Summary:  When Ben’s stage is delayed, Adam has his hands full trying to keep himself and his brothers out of trouble while they wait for it

Rated: K+ (19,185 words)

Waiting for the Stage

“You can’t be serious!” Adam Cartwright leant against the hitching rail as he stared at the small blackboard on which Bert was writing. “Delayed?” he said, incredulously.

 

Bert nodded as he finished writing. “Sorry Adam,” he said. “But I just got a wire from Reno. Seems that there’s been a rockslide across the trail and it’s gonna take em a few hours to clear it before the stage can get through.” He scratched his chin as he looked at Hoss and Joe who were giving him eager looks. “You expecting yer Pa on the stage?” he asked.

 

Adam nodded. “Yes,” he said, shortly.

 

Bert shook his head. “Well, I’d say it’ll be around four o’clock,” he said. “You’ve got a bit of a wait ahead of you.” He began to whistle as he walked back into the Stage Office, leaving three crestfallen Cartwrights behind him.

 

“Four o’clock!” said Hoss. “But it was supposed to get here now and it’s only ten o’clock!”

 

Adam shrugged. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about it,” he sighed.

 

“Are we gonna go home and come back again Adam?” asked Hoss.

 

“No point,” replied his brother. “By the time we got there we’d only have a couple of hours before we needed to come back again, so it’d be a waste of a trip.”

 

Joe tugged on his big brother’s sleeve. “Ain’t Pa coming home?” he asked anxiously.

 

Adam looked down at the small boy and smiled. “Sure he is,” he assured him. “He’s just going to be a bit late, that’s all.”

 

Hoss looked around. “What are we gonna do until four o’clock?” he asked.

 

Adam scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Well you’re going to school for a start,” he said. “I’m not sure about me and Joe.”

 

Hoss gave his older brother a shocked look. “School!” he declared. “But Pa said I could be here to meet him and he never said nothing about school today!”

 

“That was when he thought the stage was getting in at ten o’clock,” replied Adam. “He only meant you could have the day off because he thought he’d be here by now.”

 

“But …. but school’s already started!” spluttered Hoss indignantly. “That ain’t fair!”

 

“Listen Hoss, I’ve got enough to worry about keeping Joe amused all day without worrying about you as well,” said Adam firmly. “You’re going to school and that’s all there is to it!”

 

Hoss glared at his brother angrily. “I ain’t!” he said. “I ain’t got any lunch to take anyway and … I just ain’t!”

 

“You are,” Adam said, just as firmly. “Joe and I will need to eat as well, so I’ll bring something over for you when it’s time. You’ll be well and truly finished with school by the time Pa gets off that stage, so don’t fret about it.”

 

“I ain’t fretting about it,” Hoss declared. “I just don’t wanna go to school today, is all!”

 

Adam pointed a finger at his younger brother. “Now you listen here,” he said. “You know the deal when Pa’s away … I’m in charge. You want me to tell Pa that you refused to do what you were told?”

 

Hoss looked at the ground as he dug the toe of his boot into the dirt. “No,” he said, in a low voice. “But ….” He looked up at Adam again. “Please Adam? I won’t be no trouble and I’ll look after Little Joe for you.”

 

Joe gave Hoss an indignant look. “I don’t need no looking after,” he declared. “I can look after myself!” When both his brothers ignored him, he simply turned and began to swing around the hitching rail happily, ignoring the war of words that was taking place between his brothers a few steps away.

 

“You’re going and that’s that,” said Adam firmly to Hoss. “Now get!”

 

Hoss gave his brother one last angry glare before turning on his heel and marching up the Main Street towards the small schoolhouse. Adam continued to lean against the hitching rail that Joe was swinging on as he watched him go, not standing upright until he saw Hoss disappear into the front door of the building at the top of the small flight of stairs. He sighed and looked down at Joe who was still happily swinging. “Well, I suppose it’s just you and me for a while, squirt,” he said.

 

“Yeah,” replied Joe happily. “What are we gonna do now Adam?”

 

Adam sighed again. “Lord knows,” he admitted. “I know what I’d like to do ….” He looked at the Silver Dollar Saloon longingly and then shook his head. “Of all the dumb luck,” he muttered. “A fellar gets a day in town and ….” He looked down at Joe who grinned back up at him. “Well, it can’t be helped I suppose,” he said. “Come on!”

 

“Where we going Adam?” asked Joe, happily jumping along next to his brother down the sidewalk.

 

“I dunno,” Adam admitted dolefully and then his eyes lit up as he spied Ross Marquette coming out of the bank. “Ross!” he called. “What are you doing in town today?”

 

Ross grinned back at his friend. “Just doing some banking,” he said, patting his hip pocket. “I’m all cashed up and ready for a drink or two. How about it, Cartwright?”

 

Adam indicated Joe with his thumb. “I can’t,” he said, rolling his eyes.

 

“Oh, I see,” said Ross. He ruffled Joe’s curly hair and grinned down at him. “Well can’t you ditch the kid somewhere for a while?”

 

Adam shrugged. “Where would you suggest?” he asked, sarcastically.

 

Ross scratched his head. “I dunno,” he admitted. “It was just a thought. What are you doing in town anyway? Your Pa’s normally got you busy working at this time of day.”

 

“Pa’s been in Reno for a week on business,” replied Adam. “We came in to meet him on the morning stage, but it’s not coming in until late this afternoon now, so I’m just hanging around waiting.”

 

Ross nodded. “Oh, well it’s a shame that you can’t come for a drink or two while you’re waiting,” he said. “Bessie’s in there today and she’s been asking about you.”

 

Adam’s eyes lit up. “She has?” he asked eagerly. “Really?”

 

“Sure,” said Ross. “Wanted to know when you was coming in next.” He patted Adam on the shoulder. “I guess that I’ll just have to keep her company in your absence, Cartwright.” He grinned at Adam, showing anything but sympathy for his friend. “Shame about that, ain’t it?”

 

Adam shrugged. “Yeah,” he said, sarcastically. “Real shame.”

 

Ross winked at him and then took off across the street towards the Silver Dollar. “I’ll have one for you!” he shouted over his shoulder and then gleefully disappeared into the saloon.

 

Adam stood looking after him for a moment before turning his gaze on his small brother. “It’s all your fault,” he muttered under his breath.

 

Joe looked indignant. “What’s all my fault?” he asked. “I ain’t done nothing!”

 

“You don’t have to,” said Adam, beginning to walk down the street again. “Just the fact that you’re here ….” He waved his arm around. “Oh, never mind,” he said.

 

Joe shrugged and took off after his brother, one foot up on the sidewalk and the other down in the street. “This is great, ain’t it Adam?” he said as he bounced, but his brother only grunted at him as he stopped to look in the window of the Mercantile. Joe stopped as well and pressed his nose against the glass as he gazed at the array of coloured jars in the window. “We gonna get some candy?” he asked, hopefully.

 

“No, we’re not,” said Adam grumpily.

 

“We could eat it all and not tell Hoss,” Joe suggested cagily. “He’d never know we done it.”

 

Adam opened his mouth to reply, but before he could there was a shrill whine from the doorway. “Why Adam Cartwright!” said Abigail Jones, her eyes wide with pleasure as she spied Adam. “Imagine seeing you here!”

 

Adam’s face immediately took on a hunted look and he took a step away from the window as he tipped his hat. “Miss Jones,” he said politely to the schoolteacher.

 

Abigail took a step towards him. “Please … call me Abigail,” she gushed. “I’ve told you before not to be so formal.” She gave him a rather toothy smile and fluttered her eyelashes.

 

“Abigail,” said Adam reluctantly. “I thought … I mean … that is ….” He looked puzzled. “Isn’t school in? I just sent Hoss over there.”

 

“Oh yes,” Abigail replied. “But it’s nearly morning recess at the moment so I’ve just slipped over here to pick up a bolt of silken material that Mr Abrahams has kindly had on hold for me.” She pulled the brown paper wrapping away from the parcel she held under her arm. “Do you like it?” she asked. “It’s a particular shade of yellow that I’ve been  wanting to make up into a dress for the box social next month.” She sidled closer to Adam. “Are you going to the box social Adam?” she asked.

 

Adam swallowed. “Nice colour,” he said, avoiding the question.

 

“That looks like someone peed on it,” Joe declared insensitively. “It’s the same colour as …..”

 

Adam put his hand over his little brother’s mouth and smiled weakly at the woman. “Children,” he said, somewhat sheepishly. “What do they know?”

 

Abigail tried to smile back at him. “Don’t worry,” she said. “If there’s one thing I understand, it’s children.” She gave Joe an appraising look. “So this is the youngest Cartwright?” she said. “Your father told me that he’ll be joining my classes after the summer vacation.”

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “When he’s six.”

 

“Well, I’ll look forward to making your intimate acquaintance then, Joseph,” said Abigail, bending down and pinching the boy on the cheek. “I’m sure we’ll become close friends.”

 

Joe didn’t look too sure about that, but simply glared at the woman as he rubbed his red cheek where she’d pinched it.

 

“Eric told me that your father is coming home on the stage today?” continued Abigail, not noticing the look on Joe’s face. “He has been delayed, I believe?”

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “It’s a bit difficult too, waiting with Joe and all.”

 

Abigail’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh?” she said. “Well if I could be of any assistance, I’d be happy to help. The child is welcome to join my classes for the day.”

 

Adam immediately took a step forward without meaning to. “You mean it?” he asked eagerly. “Oh that would be great! You’d really be doing me a favour if you’d take him for a few hours.”

 

Abigail preened herself under Adam’s grateful and eager gaze. “Of course,” she said generously as she fluttered her eyelashes at him. “It would be no trouble at all to have one extra. Come along Joseph!” She tried to grab hold of Little Joe’s hand, but the boy was having none of it and immediately edged away from her and around the back of his brother’s legs.

 

Adam pulled him out again and knelt down so that he was face to face with the child. “Isn’t that great squirt?” he said, plastering a big smile on his face and hoping that it would fool his little brother. “You’re going to get to go to school with Hoss for the day. Lucky you!”

 

Joe’s wary look softened a little, but he still declared, “I don’t wanna.”

 

“Of course you do,” said Adam. “You’ve been telling Pa how much you want to go to school with Hoss and now’s your chance. You’re going to have a real fun day and then after you’ve finished, we’ll meet Pa and you can tell him all about it.”

 

Joe looked unsure. “Well …” he said.

 

“Come along Joseph,” said Abigail, clutching hold of his hand in a no-nonsense way. “Don’t dawdle.” She began to pull Joe away from Adam as she smiled at him. “He’ll be fine,” she assured the young man. “I’ll take care of him.”

 

“How can I ever thank you?” asked Adam, getting up again. “I’m very grateful.”

 

Abigail fluttered her eyelashes again. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll think of something,” she said. “Perhaps when you come to pick him up later we could discuss it?” She winked at Adam who immediately blanched and wondered if a day without Joe was worth the price she might be thinking about exacting from him for it later.

 

“I’ll bring their lunches by later on,” he called as Abigail led Joe away. “Have a good time Joe!”

 

Joe looked back over his shoulder at his brother, not at all sure that things were turning out for the best, but not able to break free of Abigail’s grasp long enough to find out.

 

Adam took one look at their retreating forms before clapping his hands together as he looked skyward. “Thanks!” he said and then turned to run towards the Silver Dollar.

 

“Don’t drag your feet Joseph,” said Abigail as she pulled him towards the schoolhouse. “Time is wasting.” She opened the small gate of the front yard and motioned towards a red-haired child who was standing near the porch. “Jimmy, please ring the bell. Recess is over.”

 

“Hey Joe!” Hoss Cartwright came running across the small playground, his mouth opened in surprise to see his little brother standing next to Abigail. “What are you doing here Joe?” he asked.

 

“Your brother has come to join us for the day, Eric,” said Abigail as she led Joe and the other children up the small flight of stairs and into the schoolhouse. “Here you are Joseph, you may sit on this bench with the smaller children.” She directed the little boy towards the front bench, but Joe shook his head firmly as she finally let go of his hand.

 

“No thanks,” he said. “I’ll sit here with Hoss.” He climbed up next to his brother and grinned around at everyone happily. Now that he was with Hoss he felt much happier about being here and was determined to find out all he could about what went on in this mysterious school that his brother was always talking about.

 

“Nonsense,” said Abigail, just as firmly. “Eric’s desk is far too big for you … you can’t see over the top of it.”

 

“I can iffen I kneel up,” said Joe, kneeling up on the seat to show her that it was so. “See?”

 

“Nevertheless,” insisted Abigail. “You will sit in the front as I’ve said.”

 

Joe shook his head and gave her what Hoss knew to be his best stubborn look. “Nup,” he said simply and put his elbows on Hoss’ desk as he looked at her.

 

“Best to let him stay here ma’am,” Hoss suggested tentatively. “I don’t mind.”

 

Abigail opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it. She would have plenty of time to sort out the stubbornness of this youngster in time and she didn’t feel inclined to tackle it today. “Very well,” she said briskly and swept to the front of the room where she placed herself at her large desk facing the children. “The younger children open your readers please,” she said. “Grades Five to Eight commence copying your arithmetic from the board.”

 

Joe looked around happily as everyone began on their assigned tasks. “Whatcha doing Hoss?” he asked after a few minutes.

 

“Take-aways,” muttered Hoss as he began to count on his fingers. “Be quiet.”

 

“What’s take-aways?” asked Joe, leaning over to try and see.

 

“Shush!” said Hoss. His brow furrowed as he tried to concentrate on the task at hand and he continued to count on his fingers. “Gold darn it,” he muttered. “I ran out of fingers on that one.”

 

“You can borrow some of mine,” Joe offered generously, holding out his small hand.

 

Hoss swiped it away quickly. “Shh!” he said.

 

Joe glared at his brother indignantly. “Don’t you shush me!” he said. “I can talk iffen I want to.”

 

“Not here ya can’t,” Hoss warned him, glancing at Abigail to see if she had noticed their conversation. “You gotta be quiet,” he added.

 

Joe looked around again. “Why?” he asked in a loud voice. “Why have I gotta be quiet Hoss?” He waved his arms excitedly as he noticed a neighbour of theirs. “Hey, there’s Jake! Hey Jake!”

 

Abigail stopped hearing the younger children read and looked over at Joe. “Joseph,” she said. “Please be quiet while the children are working.”

 

Joe looked around again and noticed how everyone at the desks had their heads bent over their slates. “I wanna work too,” he announced.

 

Abigail stood up and brought a slate over to him. “There you are,” she said, trying to sound kind in spite of her frustration with the little boy. “You can draw a lovely picture on that. Won’t that be nice?”

 

“OK,” said Joe happily and started to work. Several minutes passed before he lifted his head again. “See Hoss?” he said. “I done a horse.” When his brother didn’t answer, he jiggled his elbow. “I said I done a horse!” he repeated in a loud voice.

 

“Joseph!” said Abigail. She beckoned to the boy who obligingly got down from the desk and trotted to the front of the room. He stood next to Abigail, grinning around at all the children who tried their best to ignore him and concentrate on their work under Abigail’s watchful eyes. Abigail beckoned to Joe to come closer and he sidled up to her so that they were eye to eye. “Joseph,” she said in a mild tone. “In school you must be quiet so that everyone can concentrate on their work,” she explained. “Please don’t shout out like that.”

 

Joe looked at her intently. “OK,” he said.

 

He continued to stare at her in such an intense way that she finally felt obliged to add, “Is there anything wrong?”

 

Joe shook his head. “Nup,” he said. He put his head on one side as he stared at the teacher. “Only ….”

 

“Only what dear?” asked Abigail kindly.

 

“You’ve got a real big nose when you see it up close,” said Joe pleasantly.

 

Abigail blushed profusely and looked around as several of the children started to snigger. “That will be enough!” she said sharply. In spite of herself she touched her nose as she added. “Please return to your seat, Joseph.”

 

“OK,” said Joe, happily skipping back to Hoss’ seat and climbing up again.

 

“I can’t believe you said that,” muttered Hoss under his breath.

 

“Well, she does have a big nose up close!” declared Joe as he began to draw again. “I ain’t telling a lie!”

 

There was silence as everyone settled down and began to work again, only interrupted by the low voices of the younger children who were still reading aloud. After about ten minutes Abigail set them to work and began to roam around the classroom checking the older children’s arithmetic. “Very good Eric,” she said as she passed Hoss.

 

“How come she calls you Eric?” asked Joe as Abigail went onto the next student. “Is she mad with you like Pa is when he calls you that name?”

 

“No,” whispered Hoss. “But she will be mad with me if you don’t shut up.”

 

Joe’s jaw dropped. “You said shut up!” he announced in his loudest most indignant voice. “You ain’t allowed to say that!”

 

“Joseph!” said Abigail. “Be quiet please!” She came over to stand next to their desk and put her finger on her lip to indicate to him that she meant business. “That’s a nice drawing dear,” she said, looking down at his slate and indicating a long-nosed creature that he’d drawn. “Is that one of your father’s horses?”

 

Joe shook his head. “Nup,” he said. “That’s the horse over there. This one is you.” He pointed to the long-nosed face and gave her a happy grin.

 

Abigail cleared her throat and moved on without another word. “How come she’s so bossy?” Joe asked Hoss.

 

“Shh!” said Hoss. “Be quiet!”

 

Abigail looked over at them. “Eric,” she said. “Please don’t speak.”

 

“I don’t wanna be quiet,” said Joe, ignoring her and speaking to Hoss. “I don’t like being quiet!”

 

“You haveta be quiet in school,” whispered Hoss.

 

“Why?”

 

Hoss shrugged. “It’s just the way it is,” he said.

 

“Then I ain’t staying!” declared Joe as he climbed down from the desk.

 

“Joe, get back here!” said Hoss, desperately trying to grab onto his brother’s sleeve, but Little Joe was too quick for him and trotted from the classroom before anyone had even had time to notice. Hoss bit his lip as he considered what to do, then shook his head as he decided that the best course of action would be to simply do nothing.

 

It was a full ten minutes before Abigail again looked in his direction and noticed the empty seat next to him. “Eric?” she said immediately. “Where is your brother Joseph?”

 

Hoss tried to look innocent. “Joe?” he said. “I reckon he’s gone, ma’am.”

 

Abigail looked confused. “Gone?” she said. “Gone where?”

 

Hoss shrugged. “I dunno,” he admitted. “Just gone.”

 

Abigail stood up and came to stand next to him. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she demanded.

 

Hoss shrugged again. “You said not to speak,” he replied.

 

Abigail gave him a frustrated look. “Go and find him this instant!” she said. “And bring him back here immediately!”

 

Hoss slid off his seat and headed for the door, eager to get outside and away from the angry woman. “Yes ma’am,” he said over his shoulder. As he reached the small playground at the front of the schoolhouse he shaded his eyes as he looked around, but there was no trace of Joe to be seen anywhere. With another shrug, he sauntered out of the yard and across to the Main Street.

 

Suddenly a movement caught his eye and he stopped as he saw a mangy dog near a water pump. “Hello fellar,” he said, signalling to the animal. “Where’d you come from?”

 

The dog ran up to him and licked his hands, causing Hoss to chuckle and get down on one knee to fondle the animal. “You’re a nice one,” he said. “Who do you belong to fellar?” He scratched the dog behind its ear and then stood up again. “Well I’d best be off,” he said. “I gotta find my brother before he finds some trouble. He’s real good at that.”

 

But Joe had already found himself a heap of trouble. He had run quickly from the schoolhouse, anxious that the nosey Miss Abigail Jones wouldn’t have the chance to grab him and haul him back there, for he had no intention of spending his day being constantly told to keep quiet. By the time he had reached the Main Street he had quite run out of breath, so he leant against a swinging door while he caught it again and fell straight through when his weight caused it to open.

 

As he picked himself up from the ground, he grinned to see his brother Adam sitting on the other side of the room, chair pushed back and a large glass attached to his mouth. A girl in a short skirt was perched on his lap and seemed to have her own mouth attached to his cheek.

 

Joe walked over to his brother, leant his arms on the table and gazed up at them. “What’s she slobbering all over your face like that for?” he asked.

 

Adam nearly choked on his beer as he stared down at his youngest brother. “Wh … What are you doing in here?” he asked.

 

Joe shrugged as he continued to stare in a fascinated way at the girl kissing Adam’s cheek. “I didn’t like that school,” he said simply. “Why’s she slobbering all over your face like that Adam? That’s yuck!”

 

Bessie stopped kissing Adam and looked down at Joe. “Well now, ain’t he cute!” she said. “Who is he?”

 

“My kid brother,” said Adam, putting down his beer and glaring at Joe. “You shouldn’t be in here,” he said sternly.

 

Joe looked around, his jaw dropping in astonishment as he spied a painting of a half naked woman hanging above the bar. “Hey!” he said. “Look at that!”

 

“Hey!” shouted Sam, the bartender, looking up at the sound of the boy’s voice. “Who brought that kid in here? Get him out!”

 

Adam stood up quickly, causing Bessie to nearly topple onto the floor as she fell off his lap. “I’m sorry Sam,” said Adam. “He just followed me in here.”

 

“Well get him out,” said Sam. “A kid that little got no business being in here.”

 

“Hey Hoss!” shouted Joe, deftly sidestepping Adam as his eldest brother reached out for him. “Lookee here Hoss!” He waved to Hoss who had suddenly appeared at the swinging doors and was staring over the top of them, trying to see inside. “That’s my brother,” Joe explained to Bessie who was dusting herself off.

 

“Oh, by all means,” said Adam sarcastically as he finally collared Joe. “Let’s have the whole family in here, shall we?”

 

“OK,” said Hoss happily, his brother’s sarcasm totally lost on him. He sauntered into the saloon and looked around in an interested fashion, for he’d never set foot in the place before.

 

Joe looked at Bessie curiously. “Are you real poor?” he asked.

 

Bessie looked confused. “Poor?” she asked. “Why would you ask that?”

 

Joe pointed to her fishnet tights. “Cause your stockings got all them holes in em,” he said. “Don’t you have any money to buy new ones with no holes?” He didn’t wait for her to answer before turning to his brother. “Lookee there Hoss,” said Joe, pointing to the half naked lady in the painting. “She’s got real big ….” His voice became muffled as Adam’s hand was clamped firmly on top of his mouth.

 

Hoss looked and his own mouth opened in surprise as he stared at the painting. “Oh Lordy!” he said, standing stock still in amazement as he fixated on the scantily clad woman.

 

“Get them kids outta here before the sheriff shuts this place down!” demanded Sam angrily.

 

Adam nodded to him, took one last longing look at his half-full glass of beer and then grasped hold of Hoss’ sleeve as he pulled both his brothers from the saloon. “What do you two think are doing?” he demanded as they reached the sidewalk and he let go of them. “You’re both supposed to be in school!”

 

“I left,” said Joe. “I didn’t like it. That Miss Jones kept telling me not to talk!”

 

“And Miss Jones sent me to look for Joe,” explained Hoss.

 

“Well you can both march yourselves back there straight away,” said Adam. “Get!”

 

Hoss gave his brother a long look. “What were you doing in the saloon?” he asked cagily.

 

Adam didn’t quite meet his brother’s eye as Joe piped up and replied for him. “He was letting a girl slobber all over his face,” he said. “Weren’t you Adam?”

 

“Never you mind,” said Adam in a huffy tone. “Now both of you get back to that schoolhouse!”

 

Joe shook his head. “I ain’t going,” he said. “I’m finished with school fer good!”

 

Hoss gave Adam a pleading look. “And I’m hungry,” he said. “Ain’t it about lunch time anyhow? You promised to get me something to eat …. remember?”

 

“I told you that I’d bring you something to eat over at the schoolhouse,” said Adam.

 

“Well, yeah,” said Hoss. “But seeing as how I’m here now I could save you the trip,” he reasoned. “How about it Adam?”

 

“I’m hungry too!” Joe butted in.

 

“Oh, all right,” said Adam. “I suppose it is just about lunch time and I could do with something myself.” He pointed a finger at Hoss. “But as soon as you’ve eaten, you’re heading back to school.”

 

Hoss didn’t say anything, but simply grinned from ear to ear as he followed Adam down the street. “Are we going to the International House fer lunch?” he asked. “They’ve got mighty fine food there!”

 

“Yeah,” piped up Joe. “I liked the ‘National House when Pa took us there that time for Hoss’ birthday supper.”

 

“The International House is far too fancy for lunch for us,” said Adam. “We’ll go to Daisy’s Kitchen.”

 

“OK,” said Hoss happily, for he liked the mothering Daisy and her solid home-style cooking. He suddenly grabbed hold of Joe’s arm and pointed. “Well look at that,” he said. “There’s that dog again!”

 

“What dog?” asked Joe, also looking.

 

“The dog I made friends with before,” said Hoss as the dog ran up to him. “He and me are good friends, ain’t we fellar?” He scratched behind the dog’s ears. “He’s a real fine dog, ain’t he Joe?”

 

“Real fine,” agreed Joe, giving the animal a pat.

 

“He looks like a mutt to me,” muttered Adam. “Get rid of him.”

 

Hoss gave his brother a shocked look. “Get rid of him?” he said. “But Adam ….”

 

“So there you are,” said a voice behind them and all three Cartwrights turned to see Sheriff Roy Coffee standing looking at them with his arms folded across his chest. “I’ve been looking for you.”

 

“You have?” asked Adam, giving the man an astonished look. “Why?”

 

Roy jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards the schoolhouse. “Miss Jones called me over to the school,” he said. “Seems that she lost a boy.” He winked at Joe before adding. “Seems I found him, though.”

 

“I’m sorry about that Roy,” apologised Adam. “Joe was supposed to stay there for the day, but he ran off.”

 

Roy scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I see,” he said. “This one run off too?” he asked playfully, giving Hoss a pat on the shoulder.

 

“I was looking fer Joe,” explained Hoss. “We’re all waiting for the stage to come in,” he added, so as to deflect attention away from himself.

 

Roy nodded. “Yer Pa’s on it?” he asked. “I heard tell that it’s coming in late today cause of a rock slide on the trail.” He looked down at the dog at their feet. “Is that stray still hanging around?” he muttered, half to himself.

 

“He’s my friend,” said Hoss.

 

“He’s been hanging around town fer days,” said Roy. “Reckon I’ll just take him down to old man Keefer.”

 

“No!” shouted Hoss, flinging his arms around the dog. “He’ll kill him for dog meat!”

 

“For dog meat!” echoed Joe.

 

Roy looked at Adam and shrugged. “You taking responsibility fer it?” he asked.

 

Adam shook his head. “It’s nothing to do with me,” he said. “I’ve never seen it before now.”

 

“Let go of it son,” said Roy to Hoss. “Best if I take it.”

 

“No!” shouted Hoss, clinging onto the dog. “I’ll find him a home sheriff! I promise that I will!”

 

Roy softened under the stricken gaze of the boy. “Well, all right,” he said. “But if you don’t he goes straight to old man Keefer by nightfall,” he said. He tipped his hat to Adam. “I’ll just mosey on down to the school and calm Miss Jones down,” he said. “She’s raving on about kidnapping and some such nonsense.”

 

“Thanks Roy,” said Adam. “And please let her know that Hoss will be back at school straight after lunch,” he added, giving Hoss a stern look.

 

“But I can’t go back to school!” Hoss protested. “I’ve got to find a home for this dog before Sheriff Coffee gives him to old man Keefer, Adam!”

 

“Forget the dog,” said Adam. “We need to get something to eat. Come on.” He started to turn, but suddenly stopped and smiled as a young lady in a bright red skirt and white blouse came out of the mercantile store next door. “Why hello Alice,” he said, tipping his hat politely in her direction. “Fancy meeting you here!”

 

“Why, Adam Cartwright,” replied the girl, fluttering her eyelashes at him in a pretty fashion. “I was just thinking about you.”

 

Adam’s face lit up. “You were?” he asked eagerly.

 

“Yes,” replied Alice. “I heard this morning that a new shipment of books arrived at the bookstore from Chicago yesterday and I just knew that you’d be interested.”

 

Adam drew a couple of steps closer to her. “Well, of course I’m interested,” he said softly as he gazed into her face. “When am I not?”

 

Hoss gave his brother a painful look and drew Joe close to him as he kept one arm protectively around the dog. “We gotta save this dog Joe,” he whispered. “We can’t let old man Keefer have him fer dog meat.”

 

“Yeah,” agreed Joe. “But you heard what Adam said. He reckons we should get rid of him. Who are we gonna give him to Hoss?” He looked at his brother trustingly as Hoss gave the matter some thought.

”I dunno Joe,” he admitted finally. “But I reckon we’ve gotta hide him until we figure it out, otherwise Adam’s gonna get might angry about it.”  He stood up. “Adam,” he said. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

 

Adam turned to look at him. “Where are you going?” he demanded.

 

Hoss blushed as he looked at Alice. “I gotta go,” he said.

 

“Me too!” chimed in Joe, not wanting to be left out of whatever it was that Hoss was planning to do. “I gotta go too!”

 

“Well, hurry up,” said Adam crossly. “And watch out for Joe!” he shouted to Hoss as they both scampered around the back of the store to the outhouse. He turned to Alice again. “So …. tell me about these books,” he breathed, getting quite close to her.

 

“I was intending to go and take a look at them this afternoon,” said Alice with a demure smile at him. “Perhaps you’d be free to join me at the bookstore and we could go through them together?”

 

“I think that can be arranged,” said Adam, smiling at her and showing off his dimple to great effect. “I’ll be in town for the rest of the day anyway.”

 

“But what about your brothers?” asked Alice. “Aren’t you looking after them?”

 

“Hoss is going back to school this afternoon,” said Adam. “I can bring Joe with me. He won’t be any trouble.” Adam wished he could believe the last statement, for he’d never actually known his little brother not to be any trouble, but he wasn’t about to tell the young lady that.

 

Ironically, right at that exact moment his two younger brothers were up to their armpits in trouble as they crouched next to the Cartwright buggy that was hitched up the street. “Under there boy,” said Hoss, shoving the dog underneath. “No one will see ya if ya stay nice and quiet.”

 

“What if he takes off Hoss?” asked Joe, looking at the dog anxiously.

 

Hoss thought for a moment. “We’ll tie him to the wheel with something,” he said. “Have ya got any rope Joe?”

 

Joe looked in both his pockets as if by magic a piece of rope might have found its way into them. “No,” he said truthfully. “Have you?”

 

“Now what would I be carrying rope for?” scoffed Hoss. He scratched his head. “We’ll have to use something else,” he decided. “How about your suspenders?” he asked.

 

Joe shook his head. “Iffen I take my suspenders off my trousers will fall down,” he said. “My butt ain’t big enough to hold em up.” He patted Hoss’ ample behind. “But yours is Hoss,” he added. “You got plenty of butt to hold your trousers up by themselves.”

 

“True,” admitted Hoss modestly. “I got a right big butt.” He unhooked one of his suspenders and used it to tie the dog to the wheel. “Now you stay there fellar until we come back for you,” he said. “Keep nice and quiet.”

 

The dog looked up at them trustingly and then put its head down and shut its eyes. “I dunno Joe,” said Hoss. “He don’t look too good to me.” He felt all over the animal’s body. “His nose is all warm and dry and see how his tail goes down? That ain’t a good sign.”

 

“Is he sick Hoss?” asked Joe anxiously.

 

“I dunno,” said Hoss. “Maybe. His eyes is real dull too.” He stood up. “I’ll have to think on it,” he said. “Come on, let’s get back before Adam figures out what we’ve been up to.”

 

The two boys scampered back down the street and stood side by side as they looked at their older brother who was still talking to Alice. They stared at them both until Adam was forced to turn and give them a frustrated look in return. “What are you two looking at?” he snapped.

 

“Nothin,” said Hoss innocently. “We’re just standing here waiting.”

 

Adam’s eyes narrowed as he noticed the familiar innocent expressions on both their faces that usually signalled trouble, but he was quickly distracted by Alice who placed a hand on his sleeve and looked up into his eyes. “So I’ll see you at the bookstore later on then?” she asked sweetly.

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “I’ll be there.”

 

Suddenly, Hoss gripped hold of Joe’s sleeve and he pointed across the street to where Doctor Paul Martin was standing outside his office leaning against a pole in the sun while he read a newspaper. “There’s Doc Martin!” Hoss said. “We’re just gonna go and say hello to him, Adam!” He began to drag Joe across the street before either of his brothers could say anything.

 

“I don’t wanna talk to Doc Martin!” whined Joe as he dragged his feet in the dirt, for the doctor wasn’t his favourite person. Joe always associated him with being hurt and nasty tasting medicine and he wasn’t about to willingly go near the man.

 

Hoss bent down until they were face to face. “Now listen here Joe,” he said. “We gotta find out what’s wrong with that dog and Doc Martin might be able to tell us,” he said. “You wanna help that dog or not?”

 

“Yeah,” Joe admitted. “But Doc Martin doctors people, not animals, Hoss.”

 

“He still might know,” said Hoss cagily. “Leave all the talking to me.” He waved to the doctor as they approached. “Hi Doc,” he said. “Nice day, ain’t it?”

 

The doctor looked up from his newspaper. “Well, if it isn’t the Cartwright boys,” he said. “Not in school today, Hoss?”

 

“Nah,” said Hoss, dismissively. “Pa’s coming in from Reno and we’re meeting him on the stage.”

 

“I see,” said Paul Martin. “I heard that the stage was running late.”

 

“Yes sir,” said Hoss. “Hey Doc, could I ask you a question?”

 

“Certainly,” said the doctor.

 

“If someone has real dull eyes and they look real tired, what would you think?”

 

“Well, I’d think they were probably sick,” said the Doctor. “Aren’t you feeling well son?”

 

“Oh, it’s not me,” declared Hoss quickly as he pulled Little Joe forward. “It’s my little brother here. He’s been feeling right poorly.”

 

“I see,” said Paul, kneeling down to get a closer look at the child. “And what exactly is wrong?”

 

“He’s got a warm nose and it’s real dry,” explained Hoss. “His eyes are real dull and his tail …. I mean … his butt …. keeps pointing down to the ground. What do ya think might be wrong with him Doc?”

 

Paul blinked a couple of times as he tried to smother a smile. “I see,” he said, controlling himself quickly. “Well now …” He looked at Joe. “If you were talking about an animal I’d say that he was simply hungry, but seeing as how you’re talking about a boy …. well, I think that a full examination in my office followed by a big dose of castor oil might be in order.”

 

Joe gave the man a horrified look and scuttled behind his brother’s legs. “I ain’t sick!” he shouted quickly. “I feel real good now!”

 

“Well, praise be!” said Paul, getting up again. “That’s the quickest cure I’ve ever witnessed.” He grinned down at the two boys. “Anything else I can help you with?” he asked.

 

“No thanks Doc,” said Hoss, happily. “We’ll be seeing ya.” He dragged Joe back across the street to where Adam was glaring at them both, while Paul Martin had a quiet chuckle to himself.

 

“What did you take off for?” asked Adam crossly as they approached him. “You had no call to run across the street like that!”

 

“We were just being sociable,” retorted Hoss.

 

“Just being sociable,” echoed Joe.

 

“Well don’t,” said Adam. “Hurry up and follow me.” He pointed a finger at Hoss. “You’ve got to get back to school and I’ve got to get to the bookstore as soon as we’ve eaten.”

 

“I reckon Doc Martin is right,” whispered Hoss to Joe as they scampered off after Adam down the street. “I reckon that poor dog’s real hungry, Joe.”

 

“Are we gonna feed him Hoss?” asked Joe.

 

Hoss nodded. “Yeah,” he said, eyeing off Daisy’s Kitchen as they approached it. “I’m gonna figure out how to fill his belly while we’re filling ours.”

 

“Well if it isn’t the three Cartwright boys!” declared Daisy as Adam led his brother’s into her small café. “Isn’t it nice to see you all!” She bustled over to them, her ample skirts rustling as she did so. “Have you come for a bite to eat, me dears?”

 

“Yes please,” said Adam. “We’re waiting for Pa to come on the stage from Reno and …”

 

“… it’s been delayed,” Daisy finished for him. “Yes, I heard about the rock slide.” She smiled at all of them in turn. “And of course you’ve all built up an appetite while you’re waiting,” she said. “What you need is a good nourishing meal to keep your strength up.”

 

“Yes ma’am!” declared Hoss as the woman ushered them to a table. “That sounds real fine!” He took hold of the menu that Daisy held out to him and studied it while Daisy fussed over Little Joe, propping him up on two cushions so that he could see over the top of the table.

 

“Now you have a think about what you’d like to eat and I’ll get it for you,” Daisy said with a smile.

 

“I don’t have to have a think,” Joe informed her confidently. “I already know what I want. I want a big piece of chocolate cake and a double whiskey please.”

 

Daisy gave him a startled look. “What did you say?” she said.

 

“I said, I’ll have a piece of chocolate cake and a double whiskey please,” repeated Joe in a louder voice.

 

“Where did you get that from?” asked Adam, astonished.

 

“What?” Joe turned his innocent face towards his brother.

 

“The double whiskey?” asked Adam. “Where did you hear that?”

 

“Oh … Charlie told Jake that a double whiskey really is the best drink ever,” Joe said casually. “So I’ve been meaning to try one.”

 

Adam made a mental note to have a discussion with his father about the amount of time his little brother spent in the bunkhouse. “I see,” he said. “Well you can try one in about fifteen years, but for now you’ll have milk.

 

“But I don’t want milk,” protested Joe. “I want a double whiskey.”

 

“We don’t serve double whiskeys in here, me darling,” said Daisy soothingly.

 

“Where do they serve em then?” enquired Joe curiously.

 

“Down at the saloon,” said Adam. “And you aren’t ….”

 

Hoss looked up from his menu, oblivious to the conversation that had been taking place. “I’ll have some of the vegetable soup,” he said to Daisy. “And fried chicken with those little baked potatoes, and some grilled steak with …”

 

“You’ll have beef stew,” interrupted Adam.

 

Hoss gave his brother an aggrieved look. “But I ain’t finished yet,” he said. “I was getting to the beef stew.” He looked at Daisy again. “And with the grilled steak I’ll have ….”

 

Adam reached over and took the menu from his brother’s hands. “Three beef stews,” he said firmly to Daisy. “One half size,” he added, nodding in Joe’s direction. “Two glasses of milk and one coffee, thanks.”

 

Daisy smiled at him and bustled away to get the order.

 

“That ain’t fair Adam,” protested Hoss. “I wanted ….”

 

“I don’t care what you wanted,” interrupted Adam. “You’re having beef stew and that’s all there is to it.”

 

“You forgot to say my chocolate cake,” Joe reminded him. “I ain’t having beef stew … I’m having chocolate cake.”

 

“We’re all having beef stew and that’s the end of it,” said Adam firmly.

 

“Gee, you’re getting all bossy today Adam,” said Hoss grumpily.

 

“Yeah,” echoed Joe. “All bossy.”

 

“That reminds me,” said Adam. “Where did that dog go? Did you find somewhere for it?”

 

“Oh yeah,” said Hoss casually. “We found somewhere for him.”

 

Adam reached over and fingered Hoss’ lone suspender. “And what’s happened to your other suspender?” he asked. “You’ve only got one on.”

 

Hoss feigned a surprised look. “Yeah?” he said, looking down at it. “I reckon the other one musta fallen off when I went to the outhouse.”

 

“How does a suspender simply fall off?” enquired Adam sarcastically.

 

“I dunno,” said Hoss, shrugging. “Hey, here’s our stew!”

 

There was silence around the table for the next few minutes as Adam and Hoss tucked into their stew and Joe pushed his around his plate.

 

“Eat some,” instructed Adam, pointing to his brother’s plate with his fork. Joe dutifully put a piece of meat into his mouth and began to chew on it noisily with his mouth open.

 

“Close your mouth when you chew,” said Adam. “You sound like a dog chewing on a bone.”

 

Hoss’ eyes opened wide at his brother’s words and he grinned at Joe and then winked at him. “What was that for?” asked Adam, suspiciously.

 

Hoss opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything the door was flung open and Miss Abigail Jones appeared. “Well, there you are!” she said, coming over to them. “Sheriff Coffee told me that Joseph had been found.” She clutched her hands to her breast in a dramatic gesture. “I’m so relieved,” she gushed. “I had terrible thoughts about what might have happened to him running through my brain.” She gave Adam a huge smile. “I am rather sensitive about things,” she explained. “It’s my delicate nature you see. I feel things so deeply.” Adam simply nodded, not sure what to reply to this outburst. “Oh, you’re having lunch,” said Abigail. “I’ll join you for a few moments if you don’t mind.” She pulled a chair away from an adjoining table and set it close to Adam’s. “Just a coffee please!” she said, waving a hand at Daisy who gave her a hard look in return. “Well, isn’t this cosy?” she said, looking around at them all.

 

Hoss smiled weakly at the woman. He placed the beef stew he’d managed to scoop up from Joe’s plate in his handkerchief while she was distracting Adam, secretively into his pocket and then stood up. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said. “I gotta go.”

 

“But you’ve just been,” said Adam, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

 

“A man’s gotta go when a man’s gotta go,” said Hoss. “Scuze me ma’am,” he said and hurried from the room.

 

“Look for your suspender while you’re out there!” Adam shouted after him.

 

“Take your time, Eric dear,” Abigail called after him. “We’re quite cosy here while we’re waiting for you!” She fluttered her eyelids at Adam who promptly leant away from her and stood up. “I’ll just go and …. pay for our meals,” he said quickly.

 

Abigail sipped her coffee as she watched him walk to the other side of the room. “Well,” she said pleasantly to Joe who was sitting staring at her intently. “Would you like to tell me why you left the schoolhouse earlier, Joseph?”

 

“I ain’t coming to school no more,” Joe informed the woman. “I don’t like being quiet all the time.”

 

“Yes, well … I’ll soon knock that out of you when you come to school fulltime,” said Abigail, giving the youngster a determined look and was startled to see that Joe gave her just as determined a look in return. She had a sudden uneasy thought that this particular Cartwright mightn’t be as easy to control in class as his older brother and the thought made her a little wary of him.

 

“Well, you’ve certainly cleaned your plate up for once,” said Adam, coming back to the table. He patted Joe on the head. “Good boy,” he said.

 

Joe looked down at his near-empty plate and wondered where all the beef stew had gone. As it wasn’t his favourite meal, he decided to keep quiet about the fact that he hadn’t actually eaten much of it and instead simply smiled at his brother. “Can I have my chocolate cake now?” he asked sweetly.

 

“No,” said Adam, who had no intention of sitting back down at the table next to Abigail while his brother ate a dessert. “We must be going to the bookstore now.”

 

“The bookstore?” said Abigail, her eyes brightening. “It’s so nice to meet a man who enjoys reading as much as you do Adam.” She gave Hoss a hard look as the boy came back into the room. “Your younger brother could well do with a good role model in that area. Reading isn’t your best subject, is it Eric?” she said.

 

Hoss hung his head. “No ma’am,” he said, for if the truth were told, Hoss and Abigail were both still searching for what might be his best subject in school and neither of them had found it yet.

 

“And straighten up your trousers,” Abigail instructed him. “You look like tramp with them hanging down like that.”

 

Hoss tried to pull up his lopsided trousers. “I only got one suspender,” he said glumly.

 

Abigail sniffed. “So I see,” she said. “Well, I suppose one is better than none, although you really should take more care with your appearance Eric.” She smiled a toothy smile at Adam. “Appearances are so important, don’t you think so Adam?”

 

“We must be going,” said Adam, ignoring the comment. “Come on Joe.”

 

“We’re meeting a lady at the bookstore,” Joe informed Abigail as he climbed down from the cushions.

 

“Are you indeed?” replied Abigail with a sudden steely look in her eye as she stared directly at Adam. “I see! Hmph! Come along Eric, we must get back to class now.” She flounced out of the room without another word.

 

Hoss looked at Adam pleadingly, but Adam simply shook his head and shrugged. Hoss sighed deeply and followed Abigail from the café, his head down and his feet shuffling … looking for all the world as if he were following an executioner to his own demise. His empty handkerchief, recently licked clean of the beef stew by the dog, hung from his back pocket.

 

“That woman!” snapped Daisy, shaking her head as she began to clean up their table. “I swear, every chance she gets she’s out of that school and down here in town poking her nose into everyone’s business!”

 

“She’s got a right big nose up close too,” Joe informed her.

 

“I know what you mean,” Adam said to Daisy. “She’s very determined.”

 

Daisy gave the young man a look of pity. “If you don’t mind me saying so Adam,” she said. “It’s obvious that she’s set her cap at you.”

 

“I know,” sighed Adam mournfully. “It’s becoming a fulltime job just keeping away from her lately.”

 

“Well, good luck with it dear,” said Daisy sympathetically.

 

Adam nodded. “Thanks,” he said. “And thanks for the beef stew. It was real fine Daisy.”

 

“Yeah, thanks Mrs Daisy,” echoed Joe, grinning up at the woman.

 

Daisy gave him a motherly hug and then reached in a drawer beneath the counter. “There you go, me darling,” she said, placing a shiny penny on his small palm. “Now you spend that on something special.”

 

“Thank you!” said Joe eagerly, his mind suddenly fixated on peppermint sticks and gumdrops. “Hey Adam! Look what she gave me!”

 

“Lucky you,” said Adam. “Bye Daisy, and thanks again.”

 

“Goodbye, me darlings!” Daisy waved to Joe as Adam led him from the café.

 

“Hey Adam?” said Joe as they walked briskly down the street towards the bookstore.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Miss Jones didn’t have no cap on. What did Daisy mean?”

 

“Don’t worry about it Joe,” said Adam. “You’ll understand all that when you get older.”

 

Joe nodded as he pocketed his penny carefully, for that was something that he was well used to hearing. It seemed to him that when he finally did get older he would know a lot of things and he could hardly wait. “Can I spend my penny what she gave me now?” he asked. “I wanna buy some candy.”

 

“Later,” said Adam. “We’re going to the bookstore first.”

 

“OK,” said Joe. “Hey Adam?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“What’s the name of that lady we’re gonna meet there?”

 

“Her name is Alice and I’m meeting with her, not you,” replied Adam as he pushed open the door to the small bookstore and smiled as he spied Alice sitting demurely on a cushioned chair at the back of the store, reading a book. “Why hello there,” he said, sitting down next to her.

 

“Hello yourself,” she replied as she shut the book and gazed adoringly at him. “I was wondering when you were going to show up.”

 

Adam took off his hat and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. “I got a bit held up,” he said. “Sorry about that.” He tipped the book over. “What are you reading?”

 

“Thoreau,” she said. “It’s very good.”

 

“Hey!” said Joe indignantly. “What about me?”

 

“What about you?” asked Adam, staring into Alice’s blue eyes.

 

“What am I gonna do while you’re reading a book with that lady?” Joe pointed at Alice.

 

“Go and find yourself a book to read,” said Adam absently.

 

“But I can’t read yet!” said Joe. “That Miss Jones didn’t teach me to read this morning when I was at that school.”

 

“I have some children’s books at the back,” said the storekeeper, smiling at Joe. “Perhaps the little boy would like to look at them?”

 

Joe scowled at her. “I ain’t little!” he retorted.

 

“That would be wonderful,” said Adam, giving the woman a grateful look. “Thank you.”

 

“Come along dear,” the woman said.  “Let’s see if we can find something suitable for you to look at.” She led Joe towards the back of the shop and began to look on a few shelves.

 

“Have you got any stories about pirates?” asked Joe, fingering one of the books. “I like pirate stories. My Pa told me some.”

 

“Pirates?” said the woman absently as she continued to look. “I don’t think so.” She took a large book off the shelf. “Ah, here we are,” she said. “I’m sure you’ll like this one.” She held it out for his inspection. “See? It has prayers in it and some pictures of angels for you to look at.”

 

Joe gave the book a disdainful look. “Has it got blood in it?” he asked.

 

The woman blinked. “Blood?” she asked. “No, there’s no blood in it.”

 

Joe shook his head firmly. “No thanks then,” he said. “I like stories with blood in em. You know, people getting their arms chopped off and stuff like that.”

 

The woman blinked again. “Well, I really don’t think ….” she began and then stopped. “Here,” she continued, trying to sound pleasant. “Try this one. It’s all about a little rabbit.”

 

“Does he get his head chopped off?” asked Joe, standing up on his tiptoes and trying to get a look at the book. “Does he get killed and made into someone’s supper?”

 

“Well, no,” said the woman, blinking rapidly again. “He’s a nice, sweet little bunny.”

 

“No thanks,” said Joe. He gave her a withering look. “Ain’t you got anything interesting to look at?”

 

The woman took a deep breath. “Well, try this one,” she said. “It’s got some folk tales in it.”

 

“What kind of tails?” asked Joe, taking the book from her.

 

“Folk tales,” repeated the woman.

 

“I ain’t heard of them,” replied Joe. “Does any of the tails get chopped off?”

 

The woman took another deep breath. “I’m sure I don’t know,” she said impatiently. “Why don’t you go and have a look?”

 

“OK, thanks,” said Joe, smiling at her politely. He took his book and walked back to Adam and Alice. “I got a book,” he informed them. “It’s all about folks with tails.”

 

“Good,” said Adam absently, not even looking at him.

 

Joe sat on the floor and opened the book. “Hey! This is no good!” he said loudly. “There’s no pictures in this!”

 

Adam finally turned to look at him and rolled his eyes. “Can’t you just be quiet for a little while?” he asked impatiently.

 

“Isn’t he a sweetheart?” said Alice, pursing her lips and giving Adam a demure smile. “I do so love children.”

 

“Do you?” asked Adam dreamily, picking up her hand and caressing it.

 

“Yes,” she breathed. “I’d love to have a few of my own … some day.” She blushed slightly and smiled again at him from under her eyelashes as Joe looked from one to the other.

 

“You’re pretty,” he said to Alice.

 

Alice smiled down at the little boy. “What a lovely child,” she said. “Would you like me to read you a story, darling?” She looked at Adam out of the corner of her eye and noticed with pleasure that he was still looking at her with the same dreamy expression on his face.

 

“OK,” said Joe, happily climbing up into her lap. “Find me one where someone’s tail gets chopped off, will ya?”

 

Alice gave him a strange look and then leafed through the book, aware the whole time of the lovely picture she thought she was making with the small child on her lap. “Well now,” she said. “Let’s see what we can find, shall we?”

 

“You smell nice,” said Joe, smiling up at her and cuddling his face into her ample bosom. “You’re all soft and squishy too.”

 

Alice cuddled the boy tenderly to her chest. “What a precious little thing,” she said to Adam as she stroked Joe’s curls. “Don’t you just love him to bits?”

 

“All the time,” said Adam sarcastically as he gave Joe a wary look, but Joe didn’t even notice because he was staring straight into the girl’s ample bosom, which was at the same height as his face.

 

“Are you gonna slobber all over Adam’s face like that other lady did?” asked Joe looking up sweetly at Alice.

 

Alice blinked twice and then looked down at him. “I beg your pardon?” she asked.

 

“I said, are you gonna slobber all over Adam’s face like that other lady did?” Joe repeated.

 

Alice pushed the child away from her and forced him to sit upright on her lap. “What other lady?” she asked suspiciously.

 

“Joe,” said Adam quickly. “Get down from there and go and find another book.”

 

“Just a minute,” said Alice, her eyes glinting as she held up her hand to silence him. “I’d like to know just who this other lady is that you’ve had slobbering all over you.” She looked down at Joe. “Who do you mean?” she asked, trying to sound sweet.

 

Joe shrugged. “I don’t know her name,” he said. “But she lives over in the saloon.” His face took on a mournful expression. “She’s real poor. I know because she’s got a real short dress and big holes in her stockings.” He smiled at Alice and then added,  “You’re prettier but.” He looked at Adam, failing to notice the outraged expression on his brother’s face. “I think you should let her slobber on your face too Adam,” he said generously. “I don’t mind watching fer a bit.”

 

Adam grabbed his brother and plonked him firmly onto his feet. “Get lost,” he said in a low whisper. “Go and sit over there near the door with your book, why don’t you?” He turned to Alice. “Children!” he said quickly with a smile. “They say the darndest things, don’t they? You never know what they’re going to come out with next.”

 

“Apparently not,” said Alice, giving him a hard look. “Really! I honestly didn’t think that you were the sort of man who would be seeing more than one girl at a time Adam Cartwright!”

 

“But I’m not,” declared Adam quickly. “One drink in the saloon and a peck on the cheek from a girl doesn’t mean I’m seeing her!” He kicked Joe away surreptitiously as he leant towards Alice. “It’s you I’m interested in seeing, not some saloon girl I hardly know.”

 

Alice softened a little. “Well,” she said. “I suppose I can’t blame anyone for wanting to kiss you,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to myself.”

 

“Go on Adam,” said Joe, happily as he clutched his book to his chest. “I wanna see you kiss her!” He turned to Alice. “He’s a real good kisser,” he informed her. “He’s always practising with lots of girls.”

 

“Oh, is he?” said Alice, giving Adam a suspicious look.

 

Adam turned to Joe. “Will you do as you’re told and go away?” he said. “Sit over there near the door and look at your book.”

 

Joe shrugged and went over to the seat next to the doorway. He concentrated on turning several pages in his book, but when he found no pictures in it, he quickly lost interest in it and dropped it onto the floor as he looked at Adam and Alice again. They were deep in conversation and try as he might he couldn’t seem to get their attention, so he stood up and amused himself by looking out of the door and into the street.

 

Suddenly his eyes lit up, he reached into his pocket and fingered the shiny penny that Daisy had given him and then with a quick backward glance at Adam and Alice he quietly left the store.

 

“I mean it,” said Adam as he breathed into Alice’s ear. “You’re the only girl I even think about.”

 

“Really?” she breathed.

 

“Really,” he said.

 

“Kiss me Adam,” she said and held up a book in front of their faces so that they were hidden from view. Adam obliged her and gave her a long lingering kiss on the lips. “Oh Adam!” Alice breathed. “Oh Adam!”

 

“Excuse me, you two lovebirds,” said the storekeeper sarcastically as she approached. “But I think you should know that the little boy has gone.”

 

“What little boy?” asked Adam absently, still gazing into Alice’s eyes.

 

“The one who came in with you earlier,” said the woman. “He was sitting over near the door a few moments ago, but now he’s disappeared.”

 

Adam’s head shot up. “I’m gonna kill him!” he said angrily. He stood up and looked around the store. “Joe!” he shouted. “Get out here right this minute!”

 

“I think he might have left,” said the storekeeper. “The front door has been opened.”

 

Adam grabbed his hat, gave Alice an apologetic look and ran from the bookstore. He looked to the right and then to the left, but couldn’t see his little brother anywhere. “I’ll kill him!’ he said again and strode off down in the direction of the mercantile to search for him.

 

But Joe wasn’t in the mercantile, for he had trotted in the opposite direction and had made his way back to those swinging doors again, ducked straight under them and entered the saloon.

 

Sam the bartender was busy polishing glasses when he heard a small voice. “A double whiskey, please!”

 

He looked around, but saw no one. Shaking his head, he continued to clean the glasses, when he heard the voice again. “I said … a double whiskey, please!”

 

Sam looked over the top of the bar and down to the top of a curly head. “Well I’ll be!” he said, in amazement. “What are you doing in here sonny?”

 

Joe gave him a frustrated look and put his hands on his hips as he shouted up at him. “I been asking for a double whiskey!” he said crossly. “Ain’t you heard me yet?”

 

Sam chuckled. “I heard you,” he said. “But I ain’t about to give you one …. Mister.”

 

Joe puffed up at the thought of being called Mister and grinned up at the man. “Why not?” he asked and held up his shiny penny. “I got money for it!”

 

Sam shook his head, his eyes twinkling. “Sorry, but that just ain’t enough for a double whiskey,” he said. “Besides, we got a policy in here.”

 

“Yeah?” asked Joe, wondering what a policy was. “What’s that?”

 

Sam patted the wooden bar. “You gotta be big enough to rest your elbows on this here bar before you can order a double whiskey,” he said playfully.

 

Joe’s brow furrowed in thought at this new development. “Well, iffen I stood on a chair I reckon I could reach with my elbows,” he said, looking around for a chair that he could use.

 

“No good,” said Sam, shaking his head. “Your feet gotta be on the floor while your elbows are on the bar,” he said, laughing outright this time. “Sorry kid, but you gotta leave.”

 

“Don’t be so hard on the kid, Sam,” said Bessie as she came to stand next to Joe. “He’s just thirsty.” She bent down and patted the small boy on the top of his curly head. “How’s that big handsome brother of yours, sweetheart?”

 

“Which one?” asked Joe, smiling up at her. “I got two.”

 

“Why Adam, of course,” replied Bessie. “You tell him that I’m waiting to see him again, will you?”

 

“Sure!” said Joe. “He looked her up and down with a pitying glance. “I know a lady who you can buy stockings from if ya like,” he said. “Proper ones, without holes.”

 

Bessie giggled. “Well, you tell her that I just might come and see her one day,” she said.

 

“OK,” said Joe. “I will.” He fingered his shiny penny and gave Sam one more hopeful look. “I still want that double whiskey,” he said. “I’ll be back when my legs get a bit longer.”

 

“You do that!” laughed Sam as Bessie led the child out to the sidewalk. “See ya then, kid!”

 

“Now you remember what I told you,” said Bessie, patting him on the head again. “Tell your brother Adam that I’m waiting for him.”

 

“I will,” said Joe. “And I’ll tell that lady bout you wanting some proper stockings too!” He waved to Bessie as she wandered back into the saloon again and then pocketed his money as he trotted down the street.  Joe was on a mission and when he made up his mind to do something, he usually did it straight away before he forgot about it. So it was with great determination that he ran straight around the corner of Main Street and into a ladies apparel shop.

 

The bell on the door tinkled as he pushed it open and he smiled at the familiar sight of the piles of ladies undergarments that he’d been used to seeing for as long as he could remember. His mother Marie had been friendly with the woman who owned the store, for they shared a French heritage together, and many afternoons Joe had perched happily on top of a pile of ladies bloomers and whiled away the time listening to their conversation, as ladies wandered in and out of the store with their purchases. For one so young, he had developed quite a knowledge of ladies apparel under such circumstances, without even knowing that he had done so.

 

“Hello Mademoiselle Francine,” he said happily to the woman behind the counter.

 

The woman stopped folding the linen in her hands and smiled at him. “Why Joe-Joe!” she said excitedly. “How are you, mon cheri? I have not seen you in such a long time!”

 

“Bonjour,” said Joe, lapsing into the language of his mother, unconsciously. “I’m good.”

 

Miss Francine came around to his side of the counter and swept him up into her arms as she gave him a hug. “I have missed you, mon précieux,” she said. “I don’t see you very often now that your sweet mama has gone away from us.”

 

“Oui,” said Joe politely, wriggling to get free. “Pa and my brothers don’t shop in here much.”

 

“I should hope not!” said an indignant voice from behind the curtained off section of the shop. “The very idea of men frequenting a ladies apparel shop!” A woman poked her head out from behind the curtain and smiled at Joe. “Why, if it isn’t the little Cartwright boy,” she said. “Hello dear.”

 

“Bonjour,” said Joe politely. He fingered a pile of bloomers that were on a chair next to him. “Nice lace,” he said absently. “I came to buy some stockings,” he explained to Miss Francine. “For a friend.”

 

Miss Francine and the woman behind the curtain exchanged amused glances. “Really Joe-Joe?” said Miss Francine. “And who would that be?”

 

“I don’t know her name,” said Joe. “But she lives in the saloon and she’s got big holes in her stockings. She’s got a real short skirt, so I got a good look at em.” He looked around. “You got any of them nice black ones?”

 

The woman behind the curtain pursed her lips. “A saloon girl,” she said in a disapproving tone. “Now how did a little thing like you meet up with a saloon girl?”

 

“She’s a friend of my brother Adam’s,” said Joe casually. “Where’s them black stockings, Miss Francine?”

 

Miss Francine picked the little boy up and placed him on the counter. “Now Joe-Joe,” she said firmly. “It’s not very …. nice … for you to be buying stockings for a girl,” she said. “Maybe when you’re a little older?”

 

The woman behind the counter snorted. “Hmph! Maybe some of the husbands around here would do well to follow this child’s example,” she said. “Some men have got no idea of how to treat a lady.” She came out from behind the curtain and wagged her finger at Miss Francine. “The world would be a better place if men thought about a lady’s needs once in a while.”

 

“Ooh la la!” said Miss Francine, throwing her arms in the air. “Je conviens … I agree!”

 

Joe gave the large woman a rather interested look. “That’s a nice bodice,” he said.

 

The woman looked a little startled at his words and put her arms over her chest self consciously. “You think so?” she asked.

 

“Oui,” said Joe. “That corset with the English lace on it matches. You should try them on together.”

 

The woman looked to where he was pointing. “Well, I do declare,” she said. “The boy is right!” She gave Joe a curious look. “How on earth does a child his age have any idea about such things?”

 

“Oh, Joe-Joe knows a lot about ladies lingerie,” said Miss Francine, giving him another quick hug. “He has spent many hours in here with his mama, haven’t you mon précieux?” She nodded knowingly to the large woman. “His mama Marie had modèle …” She put her hands up as she grasped for the word. “How do you say it? ….. style,” she said.

 

Joe shook his head. “I don’t ‘member her buying any style,” he said.

 

“Oh la la!” laughed Miss Francine. “She did not buy her style mon petit, she was born with it.” She touched him on the nose. “I think you also have a peu de modèle

too … a leetle style.” She winked at the other woman. “The lucky ladies when this one grows up … ne pensez-vous pas?”

 

“Yes indeedy,” said the other woman. She held the corset up in front of her as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. “He’s got the Cartwright charm,” she added. “All them Cartwright men got it.”

 

“So how about them stockings?” Joe reminded Miss Francine. “I got a penny to pay for them.” He held it up for her inspection.

 

“No, mon cheri,” said Miss Francine, wagging her finger at him. “You tell the lady in question to come and buy her own stockings.”

 

“OK,” said Joe happily as he pocketed his penny again. “I’d rather buy some candy with it anyhow.” His brow furrowed as he rubbed his little belly. “I’m right hungry,” he added.

 

Miss Francine looked concerned. “Did you not have any dinner, mon précieux?” she asked.

 

“Non …. only one bite,” said Joe sadly. “Adam said I couldn’t have no more cause we ran out of time and had to leave.” He sighed for effect, fully enjoying the attention that he was getting.

 

Miss Francine put her hand on her chest. “Mais c’est terrible!” she exclaimed. “Did you not tell your papa that you are hungry?”

 

“Pa’s not here,” said Joe sadly. “We’re waiting for him to come home on the stage from Reno.”

 

“It’s been delayed,” said the large woman. “Rock slide, so I heard.”

 

Miss Francine continued to look at Joe sorrowfully. “But who is looking after you if your papa is not at home?” she asked.

 

“My brothers,” said Joe. “And Hop Sing.”

 

The large woman sniffed. “I don’t know,” she said. “A little child like that in the care of men. It just isn’t right, if you ask me.”

 

Miss Francine bent down and looked at Joe closely. “Mon bébé chéri,” she said sorrowfully. “You need a woman’s love …. l’amour d’une femme.”

 

Joe put on his best puppy-dog expression and nodded. “Sometimes my brothers are mean to me,” he said, beginning to sense the drama of it all.

 

“Are they, mon amour?” said Miss Francine, stroking his hair. “Well then, I might just have to have a word to your papa about that.”

 

Joe began to sense that he was the centre of attention and rose to the occasion. “Adam keeps kissing girls all the time and tells me to be quiet,” he said, sniffing for effect. “He can be right bossy when he wants to be.”

 

“Mais c’est terrible!” exclaimed Miss Francine. “Is this the same brother who took you into the saloon?”

 

“Yeah,” said Joe and sniffed again. “C’est lui.”

 

“Well it sounds to me as if the child is neglected,” sniffed the large woman. “Not feeding him properly, letting him frequent saloons, the very idea of it! He’ll be telling us next that they beat him as well.”

 

“Sometimes my brother hits me,” said Joe eagerly. “When I don’t do what he tells me to.”

 

“Indeed!” said Miss Francine. “Well, we shall see about that!” She turned as the door opened. “Well, speak of the devil,” she said, with a glint in her eye. “Adam Cartwright!”

 

“Miss Francine,” said Adam, tipping his hat to the woman. The large woman scuttled back behind the curtain with her corset as he added, “I’m sorry to interrupt ladies, but ….” His eyes narrowed as he spied Joe sitting up on the counter. “There you are!” he said crossly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” He strode over, picked up the child and gave him a swat on his backside. “Don’t you ever run off from me like that again!” he said, shaking him slightly.

 

Miss Francine leapt forward and hit Adam between the shoulder-blades. “You let go of that poor defenceless child this instant!” she said. “What a beast! Quelle bête!” She grabbed Joe out of Adam’s arms and clutched him to her, glaring at the startled Adam angrily. “How dare you hit him!” she said. “Isn’t it enough that you’ve starved the child without making it worse?”

 

Adam blinked. “Starved him?” he said. “What are you talking about?” His eyes narrowed as he looked at Joe gazing innocently at him as he was cuddled securely in Miss Francine’s arms. “What have you been telling her?” he asked.

 

“Just the truth!” said Miss Francine haughtily. She stroked Joe’s hair softly. “Poor little lamb … mon bébé chéri,” she said. “I can assure you that I intend to report this to the authorities.”

 

Adam looked confused. “Report what?” he said. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He reached over and dragged Joe away from her. “Have you been telling fibs?” he asked him as he held him up at arm’s length to look at him properly.

 

“No Adam,” said Joe, looking at his brother sincerely. “I ain’t been telling fibs. Can we go and spend my penny now? I wanna buy something to eat.”

 

“Yes, go and feed that child!” said Miss Francine. “And you just wait until your father gets back and I have words with him. Letting a darling little lamb … un bébé innocent … into a hideous saloon while you spend your time cavorting with flooseys …. avec femmes lâches! You just wait until your father hears about this!”

 

Adam shook his head slightly as he backed away from her. “Au revoir Mademoiselle Francine!” called Joe from under Adam’s arm. “Vous voient la fois prochaine!”

 

Adam retreated from the shop quickly and practically ran up the street. He didn’t stop until he’d reached Main Street again, then placed Joe on his feet and bent down level with him. “What did you say to her?” he asked his little brother.

 

Joe looked at his brother in a frustrated way. “Didn’t ya hear me?” he said. “I said vous voient la fois prochaine … see ya next time.”

 

“There isn’t going to be a next time if you keep carrying on making trouble everywhere you go,” Adam warned him. “What have you done?” he said.

 

“Nuthin,” said Joe looking around as his interest in the conversation waned. “Can we go and buy my candy now?”

 

“You’re not buying any candy until I find out what you’ve been saying,” said Adam. He pointed a finger under Joe’s nose. “Now you listen to me Joe ….” He looked up as he sensed someone standing next to them. “What are you doing here?” he said testily. “You should be in school!”

 

Hoss shrugged. “Miss Jones let us out a bit early,” he said. “I think she’s looking for you Adam.”

 

Adam stood up again. “What now?” he snapped. “Why on earth is she looking for me?”

 

Hoss shrugged a second time. “I dunno,” he said. “But she kept asking me questions about who you were meeting in the bookstore and then she told us that she had some books to buy and so we got out early,” he said. “I didn’t mind,” he added happily.

 

“Look what I got Hoss,” said Joe, holding up his shiny penny. “We can get some candy!”

 

Hoss’ eyes lit up. “Sure can,” he said. “Come on, let’s spend it now!” He grabbed Joe by the hand and set off, oblivious to Adam’s pained expression.

 

“You two just hold on there,” said their brother.

 

Hoss and Joe turned. “But you said I could buy some candy later,” Joe reasoned. “And it’s later now.”

 

Adam threw up his hands in a gesture of hopelessness. “I give up,” he said. “All right, go and buy your candy,” he said. “Hurry up!” He leant against a pole and folded his arms across his chest as he contemplated recent events. He couldn’t for the life of him understand what Miss Francine was accusing him of, but it didn’t sound good. And as for Abigail Jones …. Adam shuddered. He looked around anxiously as if the woman might suddenly appear from around a corner and swiftly pulled his hat down over his face as if to shield himself from the world.

 

After a few moments, Adam stood up straight and walked briskly across the street after his brothers to the mercantile. “Afternoon Adam,” said the storekeeper who was busy sweeping the sidewalk outside the store. “If you’re looking for your brothers, they’re inside.”

 

“Thanks,” said Adam, brushing past the man and inside the store. “Would you two hurry up?” he said curtly. “I want to get up to the Stage Office.”

 

“It ain’t time for the stage yet,” said Hoss, his nose pressed against the glass counter as he stared at all the candy jars inside.

 

“I hear there’s been a rock slide that delayed the stage from Reno,” said the woman behind the counter. “Your Pa on it?”

 

“Yes,” said Adam, looking over his shoulder as if he feared Abigail might appear at any moment. “Hurry up boys.”

 

“We’ll have two of them,” said Joe, pointing. “No …. I changed my mind …. One of them and three of them …. no …. two of them ones instead ….”

 

“Hurry up!” snarled Adam. “How long does it take to decide on a few pieces of candy?”

 

“It usually takes a while,” said Hoss. “Two of them ones as well ….” He pointed. “How many is that now?”

 

“That’s just about right,” said the woman. “One penny’s worth all together … ten pieces.”

 

“Pay her Joe,” Hoss instructed his brother as he grabbed hold of the twisted paper cone with the candy inside and began to open it. “We can go now,” he informed Adam.

 

As the three brothers reached the sidewalk, Joe and Hoss began to argue over the candy. “It was my penny,” declared Joe. “I should get to hold it!”

 

“I’m bigger than you, so I can count em out better,” retorted Hoss, holding them up and out of Joe’s reach. He counted out three for Joe and handed them to him, gave Adam three and then looked at the four still left in the paper. “There’s one over,” he said thoughtfully. “I think I should have that one.”

 

Joe gave him an indignant look. “It’s mine!” he said. “It was my penny!”

 

“Tell you what Joe,” suggested Hoss. “How about I suck on it for a bit and then you can suck the second half?” He popped it into his mouth and smiled at his brother as he began to suck on it.

 

Joe thought for a moment. “OK,” he said finally. “That’s a good plan.”

 

“You two can’t be serious,” Adam said in a disgusted tone. “You’re actually going to share the sucking rights to a piece of candy?”

 

“Sure,” said Hoss happily, secure in the knowledge that he was getting the better end of the deal. “We don’t mind sharing.”

 

“What are we gonna do now Adam?” asked Joe, popping all three of his pieces of candy into his mouth at once and starting to suck on them.

 

“We’re going to walk down to the Stage Office,” said Adam. “I want to see if there’s any chance of that stage getting in earlier than planned.” He looked around uneasily. “The sooner we get out of town the better as far as I’m concerned. What a day!”

 

“Yeah,” said Joe as he happily skipped next to his eldest brother. “It’s been a great one, ain’t it?”

 

Adam gave him a dark look. “I haven’t finished with you yet,” he muttered. “I’d be quiet if I were you.”

 

Joe turned to give his brother an innocent look, but it quickly turned into a grin. “Lookee Hoss!” he shouted. “Here comes our dog!”

 

All the brothers looked at the mangy mutt that was running towards them, Hoss’ suspender trailing in the dust behind it. “Hi boy!” shouted Joe happily, while Hoss gave Adam a guilty look.

 

“I thought you said that you got rid of that mutt!” said Adam angrily. “Why did you lie to me?”

 

“I didn’t lie,” said Hoss defensively as he got down on one knee to hug the animal. “You asked if I found a place for him and I said yes … cause I did.”

 

“Yeah,” agreed Joe. “We found a place for him under our buggy.” He picked up one end of Hoss’ suspender. “He musta got loose from the wheel, Hoss,” he said.

 

“So that’s what happened to your suspender,” snorted Adam, glaring at Hoss. “Fell off indeed!”

 

The dog snuffled around Hoss, trying to get to his dirty handkerchief that was still hanging out of his back pocket. “He’s still hungry,” said Hoss in a concerned voice. “What’s the matter boy? You want some more beef stew?” He stopped as he realised what he’d said and looked down at the ground guiltily, not willing to meet Adam’s eye.

 

“Beef stew?” snapped Adam. “You fed him Joe’s beef stew, didn’t you? I should have known.”

 

“Well, Joe didn’t want it!” declared Hoss. “And the dog was real hungry Adam,” he added.

 

“He was real hungry Adam,” echoed Joe. “I’m glad Hoss gave him my beef stew. Give me my half of that candy now Hoss,” he demanded, holding out his hand. Hoss took the half-sucked piece of candy from his mouth and handed it to Joe who promptly put it into his own mouth and started to suck on it happily.

 

“Well, that’s it,” said Adam, snatching up the suspender and holding onto it firmly. “I’ve had just about enough of all of this. We’re taking this mutt to Roy Coffee right now!”

 

“No Adam!” shouted Hoss.

 

“No Adam!” shouted Joe.

 

“Yes Adam!” said Adam. He turned to walk away with the animal, Hoss and Joe running to catch up to him as they continued to plead their case.

 

“But we love him,” said Hoss. “And Sheriff Coffee will give him to old man Keefer.”

 

“We love him!” echoed Joe.

 

“And he’ll make him into dog meat!” said Hoss.

 

“Dog meat!” echoed Joe.

 

“Good riddance,” said Adam, continuing to walk briskly down the street. “The sooner we get rid of this dog, the better.”

 

“No Adam!” both boys echoed.

 

Adam stopped outside the Sheriff’s Office. “Roy inside?” he asked an old man who was sitting in the doorway sunning himself.

 

“Nope,” said the old man. “He got called down to the bookstore a while back. Seems there’s a problem going on down there between some gals.”

 

“Problem in the bookstore?” asked Adam quickly.

 

“Yeah,” said the old man. “Bit of a catfight between that school teacher and another gal.” He chuckled. “I heard tell there’s been some hair pulling and some scratching going on. Roy went down to sort it out.” He looked at the dog. “Nice mutt,” he said.

 

“You want him?” asked Adam hopefully.

 

The old man spat a wad of tobacco onto the sidewalk, causing Joe to stare at him in delight. “Nope,” he said.

 

Adam tied the animal to the hitching rail. “We’re going to leave him here,” he said to Hoss and Joe. “Roy will see him when he comes back.”

 

“But he’ll get lonely,” protested Hoss. “I’ll wait with him.”

 

“You’ll do nothing of the kind,” said Adam, dragging him away from the animal. “You’re coming with me. Both of you!” he added to Joe over his shoulder. “Come on!”

 

“Are we going back to the bookstore?” asked Joe as he trotted after them.

 

“No, we are not!” snapped Adam. “We’re going in the opposite direction!”

 

“I’ll bet that Miss Jones was fighting with that gal over you,” said Hoss. “She was right interested in you being with her and all. Kept asking me iffen I knew who the gal might be.”

 

Adam didn’t answer, but continued to pull Hoss along the sidewalk by his sleeve. “Any news on the stage?” he asked Bert as they approached the Stage Office.

 

“Nope,” said Bert. He looked at his pocket watch. “You’re a might early though Adam. It’s just gone three o’clock.”

 

Adam visibly sagged and let go Hoss’ sleeve. “I was just hoping,” he said.

 

“Can we go down to the liffery stable while we’re waiting?” asked Joe eagerly. “We could look at the horses there.”

 

“Maybe,” said Adam. “But I think we’d best go back and settle up with Roy about that dog first.” He gave Hoss a hard look. “We need to make sure we get that suspender of yours back too.”

 

“Adam, I’m powerful hungry,” complained Joe as they trotted back the way they’d come.”

 

“You’ve just had a bellyful of candy!” said Adam. “How can you be hungry?”

 

“Candy don’t fill me up,” said Joe. “I still got a hole in my belly that needs to be filled.”

 

Adam softened a little. “Yes, that’s right,” he said. “I forgot about someone taking your lunch away from you.”  He gave Hoss a dark look, but Hoss simply stared back at him with a bland look.

 

“I could do with something to eat too,” Hoss said. “How about it Adam?”

 

Adam fingered the coins in his pocket. “All right,” he said finally. He handed Hoss some money. “You go and get three pieces of pie from Daisy’s Kitchen and bring them up to the Sheriff’s Office. Joe and I will meet you there and then we’ll sort out about that dog.”

 

Hoss grinned at his brother and took off. “Come on you,” said Adam grumpily to Joe. “We’re going back to watch that dog and make sure he doesn’t escape again.”

 

“I wanna go to the liffery stable,” whined Joe as he followed his brother.

 

“Quit your whining,” retorted Adam. “We’ll go to the livery stable later if we get time, now sit down there and keep still.” He pointed to the edge of the sidewalk next to the dog as they approached the Stage Office again.

 

Joe sat down obediently and put his arm around the dog’s neck as he watched the old man sitting on the chair. “That your dog?” asked the old man and then spat a wad of tobacco into the gutter.

 

Joe ignored the question and his mouth dropped open as he watched. “That’s real neat,” he said. “What are ya spitting?”

 

“Baccy,” said the old man and spat another wad of tobacco out. “It’s real relaxing to chew.”

 

“Can I try some?” asked Joe eagerly.

 

“No, you can’t,” said Adam quickly. “Don’t you even think about it.” He sat down next to Joe and stared off into the distance while his brother watched the old man chewing.

 

“Wish I had me some baccy,” said Joe wistfully, looking at Adam hopefully and then frowning as his brother didn’t acknowledge him. “I said … I wish I had me some baccy!” he repeated, louder this time.

 

“I heard you,” said Adam. “Be quiet! I’ve got enough to worry about without you yelling in my ear.”

 

Joe gave his brother a sympathetic look. “Women trouble, eh?” he said wisely.

 

Adam snorted. “What would you know about women trouble?” he asked. “Be quiet!”

 

“Here comes the sheriff now,” the old man informed them between a couple of spits. “Hey there, sheriff!”

 

“And here comes Hoss!” shouted Joe. “We’re having pie,” he informed the old man who nodded in reply.

 

“Well, hello there Cartwrights,” said Sheriff Roy Coffee amiably as he sauntered across the street towards them. “Not got rid of that dog yet?” He grinned at Hoss as the boy came to stand beside him, but Hoss scowled at the man in return.

 

“No,” said Adam. “And that’s what I’ve come to talk to you about.”

 

Roy nodded. “Well, bring him into my office,” he said. “I’ve got a few things to talk to you about as well.” He ushered them into his office and sat down at his desk.

 

“You can’t have my dog!” Hoss said as soon as the door was closed.

 

“Now hold on there young fellar,” said Roy. “It ain’t your dog, remember?”

 

“But he could be,” said Hoss, giving Adam a hopeful look.

 

Adam immediately shook his head. “You leave me out of this,” he said. “There is no way I’m giving you permission to keep that mutt, Hoss.”

 

Hoss picked up the end of the dog’s makeshift lead that was dragging on the floor and looked at both of the men sorrowfully. “But he’s a real nice dog Adam,” he said. “He won’t be no trouble.”

 

“No trouble,” echoed Joe. He sidled over to the doorway that led into the cell area in the hopes of seeing if there was anyone inside, for Joe loved jails and longed to get into a cell someday.

 

Hoss edged towards his little brother and away from Adam and Roy, dragging the dog with him. “You ain’t taking him!” he declared. “Old man Keefer will kill him for dog meat!”

 

“Son, it’s for the best,” said Roy. “Now hand over that dog.”

 

“No!” said Hoss. He backed into the other room with the dog, pushing Joe behind him as he did so.

 

“Hoss, quit it will you?” said Adam. “Give the sheriff the dog and be done with it.”

 

“No!” said Hoss again and disappeared into the other room with the dog and Little Joe.

 

Roy put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “Leave him to me,” he said. “You stay here and have a seat Adam. We’ve got a bit of talking to do.” But Adam had just had time to sit down before Roy had appeared in the doorway again.  “Well,” the sheriff said, rubbing his hands together. “I think you and I have got a bit of time to have a talk now while we wait fer ya Pa. Coffee?”

 

Adam looked confused. “But … but what about Hoss and the dog?” he asked.

 

“They’re safe fer now,” chuckled the sheriff. “See fer yourself if you’ve a mind to.” He jerked his thumb towards the doorway and Adam gave him another puzzled look before he stood up and walked over to it.

 

He gasped as he looked into the other room, for there were Hoss, Joe and the dog happily sitting in a locked cell sharing the three pieces of pie. “You get out of there!” he shouted.

 

Hoss looked across at him and shook his head. “Nope,” he said. “Not until you say we can keep the dog.”

 

“Yeah,” echoed Joe. “Not until you say we can keep the dog!”

 

“Where are the keys?” Adam asked Roy who had come to stand beside him. “I’m gonna kill em when I get them out of there!”

 

Hoss held up the keys. “They was in the door,” he said. “So I locked us all in. And we ain’t coming out until we get to keep the dog.”

 

“Calm down son,” murmured Roy in Adam’s ear. “They’re not going anywhere.”

 

“I’m going to kill you if you don’t open that door this minute!” shouted Adam, taking a step towards the cell and pointing his finger at Hoss threateningly.

 

Hoss shook his head. “No!” he said firmly. “We ain’t coming out.” He put the keys into his pocket and gave Adam a smug look as he munched on his pie.

 

“Come and have a cup of coffee Adam,” urged Roy. “We’ll have a talk.”

 

“This is real nice pie,” said Joe, munching on his piece as well. “But the dog ate your piece Adam.” He smiled at Hoss who was also busy munching. “Lucky he didn’t eat yours or mine, ain’t it Hoss?” he added.

 

Adam gave them both one last dark look before letting himself be led into the outside room by Roy.  “Now just sit down and I’ll pour you a cup of coffee,” said Roy, soothingly. “Like I said Adam, they ain’t going nowhere.”

 

Adam scratched his head in frustration. “But what if we can’t get them out of there?” he asked. “Pa will be here soon and he won’t be happy to find his youngest two sons in jail, I can assure you Roy.”

 

Roy grinned at him. “I got another set of keys in my drawer,” he said calmly. “I can let them two out any time I want, only I thought you might like a bit of a break for a while.”

 

Adam’s face broke into a grin as he accepted the cup of coffee from the sheriff. “I see,” he said. “Good thinking Roy.” He turned to look at the open doorway. “There isn’t … I mean, there isn’t anyone in that other cell is there? Anyone who could hurt them?”

 

“Nope,” said Roy, sitting down again. “Only Jethro,” he said, referring to the town drunk. “He’s still sleeping it off from last night.” He put his feet up on the desk and stared at Adam over the rim of his cup. “Now young fellar, it seems to me that you’ve been a busy boy with the ladies today,” he said.

 

Adam sighed. “Oh,” he said, looking a little embarrassed. “You’re referring to the bookstore, I suppose?”

 

Roy nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “That’s one thing I was referring to. Seems that Abigail Jones and Sarah Wilson had a bit of a problem with each other and there ended up being a bit of a catfight,” he said, trying not to sound too amused at the situation. “Your name was mentioned a few times, come to think of it.”

 

Adam rolled his eyes as he stared into his coffee cup. “I’m sorry Roy,” he said. “I don’t know what to do about that Abigail Jones. She just keeps hunting me down.”

 

Roy stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Well, it ain’t your fault, I reckon,” he said. “You’ve got the Cartwright charm and all the ladies just naturally follow you around cause of it.”

 

In spite of his misery, Adam puffed up with a little pride at the man’s words. “Yeah, but Abigail Jones!” he said. “What did I do to deserve her attention?”

 

“Now I will admit that she ain’t the most comely lady I’ve ever laid eyes on,” the sheriff said with a twinkle in his eyes. “But she seems to be a right smart young woman.” He shook his head. “Mind you, I don’t think her appointment was the best decision that the School Board ever made. She seems to only have half her mind on teaching them kids.”

 

“And the rest of it on me,” said Adam morosely. “I don’t know what to do about it, Roy.”

 

Roy put his head on one side as he contemplated the young man sitting opposite him. “Well now if you want my advice …” he began.

 

“Yes?” said Adam, looking up hopefully.

 

“ … I’d be asking yer Pa if I were you,” finished Roy.

 

Adam looked puzzled. “Pa?” he said. “What would Pa know about being chased by women?”

 

Roy chuckled as he put down his cup. “It might surprise you to know that your Pa has been chased by plenty of women around town in the past,” he said. “He’s quite experienced in avoiding so-called difficult situations with em.”

 

“Pa?” said Adam, his eyes widening. “I mean … I know he’s experienced … being married three times and all … but …. chased after … my Pa?”

 

“Yes … your Pa,” said Roy, sitting forward on his chair. “You were too young to remember it son, but when your Pa first arrived in these parts he was quite a catch. A young widower as he was … good looking and all … and with two fine young boys … well, there were women lining up to catch a-hold of him!”

 

Adam looked thoughtful. “Well, I do remember there were always women coming out to the ranch with baked goods for us in those early days,” he said. “Hoss and I loved it.”

 

Roy nodded. “Going out to the ranch with baked goods and hoping to come back with a wedding ring,” he said wisely. “Yer Pa had to do quite a bit of fancy footwork to keep one step ahead of them all, I can tell you. Here in town too. Every time he’d come into the store with you boys, the ladies would all get preened up and buzz around him like flies around a honey pot.”

 

Adam blinked a couple of times as he tried to get his head around his father as an eligible young sought-after bachelor.

 

Roy sat back in his chair. “I reckon he went off that time to New Orleans just to get away from em,” he chuckled. “Of course, when he came back married to Little Joe’s ma there was plenty of upset women around town. It took ages before they all forgave him and … well, your little brother Joe was toddling around before they would even give Marie the time of day.”

 

Adam nodded. “I remember her not being too popular,” he admitted. “But I thought that was just jealousy because of how beautiful she was.”

 

“It was that too,” admitted Roy. “But they was all just plain jealous that she’d scored the best-looking bachelor in these parts. Your Pa was a real good-looker when he was younger, Adam. If anyone can give you advice about how to handle women, it’d be him.”

 

Adam nodded. “Thanks Roy,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have a talk with him then,” he said.

 

Roy looked thoughtful. “And while you’re having that talk with him you might mention that he needs to clear a few things up with Miss Francine down at the ladies’ apparel shop too,” he said.

 

Adam sighed. “I know,” he said. “I don’t know what Little Joe said to her, but she seems to think that we’re neglecting him.” He looked at the sheriff. “You know that isn’t true Roy,” he added.

 

“Of course I know it,” Roy assured him. “And I told her so when she bailed me up down there about it. “But it wouldn’t hurt for ya Pa to have a word with her neither. Smooth things over, so to speak.”

 

“I couldn’t even begin to reason with her,” said Adam.

 

Roy pulled on his moustache thoughtfully. “It’s all that French blood,” he said. “Yer Pa knows how to deal with it though. He did with Little Joe’s ma and she was a right feisty one at that.”

 

Adam nodded. “I know,” he said. “I remember.”

 

“Don’t you worry about it none Adam,” Roy assured him. “Yer Pa will use some of that Cartwright charm on her and she’ll settle down.”

 

“The Cartwright charm!” snorted Adam.

 

“You all got it,” said Roy. “You, yer Pa …. even that youngster in there.” He indicated the next room. “Don’t you go under-estimating that young Hoss. Anyone who can charm a stray mutt like he did today has more than his share of charm, I’m telling you. Why, that animal hasn’t come near anyone for a whole week and the minute that boy comes into town it’s all over him.”

 

Adam smiled. “He sure does have a way with animals,” he said. “And I know for sure that Joe has more than his fair share of that Cartwright charm too. He’s already got any woman who lays eyes on him in the palm of his hand.”

 

There was a sudden bark from the other room and Adam turned to look over his shoulder. “You think they’re OK in there?” he asked.

 

“Right as rain,” said Roy calmly. “Probably enjoying the novelty of being in a cell. Here, have another cup of coffee Adam.”

 

While Joe was in fact having the time of his life being a jailbird, Hoss was beginning to get anxious about whether or not anyone was going to bother to come and negotiate about the dog with him. He had finished the last of his pie, polished off some of Joe’s as well and was eyeing off what the dog had left, as he considered the problem of the animal stretched out at his feet. “Maybe they ain’t coming back in to talk to us Joe,” he said.

 

“I don’t mind,” replied Joe happily as he looked around the cell in an interested fashion. “It’s nice in here, ain’t it?”

 

“It ain’t too bad,” admitted Hoss. “Only I don’t think I’d like to spend the night here.”

 

“I would!” declared Joe. “I like being a jailbird.” His eyes widened as he noticed a pile of rags in the next cell that had begun to move, and he moved a little closer to Hoss on the edge of the bunk. “What’s that?” he asked, sounding a little tentative.

 

Hoss looked at the pile of rags. “I dunno,” he said casually as he bent down to pat the dog again.

 

Suddenly there was a grunting noise from under the pile of rags and a grizzled face looked out at them. “What are you kids doing here?” said a grumpy voice.

 

“We’re jailbirds,” Joe informed the man proudly. “I’m Joe Cartwright and this is my brother Hoss. Who are you, mister?”

 

“Jethro,” said Jethro, getting up and scratching his large stomach as he yawned. “Jethro Callan’s the name.” He burped several times as he eyed off the two boys. “You Ben Cartwright’s boys?” he asked.

 

“Yes sir,” said Hoss.

 

“Are you a murderer?” asked Joe excitedly, for he’d never really talked to a real criminal before and he was more than happy to have the chance to do so now.

 

“Nope,” replied Jethro with a loud yawn.

 

“Are you a bank robber?” persisted Joe.

 

“Nope.”

 

Joe frowned. “Then what kind of jailbird are ya?” he asked.

 

Jethro burped again. “A right sorry one,” he said. “You two seem to be a bit young to be in here. What you done?”

 

Hoss held up the keys. “We locked ourselves in,” he said. “To protect our dog.”

 

Jethro tried to get his mind around that particular piece of information, but failed to do so. “Mmm,” he said, sleepily rubbing his eyes. “What time is it?”

 

“Dunno fer sure,” said Hoss. “Nearly four o’clock, I reckon.”

 

Jethro’s eyes lit up. “Four o’clock?” he said happily. “Nearly time to start celebrating again.”

 

“What you celebrating Mister?” asked Joe curiously.

 

“Whatever I feel like sonny,” said Jethro. “Hey sheriff! Time to get me out now!”

 

“Are you having a party to celebrate?” asked Joe.

 

“You might say that,” said Jethro. “Over at the Silver Dollar.” He stood up and started banging on the railings of his cell. “Hey sheriff!”

 

“I been in that saloon,” Joe informed the man. “I tried to buy a double whiskey, but my legs was too short.”

 

“Yeah?” said Jethro, wondering what the two things had to do with each other. “Well, I’ll have one fer ya then kid.” He frowned as Roy and Adam came into the room. “It’s about time,” he said, picking up his coat. “Time’s a’wasting sheriff, let me outta here.”

 

“Now why don’t you go home tonight Jethro?” said Roy as he unlocked the man’s cell. “Get a good night’s rest for a change?”

 

Jethro put on his coat. “No point in doing that sheriff,” he said. “Sides, I gotta have a double whiskey fer this one here,” he added, pointing to Joe. “Seems they wouldn’t serve him.” He chuckled before he added, “Can’t think why.”

 

Adam gave Joe a strange look. “When was this?” he demanded.

 

“Before,” said Joe. “But my legs was too short.” He put his hand over his mouth and widened his eyes. “I forgot!” he added. “That lady with the holes in her stockings said that she’s waiting to see you again Adam.”

 

“Well, you have been a busy boy today,” said Roy dryly as he watched Adam squirm. “Let’s see now … what is the count up to? I think that makes it three ladies after you. You’d better not put off that talk with yer Pa for much longer son.” He turned to Hoss. “You about ready to come out now?” he asked.

 

Hoss shook his head. “Nope,” he said. “Not until Adam says we can keep our dog.”

 

“First of all, he’s not your dog,” Adam reminded him. “And second of all ….” He hesitated as he caught Roy’s eye. “How about we let Pa make that decision?” he suggested. “I’m willing to let you keep hold of him until Pa gets into town and then he can decide.”

 

Hoss stood up. “It’s a deal,” he said happily. “Come on Joe, we’re outta here!” He handed Roy the keys through the bars and grinned at him.

 

“No!” said Joe as Roy opened the cell door. “I wanna stay in here! I wanna be a jailbird!”

 

“You’ve got plenty of time to be a jailbird in the future son,” Roy assured him. “I’ve got a feeling that you just might be spending a bit of time in here in years to come if you keep on going the way you are. As far as I’m concerned, you’ll be welcome any time.”

 

“Really?” said Joe happily. “Gee, that’d be great sheriff!”

 

“Don’t you mention it,” said Roy, winking at Adam.

 

“Can you handcuff me next time I stay in the cell?” asked Joe eagerly.

 

“I think that can be arranged,” Roy assured him.  “No trouble at all.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Now I think you three had better hurry up and get down to the Stage Office or you might miss yer Pa.”

 

“Thanks Roy,” said Adam and smiled at the man. “… For everything,” he added, meaningfully. “I know now why Pa likes you so much. You’re a very wise man.”

 

Roy winked at him. “You remember what I told you son,” he said. “Off you go now.”

 

“Bye sheriff!” said Joe, following his two brothers out of the office. “See you next time I get to be a jailbird.” He looked up at Adam as they reached the sidewalk. “Are we gonna go to the liffery stable now Adam?”

 

“No,” replied Adam, and pointed across the street. “Not unless you don’t want to say hi to Pa.”

 

Joe looked in the direction his brother was pointing. “Pa!” he shouted as he noticed a man helping hand some luggage down from the stage that was parked across the street. He took off at a run and launched himself at his father who swiftly gathered him up into his arms and hugged him tightly.

 

“Pa!” shouted Hoss and dragged the dog across the street after Joe.

 

Adam followed at a more leisurely pace and by the time he’d reached his father, Ben had Joe in one arm and the other around Hoss’ shoulders. “Well,” Ben said, grinning around at them. He reached out and gave Adam a hug around the shoulders. “I didn’t know for sure if you’d be still here to meet me. I suppose it’s been a long day for you all?”

 

“It’s been a great day Pa!” shouted Joe happily. “We’ve had a real good time, ain’t we Hoss?”

 

Hoss shrugged. “Some of it,” he admitted. “The part I didn’t have to go to school for anyways.” He gave Adam a dark look before turning to his father. “Adam made me go to school Pa!” he said.

 

Adam’s jaw dropped. “Go to school?” he said. “Why, you were hardly spent any time there at all!”

 

“Long enough,” said Hoss.

 

“Well that was probably the best plan, seeing as how you had to wait all day for me,” said their father, much to Hoss’ dismay. “Well, who is this?” asked Ben, bending down to pat the dog.

 

“That’s our new dog,” Joe informed his father. “Hoss found him.”

 

“Our new dog?” repeated Ben. “Really?”

 

“I didn’t say they could keep it,” interrupted Adam quickly. “I only said that they could hold onto it until you decided.”

 

“Please Pa?” pleaded Hoss quickly. “He won’t be no trouble!”

 

“No trouble!” echoed Joe.

 

“And iffen you don’t say yes then Sheriff Coffee is gonna give him to old man Keefer for dog meat!” said Hoss.

 

“For dog meat!” echoed Joe dramatically.

 

Both boys looked at their father pleadingly and Ben looked at Adam who merely shrugged. “Boys, we have enough dogs on The Ponderosa already,” said their father. “We really don’t need one more.”

 

“But he needs us!” said Hoss. He held onto his father’s sleeve and looked at him pleadingly while Joe flung his arms around the man’s neck and held on tight.

 

Ben shrugged and smiled at Adam. “Well, how can I say no?” he said. “I suppose he can stay.”

 

“Gee, thanks Pa!” shouted Hoss happily and knelt down in the dirt to hug the dog. “You hear that fellar? Pa’s says you can come home with us!”

 

“Thanks Pa!” shouted Joe happily, letting go of his father’s neck and squirming to be let down so that he could also hug the dog.

 

Ben looked down at the two of them fondly and then shrugged his shoulders again as he looked at Adam. “He’s a nice dog,” he said, lamely.

 

“Uh huh,” replied Adam.

 

“And he’ll probably be of some use,” continued Ben, a touch defensively.

 

“Probably,” said Adam in a dry tone. He caught his father’s eye and they both burst out laughing. “I sure am glad you’re home Pa,” said Adam.

 

“Been a long day son?” said Ben, putting his arm around the young man’s shoulders affectionately.

 

Adam nodded. “You could say that,” he said. “I really need to have a talk to you about quite a few things.”

 

Ben nodded. “Of course,” he said. “You two get that dog into the back of the buggy,” he said to Hoss and Little Joe. “And Hoss, get your suspender off him and pull up those trousers, young man!”

 

“Yes sir,” said Hoss happily. “Come on Joe, let’s think of a name for him.”

 

“He’s a real fine dog Pa!” Joe shouted over his shoulder as he followed Hoss down the street with it. He turned to look at his father, tripped over the dog and picked himself up before adding, “You’ll like him!”

 

Ben nodded in response as he and Adam followed the two boys. “So …” he said. “What’s been happening around here while I’ve been gone?”

 

Adam stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Gee now, where do I start?” he said thoughtfully. “Would you like to hear about the boys being in jail first? Or maybe about Joe ordering whiskey in the saloon?” He laughed to see the look on his father’s face.

 

“Jail?” said Ben looking quite confused. “Whiskey?”

 

Adam nodded. “I think we’d better start with Miss Francine from the ladies’ apparel store,” he said.

 

“Miss Francine?” said his father, looking startled. “What on earth has she got to do with anything?”

 

Adam put his arm around his father as they walked. “Well, you see Pa, it’s like this ….. while we were waiting for the stage …. ”

 

 

 

The End