New Beginnings: Life Changes
Ch. 14
News and Experiences
Coming in from town, Ethan calls the family together at the kitchen table. "We have a telegram from Rob. Mr. Norton flagged me down as I was leaving town. He was just about to bring it out to us." He explains as the children and Delphie all arrive asking why he is calling a family gathering.
"I can't believe Rob has been away nearly three weeks already! Did he say when he might be finished? I want him here at home. Perhaps you can wire that Mr. Campbell and say send Rob home. It isn't the same when someone is missing."
"Delphie, you were insistent I let him go and now you want him home?" Ethan asks glancing at her.
"Yes and don't sound so perplexed. We women can change our minds too. What does he say? Is he alright? Is he staying warm? Getting enough to eat? Keeping away from the horns on the cows?"
"They call them steers, Mama. Rob is having fun with those steers. He won't be back for five more weeks. Pa said so yesterday. Don't worry, Mama. You have me and George here with you. We will take care of you." Ben speaks up cutting off her questioning.
"Thank you, Ben. I was forgetting the big boys I have around me." Delphie answers causing the younger boys to puff out their chests with pride.
"Hey squirt! I am here too you know. You and George are not alone here. Don't forget Claire and Pa either. We all take care of each other just as we always have." Joseph feels the need to remind his younger brother.
"Don't call me squirt! That was a baby name." Ben commands, glaring across the table.
"Alright everyone get quiet and I will share what I know. First, Rob is alright. They passed through a town with a telegraph office so he sent us one. He says he is enjoying sleeping outside but misses his Mama's cooking. He stated the cook doesn't seem to know how to make much other than flapjacks for breakfast. For lunch and supper he has fried salt pork with different ways to serve beans. Rob volunteered to cook one night and the men enjoyed his fried trout. They must have been able to fish along the route. We are not to worry, he is keeping himself safe."
"See Mama? I was right. No need to be worried." Ben says with an emphatic nod.
"Papa? Tomorrow after chores can Ben and I go fishing with Aaron and Uncle Chris?" George asks after the chuckles ebb from Ben's statement.
"No, not this time. You two have been along both times they have been this month. Let Chris have some Pa and son time for a change. Aaron is nice to invite you but let them go alone. You are needed here."
"Yes, Papa. I didn't think about him wanting to be alone with his Pa." George replies.
"Besides, George we have watchman duty, remember? Joseph has to be watched again tomorrow. Papa? Joseph hid from me today. You said he had to stay in sight with whoever was watching and he didn't do what you said."
Turning to look at his silent and now brooding fourteen-year-old, Ethan asks, "Joseph? Did you break our agreement as Ben seems to think? You do recall the terms of this agreement?"
"I know the terms, sir. I am restricted to the ranch, must remain in sight of my watchman during the day except for using the w.c. or my weekly bath. I must complete my daily chore list with accuracy and efficiency as well. Failure to abide by this agreement could result in my britches being lit on fire or added chores to my daily list." Joseph delivers the speech while keeping eye contact with his Pa.
"Thank you for that recitation, Joseph," Ethan replies with a smile. "Now, please explain why Ben assumes you broke the agreement."
"I was up in the middle loft dropping hay to fill the lower loft. Ben is not allowed up there so he got angry about it. He knew I was there as he could see the hay falling over the side. He just wants to stand over me at all times. Whenever I get a few feet away from him, he threatens to tell on me for getting out of bounds."
"I understand. Alright, now Ben? Joseph did not break his word. He never left the barn while you were watching, did he? Not until he went to his next chore."
"No sir but I wasn't able to SEE him. You said to watch him. Maybe I can go up in that loft too. I'm old enough now that I'm eleven."
"Tell me, son. Did you see hay coming down? Also how old did I tell you boys, you have to be before being allowed in that 20-foot loft?"
"Twelve and I did see the hay but not him. I have to be next to him. That's what I do when I watch him. I watch him right beside him as the watchman."
"Alright, then you know the answer to your question. Now, as much as I appreciate your willingness to help your brother stay in his boundaries, this time you knew the hay did not fall on its own. No more creating false scenarios little boy. You would not want to be held up to exact words either. Let me make this plain. You keep watch on your brother but as long as you know he is there you don't need to be right next to him. I told you this once before. If you try this tactic of weaving words to get your brothers in trouble one more time, it is YOU who will be punished. George stays where he can hear or see, not right next to Joseph. Ben, you and I talked this out before. You do not stay underfoot but nearby."
"Yes, sir" Ben answers watching as Joseph smiles at this news.
"That is all I have to say for right now. I have news from town to share after supper. Until time for meal preparations, you boys are free to entertain yourselves if your chores are done."
"Let's go to the treehouse, Ben! Mama, may I cook the apple cinnamon biscuits tonight? Is Claire coming home for supper?"
"You may and yes she will be home tonight. The crisis has passed with your aunt Linnea so Claire will be home more, George."
After the boys have left and Delphie is busy taking clean clothes off the clothesline, Joseph speaks up.
"Pa? Thanks for telling Ben to stay back from me. I don't know why he has the idea he is to be right beside me. Yesterday, I had to get Mama to make him get back from the wood cutting stump. You assigned a pile four feet high by three feet wide of cut wood on my list to be completed by the end of week three. I was not able to begin work on it again yesterday until he was out of the way. Mama made him get back and stay back. I was afraid I might hit him with the wood pieces that fly off when cutting. I finished that earlier this morning."
"You are welcome, son. You have done well with your restriction and extra chores. I am pleased you haven't lost your temper with Ben yet. I have heard from you and George how annoying he has been. I did speak to him last week when you and I talked. I did not realize he was shadowing you again until now. Why didn't you say something?"
"I am under punishment and did not want to seem to be complaining about it. I thought if I said more you might... well... uh.." Joseph replies stammering at the end.
"Were you thinking I might scold you or even hand down more punishment?"
"Yessir. You have taught us not to complain about punishment. I am hoping my punishment is near the end. You said three weeks and this is the middle of the third week."
"I see. Yes, but this would not have been arguing over assigned chores or complaining about the fairness of your punishment. This would be a reason to tell me. In this case, speak out if your brother is interfering with your chore list. As I said, you have done well under our agreement. As to your restriction, finish out this week and we'll consider restriction over. As long as no further trouble occurs beforehand, agreed?"
"Yes, sir. I agree! I will speak up if it happens again. Pa? May I see Rob's telegram? That was a long message for a telegram."
"Here you are. Yes, as you can see, I lengthened the message in some places. Your mama has been worried." Ethan answers handing the folded paper to the young man.
Opening it, Joseph reads "Ethan Cord, Paradise Colorado STOP Am well enjoy nights outside STOP Food lousy STOP Flapjacks, beans salt pork STOP Cooked them trout STOP Family hello more soon Rob STOP"
"Pa? Why don't they put periods instead of the word stop? It reads strangely. You did a good job telling us what he said."
"I've wondered that myself, thank you, son. Now, no need to tell your mama about the postscript."
"Yessir. She would worry." Joseph agrees after glancing at the last line. "PS... Man rattlesnake bite died STOP"
Later that evening as they gather around the fireplace, Ethan draws the family's attention once again.
"Well everyone, I have some news from Matthew. The General Store has been bought by a man back east in Philadelphia. He came through at least a month ago to look over the property. The owner is sending his son to manage the store. Matthew will continue to work there. From what he tells me, the young man wishes to have two proprietors. This fellow is bringing a wife along. The young couple is to arrive soon."
"That is good news. I will look forward to welcoming them to Paradise. Our community is growing. Mathew will need to keep his job. With a new baby coming and three other children, Matt needs to be able to work. Linnea has been worried they might have to rely on her teaching salary. Fifteen dollars a month sure doesn't provide much for a family of soon to be six." Delphie replies.
"Yes, and with a new baby coming, her teaching days might be affected. She may need to stay home for a while when the baby arrives." Claire agrees.
"When is the baby going to get here, Claire? Wasn't it ready to come last month? Did it change it's mind? Can't it just come to school too?" George asks.
"Don't be so silly, George! Babies are not old enough to be in school! It can't sit at a desk, copy lessons, recite or write on the blackboard at all!" Ben answers derisively.
This comment causes Joseph to quickly cover a snicker with a fake cough. The look on his Pa's face tells him laughing would not go over well right now.
"I know that, Ben! I am not dumb! I meant come to stay with Aunt Linnea at school! She can look after it there. You are the silly one!"
"Boys." Ethan says in that tone everyone recognizes as a warning to stop the behavior. "Enough. Any more argument and you both will go to bed early. You are not having a civil discussion so enough! The matter will be settled after this child is born and not before."
"Yes, sir" both boys answer stopping their argument.
"Boys? Your Pa mentioned Philadelphia. Who can tell me which state that city is in? I want to learn more American cities." Delphie asks the two now silent combatants.
"I know, Mama! Philadelphia is in Pennsylvania."
"Good job, Ben! I'm happy to hear you remembered your school lessons. George? Joseph? Can either of you tell us something of Pennsylvania or Philadelphia? Perhaps something from history?" Ethan asks.
"Umm, I remember it's an important city, Papa. We studied it in school just a little. Aunt Linnea told us about the Declaration on Independence and..." is as far as he gets when interrupted by Joseph saying "OF independence, George".
"Joseph, manners, please. Let someone finish speaking before you do." Delphie reminds the boy before Ethan says "Please continue, George." after Joseph mutters "sorry George".
"We learned the Declaration OF Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. It was the first document of our new country because it stated we were going to be our own country not part of England. There was something about a King and people not wanting to do what he said. I kind of forget that part. We're going to study more about it this Fall."
"Thank you, George. Joseph, since you seem to know about this topic, what can you tell us?" Delphie asks the quiet boy beside her.
"Well, I know that the state of Pennsylvania was called this for a man named William Penn. It is one of the original thirteen colonies so it's old. I also know that Philadelphia was our nation's capital city until 1790. George Washington was our first President and he used Philadelphia as the capital, not Washington, District of Columbia as the President now uses."
"Thank you, children, for sharing those fascinating bits of history with me. I hope to have you tell me more soon. Claire? Would you like to fetch the dessert now? It's on the cooling shelf in the kitchen. George, you run along and bring plates and get the pitcher of milk from the pulley pantry." Delphie issues her requests.
While his family is handling life in Paradise, Rob is learning a cattle drive is more work than he thought. He has befriended Case Campbell and the two have become partners. Currently assigned to riding drag the two are engaged in conversation about family as they follow the slow-moving cows.
"Case, how big is Campbell Cattle Company anyway? We have five acres on our ranch but some of that is still woods."
"Currently we have forty acres. My Pa started with twelve but bought neighboring ranches as they wanted to sell. Most of the land is used for raising horses and cattle. The ranch itself is the largest in the eastern part of Wyoming. So, do you raise cattle on your home ranch as well?"
"No, my Pa doesn't raise cattle. We have some crops we farm and sell. He's the local sheriff in Paradise so we don't have time to raise animals. The Army provides us with horses to gentle. Pa makes money that way and with his job."
"Sooo, as the sheriff's son, you must have to keep out of trouble, hmm? No late night visits to the town saloon or pick up card games for money?"
"That's about right. My Pa is old fashioned in his thinking. I'm seventeen but he treats me as if I'm twelve at times. Gambling and drinking are definitely on the avoid at all costs list unless I want to risk his displeasure. Your Pa is pretty strict as well. He sure laid down rules fast enough. There was that one about anyone under twenty-one better stay away from alcohol and gambling for money. I suppose you don't get to visit saloons either."
"I do at times but I make sure my Pa is not home. If he's on a buying trip or out negotiating some land deal for weeks at a time, my brother and I enjoy nights on the town."
"Are you talking about Jake? He seems pretty straightlaced. How old is he anyway? Twenty-five?"
"Hell no! He's only just turned nineteen last month. He acts the perfect son around Pa but he's a rabble-rouser when he cuts loose. I have a sister and younger brother as well. Do you have any other brothers besides the guy who followed you? Hold up, let me run that cow back into the herd." Chase says kicking lightly at his horse to encourage it to chase after a wandering cow.
"Riding drag is a dirty job but at least we get to talk some without being overheard. I'll chase the next one." Rob tells his friend who is wiping the dust off his face with his handkerchief.
"Yes, you get the next one. Now, tell about your family. You have the mischief maker but who else?"
"I have three younger brothers and a sister. Joseph is fourteen, he's the one who came. Ben is ten, George is nine and my sister, Claire is also seventeen."
"Are you and Claire twins then? Both the same age? We had a pair of twins as ranch hands one year. They left to get married."
"No, we aren't twins. I'm six months older than she is. You see, I'm adopted into this family. Well, we all are actually but Claire, Joseph, Ben, and George are my Pa's real niece and nephews. I'm not blood related. I'm the one he adopted when my guardian was killed a few years back. Ethan, my Pa, adopted the others almost two years before I came along. George and Ben were very little boys when their mama died. When they came to live with Pa they were both under the age of seven for a month or so."
"Wow. Do you have a mother or I guess I should ask it this way, does he have a wife to help with all of you? My Mama says no man can raise children alone."
"My Pa raised all of us alone until this past summer. He married Delphie and now she's our mother. Whups, there goes another one. Why don't they just stay in the group? They're worse at wandering off than my little brother Ben! I'll get it!" Rob answers as he urges the horse to chase the now running cow.
"She is one ornery lady, that one! I had to practically twist her tail to get her back here! Luckily the calf was willing to let me lead him back and she followed. How much longer before we stop for supper? I am ready to get off this horse for awhile. I could use something to eat besides bacon, beans and biscuits so I am really hoping for something different. Cookie does know how to make fried chicken or bake a ham or something right? You said he was the ranch cook as well. I can not fathom your family eating trail food all the time!"
"See that bunch of trees in the distance? We stop for the night there. There is a river close enough for the cattle and horses to drink. Cookie makes delicious meals at home. You know meat spoils without being smoked or on ice. We may have to provide him with fresh fish or rabbits to get away from beans and bacon. Just do yourself a favor, do not get on his bad side. You will wind up on dish duty for several weeks and have burned beans with burned bacon. Jake had that happen to him last season when he complained about the food." Case answers.
"I will take your advice to heart. Thanks for the warning. Now about the river, that sounds so refreshing. We could swim and wash the dust off. I feel as if it is caked on my skin! I swear it goes through my shirt and dungarees! Are we allowed to bathe in the river? I haven't had a bath since we stopped at the creek week before last."
"As long as we do it downstream from where the animals drink, yes. I look forward to getting the dust out of my hair. No one can enjoy my blonde curls with them covered in trail dust." Case smirks at his new friend.
"Yes, you definitely need to get cleaned up, Cason. You reek of cow!" The boys hear behind them.
Turning, Case sees his brother behind him. "Jake! We all reek of cow and you know it. What are you doing back here? Weren't you riding point on the left side?"
"i was and now I am the messenger. Boss says we stop at the trees for the night. Be ready. The cows will most likely run at the scent of water."
"Got it." Case replies with a salute.
"Why is running to the water something to be warned about? We are in back of them not front."
"Rob, we can not let them stampede as they might trample each other. They might be confused and turn back as well. We will have to keep them from running or turning back." Case answers attempting to sound worldly.
"Good luck boys. Let us hope the varmints behave. See you in camp." Jake calls as he trots back up to his assigned position.
After a successful herding of the stock, most of the young men fan out along the river to swim, bathe or fish leaving two hands, the boss and cook with the herd.
"After a week of hard driving and three days of eating dust, this water feels so delightfully cold. My brother Joseph would be quick to say this is too cold. He prefers three kettles of hot water or more added to his bath! I tell him to heat a brick for the water as we do for the beds in winter but he declines."
"Well so would I! I would not want a soiled and scratchy brick in my bath."
"He knows I am just teasing but once my little brother Ben overheard us. I said it in front of the younger boys. Ben put a pan of rocks on the stove and then put them in the bathtub with him. My pa was not pleased when he heard of it. They were dirty and caused the tub to be muddy. Delphie, my ma, had to scrub out the bath before anyone else could bathe."
"My mother would have made ME scrub out that bathtub!" Case declares before ducking his head underwater.
"Ben had to scrub the stovetop and the frying pan."
"Did Ben get punished by your pa too? If Mother has to scold or punish us, Pa adds to it. We are under orders to never cause women any trouble."
"No, Case. We usually don't get punished twice. Pa scolded him and then the boy told him about me telling Joseph to use a brick. Pa explained I was just teasing and did not mean it. Ben takes things said very much to heart. He does not always get the idea that some things said are not exactly meant that way. A little over a year ago he had Scarlet Fever. In a way it messed up his thinking some. He is much better now than at first. He was just turned nine then but seemed six at times."
"Your family is lucky he survived. I had a baby sister that caught that when she was three. I was eleven. She lived a week after the fever showed up. Her name was Mary Alice. Let's go back now. I am ready to eat and get some sleep. You and I are on second watch tonight so we need sleep."
"I am hoping some of the others caught some fish tonight. Fried trout or any fish would be great for supper."
"Rob, you think about your stomach a lot. Did you know that?"
"I do! I like good food. My Ma and sister are great cooks so I like to eat. Besides, what else is there to think about out here?"
"That is an easy answer. Think about winning at cards, whiskey and women. Things cowhands think about."
"Yes, those seem to be what most think about from the talk around here each night. I hear the supper triangle, Let's go."