New Beginnings: Life Changes
Ch. 71
_Adventures: Beginning and Ending_
The family has gathered at the train station in town to say goodbye to Rob, Alex, and Joseph as they head off to Wyoming.
"We'll be fine. Please don't worry. I have everything planned." Rob reassures the wives and his parents.
"I wish you could write to let us know you are safe," Amelia replies after hugging him.
"I would but we'll be home before the letter or just after, anyway. Three weeks isn't as long as it seems. You'll be having fun while I'm busy with smelly ornery cows and uncooperative brothers!" Rob says with a wink at Alex and Joseph.
"Rob? Walk with me for just a moment before the train arrives." Ethan requests.
After taking the young man out of sight, away from the group, Ethan pulls a revolver from his jacket.
"Rob, take this and the ammunition. I brought the concealed holster for it as well. Wear this at all times when you are not in the homestead. It is always better to be prepared and not need it than it is to be caught without. Remember your training and do not use it unwisely."
"We have come a long way, Pa. A few years ago you were attacking my backside with a switch for even holding a gun and now you are ordering me to carry one!" Rob teases as he accepts the items.
"You are mature enough now to handle it responsibly, at least I assume so. At fifteen, you were not. Stay safe, son, and keep your brothers safe as well. They aren't as skilled at cattle wrangling as you are, do remember that."
"Yes sir, I will remember and I will keep everyone safe. I hear the train coming, Pa. We need to get back to the family."
Back at the ranch, Delphie goes to get Emerson cleaned up while George and Ben escort their older sisters to their room.
"Claire, Amelia, this will be your room while you stay with us. We've washed and put fresh bedclothes on the bed and Mama even had us scrub the floor." George informs the young women.
"It has an outside door but Pa pushed the chiffarobe in front of it so no one can enter, you'll be safe here," Ben adds. "This was going to be John Taylor's room but he never did come live with us."
"It's alright, George. You can be sad. No need to try to hide that from us." Claire says as she sees her youngest brother stealthily wipe several tears from his eyes.
"I miss him so much, Claire. No one talks about him anymore. Pa is too busy to talk about him."
"You come to talk to me and we'll share stories but for now, I think we ought to go help Mama prepare lunch."
Arriving in Wyoming, the group is met by Case Campbell.
"Hello again, Rob, Joseph, and you must be Alex. Remember me? I was the scrawny rebel cowhand whose demanding Pa was the trail boss. So, I hear you are getting a cattle drive ready. Pa has been culling the herds and has good stock ready for you to inspect and choose from. He also has horses picked for you to use. My mother is eager to meet you as she's heard all about you from me and Pa."
"Thank you for coming to pick us up. You look more filled out in the shoulders than I remember. Your Pa must have you working hard jobs." Rob greets his trail friend.
"I could say the same for you, Rob. Joseph, you seem different as well, taller, and perhaps calmer. Have you lost the impulsive side that got you in such trouble?"
Joseph greets him with "Hello, nice to see you again. I am not a kid now so I am different. I will say I have learned not to be quite as impulsive, at least most of the time."
Smiling at the extremely chatty young man, Alex replies "Well I have not been formally introduced but I am happy to hear we are welcome. I am Alex Hale, brother-in-law to these two, I will guess you are William Campbell."
"Nope, wrong guess. Willy would be my older brother. I'm Cason but called "Case" by everyone who is not angry at me and my father. He detests nicknames so it is Cason for him. Our wagon is this way, follow me." the young man answers before walking away with Joseph beside him.
"Enthusiastic isn't he?" Alex remarks quietly to Rob as they follow a few steps back.
"He's one of those types who burns the candle at both ends as the saying goes, never seems to get tired like normal humans. He also never lets anything bother him for long. Case just adapts to whatever comes his way both good and bad. You'll be impressed with his cow skills."
"I am impressed by your cow skills as well. From all you told me on the train, you have quite an impressive set of skills. I will look inept with you and Case around."
"You will be fine, I have no doubts about that," Rob reassures his best friend.
"Welcome to the spread! I have taken the liberty of picking cattle for you to look over. I will let you choose which to purchase. It's noon now so we stop to eat but we will look over the cattle after." The tall muscular man greeting them at the wagon announces.
"That sounds fine, sir. Thank you again for your offer to sell me some of your stock." Rob replies stepping down to shake hands.
The smiling woman standing on the wrap-around front porch speaks up scolding her husband "Luke Campbell! Just listen to you! Not even offering the young men time to freshen up before starting the cattle talk! Is that any way to greet guests? Come inside, young fellas. I am Eleanor Campbell wife of Mister ill-mannered and mother of Case, here. Case, show our guests their rooms and the necessary. We will hold off lunch for ten minutes."
"Yes Ma'am. Right this way, guys." Case tells the group as he leads them up a large curving wooden staircase.
"Was that man your Pa, Case?" Joseph asks as they reach the rooms they will stay in.
"Yes, that was the mighty Lucas Campbell, head of the largest cattle ranch in Wyoming! Don't you remember him from your escape to the cattle drive year before last? I would've thought he would be hard to forget what with his assigning those horrible chores for you to attempt."
"My memory was of someone much more stern and not so joyful. I could be confusing your Pa with my own though as they both seemed to appear together to terrorize me that day. I was certain my butt was going to be on fire within minutes of them appearing! I disobeyed both of them as your Pa had told me I was too young to join the cattle drive, mine forbid me to go, and I showed up anyway."
"You aren't his son so you got off easy on that part of it with him. How about your own?" Case replies.
"I got lucky and did not have that particular fate that time," Joseph answers grinning at the friendly young man.
"Good to hear! I leave you to freshen up now. The dining room is to the left at the bottom of the stairs. You will hear a loud ringing from the triangles when it is time to eat. Come quickly as Mama frowns on tardiness."
Draped in the long duster with a battered hat on Paul's head, the two boys walk carefully. Ben holding his friend's legs as he balances above him. Able to see through the fold of the coat, Ben spots the meat hanging on a low branch several feet from the back porch of the farmhouse. Paul has just finished cutting the venison from the branch when the boys hear "DROP IT! TURN AROUND! HANDS IN THE AIR!"
Instead of complying, Paul whispers "RUN" so Ben attempts to flee while holding onto his friend's legs. He manages a few steps before the command "FREEZE NOW!" rings out behind him. With years of being taught to immediately obey that voice and command, Ben instinctively stops moving which causes both boys to tumble to the ground.
Quickly moving to apprehend the thief, Mitch pulls the closest person by the arm to a standing position. Realizing he has two children, he uses his other arm to lift the child who is face down as well. Shocked to recognize Ben, he says "You best think of a good reason young man or you will be one sorry child in a minute!"
Coming up from behind, Ethan can see two children being held by his deputy. "So this is who has been causing such grief in the community, two children! Let's see who we have here." Ethan remarks as he approaches.
Not daring to look at his Pa, Ben studies the dirt at his feet for what seems to him to be hours until he hears a deep voice order "LOOK AT ME!"
The stern command has him jerking his head up only to see the snapping dark eyes of his Pa glaring at him.
"So you two are the ones who have been stealing from homes, stores, and destroying property. You are the boy called Peter. We met when you broke windows in town. I see you did not take my words to heart and continued causing problems. I told you I would not stand for any more mischief. I meant what I said. Come with me, young man. Ben, you will follow us. Mitch, please bring the horses up here as we will be visiting this boy's parents!"
Leading Ben while holding the other boy's arm, Ethan walks them to a good sized kindling pile by a chopping stump.
"Your adventure has now ended! There will be no more stealing, property damage, or lying. As Sheriff, my job is to enforce the law therefore you will both receive a paddling. We will then discuss this with your parents! Peter, you are first. Put yourself over my lap." Ethan declares as he settles himself on the stump.
"My name is not Peter, it's Paul and you can not do this as you are not my father!"
"Another lie then as you informed me in town, your name was Peter. As Sheriff, I have every right to curb your outright breaking of laws. Do as I tell you because if I have to put you over my lap, you will not only lose the trousers but also earn extra smacks that will be twice as hard. I give you to the count of four to obey... one, ...two,.. three... " Ethan states before getting a scrawny boy over his lap.
Having chosen a thicker flat-sided piece of wood about the length of a ruler, he applies it to the seat of the boy over his lap. Eliciting loud squawks of outrage, more declarations of "You can't do this" and eventual sobs after he delivers ten stinging whacks, Ethan allows the child to stand.
"You will no longer be stealing or causing any sort of trouble in this community. Your adventure is finished. If you choose to disobey me, the spanking you just received will be replaced by my belt applied to your bare behind. This is not a threat, this is a promise! I advise you to not test me on this promise, young man! Now you stand right here and do not move. Understand?"
"Yes Sir" Paul answers as he sees Ethan place Ben over his lap.
"Pa, wait! You have not let me explain. I have an explanation." Ben says quickly as he knows what is coming.
"There is no explanation for your actions that will stop your coming punishment. You and I will have a thorough discussion of this at home. For now, you will receive the same punishment as your friend Paul. You chose to steal. You chose to continue this escapade knowing it was wrong and you lied to me. Our discussion will cover these behaviors in-depth." Ethan replies lifting the piece of kindling. The ten smacks leave Ben feeling as if his father lit a match and set his pants on fire they burn so much.
Mitch has our horses just in those trees. You will each ride behind one of us as Paul directs us to his home. Do not give me any reason to add more licks because I will not hesitate to do so." Ethan tells the two tear-streaked faces as he places the kindling inside his shirt to take with him.
"I apologize for my young brother causing so much trouble, Sheriff. I was unaware of his actions. I was told he was putting everything he came here with on store credit or that he was working to earn it. I am rather new to keeping tabs on young boys as they were living with Paul's mother. Our father had two sets of children, myself and my eldest sister, and later these young boys. Upon their mother's death three months back, they were given to me. I worked on the railroad laying track, working the blasting sites, wherever there was work. A rail camp is not the best place for young boys. We managed until the day I slipped and injured my leg. I lost my job as I could not work. We traveled until my money was nearly gone. I came upon this shack and set up camp. My leg is barely usable at times. I will gather our belongings and we will move on."
"That won't be necessary. You are welcome to live here and create a home. Paradise is a growing community and there are needs where your railroad skills could be put to use. I know the blacksmith needs an extra hand as he not only shoes horses but repairs metal. You are going to find him easygoing and pleasant to work with. I will come by tomorrow afternoon and take you to meet him. These two boys have some apologies to make tomorrow to everyone they wronged. I will be escorting them while you discuss the new job." Ethan replies having listened to the young man without interrupting.
"Thank you, I accept your offer. I will also have words with young Paul. He won't be recreating his "tall man" ever again."
Nodding, Ethan takes Ben by the shoulder steering him to the door. "Keep in mind he already received a paddling when you have those words with him."
Outside, Mitch asks "Do you feel the guy is telling the truth or is this a cover story?"
"We'll find out tomorrow. If he hightails it out of here then it will be a made-up tale. I will see you then. I'm going home from here rather than ride back to town."
"See you tomorrow, Ethan, Ben.
Rob and Joseph are examining the group of horses Mr. Campbell has selected after having decided on the cattle herd.
"Choose any you like Rob, you'll need good strong horses to use with the roundup so I selected the best. Each of these are well trained and good with cattle. Choose four although I know you only need three. One spare is good to have as well. Both Cason and Timothy have their mounts chosen." At Rob's questioning glance, he says "Oh, right, I forgot to mention Timothy. He's my sixteen-year-old nephew who will be accompanying you on the drive. He's well experienced and will be of help. A crew of five is a good number for the size of the herd you're taking."
"Yes sir, that will be fine. I like the looks of the chestnut, the black, and the cream-colored horses. Joseph, you choose the spare." Rob instructs the boy standing quietly beside him.
"I like the look of the piebald myself. There's something in his eyes that seems to show he's dependable and he looks sturdy."
"Good choices, all of these are steady, reliable mounts. Now, let's discuss fences, going through towns, food, supplies, etc. Rob, be aware that not all land is free range. Send a scout to look for barbed wire before herding the cattle in that direction. You may be able to ask permission on land that is gated. Always ask permission before taking the herd through a town as well. Find the law office, use your connections, both my and your father's name, that will ease the way for you."
"Sir, I want to do this relying on myself and my team, not my Pa's well-known name."
That's admirable and I understand, however using connections is how it's done, Rob. It's not unusual for someone to use connections to get what they need. People are wary of strangers especially cowhands coming through their town. Too many cattle drives let the hands be wild and disrespectful to the townspeople. Having familiar connections eases the way."
"When you put it that way, it makes me understand. I will do as you say." Rob replies nodding in agreement.
"Remember to have at least one person on watch at all times. Cattle like to stray so be prepared for wandering animals. We'll go into town later today and you can buy your food supply. Dried beef, venison, beans, cornmeal, plus more. The spare horse can carry some supplies and each of you young men can as well."
"Thank you for the advice. I'll remember and use it. What price do you have for the horses?" Rob asks.
"How does a hundred fifty seem?"
"One hundred and fifty dollars for each horse?" Joseph exclaims in shock at what he considers to be an extreme price he just heard.
"Joseph, hush up!" He hears his brother hiss.
"No, Joseph, not for each, I was thinking of that amount for all four horses."
At Rob's protest "Sir, that is too low for the sale of four horses!" he continues "Now, hear me out. You need horses to get a herd to Paradise but not afterward. So, you pay for the use of the horse and then Cason and Timothy bring them home when they come after the drive has ended."
"Thank you, sir. I accept your offer."
"Good! You and I will go inside and write the bill of sale. I also have a letter written stating I have loaned the horses and sold fifty head of cattle to you. We want no confusion on the ownership by any person you may encounter. Joseph, if you like, there is a feed bag in the barn. You might like to use it to get acquainted with your new horses."
"I would like that. Thank you, sir. I don't find contract talk interesting the way Rob does. I would prefer to make friends with my new traveling companions."
"You remind me of Cason! He prefers anything to business paperwork." Mr. Campbell tells the boy.