after hours alice liddell carolyn faulkner

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Bartering Innocence

By Dort Wesley

©2011 Blushing Books Publications and Dort Wesley



Copyright © 2011 by Blushing Books® and Dort WesleyAll rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published by Blushing Books®,a subsidiary of ABCD Graphics and Design

977 Seminole Trail #233Charlottesville, VA 22901

The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Wesley, Dort

Bartering InnocenceeBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-441-9

Cover Design: ABCD Graphics



Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us!

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This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this

book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted asadvocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.



Chapter One

Johnwaswelcomedintothecampasusual,buthedidn’tletdownhisguardfor

onemoment.Aslongasthebravesrespectedhim,hewasonewhitemantheywelcomedasanequal.Severalyearsbefore,JohnhadrescuedtheChief’sonlyson,andsincethattime

hewanderedinandoutofthevillageashepleased.Johnwasheretotrade.Hewastiredofspendingthewinteralone,andhewanteda

warm,willingwomaninhisbed.Therewerealwayscaptivesfromothertribesforsale,

andforsomehidesandtobacco,hewouldhaveanicewarmbodytosharehisbedthroughthelonghardwinterahead.

Itwaseasytospotthecaptives.Leatherstripswereattachedtotheiranklesand

stakedtotheground,givingthemjustenoughleewaytoscrapethehidestobegintheprocessofturningthemintobuckskinsforclothing.Itwashardwork,aswasgrindingthe

cornintomeal.Johnobservedseveralwomenbenttotheirtasks,andwhileoneortwo

seemedcomelyenough,hewaslookingforawomanwithabitmorespirit.Allofasudden,heheardaspurtofangryvoices,andheturnedtoobservethe

commotionwithinterest.Tohiscompletesurprise,threeoftheIndianwomenwerecirclinganotherwoman,onewhohadflamingredhair!Theredheadwasholdingastickin

herhand,andeverytimeoneofthewomencametooclose,theredheadrappedhersmartly.Johngrinnedasheheardtheclamorgrowlouderandlouder,findingitamusing

thatthelittleredheadwaseffectivelykeepingthethreeotherwomenatbaywithoutdoing

anyrealharmtoheropponents.Johnglancedaroundandsawthattheredheadwasprovidingasourceof

amusementformostofthecamp,buthefearedthatamusementwouldsoonfadeandturn

intoindignationandanger,andonceafewothersdecidedtolendthethreeIndianwomen

ahand,theredheadwouldwishshe’dneverbeenborn.AllofasuddenhespottedHeWhoWearsRedrideintothecamp,andJohnabruptlyrealizedthethreeIndianwomenwerehiswives,andthattheredheadwasmorethanlikelyhiscaptive.HeWhoWearsRedwas

knownforhisquicktemper,andJohnquicklydecidedtostepintothefraytosavethelittle

redhead.Heencircledhertinywaistfrombehindwithhisleftarm,andwrestedthestick

fromherwithhisrighthand.Sheturnedintoaspittingwildcat,andstartedfightinghim

witheverythingshehad.“Settledown,woman.I’mtryingtosaveyourlife!”hegrowledintoherear,keepinghisvoicelittlemorethanawhisper.“Settledown!”hesaidabit

louder,butshecontinuedtokick,andJohnabruptlydecidedonacourseofactionthathehopedwouldsatisfytheIndians.Hedroppedtohisrightknee,andthenpinnedherface

downoverhisleftthigh.Hisrighthandfoundherwigglingbottomwithaloudcrackandtheredheadgaspedinoutrage.Thesecondsmackfueledhertemper,andthewordsspewingfromhermouthwouldhaveearnedhimasoapingathismother’shands!“Stop

withthatlanguage!”hescolded,butshemerelyfoundafewmorenamestocallhimashecontinuedtospankherroundedbackside.“I’lltossupthisragandbareyourhind,girl!”he

threatenedher,andsmiledinsatisfactionwhensheimmediatelystoppedcursing.

“Letmego!”shepleaded.“You’rehurtingme!”



“Aspankin’issupposedtohurt!”hereplied.“Nowhushandtakeyourpunishment

likeagoodgirl.I’mnotstoppin’untilyoucalmyourself.”Hethoughtheheardherwhimper,andhedecidedthatwasthewholepoint.Hewantedhertocry.Hewantedher

toappearhumbledandcontritewhenhewasfinished.Hewasdoingherafavor.AsorebuttwasamildpricetopaycomparedtoanyofthepunishmentsHeWhoWearsRedorhis

wiveswouldadminister.Finally,thefightwentoutoftheyoungwoman,andshestartedsobbing,andcollapsedoverhisknee,nolongerprotesting.Hegaveheranotherdozenhardspanks,makingthemhardenoughtobeheardbythosewatchinginamusement.“You

doasItellyou,girl,”hewarnedharshly,thenheliftedheroffhiskneeandploppedher

downonthehardgroundonhersorebottom.Shegaspedinpainandtriedtogetup,andJohnshookhishead.“Youdon’tmakeiteasyonyourself,doyou?”Heflippedheroverhis

kneeagain,andthistimehetossedupthetatteredskirtofherdress.Shewaswearingdrawersthatusedtobewhite,andtheyweresothreadbarehecouldseeherreddenedskin

beneaththefabric.Hereachedforthewaistband,onlytohavehersuddenlystopfighting

him.“Please…!Pleasedon’tbaremeinfrontofthem!Please!!!I’llbegood!”she

franticallypromised.“Onechance,girl,andthat’sallI’llgiveyou.Startkicking,fighting,orcursing,andI’ll

bareyouandtakeasticktoyou.Understand?”Hepunctuatedhisquestionwithapainful

spank.“Ow!Yes,Iunderstand!”sheanswered.“I’llbegoodnow,Ipromise!”

“You’regoingtogetanotherfifty,andIwantyoutocounteachone,”hesaidfirmly.

“Ifyoumiscount,I’llstartover…”Hebroughthishanddownonherrightcheek,andshewhispered‘one’.“Iwanttohearyou,girl!We’llstartagain.”Shewascryinghardbythe

timehe’dgivenherthefirsttwenty,andbythirtyshewassobbingtoohardtobeunderstood.Hedecidedtohelpherout,andcountedwithher,givingherthelasttwentyon

hersitspots.Thistimewhenhesatherdown,shecriedout,butshestayedinplace.He

stood,handonhiships,andlookeddownather.Shewastheperfectpictureofawell-spankedfemale.

HeWhoWearsRedwalkedoverandaddressedhim.Johngrinned,andthen

answeredthemaninhisowntongue.Susanwasscared.She’dbeenscaredforthelastweek,eversincetheIndians

attackedtheirlittlewagontrain.Phillipwaskilled,sowasMaryElizabethandherhusband,andthethreemenwhoworkedforPhillip.Herbelongingsweretakenor

destroyed,andshehadnothingleftbutherverylife…!She’dbeenprodded,poked,

slapped,andtreatedlikethelowestslavebythethreewomenhercaptorgaveherto.Atleastshehadn’tbeenrapedbyhim,butshe’dseenhimlookingatherwhenthethree

womenwhosharedhisblanketswerebusyelsewhere.Itwasjustamatteroftimebefore

heforcedherdown,andSusanwasterrifiedthatoncehedidthatshewouldneverbethesame.Thethreewomenalreadyhatedher,andtheytookeverypossibleopportunityto

humiliateherandremindherthatshewastheirslave.Todayshe’ddecidednottotakeitanylonger.Whentheyoungestofthethreeyankedonherhair,she’dlosthertemper,

grabbedastickandwentafterher.Theyoungestwifehadsquealedinterror,andtheother

twowomencametoheraid,butSusanwasfedup,andshedecidedthatallthreeofthemweregoingtogetatasteofherstick.Theywouldeitherenduprespectingherandtreating

herbetter,ortheywouldkillher.Atthispoint,shedidn’treallycare.



ShewatchedwarilyastheIndianwhocapturedhertalkedtothemanwho’d

spankedher.Shewasshockedwhenthemanspokeandshecouldunderstandhim.TheseIndianshatedwhites…butherehewas,walkingabouttheirencampmentasifhebelonged.

Shetriednottogetherhopesup,butmaybehewouldsaveher?Rescueher.Shewouldoffertopayhimtogetheroutofhere,butallofherworldlypossessionsweregone.The

moneythatPhilliphadwashiddeninthewagonthattheIndiansburned…Shehadabsolutelynothing.Notevenherprideanddignity.He’dspankedher…infrontoftheIndians!She’dcried,andbeggedhimtostop,andknewthatthethreewomenwouldmake

herlifealivinghellfromnowon.She’dratherdie…!

Johnkeptawatchfuleyeonthelittleredhead.Sheseemedlostinherownthoughts,andhecouldn’tblameher.HeWhoWearsRedadmittedthathe’dkilledherhusbandand

fiveotherpeoplebeforetakinghercaptive.Johnrealizedshewasprobablygrieving,butitreallydidn’tmatter.Shewasn’tavirgin,andshewouldkeephisbedwarm.Shehad

enoughspiritlefttomakeitinterestingtolivewithher.Hecouldprettymuchguarantee

thatshewouldgivehimanexcusetotakeheroverhiskneefairlyoften,andthatsuitedhimjustfine.Wasperfectinfact,andhewillinglypaidHeWhoWearsRedwhatheasked,after

abitofhaggling,ofcourse.Hedidn’twanttoappeartooeager,andHeWhoWearsRedwasanxioustohavepeacerestoredtohislodge.Johndidn’tenvythemanhavingthreewivestokeephappy.Finally,thebargainwasstruck,andheturnedtothefemaleandsaid,

“You’recomingwithme,girl.”Heheldouthishand,wonderingifshewouldtakeitwillingly,orifhe’dhavetodragheroutofthecampkickingandscreaming.Itdidn’tmatter

tohim.

Susanlookedathishand,thenputhersinhisandlethimpullhertoherfeet.Heledhertohishorseandmounted,andthenhepulledheruptositinfrontofhim.Shecriedout

whenherbottommadecontactwiththesaddle,andthenflashedhimadirtylookwhenhechuckled.

“Youhaveafinetemper,don’tyou,girl?”heteased,wavinggoodbyetotheIndians

watchingthemleave.“I’msore,”sheconfessed,hardlydaringtobelievehewasgettingheroutofhere,

andthatshewasrescued.

“Thenyou’dbestbewatchingthattemperofyours,andthatsassymouth,”hewarnedcordially.“I’llnotbesogentleifIhavetotakeyouovermykneeagainsoon.”She

shivered,andhewasn’tsureifitwashiswords,orthenipintheair.Hereachedbehindhim,anduntiedthebedrollhecarriedwhenherodeawayfromhiscabin.Hetookthe

blanketandwrappeditaroundherslendershoulders.“Here.Thatdressofyoursdoesn’t

lookverywarm.”“Thankyou.”Shepulledtheblanketaroundher,surprisedtorealizethatshefelt

safeforthefirsttimeinoveraweek.TheIndianstookhercoatandhatandscarffromher,

andshewaswearingheroldestdressandshoesthedayoftheattack;theydidn’tcareifshewascold…orhungry.Andnow,shewassaved,andwrappedinanice,warmblanket.For

thefirsttimeinaweek,Susanclosedhereyesandsleptsoundly.Johnfelttheredheadslumpandrealizedshe’dfallenasleep.Heeasedherback

againsthisbodytomakeiteasiertoholdherandkeepherfromfallingoffhishorse.He’d

alreadynoticedthatshewasmuchtoothinandhewasprettysuretheIndiansonlyfedherenoughtokeepheralive.Hewonderedifshewasgrievingforherhusband;somehowshe

seemedtoofullofspiritforthat.Ofcourse,shedidhaveredhair,andredheadswere



famousforhavingatemper!Johnsmiledasherecalledhowshe’dfoughtHeWhoWears

Red’sthreewives,holdingthemoffwithastickandgivingthemtheworstendoftheconfrontation.Thegirlhadspirit,andheadmiredspiritinafemale.

********************WhenSusanfinallywokeupshewasstartledtofindherselflyinginbedwithaman

whosenameshedidn’tevenknow!Hehadhisarmwrappedaroundherandshewasn’tabouttotoleratethatkindoffamiliarity!Hewasn’therhusbandandhehadnorighttobeinbedwithher!Withoutgivingitanythoughtwhatsoever,shewiggledabituntilshecould

getsomeleverageagainstthewallofthecabinandshekickedwithallhermight,sending

themanflyingoutofbedtolandonhisbuttonthefloor.Shefeltasenseoftriumphathisgruntofpainandnoddedinsatisfactionassherecalledhowhehadspankedher!Itwas

onlyfairthathesuffered,too!But,herbravadofadedwhenhecameupoffthefloorwithanangryroar.

“Didyoukickmeoutofmyownbed,girl?”Johngrowled,andwhenhesawherturn

herchinupinagestureofpurestubbornness,hehadhisanswer.“Youlittlehellion,”hesaidinathreateningtoneofvoiceasheclimbedonthebedonhiskneesandgrabbedfor

her.Shebackedoutofreach,buthefollowed,andsnaggedherwristinhishandandpulledhertowardhim.

Susancriedoutinfearastheangrymanhauledheroverhisrightthighuntilher

headwasdanglingoffthebedwhiletherestofherwasonthefeathertickmattress.“Don’t!”shepleadedassheimmediatelyrealizedwhyshewasinthehumiliatingposition.

“Pleasedon’tspankmeagain!I’mstillsorefromthelasttime!”shebegged.

“Ifyoudidn’twantaspankingthenyoushouldn’thavekickedmeoutofbed,girl!”Johnsaidmatter-of-factly.“ThereisnowayI’mgoingtopermityoutobehavelikethatand

getawaywithit,andbestyoulearnitrightnow.”Shefelthimturnupherskirtthen,andtohercompletemortification,hetuggedon

herdrawersandthethreadbarefabricripped,exposinghertohisgaze.“No!!!!”Shetried

toraiseup,andwhenshecouldn’t,shelungedforwardandwouldhavecrackedherheadonthefloorifhisreflexesweren’tsoquick.Hecaughtherandpulledherbackandshe

criedoutinpainashishandfellonherverytenderbottom.“Owwwww!”shehowled.

“Don’tdothis!”“Youmightaswellsettledown,girl,becauseyouaregoingtogetyourhindseton

fireforthatbitofnastiness.Iwon’tbekickedoutofmyownbed.”“Youhadnorighttobeinbedwithme!”sheaccused.“Youhadyourarmaround

me!”

“Girl,IbarteredwithHeWhoWearsRedforyou.You’llbespendingalotoftimeinmybedwithme,”heannounced,continuingtospankherbottom,whichwasturninga

brightredafterjustafewswats.

“No!Iwon’tshareyourbed!Youdon’townme!”“Girl,Iownyouandyouain’tgoinganywhere.”

“Ouch!”Shetriedtotwistfree.“Stopthisatonce!Iwon’tbemanhandled!”shecriedout,hisattitudefuelinghertemper.“I’llleaveifIwish!”

“Noyouwon’t.”Hesmackedherbarebottomagainasshedrummedherfeetonthe

feathertick.“Youaregoingtosettledown,girl,andpronto,oryouwon’tsitforaweek,”hepredicted.Hegaveheranotherpowerfulspankandasked,“Areyoureadytosay‘sorry’

yet?”hedemanded.



“Yes!”shesaidimmediately.Anythingtostopthepainfulpunishment.“I’msorry!

Pleasestopnow!”“Idon’tthinkyoumeantthat,girl,”Johnpromptlydecided.“I’mgoingtohavetosee

toityoumeanthewords.”“Noooooo!”shewailedashespankedevenharder,hishandlandingonhersitspots

andupperthighsandturningthemasredasherbottom.“Pleasestop!Please!I’msorry!”Shestartedcrying.

“Tenmore.Count,”heordered.

“Ican’t!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore.”

“Theydon’tcountuntilyoustart,”hewarned.“Damnyou!ONE.Ihateyou!TWOOOO!Ouch!Three…Stop,please!Fourrrrrrr!

Fiiive!OWWWWWWWW!Youneedtostop!Ican’tstandthis….Siiix.Please,please…Sevvven!Enough.OhGod,nomore….Eight…You’reworsethantheIndians!NINE!

Teeeen!”Susansobbedandwhenheliftedherontothebed,shecrawledintothecorner

andpulledthequiltoverherandgavehimherback.“Neverdothatagain,girl,orI’lltakemybeltoff.”Johnhatedhearinghercrylike

that,buthewasn’tabouttoapologize.Sheneededalesson,andhewasgoingtostartashemeanttogoon.Shewouldrespecthiminhisownhome,evenifhishomewasjustasimpleoneroomcabin.Itwaswherehelived,andhepaiddearlytogetheroutofthatIndian

campandintohisbedforthewinter.Sheshouldbegratefultohim;shewouldn’thavesurvivedthewinterwithHeWhoWearsRedandhisthreewives.Johnwaiteduntilshe

criedherselftosleep,andthenhepermittedhimselftorelaxandgobacktosleep.

********************Susanwokeagainandshestifledamoanasshetriedtomove.Shewasextremely

soreandputtinganyweightonherbottomwasimpossible.Themanwasstillsleeping,butthistimeshewasn’tgoingtokickhimoutofbed.No,shewasgoingtotryandriseandget

herselfoutofthecabinandfindsomeoneinthesettlementtohelpher.Shebackedtothe

bottomofthebed,andquietlyclimbedoverthefootboard.Onceshewasonherfeet,shefoundhershoesandthenheadedforthedoorofthecabin.Sheletherselfoutsideand

lookedaroundindismay.Thecabinwasinthemiddleofnowhere,andshehadnoideain

whichdirectionsheshouldgotofindhelp.“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”Johndemanded,standinginthedoorway.He

wokeuptheverysecondheheardthedoorofthecabinopenandclose.“Iwashopingwewereinatownorsettlementofsomesort.Iwanttogetaway

fromyou!”Hergreeneyesweresnappingwithtemper,anditwaseasytoseeshewas

angry.“YoumighthaverescuedmefromtheIndians,butIamafreewoman,andIrefusetostayherewithyouasyourbedwarmer!”Shesaidthelasttwowordswithasmuch

contemptaspossible.

“Girl,thereisnoreasonforyoutobesoriled.Ibarteredforyou;it’snotlikeyouain’tbeenmarried.Idon’tplantohurtyounone,justkeepwarmthroughthelongwinter

ahead.It’sdamncoldouthere,sogetyourfannyinsideandI’llshowyouwherethesuppliesaretofixussomebreakfast.”

“I’mnotyourslave,andIwon’tcookforyou!”Susanwashighlyinsulted.“Ididn’t

exchangeoneformofcaptivityforanother.Youareawhitemanandyoushouldknowbetter!”



“IgrewupinGeorgia,”heinformedher.“Myfamilyownsaplantationthere.

Slaveryislegal…andwhetheryoulikeitornot,whenthoseIndianscapturedyou,theymadeyouaslave,andIbarteredforyou,andnowyoubelongtomeuntilIdecidetoletyou

go.IspenteverythingIhadonyou,girl,andIamnotspendingthewinteralone.Itgetslonelyuphere.NowcomeoninsidebeforeIhavetoheatyourbacksideagain.”Hesawher

eyeswideninfear,andshequicklyobeyedhim,althoughtearsofangerfilledthoseprettyeyes.

“Ihateyou!”shetoldhim,meaningeveryword.

“Youdon’tknowmewellenoughtohateme,”hecalmlyansweredandthenlooked

downather,“Whatisyourname,girl?”Whenshelookedathimdefiantly,herepeatedhimself,“Whatisyourname?”

“Mrs.PhillipJamison.”“Notanymore,accordingtoHeWhoWearsRed.Hemadeyouawidow…AndI

won’tcallyouMrs.Jamison.WhatisyourChristianname?”Sheglaredathim,andhe

shookhishead.“Youdotryaman’spatiencethisearlyinthedaybeforeI’veevenhadacupofcoffee.Tellme,didyourhusbandhavetotakeastraptoyoudailytokeepyouin

line?”“No!Phillipneverstruckme!”shedenied.“Well,thatcertainlyexplainswhyyoufeelsofreetoprovokeme,doesn’tit,girl?I’m

notabitlikeyourdeadhusband,”hetoldher,hiswordssoftascouldbe.“Ifyoudon’tgivemeyourname…now…I’mgoingtobendyouoverandsetyourhindonfiretostartthe

day.”Helookedather,hisdarkeyebrowarchingupwards.“Well?”

“Susan.MynameisSusan,”sheanswered.“MynameisJohnJericho,Susie,”henodded.“Now,let’sseeaboutsomebreakfast.

I’mhungry,andneitherofusateanythinglastnight.”Susanabruptlyrealizedshewasstarving.TheIndianshadn’tgivenhermuchinthe

wayoffood,andithadbeenagoodtwodayssinceshewasgivenanythingatall,exceptfor

thewatershemanagedtosneakwhenshewasn’tbeingwatched.ShepaidattentionwhenJohnshowedherwheretolocatefood,anditwasn’tlongbeforeshehadbaconoverthefire

inafryingpan.Cookingoverafireplacewasnothingnewtoher,andwithinashorttime,

theirfoodwasreadytoeat.JohndecidedtoletSusaneatinpeace,andhedidn’tmakehersitdowntodoso.He

knewshehadtobesorefromthespankingshe’dgivenher,andhewouldnormallyseetoitshesatdownandobservedthepropermannershe’dbeentaughtbyhisMother.Thisone

time,however,hewasgoingtolethertaketheedgeoffherhungerandenjoyherfirst

decentmealinoveraweek.Oncehefinished,shewasstilleatingandsavoringeverylastbite,andsippinghercoffeeslowlywithhereyesclosed.He’drunoutofcoffeethelast

winterhespentuphere,andheknewwhatitwasliketodowithoutthestrongbrew.It

pleasedhimtoseeherenjoyingthesimplepleasureandrelishingeverysecondoffillingherbelly.

Shefinallystoppedeatingandlookedathimsheepishly.Hesmiledandasked,“Haveyouhadenoughnow,Susie?Ifnot,feelfreetomakesomemore.”

“Thankyou,butIamfullnow,”shesaid,hercheeksturningpink.

“Noneedtobeembarrassed.I’msureHeWhoWearsRed’swivesmadesureyoudidn’tgetmuchtoeat,andIknowyoudidn’tgetanycoffeeintheircamp.”



“No,theyonlygavemesomethingtoeattwice.”Hereyesfilledwithtearsatthe

memory.“Iwasstarved,slapped,pinched,worked,andlefttiedtoatreeoutsideatnighttofreeze.”

“Wasthattheworstofit?”heasked,lookingathermeaningfully.“Ifyou’reaskingifIwasabusedasawoman…No,Iwasn’t.Itwasonlyamatterof

timebeforeithappened,however.ThemanwhokilledPhillipandcapturedmewaskeptbusybyhiswives,orhewouldhaveforcedme,”sheadmitted.“Iwasterrified,”shewhispered.

“Hewon’tbotheryounow,Susie.”

“MynameisSusan!”shescolded.“IlikeSusie,”hestatedwithagrin.

“Well,Idonot!Iwanttogotoatownorsettlement,Mr.Jericho.IhavefamilyinOhiothatIcanaskforfinancialhelpsoIcangethome.”

“Susie,youarestayingrightherewithmethiswinter.Youmightaswellacceptthat

fact,oryouaregoingtospendalotoftimeovermykneegettingyourprettylittlebacksidereddened!”



Chapter Two

“Iamnotyourslave,JohnJericho,anditdoesn’tmatterifyoubeatmedaily,Iamnot

stayingherewithyouforthewinter,noramIgoingtopermityouforceyourselfuponme!Haveyounomorals?”Susandemandedshrilly.“IinsistyoutakemetosomeplaceIcan

arrangetogobackhome.”“Didyoufeelhowcolditisoutthere,Susie?”Johnasked.“It’sgoingtosnowanyday

now,andwearetoofarawayfromasettlementforyoutogettherewithoutfreezingto

death.Youarestuckhereuntilspring.Youcanwashupthesedishes,andthenwe’llseeifwecan’tcomeupwithsomethingwarmerforyoutowearthanthatpoorexcusefora

dress.”

“Foryourinformation,thisistheoldestdressIowned!Therestwereeitherstolenorburnedwithourwagon,includingPhillip’ssavings!”Susanwasangryandmakingno

bonesaboutit.

“Ifyou’dbeenwearingsomethingnicetheywouldhavetakenitandleftyoucompletelynaked,”Johnstatedmatter-of-factly.

“Theydidtakemycoatandscarfandmyglovesandhat,”shebitterlyadmitted,stillveryupsetoverthecallouswayshewastreated.Ifshethoughtherlifemiserablelivingin

thecoveredwagon,shewastrulymiserable,andterrified,intheIndianencampment.“Iknowthelastweekhasn’tbeeneasyforyou,girl,butit’sovernowandtimetoget

alongwithyourlife.Grievingcan’tbringbackthedead,”hestatedwithcertainty,watching

hergreeneyestoseeifsheshowedanysignofgrievingforherhusband.“Iamwellawareofthat,Mr.Jericho,”shesaidinasharptoneofvoice.“Butifyou

thinkthatI’llshareabedwithyousinceIamawidow,youaresadlymistaken.Iwillnot,

andtheonlywayyoucanmakethathappenisifyouforceme!”Sheglaredathim,silently

daringhimtochallengeherdecision.“Thereismorethanonewaytohaveyouwillinginmybed,Susie.Icouldwithhold

food,orsityououtsideinthecold,orIcouldblisteryourhinduntilyoudecidethatsharing

mybedisthebestoptionyouhave.Youthinkaboutthatwhileyoudoupthesedishes.”He

wasbluffing,andfromthelookinhergreeneyes,Susieknewit.“No,Iwon’tstarveyouandIwon’tfreezeyou,Susie.Thereareother,moreenjoyableways,tohaveyouwarmingmy

bed.”Hercheeksturnedpinkwithembarrassment.“GetbusynowwhileIfindsomething

foryoutowear.”Susanwantedtopickupthecoffeepotandhurlitattheaggravatingman,but

commonsensetoldherhewouldjustturnheroverhiskneeagain,andshewasmuchtoosoreforthat.JohnJerichohadrescuedherfromtheIndians,andforthatreasonalone,she

shouldbethankful.Infact,theonlyreasonshewasupsetwiththemanwasbecausehethoughtheownedher,andthatpayingforhergavehimrightstoherbody.Itdidn’t.Still,evenwhenshekickedhimoutofbedthismorning,hehadn’treallyharmedher.Yes,hedid

spankher…soundly…butshedeservedaspanking,shewashonestwithherself.Phillipwouldhavegivenherhisfist.

JohnwaswellawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshecleanedupaftertheir

breakfast.Shewasdeepinthoughtandhewonderedifshewasthinkingofrunningaway,orifherthoughtswereofherdeadhusbandandallshe’dlost.Shedidn’tseemtobe



grieving,butheknewfromexperiencethatapersoncouldhidetheirdeepestfeelingsfrom

theworldiftheychoseto.Susiewasgoingtobearwatching,hedecided.Withhertempershewaswildlyunpredictable.Thefactthatsheexpectedhimtorapeheratanymoment

didnothingtolessenherfearofhim;sheprobablyfeltshe’dtradedoneenslavementforanother,andhedidn’twanthertofeelthatway.Still,hewasgoingtoconvincehershe

neededhiswarmthasmuchasheneededhers.Hecouldbepatientforacouplemoredayswhilehegavehersometimetogettoknowhimbetter.ThecommentSusiemadeabouthishavingnomoralshadprickedhisconscience.HissweetlittleMotherwouldbeappalledat

thewayhewasbehaving.

“Doyouknowhowtosew,Susie?”Johnaskedofher.“Yes,Ido,”sheadmitted,lookingattheclothheheldinhishands.Itcertainlywasn’t

thekindofdressfabricshewasusedto!“Iknowthisain’tpretty,butitisthebestIcando.Astinyasyouare,Ifigureyou

cangetaskirtandatopoutofit,andwecanuseaheavyblankettomakeyouacoatof

sortsforwhenyouneedtogooutside.”“Nothankyou,”shesaidprimly.

“No…?Whyno?”Hewasshockedatherrefusal.“Thisisn’tgoodenoughforyou,princess?”

“ThatlookslikewhattheIndianswore!I’mnotanIndian!”shesnapped.

“Yes,thisisbuckskin.It’swarm,Susie,andevenwithafire,thiscabingetsprettydarnchillyattimes.You’llfreezetodeathinthatragyou’rewearing.Youdon’thaveto

makeyourclothinginthesamestyleastheirs,”heinsisted.

“No.”Susandidn’twantanythingthatremindedherofthemosthorribleexperienceofhershelteredlife.

“Youarebeingfoolish,girl,”Johnstated.“Maybeso,butmymindismadeup.I’lljustwrapupinablanketifIgetcold,”she

decided.

“Youcan’tcookwithablanketdrapedaroundyouallthetime.You’llcatchitonfire.”

“WhosaidIamgoingtocook?”sheaskedtartly.

“Yourhusbandshouldhavetakenasticktoyourbacksideafewtimes,girl,”Johnannounced,andSusancouldseehewascontemplatingdoingjustthat.“Youmightaswell

learnrightnowthatIexpectyoutofixourmeals,Susie.Iwillprovidethefoodforyoutocookforus.I’llhelpyoukeepthisplacetidy,butthedishesareyourstodo.It’swoman’s

work.”

“Whodoesitwhenyouarealonehere?”sheputherhandsonherhipsanddemanded.

“Ido,ofcourse,butthatisdifferent.Nomanworthbeingcalledamandoesthe

cookingandwashingupafterwhenhehasawomantodoit.Didyourhusbandcook?”heaskedsuspiciously.

“No.”“Areyoualwayssotesty,Susie?”heasked,deliberatingonthebestwaytohandle

thecontraryfemale.

“No.Infact,Iwasconsideredmeekandmildandobedientinmyparents’home.”Shecouldseeinhisdarkeyesthathedidn’tbelieveher.“Ievenmarriedthemanmyfather



pickedforme,andyoucanseehowwellthatturnedout,”shesaid,hergreeneyesfilling

withtears.“Didyoulovethemanatall?”Johnaskedcuriously.Hewantedtounderstandthe

prettyredhead.“No,Idespisedhim!”

Johnwasstartledbyhervehementreply.“Didhemistreatyou?”heasked.“Yes.Idonotwishtodiscussthedetails,Mr.Jericho!”Sheturnedupherchinina

stubbornmanner.“ThatlifeisnowoverandIwishtoreturntomyhome.”

“ComespringI’llseetoityougethome,Susie,”Johnpromised.“But,forthiswinter,

youbelongtome.”Themeaningbehindhiswordswasn’tlostonSusanandbeforeherealizedwhatshewasgoingtodoshegrabbedfortheknifeshe’dusedtosliceoffthebacon

earlierthatmorning.Sheglaredathimdefiantly,fullypreparedtofight.“Iwillnotbeyourslave,JohnJericho.I’llcutyouifyoutrytotakemebyforce!”she

promised,wavingtheknifearoundandobviouslytryingtofrightenhim.

“Susie,unlessyouwantanothersoundspanking,you’llputthatknifedownrightnow.Infact,I’veagoodmindtospankyoufortryingtothreatenme!”heannounced,

reconsideringhiswords.“Youaren’tgoingtospankmeagain,either!Noonehaseverdonethatbefore,and

youareabeastfortreatingmelikeachild!”Susanwasn’tpunishedasachild.Shedidas

shewastold,andshewasalwaysthe‘goodlittlegirl’,thechildwhoalwaysdidtherightthingandobeyed…evenwhenshedidn’twantto.“Iwanttogohomenow,Mr.Jericho!”

“Doyouwanttodie,Susie?”Johnaskedinalowvoice.

“No!”“Youwillifyoutrytoleaveforthesettlementnow.Itisgoingtosnow,andwhenit

does,wewillbetrapped.Youaren’tdressedtofacetheelements,girl.NowputthatknifedownorIamgoingtotakeitfromyouandblisteryougoodforputtingmetothetrouble.

Youdon’tevenknowhowtoholdaknife!”heaccused.

Susansawamusementinhiseyesanditmadeherveryangry.Withoutstoppingtothink,sheflewathim.Shewouldnotbehisslaveandshewouldnotsharehisbed!

Johnwasreadyfortheattack.Susan’sgreeneyesgavehimplentyofwarningthat

shewasgoingtobefoolishandattempttotakehimdown.Ittookhimmeresecondstodisarmher.Heputtheknifeonashelfwhereshecouldn’treachitandthenhepulledher

aroundtofacehim,hishandsonherupperarmsasifheintendedtoshakeher.Hedidgiveherasingleshake,butitwasn’tviolent.Hesawthefearinhereyesandsaidquietly,“Susie,

IhavetoldyouIwillnotrapeyou.Iintendtomakeyouwantmeandcometomewillingly.

Doyouhearmenow?”Susannodded.Sheheardhimbutshedidn’tbelievehimforevenonemoment!She

wouldnevergotohimwillingly.

Hegaveheranothergentleshakeandthenscolded,“Doyouhaveanyideahowfoolishitwasforyoutoturnaknifeonme,girl?YousawhoweasilyItookitfromyou.

WhatdoyouthinkwouldhappentoyouifyouwoundedmesoIcouldn’tprotectyoufromwhatisoutsidethatdoor?”hedemanded.“Youwouldfreezetodeath,girl,ifyoutriedto

leave.And,ifthatdidn’thappen,youmightbetakencaptivebytheIndiansagain.Oreven

worse,comeacrosssometrapperswhowouldtreatyouworsethantheIndiansdid.Doyouunderstandthis,Susan?”



Shenoddedoncemore,notabouttoopenhermouthandangerhimfurther.His

handswerelargeandifhestartedbeatingher,shemightnotsurvive!“Sinceyouclaimtounderstand,thendoyouunderstandthatyou’veearnedyourself

agoodspanking?”heasked,determinedtobringhertohersenses.“Noooo!”Susanwailed.Shetwistedfreeofthegrasphehadonherarmsandmoved

totheothersideofthetable.“Yes,Iamafraidso.Whenyoubehavebadly,thenyouwillbepunished,andthis

wasseriousenoughtoearnyouaverysorehind.”Hewatchedhermovefartheraway,and

thensmiledashepulledoutachairandsatdown.“I’mnotgoingtochaseyouthistime,

Susie.Youaregoingtothinkabouttheconsequencesofpullingaknifeonamantwiceyoursize.Whenyouareready,youwillbringmethewoodenspoonandhandittomeandask

foryourspanking.ThenyouwillpullupyourskirtsandlieovermylapwhileIsetyoursweetbuttonfire.”

“Iwillnot!”Shequicklydecided.

“Yesyouwill.ThelongerIsitonthischairwaitingisthatmuchlongeryouaddtoyourspanking,andtheadditionalconsequencesyouhaveearnedwillalsobeprolonged.It

wouldbetoyouradvantage,Susie,toacceptthatyouaregoingtobespankedforyourfoolishness,andcometomeatonce.”

“No,Ican’t!”Sheknewherfacewasabrightburningred.

“Whynot?Areyoutellingmethatitisokayforyoutoputaknifeinme?”Hewasdeterminedthatshewasgoingtoadmitshe’dbehavedbadlyandearnedaspanking.“Was

Iharmingyou?”

“No,butyouwerethreateningme!”sheexclaimed.“Howisthat?”

“YoukeeptellingmeIhavenochoicebutstayherewithyou.”“Youdon’t,Susie.Thewinterweatherwillseetothat.Iamgivingyoushelter;is

thatareasontoattackme?”

“No,notwhenyouputitthatway,butyoukeepimplyingIwillshareyourbedandIwon’tdothat!”

“HaveIsaidthatIwillforceyou?”Thedarkeyeslookingatherwereshamingher;it

wasanewfeeling,andshedidn’tlikeitatall.“Well?”Heinsistedsheanswerhim.“No,yousaidyouwouldn’tuseforce,”sheadmittedthetruth,refusingtomeethis

gaze.“Thenwhydidyouturnaknifeagainstme,girl?”Whenshedidn’treply,hesaid,“It

wasbecauseofyourtemper,andIknowexactlyhowtodealwiththat.Fetchthewooden

spoonandcometome,Susie.We’llgetthisspankingoverwithandthenyou’llfaceanotherconsequence,onethatwon’tbeaspainfultoyourbottom,butwillmakeyousquirmnone-

the-less.”

“Ican’t!”shewhispered.“Youcan.Nowobeyoryou’llearnastrappingfordefianceaswell.”

“I’mtoosoreforanotherpunishment!”Shelookedathimpleadingly.“Thatistoobad,Susie.Youshouldhaveconsideredyourhindbeforeyouturned

thatknifeonme.Surelyyoudidn’tthinkIwouldpermityoutogetawaywiththat?”he

asked.“Ijustwantedyoutoleavemealone!”



“Andyouaccomplishedwhat?Earningaspanking…?Seemstomethatyouneed

yourmannersmended,girl.ThisisthelastchanceI’mgoingtogiveyoutomakethisspankingeasieronyourself.Ifyoudon’tcomerightnow,I’llfetchastrapwhenweare

throughwiththis.”Hemeantit,sherealized.Hetrulyexpectedhertowalkovertohimandaccepta

spankingwiththewoodenspoonshewassupposedtobringtohim!Ifshedidn’tdoexactlywhathesaid,hewouldstrapher,too!Therewasnochoicebuttoobeyhim,evenifshedidn’twantto!Hewasstronger,andhe’dalreadyproventhattobetrue.Reluctantly,she

walkedovertothetableagainstthewallandpickedupawoodenspoon.Ithadalarge,

thickbowlononeend,andalonghandle.Therewasnochanceofitbreaking.Johnwatchedhermoveslowlyanddeliberatelyandhecouldseeshewasstruggling

withherselftoacceptaspanking.Hecouldn’timaginethisgirlbeingthe‘goodgirl’sheclaimedtobe.Itjustwasn’tpossible!Whenshewasinfrontofhimheheldouthishand,

butshequicklyhidthespoonbehindherback.Johnwantedtolaugh,butnothingonhis

facepermittedhishumortoshow.“Don’tuseaspoon,please!”shebegged.“YouhavenoideahowsoreIam!”

Hecontinuedtolookatherandheheldhisoutstretchedhandsteady.Whenheraisedonedarkeyebrow,Susanslappedthebowlofthespoononthepalmofhishandashardasshecould.Johnwassurprisedathowmuchithurt,buthedidn’tacknowledgethe

paininanyway.Hewasn’tabouttogivetheredheadthesatisfactionofknowingshe’dhurthim.Hepattedhisthighwithhislefthand.Susanstompedherfootinanger,butsheput

herselfacrosshislap.

“Youdidn’tpullupyourskirts,girl,”hesaid,remindingher.“Ican’tdothat!”shewhispered.“Pleasedon’tmakeme!”shebegged.“I’msorryI

threatenedyouwiththeknife,”sheconceded.Johnsmiledtohimself.“Doyouagreeyouearnedthisspanking,Susie?”heasked

consideringly.

Susanwantedtodenyit,ofcourse,butshecouldn’t.Shehad behavedbadly.“Yes,”shewhispered,andthenadded,“Pleasedon’tbeharshwithme.Iregretmybehavior.”

“Ibelieveyou,Susie,”hepattedherbottomgently,andshewinced.“Ihatetohave

topunishyouwhenyouaresosore,butifIletyougetawaywithpullingaknifeonme,Ihavenoideawhatyou’lltrynext.Iwill,however,pullupyourskirtssinceyouwereableto

admityouearnedaspanking.”Susanwantedthefloortoopenupandswallowherwhenheraisedherdressand

theoneremainingpetticoatsheowned.Hehadruinedherdrawersearlierwhenheripped

themfromherandshewascompletelybaretohisgaze.Truthfully,knowingthathecouldlookuponherwhenthecabinwasfulloflightwasembarrassingandshameful.Sheclosed

hereyes,tryingtopreventtearsfromescapingbutthefirstsplatofthewoodenspoonon

hersorebottomopenedhereyesinahurry!“Owwww!”shecriedoutinpain.“Oh,stop,please!ItOwwwwwwwwhurts!”sheproclaimed.

“Aspankingissupposedtohurt,”hetoldheroncemore,andcontinuedtoreddenherbacksidewithpurposeanddetermination.Hercriesofpainupsethim,andthe

spankinghegaveherwasmuchlessseverethanheplanned,buthecontinuedtoapplythe

spoontoherhind.“Areyougoingtothreatenmeagain,younglady?”heasked.“No!Iwon’t!”shepromised,andshetrulymeantthewords.“I’msosorry!”



“Wearefarfromfinishedwiththis,”heannounced.“Whatyoudidwasserious,”he

punctuatedhiswordswithahardercrackofthespoononherroundedbottom.Sheyelpedandstartedcryingevenharderthanbefore.“Anothermanmighthavehurtyou,Susie.If

you’dpulledaknifeonHeWhoWearsRed,hewouldhavetorturedyoutodeath,probablywiththesameknifeyoutriedtouseonhim!”Hegaveherseveralmorehardspankswith

thespoon,andwatchedtheovalsturnadeepdarkredonherskin.“Itwasfoolish,Susie,”heinsisted.“Doyouhearme?”

“Yes!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore!I’llbegood,”shepromised.Anythingtostop

thetormentonherbottom!

“I’llstopaslongasyouagreetoaccepttherestofyourpunishment,”hestated,continuingtopepperherbottomwithhardcracksofthespoon.

“Iwill!”shescreamedfrantically.Johnstoppedthespankingandcalmlyliftedhertoherfeet.Shewasstillcrying,and

hecouldn’tblameherforthat.Itwaseasytoseethatthislastspankingwasgoingtoleave

somebruisesonherdelicateskin.Hestoodandturnedhertowardthetable.“Bendoverhere,Susan,andputyourlegsapart.YouwillstayinthispositionuntilIgiveyouleaveto

riseandloweryourskirts.Itisasmallpunishmenttoencourageobedienceoverdefiance.Thereistobenotalking,andyouwillkeepyourlegsspreadtheentiretimeanddonothingtopreventmefromlookingatyoursweettreasures.”Hepattedherverysorebottomand

said,“Doyouunderstandwhatyouaretodo,Susie?”Shenodded,mortifiedattheposition.Shewasshowinghimherprivatemostarea

asapunishment.Heknewitwouldshameher,anditdid.Ittookallofherwillpowerto

remainbentoverthetable.Ifheweretocomeupbehindherrightnowshewouldhavenowaytostophimfromtakingher!Shefeltamomentortwoofpanic,butforcedherselfto

staycalm.Whenhewasn’twatchingher,shewouldleave.Hehadnorighttoforcehertostayhereagainstherwill.

Susiecouldn’thelpsquirmingandJohnwonderedwhatshewasthinking.Heknew

whathewasthinking,andrealizedhe’dbeenmuchtoolongwithoutawoman’scompany.Ifhedidn’tendherpunishmentquickly,hewoulddosomethingthatwouldcompletely

woundandshamehisMotherifshelearnedofit.“Susie,youcangetupnowandgoabout

yourbusiness,”hesaidbriskly,avertinghiseyesfromhersweetbody.Susandidn’tneedtobetoldtwice.Shestoodanddroppedherskirts,andwentto

lookoutthewindow,tryingtocalmherselfandstopcrying.Hopefullyhewouldgooffsomewhere,orfallasleep…anythingtogiveherachancetoescape.Butthatwasn’ttobe.

Shedidn’trealizehewasbehindheruntilshefelthishandsonhershoulderspullingher

aroundtofacehim.“Doyouneedtobeheldnow?”heaskedkindly.“No,”sheansweredandwhenshetriedtomoveawayhepermittedhertodoso.

“Thencomeandwe’llseeifwecanmakeyousomethingthatwillkeepyouwarmer

thanyouarenow.”Whenshewhirledtoglareathim,hehelduphishands.“Ididnotmeantoinsultyou,Susie.Iwasn’ttalkingaboutyourhind.Yourarmsarecool,andIdon’twant

youtofeelcoldthiswinter.Itisgoingtogetmuchcolderthanitisnow,andyou’lltakeillifwedon’tgetyououtofthisthindress.”

Susanforcedherselftoaccepthiswordsatfacevalue.Shedidn’tbelieveitwould

getcoldersoquickly.InOhioitwouldn’tsnowforatleastanothermonthattheearliest,andeventhenitwouldn’tamounttomuch.But,forwantofsomethingtooccupyher,she

lookedatthebuckskin.



“Workingwiththisisabitdifferentthanwhatyou’reprobablyusedto,”Johntold

her,patientlyexplaininghowtheywouldcutthepiecesandsewthemtogetherafterpunchingholesinthepiecesandmakingtinystitches.Heshowedherallthetoolsthey

wouldneedanditwasn’tlongbeforehe’dcutoutaskirt.Theshirttogowiththeskirthefashionedafterhisown,onlymuchsmaller.

Susanwassurprisedathowsofttheleatherwas,andevenmoresurprisedthatamanwouldknowhowtosewsowell.Itlookeddifficulttoher,buthemadeitlookeasy.Shetooktheheavyblanketheofferedandfashionedaheavycloakthatwouldwraparound

her,andshecutoutabelttotiearoundthecloaktokeepitclosedagainstthecoldweather.

TheyworkedforafewhoursandJohnsaid,“Iamhungry,Susie.”Hewentandgatheredfoodandbroughtittoher.“Thisfornow,andthistomakeastewfortonight.”

Hewaspleasedwhensheputasidehersewingandwenttowork.Maybethespankingmademoreofanimpressionthanherealized.Hedidn’twanttohurther,just

enjoyhercompanyforthewinter.Wasthatsomuchtoask?

SusandecideditwasbesttoremaincompliantanddowhatJohnJerichoaskedofher,unlessitmeantsharinghisbed.Shewouldfighthimwitheverythingshehadifhe

evenattemptedtobedher.Hercompliancewouldcausehimtolowerhisguard,andshewouldmakegoodherescape.Ifonlyshehadsomeofthesleepingpowdershemadefromrootsandherbs;shewouldslipitintohisfoodanditwouldgiveherplentyoftimeto

escape.Herchancecamemuchsoonerthansheexpected.Johnwaskneelingbesideher,

gettingmorewoodforthefire.Susanpickedupaheavyloghe’dmovedbehindhimandhit

himovertheheadwithit.Johncrumpledinaheap,andshemadesurehewasfarenoughawayfromthefireplacethathewouldn’tgetburned.Shegrabbedtheblanketcoatoffthe

bedandleftthecabinandheadedforthesettlement.



Chapter Three

JohnJerichofoughtthroughtheblacknessgrippinghim,onlytorealizehisheadwas

killinghim.Hethoughtitmightbeeasiertoletthedarknesstakehimoncemore,buthewasawarethathewascold,andifhegaveintosleephecouldverywellfreezetodeath.He

struggledtowakeup,andgroggilyputahandtothebackofhisheadandfeltahugelumptherethatwasresponsibleforhiscondition.Hecheckedhisfingers,andthereweretraces

ofblood.Heconcentratedonclearinghisheadenoughhecouldgettohiskneesandhe

finallyrealizedhewascoldbecausethefirewasnearlyout.Headdedmorekindlingandoncethefirewasburningagain,headdedsomeheavierlogsontop.

Susie!Wherethehellwasshe?Hadsomeonecomeupbehindhimandabductedher?

Hewasputtingmorewoodonthefire,andhehadnoideahowlongagothatwas.Someonehithimfrombehind.Hedidn’trecallfeelingcoldaironhisback,andhewouldhaveif

someonehadopenedthecabindoor.Damnit!Thegirldidit!Shewaiteduntilhisbackwas

turnedandshehithimwithsomethingheavyenoughtoknockhimoutcold!Johnwasangry…No,hewasbeyondangry!Hewasfurious!Howdareshedo

somethinglikethat?And,whereinhellwasshe? Helookedaroundthecabin,andimmediatelyrealizedshe’dtakentheheavyblankethe’dgivenhertomakeacoat.Thelittle

foolwastryingtogettoasettlement!Sheobviouslydidn’tbelieveadamnthinghewarnedherabout,andshewoulddieifhedidn’tgoafterher!

Johnmethodicallypreparedhimselftogooutinthefreezingcoldweather,andwhen

heopenedthecabindoor,hecursed.Itwassnowing,justashefeareditwould.Heturnedaroundandtookhissnowshoesoffthewall.Hewouldneedthemifshe’dgoneveryfar.

Andshehadatleastanhour’sheadstart.Withthesnow,anytracksshe’dmadewouldbe

covered.Commonsensetoldhimshewouldn’theadtowardtheIndianencampment;he

headedintheoppositedirection,hopingthelittleredheadhadn’tmetupwithdangerofanykind,human,animal,ornature.

********************

Susanwishedwithallherheartshe’dlistenedtoJohn.Shewascoldandmiserable

anditwassnowingjustashesaiditwould.Theheavycapeshe’dmadefromtheblanketwasgrowingwetandheavyandshewasshivering.Thesnowwaswhirlingsomuchshe

wasdisorientedanddidn’tknowwhereshewasgoing.Ifshedidn’tfindsheltersoonshe

wasgoingtodie.Itwasallherownfault,too,andmaybeshedeservedtodieafterhittingJohnovertheheadandleavinghimthere!Shebehavedbadly,andshehadbeenhateful

eversinceherfatherforcedhertomarryPhilip.JohnJerichodidn’thavetorescueherfromHeWhoWearsRed,buthedid,andhowdidshepayhimback?Ifshecouldhavea

secondchance,shewouldtellJohnshewassorryandpromisetobehavemuchbetterthanshehadtothispoint.

But,therewouldbenosecondchance.Evenifshehadn’tknockedJohn

unconscious,whichshehad,hewouldn’tbeinclinedtoriskhislifetocomeforher,sillygirlthatshewas.Especiallyaftershe’dgivenhimnothingbuttrouble!She’dearnedthe

spankingshegaveher,sowhydidshethinkshewassomuchwiserthanhimwhenitcame

totheweather?JustbecauseitwasearlyforsnowinOhiodidn’tmeanitwasearlyforsnowhere…andthiswasturningintoaveryheavysnow,completewithbonechilling



wind.Shewassocoldandsotired.Sheneededtorest.Susantriedtoshakeoffthe

lethargicfeelingoverwhelmingher,butfinallygaveupandfoundaspotthatwassomewhatprotectedfromthewindandblowingsnowandsatdownforjustafew

momentstorest.********************

Forafirstsnow,thiswasahumdinger,Johnadmittedtohimself.He’dbeenwalkingforanhour,andthesnowwaspilingupfast.Ifhedidn’tfindSusansoon,shewouldn’tsurvive.Desperately,hepushedforward,hishopesoffindinghergrowingslimmerwith

eachpassingminute.Hethoughtthatperhapsshewouldturnbackoncethesnowstarted,

buthewouldhavemetherbynowifthatwasthecase.Hetookafewmorestepsandlookedtowardatreestandingbyitself.Hesawwhathethoughtwasarockunderneath,

andthoughtitodd.Agustofwindblewthroughatthatmoment,andhesawwhatappearedtobearedstrandofhair.Johnhurriedforwardandwasshockedtorealizehow

closehe’dcometopassingrightbySusiewithoutseeingher.Ifnotforherhair,hewould

have.“Susie!”Hegaveherafirmshake.“Wakeup.Youhavetomoveoryou’llfreezeto

death.”“I’mjustdreamingnow,”shesaid.“Youaren’tdreaming,Susie.Ihaveyounow.You’llbefineifyoulistentowhatI

say.”Hestoodheronherfeet.“Openyoureyes,girl!”Hegaveheranothershake.“I’mcold,John,”shewhispered.

“Iknow.Movingwillkeepyouwarmer.Let’sgo.Weneedtogetbacktothecabin.

It’snotfar,”helied.Susanfoundherselfmovingforward,butshewasconvincedshewasdreaming.She

tookafewsteps,andthensanktoherknees.“Iwanttosleepnow,”shesaid.“No!YougetupandwalkorIswearI’llheatyourhindagain,”hepromisedher,and

tohisshock,shegiggled.Hepulledheruponcemore,andswattedherinthegeneralarea

ofherbottom,positiveshecouldn’tfeelathingthroughherclothing.But,itseemedtoencouragehertomove.ShemadeitfartherthistimewithJohnpushingandencouraging

hertokeepputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.

ThesnowcontinuedtofallharderandJohnfinallystrappedonthesnowshoesandpickedupSusantocarryher.Hecouldmakefastertimecarryingherthanhecouldby

tryingtokeepheronherfeet.Thelastmiletothecabinwasthelongest,andJohnwastednotimegettingtheminside.Fortunatelytherewerestillembersinthefireplaceandhe

wasabletogetafirestartedwithinashorttime.HethenstrippedSusanofhersodden

clothingandshookhisheadatherfoolishness.Thefeistyredheadneededadamnedgoodspankingandshewasgoingtogetonetorememberoncehewassureshewouldsurvive

thisfoolishness.

Hetuckedherinthebed,andthenstrippeddowntotheskin,too.Foodcouldwaituntiltheybothwarmedupabit.Heusedhishandstorubhercoldskin,tryingtowarmher

body.Susanwokefromapleasantdream.Shewastuckedintobed,snuggledunderneath

warmblankets.Thecoldwasajustanunpleasantmemory,aswastrudgingthroughthe

snow.Shewassafenow.Suddenlyhereyesflewopenasrealityreturnedwithajolt.Shewasbackinthecabinandinbed,heldfirmlyinJohnJericho’sarms.Shewasalso

completelynudeaswasthemanbesideher.Shegaspedindismay!Howonearthhadthis



happened!“Howcouldyoudothistome?”shedemanded,pullingawayfromhimand

wakinghimfromasoundsleep.Sheatleastexpectedtohavesomememoryof…that…!Tearsfilledhereyes.

“Girl,Ididn’tdoanythingtoyouexceptsaveyourlife!”Johngrowled,defendinghimself.HewasangrywithSusanandmadenoattempttohidehisfeelings.Hewatched

hergreeneyesfillwithtearsandtohissurpriseshenoddedbeforespeaking.“You’reright,John.YousavedmylifeandIoweyoumygratitude.Iwaswrongto

doubtyourwordabouttheweather.Iamsorryforstrikingyouandforrunningaway.In

yourplaceI’mnotsosureIwouldhavebotheredcomingaftermeandrescuingmea

secondtime.Icertainlyhaven’tdoneanythingtodeservesuchkindnessfromyou,butIamgrateful,andIpromisethatifyougivemeasecondchance,Iwon’tbesuchapain.Iam

trulysorry,”shesaidsosincerelythatheknewshemeanteveryheartfeltword.“Ialmostwalkedrightpastyou,Susie,”heconfessed,gentlypullingherbackunder

theblankets.“Ifthewindhadn’tblowntheblanketandyourhair,Iwouldn’thaveseenyou

underthattree.”“Godwaslookingoutforme,”sheadmitted,certainofthat.“Iaskedforhelp,even

thoughIknowIdidn’tdeserveit,”sheconfessed.“Iwon’tbethatstupidagain,”shepromised.

“Iamsureyouwon’t,”heagreed.

“Couldn’twejustpretendthatitdidn’thappen,John?”Shelookedathimhopefully.“Fortonight.”Hesurprisedherbyagreeing.“Youneedanotherkindofwarming

tonight,”hestatedandwhenhereyesflewopen,hechuckled.“Notthatkind,either,”he

grinned.“Youhadaclosecalltoday,girl.Iwantyoutomakesurethatyourtoesandfingersareokaybeforewedealwiththehidingyouhavingcoming…”Hegotoutofbedand

sawherfaceturnscarletassherealizedhewasn’twearingastitchofclothing.“Iwasjustgettingusbothwarm,Susie.WhenImakelovetoagirlIwantherawakeandwilling.”He

grabbedadrypairofunderwearfromatrunkandpulledthemonoverhislegsandthen

overhisarmsandshouldersbeforebuttoningthemupthefront.Drysockswerenext.“Susie,youactlikeyouain’teverseenamangetdressed.Howlongwereyoumarried?”

“Notlong,”sheadmitted,herfaceburning.

“Notevenlongenoughtoseehiminhislongjohns?”hequeried.Sheshookherheadbackandforthindenial.Hewasconfused.“Susie,Iknowyoudidn’tliketheman,butif

youwasmarried,hehadcertainrights.Hehadtogetoutofhisbritchessometime?”MaybethisPhilipwassomesortofPuritanwhomadesuretheroomwaspitchblackand

fumbledunderthesheets.Ifthatwasthecase,thenitwasnowonderthatSusiewas

fightinghimtoothandnailagainstsharinghisbed.“Philipdidn’ttouchmelikethat.”Susanwasashamedtoadmitthetruth.“Wewere

marriedforsixmonths,andallhedidwasbeatmewithhisfistsandtellmethatmybeauty

wasacurseandheneededtobeatthesinfulnessoutofmebeforewecouldprocreate.”“DidyougotoyourPaandtellhim?”Johnpausedintheactofbuttoninghisshirtto

ask.“No.HemarriedmeofftoPhilipandweleftrightaftertheceremony.Ididn’twant

tomarryPhilip,andIdidnotwanttoleaveOhio.Paneededmoney,andPhilippaidhimin

goldforme.”Shelookedaway.“Godforgiveme,butIamnotsorryPhilipisdead.”



“NeitheramI,”Johnstated,angryatthewayshewastreatedbytheman…andby

herfather.“You’resafenow,Susie.Igiveyoumywordyou’llneverfeelmyfist;Ihavenopatienceforamanwhowoulddothattoawoman.”

Susanwassurprisedwhenhestretchedacrossthebedtokisshercheek.“Youaresafe,Susie,”herepeated.“IpromiseIwon’tmistreatyou,andthereisnoneedtoriskyour

lifetogetawayfromme.Doyouhearme,now?”heaskedinasofttoneofvoice.Shenodded,andthensmiled.Hewinkedatherandsaid,“StayunderthoseblanketsandI’llgetyousomeofthatstew.Itshouldberealtenderbynow.”

Hemovedacrossthecabintogetbowlsfromthecupboardwhilegoingovertheir

conversationinhismind.Thelastthinghewantedwasaninexperiencedvirgininhisbed,butnowthatheknewshewascompletelyinnocentitexplainedwhyshewassoskittish.

She’dcometoexpecttheworstfromthemanshewasmarriedto,andhertreatmentatHeWhoWearsRed’shanddidnothingtomakeherfeelsafe.Hewasgoingtohavetobegentle

withSusie,Johndecided,dishingupbowlsofstewforeachofthem.Itlookedandsmelled

good.Hewishedtheyhadsomebiscuits,butfornowthestewwouldfillthatcoldspotinsidethem.

“Youeateverybiteofthis,younglady,”hesaidfirmlyashehandedherthebowl.Shesmiledathimandnoddedinagreement.

“Iwill,John.Thankyousomuch.”Sheblewonabiteofmeatandthenputitinher

mouth.“Thisissogood,”shecommented.Shewasstillhungryfromwhenshewasheldcaptive;herribswereshowingwhen

heundressedher.“Thereisplentymorestewinthepot,Susie,”hetoldher,butwhenshe

finishedthebowl,shewassuddenlyverysleepy.“Beforeyougotosleep,Ineedtocheckyouover,Susie.Ineedtomakesureyou

didn’tfreezeyourtoesorfeetoryourhands.”Sheeyedhimwarily,butdidn’ttrytostophimfrompullinguptheblankettotouchherfeet.“Sofar,sogood,honey,”hesaidin

obviousreliefafterheexaminedherthoroughly.“I’llcheckyouinthemorning.Letmeget

yousomethingtosleepin,”heoffered,andsmiledtohimselfwhenhesawthereliefinherprettygreeneyes.Hefoundashirtthatwasnew,butshrunkthefirsttimehelaunderedit.

“Thisonedoesn’tfitme,Susie,soyoucankeepitforanightshirt,”heoffered,andthen

turnedhisbacktopermithertoputitonwithoutembarrassment.Susiebuttonedtheshirtandwasthankfulitcoveredheralmosttoherknees.

“Thankyou,John,”shewhispered.“Iappreciateallyou’vedoneforme.”Shewasfightingsleep,andheknewexactlyhowshefelt.

“Gotosleep,Susie.We’lldiscussthistomorrow.”Shewasasleepassoonasshe

closedhereyes,exhausted.Theywouldhaveaseriousdiscussioninthemorning,andonethatshewouldrecallifshewastemptedtotakeoffonherownagain.Johnhelpedhimself

toanotherbowlofthestewandoncehewaspositivethecabinwassecureforthenight,he

climbedintobedandsleptsoundly.SusanwokefirstandshewasrelievedtolearnthatJohnwasstillsleepingsoundly.

Sheneededsomeprivacy,andquicklytookcareofherneedsinthechamberpothekeptunderthebed.Shewasgladtolearnherclothingwasdryfromhanginginfrontofthefire

overnight,andshedressedquickly,puttingtheshirtbackonoverherworndress.Her

shoeswereruined,buttheywereallshehad,sosheforcedthemonherfeet,hopingtheywouldstretchasthedaywenton.Onceshewascomfortableshewentaboutstarting

breakfast.PerhapsifshefedJohnwellhewouldn’tbesohardonher.



Sheknewhewouldspankherforbeingsofoolish,andshecertainlydeserveda

spanking,butherbottomwasstillsorefromtheothertimeshe’dpunishedher.Still,she’dgoneoutofherwaytoearnanotherlesson,andinhisplace,shewouldseeitdoneand

donewell.Howfoolishshewastothinkshecouldwalktoasettlementafterhesaiditwasn’tsafetotry.Sheshouldhavetrustedhimtoknowwhathewastalkingabout.He

didn’tseemthetypeofmantolie.ThesmellofcoffeewokeJohn.HesatupandcalmlydressedwhilehewatchedSusie

bustleaboutmakingtheirbreakfast.Shedidn’tseemanytheworsefornearlygetting

herselfkilledthedaybefore.“You’reupearly,Susie,”hecommentedashewalkedoverto

thetableandsatdown.“IwantedtoprovetoyouthatIcanbesomethingbesidestrouble,”shesaidasshe

lookedathim.“IamgratefultoyouforrescuingmefromtheIndians,andforcomingaftermeyesterday.IrealizedyesterdaythatIhavebeenbehavinglikeanotherperson

altogetherforthelastfewmonths,andIpromisedGodIwouldturnmyselfaroundifIwas

givenanotherchance.”Shesmiledshyly.“Ithoughtthatmakinganicebreakfastwouldbeagoodplacetostart.”Sheputaplateofbacon,biscuits,andgravyinfrontofhim,along

withacupofcoffee.“Now,thisisrealgood,Susie.”Johndidn’tbothertohidehispleasure.“Ilove

biscuits,andIneverlearnedtomakethemsotheywouldn’tbreakmyteethtoeatthem.

Theseareperfect.”“Mamataughtme,”sheofferedabitofpersonalinformationwithoutithavingtobe

draggedfromher.Shesatdowngingerlyonthehardsurfaceofthechair.Herbottomwas

stillverysore,andshedidn’trelishthefactthatitwouldsoonbeevensorer.Johnwasgoingtopunishheragain,andshehadnorighttoargueorprotest,eventhoughithurtlike

theverydeviltositdownalready.Sheearnedanotherspankingforbeingsoincrediblyfoolish,andJohnwasn’tamantoletsomethinglikethatpasswithoutseeingtoher.She

reallydidn’twantanothertanning,butshehatedfeelingguilty,too.

“Whyaren’tyoueating?”Johnaskedofher,givingherapuzzledlook.Susanraisedhergreeneyestohis.“IamdreadingthepunishmentIearned.”She

sawnoreasontolie.

“Youshoulddreadit,”heagreed.“Youwon’tsitafter,notforalongwhile,”hecalmlypromised.“Youalmostgotyourselfkilled,littlegirl.Howareyourtoesthis

morning?Didyoucheckthem?”“No,buttheonlypaininmyfeetarefromtheseshoes,”sheadmitted.“Thesnow

ruinedthem,”sheexplained.

“I’llmakeyousomemoccasins,”Johnstated.“Afterweeat,youtakeoffthoseshoesandletmelookatyourfeet.Ifyoufrozeatoe,we’llhavetocutitoffbeforeyoupoison

yourwholebody,”hestatedmatter-of-factly.

“Noooo!”Susanshookherheadindenial.“No!”shesaidoncemore,hervoicefirm.“Susie,Iwon’tletyoudieoverstubbornness.Andbesides,yourfeetlookedfinelast

night.Stopworryinguntilit’snecessary.”Hecalmlywentbacktoeatinghisbreakfast.Susantriedtotellherselfshewasallright,butshecouldn’teatanotherbiteuntilshe

knewforsure.MuchtoJohn’samusement,theprettyredheadtookoffherpinchingshoes

andpeeledherstockingsoffhershapelylegsandoffhersmallfeet.Shelookedatherfeetandathertoesanddecidedtheylookedfinetoher.“Myfeetarejustfine,John,”shetold

himinrelief.



Hegotuptocheckforhimself,andfinallynoddedinagreement.“Looksliketheonly

harmisgoingtobetoyourprettyhind,Susie.”Hercheeksturnedabrightpink,andsheopenedhermouthtospeak,butquicklyclosedit,givingherselfamentalshake.Hesmiled

tohimself;littleMissSusieknewsheearnedagoodspanking,andsheneededittobeonetotakeawayherguilt.Hernextquestionprovedhimright.

“John,howisyourheadthismorning?”Susiehatedtobringupthefactsheinjuredhim,butshewasconcerned.

“Istillhaveabumpandasmallheadache,butI’vehadworse,”hequicklyadded

whenshelookedstricken.“Girl,howinblazesdidyoupickupthatchunkofwood?Itwas

heavy,andalmosttoobigforthefireplace.Itburnedalongwhileorthisplacewouldhavebeenicecoldwhenwegotbackyesterday.”

“I’mprettystrongforagirl.”Shepaused,andthenadded,“Myfatherexpectedmetoworkhardrightalongwithmybrotherswhenwewereclearinglandtoplant.Hedidn’t

carethatIwasafemale,untilhesawmeassomethinghecouldselloffforalargesumof

money.”“Andyouwanttogobackthere?”Johnaskedinsurprise.

“IwanttogohometoMama.NowthatIamwidowed,hecan’tsellmeagain,”sheowned.Shegottoherfeettoclearthetable.

“Susie,yousitdownonthatchairandatleastputonyourstockings.Thisflooris

toocoldtobewalkingaboutinyourbarefeet,”hescolded.“IhaveapairofheaviersocksyoucanwearuntilIgetyousomemoccasinsmade,”hesaidashesnappedhisfingers.A

fewsecondslaterhewasbackandhandedherthesocks.“Mysisterknittedthese,andthey

aretoosmallforme,”hesaidwithagrin.“Thankyou,John!”Susansaidgratefully,pullingthemonoverherstockings.“These

areverynice,andwarm,too!”Shesmiledassheheldoutherfeetandwiggledhertoes.“IamnotsurewhyyouarebeingsonicetomeafterthehorridwayI’vebehaved,John…?”

Herprettyeyesfilledwithtears.“DoyoubelievemewhenItellyouhowsorryIamfor

hittingyou…Andforriskingbothofourlivesyesterday?Iwouldhavediedifnotforyou.”“Ibelieveyou,Susie,”heassuredher.“You’restillgoingtogetyourhindsetonfire,

though.”

Susanfeltherselfblush,butshedidn’tlookaway.“Iknow,”shewhispered.“Whenyou’reallfinishedcleaningupinhere,youcometomeandaskforyour

spanking,younglady.”Susanacknowledgedthatsheheardhim,andthenwentaboutthebusinessof

cleaningupfromtheirmeal.Thereweren’tanyleftoverstoworryabout;Johnwasabig

eater,andshewouldneedtocookabitmoreatmealsthanshenormallywould.Ofcourse,shelikedtoeat,too,andhertummywasstillgettingusedtobeingfullagain.

Asshewashedthedishes,allSusancouldthinkofwasthefactshehadtogotoJohn

andaskhimtospankher!Itwouldbesodifficulttodo,butshewasgoingtohavetoacceptthatsmallpartofherpunishment.ShegaveherwordtoGodthatshewouldbeabetter

person,andHesentJohntosaveher.Whethershelikeditornot,shewasgoingtoswallowherprideandaskforherspanking,andthencooperateanddowhatJohnsaid,nomatter

howdifficult,orhowpainful.Withdetermination,shewashedanddriedthedishes,and

madeeverythingasneatasshecould.JohnwasawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshewashedupthedishesandthe

heavyfryingpansheusedtocookthebaconandmadethegravy.Sheknewwhatshewas



doing,anditdidn’ttakeherlongtomakethekitchenareaofthecabinasneatasapin.It

wasobviousshetookprideinhertask.Hewonderedifshewouldcometohim,orifhewasgoingtohavetogoandfetchhertohim.Shefinishedwashingoffthetableanddriedit,and

thenhungthedishclothandtowelonthenailsforthatpurpose.Hewatchedhersquareherslendershouldersandthenturntowalkinhisdirection.

“John,Iamfinishedwiththecleanup.”Shefelthiseyesonherashelookedupfromwherehewassittingonthesideofthebed,andshesawthepieceofleatherlyingbesidehimonthebed.Shefeltherstomachmusclesclenchinapprehension,butsheforced

herselftosaythewordssheneededtosay.“Willyouspankmenowfornearlygettingboth

ofuskilledyesterday?”



Chapter Four

JohnJerichohadtogivethesassylittleredheadcredit.Shehadmoregumptionthan

alotofmenheknew.Itwasn’teasytoadmityoudidsomethingwrong,andhehadyettomeetafemalewhocouldlookhimintheeyeandaskforapunishment…untilSusie.Yep,

shehadalotofgumption,andsheprobablywouldn’thavesurvivedyesterdayifshehadn’tturnedandheadedbackwhenshedid.“Pullupyourskirts,Susie,andlet’sgetthis

spankingoverwith.I’lltellyourightupfrontthatyoujustcutbyhalfwhatIplannedto

giveyouforthewayyouwalkedoverhereonyourownandadmittedyouearnedapunishment.I’mrealproudofyouforbeingsobraveandstrong.Iknowthatwasn’teasy

todo.”

Susanknewhercheekshadtobeabrightpinksinceshecouldfeelthemburning,butshewasrelievedtoknowthatJohnwasn’tgoingtobesoharshwithher.Shedidn’t

strugglewhenhereachedforher,andshetriedtobebravewhenhestartedspankingwith

hishand.Shewasalreadysosorethateachspankreallyhurt,anditdidn’ttakeverymanyswatstobringtearstohereyes.ShewantedtobegJohntostopthepunishment,butshe

didn’tdare.Itwouldn’tbefairsinceshe’dclobberedhimandknockedhimunconscious,andriskedbothoftheirlives.Shewoulddoherbesttoendurethepunishmentwithout

complaint.Johnknewhewascausingherpain.Hecouldfeelherbody’sjerkyreactioneach

timehishandlandedaspankonhertenderbottom,butshewastryinghardtobebrave.

“Susie,it’sokayifyoucryout.Iknowithurts,”hesaid,lettingherknowheunderstood.“Idon’thaveanyrighttodothat,”shetearfullyconfessed.“Inearlycausedbothof

ustodie.”

“Youdidn’tdothatpartonpurpose.”Heofferedcomfortandsympathy.“You

ignoredmywarnings,true,butyoudidn’treallythinkitwouldstartsnowingbecausetheweatherisdifferentwhereyoucomefrom.I’veseenthatbefore.”

“Youhave?”Shewascuriousabouthispast,buthedidn’ttalkmuchabouthimself.

“Yes.IalmostlearneditthehardwaymyselfthefirstwinterIwashere.So,easeup

abitontheguilt.Youdidn’tpurposelytrytokilleitherofus.Youhitmeoverthehead,however.And,yousneakedoff.Thatisn’tsafe,Susie.Evenifithadn’tsnowed,youmight

nothavemadeittoasettlementinonepiece.Awomanoutherealoneisjustplainasking

fortrouble.Thatiswhatthisspankingisabout.Iwantyoutorememberthistanningsoyouwon’ttakearisklikethatagain.Imightnotbeluckyenoughtofindyouanothertime,”

hesaid,spankingherseveralmoretimesandleavingimprintsofhishandonherpaleskin.“Idon’twantanythingtohappentoyou,Susie!”

“Whydoyoucarewhathappenstome,John?Youdon’tevenknowme!”Hervoicewasfulloftearsandshetriedtolookoverhershouldertoseehisface.Shewassurprisedwhenhesatheruponhisrightthigh,eventhoughsheknewheprobablywasn’tfinished

withherpunishment.Hehadn’tevenpickeduptheleatherlyingbesidehimonthebed,andsheknewheintendedtostripeherbacksidewiththestrap.

“Iwon’tlietoyou,Susie.IsawyoufightingHeWhoWearsRed’sthreewivesandI

admiredyourspunk.Ialsoknewwhatwasgonnahappennext,andIwasraisedbyawomanwhotaughtmetorespectfemales,allfemales,nomatterthecoloroftheirskin.I



didn’thavenochoicebutstepinandwarmyourhindbeforeHeWhoWearsReddecidedto

hurtyou.BuyingyouseemedtobetheonlythingIcoulddotosaveyouandwarmmybedthislongwinter.Ifiguredthatsinceyou’dbeenmarried,youwouldn’tobject.But,I

figuredwrong,andwhileIintendtochangeyourmind,Iain’tgonnaforceyou.”“Noneofthattellsmewhyyoucare,John,”shestatedbluntly,moreconfusedthan

ever.“Idon’thaveanyotheranswertogiveyou,honey.You’refullofspiritandsass,andI

happentolikethatinawoman.”Hegaveherasmile,andthenlookedatherwithregret.

“Now,we’vebarelystartedthisspankin’,soturnyourhinduphereandwe’llseeifwecan’t

giveyouagoodreasonnottotrysomethingsodarnsneakyagain.”“IpromiseIwon’t,”shesaidwithsincerity.“I’velearnedmylesson,John.”

“You’retellingmethatifIletyouoffwiththosefewlittlepatsonyourhindyou’llnottryclobberingmeovertheheadandtakingoffagain…?”heasked,surprisedather

capitulation.

“Igiveyoumysolemnword.”“Okay,Susie.I’mgoingtoletyouoffthisonetime,butI’mwarningyouhereand

now;yougopullin’anothertricklikethisone,andyou’llnotonlygetatanningyouwon’tlike,I’lladddoubleforthistime.Fairenough?”

“IfI’mstupidenoughtotakeofflikethatagain,John,thenIdeserveexactlythat.”

Sheshudderedattheverythought.“I’mnotthatfoolish,”shetoldhim,andthenadded,“I’mnotawomantogivemywordlightly.”

“Ibelieveyou,Susie.”Heshockedherbygivingherakissonthecheekandthenhe

stoodheronherfeet.“You’veearnedyourselfaboonthistime,littlegirl.Makeyourselfusefulnow,”hebossed,notatallcertainwhyhewasgoingsolightontheprettyredhead,

unlessitwasbecausehefeltsorryforherbecauseshewasalreadysoreascouldbeandwastryingtobebrave.Iflettingheroffeasyinsuredherwordshewouldn’ttrytoleave

again,thenhewouldgiveherachancetoproveherself.Hecouldalwayswearoutthe

leatheronheriftherewasanexttime,hedecided.Herbottomwasstingingbutitwasminorcomparedtothehidingsheexpectedto

receiveandSusanconsideredherselfverylucky.Shequicklydecidedshewouldstarttheir

noonmealtosimmering.IfshekeptJohnfedandhappyherlifewouldatleastbetolerableuntilitwaswarmenoughtomakeittothesettlement.Forthemoment,shewasgoingto

doasshepromisedandshewasgoingtomakesureshedidn’tgivehimanotherreasontopunishher.Herbottomwouldappreciatesometimetoheal.

JohnwatchedsurreptitiouslyasSusanmovedabout.Itwasobvioussheknewwhat

shewasdoinginthekitchenandhismouthwateredashecontemplatedallthemealsshewouldfixforthemtoshare.He’dplannedcarefullyforthewinter,andtheyhadenough

foodtocarrythemthrough.Hewouldalsodosomehuntingclosetothecabinandseeifhe

couldn’tgetthemsomefreshmeatonceinawhile.Theywouldbesnuginhiscabin,andhopefully,Susiewouldgetusedtohimanddecidealittlelovingwouldmakethenightsalot

warmer.********************

AfewdayslaterSusansatinfrontofthefire,slowlygoingcrazy.Johnwasout

huntingagain,andshehadnothingtodo.Backhomeshewouldhavehadherembroidery,butJohnassuredherhehadnothingofthatsortinthecabin.Thecabinitselfwassoclean

itwaspointlesstolookforabitofdust.She’dscouredeverythingthatshecouldscour,and



everypot,skillet,utensil,anddishgleamed.Therewasnosewingtodo,andshehadto

admitthatJohnsewedbetterthanshedidwhenitcametousingthebuckskinclothhehadsavedinhistrunk.Susanalreadyhadtheirsupperoverthefire,makingapotofhamand

beans,butitwasentirelytoosoontomakecornbread.Sheliterallyhadnothingtodoandshewasborednearlytotears.

Susangotupandwalkedaroundtheroomagain,stoppingbeforetheoneboxontheshelfthatJohntoldherwasofflimits.Shehadn’tseenhimopenitsinceshearrivednearlyaweekago,butwhenshewascleaningandtidyingtheshelfthatrantheentirelengthof

thesouthwallofthecabinandwenttodustthesmall,ornatebox,hehadjumpedtohis

feet,tooktheboxfromherhands,andwarnedhersharplynottotouchitagain.Eversincethenshe’dbeencuriousastoitscontents.Withnothingelsetodo,theboxwasprovidinga

distractingtemptation,anditwasprovingmoreandmoredifficulttoresisttakingapeekinside.

Finally,Susancouldnolongerresist.Johnwouldneverknow,shereassuredherself,

andshecarefullyliftedtheboxtocarryitovertothebedwhereshecouldtakeapeekinside.Itwasextremelyheavy,tohersurprise,andwhensheopenedit,shewasabit

startledtofinditcontainedjewelry,combs,andonthebottomwasabook.Theideaofhavingsomethingtoreadwastooappealingtoresist,andSusancarefullyliftedthebookandeagerlyopenedittothefirstpage.Tohersurprise,shediscoveredthebookwasa

handwrittenjournal…thepropertyofoneCarolynSophieBarrettJericho.Susancouldnomoreputitdownthanshecouldstopherselffrombreathing.Hercuriositywasaroused

andshehadtoknowwhothiswomanwasandwhyJohnhadherjournal.WasCarolynhis

mother?Or,perhapshiswife…?SusanwassurprisedwhenshefeltastingofjealousyatthethoughtofanotherwomanhavingaclaimtoJohn,andshewasequallysurprisedto

realizeshehadthebeginningsoffeelingstowardtheman!ShecertainlyneverfelttheleastbitofanythingbutcontemptandangertowardPhillip,andthefeelingsJohnstirredwithin

herwerenewtoher.

Susanjumpedupfromthebedandwenttothedoor,openedit,andlookedoutsidetoseeifshesawanysignofJohn’sreturning.Shecertainlydidn’twanttobecaught

snooping;sheknewassureasshewasbreathingthathewouldspankherifhefoundher

goingthroughtheoneiteminthecabinhe’dforbiddenhertotouch.Whenshedidn’tseeJohnshehurriedbacktothebed,pickedupthediaryoncemoreandturnedthepageto

readthefirstentry. June21,1840

Thisismyfirstentryinmynewjournalasamarriedwoman!Yesterday,John

andIspokeourvows,andthedaywasbeautiful…Sowasourweddingnight!Johnwasso

patientwithme,evenwhenIcried…

Susanwasshocked! JohnJerichowasmarried! Shequicklyplacedthebookbackin

theboxandhadjustreturnedittotheshelfwhensheheardJohnoutsidethedoor,stompingthesnowoffhisbootsbeforeheentered.Hewascarryingtworabbitsand

smilingproudly.“Hereyougo,Susie.”Heploppedthecreaturesonthetable.“Ihunted;youcan

dressthemout.”

“Youcandoityourself,”sheinformedhim.Johnlookedather,hisdarkeyesnarrowing.“What’swrongwithyou?”he

demanded.



“Nothing!”

Johntookhistimeremovinghiscoatandhatandhisbootsbeforeslippingintothepairofmoccasinsheworeinsidethecabin.“WhathappenedtosetoffyourtemperwhileI

wasgone,girl?”heasked,hiseyesstudyingherintently.“Nothing!”

“Well,ifnothinghappened,youcanjustgetyourfannyoverhereandtakecareoftheserabbits.”

“Youkilledthem,youcleanthem.”Shefoldedherarmsoverherchestandglaredat

himbelligerently.Howdarehebringherintothiscabinwhenhealreadyhadawife? Itwas

disgusting.“Susie,areyouneedingyourhindwarmedagain?”

“Iwouldn’ttryitifIwereyou!”Sheturnedupherchinandgavehimtoknowshewasnotonebithappy.

“Nowthatsoundsalittlelikeadare,”hedrawledslowly,approachingher.

Susanprudentlybackedoutofreach,butshebackedrightintothebed,andbeforeshecouldprotestshefoundherselflyingfacedownontopofthequiltandhishand

smackedagainstherbottom.“Damnyou,JohnJericho!Stopit!”sheyelledwhenhewhackedheragain.

“Idon’tknowwhatsparkedyourrottenmood,littlegirl,butIhavethecureforit,”

Johnannounced,spankingheragainandagain.Whenshecursedhimagain,henodded.“Iguessyoureallydoneedyourhindwarmed.”Hestartedtopushupthebuckskinskirthe

hadmadeforher,andthensuddenlyasked,“Itisn’tyourwomanlytimeisit,girl?”He

didn’twanttoembarrassherifshewaswearingprotectionforthat.AndLordyknowswomengotcantankerouswhentheywerehavingtodealwiththatpartoflife.

“Howdareyouaskmesomethingsopersonal,you…you…youman!”Shespatthewordathimlikeitwasanothercurse.

“Susie,youarereallyaskingforasorehind.”Heshoveduptheskirttobareherbutt

andthenhespankedherhard.“Idon’tknowwhathasyousomad,girl,butbestyougetoveritfast.”

“Youhavenorighttotellmewhattodo,damnyou!”

“ThehellIdon’t!”Heswattedheragainandyetagain,andshecriedouteachtime.Hegrowled,“Girl,IswearIdon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoyouwhileIwashunting,but

you’dbestgetoveritfast.”Hishandslappedherrumpafewmoretimesuntilherskinwasabrightpinkandheheardhersniffling.Hestoppedthenandpulledherskirtdownto

coverherbeforeheturnedheroverandleaneddownsothathisfacewasmereinchesfrom

hers.“Yougetyourfannyoverthereandcleanthoserabbits,MissSusie.Understandme?”Shegavehimasullenlook,butshenodded.Hesatupandreleasedherandwatchedheras

shecrossedthecabinandtookupasharpknife.Thelooksheleveledonhimwarnedhim

thatshe’dratherusetheknifeonhimthantherabbitsandhekeptaneyeonherwhilesheworked.

Susanworkedquicklyandplottedtheman’sdemisewhileshewasoccupied.ShewonderedifCarolynevenknewwhereherhusbandwas.Whatkindofmanwentoffand

lefthisfamilybehindwhilehedidexactlyashepleased?Thelongersheworked,the

angriershebecame.Sheputtherabbitsonaspitoverthefiretocook.Thehamandbeanswouldkeepuntiltomorrow,shedecided.Freshmeatwouldbeawelcomechange.



Johntriedafewtimestomakeconversationwiththefeistyredhead,butsheignored

him,andevengavehimherback.Hismindwentbackoverthedayandhecouldn’tfigureoutonesinglethingthathe’ddonetoputherinsuchanevilmood.Heneverdid

understandhowawomancouldbefineoneminuteandcryinginthenext.Hedecidedtogiveheruntilaftertheyatetosettledownandifshewasn’tinabettermoodbythen,he

wasgoingtoknowthereasonwhy.Hewouldn’tputupwithsulkingandtemper.Susantriedashardasshecouldtoputasideheranimosity,butshekeptputting

herselfinCarolyn’splaceanditmadeherfurioustothinkthatshehadbeenstartingto

trustandevencareforJohnJerichowhenhewasallbuttryingtocheatonhispoorwife!

Well,shewasn’thavinganypartofthat!Nomatterwhat!Shewasinaregularsnit,andwhenshewasangry,Susantookitoutoneverythingaroundher.Sheslappedabowlon

thetable,andthenpickedupawoodenspoonandslappeditonthetablewhileshefetchedthecanisterthatheldflour,andplaceditonthetablewithabang.

John’spatiencewaswearingthinandhepromisedhimselfthatifSusieslammedone

morethinghewasgoingtomakeherregrethertemper.Itwasn’tfivesecondslaterthatshebangedthelidonthepotofbeansshehadsimmering.Itwasthefinalstraw.She

neededalessonandhewasjustthemanforthejob.SusangaspedwhenJohntookherbythearmandspunheraroundtofacehim.“Girl,

Iamfeduptoherewithyourtantrum.EitheryoutellmewhathasyouinsuchasnitorI’m

gonnaturnyourhindupandsetitonfire.”“Idon’toweyouanexplanation,JohnJericho!”Shelookedathiminpuredefiance,

refusingtotellhimonedamnthing.

“Okaythen.”Hepulledachairfromthetableandcarrieditintothemiddleoftheroom,whilehepulledheralongafterhim.Heputthechairdown,tookaseat,andthen

hauledastrugglingSusanoverhisknee.Inlesstimethanittooktoblink,he’dhoistedherskirtoutoftheway,andstartedspankingherbarebuttocks.Hewasirritatedandannoyed,

andheintendedtomakehisfeelingsknowninawaythatwouldgetthroughtoher.Hewas

awarethatSusanwasyellingathim,tellinghimtostop,butheignoredher.Itwastimeforhertolearnheonlyhadsomuchpatience.Hedidn’tmindspankinganaughtybottom

whenitneededspanking,andthiswasonetimehewasn’tgoingtostopuntilhewasdamn

goodandready.SusanfinallyrealizedthatallofherkickingandfightingandscreamingatJohnto

stopwasonlyfuelinghisdeterminationtoseeherwell-spanked.Shemadeherselfquitstruggling,andwhenshedidthatherangerdisappearedandshestartedcrying.Sheknew

inherheartthatshewascryingbecauseshewassodisappointed.Injustashortfewdays

shehadfalleninlovewithJohnJericho,andithurtdeeplytoknowthathewasmarriedtosomeoneelse.Heonlywantedhertosatisfyhismanlyurges.Thatwasall.

JohnfinallyrealizedthatSusiewascryingasifherheartwasbreaking.Hestopped

spankingher,wonderingwhyhefeltsoguiltyforgivingherthepunishmentshe’dbeenaskingforeversincehereturnedfromhunting.Heonceagainpulledherskirtdownto

coverherflamingredbacksideandthenhelpedherup.Thistimeshedidn’tfighthimwhenheofferedcomfortandcameintohisembracewillingly,cryingagainsthisshirt.“Honey,

what’swrong?”heaskedonceagain.

“Idon’tknowverymuchaboutyou,”sheexplained.“Thatiswhatthisisallabout?”hequestioned,humorinhiswords.“Susie,that’sno

reasontogetmad.Justwhatdoyouwanttoknow?”



“Yousaidyourfamilyownedaplantation,butifthatistrue,whyareyououtherein

themiddleofnowhere?”Hergreeneyeswerefulloftearswhenshelookedathim.“It’salongstory,Susie,”headmitted.“Ihadtogetaway,andIendeduphere.”

“Thatdidn’tsoundlikealongstorytome.”Shesmiledathimthroughhertears.“It’shardtotalkabout,”headmitted.“MaybeaftersupperI’lltrytofindthewords.”

Whenshenoddedanddidn’tnagathim,heasked,“Doyoufeelbetternow,honey?”Whenhesawaflashofindignationinhereyes,hegrinnedandadded,“Otherthanyourhind,thatis…?”

SusanfounditdifficulttostayangrywithJohnwhenhegrinnedlikeamischievous

littleboy.Shenodded,andthensaid,“I’msorryIbehavedlikethat.”“It’sdonenow,”hesaidforgivingly.“Howsoonwillthatrabbitbedone?Thesmell

ofitroastingismakingmehungryasabear!”“You’llhavetobepatientawhilelonger,”shetoldhimaftercheckingthemeat.“I

wantthistobecookedjustright.”

Hemadeafacethatshefoundfunny,buthebusiedhimselfwithsomethingelsewhileshemadesomefriedpotatoestogowiththerabbit.Shealsohadbiscuits,andJohn

hadtoforcehimselftokeepbusywithhisprojectratherthanheadforthetableandsittherewaitingwithhistonguehangingout.Susiewasagreatcookandheappreciatedthat.Shefinallycalledhim,andheimmediatelyputdowntheknifeheusedforcarvingand

headedforthetable.“Thislookswonderful,Susie,”hecomplimentedher.“I’mhungry,too,”sheadmitted.“Itisnicetocookforsomeonewhoappreciates

goodfood.”

“Yourhusbanddidn’tlikeyourcooking?”hequestioned,clearlyshockedbyherwords.

“HeconsideredmewastefulwhenIaddedanoniontopotatoes.Iwassupposedtousethemsparingly,aswellasmeat.HefeltIspenttoomuchtimeworryingoverfood

whenIshouldbeonmykneespraying.”

“Hewasn’trightinhishead,Susie.Thereisnothingwrongwithyourcooking.Doyoubelieveme?”

“Yes,Ido.”ShesmiledatJohn.“IcookthewayMamataughtmetocook.Myfather

neverscoldedherformakingtoomuchfood.Heatehisfillandwentbacktowork.Iftherewasareasontocriticize,hewouldhavedoneso.Philipbelievedthatfastingandgoing

hungrywasproofofhisloveforGod.Hetriedtoforcehisviewsonme,butIamafraidIliketoeattoomuchtosharehisbeliefs.”Shesmiled,butJohnfrowned.

“YouwerethinasasaplingbeforeyouweretakenbyHeWhoWearsRed,weren’t

you,honey?”heaskedsharply,barelycontaininghisangeratherabusivehusband.“I’veeatenmoresinceI’vebeenherethanIdidinthethirtydaysbefore,”she

confessed.“Iwillnevertakefoodforgrantedagain.”

“Damnit,Susie.Thatjustisn’tright.IswearifyourhusbandwasaliveI’dkillhimforyou.Hesoundslikeonemeanbastard.”

“Hewasmean,”sheconceded,andthenshestartledJohnbystating,“HetriedtokillmewhenhesawtheIndiansweregoingtowinthebattle.HeWhoWearsRedsavedmy

life.”

“Iamgladofthat,honey.”Johnreachedacrossthetableandtookherhandinhis.“IampositivePhilipthoughthewassavingyoufromshameanddegradation,butI’mgladhe

didn’tsucceed.”



“SoamI,”shetoldJohn.Sharingthatmomentseemedtofreeherfromthechilling

horrorshefeltwhenPhilipturnedhisgunonher,hiseyesseeminglyfullofhatred.Shestillfeltthathesimplydidn’twanthertoliveifhewasgoingtodie.

Theyfinishedtheirmeal,andactuallyatetoomuchbecauseitwassodelicious.Susandidn’treallyfeellikedoingthedishes,butshegottoherfeetandfilledthedishpan

withwatershe’dputoverthefiretoheatwhiletheywereeating.ShewasshockedwhenJohnpickedupthedishtowelanddriedthedishesforher.Shegavehimagratefulsmileandwhentheyfinished,hesaidsoftly,“Comeandsitdown,Susie,andI’llansweryour

question.”



Chapter Five

Susangingerlytookaseatintherockingchairshepreferred,mindfulofhersore

bottom,andJohnsatintheotherone.Itwaslargerthantheonesheconsideredhers,andshewaitedonhimtospeak.Hewasquietforsolongshethoughthe’dchangedhismind

aboutansweringherquestionofhowhecametobesofarfromhomeinsteadoflivingonhisfamily’splantation.Whenhespoke,shecouldtellhewasrelivinghispast.

“Ihadeverythingayoungmaninthesouthcouldexpecttohave.Agoodfamily,

lovingparentsandbrothersandsisters.Wewerewealthyandlifewasperfect.Myolderbrotherandsisterwerealreadymarried,andthereweregrandchildrenformyparentsto

spoil.OnedaymysisterAnnabroughthomeafriendfromschoolbythenameofCarolyn,

andItookonelookatherandwasinlove.Icourtedherandwonfavorwithherparents,andmadehermybride.Carolynwasveryspoiledandexpectedthingstogoherwayallthe

time.Shealsoflirtedoutrageouslywithanymanwhocaughtherfancy.MyMamadidn’t

approveandmadeherfeelingsknown,andCarolyndecidedweneededtobuildourownhome.Ifinallygavein,justtokeeppeaceinthefamily,butthehousedidn’tsuitCarolyn.

Shewantedittobeasgrandasmyparents’home.WequarreledandIlefttokeepfromwringingherneckbecauseIwassoangry.WhileIwasatmyfolks,seekingtheiradviceon

thebestwaytohandleCarolyn’schildishbehavior,someonerapedandkilledCarolyn.Iwasaccusedofmurderingher,andherfathertriedtohavemehanged.Myfatherand

brothersbarelygotthereintimetosavemyass.Iwentfrombeingarespectedmemberof

thecommunitytobeingasocialoutcast.ItwasslowlykillingmyMama,soIleftandendedupouthere.AsfarasIknow,Carolyn’smurdererhasneverbeencaught.”

“Iknowyouwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat,”Susansaidsoftly.

“Thankyou,Susie.No,Iwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat.Iwouldn’tkillawoman

overfoolishness,whichisallCarolyn’sbehaviorwas.Ididloveher,oratleastIthoughtIdid.It’sbeenseveralyearsnowandI’vegrownupsome,too.IstillsufferalotofguiltthatIwasn’ttheretoprotectherwhensheneededmemost.”

“Itwasherchoicetoseparateherselffromyourfamily.”

“Ishouldn’thavepermittedit.IshouldhavecutaswitchandstripedhersixwaystoSunday,”Johnstatedwithconviction.

“John,youhavetostopblamingyourself.Thepeoplewhoknowyouarepositiveof

yourinnocence,I’msure.Ithinkyouneedtogobackhomeandseethem.PerhapsCarolyn’smurdererhasbeencaught…?”

“Ishouldhavegoneafterhimmyself,”hewhispered.Susandidn’tknowwhattosay,andJohnseemedmorethanreadytochangethe

subject.“Thatiswhatbroughtmeouthere,Susie.Mystoryisnomorespecialthananyothermanwhoistrappingforaliving.It’sasolitarylife,butagoodoneforthemostpart.

TheychattedabitlongerandthenJohnannounceditwastimetoturnin.Susan

wasn’tsleepy,butsinceshehadnothingtodo,shedidn’targue.Itstillfeltstrangetoshareabedwiththeman,buthedidn’ttrytoforcehimselfonher.Atleastherquestions,or

mostofthem,wereansweredaboutCarolyn.Hewasawidower,andnotcheatingonhis

wife.Susanfeltmuchbetteraboutthat,butshecouldn’thelpbutwonderaboutCarolyn,andhowtheydiffered.Thefirstchanceshegot,shewasgoingtoreadCarolyn’sjournal



andlearnwhatshecouldabouther‘rival’.AlthoughCarolynwasnolongerliving,her

memoryheldconsiderableswayoverJohn’sfeelings.SusanneededtoknowwhatJohnpreferredinawoman.Howelsewasshegoingtomakehimfallinlovewithher?

Thefoolgirlwasuptosomethingagain,andJohnknewitassurelyasheknewhisnamewasJohnJericho.Shewastooeagertoseehimgohuntingtoday.Johnslowlyputon

histrappingsandleftthecabin,promisinghewouldreturninabit.Whenshetoldhimtotakehistime,henodded,everyinstincthepossessedtellinghimshewasplanningtorunawayagain.Thistimehewasgoingtocatchher,andhewasgoingtosethersweetbutton

fire.Hestompedaway,untilhewassurehewasoutofsightandthenhewaited.

********************SusanpeekedoutsidetomakesurethatJohnwastrulygone,andnotturningaround

becauseheforgotsomething,andwhenshedidn’tspothim,shehurriedtotakedownthejournalandread.

June28,1840,

IcannotbelievethatJohn’sMamascoldedmeinfrontoftheentirefamilythis

morning.Iwasonlymakingourguestswelcomelastnight,andIhadnoideaitwas

consideredimpropertohavesomanydancepartners.Iwasmerelybeinggracious,butJohnsidedwithhisMama,andoncewewerealonehesaidhewouldspankmeifithappenedagain!IremindedhimthatIamnotachild,andhetoldmetostopbehavingasthoughIwere!Iwas

insulted,ofcourse.IslappedJohn’sface,andthenhedidthemostheinousthing…Hepulled

metoourbedandhepushedupmyskirtsandspankedmybarebottomwithhishand.Icried

andcriedandbeggedhispardon,andheheldmeandsaidhewassorry,too.

July4,1840 ThecelebrationtodaywasexcitingandIwashavingawonderfultime,until

John’sMamagrabbedmebythearmandtoldmetostopmakingaspectacleofmyself.IwenttoJohnandaskedhimtodealwithhisMama,buthetookhersideandscoldedmeonceagain.

HeevendaredtosendmetoourroomandtoldmeIcouldgostraighttobedsinceIdidn’t

knowhowtobehaveasamarriedwoman.Irefused,andtheverysecondIstarteddancingwithPhillipCrabtree,Johncameoverandtossedmeoverhisshoulderandcarriedmefrom

theballroom,andhespankedmeandputmetobed.IammiserableandwishI’dnever

married.

July5,1840

Johnapologizedforbeingsuchabeast.HealsopromisedtotalktohisMama

andorderhertotreatmemuchbetter.Iwantanewhouse,andfeltitwastimetoinsistJohn

considerit.Hesaidthereisnothingwrongwiththishouse.Iwillhavemywayeventually!

Why,Carolynwasnothingbutaspoiledbrat!Susanrealized.Therewasnomentionoflovinghernewhusband!Everythingwasaboutherandwhatshewanted.PoorJohn!

He’dmarriedachild,notawoman!

July15,1840 Finally,JohnrealizedthathisMamaandIarenotgoingtogetalong.His

Fatherhasgivenusatractoflandonwhichtobuildourhome!IwantittobebiggerthanhisMama’shome,butJohnsayswedonotneedsuchalargehomesinceitwillbethetwoofus.I

willhavemyway.”

July30,1840 IamsoangrywithJohn!Hetookmetoseeourhome,anditisnotnearlylarge

enough.Herefusestomakeitanylarger,andItoldhimIwillnotlivethere.Heseemsto



thinkIshouldbegratefultoliveinahousethatishardlyasbigasaslavecabin.Iwon’thave

it!Hehasgivenmeuntiltomorrowtoseethingsdifferently…orelse.IoverheardhisMamatellinghimtocutapeachtreeswitchandwearmeout!IthinkFatherJerichoshouldwear

herout!

August7,1840

IdonotwishtoleavethebighouseforoursmallhousebutJohnhastoldmeIwillbegoingevenifhehastocarryme.ItoldhimthatIshallgohometoDaddyandMama,andhesaidIamfreetoleaveanytimeIwish.Heissomean.Itrulyhatehimwhenhelistens

tohisMamainsteadofme.

August20,1840

Wearemovedintoournewhome.Itisnice,eventhoughitissmall.AtleastI

shallnothavetoendureJohn’sMamaandherbossinessanylonger…andIwillbefreetohave

visitors.IhaveaskedDaddytosendReisaandOlivertocareforthehouseandgrounds.Iwill

notuseJohn’sslaves.TheyareuppityandonlyanswertoJohn’sMama,andIdonotwantto

bespiedon.ItwassimplyawfultohaveJohn’sentirehouseholdappraisedofeachargument

JohnandIhad.Nowthatwearelivingapartfromthatterriblewoman,Ishallbemistressof

myownhomeandthingswillbeasIwantthem. August30,1840 Johnisangryandstompedaway.HedoesnotlikethefactthatIhavefriends

whostopby,andhewasfuriouswhenheoverheardmetellingRichardPauleyofmyplansto

expandourhouseandmakeithuge.ForthefirsttimeIreallythoughthemightactuallycut

andpeelaswitchandstripeme.Thespankingshe’sgivenmeareterribleenough,andIdo

notwishaseriouspunishment.IalsohaveanotherproblemwithAbelMcCory.Hetriedtomakemekisshimyesterday,andIfearhewillcomebackwhileJohnisawayandforcehis

attentionsonme.HeisstillupsetImarriedJohninsteadofhim.Idon’tloveAble;notthewayIloveJohn.Ihearhimnow,sowillcloseandtrytomakeamendswithmyhusband.Iamtired

ofallthesillyfussingwedo.

ThatwasthelastentryandSusanfeltfrustrated.ShewonderedifJohnhadreadtheentries,andifthemannamedAbelMcCoryhadbeenquestioned.Justthenthecabindoor

openedandshewascaughtred-handedwithCarolyn’sdiaryinherhandsandtheopenbox

lyingbesideheronthebed.JohnsuddenlyrealizedwhySusanhadbeensoeagertogetridofhim.Shewas

snoopingthroughCarolyn’spersonalitems.Hewaslivid.“John,Iknowyou’reangry,andyouhaveeveryrighttobe,”shesaid,hercheeksa

guiltyred,“butIhavetoaskyouthis…Haveyoureadthisjournal?”

“No,”hethrewthewordather,hisvoiceharshanddamning,“Andyoushouldn’thave,either!Iwantyourbacksidebarerightnow,andIwantyoubentoverthetable.

You’regoingtogetatanningyouwillneverforget.”

Susan’shandswereshakingandsheknewshedidn’thaveaprayerofescapingaspankingthistime.ShedidsomethingshamefulandJohnhadeveryrighttotakeherto

task.Sheputthejournalonthebedandthenwalkedovertothetable.Whenshewasthereshepulledupherskirttorevealherbarebottom,andthenshelayoverthetable,

givingJohnatarget.Asangryashewas,thespankingwasgoingtohurtlikecrazy.

Johnremovedhisgloves,hat,coat,andbootsandhewentrightovertowhereSusanwaswaitingandhegaveherbarehindahardspank.“Iamdisappointedinyou,young

lady.”Hespankedheroncemore,andthenwalkedovertothecupboardandtookouta



woodenspoon.“I’msurethiswillmakeanimpression,”hestated,andthenstarted

spankingherwiththebowlofthewoodenspoon,causinghertocryoutinpain.Whenshesaidshewassorry,heignoredherandkeptrightonspanking,leavingovalsofthespoonon

herthighs,sitspots,andcheeks.“Oh,John,pleasestop!Please!Iknowitwaswrong,butIwassobored…and

curious!I’msorry!”“Thatisnotagoodexcuseforsnoopingwhenyouwerewarnedoff,”Johnscolded,

andspankedhersitspotsagain.

“Owwwww!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Icouldn’thelpit.Itwasjusttoo

tempting,andIwantedtoknowaboutCarolyn!”sheconfessed.Johngaveherafewmorehardlickswiththewoodenspoon,andshestartedcryinginearnest.“I’msorry!I’msorry!”

shesobbed.“Please,stop!”shebegged.“WhyareyousocuriousaboutCarolyn?Itoldyouallabouther,”Johnpointedout,

provinghe’dbeenlisteningtoherafterall.

“Idon’thaveagoodexcuse,John.Iwasboredwithnothingtodo,andIwascurious.WhenIsawthejournal,Ithoughtitmightbeabooktoread,butitwasn’t.AndthenI

wantedtoknowmoreaboutCarolyn.”“Why?”“Because.”Herfaceturnedred.

“Thatisthekindofanswerthatwillgetyourhindturnedevenredder,”heannounced,spankingherreddenedbacksideagainandagain.

“BecauseIwantedtoknowwhatshewaslikecomparedtome.”Herfacewashot

andhadtobeasscarletasherbehind.Itwashumiliating.“Whatfor,Susie?”Johncouldn’tfigureherout,butherecalledhermoodoftheday

before.“Didyougosnoopingyesterday,too?”Susanwashonesttoafault.“Yes,”sheadmitted.

“Andfindingthatdiarysparkedyourtemper…?”

“Yes.”Therewasnodenyingthetruth.“Nowthisisgettin’realinterestin’,”Johnsaid.“Wereyoumadbecauseyoudidn’t

getachancetoreadthewholethingyesterday,orwastheresomeotherreason?”

“Ithoughtyouleftyourwifebehindandwereplanningtojustusemeassomeoneconvenient.Iwouldn’tcheatwithanotherwoman’shusband!”shestatedclearly.

“Iwouldnevercheatonmywife!”Hewasobviouslyoffended,andthehardhandthatlandedonherstingingbacksidegaveprooftothefact.“I’venevermetanyonewho

neededaspankingmorethanyou!”hescolded,spankingheragainandagainwhileshe

howledinpain.“IthinkCarolynwasawful!”Susanunwiselydeclared.

“Youhadnorighttoreadherprivatethoughtsjusttocriticizeher,”Johnsaidangrily

andhestartedspankinginearnest.“Shewasaspoiledbrat!”Susaninsisted,andthencriedwhenhespankedeven

harder.“Okay,Ishouldn’thavelookedatherjournal!I’msosorry!Pleasestop,John!”Tohersurprise,hedidstop,andthenhepulledhertoherfeet.

“Youneverdosomethinglikethatagain,younglady.Hearme?”

“IknowwhokilledCarolyn.”“What?”Hiseyesblinkedinsurprise.ItwasthelastthinghewasexpectingSusan

tosay.



“IknowwhokilledCarolyn.HisnameisAbleMcCory;hetriedtoforcehimselfon

heradayortwobeforeshewasmurdered,andshefearedhewouldtrythatagain.Shewroteaboutitinthelastentryshemade.”

“Putthejournalaway,Susan,”Johnorderedsharply.Susandidn’targue.Shecarefullydroppedherskirtandwalkedacrosstheroom.

Sheclosedthediaryandcarefullyplaceditbackintheboxandputtheboxbackontheshelf.Thenshestoodtherewithherheaddown.She’ddonesomethingbadandshefeltguilty.“Areyoustillterriblyangrywithme,John?”

“IthinkIhavearighttobe,don’tyou?”

Shenodded,stillunabletolookathim.“I’msorryIupsetyou.”“Istilldon’tunderstandwhyyou’resodarncuriousaboutCarolyn…?”Helookedat

her,butshestillhadherheadbowedinshame,andshewasstillcrying.“There’snoneedtokeepcrying,Susie.What’sdoneisdone;I’llgetovermymad.”Shenodded,butcouldn’t

seemtomovefromthatspot.“Damnit,Susie!You’reremindingmeofapuppywhogota

swatfromanewspaperanddoesn’tknowwhy.Talktome,”heorderedsharply.Sheshookherhead‘no’.Shewasmortifiedbyherbehaviorandbyheradmissions

tohim.Andshewonderedifhewasreallysodensehedidn’tunderstandwhyshe’dreadthejournal.Johnsuddenlytookherbythearmandmarchedherovertoherrockingchairandplunkedherdownontheseat.“Youcanjustsitrighthere,Miss,untilyoustopsulking

anddecidetotalktome.”“Ithurtstoomuchtositrightnow!”Susantriedtorisefromthechair,butJohn

merelysatherbackdownwithathump.“Owwwwww!”shecomplained.

“Sit.Don’tmove.IwantyoutocomeupwithsomethingIcanunderstand.”Hefeltlikeanasswhenshestartedcryingagain,butheignoredherandpickedup

hiscarvingandwenttoworkonceagain.Women!Theydroveamancrazy! Hestilldidn’tunderstandwhySusiefeltsheneededtoreadCarolyn’sjournalwhenhe’dneveroncebeen

temptedtoreadherprivatewords.AndthenSusiedaredtocallCarolynan‘awful,spoiled

brat’,whichwasprobablytrue…butwhydidSusiecare?Ofcourse,he’dsaidsomerottenthingsaboutherdeadhusband,buttheguywasalouse.HemistreatedSusie,andwasn’t

smartenoughtorealizethetreasurehehad.MaybeSusiefeltthesamewayabout

Carolyn…?Hegaveheranothertenminutes,andthensaid,“Areyoureadytotalktomenow,Susie?”

“Yes,ifyouletmegetupfirst.”Hergreeneyestoldhimhowmuchpainshewasin.“I’mhurtingsomethingawful,John.”

“Youearnedthattanning,”heannounced.

“Iknow,”shewhispered.“Please,mayIgetupnow?”sheaskedhopefully.“Yes.”Shewastednotimeinjumpingtoherfeetandthenherhandswentbackto

herbottomandrubbedgingerly.

“Areyousupposedtobedoingthat?”Johnaskedinexasperation.“Probablynot…?”sheguessed,buthenoticedshedidn’tstop.“Ican’thelpmyself,

John.Youwereangryandyouletmeknowit!I’mstingingstill!”“Iwarnedyoutostayoutofthatbox,didn’tI?”

“Yes,youdid.Ishouldhaverespectedyourwishes,butIwassimplytooboredfor

somethingtodo…andIallowedmycuriositytogetthebestofme.I’msorry,”sheapologized,andthewordsweresincere.“Ican’tundoit,however,andIwon’tsayI’msorry

forthinkingCarolynwasaspoiledchild!Shetreatedyouawful,John!Whiningand



complainingallthetime…Flirtingwithmen,andplottingtoupsetyourMama.Sheshould

havebeenspankedlikethisafewtimes!”Susiesaidthewordswithfeelingassherubbedhersmartingrearagain.

“SheplottedagainstmyMother?”Johnwasstartled.“Shelovedtoupsether,andtheonlyreasonshewantedahomeofherownwas

becauseshecouldn’ttelltheservantswhattodo.TheywereallloyaltoyourMama!”“ThatsoundslikeCarolyn.Shewastooyoungtogetmarried,”hestated.“Iknew

thatwhenImarriedher.Ishouldhavegivenherafewmoreyearstogrowup,butshe

wantedoutfromherfather’srulesandIknewshe’dfindsomeoneelseifIdidn’toffer.I

wassurethatmarriagewouldmakehergrowupfaster,settleherdown,andIthoughtthatIwasmatureenoughforbothofus.IshouldhavecutaswitchanduseditthefirsttimeI

caughtherflirtingonthedancefloor.”“I’msorryshetreatedyouthewayshedid,John.Youareagoodmanandyou

deservedmuchbetter.”

“You’rejealousofCarolyn!”HeblurtedthediscoverywithoutpausingtothinkaboutitfirstandhadthesatisfactionofwatchingSusan’sfaceturnanembarrassedred.“That’sit,

isn’tit?Youreadthejournalbecauseyouarejealous!”Hechuckled.“Don’tyoudaremakefunofmyfeelings!”Susanangrilystompedherfootonthe

floor.“Imeanit,JohnJericho!I’llstopcookingforyouifyoudon’tstoplaughingthis

instant!”“Jealous…!Ineverwouldhavethoughtit!”Hewasfoolishenoughtokeeprighton

teasing,andlearneditwasamistakewhenSusanpickedupthewoodenspoonfromthe

tablewherehe’dleftitlyingandcameafterhim.“Ow!”heyelledwhenshesmackedhimhardonhisshoulder.“Susie,youputthat

down!”Sheignoredhim,andcontinuedtododgehiseffortstotakethewoodenspoonfromherhands.Shedancedoutofreach,andcameuponhisbackside,andlandedanother

smackonhisbutt,andthenlaughedinsatisfactionwhenheholleredagain.“Girl,ifyou

don’tstopthisI’mgoingtospankyourhindagain!”Sheignoredhimoncemore,andhefinallyletoutabellowandtackledher,takingherdownonthebedandcoveringherwith

hisbody.

Susanfinallyrealizedthatwhackinghimwiththeheavyspoonwasn’tthesmartestthingsheeverdid.Helookedpositivelyfuriousandwithoutpausingtogivethematterany

thoughtatall,shethrewthespoonacrossthecabin,outofreach.Toherabsoluteshock,John’sbodystartedshakingontopofhersandittookheramomenttorealizethathewas

laughing!“Ohyou!”Shetriedtopushhimoffofher,buthewassimplytooheavy.Her

eyesmethis,andthenhewasloweringhismouthtohersandkissingher!Thekisswassoftandgentleandpersuasive,andSusanfoundherselfenjoyingthesimplepleasure.He

kissedherafewmoretimes,andshecouldn’tdenyherresponse.

Johnwasamazedatthetendernesshefeltfortheredhead.TherehadbeenotherwomensinceCarolyn’sdeath,butnotoneofthemaffectedhimthewaySusandid.He

foundhimselfeagertopleaseher,andcherishher…Feelingshethoughtlongdead.PartofhimwasalreadyinlovewithSusieandheknewthatoncehemadeherhis,hewouldnever

wanttolethergo.Shefeltperfectunderhim,andgonewasthefearheexpectedtoseein

herprettygreeneyeswhenhegottooclosetoher.SusanknewtheexactmomentthatJohn’sgoodhumorturnedtopassion.Hiskisses

deepened,andhishandslidunderthetunictopsheworeandsoughtoutherbreast.She



heardamoanofpleasureandwassurprisedtorealizeitwascomingfromwithinher!John

wasshowingherthattheintimacysharedbetweentwoadultscouldbepleasurableforthemboth,andshedidn’twanthimtostoptouchingher.Shekissedhimback,hertongue

duelingwithhisastheytastedeachother.“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant,Susie?”Johnaskedofher.“Iwon’thaveyou

sayingIforcedyou…?”“I’msure,John,”Susanwhispered.“I’mverysure.”And,sherealizedwithcertainty,

shewassure.Sureofherfeelingsandsureoftheman.Sheneededtobeheldandloved,

andshewassureitwouldbespecialbetweenthem,evenifshewascompletely

inexperienced.“You’lltellmewhattodo?”sheasked.“Justbeyourself,honey.”Hebusilyuntiedthelacesholdinghertoptogether,and

thenhepulleditoverherheadsohiseyescouldfeastonherbreasts.“IfeellikeI’vebeenwaitingforyoualongtime,Susie,”hewhispered,andthengavehimselfovertomakingthe

momentspecialforbothofthem.



Chapter Six

Susancouldn’tbelieveshewasactuallypermittingJohntotouchhersointimately,

andthatshefeltnoshameandnorevulsion.GivingherselftoJohnfeltright.Shelovedhim,andshefeltsafewithhim.ShehadneverwantedPhilipinthisway,anditwouldhave

sickenedherifhe’dtouchedhersointimately,eventhoughshe’dknownthemanforsometimeandwasmarriedtohim.ButshewantedJohn.Whenheremovedtherestofher

clothingshedidn’ttrytohideherselffromhisgaze.Whatshesawinhisdarkeyes

reassuredherthatshewasdesirable,andmaybeevenpretty.Hedidn’tseeherasaneviltemptress,butasalovelywoman.Hewasn’tashamedofhisbody’sreactiontoher,andshe

feltcompletelysafe.

Johncouldn’twaittogetridofhisclothing,andhequicklyremovedeverythingtostandinfrontofhercompletelynude.Susie’seyeswidenedasshesawhowlargehewas.

“You’rebig!”shewhispered.

Johnchuckled.“Bigenough,Iguess.”Hereyeswerefulloftrepidation.“Don’tworry,Susie.Iamgoingtogorealslowanddothisright.Iwillbegentle.”

Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoreply.Hetookonerosetippednippleintohismouthandteasedherwithhistongue.“Oh,John.Ididn’tknowthiscouldfeelgood!”she

admitted,hervoicefullofawe.“Itwillfeelevenbetter,honey,”hepromised,remindinghimselfthatheneededto

goslowly.InspiteofthefactthatSusiewasmarried,shewasstillaninnocent,andshe

deservedgentlenessandhisconsiderationasheclaimedher.Susan’slowerbellyachedandshefeltwetbetweenherlegs.Shedidn’tknowifthat

wasnormal,butsinceJohnseemeddelightedwithherresponse,shesimplyenjoyedthe

sensationshewasresponsibleforcreating.Hishandsweresogentleandshewasabitin

aweofthat.Howhecouldspanksohardoneminute,andthentouchhersocarefullyinthenext…itwasamazing!

Johntookherhandandguidedittohispulsingmanhood.“Iknowyouareshy,

Susie,butIwantyoutofeelhowmuchIwanttomakelovetoyou.Whenyoustrokeme,it

givesmethesamekindofpleasureyouarefeelingwhenItouchyouhere.”Hestrokedherlittlebudandshemoanedwithlongingformore.

“Iwanttopleaseyou,too,John,”shewhispered.“Willyoutellmewhattodo?”

“Youaredoingjustfinerightnow,”hereassuredher.Hefinallyhadtostillherhand.“I’llshoottoosoon,honey,ifyoukeepthatup,”hewhispered,smiling.“Iwanttomakethis

lastalongtime.”Susanwasunpreparedfortherenewedassaultonhersensesashecaressedherand

madeherwrithewithanaching,burningneed.Shewasbegginghimtogivehermore,andwhenhefinallymovedbetweenherlegstoclaimher,hetoldherthattherewouldbeabitofpainthefirsttime,butneveragain.Susanwasbeyondcaringaboutthat.Sheneeded

Johnandsheeagerlyacceptedhimasheslowlyenteredher.Therewasalotofstretching,andthenthepromisedpain,whichbroughttearstohereyes,butJohnstoppedmovingand

gaveherbodytimetoaccepthim.Hekissedawayhertears,anditdidn’ttakelongforhim

toreignitethefiresofpassionwithinher.



Johnfounditeasytobecarefulofthepreciouswoman.Hisfeelingsforherwere

growingdeepereveryday,andhefounditremarkablethatshewaswillinglygivingherselftohimwithsuchabandon.Hewantedtoprotecther,andgivinghertimetoadjusttohim

wouldonlymakethefinaloutcomeoftheirlovemakingthatmuchbetter.Hesmiledtohimselfwhenhefeltherstartmovingabitbeneathhim,andhemovedslowly.“Isthisall

right,honey?Idon’twanttohurtyou.”“Itfeelsfinenow,John,”sheanswered,returninghiskisseswithherown.Shetried

tomatchhismovementsandwassurprisedwhenthetensionbuiltasbefore…onlythis

timeitexplodedallaroundherandshecriedoutinpleasureandsurpriseattheintensityof

herfeelings.Johnsaidhernameashefoundhisownreleasewithinher,andwhenherolledoffofher,hepulledhercloseandsimplyheldher.Susanwascontentandhappy.

Therewasnoshame,andnotears.Theexperiencewastrulybeautiful!“Howareyoufeeling,Susie?Doyouhurt?”Johnwasconcerned.

“Ifeellikeabeautifulwomanforthefirsttimeinmylife,”shereplied,andthenshyly

added,“Itmightbewrongformetosaythis,butIamsogladthatPhilipdidn’ttouchme.Youmademyfirsttimespecial,anditwouldhavebeenterrifyingwithPhilip.Thankyou

forbeingsopatientwithme,John,andforgivingmetimetoacceptmyfeelingsforyou.”“Youwereworthwaitingfor,honey,”hetoldher,andthenleaneddowntokissher

neckinasignofaffection.“Letmegetsomewatertobatheyou,”hesaidashereluctantly

movedawayfromher.Hetookthewaterpitcherfromthestand,andfilleditwithhotwaterfromthepotoverthefirethattheykeptwarmallthetime.Headdedsomecool

watertoo,andthenputthewaterinthebasin.Hefoundaclothforbathing,andwetit.

“Letmehelpyou,Susie,”heoffered,gentlypullingherlegsapart.Hedidn’twanthertobefrightenedbythebloodstainingherlegsandthequiltontopofthebed.“Thisisperfectly

normal,”heexplainedinacalmtoneofvoice.“Whatisnormal?”sheasked,thoroughlyembarrassedhewasbathinghermost

privatearea.Shesawthebloodandwasimmediatelyshamed.“Ohno!”Howawfultostart

hertimewhiletheyweremakinglove!“It’snotwhatyouthink,honey,”Johnexplained.“Thefirsttimeawomanlieswitha

man,sheloseshermaidenhead,andthereisblood.Itonlyprovesthatyouwereinnocent,

anditisnothingtobeashamedof.”Hecleansedherandthensaid,“You’dbestputyourclothesonnow,Susie.Idon’t

wantyoutotakeachill,andit’stoosoontojoinagain.Youmightbeabitsoreadayortwo,untilyourbodyheals.Itwon’teverhurtlikethatagain,Ipromise.”

“Itwasn’tsobadthistime,”shewhispered.“Iknowyouweretryingtobegentle

withme.”“Iwas,”headmittedwithasmile.Sheblanchedwhenshesawthebloodonthe

quilt.

“Ohno!I’llhavetowashthisrightaway,John,oritwillberuined!”Susanwasembarrassed,butshewenttoworkonthequilt,andbythetimeshehungittodry,there

wasnotraceofbloodanywhere.Hopefully,itwoulddryquicklysotheycouldputitbackontheirbedthatnight.

Susanwasembarrassedanddidn’tknowwhattodowithherself.Shedecidedto

peelsomepotatoesandputtheminabowlandwenttositinherrockingchair,completelyforgettingthatsittingdownwaspainful.“Owwww!”Shejumpedrightupandglaredatthe

manresponsibleforherpredicament.“Darnyou,John!Ican’tsitdownagain!”



“Iguessyoushouldn’thavebeensnoopingthroughthingsyouweretoldtoletbe,”

heremindedher.“WhatareyougoingtodoaboutAbelMcCory?”sheaskedcuriously.

“I’mnotsure,Susie,andIreallydon’twanttotalkaboutit.”Hecouldseehe’dmanagedtohurtherfeelings.“Honey,Ineedtodosomeseriousthinkingonthis.Please

don’taskmeanymorequestionsrightnow.It’snothingtodowithyou;it’smyproblem.”Susannodded,andcarriedherbowlofpotatoestothetableandstoodtheretopeel

them.Johntookuphiscarvingonceagain,andremainedsilentandmoodywhileshefixed

theireveningmeal.Afterwards,hegentlycarriedherofftobedandkissedher

passionately.********************

Thedayspassed,andtherewereevenmoresnowstormstokeeptheminsidethecabin.Theyhadplentytoeat,enoughwoodtokeepwarm,andwatertodrink.Theyalso

spentagooddealoftimemakingloveandtalkingofmanythings.

Theirupbringingwasvastlydifferent,andJohnfeltthatSusiehadbeenmistreatedformostofherlife.HerMotherlovedher,withoutadoubt,butherfathertreatedbothof

themcruelly.Worstofall,hesoldSusantoherdeadhusbandinspiteofthefactSusanpleadedwithhimnottomarryherofftoamanshedidnotlikeandwhowasplanningtotakeherfarawayfromherMotherandeverythingfamiliar.Herwishesdidnotmatterone

littlebittothecruelman,justthemoneyhewouldgetforsellinghisprettydaughter.HerMotherpleadedwithhim,too,andhetookastraptohertostophercomplaining,andSusie

wasalsopunishedwhenshetriedtohideandavoidherwedding.

SusanfeltthatJohnwasluckytoberaisedinafamilythattrulylovedeachother,andsheencouragedhimtogohomeonceitwasspring.Shehopedhewouldtakeherwith

him,buthehadn’tmentionedwantingapermanentrelationshipwithher.“Itlookslikewearefinallygettingabreakintheweather,Susie,andI’mgoingtogo

hunting.Wecouldusesomefreshmeat,”Johndeclaredasheputonwarmerclothing.“Do

youthinkyou’llbeallrightherealoneforawhile?”heaskedwithateasingwink.“Ofcourse!”sheanswered.

“Notgoingtogetintoanymischief?”hewantedtoknow.“Ihaven’tspankedyour

hindinthreeweeksnow!”“Andyouaren’tgoingtospankmeagain!”sheretorted.

“Wanttobet?”heaskedwithagrin.“Infact,I’mgoingtospankyoutonight,justforthefunofit.”

“What!?Why?”Susanputherhandsonherhipstoglareathim.“Ihaven’tdone

anythingwrong!”“Yesyouhave,honey.And,I’lltendtothematterlater.Inthemeantime,you’dbest

thinkofawayortwotosoothemytemper.”

“Whattemper?”Shestompedherfoot.Johnchuckled,strappedonhissnowshoes,pickeduphisgun,andthenleaneddown

tokissher.“You’dbestbehave,Susie.Yoursweetlittlehindisinenoughtrouble!”hewhispered,winked,andthenleft.

Susanshutthedoorbehindhimandthenstompedherfootoncemore.“Ihaven’t

doneanythingwrong!Andyouarenotgoingtospankmeagain,JohnJericho!”



SusanmanagedtokeepbusywhileJohnwasouthunting,butallshecouldthink

aboutwasthepromisedspanking,andmuchtoherdisbelief,shefeltthesamesortofneedinherprivatepartsthatshefeltwheneverJohnkissedherandtouchedher.Whatwas

wrongwithher?Howcouldthethoughtofaspankingfillherwithexcitement?Spankingshurt,anditshouldbethelastthingshewanted!

Johnwasn’tgonelong,andhishuntingtripwassuccessful.Theyhadawonderfulmealofvenisonsteaks,andtherewasenoughmeatlefttofixforthenextfewdays,butSusanfeltJohn’sdarkeyesonherasshemovedaboutthecabinandsheknewthathewas

stillplanningtospankher!Hesaidnothingaboutthepromisedspanking,butshewas

positivehehadn’tforgotten.JohnwatchedinamusementasSusierushedaroundthecabin,tryingtostaybusy.

Eventhroughhershirthecouldseehernippleswerehard,andheknewshewasthinkingofthespankinghepromisedbeforehewenthunting.Itwastime.“Areyoureadytobare

yourhindforme,Susie?”heaskedfromwherehesatontheirbed.

Shewhirledaround,hercheeksaprettypink.“Ihaven’tdoneanythingtoearnapunishment!”shedeclared.

“HaveIsaidanythingaboutpunishingyou?”“Yousaidyouweregoingtospankme!”sheaccused.“Iamgoingtospankyou.Comehere,”hepattedhisthigh.

“No!”shegasped.“Comehere,honey.”

HisvoicewassoftandpersuasiveandSusanfoundherselfunabletoresist.She

reluctantlywalkedtohim,hereyeswideandfullofuncertainty.“Goodgirl,Susie,”Johnsmiledreassuringly.“Nowpullupyourskirtandletmesee

thatprettyhindofyours.I’msureitneedsathoroughspanking.”Susiecouldn’tfindthewordstodenyhim.Sheslowlypulledupherskirtsanddidn’t

strugglewhenhegentlyeasedherdownoverhisleftthighandthebed,hishandfinding

herveryvulnerablebottomandpattinghercheekswithafamiliaritythatmadeherblush.Hewasn’tbeingabitroughwithherandshetrulydidn’tknowwhattothink.

“Yes,yourprettybacksideneedssomecolor,Susie,”Johnsaidsolemnly,butthe

spankinghestartedgivingherwasn’ttheleastbitpainful.Hewouldgiveherseveralswats,andthencaresshercheeks,effectivelyrubbingawayanystinghecreated.“Nowwhatdid

youdotoearnthisspanking,younglady?”hequestioned.“Nothing!”shegasped,andthensquealedwhenhespankedabitharder.

“Nowthatisn’ttrue,MissSusie,”hecontradictedher.

“WhatdidIdo,John?”sheasked,confused.“Youhaven’tgivenmeareasontoswatyourprettybackside,Susie,andIliketopay

attentiontothispartofyou!”hedeclared,givingheranotherspankthatbroughtforth

anothersqueal.Hechuckled,andthenrubbedawaythesting.Susanwasverymuchawareofthefirebuildingwithinher,andwhenhishands

movedlowertocaressherthighs,shewassoonmoaning,andpartingherlegsabitsohecouldstrokeherinnerthighsaswell.“John,Ididn’tknowitwaspossibletoenjoya

spanking!”shegaspedafteranotherwell-aimedspanktoherbackside.

“So,youareenjoyingthis?”heteased,hisfingereasilyslippinginsideherwarmandwetsex.

“Yes,verymuch!”



“ThenI’llhavetospankyoujustabitharderandlonger,”hepromised,suiting

actionstowords.JohnwascarefultowatchSusanforsignsofdistress,butitwasobviousshewasenjoyingthesexyspanking,andeventhoughherbottomwassoonstinging,she

offerednocomplaintwhenheundressedherselfandhim,andthenenteredherwillingbody.Heheldherafterwardsandsaid,“Youaresuchanaughtylittlelady,Susie,andI’mso

glad.Iloveawomanwithspirit.”Susannoticedhestilldidn’toffertomarryher,andshewenttosleepfeelingabit

sad.Theystillhadseveralmonthsbeforeitwouldbesafetomakethetriptothe

settlement,andhopefullyJohnwoulddeclarehimselfbythen.

********************JohnleftSusiesnuginthecabinandwenthuntingonceagain.Itwasgoodforthem

tohavesometimeapartonceinawhile,andJohnneededsometimetothink.HewasstillhavingtroublebelievingthatAbelMcCorywasresponsibleforCarolyn’sdeath.Abelwas

hisbestfriendallthroughtheirschoolyears,andhestoodashisbestmanwhenhemarried

Carolyn.SurelyCarolynmisunderstood…?ButthenJohnwouldrecallthatAbelwasoneofthefirsttopointafingeratJohnandaccusehimofbeingfuriouswithCarolynand

threateningher.HerousedCarolyn’sfathertoafrenzysothatthemanwouldn’tlistentoathingJohntriedtotellhim.JohnhadwonderedforthelastfewyearswhatmadeAbelturnonhim,andnowheknew.Comespring,Johnwasgoingtogohomeandclearhisname.He

owedittohisfamily…andtoCarolyn…tofindthetruth.HealsoowedittoSusie,andtotheirfuturetogether.Thelovehefeltforthefeisty

redheadwasmuchdifferentthanwhathefeltforCarolyn,andheknewhisMamawould

loveherasmuchashedid.Whenspringarrived,hewasgoingtotakehisnewbridehomewithhim.

********************SusandidasshealwaysdidwhenJohnwasaway,andmadesuretheirhomewasas

cleanasshecouldmakeit.Shealsoputsomethingontocook,justincasehishunting

wasn’tsuccessful.Johntaughtherhowtoworkwiththesoftleather,andshewasworkingonanotherskirtandtopforherself.Atleastitgavehersomethingtodo.Shewasbusy

sewingwhensheheardJohnoutside.Shesmiled,happyhewashome.Agreetingwason

herlipswhenthecabindooropened,butitquicklydiedwhenthreemenshedidn’tknowcameinsideasiftheyownedtheplace.

“Whathavewehere?”Oneofthemenlookedathercuriously.“You’rerightpretty,honey.”

Susandidn’tliketheirlooks.“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.

“It’sfixingtostormagain,andwewantedshelter,andsomethinghotinourbelly,”athirdmanansweredpolitely.“Youtwoboysstopstaringatthelady.Can’tyouseeyou’re

scaringher?”

“There’snothingtobescaredof;we’reharmless,”thefirstmanliedwithasmile.“Ifyouareharmless,thenyouwillleaveatonce!”

“Nocalltoberude,littlelady.We’rehungry,andinthesepartsit’sthecustomtofeedfolkswhentheydropby,”theoldermaninformedher.

“Lookslikestewinthepot,Smith.”

“Itisn’tdoneyet,”Susantoldhim.“Wecanwait,”themancalledSmithanswered.“Mightwesitdown,ma’am?”

Susannodded.Therewerethreeofthem,andshecouldn’tdoanythingelse.



Oncetheyweresettled,Smithasked,“WhereisJericho?”

“Hunting,”shetoldthetruth.Lyingwouldn’thelphersituation.“Notmucharoundtheseparts,butJerichoisaluckysortandifthereisgame,he’ll

findit.”Themanactuallysmiled.“Noneedtobescaredofus,littlelady.Iknowwelookscruffy,butwewon’thurtyounone.”

ThecabindooropenedthenandJohncameinside.Hisdarkeyeswenttohersandwhenhesawshewasfine,herelaxedabit.“Sawwehadvisitors,Smith.It’sbeenawhile.”Heofferedtheoldermanhishand.

“Wescaredyourlady,Jericho.Weweren’texpectingbuttofindanemptycabinto

getwarmin.”Johnwalkedovertowhereshesatonthebed,andputhisarmaroundher.“Thisis

mywife,Susie.”“Well,congratulationsareinorder!”Smithsaidwithahugegrin.“Ididn’tseeno

ringonherfinger…?”

“Haven’tbeentobuyoneyet,”Johnrepliedquietly.“Iwanthertohaveanewone.”“That’srealsmart.”Thefirstmanwasstillgivingherthathungrylookshehated.

“Don’tbelievewe’vemet…I’mJohnJericho.”“WilliamCoffield,andthishereisDruryHolmes.WemetupwithSmithacouple

monthsagoanddecidedtowintertogether.”

Johnnodded.Hedidn’tlikethelooksofthetwo,butitwasSmith’sbusinesswhohewinteredwith.

“Didn’thaveanyluckhunting?”theonecalledHolmesaskedcuriously.

“Nope,nottoday.Susie,honey,doyouneedmetobringupsomethingelsetogowiththestewyouhaveon?Thesemenwillneedagoodmealtotravelon.”

“Icanmakesomethingfaster,John.Thestewwillbealongtimeyet,”shestated.“Thatwouldberealsweetofyou,honey,”Johnnoddedagreeably.“Wouldyouput

onsomecoffee,too?”heaskedpolitely.

“Ofcourse.”Susanwasn’tcomfortablewiththestrangersinthehouse.Theireyesseemedtofollowherwherevershewent,anditmadeherfeelclumsy.Shehurriedasmuch

aspossibletofeedthem,andwasrelievedwhenSmithtoldtheothertwoitwastimeto

moveon.Theygrumbled,andthemannamedWilliamCoffieldcomplainedandsaidhewas

lookingforwardtospendingthenightinsteadoftrekkinganothereighthourstowheretheywerewintering.Theothermanlaughedandsaid,“Youwouldn’twantcompanyeither

ifyouhadapurtyyoungwifetocuddle.”

Smithfrownedandtoldthemtogetamoveon.HeturnedandspokequietlytoJohn.“Jericho,don’ttrustthemtwo.Theyknowyouhaveawomanherenow,andIain’tsosureI

cankeeponeorbothofthemfromtryingtotakeherfromyou.”

“Thanksforthewarning,Smith.”Johnshookhishandagain,andwatchedthethreemenuntiltheywereoutofsight.Hebarredthedoorwhenhecameinside,andthenlooked

atSusanandscolded,“Whydidyouopenthedoortothosethree,younglady?”“Ididn’t!”shequicklydenied.“Theybargedrightoninsidewithoutknocking!Iwas

sogladyoucamehomewhenyoudid.Ididn’tknowhowtogetridofthem.Smithkept

tellingmeIwassafeandtheywouldn’thurtme,andIknowhemeantit,butIsawthewaythoseothertwomenwerelookingatme!”



“Susan,youneedtokeepthisdoorbarredwhenIamnothere,”Johnsaidsternly.

“DoIneedtogiveyouasoundspankingtoimpressthisuponyou?”“Noooo!”sheanswered,strickenthatheseemedangrywithher.“John,Ididn’tdo

anythingwrong!Iwassittingheresewingwhentheysimplybargedin!”“Itthedoorwasbarred,theycouldn’thavedoneso.”Hetookherbytheshoulders

andgaveheralittleshake.“IwillstrapyouifIevercomebackhereandfindthisdoorunlockedagain.Doyouhearme?”

“Youarebeingmeantome,JohnJericho,andIwon’ttolerateit!Ididnothing

wrong,andyouareactinglikeIsetouttoenticethosementocomehere!Ididn’t!They

aretheonesyoushouldbemadat!Theyaretheoneswhodeserveahidingforwalkinginsidewithoutknockingfirst!”

“Areyoufinishedyellingatme,Susie?”Johnaskedquietly.“Idon’tknow.Areyoudonescoldingme?”shedemanded,turningupherchinand

daringhimtosayanotherword.”

“Yes,I’mdonescolding.Ithinkyouneedareminder,”heannouncedandbeforesherealizedwhathewasabout,Johngrabbedherandbracedhisfootuponachairand

droppedheroverhisbentkneeandstartedspankingoverherskirt.WhenSusieholleredbloodymurder,hetossedupherskirtsandspankedherbarehind.“WhenIaskyouifyouunderstand,littlegirl,Idon’texpectyoutostartscoldingme.Isthatunderstood?”

“Ohhhhh!Youarebeingsounfair!”“Iamtryingtoprotectyou,Susie.Ican’tdothatifyoudon’tpayattentiontowhatI

tellyoutodo!Whenyouarereadytopromisemeyou’llkeepthedoorbarredwhenIam

away,thenI’llstopspankingyou.Inthemeantime,I’mgoingtoseetoityouregretbeingsodarnsassy!”

“Iamnotgoingtogiveintoyou,JohnJericho!”sheunwiselypromised,andhespankedevenharder,aimingforhertendersitspots.“Owwwww!Youaresuchanass!”

Hespankedevenharderyet.

“Don’tyouunderstand,youlittlefool!Idon’twantyoutosufferthewayCarolyndid!Shewasbatteredandbruised,andnowomanshouldeversufferthatway.Youlisten

tome,Susie.Iloveyou,anddamnit,ifIhavetospankyoualldaylong,you’regoinglisten

tomeandstaysafe!”



Chapter Seven

“Yousurehaveafunnywayofshowingsomeoneyoulovethem!”Susanretortedas

Johncontinuedtospankherupturnedbarebackside,butinsideshewasrejoicingthatJohn finally admittedhelovedher!“Stopnow,please!”

“Ihaven’theardapromisefromyouyet,littlegirl,”Johnsaid,emphasizinghiswordswithmorehardspankstoherburninghind.Hecouldseethatherskinwasadeep,dark

red,butthiswasonebattleofwillsheintendedtowin.Hersafetywastooimportantto

himtoriskthechanceofherdefiance.“Okay,youwin!”Shefinallygaveover.“IpromiseIwillkeepthedoorbarredwhen

youareaway.”Susanexpectedhimtostopthepainfulchastisement,buthedidn’t.“John,I

promised!YousaidyouwouldstopwhenIpromised!”ThespanksreallyhurtnowandSusanwastrulydesperate!“Please,John!Iamsorry!”

“Yoursassynatureandstubbornnesshasmadethisreminderquitepainful,hasn’tit,

Susie?”hedemanded,makingsurehersitspotswereaflamefromhishardhand.“Pleasestop!Iwillbereasonablenow,”shecapitulated.Herlegswerekicking

furiouslyandtearswerestreamingdownhercheeks.Shetrulyregrettedbehavinglikesuchastubbornfoolandrefusingtogivehimherpromisewhenheaskedforit.Susan

knewshewouldn’tsitwithoutfeelingthisspankingforatleastafewdays!“I’msorry,John!Pleaseforgivemenow!”shebegged.

“Andforwhatelsedoyouneedtoapologize?”Johndemanded.Hewasn’tgoingto

makethesamemistakeswithSusiethathemadewithhisCarolyn.Heincreasedthestingonhercheeksandthenmovedlowertoherupperthighs.Ifeveraladyneededafirmhand,

itwasSusie.Shewasspiritedandfeisty,andhewouldhaveheroverhiskneequiteoftenin

theyearsaheadhesurmised.“Well,littlegirl?”

“Idon’tknow!”shetearfullyadmitted.“Oh,please,John!Icannottakeanymoreofthis.IamsorryforeverythingIhavesaidordonesinceIwasborn!”shesaidindesperation,andtohersurpriseJohngaveheronefinalwhackandputheronherfeet,

chuckling.

“Iwouldsaythatcoversabroadrangeofmisdeeds,Susie.”Heopenedhisarmstooffercomfortandsheimmediatelysteppedintohisembrace,needinghiscomfort,andhis

love.

“Whatdidyouwantmetosay?”sheasked,snifflingandswipingathereyeswiththebacksofherhands.

“YouwerescoldingmewhenallIwasdoingwastryingtokeepyousafe,honey.Asimple,‘Yes,John,Iwillkeepthedoorbarredwhenyouareaway,’wouldhaveprevented

thisspanking.Yoursassymouthearnedyouasorehind.”“Didyoureallymeanwhatyousaid?”sheasked,lookingupathim,hopeinher

prettyeyes.

“IalwaysmeanwhatIsay.Youleavethedoorunbarred,Susie,andseeifIdon’ttakeastraptoyourhind!”

“Oh,don’tbesilly,John!”Shestompedherfootforemphasis.“Yousaidyoulove

me…”sheshylyremindedhim.



John’sdarkeyeswereintentashelookedather.“Idoloveyou,Susie,butsurely

youalreadyknewthat?”“Ihopedyoudid,butitisnicetohearthewords,”sheadmitted.

“Amanmightliketohearthewords,too,nowandthen.”John’sgazewasonherandhewaitedforheranswer.

“Iwouldn’thavesharedyourbedifIdidn’tloveyou,John.”Whysheshouldbesoembarrassedwasamysterytoher,butshewas.“Idoloveyou,”shesaidsoftly.

“Iintendtoputmyringonyourfinger,Susie.IconsideredgivingyouCarolyn’sring,

butdecidedyoushouldhaveyourownring.Iwanttotakeyouhomeasmywifeand

presentyoutomyfamily.Willyoumarrymeandcomewithme,Susie?”heaskedformally.“Yes,John.Iwillbeyourwife.”Shewassmilingandhereyeswereswimmingwith

tearsofhappiness.“Youarealreadymywife,mywoman,inthewaythatmattersmost.Sayingthe

wordsinfrontofapreacherwon’tmakeusanymoremarriedthanwealreadyare,”John

saidwithconvictionasheleaneddowntokisshertenderly.“Pleasekeepthatdoorbarred,honey.Smithdon’ttrustCoffieldorHolmes,”headded.“ItwillgivemepeaceofmindifI

knowyouwillobeyme.”“Iwillobeyyou,John,”shesaidwithalovingsmile.“Idon’ttrustthemeither,”she

added,shuddering.“Theyscaredme.”

“Comehere,honey,”hewhisperedandpulledherclosertoholdhersnuginhisarms.“I’llkeepyousafe,Susie.Ipromise.”Shesurrenderedtohim,offeringhimherlove.

Whileherbacksidewasburningandstinging,shegaveherselfcompletely,secureinthe

knowledgethatJohntrulylovedher…justasshelovedhim.Shedidn’tthinkshewouldeverfindhappinessonceherfathersettledonPhiliptobeherhusband,butnowPhilipwas

dead…andshewasmarriedtoamansheloved.Lifewasgood,andbestofall,shewaswithamanwhotreatedherwell…evenifhedidspankherentirelytoomuch!

JohndideverythinginhispowertomakeSusanfeellovedandcherishedthenext

coupleofweeks.Hemadelovetoheralloverthecabin,makinguseofthetable,insistingshewashisdessert,andtastingheruntilsheexplodedwithpassion.Shefeltlikeawicked

womanforenjoyingtheact,butwhenJohninsistedondessertthenexttime,shesatonthe

tableandleanedback,pullingupherskirtandopeningherlegstoofferhimwhathecraved.Hepleasuredheroncemorewithhistongueandlips,andwhenherspasmsof

pleasurewereover,hegaveherafewsecondstorest,andthenhedeclaredhewantedasecondhelping.Susanscreamedthesecondtimeshefoundherrelease,andthethirdtime

soexhaustedherthatJohnputherdownforanap.Heawakenedherlaterbystrokingher

gently,andthenheclaimedhisreward,ridingheruntiltheybothexplodedwithjoyandpassion.Susanfeltlovedandcherished.

WhensheshylyaskedJohnifshecouldpleasurehiminthesamewayhedidher,he

toldher‘yes’,butalsotoldhershedidn’thavetodoanythingshedidn’twanttodo.Susan’sinexperiencenearlydrovehimwild,butJohnlovedeverysinglesecond,andoncehewas

sated,hegaveherpleasurejustasintense.Theonlyincidentthatmarredtheiridyllicdaysofmakinglovewheneverand

wherevertheypleasedwasthetimethatJohnheardSusanswear.Hecouldn’tbelieve

she’dsaidthatparticularword.“Susie,youarealady,andladiesdonotusethatkindoflanguage!”

“Oh,pooh,John!Ihurtmyfinger!”



“Andyouusedadisgustingword.Youneverhearmetalklikethat!”Hewasmore

thanalittlebitshocked.“Ioughttosoapyourmouth!”ItwaspreciselythewayhisMamadealtwithbadlanguage.Heandhissiblingsquicklylearnednottousecertainwords

unlesstheywantedagoodsoaping.Whenhewasalmostfullygrown,hethoughthewasoldenoughtousetheword‘damn’inherpresence.Hewasshamedtorealizethathis

Mamadidn’tconsiderhimtheadultheproclaimedhimselftobe,andshemarchedhiminsidewithherfingersgraspinghisearandmadehimcutoffasliverofsoapandsuckonituntilitdissolved.Hedidnotswearinfrontofherafterthat.

“I’mnotperfect!”shesnapped.“AndI’llswearifIwantto!”sheadded,clearlyina

testyframeofmind.“Youcanjuststoppretendingyou’veneverheardthewordbefore!”Herfathersworealot.Andwhensheinjuredherself,thoseweretheterriblewordsthat

slippedoutofhermouth!Johnwasn’tabouttoputupwithhersass!Hetookherbytheelbowandmarched

hertothewashstand,tookouthisknife,andcutoffasliverofsoap.

“No,John!”Susanbackedaway.“Iwon’tletyoudothattome!”“Yougetyourhindoverhere,Susie.Youearnedatasteofsoap,andyou’llgetit.I

won’thavemywifecussinglikeafieldhand!”Shebackedevenfartherawayfromhim.“Youcancomehereandgetthisoverwithrightnowandsaveyourselfaspankin’,‘causeifIhavetofetchyou,you’regoingtogetyourhindturnedred.”

Susanshookherhead‘no’.“Iamsorryforusingthatword,andIwon’tdoitagain,”shesaid.“Pleasedon’tpunishmethistime.Icannotabidethetasteofsoap,”shetoldhim,

hereyespleadingwithhimtobeforgiving.

“Icannotabideladieswhoswear.Lastchance,littlegirl.Ifyoucomenow,thesoapingwillbetheendofit.IfIcomeafteryou,you’llsoapwithoutrinsingforalongtime,

andI’llwearoutmyhandonyourprettybutt.”SusanknewJohnmeantwhathesaid,buttherewasnowayshecouldbringherself

tomeeklywalktohimandacceptthesliverofsoaphewantedtoplaceinhermouth.Itwas

simplytoohumiliatingandtoodisgustingtoaccept.“Please,John…I’lltakeaspankingifyouwishtopunishme,butdon’tusethesoap!Ireallycan’tdothat!”sheinsisted.

Johnwasdonetalking.Hereachedherinthreelongstrides,grabbedherwristand

thendraggedherbacktothewashstand.“Openyourmouth,”hefirmlyordered.Sheshookherheadno.Johnpinchedhernose,cuttingoffherairuntilshewasforcedtoopen

hermouthtobreathe.Heputthesliverofsoaponhertongue,andthenheldhermouthclosedwithonehandontopofherheadandtheotherunderherchin.

Susanstompedherfeetandhereyesfilledwithtears!Thesoaptastedhorribleand

shewantedtogag.ShetriedtotwistfreeoftheholdJohnhadonher,buthewasdeterminedshenotspitoutthesoapuntilhewassatisfiedshe’dhadthefullbenefitofthe

punishment.Susanknewshewouldneverswearagainifthiswastheconsequence!Itwas

awful!Trulyawful!!ShetriedtotellJohnwithhereyesthatshewassorry,butheignoredherpleading.Thesoapslowlydissolved,fillinghermouthwithbubblesandshethought

shewasgoingtoretch.JohnsawSusan’sprettyfaceturnpaleandhereyeswidenwiththeknowledgeshe

wasgoingtobesick.Hereleasedheratonceandgrabbedthebasin.Shespitoutthesoap

immediately,andgrabbedthecupofwaterhefetchedforherandrinsed.Nothinghelpedridherofthetaste,however.“I’msorry,John!Pleasedon’teverdothattomeagain!”She



wasintears,andJohnfeltsorryforher.Hedidn’tspankherrightthen,butgaveher

stomachtimetosettle.

Itwasn’tuntilafterlunchthatshedecidedtothrowanothertantrum,losinghertemperovernothingatall!ThattimeJohntookheroverhiskneeandsetherbottomon

firewhileshekickedandthrewaroyalfit.Whenhestopped,shethrewawetdishragathimandtoldhimhecoulddothedishesbecauseshedidn’tfeelwell.Hewatchedindisbeliefasshecrawledintobed.Whenshewokelater,hercheekswerescarletasshecut

upheroldraggeddressinto‘grannyrags’.Susanwasembarrassedascouldbe,butonce

shetookcareofherneeds,shecametohimandapologizedforbeingsuchawitch,andexplainedhertemperwasimpossibletolivewithrightbeforehermonthlytime.John

smiledatherandtoldherheknewhowtodealwiththattemperofhers,andthenhehuggedherandtoldhershewasthesweetestwomanonearth.

Johnstayedclosetothecabinduringthefourweeksfollowingtheunexpectedvisit

fromthethreetrappersbecausehedidn’ttrustHolmesandCoffieldnottoreturnwiththeideaoftakingSusiewiththem!Whenamonthpassedandtheydidn’treturn,Johnfeltit

wassafetorelaxhisguardsomewhatandgohunting;theyneededsomefreshmeat.HeinformedSusieofhisplansandshenoddedinunderstanding.Theyreallydidneedthemeat,andshewouldbefine.Shewasoftheopinionthattheyhadoverreactedtotheir

visitors.“Youmakesuretobarthisdoor,Susie,anddon’tletanyoneinside,”hebossedina

sterntoneofvoice.

Shelearnedherlessonaboutbeingsassyandstubborn,andshequicklypromisedtodoasshewastold.Susandidn’twantanyonetoeverwalkinonherthewaythosethree

mendidthelasttimeJohnwasaway.ItwasfrighteningandonparwiththetimethewagontrainwasattackedbyHeWhoWearsRedandtheotherIndians.

Susanbusiedherselfaroundthecabin,makingsureitwasspotless,andsheusedthe

timetowashafewitemsofclothingandhangthemtodry.Shejumpedwhensomeonetriedtoopenthedoor.ItwastoosoonforJohntobeback!

“MissSusan!”avoicecalledthroughthedoor.“Youneedtocomequick!Wefound

yourmanandhe’shurtrealbadandcallingforyou!”Susandidn’tstoptothink.SherushedtothedoortofindCoffieldandHolmes

standingthere.“WhereisJohn?”shedemanded.“Aboutthreemilesfromhere.Smithisstayingwithhim,”Coffieldsaid.“Hurryup

andgetyourcoaton.Heain’tgotmuchtimeleft.”

Susanrantodoasshewastold,herheartbeatinginfearandtearsfillinghereyes.HowwouldshelivewithoutJohninherlife?Hewaseverythingtoher.“Let’shurry!”she

toldthemenandsetoutinthedirectionshesawJohngowhenheleft.Themeneasilykept

upwithher.Susan’smindwasracing.WhatcouldhavehappenedtoJohn?Howcould

somethinghappentohimandhernotfeelitinherheart?ShefollowedinCoffield’sfootsteps,andHolmesfollowedbehindher.Themenwerehurrying,andtheywalkedand

walkedwhilesheprayedthatJohnwouldbeallright.MaybeSmithwouldbeabletodo

somethingtohelpJohn?Afterwalkingforwelloveranhour,SusansuddenlyrealizedthattheyshouldhavereachedJohnbynow.“IthoughtyousaidthatJohnwasonlythreemiles

fromthecabin?”sheasked.



“It’sjustabitfurther,”Coffieldsaid.“Keepup.”

Susanabruptlyrealizedthatthetwomenhadtrickedher!Shestoppedinhertracksandsaid,“Takemehomerightnow!”

“Youarecomingwithus,girlie,”Holmessaidwithaleeringgrin.“Wegotallsortsofplansforyou.”

“No!Johnismyhusband,andIwanttogohomenow!”“Heain’tnobody’shusbandnomore.Iseentothat,”Coffieldsaidwithalaugh.“I

putabulletthroughhim.So,lady,youbelongtousnow,andweaimtogetourmoney’s

worth.Nowunlessyouwanttostartpayinguphereandnow,you’llmoveyourfannyand

keepup.Ifyoustartslowingusdown,we’llbareyououthereandhaveusasampleonthewaytoourplace.”

“WhereisJohn?”Susanwasfrantic.“Heneedshelp!”“Hedon’tneednothin’,”Holmesspit.“He’sanuppitybastardwholooksdownon

folkslikemeandCoffield.Hegothis,andnowwe’llgetours.”

“Iwon’tletyoutouchme!”“Sureyouwill,girlie.You’llbebeggingforitrealsoon.”Themanlaughedandthen

shovedher.“Moveyourtail.”Susanhadnochoice.Ifshetriedtofightthetwoofthemouthere,shewouldlose.

Shehadnoweaponofanykind,andevenifshedidescapethemouthere,shewouldfreeze

todeathbeforeshecouldreachthecabin…andifJohnwashurt—sherefusedtobelievehewasdead—shewouldn’tknowwheretobeginlookingforhim!Susantriedtogatherher

witsabouther.Sheneededtorescueherself.CoffieldandHolmeswouldhavenoqualms

aboutusingher.“WhereisSmith?”shewantedtoknow.“Wetookcareofhim,sodon’tthinkhe’sgonnastickupforyou,girlie.It’sjustyou

andthetwoofus,andwe’regoingtohaveussomepartytonight.”HegrinnedinanticipationandSusanshuddered.Shewasfrightened;evenmorefrightenedthanshewas

intheIndianencampment.

********************Johnfelthewasbeingfollowed,andhetriedtodecidewhoitwas.TheIndianshad

treatedhimwellsincehesavedtheChief’ssonfromdrowningwhenhegothisfootcaught

insomevinesunderwater.Johndidwhathewoulddoforanychildindistress,andwentunderwaterandfreedhisfoot.Theboyrantotellhisfatherwhathappened,andlaterthat

day,JohnwassurroundedbyIndianBraves.Hewasinvitedtotheircampforafeast,andalwayswelcomedasanhonoredfriend.Johndidnothingtoabusetheirtrust,buthewas

wellawarethatnotallofthebravessharedtheirchief’spointofviewabouthim,andJohn

wasalwaysonhisguard…justincase.“Jericho.”Heheardavoicecallweakly.“Overhere.Can’ttakeanotherstep.”

JohnhurriedtofindSmithproppedagainstatree.“Yourwomanisintrouble.I

triedtostopCoffield;didn’tknowthatHolmeswashidingtogetmefromtheback.Theyspottedyouthismorning,knewshewasalone.Youhurrynow,andkillthebastardsfor

me.”Themanclosedhiseyesanddied,havingsaidwhatheforcedhimselftostayalivelongenoughtosay.

Johnhurriedtowardthecabin,prayingthatlittleSusieobeyedhim.Ifsheleftthe

doorsandwindowsbarred,thetwomenwouldn’tbeabletogetinside.Shewasprobablyterrified,though,andJohndidn’tlikethatonelittlebit.Heshouldhavelistenedtohis

instinctsanddealtwiththetwomensooner,beforethishadachancetohappen.



HismindtookhimbackintimeandtotheafternoonhefoundCarolyn’sbody.He

couldn’tgothroughthatagain,notnow,andespeciallynotafterfindingSusan.Helovedherwitheverythinghehadandlifewouldn’tbeworthlivingwithouthertobrightenhis

daysandsoothehisnights.Hefinallywascloseenoughtoseethecabin.Therewasnosmokecomingfromthe

chimney,andthedoorwaswideopen.CoffieldandHolmeshadSusan.********************

Susanwasexhaustedfromtryingtokeepupwiththemen.Herfeetwerecold,and

shewashavingahardtimebreathing.They’dwalkedforhoursandshewasreadytodrop.

“You’dbetterkeepmoving,girl,”Coffieldturnedandraisedhishandtoslapher,buttheslapneverhappened.Themanfelldeadfromanarrowinhisback.

“Indians!”Holmesscreamed,andheturnedtorun.Twobravesgrabbedhim,andanotherusedaknifetoendhislife.

Susancouldn’tbelieveit.HeWhoWearsRedlookeddownatherfromwherehesat

onhishorse,andbeforeshecouldsay,“Notyouagain!”hegrabbedher.Susanstruggledandtriedtogetfree,butthemanmerelygruntedandputherfacedownacrosshismount

infrontofhim.Whenshestillcontinuedtofightandstruggle,heslappedherbottom…hard.Sherefusedtocry.

********************

Johnfoundthetrailandfolloweditasquicklyashecould,butitwasobviousthetwomenhadseveralhours’headstart.HeprayedthathewouldgettoSusanbeforethey

harmedher,andheprayedthatiftheydidtouchhershewouldn’tputupafightandget

badlyhurt.KnowingSusan’stemper,however,heknewshewouldtrytostopthemfromusingher.Heprayedandhurriedevenfaster.

********************Eventually,HeWhoWearsRedpickedherupandpermittedhertositinfrontof

him.Hesaidsomethingtoher,butSusandidn’tunderstand.Helaughed,butdidn’tspeak

again.SusanwasworriedsickaboutJohn…butsheknewbetterthantrytoescape.TheIndianwouldfindher,andthenhewouldmakeherregretbeingborn.Thethoughtof

returningtohiscamp…andtohiswives…madeherill.LifewithoutJohnheldnointerest

forheratall.Susanwantedtodie,andperhapstheeasiestwaywastomakeHeWhoWearsRedAngryenoughtoendherlifehereandnow!

Susanconsideredthepossiblesolutionstoherproblem,andwasabouttomakeagrabforhisknifewhensheheardhernamebeingcalled!Shelistenedagain,andthen

yelled,“John! JOHN !”

Hesuddenlyappearedbeforeher,andtohersurprise,HeWhoWearsRedhelpedherdowntothecrowdandpermittedhertoruntoJohn.“Ithoughtyouweredead!”she

sobbedthewords,throwingherselfathimandwrappingherarmstightlyaroundhisneck

asheliftedherfromtheground.“OhGod,Ithoughtyouweredead!”“Areyouallright,Susie?Didthosebastardshurtyou?”heasked,holdingher

shakingbodyascloseaspossible.“I’mfine.Theysaidtheykilledyou!”

“TheykilledSmith,buthelivedlongenoughtotellmewhattheywereupto.Icame

assoonasIcould,”hewhispered,stillfeelingguiltyforleavingheralone.“HeWhoWearsRedsavedme,”Susanannounced.TheIndianwasactuallysmiling!

WhenJohnputherdowntowalkovertospeaktotheman,Susanrefusedtoreleasehim



andwalkedwithhim.Thetwomentalkedforseveralminutes,andthenclaspedeach

other’sarmsinfriendship.JohnwasgrinningasheledherawayfromthemenandSusanasked,“Whatissoamusing,JohnJericho?”

“HeWhoWearsRedgaveyoubacktomebecausehesaidhishomeisamuchhappierplacewiththetroublemakergone!”Whenshegaspedinoutrage,Johnchuckled.

Butthenheturnedserious.“HeWhoWearsRedsaidthatthetwomenwerebad.Theyabusedayounggirlfromanotherbandwholivesnorthofhere;herbrotherisvisiting,andrecognizedthemwhentheyspottedthemwithyou.HeWhoWearsRedwassureIdidn’t

sellyoutothem,sotheyfollowed.”

“Ishouldhavesaid‘thankyou’tohim,”shesaidremorsefully.“Youshouldhavekeptthatdoorbarred,younglady,”John’sfearsuddenlyturnedto

whitehotangerandrage.“WhenIgetyoubacktothecabin,Iamgoingtowearoutthatleatherstraponyourhind.YouwillnotsitdownforamonthofSundaysbythetimeI

finish.WhenIgiveyouanorderIexpecttobeobeyed!Howdareyoudefyme,littlegirl?”

“Ididn’t!”sheinsisted.“Thenhowdidtheygetinsidetotakeyou?”hedemanded.

“Theytrickedme,John!Pleasedon’tyellatme.Ifeelfoolishenough!”Sheneededsympathyrightnow,notanger.

“Youarestillgoingtogetagoodlicking,Susie.WhenItellyounottodosomething,

youare,byGod,notgoingtodoit,unlessyoudon’twanttositdownforweeksafter!”



Chapter Eight

Susancouldn’tbelievethatJohnwassoangrywithherandthreateningtopunish

her!She’ddonenothingwrong,andshe’dbeenfrightenedjustasmuchashewas!Thewalkbacktotheircabintooklesstimethanshethoughtitwould,butthecabinwas

freezingcold.Johngaveheradarklookasheshutthedoorandbarredit,andthenhesetaboutbuildingafire.Hequicklyhadonegoingandwithoutevensparingaglanceforthe

redhead,hewalkedtohischestandtookouttheleatherstraphekeptthere.Hedidn’t

bothertellinghertocometohim.Hecrossedtheroom,tookherarm,andpulledherovertothebed.Itwastoocoldtotakeoffhercoat,andSusanhopedthatitwouldprotecther

fromwhathehadplanned.John,however,hadotherideas.Hejerkedherdownoverhis

leftthighandthebedandstartedtoshoveupherskirtandhercoattobareher!“No!”shecriedout.“It’stoocoldinhereandIamalreadyfreezing!”

“Youwon’tbecoldmuchlonger,”hesaidwithagrowl,bringinghishanddownon

herflesh,whichwasindeedcold!Shescreamedinpainandhehadnodoubtthefactshewassocoldwasmakinghishandhurtevenworsethannormal.Itwouldmakethelesson

oneshewouldrecallfortherestofherlife!HespankedagainandagainandSusiepleadedwithhimtostop.“I’llstopwhenI’mdamnsureyouwon’tbeabletositdownforatleasta

month!”“Noooo!Theytrickedme,John!Thisisn’tfair!”Shebeggedhimtolistentoher,but

hewastooangrywithher.“Youaregoingtohateyourselfforthis!”shepromised.

“Youdisobeyedme,woman!Doyouknowhowluckyyouarethatthosetwodidn’twanttofreezetheirprivatesinthecold?”Hepickeduptheleatherstrap,anduseditto

leaveastingingredweltacrossbothcheeks.

“Theysaidyouwerehurtandcallingforme!”Shetriedtoexplain,butthestrapkept

falling,andsoonshewassobbingtoohardtoformacoherentthought.Johndidn’tstopthrashingheruntilherskinwasweltedandbruisedandswollen.It

wasaharshpunishment,butwell-deserved.Hepushedheroveronthebedandthensaid,

“You’reluckythatallyougotoutofthisepisodetodaywasasorehind,Susie!Youpull

yourselftogetherandfixussomethinghottoeat.”Susanwassosorethateventhesimplestmovementhurt.Herbottomandupper

thighswereflamingandburningsomuchshecouldn’ttoleratethesoftskirtagainstthem.

But,shegottoherfeetandremovedhercoatsoshecouldmoveaboutthecabin.Shecouldn’tstopcryingassheputonapotofcoffee,butJohncallouslyignoredher.Hewas

workingononeofhiscarvingsandhadhisbacktoher.Susanknewhewasstillangry.Itwasallshecoulddotoconcentrateonthesimpletask.Shedecidedtomakea

simplehashandwhenthefoodwasfinallyreadyshetoldhimtocomeandeat.Johngottohisfeetandcrossedthecabin.Hesawtherewasonlyoneplacesetat

thetable.“Youaregoingtositdownandeatsomething,Susan.”Hisdarkeyestoldherhe

wasstillangryandwouldn’thesitatetopunishheragainifshedaredtoarguewithhim.“I’mtooilltoeat,”sheexplained.“Ineedtoliedown.”

Helookedathercloselyandthengotupfromthetabletocometoherandplacehis

handonherforehead.Shewasburningup!“Whydidn’tyoutellme,Susie?”heasked.“Let’sgetyouinbed.”



Theangrymanofbeforewasreplacedbythemanshe’dcometolove.Hecarried

hertotheirbed,undressedher,andcoveredherwiththeshirtofhissheusedasanightdress.Johnpulleddownthequiltandblanketsandgentlyputheronthesoft

mattress.HefeltawfulwhenSusancriedoutinpainandquicklyflippedoveronhertummy;hershirttailrodeupwhenshedidthatandhesawhowsoreandangryherhind

was.Shewascoveredwithpainfulweltsandherbottomwasswollenandbruised!Hewantedtokickhimselfforbeingsoharshwithher.He’dprayedtoGodaskingHimtokeepSusiesafe,andthenhegaveheralickingthathewouldn’tgivehisworstenemy!Whatthe

hellwaswrongwithhim!!!“I’msosorry,honey,”hewhispered.

Susandidn’tanswer.Herthroatwassorenow,andshejustwantedtosleep!ShewasawarethatJohnforcedhertoswallowsomethingthattastedbitter,andsheknewhe

placedcoolclothsonherforehead.Healsomadehercrywhenheputsomesortofsalveonhersorebackside.Therewasasoftheatthatseemedtomakethepainlessnoticeable,and

shefellasleep.

Whenshewokeup,shespottedJohnsittinginarockingchairhe’dpulledbesidethebed.Hewassoundasleepandshewonderedwhyhewasn’tinbedwithher.Shetriedto

situpandwasshockedtolearnthatshewasn’tinanypainfromthespankinghegaveherearlier.Shewasalsoextremelythirstyandsheneededtorelieveherbladder.Sheusedthechamberpot,tryingnottowakeJohn.Herlegsweresowobblyandshefeltweak.Still,she

neededadrinkofwater,andshewalkedonthecoldfloortogetadipperofcoolwaterfromthebucket.Ittastedgood.

“Susie,whatareyoudoingoutofbed?”Johnleapttohisfeetandrushedtoherside.

“Youneedtobeinbed,honey,”hesaidgentlyashecarriedherbacktobed.“I’mfine,John.I’mhungry,too!Isthereanyhashleft?”sheasked.

Helookedatherandtearswelledinhisdarkeyesashelookedather.“Youmadethathashfourdaysago,sweetheart.You’vebeenveryill;IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou,”

hewhispered.

“Fourdaysago!”Shewasshocked.“Areyouserious,John?Ifeelfine!”“Youranafeverandyouweredelirious.Ipackedyouinsnowseveraltimestobring

downyourtemperature,andfinally,yourfeverbrokelastnight,andyoufellintoanormal

sleep.Youneedtorestnow,”heinsisted.“I’mfine,John.Icancookussomethingtoeat.”

“You,littlelady,aregoingtoobeymeandstayinbedandletmetakecareofyou!”Heleaneddownandkissedhertenderly.“Youscaredme,Susie.Reallyscaredme.Ilove

you,”hewhispered,kissedheragain,andthensaidfirmly,“StayrighthereandI’llfixyou

somethingtoeat.”Susanwantedtogetup,butshedecidedtohumorJohn.Thestrappingshe’d

receivedwasstillfreshinhermind,althoughithappenedfourdaysago!Itwashardto

believethatshe’dbeensoill,butJohnlookedhaggardenoughforthattobetrue.Herlegswereweak,too,andshewassimplystarving.ItmadehersmiletowatchJohnmoveabout.

Heknewhowtocook,eventhoughhe’dtoldhermanytimesthathisskillswerelimited.Hefinallybroughtheraplate,andSusanwaspleasedtofindthateverythingtasted

good.Sheenjoyedeverylastbite,andwassuddenlyverytired.“Yourestnow,honey,”he

insisted,andshemeeklyclosedhereyesandslept.ThistimewhenSusanwokeitwastofindJohninbedwithher,andhewassleeping

soundlyandsnoring.Shegotupandwenttositinherrockingchairinfrontofthefire.



Hermindwentbacktotheeventsthatwerestill‘recent’inhermemory,andtearscameto

hereyes.She’dbeensoafraidthatJohnwashurtandshewouldn’tgettohimintime…onlytohavethatterriblemantellherhe’dkilledJohnwhensherealizedshe’dactedfoolishlyfor

believinghim.Shehadn’twantedtoliveifJohnwasdead,andsheknewshe’dratherdiethatpermiteitherofthemtotouchher!Susanstillcouldn’tbelievethatHeWhoWearsRed

savedheroncemore,buthedid,andhebroughthertoJohn,whowasaliveandwell.Andshecouldn’tbelievethatJohnwhippedherwiththeleatherstrap,buttherewasstillafainttendernessthattoldherhedid.Itreallyhurt,too.Shedidn’tbelieveshedeservedthe

punishment,butthen,she’dbeensofoolishandgullible.Shewasremindedofthetimeone

ofheryoungerbrotherssneakedawaytogo‘swimming’withhisoldersiblingswhenhedidn’tknowhowtoswimyet.Mamachasedafterhim,fearinghewoulddrown,and

prayinghewouldbesafeuntilshearrived.Joeywasalreadyinthewater,andherMamascreamedtogetTimothy’sattention.Timpulledhisyoungerbrotherfromthewater,and

oncetheyweresurehewasgoingtobeallright,Mamasethislittlebottomonfirewitha

stickshepickedupofftheground.ItwasahardspankingbecauseallofMama’sfearturnedtoanger.ThatiswhathappenedwithJohn.Hespankedhersohardbecausehewas

terrifiedforher,andwhenshewassafelybackinhisarms,hisfearturnedintorighteousanger.Thestrappingwasterrible,butitonlymeanthelovedher.Ifshehadtobeill,shepickedagoodtimetodoit!Shemissedallofthe‘sitting’shewouldhavehadtodoona

verysorebehind!Shesmiledtoherself,andthenjumpedwhensherealizedthatJohnwasstandinginfrontofher.

“Whatareyoudoing,sittinghereandsmiling?”heasked,smilingdownather.

“Iwasgettingridoftheghosts,”shetoldhim.“Iknowthateverythingthathappenedwasseveraldaysagotoyou,butformeitwaslikethismorning.Ineededto

thinkitthrough,”sheexplained.“Ifeelsolucky,John.Theytoldmeyouweredead.”“Isthatwhyyouopenedthedoor?”Heneededthetruth.

“No…TheysaidyouwereinjuredandthatSmithwaswithyou,andyouwereasking

forme.Iwassoscared,andIgotmycoatandwenttobewithyou.Ittookmeoveranhourtorealizewe’dgonetoofar…andthatiswhentheysaidthey’dshotyoudead,andSmith,

too.Iwantedtodie.ThenHeWhoWearsRedcame,andhismenkilledthem.Ithoughthe

wastakingmebacktohiswivesagain,andIwasaboutreadytoprovokehimintokillingme,”sheconfessed.“ThankGodyoucalledformewhenyoudid!Ididn’twanttolive

withoutyou.”“AndthenIbroughtyoubackhereandthrashedyou…andyousosick!Iwantyou

toknowthatI’veneverfeltsolowinmylife,Susie.Ibegyourforgivenessforstrappingyou

likethat.Itwaswrong.”“Thereisnothingtoforgive,John.YoudidthatbecauseyoulovemeasmuchasI

loveyou.Allyourworryandfearturnedintoanger,andIgotaspanking.I’mfine,although

IhavetoadmitI’mgladIdidn’thavetositthelastfewdays!”Shegavehimasmileandthengiggledathisexpression.

“Iputsomethingonyourhindafewtimesoryouwouldn’tbesittingsoeasyrightnow,”heconfessed.

“Thankyou,John,”shesaidsoftly.

“Yourskiniscold,”hesaid,touchingherleg.“Comebacktobedandgetwarm.”“CouldIjustwrapupinsomethingandsithere,John?Please?Iwanttoenjoybeing

alive.”



Hecouldn’tdenyher.Hegottheblanketfromthebed,andstoodheruptowrapher

init,andthenhegotapairofsockstoputonherbarefeet.“Don’tyoueverscaremelikethisagain,Susie,”helookedupfromhiskneelingpositiontosay.Hehadtearsinhiseyes,

andthenherestedhisheadonherlap.Susieranherhandthroughhishair,andhewasatpeace,andvery,verythankful.

Thenextweeksseemedtopassslowly,butneitherofthemminded.Theyhadplentytoeat,andtheonlyvisitorstheyhadwereIndianswhomeantthemnoharm.Johnalwaysgavethemsomething,whetheritwascoffeeorsugar,orflour,anditmadethe

Indianssmileathisgenerosity.Susanwasunderstandablynervous,butshetrustedJohnto

protectherandkeephersafe.And,whenhewentouthunting,shekeptthedoortothecabinbarred.Shedidn’twantanotherlessonwiththatstrap.

OnedayitfeltwarmerandSusancouldn’tstayinsidethecabin.Shewassoexcited,andsheaskedJohnwhentheycouldleaveforthesettlement.Hepatientlytriedtoexplain

thatwinterwasn’tdonewiththemyet.Hepredictedtheywouldhaveatleastoneortwo

moregoodsnowstorms,andremindedhertheydidn’twanttobecaughtoutsideifthathappened.

Susanstompedherfootandsaidshedidn’tbelievehim,butherefusedtopackupandleave.Shecontinuedtofuss,tellinghimhewasjustputtingoffleaving.Johnfinallyhadenough.

“Susie,I’veheardenoughcomplainingnow.Settledown.I’velivedupherelongenoughtoknowwhattoexpect.Wearenotleavinghereforafewmoreweeksyet.One

morewordisgoingtoearnyouaspanking.”

Susanpressedherlipstightlytogether,andwhileshedidfixtheirsupper,shemadeitveryclearshewasnotinthemoodtomakelovethatnight.Johnshookhishead.Aslong

asshewasbeingquietonthesubjectofleaving,hecouldlastanightwithoutsnuggling.However,thenextdaywasevenwarmerthanthedaybeforeandSusanflashedhim

adirtylookandsaid,“Wecouldhavebeentothesettlementbytonightifwe’dleftwhenI

wantedto!”“Susan,ittakesseveraldaystogettothesettlementfromhere.And,theweather

canchangeinaheartbeat.Ihopeyoudon’tplantospendtodayfussingatmeaboutthis,

becauseitisniceenoughtocutafewswitchesandstripeyourhindgood.”“Ihavearighttomysay!”sheindignantlyinformedhim,hertemperflaring.

“YoualsohavearighttokeepquietonceI’veexplainedwhyyoursaywon’twork.I’mnotabouttotakeyouonthetrailuntilIknowwehaveachanceofmakingittothe

settlementwithoutanotherblizzardcatchingusoutintheopen.”

Shemutteredunderherbreathandhewassureheheardhercallinghimnames.Hepointedatherandsaid,“Enough,Susie.Iwon’tgiveyouanotherwarningtoday.”

Susanthoughthewasbeingridiculous,butshekeptheropinionstoherself.Abit

laterJohnannouncedthathewantedtogohunting,andhetoldhertostayinsideandbarthedoor.“But,itisniceoutside!Idon’twanttobecoopedupinsidewhileyouareoutside

enjoyingtheday!Itisn’tfair,John!”“Susan,Ithinkyouneedadamnedgoodspanking,”hestated,andeventhoughshe

triedtoeludehim,hemanagedtocatchher,tossheroverhisshoulderandcarryherinside.

Hepulledoutoneofthechairstothetable,tookaseat,flippedheroverhislap,tossedupherskirts,andthenstartedspankingherbaredbottom.“Iamnotsurewhyyouareacting

sosassy,butIguessIhaven’tdonethisforagoodwhileandyouareoverdueasorehind.”



“Youjuststoprightnow,JohnJericho!Youwouldn’twanttostayinsideeither!”she

yelledathim.Hishandwashardandeachspankwasstinginglikecrazy.“Itisn’tsafeforyoutobeoutsidewhenIamnothere.Now,areyougoingtobarthis

door,ordoIneedtospanklongerandharder?”“I’lldoit,butIwon’tlikeit!”sheanswered.

Johngaveheronemoreresoundingwhackonhertenderbacksideandthenputheronherfeet.Hepickeduphisgunandmadesurehehadeverythingelseheneeded.HeturnedtokissSusan,buthereyeswereflashinginanger.“Youmindme,Susie,”hewarned

andthenwaitedoutsidethedooruntilsheshutitandputtheheavybarinplace.

SusandecidedthiswasjustaboutthemeanestthingJohnhadeverdonetoher…Confiningherinsidethecabinwhenitwassoniceandwarmoutside.Shedidn’twanttobe

coopedupwithinthesamefourwallswhenitwaswarmandsunnyandeverythingsmelledsofreshandnew.Shedidn’twanttoclean,andshedidn’twanttocook,either.Shewanted

tobeoutsideandgoforanicewalk.ThemoreSusanstompedaroundthecabin,the

angriershegot.Finally,sheworkedupagoodmadanddecidedthatshewasn’tachildtobeorderedinside.Shewouldn’tgofar,butshewasgoingtohaveherwalk,andshewould

returnbeforeJohngotback…andhewouldneverknowaboutherlittleexcursion.Susancarefullybankedthefiresoitwouldn’tgoout,andatthelastminutedecided

topickupanextraknifeofJohn’sforprotection.Sheunbarredthedoor,openedit,and

steppedoutintothesunshine…andfreedom!Susanclosedthedoorandtookoffatabriskpace.ShehadatleastanhourtoenjoyherselfbeforeJohnwouldreturn,andsheintended

tomakethemostofthathour.Johnwouldneverknow,andwhathedidn’tknowwouldn’t

hurtherstillsmartingbottom!********************

Johnwasn’tgonelongbeforehestartedfeelingguiltyoverthethingsthatSusiesaidtohim.Hewouldn’tlikeitifhehadtostaycoopedupinsidethecabinonsuchaniceday,

either.Itwasn’tfairtoexpecthertostayinsidewhenshesimplywantedtobeoutsidethe

sameashim.Hedecidedtogobackandgether.Shecouldcomewithhimandhewouldseeifshecouldkeepquietwhilehefoundthemsomefreshmeatfortheirsupper.

Johnreachedthecabin,andknockedonthedoor.“It’sme,Susie.Unbarthedoor

andcomeonoutside.It’stoodarnnicetobeinsideonadaylikethis,”hesaidwithasmile.Whentherewasnoexcitedsqueal,andthedoordidn’topen,heknockedagain,abitlouder.

Surelyshewasn’tsleeping?Whentherewasstillnoanswer,hetriedthelatch,andthedooropenedonanemptycabin!

Johncalledandcalled,buttherewasnoanswer.John’sheartfilledwithfearashe

lookedaroundthecabinforanysignofastruggle.Therewasn’tany,andthefirewasbanked.SurelySusiewouldn’tdefyhimandgooutsidebyherselfwhenhewasn’thereto

protectherincaseoftrouble…?Hethoughtaboutitandnoddedslowly.Yes,thefeisty

redheadwoulddojustthat.Shecouldbeascontraryascontrarycouldbe,andshedidn’texpecthimtocomebackandfindhergone.HedecidedtoseeifhecouldfindMissSusie,

andthenshewasgoingtocutafewswitchesandpeelthemandhewasgoingtostripeherhindallthewayhome.

********************

Susiewashavingawonderfultime.Itwassimplybeautifuloutside,butwhenthesunwentbehindthecloudstherewasstilladefinitenipintheair.Shewalkedforquitea

distance,andthenreluctantlydecidedsheneededtogetbacktothecabin.Sheheaded



backwhenshethoughtshespottedsomeoneonthetrailaheadofher.Shewassostartled

sheturnedtotryandhideandherfootcaughtinavineandshefell.Herankletwistedandshecriedoutinpainasshefell.Sheheardsomeonecrashingthroughthebrushtogetto

herandshedrewtheknifeindesperation,wishingwithallhermightshe’dstayedinthecabinasshewastoldtodo.

“Areyouhurt,Susie?”Johnasked,kneelingbesideherandtakinginherpaleexpression,andtheknifeshewasclutchingasalifeline.

“Itwistedmyankle,John,”shewhispered,feelingveryfoolish.“Ispottedmovement,

andwastryingtohurryandhide…”Johnhadherbootandhersockoff,andheranklewas

veryswollen.Atleasthedidn’tseeanybrokenbones.“IwasgoingtohaveyoucutseveralswitchesandIwasgoingtostripeyouevery

stepofthewayhome,butIguessyouwon’tgetyourtanninguntilIgetyoubacktothecabin.Youcertainlycan’twalkonthisankle.”

“I’msorry,John.Ijusthadtobeoutside.Ishouldhaveobeyedyou,”shetearfully

admitted.Hepickedherupinhisstrongarmsandheadedforthecabin.“Yes,Susie,you

shouldhaveobeyedme.Nowyou’veearnedyourselfagoodspankingandwiththisankle,you’llbesittingonyoursorehind.”

“Couldn’tyoupleaseforgivemejustthisonetime?”shebeggedofhim.“Iwon’tdo

thisagain,”shepromised.“Yousaythateverytimeyougetintotrouble,Susie,”heanswered,carryingheras

thoughsheweighednothingatall.“Especiallywhenyouknowyou’regoingtogetyour

hindspanked.”“I’minpain,John,”sheturnedhertear-filledeyesupathim.

“I’msureyouare,”heagreed.He’dtwistedhisankleatimeortwo,too.Itwaspainful,butitdidn’tmeanhewouldletherpullastuntlikethisandescapethesorehind

she’dearned.Susieneededtoknowtherewerelimits,andthathecouldbetrustedto

enforcethelimits.Sheneededafirmhand,andhewasjustthemantosupplythatfirmhandwhereitwoulddothemostgood.

“Howdidyoufindmesoquickly?”sheaskedcuriously.

“Icamebacktoinviteyoualong.Seemsyoudecidedyoucouldsneakoutandbebacklongbeforeyouexpectedme,right?”

“Yes.”Susandidn’tbothertolietohim.Healreadyknewthetruthofthematterandtherewasnopointinlying.“IfIhadachancetodoitallover,Iwouldn’tsneakoff,”she

said.“Doyoubelieveme?”

“Yes.Butthatdoesn’tmeanyouaren’tgoingtogetagoodspankingfordoingittoday.”

Susanrestedherheadagainsthischestashecarriedherallthewaybacktothe

cabin.Oncetheyarrived,hesatherinherrockingchairwhilehefetchedicecoldwaterfromthestream.Hesoakedatowelinthecoldwater,andthenputitaroundherankleto

takedowntheswelling.“Oh,thatistoocold!”SusantriedtoremovethetowelbutJohnreacheddownand

grabbedherhand.

“Youleavethatbe.Youneedtodealwiththeswelling.”Hewaitedonhertherestoftheday,whilemakingsureshestayedseated.Herankle

stoppedthrobbingsomewhatwhentheswellingreceded,andbythetimetheyfinished



supper,shedidn’tnoticeitatallunlessshetriedtoputweightonit.Johnpatientlycleaned

uptheirdishesandthenhelookedatSusanandsaid,“Timeforyourspanking,younglady.”



Chapter Nine

“But,John,Idon’twantaspanking!”ThelookinSusan’sgreeneyeswaspleading.“I

knowthatwhatIdidwasverystupidandfoolish,andIendeduppunishingmyselfbyhurtingmyankle!”Shehopedherwordsweremakinghimthink,andpossiblyfeelabit

sorryforher.“Twistingyouranklewasanaccident,notapunishment.”Johnshookhisheadat

herattemptstogetoutofadeservedspanking.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”sheinsistedasheeasilypickedherupfromherrockingchairandcarriedherovertothebed.“IfeltsobadfordisobeyingyouthatIdidn’tenjoy

mywalknearlyasmuchasIshouldhave.Iwasfrightened,”sheadmitted,chewingonher

lowerlipashelookeddownather.“Then,whenIcaughtaglimpseofyou,itmademerememberthoseothertwomenwhotriedtotakemeaway…Iwasreallyscared,John.I’ve

learnedmylesson,andIwon’tdothatagain.”

“Thatisgoodtoknow.Butyouarestillgoingtopayupforthistime,”hesaidsoftly,andthenadded,“Youaregoingtopullupyourskirtandlierighthereonthebed,andyou

aren’tgoingtowigglearoundorkickyourfeet.”Hegrabbedapillowandgentlyliftedherfootandplacedthepillowunderneathtocushionherankle.“Now,pullupyourskirt,Susie,

andshowmethatyouarewillingtomakeamends.Youscaredme,too,youknow.”“Ididn’tmeanto!”shetoldhim.“Ididn’tknowyouwouldcomebacksosoon.”

“Itwasn’tfairtoleaveyoucoopedupinsidethecabin,butitwaswrongforyouto

disobeyanddefyme.Thatiswhyyouaregettingaspanking,girl.NowpullupthatskirtsoIcansetyourprettyhindonfire.”

“But,John,Iwillhavetositallthetimeforadayortwo!”sheremindedhim.“You

havenoideahowmuchaspankinghurtstositon!”

“YesIdo,andIalsoknowitwillmakeyouthinkthenexttimeyou’retemptedtoriskyourlife.Iwasluckytofindyou,Susie.Andyouwereluckyitwasmewhofoundyouandnotsomeoneelse.IsawacoupleofHeWhoWearsRed’sgroupouthunting.Doyoureally

wanttoendupbackthere?”heasked,wantinghertothink.

“No!”shedenied,feelingevenmorefoolish.“I’msorryIletmytempergetthebestofme,John.”HereyeswerebrimmingwithtearsnowandshefinallyacceptedthatJohn

wastrulygoingtospankher.Itwasherownfault,too.She’dactedlikeachildhavinga

tantrum.Therewasreallynoexcuseforthewayshe’dbehaved.Johnwasrightaboutitnotbeingsafeforhertobealoneoutsidethecabin.“I’msorry!”shesaidagain,lookingup

athim,needinghimtobelieveher.Johnnodded.“Icanseeyoumeanthat,honey.Let’sgetthisspankingdone.”

Hisbrowneyeswerefullofpurposeanddetermination,andtherewasnothingelsetodobutcarefullypullupherskirt,andtakecarethatshedidn’tputanyweightonherinjuredankleasshepushedherselfupenoughtopulltheskirtuphigh.Hedidnotkeepher

waitingforthefirstspank.ItlandedjustassoonasshewassettledandinplaceandSusancouldn’tstopherselffromcryingout.Shewaspositiveshehadaredhandprintonherright

cheek,andthenJohngaveheramatchingoneonherleftcheek.Twicemorehishandfell

andherupperthighsfeltbranded!ThenJohngavehersitspotsthesamefierytreatment.Eachhandprintburnedandflamed!



“Areyoubeginningtoregretyourbehavior,MissSusan?”Johnasked,hisvoicesoft,

yetfirmandunyielding.“Yes,Ido,John!IamverysorryandIpromiseIwillneverdothisagain.”Shemeant

thewords.“Good,”hereplied.“Wearegettingsomewhere.Stayrightwhereyouare,no

wiggling,andletthosespanksburn.Iamsteppingoutsidetocutacoupleofswitches,”heannounced.“BythetimeIfinishstripingyourhind,youwillwishyouhadobeyedme.”

“Ialreadydo!”shecriedout,butJohnmerelyopenedthecabindoorandstepped

outside.Susanwantedtorun,butwithherinjuredankletherewasnowayshewouldget

twostepsoutsidethedoorbeforeJohnwouldhaveher.Herbacksidewasalreadystingingunbearably,andthesamespotsthatwereonfirewerestartingtoitch.Shesowantedto

reachbackandrub,butJohnhadwarnedheragainstthatfromtheveryfirsttimehespankedher.Hewouldjustrepeatthespanksandthenswitchher!Aswitch!Ithadbeen

yearssinceshewasswitched,andeventhenherMamadidn’tbareher!Itwasthecalvesof

herlegsthatsufferedtheindignity,andallbecauseshesneakedofftoeatberriesinsteadofdoingthechoresshewastoldtodo.Mamaswitchedherbacktothehouse,andherFather

bentheroverandstrappedherhard.Shehadtoworkoutinthehotsunfortherestoftheday,andwhennoon-timecame,hemakeherworkstraightthroughandshewasn’tpermittedtostopandeatwiththefamily.Hedidletherhavesupper,butthensenther

straightuptotheloftandherpalletonthefloor.Susannevershirkedherdutiesagain.Butthiswasdifferent.Shekeptthecabinascleanasshepossiblycould,andshe

workedhard,too.Thisswitchingwasfordisobedienceanddefiance,andforriskingher

safety.ThatwaswhyJohnwasgoingtoputredweltsalloverherbackside.Sherememberedhowtheswitchmadehercalvesburnanditchlikeathousandbeestings,and

shecriedatthethoughtoffeelingthatsamesensationalloverherbottom!ShewouldalmostratherJohnusetheleatherstrapthanaswitch!

Alltoosoonhecamebackinside,closingandbarringthedoorbehindhim.“Whyam

Igoingtoswitchyou,Susan?”heaskedofher,andSusanwantedtoturnoveronherbacktohidehervulnerability!

“IamsorryIdisobeyedyou,John.Iknownowhowfoolishitwas.Pleasedon’t

switchme…Yourhandishardenough,andIalreadyregretmybehavior.Ican’tstandswitches,”sheadded,hopingtodissuadehim.

“Youaren’tsupposedtoenjoythis,honey,”Johnsaidsoftly,andthenheflickedtheswitchacrossthehandprintsonhercheeks,leavingaredlinethatpuffedup.

“Owwww!”Susancriedoutasthelineoffirespreadacrossherbottom.“Don’t!”she

pleadedasthesecondstripefellrightbelowthefirst.“Owwwwwww!”Itwasevenworsethansherememberedfromherchildhood!“Stop,please!”shebegged.Hedidn’t,andSusan

couldonlyliethereandcryasJohnstripedherbottomcheeksandherupperthighs.He

evenlandedafewacrossthecalvesofherlegs,andthenhestartedonhersitspots.Susanscreamed.Onthattender-mostarea,theswitchwasevenmorepainful.

“Iwantthistobealessonthatyouremember,Susie.Ican’tprotectyouifyoudon’tobeyme.Punishingyoulikethisgivesmenopleasure,andyoucanprayIneverfindit

necessarytodothisagainforthesamething.Iwillwearoutthreeswitchesonyourhindif

youareeverthisfoolishagain.”Withthosewords,hegavehertenmorestripes,allinthesamespot,thecreasebetweenherbottomcheeksandherthighs.Sittingwasgoingtobeas

painfulashecouldmakeitwithoutresortingtocruelty.“DoIhaveyourfullattentionnow,



Susie?DoyourealizehowmuchIloveyouandvalueyou?DoyouunderstandnowthatI

willpunishyouseverelyeverytimeyouputyourlifeatrisk?”“Yes!”Shewassobbingsohardshecouldbarelyspeak,butsheknewshehadto

assurehimshe’dlearnedherlesson.“I’msorry!”“Yes,Iknowyouare,honey.”Hesatbesideherandpattedherbackcomfortingly.“I

knowyourhindfeelslikeaswarmofbeeshadatyou,butitisnothingcomparedtowhatyouwouldhavesufferedatanother’shands,sweetgirl.It’stooearlyforbed,sopulldownyourskirtandI’llcarryyoubacktoyourrockingchair.”

“Idon’twanttositdownrightnow!”shedeclared,hertemperassertingitself.

“Yesyoudo.Lyingherelikethismakesmethinkyouwantmorespanking,”hesaid,givingherupturnedbottomaheartysmack.Shecriedoutinpain.

“Don’tdothat!”sheyelled.“Justleavemealone!”“Iguesswearen’tdonehereifyouhavethatmuchattitudeleft,”Johncommented.

Heusedhisrighthandtospankheragain,whilehislefthandheldherinplace.Shewas

tryinghardtotwistaway,butJohnwasn’tabouttoletherdothat.“Sassinessafterapunishmentisn’tagoodidea,Susan.Itjustearnsyouanevensorerhind.”Hisfatherswore

itworkedwondersonanattitude,andJohndecidedtogiveSusanareasontomendhermanners.Hedidn’tspareherbottom,herthighs,orhersitspot.Finally,thefeistyredheadstoppedstrugglingandacceptedthespanking.“Areyoureadytodoasyouaretold

withoutabunchofsass,Susie?”heaskedinasoothingtoneofvoice.“Yes,”shewhisperedtearfully.

“ThenI’llhelpyouup,”hesaidandhehelpedhertoherknees.Tohissurprise,she

immediatelyputherarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherheadonhismidsectionandcried.Hegentlypriedherarmsawayandthensatdownandpulledherovertositonhis

lapsohecouldoffercomfort.“It’sallovernow,honey,andyouwon’tdothatagain,willyou?”Hiswordsweresoftandgentle.

Susanneededtobeheld;sheneededhiscomfort.Shehatedswitches,andthislatest

encounteronlyreinforcedthathatred.Onceshefinallystoppedcryingshesaid,“Pleasedon’teverdothatagain,John!Itrulycannotbearaswitch.Iwouldratheryouuseda

leatherstrapthanaswitch.Ithurtsmeinside.”

“Whyisthat?”Hewantedtounderstand.“It’stoomuchlikeawhip,”sheconfessed.“ItmakesmefeellikeIamsomeanimaltobewhippedintosubmission.Itmakesmeangry

ontheinside,evenifIdodeserveapunishment.Iambeggingyounottodothatagain…”ShewastremblingandJohnrealizedshewasserious.“Allright,honey.Nomore

switches.Idon’teverwantyoutofeellessthanyouare.”

“Thankyou,”shesnuggledcloser.“Pleasejustholdme,John.I’mstillshakinginside.”

Johnheldhertightly.Heregrettedusingtheswitchnow.“Ifelttheleatherstrap

wastooharsh,”heexplained.“Yourhandhurtsenough,John,”shesaidsoearnestlythathehadtosmile.“Idon’t

imagineyouhaveanyideaofhowstrongyouare!Thatfirsttimeyouspankedme,intheIndiancamp,itwastheworstspankingofmylifetothatpoint.”

“IneededtospankyouhardsothatHeWhoWearsRedwouldn’ttortureyou.He

hadtosaveface,andyou,amereslave,attackedhisthreewives!”“Theydeservedit,”shehuffed.



“Iknow,honey.Ithoughtyouverybrave,strong,courageous,andIspankedyouto

protectyou…Then,sillystubbornfemalethatyouare,youhadtojumprightupafterItoldyoutosit.Youearnedthatsecondspanking.”

“Itwashumiliating,”sheconfessed.“Youdidn’tgivemeachoice,honey.Ihadtomakeyoubehaveorloserespectin

frontoftheIndians.But,ifyou’dsattheremeekascouldbe,IdoubtthatHeWhoWearsRedwouldhavesoldyouforapriceIcouldpay.”Herubbedherback.“Imightenjoygivingyourhindaplayfulswat,orasexyspankin’,butIdon’tenjoymakingyoucryoutinpain,

Susie.I’lladmitthatIhaveaweaknessforfeistywomen…andIenjoyalittlebitoftaming,

butitpainsmetohavetopunishyouseverely,andyou’vecertainlyearnedafewofthoseintheshorttimewe’vebeentogether.Doyouthinkyoucouldstoppushingmenow,oramI

goingtohavetokeepsettingyourhindonfiretomakeyoumind?”“It’smyprideandmytemper,John.I’vealwayshadtroublecontrollingthem,butI

canpromiseyouIwon’tdisobeyyouaboutwanderingoffaloneagain.”

“Yousaidthatwhenyouhitmeovertheheadandranoff,”heremindedher.“Thatwasdifferent!Iwasescapingthen,runningaway,andIhadnointentionof

comingback.ThistimeIwasmerelygoingforalittlewalkandthencomingrightbackhere.Iwasn’trunningoff!”sheclarified.

“Notgoingtodothatagain,areyou,honey?”heaskedmatter-of-factly.

“No…Itwasprettyfoolish,”shewhisperedagainsthisshirt.“Itwasthat,andnowyouwillsitonyourhindandthinkabouthowluckyweboth

arerightthismoment.Wearetogether;youaresafeandIwasabletobringyouonhome.

Itcouldhavebeenmuchdifferent,honey,andIdamnwelldon’twanttoloseyounowthatI’vefoundyou.”

Susandidn’thavetimetosayanythingbeforehestoodandpickedherup.Shewincedwhenhesatherinherrockingchair.Shehadnodesiretositdown.Itfelt

miserable.“Thisisterrible,John!Please,mayIgotobedearly?”

“No.Sittingispartofyourpunishment,younglady.Youquietnowandthinkonwhyyouneedthislesson.”

Johnwentbacktohiscarving,andpretendedhedidn’tnoticewhenshetriedto

squirmwithoutbeingseen.Sittingwasnotgoingtofeelgoodforacoupleofdays,atleast.Shewouldn’tbeleavingthecabinwithouthimagain,andhewassureofthat.

Susanwasmiserable.Sittingonaspankingwasbadenough,buttheswitchingwastentimesworse!Theitchwasnearlyunbearableandshesimplycouldn’tsitstill.Shewas

inpain,andwithherankle,shecouldn’tgetup.ShewantedtobegJohntopermithertogo

tobed,buthewasdeterminedshelearnalesson.Susanfeltthelessonwaswell-learnedbynowandwasquicklyturningintoover-kill.Shewasreadytoscreaminfrustrationwhen

Johnasked,“Areyoureadytogotobed,younglady?”

“Yes.”Shejumpeduptostandononefoot.Johnturnedandraisedoneeyebrow.“DidItellyouyoucouldgetup?”heasked.

“No,butJohn,youaskedifIwasready,andIam.Icannotbeartosithereanotherminute!”

“Susie,whenyouaregivenapunishment,youneedtoacceptit.Youarguedwithme

fromtheget-go,andafteryoubeggedmenottoswitchyouagain,andthenyoudidn’twanttosit.Youargueeverything.Youdidn’tsitthereandthinkaboutwhyyouwerebeing

punished.Yousatthereandsquirmedconstantly,andthenyoucouldn’tevenwaituntilI



toldyouyoucouldgetup.Youjumpedup,andthat,MissSusiewasamistake.Iwasgoing

toletyougoandliedown,butIthinkyouneedtositbackdownandsitstillandacceptyourpunishment.Notalking,nosquirming,andnogettingupuntilItellyouthatyoucan.”

“Please,no…!”shegasped.“John,Iamintoomuchpaintositdownagainrightnow.Iwanttogotobed…!Please?”

“Doyouwantanotherspankingbeforeyousit,Susan?”heasked,hisdarkeyeswarningherhewasserious.

“No!”Shewaspoutingnow,andgivinghimreproachfullooks.Hehardenedhimself

toit.

“Sitdownnow.”Thewordsweresaidsoftly,butSusanrealizedhewasextremelyserious.Ifshe

didn’tsithewouldspankheronceagainandthenshewouldsitonanevensorerbottom.Shegingerlyeasedherselfdownonherchair,tryinghardnottocry.

“YourtimestartsovereachtimeIhearyousnifflingorcrying,orseeyousquirming.

Youaregoingtoacceptthispunishment,Susan.”Hewentbacktohiscarving,buthishearingwastunedtolisteningforanysignthatshewasn’tobeyinghimasshewasgoingto

do,evenifshehadtositthereallnight.IfSusanthoughtshewasmiserablebefore,shewasexcruciatinglymiserablenow.

Shewantedtocry,butshecouldn’t…!Shewantedtomovetoeasethediscomfortofsitting,

butshecouldn’t!Johnwasinsistingsheacceptherpunishmentwithoutargument.Hewantedhertolearntocontrolherself.Shedidherbest,butwastrulyattheendofher

endurancewhenJohnroseandwalkedovertolookather.

“Thatwasmuchbetter,”hestated.Hetoldhershecouldstandup,andthenhecarriedherovertothebed.“Getyourselfsettledforthenight,Susie.Ifthatankleisn’talot

betterbymorning,youwillbedoingalotofsitting.”Susanpromptlydecidedheranklewasgoingtobefullyrecoveredbymorning.She

gotreadyforbedandwasdeterminedthatshewasgoingtogiveJohnherbackforthe

night,butwhenhejoinedherinbed,histouchwasgentleandhesoothedherswitchedbackside,rubbinggentlytoeasesomeofthestingandtherelentlessitching.Shewasstill

goingtobesorethenextmorning,butatleasthewasgivinghersomereliefnow…andthen

pleasure.Shefellasleepinhisarms,completelyoverhersulk.Whentheywoke,Susanfoundheranklewasstillabittender,butshecouldstand

andwalk,andshewasgrateful.Shemighthavetositsome,butshewouldfindwaystokeepsittingtoaminimum.

“Comehere,Susie,”Johnsaidasheopenedthedoortolookoutside.Hewaiteduntil

shewasbesidehim,andthenhepulledthedooropensoshecouldsee,too.Susanwasshockedtolookoutsideandseeallthesnowonthegroundandthatit

wasstillcomingdown!IfsheandJohnhadleftwhenshewantedto,thentheywouldhave

beencaughtoutintheopen,withnoshelter.Shewaswrong,andhewasright!Susanwassuddenlyashamedofherselfforgivinghimsuchadifficulttimethelastcoupleofdays.Her

greeneyesfilledwithtearsassheturnedtolookathim.“I’msosorryIwassodifficult,John.”

“Noneedtosay‘sorry’,honey.IjustwantedyoutoseesoyouwouldknowthatI

wasn’tbeingastubbornjackass.I’manxioustogohome,too.Iwantyoutomeetmyfamily,andhavethemmeetyou.It’llbeanotherthreeorfourweeksbeforewecanriskthe

tripdownthemountain.Doyoutrustmenow?”hewantedtoknow.



“Yes,Ido.Iwon’tcomplain,”shepromised,standingontiptoetokisshim.

“NowthisisthesweetSusieIlovesomuch,”hesaidwithagentle,teasingsmile.********************

“Nooneisgoingtothinkbadlyofyou,honey,”Johninsistedthreeweekslaterwhentheywerespendingtheirlastnightinthesmallcabin.“We’llseethepreacherorthejustice

ofthepeacewhenwegettothesettlementandmakeuslegal.Godalreadyknowsweloveeachotherbutwe’llsaythewordsinfrontofwitnessesandmakeitreal.Folksaren’tgoingtohateyourclothes,either.There’llbeothersdressedthewayyouare,butwecanseeif

wecanfindyousomeclothestotravelhomein.Thereisnoneedtofret.”

“Womencanbecruel,John.IffolksknowIwaswiththeIndiansthey’llassumetheworst.”

“Iwon’tletanyonemakefunofyou,Susie.Nowyouneedtogetsomesleep;wehaveseveraldaysofwalkingaheadofus,andyou’regoingtobewornoutifyoudon’trest

now.”

Susiesnuggledcloserandwhispered,“Iamgoingtomissthiscabin,John.”“SoamI,honey.Butithasserveditspurpose,andit’stimetogohomenow…for

bothofus.Iamanxioustointroduceyoutomyfamily,andforyoutomeetthem.IjustknowthatMamaisgoingtoloveyou.”

“Ican’twaittoseemyMama,too.IwanthertoseehowhappyIamnow.”

“IamlookingforwardtomeetingyourMamaandyourfamily,honey.”Hewasgoingtoknockherfatheronhisassfortreatinghersoshabbilyandsellinghertoanabusive

bastardlikePhillipJamison.

Theyfinallywenttosleep,aftertheymadeloveagain.Theygotupearly,hadagoodhotbreakfast,andmadesuretheyhadeverythingtheywouldneedforthelongwalktothe

closestsettlement.Susandidn’tknowwhattothinkwhenJohntooktheboxfromtheshelfthatcontainedCarolyn’sjournalandjewelry,buthemerelylookedatherandsmiled.The

journalwillhelpmeprovewhokilledCaro.Ineedtoputhertorest,Susie.I’llgivetherest

ofherthingseithertoherMotherorgivethemaway.Iwanttogiveyouprettythingsthatareboughtjustforyou.”Hecrossedthecabinandkissedher.“DoyouhaveeverythingI

toldyoutopack?”

“Yes,John.Butwhatabouteverythingelse?”sheasked.“Someoneelsewillcomealongandmakeuseoftheplaceandconsiderthemselves

lucky.Wewon’tbecomingbackhere,sweetheart.”Susanwavedasilentgoodbyetoherhomeofthelastfewmonths.Shewouldmiss

it,andtheclosenessshefeltherewithJohn,butashesaidthenightbefore,itwastimefor

thembothtogohome.Thefartherawayfromthecabintheywalked,themorefrightenedshefelt.Shehadn’tbeenaroundotherpeopleinalongtime,andshewasn’tsurehowshe

shouldact.Whatifthesettlementwasthesameonethewagontraintraveledthrougha

fewdaysbeforeHeWhoWearsRedattackedthem?Wouldpeoplethinklessofherforbeingtakencaptive?SurelytheywouldknowthatshehadbeenlivingwithJohnJerichoas

hiswomanforthelastfewmonths…Shewasn’tusedtobeingtreatedkindlybytownfolks,butshedidn’twanttobescorned,either.

“Whatareyoulookingsoworriedabout,younglady?”JohnaskedwhenSusiehadn’t

saidonesinglewordinwellovertwohours.“I’mafraidthatpeoplearegoingtoridiculeme,”shewhispered.



“Iftheydo,thenI’llridiculethemrightback,”hepromised.“Nowstoppoutingand

justenjoythescenery.Thisistooprettyadaytospenditfretting.And,I’mgonnahavetostopandcutaswitchifyoudon’tstopit.”Theshockedlookonherfacewaseverythinghe

couldhavehopedfor.Hestartedlaughing,andthenpretendedhewasmortallywoundedwhenshesockedhimonthearm.

“Thatissomean,JohnJericho!”shescolded.Johnsuddenlyhushedher,andthensaidquietly.“Iwantyoutohidebehindthose

bushesandnotmakeonesound,girl.”



Chapter Ten

SusanhadnoideawhyJohnwantedhertohidebehindthebusheshepointedat,but

shequicklydidasshewastold.SherealizedthatJohnknewwhatwasbestwhenitcametotheirsafetyandsurvivalinthiswildland.AshorttimelatertwomencameuponJohnand

slappedhisbackheartily,abittooheartilyinSusan’sopinion.“Jericho,it’sbeenawhile,”amanwithscragglyredhairexclaimed.

“Ithas,Amos,”Johnrepliedcordially,butSusanwasn’tfooled.Itwasobvioustoher

thatJohndidn’tcarefortheman.“Youheadedin?”Amosasked,hiseyesnarrowingspeculatively.

“Iam,”Johnsaid,nodding.

“MeandThumperarelookin’ferfriendsofourn;maybeyouseen‘em…BillCoffieldandDruryHolmes…”

“Can’tsayIhave,”Johnliedcoolly.

“Theywastomeetupwithusafewdaysagoandweain’tseennosignof‘em.TheywerewinteringwithSmith.Youknowhim?”

“Sure,everyoneknowsSmith,”Johnstated.“Hisplaceisupnearyours,right?”

“Aways,”Johnanswered.“Youain’tarealfriendlysort,”Amosdeclared.

“Idon’tlikeyourkind,Amos.Alwayslookingforaneasybuck.Iguessit’sluckyfor

meI’mnothaulinganyfurstotrade.”“Now,thatain’takindthingtosay,Jericho.”Amospretendedtobewounded.

SusanwishedwithallherheartthatJohnwouldshutupandtheothertwomen

wouldbeontheirway.Shewassuddenlystartledwhenshewasgrabbedfrombehind.She

letoutayelp,butalargebeefyhandwasslappedoverhermouthasthemanstartedtopullheraway.SusanknewshehadtomakeJohnawareofwhatwashappening.Shethrewherselfbackwardsinsteadofresistingandwhenthemanstartedtolosehisbalanceshe

kickedhimashardaspossibleandbithishandviciously.Hebellowedinrageanddropped

Susanonthehardground.Shedidn’twaitforhimtocomeatheragain,butjumpedtoherfeetandrantoward

John.Hewasbusywiththeothertwo--allthreewereholdingwickedknivesintheirhands-

-andSusan’stemperflaredtoanunholylight.ShegrabbedalargestickfromthegroundandhittheredheadedAmosashardasshecouldoverthehead.Heslumpedtotheground

andJohnquicklydispatchedThumperwithhisknife.BeforeshehadtimetowarnJohnaboutthethirdman,hecameoutfrombehindthe

bushesandSusangaspedatthesizeofhim.Hewastrulyagiant!“John!”Shepointed.Johnwhirled,hisknifestillinhishand,buthequicklyputhishanddownwhenhe

sawtheotherman.“Thaddeus!”hegreetedhimwarmly.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Shehurtme,John,”Thaddeussaid,holdinguphishand.“Shebitme.Iwastryingtogetherawayfromthetrouble.”

“Hegrabbedme,John!”Susanwasstillbrandishinghersticklikeaweapon.



“Susie,thisismyfriend,Thaddeus.We’veknowneachothereversinceIcameout

here.Hewastryingtokeepyousafe,nothurtyou.”HisdarkeyeswerefullofmeaningandSusanquicklyrealizedthathewantedhertoapologize.

“Thaddeus,thisismywife,Susie.Shethoughtyouwerewiththem.She’snevermetyoubefore,”heexplainedcarefully,andThaddeusfinallynoddedinunderstandingand

smiled.“Youhaveawifenow,John.”“Yes.She’sfeistyascanbe,too,”Johnsaidwithagrin.

SusanfinallyrealizedthatThaddeuswaslikeGlenParkerbackhome.Big,harmless,

andmorelikeachildthananadultalthoughhewasfullgrown.Sheputasmileonherfaceandsteppedforward.“I’msorryIbityourhand,Thaddeus.Ithoughtyouwerewiththose

twoandIwasafraid.MayIseeifyouneedabandage?”sheasked.Thaddeuslookedatherandthennodded.“Ithurts.”Heheldouthisbigpawand

Susanwasgentleassheexaminedtheteethmarks.

Shewetaragandwasheditwithsoapandwater,andthensheaskedJohnforthetinofsalvetheycarried.Hegotitoutofhispack,andwatchedwithprideandamusementas

SusiemadeaproductionofdoctoringThaddeus’hand.Onceshewasdone,shelookedupatthebigmanandsaid,“Thatshouldmakeitfeelbetterrealsoon,Thaddeus.I’msorryIbityou.”

“Youwerescared.Iunderstandnow.John,let’sgo.Theyarebadmen,lookingforotherbadmen.Iheardthemtalking.”

“Youcomingtothesettlement?”Johnasked,andwhenThaddeusnodded,hesaid,

“We’llenjoyyourcompany.”“Iknow.”Thaddeusnodded,andthenlumberedoff,hisstridelongeventhoughhis

stepswereslow.JohnkneltbesidetheredheadedAmos,whowascompletelystill.“Thesetwowon’t

becomingafterus.”

“Ikilledhim?”Susanaskedinhorror.“Hehithisheadonarockwhenhefell,”Johntoldher.“And,evenifyoudid,itwould

havebeeninself-defense.”Hegottohisfeetandtookherinhisarms.“Iadmireyour

spirit,girl.Thanksforwadingin,butIamgoingtosetyoursweethindonfirethefirstchanceIgetforriskingyourlifetohelpme!”

“Thatisn’tfair,John!”sheexclaimed.“Nope,butIhavemymanlypridetothinkof,andnomanwantsalittlebittygirl

savinghisbutt,”hegrinned,andthenkissedher.

“John,kissingSusiecanwaituntildark!”Thaddeuscalledimpatiently,andwhentheyreachedhissidehesaidfirmly,“Nospanking,John.Susiewashelping.”

“Thankyou,Thaddeus.”

“Nomorefighting,Susie.You’retoolittle.”Johnsnickered,andthentookherhandandsaid,“Iloveyou,Susie.”

TheywalkedagooddistanceandwhenThaddeusstartedsinging,hisvoicebroughttearstoSusan’seyes.Hesangbeautifully.And,sinceJohndidn’thushhim,Susanknewhe

felttheyweresafe.Theymadecampbeforedark,andJohnquicklyfoundthreerabbitsto

putoverthefirethatThaddeuswaspainstakinglybuilding.Susanputcoffeeontobrew,andhelpedJohndressouttherabbitsandputthemonthespittheyimprovised.Thaddeus



watchedherworkandwhenshecaughthiseyeandsmiled,hesaid,“Johnisluckytohavea

prettywife.Youworkhard.MyMahatedtoworkandmyPabeatherwithastick.”“Thatsoundsawful!”Susangasped.

“Mawaslazy.Itriedtohelpherout,butPasaidcookingwasawoman’sduty.Masaidshe’drathergohunting.Shedidn’twanttobeawoman.”

“Iknewanotherladywhofeltthatway,”Susansaidasshenodded.“ShelivesinOhio,andwhenherfatherdied,shetookoverhisfarmandrefusedtohireamantoworktheland.Mostpeoplejustletherbe,andshesworeshewouldnevermarry,andasfarasI

knowsheneverhas.”

“Madidn’twanttobemarried.Sheisdeadnow.SoisPa.I’mallalone,butIhavefriends,”heexplained.“Iknowwhatisrightandwhatiswrong,andIwon’thurtnobody

unlesstheytrytohurtmeormyfriends.”“IwishI’dknownthatbeforeyoutriedtohelpme,”Susansaid,feelingterriblefor

bitingandkickingthesensitiveman.

“Johndidn’ttellyouaboutmefirst;Iknowthatnow.I’mnotmadatyou,andIhopeyouain’tmadatme,neither?”hewantedtoknow.

“No,ofcourseI’mnotmadatyou,Thaddeus!Ithinkyouwereverysweettowanttoprotectme.Isn’tthatright,John?”Sheturnedtohimtoaskforsomesupport.

“Susieisn’tmadatyou,Thaddeus.Ifshewas,youwouldknowit,believeme.She

getsallsassyandshestompsaround,givesyoumeanlooks,andsheslamspotsandpans.ThenIhavetospankher,”Johnsaidwithateasinggrinandawinkattheotherman.

Thaddeussnickeredandthenhesaid,“Susieislittle,John.”

“Yes,sheis,butshemakesupforthatwithherbigtemper.”Susanhadenoughofhisteasingandsmackedhisarm.“Youbehave,JohnJericho!”

“Yes,ma’am,”hesaidmeekly,buthissparklingeyestoldanotherstoryaltogether.Theyenjoyedtheirroastedrabbit,andafterthecleanupwasfinished,Johnsaid,“It’s

timetoturnin,Susie.We’llneedtosleepnowandgetupbeforedawntoeat.Iwantto

makegoodtimetomorrow.Thisweatherwillholdforjustsolongbeforewegetrain.”Susandidn’targue,andsoonallthreeofthemweresleepingpeacefully.Morning

came,andafterbreakfast,theywalkedalldaylong,stoppinglongenoughtoeatsome

biscuitsandjerkyaroundnoon.Theyspentanothernightcampingout,andwalkedagainthenextday.Susanfeltlikeabigfoolthethirdnighttheymadecamp.Sheknewnowthat

sheneverwouldhavefoundthesettlementbyherself,anditmadeherattemptatrunningawayseemevenmorefoolish.

Johnknewsomethingwaswrong,buteachtimeheaskedSusanaboutit,shemerely

shookherheadandrefusedtotalktohim.Johnpermittedittogoonuntilafterthey’deaten,andthenhesaidafewquietwordstoThaddeusbeforetakingSusan’sarmand

marchingherawayfromthecampforsomeprivacy.

“Whatareyoudoing,John?I’mtiredandIwanttogotosleep.”“Notuntilyoutellmewhyyouarebroodingandinamood,girl,”hesaidfirmly.

“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,”shestubbornlyrefused.“Wronganswer,”hesaid,pullingherovertoatreestump.Hesatdownandthen

pulledherdownoverhislapandgaveherbottomaresoundingwhack.“Youaren’tgetting

upuntilyoutellmewhathasyousoupset.”Hespankedhertwicemore,positiveshecouldn’tfeelonedarnthingwithallthepaddingcoveringher.“Talktome,Susie.”



“No!”sherefused.“Iwon’tbebullied,JohnJericho.Ihavearighttomyprivate

thoughts.”“Notwhentheymakeyouallmoodyandgrumpy.”Hetosseduphercoatandher

skirtsandspankedbareskin.Susanyelpedandthenstartedkickingherfeet.“Youletmego,damnyou!”

“Swearingnow,littlegirl?”Johnaskedindisapproval.“Icanalwayscutoffasliverofsoap.”

“No!Neveragain!”Shewouldhavestompedherfootforemphasisifshecould

have.Instead,shecriedoutinpainasJohnspankedheragain,hard!

“I’mwaitingforanswers,Susan,”heremindedherashekeptrightonspanking.Susanwasgoingtobesoreifshedidn’tdumpherprideandtellthetruth.Hemadesure

hersitspotswerereceivingtheirfairshareofthespankingandhefinallyheardSusiesniffling.Soonhewouldhavehisanswers,butinthemeantimehesethercutelittlehind

onfire.Hehateddefianceandtherewouldbenoroomforthatkindofdisrespectful

behaviorintheirmarriage.“Pleasestop,John!”Susanfinallybegged.Herbottomwashurtingunbearablyand

shedidn’tthinkshecouldtakeanymorespanking.“Please!”“I’llstopwhenyoutellmewhathasyouupset,notbefore.”Hepunctuatedhis

wordswithtwomoreheartyspankstoherbottomcheeks.

“Ican’ttalkwhenyouarespankingme!Owwwwwww!Itsimplyhurtstoomuch!Owwwwww!AndIcan’tthink!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Ouch!Pleeeassse!”she

beggedofhim.Hedidn’tstop.Hecontinuedtospankherasifshehadn’tsaidonedamned

word!“Please,John!I’mbeggingyoutostop!”

“I’llstopwhenyoutalktome.”Hewasbeingfirm.“Ican’t!”shesobbed.Hewasbeingmean,andshesimplycouldn’ttellhimwhenhe

wasspankingher.

Somethinginhertoneofvoicegotthroughtohim.Hegentlysatherupandsaid,“Okay,sugar,youtalktomenow,andnomorestalling.”

“Ifeelfoolish,John.IkeeprememberinghowIsetoffalonetogotothesettlement…

Iwouldhavediedifyouhadn’tcomeafterme.Iwouldn’thaveknownhowtogetthereeveniftheweatherwasniceandmildlikenow.Ifeelsostupid…”shewhispered.“Idon’t

knowwhyIdidn’tbelieveyou.”“Becausewewerestrangersthen,andyou’dbeenthroughmonthsofhell.Your

fatherbetrayedyouandsoldyoutoasick,viciousman.ThenHeWhoWearsRedgaveyou

overtohiswives,andtheymistreatedyou.IspankedyoubeforeIevenknewyournameoryouknewmine.Youwereafraidandyouwantedtobesafesobadlyyoutookarisk.You

werealsosoundlyspankedasIrecall.”Hewaitedamomentandthenasked,“Isanother

spankingnecessarytoeaseyouofthisguiltyouarefeeling?”Susanlookedathiminshock.“Youwouldn’t!”shegasped.

“Ifyoucontinuewiththismoodybehavior,feelingsorryforyourself,Iwillmakeitapointtosetyourhindonfire,”hepromised.

“Ican’thelphowIfeel!”shesnappedathim,whichshediscoveredwasnotthething

todo!



“SeemsIwasright,”Johnsaidcalmlyandbeforethefeistyredheadcouldgarnerhis

intentions,heflippedheroverhiskneeforasecondspanking.Hetossedupherskirtsfirstandeasilyheldherinplaceashespankedandscolded.

Susancouldn’tfreeherselfnomatterhowhardshetried.Johnspankedheralreadysoreandtenderbottomandhescoldedher,too.Hiswordsstungasmuchasthesharp

slapshelandedalloverherbottomandhersitspots.Itwasagoodthingtheywouldbewalkingalldaytomorrowbecauseshewouldn’tbeabletositatall,atleastnotwithoutagooddealofpain.Thespankingseemedtogoonandonandon,butfinallyJohnaskedif

shewasoverherguiltandSusanwashappytosayshewas.

Johnsatheruponcemoreandthensimplyheldherandpermittedhertocry.Hereassuredherthatshewasfinenowandkepttellingherhelovedher.Hewasn’tabit

surprisedwhenshefellasleepinhisarms.Shewasexhaustedattryingtokeepupwiththepaceheseteachday.Hecarriedherbacktotheircampandputhertobed,thankfulthat

Thaddeuswassleeping.

ThenextmorningSusanwasextremelysore…andeverytimeshetriedtositdownshewasremindedofthefactthatshehadbeensoundlyspanked.Hergreeneyesglittered

withtemperasshelookedatJohnbuthesimplywaggedafingeratherandshedecidedagainstmakingascene.Shepackeduptheutensilsshe’dusedthatmorning,andtheymovedoutonceagain.Thedaywasdifferentfromthepastfewdaysinthattheymetother

peopleonthetrail.Someofthemwereaswaryoftheirpartyastheywereofthem!Susanmetonewomanwhoseemedterrifiedandherhusbandannouncedtheywereplanningto

settlefiftymilesfurtherwest.JohnspentseveralminuteswarningabouttheIndiansbut

themanwasadamant.Hewastakinghiswifealong,andhewouldkillanyonewhocamelookin’fortrouble.Susanfeltsorryforthewoman.Shewouldn’tsurvivelongoutthere.

Johndecidedtheyshouldmakecamponemorenightbeforeheadingintothesettlement.Hepreferredtogoinwhenitwasdaylight.Susanwasanxioustoheadfor

home,butsheknewitwaspointlesstoargue.Ifshehadlearnedonethinginhermonths

withJohn,itwasthatheknewwhathewastalkingaboutmostofthetime.Johnalsodecideditwasimportanttokeepwatchoverthecamp.Itwasnosecretthatsomemen

madetheirlivingstealingoffofothers.

Fortunately,thenightpassedwithoutincidentandaftereatingbreakfast,theyheadedforthesettlementandSusanwassuddenlyfrightened.Johnscoldedherandtold

hertostophavingsuchfancifulthoughts.Afewpeoplegreetedthem,lookingheroveroutofpurecuriosityandtryingtofigurehowshecametobewithJohn,buthegavethemno

explanations.HeledherintoastoreandtoSusan’spleasureheboughtherabrandnew

ringaftermakingsureitwouldfitherandthatshelikedit.Heaskedwheretheycouldfindaministerorajusticeofthepeace,andtheshopkeepergavethemtheinformation.John

askedThaddeusifhewantedtobehiswitness,andthebigmangavehimahugesmileand

agreed.Theyfoundthejusticeofthepeaceandthemanwasonlytoowillingtoperformalegalandbindingceremonyforthem.OnceshewaslegallyJohn’swife,Susanwaselatedto

thepointofbeinggiddy.Johngrabbedherandspunheraroundandthengaveherasmackingkiss,muchtoThaddeus’amusement.AsecondtriptothestoreandSusanhad

clothestotravelhomein,andsodidJohn.Hearrangedforpassageonasteamboatthree

daysfromnowtotakethemtoSt.Louisandfromtheretheywouldtakeatraineastward.Susanhatedthedelay;nowthatshewasonherwayhome,shewasanxioustoget

there,butJohnfoundthemaroomtostayinandshehadtoadmititwasnicetosleepina



bedagain.Thebustleofthesettlementwasniceafterlivingsolonginthewilderness,but

JohnnoticedthatSusanwasveryshyaroundstrangers…especiallyaroundotherwomen.ShewasalsoshockedwhenJohnhandedhersomemoneyandtoldheritwashersto

dowithasshewanted.“Ican’tdothat,John!I’veneverhadmoneybefore!”Itwashisturntobeshocked.“Thenhowdidyoubuypersonalitems?”

“Ididn’t.IfIwantedsomethingIwouldaskMamaandshewouldtellmyFather.Ifhethoughtitnecessary,itwouldbeaddedtothelisthetooktothestore.Mamadidn’thavemoney,either.Myfatherwouldtakeheralongwithhimtoshopattimes,ifyardgoods

wereneeded,butshedidnotdarespendonepennymorethanhepermitted.Philipwasas

badasmyfather.”“Iamnoteitherofthosemen,andyoumayspendwhateveryouwish.I’lltellyouif

youstartoverspending,andifitcontinues,I’lltakefirmermeasures.SomehowIdon’tseethatbecomingaproblem,”hesmiledather.“Seriously,honey,itwon’thurtforyoutohave

somemoneyofyourown.Ifyouwantahairribbon,buyit.Ifyouseeanythingyouwant,

youarefreetopurchaseit.Thisisyourmoneytodowithasyoulike.”“ButhowwillIknowifIhavespenttoomuchofthis?”shequestionednervously.“I

don’twantusstrandedsomewherebecauseIhavespentmoneyfoolishly.”Susanlookedatherhusbandandhecouldseesheneededanswers.

“Susie,donotrepeatthis,butwedon’tneedtoworryaboutrunningoutofmoney.I

haveplenty.”“Youdo?”Shewasclearlyshockedagainandhedidn’tknowwhethertochuckleor

shakeher!

“Ido.Nowwillyoupleasestopworrying?Ididn’tgiveyouenoughmoneytogetintotroublewith.Itisfunmoney.And,ifIcould,IwouldwhipyourfatherandPhilipboth

forbeingsocruelandstingywithyou.Youdeserveprettythings,andonceIgetyouhome,Iamgoingtospoilyoushamelessly.”

Susansmiledandthenaskedhesitantly,“Willyoucomeshoppingwithme,John?I

dohaveafewthingsIwouldliketobuy.”“Good!Sure,I’llcomeandcarrythepackagesforyou,”heagreed.Severalminutes

laterhewastemptedtoturnheroverhiskneeandspankhersoundly.Everycentshe

spentwastobuysomethingniceforherMama,hersisters,andherbrothers.Shegotnothingforherself….butyet,sheboughtherrottenfathersometobacco.Susanwas

smilinginpleasure,andhedidn’thavethehearttoscold.“Whataboutyourself,Mrs.Jericho?Surelysomethinginthisstorecatchesyoureye?

“Isawonething,”sheadmittedshyly,andthenadded,“Idon’thaveenoughmoney

lefttobuyit,though.”“Whatisit?”Johnasked,lookingaroundforthemysteriousitem.Hefollowedhis

wife’sgazeandsawthemusicboxshewaslookingatsowistfully.

“No,John,itistooexpensive,anditwillgivememorepleasuretogivegiftsthantobuysomethingsofrivolousformyself.”

“Isthisit?”heaskedashewalkedovertopickuptheprettyboxandopenit.Heknewbyherexpressionthathewasright.

“Isn’titsimplybeautiful?”Susanwhisperedindelightedawe.

Itwasn’tnearlyasprettyassomeoftheoneshismothercollectedovertheyears,butSusanloveditandthatwasallthatmattered.Afewminuteslaterhe’dpaidfor

everythingshe’dpickedout,despiteherprotests.Whenshetriedtogivehimbackthe



moneyhegaveher,herefusedtotakeit.

“Youkeepthat,honey.Itisyours.”

Susanthankedhim,andthenshethankedhimagain,andthatnightwhentheywenttobed,shetoldhimthatnoonehadevergivenhersuchaprettygift.Shemadelovetohim

withallherheart.Finallythedaycamewhentheysaidgood-byetoThaddeusandboardedthe

steamboat.Theircabinwasverytiny,butbothSusieandJohnlovedbeingonthewater

anddidn’tspendmuchtimecoopedupinthecabin.St.LouiswasjustasSusie

remembered.Toomanypeople,allrushingaround.Johnwasabletosecureticketseastforthenextday,andhespentevenmoremoneybuyingSusanmoreappropriateclothing.

SusanworriedthatJohnwasspendingtoomuchonher,butshelovedhernewdressesandpetticoats,shoes,hats,andherunderthings.Healsoboughthersomeperfume

andsomejewelry.Susanfelteveryinchafinelady;sheactuallyhadatrunknow,andshe

noticedthatJohnhadacoupleofnewsuits.Helookedlikeagentlemannowthathe’dshavedoffhisbeardandhadhishaircut.

WhentheyreachedOhio,Johnfoundthemaroomtorentwhiletheyvisitedwithherfamily,andoncethey’drestedupfromthetripandhadagoodnight’ssleep,Johnrentedahorseandbuggyandtheyheadedoutoftowntodrivethedistancetoherparents’farm.He

sawsomefolksstareatSusaninshockandsurpriseandonewomanevendaredtoswishherskirtsastheydroveby.Susieignoredherandseemedtowither.

“What’swrong,honey?”heasked.

“Womencanbeviciouswhentheydon’tunderstand,John.I’veneverdoneanythingtothem,butmyfatherforbadeusfrommakingfriendsintown.Itmadethewomenangry

andtheythinkwearesnobbish.”“Well,youcancertainlysmilenow,honey,andholdyourheadup.You’vedone

nothingwrong,andyourfatherhasnorighttotellyouwhattodonow.”

“You’reright,John,butIfeelasthoughIshouldwarnyouthatheisn’tgoingtobehappytoseeme.”



Chapter Eleven

ItmadeJohnangrytoseehisprettylittlewifewithdrawintoherselfatthevery

prospectofvisitingherfather.“Honey,yourfatherhasnosayoveryounow.Ifheisangrythatwearemarried,thenthatishisproblem,notours.Iwon’tpermithimtotouchyouor

harmyouinanyway.Now,youholdyourheadupandputaprettysmileonyourface.Youhaven’tdoneonethingwrongandIrefusetoallowyoutobehaveasifyouhave.”

“Youjustdon’tknowhim,John,”shewhispered.“Noonedarestospeakuptohim.”

“Hewilltreatmywifewithrespect,”Johninsisted,andleanedovertokisshercheek.“Now,areyougoingtostopfretting,ordoIneedtostopthisbuggyandturnyourhindup

foragoodsmacking?”

“Youwouldn’t?”shegasped,lookingathimindisbelief.“Thereareallsortsofpeoplearoundhere,John!Iwouldbemortifiedifyoudidthat!”

Johndidn’tsmilealthoughhewantedto.AtleastSusie’sprettygreeneyeswere

snappingathimnowandshehadsomecolortohercheeks.Shewasbeautifulandhewouldbedamnedifhewouldlethernastyfathertreatherasifshewassomeobjectathis

disposal.Hereallywantedtopunchthemanforsellinghispreciousdaughtertoaravinglunatic.But,forhiswife’ssake,hewouldrestrainhimself…aslongasthebastarddidn’t

insulthisdaughternow.Susancouldn’thelpbutbenervous.JohnwasnothinglikeherfatherorPhilipand

shejustknewherparentwouldbelividthatshemarriedwithoutconsultinghimfirst,

nevermindthatshedidn’thavetheopportunity.ShegrewevenmoretenseastheyapproachedthefarmalthoughshedidherbesttohidethefactfromJohn.Shewouldn’tput

itpasthimtodojustashethreatenedandturnheroverhisknee!Thatwouldbeso

humiliatingitwasunimaginable.“Turnintothisnextlane,John,”shespokesoftly,buther

heartwaspoundinghardwithinherchest.Howcouldthingspossiblylookthesamewhenshefeltsocompletelydifferentfromthegirlwholefthere?

“Itwillbeallright,Susie.”Johnleanedovertokisshercheek.Hedroveuptothe

houseandwasn’tsurprisedwhenawomancameoutside,wipingherhandsonherapron.

Itwasobviousfromthewayshelookedoutacrossafieldthatsheexpectedherhusbandtocomeanysecondtodealwiththeirvisitors.Whenshedidn’tseehim,sheputasmileon

herfaceanddeterminedtobepleasant.JohnknewtheexactmomentsherecognizedSusie.

Hergreeneyesopenedwideandshesquealedindelight!“Susan!Oh,babygirl,isitreallyyou?”

“Mama!”Susansaidhappily,jumpingdownfromthebuggybeforeJohncouldwalkaroundtohelpher.“I’vemissedyousomuch,Mama!”shesaidasshehuggedhermother

tightly.“Letmelookatyou,daughter,”MaryAlicesaidwithalaugh,holdingSusanatarms’

lengthtostudyherfeaturesintently.“Youlookhappy!”

“Iamhappy,Mama.ThisisJohnJericho,myhusband.John,thisismyMama,MaryAliceHowell.”

“Husband?”MaryAlicelookedatherdaughterinconfusion.

“It’salongstory,Mama,butPhilipJamisonisdead,andhewasnevermyhusband,onlyinname.JohnisthemanIlovewithallmyheart.”



MaryAlicerecoveredquicklyandheldoutherhand.“Itisnicetomeetyou,John.

Pleasecomeinside.I’llputonsometea,andIjustbakedcookies.”“Thankyou,ma’am.Itisapleasuretomeetyou,too.Susiehastoldmemany

wonderfulstoriesaboutyou.”“Well,thatiscertainlynicetohear,”MaryAliceanswered,apleasedsmileonher

face.Theywereinsidejustafewminuteswhenthescreendoorslammed.Johnsawthe

smilesonhiswife’sandmother-in-law’sfacesfadeaway.Heavystepsprecededastony-

facedmanasheenteredthekitchen.Hegavehiswifeadisapprovinglookbeforeturning

toseewhohadinterruptedtheirdaybydaringtoshowupathisdoorstep.HefrownedwhenheseteyesonSusan.“Whatareyoudoinghere,daughter?Whoisthisman,and

whereisyourhusband?”“Susanismywife,sir.MynameisJohnJericho,”Johnintroducedhimselfashegotto

hisfeetandheldouthishand.TheoldermanglaredathimandignoredJohn’s

outstretchedhand.“Susan,whenIspeaktoyouIexpectananswer!”hespokesharply.

“Father,thisismyhusband.Themanyoupickedisdead;theIndianskilledhim.”“Youexpectmetobelievethat?Andyoulived?”“IwastakencaptiveandJohnrescuedme,”Susanrepliedinaneventoneofvoice.

“Youcouldn’twaittorunofffromyourhusband,couldyou?”themanaskedaccusingly.

“Susiedidnothingofthesort,Mr.Howell.HeWhoWearsRedkilledPhilipbeforehe

couldmurderSusie.Iboughtherfromhim,andwefellinloveandarenowmarried.HeproducedtheirweddingcertificateandBernardHowellreadoverthedocument.

“Howdareyoumarrywithoutmypermission,girl?Youshouldhavecomehererightaway.”

“How,Father?”Susan’stemperfinallyasserteditself.“AllofPhilip’smoneyburned

inthewagon.Ihadtheclothesonmybackandnothingmore.And,IdonotneedyourpermissiontomarrywhomeverIwant.Iwasawidow,althoughitwasinnameonly.Your

preciousPhilipJamisonwastotallyinsane.HebeatmeandstarvedmeandtheIndians

treatedmebetterthanhedid.”“Youdon’tknowwhatyouaresaying,daughter!”Bernardlookedatherinshock.

“Ihopethemoneyyougotformewasworthit,”shetearfullyproclaimed.Thescreendoorbangedagainandtwolittleboysracedinside.“Norunninginthe

house,”MaryAlicescoldedbeforetheygotintotroublewiththeirstrictfather.

“Weseenthebuggy!”JoeygiggledandthenranandhuggedSusan.JohnsmiledasshegiggledandlaughedasshehuggedhimJoeythenherotherlittlebrother,Charlie.

“Didyoubringusapresent?”JoeydemandedandbeforeBernardcouldexplodeshe

nodded.“OfcourseIdid.Ibroughtapresentforeveryone,”Susansaidproudly.“Mama,

whereiseveryoneelse?”“Tim,Mike,andTommyareinthefieldshoeing,andNellieispickingberries.We’ll

havetofixaspecialsuppertonight!”shesaidwithasmile.“Howlongwillyoubestaying,

Susan?”sheaskedhopefully.“ThatisuptoJohn,”Susanreplied.“Hehasn’tseenhisfamilyinseveralyearsandI

amsuretheyhavemissedhim.”



“Wecanstayforafewdays,ma’am,”JohnansweredthequestioninglookMaryAlice

leveledonhim.“Wetookaroomintown,however,sothereisnoneedtoworryaboutputtingusuporhavingusunderfootallthetime.”

“Iwon’thavefolkssayingIcan’tkeepmyownfamilyundermyroof.Youcancelthatroomandbringyourstuffhere.”

“Andwherewillwesleep,Father?”Susanaskedquietly.“Wewillstayintownasmyhusbandwishes.”

“You’vegrownasharptongue,daughter,”Bernardcomplained.

“Ihadtoinordertosurvive,Father.Iwon’tbebulliedorpushedaroundanymore,”

Susantoldhim.Hegaveherahardlook.“Shecanstayforsupper,wife,butifshecan’tspendthe

nighthere,thenshecanbeonherway.”“Mr.Howell!”MaryAliceexclaimed,hergreeneyesfillingwithtears.“Susanjust

arrived!Iwanthertostay!”

“Youhavenosayinthematter,woman.Gettowork.I’mexpectingahotmealfordinner.”

WhenSusanwouldhavesaidsomethingmore,Johnstoppedherwithabarelyperceptibleshakeofhishead.Shedidn’twanttoobey,butsensedherhusbandwasright.OnceBernardleftthehouse,sheborrowedanapronfromherMamaandofferedtohelp.

WhenlittleNelliecameinsideJohntoldhisexcitedwifethathewasgoingforabitofawalk.Susandidn’tstoptoconsiderthemeaningbehindhiswordssinceshewastoobusy

exclaimingoverhowmuchNelliehadgrowninthepastyear.

********************“Whatdoyouwant?”BernardsnarledasJohnapproached.“Icantellyounowthat

girlain’tgettin’nokindofdowryfromme.”“Iwouldn’ttakemoneyfromyouifyouofferedit.”

“Thenwhatdoyouwant?Igotworktodo.”

“IwanttoknowwhyyousoldyourowndaughtertoamanlikeJamison?”Johndemandedangrily.

“Hewasagood,steadyman,andthatfoolgirlneededanoldermantotameher.”

“Tameher?Isthatwhatyoucallstarvingherandbeatinghernightlysoshewouldn’ttempthim?Didyouknowthatmantoldhershewasn’tfittohavehischildren

untilhebeatthesinfulnessoutofher?ShewasskinandboneswhentheIndianskilledJamison,Howell.Yousentheroffwithanabusivesonofabitchwhomistreatedher

constantly.Anddon’tbothertellingmeyoudidn’tknowwhathewaslike.Ifthetwoofyou

weregoodfriendsyoucouldn’thelpbutknowhowhetreatedwomen.”“Susanhasawildstreak.”

“Shedoesnot.Sheisabeautiful,spiritedwoman.She’sstrong,capable,andwhenI

methershewasfightingoffthreeotherwomenwithastickandwinningthebattle.Shehascourageandstrength,andthisisforher.”Johntookaswingandknockedtheolder

manonhisbutt.“Iexpectyoutotreathercivillywhilewearehere,andifIsomuchaseverhearyou’veabusedSusie’sMamaorhersister,Iwillcomehereanddoforyou.”John

pickeduphishat,putitonhishead,andthenwalkedawaywhilethemantriedtostench

theflowofbloodfromhisbrokennose.



WhenSusangotalookatherfatherwhentheycameinsideforthenoonmealshe

shotJohnalook,buthesmiledatherinnocently,andpraisedMaryAlice’sbiscuits.“IknownowwhereSusielearnedtomakesuchgoodbiscuits,ma’am.”

ThemealwaspleasantandifSusanwassurprised,shedidn’tleton.Shewashavingtoomuchfunlearningwhatherbrothersandsisterhadbeenuptowhileshewasaway,

andshewaspleasedtolearnthatTimothywasplanningtobemarriedinafewmonths.Ofcoursethemealwasovermuchtoosoon,andBernardsaidtheyallneededtogetbacktowork.“Wecansitdownaftersupperandtalk,”headdedgruffly,andthenpretendedhe

didn’tseetheshockedlookhiswifebestoweduponhim.

Thatevening,aftersupper,whentheyallgatheredintheparlor,Susanpassedouthergifts.Hersisterandbrotherswereallpleased,andherMama’shappysmilewas

everythingSusancouldwishfor.Shehandedherfatherhispresentlast,andheactuallywassurprised.Heunwrappedhistobaccoandthankedher.“Thisisrealniceofyou,

daughter.Thankyou,”hesaid,andthenadded,“Youshouldn’tbespendingyourhusband’s

moneyongiftsforme,though.”“Susanspenthermoney,anditgavemepleasuretowatchherenjoyingherself,”

Johnsaidwithasmile.Therestoftheweeklongvisitwentwell.JohnknewthatSusanhatedtoleave,but

hepromisedhertheycouldcomeandvisitagainandshenoddedinpleasure.Itwasn’t

untiltheywereboardedonatrainheadingsouththatshelookedathimandsaid,“WhenIleftwithPhilipoverayearagohepromisedIwouldneverseemyfamilyagain.Hewas

wrong,andIamsogratefultoyouformakinghimwrong,John.Thankyou.Thistime

MamawassmilingandnotcryingwhenIleft.Shelovesyouandthinksyouarewonderful.”“Ithinksheisaspecialwoman,Susie.”

“Shetoldmethatyoupromisedwewouldcomeifsheeverneededus.Ican’ttellyouhowmuchIloveyouforthat,JohnJericho.IonlyhopeImakeasgoodanimpression

onyourMamaasyoudidonmine.”

“MyMamaisgoingtoloveyou,too,honey.Ipromise.”Travelingprovedtobeabitofaproblem;acoupleofdaysintotheirtripSusanwas

morethanalittleupsetwithonemotherwholethertwosmallboysrunaboutthe

passengercarirritatingeveryone.And,thereweretwomenwhoweretryingtopickafightwithanotherman,simplybecausehewasshortandbaldandclutchinghisvaliselikeitwas

alifeline.Susanwasgettingtiredoflisteningtotheirbelittlingcomments,andshewasreadytospankthetwolittleboysherselfandthensitthemdownanddarethemtomove.

Atonepoint,afterthetwochildrengrabbedanolderlady’syarntouseasaball,Susan

startedtogetupfromherseat,butJohntookherarmandreseatedher,shakinghishead‘no’.“Letthemotherhandlethesituation,”hewarnedsoftly,forherearsalone.Susangave

himanannoyedlook,butshedidn’ttrytogetupagain.

JohnsuspectedthatSusiemightbeinthat‘beforehermonthly’periodoftimethatmadeherseemlikeanotherpersonaltogether,buthewasn’tgoingtopermithertostart

troublejustbecauseshefeltmean.“I’mthinkingweshouldstopforacoupleofnightsandsleepinarealbed,Mrs.Jericho.Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?”Thelookshegavehimwas

fulloffire.Hefrownedandthensaid,“Ofcourse,wecouldtakeabreaksoIcancutafew

switchesandwearthemoutonyourhind.”“Ifyouwanttospanksomeonesomuch,thenwhydon’tyoustartwiththosetwo

littlebratsoverthere,orbetteryet,switchtheirmotherforlettingthemannoyeveryone



elseonthistrain…andifthatdoesn’tsatisfyyou,whydon’tyouwhipthosetwoforacting

evenworsethanthosechildren!”Susandidn’tcarewhoheardher,andnearlyeveryoneinthepassengercarwassurprisedbyheroutspokenness.Susandidn’tmindthecurious

looksshewasreceiving;someexpresseddisapproval,ofcourse,althoughafewpeopleweremurmuringinagreementwithher.

Themotheroftherambunctioustwolittleboysgaveheradisapprovinglookandgatheredherboyscloseandtoldthemto‘sitdownsothemeanladydidn’thurtthem.’TheolderofthetwokidsstuckhistongueoutatSusanandshestartedtogetupagain,butJohn

satherdownhardontheseat.“Yousithereandbequiet,Mrs.Jericho.”

However,itwasthetwomenontheothersideofthecoachwhowerelookingfortroubleandnowtheyhadanewtarget.Johnpretendednottohearacoupleoftheir

remarks,butwhenthecommentsgrewpersonalinnature,hegottohisfeetandwenttowherethetwowereseated.“Mywifeistiredofyourconstantpickingonthisother

gentleman,andI’lladmit,you’regettingonmynerves,too.Maybesheisasharp-tongued

littlewitch,butsheismy sharp-tonguedlittlewitch,andIwon’thearanotherwordfromthetwoofyouabouther.”

OneofthemenhootedandmadefunofJohn’ssuit.“Doyouthinkyoucanstopus,dude?”

“IfIhaveto,”Johnsaidquietly,andSusanimmediatelyknewthatthetwohadno

ideawhat,orratherwho,theywerefacing.”ShegotupandunsteadilymadeherwaytostandatJohn’sback.

“Pleaseletitgo,John.Theydon’thaveacluethatthey’repickingonthewrong

man.”“Sitdownnow,Susan,orIswearIwillmakesittingadistantmemoryatthesoonest

possiblemoment.”“Youarespoilingforafightasmuchasthesetwoidiots,butthethingis, youknow

better!”

“Goingtohidebehindyourlittlewoman’sskirts,sissyman?”oneofthemendaredtotauntandinthenextsecondhewasmoaninginpainfromthehardkickSusandealthis

knee!

“Susan,thisismyfight,andyouwillnotmixin!”Johnsaid,hisvoicealowgrowl.“Iamserious,John!Youcan’tkillthesetwomenbecausethey’retoostupidtoshut

up.Thisisn’tlikethosetwomenwhoaccostedusonthetrail.”“Youmixedinthen,too,andIforgottowhipyourhindforit.”

“Nonsense,Thaddeuswouldn’thaveletyou!”shedaredtocomment.“Heisa

gentleman!”“Thaddeushasn’tspentasmuchtimewithyouasIhave,”Johnretorted,andthen,to

hershockanddismay,hetookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheaisleandafewseats

forwardandsatherdownwithaplop.“Youmoveoneinchfromthisspot,Mrs.Jericho,andI’lltanyourighthereinthiscarinfrontofanyonewhowantstowatch!Hearme?”he

demanded,histempermakinghiswordsmoreofathreatthanapromise.HesawSusie’sprettycheekscolorabrightredbuthergreeneyeswereflashinginanger.“Answerme!”

“I’msuremyfatherheardyouallthewaybackhome!”Shedaredtosasshim.

“Mindme…orelse!”hetackedonominouslyandthenturnedhisattentiontotheothertwomen.“Now,arethetwoofyougoingtositdownandkeepyourcommentsto

yourselfordoIneedtotossbothofyouoffthetrain?”



Susanwouldhavelaughedatthemen’sconfusedexpressionshadshenotbeenso

angrywithJohn.Itwasasclearascouldbethattheywerebeginningtohavesecondthoughtsabouttakingontheangryman.Still,theyweremenandfullofpride;backing

downnowwouldmakethemlookweakandmakethemalaughingstockinfrontoftheotherpassengers.Theylookedateachother,andthenmadethemistakeoftakingonJohn

Jericho.Susaninstantlygottoherfeet,grabbingtheparasolthatJohninsistedshebuy.It

honestlydidn’tlooklikeJohnneededanyhelp,butshedidn’twanttobeleftoutofthefray.

Sheswungthesillyumbrellaandmissedhertarget,cloutingJohninstead.Heletflywith

hisfist,andoneofthemenwentdownhard,asdidthesecondman.ThenheturnedonSusan,whowasstaringathiminhorror.“Don’tyouevenconsiderdoingwhatyouare

thinking,JohnJericho!”Shedroppedtheparasolandbackedupafewsteps,buttherewasonlysofarshecouldgo.

Johnbackedheragainstthesideofthetraincarandthenhegrabbedherwristand

pulledheragainsthim,hisdarkeyesneverleavingherbalefulexpressionforonesecond.Hesatdownonthebenchandwithinseconds,hehauledherfacedownoverhislap.

“Didn’tItellyounottomovewhenIsatyoudown?”heasked,histonefullofhusbandlyoutrage.“Didn’tItellyounottomeddleinmyfight?”Heraisedhishandandspankedhersoundly,positiveSusancouldn’tfeelathingthroughherskirts.

“Iwillneverforgiveyouforthis,JohnJericho!”Susanrailedathim,kickingherfeetandtryingtoescapetheholdhehadonher.

“Rightnow,Mrs.Jericho,Idonotgiveadamn!”Johncontinuedtospankher,putting

somerealeffortbehindtheswats.Susanwasmortified!Thespankswerepainful,andshewasafraidthatshewas

goingtocry!“Pleasestop,John!”shefinallybeggedhim.“Iamhumiliatedenoughforoneday!”

Somethinginhertonegavehimtoknowthatshewasonthevergeofcrying,andhe

gaveheronelasthardspankforemphasis,andthenrightedherandsatheronthebenchdirectlyacrossfromhim.“Youwillsitrightthere,younglady,andyouwillnotmoveso

muchasamuscleuntilIgiveyoupermissiontodoso.Atthenextstop,wewillbestaying

overafewdays,andIassureyouthatlittlespankingisonlyalittlesampleoftheoneyouaregoingtogettonight.”

Ifpossible,Susan’sfaceturnedanevenbrightershadeofred.Shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeshewassoutterlyhumiliatedandashamed.ThehandprintsJohn

leftonherbottomwerestingingbadlyandithurttositstill.Shewantedtostandup,but

whenshesquirmedeventheslightestbit,hisdarkeyebrowshotupandsilentlywarnedhershewasabouttorepeatthehorribleexperienceofbeingspankedinfrontofother

people!Tearsofshamefilledhereyesandeachtimeshetriedtoblinkthemaway,more

cametoreplacethem.Theolder,baldingmanmovedhisseattoonedirectlybehindtheirs,hisinstincts

tellinghimthathewouldonceagainbeaprimetargetwhenthetwobeatenmenregainedconsciousnessandwerelookingtomakethemselvesfeelwholeagain.Thewomanwiththe

twochildren,urgedthemtotakeanap,andtheelderlywomanwiththeknittinggaveSusan

asympatheticsmile.Susanwonderedhowlongitwouldtaketoreachthenexttown.Herbottomwas

burning,andsittingstillwasmakingithurtworsewitheverypassingsecond.Johnwas



lookingoutthewindow,andshecouldn’ttellifhewasstillangryornot,andshecouldn’t

helpbutwonderhowonearthshewouldhandleanotherspankingwhenherbottomwasalreadysosore.SurelyJohnwasn’tseriousaboutpunishingherfurther?Shecouldn’thelp

butwonderwhyhewassoangrywithher.Shecouldn’tjustsitthereanddonothingwhentheoddsweretwotoone.Ofcourse,shewasresponsibleforstartingthewholeandentire

mess.Sheshouldhavekepthermouthquiet.Thecrampsinherlowerabdomenwereasignalofwhatwastocome,andshewasfilledwithsadness.She’dsohopedshewascarryingJohn’sbaby,butbythisevening,shewouldhavehermonthlyflowonceagain.At

leastitexplainedwhyshewassotouchyandirritable.

“John,”shewhispered.Whenhisdarkeyesturnedtoher,shesaid,“Iamsorry.”Tohersurprise,hisgazesoftened,andhereachedoutandpulledherovertosit

besidehim.“Trytosleep,Susie.Wewon’treachourstopforatleastanothertwohours.”Susanrestedherheadagainsthim,feelingsafeasheputhisarmaroundhertohold

herclose.Shefellasleepanditwasn’tuntilthetrainsloweddowninpreparationtostop

thatshewoke.“Areweclosetothestation?”sheaskedofJohn,anxioustogetoffthetrainandstretchherlegs.

“Won’tbelongnow,”heanswered.Sheglancedaroundandthewomanwiththetwochildrenwastalkingtothemina

lowvoice.Theoldermanwiththesatchelwasstillrightbehindthem,anxioustoleavethe

train.ThetwomenJohnbestedweregivingSusanevillooks,buttheydidn’tbotherhernearlyasmuchasJohn’snextcomment.

“Wearegoingtotakeabreakforadayortwo,Susan,andseeifwecan’timprove

yourmood.Perhapstravelingonanextremelysorehindwillhelpyoutomendyourmanners.”



Chapter Twelve

Truetohisword,JohnandSusanleftthetrainatthenextstop.Susanwouldhave

relishedadayortwotorecoverfromthearduoustrip,butshewasn’tlookingforwardtostoppingnow,notafterJohnpromisedtopunishher.Herbacksidewasalreadysorefrom

thehardspankingheadministeredonthetrain!Heheldherarmtightlyasheescortedherinsidethestationtomakearrangementstomoveontwodaysfromnow.Theagentdidn’t

askanyquestions,andSusanassumedthatpeopledidthisallthetime.Itwasboringto

rideforhoursonendwithnothingmuchtodo.Johnfinishedwiththeclerkandthenpickeduptheirvalisesandsaid,“Stayright

besideme,Susan.Thosetwomenyouhadsuchfunangeringdecidedtogetoffthetrain,

too.Idonotwantyouleavingmysideforaslongaswearehere.Doyouhearme?”“Yes,John,”sheanswered,notabouttomakehimanyangrierthanhealreadywas.

Shewalkedalongsidehimuntiltheycametoahotel.Johntookcareofregisteringthem

andwasgivenakeytotheirroom.Heaskedaboutbathsandwastoldthatatubandwaterwouldbebroughttotheirroomshortly.

Johnledthewayuptotheirroomandthennoddedinsatisfactionwhenhenoteditwascleanandneat.Thebasicswereallthereanditwouldbeagoodplacetostayfora

coupleofdays.WhenheputSusiebackonthetrainthen,shewouldhaveaniceremindertositonfortherestofthejourneytoGeorgia.Hewasn’tgoingtopermithertorantand

ravetooraboutotherpeople.Shewasalady,asweetlady,andshewasgoingtoactlike

one.Shewasalsoactingnervousandskittish,heobserved.She’dremovedherhatand

placeditonthebureau,andshewasstandinginfrontofthewindow,lookingout.Susie

knewshewasinforacoupleofgoodspankings,andhedidn’tintendtoletheroff,either.

Sometimeswaitingforatanningwasworsethangettingitoverwith,andhewasn’tgoingtoturnheroverhiskneeuntiltheyhadbathsandsupperanditwastimetogotobed.Thatwouldgivehissassywifeafewhourstodreadwhatwastocome.

TheknockonthedoorstartledSusan,butJohnansweredrightaway,openingthe

doorwidetoadmitseveralyoungboyscarryingatubandbucketsofhotwater.Theyputthetubbehindthescreenandbythetimetheyfinisheddumpingbucketsofsteaminghot

waterintothetub,itwasfull.“Yougofirst,Susie,”Johnordered.“Justremember,Iwould

likeahotbath,too.”“Youaremorethanwelcometogofirst,John.Infact,IinsistuponitsinceIintendto

dawdleforatleastanhouroruntilthewatergrowscold!”“Stillfeelingsassy,huh?”heanswered,removinghisboots.“Fine,Iwillgofirst.”He

droppedhisbootsonthefloor,andthentookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheroomtoacorner.“Youcanjuststandrighthereinthecornerandthinkaboutthespankingyouaregoingtogettonightandwhetherornotyouwanttokeepsassingme,littlegirl!”Heended

hiswordswithaslaptoherbehind,andthenhurriedtostripoutofhisclothingandsinkintothehotwater.

Susanwasfuriousatbeingplacedinthecornerlikeanaughtylittlegirl!Shewaited

untilsheheardhimsplashingaroundinthewater,andthenshegrabbedherhandbagandhatandlefttheroom,closingthedoorasquietlyaspossible.



Johnheardthedoorshutwithasoftclickandcalledout,“Susie?Areyoustillinthat

corner?”Noanswer.“SusanJericho,you’dbestanswermerightnow…”Noanswer.“Damnitalltohellandback.Sheisthemostcontrary,stubborn,feistylittlebratIhave

evermetinmywholeandentirelife!”Johnjumpedoutofthetubandtoweledoffquicklybeforegettingdressedandrushingoutthedoortofindher.

********************SusanwasangrywithJohn.Sheknewshewasprickly;theslightcrampingwarned

herofwhatwasahead,butJohndidn’tneedtobesodarnmeantoher.Admittedly,she

shouldhavekepthermouthshutonthetrain,butthoselittleboysandthosetwomenwere

makingthetripunnecessarilyunbearable.Someonehadtospeakup,andshewastheonewhodid.

Shespottedastorethatlookedinterestingandwentinsidejustintimetowitnessayoungboygrabaknifefromacaseonthecounterandrunoff.Beforeshecouldsay

anythingatallamaninanapronstartedyellingatamanstandingbythecounter.“See

here,you!Iwon’tberobbed.Youeitherpaymeforthatknifeyouwaslookingatorgiveitback!”

“Ididn’ttakeyourknife,shopkeeper!”themansaid,andSusancringedassherecognizedthevoicefromthetrain.Shewassurehisfriendhadtobecloseby,andsureenough,hecamefrombehindadisplayandsaid,“Gregdidn’ttakeyourknife;hewas

lookingatthesebootsIheldup.”“I’mgoingtogettheSheriff.Youareeitherpayingmeorgoingtojail!”Thestore

ownerwaslivid.

“Itellyou,Ididn’ttakethatknife,mister!”themaninsisted,gettingmad.“Idon’tbelieveyou!”

“Sir,”Susanspokeup,eventhoughshedidn’twantto.“Thatmandidn’ttaketheknife.Isawwhodid.Itwasayoungboyaboutthistall,”sheheldherhandevenwithher

eyes,“andhehadredhairandfrecklesalloverhisface.Hewalkedinaheadofme,grabbed

theknifeandran.”“RudyPhares!”theshopkeepermutteredangrily.“Sir,Iapologizeforaccusingyou,”

headded,hisfacered.“Thatboyisaproblem!”HelookedatSusanandsaid,“Thankyou

forspeakingup,ma’am.Ialmostmadeaterriblemistake.”“Sothisiswhereyouranoffto,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfromdirectlybehindher.

“Idecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileyouwereenjoyingyourbath,”sheliedsweetly.

“Yourwifesawsomeonestealingfromme,andI’mgoingtogettheSheriffsoshecan

tellhim.Willyouwaithere?Iwon’tbebutaminute.”ThelittlemanhurriedaroundthecounterandtookofffortheSheriff’soffice.

“Areyousureyouwanttodothis,wife?”Johnaskedmeaningfully.Hewasfurious

thatshewouldlietogetamanintotroublejustbecauseshedidn’tlikehim!“Itain’tlikeyou’rethinkin’,”thewronglyaccusedmanspokeup.“Thatshopkeeper

thoughtItooktheknife,butIdidn’t.Yourladysawwhodidandclearedme.”“Idon’tlie,JohnJericho!”Susanpertlyinformedhim.

“Susie,youarejustdiggingyourselfindeepereverytimeyouopenyourmouth,and

youjustliedtomewhenyousaidyoudecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileIwastakingabath,”headded.



“No,Ididdecidetodothat,”shelookedhimintheeye.“WhyelsewouldIhave

comeinhere?”“TorunawaybeforeIcouldpaddleyourbarehind,”hepromptlyanswered,and

thenhadthesatisfactionofwatchinghercheeksturnred.“Youareabeastattimes!”shewhispered,mortified.

“Justaniratehusbandwhohashadenoughofyoursassywaysfortoday.YouwilltelltheSheriffwhatheneedstoknow,andthenwearegoingbacktoourroom.Anyshoppingyouhavecanwaituntiltomorrow.Isthatunderstood,”hespokefirmly.

Susannodded,nottrustingherselftospeak.

Theshopkeepercamebackandsmiledwhenhesawher.“TheSheriffisrightbehindme,”hesaid,andwithinaminutethemanjoinedthem,andSusanansweredhis

questionstruthfully.Thetwomenstatedthattheydidn’tseetheboy,andtheonewhowasalmostaccusedofthecrimethankedSusanforbeinghonest,andfornotholdingagrudge.

“Idoubtitwouldn’thavecometomuchifwedidn’tfindtheknifeonyou.”The

Sheriffofferedreassurance.“IliketomakesureIhavetherightpersonbeforeImakeanarrest.Sam,”heturnedtothestoreownertoask,“IknowthatRudyisaproblem,butyou

knowwhatit’slikelivingouttherewiththatjerkstepfatherofhis.IfIgettheknifebackandtakeastripofftheboy’shide,willyouletitgoatthat?Ihavehopesofturningthatboyaroundwithsomefirmguidance.”

“IfIgettheknifeback,Iwon’tpresscharges,”Samanswered.“Ifhewantstheknife,I’lllethimworkforit,ifhegoestoschoolandworkshereafterwardsandonSaturdaysto

payforit.”

“That’sdecentofyou,Sam.”TheSheriffnodded.“I’llseetoitRudyacceptstheoffer.”Heleftjustasquicklyashearrived.

“Andwearegoingbacktothehotel,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfirmly,takingherarmtoleadheroutofthestore.

“Ma’am,thankyou.Afterthetroublewegaveyouonthetrain,itwasrealdecentof

youtospeakupforme.Makesmeashamedofearlier.”“Iwastestyonthetrain,andIsaidthingsIshouldn’thave,”Susanacknowledged

withasmallsmile.“Iwouldneverletsomeonebeaccusedofsomethingtheydidn’tdo,”

sheaddedwithameaningfullookforherhusband,whohadthegracetoflush.“Let’sgo,John.Mybathisprobablycoldbynow,”sheconceded,disappointed.

“I’llhavemorehotwaterdelivered,honey,”Johnpromisedashewalkedheroutofthestoreandbacktothehotel.“Youweresupposedtokeepyournoseinthecorner,and

youwillhaveanotheropportunitytostandthereandthink,”hewarnedher.

“StandinginthecornerisforchildrenanditmakesmefeelstupidandIwon’tdoit,”sheargued.

“Yesyouwill,”hesaidcalmly.Hestoppedbythedeskandaskedfortwomore

bucketsofhotwatertobesentupstairs.Hefiguredthatwouldbeenoughtoheatthewaterenoughforhertoenjoyherbath.Oncetheywereintheirroomhetoldhertocheckthe

bathwaterandshewaspleaseditwasstillwarm…notashotasshewouldlikeit,butitwasn’tcold,either.“Getin,andwhentheybringthewater,Iwilladditmyself.”Whenshe

openedhermouthtoprotest,hesaid,“Susan,Ishouldwarnyouthatmypatienceis

strainedrightnow.IamtryingtobecourteousandpermityouabathandsomesupperbeforeItanyourhindandputyoutobed,butonemorewordfromyouthatisn’tsweetand



nice,oristheslightestbitsassyorargumentative,andIamgoingtobareyouandspank

yourightnow.Isthatclear?”Susan’seyeswidened,butshenodded,andthenhurriedtodoashesaid.He

couldn’tverywellspankherifshewassittinginatubfullofwater.Aquickcheckshowedherthatshestilldidn’thavehertime,andshewasrelieved.Shedidn’twantanother

spankingwhenherbottomwasstillsotender.Theknockonthedoorarrivedjustasshesatdowninthewater.SheheardJohntelltheyoungboystowaitinthehallway,andheroundedthescreenandwarmedthewater.Susanthankedhimandheardhimthankthe

boys.Heaskedthemtocomebackinanhourtoemptythetubandtakeitfromtheroom,

andtheypromisedtheywould.JohntookaprettynightdressfromSusan’svaliseandcarrieditaroundthescreen.

“Thisisallyouwillneedtonight,Susie.”“Ican’tdodowntothediningroominmynightclothes!”Shewasobviously

shocked.

“Iamgoingtoordersomethingforusandhaveitsentup.Yourmoodisinneedofmending,wife,andIamnotgoingtopermityoutorileanyoneelsetodayortomorrow.”

“Iwon’t!”shesaidautomatically.“John,it’sthattimeagain!”shewhispered,hercheeksscarlet.“IamsorryI’mactinglikesuchawitch.I’llbefineinadayortwo,”sheadded.

“Youcan’tactlikethiseverymonth,wife.Iwon’thaveit,andifyoudo,thenyou’llknowexactlywhattoexpect,”hepromised.“FinishupsoIcangodownandorderour

supper.I’mhungry.”

Susanpurposelydawdled.ShewasfuriouswithJohnandshemadenoattempttohideit,mutteringunderherbreathandcallinghimvilenames.Shedriedherhairwitha

toweluntilitwasalmostdryandthensheslippedonhergownjustastherewasaknockatthedoor.She’dforgottenthatJohnaskedtohavethetubemptiedandremoved.Hegave

herablankettoputaroundhershouldersandthenhadhersitacrosstheroominachair

whileheallowedtheyoungboysintheroom.Itdidn’ttakethemlongtofinishtheirtaskwhileshecombedthetanglesoutofherwethair.

“KeepthisdoorlockeduntilIreturn,Susan,”Johnorderedsternly.

“Youareridiculous,John!Wearen’tinthewildernessanymore.”“Youreallydon’twanttositdownatalltomorrow,doyou?”

Susangotupandlockedthedoor,butcouldn’tresistcallingout,“Ijustmightnotunlockitwhenyoucomeback!”

“Youjusttrythat,littlegirl,andseewhathappens,”Johnreplied,hisowntemper

flaringatherwords.Thelittlebratwaspushinghimforallshewasworth.Andheknewjustthecure.

BythetimeJohnreturned,Susanhadhadenoughtimetoregretherthreatnotto

unlockthedoorforhim.Hereyeswerewetwithtearsandhebarelyputdownthetraybeforeshewashugginghim.“Iamsoawfulattimes.Iwasafraidyou’ddecideI’mnot

worthyourtroubleandjustleavemehere!”“Iwouldn’tdothat,Susie,”hecomfortedher.“Iwillspankthedaylightsoutofyou

inabit,butIwon’tleaveyou.Youaremywife,nowandalways,”hesaidmeaningfullyand

thenhekissedher.“Nowsitdownhereandeatwhileyoucanstillsit.”



Susandidn’tfussathim.Thesmellofthefoodmadeherrealizehowhungryshe

was.SheandJohnenjoyedthesimplefareandoncetheywerefinishedheleveledhisdarkeyesonherandshecouldn’thelpsquirming.

“Nowthen,Mrs.Jericho,wehaveadamngoodspankingtotakecareof.YouaregoingtogoandstandinthatsamecorneryouweresupposedtostandinwhileIwastaking

mybath.IexpectyoutopullthatgownuptoyourwaistandbareyourfannyandkeepyournoseinthecorneruntilItellyouotherwise.Iwilltakethekeywithmeandlockthedoor.Ifyoumoveoneinch,you’llearnyourselfamuchlongerandharderspanking.Mind

menow,Susie.Yourhindisalreadyinmoretroublethanyourealize.”

Susanwasembarrassedashestoodtherewatchingtomakesuresheobeyedhim.Shehatedstandinginthecorner!Itmadeherfeelfoolish.But,shewalkedtothecorneras

shewastold,andwhenhesaidhernameinwarning,shepulleduphergown.Itwasterribletostandtheresoexposed,butJohnhadarighttobevexedwithher,shereminded

herself.

Atleasthewasn’tbehindherstaringather,shecomfortedherselfassheheardthedooropenandshut,andthenthekeyturninginthelock.Shefeltlikedroppinghergown

andsittingonthebeduntilhereturned,butknowingJohnasshedid,hewouldsomehowknowifshedisobeyedhim.Shestoodthere,feelingembarrassed,andwaitedforwhatseemedlikeanhourforJohntoreturn!Whenshedeterminedthatsomethinghadtobe

wrong,shewasreadytogetdressedandgoandsearchforhimwhensheheardthekeyinthelock!“Wherehaveyoubeen?”sheaskedsharply.“Iwasreadytocomeandlookfor

you!”

“Thatwouldhavebeenahugemistake,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnreplied.“Iwasfindingjusttherightpaddleforyourhind,andIwouldhavetesteditonyourightthenandthere.”

Susanwhirledtofacehim,andhereyeswentwidewhenshesawthethinpaddleinhishand.Itevenhadahandleonit,andhe’dcarrieditthroughthehotelanduphereto

theirroom!Anyonewhosawhimknewhewasplanningtopunishheranditinfuriatedthe

redhead.“Howcouldyouembarrassmelikethis,JohnJericho?”shedemanded,lettinggoofhergownandputtingherhandsonherhipstoglareathim.

“Anddoyouthinkyourbehaviortodayhasbeenanylessembarrassingforme?”he

askedquietly.“IhavetoldyouIamsorry;you’rejustbeingmeantome,John!”sheaccused.

“No,honey.Iammakingdarnsureyougetthelessonyouhavecomingtonight,andifIdon’tseeanimprovementbeforetomorrowI’mgoingtowalkyououtoftownandcuta

fewswitchesandstripeyousixwaystoSunday.”Hesatonthebedandsaid,“Youcan

comehere,Susie,andwe’llgetthislessonstarted.”“No!”Shegavehimherbackasshestompedtothewindowtostareoutside.“I’m

goingbackhome,John.Iwon’tbemarriedtoamanwhothinksmesoawfulhehasto

spankmeallthetime!”“Nowtheregoesyoursassymouthagain,Susie.”Johnsighed,andthenhewasoff

thebedanddraggingherovertothebed,wherehesatdownagain.Susanstruggled,butitdidn’tdoonelittlebitofgood.Johnhadheroverhisleft

thighandthebedinnotimeatall.Hepinnedthecalvesofherlegswithhisrightleg,

shoveduphergownandthenwrappedhisleftarmaroundherslenderwaistashestartedspankingherbottom.

“Owww!John,stop!Someonewillhearyou!”



“Idon’tmuchcareaboutthat,Susan.Nomanworthhissaltwouldbeupsetoverme

givingyouarichlydeservedspanking.”Hesmackedherroundedcheeksuntiltheywerecoveredwithstinginghandprints,andthenhespankedlowerandmadesurehersitspots

werered,too.“Stop,John!Ithurts!”shepleadedwithhim.

“I’vebarelystarted,honey.”Hecontinuedtospankherupperthighsandwhentheymatchedhercheeksandsitspots,hestartedalloveragain.“Youneedtolearntocontrolthattemperofyours,Mrs.Jericho.”

“Iwill!”shepromised.Anythingtostopthepunishment.Sheknewthatiftherewas

anyoneinthenextroom,oracrossthehall,theycouldhearwhatwashappening,andthatwasmortifying!“Please,John,nomore!Iwillbegoodnow!”

“Susan,I’mnotstoppinguntilyourhindissosoreyouwon’tsitforalongtimewithoutrememberingthistanning.Youpickedafightwiththosetwomenonthetrain,and

thenyoumixedinmyfightafterItoldyounotto!Thisisfornotobeyingme.”Hespanked

evenharderandshecriedout.“No!Please,no!”Susanwasdesperatetostopthespanking.Shedidn’twantto

screamandcarryon!Itwouldbetoohumiliatingtoeverleavethisroomifhecontinued!“John,Iamsorry!Ibegyou,stop!”

“Yoursassymouthhasputyouinthisposition,Susan.Youneedtostopmaking

excusesforyourselfeverymonth.I’msureitisn’tfuntosufferthroughthat,butIdon’tseeotherwomenmakingabigdealoutofitandlosingtheirtemperoverlittlestufflike

childrenbeingchildren!”hescolded.

“I’msorry!”shecried.“Notassorryasyouaregoingtobe,”hepromised,pickingupthepaddlehe’d

boughtfromthestorekeepernamedSam.Itwasthinandwouldstinglikefire,butSamassuredhimitwouldn’tleaveseriousbruises.JohnwantedtogiveSusiealesson,not

injureher.

Susangaspedinshockasthepaddlecrackedacrossherrightcheekleavingafieryimprint.“Owwwwww!”Thepaddlelandedagainonthesamespotandshetriedeven

hardertojerkfree.“Noooooo!John,noooooo!Itburnstoomuch!”shedesperately

pleadedwithhim.Itdidn’twork.Hegaveheranotherhardswatonthesameexactspot,andthenswitchedtoherleftcheekandgaveherthreemore.Herupperthighswerenext,

andthenhersitspots.Shewassobbingandlyinglimplyoverhisthighandthebed.“This,littlewife,isforleavingthisroomwhileIwastakingmybath.Youwere

supposedtobestandinginthecorner,notsneakingoutoftheroomafteryouweretoldnot

toleavemyside.”HespankedherevenharderwiththepaddleandSusanwaspositiveshedidn’thaveonelittlebitofskinleftonherbacksidebythetimehefinallystopped.

Johnputthepaddleasideandthenherestedhishandonherhind.Itwashotand

throbbingandlookedswollentohim.Hehatedcausingherpain,buthislittlewifeneededtolearnhehadlimitstohispatience.Johnshudderedtothinkwhatthosetwomenwould

havedonetoherifthey’dcaughtheroutalonesomewhere.Susanwastoofeistyforwordsattimes.“Areyougoingtomindmenow,Susie?”heaskedgently.

Shemutteredsomethingandhechosetobelieveitwasaffirmative.Hesimply

couldn’tinflictanymorepainonherrightnow.Hehelpedherupandthenturneddownthebedandhelpedherlieonhertummybeforecoveringherandleaningdowntokissher



cheek.“Yougotosleepnow,anddon’tletmecatchyourubbingyourcutelittlehind.You

hadthatspankingcoming,Mrs.Jericho,andyou’llwearituntilitgoesawayonitsown.”Susanhurttoomuchtomove.Thatwoodenpaddleleftanunbelievablefireandshe

doubtedshewouldbeabletositforaweek!Shecriedherselftosleep,onlytowakeextremelyearlythenextmorning.Shehadtorelieveherbladderandgotuptotendtothe

matter.Usingthechamberpotwaspainful,andshewasn’tsurprisedtorealizeherflowstartedduringthenight.Shetookwhatsheneededfromhervalise,cryingoncemoreassherealizedshedefinitelywasn’tcarryingJohn’schild.Itwassuchadisappointment,even

thoughJohnkepttellingherthathewantedtohavehertohimselfforawhile.Hesaidit

wasn’tunusualforacoupletobemarriedforseveralyearsbeforemakingababy,butSusanfeltlikeafailure.ShereturnedtobedonlytohaveJohnpullhercloseandtellher

thathelovedher.Inthatwayhehad,healreadyknewwhyshewassoupset,andhewaslettingherknowthatshewascherishedandloved.Shewenttosleepagain,safeinhis

arms,andprayingthathewouldforgetallaboutspankingheragainashepromisedhe

would!



Chapter Thirteen

Susanwasn’tveryhappywhenJohninsistedsheaccompanyhimtobreakfast.She

triedtotellhimshedidn’tfeelwell,buthesawthroughthatexcuseandtoldherthatsittingonaspankedhindwasapartofthepunishment.Susanknewhercheekswereredasshe

enteredthediningroomonhisarm.Shewaspositivethateveryonehadheardherspankingandwouldmakefunofher.

Johnseatedheratatableandsmiledwhenapretty,youngwaitressbroughtthem

coffeerightaway.Hegavehertheirorderandthenhelookedathissquirmingwife.“Sitstill,Susie.”

“Ican’t,John!YouhavenoideahowsoreIam,”shewhisperedsosoftlyhehadto

straintohearher.“Areyouregrettingthewayyoubehavedyesterday?”heaskedquietly.

“Yes!Iregretteditevenbeforeyou…youknow…!”Shelookedaroundtoseeif

anyonewaspayingthemanyattention.“You’llregretitevenmorebeforethisdayisoverwhenIbareyouagain,”hestated,

hisdarkeyestellingherhewasperfectlyserious.“TheonlythingremainingtobedecidedisifItakeyououtoftowntocutswitchesorifthatpaddleisgoingtogetusedagain.The

wayyoubehavetodaywilldeterminethatdecision.”“John,youcan’t!”Herfacewasscarlet.“I…can’t !”Hergreeneyesbeggedfor

understanding.

“I’mnotgoingtoletthatbeafactor,Susan.Nowenjoyyourcoffee,andsitstill.Iexpectobediencetoday.”

Susanmadeherselfsitstill.Shewouldsimplydieifhebaredherforaspanking

today!Eventhethoughtofitmadehercringe.DidnothingbotherorshameJohn? Susan

askedherself.Johnwasabitstartledtoseehereyesfillwithtearsandhewonderedifperhapshe

shouldn’thavementionedspankinghersosoonintotheday.HeknewthatSusanwas

extremelymodest,evenaroundhim,butshe’dgonetoofaryesterday,andsheneededa

veryfirmlesson.Evenifthatlessonoffendedhermodesty,hedecided.Still,shewouldn’tevenlookathim,andhesawherdabathereyeswithherhandkerchief.Hefeltbadfor

upsettingher…andshehadn’teventakenasipofhercoffee.

Whentheirfoodwasbrought,Susantookonelookatitandknewshewasgoingtobeill.Shejumpedupandranfromtherestaurant,tryingtomaketheirroombeforeshe

humiliatedherselfevenfurther.Johnaskedthewaitresstoputtheirmealsonatrayandsaidheneededtocheckon

hiswife.“Mightshebeinthefamilyway,sir?Lotsofwomencan’tstandeggsthen…”shesaidsomatter-of-factlythatheknewshewasn’ttryingtoberudeorvulgar,buthelpful.

“No,she’sjustfeelingpoorlythismorning,”hereplied.

“I’llsendthisonuptoyourroom;yougoandseetoyourMissus,”thegirlbossed.Johnnoddedandbythetimehereachedtheirroom,Susanwaspasttheworstofit.

Hegothersomewatertorinsehermouth.

“Herenow,youwillbeallright,Susie.”Hepulledherintohisarmsandheldherclose.“I’msorryIupsetyou,honey.”



“John,IpromiseIwillbehave.Pleasedon’t…Notnow!Icouldn’thandleitifyou

baredmeforanotherspanking.I’mreallysore,andIreallydon’tfeelgoodthismorning.”“Iwon’tbareyou,honey.I’msorryIevensuggestedit,”heapologized.“I’msorryI

upsetyousomuch.”Therewasaknockonthedoor.“That’sourbreakfast.Doyouthinkyoucaneat

now?”heasked,fearingthatbringingthefoodintheroommightmakehersickagain.“I’mbetternow,”shetriedtosmile.“I’msorryIembarrassedyouagain.”“Youcouldn’thelpthat,honey.Itwasmostlymyownfault,anyway,”heconsoled

herasheopenedthedoortoadmitoneoftheyoungboyswhobroughtupthewaterthe

eveningbefore.Oncehewastippedandleft,Johnshutandlockedthedoor,andthenhecrossedtheroomtoholdheragain.“Iamsorry,honey.Ishouldhaveknownthat

threateningtobareyouagainwouldoffendyourmodesty.”“I’mtrulysosorerightnowthatIcouldn’thandleanotherspankingsosoon.I

promiseIwillbegoodnow,”shesaidsosincerelythatheleaneddownandkissedher.

“Iknowyouwill,Susie.”Hetookthepillowsfromthebedandputthemononeofthechairsandthensaid,“Trytositandeatsomething.I’msureyouwillfeelbetterthen.”

“Ijustwantsomecoffeeandsometoast,John.Youcaneatmyfood.”Hedidn’targuewithher.Heknewthatshedidn’teatmuchbreakfastduringher

monthlytime.Aftersheatesometoastanddrankafewsipsofcoffee,shelookedathim

andsaid,“Ireallyfeelrotten,John.WouldyoumindifIgobacktobed?ThatistheonlythingthathelpswhenIfeelsomiserable.”

Johnhelpedherremoveherclothingandgetintohernightdressagain,andtrueto

form,Susiewenttosleep.Hefinishedeating,andthentookthetraybacktothekitchen.He’dmadesurethedoortotheirroomwaslocked,anddecidedhewoulddoalittle

shoppingforhiswife.Hetrulydidplanonspoilingherandafterthespankinghegaveheryesterday,sheneededabitofreassurancethathewasn’tjustabitbullywhodidn’tmind

embarrassingher.

WhenSusanwokeupsunlightwasstreaminginthewindowandJohnwassittinginachairreading.“Heythere,”shesaid,smilingathim.“Whatareyoureading?”

“AcollectionofshortstoriesbyEdgarAllenPoe.Themanhasanimagination,”he

saidwithachuckle.“I’vemissedreading,”headmitted,andthenlookedatherspeculatively.“Youlooklikeyouarefeelingmuchbetter…?”

“Iam.Mybellyisn’tcrampingnowandmyheadacheisgone.Ifeelnormalagain,”shestated,andthengotoutofbedtowalkovertowherehewasseated.“John,Iamsorry

forthewayIacted.Iknowthisishardtounderstand,butitisalmostlikeIamanother

personfortwoorthreedaysbeforesanityreturns.Idon’tmeantobeevil.”“DoesthatmeanIcanexpecttospankyouonceamonthfortherestofourlives?”he

teased.

“Probably,butyouneedn’tbesofirmtomakeyourpoint,”shesaidruefully.“I’mnotgoingtosittoowellforawhile.Thatpaddleisnasty,John.”

“Thenitisakeeper,”hesaidwithateasinggrin,andproducedthepresentheboughtforher.Helovedwatchinghersmileindelight,andwhensheputherarmsaround

himandkissedhimlovingly,heknewhewasaluckyman.Hewouldkeepthatpaddle

handy,however.Truetohisword,theyspentthedayandnightintown,andleftthefollowing

morning.Beforetheylefttheroomtowalktothetrainstation,JohninstructedSusanto



pullupherskirtsandbendoverandputherhandsontheseatofachair.Shelookedatthe

paddleinhishandandthedeterminedexpressioninhisdarkeyesanddecidedthatcooperatingwasinherbestinterests.Johnwasn’tharsh,butthetenstingingswatsonher

stilltenderbottomremindedherthatshewastobehaveherself,andtoldherwhattoexpectifshedidn’t.Susandidn’tfindsittingonthehardbenchseatonthetrainvery

comfortable,butJohnletitbeknownhewasn’tgoingtotolerateanymoretantrumsfromher,andtherewastobenocomplaining.Susantookhiswarningtoheartanddidherbesttobehave.Thelastthingshewantedwasforhimtodecidetheyneededanotherstopover

ontheirtripsouth.

********************ThetrainmadeastopinCuriosityFalls,GeorgiaandJohnandSusandisembarked,

havingarrivedattheirdestination.Susanknewthatherhusbandwastenseandunsureofthewelcomehewouldreceive.IthadbeenoverfiveyearssinceCarolynwasrapedand

murdered,andmanypeoplewereconvincedhe’dkilledher.Susanknewdifferently;John

mightspankawoman,buthewasn’tthetypeofmanwhowouldcommitmurder.Sheslippedherarmthroughhisandsmiledupathim.“Everythingisgoingtobealright,John.

Ibelieveinyou.”Johnnodded,andthensaid,“Thanks,honey.Iknowyoudo,andIappreciateitmore

thanyou’lleverknow.Justtrytoholdontoyourtemperifanyonestartssayingbadthings;

itwon’thelp.I’mgoingtorentabuggytotakeusouttoWhisperingOaks.Iwouldleaveyouheresoyoudidn’thavetowalktothelivery,butIhonestlydon’twantustobe

separated.Idon’tknowwhatCarolyn’sfatherwoulddotoyouinretaliation…”Hisvoice

trailedoff,andSusancouldseehewastrulyworried.“Idon’tmindthewalktothelivery.I’vewalkedatrailwithyou,remember?”she

askedwithasmalllaugh.Hechuckledatthememoryandsaid,“Yes,Iremember.You’reonefeistyredhead

whenthechipsaredown.Comeon,Mrs.Jericho.Let’sgetthatbuggyandheadforhome.”

Thereweresomestaresastheywalkedthedistancetothelivery,butnoonewasopenlyhostile.Johnrentedthebuggyfromamanhe’dnevermetandpromiseditwouldbe

returnedthenextday.ThemanwaspaidupfrontandwhenJohnsaidtheyweregoingto

WhisperingOakshewastold,“Mr.Jerichowillseetothereturn.I’mnotworried.”Johnjustnodded,puttheirvalisesintheback,andthenliftedhiswifetositheron

theseat.Heknewshewasstillabittenderfromthatpaddlinghegaveherafewdaysago,butshesatstillanddidn’tcomplain.Hewasproudofher.

Onceontheirway,Johntoldherabouttheareaandpointedoutdifferent

plantationsontheway.TheypassedoneownedbyCarolyn’sfather,andJohnwastednotimegettingthroughthatareatothemuchsaferlandsbeyond.Susanwasabitshockedto

seealltheslavesoutworkinginthehotsun,butitwasacommonsight.Afterafewhours

theyfinallyreachedWhisperingOaksPlantation.Oneelderlymanwasworkingclosetotheroadandlookedupastheydrovepast.“MisterJohn!Welcomehome!”heexclaimedwitha

happysmile.“Hello,Moses,”Johnsaidwithagrin.“Howareyou?”

“Iberightasrain,”Mosesanswered,andthenadded,“YourMamaisgonnadance

whensheseesyou,MisterJohn.”“IamgoingtodancewhenIseeher,too,”Johnagreed,andthensaid,“Thisismy

wife,Susie,Moses.”



“Welcomehome,MissusSusie.”Mosessmiled.

“Thankyou,Moses.”Shesmiledrightbackathim.Johnknewthatwordofhisnewwifewouldpassamongtheslavesnow,andhewas

relievedthatshewasgracious.Hefiguredshewouldbe,butsomepeopletreatedslavesasiftheyweren’thumanbeingswithfeelings.Susanwasn’tlikethat.Hedroveforquitea

whilelonger,pointingoutdifferentplacesontheplantationandwavingateveryonewhorecognizedhim.

Susan’sfirstviewofthelargehousecausedhertogaspinwonder,andthenin

dismay.ShelookedatJohnandsaid,“Youmustberich!”

“Iam,”heagreed.“John,thisistoomuch.Iwon’tknowhowtoactinsidethathouse.It’sforfancy

peoplenotlikeme!YourfamilyisgoingtoknowI’mnotusedtolivinglikethis!”“Theylivedinacabinwhentheyfirstsettledhere,Susie.Andyouaremywife…I

knowyou,andyouwillfitinnicely.Myfamilyain’tsnobs.”Hesetthehorsestoabrisk

pace.Whentheycametoastopinfrontofthelargehome,JohnjumpeddownandwaitedforSusantostandupsohecouldhelpherdown,butshecontinuedtositthereandstareat

thehouseintrepidationanddismay.Johnshookhisheadandreachedforher,liftingherinhisarmsandcarryingherupthefrontstepsandinsidethelargehouse.

“John!John,isthatreallyyou?”awomancriedoutfromthetopofthesteps,and

thenshecamerunningasfastasshepossiblycould,avisioninherbeautifuldressofroyalblue.Shethrewherselfintohisarmsandlaughedandcried.“MamaandPapaaregoingto

besohappytoseeyou!”shedeclared,hugginghimastightlyaspossible.

“Aren’tyoumarriedoffyet,Anna?”Johnaskedteasingly,holdingheratarms’lengthsohecouldlookather.

“Iammarried,youhorridbeast.AndrewisoutoftownonbusinessandinsistedIstayherewithMamaandPapawhileheisgone.Andwhoisthis?”shedemanded,her

browneyesfullofcuriosityasshelookedSusanoverheadtotoe.

“This,nosygirl,ismybeautifulwife,Susan.Susie,thisismybabysister,Anna.ShehasgrownupwhileI’vebeenaway.”

“Hello,Anna.I’veheardsomanywonderfulthingsaboutyoufromJohn.It’sniceto

meetyouatlast.”“Youareasurprise,butagoodsurprise.”Annanoddedthoughtfully.“Isuspectyou

convincedhimtocomehome…?”sheasked.“IthinkitistimeforJohntoclearhisname.”Susansawnoreasontoavoidthe

subjectofCarolyn.

“Iagree,andMamaisgoingtoLOVEyou!”Annaexclaimed.Sheturnedandthenranbackupthestepscallingoutloudly,“Mama!Mama!Mama!Comequickly!Youneedtosee

whoishere!”

“Sheisjustlikeyoudescribedher,John,andIloveheralready,”Susansaidwithabigsmile.

Theyheardadooropenupstairs,andawoman’svoicescolded,“Mygoodness,child!Whatisallthefussabout?”

“Come,Mama.You’llsee!”Annagrabbedhermother’shandanddraggedheralong.

“There,see!”ShepointedatJohnandlaughedhappily.“See,Mama!”“Oh,John!You’realive!Iknewitinmyheart,butit’sbeensoverylong!”Clara

Jerichoburstintotearsandcamerunningdownthestaircasetoholdhimclose.“Howdare



youstayawaysolong,youngman?!I’veagoodmindtocutaswitchandwearyououtfor

scaringmeso!”shescolded.“I’msorry,Mama,”Johnsaidcontritely,hugginghertightly.

“He’smarried,Mama!”Annawhisperedloudly.“What?”ShelookedatSusansuspiciously.“You’remarriedagain,John?”

“Yes,ma’am.Mama,thisisSusan.Susie,thisismyMama.”“I’veheardnothingbutwonderfulthingsaboutyou,ma’am,”Susansaid.“Yourson

isafineman,andIlovehimwithallmyheart.”

“Ibelieveyoudo,dear.”Clarafinallynoddedinacceptance.

“ShewantsJohntoclearhisname,”AnnatoldherMother.“Hewouldneverdosomethinglikethat,”Susandeclared.

“Susie,we’veonlybeenhomeforfiveminutes;canwewaituntiltomorrowtoclearmyname?”Johnaskedteasingly.

“Ifyouinsist,”sheanswered,andthenwarned,“I’mnotgoingtoletthismatterrest,

JohnJericho.”“Honey,IhopeyourealizethatI’mnotgoingtoallowyoutomeddleinthis?”

“Meddle?IamyourwifeandyoucanbetIamgoingtomeddle!Iwanttopointatthemanwhodidthisandshamehimintoadmittingit…especiallytoCarolyn’sfather!”

“Susan,IswearI’mgoingtocutaswitchifyoudon’tsettledownrightnow!”he

sputteredasadoorslammedtowardtherearofthehouse.“Clara!Clara!OneofthefieldhandssaidhesawMasterJohnhome!Well,I’llbe!

It’strue!Welcomehome,son!”

“Fatheritisgoodtoseeyou.”Johnsteppedforwardtogreethisparent.“Youlookwell,John.”RobertJericholookedintohisson’sdarkeyes.“Whoisthis

prettylady?”hewantedtoknow.“Thisismywife,Susan.Susie,myfather,RobertJericho.”

“Yourwife?”Robertseemedsurprised.“Welcome,Susie.We’rehappytohaveyou

aspartofthefamily.Clara,haveyousentwordtothefamilyyet?Everyonewillwanttojoinusfordinnertonight.”

“Wejustarrived,sir.Mamahasn’thadtimetodomorethancatchherbreath.While

Iwouldliketoseeeveryone,itmightbebesttogiveSusiesometimetogetsettledinfirst.”“Thatisjustplainsilly,John,”Susancontradictedhim.“Youhandledmyfamilyin

onesittingandIcandothesamewithyours.Besides,weneedtodealwith…”“We’llleavethattalkforlater,Mrs.Jericho,”hewarnedsharply.

“Isee.”

“No,youdonotsee,butyouwillifyoudon’tletmehandlethisinmyownway,honey,”hewarnedher.

“John,youareabigbully!”Annaspokeup.“MamaandIwouldlovetohearwhat

Johndoesn’twantustoknow,Susan.We’llshowyouupstairstoyourroomandhaveanicelongchat.”

“Anna,don’tyoubestartin’somethin’,”Robertwarned.“Oh,Papa,youknowverywellthatwearegoingtotalk.Youmenallthinkyouneed

toprotectusfromeverylittlething,anditdoesn’tdoabitofgood.Comeon,Susan.I’llfill

youinoneverythingJohndoesn’twantyoutoknowabouthim.”Susangiggled,andthenfollowedhersister-in-lawupthewindingstaircase.



Claralaughedatherson’sdisgruntledexpressionandthenhurriedafterthetwo

youngerwomen.ShehadafeelingshewouldlearnmorefromSusanthanfromJohn.Oncethefemaleswereontheirway,Robertsaid,“Comeintomystudyandhavea

drink,son.IhavetoadmitI’mcuriousaboutwhatyourwifewantsustodealwith.DoesithavetodowithCarolyn’sdeath?”

“Yes,sir.IknowwhokilledCarolyn.Thetruthhasbeeninherjournalalltheseyears.SusiesnoopedandreaditandCarolynnamedthemanresponsible.”

“Someoneweknow?”Robertasked.

“AbelMcCory,”Johnanswered.

“Awww,surelynot!Why,he’sbeenyourfriendforyears!Heasksaboutyoueverytimeweseehim!”

“He’salsotheonewhotriedtogetCarolyn’sfathertohangme,”Johnstated.Therewererunningstepsoutsidethedoorandthenitwasthrownopen.“Robert,I

knowwhokilledCarolyn!ItwasAbelMcCory.IsawCarolyn’sjournal!”Clarasaidina

rush.“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthis?”“IknowwhatIamgoingtodo.Excuseme,Father.Thereisadomesticmatterthan

requiresmyattention.”“Don’tyoudarethreatenthatdearchild,JohnJericho!”Clarasteppedinfrontofher

son.“Why,sheisaperfectangel!”

“Thatangeldoesn’tknowthemeaningoftheword‘obey’.”“Nonsense!Sheonlywantstoclearyourname.”

“Whoisonthosehorses?”Johnasked,hiskeenhearingpickingupthesoundhis

parentsweresousedtohearingthattheydidn’thearathing.Hehurriedtothewindowtolookoutandthensworeunderhisbreath.“Father,youdidn’tspankAnnanearlyenough

whenshewasachild,andIfullyintendtorectifythematterwhenIcatchuptothosetwowitlessfemales!”Hewasoutoftheroomonadeadrunandheadingforthestablesinthe

nextsecond.

********************“SowhatarewegoingtosaywhenwetalktoMr.Barrett?”Annaaskedhersister-in-

law.

“I’mgoingtotellhimthetruth,ofcourse.Surelyhewillwanttoknowwhomurderedhisdaughter.Howmuchfartherisittohisplace?I’mnotusedtoriding!”

“Wehaveawaystogo,Susan,andIamnotsosurebutthatweshouldn’tturnaroundandheadback.Mr.Barrettmightnotbeinclinedtogiveyouachancetoexplain.

HetookCarolyn’sdeathveryhard.”

“I’msurehedid.Hespoiledheroutrageouslyandgaveherherwayineverything.IsimplyrefusetopermithimtothinkthatJohndidsuchahorrendousthingtoCarolyn.She

certainlydidn’tdeservewhathappened,butthetruthofthematteristhatitishisownfault

morethanJohn’s.”“YousoundjustlikeMama!”Annamarveled.“Okay,we’llgoandvisit,butdon’tbe

surprisedifhescreamsatustoleave.Hedoesn’tlikebeingaroundanyonecloselyconnectedtotheJerichofamily.”

“Thenmaybeyoushouldjustshowmeasfarasthehouseandletmegoonalone.

Hewon’tknowwhoIamuntilI’veshownhimthediary.”“Thatsoundsreasonable,”Annaallowed,andwasnearlyunseatedwhentworiders

appearedonthepathbeforethem.



“Nowwhereareyoutwoprettygirlsheadedallaloneonsuchaprettyday?”

“It’snoneofyourbusiness,”Susanansweredfirmly.“Pleaseletuspass!”“Ithinkthatwouldbeacrime,don’tyou,Abel?”

“Abel?AbelMcCory?”Susanaskedsharply.“Yes,atyourservice.DoIknowyou,Miss?”Hewasobviouslydrunkandhisspeech

wasslurred.“No,we’venevermet,”Susantoldhim.“Weneedtobeonourway.”“What’syourhurry?Wejustwantsomecompany.”

“Yes,Iknowallabouthowyouliketoforceyourcompanyonwomen,”Susansaid

caustically.“YouwillrotinhellforwhatyoudidtoCarolyn,”Annaadded.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Abelsuddenlylookedawholelotlessdrunkthanhedidafewminutesagain.

“You’llfindoutsoonenough,”Susananswered.

“I’llfindoutnow!”HemovedquicklytograbherbutSusanwasready.Shebroughttheridingcropshecarrieddownonhishand,andbeforehecouldreachoutagainshegave

himashove,knockinghimtotheground.Theothermanwaslaughinguproariously,enjoyingMcCory’spredicament.

AbelgotupfromthegroundandlungedforSusanonlytoconnectwithasolidfistas

Johnputhimselfandhismountbetweenhiswifeandtheenragedman.“You!”Abelspattheword.

“WearegoingtoprovethatyourapedandmurderedJohn’sfirstwife,”Annasaid

angrily.“AndIamgoingtotestifythatyouaccostedushere.”“Iknowyounow,John’slittlesister,”Abelsaid,andthenlookedatSusanand

immediatelyputtwoandtwotogether.“Well,John,youhaveanotherprettywife.Wonderwhatfolkswillsaywhenyoukillthisone?”

“Youwon’tfindmeashelplessasCarolynwas,yousonofabitch!”

“OldmanBarrettwillbehappytohearyou’reback,John,oldboy.”“He’llbeevenhappiertoknowwhoreallykilledhisdaughter,”Johnstatedcoldly.

“Stayawayfrommywifeandsisterifyouwanttolivetoseetrial.”

“Webothknowwhoisgoingtohang,anditwon’tbeme.”“TheonlyreasonI’mnotdealingwithyoumyselfisbecauseIwanttoclearmyname

andIcan’tdothatwithyoudead.”Johntookhiswife’sandsister’sreinsandstartedleadingthemhome.

“Iwantmyreins,John!”Annafumed.

“You’rethisclosetoaspanking,littlesister.”Hegaveherahardlook.“Whatonearthfor,John?Wejustwentforalittlerideandthosetwoaccostedus!”

Annafibbed.

“Isthatthetruth,Susie?Didthetwoofyougoforaride,orwereyouplanningtoseeMr.Barrett?”



Chapter Fourteen

Susanlookedatherhusband.Hisdarkeyeswerewarningherthatlyingwouldonly

landherinmoretrouble.Sheraisedherchinandsaidquietly,“YouknowverywellthatweweregoingtospeaktoMr.Barrett,John.Iampositivethathewillwanttoknowthetruth

aboutwhokilledCarolyn.”“Susie,didn’tItellyoutokeepyourprettynoseoutofthisaffair,andleaveittome

tohandleinthebestwaypossible?”Hisvoicewasquietbutonlyafoolwouldthinkhe

wasn’tupsetwithher.“Idonotwantyouinvolved.Mr.Barrettmighthurtyoubeforehecalmsdownenoughtohearwhatisbeingsaid.”

“Hedoesn’tknowme,John.Ithinkitissafestformetoapproachhim.”Susan

continued,inspiteoftheforebodinglookonJohn’sface.“Ithinkthatmywifeandsisterbothneedagoodspanking,”heannounced.

“Youwouldn’tdaredosomethingsodespicable,JohnJericho!”Annadeclared.

“Littlesister,youjustaskSusieifIwoulddare,andthenyoudoyourbesttokeepfromprovokingme,orelseI’llstopthesehorsesandcutaswitchhereandnow.”

Annalookedathernewsister-in-law,andSusansilentlywarnedhertoshutup!AnnaabruptlyputherselfinSusan’splaceandrealizedthatherownhusbandwouldscold

herforbeingsoimpetuous.“John,itwasmyideatogoandseeMr.Barrett.Susanthoughtitbesttowait.”Shefibbedagain,willingtotakeascoldratherthanseeSusieintrouble

withherbrother.

“Isthatso,Anna?”Johnaskedquietly,tooquietlyinSusan’sopinion,butbeforeshecouldwarnAnna,John’sarmsnakedaroundherwaistandheliftedherfromhersaddle

andtossedherface-downacrosshisownsaddleinfrontofhim.Hesnatchedtheriding

whipfromSusan’shandandbroughtitdownacrosshissister’sbottomwithevery

intentionofmakingsureshefelttheblow.“No,John!”Susanprotestedhisactions,butJohndidnotpayheranyattention.He

wasdeterminedtoseehissisterpunished!

Annaletoutascreamofmingledpainandrage,butJohnignoredherdirethreats

andgaveherasoundthrashing.“Doyouhonestlythinkyoucanbatyoureyesatmeandconvincemeyouaretellingthetruth,littlesister?”heasked.“Ourparentshavespoiled

you,andIamnotatallconvincedyouareoldenoughtobemarried.YouknowthatBarrett

isnotrational,andthefactyouagreedtotakeSusietoseethemanshowsalackofcommonsense.”

“I’msorry,John!”shesaid,burstingintotearsofcontrition.“Iwanttoseeyournamecleared,too!”

Hecouldhearthesincerityinhervoice.“Iunderstandthat,Anna.And,Iloveyouforfeelingthatway,butthereissuchathingaspatience,andthatiswhatIaminsistingonnow.Doyouunderstand?”heaskedmeaningfully,givingherupturnedbottomonemore

painfulstrokeofthesmallridingwhip.“Owwwww!Yes,John!Idounderstand!Pleasestop!Andrewwillbedispleased!”

“Displeasedwithmeforgivingyouaspankingyouearned?Ordispleasedthatyou

earnedaspankinginthefirstplace?”heasked,tryinghardnottosmile.



“Both,”shetoldtheabsolutetruth.Andrewbelievedinspanking,too,andifhe

learnedthatJohnpunishedher,hewouldtakeheroverhiskneeagain!“Pleasestop!Iamsorryandhavelearnedmylesson.”

Johngaveheronemoresmack,butwithhishandthistime,andthencarefullyplunkedheronhersaddle.“Donotlietomeagain,littlesister.Itistheonething

guaranteedtosetoffmytemperandearnyouasorehind.”“IjustwantedtoprotectSusan,”sheexplained.“Ididn’tthinkyouwouldactually

punishme!”Shewaspoutingnow.

“Nowyouknowbetter,andSusanalreadyknowsthatsheisintrouble,”headded,

givinghissilentwifealookthatspokevolumes,andSusanfeltcrushed.Sheknewthatlook.Itmeanthewasgoingtospankher!

“Sheonlywantstoclearyourname,John!Thatisnotacrime.SusanlovesyouandthatismorethanyoucouldsayforCarolyn!”Annaaccused.“Ithinkitmeanofyoutobeso

unappreciativeandrigid!”

“Doyouwantanotherspanking,Anna?”Johnasked,lookingathisfeistylittlesister.Sheglaredathim,butfinallyshookherheadno.“Notanotherwordthen.”

Therestoftheridehomewascompletedinsilence.JohnsentthetwooftheminsideandtoldSusantogoupstairstotheirroom.Susanknewthatheintendedtopunishher.Shewashumiliatedandembarrassedthathewoulddothatandleteveryoneinthe

householdknowwhatheintended,butshequicklyranupthesteps.Ifshedidn’tobeyhim,hewouldspankherwherehefoundher.Johnwastotallypredictablewhenitcametothat.

AnnafoundherparentsinherFather’sstudy.“Mama,youmustspeaktoJohn!Heis

inaterriblemood.Healreadythrashedmeandheorderedhisownwifeupstairsasifsheisanaughtychild!”shedramaticallydeclared.

“What?”Clarajumpedtoherfeet.“Johnbeatyou?”“Witharidingwhip!”Annanoddedtearfully,reachingbacktorubhersmarting

bottom.“Hurry,Mama!SusanonlywantstohelpJohn,andheisbeingdreadfullymeanto

her!”“Clara,youstayrighthere,”Robertfirmlyordered.

“But,Robert…!”Claraturnedtofacehim,stompingherslipperedfoot.“Didn’tyou

hearourdaughter?”“Idid,andIalsoknowthatJohnwilldowhathethinksbestinhismarriage.Wewill

mindourownbusiness.”“Ican’tdothat!”sheargued.

“Yesyoucanoryoumayverywellfindthatyouaren’ttoooldforagoodspanking!”

“Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.Annawasstandingrightthere,listeningtoeveryword!

“Clara,shouldn’tyoubeoverseein’dinner?”Whenhiswifereachedthedoorway,

clearlyfuriouswithhim,headded,“Anddon’tbethinkin’tosneakupthebackstairs,either,wife.”Shestiffenedandthenhurriedfromtheroom.“Andyou,younglady,canjust

comerightoverhere,”hesaid,beckoningathisdaughter.“IshouldhelpMama,”Annaprotested.

“Nonsense,Anna.Iwanttoknowwhatyoutwogirlswereupto.”

“WeweregoingtoseeMr.BarrettandtellhimwhomurderedCarolyn.”Annaknewherparentwellenoughtoknowthathewasseriousandwantedanswers.Shewonderedif

hewouldhavewordswithJohnfordaringtostrikeherperson!



“What?Youagreedtothis,Anna?YouknowthatoldmanBarrettiscrazy.You’ve

beentoldoverandovernottogoanywhereneartheman!Itdoesn’tshockmeatallthatJohnturnedyouoverhisknee!I’veagoodmindtodoitmyself!”hethreatened.

“Papa!Don’tbesilly!Iammarriednow!”Surelyhewouldn’tdoanysuchthing!“I’mstillyourfather,younglady,andIamnotatallpleasedrightnow!Justbecause

you’remarrieddoesnotmeanthatyoucandisobeymeatwill.GoingtoBarrett’shousewasveryfoolish.”

“Wedidn’tgetthatfar,thankstoAbelMcCory!HewasdrunkandaccostedSusan

andme.Shestruckhimwithherridingwhip.Hewasgoingtohither,butJohnstopped

him.Abelmadeallsortsofthreats,too.HejustthesameastoldJohnhewasgoingtorapeandkillSusanandblamehimforit!Rightnowheisprobablystirringupallourfriendsand

neighbors.Johnshouldhaveshothim!”shedeclared.“Johnwantstoseehimtriedforrapeandmurder,Anna.”Hefrownedandadded,

“YouhadnobusinesstakingSusantoBarrett’splace,daughter.”

“Idisagree,Papa!SusanwantstoseeJohn’snamecleared,andshewantstohelpwiththat,whichshehaseveryrighttodosincesheishiswife.”

“Therearesomethingsbestlefttomen,Anna,andifAndrewwerehere,hewouldtakeyouoverhiskneeandremindyouofthat.”

“Oh,youmenareallalike!”Annascolded.“IfnoneofyouwillprotectSusan,thenI

willdosomyself!”shedeclared.Robertwasoutofhischairandgrabbedherbeforeshereachedthedoorway.“Ido

believeJohnwasrightearlierwhenhesaidIdidnotspankyounearlyenoughwhenyou

weregrowingup;anerrorIintendtorectifyrightnow!”“No,Papa!”Annatuggedonherarm,butherfatherhadafirmgripandshewas

unabletokeephimfrompullingherovertohisdesk.Hepushedherdownoverthepolishedsurfacewithinstructionsto‘stayput.’Unlikeherbrother,RobertJerichohadno

qualmsabouttossingupherridingskirtandthepetticoatsbeneathtorevealherruffled

drawers.“No,youcan’tdothis,Papa!JohnalreadythrashedmewitharidingwhipIloanedSusan!”

“Idoubtyoufeltathingthroughalltheseskirts,”Robertstatedwithoutsympathy

andbroughthishanddownonherroundedbottom.Susantriedtojumpup,butRobertpushedherbackdownandkepthislefthandonherbacktokeepherrighttherewhilehe

continuedtospankher.“JustbecauseyouaremarrieddoesnotmeanIwillturnablindeyetooutrightdisobedience,andyouknowdamnedwellyoudisobeyedme,younglady.”

Robertcontinuedtospankhiserrantdaughteruntilshewasintears.Hescoldedheruntil

shewasbegginghimtostopandtellinghimshewassorry.“Barrettiscrazyenoughtotakeitinhisheadtomakeherpayforsomethingshehad

nopartof.HowwouldyoufeelrightnowifsomethinghadhappenedtoSusie?”Robert

demanded,notpermittingAnna’stearstodissuadehimfromwhatheconsideredhisdutyasherfather.

“Awful!I’msosorry,Papa!Pleaseforgiveme!”Annawasgenuinelydistressed,andshewasinpain.HerPapawaswrongwhenhesaidshedidn’tfeelthatspankingJohngave

her.Shewasalreadyhurtingbeforehedecidedtospankher!“Please,Papa,stop!I’ve

learnedmylesson.OwwwwwwIthurtstoomuch!”shepleadedwithhimtostop.Robertgaveheranotherdozenhardspanksandthenasked,“Whatdoyouthink

Andrewisgoingtosayaboutallofthisdaughter?”HeknewforafactthatAndrewturned



Annaoverhiskneewhenhefelttheneedtodoso,andthatwasonereasonAnnachosehim

overtheotherboyswhocourtedher.Shewantedandneededastrongman,notonewhowouldcontinuallytrytopleaseherwithoutregardtohertantrumsanddemands.

“Oh,Papa,pleasedon’ttellhim!”shecriedoutindismay.“Ihavenointentionoftellinghim,”Robertsaidquietly.“Youwilldothatyourself.”

Hegaveheronefinalhardspankandthenpulledhertoherfeettostandinfrontofhim.“Yougotoyourroom,younglady,andstaythereuntilitistimefordinner.Iwillexpectyoudownstairswithasmileonyourface,andnopouting.Isthatunderstood,Anna?”

“Yes,Papa!”sheanswered,andthenturnedandranforherroom,cryingasshe

hurriedthroughthehouse.Robertdecidedheshouldgoandcheckonhiswifenext.Hequicklylearnedshewas

notinthekitchenoverseeinganything,andoneofthegirlstoldhimMissusClarawentupstairs.Robertfelthistemperflareashestartedupthesteps.Ifhislittlewifewasnear

JohnandSusie’sroom,hewasgoingtomakesureshewasn’tabletositdownforaweek!

Heheardvoicesinthehallwayandwasn’tonebitshockedtoseeClarastandinginfrontofthedoortoJohn’sroom,herhandsonherhips,lecturinghimasonlyamothercould.

“SusandidnotrealizethatBarrettcouldhurther,JohnJericho!Iwillnotpermityoutopunishher!”

“Susandisobeyedme,Mama,andIwon’ttoleratethat.”ItwasthenthatRobert

noticedtheswitchesinhisson’shand.“Youarebeingtooharsh,John.”

“Iwon’tmakethesamemistakeswithSusiethatImadewithCarolyn.”

“Carolynwasaspoiledlittlewitch;Susanisalovelyyounglady,andyouarewronginthisinstance,”Clarainsisted.

“Mama,pleasemove.IampleasedthatyoufeelprotectiveofSusie,butsheknewfullwellwhatshewasdoingtoday,andifIhadn’tcomealongwhenIdid,AbelMcCory

wouldhavehurther.Sheearnedapunishment.”

“Butnotaswitching!”Clarastompedherfootonthefloorandrefusedtobudge.Robertmadehispresenceknown.“Clara,Iwarnedyounottointerfere,didInot?”

“Robert,Johnismakingaterriblemistake!”

“Youbestworryaboutthemistakeyoujustmade,wife.Gotoourroomnow.Iwillbealongshortlytoremindyouthatawifeisexpectedtoobeyherhusband.”

“Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.“Notinfrontofthechildren!”shewhispered.“OurchildrenareadultsandyouareinterferinginJohn’smarriage,wife,afteryou

werewarnednottodoso,andIbelieveItoldyouwhattoexpectifyoudisobeyedme…

Correct?”heaskedwithdignity.Clara’seyesfilledwithguilt.“Youmayapologizetoyourson,Mrs.Jericho,andtakeyourselftoourbedchamberimmediately.Thismatterwillbe

dealtwithprivatelyaslongasyoushowmetherespecttowhichIamentitledthisvery

minute.”ClaraclosedhereyesforafewsecondsandthenapologizedtoJohn.“Iamsorryfor

interfering,John,butIdofeelyouarebeingharshandbegyoutoreconsider.”Afterthat,shehurrieddownthedoortothebedroomshesharedwithherhusbandandquietlyshut

thedoorafterher.

Johnsteppedforward,preparedtoenterhisroomanddealwithSusanwhenhisFatherreachedoutandtooktheswitchesfromhishand.Johnraisedaneyebrowand

lookedintoRobert’ssolemneyes.“Sir?”



“WhileIdonotcondoneyourMama’sinterference,sheisright.Thesearemuchtoo

harshforthissituation,John.Yourhandwillmakeenoughofanimpression.Susiemeanswell,andshedoesnotknowBarrettlikewedo,likeyoursisterdoes.AndAnnahasbeen

dealtwithfirmly,butIonlyusedmyhand.Susiedoesn’tdeserveaswitchthistime,John.”Hewalkedawaycarryingtheswitchesinhishand.

JohnenteredthebedroomandsawSusiesittingonthebed,lookingforlorn.“WhyonearthwouldyoudosomethingsofoolishasgotoseeBarrett,honey?”heaskedquietly,sittingdownbesideherandtakingherhandinhis.

“Igotcaughtupintheexcitement,”sheconfessed,hereyesfillingwithtearsshe

refusedtoshed.“YourMamaandyoursisterarejustsonice,andthey’vesufferedsomuch.Iwantedtoenditrightaway,”shetoldhim.“Annaisgoingtohatemenow!Ican’tbelieve

youwhippedher!”Hereyeswerefullofaccusation,andshewasmorerelievedthanshedaredtoletonthathehadn’tcarriedthewhipupheretouseonher.

“Idoubtshefeltathingthroughallthoselayersshehadpaddingherbackside,”John

scoffed.“Shewascrying,John.”

“Becauseshewasangrywithme,”heshrugged.“Ishouldn’thavespankedher,however,andIwillneedtoapologize.Inmymindsheisstillthatlittlegirloffiveyearsagoinsteadofagrownwomanwithahusband.Itwasn’tmyplacetowarmherhind.”

“No,itwasn’t,”Susanagreed.“Butyourhindisallmine,”hetoldher.“DoyouhaveanyideahowfrightenedIwas

whenIsawyougirlswithAbelMcCory?”

“He’sevil,John.I’mafraidofhim,”sheadmitted.“But,youhavetorealizethatneitherAnnanorIexpectedtomeethimontheroadtoseeMr.Barrett.Thatwaspurelya

chancemeeting,andIwassorelievedwhenyoucamealong.”Hereyeswereshiningathimnow.“Thankyou.”

“Iwon’teverletanyonehurtyou,honey,”hetoldher,leaningdowntotenderlykiss

hersweetlips.“But,Iwon’tpermityoutorecklesslyputyourselfindanger,either.Itoldyoutokeepyourprettylittlenoseoutofthisbusinessandletmetakecareofit,didn’tI?”

heasked.

“Yes,youdid.ButIwanttohelp,John.”“Whichissweetofyou,buttoodangerous.Youdisobeyedme,wife,andyouknow

whathappenstolittlegirlswhodisobey,don’tyou?”Shewasafraidshedid.Susanlookedathimhelplessly.“Weareinyourparents’

home,John.Iwillbemortifiedandhumiliatedifyoupunishmehere!”

“Thatistoobad,honey.AnnaiswearingasorehindrightnowthankstoFather,andMamaisgettingalessonrightnow,too.Spankingshappeninthishouseandinthisfamily.

Now,ifyoustandupandpullupyourskirtsandloweryourdrawersandlieoverthebed,I

willonlyusemyhandthistime.IfIhavetowrestlewithyou,I’lltakeoutthepaddleandmakesurethatsittingisverypainfulforafewdays.”Hegaveheramomenttoconsiderher

options,andthenheasked,“Well?Easyorhard,Susie?”“Easy,”shewhispered,hercheeksabrightredwithembarrassment.Sheslowly

stoodupandgatheredherskirts.Itwasdifficulttountietheribbononherdrawerswhile

holdingupherothergarments,butshesomehowmanaged,andthensheputherselfwhereJohnwantedher.Hewastednotimeingettingdowntobusiness,either,andthefirstspank

landedimmediatelyonherleftcheek.“Owww!”sheexclaimed,startled.



“YouneedtolearnrightnowthatAnnaisamischiefmaker,”Johnstated,spanking

herrightcheek.“Youarenottopermithertotalkyouintothingsyouknowwillearnyouaspanking.”Hespankedagainandwasn’tabitsurprisedtoseearedhandprintappearon

herdelicateskin.“Ifthereisanexttime,Iwillusethepaddleorcutaswitch!”“Ihateswitches!”shecriedout.“Youpromisedyouwouldn’tuseoneagain!”she

remindedhim.“Iwillifyoudon’tobeymeinthis,”hepromisedwithoutabitofsympathy.“Iwillbe

obeyed,wife.”Johnconcentratedthenonspankingherthoroughly.Hewantedtogiveher

enoughthatshewouldfeeltenderallthroughtheevening,buthedidn’twanthersosore

shecouldn’tenjoyhermeal.“John,pleasestop!Iamsorry!”Susanpleadedwithhimashespankedherupper

thighs.“Iwanttobeabletogetthroughdinnerwithoutdisgracingmyself!”Hedidnotstop,butthespankswerehighernow,rightonhersitspots,andtheyhurtandburned.

“Owwww!Darling,pleasestop!I’msoembarrassednow!”

“AreyougoingtoobeymeandkeepyournoseoutofthismesswithBarrett?”Johnasked.

“Yes,John.Iwilltryveryhardtoobeyyou.”Shementallycrossedherfingers.“ThenI’llgiveyoutenmoretoreinforcethatpromise.And,Susie,ifyoubreakyour

wordtome,youandIwillhaveameetingwithseveralswitches,andIwon’tbeonebit

merciful.Doyouhearme?”heasked,drawlingoutthewords.“Yes,John.Ihearyou,andIamtrulysorry.Idon’tneedtenmore…”sheinsisted,

butsheshouldhavekeptthelastcommenttoherself.

“No,youneedtwenty-fivemore.”Hepromptlycorrectedher.Thelasttwenty-fivewereveryhard,andverydeliberate.Susancriedoutwitheach

one,andshewasintearswhenthespankingfinallystopped.Shedoubtedshewouldbeabletositdownatthedinnertableandshefeltsorryforherself.

“Youhaveanhourtopullyourselftogetheranddressfordinner,Susie,”Johnfinally

toldher,afterrubbingherbackforseveralminuteswhileshecried.“Youwillhavetomakemyexcusestonight,John.ThereisnowayonearthIcansit

atthetableandpretendIamfine!”

“Youarepouting,Mrs.Jericho,”hesaidwithasmile.“Poutingwillonlyearnyoumoreofthesame.”

“Youareabeastattimes,JohnJericho!OnlyastupidmanwouldpunishhiswifeandthenexpecthertositatthetablewithhisMamaandmakepoliteconversationasif

everythingwasfine!Iamnotgoingdowntodinner!Ican’tsitrightnow!”Shewasina

temperanddidn’tcarewhoknewit.“SusanJericho!”Johnscolded.“Thatisjustaboutenoughsassoutofyouforone

day!Doyouwantanotherhiding?”heasked.

“Ididn’twantthefirstone!”Sheglaredathim.“I’mnotgoingdowntodinnerandmake-believethateverythingisfinewhenitisn’t!I’mnotgoodatpretendingandtoobadif

youdon’tlikeit!”Johngotupandstartedgoingthroughthedrawersofhischest,lookingforthe

paddlethatoneofthehousegirlssurelyunpacked.Hefinallyfoundit,andwalkedoverto

thebedandbroughtthepaddledownhardonSusan’supturnedhind.Sheletoutasquealandtriedtorollovertoprotecthertenderbottom,butJohnwasreadyforthatandhe

quicklypinnedhertothemattressandbroughtthepaddledownasecondtime.



“No,John!Noooo!”Susanprotested.Hedidnotstop.Hespankedherathird,

fourth,andthenafifthtime.Thepainwasterrible!Thepaddleburnedlikenothingelse,andthestingwasnearlyunbearable…especiallyfollowingthespankinghe’dgivenher.

“Pleasestop,John!Iapologize!”Shesobbedthewords,prayinghewouldlisten.“Areyougoingtogetreadyfordinnerandcomedowntothetableandbehave

yourself?”heasked,hisvoicecoldandfullofdetermination.“Yes!”sheimmediatelyanswered.“Iwill,John!”sheadded,tomakesurehe

understood.

“Verywell.I’llgiveyouanotherfivetoremindyouIwillnotbecalledstupidbymy

ownwife!”“Nooooo!Ididn’tmeanit,John!I’msosorry!Pleasedon’tspankmeanymore.It

hurtstoomuch!Owwwwww!”shecriedoutasthepaddlecaughtherthigh.Shekickedherlegsinanattempttoshakeoffthestingandkeephimfromstrikingheragain,butitwas

pointless.Johngavetheothersideastingingcrack,andthenhersitspotswerepaddled,

too.HefinishedwiththehardestswatofallandSusanwastednotimeingettingupoffthebed.Shedidn’twanthimtospankheragain.

Johncouldseehowupsetshewasandhepulledherclosetohughertightly.“It’sovernow,honey.Calmdown.Thiseveningwillbeenjoyableifyouputasmileonyourface.”

“Idon’tknowhowIwillsitthroughdinner,John!”shetearfullyproclaimed.“Ihurtmorethanyourealize!Thatpaddleisawful!”

“Itisn’tmeanttobefun,”hesaidwithasmilehetriedtohidefromher.“Susie,I’m

nottryingtomemeantoyou,”hewhispered,kissingthetopofherhead.“Iloveyouwithallmyheart,andI’mgoingtodoeverythingIcantokeepyousafe,evenifthatmeansIhave

tospankyousoundlyfivetimesaday!”“John!”Shetippedherheadtolookupintohisdarkeyes.“Iloveyou,too,andthat

ispreciselywhyIwanttohelpyou!Can’tyouseethat?”Shewasgoingtohelphimfight

hisbattle,evenifitmeantanotherboutwiththatdamnedpaddleoraswitching!



Chapter Fifteen

Susanhadaterribletimesittingthroughdinner,anditdidnotmakeherfeelany

bettertoknowthathermother-in-lawandhersister-in-lawwerealsosquirmingontheirseatsandtryingtopretendthateverythingwas‘fine’,too.SusanreallylikedJohn’sfamily,

anditwasobviousthathisparentsandsiblingswereallhappytohavehimhome,safeandsound.Theyletherknowinnouncertaintermsthattheyheldherresponsibleforthis

miraculousfeat,andshewasmadetofeellikevisitingroyalty.Sheansweredlotsof

questions,butwhenitcametocertainmatterssheleftittoJohntohandle,andhedid,quitediscreetly.Hewasn’tabouttolethisMamaknowhepurchasedherfromHeWhoWears

Red.Whenaskedaboutherfamily,SusanspokekindlyofherMother,butsaidverylittle

aboutherFather.SomethinginJohn’sexpressionwarnedtheothersnottopry,andtheydidn’t.

Afterdinner,themenexcusedthemselves,andoncethewomenwereintheparlor,

Clarasaidwithgreatfeeling,“Iamsogladthatmealisover!”“Why,Mama?”Clara’seldestdaughter,Kathleen,askedwithapuzzledfrown.

“Oh,Kathy,it’sasobviousascanbethatMamaandAnnaandSusiearenotsittingwellatthemoment,”David’swife,Abigail,stated.“Whatsortofmischiefdidy’allgetinto?”

sheaskedwithagrin.“Itwasallmyfault,”Annaadmitted.“Mama,IamsosorryIgotyouintotrouble,too.

PapawassoupsetwithmeandIfearhetookitoutonyou!”

“Ididsomethingheforbademetodo,Anna,anditwasnotyourfault,”Clarainsisted.“IthinkweshouldallleavetheclearingofJohn’snametothemen.”

“IthinkthatitwasagoodideatogoandseeMr.Barrett,”Susancommented.“We

wouldhavepulleditoff,too,ifnotforthatdrunkenfoolMcCory!”

“IwouldlovetohelpclearJohn,”Kathysaidearnestly.“AndifRichardcatchesyou,sisterdear,youwon’tbeabletositeither,”Annatold

herwithanimpatientfrown.

“Besides,whatwouldyoudo?”Abigailwantedtoknow.

Thereshouldbesomethingwecoulddo!”Kathyscrunchedherfacetothinkwhatthatmightbe.

“Wecouldletyourfatherandbrother’shandleitliketheysaid,”Clarasaidabit

firmly,butthespankingshe’dreceivedonlyashorttimeagowasstillstingingandshehadnoplanstoearnanotheranytimesoon.RoberthadtakentheswitchesfromJohnandthen

usedoneonherafterhespankedherbarebottomwithhishand!Shewasweltedfromthetopofhercheeksdowntoherankles,andtheweltsburnedanditchedandshewanted

nothingmorethantocallanendtotheeveningandseektheprivacyofherbedroomsoshecouldremoveherclothing.

“IfeelterribleyouthatyousufferedfortryingtotalkJohnoutofpunishingme,

MamaJericho,”Susanapologized,hercheeksredwithembarrassment.“Johnwaswrong,andevenmystubbornhusbandknewit.IhopeJohnwasn’ttoo

harshwithyou…?”sheasked,sensingtheredheadwasinjustasmuchpainasshewas.

“I’mafraidImademattersworsebysassinghim,”Susanstatedtruthfully.“Iseemtoknowexactlytherightthingstosaytorilehim.”



“Iunderstandwhatyoumean,Susie.Davidcanbeveryfirmattimes,”Abigail

confessed.“IthinkAnnaistheonlyoneofuspermittedtodoasshepleasesallthetime!”shestatedwithagrinandawink.

“Nowwhatwouldgiveyouladiesthatidea?”adeepvoicefullofhumoraskedfromthedoorway.

“Andrew!You’reback!”Annaquicklyranintohisopenarms.“Iamsogladyouarehome!”

“Andwhatmannerofmischiefhaveyoubeenupto,younglady,thathasallyou

ladiestalkingabouthusbandlydiscipline?”hewantedtoknow.

“Wecandiscussallofthatlater,”shewhispered,blushing.“Isee.”Hislaughingeyesturnedserious.“DoIneedtospeaktoyourfatherabout

yourbehavior,ordoyouintendtospeaktomeopenlyandhonestlyrightnow?”“Youhavejustarrivedhome!”Annasaidwithapout.“Canthisnotwaituntil

tomorrow?”

“No.Thebesttimeforsuchmattersisimmediate.Youhaveexactlyoneminutetotellmeallofit,Anna,orIwillspeakwithyourfather.”

“Verywell.IencouragedSusietogoandspeaktoMr.Barrett.NeitherJohnnorPapaapproved,andIhavealreadybeenpunishedtwiceforthesamething,whichisunfair!”sheaddedpetulantly.

“John?YourbrotherJohnhasreturnedhome?”Andrewasked,tryingtomakesenseoftheconversation.

“Yes,Andrew,Johnishome,andhebroughthislovelywife,Susan,withhim,”Clara

saidwithasmile.“WeallwanttoclearJohn’sname,andthegirlsthoughtitwouldhelpmattersiftheyshowedMr.BarrettCarolyn’sjournal.Shedivulgedherkiller’sname.Itwas

AbelMcCory.”“AbelMcCory!”Andrewwasshockedatthenews.“Areyousure,MamaJericho?”he

askedindisbelief.

“Verysure.”“AndyoudecidedtotakeJohn’swifetoseethatcrazyoldman?Areyououtofyour

mind,Anna?Youhavebeentoldrepeatedlytostayclearofhim,andthemomentIam

gone,youthinkyoucandosomethingofthissortwithoutconsequence?”“Now,Andrew,dear,Annahasbeenpunished.”Claratriedherbesttotemperhis

angerwithheryoungestchild.“Notbyme,andIguaranteeyouwillregretthisfoolishness,younglady.Goon

upstairstoourroom.Iwillspeaktoyourfatherandbealongshortly.Youknowfullwell

whatIexpect,andIsuggestyoudonotdisappointme.”“No,Andrew!”Annawailedingenuinedistress.“Youarejustbeingmeanright

now!”

“MeanwouldbeifIdecidetobareyouhereintheparlorandtakecareofthematter.”Hewatchedhereyesopenwideinshock.“Nowdoasyouweretold,wife.”Anna

ranfromtheroomcrying,andAndrewrealizedthatalloftheotherfemalesintheroomwerefuriouswithhim.HedidnotbothertryingtoexplainwhatmarriagetoAnnawaslike,

orthatheneededtobefirmwithhernowbecauseshe’dbeenindulgedtoomuchasachild.

“Ladies.”Henoddedatthemandsoughtoutthemen,whowouldhopefullyunderstandhisposition.



OnceAndrewlefttheroom,Susangottoherfeet.“Pleaseexcuseme.I’mnotfeeling

well.”“Oh,Susie,I’msosorryyourfirstdaywithushereissodramatic.Wetrulyaren’t

giventohysterics!”Claraapologized.“Iunderstand,andyouhavebeenmostgraciousandwelcomedmewithopenarms.

I’minatemperrightnowandit’sbestifIretire.”SusanlefttheroomandranupthestepstoherroomlongenoughtoarmherselfwithaknifeofJohn’s,andthensheranrightdownthehallwaytoAnna’sroom.“Comeon,Anna.Wearegettingyououtofhere.Iknowjust

theplacewecanspendthenightandgivethosehotheadedmenwearemarriedtotimeto

cooldown.”“Ican’tride!”Annaconfessed,swipingathereyeswiththebacksofherhands.

“NeithercanI.Comeon;wehaven’tamomenttolose.Iamnot goingtoletAndrewpunishyouagain!”

Thewomenwentoutadoorattheendofthehallwaythatledtoaveranda,andthen

wentdownthestepsandhurriedoff,unawarethattheywerebeingwatched.********************

“HaveyouladiesseenAnna?”Andrewasked,notbotheringtomaskhisoutragethatAnnawasnotintheirbedroomwhereshewassupposedtobe.Itwasbadenoughthathisfather-in-lawclaimedshe’dbeenpunishedenough,butherbrotherJohnwasshockedto

learnhisfatherhadaddedtoAnna’sdiscomfortafterhe’dgivenheraswiftandsurepunishment.Bothmenmadeitclearthathewasnottopunishhiswife,andAndrewonly

promisedthathewouldjudgeforhimselfifshewaspunishedenough,andthenhewould

onlygiveheradayortwobeforehereheatedherhind.Nowshehadaddeddisobedienceanddisrespecttohergrowinglistofmisdeeds.

“Sheisupstairs,Andrew.”Claralookedathiminsurprise.“MaybesheistalkingtoSusie?ShewentuprightafterAnnadid.Ithinkshewasupsetwithallthefusstoday.”

“I’llcheck,Andrew,”Johnoffered.Hewentupstairsandlearnedthathishunchwas

correct.Susiewasn’tintheirroom!“Noluck?”Andrewasked,waitinginthehallway.

“No.Itwouldseemtheyhavegivenusthesliponceagaintoday.”Johnwascoldly

furious.Didn’tthatfeistylittleredheadrealizethatshesimplycouldn’twanderoffwhileAbelMcCorywasstillfree?“Wehavetofindthem,andfast.I’llorganizeasearchofthe

house.Youstartonthisfloor,andI’llgettheotherstohelpus.”AnhourlaterthetwofemaleswerestillmissingandevenRobertwasfrightenedfor

theirsafety.“Whereonearthwouldtheygo?Think,son.YouknowyourSusiebetterthan

wedo.”“Shehasatempertomatchherhairandsheisafighter.Shekilledamantosavemy

life,”hestunnedhisfamilybyannouncing.“Shewoulddareanything,andshedoesn’thave

enoughcommonsensetobeafraidofthingsmostnormalpeoplewouldfear.IfAbelMcCorycomesather,she’llfighthimwitheverythingshehas,andshewon’tfightfair.”He

thensaidquietly,“She’ssosmallandIcan’tbearthethoughtofherbeinghurtbecauseofme.”

“We’llfindthem,John.”Andrewputahandonhisbrother-in-law’sshoulder.He

wouldtearanyoneapartwhotouchedhisAnna.********************



“Youareeithervery,verybraveoryouareinsane.Ihaven’tdecidedwhich,”Anna

saidinquietadmirationasshelookedatSusan,whowascalmlyuncoveringachair.“NoonehasbeeninsidethishousesinceCarolynwasmurdered.Johnisgoingtohaveafit!”

“Hewon’tthinktolookforushere,”Susansaidwithmoreconfidencethanshefelt.“I’mhopingthatbymorningourhusbandsaresorelievedtoseeusthattheywillbe

reasonable.”“Thisplaceisspooky.Carolynspentasmallfortuneonfurnishings,andsheand

Johnfoughtlikemadallthetime.Carolynwantedthisplacetobegrand!”Sheputherhand

overhermouth.“I’msosorry,Susie.Ishouldn’tkeeptalkingaboutCarolyn.Johnbelongs

toyounow.”Susanshrugged.“Iwasmarriedbefore,too.MyhusbandwaskilledbyIndians.

Thosepeoplearepartofourpasts,andsometimestheycomeup.IalreadyknowaboutCarolynfromherjournal.Ialsoknowthatshewasn’treadyfortheresponsibilitiesof

marriage,andJohndidn’tknowhowtohandleher.”

“HewascrueltoCarolyn,andshewastoogoodforhim!”avoicecamefrombehindthemandSusanwasstunnedtoseeAbelMcCorystandingthere,aguninhishand.“She

lovedme.”“Shehatedyouandfearedyou,”Susanannounced,standingupforherhusband.“No!Shebelongedtome!”hescreamedather.“JohnJerichoalwaysgotwhathe

wanted,evenwhenCarolynlovedME !IwantedCarolyntocomeawaywithme,butshesaidshewasmarried,andcouldn’tleaveJohn.Igavehereverychance.Ishowedherhow

gooditcouldbebetweenus,butallshedidwascryandcryandbegmetoleavebeforeher

preciousJohncamehomeandlearnedofher‘shame!’Ilovedher,andshesaidI’dshamedher!Ihitherforthat.Andshewouldn’tstopcrying.Ihitherandhither,andthenshewas

lifeless.ItwasallJohn’sfault! Allhisfault! Hedeservedtohangforwhathedidtoher!”Abeldeclared,raging.“Now,thetwoofyouwillpay.Everyonewillthinkhekilledthetwo

ofyou,andthistimehewillhang!”

“IamnotCarolyn,andyouwon’tfinditsoeasywithme,”Susandeclaredwithherusualspirit.“IsurvivedIndians,andIwillsurviveyou,too!”

“You’lldoexactlywhatIsay,bitch,orI’llshootJohn’sbabysisterandmakesureshe

diesrealslow.”Theman’seyeswerefullofrageandinthatmomentSusanrealizedhemeantexactlywhathesaid.ShesuddenlyprayedthatJohnwouldcomelookingforherone

moretime!!!********************

“Iheardyouwerebackagain,JohnJericho,andwithanewwife.Doessheknowyou

areakiller?”AbrahamBarrettpointedalongfingerattheyoungman.Hewasinhisbuggyandreturningfromanotherlatenightvisittotheplacewherehisbelovedwifeand

daughterwereburied.Hecouldnotsleepwithoutthisnightlyritual.Thelastpersonhe

expectedtoencounterwasJohnJerichoandhisfather.Theywereonhisland,too!“IdidnotkillCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.IhaveproofthatAbelMcCoryrapedand

murderedher.”“Proof?”themandemanded,stunnedbythenews.“Whatproof?”

“Carolyn’sjournal,”Johnsaidimpatiently.

“Iwanttoseeit.”“Ofcourse,justassoonasIfindSusie.SheandAnnaareoutherealone,andAbel

willhurtthemifhegetsachance.Weareallsearching.Theyleftthehouseatleastanhour



agoonfoot.Idon’tknowwheretostartlooking,andIthoughtshemayhavecometoshow

youCarolyn’sjournal...?”Heintentlywatchedtheman’sfaceandsawnosignthathe’dseenSusanorAnna.

“YouarepositivethatMcCoryistheonewhomurderedmyCarolyn?”theembitteredmanaskedagain.

“Yes,sir.”“Bringthejournaltomeinthemorning,”heordered,andthenturnedhismountand

headedtowardhishome,anewhatredburningwithinhim.Coulditbepossiblethatall

theseyearshe’dblamedthewrongman?Howmanytimeshadhesharedfoodathistable

withAbelMcCory,andtheyoungmanberatingJohnJerichoandtellinghimhowunhappyhisCarolynwaswithherhusband?Abrahamwantedandneededtoseethejournaland

witnessforhimselfhisdaughter’slastwords.Heturnedhisbuggyaroundandwenttofindanswers.

********************

“I’mgoingtohaveyou,bitch!”AbelMcCorydeclared.“Takeoffyourclothes!”hescreamedatSusan.Tohisshock,shelaughedathim.“Thisisnotfunny!”

“Youarepathetic,”Susantoldhim.“IfyouthinkIamgoingtoundress,youcanthinkagain!”

“I’llshootAnna!”hethreatened,wavingthepistol.

“So?Ijustmethertoday.Shealreadyearnedmeapunishment;doyouhonestlythinkIcarewhathappenstoher?”Susanlaughedagain.“And,Iwouldlovetoseeyou

explainthistotheauthorities.EveryoneknowsthatJohnwouldhavenoreasontoharm

hisbabysister.”“They’llthinkshewastryingtohelpyouescapethemanabusingyou!”

“Herownbrother?You’llneedtodobetterthanthat,Abel.Noonewillbelieveyou.Besides,John’sparentshaveCarolyn’sjournal.Theyknowallaboutyou,andhowyoukept

tryingtoforceyourattentionsonCarolyn.Theyknowshefearedyou,andfearedthatJohn

wouldkillyouifshecomplainedtohimandaskedhisprotection.TheyknowthatyouthreatenedtotellJohnthatyouandCarolynwerehavinganaffair…evenwhenshetoldyou

shewantednothingtodowithyou.Nooneisgoingtobelieveyou.Nooneatall!Youwill

hang.”Susanknewsheneededtokeeptalking.Sheneededtogetcloseenoughtograbforthegunoruseherknife.SheprayedonceagainthatJohnwouldfindthem.

“Thereisnojournal!”Abeldenied,shakingthegun.“Shutup,NOW !”Hepointedthegunather.“YouhadnobusinessbringingJohnJerichobackhere.Iwasfinallygetting

somerespect.IamtheonethatMamaswanttheirdaughterstomarry!Me,notJohn

Jericho!”“Ipityanygirlfoolishenoughtobealonewithyouforevenfiveminutes!”Anna

declaredwithspirit.“Youwouldrapethem,too,youbastard!”

HerwordsangeredthemanandhesteppedtowardAnna,raisingtheguntouseasaweapontostrikeher.Susanflewathiminthenextinstant,herweightknockinghimtothe

groundsincehewasn’texpectinghertoattackhim.Susandroppedherknifewhenheshovedheraway,andthensheshudderedwhenheraisedhisgunandpointeditather,

murderinhiseyes.Theshotrangout,butinsteadofthepainsheexpectedtofeel,Abel

McCory’sbodyfellacrossher.Hewasdead.Susanwasrelievedwhenthebodywasunceremoniouslyliftedoffofher,andshe

jumpedtoherfeet,fullypreparedtothrowherselfintoherhusband’sarms,buttoher



amazementitwasnotherhusbandstandingthere!AnnaputherarmaroundSusan’s

shouldersprotectively,andshesaidinatremblingvoice,“Mr.Barrett!Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Killingthemanwhotorturedandmurderedmychild,”hesaid,andthenwept.Susansteppedforward,offeringcomfort.Apartofherwonderedifherownfatherwould

weepifsomethinghappenedtoher,andsheknewinherheartthatheprobablywouldn’tcareatall.

“I’msosorryaboutyourCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.Shedidnotdeservewhathappened

toher,”shesaidinagentletoneofvoice.

“Andyourhusbanddidnotdeservemyangerandrage,younglady,”hesaidwithdignity,pullinghimselftogetherandaskingkindly,“Areeitherofyouhurtinanyway?”

BothAnnaandSusanreassuredhimthattheywerefine.Henodded,andthensaid,“Letmetakeyouladieshome.Yourhusbandsareworriedaboutyou.”WhenSusanlooked

towardAbelMcCory’sbody,hesaidcoldly,“Wewillletthelawdealwiththatkiller’s

remains.”Heputhisarmsaroundbothofthemandledthemoutsidetowherehelefthisbuggy,andcarefullyassistedthemupontheseat.SusanandAnnalookedateachother,

butmadethemselvessitontheseatofthebuggyandnotcomplain.Theelderlymansavedtheirlives,andtheywereverygrateful.

Thedrivetothemainhousedidnottakemorethanafewminutesatmost.Clara

greetedthembothwithhugsandscolds,andshedidherbesttomakeAbrahamBarrettwelcomeinherparlor.Whenheaskedtoreadthediary,Susanrantogetitforhim.He

readthelastfewpages,shakinghisheadsadly.

Themenallreturnedwithinthehour,andSusanknewthatshewasinserioustroublethemomentshesawthefuryinJohn’sdarkeyes.Still,heremainedcalmandheard

outAbrahamasheexplainedwhathappenedfromhispointofview.He’dbeenonhiswaytotheJerichohometoasktoseethediarywhenhespottedAbelMcCorysneakingupon

thehousewherehisdaughterlivedwithJohn,andhedecidedtofollow.He’dheardenough

toknowwhathappenedtoCarolyn,andhisaimwastruewhenheshotthemantokeephimfromharmingSusanandAnna.

“Thankyou,Abraham.”Robert’sfacewaspale.“Itdidnotoccurtoanyofusthatthe

girlswouldgotheretohide.”“IthinkIwillnowbeabletoletmydaughterrestinpeace,”themananswered,

gettingtohisfeet.“IamtrulysorryforblamingyouforCarolyn’sdeath,John.”“Abelistheonewhopointedafingeratme,anditwasnosecretthatCarolynandI

wereatoddsmostofthetime.Ihavenohardfeelings,sir.”

OnceMr.Barrettwasgone,Johntookhiswife’sarmandsaid,“Pleaseexcuseus.SusanandIneedtohaveaseriousdiscussion.”

“But,John,dear,Susiehasbeenthroughenoughforonenight!”Clararemonstrated

withhim.“Shehasputallofusthroughhell,andI’mnotabouttolethergetawaywiththat.

MissSusiehasaproblemwithrunningoffwhenitsuitsher,andIwarnedherthelasttimewhatshecouldexpectifshediditagain!Goodnight,all.”

Susandidn’targuewithherhusband,andshedidn’tresistbeingpulledalonglikean

errantchild.Annaandherhusbandwererightbehindthemonthestaircase,andAnnawascrying,whileAndrewwasscolding.Susanstopped,andturned,“Andrew,itwasn’tAnna’s

ideatoleave.Itwasmine,andIconvincedhertocomewithmesoIcouldprotectherfrom



you.Shereallyistoosoreforanotherpunishment,andyoudidn’tknowthat.Johnspanked

herwithmyridingwhip!”sheinformedhim.“IwasinformedofthatbyJohn,Susan,”Andrewsaidwithasmile.“Annashould

havetrustedme,andshedidn’t,andshewasnearlykilledbecauseshedidn’t.Iwon’tletthatpassanymorethanJohnisgoingtopermityoutobehaveasyoudid.”

“Annadeservedagoodhidingjustasmuchasyoudo,Susie.”Johnsweptheroffherfeetandcarriedhertherestofthewaytotheirbedroom.Hekickedthedoorshutwithhisfoot,andthenmarchedovertothebed,tookaseatandthenflippedheroverhiskneeand

startedspanking.Evenoverherclothing,ithurt,butJohnflippedupherskirtsandjerked

downherdrawers,baringher.Thespankingcontinuedinspiteofallherprotestsandpleasformercy.Hersorebottomwassoonascaldingredandburninglikeblazes.

JohnputSusanonherfeet.“Takeoffyourclothing,Susan.Youcanputonyournightdressandreadyyourselfforbed.AfterIamdonepaddlingyou,youwillwanttostay

rightwhereyouareuntilmorning.And,unlessIseeachangeinyourattitude,Iwillwarm

yourhindagaininthemorning.”Susanwashorrifiedattheveryideaofanotherpaddlinginthemorning.Shedidas

shewastoldandreadiedherselfforbed.John’spatiencewasgrowingthinbythetimeshereturnedtohisside.“Whyareyoubeingpaddled?”heaskedofher.

“BecauseIinterferedinAnna’smarriageandhidherfromAndrew…andyoudidn’t

knowwhereIwas,andyouwereworriedsickthatAbelMcCorywouldsomehowgethishandsonusandhurtus,whichdidhappen.Iamsorry,darling.Truly.Ididn’tthink

beyondkeepingAnnasafefromAndrew.Shewasinseriouspainalready,andIfelt

responsibleforher.”“Didn’tyoutrustmetotellAndrewthatI’dpunishedher?”heasked.

“Itwasn’tthat…Itwasthatherefusedtolistenwhenshetriedtotellhim.Ifelthewasover-reacting.Justlikeyouarenow,”shebravelyadded.“John,IamsosorenowthatI

don’tthinkIcanbearanotherspanking.Please,IamsosorryIputAnnaandmyselfin

danger.”“Youarealwayssorryafterthefact,Susan.Youneedtolearntothinkthings

throughbeforeyoudothingstogetyourselfinoveryourhead.Iamnotgoingtoenjoy

inflictingpainonyouwhenyouarealreadysosore,butitisnecessary.Iwantyoutothinkthenexttimeyouaretemptedtobehavefoolishly.”Hepulledheroverhisknee,raisedher

nightdress,andthenpaddledherasifitwastheonlymeansofsavingherlife.Susanwashystericalbythetenthcrackofthewoodonherbaredbottom,buthegaveheranotherten.

Bythenshewaslyinglimpoverhislap,tooexhaustedtofightanymore.“Doyou

understandthatIwillneverevertoleratethissortoffoolishnessfromyou?”Susancouldn’tspeak,butshetriedtonod.Johngaveheronemorehardcrack,and

thenhestoodup,makingsureshedidn’tfalltothefloor.Heturneddownthebed,andthen

helpedherliedownonherstomach.Shewasshakingandstillcryingsohardthatitnearlybrokehisheart.

Hehurriedlystrippeddown,andturnedoffthelightbeforecrawlinginbedandpullingherclosetoofferforgivenessandcomfort.Sheslowlyrelaxedandfinallyfellasleep.

Susiewhimperedoffandonthroughoutthenight,butJohnwastheretotellherthathe

lovedher.



WhenSusanwoke,shewasawareofJohn’sarmswrappedaroundher,stillholding

her,makingherfeelsafe.Herbottomwasgoingtobeverysoreforafewdays,butitwasasmallpricetopayforhavinghisgoodnamecleared.

“Youareawakeearly,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidwithasmileforhiswife.“Areyoufeelingbetternow?”hewantedtoknow,hisdarkeyesfullofconcern.

“I’msore,butitisasmallpricetopaytoknowthatyournameiscleared,”sheannounced.“Pleasedon’tmisunderstand,darling.IknowIwasinthewronglastnight,andIwillapologizetoallofyourfamilyforscaringthem,butIamdefinitelyhappytoknowthat

Mr.Barrettbelievesinyourinnocence.Aspankingisasmallpricetopayforthat.”

“Comingfromanotherwomanthatlittlecommentwouldsoundlikesass,”Johnsaidemotionally.“Comingfromyou,mylittleinnocentwife,itsoundslikethesweetestthing

anyonehaseversaidtomeinmyentirelifetime.Iloveyou,Mrs.Jericho,anditwasaluckydayIrodeintoHeWhoWearsRed’scampandbarteredforyou.”Hekissedherthen,and

wasdelightedwhenSusankissedhimbackwithpassionandlonging.“Areyoutoosore,

honey?”heasked,hishandslidingdownoverherbottommeaningfully.“Iwantyousomuchrightnow,John,thatIdon’tcarehowsoremyhindis,”shesaid

withoutshame,andthepleasurehegavehermadeupforthediscomfortshefeltonherbackside.“Asheheldherafterwards,Susansmiledasecretsmile,positiveinherheartthatshewasnowcarryinghisson.

TheEnd.



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This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this

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