New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch.49
Family Matters
"What did your Pa say about being sent home? You must've caught it bad since you were not here at school yesterday." Theo quietly asks at their morning recess.
"I did catch it but not for falling asleep at school. He knows about what we did and where we went. He kept me home to have a long talk about my decisions. I got punished for being at the mining camp."
"Your Pa didn't punish you for the visit to the 'you know what' even though he knew?" Theo asks, incredulously.
"No Theo, my parents just talked about some dangers of visiting a place like that. Mama said there were diseases and then Pa talked about how many of the people who work at the mine use opium. I did not tell them we were offered some in a pipe. I felt they were already upset with me and that knowledge would make it much worse. What did your Pa say? Your Ma told my parents so yours knew what went on."
"Yes, very good idea not to mention that. Mason came to visit my parents. He somehow learned of the trip and was apologizing for Mark. I also had a long lecture on the dangers of visiting the camp and that place. Pa took me out to the shed, lectured me, and applied the old razor strop. I had to come to school yesterday and sit on the hard seats. I am confined to the house for a month and can only go somewhere with the family. I'll be doing many cleaning chores inside and out according to him."
"There's Lillian ringing the bell, lets go. The last thing I need is to get in trouble at school again! Actually, I should say 'get in trouble anywhere!" Joseph tells his best friend as he motions towards the school entrance.
Having been granted permission to shop with their birthday money, the two younger boys go to the Mercantile after school.
"Hello Ben, George. Are you here with your parent's permission? You do not wish to worry your Ma by not getting home from school on time."
"Pa and Mama know we are going shopping. We have fifty cents in birthday money, Mr. Axelrod. Rob and Amelia gave us a half dollar." Ben answers.
"Well now! Fifty cents is a lot of money. You take your time shopping. I have some stocking to do behind the counter. Come find me if you need something out of your reach. Do not let me hear or see you climbing on my shelves!"
"We do not do that anymore. We were only nine and eight back then. Pa paid for what broke and he set our bottoms on fire for climbing the shelves!" George reassures the man.
After examining many shelves and three tables, Ben stops to look longingly at the display of BB guns.
"Forget about it! You know the rules and you can not have that! Besides, the price on the display is a dollar fifty. You only have fifty cents, Ben."
"Someday you need to forget going along with rules, George, and have some real fun!"
"Let's keep looking. I might buy a ten-cent sack of treats for everyone at home. I could get cookie pieces, soda crackers, nuts, and candy! I checked and the cookie barrel has some halves in it, not little pieces!" George replies, ignoring his brother's statement.
"Let's go over to the General Store. Uncle Matt might let us pick treats free if we remind him of our birthdays."
"Hi, Uncle Matt! We came to shop!" Ben greets Matthew who is sweeping the front porch of the store.
"Hello, boys, what may I get for you? Are you shopping for your Ma?"
"No sir, for ourselves. We have birthday money from Rob and Amelia." Ben answers.
"Oh yes, I remember Caleb going to your celebratory sleepover. So are you eight and nine now?" Matthew asks waiting for their reaction to his deliberate mistake on their ages.
Having walked past his uncle to the door, Ben stops, turning to face the man. Before he can reply, George says "Uncle Matt! You are teasing as you know we were that age when you came here. We are ten and eleven now. Caleb and I are the same age."
"Very good to know, George. Come in and let's see what you find. Are you buying together or separately?"
"We haven't decided. Uncle Matt? Is the ice cream shop ready yet? When will it open?"
"You'll have to ask Mr. Abbott as he is keeping up with that business. I can tell you it is not open yet. You boys go look at the toy shelves. I have some bookwork to do so I will be at the counter."
"Here is a set of marbles with two shooters. I know, don't say it, we have marbles. There was a windup train engine over there. What did you see?" George asks his brother after they have been checking the shelves.
"I saw the same stuff that is always here, a few yo-yos, wooden whistles, those men on strings that do flips when you squeeze the frame sides, bags of marbles and jackstones, a couple of wooden push toys but nothing exciting."
"There's a pretty doll up on the high shelf in the corner. It has a soft body but a china head. We could get it for Emerson."
"We could but she can't play with it yet. Let's buy her girl toys when she is old enough to play with them."
"Yes, you're right, Ben. Let's look once more. Maybe we missed seeing something."
Coming together once more at the first of two tables, George, seeing the dejected look Ben has, suggests "Maybe we could order from the catalog. You know, the way Rob did for the house kit?"
"Good idea! Let's go look in it!"
Having been close enough to overhear, Matt watches the two eager boys look through the catalog.
"What are you two boys interested in buying?"
"Something new and different. We have a set of marbles and jackstones. We have a train set and wooden cowboy and indian figures. We need something different." Ben explains.
"Did you find anything interesting?" Matt asks after the boys seem to have finished their search.
"Yessir, there is a real toy automobile that you can ride inside. It has doors that really open, push pedals, cowhide seats, and a steering wheel." Ben answers.
"What about you, George?"
"I saw a carved rocking horse with painted features! It comes with a real miniature saddle, stirrups, and reins. It says it is three feet high including the rockers. Emerson would like that but she is too small for it right now."
"Did either of you look at the prices for those items?"
"Yes sir. The horse is $12.00, much more than I can afford." George replies sadly.
"The auto to ride in is priced at $20.00. We have one dollar between us so neither of those things can be bought." Ben tells his uncle.
"How do people buy catalog things? It is too expensive."
"Well George, some people buy on credit. They pay a little on the bill every month until it is paid."
"We are not allowed to charge things. Isn't 'buy on credit' the same as charging?" George asks Matt.
"Essentially the same, yes."
"George, we could pay each month out of our extra chore money. That auto would be so fun to play in. We would be using our own money so would not be charging on Pa's account. We are forbidden from charging on his account without permission." Ben directs the latter to Matthew.
"No, I am not going to. Besides, it would probably take us two years to pay for one of those! We wouldn't have any use for a toy auto on the ranch anyway!" George remarks.
"I thought of something you two might like. It came in last week but I haven't put it on the display yet. Let me get it from the storeroom."
Walking back out with a wooden box, the two boys see him place it on the countertop.
"This is a game called Halma. I read the instructions which are here on these cards. Just look at these nice tan and brown squares on the gameboard." Matt tells them as he slides the top of the slim box off. "It looks similar to chess and checkers but more rows. The playing pieces are these wooden pawns. They come in red, white, green, and black. The idea of the game is to move all of your color pawns from one corner of the board to the opposite corner on the other end before your opponent but there is no capturing of other pieces. It is a strategy game where you outsmart your opponent."
"How much does it cost?" Ben asks, intrigued.
"I priced it at a dollar fifty. If you two do some chores for me you can pay me one dollar."
"What chores do you need done?" George asks after a silent talk with Ben.
"Some dusting and straightening of the toy and knickknack sections. Are you two interested in the deal?"
"Yessir, but we have to be home by six o'clock for suppertime." George answers.
"I don't believe it will take you long. My sections are not that large. Here are feather dusters for each of you. Be careful of the knickknack shelves, please."
Thirty minutes later, both boys have finished their assigned chores and are the proud owners of a new game.
"We have to go back to the schoolhouse to get our books." George reminds his brother.
"Why did you have to say that? Couldn't you have just forgotten it? One night without homework would be terrific!"
Finding the school locked, Ben says "It's a sign from God, George! He doesn't want us to have to do homework tonight!"
"Pa wouldn't think it is a sign from God. He'd think we were using this as an excuse not to study. You know how strict he is about school! I do not want to risk getting spanked tonight. When I got in trouble for not paying attention in class, he said he would put me over his knee for any more problems at school!"
"You mean when Emerson was talking to you? Does she still? Do you know why I don't hear her in my head but you do?" Ben asks.
"Yes, that time. I still hear her but I can push it back better to not have to hear. No, I don't know why you do not hear her thoughts. Come on, we have to go tell him now. Pa can unlock the door and we can get our schoolbooks then."
"As I told you earlier today, someday you need to forget going along with rules and have some fun! Here we have the perfect excuse not to be able to do homework and you ruin it! Are you a real boy?"
"Well, I am not a wooden puppet like Pinocchio was so I must be. You can go home and pretend you didn't have homework. I will go get Pa for my books." George answers his grumpy brother.
"I like that book. I'm glad Claire sent it. I wish there was a fairy that would come to us! Let's go get Pa. I really don't want trouble at home either."
"Papa? Can you come out or can we come in? Ben is with me." George asks having lost the rock, paper, scissors to determine which boy approached their Pa. Knowing he isn't allowed to enter the sheriff's office without permission, George is standing just outside the open door.
"Come in boys. We have no prisoners in the cells. What brings you here?" Ethan replies motioning Ben to come out from behind George.
After hearing how the boys left their schoolbooks to go shopping but now can't get to them, Ethan pulls a set of keys from the desk drawer.
"Alright you two, let's get your books. It is getting on toward suppertime, you have evening chores and homework waiting for you. Did Joseph stay in town with you?"
"He went home as soon as school let out. You restricted him to going right home. Don't you remember?" Ben asks cocking his head with a worried look to his Pa.
"I do remember, son. I just wanted to know if HE remembered as well." Ethan answers, amused by the boy's concerned look.
Later that evening after homework had been checked, the three boys have the new game set up at the kitchen table along with a kerosene lamp to use to see.
"The directions say we roll the die to see who gets the highest number and begins first. You move a piece out of your home corner. In play, we can move one of our pieces in any direction, either into a square or if there are pieces in front you can hop over them, even if they are your own color pieces. We are moving our pieces from their corner to the opposite corner. We don't remove jumped pieces the way we do in checkers or chess. Whoever gets all their pieces over to their opposite corner first wins." Joseph explains to his younger brothers after reading the information.
"What happens if you have one of your men in the square you want to get into at your corner? Can the man move in the corner?" Ben asks.
"Yes Ben, the directions even say so, listen: 'It is permitted once a piece has reached the opposite corner, it may move within the area but it may not be moved out.' That is the answer." Joseph reads
The following day, Rob waits for the afternoon train. Pacing the platform at the depot, he checks his pocket watch again. Leaning in the open doorway he asks " Mr. Kennedy? When did you say the train was due?"
"Twelve thirty. As it is twelve twenty now we should have it anytime now. A good thing too since you are about to wear a groove in the platform with all the pacing."
"I am just a bit anxious. I just hope everything I need is in this shipment. I have waited months for it to arrive."
At the sound of the train whistle, Rob darts back out followed by Mr. Kennedy.
"Hello, Pete! I haven't seen you through here in quite some time. Where've you been?" Mr. Kennedy greets the engineer.
"Yes, I was pulled to run the eastern line up in Pennsylvania. I requested a reassignment for the Wyoming line as my family lives in Cheyenne."
While the two old acquaintances are talking, Rob walks the train finally coming upon the car with many stacks of lumber.
"Excuse me, sir? I have this order to pick up. I see the number in the ropes tying the lumber. Order 1976 RC, Paradise. I have my wagon to begin the transfer."
"This has to be signed for by someone at least twenty one." The man standing beside the flat rail car states. "You look about sixteen or seventeen. I also have to have some proof of your identity."
"I bought this order! My name is Robert Cord and the order number matches this order confirmation telegram!"
"You have a paper. It does not prove you are who you say. It does nothing." The slightly older man sneers.
"I do not need to show you anything else! Just untie those boards of my order! Move!" Rob demands now pointing his revolver at the man.
"What are you thinking? Holster your gun!" Mr. Kennedy exclaims having heard and approached the two.
"Mr. Kennedy, go get the sheriff. This employee is refusing to give me my order."
"I sent Davy for him seconds ago."
Coming up on Rob holding a railroad worker at gunpoint, Ethan directs his question to the furious young man.
"What is the problem? Has this man threatened you in some way, Rob?"
"No, I did not. I simply explained to the young hothead the fact that I need proof of his identity plus an adult's signature to release this order. He ordered me to untie the material and drew on me when I failed to do so. If you vouch for him as being Robert Cord and are willing to sign, I can release the car to you. I have orders to uncouple the car and leave it until we return next week. I am to move it into your side track. Are you willing to confirm he is who he claims to be and sign for the order?"
Having listened to the explanation, Ethan replies "Yes, I vouch for him. I will sign your paperwork so you can release responsibility for it to me." Ethan replies before turning to his son.
"You will holster that gun now. I will sign and we will begin transferring some of these materials to the buckboard." Ethan says quietly, meeting Rob's eyes with a look the young man remembers. The eyes of steel firmly holding the boy's own.
Having calmed down, Rob uncocks the gun and slides it into the holster around his waist.
Placing the last of the first load on the tarp, Rob remarks "Having the materials tied together is making loading and unloading easier. It will be of help when we begin construction also."
"That it will." Ethan agrees. "Are you ready to discuss the incident at the depot?"
"Yes sir. The man was refusing me my property! I paid dearly for this house kit!"
"Did you feel you were in danger from him?"
"No, but he was not releasing my property!"
"When I agreed to your purchase and wearing of that revolver, I specifically stated it was only to be drawn for protection. I agreed you need to wear one for protection against wild animals or snakes here on the property. Is this correct?"
"Yessir but..."
"No Robert, there are no "buts" here. You have broken our agreement and the law. The law states 'no guns in the city limits'. I could place you in jail for the one to three days limit. I could also confiscate this weapon as you broke the law and our family agreement! Do you remember the anguish you went through when you were accused of murdering Mr. Kincaid? The jail time, the court appearance, the meetings with a circuit judge? Luckily for all, the judge found the real killer. All of that could have happened again except you would be the killer! You pointing a loaded weapon at someone unarmed and not posing a threat as you did today is inexcusable. What if your gun had fired?"
"I know. I was reckless and did not think! I apologized to him and now apologize to you as well."
"Do you feel an apology is enough, Rob? Will that apology deter you from such reckless actions again?"
"I am eighteen now, not a child," Rob replies to the unspoken part of his father's question.
"May I remind you once again, legally you are not grown until you are twenty one. You say you are not a child, yet you showed the judgment and actions of a child today, did you not?"
Rob answers after several minutes of thought, "I was behaving like a foolish child today. I accept that and whatever discipline you feel I deserve."
"If I react as the sheriff, you will lose your gun for a week and spend time locked up. If I react as a father disciplining a reckless youth it will be over today. If you recall, there are major consequences in our family for misuse of a weapon. It is your choice."
"I choose to have it over today. I have to get the rest of my kit as I have building to do."
"Come, we'll finish this discussion over by the hickory tree. What I do and say, Rob is out of love. Your family including Amelia does not ever want to have you wind up dead because you behaved recklessly! You and I have had similar discussions! Remember this one and we will never need to revisit today. I believe you will want to wait until tomorrow to finish moving that lumber."
Two days later, Rob has the walls of the ground level of his future home framed and standing. The ten man building crew is packing up their tools.
"Thank you all for your help, Wilhelm. I am amazed at how much progress we made." Rob addresses the man heading the crew.
"We 'ave good beginning. The subfloor and framing tis done. Next add more flooring, close up outside. We begin framing second story and attic. Tomorrow's Saturday, more come work. You say young boys will come?"
"Yes, my three brothers and their friends. The younger boys are ten to twelve years old and can save us time by handing us boards, nails, tools, and more. My brother Joseph is fifteen. He and a few of his friends can help with the building."
"A family matter, yes? Tat is what you are to us as well. Many of tese men livt in houses you and your friends helpt repair, even construct last summer. Tis true what people say. Paradise is a town of one big family! Until tomorrow, goid evening!"
Enjoying the rich accent, Rob replies "Good evening".
At the Circle Five Ranch on Saturday morning, Ethan reminds his sons "Do as you are told at Rob's today. He needs your cooperation. Ben, George, neither of you is to climb a ladder or anything else! Your assistance will be with your feet firmly on the ground! Joseph, you may help as needed but keep yourself safe."
"Watch for falling boards and tools. No broken bones please, boys" Delphie chimes in.
"We'll be good and safe. Mama, Pa. Thank you for making our lunchpails and filling a jug with cold lemon water, Mama. May we take our horses today, Pa?" Joseph asks.
"Yes, now obey your brother and be home by five."
"Joseph, you are going to work on the second floor. Wilhelm Gotthard, the man in the green shirt, is leading that group. Ben, George, you will be in charge of hauling boards, nails, anything else we need. Aaron, Caleb, and Jackson are here to help with that as well."
"Can we do some nailing too?" Ben asks.
"I'm sure you will be doing that too, Ben. Do you see where Caleb is standing? Those are the wall studs. Please start by bringing them over to the sawhorses. Work out how to carry them between yourselves. Joseph, go up and introduce yourself. Just keep your wits about you. You are twelve feet up!"
Climbing the ladder to reach the four men working together, Joseph introduces himself. "Mr. Gotthard? I am Joseph Cord, Rob's brother. He said to work for you. What do I need to do to help?"
"Ach, my name's not Mister Gotthard! My name is Wilhelm, you call me tat!"
"I must use the title, 'mister' though, sir. My Pa strictly enforces proper manners and respect. May I call you Mr. Wilhelm, sir?"
"Mr. Wilhelm but no sir needed. You hammer on this panel. We make strong floor for house."
Working his way across the beams, Joseph lays and nails one piece of flat board in front of him while sitting on his knees on the just completed one. Another man is doing the same in a row beside him.
"More pieces coming up. Catch the rope, Joseph!" Rob calls from below.
Seeing a small tarp held with rope on each corner being raised, Joseph reaches and snags one end rope swinging it towards him. There are more large square flooring pieces nestled in the tarp.
"I have it." He calls down to his brother.
"Good! Unload and let the tarp drop. Those are the rest of the floor for you. There is another set about to go up at the other end. You should meet together to do the center section." Rob calls back.
Outside the structure, Ben and Aaron watch carefully as one of the men demonstrates how to overlap shingles before nailing them to a long panel.
"Do it just like I showed you. We want five rows of five shingles on each board. When you finish, carry it together inside to a corner. We won't need those until we are ready with the rafters."
"Why are we not putting shingles all the way to the end?" Aaron asks Rob as he comes by to check on them.
"We'll need to match the ends of two sets together before we add those last shingles. It helps the person putting on the roof to have it done this way. It is a faster method than nailing boards then shingles. You are doing an excellent job! Thank you both!"
At four o'clock, the men noticed dark rain clouds moving in. Not wanting to risk lightning, they decide to halt for the day.
"We're stopping building for today!" Rob tells the younger group of boys. "Please bring all tools and bags of nails inside."
"What are they doing, Rob?" George asks as he watches the men carry what looks like a rolled tent.
"You boys stay here out of the way and watch," Rob replies.
Watching, the group sees four men climb ladders at the end of the house. Each man carrying part of the roll, steps up the ladder one rung at a time. Reaching the top, the floor section, Joseph helped install, the men roll the heavy material all the way across the floor draping it over the opposite end.
"This protects the floor of the second level and the ceiling of the ground floor from getting wet. If we had cut the openings for windows, we would put coverings of oilcloth over them as well. There is one for the doorway."
"Tese young men do goot work! Vehry pleased!" Welhelm informs Rob as he nods to Joseph before calling his crew to their wagons.
"He is right. All of you did an excellent job! " Rob tells the gathered younger group. "If you can come, I will see you back tomorrow, afternoon. We can work until five. Everyone head home before the rain hits." As the boys scatter, he tells his brother, "Joseph, you and the boys, stay on the road and do not take shortcuts through the trees. Remember what John Taylor told us, trees attract lightning."
"Come on guys, let's move!" Joseph motions his little brothers towards the horses as Rob follows. "I heard you, Rob. Are you staying at Mitch's again tonight? You are there more than home." Joseph asks having swung up on Brown Betsy.
"I need to be close to the house. I will see you in church." Rob answers.
"See you in church."Joseph returns.