Part 18
It was hard to set up camp with very little light left but the boys did what they could to help their friends and themselves for the night. They were able to find sizeable pieces of wood to start a fire and hopefully keep it going all night. They laid out Vin and Ezra on two of the bedrolls they brought with them and placed them close enough to the fire to stay warm but not too close that they would overheat. After first arriving they had stripped the boys of their clothes, down to their undergarments and was able to get some water into them by soaking a piece of cloth and then dribbling drops of water on their lips. The message reached overheated and tired brains and soon parched lips were opening slightly to suck the moisture out of the cloth.
Joseph was in the process of making a broth and stew out of the jerky and biscuits they were able to bring along in their provisions when the horses seemed to become distressed. The three boys went on instant alert. Joseph went to the side of the two sick boys and stood over them in protection with one of the pots they had on hand, Josiah stood near him with a large stick, anything wanting to get to his friends would have to pass by him and the first line of defense was Chris. He had a large stick also but this one was alight with flame from the fire on one end. No animal would get past him this night.
All three boys stood at the ready until they heard one ominous click. This animal had a gun. “Do you boys really think that your pitiful little twigs and a cooking pot are going to be able to stop one of my bullets?” The cold and sneering voice sounded from the dark.
“Hello Mr. O’Leary. Have you come to bring us back to Paradise all safe and sound?” Chris sarcastically asked as he lowered the branch back into the fire, it was no match for a man with a gun.
“Shut up boy.” He snarled at Chris. “You other two, put down the “weapons” and come closer to the fire.” Both boys knew they could no more than Chris and followed Sean’s orders reluctantly.
O’Leary stepped further into the camp and took in his surroundings. Chris, Josiah and Joseph all sat opposite from where he was standing, near the fire. Slightly behind them were two occupied bedrolls. Through the dim light of the fire he could see that both boys were out and did not appear to be in very good shape. He smiled at the thought that the elements had done the job for him but now he had three more to contend with. ‘Oh well.’ He thought ‘I might as well put them to good use.’
“Something smells mighty good kid.” He referred to Joseph, who he had seen cooking the meal as he approached. “How about serving some of that up?” The smile on his face made Joseph want to throw the contents of the pot on him. “Nice and easy.” He reminded Joseph by giving a little wave of his gun.
Joseph looked to Chris, who gave an imperceptive nod to comply with the man so Joseph got up and dished out portions for each person, not caring that Mr. O’Leary scowled when he wasn’t given a larger portion. ‘If he wants to shoot me over food…well that would be bad but Uncle Ethan will catch up to him.’ He couldn’t help but think. He then took two cups and filled them with the broth from the bottom of the pan.
“Oh, you really think those two are going to need that?” Sean mocked the boys.
“Yes.” Was the plain and simple reply that Chris calmly spoke. Something in the boys eyes paused Sean in his retort and he let the comment slide.
“Just no funny moves when you go to feed it to them.” Sean once again waved the gun around to remind them who was in charge. “So did you really think you out smarted me by taking that creek bed?” He asked in a conversational tone. “You see, you probably would have had time to get these boys hidden but I was just up over the hill when you stopped to consider you options and decided to follow you on the short cut. I would have caught up sooner to you boys but I had to lay a false trail for those idiots coming up behind us.” Seeing the boys looking at each other in worry he smiled and continued.
“That’s right. No one is coming out this way to help you all. They think we went north. All I had to do was ride an hour or so until I came across a large group of tracks. They will follow them probably clear up to Fort Bascom.” He laughed again. “I guess that means I can do with you all whatever I want.” This time he gave out a great laugh and continued to chuckle to himself long after his merriment was over.
Vin came aware of a nagging pain in his head. He didn’t want to wake up when he felt this bad but the sounds of voices nearby slowly brought him around. He tried not to move around as he gained consciousness and stifled any groans and moans that wanted to escape. He knew that he and Ezra had been alone so he was now worried as to who was with them and why. Keeping his eyes closed he concentrated on the voices and almost cried out in joy and then in despair as he heard Chris’s voice followed by, oh gawd, Mr. O’Leary. His plan was to just lay there as still and as quietly as possible but that was the time that Ezra decided to come to with a small groan.
Everyone’s attention in the camp shifted to the small six-year old auburn haired child as he restlessly shifted on the ground and moaned in pain as he came out of the darkness that had engulfed him hours ago. Chris, Josiah and Joseph all made a move to go to the young boy but O’Leary stopped them with a wave of his gun as he stalked across the camp to the little tikes side.
“Well, well, well. Looky at who has decided to wake up.” He sing-songed as he pokes the small boy with his gun.
“Please, let him be until we have taken care of him.” Josiah pleaded, hoping to buy more time for them all.
Sean decided he liked the idea of getting a chance to play with these boys a bit but he knew he didn’t have long, the law of Paradise would not be far behind. “Ok. Give him some of that broth and see if you can make him coherent. I have some questions to ask him.
By now the boys knew that Ezra was awake and slightly aware because his breathing had become harsher due to fear as he stared at the man that has tormented his dreams for so long. As O’Leary walked back around to his side of the fire Ezra struggled into a seated position and looked frantically for Vin. Joseph, Chris and Josiah were now almost surrounding him. Vin knowing what was troubling Ezra gave up his ruse and called out to him in a soft voice.
“It’s alright Ez. I’m right here.”
Chris turned at the sound of the other boys voice and moved over to help him sit up. “Get me over near him. He’s scared.”
“Ok, just take it easy.” Chris attempted to comfort his friend. He helped Vin shuffle closer to Ezra and made sure he stayed bundled in the blanket, as the temperature had dropped considerably.
"Ez, Ez. I’m right here.” Vin placed his arm around the distraught child and pulled him close. “It’s alright.” He soothed the quaking child.
Ezra looked around and into the faces of the other boys. He knew Chris and Josiah. Chris could be scary at time but for the most part he was nice. Josiah he liked a lot because the boy always had good stories to tell but the last boy he had no idea who he was. He knew he wasn’t from the Orphan Train. Vin was wondering who the new boy was also. Looking down at Ezra he could see the question reflected in his light green eyes and they both turned to Chris.
“This is Joseph. His uncle is one of the deputies in Paradise. When he found out we were coming for you he volunteered to help us out. I don’t think we would of found you if not for him.” Chris explained with a small smile gracing his lips. He wanted to put these boys at ease as much a s possible.
Vin and Ezra both returned the smile and gave one to Joseph and Josiah too. While Chris and Josiah helped the boys back into their clothes, Joseph went over to the fire where he had the two mugs setting and carefully brought them over to the group and handed one each to Josiah and Chris.
“These mugs have some broth made from jerky. I know you probably still feel awful but I would like you both to take small sips of this. If you space it out it should agree with you and we won’t have to worry about either of you becoming sick.” He nodded his encouragement as the two boys looked at the cups as if they contained ipecac. “Go on, just try a sip. Not too much at once. That’s it.” He continued to cajole the weary children.
Vin and Era took a tentative first sip and let it go at that for a while. In total it took close to an hour for them to finish on cup of broth each but in the end they did feel much better for it. Joseph then filled each cup with some water and cautioned them to take the same care as they did with the broth.
Tired of sitting and watching the two troublemakers nurse their food and water, Sean abruptly got up and stalked over to the boys. “Alright! That is enough of this babying nonsense!” He kicked out at Joseph and Josiah, trying to separate them from the one he wanted to “talk” to. He grabbed a hold of Ezra who kicked and squirmed in fear and started to pull him away from the group. “Me and this boy’o have a conversation to finish.”
Vin tired to get up and help Ezra but his fatigue was still great and his struggles to get up were about as effective as Ezra’s to escape. Chris bounded to his feet and charged after O’Leary and Ezra. He grabbed a hold of the arm with the hand that was gripping Ezra and tried to make the man let him go as Joseph went to Vin to help him and Josiah turned to find a weapon of some sort.
“Let him go!” Chris chanted over and over through gritted teeth as he tugged persistently on Sean’s arm. Ezra had tears running down his cheeks both from the terror he felt and the nausea that all of the shaking and yelling and general fast movement was causing him.
“ENOUGH!” Sean shouted as he finally aimed his gun at Chris. Everything in the clearing stopped. “Let go…NOW!” He demanded as he continued to aim at the thirteen-year old clutching to his arm. Chris was set to defy him at all costs. O’Leary once again cocked his gun.
“I said. Let. Go.” His voice was steely now. He was not afraid nor would he show any remorse if he shot this boy here and now.
“Chris.” Vin breathed out the name of the one person in this world he had come to trust and count on. Chris looked over at Vin and saw the pleading in his eyes. He didn’t want the man to have Ezra but he didn’t want to lose Chris either. He then looked at the small boy just inches from him. Tear stained rosy red cheeks set below drowning pools of green gems looked back at him. A sob almost escaped Chris’ throat as he saw the hopelessness, sorrow, fear and understanding shine back at him. Chris has never heard Ezra utter a word since he met him but at that moment Ezra said a lot with that look. He was asking Chris to let go. To not get hurt because of him.
He was stunned. Chris was actually stunned as he saw the resignation seep into the largest and greenest eyes he had ever seen. So caught up in that look he let his grip relax and O’Leary took advantage of it. In one swift move he pulled his arm free form the slack grip and kicked out at Chris, sending him to the ground. Josiah was there instantly to help him up and they all stood there frozen.
“Please.” Chris forced out past the lump of misery that choked him. “Please, don’t do this. Don’t hurt him.”
O’Leary gave out a hearty laugh as he holstered his gun and clutched the defeated child in both hands. “Please.” He mocked. “Don’t hurt him.” He scoffed. “Who is going to stop me boy? You?’ He looked to Chris. “Or how about you two?’ He addressed Joseph and Vin before finally asking Josiah. “I know. You. Right big strong boy?”
He tossed his head back to laugh at the foolishness of these boys when the sound of a gun cocking and the feel of its cold barrel against his cheek froze him in place.
“I will.” A cold and deadly voice to match the cold and deadly threat of the gun at his head sounded in his ear. He felt his own weapon removed from its holster.
“And if he doesn’t, then I will.” A second voice sounded from across the fire as a figure appeared from the darkness of the night.
“Uncle Ethan!” Joseph shouted from where he stood as the man came further into the firelight.
“Hello Joseph.” Ethan said with relief at seeing his nephew unharmed but his gaze never wavered from Sean O’Leary and his tight hold on the child in his arms.
“Let the boy down, nice and gentle.” Orrin hissed in the now trembling man’s ear.
“Y-yes sir.” Sean stuttered out. His mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure a way out of this mess. He gently bent to put the boy down and thought he could then distract the sheriff with the move and snap back up to get control of the gun. Ethan could tell the man was up to something and thought he better remind the piece of trash that Orrin was not alone.
“Uh-uh-uh. Lets do this the easy way because right now mister we are both looking for an excuse to return to Paradise without your sorry ass.” Sean actually whimpered at the threat and decided he would rather get back to town with his life. Though Ethan showed none of the amusement at the effect his treat had on the man in front of him, Orrin gladly showed his joy by giving a huge smile as the man finally let the boy down.
“On your knees.” Orrin instructed in a serious tone. Sean complied.
Ezra for his part was collapsed on the ground. The fear and the struggle zapping away any energy he had. “Sir?” Josiah tentatively inquired of the sheriff. “Can I get Ezra?”
“Sure son. This piece of scum isn’t going to hurt any of you again.” Orrin vowed in a deadly voice as he pressed his gun further into the back of Sean’s head.
Josiah moved slowly and snatched up Ezra before returning to where Chris, Vin and Joseph now sat away from the horrible excuse for a human being. They all cuddled and touched Ezra in some way to help him calm down and to bring peace to their own minds that he was safe. Meanwhile Ethan worked his way over to where Orrin kept Mr. O’Leary pinned to the ground with his gun. He took the rope he had hanging on his belt and tied the man’s hands securely behind his back. Then he took the piece of rope Orrin had and tightly tied his ankles together.
Orrin knowing that the man was secure holstered his gun. “Go on.” He gestured towards the boys. “Make sure he is ok.” He referred to Joseph. Ethan smiled his thanks and moved over to the group of boys.
“Joseph.” He spoke quietly, almost unsure that he was actually seeing the boy before him unharmed. Joseph for his part didn’t care if it would make him look weak in the eyes of his new found friends as he quickly got up and in four long strides was in front of his Uncle Ethan hugging the man as tightly as he was being hugged.
“I’m so sorry.” Joseph’s apology was muffled by his uncle’s chest. “I didn’t meant o worry you.”
Ethan was angry but at this moment he could care less why they were here, he just cared that Joseph was here safe and secure. His hold on the boy tightened and he buried his face in the top of the dark brown waves of hair, breathing in the scent of his boy. “Don’t worry about that now. We can talk about this when we get home. I am just so happy that you are ok.” Ethan continued to mutter words of reassurance and love into the top of his head. The embrace seemed to go on forever and it was close to eleven thirty that night before all of the boys had been put down to bed and Ethan and Orrin split up watch duty.
“Thank you.” Ethan’s whisper wisped across the cool night air.
“What can I say you are very convincing when you want to be.” Orrin replied just as softly. If that horrible nagging feeling that they shared back at Stinking Springs hadn’t persisted and if Ethan hadn’t of asked just one more time, they may have come across a tragedy instead of almost preventing one. Ethan soon drifted off to sleep. In a few hours Orrin would wake him and he would then sit and watch over the prisoner and the camp until it was time to ride out in the morning.
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Part 19
It was a very tired and worn group of two lawmen, five boys and one slightly worse for wear prisoner that loped into town the next evening. Ezra and Vin were a bit stronger but still weak from their ordeal over the last few days. Orrin rode with Ezra snuggled up against him while Ethan had Vin. The men didn’t want to push the boys this hard but they knew they would both benefit form the ministrations of John Taylor and a good bed to sleep in. Once arriving they took Mr. O’Leary to the jail and locked him up. Ethan then quickly detoured to the telegram office and sent out messages to Fort Bascom and Tascosa to let the men know that they could come home.
Everyone was dismounting in front of the local restaurant because Ethan and Orrin decided to treat all of the boys to a good meal. The sound of happy voices and running feet had them all turning towards the west end of town.
“Joseph, Uncle Ethan!” Claire, Ben and George were all yelling and shouting as they came rushing towards the two missing members of their family. As soon as they reached them they enveloped them in hugs and kisses.
“Daddy!” Mary squealed as she rushed to her father’s embrace, her mother right behind her.
“Chris, Josiah, Vin, Ezra!” Three very anxious and happy boys rushed to their friends. They took the time to study each other to make sure they were all in tact. As the families and relatives gathered together in the background to hold and kiss and hug and laugh with each other the quiet group of seven boys found their own little place off to the side where Nettie Wells kept watch without interfering.
“I’m sorry Chris.” Buck solemnly apologized.
“Whatever for Buck?”
“I told them where you went. I betrayed your trust in me to do the right thing.” Buck couldn’t even look at Chris. As happy as he was to have them all back he just knew that Chris would never be able to forgive him.
“So your sorry you saved out lives?” Chris asked with a hint of humor.
Buck was not only shocked at the tone but at the words as well. “W-what?” The word finally stumbled out of his mouth.
“It’s true brother Buck.” Josiah confirmed as he clasped a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “If you hadn’t of told them we were out there, we may not be standing here at this moment.”
“Really?” JD asked in wonder.
“Yep. Good ole Buck here saved us.” Vin chipped in.
“If he hadn’t… the guy had a gun on us Buck and even if he didn’t shoot one of us he was definitely going to hurt Ez.” Chris’ jovial mood disappeared as he remembered how close they came to losing the youngest one. Buck was still in disbelief but was shaken out of it by a small tug on his pant leg. Looking down he met two very large a serious green eyes staring up at him. Two small arms, shaking from a fatigue that encompassed the whole body were held out to him in a silent request. Buck’s heart melted and he bent down and picked the little guy up. Ezra, to show his thanks, gave Buck as big of a hug as his little body would allow before the little head surrendered to the affects of gravity and lay down on his shoulder.
Buck gently rubbed Ezra’s back and whispered in his ear. “Your welcome lil’ pard. Your welcome.” Sensing the mood getting too dark and melancholy Nathan couldn’t resist the opportunity to lighten the somber mood.
“There I thought he was just telling all to that pretty girl over there to score points with her.” Everyone turned to see that Nathan meant Joseph’s sister who was still clinging to her oldest brother.
“Oh, so it wasn’t for us or our welfare.” Chris mocked grouse as he carried a now sleeping Vin in his arms.
“Hey, I did it for your safety.” Buck defended.
“Yeah, sure Buck. They didn’t see the goo-goo eyes you sent her.” JD just couldn’t resist getting one over on his ‘big brother.’
“If I didn’t have the most precious bundle in the world in my arms right now I would be all over you like fly on manure.” The mood was definitely getting brighter.
Miss Nettie began to guide them back to the camp when Orrin shouted at them to stop. “Wait. Boys, Miss Nettie, wait one second.” Orrin finally caught up to them. “We want the boys to join us at the hotel for dinner.” He explained his reason for delaying them.
“That is very kind of you Sheriff Travis but we have food back at the camp and dinner is almost ready back there.” She gently refused his invitation and directed the boys to head back to camp. Orrin watched them leave as Ethan came up with John Taylor in tow.
“Look who I found wondering in from the great wild.” Ethan teasingly informed Orrin of John Taylor’s mysterious and always impeccable timing. When he saw where Orrin was looking he became slightly confused. “Where are they going? Aren’t they joining us?” Orrin shook his head in the negative. “I think Miss Nettie doesn’t want the other children to feel left out so she is taking them back to camp for dinner.”
“Well that won’t due. How much do you have on you?” Ethan asked as he began to dig in his pockets for his money.
“What are you doing?” Orrin asked as he too without an answer began to search his pockets for money.
“Well if they won’t come to us we’ll go to them. Come on. I’m sure Mr. Dodd will give s deal on the food if we explain what a worthy cause it is for.”
“It’s worth a shot.” Orrin agreed. “Beside we still need John Taylor to check those boys out.” The men turned to their families and with lots of digging around in pockets for lose change; they had enough to make Mr. Dodd an offer he couldn’t refuse.
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