Summary:  A young Hoss finds out that he has a talent for nursing animals back to health. In fact, he’s been so successful at it that he thinks he can cure any and all creatures. This leads to trouble for the Cartwright brothers.

Rating:  K  (6,240 words)

To Nurture

Ben Cartwright quietly opened the door to the barn looking for his middle son, Hoss. The 7 year old boy had practically spent every minute of the last four days squatted down in the hay next to a sickly calf. Its mother had abandoned it at birth and Ben and Hoss had found it barely alive. At first sight, Ben felt it best to put the calf out of its misery.

He remembered telling his son, “I know its hard, but you are only prolonging its agony. You don’t want to see it suffer, do you?”

Hoss pleaded with his father to give him a chance to nurse it back to health.

“Pa, I know I can help it. If’n it gets any worse… then I know you have to do what you got to do. I just don’t think it’s fair not to give it a chance is all.”

Ben looked at the calf. He had seen this many times before and knew that the baby had little hope for survival. He then looked at his son, his most sensitive child. Would he be able to deal with the heartbreak of losing the calf?

After a few moments, Ben heaved a sigh. Despite it being against his better judgment, he consented to keeping it.

“All right, son. We’ll take it home.”

Hoss’s face lit up and he flashed the broadest gapped-toothed grin. Ben loaded the calf in the wagon hoping that he was making the right decision… one that both he and his son wouldn’t regret doing later.

This time, it was the right decision. Hoss had proven to be a good surrogate mother. The calf had shown steady improvement and was now standing and eating on its own. Ben smiled with pride as he watched his son calmly stroke the calf, speaking to it in a soft, gentle tone.

“The boy sure has a way with animals,” he marveled.

After a moment, he decided to make his presence known.

“Hey there stranger, aren’t you getting a might bit hungry?” he asked his son.

Hoss turned and smiled at his pa.

“Ain’t he doin’ good, Pa? I told ya he would make it.”

“That you did, son,” Ben acknowledged. “Now I think it’s time for you to come inside and get a bite to eat.”

Hoss looked backed at the calf. “I’ll be in a minute, Pa. I want to make sure Lucky here has fresh hay to lay on tonight.”

Ben smirked at hearing the calf’s chosen name for the first time.

“All right, son, but hurry along. You know how Hop Sing is about people missing at the dinner table.”

“I will, Pa …. and Pa?”

Hoss turned towards his father and waited for him to make eye contact. He then smiled broadly, and said a heartfelt “Thanks.”

Ben acknowledged with a simple smile and head nod. Then he made his way back to the house. Hoss turned his attention back to the calf.

“Well, ole Luck. Now that you have your belly full it’s time for me to do the same.” The calf let out a snort as if to acknowledge what had been said to him. Hoss snickered. Then he began throwing fresh hay into the stall for the animal.

 

From that day forward, Hoss had found a new passion. He somehow felt that it was his duty to take in every stray animal and nurse it back to health. Didn’t matter what it was… a bird with a broken wing, a nest of eggs abandoned, a stray puppy or kitten… Hoss wanted to help them all. The funny thing about it was that he not only helped them, but was successful at doing it. All his patients recovered from their injuries and were released back in the wild or given new homes.

Ben, at first, was proud of his son’s gift with animals. He just seemed to have a knack for putting them at ease and helping them to recover. Ben’s pride, however, lasted for only a brief while. One day, Hoss made a poor decision to bring home an unthinkable animal.

“HOSS! WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING!” Ben bellowed as he saw his son gingerly placing the critter into one of his makeshift cages.

“YOU CAN’T KEEP THAT THING IN HERE!”

Ben’s loud booming voice startled the animal. Well, let’s just say that soon the barn did not smell like roses. Both Ben and Hoss quickly fled the scene, coughing and gasping for air. A moment later, the culprit limped off into the woods, leaving father and son to face the aftermath.

Ben was so angry he couldn’t even begin to speak for several moments. He just kept pacing and pausing as if he was going to speak; only to start pacing again. Hoss just stood staring at the ground sniffling.

When Ben finally found his voice, “How?.. What?… A SKUNK?!” was all Ben could muster.

Hoss cringed at his father’s tone and softly uttered, “Sorry, Pa. It had an injured front paw.”

Just then Hop Sing and Adam came running out of the house, hearing the commotion. Their noses quickly informed them of what was going on and they immediately retreated to a safe distance.

“What happened, Pa?” Adam questioned, trying to stifle the smirk that was finding its way to his face.

“Your brother thought he could help an injured skunk. Well HE thought wrong!” Ben turned and shot a stern look at Hoss.

Hop Sing and Adam exchanged glances. Both were having difficulty maintaining a straight face. Hoss remained sullen for he knew he was in big trouble.

After a moment, Hop Sing spoke. “Mr. Cartwright… you and Hoss very smelly… very smelly indeed.”

Adam couldn’t contain himself any longer and let out a roar.
Ben shot him a piercing glare. “I don’t find any humor in this incident,” he coldly stated.

Hop Sing quickly continued, “Don’t worry Mr. Cartwright… Hop Sing knows how to handle this… Soon you and number two son will smell like…”

Hop Sing paused for emphasis.

“A bouquet of freshly cut flowers… you’ll see. Wait here.”

Hop Sing then turned and quickly made his way to the house. By the time he reached the door he was doubled over in laughter.

Adam looked over at his younger brother who was almost shaking with fear. Hoss was one that rarely ever got into trouble with Pa. He decided it would be in his brother’s best interest to stay put and try to calm his father down, for what it was worth.

“Pa, I’ll take Hoss down to the creek and help him bathe there.” Adam plugged his nose with his one hand and protectively put his arm around his baby brother. Ben knew what his oldest was trying to do. He also knew he needed time to cool off before discussing this little incident with his son. Frustrated, he simply nodded at Adam and turned towards the barn. Adam quickly ushered his brother away.

 

That night, Hoss waited in his room for his father. Adam had taken him down to the creek and nearly scrubbed his skin off with Hop Sing’s skunk remedy. To him, it smelled worse than the skunk himself, but it served its purpose and now, for the most part, he was at least tolerable to be around.

Just then there was a knock at the door and Ben Cartwright entered. Hoss immediately looked up at him to analyze his face. He wore a stern expression, but the anger was gone from his eyes.
Ben walked over and sat quietly down next to his son. There was a long silence before he spoke.

“Hoss, I know what happened today was an accident. You didn’t mean for it to happen, but it did. You are old enough young man to know better than to bring a skunk on the premises.”

Hoss wasn’t quite sure what ‘premises’ meant, but he got the point. He hung his head and his eyes began to water. Then he started to plead his case.

“Pa, I’m sorry… I just didn’t think… The poor little critter had been caught in a trap… I think his front paw was broke… He let me get his paw out and pick him up and everything without sprayin’… He seemed to know I was trying to help… It’s just when you…”

The boy’s voice trailed off. Ben hadn’t given it much thought up to that point. It was true. The boy had managed to get the skunk home without any incident. But what had made the skunk spray? Suddenly Ben realized what had happened. He was the reason the skunk made himself known.

“It was my voice, wasn’t it?” He softly asked. Hoss simply nodded.

Ben sat stunned for a moment as he digested this new information. He then quietly arose from the bed and walked towards the door, addressing his son as he moved.

“From now on, you will not bring any animals home without permission, understood?”

Hoss heaved a huge sigh. He’d dodged a bullet. “Yes, Pa. I promise.”

When Ben reached the door, he turned one last time towards his son. “You best get ready for bed. We have church in the morning.”

“Yes, sir,” Hoss answered.

“Based on our current conditions, I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up sharing a pew all to ourselves.”

Ben then smiled broadly at his son and the two shared a laugh.

“Goodnight, Pa.”

“Goodnight, son.”

 

About a month later, Ben asked Hoss if he would like to come with him to see one of the neighbor’s new foals. Mr. Granger lived not too far from the ranch and was good friends with Ben and the boys. Hoss’s eyes opened wide at the prospect. “Yes, sir!” he eagerly answered his father.

“Well then, we’ll leave right after breakfast.”

When Ben and Hoss pulled into the yard, they were greeted by Mr. Granger.

“Ben… Hoss… what a surprise. What brings you our way?” He asked.

He then looked down at Hoss and could tell by the boy’s expression the very reason for the visit.

“Oh I see… I bet you two are here to see that new foal of mine, huh?”

Hoss nodded eagerly and Ben and Mr. Granger shared a laugh. After a moment Mr. Granger turned towards Hoss.

“He’s in the barn if you care for a look see.”

Hoss looked up at his father for approval and Ben gave the boy a simple nod. The boy ran off in a flash. He eagerly flung the barn door open and ran up to the stall. His eyes fell on a beautiful black and white foal that lay in the straw next to his mother. Hoss stepped up on one of the railings to take a closer look and his movement startled the foal to its feet. That’s when Hoss noticed there was something wrong. The foal’s front right leg had a deformity. He could tell the horse was having difficulty using it as it hobbled over to its mother for milk.

Just then, Ben and Mr. Granger entered. Ben approached the stall and eagerly said, “Well, Hoss. What do you think?”

His voice trailed off as he, too, noticed the poor animal’s leg. Hoss said nothing, but continued to watch the animal. Mr. Granger gave Ben the eye and both men stepped outside the barn.

“What’s wrong with it, Dave?” Ben questioned immediately once they were outside.

“Well, I had old Hank Levitz come and look at him this morning. There’s nothing that can be done. Apparently, the bones are deformed and rubbing together. This is causing an infection.”

Ben tried to be positive. “Can’t you fight the infection?”

“Yes, but the deformity would still remain only to bring on another infection in time. As much as I hate to, I’m afraid I’m going to have to put it out of its misery soon. I just haven’t had the heart to do it.”

Ben placed his hand on the man’s shoulder in sympathy. “I could take Hoss home and then come back if you like.”

“Thank you, Ben, but I’ll manage. This is Gretchen’s first foal and I want to give them a few days together.” Mr. Granger looked sadly towards the barn door.

“Well, I know that you’ll know when the time is right,” Ben softly said to his friend.

Then the two men re-entered the barn.

Ben walked over to his son and began to escort him away. He could tell the boy was upset with what he saw. “Well, Hoss, we have things to do at home. We best let Mr. Granger get on with his chores.”

Hoss said nothing as they mounted and rode towards home.

Half way down the trail Hoss suddenly spoke. “Pa… Do you remember how I helped Lucky?”

Ben knew right away the boy’s intentions. “Yes, Hoss you did a wonderful job with your calf. But the foal isn’t ours, Hoss. It belongs to Mr. Granger and it is up to him to care for it now.”

Hoss didn’t let on, but he had heard every word discussed between the men. Deep inside he knew he could help that foal just like he helped old Lucky. But he also knew that his father would never give him the chance based on what Mr. Granger had told him.

Hoss was noticeably quiet the rest of the evening.

That night after Ben tucked both boys in bed, Hoss decided to talk to Adam.

“Adam, did Pa tell you about Mr. Granger’s foal?”

Ben had informed his oldest son of the details.

“Yeah, he told me about that, Hoss.”

Hoss waited a moment before speaking again. “Adam, I did a bad thing today.”

Adam arose from his bed. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

Hoss answered with a “uh huh.”

Adam lit the lamp by his bed and sat up.

It was a moment before Hoss spoke again. “I… I… listened to Mr. Granger and Pa talking outside the barn. I know what Mr. Granger plans to do with the foal.” The sound of sniffles followed.

Adam was stunned. “You mean you listened in when you weren’t supposed to? Oh, Hoss. Why?”

The boy had started to cry now. “I didn’t mean to… I was going to ask them if they would let me try and help the foal. I walked over to the door … and that’s when I heard.” Hoss’s voice trailed off as he began to sob.

Adam moved over to comfort his brother, placing an arm around his shoulders and drawing him near.

“Hoss, I know ya feel bad, but Pa has told you that things like this happen. It’s part of nature.”

“I know, Adam. It’s just that…well… I could help that foal if Pa would let me. All I want is a chance. Just look how I helped Lucky. Pa thought he wouldn’t make it either.”

Hoss construed his face up into a pout.

Adam now was at a loss for words. He, too, was amazed at what his brother did for that calf. Yet, he understood why his father had said no to the foal. Mr. Levitz was never wrong in his prediction with animals and Hoss would take it hard if the foal died in his care.

Adam’s thoughts kept drifting back to one thing. Hoss had helped that calf even though his Pa felt it hopeless. He began to wonder if Hoss really could make a difference with the animal.

He decided to question his brother further. “What would you do for that foal if you had a chance, Hoss?”

“Well, first I draw out the infection and then I’d put the leg in a splint so that the bones wouldn’t rub together. I figure in time the bones would grow and the splint would adjust them so they wouldn’t rub anymore.”

Adam was amazed at his brother’s ability to figure these sort of things out.

“Do you really think it might work?” Adam questioned.

“Well, I don’t know … but I just figure it should.”

Adam was satisfied with his brother’s explanation, but he had to find out one more thing.

“Hoss, what if it doesn’t work?”

Hoss was quiet for a few moments before responding.

“Well, if’n it don’t work at least I tried. No harm in tryin’ anyway.”

Adam could tell the boy was hurt that his father wouldn’t even give him a chance. He needed time to think, so he arose from the bed and moved back over to his own.

“Hoss, try to get some rest. We’ll speak more about this in the morning, okay?”

Hoss wiped his nose with the sleeve of his nightshirt and lay back down in bed.

“Goodnight, Adam,” he softly said.

“Goodnight, Hoss.”

Adam then turned down the light.

 

The next morning Hoss arose to find Adam gone. He dressed quickly and made his way downstairs. As he entered the living room he was greeted by Hop Sing.

“Hoss. Sit… I’ll get your breakfast.” he said.

“Where is everyone?” Hoss questioned.

“Your brother had chores. Told me to tell you to meet him by lake.”

Satisfied, Hoss turned his attention to the absence of his Pa.

“Where’s Pa?”

Hop Sing looked up at him annoyed. “What am I… personal messenger?”

Hoss just cast his eyes downward.

Hop Sing curtly responded, “Your father had business with Mr. Granger. Now eat!” He then turned around and walked hastily back into the kitchen.

Hoss ate his breakfast and headed down to the lake. Adam was waiting for him there.

His brother jumped up to greet him. “Hoss, you didn’t say anything to Pa, did you?”

“No, Adam, he wasn’t home. What’s going on?” Adam looked around suspiciously before continuing.

“Do you remember what we talked about last night? Do you still think you can help that foal?”

Hoss looked up at his brother with a puzzled look and simply nodded.
Adam turned around and started walking away, motioning Hoss to follow.

 

“Ben, I just don’t understand it. Why would someone take my Gretchen?” Mr. Granger was beside himself with worry.

“They took the foal, too… Damn fools. Couldn’t they see it was injured?” Mr. Granger paused to run his hand through his hair.

Ben interjected. “Now, calm down, Dave. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for all this. When did you last see Gretchen?”

Mr. Granger let out a huge sigh. “Well, I’d say it was about 10:00 o’clock when I made my last rounds. I never heard a thing after that. I sent a hand into town to gather Sheriff Coffee. They couldn’t have gotten too far with that injured foal.”

Ben quickly mounted his horse. “Well, in the meantime, Dave. I’ll gather some of my men and we’ll start looking. We’ll meet back here before nightfall.”

Ben then rode quickly out.

 

 

Adam led Hoss to an old abandoned barn just north of the lake. Neither boy spoke as they quietly stepped inside. Hoss immediately saw why his brother had been so secretive. There in one of the old stalls was Gretchen and the new foal. Hoss at first was stunned. Then a huge smile swept across his face.

“Thanks, Adam. Thanks for giving me a chance.” He hurried over to the foal and immediately went right to work on the injured animal.

Adam watched in silence. Inside, his mind was racing every which way. He knew it was wrong to take another man’s animal, but if Hoss was able to save the foal all would be forgiven. At least he hoped all would be forgiven. With that thought in mind, Adam inadvertently rubbed his backside. His brother only wanted a chance and he was bound and determined to give him that opportunity, regardless.

When Hoss was done, the boys quickly returned home, vowing to be silent about what had happened until the foal had completely recovered. They worked out a plan as to who would check in on the horses and when and how they would cover their absence at home if need be. Hoss knew Adam had stuck his neck out on the line for him and for that he was grateful. Yet, he was worried about what would happen if they did get caught.

“Adam… What if…”

Adam knew what his brother was about to say and interrupted.

“Hoss, I know what I did was wrong and I’m ready to face up to it when the time comes. You didn’t take the horses, I did. Right now you need to focus on getting that foal well… nothing more, understand? If you do a good job, then I’m sure things will work out okay.”

Hoss just smiled up at his brother. Adam swallowed hard. Deep down he knew regardless of the outcome that his Pa would not be all forgiving and there would be consequences for his actions. But what was done was done. Right now all he could hope for was that his brother would be able to help the foal. The rest would come… in time.

 

 

That night at the supper table both Adam and Hoss were quiet. Their father had come home exhausted from riding. He had been out looking all day for horse thieves and nothing had gotten done on his own ranch. Little did he know that the very ones he spent all day looking for were sitting directly across the table from him.

The three ate quietly, each in their own realm of thought. Ben was first to break the silence.

“Boys, I have to go over to the Granger’s farm again tomorrow. Adam, I need you to take on a few extra chores while I’m away and Hoss you are to help your brother.”

Both boys nodded and softly said, “Yes, Pa.”

“Well, I’m going to turn in early and I would suggest you two do the same.”

Both boys arose from the table and gave their Pa a goodnight kiss. Adam noticed Hoss starting to waver and quickly ushered him into their room.

“Hoss. You can’t tell Pa now!”

Hoss began to sniffle. “I know Adam, but he looked so tired. He wouldn’t be so tired if’n we hadn’t done what we done.”

Adam looked at his brother. “Hoss, you asked for a chance and you got one. Pa will be okay after a good nights sleep. You’ll see. We best get some sleep ourselves. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

Adam led his brother over to his bed and helped him put on his nightshirt. He tucked the covers up all around and said a simple “Goodnight.”

A few moments later, Adam lay in bed hoping… hoping that he had hidden his trail well enough that his Pa and Mr. Granger could not find the horses. His mind was cluttered with all sorts of feelings… guilt, fear, hope…

Soon the boy finally dozed off into a restless sleep.

 

Adam and Hoss did well the whole next week. They managed to take care of the foal and its mother and not shirk on any of their ranch duties. Their Pa and Mr. Granger had given up on the horse thieves after a few days and life was returning back to normal, for the most part.

Soon, Adam was beginning to get a little edgy. Hoss had taken care of the infection quickly and it was almost gone. The boys had made a special splint out of an old stage coach wheel their Pa had found along the road. The foal now had a bright red brace with gold lettering down the side. The horse had begun to adjust to the extra support, but the bones in the leg had not shown any progress. Time was ticking away and Adam didn’t know how much longer his brother could keep what they were doing a secret. Hoss had almost spilled the beans on several occasions, but Adam had found a way to divert his Pa’s attention away from his brother’s actions and keep their secret in tact.

As the time stretched into the next week and the next, the boys were running out of excuses to give. Hoss was on the verge of exploding and Adam knew he had to think of a plan fast. He waited until his Pa had tucked them into bed before speaking with Hoss about it.

“Hoss, I want you to listen. You’ve done all you can for that little foal and I think it’s time we returned it to Mr. Granger.” There was silence… then sniffles… then crying.

“I’m sorry, Adam… I did the best I could… it just takes time for bones to grow. Mr. Granger will just kill it, Adam. It’s not fair!”” Hoss spewed out the words between sobs.

“Hoss… listen to me. The foal has improved and I think it still may have a chance. I just don’t think it’s in our best interest to keep things hidden from Pa anymore.”

Hoss looked up in surprise. “You mean you think we should tell Pa? I don’t think he’d take it too good.” Hoss’s voice trailed off at the thought.

Adam knew that his brother’s comment was definitely an understatement and quickly replied. “Well, not exactly, Hoss. I think there’s a way we can do it without Pa knowing we were involved… at least for a while anyway.”

Hoss was puzzled and waited for Adam to explain.

“Listen. I’m going to take Gretchen and the foal back to Mr. Granger’s barn this evening. When he wakes in the morning he won’t know who returned his animals.”

Hoss’s face scrunched up in disapproval. “You mean we’d have to keep this a secret for the rest or our lives! I don’t think I could do it, Adam.”

Adam knew deep down that he, too, could never keep something from his Pa.

“Well, not forever, Hoss. Just for a little a while until things blow over. Then we can just casually bring it up some day at the dinner table.”

Adam smirked at his choice of words for he knew darn well that it wasn’t going to be that easy; nor did he expect it to be a pleasant experience for either one of them once the truth was known.

Hoss said nothing for he knew Adam was right. Tears began to flow again as he thought of the little foal’s fate. Adam reached his arm around his younger brother and gave him a comforting squeeze.

“Hoss you have to have faith… that foal has improved under your care… maybe enough so that Mr. Granger will give it a chance. That’s truly what you wanted, wasn’t it? You wanted that foal to have a chance at life. You must remember that you were the only one who gave that to him, Hoss…regardless… and for that you should always be proud.”

Hoss nodded and simply said, “Thanks, Adam for having faith in me.”

The two sat quietly in the dark each absorbed in their own thoughts. The road that lay ahead could turn any which way. They could only hope the chosen path would end up being in their favor.

 

The next morning things seemed back to normal. Hoss met his Pa and Adam at the breakfast table. Adam looked tired but winked at Hoss to let him know everything had gone as planned. Hoss grinned broadly and dove into the food on the table.

“My, son!” Ben exclaimed. “You act like you haven’t eaten in weeks.”

“Sorry, Pa.” The boy uttered, speaking with his mouth full of food. “I’m just plain starvin’ is all.”

Ben and Adam both let out a laugh.

Just then there was a rap at the door. Hop Sing answered to find one of Mr. Granger’s ranch hands, Harvey. Ben arose from the table to greet the man.

“Harvey, come in. We were just about to have breakfast. Care to join us?” Ben asked.

Harvey wasted no time in explaining why he was there. “Mr. Cartwright… Mr. Granger sent me to git you right quick. He says it’s important and wants you to come right away.”

“Of course…of course…Harvey, I just need to saddle my horse. Did Dave say what it was about?”

Ben immediately grabbed his hat and gun belt, motioning the man towards the door.

“No sir, I was told to git you and then ride into town to get Sheriff Coffee.”

Harvey then turned and started out the door with Ben in pursuit.

This left two startled boys at the table.

 

It was a long afternoon for Adam and Hoss. They tried to focus on their chores, working silently side by side, but their minds were on one thing… their father and Mr. Granger. Towards midday, Ben returned to his ranch. Dave had found his beloved Gretchen with her foal in the barn unharmed. Obviously someone had taken good care of them, but who and why? Dave, Ben, and Roy were all befuddled.

As Ben rode into his yard there was one thing he just could not get off his mind…the foal’s brace. Why had it looked so familiar to him? Suddenly he realized where he had seen that red paint and gold lettering before. He dismounted and went hastily into the barn. To his amazement, he found the remnants of the stage coach wheel in pieces. The rim was missing and the spokes were strewn into a pile.

For a moment, Ben just stood there stunned. “They wouldn’t… They couldn’t have?…” he thought to himself.

Once he had time to fully digest what he had discovered, he headed for the ranch house in search of his boys. Deep down he hoped that what he was thinking was not true, but based on sheer evidence there was no doubt in his mind that somehow his boys were involved.

Adam and Hoss sat solemnly at the table. It hadn’t taken long for a full confession. Hoss was the first to break down.

“I’m sorry, Pa… I’m sorry… I just wanted to help the foal… please forgive me.”

The boy burst into tears and Ben turned his eyes toward his eldest.

“Pa… I’m the one who took the horses, not Hoss. I’m old enough to know better and I know I will be punished for what I did.”

The boy stoically stood his ground. Ben could tell that inwardly, though, the boy was fighting back tears.

He looked at his two sons for quite some time. There was no doubt in his mind that the boys committed their crime with good intentions. Yes, he knew that he would have to punish them, but right now they needed to face up to what they had done.

“Boys, you have some explanations and apologies to make to both Mr. Granger and Sheriff Coffee. After we return, we’ll discuss your punishment.”

Ben’s voice was so stern that it sent shivers down both boys’ spines.

He arose from the table and gruffly said, “Come along now.”

Ben headed out to the barn to get the horses. Hoss and Adam slowly followed, heads hung and tears building in their eyes.

It was long afternoon at the Granger’s. Both boys explained how they had taken the animals and their reasons for doing so. They apologized sincerely to both Mr. Granger and Sheriff Coffee and then were briskly escorted home.

That night, Adam and Hoss lay in their beds, both in a somber mood. Their father had been harsh, but as always… fair. The day was over, but both boys’ minds were still not at rest. They wondered how the foal was doing and whether Mr. Granger had made his decision.

Their thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Ben Cartwright entered and walked over to Adam’s bed, taking a seat. He patted the mattress on both sides of his body, indicating he wanted his two sons to sit by him. They complied.

“Boys, I know it’s been a long day… for all of us. But, I have something to say to you that’s very important. I want you to just listen and not interrupt.” Both boys solemnly nodded.

“Most actions start out as good intentions or plans, but in many cases our good intentions turn to mistakes. They turn to mistakes because we don’t take the time to thoroughly stop to think about all the consequences. When you wanted to help that foal, you thought of only one thing… saving its life. You didn’t think about what that foal would have to endure itself to live. You didn’t think about the hours of pain it would have to face with its leg tightly bound and unable to move freely. You thought only of giving it a chance to live.”

Ben paused to monitor his boys’ reactions. He could tell his words were taking effect by the tears welling in their eyes.

“You made a mistake…just a mistake, for which you have been punished and forgiven. But I don’t want you to think for one moment that you sinned… for a sin comes only from wrong intentions. Boys, It is not a sin to want any of God’s creatures to have a chance at life. I want you to always remember that.”

With his words being said, Ben then kissed both boys on the forehead and tucked them into bed. Hoss and Adam fell quickly to sleep knowing that their Pa had truly forgiven them.

 

A few more weeks past and nothing more was said about the foal. Both Adam and Hoss wanted to know the outcome, but dared not mention it to their Pa. If truth be known, Ben didn’t know anything about the foal’s fate. He had been busy running the ranch of late and hadn’t found time to stop by and check in with the Grangers. He wasn’t surprised, however, when one day Dave Granger showed up at the ranch.

Ben walked out of the barn to greet his friend. Mr. Granger tied Gretchen up to the post and scanned the yard. “The boy’s home?” he questioned.

Ben nodded and replied, “Let’s just say they’ve been spending some time in their rooms as of late. I’ll go fetch them if you like.”

“I’d like that. I need to talk to both of them about the foal.”

Ben’s face took on a look of concern. “I’m not sure if that would be a good idea…”

Mr. Granger patted his friend’s shoulder. “Ben, trust me on this. I think there is something left to be said.”

Although it was against his better judgment, he did as Mr. Granger asked and retrieved his two sons from the house.

When Adam and Hoss saw Mr. Granger they approached with their heads hung low.

“Hi, Boys.” Mr. Granger tried to greet them in a friendly nature. But, he only received a mumbled “Hi, sir,” in return.

Mr. Granger took in a deep breath and with no expression said, “Well, boys, I wanted to tell you about the foal.”

Adam and Hoss squirmed a little at the mention of the animal. Ben could see his boys struggling.

“Dave, I just don’t think…”

“HARVEY!” Ben’s sentence was cut short as Mr. Granger’s voice bellowed for his trusty ranchhand.

Soon after, Harvey appeared from around the barn, with something in tow. Hoss and Adam’s eyes just about popped out of their heads at the sight of the beautiful black and white foal.

Mr. Granger’s face lit up and he let out a deep chuckle. He turned towards Ben and said, “Your boy there sure has a knack with animals, Ben. That brace done did the trick. Old Levitz said that leg is just about back to normal.”

Ben looked down at his sons who were beaming from ear to ear. His heart was so full of pride that he was about to bust.

“Mr Granger,” Adam suddenly found his voice. “May we pet it?”

“Of course, of course, boy. Go right ahead.”

Adam rushed over immediately to the animal. Hoss remained by his father, just staring.

Ben turned to his son, “Hoss, don’t you want to pet the foal?” he questioned.

Hoss did not acknowledge his father and instead turned towards Mr. Granger. “Mr. Granger… sir. Have you given it a name?” he carefully asked.

Ben and Mr. Granger exchanged glances. “Well, no son. I haven’t. Do you have something in mind?” Hoss smiled a broad gapped-tooth grin and nodded.

“I’d like to name him Chance… if’n that be all right with you,” he softly stated.

Mr. Granger rubbed his chin as he pretended to think on the idea for a while. Hoss watched in anticipation. Finally the man decided he had kept the suspense up long enough. “Chance it is then boy… Chance it is.”

Hoss instantly threw his arms around the man, giving him a rather surprising bear hug, and then ran eagerly to join his brother.

Both Ben and Mr. Granger shared a laugh and then walked casually over to join the two boys. It was a happy ending for everyone and for that they were all truly thankful.