Four~~~ Wrestling
“What is it, son? Are you concerned about the match?” Ben Cartwright placed his hand on his son’s shoulder.
Hoss Cartwright nodded. The match was all he had been able to think about for days. It was all he had heard about for weeks. Hoss sighed. It was his little brother’s fault. Joe had signed him up for the wrestling contest that had made him the Virginia City Champion. Little Joe had bragged all over Carson City about his brother the champion, and now Hoss was about to defend the honor of Virginia City against the Carson City champ. That big brother of his should have put a stop to it when Little Joe first opened his mouth, but had he? No. Adam had laid down a hundred dollar bet with Gunther Perkins. Not that the money mattered to Adam. No, elder brother just wanted to rub that arrogant Perkins’ face in the loss. Hoss sighed. Everywhere he went everyone he met told him how they were betting on him or how Hank Mathers was going to twist him into a human horseshoe. Hoss sighed. It wasn’t that he didn’t like wrestling. He loved a good tussle with a man who was his match. He just didn’t like everyone making so much of this match. If only he hadn’t heard what Hank Mathers had told his wife. Hoss sighed again as his pa squeezed his shoulder. “Yeah, Pa. I wish people weren’t betting like they are.”
Ben Cartwright studied his son. Ben himself did not care for betting, but his sons had all laid many a bet. Something deeper was bothering his gentle son; Ben could see his heart hurting. “Son, you aren’t responsible for other people’s bets. All you can do is your best.”
Hoss winced slightly. Ben said softly, “What is it, Son?”
Hoss turned and gazed into his father’s face. “What if I can’t give my best?”
“Eric, tell me what you mean.” Ben’s voice was firmly paternal.
“Pa, I heard Hank Mathers last night talking to his wife.” Hoss gave his father a sheepish look. “You told us eavesdropping brings nothing but trouble.”
“Eric,” Ben said in a tone that demanded explanation.
“He told his wife that the money from the match would be their salvation. His wife’s poorly, and he ain’t paid his taxes, Pa. He really needs to win that prize money; I don’t.”
Hoss had been wrestling with that thought since he had heard Mathers talking. He didn’t need to win, and Hank Mathers really did, but other folks had their money bet on Hoss. Some of them might need to win too. Hoss just couldn’t see how letting Hank Mathers win the match would be fair to them folks.
Ben recognized the dilemma facing the most compassionate of his sons, and he had no comforting advice to offer. He had taught Hoss right from wrong long ago, and if any of his sons saw all the shades of gray between the two, it was his blue-eyed giant. Ben offered the only words he could. “Pray about it, Son, and when the time comes you’ll do what you should. I’m sure of that.”
Hoss wasn’t so sure, but he would follow his Pa’s advice. He would pray to God to lead him in the right direction and try to follow wherever God led.
Another lovely contribution! Hoss is definitely has a caring and gentle side that was clearly present even when he was young.
I have been away from the site and missed your comment. Please let me thank you now for your kind words. DJK 🙂
Our sweet, loveable knight in shing armor. Perfect!
Than you, jojay, for responding. If you enjoy a young Hoss in the role of “knight in shining armor”, you might like my Emily’s Sir Eric series. DJK :>)
You saved the best for last. Loved them all but especially number seven. You were right – Hoss always did believe!
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed these little bits, and a special thank you for letting me know your favorite! DJK :>)
What a wonderful tribute to Hoss. ? You captured him beautifully — his goodness and openness. Thanks so much for writing!
I agree with your assessment of Hoss and thank you for your response. DJK :>)
These were all really great. Hoss has such depth to him as a character and you captured him beautifully.
Thank you for letting me know you thought I kept Hoss in character and did him justice. I appreciate your response so much. DJK :>)
These are wonderful little peeks at the big guy. He is so special and you’ve shown it in so many ways. Some moving and some funny. Yes, Hoss will always be there for others, no matter what the reason.
Hoss is a great character to write when you want to feel positive. Thank you for letting me know you thought I put him in the right light. I appreciate your responding. DJK :>)
DJK, I loved all the looks at Hoss through your writings! Great peeks into a life too brief.
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed them; I appreciate it! DJK :>)