Young Boy Lost: Tommy's Third Chance

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CHAPTER 1

After the Trial

Foreman, how does the jury find the defendant, Harold Wallace Carson, regarding the first charge of kidnapping? Judge Hanson asked.

Guilty, Your Honor.

And how does the jury find the defendant, Harold Wallace Carson, regarding the second charge of attempted second degree manslaughter?

Guilty, Your Honor, The foreman of the jury said. Harold crossed his arms and glared at Tommy, Ted, Eric, Vic, and the rest of the people who testified against him.

Judge Hanson said, We will now proceed to sentencing. I hereby sentence you to ten years in the state penitentiary, for the crimes you have committed. Judge Hanson banged the gavel. Take this convict out of here.

Harold cast a glance in Tommy’s direction as he was escorted from the courtroom. I’ll be back for you, son! he said.

Ted Carson stepped in front of Tommy and responded, We’ll be waiting for you, and we’ll bring you more trouble than you bargained for!

Pastor Vic also stepped in front of Tommy and said, And that goes for me as well. You will have to go through both of us before you get to Tommy.

That can be arranged, Harold said.

The prisoner’s conversation and threat are noted, Judge Hanson said, Bailiff, get him out of here! The bailiff wrestled Harold out of the courtroom and back to the county jail.

Later that evening, Tommy was sleeping in his bed upstairs in Ted and Margaret’s house. No! No! Stay away from me! Tommy yelled. His pale blue eyes were wide open and filled with fear.

Ted quickly walked into Tommy’s bedroom and went to his side. Tommy, it’s okay. You’re just having a nightmare! Ted said, as he gently placed his hands on Tommy’s shoulders. He sat down on the bed next to him and brushed the hair out of Tommy’s eyes. Tommy looked fearfully around the room. He sat up, threw his arms around Ted, and buried his face against Ted’s chest. Ted wrapped his arms around Tommy and held him. They sat like that for a few minutes, neither one of them moving. It’s okay, son. No one’s here but us. It’s okay, Ted repeated.

It was Harold. I dreamed that he was in the room and walking toward me! Tommy said. He looked up at Ted with a tear rolling down his face. Ted gently wiped the tear away with his thumb and looked into Tommy’s eyes.

Son, he’s in jail and he isn’t getting out for years. He was found guilty. He can’t hurt you.

You don’t know Harold. He’ll find a way, Tommy said, with a shaking voice. Will you stay with me the rest of the night? I’m scared.

Of course I will, Ted said. I’ll just sleep in Eric’s old bed here next to your bed.

But I kind of need you to be right by me ‘til I fall asleep. Will you? Tommy asked, his eyes filled with tears, as he kept his gaze on Ted.

Of course I will, son, Ted replied. He lay down next to Tommy. Margaret came into the room and Ted updated her on the events. She kissed both Tommy and Ted on their foreheads and went back downstairs to bed. Before too long, Tommy fell asleep in Ted’s arms. Ted carefully and gently eased himself away from Tommy. He got up, walked over to the other bed, and fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning, he turned over and found that Tommy was lying as close to the edge of his bed as possible, and was sleeping with his hand resting on the bed in which Ted was sleeping. Ted smiled and shook his head.

Well, son, did you sleep okay? Ted asked.

Yeah, but I woke up in the middle of the night and got scared again, Tommy said, with a yawn and a stretch. I had to make sure you weren’t going to leave, so I kept a hand on your bed.

Son, I wasn’t about to leave you, Ted said. Tommy smiled. Eventually, Tyler and Timmy, Ted’s six-year-old twin sons, came into the bedroom and saw the two of them. The twins jumped into the beds with them. All four were laughing and wrestling before long. It’s a good thing these are pretty big beds, or we’d all be falling out! Ted said, as Tyler had him in a headlock and Timmy was sitting on his belly. Tommy grabbed Ted’s feet and together, the three boys tried to pin him down. One day, you three will be a match for me, but not today! Ted said, as he broke through his bonds and mercilessly tickled his three sons, who laughed until tears were rolling down their faces. I guess my work here is done, Ted said, after he was through. The three boys hung on him all the way down the stairs to the breakfast table.

Margaret looked up from where she and Elizabeth were sitting. "I see the four Tees have joined us, she said. Tommy, who was riding on Ted’s back, cast a puzzled look in her direction. That is Ted, Tommy, Tyler, and Timmy," she said. The four of them laughed.

I never realized that before, Tommy said.

You learned some spelling today, Ted said.

Aw, Dad, it’s summer vacation. I don’t wanna learn spelling, Tyler said, as he was holding on to Ted’s leg. Elizabeth ran over and grabbed Ted’s other leg.

How about if you learn how to do chores, Ted said. "We’re going to take care of the animals first, and then we get our breakfast." The boys groaned a little, but got their barn clothes on and followed Ted out to do chores. It wasn’t too long before they were done and back in the house eating breakfast. Margaret had bacon, eggs, and toast waiting for them.

Tommy mentioned, while they were eating, I was talking to Eric and we were thinking about going to Twin Falls and exploring the cave a little more today.

Who all is going with? Ted asked.

Matthew, Eric, Sven, Lucas, Lyle, and me.

Well, you boys be careful. Caves can be dangerous. Especially when there are boys fooling around in them, Ted said.

You worry too much, Tommy said, as Ted put an arm around him.

I’ve already managed to lose you a couple of times since you’ve been living with us. I’m not interested in it happening again.

Yes, Tommy, you be careful, but have a good time, Margaret said. She kissed Tommy on the top of his head. And you, quit fretting, understand, Ted? She kissed Ted on the top of his head as well.

Do I get to go with? Tyler asked.

Don’t even think about it. Remember the last time you went to Twin Falls? Ted asked, referring to when Tyler fell into the pool at the base of the falls a few weeks back. It was a miracle that he wasn’t badly injured.

Aw, Dad, it worked out okay, Tyler said. So what are we gonna do that’s fun today, then?

Well, how about if you, me, Timmy, Elizabeth, and Mom go visit P.V. and Evelyn? They’ll probably need company if all their boys go with Tommy to the cave, Ted said.

Yay! I love P.V.! Tyler shouted.

And I love Evelyn! Elizabeth shouted.

I love both of them, Timmy said.

Well, then we better go see ‘em," Ted said. After breakfast, The Carson crew got ready and went over to Vic and Evelyn’s. Tommy rode his black horse, Thunder, and the rest walked, since it was such a short distance. When they got to Vic and Evelyn’s place, Matthew, Lucas, Eric, and Sven were already saddling up their horses. Matthew and Lucas rode double on Apostle (Vic’s black gelding), and Eric and Sven rode double on Lightning, who was Eric’s chestnut gelding.

CHAPTER 2

Robber Gang Again

I can’t wait to get to the cave! Tommy proclaimed to the other boys, as they were riding toward the Twin Falls park. They stopped to pick up Lyle along the way. He jumped up on Thunder, behind Tommy.

You think anyone else knows about the cave behind the falls that we found? Eric asked.

You guys keep talking about a cave, but I never seen one behind the falls, Lyle said.

You should have come with us on our camping trip, Tommy replied. We found the cave then. It’s huge!

I can’t wait, Lyle replied.

And we gotta swim in the pool at the falls. I hope everyone brought their swimming trunks, Tommy said. All the boys nodded except for Lyle.

I’ll just go in my underwear, Lyle said.

We tried that a couple of weeks ago and it didn’t work out too good for us, Matthew said.

What happened?

Vera took our clothes and we had to wear leaves and branches, Lucas said, with a sad shake of his head.

Yeah, and the church ladies were in our house so we had to hide out in the barn, Tommy added. Lyle laughed so hard he almost fell off the horse.

It’s kind of funny now, but not at the time, Eric mentioned.

I’ll just have to take my chances, Lyle said. I ain’t going back to the house. My dad will put me to work and probably paddle me.

Why is that? What did you do? Sven asked.

That’s just his habit, Lyle said. I usually don’t know what I do wrong.

Tommy and Sven nodded, sadly. They well knew about getting paddled. They both had plenty of experience with it in their former homes.

I feel sorry for you three, Matthew said. No one should ever have to go through that.

Yeah, our dad does fun stuff with us, Lucas said.

And P.V. and Ted do fun stuff with us all the time, too—me, Sven, and Tommy, Eric added. And, of course, they both play with Matthew and Lucas, too.

I sure wish I lived with you guys, Lyle said, as he shook his head. Anyway, you’ll cover for me if my clothes get stolen and I’m stuck in my underwear, won’t you?

Sure, we’ll get you some leaves and branches, Sven said. They all laughed.

You can count on us, Lyle. We’re your buddies. You should come and stay with us all the time this summer, Tommy said. He turned around in the saddle and patted Lyle on the shoulder.

I’ll sure try to, Lyle replied. I don’t even think my dad likes me.

I think he likes you. He just doesn’t know how to show it, Matthew said.

That’s for sure, Lyle said. Anyway, I can’t wait to jump in the Twin Falls pool. I sure hope there aren’t any girls around.

Aw, don’t worry about that, Lyle. All you’ll do is give ‘em a good laugh, Lucas said.

They’ll probably all want me for a boyfriend, if they see me in my underwear, Lyle mentioned, with a sly smile.

Or maybe they’ll run home, screaming, to their mothers, Sven said. The boys laughed, including Lyle.

Maybe I’ll run home, screaming, to my mother, if I see you in your underwear, Matthew said. The boys laughed even harder. They rode on toward town.

You know, I think I better try going back into the house to get my swimming trunks, Lyle said. I don’t want to take the chance of ending up like you guys did, stranded in my underwear! The boys turned the horses around and headed back to Lyle’s place. Luckily for Lyle, his dad didn’t say anything when he saw him run back in the house. Lyle rummaged through some drawers and got some shorts that would work. He then ran back to the other boys and their horses and hopped up again behind Tommy.

They eventually passed the road that led to the cabin where Tommy was held captive by Clark. That road gives me the shivers, Tommy said. That was not a fun time.

I still can’t believe the wolves found you, just from smelling your knife that you left at Cam’s, Matthew said.

That’s ‘cuz I’m a man, and I have a strong scent, Tommy said.

That’s for sure, Lyle added. The boys all laughed.

What’s going to happen to Clark? Eric asked.

I think he’s going to jail for quite a while, Matthew said. Even though he might be Tommy’s grandpa, he is charged with kidnapping, and that’s going to put him away for a long time. The boys rode on and eventually made it to Twin Falls Park. They could hear the roar of the falls. They turned in to the roadway and continued through the mighty, towering white pines which lined the park road. The fresh scent of the pines greeted their nostrils. The creek that came out of the falls was rushing toward Lake Superior. Here and there, various small animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and countless birds scattered about. The day was very warm, with the sun shining and hardly any breeze.

The boys put their horses in one of the corrals that were in the park. They made their way to the creek and started walking along it. Despite the amazing beauty of the surroundings, and the nice accommodations, there were no other people around. It didn’t take long for the boys to reach the thundering falls. The upper falls was not a huge drop, only about ten feet or so, but the lower falls had a twenty-foot drop and the water was coming down it at a pretty good volume. The pool that formed at the base of the lower falls was wide. It was set in a small sandstone canyon and had jagged sides reaching up many feet. A viewing platform was on the edge of the canyon. It was where Tyler fell off a short time previously. The event was still fresh in the minds of the boys.

Wow, can you believe Tyler survived that fall? Eric said.

No! Jesus definitely saved him, Tommy said. If he didn’t, Tyler probably would have landed on one of those sandstone boulders. The boulders were scattered all over on the floor of the canyon. Some of them were as large as draft horses and were sticking out of the water near the base of the falls. The boys shook their heads at the thought.

Anyway, let’s get swimming, Eric almost shouted. The boys looked around carefully. They then scrambled back into the bushes and changed into their swimming trunks. The boys jumped in the pool and paddled around, going in and out of the cascading water falling from above. They went behind the huge curtain of water, swam around for a bit, splashing, fooling around with each other, and having a great time. They eventually went back into the recess behind the falls and looked for the opening to the cave they found previously on their camping trip. Matthew rolled the stones away and the boys cleared the brush from the opening. Eric brought a lantern and they lit it before going into the cave.

Eric held the lantern up once they were in the cave, and they all looked around in wonder. It was a large, somewhat rectangular cavern, approximately twenty feet wide, fifty feet long, and had some sandstone boulders.

What’s that? Lyle asked. He pointed toward a corner of the cavern and the boys, with Eric holding the kerosene lantern, walked over closer. Four bedrolls, some canteens, and a few knapsacks were lying in a pile.

It looks like someone else has also discovered this cave, Matthew said. He stooped over and picked up a burlap sack next to the bedrolls. It was heavy. He looked inside and drew out some of the contents. A fistful of hundred-dollar bills shone in the lantern light! The boys’ eyes grew wide and their mouths hung open.

We’re rich! Lucas said, with a big smile.

No, we’re not, Matthew said.

Guess where that’s from, Tommy added.

You don’t think that’s from the Cream Can Gang, do you? Eric asked.

That’s exactly what I think, Matthew replied. He hurriedly stuffed the cash back in the burlap sack, dropped it to the floor, and the boys backed away from it. Previously, on their camping trip, the boys encountered a group of bank burglars, called the Cream Can Gang, who stole money from the bank in Port Falls. The boys were walking by the bank as the burglars were escaping.

We gotta get out of here, and fast! Tommy said. Just then, the boys heard a scraping sound at the entrance to the cave. They also heard some men’s voices.

Someone’s been messin’ with the cave door! One of the voices proclaimed.

The boys froze in place and then ran to the back of the cave, with the lantern light dancing across the ceiling and walls. There was a small tunnel at the back wall, and the boys quickly scrambled into it. Eric doused the light. They were in complete darkness and breathing heavily. Sweat dripped off their foreheads despite the coolness of the cave. Shhh! Matthew said to the boys. Even breathing sounds carry in this cave. We gotta be totally quiet.

The boys made their way back into the tunnel. They had to duck, as there was not much room. The tunnel led on for quite a way. It meandered back and forth and had plenty of boulders to hide behind, which was exactly what the boys did. There was a large boulder, and the boys packed in behind it. They still were breathing heavily. They heard the men’s voices again and then became totally quiet.

They could see the light from the burglars’ lanterns flickering into the tunnel. Whoever messed with the entrance didn’t take the loot! One of the men said.

They’re lucky. I woulda pumped ‘em full o’ lead if they did, Another replied.

Look around, see if there’s anybody in here, A third voice piped in. The boys could hear the footsteps of the men, scrambling around the cave. Suddenly, the sound of fluttering wings came from back in the tunnel. The boys felt a rush of wind and something whizzed by them, ruffling their hair. The boys hit the deck and covered their heads as hundreds of bats flew by them from back in the tunnel. The men yelled and cursed. The bats flew around in the cave. The men scrambled out the entrance, still yelling, swatting at the bats. The bats swarmed out the entrance. The men dove in the pool to get away from them. The boys continued to lie down and cover their heads.

After a few minutes the number of bats flying by them subsided. Lucas whispered, Do you think it’s safe to get out of here, yet?

I don’t know. I think we better wait, Matthew whispered back. They stayed lying down for about ten more minutes.

What are we gonna do? Lyle whispered.

Let’s try and sneak out, Matthew said. We’ll leave the lantern. Eric will go first, and I’ll go last. Everyone, single file. When each person crawls out the entrance, you gotta run to the right. There are boulders to hide behind that way. If they shoot, you need to duck and run, you hear? We’ll scatter and meet in town at the church. Single runners are harder to hit than a group of us all running together.

The boys crawled through the tunnel and made their way back to the cavern. It was pitch black without the lantern. The boys crawled up by the entrance, where there was a little light. Do you think we should run out? Tommy whispered.

It’s now or never, Matthew replied.

I’m too scared to go first, Eric said.

Okay, I’ll go, but as soon as I stand up and start running, the next one has to go, understand? Matthew said. The other boys nodded. Matthew quickly crawled out and dashed off to the right. Tommy followed him, then Lucas, Sven, Lyle, and finally, Eric. There were still dozens of bats flying around. That kept the Cream Can Gang members occupied—as they were still running down the creek. Anyway, the boys saw no one outside the falls. They scrambled up the canyon and ran through the woods to town, not daring to go get their horses in the corral back at the park. They were used to going barefoot in the summer, and it was a good thing, since running through the woods brought its own unique challenges. The boys arrived at the church, panting and out of breath.

They dashed inside the church, as it was always left unlocked. They ran back to Vic’s office, hoping someone would be there. They were disappointed, as the office was empty.

What are we gonna do now? Eric asked. We’re four miles from home and barefoot and only in our swimming trunks. I sure don’t feel like walking all the way home like this.

You know, it sure is a good thing that I decided to go back and get my shorts, Lyle said. I could have been walking around town in my underwear about now if I hadn’t. Despite their situation, the boys cracked up, laughing at the thought.

Maybe we can go get the horses from the corral and ride them, Lucas said. I suppose we don’t dare go get our clothes, since we left them by the falls, where the robber gang is.

We have no idea where the robber gang is, Matthew mentioned. They must have taken off running when the bats came. And by the way, that was a miracle, that the bats came right when we needed ‘em. Jesus was looking out for us, that’s for sure. We coulda been kidnapped or killed.

That’s for sure, Tommy said. And by the way, you’re startin’ to sound more and more like us every day, and not so much like P.V. anymore.

Pardon me, I need to address my speech patterns. I will commence presently, Matthew said.

Now that’s more like it, Eric said. The boys laughed.

I think we should go find the constable and let him know what we saw. Then he can take care of it. Then we can go back when it’s safe and get the horses. Even if we do run into the gang, they wouldn’t know we were in the cave, since I don’t think anyone saw us run out, Matthew said. The boys thought this was a great idea and quickly made their way out of the church and went down to the constable’s office. It was just down the street from the church.

You mean to tell me that you boys might have found the Cream Can Gang? John, the constable, shouted with excitement. He was a big man, over six feet tall, and was solid muscle. I need to wire the county. I’m gonna need reinforcements! You boys stay right here, I don’t want you going near the park, it’s too dangerous! The nearest telegraph office is in Iron Creek. I gotta get out there and wire the sheriff. I’ll drop you off at your house along the way. The sheriff will get some deputies out here and probably even wire federal agents, since this gang is wanted in several states. I’m not going to make any move on the gang until the deputies arrive. I have some time. Hop in my buckboard and I’ll bring you back.

What about our horses? They’re in the corral at the park! Tommy asked.

Like I said, you boys aren’t going near that park. Your horses will be fine ‘til then. Right now, I’m getting you home. Constable John nodded his head for emphasis. He hitched the wagon up and he and the boys were on their way to Evergreen in a few minutes. He practically galloped his horses as they passed the driveway to the park. It wasn’t long before he dropped all the boys off at Vic and Evelyn’s place. Margaret and Ted were still there, visiting.

It’s never a good sign when the constable has to haul my boys home, Ted said, with a laugh, as Constable John stopped the horses in the driveway. John and the boys quickly explained their situation to the adults, who all gathered around the wagon.

Wow, I can’t believe the Cream Can Gang is still hanging around, Ted said. You boys were in a very dangerous situation.

Now, I don’t know for sure that it was the Cream Can Gang, John said, But from the description of the bag of money, I’m betting that it came from our bank, which was robbed. If I remember right, you boys were around when that happened, too. I’m beginning to wonder about you! The boys looked at John with their eyes as big as saucers. I’m just kidding, fellas. If you had stolen the money, I suspect you wouldn’t run and tell me what you did. Anyway, I should get to Iron Creek to wire the sheriff. Then we are going to go take down the people who are in that cave! With that, John turned the horses around and took off out the driveway toward Iron Creek. And don’t go back for the horses until I say it’s okay, you hear?

Well, P.V., what do you think about that? Ted asked, after John was out of sight.

I say we have three horses that need to get back home, Vic replied.

Oh, no, you don’t! Margaret had sparks in her eyes. You heard John. You are not to go near those horses!

Now, Margaret, it sounded to me like it was just a suggestion, not an order, Ted replied. P.V. and I will just ride on over and get ‘em. There’s bound to be other people around in the park.

What about our clothes? Tommy asked. Our pants, shirts, and boots are in the bushes by the falls.

Now, I will go along with Margaret’s suggestion there, Vic said. I don’t think it’s a good idea to go near the falls. We will wait for the law to step in before we get the boys’ clothes. In the meantime, you boys better go and get some other clothes on, since you’re only in your swimming suits.

Yes, boys, all of you can go in the house. I’m sure that between Matthew, Eric, Sven, and Lucas, you can find some extras for Tommy and Lyle, Evelyn said, as she sidled up to Vic and held his hand.

Now P.V., don’t go gettin’ all mushy on us, Ted said. You know that young newly-married couples aren’t supposed to hold hands.

Really, P.V.? Eric asked, as he walked up to Vic and latched on to Vic’s arm with his hand.

What do you think? Vic asked.

Well, Ted kinda likes to fool people, Eric mentioned.

How often? Vic replied.

Only when he’s awake, Tommy chipped in. Everyone laughed.

Well, P.V., are you ready to get started? Ted asked.

Hey, we get to go with, too! Sven shouted. Can we, please, P.V.?

"If you boys stay out on the road, and let Ted and me go into the park to get the horses, then you may go with us. You may even ride the horses back home," Vic replied.

I think this is a bad idea, Evelyn mentioned. Don’t you think you can just wait?

It could be days before the officers all arrive to confront the gang. In the meantime, we have three horses that need to be fed and watered, Vic said.

Well, we better get moving then, Ted said. He and Vic got the wagon ready while the boys dashed in the house to find some clothes. Tyler and