Summary:  A college friend of Adam’s causes trouble for both Adam and Joe

Rated: T (18,955 words)

 

Old Demons

‘Joseph stop bouncing please and eat your breakfast,’ Ben admonished.  He turned to Adam. ‘You’d better hurry up as well if you’re going to be on time for that stage son.’

 

 

 

Adam swallowed his mouthful before replying. ‘It’s OK Pa,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t get in until ten.’

 

 

 

‘Just how long is Albert staying for anyways?’ asked Hoss with his mouth full.

 

 

 

‘I’m not sure,’ replied Adam. ‘He’s at a bit of a loose end so he doesn’t really have a time limit.  That’s OK, isn’t it Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Of course it is,’ said Ben. ‘I think it’s wonderful that you’ll both get the chance to see each other again. Joseph, I said to stop bouncing!’

 

 

 

‘Well it’s only been six months since we left College, but it seems like a lifetime ago,’ said Adam wistfully. ‘Albert and I were so close there….. I really miss the good times we had together sometimes.’

 

 

 

Ben studied him carefully. ‘Not regretting your decision to come back here after all are you?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam shook his head and smiled. ‘No, not at all.  You know that Pa.  It’s just……well it’ll be good to see him again.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t he have a job back East?’ asked Hoss. ‘All that College education and he don’t have a job yet?’

 

 

 

‘He doesn’t need one I suppose,’ replied Adam. ‘Will you keep still Joe! His father owns a very prestigious Law Firm in New York and he gives him an allowance.’

 

 

 

Ben raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s nice for him,’ he said tactfully. ‘But doesn’t he feel the need to make his own way in the world instead of letting his father support him?’

 

 

 

‘Oh, I think he intends to,’ said Adam. ‘It’s just while he makes up his mind what he wants to do.’

 

 

 

‘I see,’ said Ben dryly. ‘And how long is that going to take?’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I don’t know if Albert does really. He wants to find out what’s important in his life first.’

 

 

 

Ben raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

 

 

 

Adam stood up. ‘Well, I’d better get going,’ he said. ‘I’ll get that business done at the bank for you first Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘You can ride in with Joe. Joseph!’  He picked up the glass of milk that his youngest son had spilt. ‘If you had kept still as you were asked to that wouldn’t have happened.’

 

 

 

‘Sorry Pa,’ said Joe with a grin. ‘I’ll clean it up.’

 

 

 

‘Leave it to me,’ said his father. ‘I don’t want you to be late for school.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t mind,’ said Joe with another grin.

 

 

 

‘Well I do!’ said his father. ‘Adam is waiting for you.  Now go!’

 

 

 

Joe pulled a face and made for the door where Adam was waiting for him.  Adam gave him a cuff on the head. ‘Hurry up,’ he said playfully. ‘I haven’t got all day to be waiting for the likes of you!’

 

 

 

Joe jumped up a couple of times to try and reach his brother’s head and return the gesture, but it was a futile attempt as Adam was well over six foot and Joe was small for his ten years. He only succeeded in hitting him on the shoulder. ‘Ow!’ said Adam, pretending to be hurt and rubbing it. ‘You’re getting too strong for me little buddy.’

 

 

 

Joe grinned and put up his arm. ‘I’m growing real strong muscles now,’ he said. ‘Feel this!’

 

 

 

Adam felt his little brother’s bicep. ‘Coming in real fine there Joe,’ he said as he plonked his little brother’s hat on his head.

 

 

 

‘Boys will you get going please!’ shouted Ben from the dining room. ‘Joe will be late for school again if you’re not careful.’  He smiled to himself. It warmed his heart to hear the banter between his eldest and youngest son.  When Adam had first returned from College they had been quite wary of each other and it had taken quite a bit of work on all sides to get them to the comfortable state they now enjoyed.

 

 

 

‘Are you finished yet?’ he asked Hoss as he heard the front door slam. Hoss looked up at his father as he shovelled in another forkful of eggs. ‘Nearly Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben smiled. His middle son had just recently left school and was enjoying the fact that he had a certain amount of freedom now.  Hoss had begged his father for the last few years to allow him leave and Ben had finally given in when he had seen how unhappy the boy was since Adam had returned. He had ached to be out with his father and his brother on the ranch and the truth was that he didn’t cope too well with school anyway.

 

 

 

Apart from that, Ben felt it was important to both Adam and Hoss that they have the chance to re-establish themselves and working on the ranch together was a wonderful way to do that.  Up until this point they didn’t seem to have too much trouble accomplishing that and had slipped back into their easy relationship together without too much trouble.

 

 

 

Not so the other two though!  Ben suspected that the trouble between Adam and Joseph had a lot to do with their personalities and the fact that they were so different, whereas Hoss was so easy-going that he got on with both of them easily.  But the trouble also sprang from the fact that when Adam left Joseph was still a little boy…….only six years old….and when he returned he had grown into a ten-year old youngster who was determined to prove to his older brother just how grown up he was.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head.  It seemed that only now were they beginning to adjust to each other again and of that fact he was glad.  He knew that Adam felt very strongly about Joseph, probably stemming from the time when his mother died and he had had to become a substitute father for him when Ben himself wasn’t coping for a while.  And Joseph…well try as the boy did he couldn’t hide the fact that he adored his older brother.  He had spent the three years he was away in College pining for him and when Adam did come home Joe had perceived him as a returning hero.  The problem was that he was just too stubborn to show it.

 

 

 

Maybe now that things had settled down those two would begin to find their way again together.  Judging by what he had observed during the last few days, Ben was beginning to be quite confident about it.

 

 

 

He glanced at Hoss again. ‘Son, there’s work to be done,’ he said. ‘You can’t possibly still be hungry.’

 

 

 

‘No, I’m fine,’ said Hoss as he stood up. ‘But you know how upset Hop Sing gets when we don’t finish everything up.’  He grabbed another roll as he left the table. ‘I’m only trying to keep the peace for all of us.’

 

 

 

Ben slapped him on the back as he followed him. ‘And we are all most grateful to you son,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Come on, let’s get to those fences.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Can’t you keep still at least in the saddle?’ said Adam absently. ‘You’re going to spook your pony if you keep on like that.’

 

 

 

Joe grinned at him. ‘He’s used to me,’ he said. ‘He knows what to do without me telling him. I keep telling Pa he’s too tame for me now anyway, but he said I can’t have a bigger horse until I’m twelve.’

 

 

 

‘Well I’m not surprised if you ride like that all the time,’ replied Adam. ‘Honestly Joe, anyone would think you had worms or something!’

 

 

 

‘Huh?’ said Joe wriggling around to look at him. ‘I ain’t got no worms in my pocket!  And what’s that got to do with how I sit in the saddle anyways?’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘Oh forget it,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Hey Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Mmm?’

 

 

 

‘How come this Albert guy don’t know what he wants to do?’

 

 

 

Adam looked at his little brother. ‘That conversation wasn’t meant for you,’ he said crossly.

 

 

 

‘Why not?’

 

 

 

‘Because I was talking to Pa.’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘Well you didn’t tell me not to listen, did ya? No one told me to close my ears!’

 

 

 

‘Don’t be cheeky.’

 

 

 

‘Can’t help it,’ said Joe with a mischievous look on his face. ‘It’s just the way I am.’

 

 

 

‘That’s for sure,’ replied Adam.

 

 

 

‘So how come he don’t know what to do?’

 

 

 

‘He just needs to think about it for a while that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘Is that why he’s coming here?’

 

 

 

‘Partly. He wants to see me so that we can have some time together. And to learn about the ranch too, I suppose.’

 

 

 

Joe scratched his head. ‘Is he gonna be a rancher?’

 

 

 

Adam laughed. ‘No! He’s going to live back East I guess.  He just wants a bit of a holiday.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll show him around for ya if you like,’ said Joe generously. ‘I’d be good at that.’

 

 

 

‘No thank you, I can handle looking after him,’ replied his older brother. ‘I won’t need your help.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘You won’t be too busy to still go fishing with Hoss and me, will ya Adam?’

 

 

 

Adam grinned at him. ‘No, of course I won’t,’ he said. ‘Although I do intend to spend quite a bit of time with Alfred.  He is my guest after all.’

 

 

 

‘Is he good looking?’

 

 

 

Adam looked puzzled. ‘Why on earth would you care if he was good looking or not?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Oh I don’t care, but I thought it might be good if he was,’ answered his brother with a serious expression on his face. ‘Cause if he was then you could introduce Miss Jones to him and she might leave you alone for a change.’

 

 

 

Adam laughed. ‘Good idea little brother, but not one that I’m likely to take up.  Albert happens to be a friend of mine.’

 

 

 

Joe looked puzzled. ‘Huh?’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam reached across and patted his little brother on the shoulder. ‘Never mind,’ he said. ‘Here we are.  Now get over to school.  I’ve got to go to the bank for Pa before that stage gets in.’ He rode over to the bank slowly, thinking about his little brother’s suggestion.  It was sure mighty tempting to think that he might get that nosey schoolteacher off his back for a while!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Adam!’ Albert shook his friend’s hand enthusiastically. ‘I can’t believe I finally got here!’

 

 

 

Adam returned his friend’s grin. ‘I told you it was a long way. Why do you think I was always wanting to come with you during the holidays instead of coming home?’

 

 

 

Albert laughed. ‘It’s further than I thought all right.  And that stagecoach!’  He rubbed his backside. ‘Is it much further to your ranch?’

 

 

 

‘An hour or so. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to stretch your legs in the buckboard as we go.’

 

 

 

Albert frowned. ‘Buckboard?’ he said. ‘You don’t have a carriage?’

 

 

 

Adam slapped him on the back in delight. ‘I told you things were different out here! This isn’t the civilized East now you know!’

 

 

 

Albert looked shamefaced. ‘Oh yes, well I didn’t mean…..’

 

 

 

Adam laughed. ‘You did so!  Come on, let’s get moving.  We’ve got so much to catch up on.’

 

 

 

The two friends talked non-stop to the ranch, thrilled to have the opportunity to fill each other in on the last six months of their lives. ‘So how did your father take the news that you wanted to travel for a while?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Albert shrugged. ‘He didn’t care.  You know my father….nothing I do seems to worry him.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded.  He had spent a couple of holidays at Albert’s house in New York and had the impression that his father had never had much time for his son.  Albert had been shipped off to boarding school at an early age and then College and it was obvious that even when he came home for the holidays his father gave him no more than a little attention.  During Adam’s time there, they had in fact hardly ever seen the man and when they did he was so caught up in his business affairs that the two boys might not have even existed. Not that Adam minded.  He seemed to be a very stern character with whom Albert didn’t seem to have a relationship at all.

 

 

 

‘And your mother?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘She’s not even in New York at the moment,’ replied Albert. ‘Some sort of charity tour in several cities has her amused for a while.’  His mother was always caught up in numerous good causes and also didn’t seem to have much time for her son.  In fact as far as Adam could see, Albert had been mostly raised by various servants throughout his childhood. Adam often caught a wistful expression on his friend’s face when he spoke of his Pa and his brothers and knew that he probably envied Adam the family that he had.

 

 

 

It was one of the reasons he had invited Albert to stay with him.  He wanted his friend to see for himself the family he had told him so much about.  That and the fact that he felt he should repay his hospitality for those vacations he had spent in New York.  Also, he had missed his friend and looked forward to catching up with him again.

 

 

 

Adam punched Albert playfully on the arm. ‘We’re going to have a great time,’ he said happily. ‘I’m so glad you could come!’

 

 

 

Albert returned the punch. ‘So am I,’ he said looking around. ‘Is this all your property?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Adam with pride. ‘It begins up there at the top of that mountain range and continues down to the lake.  All the western side is ours and most of that way as well.’  He pointed to the south.

 

 

 

‘It certainly is large,’ said Albert impressed. ‘Your father must be worth a lot!’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘We don’t think about it much,’ he said. ‘The land is what’s important, not how much it’s worth.’

 

 

 

‘Yes but if you sold …..’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘Pa wouldn’t ever sell any of The Ponderosa,’ he said. ‘Not unless he was absolutely forced to.  He’s spent many years of his life building this place up and wouldn’t ever want to let go of it now.’  He looked around with shining eyes. ‘Neither would I,’ he said softly.

 

 

 

Albert looked at him. ‘I can see why you came back here now,’ he said. ‘All this, plus a family like you’ve described.’  He sighed.  ‘I wish I had it.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘I hope you like Pa, Hoss and Joe,’ he said. ‘I’m sure you will.’

 

 

 

‘I’m looking forward to meeting them,’ replied his friend. ‘From what you’ve told me of them I’m sure I will.’

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Albert, this is my father Ben Cartwright,’ said Adam proudly. ‘Pa, this is Albert.’

 

 

 

Ben reached out his hand. ‘Nice to meet you Albert,’ he said warmly. ‘Welcome to The Ponderosa.’

 

 

 

Albert returned the handshake. ‘Nice to meet you Mr Cartwright and thank you for allowing me to stay.’

 

 

 

‘Any friend of Adam’s is most welcome here,’ replied Ben with a smile.

 

 

 

‘And this is Hoss,’ said Adam, indicating his brother who was standing rather shyly to the side.

 

 

 

‘Hello Hoss,’ said Albert. ‘Adam has told me a lot about you.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned at him shyly. ‘Has he? That’s nice. Well I’ll get ya bags.’

 

 

 

Albert looked around. ‘And where is your other brother?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Joe’s at school,’ said Adam as he led him into the house. ‘You’ll meet him this afternoon.  We send him to school to get some peace and quiet around here.’

 

 

 

They both laughed as they entered the house and Albert looked around. ‘It’s just how I pictured it from your description,’ he said. ‘It has a homely feel to it.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled. ‘Well I hope you’ll feel at home here during your stay,’ he said. ‘Come on and I’ll show you to your room.  I’m sure Hop Sing has already got the hot water on for your bath.’

 

 

 

‘Ah, Hop Sing….the family cook and housekeeper,’ said Albert.

 

 

 

‘You’ve got a good memory,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yes, I’ve got a very good memory,’ replied Albert.  Later that afternoon as he stood looking out of his bedroom window at the blue lake, he wondered if Adam realised how much of his family business Albert had remembered.  He loved to hear his friend’s stories of his father and his brothers and whenever he got letters and parcels looked forward to sharing them with him. He hardly ever had any of his own after all and Adam never seemed to mind sharing all his family news with him.

 

 

 

Albert sighed.  It seemed that his friend had everything he’d longed for all his life.  He had a family who loved him and gave him attention.  He had a father who actually cared about him and brothers who looked up to and needed him.  Albert would have given anything for that.  It was the main reason he had come here.  Of course he wanted to see his friend again, but really he had a great need to experience this family that he’d heard so much about for himself.

 

 

 

During his childhood his father had very little time for him, and when he did pay attention to his son…….well, Albert wished he hadn’t.  His mother…..actually there were times when he wondered if she even knew that he existed at all. Certainly he could never remember her paying him any attention, particularly when his father……. Albert shook his head. He had come out here to forget all that, and he was determined to make the most of his time here.

 

 

 

Mr Cartwright and Hoss had seemed very nice and Hop Sing had been most attentive.  His only hope now was that he and Adam would be able to spend some time together.  His friend had explained to him that this was, of course, a working ranch and he would need to carry on with his work while Albert was visiting, but Albert was quite prepared to become involved where he could.  He didn’t know much about ranching but he was prepared to learn.

 

 

 

He smiled.  All in all it seemed that this would be a very pleasant stay and he was looking forward to it.  He leant forward as he heard a noise down below and watched as a youngster rode full-pelt into the yard and skidded to a halt.  He supposed that this was the younger brother Joe.  He watched with interest as the boy hitched his horse and ran into the house yelling as he did. Suddenly there was a commotion downstairs and Hop Sing appeared, chasing him back out again.  The cook was shouting something and waving a cloth above his head as Joe hopped around him.

 

 

 

Albert smiled.  The boy was just as Adam had described him….full of mischief and fun.  As he watched, Joe disappeared again and Hop Sing followed.  Albert sighed, suddenly envious of the boy’s carefree attitude.  He had never had the opportunity to carry on like that as a child and he wondered for the tenth time that day what it would have been like to grow up in this family.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘So what are you two going to do tomorrow?’ asked Ben at supper that evening.

 

 

 

‘How come Adam gets the day off?’ asked Little Joe. ‘Can I have the day off school too?’

 

 

 

‘Your brother is having a few days off because Albert has just arrived,’ explained his father. ‘It’s got nothing to do with you.  Now eat your supper please.’

 

 

 

‘I thought we might go for a ride,’ replied Adam. ‘I want to give him an idea of the boundaries of The Ponderosa.’

 

 

 

‘Take him to the lake,’ suggested Hoss.

 

 

 

‘I want to go too,’ interrupted Little Joe and frowned as he realised that everyone was ignoring him.

 

 

 

‘Wherever we go is alright with me,’ said Albert.  ‘I just want to see it all.  It’s beautiful country.’

 

 

 

‘Why can’t I?’ asked Little Joe.

 

 

 

‘You’d be best to start over near….’ began Ben.

 

 

 

‘Why can’t I?’ repeated Little Joe.

 

 

 

Ben turned to his youngest son. ‘I told you to eat your supper and I meant it young man,’ he said sternly. ‘Stop interrupting.’

 

 

 

Little Joe scowled at his plate and was silent as the conversation continued around him.  After a few moments he lifted his head and said. ‘I could help show Albert…..’

 

 

 

Ben reached over, pulled the boy towards him and swatted him on the backside before replacing him on his chair without a word. Joe rubbed his backside and studied his plate again with a scowl on his face.  Albert watched the whole episode with amusement.  It seemed to him that the youngest Cartwright had far too much to say for himself and he was pleased that Mr Cartwright seemed to agree with him.

 

 

 

After supper they settled down in the living room with their coffee and Hop Sing brought some milk in for Little Joe.  Albert was surprised that the family expected the boy to sit with them but he supposed it was part of their more relaxed way of life.  He certainly would never have been allowed to sit up with the adults when he was a child.

 

 

 

Ben and Hoss listened enthralled while Adam and Albert told one story after another about their College experiences.  Ben hadn’t seen his oldest son so animated in all the time he’d been home and it warmed his heart to see it.  He felt that Albert’s visit had definitely come at the right time for his son.

 

 

 

Joe spent the time idly moving the checker pieces backwards and forwards and trying to get Hoss to play with him, but Hoss was far too busy listening to take much notice. Finally he turned to his brother. ‘Quit it will ya Joe.  I told ya I don’t want ta play tonight.’

 

 

 

‘But I want to play,’ said Little Joe. ‘Come on, will ya Hoss?’

 

 

 

Ben leant forward. ‘Bring it over here son and I’ll play with you while I listen.’  Joe smiled at him and moved the board over closer to his father and Ben set up the pieces while concentrating on what Adam was saying.

 

 

 

Albert was enjoying himself immensely. It was just as he had thought it would be.  He felt so at ease here and so comfortable talking to Adam and his father.  Even Hoss was beginning to thaw out a bit and was definitely a great listener.  Joe he decided he could have done without, but he reasoned that he really had no experience with children and really didn’t quite know how to treat the youngster. He watched him with interest while the conversation went on and noticed that he seemed quite bright as he gave his father quite a challenge in the game they played.

 

 

 

‘Time for bed now Joseph,’ said Ben after the game had finished. ‘Say goodnight to everyone please.’

 

 

 

Joe opened his mouth to protest, but saw the look in his father’s eye and closed it again. ‘Goodnight,’ he said mournfully and went upstairs.

 

 

 

Soon afterwards Hoss said goodnight and his father went upstairs to check on Joe, so Adam and Albert were left alone in front of the fireplace. ‘You’d better have an early night too,’ suggested Adam. ‘You’re probably tired after the long trip and we get up awfully early around here.’

 

 

 

‘I am tired,’ replied Albert stretching. ‘Must be the country air I think.’  He hesitated. ‘Thanks for inviting me Adam.  I really love it here.’

 

 

 

‘I’m glad,’ replied Adam as he stood up. ‘Come on and I’ll walk up with you.’

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

He watched nervously as Jacob served the vegetables onto his plate then moved around to serve his father.  It was just the two of them tonight as Mama was out yet again.  He didn’t quite know where she went all the time, but she seemed to like to be anywhere but here.  He tried to count the number of nights since she had eaten with them, but finally gave up when he realised he couldn’t remember.

 

 

 

‘Are you going to eat any of that or are we going to have a repeat performance of last night?’ asked his father in a frosty tone.

 

 

 

Albert picked up his fork quickly and began to eat.  He knew better than to say anything, as his father didn’t expect him to initiate any conversation at the table.  He believed in children not speaking unless they were addressed first.

 

 

 

He ate nervously, wishing the meal were over with so that he could escape to his room again.  Even though there were times when he hated the sight of those four walls, anything was better than having to sit under the scrutiny of the man at the other end of the table or be questioned by him.  He never knew what to say and the more his father probed the more nervous he got.

 

 

 

‘So what did you do today?’

 

 

 

Albert racked his brain to think of a suitable response.  The day had been like any other and he had spent it up in his room reading and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. ‘Nothing much,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

His father raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you seriously expecting me to believe that you did nothing all day?’

 

 

 

Albert swallowed before replying. ‘I read,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

‘You read what?’

 

 

 

Albert listed the names of two books he had finished that morning.

 

 

 

‘Then why didn’t you say so to begin with?  Sometimes I can’t work out if you’re trying to be stupid or you’re simply obstinate.’

 

 

 

Albert sank down in his chair. It was always like this.  Whatever he said was wrong and if he said nothing he was classified as dumb.  He just wished he could escape, but there was still one more course to go.

 

 

 

‘So I suppose you’re looking forward to going back to school again next week,’ said his father.

 

 

 

‘Yes sir,’ replied Albert.  He certainly was!  Only at school could he have anything resembling a normal life and hard though boarding school was, it was definitely preferable to the atmosphere of his home. He picked up his milk with a trembling hand, trying to get a grip on it with his sweaty fingers.  He mustn’t drop it this time, as the last time he had…… he preferred not to think about the punishment his father had meted out to him that time.

 

 

 

‘Well you’d better go up to your room then if you’ve got nothing to say,’ said his father severely. Albert stood up, thankful to escape. ‘Just a moment young man, continued his father. Albert turned fearfully. ‘I’m waiting.’

 

 

 

‘Good night sir,’ said Albert mechanically.  He turned to climb the stairs to his lonely bedroom.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

The next few days were a wonderful experience for Albert.  Not only did he get to see the beautiful countryside his friend called home, but he got to experience the comfortable family atmosphere of the Cartwright family first hand.  He began to really warm to Mr Cartwright who was a warm and caring man.  He really listened to what his sons had to say and shared many a joke with them as well.  He was the sort of father Albert had always dreamed of having.

 

 

 

Hoss had thawed out enough to talk to him now and was proving to be quite good company.  He had an amazing knowledge of the ranch for one so young and blossomed when Albert displayed an eagerness to learn from him by asking his advice about things. He could see why Adam was so fond of his brother.

 

 

 

Not so Little Joe, however.  Albert found the boy difficult to put up with and often wished he were at school more than the five days per week.  He could begin to understand why his parents had sent him away to boarding school if this was what children were like.  The boy asked incessant questions and had an opinion on everything and instead of simply putting him in his place Mr Cartwright, Adam and Hoss seemed to indulge and encourage him.

 

 

 

Not that he wasn’t disciplined!  Albert had seen evidence that Mr Cartwright was quite firm with him in many ways, but he seemed to put up with a lot from him at the same time.

 

 

 

Albert began to feel quite cross with the child.  He was always underfoot when he wasn’t at school and poked his nose into everything that was going on. Albert tried to avoid him whenever he could, but on Saturday afternoon he found himself alone with the boy for the first time.

 

 

 

‘What ya doing?’ asked Joe pleasantly as he climbed up on the railing next to where Albert was standing watching Adam on a horse.

 

 

 

‘Watching,’ he replied abruptly.

 

 

 

‘Adam’s good at that ain’t he?’ said Joe.

 

 

 

Albert turned to him, unable to hold his tongue. ‘It’s isn’t not ain’t,’ he said.

 

 

 

Little Joe didn’t seem to be fazed by his comment. ‘You sound like Adam,’ he said. ‘He’s always telling me how to talk too.’

 

 

 

‘Well he hasn’t been very successful has he?’ said Albert frostily.

 

 

 

Little Joe looked at him for a moment. ‘What’s up with you?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’m trying to watch without being pestered,’ replied Albert.

 

 

 

Little Joe ignored him. ‘See that black over there?’ he asked pleasantly. ‘He’s the one that…..’

 

 

 

‘I really don’t need you to tell me,’ said Albert losing patience with the boy. ‘If I want to know anything about the horses I’ll ask one of the adults around here.’

 

 

 

Little Joe bristled. ‘I know lots about the horses,’ he said indignantly. ‘My Pa says I’m real good with em.’ Albert stared ahead and said nothing, wishing the boy would go away but Little Joe continued. ‘I’m getting a big horse when I’m twelve,’ he said. ‘Pa says….’

 

 

 

‘I really don’t care,’ said Albert. ‘Why don’t you go and play or something?’

 

 

 

Little Joe frowned at him. ‘I want to stay here,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Fine,’ said Albert and moved away from him.  ‘Hey Adam,’ he called. ‘Good ride!’

 

 

 

Adam came over to the railing. ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘I’m a bit out of practice, but it all comes back to you after a while. ‘I’m beginning to feel my old self on horseback finally.’

 

 

 

‘You’re good at it,’ said Albert admiringly.

 

 

 

‘I’m good at riding too, ain’t I Adam,’ interrupted Little Joe.

 

 

 

Adam leant over and ruffled his little brother’s hair. ‘You’re not bad,’ he said. ‘You’ll be better when you’re older.’ Albert glared at the boy from behind Adam’s back.  Joe glared back at him, deciding that he didn’t much care for this friend of Adam’s after all. Adam turned to Albert who immediately changed his expression to an agreeable one. ‘I’ll get a horse saddled up for you,’ he said. ‘Then we can get up to the lake.’

 

 

 

‘Are you going fishing?’ asked Joe excitedly. ‘Can I come?’

 

 

 

‘Well I don’t see why not,’ said Adam. ‘If that’s alright with you Albert.’

 

 

 

Albert wasn’t looking forward to an afternoon spent with the boy chattering in his ear every few minutes. ‘Oh it’s alright with me,’ he said carefully. ‘But didn’t your father say that he had to do his chores?’

 

 

 

Joe glared at him. ‘My chores ain’t nothing to do with you!’ he said crossly.

 

 

 

‘Joe!’ said Adam. ‘That’s no way to talk to a guest.’

 

 

 

‘Well it’s not his business if I’ve done my chores or not!’ declared Joe.

 

 

 

‘Well, have you?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Sort of.’

 

 

 

‘Joe!’

 

 

 

‘Well no,’ he admitted. ‘But I could get em done real quick if you’ll wait for me.’

 

 

 

‘I think we should get going now Adam,’ said Albert with a look at Joe. ‘We really don’t have any time to waste if we have to get back to go town tonight remember.’

 

 

 

‘Yes that’s true,’ said Adam. ‘Sorry Joe, maybe next time.’

 

 

 

Joe glared at Albert as Adam walked away to get the horses. ‘You did that on purpose!’ he said angrily.

 

 

 

Albert smiled at him and began to whistle.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

On their way to church the next morning, Albert had to put up with Joe’s incessant chatter again. He wished one of the others would put an end to it and wondered why Mr Cartwright didn’t tell the boy to mind his place. By the time they reached the church he was well and truly sick of the child and was most displeased to find himself seated next to him in the Cartwright pew.  The only consolation he had was that Joe seemed to be just as angry about it as he was and tried to get up to move, but he was immediately told to sit down again by Adam who was sitting on the other side of him. They glared at each other and Joe moved as far away from Albert as he could possibly manage.

 

 

 

Albert quite enjoyed the Service and particularly enjoyed checking out the girls at the same time.  Adam had promised to introduce him to certain young ladies afterwards and he spent a pleasant half-hour trying to match faces with the names that his friend had mentioned. He also enjoyed the fact that Little Joe was forced to be quiet during this time, although the boy made up for it by fiddling incessantly.  Albert noticed that Adam spent the entire time with his hand on his younger brother’s leg in an attempt to keep him still.

 

 

 

By the time the service was over Albert was ready to throttle the child next to him and pushed past him roughly as he left the pew.

 

 

 

‘Ow!’ said Joe loudly.

 

 

 

Ben reached over and cuffed his son around the ears. ‘Be quiet! You’re still in the church,’ he admonished.

 

 

 

‘But he….’ began Joe.

 

 

 

‘I said to be quiet Joseph,’ said Ben pulling him forward by the arm. Joe looked over his shoulder and poked out his tongue at Albert who smiled in satisfaction at getting the boy into trouble. He was beginning to find it quite an interesting pastime.

 

 

 

Outside, Adam was true to his word and they were both surrounded by quite a few pretty young ladies who were anxious to know who the handsome stranger was.  Albert preened himself under their attentions and rose to the occasion with his smooth talk and compliments.  Suddenly he felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down to see Joe standing there. ‘What do you want?’ he said crossly.

 

 

 

‘I gotta introduce you to someone who wants to meet you,’ he said smiling pleasantly and indicated an ugly woman next to him. ‘This is Miss Jones my teacher. I told her all about you and how you wanted to meet her.’

 

 

 

Albert looked at him surprised and turned to find Adam for support, but his friend was busy talking to a girl next to him. ‘Um..hello,’ he said hesitantly.

 

 

 

‘Hello, she said with a toothy grin. ‘I’m so pleased to meet you. ‘Little Joseph has told me all about you.’

 

 

 

‘That’s nice,’ he said confused and wondered why Joe would have gone out of his way to tell his teacher about him?  He glanced down at the boy and began to be suspicious when he saw the sarcastic grin on his face, but didn’t have time to pursue the thought as the ugly woman pulled him over to a quiet space in the corner and began to regale him with boring stories of her interests and pursuits.

 

 

 

After ten minutes of her boring talk he practically jumped on Adam when he approached them. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you,’ Adam said tipping his hat. ‘But we have to go now.  Good day Miss Jones.’ He pulled Albert away quickly and whispered in his ear. ‘What did you go and talk to her for?’

 

 

 

‘I didn’t have much choice,’ he replied. ‘Your brother Joe introduced us.’

 

 

 

‘Well he probably thought he was being helpful,’ said Adam. ‘But you have to know by now she’s one to stay away from.’

 

 

 

‘You don’t say?’ replied Albert sarcastically. He glanced over to where Joe was standing next to the buggy giggling with glee. The boy had known exactly what he was doing when he brought the teacher over to introduce her, Albert was sure of it!  His blood boiled as he vowed to make sure the meddling youngster paid for his mischief.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

Albert had his chance to pay Joe back that very night at supper. The boy was fidgeting as usual and being constantly told by his father to keep still.  Albert took his chance as Hop Sing carried in the meat platter, to reach over without anyone seeing him and knock the boy’s milk over and spill its contents all over everything.

 

 

 

Joe looked at him shocked. ‘What did ya do that for?’ he asked loudly.

 

 

 

Albert stared back at him. ‘I beg your pardon?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ said his father. ‘Watch what you’re doing please!’

 

 

 

Joe turned to his father angrily. ‘But I didn’t do it!’ he declared as he pointed at Albert. ‘He did!’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘Joe!  As if Albert would do that.  If you sat still for once we might get through a meal without you spilling something.’

 

 

 

Joe glared around at them all. ‘But I didn’t do it!’ he declared again.

 

 

 

Albert put his hand on Adam’s arm. ‘It’s alright Adam,’ he said kindly. ‘The boy can’t help being clumsy.’

 

 

 

Ben glared at his youngest son. ‘Well he can help being rude and not owning up to something when he does it,’ he said. ‘Apologize to Albert please Joseph.’

 

 

 

Joe’s mouth dropped open. ‘What?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You heard me.  I told you to apologize for what you said,’ repeated his father.

 

 

 

Joe jumped up from his seat. ‘Why should I apologize for something he did?’ he said. ‘I ain’t gonna!’

 

 

 

Ben pulled his son towards him and swatted him on the backside. ‘Do as you’re told!’ he said angrily.

 

 

 

Joe glared at him and then looked at the tablecloth. ‘I’m sorry,’ he muttered.

 

 

 

Ben pushed him back on his seat again. ‘Now eat your supper without another word,’ he said. ‘And keep still this time.’

 

 

 

Albert gave the boy a triumphant look when no one was looking and Joe scowled back at him. Albert settled back to enjoy the rest of his meal as he thought about it.  Taunting the youngest Cartwright was beginning to be an enjoyable piece of entertainment for him.  The boy deserved it after all.  It seemed to Albert that he was extremely spoilt and needed taking down a peg or two.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

He watched with dismay as the glass fell to the floor and shattered around them both, the milk making a huge pattern of the floorboards.  He continued to stare at the mess, not daring to look up into his father’s face and the expression he knew it would contain.

 

 

 

‘Look at me!’ He looked up reluctantly. ‘Why can’t you be more careful, you stupid boy?’ Albert said nothing, but continued to stare at the angry face of the man in front of him. ‘Do you have nothing to say for yourself?’ Albert shook his head, knowing that words were useless and nothing he could say would save him from his fate. ‘Then get up to your room immediately!  I will not have such behaviour here!’

 

 

 

Albert turned and left as quickly as he could, his heart beating fast. He reached his room and momentarily considered locking the door, but he knew that it was a futile exercise.  Instead, he stood waiting for the inevitable.

 

 

 

Within moments the door opened and he heard his father’s footsteps cross the room. He stared at the man’s boots, not willing to take his eyes off them as he listened to the rhythmic sound of the leather strap as it hit against his father’s thigh.

 

 

 

‘Is there a reason for your clumsiness?’

 

 

 

‘No sir,’ Albert whispered.

 

 

 

‘Take off your shirt.’ Albert took off his shirt mechanically and stood waiting. ‘Turn around.’  He turned and felt his head being forced downwards.  He bit his lip as he felt the blows upon his back and closed his eyes as he tried not to cry out.  To do so would only prolong the punishment.  When finally it was over he felt himself turned again to face his father. ‘Well?’

 

 

 

‘I’m sorry sir,’ he whispered.  He continued to study the floorboards as his father left the room and only looked up as he heard the door close behind him.  A small cry escaped his lips as he flung himself onto his bed and allowed himself the luxury of crying his tears into his pillow.

 

 

 

Albert sat up shaking.  It had seemed so real!  Why was it that after all these years the memories still came back to haunt him? He tried to get his breathing under control and lay down again to stare at the ceiling.  He frowned as he thought about Adam’s little brother.  If he had answered his father back like that he would have been half killed when he was that age.  What was it about this family that they didn’t see just how spoilt the boy was? Why should that child be allowed to get away with things when Albert himself hadn’t?

 

 

 

He rolled over and stared at the wall.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next few days were pleasant ones for all concerned.  Joe was back at school and kept his distance from Albert when he was around the ranch.   The only time they came into contact with each other was at the meal table or in the living room after supper and Joe was very careful to avoid even speaking to the man.  He didn’t like or trust him at all.

 

 

 

Albert kept his eyes on the boy and was pleased to see that he intimidated him.  He took delight in the power that he felt he had over his behaviour and the way in which he was able to manipulate the others’ feeling towards himself.  He felt that Mr Cartwright and Hoss liked him a lot and he and Adam were getting on as if they had never been apart.  He was careful to go out of his way to treat Joe kindly in front of everyone and even offered to play checkers with him several times only to be turned down flat.

 

 

 

‘Joseph that’s not very polite,’ said his father one evening. ‘Albert is kindly asking you to play with him.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t want to,’ replied Joe studying the checkerboard in front of him.  Nothing could make him play with the man.

 

 

 

‘Well suit yourself,’ replied his father. ‘But don’t ask anyone else to play with you if that’s the case.’

 

 

 

Joe continued to move the pieces around the board himself while he listened to the adults’ conversation around him.  He knew that Albert had only asked him to play so that he could ruin another evening for him.  It seemed that every time he turned around the man was causing him problems and he wished he would go home.

 

 

 

‘Joseph if you’re going to sit there and sulk, you may as well go up to bed,’ said his father. ‘Go on.’

 

 

 

Joe stood up. ‘Goodnight,’ he said mournfully and climbed the stairs to his room.

 

 

 

‘What’s the matter with him?’ asked Hoss. ‘He’s so grumpy lately.’

 

 

 

‘Maybe he resents me being here?’ said Albert.

 

 

 

‘Don’t be silly,’ replied Adam. ‘Why would he?’

 

 

 

‘Well I have the feeling he doesn’t like me very much,’ Albert continued. ‘I suspect he might think I’m taking you away from him Adam.’

 

 

 

‘Well he’s got to learn that he’s not the centre of everyone’s world,’ said Ben leaning forward and helping himself to another cup of coffee. ‘He’s just been too sulky for his own good lately.’

 

 

 

‘How about I try to patch things up?’ suggested Albert with a smile. ‘I could offer to take him fishing on Saturday.’

 

 

 

‘You don’t have to do that son,’ said Ben with a fond smile. ‘It’s nice of you though.’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘No, I insist,’ he said. ‘I want things to be right between us.’  He smiled to himself.  He’d show that brat who had the power around here!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘So how about it Joe, just you and I together tomorrow?’ said Albert pleasantly.

 

 

 

Joe didn’t look up from his plate.  He wasn’t going to be caught up in anything concerning this man, but was aware that everyone was listening. ‘No thank you,’ he said quietly.

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘Joseph, Albert has kindly offered to take you fishing.  I think it would be polite of you to accept, don’t you?’

 

 

 

Joe looked up at his father. ‘I don’t want to go,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘But you love fishing,’ said Hoss. ‘You’re always pestering me ta go with you.’

 

 

 

‘Well I don’t want to go this time,’ replied Joe.

 

 

 

‘You’d be able to show Albert our favourite fishing spot near the lake,’ suggested Adam with a wink to his friend. ‘He’d love to see it.’

 

 

 

‘That I would,’ said Albert. ‘Come on Joe, how about it?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Joe sullenly.

 

 

 

‘Joseph would love to go with you Albert,’ said his father giving his son a meaningful look. Joe looked up at his father, knowing that any further argument was futile.  When Pa said something like that he meant it. ‘You can go after lunch tomorrow,’ suggested Ben. ‘Alright Joseph?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Little Joe mournfully and stood up. ‘I’ve got to go to school now.’  He gave Albert a baleful look as he left the room.

 

 

 

‘Well, that went well,’ said Adam with a laugh. ‘Don’t worry Albert, you’ll win him over.’

 

 

 

‘I hope so,’ said Albert with a sigh. ‘I hate to think I’ve upset him in any way.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t worry about it,’ said Ben. ‘He’ll get over it.’

 

 

 

‘Come on Albert,’ said Hoss as he stood up. ‘You’re coming with me this morning aren’t ya?’  Albert nodded and left the room with him, leaving Adam and his father together.

 

 

 

‘I wish Joe would stop behaving like this,’ said Adam. ‘I think Albert is upset about it.’

 

 

 

‘He’ll be fine,’ replied his father. ‘He just needs to get used to having a new person in the house that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘Well he doesn’t have to be rude to him,’ said Adam. ‘You know Pa, Albert had a pretty rotten childhood from what he’s told me and I really want this holiday to be great for him.  He needs to see what a real family is like and Joe is spoiling it.’

 

 

 

‘Rotten in what way?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Well his father was very strict from what he’s said and his mother….well she was hardly ever around.  I know he missed out on a lot as a child.  Sometimes…… well, he sometimes gets pretty down about it all.’

 

 

 

Ben sighed. ‘Poor boy,’ he said. ‘He seems to have come through it all fairly well though.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes.  He’s great, considering all that he’s been through.’

 

 

 

Ben patted his son on the arm. ‘Well he’s lucky that he’s got you as a friend,’ he said. ‘We’ll certainly do all that we can to make sure we show him the good side of family life while he’s here.’

 

 

 

‘If Joe can bother to behave himself,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘So this is it?’ said Albert.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Joe and got down from his pony.  He had spoken as little as possible to the man on their way to the lake, determined to keep his distance from him as much as he could.

 

 

 

They got their fishing poles and headed over to a shady spot before baiting their hooks.  Albert glanced at the boy as he did so. He certainly was a sullen young kid, he thought.  Couldn’t even be bothered to make any kind of decent conversation all the way out here. Albert was determined to show him a thing or two!

 

 

 

‘So,’ he said pleasantly when they had settled themselves with their backs to the tree and were looking at the lake with their lines dangling. ‘How’s school with that Miss Jones?’

 

 

 

Joe scowled.  ‘It’s fine,’ he said. ‘Not that you’d care.’

 

 

 

Albert smiled at him. ‘What makes you think that Little Joe?’ he said sarcastically.

 

 

 

‘Don’t call me that!’

 

 

 

‘Why not?’

 

 

 

‘Cause that’s what my family call me and you ain’t one of em.’

 

 

 

Albert smirked. ‘Your family!’ he said. ‘You’ve got them wrapped right round your little finger haven’t you? Spoilt brat!’

 

 

 

Joe scowled at him again. ‘I ain’t a spoilt brat!’ he said. ‘My family loves me, that’s all!’

 

 

 

‘You’re a spoilt little baby that’s all you are,’ said Albert warming up to the topic now that he could see how upset the boy was becoming. ‘You think you can get away with anything!’

 

 

 

Joe turned on him. ‘I hate you!’ he declared. ‘I’m gonna tell my Pa and Adam what you say to me and how mean you are!’

 

 

 

Albert continued to smile. ‘Really?’ he said casually. ‘Try it and see if they believe you.’

 

 

 

‘They will!’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘Uh uh,’ he said. ‘Face it Little Joe, I’m much cleverer than you at this. I have more power than you.’  He grinned nastily. ‘I’m a guest remember?’

 

 

 

Joe stood up. ‘I ain’t staying with you here! You can fish by yourself!  See if I care!’

 

 

 

Albert watched as the boy ran to his pony and climbed up.  ‘Bye Little Joe!’ he called sarcastically and stood up.  He walked over to his horse and untied him before hitting him on the rump.  The horse ran off startled and Albert smiled again as he settled himself down to a bit of quiet fishing.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Joseph! What are you doing back so quickly?’ asked Ben as the boy rode full pelt into the yard. ‘Is anything the matter?’

 

 

 

Joe got down from his pony quickly and brushed his tears away. ‘I told you I didn’t want to go fishing with him!’ he declared.

 

 

 

Ben knelt down in front of his son. ‘What happened?’ he asked anxiously.

 

 

 

Joe sniffed. ‘He was mean to me,’ he said. ‘He said I was a baby and that…. and that you wouldn’t believe me cause he’s a guest.’

 

 

 

Ben looked puzzled. ‘What?’ he said. ‘I don’t understand.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t like him!’ declared Joe. ‘I want him to leave!’

 

 

 

‘Joseph just because your brother is spending some time with his friend instead of you,’ began Ben. ‘There’s no need to be jealous of him.’

 

 

 

‘I ain’t jealous of him!’ Joe declared. ‘He’s just mean to me!’

 

 

 

Ben turned as another horse came running into the yard. ‘Pa!’ he heard Adam shout from the corral. ‘It’s Albert’s horse!  He must have been hurt!’

 

 

 

‘Saddle up,’ replied his father. ‘We’ll go and check it out.’  He turned to Joe again. ‘Joseph?  Did anything happen to Albert when you were out?’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I left him by the lake fishing.  I told him I didn’t want to fish with him no more.’

 

 

 

‘Well that wasn’t very polite was it?’ said Adam angrily as he joined them. ‘I’m sick of you being rude to my friend.’

 

 

 

‘He’s the one being rude to me!’ declared Joe and pulled away from his father’s grasp.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ said Ben, but the boy was running into the house and didn’t acknowledge his father’s call.

 

 

 

‘Leave him Pa,’ said Adam. ‘We’ve got to get to Albert.  He could be seriously hurt.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded and they both mounted up.  They were still about ten minutes from the lake when they spotted Albert walking towards them. ‘Albert! What happened?  Are you alright?’ asked Adam as he reined his horse in. ‘Your horse made it back home and we were worried about you!’

 

 

 

Albert smiled up at him. ‘Oh, I’m fine,’ he said. ‘I’m glad the horse made it back safely though.’  He grimaced. ‘I’m not used to walking so much that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘What happened?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

Albert hesitated. ‘I’d rather not say,’ he said. ‘Let’s just leave it at that, alright Mr Cartwright?’

 

 

 

Ben stared at him. ‘Does this have anything to do with Joseph?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘Please don’t be angry with the boy, Mr Cartwright,’ he said. ‘I’m sure he thought it was just a funny joke.’

 

 

 

‘What?’ said Adam shortly.

 

 

 

Albert shrugged his shoulders. ‘Albert,’ said Ben. ‘If Joseph did this, then I need to know about it.  He needs to be disciplined.’

 

 

 

‘Well it’s just….I don’t know why he did it,’ began Albert. ‘But he seemed to think it was funny to ride off and leave me without a horse.’  He held his hands up. ‘Please don’t punish him for it.  He really doesn’t like me and it will only give him more cause not to.’

 

 

 

‘He shouldn’t get away with that Pa!’ declared Adam.

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘I agree,’ he said. ‘Albert, I’m sure he really does like you.’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘No I’m afraid he doesn’t, and I really don’t know what to do about it.  I’ve tried….I really have…..but he just thinks I’m taking Adam away from him or something.’

 

 

 

Ben turned his horse around and Adam gave Albert a hand up so that his friend was behind him in the saddle. ‘I’ll see you back at the house boys,’ said Ben firmly. ‘It’s time I had a discussion with that youngest son of mine!’

 

 

 

Albert smiled broadly as he rode behind Adam. The day was turning out to be quite an enjoyable one after all!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Well?’ said Ben. ‘I’m waiting Joseph!  Do you have any excuse for what you’ve done?’

 

 

 

Joe looked up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. ‘I told you Pa, I didn’t do it!’ he said. ‘He’s lying!’

 

 

 

Ben sat down on the bed. ‘Why would Albert lie about a thing like that?’ he said. ‘He has no reason to.’

 

 

 

‘Cause he don’t like me, that’s why!’ Joe declared.

 

 

 

‘He thinks you don’t like him.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t!’

 

 

 

‘Why not?’

 

 

 

‘Cause he’s mean to me!’

 

 

 

Ben sighed and rubbed his forehead. It seemed that they were just going around in circles on this one.  ‘Joseph, I’ll ask you one more time.  Why did you spook his horse like that?’

 

 

 

‘I didn’t!’

 

‘Son, there is no reason why Albert would choose to walk home like that.  I’m afraid I can’t believe you this time.’ Joe looked up at his father mournfully as he continued. ‘You will stay in your room for the rest of the day Joseph and then you will apologize to Albert before supper. Is that understood?’

 

 

 

Joe said nothing, but looked at the floor. Albert had been right!  He did have more power around here when his Pa and probably his brothers believed him every time.  He waited until his father had closed the door before looking up again.  Well one thing was for sure……there was no way he was going to apologize this time for something he hadn’t done!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Hey, steady on there,’ said Adam with a laugh. ‘We’re not back at college now!’

 

 

 

‘Exactly,’ said Albert winking at his friend. ‘No early morning classes to concentrate on tomorrow.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah, well some of us still have to work,’ replied Adam. ‘I don’t think Pa would be too pleased if I turned up at breakfast with a giant hangover.’

 

 

 

Albert shrugged. ‘Suit yourself,’ he said as he downed yet another whiskey. ‘I’m on holidays though.’

 

 

 

Adam studied his friend for a moment. ‘I thought you were going to try and cut back on the drinking after we graduated?’

 

 

 

‘I have,’ said Albert. ‘I only drink when…’ he swayed a little. ‘I only drink when I feel the need to.’

 

 

 

Adam pulled on Albert’s arm. ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘You’ve had enough.  Time to go home.’  He supported his friend gently out of the saloon. ‘How many times have I done this for you?’ he said with a laugh.

 

 

 

‘Many,’ said Albert with a silly grin. ‘You’re a great friend Adam.’

 

 

 

Adam pushed his friend up on his horse and shook his head. ‘One of these days Albert you’re going to really go too far with this drinking of yours.’

 

 

 

‘Everyone is entitled to one vice in life,’ Albert replied as they rode slowly down the street. ‘I could do a lot worse.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

He took the stopper out as carefully as he could and brought the crystal decanter to his lips.  As long as he was careful not to take more than a couple of swallows he knew his father wouldn’t miss it and he was always careful not to come down here unless the man was out.  There was no way he felt he could be caught.

 

 

 

It had been three years ago when he was twelve that he had first discovered the way in which the alcohol could numb his senses and help him get through the long days in this house. He wondered at times what he would have done without it.  He smacked his lips as he replaced the stopper and crept back across the room to return to his bedroom.

 

 

 

One day he would be old enough to go out and get his own drinks and he looked forward to the time when the barmen believed his age.  He had plenty of money to throw about so that wouldn’t be a problem.  It was only his youth that was stopping him from experiencing this delightful feeling as often as he wished.  He smiled as the familiar numbness began to creep over him again.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Adam I know you are a man now and I’m sure you indulged yourself in many activities while you were away in Boston. That’s all part of growing up,’ said his father. ‘But I thought you understood that I don’t approve of drinking during the week when you have work to do!’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘I’m sorry Pa, but I only had two beers.  I didn’t think it would hurt.’

 

 

 

Ben raised an eyebrow. ‘Well Albert certainly looked like he had more than two beers,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Well, that’s just Albert,’ said Adam crossly. ‘I couldn’t very well leave him there, could I?’

 

 

 

‘I suppose not,’ acknowledged his father. ‘What do you mean, that’s just Albert?’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged again. ‘Well he’s always been one to have a bit more drink than the rest of my friends,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t mean that I do though.’

 

 

 

‘Albert is a guest and it’s not for me to criticise him for how much he drinks,’ replied Ben. ‘I just hope that you exercise caution in that regard son.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Of course I do,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben smiled. ‘Good. Well in a way I think it’s a good thing that Albert didn’t make it down to breakfast this morning.  What with Joseph refusing to apologize for yesterday’s incident, I think they both need more time apart.’

 

 

 

‘He’s a stubborn little cuss,’ said Adam crossly.

 

 

 

‘Adam I’ve been thinking,’ continued Ben. ‘If Joseph really is missing your company, it might be a good idea for you to spend some time with him today while Albert is … um… indisposed.’

 

 

 

‘Do I have to?’

 

 

 

‘No, you don’t have to,’ said Ben. ‘But with the boy confined to the yard to do those extra chores it might be a good idea, that’s all.’

 

 

 

Adam looked cross. ‘Oh, alright,’ he said and turned to leave the room.

 

 

 

He found Joe cleaning out the barn and sat down to polish his saddle next to him. ‘How’s it going?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe scowled at him. ‘I got all these extra chores to do for nuthin!  How do you think it’s going?’

 

 

 

‘Well, I wouldn’t call what you did nothing,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘I didn’t do it!  He done it!’

 

 

 

‘Yes I know.  Just like he spilt your milk and made fun of you,’ said Adam. ‘I’ve heard it all before, remember?’

 

 

 

Joe glared at him. ‘Well he did,’ he declared. ‘I don’t know why anyone won’t believe me!’

 

 

 

‘Nobody believes you because you’re not telling the truth,’ said Adam. ‘Albert had no reason to do those things to you.  I’ve watched him be nothing but kind to you since he arrived here and you’ve been rude to him the whole time.  Face it Joe, you’re just being a spoilt kid this time!’

 

 

 

Joe concentrated on his work.  It didn’t seem to matter what he said, nobody believed him anyway!

 

 

 

Adam sighed. ‘Hey buddy, how about you and me go fishing next weekend when you’re off restriction?’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘Will he be coming?’  He indicated the house.

 

 

 

‘No. I said just the two of us didn’t I?’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘Well, OK.  As long as he don’t come.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head and stood up. The kid really had a set against Albert that was for sure!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

The next two days were quiet ones.  Albert felt Ben’s disapproval with his drinking session, so he was careful not to repeat it and give the man anything to criticise him for.  He should have known that Adam’s father wouldn’t be the kind of man to approve of drinking too much and he made a mental note to avoid showing him just how much he did indulge in alcohol at times.

 

 

 

He had hoped that during this trip he might be able to dry out a little and keep sober for an extended period.  He did feel much better when he did, but found it very hard to maintain.  He supposed it was because he had begun drinking at such a young age and when he had found his freedom at College had gone overboard a bit.  Not even Adam realised just how much he did drink at times.  He had tried to keep it from his friend and had been partly successful.

 

 

 

Out here he had thought it would be easy to lighten up on it a bit, but the old demons were still in his head and he discovered that they travelled with him no matter where he was.  If only he could rid himself of them he knew he could overcome this need to drink them away, but every time he tried something happened to make it so difficult.

 

 

 

At the moment it was the boy.  Joe seemed to bring out the worst in him and he just didn’t know why. All he knew was that he felt a deep-seated need to hurt him and the drinking helped to numb the feeling. He watched the way in which Mr Cartwright, Adam and Hoss treated the child and couldn’t help but feel a great sense of longing to have had a childhood as this boy did.

 

 

 

One evening after supper, he and Adam were playing chess while Ben smoked his pipe and read the evening paper.  Hoss was by the fireplace fixing some of the tack and Joe was helping him.

 

 

 

‘Hold it there shortshanks,’ said Hoss. ‘Pull it tighter.’

 

 

 

‘I am,’ said Joe. ‘I can’t hold it any tighter than that!’

 

 

 

‘Here let me then,’ said his brother and took it from him. ‘See? Like this.’

 

 

 

‘How’d ya learn to do that Hoss?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘Pa taught me,’ said his brother. ‘And now I’m teaching you. See?’

 

 

 

Joe bent over and watched fascinated as Hoss twined the leather straps together. ‘Now hold that while I do the next one,’ he instructed.

 

 

 

Joe took it and held it up for his father to see. ‘Look Pa. Hoss is real good at it, ain’t he?’

 

 

 

Ben motioned to his son. ‘Bring it here and show me,’ he said. Joe brought it over to his father and leant on the edge of his chair as Ben inspected the leather. ‘Very nice,’ he said handing it back.

 

 

 

As Albert watched, Joe ducked under his father’s newspaper, crawled up into his lap and snuggled into his chest, playing with the leather absently as his father continued to read.

 

 

 

‘Your move,’ said Adam disturbing his train of thought.

 

 

 

‘What?’ he said startled. ‘Oh … there.’  He moved a bishop and turned to watch the two on the armchair again as Adam studied the board.  He felt a great sense of frustration as he watched Mr Cartwright gently stroke the boy’s hair and Joe cuddle into him even further. His breathing became ragged and he clenched his fists.

 

 

 

‘Albert?’ said Adam.

 

 

 

He turned to face his friend. ‘What?’ he said absently.

 

 

 

‘It’s your turn,’ repeated Adam. ‘Are you alright?’

 

 

 

Albert stood up. ‘I’m … I’m a bit tired.  Do you mind if we finish this tomorrow?  I think I need an early night.’  He felt a great desire to get out of the room quickly so that he didn’t have to watch father and son together like that.

 

 

 

‘Fine,’ said Adam. ‘Goodnight.’

 

 

 

Albert hurried quickly to his bedroom and shut the door behind him.  He closed his eyes for a few moments and tried to blot out the image of the boy and his father downstairs.  Why couldn’t he have had a father like that?  Why hadn’t he ever had the opportunity to be cuddled and loved?  He couldn’t even remember a time when he had been. It wasn’t fair!

 

 

 

He felt the old demons begin to surface again and reached under his bed to pull out a bottle. He walked to the open widow and felt the cool breeze on his face as he took a swig from it.  Why couldn’t they leave him alone?

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘What’s it for darling?’ she asked dangling the medal from her manicured fingers.

 

 

 

‘I came top of the class in mathematics,’ he answered proudly. ‘I got the most marks for the whole year.’

 

 

 

She placed it back in his hand. ‘That’s nice.  Isn’t it Harold?’

 

 

 

His father stared at him for a moment. ‘What were your marks?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘98%’ he answered proudly. ‘No one came close to beating me.’  He hoped that this time one of them would give him a hug.

 

 

 

‘That’s excellent,’ said his father going back to his paper again. ‘Maybe you’re not so stupid after all.’

 

 

 

‘Of course he’s not stupid,’ said his mother and smiled at him. She gave him an absent pat on the arm. ‘Keep up the good work darling.’

 

 

 

Albert stood holding his medal as his mother left the room.  He took a hesitant step towards his father. ‘Would you like to see it?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I did,’ the man replied. ‘Go and put it in your room.’ 

 

 

 

Albert left the room silently.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

His head was pounding but made worse by the exertion of trying to keep it from everyone. He knew it had been stupid to finish that second bottle last night, but he had to do something to drive the old demons away or he felt he wouldn’t have slept at all.  And now he had to pretend he was fine to stop Mr Cartwright from becoming suspicious.

 

 

 

He felt the man was still watching him carefully since the last time and he was determined not to show him the way it really was.  His demons were his own affair and he wouldn’t allow them to be noticed by anyone.  After all, he had spent many years hiding them and he didn’t intend for anyone to find out about them now. So he spent the day doing as little as possible, but doing it away from prying eyes.

 

 

 

He had declined when Adam had asked him to accompany him into town and had put off Hoss’ offer to go out to the North Pasture.  The thought of a long ride in either direction was just too daunting.  Instead he pleaded for an easy morning with a book to recover from all the riding he had been doing.  He was happy for them to think that he couldn’t quite keep up physically, as long as they didn’t find out about the old demons.

 

 

 

Mr Cartwright had spent the morning out with Hoss and had returned after lunch to do some paper work, so Albert had been forced to move outside away from him. He took his book to a quiet spot in the barn and had a good rest for an hour or so, hoping to feel better by the time that Adam returned.  As he heard a movement in the doorway he got up expectantly. ‘You’re back early,’ he said. ‘Oh… I thought it was Adam,’ he added as Joe led his pony into the barn.

 

 

 

Joe scowled at him and said nothing.

 

 

 

‘Is school over already?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said the boy shortly and began to unsaddle his pony.

 

 

 

Albert moved closer to him and wished the thumping of his head would stop. ‘Got into any trouble?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Joe, continuing to work.

 

 

 

‘I suppose a kid like you would wheedle his way out of it if you did anyway,’ said Albert sarcastically.  ‘You seem to get most things you want.’  Joe said nothing as he continued to work. ‘I’ll bet that ugly teacher of yours is as stupid as your family is about you,’ Albert continued, warming up to his subject.

 

 

 

‘My family ain’t stupid!’ declared Joe in spite of his intention not to engage in a conversation with the man.

 

 

 

‘Well they are where you’re concerned,’ said Albert casually. ‘Your Pa and brothers let you get away with anything. I think that’s pretty stupid.’

 

 

 

Joe turned to face him. ‘You take that back!’ he yelled. ‘Don’t you dare call my Pa and brothers stupid!’

 

 

 

Albert laughed.  He was beginning to enjoy himself. ‘Can’t the spoilt little baby handle it?’ he asked. ‘Poor Little Joe!’  He stepped back in surprise as the boy pushed him. ‘Hey!’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe clenched his fists and tears began to form in his eyes. ‘You shut up, you!’ he yelled.

 

 

 

Albert looked down at the small boy in front of him.  ‘I’d shut up if I were you,’ he said casually. ‘You don’t want me to get you into trouble again with your Pa do you?’

 

 

 

Joe launched himself on Albert and tried to beat him with his fists, all the frustrations of the past few weeks coming out all at once.  Albert held him back easily by pinning him on the head with his hand and began to laugh. ‘You’ll have to try harder than that, little man,’ he said.

 

 

 

After a few moments Joe stopped and stood still, panting with the exertion. ‘I want you to leave me alone,’ he said, ‘or I’ll….’

 

 

 

Albert bent down so that he was level with the boy’s face. ‘Or you’ll what?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Or I’ll hit you!’ declared Joe and reached out to do just that.

 

 

 

Albert stopped the blow easily with his fist and laughed again. He shook his head, reached out and slapped the boy hard on the face. ‘Don’t you try that again,’ he said nastily.

 

 

 

Joe gasped with the shock and stood holding his cheek where the blow had landed. ‘I’m gonna tell my Pa what you did!’ he said.

 

 

 

Albert bent down again and pulled the youngster close to him. ‘No you won’t,’ he said quietly as he looked into the boy’s eyes. ‘Because if you do, I’ll make sure you get into even more trouble.’ He pointed his finger under Joe’s nose. ‘And you know I can do it, don’t you?’ Joe looked at him with wide eyes, not knowing what to say.  Albert shook him slightly. ‘You’ll tell your Pa you fell over. Understood?’ Joe nodded silently. ‘And from now on you make sure you don’t give me any trouble or it’ll happen again. I don’t want any of them thinking you don’t like me any more.  Do you understand me?’  He shook him again. ‘I said do you understand me?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ Joe said and pulled himself free of the man’s grasp.  He fled from the barn without looking back.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Put your face up,’ instructed Ben as he dabbed his son’s cheek again with the cloth. Joe did as he was instructed without a word. ‘Next time you might be a bit more careful, eh Joseph?’ his father said as he continued to dab the sore spot.

 

 

 

‘Yes Pa,’ answered Joe in a small voice.

 

 

 

Ben reached out and rubbed the back of his son’s neck. ‘Well I think that’ll help it a bit,’ he said. ‘But you’re going to have quite a bruise there.’

 

 

 

Joe stood up, put his arms around his father’s neck and hugged him. ‘There, there,’ said Ben as he patted the boy on the back. ‘It’s not that sore, is it?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Joe, his voice muffled against his father’s shoulder.

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘Then what is it?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Nothing.’

 

 

 

Ben looked over his shoulder at Adam and Hoss who shrugged. He patted the boy on the back again. ‘Well then, how about an early night?’ he said. ‘I’ll bring your supper up to you in bed.’

 

 

 

‘OK Pa,’ said Joe and turned to go without a fuss.  He was pleased not to have to sit at the same table as that Albert again, even if it was just for one night.

 

 

 

‘Something’s definitely wrong with that boy,’ said Ben as he watched his son climb the stairs. ‘It’s not like him to agree to going to bed early.’

 

 

 

‘Oh, he’s fine Pa,’ said Adam. ‘Just hurting a bit because he fell, that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘I suppose so,’ replied his father, but he couldn’t stop the feeling that something just wasn’t quite right with his son.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

The thought continued to nag Ben as he watched his youngest son during the next few days.  He didn’t seem his usual bubbly self and didn’t get into any trouble at all which was a sure sign that something was wrong with him.  He was just too good to be normal.

 

 

 

He brought the subject up after the boy had gone to bed one night.

 

 

 

‘Boys, has Joseph confided in any of you?’

 

 

 

‘About what Pa?’ asked Hoss.

 

 

 

‘I don’t know, but he just seems unhappy about something lately.  Haven’t you noticed it?’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Not really,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘He’s probably still sulking about being in trouble,’ said Albert with a touch of sarcasm.  Ben glanced at him, but said nothing.

 

 

 

‘You want me ta talk ta him Pa?’ asked Hoss. ‘He usually tells me stuff he don’t let on ta anyone else.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘That would be a good idea.  Thank you son.’ He watched Albert as he puffed on his pipe and wondered if he had anything to do with Joe’s behaviour.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘What’s up with ya shortshanks?’ asked Hoss. ‘Cat got ya tongue?’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head and continued to rake out the stall. ‘I just gotta lot of work to do is all.  Pa’s give me all these extra chores to make up.’

 

 

 

Hoss nodded sympathetically. ‘Yeah I know,’ he said. ‘But ya’ve been sorta funny lately.  Any reason?’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head again. ‘Nope,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss leant over and cupped his little brother’s face in his hand as he brought it up level with his own.  ‘Ya’d tell old Hoss if something was bothering ya, wouldn’t ya?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded and gave him a half-smile. ‘Sure,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss patted him on the head. ‘OK then.  See ya later little buddy.’  He walked out of the barn and Joe bent back to his work again with a heavy heart.  He had wanted so much to confide in his big brother, but he really didn’t think he’d believe him anyway and after what Albert had threatened he just couldn’t take the chance on being hurt further.  He turned sharply as he heard a voice behind him.

 

 

 

‘That was smart.’  Joe frowned to see Albert leaning against a railing. ‘I see you’ve taken notice of what I said,’ Albert continued. Joe bent down to his work again and ignored him.  ‘I believe you and Adam are going fishing tomorrow?’ Albert said.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Joe shortly.

 

 

 

‘You’d better tell him I’m coming too then.’

 

 

 

Joe stared at him. ‘Why would I do that?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Albert shrugged. ‘Because I told you to.  I feel like a bit of fishing tomorrow, so you make out like you want me to come as well.  Understood?’  Joe stared at him again for a moment.

 

 

 

Albert took a step forward. ‘Alright,’ said Joe quickly.

 

 

 

‘Good,’ said Albert and left the barn.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

At  supper that evening Ben watched Joe carefully and noticed that the boy hardly ate anything.   ‘Is your face still hurting Joseph?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No,’ he said quietly.

 

 

 

‘Is anything else the matter?’ persisted his father.

 

 

 

‘No.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘So you and Adam are going fishing tomorrow?’ he said. ‘That’ll be nice.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded and Ben noticed him glance at Albert before turning towards Adam. ‘Could…. could Albert come with us?’ he asked flatly.

 

 

 

Adam looked at him surprised. ‘You want Albert to come?’ he asked. ‘I thought you wanted it to be just the two of us?’

 

 

 

Ben noticed Joe glance at Albert again. ‘No,’ he said softly. ‘I want Albert to come too.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled at his friend. ‘That OK with you?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’d love to,’ replied Albert. ‘Thank you for inviting me Little Joe.’  He gave the boy a big smile which Ben noticed his son didn’t return.  Instead he squirmed in his seat and looked uncomfortable. He wondered why the boy would have invited Albert if he really didn’t seem to want him there after all.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘So how did the fishing go?’ asked Ben.  He was interested to know if Albert and Joe had got along after all.

 

 

 

‘We caught enough for supper,’ replied Adam as he sat down on the settee.  ‘Not too bad.’

 

 

 

‘How were they together?’ Ben felt he didn’t have to explain who he was referring to.

 

 

 

‘Strange actually,’ said Adam. ‘Albert made a real effort to be nice to Joe, but the kid didn’t seem to want anything to do with him at all.  I can’t understand why he asked for him to go if he felt like that.’

 

 

 

‘Neither can I,’ said Ben thoughtfully. ‘Adam, I’ve been wondering if perhaps Albert is teasing Joe a bit when we’re not around.’

 

 

 

Adam sat up. ‘What? Why on earth would he do that?’

 

 

 

‘Well I’ve noticed your brother isn’t comfortable with him at all.  In fact he seems a bit scared of him.  Haven’t you noticed how he avoids his company whenever he can?’

 

 

 

‘Oh Pa!’ replied Adam. ‘That’s just Joe being stubborn because he got caught out in trouble a couple of times.  He’s just a bit jealous of Albert that’s all.  He asked for him to come today, didn’t he?’

 

 

 

‘Yes but he wasn’t happy about it,’ murmured Ben.

 

 

 

‘What are you trying to imply?’ said Adam defensively. ‘Are you trying to say that Albert doesn’t like the kid?  He’s done nothing but try and be nice to him since he arrived here…..its Joe who’s been causing the trouble.’

 

 

 

‘I just wonder if he knows how to act around children, that’s all,’ replied his father. ‘I didn’t mean anything by it particularly.  You said yourself he’s never had much experience being in a family before.’

 

 

 

‘That’s exactly what I’ve been talking about,’ said Adam. ‘I want to show him how great it is and Joe isn’t helping.’

 

 

 

‘Perhaps you should have a talk with Albert,’ said his father. ‘Make it clear to him how Joe might be feeling and try to make him understand how important it is to reach out to the boy. You know Adam, sometimes when people haven’t experienced something themselves they’re not quite sure how to deal with it.  Albert may be feeling uncomfortable with Joe and talking to you about it might help.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I see what you mean.’

 

 

 

‘I’ve noticed he hasn’t received any mail from his family since he’s been here,’ said Ben casually.

 

 

 

‘That’s not unusual,’ replied Adam. ‘I told you they’re not close.  In fact sometimes I think his parents don’t care about him at all.  You know, that must have been a terrible way to grow up.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘All the more reason for you to help him son,’ he said. ‘Talk to him.’

 

 

 

Adam stood up. ‘I will Pa, you can count on it.’

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Come on!’ shouted Adam as he turned his horse and waited. ‘I’m not waiting all day!’

 

 

 

Albert drew up alongside of him panting. ‘Whew!’ he said. ‘That was great!’  He turned to look at the lake spread in front of them. ‘What a view!’

 

 

 

Adam pointed to the left. ‘That’s the southernmost tip of The Ponderosa,’ he said. ‘And over that mountain range…well if you go far enough I guess you’d reach the Pacific Ocean.’

 

 

 

‘Eventually!’ laughed Albert.

 

 

 

Adam dismounted. ‘Let’s have a break,’ he said as he tied his horse to a nearby branch and sat on the soft green pine needles beneath him.  Albert did the same.

 

 

 

‘You been enjoying your stay so far?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Albert grinned at him. ‘Do you need to ask?’ he replied. ‘I can’t tell you how wonderful it’s been Adam!  I never knew country like this existed. And as for your family…..well you father is an amazing man!’

 

 

 

Adam nodded in agreement. ‘That he is,’ he said. ‘I’m lucky to have had him when I was growing up.  Especially through all the tragedies we’ve had in our family.’

 

 

 

Albert nodded sympathetically.  Adam had told him all about the deaths of his mother and two stepmothers.  ‘You certainly are lucky ,’ he said wistfully. ‘I wish I had a father like that.’

 

 

 

Adam glanced at his friend. ‘I’m sure your father loves you in his own way,’ he said carefully.  He was always wary of speaking too much of Albert’s family as it had proved to be a sensitive subject for his friend.

 

 

 

Albert shrugged. ‘Yeah, of course he does,’ he replied without much conviction in his voice.

 

 

 

‘You know Albert,’ said Adam casually. ‘Pa thinks that you might have been a bit uncomfortable living with us.’

 

 

 

Albert looked at him surprised. ‘Why?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Well… I suppose you’ve noticed we’re fairly close knit,’ said Adam. ‘I mean, we’ve had to be really over the years.  Especially when Joe’s mother died.  We all had to pull together and it made us closer than a lot of families I think.’

 

 

 

‘Meaning?’

 

 

 

‘Well..it’s just that I don’t think you’re used to children, are you?  I know Joe can be a real nuisance at times, but he’s…..well he needs a lot of support from all of us.’

 

 

 

Here we go again, thought Albert. Why do they think the world revolves around that brat? ‘I can see that,’ he replied.

 

 

 

‘He’s sure you don’t like him,’ continued Adam.

 

 

 

Albert frowned. ‘That’s obvious,’ he said. ‘Well I can’t do any more than I have already.’

 

 

 

Adam bit his lip. ‘I just thought it might help if you understood about him,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Understood what?’

 

 

 

‘How hard life is for him sometimes.’

 

 

 

How hard life is for him!  That’s a joke! ‘Yeah poor kid,’ Albert replied. ‘I know how it feels to be …..’

 

 

 

Adam looked at him. ‘To be what?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘Nothing,’ he said simply.  He closed his eyes for a moment trying to will the demons away.  He couldn’t believe that they were following him even up to this beautiful spot.  He opened his eyes again and smiled at his friend. ‘I’ll try a bit harder with him,’ he said. ‘How about I take him with me into town this afternoon.  I could pick up the mail for your father.’

 

 

 

‘Great!’ said Adam standing up. He pulled his friend to his feet. ‘Come on!  I’ll race you back again.’  The two young men mounted quickly and headed their horses back down the hill, laughing as they went.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘I don’t know if that’s a good idea,’ said Ben, looking at Joe’s crestfallen face. ‘Unless Joseph particularly wants to go.’

 

 

 

Joe looked away from his father and Ben noticed that he was biting his lip.  That was always a sure indication that the boy was uncomfortable about something. He watched as his son glanced at Albert. ‘I…. I suppose so,’ Joe said quietly.  He walked over to his father and leaned in towards him. ‘Can Adam or Hoss come with us?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Hoss isn’t back yet from the South Pasture and I need Adam here with me to finish these accounts,’ he said. ‘You don’t have to go if you don’t want to Joseph.’

 

 

 

‘Of course he wants to go,’ said Albert brightly. ‘Don’t you Little Joe?’

 

 

 

‘Joe can decide for himself,’ said Ben shortly. He didn’t want his son to feel that he was being pressured to go. ‘Joseph?’

 

 

 

‘Don’t you need me for something here Pa?’ asked Little Joe hopefully.

 

 

 

‘Not really,’ said his father. ‘You may go with Albert if you’d like to.’  He studied the boy again. ‘But you don’t have to,’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe bit his lip again and glanced at Albert. ‘No,’ he said without much enthusiasm. ‘I’ll go.’

 

 

 

‘Good!’ said Albert brightly. ‘Come on and we’ll saddle up then.’

 

 

 

Joe followed the man out of the house, dragging his feet. Ben watched him go with an uncomfortable feeling. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the boy didn’t want to go and he couldn’t work out why.  He opened his mouth to call him back again, but was interrupted by Adam.

 

 

 

‘Pa? What’s the matter?’

 

 

 

Ben looked at his son. ‘I don’t think Joseph wanted to go,’ he said. ‘I don’t think he’s comfortable with Albert.’

 

 

 

‘Well isn’t that the whole point of this?’ replied Adam. ‘To get them used to each other a bit more?’

 

 

 

‘I suppose so,’ said Ben. ‘Come on, let’s get to those accounts.’

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

Joe rode as far away from Albert as was possible on the trail into town.  He made no attempt at conversation at all and was pleased that Albert didn’t either.  By the time they reached town, he was wondering why Albert had insisted he come after all.  He had thought it would be so that he could taunt him again, but apparently not.

 

 

 

‘Where do we get it from?’ Albert’s words interrupted Joe’s train of thought. ‘What?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘The mail, stupid!’ replied Albert. ‘Isn’t that what we came in here for?’

 

 

 

Joe ignored the remark. ‘Over there,’ he said pointing.

 

 

 

‘Well you go and get it while I go in here for a few minutes,’ said Albert. ‘Wait for me outside.’  He swung off his saddle and headed into the Silver Dollar Saloon.  Joe stood and watched him disappear before heading over to the Mail Office.  When he returned Albert hadn’t appeared again, so he sat down and put the mailbag next to him while he waited.

 

 

 

‘Well, hello there young man.’ Joe looked up to see Sheriff Coffee, his father’s friend standing in front of him. ‘What are you doing in town?’

 

 

 

‘Getting the mail,’ replied Joe, indicating the mailbag beside him.

 

 

 

Sheriff Coffee sat down next to him. ‘Your Pa trusting you to come in by yourself now is he?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No.  Adam’s friend is with me.’

 

 

 

‘Ah.  The young man from New York,’ said Sheriff Coffee. ‘Where is he?’

 

 

 

‘In there,’ said Joe, indicating the Saloon. ‘He said for me to wait for him out here, but he’s been an awful long time.’

 

 

 

Sheriff Coffee frowned. ‘Has he?’ he said. ‘Well how about I go and see what’s holding him up, eh?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded and watched the Sheriff disappear into the Saloon.  A few moments later he reappeared with Albert who seemed to be protesting about something. ‘So what’s your objection to a man having a couple of drinks then Sheriff?’ he said angrily.

 

 

 

Sheriff Coffee gave him a push towards his horse. ‘None at all young fella,’ he said mildly. ‘But you’ve had more than a couple and I don’t think Ben Cartwright would want you to have any more when you’re in charge of this little guy, do you?’

 

 

 

Albert gave Joe a hateful look, then turned to the sheriff and smiled. ‘No of course not,’ he said . ‘I don’t know what I was thinking.’  He tipped his hat to the man. ‘I’ll get the boy straight home.’  He mounted up. ‘Come on little Joe,’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe looked up at Sheriff Coffee and hesitated for a moment.

 

 

 

‘Go on son,’ said the Sheriff kindly. ‘Now mind you get him straight home!’ he said to Albert.

 

 

 

‘Of course, Sheriff,’ replied Albert and smiled at Joe kindly before turning his horse around.

 

 

 

‘Say hello to your Pa for me Little Joe,’ said the Sheriff, as he handed the mailbag up to Joe on his horse. He watched as the two riders disappeared around the corner and shook his head.  That young friend of Adam’s wasn’t too impressive by any means, he decided before turning to go back to his office again.

 

 

 

As soon as they had rounded the corner, Albert reached out and took hold of Little Joe’s reins. ‘Well thanks a lot!’ he said with a sneer. ‘A man can’t even get a decent drink around here because of you!’

 

 

 

Joe scowled at him and leant back as he smelt the whiskey on his breath. ‘I done nothing!’ he declared.

 

 

 

‘Yeah well, you watch yourself or I’ll let you have it!’ said Albert. ‘Now come with me!’

 

 

 

‘Where are we going?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘None of your business,’ said Albert as he led the boy’s pony around another corner to a more rundown part of town and stopped outside the Bucket of Blood Saloon.

 

 

 

‘My Pa don’t let me come in this street,’ said Joe, looking around him with wide eyes.

 

 

 

‘Well, I’m not your Pa!’ said Albert with a nasty grin. ‘Now get off that pony and sit over there while you wait for me.’

 

 

 

‘How long will you be?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘As long as I feel like!’ replied Albert. ‘Now sit down and wait for me!’

 

 

 

Joe sat down on the sidewalk and watched the fascinating parade of people as they passed. There were many men staggering around as if they were drunk, even though it was the middle of the day and he wondered why. His eyes got wider and wider as he watched and noticed several women across the street dressed in very short skirts up to their knees. One of them winked at him and he smiled back, thinking how nice she looked.

 

 

 

After a while he got tired of watching the people and began to wonder how long Albert would be.  He stood up, approached the saloon and tried to peek under the swinging doors, but at that moment they opened and he was nearly knocked over by a large man who walked through. ‘Watch out boy!’ he said loudly and gave Joe a lopsided grin. ‘You’re a bit young to be going in there, ain’t ya?’

 

 

 

Joe stood up again. ‘I’m not going in there,’ he said. ‘I’m just looking for someone.’

 

 

 

The man held the door open. ‘Well, have a look then,’ he said. ‘Find him?

 

 

 

Joe looked through the open doors and saw Albert sitting in the corner drinking. ‘Yes,’ he said.

 

 

 

The man gave him a push inside with a laugh. ‘Well go and get him then,’ he said and laughed as he turned and left. Joe stood inside the saloon and looked around.   He’d never been inside one before and he was fascinated to see what it was like.

 

 

 

‘Hey you!’ yelled the bartender behind him. ‘Out of here, boy!’

 

 

 

Joe turned and scampered out onto the street again and sat down.  He sighed, hoping that Albert wouldn’t take too long to finish that big bottle he had seen on the table in front of him.

 

 

 

The shadows were lengthening before Albert emerged from the saloon and stood looking down at Joe. ‘You… you still…. here?’ he said as he swayed a little. ‘Come on kid, let’s get home.’

 

 

 

Joe mounted up quickly, eager to get home.  He knew they were long overdue and didn’t want his Pa to be worried about them. Albert didn’t seem to be worried however, and mounted his horse very slowly and carefully before following Joe down the street.  He was singing softly to himself and Joe wondered why.

 

 

 

After they had ridden for about fifteen minutes Albert stopped singing and looked at Joe. ‘What are you looking at?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I ain’t looking at nothing,’ replied Joe, edging his horse away. ‘I’m just riding.’

 

 

 

Albert pointed his finger at the boy. ‘No you’re not,’ he said, slurring his words. ‘You’re looking at me.’

 

 

 

‘I’m not!’ said Joe and tried to ride ahead of the man, but Albert reached out and grabbed the reins of his pony.

 

 

 

‘You stop right there young man!’ said Albert. ‘You answer me when I’m talking to you.’

 

 

 

Joe tried to pull his pony away from Albert’s horse, but only succeeded in pulling Albert off the saddle. He watched in horror as the man landed with a thump in the dirt. ‘Are you alright?’ he asked.  There was no answer, so he dismounted and walked over to him and bent down.  ‘Are you alright?’ he asked again.

 

 

 

Albert opened one eye and glared at him. ‘What did you do that for?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe didn’t say anything.  He could see now that the man was a bit drunk and thought it would be best to just get back on his pony and they could both go home.  He turned, but Albert grabbed him by the ankle as he sat up.

 

 

 

‘Let go!’ Joe said crossly. ‘We have to get home now.’

 

 

 

Albert pulled the boy towards him. ‘We’ll go when I say!’ he said angrily. ‘Now get back here!’

 

 

 

Joe tried to wriggle free of the man’s grasp, but Albert held onto him firmly as he stood up. ‘I’m sick of you!’ he yelled at the boy. ‘You and your family!’

 

 

 

Joe tried once again to wrest himself free of the man’s grasp.  He could smell the whiskey on his breath and shrunk away from it. ‘Let me go!’ he yelled back at him.

 

 

 

Albert shook him fiercely. ‘Don’t you dare answer me back, young man!’ he shouted. ‘You will do as I say!  I will not have any disobedience in this house!’

 

 

 

Joe stopped struggling and stared at him. ‘What?’ he said. ‘What house?’

 

 

 

Albert shook his again, his words slurring as he yelled at the boy. ‘I have told you many times young man and I don’t expect any insolence do you understand? As long as you live under this roof you will remember that I am in charge!’

 

 

 

Joe began to get frightened.  Albert wasn’t making any sense at all. ‘What are you talking about?’ he said as he struggled. ‘What roof?’

 

 

 

Albert flung the boy to the ground and stood over him. ‘You are a stupid boy!’ he yelled pointing his finger at him. ‘You can’t do anything right! No wonder your mother and I don’t pay any attention to you!’

 

 

 

Joe cringed away from him, too scared to speak now.  Albert bent down and picked him up by the shirt collar. ‘You will learn to obey me, do you understand?’ he yelled. ‘I’ll show you who’s in charge!

 

 

 

He hit the boy on the face and body over and over again, listening to his whimpers with a deep-seated satisfaction. The old demons were happy again. Finally he flung him to the ground again and watched as Joe curled himself up into a ball on the ground. He undid his belt and pulled the boy towards him. ‘You will apologize for your rudeness young man!’ he said angrily. ‘I’m waiting!’

 

 

 

Joe whimpered as he tried to pull himself free of the man, but Albert held onto him tightly. ‘I’m waiting!’ he heard him yell again.

 

 

 

Joe closed his eyes in fright. ‘Let go of me!’ he cried.

 

 

 

‘I’ll let go of you when I’m good and ready!’ shouted Albert.  The demons were thumping inside his head and he shook it to try and loosen them. ‘I’m waiting for your apology young man!’ He brought the belt down on the boy. ‘What do you say?’

 

 

 

‘I’m sorry!’ cried Joe. ‘Don’t hit me again!’

 

 

 

Albert let go of him and stood up. He swayed a little as he clutched his head and tried to shake the demons away. ‘Don’t you ever disobey me again boy!’ he said quietly. ‘I’m your father and I won’t tolerate your insolence!’  He turned and mounted up again, leaving the whimpering boy behind him as he rode off into the approaching darkness.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

Ben looked out of the study window for the tenth time.  ‘I’m sure they’re fine Pa,’ said Adam from the settee. ‘Joe’s just probably showing Albert some of the sights on the way home from town.’

 

 

 

Ben turned. ‘I feel uneasy about this,’ he said. ‘I shouldn’t have let Joseph go with him.’

 

 

 

‘Why ever not? It was only into town and back.’

 

 

 

Ben said nothing, but looked out of the window again. He began to pace up and down the study.  ‘I’m going in after them,’ he said after a moment.

 

 

 

Adam shook his head in frustration. ‘Pa, they’ll be fine,’ he said again.

 

 

 

‘Call it a father’s intuition or whatever you like,’ said Ben as he put on his jacket. ‘But something isn’t right and I’m going after them.’

 

 

 

‘Just because they’re a little late…..’ began Adam.  ‘Oh alright, I’ll come with you then.’  He took his jacket from the hook and followed his father out of the door.

 

 

 

The further they rode along the trail and the closer they got to town, the more convinced Ben was that there was something wrong.  He couldn’t forget the look in Joseph’s eyes as he had agreed to go to town with Albert and he knew that the boy felt uneasy about it.  Why had he let him go?  Why hadn’t he stopped him?

 

 

 

They were about fifteen minutes out of town when Adam suddenly brought his horse to a stop. ‘What’s that?’ he said pointing ahead. ‘Isn’t that Joe’s pony?’

 

 

 

Ben went cold as he urged his horse forward.  As they neared the spot where the pony was peacefully grazing by the side of the trail, he skidded to a halt and looked around. ‘Where is he?’ he said anxiously to Adam, but before his son had time to answer he heard a snuffling sound from behind the rocks and ran over towards it.

 

 

 

There was Little Joe huddled in towards the rock face, whimpering to himself.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ cried Ben as he pulled his son towards him. ‘What happened?’

 

 

 

Joe allowed his father to pick him up and cradle him on his lap.  He huddled against him and the tears began to flow down his cheeks.  For several minutes Ben just rocked him backwards and forwards and stroked his hair, trying desperately to communicate to his son that whatever it was had gone and he was there for him.  Finally Joe’s cries subsided to small sobs and Ben asked again. ‘What happened Joe?’

 

 

 

Joe took a deep breath and tried to answer his father. ‘He… he hit me!’ he sobbed. ‘He said I had to say I was sorry, but I done nothing Pa!’

 

 

 

‘Who hit you son?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Al….Albert!’ said Joe. ‘He was drunk a bit and he said I lived in his house.  Why’d he say that Pa?’

 

 

 

‘I don’t know,’ said Ben, feeling his temper rising. He heard Adam gasp beside him. ‘It’s alright now Joseph,  Your Pa’s here and everything will be alright,’ Ben crooned to the boy.

 

 

 

Joe sat up and looked at his father.  Ben saw the marks on his face and drew in his breath. ‘He said he was my father Pa!  He ain’t, is he?’

 

 

 

‘No, of course he’s not!’ said Ben angrily.  He didn’t know what had gotten into Albert, but the important thing now was calming Joseph down enough to get him home again. ‘He’s confused son, that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘I didn’t tell you lies Pa.  Honest I didn’t!’ continued Little Joe. ‘He was mean to me and I done nothing!’

 

 

 

Ben hugged the boy tightly to his chest. ‘I know that now Joseph,’ he said. ‘And I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you son.  Truly I am.’

 

 

 

He stood up with his son in his arms and looked at Adam, still crouching on the ground beside him. ‘We have to get Joseph home,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam looked up at his father with a stricken face. ‘I can’t believe this Pa,’ he said as he stood up. ‘Albert would never…..’

 

 

 

The important thing is Joseph,’ said Ben firmly. ‘We’ll talk about Albert later.’

 

 

 

Adam reached out and touched his father on the arm. ‘But Pa, he wouldn’t….’

 

 

 

‘I said we’ll talk about this later!’ said Ben. ‘Help me with your brother Adam.’  He walked over to his horse and handed Little Joe to Adam as he mounted, then reached down for his son. ‘Bring his pony,’ he said and turned his horse towards home again.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss had returned home a few minutes ago expecting to find his father and Adam still working on the accounts and was surprised to find them both missing.  Thinking that they had probably both finished early and decided to go out to see the branding, he had decided to get a head start on his chores and had just begun on the woodpile when the sound of horses behind brought him to a sudden stop. He put down the axe in his hand and turned with a smile that quickly faded when he noticed the agitated state of both riders.

 

 

 

‘What happened?’ he shouted as he noticed Little Joe in his father’s arms.

 

 

 

Ben brought his horse to a stop and handed the boy down to his brother before dismounting.  Hoss took him without a word, frowning as he saw the marks on his face. He looked at his father silently as Ben took the boy back from him and turned towards the house.

 

 

 

Hoss took a step after him. ‘What happened?’ he asked again.

 

 

 

‘Look after the horses please Hoss,’ said Ben, continuing to walk. ‘Then come upstairs and I’ll explain.’

 

 

 

Hoss turned to Adam with a puzzled expression. ‘Did he fall off his pony?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam turned away from him. ‘No,’ he said in a tight voice.

 

 

 

Hoss reached out to grab him. ‘Then what?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam shook off his brother’s hand. ‘Ask Pa!’ he said. ‘Leave me alone!’ He mounted his horse again and rode out of the yard. Hoss shook his head and reached out for the horses’ reins. After he had cared for them he went quickly inside and straight up to Little Joe’s room.  As he entered he heard the sound of whimpering and found Ben undressing his little brother gently as he whispered softly to him.

 

 

 

Hoss stood and looked at the marks on the child’s body as a great rage welled up inside him. ‘Who done it?’ He said angrily. ‘I’ll kill em!’

 

 

 

‘You’ll do nothing of the kind,’ said Ben. ‘We’ll deal with it later.’ He looked up at Hoss. ‘Is Albert in the house?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘He ain’t home from town yet.’  He looked at the boy on the bed again. ‘He done it, didn’t he Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said simply. ‘Where’s Adam?’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head, trying to contain his rage. ‘He rode out again,’ he said. ‘Probably gone looking for him.  You want me to go after him Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘They have to sort this out on their own.  Besides, I need you here.’  He picked his son up and put him in the bed, whispering softly to him all the while. ‘It’s alright now Little Joe, Pa’s here.  It’s going to be alright son.’

 

 

 

Hoss watched his little brother still whimpering in the bed and clenched his fists in rage.  He hoped for his own sake that Albert had ridden as fast as the wind to get away, for if he hadn’t Adam would most likely kill him. And if he doesn’t, thought Hoss, then I will!

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

Albert sat on top of the cliff and stared at the blue lake.  His head was still throbbing, although the demons were quieter now. He put his head in his hands and breathed heavily for a few moments, wondering what to do.  He had really gone and done it now!  There was no way that Mr Cartwright or Adam would believe that what had happened had been an accident and he shuddered to think of the consequences.

 

 

 

He drew up his knees and thumped his head on them in sheer frustration. Why? Why did it have to turn out like this?  He had no answers for himself. The only thing that he could concentrate on was the fact that the demons were quiet again and seemed to have left him.  But for how long?

 

 

 

He turned as he heard a horse pull up behind him and watched as Adam dismounted and came to stand before him.

 

 

 

There was silence.

 

 

 

‘I suppose I’m not welcome back there now?’ Albert said finally.

 

 

 

‘If I took you back there now my father would most likely kill you,’ said Adam in a tight voice. ‘To be honest, I feel like doing it for him.’

 

 

 

Albert nodded. ‘I’m sure you do,’ he said simply.

 

 

 

‘Why did you do it?’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘You don’t understand,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Then tell me!’ yelled Adam. ‘Why?’

 

 

 

Albert put his head down on his knees again. ‘I couldn’t help it,’ he whispered.

 

 

 

‘He’s a child!’ yelled Adam.

 

 

 

Albert looked up at him pleadingly. ‘So was I,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam looked puzzled ‘What?’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head again. ‘I’m so sorry Adam,’ he said. ‘I’m just…. I’m just so sorry!’

 

 

 

Adam glared at him. ‘Sorry isn’t good enough,’ he said. ‘I can’t believe you could do a thing like that!’

 

 

 

Albert said nothing. After a moment Adam took a step away from him. ‘I’ll see to it that your things are sent into town,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Adam?’

 

 

 

‘What?’

 

 

 

‘Please tell your father….. tell him I’m sorry,’ said Albert miserably.

 

 

 

Adam gave him a withering look and turned away again.

 

 

 

Albert stared after him. ‘Adam!’ he said, getting to his feet. ‘Please…… please don’t let it end like this!’

 

 

 

‘After what you’ve done you expect me to continue being your friend?’ asked Adam incredulously. ‘You can’t be serious!’

 

 

 

Albert reached out to his friend. ‘Please……’ he said. ‘I know I don’t deserve it, but ……please!  I can’t live like this anymore.’ Adam stared at him.  ‘It’s the…… the demons,’ Albert said softly. ‘They’re inside of me and ….. I can’t control them! They make me…. do things.’ He looked at his friend pleadingly. ‘Adam, please help me!’

 

 

 

‘You’re a grown man Albert,’ said Adam. ‘You have to learn to take responsibility for your actions, not blame them on some stupid demons in your head for heavens sake!’

 

 

 

Albert sank to his knees and began to sob. ‘You can’t possibly understand!’ he said. ‘You had a father who loved you!  You knew you were wanted!  I never did!  Never!  Do you know what that feels like?’

 

 

 

Adam stood rooted to the spot as he watched his friend sobbing on the ground.

 

 

 

‘They never once told me that they loved me!  They never once hugged me!  Never!’  Albert looked up at his friend. ‘You have no idea how it feels Adam!  You can’t possibly understand!  Do you know the number of times I’ve tried to confide in you?  The times I’ve ached to let you know just how it was for me?  But I couldn’t!  The demons were there and I couldn’t!’

 

 

 

‘Demons?’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘They’ve been with me for years,’ explained Albert.  ‘They’re old ones now.  Inside my head telling me what to do.  They come out when I….when I can’t cope with things.’

 

 

 

‘They tell you to drink, don’t they?’ asked Adam, beginning to understand.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Albert. ‘I started when I wasn’t much older than your little brother.  It was the only way to survive living in that house.’  He hung his head. ‘They told me to hurt Joe,’ he whispered.

 

 

 

‘Why?’

 

 

 

Albert looked up again. ‘He had everything I wanted,’ he said, trying desperately to make his friend understand. ‘When I was his age I had nothing.  Oh, I had plenty of money given to me, I had lots of material things, but I had no love………I had nothing.  And when I watched that boy with your father and with you and Hoss……well it ……. it brought the demons back again.’

 

 

 

‘You were jealous of him,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Albert. ‘But more than that.  I wanted to hurt him Adam. God help me, but I did hurt him! I felt he had no right to be so loved……. I wanted so much to be loved like that!’  He hung his head and wept for several minutes while Adam stood and watched him. After a while he lifted his head again and stood up, trying to compose himself. ‘I’m sorry, ‘ he said. ‘I’ll make sure I leave town on the next stagecoach.’ He turned away.

 

 

 

‘Your demons are old ones,’ said Adam. ‘You can get rid of them if you want to.’

 

 

 

Albert turned again and shook his head. ‘I’ve tried before,’ he said. ‘They just won’t go and I don’t know how to make them.’

 

 

 

Adam put his hand on his friend’s arm. ‘Yes you do,’ he said. ‘You have to face them to make them go.’

 

 

 

Albert shook his head. ‘I can’t,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You just did,’ replied Adam.

 

 

 

 

 

wwwwwww

 

 

 

 

 

‘Pa, I know should hate him for what he did,’ said Adam. ‘But I just can’t. He looked so miserable up there I just didn’t have the heart to reject him totally.’

 

 

 

Ben put his hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘Adam he did wrong, there’s no denying that.  But Albert wasn’t really responsible for his actions.  It would be wrong to hate him.’

 

 

 

‘But I feel like I should for Little Joe’s sake,’ said Adam. ‘I feel like I’m letting Joe down by helping Albert.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Son, you’re not letting your brother down.  Besides, Joe only needs to know that Albert is gone.  He doesn’t need to know any more than that.’

 

 

 

‘I hope he’ll find some help there,’ said Adam miserably.

 

 

 

‘I’m sure he will,’ replied his father. ‘It’s supposed to be an excellent place.  Will you keep in touch with him?’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I think so.  He needs me Pa, you know?  And we’ve been friends for a long time.  I….well it’s just hard to brush all that aside.’

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

Adam looked up at his father. ‘Thanks for understanding Pa,’ he said. ‘I sure hope Hoss does.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss will calm down in time,’ said his father. ‘You know what he’s like with Joseph.’

 

 

 

‘Do you think Joe’s forgiven me yet?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Ben smiled. ‘I’m sure he has,’ he replied. ‘Don’t forget that you’re not the only one who needs forgiveness around here.  I didn’t believe him either.’

 

 

 

At that moment the front door opened and Hoss entered, followed by Little Joe. ‘Ya shoulda seen this little guy this afternoon,’ said Hoss with a broad grin. ‘He just about fished the whole lake out.  I’d be surprised if there are any fish left between here and California!’

 

 

 

Joe grinned up at him. ‘I got enough fish to last all week, didn’t I Hoss?’ he said delightedly.

 

 

 

‘Sure did shortshanks,’ said his brother, ruffling his curls.

 

 

 

Joe bounced over to his father and gave him a hug. ‘Did ya miss me Pa?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Ben stroked his son’s curls. ‘Of course I did,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam looked at his brother and noticed the bruises that were beginning to heal. ‘How about you and me going next time Joe?’ he said. ‘Just the two of us?’

 

 

 

‘OK,’ said Joe with another grin. ‘But we’d better wait a while so that the fish have time to recover from today.’  He bounced over to Hoss again. ‘Hey Hoss? How about a game of checkers before supper?’

 

 

 

‘You, young man are going straight into the bathtub,’ said Ben as he stood up.  You smell all fishy.’

 

 

 

Joe took a step backwards. ‘Aw Pa!’ he said. ‘Do I havta?’

 

 

 

Yes!’ said Ben in a firm voice. ‘You too Hoss! Go on.’

 

 

 

The two of them left the room, still objecting.  Ben looked down at Adam and laughed. ‘I always said that young brother of yours bounces back quickly,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Adam. He stood up beside his father and faced him. ‘Pa, thank you.’

 

 

 

Ben looked at his son with a puzzled expression on his face. ‘For what?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘For loving us,’ he said simply.

 

 

 

Ben put his arm around Adam’s shoulder and hugged his son.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The End