New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 17
Managing
At breakfast the following morning, Ethan reminds the children that today is the day the soldiers arrive to pick up the horses.
"When are they coming, Pa? May Ben and I help get them ready for meeting the soldiers?"
"We can help you dress them in their best clothes!" Ben adds, sending both boys into giggles.
"You are being very silly today, Ben. You know we don't let the horses wear their best clothes unless it is Sunday." Ethan jokes before turning to George. "George, the telegram states the soldiers will arrive sometime before noon. You have chores to do but after they are done you two may come to the corral. Joseph and I could use your help brushing all of the mares."
Working beside his Pa to curry comb and brush the mares, Joseph asks "What should I say to the men?"
"About yesterday?" Ethan asks not looking up from grooming.
"Yes sir. I don't know what to say."
"The truth is your friend. Nothing else will do. You will accept whatever consequences they impose with no argument. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir. Are you going to add your punishment as well?"
"I believe we handled my punishment yesterday, out by the canyon. Are you feeling that was not enough of a punishment and wish for others? I'm sure I can oblige if you wish for more." Ethan replies, eyes twinkling to show he is not serious.
"Oh! No Sir! I can definitely say I felt that punishment and it was enough to stop me from ever even considering doing that again."
"Papa! I see the soldiers coming up the road." Ben calls in excitement causing his horse to snort her displeasure at having someone shout beside her ear.
"No need to yell, son. Now you and George are to sit on the top rail of this corral. Wait until I give permission before moving from your position. I want you out from here as we move these horses. Let's go, boys."
Watching and listening from Ben's chosen spot beside the gate, the younger boys hear Ethan greet the lead rider of the group. Wondering why soldiers ride behind a leader in sets of two and in a column, Ben reminds himself to ask later.
"Hello, Mr. Cord. I am Sergeant Levi Wills. Are you ready for us to reclaim these animals? They look much healthier than when we dropped them off six months ago."
"We have them ready, Sergeant. My sons and I have worked with them and all are saddle ready. You have some strong horses here. Before we start moving them, my son Joseph has something he must tell you. Joseph?" Ethan calls before moving back into the corral.
Watching the forlorn looking boy approach, Levi wonders what he is about to hear. Judging from the look of the boy's face and his Pa's tone of voice he guesses it isn't pleasant news.
"Sergeant? I have something to tell you. I stole your stallion. The beautiful golden one. He was not responding to gentling and fought having a rider most of the time. He despised saddles. Yesterday I took him out to a canyon and let him loose. I wanted him to be free and happy, sir. I am to accept whatever consequences you set for me."
"Well now, stealing is quite serious. Horse thieving is a high crime young man. I suppose the sheriff will have to be notified and he will assign appropriate consequences. Would you like to go to town with me or should I send a man to get him?"
"Umm, no need to send anyone for him, sir. He is right behind us in the corral. My Pa is the sheriff of Paradise."
"That makes it difficult for you then. From your demeanor, I assume he has dealt with you already. Whipped you didn't he? I remember the angry and disappointed Pa voice so I recognized it. I also know the penalty my own Pa would have put on me for such behavior. Am I right?"
Face flushed in embarrassment, Joseph replies "Yes sir but he wants you to assign punishment as well."
"Joseph wasn't alone. He had friends help him. They should be punished too, not just Joseph!" Ben calls out having followed the conversation along with George. George feels it necessary to add "The other boys live in town."
"George! Ben! You hush! This is not your business!" Joseph calls in exasperation.
"Let me get your Pa and we will talk about consequences." Levi says giving George and Ben a wink as he passes the younger boys perched on the fence.
"So, we are in agreement then? Two weeks of working in town doing any job that needs doing. You will assign the boys these jobs and be their captain. Anyone disobeying orders will be answering to you on my behalf."
"Those conditions are perfectly acceptable, Sergeant Wills. Thank you for your leniency. Joseph was worried you might want him in jail or assign physical punishment."
"I am not so far removed from childhood that I can't recall my father taking me in hand when I deserved it. No need to experience that twice in two days. Here is the check for your services. We will be bringing a new set of horses in a few months. We would like to ask if you would board them during the winter. My Colonel requests a reply."
"The Cord Ranch will be able to board a dozen horses. More than that and we have no barn space." Ethan replies.
"I am positive Colonel Jackson will accept those terms. Have a nice day, boys. We will be off now."
"Thank you for your business. We appreciate having the opportunity to work with the Army. Good day, men. If you need refreshment, stop by the restaurant at the Paradise Hotel."
Having been staring through the window pretending to window shop, Rob sees the young woman he has been waiting for, come from behind the curtain. Slapping his hat against his pants to remove some of the trail dust, he makes his decision. Deciding to enter the store to purchase some new clothes while hoping to speak to the young woman he has been secretly admiring.
Entering the small clothing store, he makes his way to the table with shirts and trousers. Lifting a pair off the table, he checks the possible fit by examining the width of the waist.
"Hello, sir. Our clothes are sorted by waist. You are holding a medium waist, the right pile is large waist, the left pile is small waist. The length is not cut to fit until purchase. I tailor the trousers and also the shirt cuffs. What are you interested in purchasing today? We sell good quality clothes made to last long enough to pass down to a family member if needed. Perhaps a son may need them."
"They would need to last quite a while then, ma'am. I am not married so of course have no sons. I'll take these trousers, two medium fit white shirts and a pair of short leg undergarments. The temperature is too hot for long johns. I would like to purchase them now but have them fitted at a later time. You may be able to see by looking that I need a soaking bath. I won't be wearing new clothes until I can clean myself."
"You are quite dusty. Have you been on the trail a long time? I see many trailhands pass through here. Timberland is a community where many trail bosses end their drives. I recognize many who come here often. I don't recognize you, however. You also seem more educated, uh, polished if you will than most cowhands. I am the proprietor's daughter, Amelia Sawyer."
"Hello Ma'am, pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Rob. Rob Cord." Rob replies staring into the dark blue eyes that are sparkling up at him. I appreciate the compliments. This has been my first experience on a drive with a trail boss. We plan to stay three days here before moving on back towards home. That should be time for us to meet again."
"Yes, come in tomorrow. I can alter the clothes in an hour or less. Which outfit are you working with? McConnell or Campbell? Both are frequent visitors."
"Mr. Campbell is our trail boss. I don't know a boss named McConnell."
"Oh, good. Mr. Campbell is the nicest of all the bosses. He runs a respectable crew of hands. No need to worry his men will have gunfights in the streets. Where do you hail from?"
"Ma'am?" Rob questions, confused.
"Sorry, my mother insisted I attend a finishing school. Some teachings are ingrained. I meant, where are you from?"
"Paradise, Colorado. It is nestled in a beautiful valley closer to Colorado Springs than Denver. Have you heard of the Springs? Most only know Denver."
"I have, yes. I have traveled up that way before. Do call me Amelia. I am not aged enough to be called ma'am." She replies saucily.
As the shop door opens and a burly man wearing mostly black enters the store, Rob notices her face pale.
"Mellie! The stockroom has barrels to unpack. Get to work not stand and socialize. Mind what I tell you!"
"Yes, Father. Thank you for your purchase, sir. Good day." She replies to her Pa and then Rob.
Realizing she is covering up her being very familiar with him, Rob replies "Thank you for your assistance with my shopping, Ma'am. Good day to you both."
"Pa? Can I come to town with you? May I use a twenty five cent piece from the butter and egg money? I need to buy Aaron and Alyssa a new present. The balloons were supposed to be part of their present. Their birthday is soon."
"Yes, Ben, you may come but the money will come from your bank. You chose to use the balloons so you use your money to replace the gift. Twenty five is too much since you already wasted money. You bought those balloons as a gift. Bring me the can and I will get a ten cent piece for you. George, you may come also if you wish. Delphie? Would you like to have an early supper in town? I was thinking of meeting at the hotel about four thirty if you'd like."
"Yes, that sounds lovely. I'll meet all of you there. First, I want to wash my hair since it is warm today. I can let it dry outside while I do some mending. I have quite a few shirts and shirtwaists missing buttons."
Giving hugs and last minute instructions while Ethan saddles three horses, Delphie says "You boys enjoy your time in town but behave yourselves. Ben, George, you be on your best behavior today. Joseph, you do whatever chores your Pa assigns without one word of complaint. You and your friends are in enough disgrace, do not give him a reason to punish you further."
"We will, Mama." Ben and George assure her. George wondering why she feels the need to caution him as well as Ben since he has been the only boy behaving of late.
"I won't be complaining, Mama. Pa has a very short fuse with me right now. I don't want to do anything that might light it. I have a feeling I would get my behind lit up if I did. I want to avoid that happening ever again. Let's get moving, guys. Pa has your horse ready."
"When can I ride a horse alone, Papa?" George asks as Ethan swings him up to sit behind Ben.
"Probably by Christmas, son. You just need to grow a little taller yet."
"About how much taller, Pa?" George asks as they begin the trip to town.
"When you are tall enough to reach the dishes in the cabinet without standing on the stool. I would think the way you are growing, that will be by Christmas."
Arriving in town, Ethan gives out instructions. "Ben, George, you are free to shop or play with friends here in town. Keep up with the time and meet at the restaurant at four thirty. We will be eating in town tonight. Remember to be prompt."
"Yes Pa." Both boys answer before seeing Ethan lead Joseph into the Sheriff's office.
"You know, George? Looking at Joseph's face, you might think he was about to be locked up. Pa wouldn't do that would he?"
"He would lock us up if we deserved it. Have you forgotten when he let Rob spend the night in the jail? This won't happen now. Pa said this morning he was 'bringing together all of Joseph's co-conspirators to do work in town'. He told Mama this before you came to breakfast."
Thinking over the new word, Ben asks "Is a co-conspirator a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know."
"I don't know either. Let's get out of this livery. It smells in here. I don't believe they've cleaned up after the horses in several days." George replies.
"Pa would never let us leave stalls looking like those. Will you come with me to Mr. Axelrod's, George? You can help me find a gift for Aaron and Alyssa. I have to replace the balloons. I am not buying those again as they cause too much trouble!" Ben replies as the two walk down the dirt road toward the boardwalk.
"Yeah, I will help. We have until Wednesday so take your time. If we can't find something we can get Mama to let us come shopping Monday or Tuesday."
As the younger boys begin their shopping expedition, Joseph and his friends are learning their fate for the horsenapping escapade.
"I have spoken to your fathers and know you received correction from them. However, the fact is you four boys stole from the U.S. Army. Therefore the Army is assigning punishment as well. Under my authority, you are to complete chores here in town. The first is to completely clean the livery. You will rake and remove all soiled hay, put down fresh hay in each stall, groom each horse stabled there and then report to me. Mr. Vanstone was injured a week ago and is not capable of this job at this time. Any questions?"
Hearing responses of "No, sir." Ethan nods before ushering them out the front door of the jail. Pointing down towards the livery stable he directs "Go get busy. I will be checking afterward. I expect to see a job completed well. The consequences of irresponsibility will not be pleasant."
"Joseph, when you finish for the day, go straight home. I think it would be in your best interest to avoid coming to dinner after cleaning the livery. Your mother would disapprove."
"I understand." Joseph answers before following his friends to the livery.
Stopping in the front of the livery, Jackson exclaims "This place really smells! Look at this mess! It will take forever to completely clean all these stalls!"
"Yes, so come on. Let's get started. We can pair up and take one stall at a time. I only see one pitchfork and one rake. I will work with each of you as it was my idea. Who will work with me now? The rest can take over washing, brushing and combing the horses."
"I'll work with you first." Jeffrey says picking up the pitchfork.
"Joseph? Isn't that your Pa's horse, Lightning over in that stall?" Jackson asks.
"Yes, he, Brown Betsy and Fred are here so groom them well. I will do Lightning as he tends to nip at outsiders."
"Outsiders?" Jason questions as he leads his first grooming client past.
"Anyone not in the family." Joseph answers moving to the back of the last stall to begin raking soiled hay. By choosing to start at the back he figures any dropped hay can be gathered moving too the next stall.
"Fellas? Look around for a wooden box or something out there. We need something to put the dirty hay in." Jeff calls to his friends a few minutes after beginning work.
"There's a small three wheeled thing out here. I think it used to be something like a wheelbarrow but it is falling apart." Jason calls to his brother.
"If it rolls bring it on in. We have to have something to carry hay." Joseph calls back.
Having walked around the store twice, Ben comes back to the two shelves and table with children's items.
"I probably have to get Aaron something from here. I picked two different colors of ribbon to get for Alyssa. She likes hair ribbons. I will give her candy sticks too. Isn't lemon one of her favorite flavors?"
"That and blueberry. I bought blueberry so you get lemon. What about some candy sticks for Aaron? Isn't sour apple a flavor he likes?"
"Yes, I will do that but I need something else. I have six cents left. There isn't much good things to get for six cents. Pa should have let me get a twenty five cent piece to spend. Maybe I could charge the rest. I want to get Aaron this metal hoop and steering stick set but it is fifteen cents. This is a better one than Caleb has. His is really just a wagon wheel rim and a real stick to roll it with."
"I think the wagon rim is just fine. It rolls just as good as that would! I suggest you keep looking. You know how Pa feels about charging things. Look! Here is a big bag of marbles for five cents."
"No, George, not marbles. I need something special. I will get this hoop set. I can pay the rest when I come to town next week. We have the money we get for extra chores in our bank. I can get out nine cents."
"What about Pa? He will disapprove. We are not allowed to take money without permission."
"I just gave myself permission. I can work it out where Mama gives me permission. You worry about rules too much, George. Come on, let's pay and get the candy sticks."
Finding Mr. Axelrod in the storeroom, Ben says "I'm ready to buy things right now. I need some candy sticks and some ribbons cut too."
Cocking his head at the haughty tone Ben just used, George eyes Mr. Axelrod for a reaction.
"Well now, I wasn't aware you were wearing hair ribbons now, young master Cord. By all means, let me get some prepared for you." Axelrod jokes before semi scolding the child.
"Ben, I know your pa and mama expect you to be respectful when speaking. The way I heard your request seemed the opposite. Do I need to send for your Pa? I am quite sure he would know how to adjust your attitude. Am I correct, George?"
"Yes, sir. Pa has many ways to correct bad attitudes. His cure for disrespect of adults leaves us wishing to stand up for a while." George answers watching his brother begin to squirm.
"Please don't say anything to Pa. I apologize for how I spoke. I'm just in a bit of a hurry."
Noticing the boy seems to be shifting his weight from side to side, Mr. Axelrod realizes the problem.
"Why don't you both go up and get a drink of water in my apartment, maybe use the W.C. as well. I will cut and wax the ends of your ribbons while you do."
"Thank you, Mr. Axelrod." Ben says after returning downstairs to the counter.
"You are welcome, next time take care of your needs before you shop. I guarantee you will find shopping much easier. Now, what candy sticks did you want?
"Your total amount comes to twenty five cents. Will this be cash or charge today?"
"I thought the total was nineteen cents. How did it get so high?" Ben asks, picking up the paper wrapped candy sticks.
"These ribbons are two cents each, equaling four cents. You decided to buy four more candy sticks from your original idea. This brought the total to eight sticks for four cents. The toy is fifteen cents so plus tax equals twenty five cents. How much money do you have with you?" Mr. Axelrod asks.
"Ten cents. Could I put back the added four sticks, please?"
"Not when you have already touched them, no, sir. If you only had ten cents, why did you choose a toy for fifteen?"
"I need a birthday present for Aaron. He and Alyssa are turning eleven on Friday. They are having a party too! I can bring you the rest of the money later this week. Would you not write it on our account though? I will be in trouble if I charge to the family account."
"I tell you what we'll do. I will make a separate account page for you. You pay it off by the end of this month which is in two weeks. If you don't pay your account by then, I add one cent a day for every day you have overdue payment. If you haven't paid me in another two weeks from then, I will go to your parents. Agreed?" Mr. Axelrod asks, extending his hand.
"I agree. We have a deal! You won't tell on me now though, right? That is part of our bargain?"
"Unless one of your parents asks me if you have charged something to your own account, I will not mention your charges. I suggest you let me keep the hoop set for now. I will let you get it back before the party, no need to frown so, Ben. Now, unless I am hearing things, it has started to storm. Are you to be home at a certain time? You will have to wait here as it is not safe to be outside in lightning."
"We are to meet our family at four thirty in the restaurant. What time is it now?" George asks.
"Three thirty. How about helping me unpack some barrels or crates while you wait out the storm? I doubt anyone will be wanting to shop in this weather."
"Yes sir, we will help. I like unpacking crates and barrels." Ben exclaims.
"I like it too. It's like opening Christmas gifts except for someone else." George chimes in.
Over at the livery, the boys have moved the six horses out into the stableyard. Having been grooming as instructed, they have three finished and ground tied. Working with one as the first flash of lightning, Jeff nearly loses hold of the horse. Having a grip on the bridle, he yells for help. "Someone come help me! He is about to bolt! Ahh shoot!" he exclaims as the horse jerks out of his hold.
Rushing to his brother's aid, Jason has to dive to the side of the doorway as the terrified horse rushes through the door. Seeing Joseph put his hands up and soothe the gelding, Jason continues outside.
"Let's get them all back in. The storm is getting worse." Jeff calls over the sound of heavy drops.
"Well, I, for one, am thankful the gelding bolted inside instead of jumping the railing. I would not want to be responsible for telling the sheriff a horse ran away. While we wait for the storm to move on, who is up to Five Card Stud?"
"How do we play? We have no cards!" Joseph asks.
"Who says we don't?" Jeff answers pulling a worn deck from his boot.
"You keep cards in your boot? Don't they get lost in there?" Theo asks.
"Not when I use my oilcloth scrap to wrap them in. Let's play."
"You three go ahead. I'm going to groom Lightning. We have all the others finished." Joseph remarks not wanting to say he isn't allowed to play cards.
Busy unpacking another crate, Ben hears George call "Come help me pull this lid off."
Working together the two boys manage to pry off the barrel lid. Peering inside, Ben says "More boxes. Well, let's get them out. We'll unpack those and then finish the crate. I only have about four things left in the crate."
"Well, just look at these! With all these feathers there must be some cold chickens somewhere!" George giggles.
"Yes, all these beads and lace are something to see. I dare you to put this frilly one on, George. I'll bet you the evening chores to do it."
"I dare you back, Ben! You're not brave enough to put on that one in your hands."
"We'll do it together. I'll count. When I say 'three' put it on. ONE, TWO, THREE!"
Hearing the rain moving away, Ethan closes his file of wanted posters. Checking his pocket watch and seeing it is nearing four o'clock, he decides to go check his work crew.
Walking up to the door of the stable, he notices the horses are not outside as he expected. Opening the door he is greeted with the sight of all four boys trying to groom one unhappy horse. As he watches Lightning moves his feet each time a boy tries to brush his leg. Attempting to brush the withers, Joseph hears the horse snuffle a quiet greeting and glances up.
"Pa, tell Lightning to behave! Your horse is being uncooperative! He won't stand still!"
"I'm sorry for my misbehaving horse, fellas. You all come on out from there. He only lets me do the grooming. You've done an excellent job, boys. This stable is cleaner than I've seen it in some time. You are done for the day. Report to the office at ten in the morning for tomorrow's job list. Enjoy the rest of your day."
After his friends leave, Joseph says "Pa, I itch all over. I smell like dirty hay too. This was a nasty job."
"I know, son. It needed to be done, however. You boys helped Mr. Vanstone. The livery won't need to be thoroughly cleaned again for some time. You take Fred and Brown Betsy on home. I'll ride Lightning home later. Enjoy your bath but remember to clean the tub afterward. We'll see you later tonight. Right now, I'm off to round up your younger brothers."
Having checked the boarding house, the General Store and not finding the boys, Ethan decides to check with Mr. Axelrod.
Finding him at the back of the Mercantile, stocking shelves, Ethan asks after greeting "Have you seen my two youngest? They were to be shopping today. I"ve checked with their friends and over at the General Store. No one has seen them. The young Mrs. Abbot said they haven't been there today."
"I have them safe back in the storeroom. I put them to work unpacking crates and barrels for me. Don't look so concerned, they have been a good help."
"Cyrus, my boys can have your storeroom in shambles in minutes. They love to unpack but they don't like picking things up. You left them unsupervised. We'd best go check." Ethan replies.
Reaching the door just in time to hear Ben count "THREE!" Ethan opens it to stare and then begin to laugh at the sight.
Both boys are standing frozen in place as they spot their father in the doorway.
"Excuse me, young ladies. I'm looking for my sons, have you seen them?" Ethan asks causing Axelrod to guffaw behind him.
"PA!" The boys protest also beginning to giggle. "We are boys, not girls!"
"Well with those frilly bonnets covering your heads, it's hard to tell. Come, get these back in boxes. Mr. Axelrod can't sell dusty bonnets."
"Never mind closing the boxes, boys. I need to display them so just place them each in a box. I appreciate your help today." Mr. Axelrod tells them once he can control his laughter.