can't do that with you out there. You mind me, Ben!" Rob says seeing Ben take another step towards the door.

"I want to see them. I won't be in the way, Rob!"

"Pa might be going to punish Joseph out there. Do you want to get in on that, Ben? Would you like to get a whippin' too?"

"No, not me."

"Then stay in as I said!"

Out in the barn, Joseph is unsaddling his horse and then begins to empty the saddlebag he took along. Reaching in and feeling the gun he stops. Knowing he has to tell his Pa, he pulls it out.

"Pa? Can you come here a minute please?"

"What is it son? You didn't bring home a snake did you?" Ethan teases at the tone of Joseph's voice.

"No sir. It's not what I brought home, it's what I took with me." Joseph answers turning from facing the horse and holding the gun out towards his Pa.

"You packed a loaded gun in that saddlebag?!" Ethan asks sternly.

"No sir. I packed bullets and a gun. I never loaded it."

"You didn't load it? You took the gun and never even loaded it?" Ethan asks trying not to laugh.

Mistaking his tone for anger, Joseph answers "I know I wasn't to touch the guns and I did. I thought I might need it for protection. I didn't load it because I didn't need it. Well not until you came along anyway. I couldn't have shot that snake, I would have hit myself."

"I understand, son. I am not angry with you. You actually did the right thing in taking along a gun. I would have preferred you take a shotgun but since you didn't at least you had protection. Listen Joseph, you need to always keep your gun loaded. Now, the safest way to carry a gun on a horse is in a holster. You were smart in not carrying it loaded in the saddlebag but you should have kept it loaded while you were off the horse."

"So if I keep the gun loaded, I can use one now? I can go out target shooting!"

"Joseph! Do you wish to take a trip to the woodshed for a visit with the razor strop?"

"NO SIR!" Joseph answers quickly.

"Then you had better keep your hands off all guns except your air rifle and the shotgun. Are we clear on this?" Ethan asks his eyes dark and snapping.

"Yes sir. You just told me I should keep a gun loaded. I thought that meant here also."

"Joseph, the rules have not changed. Until you are at least sixteen, you will not touch or shoot a revolver or rifle. Taking the gun was necessary on your stallion tracking trip. That does not mean I am going to allow you to shoot or do anything else with a gun. I do not want to hear or see that you disobeyed me on this. I believe you remember what happened the time when you and Rob disobeyed this rule. Am I right?"

"Yes sir, I sure do. I don't want to go through that again. I'll obey your rules. Pa?"

"Yes Joseph?"

"I just wanted you to know something. Well, two somethings really. One, thank you for not giving me a whipping tonight for running off or for having the gun. Two, I love you." Joseph whispers the second comment blushing a little.

"You are welcome son and I love you too. I love you very much Joseph and I'm very proud of how you are growing up. You didn't deserve punishment from me, son. You were helping save the family money and you were protecting yourself. I hope you understand the differences here. This was much different than just running off the way you did when you went to Colorado Springs. You also were not playing with a gun as you were the time I punished you before. Do you see what I mean son?" Ethan says as he pulls the boy into a hug.

"Yessir. Maybe I am growing up."

"Yes you are, Joseph. Just don't do it too fast You are great just the way you are now. Don't try to be different son, just be yourself."

"Yes sir."

"Let's go inside. Tomorrow, you will apologize to Matthew and take what punishment he wants to give you for disobeying him. He will come out to visit George, so you will do it then."

"Punishment from Uncle Matt? You'd let him whip me if he wants too, wouldn't you?" Joseph says frowning at the idea.

"As I said, you will take whatever punishment he wishes to give. Let's go in. Ben, Claire and Rob have been worried about you."