Back On The Trail…

Summary; Bill and Barney return to the wagon train after their winter with The McCullough's at the Trails End Ranch. Just a short interlude before we get back to the ranch. Barney and Bill time, with some of the new gang. 3rd in the series.

A.N. A Prelude.

Our adventure starts at the end of 'The Sam Spicer Story'. Barney is 14. Bill has left Barney in Mr. Chris' care as he had to go on train business that would keep him away for some weeks. I took a little leeway, I wanted Bill in charge, so I sent him out leaving Chris in charge that way he could come back in the role of father. Barney is beginning to think he is somewhat of a boss on the train, and some of the men are beginning to resent a boy acting so high and mighty. Then to top it off Barney has decided that he wants to buy himself a six shooter. After all he has earned enough and Bill had been teaching him to shoot for some time now. Then come Friday, as they were all collecting their pay to go in to town, Mr. Chris had ordered him to stay with the train and work on his school work. This made Barney mad; feeling that they were always treating him like a kid. Later that afternoon, Barney snuck into town. He was in the store picking out a gun when Mr. Chris and Wooster came in.

"Bill Hawks, Coop Smith, Charlie Wooster, and Duke Shannon, Fifteen paid drivers and a whole train full of people take orders from me, and you think, for some reason, that you do not have to follow orders? Take that six shooter off and put it back. No fourteen year old boy has any business wearing one it looks just plain ridiculous," ordered Mr. Chris, in his best trail boss voice.

This embarrassed Barney. To top it off, Mr. Chris confiscated his money, and ordered him to stay in the store and wait to ride back to the train with him…Like he was too little to ride back alone. However, while waiting and exploring out the back of the gun shop, Barney came across two bank robbers making their escape. He got himself kidnapped by the two outlaws; one of them Sam Spicer.

Mr. Chris and Wooster have spent the better part of a week tracking them and rescuing him from a shootout.

Chapter 1. Too Big Fer Yer Britches.

Barney sat in the back of the wagon where Mr. Chris had ordered him in a loud booming voice. "Barnaby, if you so much as think of coming out of that wagon before I call you, I'll take a belt too you! Now sit!."

Before Chris Hale could move away, his men bombarded him with complaints about Barney and the delay in their journey.

"Now, men calm down, let's go over to the fire and have a seat before we discuss the young boy's behaviour or misbehaviour, as it seems." growled Chris tired of all the complaints coming at him all at once. "Well it seems that the boy has become the most unpopular young man on the train in the two weeks since Charlie and I got him back to the train," spoke Chris as he sat down to listen to each of their complaints.

"He's been rude and disrespectful to the men. He was grouchy about everything and he was bossy and disrespectful to the other passengers on the train," complained Charlie.

"Why Chris, if we don't do something the whole train is going to skin the boy alive," declared Cooper.

Mr Harmon was next to offer his opinion. "Mr. Hale, you've got to do something, that Boy he's getting too big for his britches, and if you can't I…"

"Whoa," interrupted Bill. "Chris what's the trouble here?" he asked, confused. Bill had just returned from his month long trip, and walked up on this angry discussion. It didn't take long to conclude that the boy in trouble was Barney,

"Bill, glad your back. Men I promise that we will do something to put a stop to Barney's behaviour. Now all of you go back to you business and let me and Bill have a talk," suggested Mr. Chris, truly glad to see Bill.

It was not a happy Bill that left the campfire and headed to the supply wagon hours later. He was not entirely sure just how he was going to handle this. It seemed that the boy had been near impossible to live with. And every one of his friends, and half the train, were ready to lynch the boy. Bill stopped at the back of the wagon and knocked before stepping up into the wagon box.

Bill stood looking angrily at the boy. "Barnaby Daniel West, seems you have been a busy young man. From what the others on this train tell me you have every person on this train itching to see you over someone's knee or worse; and I'm not far from agreeing with them. What do you have to say for yourself?" demanded Bill in a low and harsh voice.

"Bill, I don't know what's wrong. They all want to treat me like I'm some little kid that can't do anything without a boss."

"Just a minute, there boy let's see if I understand. You deliberately disobeyed Chris, which almost got you killed; you were disrespectful to the other hands; you were rude to the other passengers, oh and if I remember right, when I left I gave you orders to stay out of trouble so you disobeyed me as well… and you just can't figure why they are all treating you like a kid?" he yelled sarcastically, as he bent over and glared at Barney straight in the eye. "Son it sounds to me like what you have been doing is acting like a bratty little boy," he added trying hard not to lose control of his temper.

"But Bill; If Mr. Chris had just let me buy my gun, I would have come right back to camp, but instead he treated me like a baby. He even took my money away then he ordered me wait for him in the store. Bill I can take care of myself," shouted an indignant Barney.

Bill leaned down again, this time placing one arm on either side of the barrel that Barney sat on and growled right in his face. "Little boy, you would do well to remember not to shout at me. You know that you are to obey Mr. Chris and any other adults on this train for that matter. And I have told you time and again that you are not too tough to handle a hand gun without permission…And just before I left, I told you that you would not be allowed to wear a gun until you were at least sixteen."

Barney looked at Bill. Suddenly he saw something other than anger; Bill's eyes held disappointment. That was something he could never have gotten from Sam Spicer, and didn't like seeing in Bill's eyes. All at once Barney was truly ashamed of what he had done.

"Bill I'm sorry I should have listened to all of you. I owe everyone an apology; you're right, I was acting selfishly. I was only worried about what I wanted. I'm sorry," said Barney suddenly needing Bill forgiveness.

Bill pulled the boy into a hug holding the boy tight. "Barney it alright now, but you know that you have got some punishment coming," said Bill pulling him back enough to look into his eyes.

"Yes sir, I expect I have," said Barney as he looked at the floor.

"Barney, I need some time to consider all of this and come up with your punishment. I want you to get you a piece of paper and make a list of all the people you need to apologize too. I'll be back in about an hour and we will finish this discussion," said Bill.

"Yes sir, I'll wait right here sir," promised Barney, as tears sprang to his eyes.

Barney sat down with pencil and paper and began to think as he wrote…

I disobeyed Mr. Chris and when into town. Then I didn't stay in the store like he said.

I was hateful to Duke and would not do the work he assigned to me, and then I lied to him about having permission to go into town.

I was rude to Coop, and cussed at him when he tried to tell me to stop arguing.

I left all of my chores for Wooster to do.

I was a rude disrespectful brat to everyone.

I disobeyed Bill and broke the rule about guns.

"Something tells me Bill's not going to like what I've done any more then I 'm going to like the consequences he's going to apply," thought Barney.

When Bill returned to the wagon, Barney was sitting on the barrel with his list in hand. Bill cleared a spot for himself to sit in the cramped supply wagon; took a little rearranging, but as they were in some unsafe country, Bill decided that the wagon provided the safest and most private place for them to talk.

"Barney, how about you give me the barrel and you take a seat on that stack of flour sacks there. Bill waited just a minute for Barney to get settled before continuing. "I want you to tell me what you came up with," asked Bill, disappointment still evident in his voice.

Barney faced Bill, as he repeated the offences he had listed, and then sat biting his lip waiting for Bill to pass sentence.

"Barnaby, I am so thankful that you were not hurt when you were with Sam Spicer. Mr. Chris tells me that you were in some really tight spots. Barney if something had happened to you, I'm not sure how I would have gone on. I know that as a young boy trying hard to become a man, it must seem that all we do is come up with rules, but Barney I'm just going to say it like this...We do all that, so you will stay safe and learn to be responsible for keeping yourself out of dangerous situations. Son, for as long as you live, you will have to live with people and to live with people you must learn to work together. You must learn to follow orders before you can be respected when you give them. To earn respect you must first give respect to those in charge. Now Barney, in the month that I've been gone it seems that you decided that the rules didn't apply to you. You acted like you knew more than men two and three times your age; that you could do things your way and that it didn't matter what was best for yourself, or others, or what others thought or needed..."

"But, Bill I do know more than some of these greenhorns; like Mr. Harmon the other day; he wasted over half a barrel of water, cause he didn't tie it down proper…And Mr. Chris he chewed me out for telling him so, like I was some runny nose kid," interrupted Barney.

"Right son, let's just think this through. Let's say that little Henry Long, that likes to follow you around, comes up to you and starts ranting ' Barney you caused the train a two week delay, why don't you know that we need to get across the mountains before snow flies, why you should never

go off alone, it's dangerous even for grownup! What would you have said?"

"Why I'd tell that little brat to mind his own business. He's got no right talking to me like that, he's only six; what right…" Barney stopped and started turning red as the truth dawned on him.

"That son is exactly how Mr. Harmon felt. What you said was true, but what right does a fourteen-year old brat have telling him off?" Explained Bill, pointing his finger at Barney.

"Looks, like I need to add him to my list of apologies," gulped Barney, now feeling quite shamefaced.

"Now, as I was saying; it seems to me that you have sort of forgotten that you are just a boy and not in charge of anything except for keeping yourself out of trouble. So Barney, as your parent, I have the responsibility of seeing that you remember that you answer to the grownups around here and not them to you; is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir," answered Barney.

"Good, now here's what's going to happen. First off, if any hired hand had defied Mr. Chris' order they would have been fired on the spot. So for the next month you are off the payroll. You will do all of your regular work, but as chores and for no pay. Starting tomorrow night, when the trains stops for the night, you will apologize to one person on your list each night, and you will tell them you will accept any punishment that they think is fair. Tonight I am going to tan your hide for disobeying me and being rude and disrespectful to the other passengers on this train."

Barney gulped, even though he was not surprised by the next order.

"Barnaby, give me your belt and drop your britches," said Bill pointing to the barrel he had just stood up from.

Tears began to fall, as Barney did as Bill said placing his hands on the barrel as he leaned forward. Bill reached down and unbuttoned the seat of Barney's union suit, before raising the folded belt.

There was no question outside the lead wagon just who was receiving some fatherly attention and exactly what that attention entailed; En- Tail being the operative image. After the third lick Barney had decided it really hurt and he didn't care who heard and stopped trying to take it bravely. Another five licks and Barney was crying loudly. Bill stopped and buttoned up the boy's flap, before pulling him toward him and let him cry into his shirt.

When Barney was finally quiet, he released his hold on Bill and stepped back. Reaching down and gently pulled his britches back into place.

Bill pulled him a little closer and held onto his shoulders. "Barney, I know you might think this is a little harsh, but I will do anything to keep you from placing yourself in danger, and Barney that just what disobeying orders and wearing a gun is doing, can you understand that?" asked Bill with concern in his eyes and voice. "When you've gotten yourself together you can get to your bedroll."

"Yes Sir," sniffed Barney.

Bill nodded and left the wagon, deciding he needed a good strong cup of coffee; even Wooster's coffee.

As Bill reached down for the coffee pot, Charlie reached out and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Bill, old boy; don't take it so hard, he knows you only did it because you care."

"Thanks Charlie, I hope your right," answered Bill.

"He is, Bill, honest," said Barney emerging from the wagon. "I ain't gonna tell you I like the consequences, but I do know why you did what you did." Barney headed for his usual place next to where Bill would lay his bedroll for the night.

oOo

Later that night as Bill sat down next to Barney.

"That's the difference," mumbled Barney.

"What's the difference, son," asked Bill pulling off his boots.

"Sam Spicer, would never have cared whether or not I understood or stayed safe," answered Barney

"Barney why don't you tell me just how you came to be with two such notable outlaws as Sam Spicer and Reno Sutton?" asked Bill laying back and looking toward Barney.

"Well I was mad and went wandering into the backroom of the store, then someone started yelling hold up and I seen this fella drop his guns real close to the door. I thought I could get one and capture the man, but then he seen me and had another gun. Because he seen me, he forced me to come with him. I was really scared at first. Then Sam the, younger one, started kinda figuring he and I could be a team, and I'm ashamed to say I kinda liked the idea at first. But, it sorta didn't sit right with me doing a thing that was… well just plain wrong. Mostly I was just scared not to do what they said; least till someone found me or I could figure a way out. At first I didn't think Sam was real bad, and that he just had ta be what he was cause of old Bill. But then well, bill tried ta kill me and Sam jist up an shot him without even blinking and eye. Sam got shot too. I'm jist glad Mr Chris got there in time." answered a teary eyed Barney as he watched the fear play on Bill's face.

"Boy you sure got yourself in a pickle of a mess, there. I…" Bill shook his head and chocked back his fear, "I'm glad Chris was there too."

"I'm real sorry Bill. Thanks for caring enough to show me the right way,"

"You bet, you can count on me son," said Bill giving a quick smack to the boys tail as he lay on his stomach.

"Ouch," said Barney reaching back to protect his seat from any more' little love pats,' as everyone at the lead camp laughed and said their good nights.

oOo

The next day had gone fairly well, except for a few of the boys trying to guess who it was that they heard getting a good tanning the night before.

"Hey Barney, you were up at the front of the wagon train, could you tell who it was? From the sound of things they were getting it good. I tried to sneak around and see, but my pa caught me and said; unless I wanted my yelps to join his, I'd do well to mind my own business." said George.

"Nope, same here; Bill sent me to bed early last night," answered Barney, relieved that his answer sounded unconcerned.

As soon as the circle up was called, Barney made his way around to Mr. Harmon's wagon.

"Mr. Harmon sir, could I talk to you alone sir?" asked a nervous Barney.

"Sure boy, let's go around the back over there. What's on your mind?"

"Well sir, I came to apologize to you for the way I talked to you the other day. I know that a boy my age had no business talking to you that way. I came to ask your forgiveness and accept any punishment you think fair," said Barney, making himself look the man in the eye.

"Young man, I accept your apology, and I don't mind telling you that if Mr. Hale hadn't come up when he did, I might have given you a good swat or two; you did have my dander up."

"Barney swallowed hard. "Sir, I think that I should accept that punishment now," nodded Barney, as he stepped over and stood next to Mr. Harmon.

Mr. Harmon rested his foot on the wagon wheel and leaned Barney over, before landing five quick solid swats to his seat. "Now, boy you remember to mind your manners, and speak to your elders with respect ya hear, now get. I got work to do," said Mr. Harmon, laughing as Barney retreated back towards the lead wagon giving his backside a quick rub.

"How about some checkers Bill, if you're not too busy," asked Barney as he came back from the Harmon wagon.

"Sure thing, Barn, you okay," said Bill noticing that he sat gently on the stool.

"Yes Sir, Mr. Harmon was very understanding, but you know Bill it not easy asking, someone to punish me, it's a little embarrassing."

"I'm sorry Barney, but did the experience teach you anything?" asked Bill.

"Yes, I could have offered to help Mr. Harmon tie the barrel without being disrespectful and now, neither of us would have been embarrassed."

"Good boy, now let's see if I can beat you at checkers," smiled Bill.

oOo

The next day as the end of the day drew near, Bill noticed Barney moping around.

"What's up son?" Asked Bill, as he stepped down next to Barney. They walked along next to each other leading their horses.

"Well Bill, I guess I'm just a little nervous. I have decided that I am going to talk to Duke after supper..."

"You're not scared of him are you Barney?"

"Oh no sir it's not that at all. It's just that I really want Duke to forgive me. You see last night didn't really matter, cause after this trip, I'll probably never see Mr. Harmon again, but the rest of the fella's… well, that's different. I really care what they think of me. Does that make any sense?" said Barney, kicking at the ground.

"Yes son, and that's why my best advice is to summon your courage and head on over there. Duke's just loping along. You and he could have your little talk and catch the rest of us in just a bit." Bill ruffled the boy's hair, as he turned him and sent him in Duke's direction.

"As he got up even with Duke, Barney took a deep breath. "Could we take a little walk, Duke? I want to talk private," asked Barney.

"Let's tie our horses over here and walk down to that little creek," offered Duke.

Duke knew there was something on the young boys mind, looking around he spotted a good place to sit and talk.

When they both leaned on the log, Barney spoke, "Duke, I came to ask you to forgive me for being so rude and hatefully to you last week, and then worse for lying to you about having Mr. Chris' permission to go into town the other day," confessed Barney, letting out the pinned up breath.

"That's alright Barney, we all make mistakes."

"No, it's not alright, Duke. I have to accept responsibility for my actions and the consequences of those actions. I came to ask for the fair punishment for what I did. And Duke, you and I both know what the punishment for lying is," stuttered Barney not quiet wanting to say it.

"Ya buddy, I think I can remember having to face the music for lying a time or two growing up," replied Duke.

"Then let's get this over with before I lose my nerve. Do you want me to take down my pants? " asked Barney, hoping he did not.

"No Barney. I haven't had much practice being on this end of a spanking, but I think you can keep your pants up, but if you every lie to me again you will get the full treatment," warned Duke.

Before either of them could say another word, Duke pulled Barney over his lap and laid down fourteen swats with the flat of his hand. He then let the boy up and waited until Barney had control of his voice again.

Barney looked over at Duke and gave a weak smile. "For someone with no experience, you did a first rate job of lighting a fire on my tail," smirked Barney reaching back to rub at the sting and bounced on the ball of his toes.

"None of that; you know what they say, liar, liar pants on fire," smiled Duke slapping his hand away.

"You can say that again," thought Barney, as he stepped up into the saddle and winced as his butt made contact.

oOo

That night Barney looked over at Bill and smiled constantly, "You were right it was worse thinking about it. I'm glad you sent me over to Duke to get it over with."

"You're welcome, Barney. I learned when I was a boy, that it was much better to own up and get it over with, or I'd punish myself much worse than my Pa could have. So, you learned another lesson tonight?"

"You bet, and one more thing; never lie to Duke, he doesn't need any practice to make you sing liar, liar, pants on fire...Night Bill," laughed Barney.

TBC Chapter 2