New Beginnings: Life Changes

Ch. 69

Grand Plans

Allowing the two younger boys to show him all of the barn chores and that the animals are well taken care of, Ethan praises their work.

"Thank you boys for doing such an excellent job caring for our ranch. I feel much better now about leaving if I need to as you are grown up enough to help care for everything. Rob and Alex discussed how much help you were not only here but at Rob's as well. I'm very impressed! My little boys are not so little any longer. I heard you were rewarded for your work as well. What did you buy in town? I never have seen."

"I picked a new book to share with everyone, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland is the title and I picked a set of wooden toy animals for Emerson," George answers.

"I chose a new pocketknife with two blades. Joseph is teaching me to whittle and my other pocketknife won't stay sharp." Ben answers before adding "I remember the rules, Pa. I'm not to take it to school, or church, or play games with it. I won't forget."

"Pa? Did Rob tell you of what happened with the boy in town?" Ben asks next.

"He did mention it. You did an excellent job describing the boy, he told me how your description helped catch him. I'm going to go into town in just a few minutes to talk with the men and meet this child if he's still there. Rob says he seems to be about twelve, are you both positive you've never seen him anywhere in town before? Maybe just passing by?"

"I don't remember seeing him. We don't see many other kids in town that we don't know. Sometimes there might be some at the restaurant or by the train station but they're with adults and dressed nicer than him. He looks like someone who may not have a place to live or at least not a good one. He makes me think of Aaron and Alyssa back when they first came here after their other Pa left them. Clothes ragged and too tight, plus he looked hungry and scared." George answers as Ben nods in agreement before adding more to the conversation.

"Pa? I'm not sure he really meant to shoot out the window. He seemed really scared when the air rifle went off. He did mean to throw the rock though, Rob said he was watching him."

In town, Ethan meets briefly with his deputies and pins his sheriff badge to his shirt before walking back to the cell where the child is sitting.

"Hello, there young fella. I'm the Sheriff of this town. I'd like to talk to you before I let you out of this cell. May I come in? I have some dessert to give you as I heard you had already had a late lunch. I have two boys, eleven and twelve, about your age and they really like chocolate. I brought you some. Would you like it?"

"Yes, please."

"I'm going to sit beside you but I'm not going to hurt you, alright?" Ethan asks after entering the cell and giving the child the treat. Having noticed the boy seems nervous, he tries to reassure the child.

"Alright"

"What's your real name, son? I know your name is not 'Puddintame'."

"Peter"

"Thank you for your answer, now another question, What would your surname be, Peter?"

"I'm not supposed to say. I'm supposed to keep that quiet. Please may I come out of the cage now? I won't break a window again. It was bad and I am sorry. I won't bother you again." the boy replies softly.

"I would like to know your last name, young sir. I'm not here to punish you or to have you punished this time. This is your one chance to show my deputies and myself that you are not one to cause trouble in town. Tell me your last name, Peter."

"Thompson" the boy answers in a whisper.

"Thank you. Now Mr. Peter Thompson, listen to me. You are not to cause any more problems for anyone in this town. I frown on children misbehaving by causing trouble for others. Lucky for you the windows were not the larger store windows. Both merchants have decided not to press charges on you since the windows were on the smaller side and can be replaced. I want to know if you understand you will be punished by me and I will find your family to discuss your actions if you cause any more problems in this community. Do I make myself clear, son?"

"Yes, I understand. May I go now?"

"One more thing, young Peter. I'm here if you need help for any reason. If your family needs help, come to me. If I'm not here ask the deputy to take you to my ranch and I'll help you there. My name is Sheriff Cord. Is there anything you want to tell me now about needing help?"

"No, may I go, please?"

"Yes, go ahead."

Arriving at the broken-down shack, Peter is greeted just after entering.

"Where ya been, kid?"

"In town, like you told me."

"Well, I told you that four hours ago. Where ya been since then?"

"TOWN"

"The kid caused trouble today. He got the attention of the deputies! I saw it." James announces gleefully.

"That true?" Hank asks already pushing up his sleeve and reaching for the switch.

"I didn't mean to, Hank! I didn't mean it! The air gun went off on accident. Please, don't! I won't cause us to be found, I swear!"

"C'mere kid!"

Ten minutes later the boy is wiping tears from his face as he is huddled on his blanket on the floor, The backs of his legs throbbing from the switch.

"Peter? I care about you but you can't cause problems for us by getting caught. We can't be found. Did you at least swipe the food I told you to get?"

"I couldn't get it, Hank. They made me stay in a jail cell. Then the sheriff came and let me go. If James was there why didn't he get the food?"

"I was gonna but your stunt caused everyone around the place to be watching. No one can sneak in and out when you go around breaking windows! He broke two, Hank!" James tells his brother.

"He has been punished, let it lie. Go get us food, rabbits or squirrels, fish, something. I'm having belly cramps from hunger."

"I'll get something," James promises, leaving the man in the old chair they found the day before, his wrapped foot propped on a crate.

"I found a hen and some eggs plus two pies for us!" James crows as he comes back thirty minutes later.

"I'll work on the hen and the kid can cook the eggs. I plucked it down by the stream and washed it. Fried chicken sounds good, right Hank? We got that flour sack in the back room."

"Stop jabbering and start cooking! I'm near starved! I gave you kids the food from this morning, remember?"

"Yes, one utterly delicious moldy slice of bread and some water. I remember, Hank." James answers moving out of reach of the man's outstretched swatting hand.

"Be grateful for that as we could have none. COOK!" Hank answers.

"How do you want the eggs, Hank?" Peter asks as he heats the frying pan they found in the shack.

"Cracked, cooked, and ready to eat." came the answer which causes the boy to smile for the first time since arriving home.

The following day, Ben, having finished all his morning chores finds his mother to ask "Mama? Pa said when we were done with all our chores this morning, we could go to town until four o'clock. I'm to be home by four thirty. May I go now as I'm done? I want to see Aaron and maybe Caleb. I'll behave and be home on time. Please, Mama?"

"Off with you young scamp. Enjoy being with your friends but mind your time and return before chores." Delphie answers before turning to the younger boy. "George? Do you not wish to go as well? You do not need to stay and care for Emerson or entertain me. You may go as well."

"No, thank you, Mama. I wish to stay here with you and Emmy. I missed you."

"Very well, we'll make cinnamon bread for dessert. You can make it as I prepare the dinner. We'll have venison and more tonight. Enjoy your time in town, Ben." Delphie says as Ben leaves.

Having found that both his friends are under house arrest for misbehavior, Ben wanders toward the edge of town. Not really having a plan in mind, he's making designs by dragging a stick through the dirt on the road when he hears "Hi, can I walk with you?"

Looking up from his stick, he sees a boy around his age.

"Hi, yes you can walk with me. I'm Ben."

"I'm Paul or Paulie. We just moved here and I don't know anybody to talk to so can I come with you?"

"Yep, come along. I was going to go to the pond close by and do some fishing. Do you like fishing?"

"Yes, but I don't have a pole or line or anything though so I can watch you."

"I can fix a pole and we'll share it. I have a line and a hook with me. We can find grubs or something for bait. Where'd you move from? I lived in St. Louis a long time back. When I moved here there weren't many other boys to be with." Ben tells the new boy.

"I've heard of St. Louis. I'm from all over I'd say. We move a lot. What're grubs?"

"Little white wormy looking bugs that fish really like to eat. You can find them underneath logs or large rocks. Be careful in summer or fall because snakes can also be under logs or rocks. Look first and then swipe the bait."

Three hours later two wet, dirty, and happy boys climb up the bank of the pond to the road.

"We really had to fight that last fish to get him out! I didn't know we'd roll in the water!" Ben says to his new friend.

"I'm going to catch it for getting my overalls wet and torn. Maybe the five fish will keep him happy and he won't switch me again." Paul says mostly to himself.

"Your Pa uses a switch on you? That stings like fire! I've had a switch a couple times. Can't you say it was an accident and you won't get punished?"

"Maybe. Oh, it's later than I thought! I've got to get something for him before I get home or I'll catch it even more. I'll see you." Paul announces as he turns the way to town.

"Wait! I can help get whatever it is and you will get home sooner. What is it?"

"I have to find tobacco or whiskey. Know where I can get it? Does that General Store have tobacco? Maybe one of the two saloons has whiskey bottles out back and I can get some."

"Umm, going to town is not a good plan. No one will let you have any in town. There are also way too many busybodies watching everything in town. You'll be sure to get caught if you try swiping something! Think again." Ben answers, surprised by the boy's words.

"I know a place for whiskey. Do you really want to come? I'm not going to be able to pay for it. You'll risk trouble if you come along."

"I'm coming," Ben replies as he puts his fish string over his arm.

After walking together awhile, Ben says "You can take my fish too and that should be enough to keep you out of trouble for not having more fish. Your Pa seems kinda fierce. Is he really mean?"

"He's mean about some things. We have to stop at this hollow tree for a few minutes to get something."

Watching, Ben sees his new friend pull an old coat and wide brimmed hat from inside the tree.

"Will you let me stand on your shoulders? I'll be putting the coat around us."

"Okay. We'll be like a circus act. I've seen pictures of that sort of thing. Can you balance?" Ben asks, intrigued by this new game.

"Yes, I'm used to this. You hold my legs and walk to that porch. I'll get what I need and then we'll go back to the tree."

That night at supper, Delphie asks "Did you enjoy your time with your friends, Ben? You boys must have had fun with you getting so muddy."

"I couldn't play with Aaron or Caleb as their Mamas said they were being punished as they did something together to be in trouble. I just went fishing instead. I had to really fight this one fish as he was determined to stay in the pond. I got wet and muddy then. I didn't bring the fish home because you were already talking of what you planned to be cooking for supper and didn't need them."

"Ben? Did you see any men you don't know near that pond you told me about?" Ethan asks as the family finishes their meal.

"No Pa, I didn't see any grownups except Aunt Linnea and Aaron's new Ma. Is someone new in town?"

"We had a report this morning of a man stealing chickens and late this afternoon, Mr. Benson came by to report seeing a tall figure carrying off his whiskey jug from his back porch. Chris thinks it's most likely a hobo passing through. If you see anything, do let one of us know but don't approach the person. Is this understood?" Ethan asks eyeing all three sons.

"Yes sir" answers Ben, George, and Joseph.

The following afternoon Delphie is amazed at her newest addition to the house.

"Joseph, you are becoming very skilled with your woodwork. This new fence you designed is going to help us keep the baby from hurting herself. We can just move it around to stop her from crawling close to the stove or fireplace. When I suggested you build something, I had no idea you'd think up a movable long fence than even has hinges on the sides to bend it enough to block her even on the sides! I'm impressed!"

"Thank you, Mama! I enjoy designing and building. Helping Rob with his house was hard work but seeing it finished was so satisfying. Doing things with wood is the same way. Maybe I could help build houses or furniture someday. Rob is more interested in ranching than I am. I believe Pa thinks I want to train horses and harvest crops forever."

"I'm sure your Pa will listen to your dreams for yourself when you wish to address them. He's listened to Claire and let her pursue her dream so why wouldn't he be the same with you?"

"I just get the feeling he expects me to take on the ranch for him or work with him."

"Well, Joseph you have a few more years of schooling before you will be ready to pursue your desires. Until then, keep designing, building, and helping here on the ranch. Your Pa needs your help, especially with the job of gentling horses. By the way, has he mentioned a new set will be coming at the end of September? He received the telegram from the Army before we went to the Indian compound. He may have forgotten."

"He hasn't said anything. The end of September is still two months away so maybe that's why he didn't mention it."

Over at Rob's home, he is having a talk with the rest of the household.

"You all know I received a telegram the other day. I want to share what it is about. Amelia, I've been in contact with Mr. Campbell. He said to say hello to you. Claire, Alex, he's the man who took me on the trail drive and taught me about cattle. He also told me to contact him whenever I was ready to begin my own herd. I sent him a telegram not too long ago asking him for advice on where to buy some cattle to raise. He's offered to sell me some of his herd and allow two of his hands to accompany me as I bring them home."

"That's good news, Rob. You've talked of this since we met." Amelia replies.

"He's talked of raising and selling cattle for as long as I've known him as well! Why he wants to be around smelly ugly old beasts, I don't know." Alex says with a smirk at Rob.

"MY cattle are not going to be smelly ugly old beasts! You city boys just know nothing about cattle!" Rob returns the teasing.

"You're completely right about that! I don't know anything about cattle."

"Well, I'm going to teach you as I need your help, Alex. I'm going to need you to come with me. I'm also going to talk Pa into letting Joseph come along. All three of us will herd the cattle along with the two hands Mr. Campbell is loaning for the drive. It will take about three weeks. We plan to meet at his ranch in two weeks. We'll take a train to get there and drive the cattle back here. Will you come?"

"What of our wives? I don't feel we should just go off and leave them alone in your home." Alex asks.

"We can go stay with Mama and Pa. They have room for us and we'll be fine. We'll come here to care for the horses and chickens along with the boys. We'll do as they did when Pa and Mama were gone, get the boys to come help. You'll have some trouble talking Pa into allowing Joseph to go along. You best have a very strong argument prepared. Don't tell Joseph until you have permission from Pa as he will get upset if denied the chance to go with you." Claire tells her brother.

"You know I can come up with good arguments, Claire. I'm a master at getting around Pa," Rob says with a wink at his sister.

"Yeah, I remember a few times when you tried to "get around Pa." They didn't end well for your backside!" Claire returns.

"I'd love to hear that tale!" Amelia remarks.

"No, that's not something we'll talk about. My boyhood escapades are not dinner conversation." Rob says.

"I'll tell you all about it, later tonight. The time Rob and Alex dressed as hobos to sneak into a saloon. Rob's argument got him nowhere near out of trouble." Claire tells her new sister and friend.

"Claire! That's not a story I want my wife to hear!"

"Too bad, she's asking to hear it so I'm going to tell her. You'll survive, Rob. Go back to planning your cattle expedition and leave us women to share stories. Alex isn't complaining."

"Only because you already know the story as you were there! It's not like you are going to learn of something new about Alex." Rob complains.

"Alex has told me of everything he did as a boy to get into trouble. Of course, most of it was with you and as you said, I already knew about it!"

"Claire, you are making me out to be a bad influence on your husband!" Rob tells his sister.

"That's because you WERE a bad influence on my husband!"

Alex and Amelia share a smile at the siblings' banter.

"Would you care to come to the sitting area and have dessert, my lady? We'll let the brother and sister continue their discussion in private." Alex asks Amelia as he stands to leave and offers her his arm.

"I accept your offer, kind sir." Let's leave the squabbling twosome to themselves. They won't even notice we're gone."