Synopsis: While trying to catch a bear, a young Little Joe and a friend incur Adam’s wrath. Both brothers try to resolve what being a brother means and in the end, come to realize how important they each are to the other.

Rating: T (due to language)  (9,470 words)

Bear Hunt

“Hey, Mitch,” ten year old Joe Cartwright called up from the deep pit in which he was working diligently. ” Hand me down that bucket and I’ll fill it up again.” With that, Mitch tossed the oaken bucket over the edge, being sure to keep a hold of the rope to which it was tied. Joe filled the bucket with dirt, then stood back as his best friend pulled to the loaded bucket up.

As different in temperment as they were in looks, Mitch Devlin and Little Joe Cartwright were still best friends and had been since they started school together four years ago. Joe was small for his age with dark curls framing a handsome face with deep green eyes. Mitch was taller, somewhat stockier than Joe with straight, sandy colored hair, blue eyes and the same mischievous expression that was his friend’s trademark. Joe was impetuous, quick to anger and just as quick to forgive and forget. Mitch was slightly more serious, owing to having a loving mother at home for whom he tried to be a good and responsible middle son. Joe lived within no such limits, growing up instead in a patriarchal world where women were only infrequent visitors. With such an upbringing, and with a genetic predisposition to stubbornness and temper, Joe was usually willing to try anything that crossed his mind. And, being the gregarious, smooth talker that he was, Joe could usually talk one of his friends into going along with him.

Mitch had been talked into this latest venture. Little Joe and Mitch were digging a pit to catch the bear that had been killing off so many of this year’s spring calves. In fact, with school out until fall, the two boys had been able to get quite a start on their project. The pit was already over ten feet deep with steep sides that presented no roots, rocks or holds from which a captured bear could climb out. The pit was about five feet square. The boys had been working every afternoon for over two weeks and were finally satisfied their trap was inescapable.

“Little Joe,” Mitch looked over the edge from above his friend. “Let’s call it quits. It’s plenty deep. I’m sending down the rope. Can you grab it and climb out.”

“Sure I can,” Joe answered. “Let me tie the shovel on first, then I’ll climb out.” In no time, Joe was at the top of the trap, peering into his and his friend’s handiwork.

“There’s no way a bear could climb out of this,” Joe crowed.

“You’re right, there. And it was a great idea to dig it right along this narrow trail. The bear’ll be in the pit before he even realizes it’s there.”

Little Joe laughed. “That’s the idea. Then we come back with rifles and the bounty is ours. Let’s get what’s left of that dead calf and drop it into the pit. Then, we can cover it with these boughs.” Hurriedly, the two boys completed their task.

“Shoot,” Mitch was feeling pretty good. “We’ll both even get home in time for chores this afternoon.”

“Good thing, too,” Joe sighed. “I don’t think I could have talked my pa out of some serious trouble if I’d come home late again. I thought last night he was gonna really wear me out, but all I got was a lecture. He should forgive that if I’m home on time. Let’s get out of here.”

The boys tightened their ponies’ cinches, then climbed into the saddles for the ride home. At the fork, the boys parted, each heading to his own home. “Meet you here about one in the afternoon tomorrow,” Joe reminded Mitch. “Pa always says you’ve got to check your traps at least once a day. Otherwise, it’s not fair to the animal you’ve trapped.”

Mitch nodded his agreement and with a wave, the two boys galloped off toward their homes.

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

Ben Cartwright, patriarch of the Ponderosa, the largest ranch in Nevada, was furious. Adam, his oldest son, had headed into town the night before, austensibly to have a few beers with some friends. Although it had rained last night, which might excuse his absence from home yesterday, that was now no excuse for Adam’s vacancy at the table. It was breakfast the next day and his son had neither made an appearance nor sent word that he’d be late. With so much to do around the ranch in the spring, Ben had no time for these kinds of shenanigans.

His two youngest sons were eyeing each other, keeping a low profile, each glad he wasn’t going to be in Adam’s shoes when the piper had to be paid. Joe was a little worried about approaching his father to get his permission to go up into the hills with Mitch this afternoon. Normally, getting his chores done and his father’s permission to meet his friend at one o’clock would have presented no problem. With Pa in such a foul mood, though, Joe was a little nervous.

Hoss broke into his father’s thoughts. “Pa, you know Adam. He’ll be in and still get his work done. He always does.” He tried smiling to take his father’s thoughts from his oldest son.

Ben stopped his fuming, seeming to see his other two sons for the first time that morning. Smiling, he patted Hoss’ hand. “You’re right, son. Guess it’s just my father’s prerogative to worry.” The older man turned back to his breakfast, deciding not to buy trouble that beautiful spring day.

Joe was relieved. Surely his father would allow him the afternoon with Mitch. “Pa,” he began cautiously, “would you mind if I met Mitch this afternoon and ride up in the foothills? We’ll be real careful, honest.” He smiled his brightest smile at his father.

“Wood stacked? Stalls cleaned? Tack straightened? Bed made? Horses fed?”

Joe nodded his assent with each question. Ben smiled at his youngest, so much the incarnation of his third wife, Marie. “I don’t see why not? I certainly appreciate your making it home yesterday in plenty of time to finish your evening chores. Sure. And have a good time. Dinner is at six o’clock per usual, and I expect you back in time to have your barn chores finished by then. Agreed?”

“Yes, sir!” Little Joe was ecstatic.

The morning dragged as Joe rushed to finish all his morning chores so as not to aggravate his father any more than he already was. Adam had still not made an appearance and Ben Cartwright was seething. Finally, after a hurried lunch, Little Joe excused himself and raced to the forks in the road where his friend, Mitch, was waiting.

“Yahoo,” Joe crowed, kicking his horse into a dead run as he passed Mitch.

“Let’s go bear hunting.” With a hoot, Mitch was racing behind him, heading with his friend toward the bear pit.

The boys tied their ponies some distance from the trap, preferring to walk quietly to check on their success. As they crept along the trail, turning the last corner, Little Joe signaled Mitch to be quiet. Turning back, he quietly whispered to his friend. “We’ve caught something. Those boughs are broken into the pit. Dad burn it, why didn’t we get Hoss to come out with his rifle. No matter,” Joe’s natural optimism took over. “We can get him back this afternoon. That bear ain’t goin’ anywhere.”

Slowly, the two boys crept to the pit, silently peering into its depths. What they saw caused both to inhale sharply, terrified of what they’d caught. Adam Cartwright, covered from head to toe in mud and dead calf parts, was staring up at the miscreants. “God damn you, Little Joe Cartwright. I should have known you’d be involved in this some way.”

“Uh, h-h-h-hi, Adam,” Joe spoke nervously. He glanced at Mitch who rolled his eyes heavenward. “Uh, what are you d-d-d-doing in there?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Little Joe knew he’d made a mistake.

“What the hell do you think I’m doing here. I was leading my horse through this narrow part of the trail when the trail gave out under me. It’s a good thing Sport pulled away from me,” Adam thundered. “I assume you and your friend were the nitwits who dug a pit right along this main trail. And,” he was outraged, “right where it couldn’t be seen and there was not way around even if it had been seen.”

“Well,” Joe stammered. “We d-d-d-did build this, Adam. But, we figured it’d be a g-g-g-great place to catch a bear.” He smiled nervously down at his oldest brother. “Just didn’t figure on catching quite such a grouchy one.”

“Hey, Adam,” Mitch commented innocently. “How are you planning on getting out of that thing?”

“AHHHHHHHHHH,” Adam was livid. “Joe Cartwright, you’ve got thirty seconds to get me a rope down here. MOVE!!!!!!!!” Joe jumped, then turned to his horse to retrieve his lariat.

“H-h-h-here you are, Adam. Honest, Adam, we didn’t think we’d catch you.” His last words were almost a whisper. Turning, Joe attached the other end to his saddle, then backed his horse to keep tension on the rope as his brother climbed out of the hole. He was really nervous. He’d never seen Adam so mad before.

Adam stormed over to his little brother, grabbing him by the arm. “What in hell were you thinking, or not thinking,” he yelled. Joe looked down at his feet, knowing Adam didn’t really expect an answer. Mitch wasn’t so used to Adam’s temper, though, and tried responding.

“Gee, Adam. We were trying to catch that bear. We were gonna split the bounty.” He grinned at his friend’s oldest brother. “We’ll split it with you, too,” he added nervously when Adam refused to respond to the overture.

“You’ll do no such thing,” Adam yelled. “You’re gonna climb on your horse and ride back to your own place unless you want to see your best friend get the tanning of his life, right here in front of you. And,” Adam was standing right in front of Mitch now, still maintaining a death grip on Little Joe, “I’d advise you to think long and hard if you want to tell your father what you two have done or if you want me to spring it on him when I stop by tomorrow morning.” He eyed the scared youngster. Mitch had never seen Adam in a temper and hoped he never would again. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Yeah, I guess you do,” Mitch responded, already backing toward the trees where his pony was tied.

“And,” Adam wasn’t finished. “You’d better be back here tomorrow afternoon with shovels. You and my little brother are gonna fill this whole pit back in. Now, get out of here before I decide to do to you what I’m going to do to Joe.”

Mitch looked at Joe in sympathy, then turned and ran to his pony. In seconds, he was mounted and racing off toward his family’s ranch.

Adam turned ominously to Little Joe. “Don’t you move a muscle, little brother. I’m going down to the stream to clean up and then I’m coming back here. And then, I’m taking my belt to the seat of your pants like Pa should have done months ago. And believe me,” his eyes were threatening, “if you’re not here when I get back, there aren’t enough places on this ranch for you to hide. Do I make myself clear to you?”

Joe nodded, afraid to trust his voice. Adam disappeared toward the mountain stream as Little Joe toyed with what to do next. He’d never seen Adam so angry. Never in his entire life. He thought about jumping on Star and riding back to the ranch house, but he knew if Adam told Pa what he’d done, that Joe’d be in for it at home, too. That pit seemed like such a good idea. He never thought anyone even used this trail anymore. That was the trouble, Joe mused. He never thought.

In fifteen or twenty minutes, Adam was back with most of the mud and dead calf washed off. His mood hadn’t improved at all though. In fact, bathing in the cold mountain spring water had increased his anger at his youngest brother.

Joe looked up, startled to see Adam with his belt doubled in his hand. “Adam, what are you doing?” Joe was really nervous now as he slowly backed away from his oldest brother. He’d never really been thrashed by Adam and didn’t think Adam was serious this time. In fact, Pa had made it pretty clear that any punishments to be dished out were to be done by him.

Adam grabbed his brother and turned him around. Joe was still unsure Adam was serious until the first lick hit his back side. “Adam,” Joe tried to squirm away from Adam’s grasp, then, when that failed, put his hands back to protect himself.

“Move your hands, Joe. I’ll just do it longer.” Adam pulled Joe around again and held him fast. Satisfied that Joe was under his control, Adam lit into his little brother with his belt until Joe was sobbing. When Adam finally stopped, he glowered at his little brother as he replaced his belt. “If you ever do anything this stupid again, you’ll get this again. Do you understand.” He shook his brother. “Look at me, damnit.” Joe looked up, his eyes swollen from crying. “Do you understand.”

Miserable, Joe nodded. “Get cleaned up at the stream, Joe, while I get our horses.” Adam stalked away as Joe turned to the stream, glad for the chance to splash the cold water on his swollen eyes and tear streaked face. He didn’t even want to think about the ride home.

Adam stood back from the stream, his eyes on his little brother. Joe had been splashing water on his face, trying to remove any evidence of his tears, but Adam could see his shoulders shake once in a while. Joe would then rub his sleeve across his eyes and Adam knew his little brother was still trying to get himself under control.

As the older son watched, that feeling called conscience made its appearance; Adam began to have second thoughts about his own behavior. Joe got what he had coming to him, that was for sure. Hmmm. But just two weeks ago, Joe had attacked Adam in the ranch house for something, Adam couldn’t remember what. Adam had threatened to take Joe out to the barn then, when Ben had intervened, sending Little Joe to bed before seven o’clock. After Hoss had gone to bed, Ben had quietly, but firmly explained to Adam that any punishments to be meted out were Ben’s prerogative and only his.

But this was different, wasn’t it? Of course it was; Adam, or anyone else could have been killed…he hated to think if he and the bear had actually ended up together in that pit, or if Joe and Mitch hadn’t been able to get back for several days. There was no guarantee that their fathers would allow them the free time to come back daily and check the trap. It was a damn foolish thing.

Plus, that boy deserved a whipping for his actions and there was no guarantee Pa would have taken a belt to him anyway. Joe could talk his father out of most anything.

No, that wasn’t fair. Little Joe had spent more time over his father’s knee in his ten years than Adam or Hoss had all together. Joe may be his father’s favorite, but that didn’t stop their father from disciplining him. Adam rubbed his eyes, unsure of his next move. He finally decided not to do anything until he’d thought more about this.

At the stream, Little Joe was struggling to get himself under control. His backside hurt like crazy, but the physical pain wasn’t the only pain he was feeling. And he was confused. To be sure, he was furious with Adam. Adam was his brother, not his father. While he had his father, Hop Sing, Charlie, the foreman, Adam and Hoss telling him what to do, (which was bad enough), he had always known he really only had his father to worry about when it came to the actual punishment part. Well, Charlie had given him a tanning once for lying to him about some chore he’d said he’d done; but then, Charlie had marched him right then and there to his father and explained to Ben what had happened.

Hmmm. Joe could still remember getting a second licking from a very angry Ben Cartwright who had been furious at Little Joe and not Charlie, that was certain. What if Adam went home and told his father what had happened, like Charlie had done? That was too horrendous to even think about.

Joe knew he’d really made a major mistake when he’d chosen that particular location to build the trap. It just seemed like such a good idea. The ground wasn’t rocky right there, a bear coming this way would have to pass by there and Joe really hadn’t thought the trail was used much at all. Well, he guessed, the fact that it was used at all was reason enough not to place the trap where it was…especially without some kind of warning to anyone riding by.

His father would never tolerate that kind of thinking…especially since the poorly planned trap had caught his father’s favorite son. Little Joe always knew that Adam, being the oldest, was Ben’s favorite, but he did have to admit, his Pa was pretty impartial usually. He’d heard his father yelling at Adam on more than one occasion, but, he also had to admit, he’d never seen his father take a belt to Adam. Hoss, Little Joe was musing, hmm…he’d known Hoss to get a licking on two occasions he could remember. Joe sighed. He counted it a good month if he made it all the way through without ending up over his father’s knee.

Joe was in a real bind. What was going to happen this time if Adam told his pa about today? He didn’t want to even think about it.

Finally, Joe felt he’d been long enough at the stream that he’d salvaged some semblance of self-respect from this whole incident, and got up to join Adam, who had been standing with the horses over by the same trees to which he and Mitch had tied their horses.

Adam looked at him as though to say something, then stopped himself. He tossed Little Joe his pony’s reins and mounted his own horse. With that, the two brothers turned their mounts back toward the Ponderosa. The ride home was a silent one, both brothers lost in their own thoughts. It was not until they neared the ranch house that either one of them turned his mind to what awaited them. Both hoped they could escape to the privacy of their own rooms before having to deal with Ben Cartwright.

It was not to be. Ben had just come out onto the porch as Adam and Little Joe rounded the side of the barn. Long, purposeful strides told both brothers that their father was not in a mood to trifle with. “Adam,” Ben’s voice thundered. “Where in tar…” his voice trailed off as he looked at his oldest son. While Adam had managed to clean off most of the muck and guts, it was still obvious he’d been somewhere other than in town with his friends. His clothes were wet and filthy as was his hair and hat. A faint odor of wet clay mud was mingled with the stench of long-dead calf.

“Son,” his father’s voice changed from anger to concern. “What happened?”

Worried about his eldest, Ben missed seeing his youngest son cringe, waiting for Adam to tell all to their father. Instead, Adam replied, “It’s a long, sordid tale, Pa. But, the short of it is, last night I fell in a pit and was rescued this afternoon by Little Joe and Mitch.”

Joe looked at Adam, unable to read the blank expression on his brother’s face. Adam not so much as glanced in Joe’s direction. “My God,” Ben was horrified. “Come inside. You must be frozen.” He looked up at Little Joe who had managed to climb off Star and was standing with him next to Hoss. “Hoss, you and Little Joe finish the chores. You can manage Adam’s, too. He’s going to get cleaned up and rest some before dinner. Adam,” Ben turned back toward his eldest, “I’ll have Hop Sing prepare a hot bath. Take those clothes off at the back door and I’ll get a robe for you.” With that, he walked with Adam toward the house without so much as a backward glance at his youngest two boys.

“Well,” drawled Hoss. “Looks like we got a bit of work before supper, little brother. Put your pony up and let’s get on with it.” Joe didn’t answer, staring instead at his brother’s back retreating from him toward the house. When was Adam going to drop the other shoe?

“Joe!” Hoss shook his little brother’s shoulder.

“Huh?”

“Chores. I ain’t doing ’em all by myself.”

“Yeah, sure.” But when the youngest Cartwright seemed in a trance, staring at the empty barn yard, Hoss put his arms around his shoulder and propelled his younger brother into the barn.

The two worked silently for almost an hour, Hoss trying several times to start a conversation, only to realize his brother hadn’t been listening. “Joe,” Hoss tried again. “Joe!” he tapped his brother on the shoulder.

“Huh?”

“What’s bothering you, little brother? You’ve been somewhere else ever since we came into this barn.”

“Nah, I’ve just been thinkin’.”

“Try again, Joe. You haven’t heard anything I’ve said to you. What’s bothering you?”

Joe looked up at Hoss, debating whether to tell him what had happened, then deciding he just couldn’t admit how stupid he’d been or how much trouble he was yet to get into over what he’d done. “I don’t know. Hey, Hoss, how many times has Pa given you a lickin’?”

“What?”

“How many times?”

“Shoot, they were always something I’ve tried to forget. Maybe five or six.”

“In your whole life?” Joe was incredulous.

“Maybe one or two more. Why?”

“Just wondering.” Joe scraped his boot along the dirt floor as he glanced up at Hoss.

“Out with it, little brother.”

“Oh, I was just thinking. I’m lucky if I can make it through a month without Pa giving me a tanning.” He looked up a Hoss with a half grin on his face. “Wonder what makes us so different. I sure don’t like being on the receiving end of Pa’s belt so much.” Joe looked back down, and made a half-hearted attempt at picking out the stall in front of him.

Looking confused, Hoss started to make a smart comment about why Joe always seemed to be in trouble…his little brother had sure been right about that…then decided a different tact may be needed to make sense of this discussion. After all, it had really been quite a while this time since Joe had been in serious trouble. “What brought that up?”

“Oh, who knows. Don’t you ever just wonder about things?” Joe’s voice was sharper than he intended as he kept picking out the stall. He wished now that he’d kept his mouth shut. This conversation could be too revealing if it kept up along this train of thought and he dreaded to think what his father would do if his youngest son’s antics were revealed..

“Yeah, sure I do. Just wondered is all. You don’t gotta bite my head off.”

“Hey, Hoss. Just forget it” Joe felt badly at having snapped at Hoss. “Let’s get this done so we can get some of Hop Sing’s food. I’m hungry enough to out eat you, I”ll bet.” His forced jocularity wasn’t lost on his middle brother, but Hoss decided Joe had said all he was going to say on the subject this night. The two turned back to the tasks at hand and in a short while, were finished and headed for the house.

Inside, Adam had soaked for most of an hour in a hot tub of water their cook had prepared for him. He’d decided to burn those clothes he’d had on, angry once more at his little brother as he thought about having to replace his new felt hat that Mary Ann had bought him. He’d reached no more resolution about whether to tell his father about what had happened than he had on the ride in. His father would be incredibly angry for Adam usurping his role. Damn. His pa had always made that perfectly clear. Punishment was their father and only their father’s option and responsibility. Damn.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Joe was keeping a low profile, hoping Adam would keep quiet, yet knowing in his heart that his oldest brother would talk to Pa about the trap sooner or later. Adam had little to say, being exhausted from over thirty hours with little or no sleep. Hoss and Ben tried to keep a conversation going, but with only monosyllabic responses from Joe and Adam, the two had given up.

As the family retired to the living room for coffee, Little Joe turned to his father. “I’m awful tired, Pa. May I be excused?”

Ben looked more carefully at his son, causing Joe to redden. “Certainly. Pleasant dreams.”

“Thanks, Pa. Good night.” The youngest Cartwright turned and trudged up the stairs to his room.

“What’s happening with Little Joe? Adam? Hoss?”

The two brothers shrugged their shoulders. “He’s probably just tired, like he says, Pa.” That was Adam, hoping his father wouldn’t want to talk with Little Joe until Adam had had a chance to do it himself. He dreaded to think what his father might think when Joe revealed what Adam had done to him.

“Nonetheless…Hoss, you and Adam make a check of the stock in the barn together if you will. I’m going to see about Little Joe. The last time he went to bed this early he was coming down with measles.” Hoss looked horrified. “Don’t worry son,” Ben was quick to reassure his middle boy. “I’m sure it’s nothing that serious this time.” His smile was calming and Hoss was satisfied as he and Adam headed for the barn while Ben moved up the stairs to his youngest son’s room.

There was a firm knock at Little Joe’s door. Without hesitating, Ben Cartwright entered his youngest son’s room. Joe was on his stomach, staring at an unread book as he reviewed what had happened this day. His father’s intrusion into his thoughts was most unwelcome.

“Joseph,” Ben began, “are you feeling all right?”

With a sigh, Joe responded dejectedly, knowing what his father’s real purpose in this visit was. “Yes, sir. I’m fine, just tired, I guess.” The boy’s eyes never left the page he’d been trying to read for so long.

Ben was puzzled, wondering where that morose response was coming from. Even when he was his sickest, Joe’s optimistic nature was evident. This attitude was out of character. As he reached over to feel his son’s forehead, Joe pulled away, wishing his father would skip the charade and get this over with. Joe had seen Hoss and Adam headed to check the stock one last time, and while he wasn’t eager to be in his father’s bad graces again, he definitely wanted his punishment over before his brothers got back to the house.

“Hold still, son,” Ben commanded as he put his hand to his young son’s head. Joe squirmed under his father’s touch. “You don’t seem to be running a fever,” Ben concluded.

“I told you I was fine,” Joe snapped at his father.

His father’s response was swift and sure. “Young man, you keep a civil tongue in your head. I don’t know what’s gotten into you tonight, but you’ll not talk to me in that tone of voice.” Ben’s voice had raised several decibels. “I’ve been pleased with your deportment these last two months, but I can assure you, I’ve not forgotten how to turn you over my knee. Do I make myself clear?” His eyes bored into his young son.

Joe looked at his father, wondering if it were possible Adam hadn’t spilled the beans. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I’m just really tired, Pa.”

Ben stared at his son intently until Joe was forced to look away. “Is there anything you’d like to talk about, boy?”

“No, sir. I’d just like to go to sleep.”

“All right, son.” With that, Ben removed Joe’s book from the bed and placed it on the dresser. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to hear your prayers,” he said gently.

“Yes, sir.” Joe’s mood was somber as his father turned to leave. “Pa,” he called out. Ben turned back toward his son, expectantly. “Pa, I wanna ask you something.” The boy took a deep breath, then looked up at his father. “Do you remember when you told me not to ever go swimming at the rock quarry without you or Adam?” His father nodded. “What would you do if you rode by and caught me swimming there anyway?”

Ben looked at his son, puzzled with this question, then shook his head as though to clear his thoughts. He moved over to the stuffed chair by the window, pulling it over until it was across from Little Joe who was now seated on the bed. Easing himself down onto the chair, Ben drew in a breath to calm himself as he tried to figure where this conversation was headed. He decided to simply respond to Joe’s question and see what developed. “Well, son, don’t you know what I’d do?”

“Pa, you’re as bad as Adam, answering a question with a question.”

Ben smiled slightly. “Fair enough. All right, I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d get you out of the water, have you get dressed and we’d immediately go home. Once we got home, I’d take you out to the barn and give you a thrashing you’d not soon forget. Then, you’d be confined to the house for at least a week.” He paused. “Does that answer your question?” he asked quietly.

Joe nodded, thinking how Adam had found him swimming in the quarry several weeks ago. Adam had gotten his brother out of the water, then read Joe the riot act. There, the similarity between his pa and his brother’s response had ended, though. Adam had worked with him, combing his hair so when it dried it’d look normal, helping him dry off his shirt that had fallen in the water. When they got back to the house, Adam had a full explanation for why they were so late which, while not a lie, surely hadn’t been the whole truth. The boy sighed again, wishing Adam had been so understanding with the trap.

“Why would you whip me, Pa?”

“You know why, don’t you, son?” When Joe just shrugged, Ben decided to go along with the question. “Because you would have done two terribly wrong things, Joseph. First of all, to go swimming in the quarry means you’d have disobeyed me which you’ve known from early in your life is very wrong. Plus, you’d have put yourself in a very dangerous situation that could easily get you killed. My hope would be that a tanning now would cause you to think long and hard before you’d do something that dangerous again.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in. “Why did you ask that, son?”

Joe looked up. “No particular reason, I don’t guess. Hey, Pa, did Adam or Hoss ever get in trouble in school?

Ben was totally confused, but decided to follow his original plan. “Yes, they did get in trouble.”

“How many times?” Joe persisted.

Ben laughed. “I’m sure I don’t know about all of them. Those two had a way of covering up for each other as only brothers have. I’m sure I was never lied to, but I’ll bet there we many times I didn’t get the whole truth about their school days.” He tried to look sternly at his youngest, but Ben had a twinkle in his eye as he remembered his boys’ school day antics. “And, I’m sure you and Hoss have covered up for each other on more than one occasion. Have I always gotten the whole truth and nothing but the truth from you two whenever I’ve asked how school was?”

Joe looked up, anxious at first, then relaxing as he saw his father’s smile. “No, sir, I don’t guess you have. But honest,” he was quick to add, “we’ve never out and out lied to you.”

“And that makes it all right?” Ben hugged his son, showing he really wasn’t all that upset about this revelation. “Joseph, that’s what brothers do for each other. They protect each other against all comers. And sometimes, though I hate to admit it, that includes me.”

Joe looked at his father again. “What if I decided to catch an outlaw so I strung a rope across a trail and caught you instead. Course I wouldn’t have put it there if I thought anyone was gonna come riding by.”

Ben rubbed his chin thoughtfully This conversation was going somewhere, he was sure, but where had yet to be revealed. “That’s a harder question. You certainly would get a lecture about irresponsibility. Hmmm. At your age, I’d probably discipline you with my belt, too. You certainly should know better and anyone, not just me, could have been badly injured by the rope.”

“Even if I didn’t think anyone would ride by?”

Ben closed his eyes in thought. “Probably even then. If it were on a trail on which an outlaw might pass, you could assume anyone else might pass by as well. Don’t you think that would be reasonable?”

“Well, yes, sir, I guess. Do you think Hoss or Adam would give me a lickin’ if I caught one of them.”

Ben’s tone changed to a more serious quality. “They certainly had better not. I’ve made it pretty clear to both of them that discipline is to be meted out only by me. I’d say either one of them would be in at least as much trouble as you would be in if they did.” Ben looked at his son, surprised to find him deep in thought. Ben was used to these quick questions that changed topic; Joe had been asking such questions ever since he was old enough to sit on his father’s bed, watching him shave. Ben was sure there was logic to the questioning, but he’d never been able to figure out what it was.

When there were no more questions, Ben stood to leave. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, sure, Pa. Thanks. Guess I’d still better get ready for bed.”

“I’ll be back to hear your prayers, son.” Ben quietly closed the door as he stepped out of the room.

Little Joe spent a restless night. After hearing his youngest son’s prayers, Ben had gone back downstairs, leaving Joe alone to think. In worrying about his pa’s response to Joe’s part in this fiasco, Joe hadn’t even thought about how his father might view Adam’s role in it. This was getting so complicated; he wished he had the Adam from the rock quarry back in his life.

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

In the barn, Hoss was watching Adam as his older brother listlessly checked the two pregnant mares they had stalled in the barn. Hoss was pretty sure Adam hadn’t even seen them, even though he’d been staring at them for fifteen minutes.

“See anything interesting?” Hoss asked. As he expected, Adam had not heard anything he’d been saying. “Adam?” Still no response. Finally, Hoss shook his older brother by the shoulder. “Adam, you in there.”

“Huh? Oh, sorry. What were you saying?”

Hoss was beginning to think he’d had this conversation before. It was obvious o him that something had happened between his two brothers that each was spending a lot of time thinking about, but he couldn’t imagine what it was. “Did something happen out there with you and Joe, big brother?”

Adam’s head jerked around and Hoss knew he was on the right track. “Nothing I can’t handle, Little brother,” Adam replied with a dark look on his face, emphasizing the word little. His tone spoke in no uncertain terms that this discussion was now closed. Hoss shrugged his shoulders and turned back to the two heifers he’d brought down from the east pasture when it became obvious they were ready to calve.

“If these heifers don’t have no trouble, their calves should make good replacement heifers or good steer meat either one. They’re about our best of the heifers this year.” Hoss was simply making conversation, trying to cover the hurt his brother’s retort had caused him.

“Look, I’m sorry,” Adam apologized to his brother. “I didn’t mean anything just now. Joe and I did have a falling out, but it’s over now. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, but I guess I’m just really tired.” Adam turned toward his brother. “In fact, I think I really screwed up out there. Think you can help me figure this one out?”

“Sure, big brother. Our little brother can sure make a person pause, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah,” Adam said quietly. “Did Joe tell you what happened?”

“Nah. He was really worried about something, but you know him. He keeps a close counsel until he’s figured things out himself.”

“That fool kid and his friend, Mitch dug a huge pit along the trail. Idiots were going to trap a bear and split the bounty.” Hoss looked at Adam, incredulously. “It’s true, that damn thing has to be ten feet deep, straight sides and not a rock or root to hang on to. And probably five feet square.”

Hoss laughed. “Guess we taught him well, brother.”

Adam smile sardonically. “Maybe so. Anyway, last night, I was coming home along the back trail. You know that narrow place where you almost have to lead your horse through?” Hoss nodded. “Well, I’d gotten off Sport and was leading him through that spot when the ground just gave way. Sport pulled back or he’d have landed on top of me, I know.” Hoss was staring at his brother, his mouth open.

“It was that damned pit, covered up with pine boughs. I thought sure I’d broken something when I hit. You know what they’d baited that pit with? Some long-dead calf they’d dragged in from somewhere. The place stank. And I landed smack on my back on top of it.” Hoss had been trying to keep from laughing as Adam had revealed what happened, but now, it was impossible. A deep-throated laugh, straight from his belly burst forth.

“It’s not funny, damn it.”

“Maybe not to you,” Hoss was having trouble getting himself under control as he pictured his brother covered with squashed, dead calf. “Sorry.”

Adam smiled an embarrassed half grin. “Maybe it’s a little funny. Definitely funnier telling it than experiencing it. Anyway, there just was no way out of that hole. And then, it poured the rain and did for a big part of the night off and on. Hell, if it’d been a little colder, I’d have been in trouble.”

Hoss tried to smile sympathetically, but the picture of Adam and the calf was more than he could deal with and his shoulders shook with silent laughter.

“I can see where your loyalties lie,” his brother muttered.

“Honest, Adam. I’d have been mad, but dag gone, it’s funny as can be picturing you standing in the muck and guts. You’ve got to admit, there’s not many who’ve put you in that spot.”

“And he’d better not again.” Adam scowled, then lowered his eyes.

Hoss could tell there was more to this story and that Adam was having trouble with it. “How’d you finally get out?”

“Oh, he and Mitch stopped by to check their trap and found me, much to Joe’s regret.” Adam lowered his voice. “And much to mine.” Hoss just looked at Adam, waiting for him to continue when he was ready.

“Damn it, Hoss. My temper’s about as bad as his and I’m twenty-two years old. I sent Mitch home, cleaned myself up in the creek near there, came back and gave him one hell of a licking with my belt.” He looked at Hoss, expecting the condemnation he felt himself. “I don’t even have the guts to tell Pa what I did.”

“Probably just as well, Adam,” Hoss responded quietly. His older brother looked up at him. “I imagine Pa’d be none too happy with Joe’s little plan to catch a bear. Pretty stupid to have it along a traveled road. He’d probably have lit into that boy again, every bit as hard as you did. And right now, Joe sure seems worried about Pa being on his case all the time.”

Adam shook his head. He’d not thought about what might happen to his little brother if he told his father. Hell, his little brother thought he was doing a great service to the other ranchers in catching the bear. And the trail really wasn’t very well traveled. This was getting more and more complicated.

“Hoss, I can’t tell Pa. I didn’t even think about what might happen to Joe. What am I going to do now?”

“Hey, brother. How about us goin’ with him to fill in that trap tomorrow. We can’t let him think he’s in this alone.”

Adam smiled a real smile for the first time in a couple of days. “Thanks, Hoss, that’s the best idea I’ve heard.”

“That’s okay,” Hoss answered as he slapped his brother on the back. “Let’s head on back to the house and get you in bed, big brother. We’ve got a full day tomorrow.”

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

Ben stretched his arms over his head as he walked down the stairs the next morning. He scowled slightly when he realized that only Hoss was at the breakfast table. “Your brothers finishing up their barn chores, Hoss?”

“Uh, no, sir. Adam left an hour or so ago. Didn’t say where he was going.” Hoss looked up at this father and when no retort was forthcoming, continued with his report. Little Joe said you’d okay’d his spending some time with Charlie working on the new fence east of Saddle Rock. They’ll be back before lunch I expect.”

Ben shook his head. “I did tell your brother he could go, but I assumed they were leaving after lunch. Joe had chores to do this morning.” The elder Cartwright was not pleased with the way this day was going. “Did Adam give any idea of where he went or when he’d be back?”

Hoss shook his head, swallowing the scrambled eggs he’d just eaten. “No, sir. Just said he’d be back.”

“Well, that was thoughtful,” Ben responded sarcastically.

The longer the morning wore on, the angrier Ben became. Not only had Little Joe and Adam left without doing their chores, they hadn’t cleared their plans with him. It was true Ben had given Joe permission to go with Charlie sometime; but when had never been established. Plus, Hoss was now tied up doing his two brothers’ chores when there were jobs on the ranch that needed completing.

Unfortunately, Hoss bore the brunt of Ben’s foul mood which did nothing to improve his attitude. He’d had nothing to do with this animosity between Little Joe and Adam, yet he was having to deal with his father’s short temper as his two brothers had managed to pull off a disappearing act that would rival the great magician, Gordo. They’re not wanting to deal with each other had made it so Hoss had to deal with an irate father.

Ben and Hoss had just sat down to lunch when they heard horses riding into the barnyard. “I hope they have an explanation for leaving without talking to me this morning,” Ben thundered. Hoss cringed, his own animosity changing to sympathy as he imagined his two brothers facing their father’s wrath.

Although coming from different directions, Adam and Little Joe arrived at the ranch at about the same time. Joe was still miserable, expecting Adam to tell his father about the stupid stunt he’d pulled. Joe had seen where Adam had come in from and realized he’d made good his threat to visit George Devlin. Knowing Mr. Devlin as he did, he knew Mitch had received a thorough hiding from his father. Mitch’s pa didn’t hold with foolishness any more than Ben Cartwright did, especially dangerous foolishness. Worse yet, Joe was pretty sure his friend wouldn’t have told his father about their little fiasco. And, since he’d spent a lot of time around Mr. Devlin, he knew that would make Mitch’s punishment even worse. His friend must surely hate him now. He took a deep breath and turned toward his brother. “Adam,” he began, “I’m sorry we dug that pit and caught you in it. Honest, it was just a mistake.” The boy looked down at his feet. “Please don’t tell Pa.”

Adam looked at his brother. Knowing how hard it was for Joe to apologize for anything, he knew his brother must really be dreading a session with his father. It was just then that his father came out onto the porch.

“I thought I heard you two ride in. Lunch is ready. We’ll talk after lunch,” Ben announced curtly. He turned on his heel and stomped back into the house. The two brothers looked at each other, rolled their eyes, then laughed nervously when each realized they’d responded to his father’s anger in the same way. The laughter seemed to break the strain that had been stifling their relationship.

“Little brother,” Adam began. “I don’t think I’ll tell him anything just now. And I’ll tell you something else. Hoss and I are going up to Saddle Rock to help you and Mitch fill that pit in this afternoon.” Joe smiled, amazed at his brother’s announcement and glad to have his older brother back. Adam brought them both back to reality. “Boy, little brother, Pa sure doesn’t look too happy about how late we are, does he?”

Joe half smiled. “You can say that again. And, big brother, age before beauty.” Little Joe stepped back to usher his brother ahead of him into the house.

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

“Exactly what was the thinking behind your actions this morning?” Ben yelled. The anger and frustration he’d felt all morning was coming out in full force. Lined up on the couch, Adam and Little Joe winced. “We have a ranch to run, or don’t you worry about that anymore?” As this was not the first time the Cartwright brothers had found themselves on the receiving end of their father’s temper, both sons knew an answer was not warranted.

Ben turned toward Little Joe. “You, young man, know better than to just disappear without my permission.” He held up his hand as Joe began a rebuttal. “I know I told you, you could go with Charlie. Didn’t I also tell you last night that you had chores this morning? Who do you think was going to clean your horse’s stall or feed the cattle in the back paddock? How about the chickens?” Joe jerked his shoulders with each question, knowing full well his father was correct. Joe had gone with Charlie so as not to see Adam that morning.

“And you, Adam Cartwright,” Ben turned toward Adam now. “You’re supposed to be a good example for your two brothers and here you are, off to God knows where without so much as a by your leave.” Ben’s voice was thundering off the walls now. “What were you trying to prove?” He stared at his oldest until Adam looked away.

Hoss sat at the dining table, wishing he’d exited the room before his father was in full fury. Any movement now was fraught with peril, even though he was not the subject of his father’s anger. He shook his head, empathizing with this two brothers. It didn’t look like that pit would get filled in today, that was for sure.

“Pa?”

“Not a word, Joseph. I’m not finished yet.” Ben’s voice raised even more as Joe tried to disappear into the couch. “I had planned to send Charlie and two of the hands out to Saddle Rock to round up the strays in that brush up on the mountain. I realize it’s probably the worst job on the ranch right now, but it seems to me that you two have more than earned that job.” Hoss shook his head in sympathy, knowing that rounding up strays at Saddle Rock was the absolute worst place to do that miserable job. The two would be exhausted and filthy before it was over. He looked up in time to see his two brothers smiling knowingly at each other. The sight was not lost on Ben Cartwright.

Oh, Lord, what possessed his brothers to be laughing at their father’s pronouncements. Hoss closed his eyes, waiting for his father’s reaction. It wasn’t long in coming. “You two find this amusing? We’ll see how you feel about it tonight and each and every evening until every stray on that mountain has been rounded up.” Ben was still livid and his voice boomed through the room, “Do I make myself clear?” He stared at his two sons.

“Yes, sir.” the two spoke at the same time, the smile wiped off both their faces.

“I expect you back for dinner at seven o’clock tonight.” Ben glared at his two sons then dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

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

“Whew,” Joe let out a sigh. “That was closer than I want to go through anytime soon.”

“Are you two crazy?” It was Hoss speaking now. The three of them were in the barn preparing for the trip out to Saddle Rock. “I thought Pa was gonna bust a gusset when you two were laughing about rounding up strays.” He looked at his two brothers, tying shovels onto their saddles, then draping their jackets over top of them. “And what in heck are you planning. Last I heard, you don’t need shovels to round up doggies.”

Adam looked at his brother in amazement. “We’re not going to round up strays today, little brother.”

Rolling his eyes, Hoss looked at his older like Adam had lost his mind. “You ARE crazy. Pa’ll kill you if he finds out you’re not going up by Saddle Rock to look for strays.”

“Well,” Adam drawled. “We are going to Saddle Rock.”

“Yeah,” chimed in Little Joe. “And we may find a dead calf up there, too.” He shrugged his shoulders. “A flat dead calf at any rate.” His infectious laugh broke the tension as Hoss finally realized what the two had in mind.

“Need some help, brothers? Pa gave me the afternoon off after doin’ your work and my own this morning.

The brothers grinned at each other as Adam pitched another shovel over to his brother. “Just don’t let Pa see it.” In no time, the three were on their way, escaping the ranch yard without their father’s notice.

As they neared the forks in the road, three other riders were waiting for them. Joe was nervous when he realized that it was Mitch Devlin and his two older brothers. Damn. He wasn’t sure he could handle Mitch’s anger at him very well this afternoon. The Devlin’s waved as the Cartwright’s approach and Joe had to admit, the aura was one of festivity rather than anger.

“We weren’t sure you were coming,” Matt Devlin began.

“We almost weren’t. We’re actually supposed to be hunting strays up by Saddle Rock today.” The Devlins looked confused.

“It’s a long, sordid tail, friends, best left for another time.” Adam turned his horse toward Saddle Rock then looked back at his two brothers and the three Devlins. “Boys, last one to Saddle Rock gets thrown into the pit with that damn calf.” With a hoot, the six friends were racing down the road.

The six of them slowed to a walk as they neared the trees where they were going to tie their horses. The four older boys moved on along the trail. Matt and Jed were eager to see this pit Adam had fallen into. Joe and Mitch lagged behind, each wanting to speak to the other.

“Mitch,” Joe began.

“Joe,” Mitch began at the same time. The two friends laughed. “You first.”

“Look, Mitch, I’m really sorry you got in so much trouble. I could have told you Adam would be by to see your dad. It would have been easier if you’d told him first.”

Mitch laughed. “Heck no, Little Joe. I don’t tell on myself unless it’s absolutely necessary. I’d have been in a lot more trouble this time if I had.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you know?” When Little Joe shook his head, Mitch continued. “Adam came over early this morning to talk with me, Matt and Jed. He never did talk with Pa. He told my brothers everything about yesterday, then just made arrangements to meet us here to fill in that pit.” Mitch looked at his friend. “Man, he sure was in a better mood than he was yesterday,” he laughed. The two boys slapped each other on the back, glad for things to be back to normal.

They hurried along the trail to catch up with their older brothers. As they neared the trap, all of them could hear a commotion in the pit.

“Surely, you don’t suppose…”

“Nah, couldn’t possibly…”

The four older siblings stared at their little brothers. “Nah, not possible.”

The six moved cautiously toward the edge. Matt and Adam peered over, then jumped back when a big bear claw took a swipe at them. “I don’t believe it.”

“Hey, did we get a bear?” Little Joe pushed toward the pit. Adam grabbed him before he got to the edge. “Hey, leave me alone, Adam.”

Adam moved his little brother over to rock outcropping overlooking the pit. “Look from up here, Joe. It’s safer, believe me.” Adam could still feel that paw barely missing his face earlier.

The six brothers crowded onto the rock, gazing down at the bear. “He sure is big enough to be the one bringing down those calves,” Jed remarked.

“He sure is,” Hoss agreed. The others nodded in silent agreement.

“I’ll get my rifle,” Adam turned to retrieve his gun from his scabbard. “That bear’s eaten his last calf.”

He was back shortly, and with dead aim, dispatched the bear to bigger woods in the sky. The boys waited ten minutes, watching to be sure the animal wasn’t breathing. Adam jumped into the pit, pulled his hunting knife from his belt and cut off the four paws. He pitched them up near Little Joe. Adam turned to climb out with the rope Matt had dropped over for him when he had second thoughts and turned back toward the bear.

Careful to stand out of the way, Adam sliced into the warm abdomen, then into the full stomach. The remains of a freshly killed Hereford calf slipped out onto the ground. “He’s our culprit all right.” Adam shook his head in amazement, then pulled himself out onto the ground.

“There’s the paws, Joe. You and Mitch’ll need those to prove to the Cattleman’s Association that you actually killed that bear.” Adam was smiling at his little brother.

“Uh, Adam…that’s bears probably more yours than ours.”

Mitch grinned at his friend’s brother. “Yeah, Adam. I seem to recall one time offering to split the bounty with you anyway.”

“No, Mitch, you two had the idea, did the work and at least one of you paid for it dearly. The bounty’s yours.”

“But, Adam.”

No buts, Little Joe. It was payment enough just to learn I’m not ready to be a father.” He pulled his brother to him, squeezing his shoulders as he spoke. “I like being an older brother just fine.”

 

THE END

 

Tags:  Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe / Little Joe Cartwright, Mitch Devlin