New Beginnings

ch. 28

Friendship

Ethan wakes the next morning feeling a little exhausted after his long wait in the barn the night before. Part of his temper with Joseph came from worry and part from anger. Thinking he needs to have a talk with the boy to explain exactly why he reacted as he did, he dresses for the day. Planning to stay home to work around the ranch, he pulls on his older pair of pants and boots.

"Good Morning Sweetheart." Ethan greets Claire as he enters the kitchen area.

Seated at the table, Claire immediately stands "Good Morning, Pa. Would you like me to fix you breakfast? I can have eggs done in just a couple of minutes and we have biscuits and bacon ready."

"Sit down and finish your own breakfast, Claire. I'm capable of frying a couple of eggs for myself. Where are the boys?"

"Joseph and George are out in the barn. George says he feels good enough to do some of his chores this morning. Rob is already at work with the horses. He told Joseph to come help him after he was finished in the barn. They said they were going to do bridle and bit work today. What time will Ben be home today?"

"Are you missing Mr. Mischief that much?" Ethan teases.

"It's awfully quiet around here without him, that's for sure. No, I'm not missing him exactly, I just wondered how long he was allowed to stay with Aaron."

"I told him to be home by four o'clock so he could get his share of the chores done before suppertime. I also told Chris to send him or bring him home early if the boys were causing problems. He may show up at any moment!" Ethan grins.

"Pa! Ben's not that bad! He's just very curious." Claire scolds, defending her little brother.

"You weren't calling him curious a few weeks ago, when he cut up your green bonnet to use the fabric and feathers for Robin Hood caps for himself and George. If I recall, you were ready to paddle his backside but I took care of it for you!"

"Yes, if I'd been able to catch him before he ran smack into you, I would have gleefully paddled him with a piece of kindling! I guess he got off lucky not having to deal with me."

"I can assure you, Ben didn't feel that way after I finished with him in the barn. He will think a long time before he destroys someone's property or runs from you again, unless he wants a repeat performance."

In town, Ben, Alyssa and Aaron are enjoying a plate of pancakes at the Boarding House.

"Mrs. Greenbush, my brother Rob loves pancakes and makes good ones too. You know, I'm going to have to tell him to come get your recipe because yours are much better. I love the apples in them." Ben says the last words around a mouthful of pancake.

"Benjamin Cord! You mind your manners! Polite young men swallow before they talk!" Mrs. Greenbush scolds him.

"Yes Ma'am. I'm sorry." Ben answers looking apprehensively at Chris.

"Not to worry, Ben. She scolds but she is flattered by what you said so she won't get you this time. I'd watch myself though. I hear she has a mean wooden spoon that stings on boy's bottoms." Chris reassures the boy.

Nodding in agreement, Aaron swallows first, then says "She does Ben. She's whacked me three times with it."

"Is that so, young man? I knew of only once. What were the other times for?" Chris asks the now squirming child.

"Um, well Papa, you see, I don't really remember too good." Aaron answers.

"Umm Hmm, I'll just ask Mrs. Greenbush, then. Mrs. Greenbush, what trouble was Aaron giving you when you spanked him the last two times?"

"No, No, Mr. Chris. 'Tis not a spanking I gave him. Just two pops for that saucy mouth and arguing. He be good boy lately."

"Aaron, look at me." When he has the boy's attention he continues "If Mrs. Greenbush has to pop you again for misbehaving, you will be punished. You are to be polite and obey what adults tell you to do. Are we clear on this?"

"Yes Sir." Aaron answers embarrassed to be scolded in front of Ben.

"Uncle Chris? May we go walking around town? I promise to stay out of trouble and I'll keep Aaron out of it too! Alyssa won't need me to keep her out of trouble as she's always good."

"That will be fine, but be back at our house for lunch. We'll fix something together. Aaron, keep your watch on you so you'll know when to return. I'm going to be at the office for a while before lunch. Alyssa, you are welcome to go with the boys if you'd like to do so."

"No Papa, Mrs. Greenbush is making gingerbread cookies and needs me to help."

"Gingerbread cookies?" Ben asks eagerly. "Maybe she needs two helpers. How about it Mrs. Greenbush? Do you need extra help with baking today?" He asks as the woman comes in to clear the table.

"You run on along with Aaron, Ben. I'll send home some freshly baked goodies with Alyssa so you men will not miss out. If you'll help me by tasting my cookies and let me know if they are decent enough to serve the guests, you will be a big help."

"We can do that, can't we Aaron?" Ben asks turning to look at his friend.

"Sure we can. Come on Ben, let's go walking." Aaron says standing up.

"Hold on boys. Clear your places. Take your plates to the kitchen first, please." Chris commands quietly.

"Ben, we've been to the Mercantile and General Store so many times. What do you want to do in town this time other than go there?" Aaron asks as they walk along the boardwalk.

"Well, how about we go help polish the fire wagon? The man that stays at the fire barn lets me and George ring the bell when we help clean the wagon! Then we can do something that you want to do."

"Really? You'll do whatever I want to do no matter what?" Aaron asks eagerly.

"Just what is it you are thinking of doing?" Ben asks suspicious now.

"You'll have to wait to find out, but remember you said you'd do anything I want."

"Well I hope whatever it is you have in mind doesn't get me in trouble. I'm trying hard not to do anything to get in trouble for! Me and my big mouth need to have a talk with each other, I think." Ben answers smiling.

"Hi, Mr. Watson! This is my friend Aaron. He and his sister are new to Paradise. Could we have a turn polishing the fire wagon?" Ben calls to the man sitting in the chair by the barn door.

"I am definitely in need of two strong helpers taday. Jus' how'd ya know I needed some help? I have ta wash down the wagon an need someone ta dry it real good after that's done. Could ya handle the job?"

"We sure can! We can even help wash it too. Aaron and I are strong enough to help carry buckets of water but you'll have to throw them on 'cause we can't do that part too good."

"Glory be! That's jus' what I was looking for. Someone ta help carry buckets! The buckets are on the wagon, boys."

"Ben, I think Mr. Watson has sat in the sun too many days. His skin is all browned just like when Alyssa cooked the bread too long." Aaron whispers as they pump the first two bucketfuls.

Giggling at this, Ben says "No Aaron, he's not browned from the sun. He was born that way. He's a Negro. Some people call him 'colored' but Pa says to call him a Negro. We're all colored, he says. We just aren't all colored the same color. Haven't you ever seen a Negro before?"

"No, remember I told you we hardly ever got to go off the ranch at my other house. I don't know much about things sometimes." Aaron answers looking ashamed.

"It's okay, I'll tell you about it if it's something you don't know. Come on let's get the buckets over to Mr. Watson."

After finishing two cups of coffee, biscuits, ham, bacon and three eggs, Ethan feels ready to start the workday. "Claire, I'll be in the back pasture with the stallion if someone comes looking for me. I'm going to tell the boys also."

"Yes sir. Since everyone is busy or gone, may I go visit with Alex at their house until lunchtime?" Claire asks. "I haven't seen him in a couple of weeks because he went with his Pa on a hunting trip. They came home yesterday, Rob told me he saw them." She replies to Ethan's questioning look.

"Go ahead, do not leave his house with just him. If you two go anywhere someone responsible needs to go with you. I'll see you at lunchtime."

"Yes Sir. Thank you Pa."

Walking out to the barn, Ethan sends George over to watch Rob work, while he speaks to Joseph. "Joseph, let's talk about last night."

"Why? It seems you already talked about it. You talked with the strap just fine. I don't need more talk." Joseph replies irritably, continuing to rake the dirty hay out of the stalls.

"Put the rake down and look at me when I speak to you! Your actions are telling me another visit to the tack room is needed this morning! Is it?"

"No sir."

"Then show me the courtesy of looking at me when I speak to you and mind your manners, young man." Ethan says sternly, waiting for the boy to obey.

"I didn't explain to you why you were punished as you were, last night. I think I should. Joseph, you not only broke the restriction you were under, but you also lied to me, disobeyed several rules including going anywhere alone after dark and leaving without permission. You knew you were to stay home and yet you deliberately defied both myself and Matthew by sneaking out and trying to cover it up. This is why I punished you the way I did. I will not tolerate lying or defiant behavior. Is there anything you would like to say?"

"No sir."

"I'm going to be working with the stallion in the back pasture. George is to stay up here with you and Rob. Be sure to keep an eye on him and not let him get too close to where you and Rob are working. Claire is going to town until lunch."

"Yes sir." Joseph answers in the same neutral tone he has answered each time. Pa wants manners, well I'll give him manners, just enough to stay out of trouble but no more. He thinks. I may have messed up last night but he had no right to whip me the way he did. I'm not a little kid like Ben or George!

Thank ya boys for the extra help taday. This ole fire wagon is shining like a new penny! If'n I had any pennies I'd surely give ya one. Each of ya can climb up and ring that bell two times. Jus' two times mind ya, we don' wan' folks worrin' 'bout a fire."

"Yes Sir. Aaron, you go up first." Ben says motioning to the back of the wagon.

After Ben took his turn and they both thanked Mr. Watson for letting them ring the bell, Aaron says "Now follow me."

"Where are you taking us?" Ben asks as they go behind the fire barn and several other buildings.

"I've got something to show you and you have to be secretive and sneaky to see it. Come on!"

"Wait, Aaron! We're behind the saloon! I am forbidden to be on this side of town!" Ben whispers when he realizes where they have stopped.

"Oh, calm down, will you? It's not like we're going to go inside to drink or play cards. We're just staying out here to watch in the holes here in the wall."

"It wouldn't matter to my Pa WHY I'm here. He has a strict rule about being on this side of town! He's told us over an over an over 'The side of town past the gazebo is not for children!' If I'm seen, I'll get a whipping! Rob went into a saloon and was drinking once and Pa took a switch to his backside for it! Does Uncle Chris know you come here?"

"No and you better not tell him either. I'm pretty sure I would be punished too. We're already here, we might as well take a look through the knotholes. I promise we'll leave just after. Alright? Just one look can't hurt." Aaron pleads.

"Fine, one look and then I'm leaving! Too many people know who I belong to and could very easily let Pa know they saw me here! They don't know you well yet so you are probably safe. Besides, I promised Uncle Chris we would stay out of trouble today. I mean to keep that promise!"

"Golleeee, Ben. LOOK! That lady is putting on her costume. She hasn't finished yet. She's wearing a undertop and stockings but that's all!" Aaron whispers awestruck at the sight his eye sees through the knothole.

"I see. She's dressed in part of her costume for performing but I don't think she is finished either. My Mama wore more than that when she sang." Ben whispers back looking through a knothole also.

"She must be finished, she's leaving the room and has shoes on. Where's she going dressed like that?" Aaron whispers back.

"How about outside to smack two little boys who are spying on me! Maybe I should take you to the sheriff!" A voice says behind him.

"Ma'am, we're sorry! Please! We won't do it again, honest! My Mama used to be a singer and I was waiting for you put on the rest of your costume because it reminded me of her. Please let us leave" Ben begs after whirling around at the sound of her voice.

"I am tired of insolent young boys leering at me! This is the fourth time I've seen someone spying! I believe the sheriff could put a stop to this!" The saloon lady replies angrily.

"PLEASE, Ma'am. I'm sorry. My friend and I haven't ever been here before. We won't be bothering you any more, I swear it! Please don't take us to the sheriff!" Ben says near tears by now.

"I'll take full responsibility for these two boys, Miss. Just let them leave with me and they won't bother you again." A third voice joins in on the discussion from behind Ben.

Turning slightly, Ben sees an older man with long gray hair standing in the grass behind him.

"Very well, I'll let you handle this. I warn you though, any more problems from boys and I'm going to complain to the sheriff! I am a law abiding citizen and have a right to privacy!"

"Yes Ma'am, I certainly understand. Come along boys and leave this lady to her business."

Walking beside the man for a few minutes, Ben finally gets up his courage and asks "Are you taking us to the sheriff, Mister?"

"No son, I'm not. My name is John Taylor. Who might you be?"

"I'm Ben and this is Aaron."

"Hello Ben. Hello Aaron. Mind telling me why you are so upset about visiting the sheriff? Is he a man to be afraid of or is it that he would report you to your parents?"

"He is my parent, sir. The sheriff is my Pa and one of the deputies is Aaron's Pa. We'd both be in huge trouble if they heard about what we did today." Ben replies quietly.

"Is that so, well then I know your brother Joseph. We met a few days ago."

"You're the man who helped him up at the canyon! He told me about how you fed him and kept watch during the night. My Pa was all happy that you looked after him so well. Joseph didn't even get a whipping for running off after the stallion, Pa was so pleased he found it"

"So, your brother worried about being punished for nothing then."

"He still got punished. He has to stay at the ranch for the week and has extra chores to do. He wasn't happy about it either!" Ben answers happily.

"Your brother being punished makes you happy, I see."

"Well, I'd rather him be housebound than me have to be. I hate it when I'm confined to my room or the yard."

"Ben, it's almost lunchtime. We need to be getting back to my house." Aaron says quietly.

"Thank you Mr. Taylor for helping us and not turning us in to our Pa's. Can we come visit again?" Ben asks.

"If you can find me, I welcome company. I am not always in the same place. Just call me John Taylor not Mr. Taylor."

"Claire, you look very beautiful today. I love how the blue color of your dress brings out the blue in your eyes. I've not met many girls with blue green eyes that change from blue to green the way yours do. Let's take a walk out to the pond and see if the water makes your eyes change from blue to green."

"Alex, you are full of pretty words today. You're making me uncomfortable with all this 'beautiful' talk. I'd love to take a walk with you to the pond. Who is going with us?"

"Let's go alone this one time. Claire,we never get time for the two of us alone and I have something to ask you. I don't need a chaperone do you?"

"Well no, I don't need one but my Pa says I have to have one to go anywhere alone with you."

"He doesn't like me then. I thought he trusted me after we worked together in the woods to help Danny that time."

"It isn't that he doesn't like you, Alex. I don't know why he has the rule but I do know Rob is under the same rule. He can't go anywhere alone with just Emily. They have to have a chaperone also."

"That very well may be his rule but I can tell you now, Rob doesn't follow it. I've seen him down at the pond with Emily without a chaperone along! The last time was two days ago when we came home from the hunting trip. Rob and Emily were at the pond and he was doing more than just admiring her dress! He's lucky my Da didn't see them or he'd have been in a bit of a bind."

"Alex, translation please. What does that mean "a bit of a bind" and what was Rob doing? He told Pa, one of the twins was going to be chaperoning them. You mean they were alone?"

"Claire, I don't lie. I'm saying they were alone and Rob had his hand inside the bodice of her dress and I think they were kissing. When I say he would have been in a bit of a bind, I mean if my Da had seen them, Rob would have been in trouble. Da would have lectured him until his ears rang and then taken him home to your Pa. I don't know how your Pa would handle it but I sure do know what my Da would do to me if I acted that way! I'd not sit comfortably after he got finished with me."

"Mmhmm, my Pa would handle Rob the same way. He would be very upset if he found out Rob mistreated a girl. Pa has strict rules on treatment of girls and women. I'd better warn Rob that he nearly got caught."

"Well now that you know all about your brother, will you walk to the pond with me for just a few minutes? I'm not going to act at all the way your brother did. You have my solemn promise on that. I like sitting without soreness and I don't want my Da disappointed or angry with me."

"Wait just a second, Alex. Let me go inside for just a minute before we take a walk."

"Of course. I'll be here."

Inside Alex's house, Claire finds his eleven year old sister. "Elizabeth? Could you do me a big favor? I need some help and I hope you can help me."

"You want ME to help you? I'll do anything for you Claire!" The little girl answers eagerly.

Looking at her shining eyes and happy smile, Claire feels guilty for not including her in some of the fun activities she and Alex have done. "Will you come with Alex and I on a walk to the pond? I'm not to go anywhere alone with a boy and need a chaperone. Besides we girls need to gang up on the boys sometimes."

"I'd love to go! I'll get my shoes on and be right out! Alex never wants to let me come along when he's with you. He says I'm a pest. I won't be a pest, Claire."

Back outside, Claire explains "Alex, I asked Elizabeth to walk with us. I just don't want either of us to be in trouble with our parents for not following the rule. It would be terrible if we were told we couldn't see each other. Please don't be angry with me."

"Claire, I'm never angry with you. I do understand your thoughts. It's fine with me." Then as his sister bounces out the door and up to them he says "Hey Squirrel, will you walk with us to the pond? You know I can beat you throwing rocks across it!"

"Don't call me Squirrel! You can't beat me, Alexander the Bad Thrower!" she answers bouncing off towards the pond.

"Why do you call her Squirrel? It seems she doesn't like it very much."

"It's a nickname I gave her a long time ago. She bounces around like a squirrel looking for food, plus her hair is always bushy. She really doesn't mind much. I've called her that most of her life! Don't you have nicknames for your little brothers?"

"I don't, but Joseph sometimes calls them Squirt or Squirts."

At Alex's burst of laughter and the look on his face she says "Stop thinking it's because they are boys. It has nothing to do with that! Joseph calls them Squirt because they were so small when they were younger and then they had a bad experience working the soda fountain and squirted soda all over the floor. They are now banned from fixing sodas!"

At the pond, Alex and Elizabeth have their rock throwing contest with Claire as the judge. Elizabeth is declared the winner by four out of five rocks skipped over the water. "See there! I told you I was better! Just cause you're old and a boy doesn't mean I can't beat you!"

"Hey! I'm not old! I surrender alright? You are the champion rock skipper in the family! Now go sit over there so I can speak to Claire privately, please."

"Fine but you better not try to kiss her or I'll tell Da on you, Alex!"

"GO! Elizabeth!"

"Claire, I'm sorry about what she said. She can be a brat sometimes. Now, what I wanted to know is, Will you go to the Church Social tomorrow night?"

"Of course, Alex. I've been planning to go. I even know what I'm making. A chocolate layer cake with chocolate icing."

"That's not what I meant. I meant will you go WITH me to the supper? I am planning to ask Da for the use of the buggy and can come by for you at your house."

"I'd like to go with you but why come all the way out to my house to get me when you live here in town? We could meet at the church. It'd be so much easier." Claire answers eyes twinkling in mischief.

"CLAIRE! I'm trying to court you and you are making it very difficult to do with all this common sense nonsense you are saying!"

"I'm sorry Alex. I'll be happy for you to come pick me up. Say around five thirty? The supper starts at six o'clock I believe. How can common sense be nonsense, anyway?"

"Look for me at five thirty then. Your Pa will let you go won't he?" Alex asks, ignoring her last question.

"I'm pretty sure he will. If for some reason, I can't go, I'll send word to you somehow. Now, I need to head home. I'm due back by lunchtime and I don't want to be late. You behave too so we can get together tomorrow."

"I'll make him behave for you, Claire! I promise he'll come get you tomorrow." Elizabeth calls out, giggling at the look Alex gives her for eavesdropping.

"ELIZABETH! You were listening to private conversation." Alex scolds sternly.

"What? It's not like I couldn't hear everything you said. I'm not in town, I'm just over here by the tree."

"Claire, tomorrow we'll not have any brothers or sisters to bother with. It'll be just the two of us for a few minutes anyway." Alex says smiling happily at the thought.

"Bye Alex. Bye Elizabeth. Thanks for the chaperoning Elizabeth. You are good at it." Claire answers standing and walking off back towards town.

"Well, you two look awfully flushed in the face. You two haven't been causing trouble, I hope. What have you been doing? " Chris asks as the boys rush into the house for lunch.

"We were having a race, Papa. I bet Ben a penny that I could beat him here. I won too! Ben has to give me a penny when he gets one." Aaron answers panting.

"Aaron, Ben will not give you any money as there was not to be any betting. I don't want to hear of this kind of behavior again. No betting or gambling of any kind is allowed in this family. Do you hear me Aaron?" Chris tells the frowning child.

"I hear you but it was just a penny! I didn't bet him a twenty five cent piece just a penny!" Aaron argues petulantly.

"No Gambling young man, period. End of discussion. Both of you go wash your hands and faces for lunch. We will eat when you come to the table washed."

"Aaron?" Ben whispers as they wash for lunch.

"What?"

"You better watch yourself answering back the way you do. Uncle Chris is going to get mad. He might spank you for arguing the way you just did."

"He hasn't yet and I've done this since he came to stay with us. He lets me do things Pa never would have, up 'til lately that is. It seems he's getting stricter in the last few weeks. I think he feels sorry for us. I like being able to do and say what I want most times, too."

"Well, my Pa would have swatted me if I'd talked like that to him. He doesn't allow answering back at all. When he scolds you all he excepts is "I'm sorry or Yes sir" Ben replies, watching Aaron wiping his hands on his pants instead of the towel. I'd never get by with doing that at home. He thinks.

"Come on, let's eat. I'm ready for some lunch." Aaron says walking out of the washroom.

"Me too and don't forget to keep quiet about where we were earlier." Ben whispers as Aaron nods agreement.

"Well boys, you look as if you have had a fun morning. Did I hear the fire wagon bell earlier?" Chris asks as they eat.

"Probably Papa. Ben took me to meet the man who runs the fire wagon. We helped him wash and dry the wagon and he let us ring the fire wagon's bell. We got to do it two times each! He said we were really good helpers too!" Aaron tells Chris, sounding very proud of himself.

"I'm very proud of you both for helping that way. I'm sure Mr. Watson appreciated your help. Ringing the fire bell sounds like a nice payment." Chris replies.

"He told us he would have paid us a penny but he didn't have any pennies to pay with. I like ringing the fire bell just as well." Ben agrees.

After lunch the boys go out to the yard to the new wooden playhouse Chris built.

"Here take this stick, Ben. We'll play pirates and these are our swords. Papa told me a story about pirates. We really need eye patches to wear but I don't have any. I could go in and see if I can find something we can use if you want me too."

"No, that's fine." Ben answers quickly, thinking of the time he ruined Claire's bonnet for Robin Hood caps. "I don't need an eye patch, Aaron. Now come up on the boat before the crocodiles get you!" Ben yells, pointing to a space behind Aaron.

An hour later, not hearing the boys any longer, Chris looks out the backdoor to see what they are up to now. Finding both boys stretched out on their backs in the yard he calls "Worn out boys?"

"A little, Papa. Being a pirate is hard work."

"Well then, how about I bring out some cookies and lemonade for you two tired pirates. I'll be right out." Chris tells them as he walks back inside. A few minutes later he hands each boy a glass and puts a plate of cookies on the ground between them. "Now what are you two really doing? I don't really believe you're napping."

"We're playing a game Claire taught me, Uncle Chris. You have to do it on a day where there's lots of clouds to see. Just like today."

"What is this game, Ben? Maybe I can play too." Chris says stretching out on the grass next to him.

"Well you spot a cloud and you tell everyone what it looks like to you. See that one over there with the part sticking up high? I called that one a teapot. It looks like a pot with a spout." Ben tells him, pointing to the cloud.

"It sure does, Ben. Aaron, what do you see in the clouds?" Chris asks turning to look at the boy.

"I'm not as good at this as Ben is. I ...think ...I... see... a ... ummm, well, maybe that one could be a ... dog? It kind of has a head and tail."

"That's good, Aaron! I see the dog too. Don't you Uncle Chris?" Ben says trying to get Aaron's confidence up.

"I sure do, Ben. I see ears, a head, a tail and it even has slobber coming out of it's mouth." Chris answers causing both boys to have a fit of giggles.

"I wish I had a dog to play with. George and I have asked Pa for one but he hasn't found us one yet. He says dogs are often hard to get out here in the west. Cats are easier because people have barn cats that have kittens. We have two cats but we'd like a dog. Did you have a dog when you were a boy, Uncle Chris?"

"I did indeed, Ben. He was a brown and white middle sized dog. My brother and I called him Brownie because of his brown spots. Dogs are fun to have around. The next time I go to a big city, I'll check into getting two dogs. One for us and one for your family, Ben."

Before Ben can answer they hear someone calling "CHRIS ? Are you home?"

"We are all out in the back!" Chris calls back not getting up as Ben expected him to do. A second or two later, the backdoor opens and Mitch is standing there staring at them. "What in blazes are you three doing? Catching ants?" he asks.

"We are playing a new game, Mitch. It's a great way to relax. Care to join us?" Chris asks grinning at the look on Mitch's face.

"We have some work to do Chris. I don't have time to lay on the grass and play. This telegram just came in and you need to read it quickly." Mitch says walking over to hand the telegram to Chris as he stands up.

"Aaron, something's come up and I have to leave. I want you to go straight to the boarding house to stay with Alyssa until I come for you. No argument, just do it right now!" Chris says sternly as the boy starts to protest.

"Ben, I need you to take this telegram to your Pa. It's very important that he sees this as soon as possible so hurry home without stopping." Chris says folding the telegram and tucking it into Ben's pants pocket. "Leave the telegram in your pants until you hand it to Ethan. Now run!" Chris tells him pointing to the street.

"Yes Sir. I'll run as fast as I can." Ben answers as he starts running.

"Aaron, go on now. Mitch and I have to leave and you will not stay here alone." Chris tells the boy still standing mutinously. Briefly noticing the difference in behavior between Ben and Aaron, Chris frowns glancing at Mitch.

"Aaron, if you don't move your feet in the next two minutes, I'm going to wallop your backside with this stick! You do as you're told young man!" Mitch tells the child sternly as he picks up one of the boy's 'swords'."

Aaron immediately runs for the boarding house leaving Chris shaking his head. "I thought I was doing better at this parenting thing but I see I need to work more on it. I couldn't get him to obey me when I needed it."

"You are too soft on him, Chris. You more asked him to go than told him. Your words were right but the tone of voice was more asking. Did you notice how I demanded he obey and told him what would happen if he didn't?" At Chris's nod, he continues. "That's the difference. You have to be stern with the boys at times. I learned this staying with Ethan's boys. You don't mess around when you talk to them. You tell them what they will do and you mean they will do it or else!"

"Yes, I see that now. Thank you Mitch."

"You're welcome. Let's go get our horses from the livery and start off. Ethan will meet us there as soon as he can. I have no doubt Ben will get the telegram to him."

"Yes, I know, just let me get my gun from the locked box inside the house. I keep it locked away so the children can not touch it."

Running as long as he can, Ben finds himself having to stop to catch his breath. Walking now, he still hurries.

"I wish I had a horse so I could get there really fast! Maybe in a few years, I'll be old enough for one of my own. I wonder what the rush is? Mitch was sure in a hurry to get this telegram delivered. Uncle Chris said not to read it but who'll know?" Ben thinks looking around to check for anyone nearby as he pulls the telegram from his pocket.

After reading it, he stuffs it back in his pocket and begins running again. Finally getting to the ranch yard he sees Rob and Joseph working horses in the corral.

"Rob! Joseph! Where's Pa?" Ben calls running up nearly out of breath.

"Ben! You know better than to run up yelling around the horses!" Rob scolds him sternly.

"I have to give something to Pa! Where is he?" Ben asks ignoring the scolding.

"He's down at the back pasture working. What do you need to give him, Ben?" Joseph asks.

"Telegram. Important. Uncle Chris and Uncle Mitch said to give it to Pa and to hurry!" Ben gasps out still breathing hard.

"I'll get him then." Rob says leaping the fence to run to the pasture.

Running up a few minutes later, Ethan takes the telegram, reads it and puts it in his pocket.

"Something has come up and I need to leave. Rob, is in charge here while I'm away. Everyone is to stay here at the ranch until I say differently. Thank you Ben for your excellent job at delivering this telegram." Ethan says giving Ben a one armed hug as he walks by towards the house.

A few minutes later, he's back outside wearing his gunbelt and sheriff's star. "Remember, stay near the ranch. I'll be home when I can." he calls as he gallops away on Lightning whom Rob just finished saddling.

Walking up, Joseph says "I wonder where he is going in such a hurry. Did he tell you what was in the telegram?"

"Joseph, you know better than that. How often does he tell us Sheriff's business?" Rob answers.

"Not often, until it's over. Maybe we should go look for the telegram in his room."

"Forget it. He has the telegram in his shirt pocket, I saw it there. You'd better just mind him and stay here if you know what's good for you." Rob replies seeing the scheming look on his brother's face.

"You spoil all the excitement Rob!" Joseph complains kicking the dirt.

"I'm trying to save your backside from another meeting with the strap. You ought to be grateful not complain. The way you've been moping around, I took it that you were upset about your punishment so I'm trying to keep you from more. You want to complain and moan about it then by all means go ahead."

Listening, Ben thinks, I know what the telegram is about but I can't tell them. I hope Pa can help find the lost stagecoach I wonder how someone can lose a stage. It's awfully big!