Summary:  Ben is determined to teach Joe a lesson when he gets into trouble in town, but will the youngest Cartwright survive his punishment?

Rated: K (14,690 words)

 

Learning a Lesson

Joe Cartwright tried not to let his thoughts intrude upon his facial expression as the girl sidled up next to him.

‘Hello Joe,’ she said with a huge smile. ‘I was hoping to see you here today.’

Joe forced a smile on his face. ‘Oh hi Susan,’ he said. ‘I didn’t see you there.’

She continued to smile at him. ‘I didn’t think you did,’ she said. ‘Otherwise you would have stopped.’

He forced his false smile to linger on his lips. ‘Of course,’ he said and tipped his hat. ‘Scuze me.  I have work to get done.’ He turned and strode along the sidewalk, eager to get as much distance as possible in between them.

‘What kind of work?’ asked Susan as she attempted to keep up with him.

‘Supplies,’ he said shortly. ‘See you!’  He ducked under the hitching rail and practically ran across the street in the direction of the Cartwright buckboard which was hitched outside the Feed and Grain store. Susan watched him go with a sigh. Joe Cartwright was such a wonderful boy!  So handsome and manly!  She sighed again as she closed her eyes and allowed her thoughts to wander a little as she dreamt of his arms around her waist and his body pressed close to hers.  One day she would make it happen!

Hoss looked up in surprise as his younger brother appeared next to him and began to lift a grain sack. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked.

Joe glared at him. ‘Loading supplies!  Ain’t that what we’re supposed to be doing?’

‘Well yeah…but when have you ever done what you’re supposed ta?’ he asked. He grinned as he looked across the street and noticed Susan standing there looking at his brother like a moonsick calf. ‘Oh I see!’ he said.

‘What do you see?’ asked Joe angrily.

‘Susan,’ his brother said simply as if that explained everything as indeed it did. ‘She’s after ya again huh?’

Joe looked at the sack of grain as if he wanted to punch it. ‘Yeah!’ he said angrily. ‘I’m sick and tired of her carrying on all the time.  I can’t come into town at all lately without her hanging around me.’

‘Well why don’t you just go out with her and get it over with?’ asked Hoss as he shouldered another large sack. ‘Put her out of her misery so ta speak.’

‘Yeah right!’ said Joe. ‘It’d only make it worse.  Sides, nothing would make me take her out!’

‘Why not? She seems like a nice girl,’ said Hoss. ‘And you’ve known each other for such a long time. Since you was at school together when you was kids.’

‘Yeah, well thank goodness I don’t hafta sit in a classroom with her anymore!’ declared Joe. ‘You have no idea what it was like having to sit there all day with her staring at me all the time.’

‘Aw Joe! She just likes ya is all,’ said Hoss. ‘Can’t blame a girl fer that can ya?’

Joe shrugged. ‘Well of course not,’ he said. ‘I know I’m real popular with girls. They just can’t help themselves with someone as handsome as me after all!’ Hoss gave his brother a painful look and reached over to lift up his hat as he stared at his head. ‘What are you looking at?’ asked Joe indignantly.

‘Just checking little brother!’ said Hoss. ‘I reckon we’ll hafta buy you a new hat pretty soon if your head gets any bigger.’  He plonked Joe’s hat down on his head again, none too gently.

‘I only meant that I don’t blame her for liking me!’ Joe declared as he straightened his hat up. ‘But it doesn’t mean I hafta like her back does it?’

‘Well I don’t see why ya don’t,’ said his brother. ‘Like I said before, she’s a real nice girl.’

Joe made a face. ‘Yeah but have you taken a look at her?’ he asked.

Hoss looked across the street without seeming to stare at the girl. ‘What’s wrong with her?’ he asked.

Joe sighed. ‘Older brother you have no idea about women!’ he said. ‘She’s short for a start and about as wide as she is high.’

‘Nothing wrong with that!’ declared Hoss as he glanced down at his own huge girth.

‘And those freckles!’ continued Joe. ‘You woulda thought she’d grown out of em by now.  Not to mention her hair.’

‘What’s wrong with her hair?’

‘What’s right with it?’  said Joe indignantly. ‘Pulled back like that she looks like a schoolmarm!’

‘Guess she does that cause it’s so curly,’ said Hoss. ‘I must admit that her eyeglasses don’t help though.’

‘Now you’re getting it brother,’ said Joe. ‘She’s just a disaster! No dress sense either.’

Hoss looked puzzled. ‘Hey how come you know so much about what women wear Joe?’ he asked. ‘How do ya know if they’ve got good….. whatcha call it … good dress sense or not?’

Joe sighed and put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. ‘You just know Hoss,’ he said. ‘And believe me, Susan Watkins doesn’t have any.’ He noticed while he’d been talking that Hoss had finished loading all the sacks, so he smacked his hands together. ‘How about a drink brother?’ he said. ‘I believe it’s your turn to pay?’

‘Hoss glared at him. ‘You think it’s always my turn to pay!’ he said. ‘And we ain’t going anywhere near the saloon today Joseph! You know that Pa’s expecting these supplies home before dinner.’

Joe pulled another face. ‘Oh come on Hoss!’ he said. ‘One drink!  What’s it gonna hurt?’

Hoss pointed a finger at his brother. ‘I told you we’re not having one!’ he said. ‘Now you stay here while I go and get the mail and then we’ll be on our way.’

Joe saluted smartly. ‘Yes sir!’ he said cheekily. ‘Am I allowed to stand at ease while you do it sir?’

‘Don’t give me any of your smart mouth today,’ said Hoss meaningfully as he strode across the street. ‘I’ll be back soon, so make sure you’re right there ready when I get back here.’

Joe watched his brother until he had disappeared around the corner of the store and then reached into his pockets.  He smiled as he drew out a shiny dollar bit. ‘Now look at that Joe Cartwright!’ he said happily. ‘I do declare you’ve earned yourself a quick drink before older brother is any the wiser!’ He whistled softly as he vaulted over the hitching rail and disappeared up the street in the direction of the Saloon.

XXXXXXX

‘You was just born looking fer trouble wasn’t ya younger brother?’ asked Hoss in an exasperated tone as he drew the horses to a halt in the front yard. ‘Ain’t ya got any sense at all?’

‘It wasn’t my fault!’ declared Joe for the tenth time since they’d left town. ‘I told you before that Martin Heslop was insulting me! I had no choice but to hit him.’

Hoss glared at him. ‘You had no choice!’ he said angrily. ‘Of course if you’d done as you were told in the first place you wouldn’t have been anywhere near that Saloon and then he couldn’t have insulted you could he?’ Joe was silent as he thought about the logic behind his brother’s statement. ‘Well all I can say is that you’d better have a better explanation than that fer Pa,’ continued Hoss as he got down from the buggy. ‘It’s gonna be mighty hard fer him ta miss that black eye of yours.’

Joe fingered the eye in question gingerly. ‘I think I might go in the back way and straight up to my room,’ he said. ‘It needs a good soaking for a while.  Tell Pa I don’t want any dinner will ya Hoss?’

‘Oh no you don’t!’ said his brother as he collared him and held onto him tight. ‘You’re facing this alone Joseph!  I ain’t taking any blame fer this one.’  He steered his little brother towards the house forcefully.

‘Aw come on Hoss!’ said Joe pleadingly. ‘Have a heart!  You know what Pa’s gonna do!’

‘What is Pa going to do?’ asked a stern voice from the porch. Joe swallowed as he turned and saw his father standing there with his hands on his hips. ‘Oh hi Pa!’ he said as he pulled his hat down over his face in a vain attempt to shield his black eye from his father’s glare. ‘I didn’t see you there.’

Ben Cartwright glared at his youngest son. ‘I’m surprised you can see anything at all out of that eye Joseph!’ he said. ‘Would you kindly tell me how this came about?’

Joe looked at Hoss pleadingly, but his older brother just stood there and folded his arms in front of him as he smiled. ‘Well…’ Joe began.

‘Yes?’ asked Ben as he folded his arms in like fashion.

Joe put his hands up in a gesture of defeat. ‘I got into a fight,’ he said lamely.

‘Where?’

Joe rolled his eyes. ‘In the Saloon,’ he said.

Ben nodded slightly and pursed his mouth. ‘Did I or did I not send you two into town to get supplies and the mail?’ he asked.

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe quietly.

‘And did I mention anything about you going into the Saloon?’ asked Ben.

‘No sir,’ said Joe in an even quieter voice.

‘Even so you saw fit to spend your time drinking and fighting when you knew we were waiting for those supplies?’ continued his father.

‘Yes sir.’

‘And you let him!’ Ben turned to Hoss.

Hoss put his hands on his hips again. ‘Don’t blame me Pa!’ he said. ‘You know what he’s like!  One minute he was there and the next he was gone.  I told him to wait fer me, but he just took off.  I had to go in and get him.’

Ben turned back to his youngest son and pointed his finger at him. ‘You!’ he said. ‘You can unload all those sacks by yourself young man for a start!  And then as soon as you’ve finished your dinner you can get to work on that tack room! A bit of hard work might just change your attitude a bit!’

‘But Pa!’ said Joe as he took a step towards his father.

Ben glared at him. ‘What?’

Joe took a step back as he noticed the look in his father’s eye. ‘But it’s my afternoon off!’ he said lamely. ‘I was going fishing.’

Ben gave him an incredulous look. ‘Really?’ he said sarcastically. ‘And is there anything else you’d like to say before I decide that sixteen is not too big to put you over my knee Joseph?’ he asked.

Joe gulped. ‘No Pa,’ he said. ‘I guess I’ll get the tack room straightened up this afternoon.’

‘I guess you will,’ said his father as he marched into the house and banged the door behind him.

Joe gave Hoss a sour look. ‘Thanks a lot!’ he said.

Hoss grinned at him. ‘No problem,’ he said. ‘You’d better start on them sacks now if you want ta get em done before dinner younger brother. I can tell you they’re mighty heavy!’

Joe glared at his brother as he watched him stride away.   He fingered his sore eye again and with a sigh began to pull one of the sacks off the buckboard.

XXXXXXX

‘Pass the black-eyed peas please Joe,’ said Adam with a grin.

‘They’re ordinary peas for your information!’ said his younger brother with a dark look at him.

‘Really?’ said Adam in a surprised tone as he inspected the bowl closely. ‘My mistake.  I thought they were of the black-eyed variety.  I wonder why?’

Hoss gave a laugh and hit his older brother on the back. ‘Good one!’ he said.

Joe glared at them both. ‘Very funny!’ he said. ‘Why can’t you two just leave me alone for a change?’

Adam shook his head. ‘We try,’ he said. ‘But you just make it too easy for us little brother. We feel obliged to keep knocking you down again.’

Ben glared at his three sons. ‘That’s enough!’ he said. ‘Can’t we just for once have a meal in peace?’ He turned to Joe. ‘And you eat something instead of just pushing that food around your plate!’

‘I think our little brother is full up,’ said Adam. ‘What’s the matter Joe?  Too many hops?’

Joe looked puzzled. ‘Huh?’

‘Hops,’ repeated Adam. ‘A garden vegetable.’

Joe looked around at the plates scattered on the table. ‘Ain’t no hops here,’ he said warily. ‘What do they look like?’

‘I thought you’d be an expert at knowing what they look like,’ continued Adam smoothly. ‘They use them to make beer.’

Joe reached across the table towards his brother, but Ben slapped his hand away. ‘Stop it both of you!’ he said. ‘If I didn’t know any better I’d swear you were both schoolboys.’

Adam smirked. ‘Well one of us one still is!’ he said as he pointed at Joe.

‘You know very well I’ve been left school for six months!’ declared Joe. ‘I ain’t no schoolboy!’

Adam shook his head. ‘Well I don’t know,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I’d say your education is lacking if you don’t know about common garden vegetables like black-eyed peas and hops.  Maybe Pa should consider sending you back there for a while?’

Joe sprang to his feet. ‘I’ll send you back there!’ he declared and drew back his fist.

‘Joseph!’ thundered his father.

Joe stopped. ‘Well tell him to stop making fun of me!’ he shouted.

‘Your brother is right!’ said Ben angrily as he turned to Adam. ‘For heavens sake grow up a bit and leave him alone.’

‘Sorry Pa,’ said Adam, not looking too sorry at all. ‘He just makes it so easy that I can’t resist.’

‘Well I think you’d both better get back to your work,’ said Ben, the anger still evident in his voice. ‘Get!’

‘Gladly!’ said Joe as he strode to the door and slammed his hat on his head.  Ben flinched as they all heard it bang loudly.

‘Bye,’ said Adam as he followed.

Hoss looked at his father. ‘Does that mean me too?’ he asked.

‘Yes it does!’ said Ben. ‘Get going and leave me in peace for a change!’ He put his elbows on the table and massaged his temples as he closed his eyes and listened to the silence.

XXXXXXX

‘Morning Ben,’ said Roy Coffee as he walked across to his friend. ‘Haven’t seen you in town for a while.’

‘Roy! Good to see you,’ replied Ben. ‘The ranch has been keeping me busy so I haven’t had a chance to get in. The boys have been keeping me updated on things though.’

Roy raised an eyebrow. ‘Have they?’ he asked. ‘Everything?’

Ben frowned. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ he asked.

Roy shrugged. ‘Oh nothing.  I just thought you should be warned about a few folks around here who might want to have words with you about that youngest boy of yours that’s all.’

‘Words?  What are you talking about Roy?’

‘Well it seems that Joe has got himself into a heap of trouble around here lately,’ said Roy as he leant against a post. ‘Thought you should be prepared that’s all.’

‘Oh really?’ said Ben. ‘What kind of trouble?’

‘I think you should find that out for yourself,’ said Roy. ‘And somehow I don’t think it’ll take you too long.’  He looked behind Ben and smiled at Bert Parkins from the Livery Stable.

‘Hello Bert,’ said Ben with a smile and was dismayed to see that the other man didn’t return it.

‘Ben!’ he said. ‘I’ve been waiting for you to come into town. Guess that youngster of yours has filled you in on what happened last Thursday.’

Ben folded his arms. ‘No he hasn’t,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you?’

Bert lifted an eyebrow. ‘Well I’m not surprised he hasn’t let on,’ he said. ‘If I were you I wouldn’t let that boy near a Saloon for quite a while.  I don’t think he’s ready for it yet.’

‘Saloon?’

‘Well I assume that’s where he got the drink from,’ replied Bert. ‘Bit tipsy he was and I suppose that accounted for the way he was acting.  Spooked a couple of the horses he did.  Took me half the day to track them down again.’

Ben sighed. ‘No harm done to anyone?’ he asked.

Bert fingered his chin. ‘No harm done,’ he said. ‘But I lost a few hours work.  Costs you know.’  He looked at Ben meaningfully.

How much do you think you would have lost?’ asked Ben with another sigh as he took out his wallet.  He made a silent vow to give that youngest son of his a stern talking to.

‘Thanks,’ said Bert as he took the bills that Ben held out. ‘And keep that boy away from my stables for a bit will you?’

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes. ‘I think I’m the one who needs a drink,’ he said. ‘Come on Roy it’s on me.’

‘Don’t mind if I do,’ said Roy with a grin. ‘I told you that you’d hear about things sooner or later.’

‘You know I just don’t know what to do with that boy lately,’ said Ben. ‘Since he left school he’s been in one bit of trouble after another.’

‘Maybe you should have left him in school until he gets some sense into his head,’ suggested Roy.

‘If I did that he’d likely be there for years to come,’ replied Ben with another sigh as they entered the Silver Dollar Saloon.

‘Ben Cartwright!’ said Sam from behind the counter. ‘I was wondering how long it would take to get my money!’

Ben frowned. ‘What money?’ he asked.

‘The money that’s owing to me for the damages.’

Ben held up his hand. ‘Let me guess,’ he said wearily. ‘Would this have anything to do with Joseph?’

‘Sure does,’ declared Sam. ‘Busted up three chairs and a table when he got into that fight last week.  Not to mention a substantial amount of drink on the counter.  Here’s an itemised list.’

Ben took the paper and studied it. ‘All this?’ he asked as he took out his wallet again and handed over some more bills. ‘I swear I’m going to kill that boy!’

‘Seems like he costs you an awful lot of money,’ observed Roy. ‘Why don’t you make him pay for his own mistakes?’

‘With what?’ asked Ben as they sat down. ‘As fast as he earns the money he seems to spend it.  The boy can’t hold onto a dime!  If I got him to pay for everything he breaks he’d be paying it off until old age.’

Roy thought for a moment. ‘Well surely there’s another way to make him see reason,’ he said.

Ben shook his head. ‘Well if you can think of one I’d love to hear it Roy.  I’ve talked to him until I’m blue in the face.  I’ve even resorted to hitting him a few times, although I think he’s really too big for it now.  Adam and Hoss can’t get through to him either and I’m beginning to think that he’ll end up in serious trouble.’

‘Well he hasn’t done anything so far to get him into trouble with me,’ said the Sheriff. ‘He’s just young Ben. Sowing his oats.’

‘Well I wish he’d hurry up and finish sowing them,’ said Ben. ‘I honestly don’t remember the other two putting me through any of this.’

‘I seem to recall Adam getting up to a bit of mischief when he was Joe’s age,’ said the Sheriff with a twinkle in his eye. Remember that time I had to put him in jail for a prank he pulled?  I think he wished I would have lost the key when you came thundering in to get him that day!’

Ben laughed. ‘Yes I remember,’ he said. ‘Certainly taught him a lesson didn’t it?’  He stood up. ‘Well I think I’d better get back home before someone else tells me a story about my youngest son that I’d rather not hear,’ he said. ‘See you later Roy.’

‘Bye,’ said the Sheriff as he downed the last of his beer.  He gave a chuckle as he stood up.  That youngster certainly gave his father cause for worry!  It was at times like this that the Sheriff was glad that he was childless.

XXXXXXX

‘Not only have you cost me a lot of money today Joseph, but it seems that you’ve been gambling a bit as well. Who gave you permission to do that?’

Joe shrugged. ‘I didn’t know I needed it,’ he said. ‘Besides Pa, it was only a friendly game.’

‘Friendly? Friendly enough to cost you fifty dollars!’

Joe frowned and bit his lip. ‘Who told you about it?’ he asked.

‘Mitch’s father,’ replied Ben. ‘Seems Mitch lost quite a bit as well.’

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he admitted. ‘How was we to know those men were professionals?’

Ben shook his head as he stared at his son. ‘Professional or not Joseph, that isn’t the point.  You have no right to be in town carrying on like this!’

‘But Pa!’ began Joe, but stopped when he looked at his father’s face.

‘Yes Joseph?  Please go on.  I’m most anxious to hear what you have to say,’ said Ben sarcastically. ‘Any light you can throw on this situation would be most interesting to me.’

Joe looked at the floor for a moment and then looked up at his father again. ‘I was just gonna say that I’m a man now.  I’ve left school and it seems to me that I should be able to decide things for myself.’

Ben nodded. ‘I agree,’ he said.

Joe grinned. ‘You do?’ he said, pleased.

Ben nodded again. ‘I certainly do,’ he said. ‘As you say Joseph you’re a man now and you’re responsible for your own life.  Is that right?’

‘Yes,’ said Joe tentatively.  He didn’t like the sound of where this was leading to.

‘So if you’re responsible for your own life, then the way I figure it you owe me close to a three hundred dollars,’ said his father.

Joe swallowed. ‘Three hundred dollars?’ he squeaked. ‘How come?’

‘Well there’s the damage to the Saloon as well as the money I had to pay Bert.  Then there’s the time you took off work to cause all the trouble. Calculating things on your hourly wage I think it should probably take you the rest of the year to pay me back.  That’s if you don’t have any days off.’ Joe stared at his father silently. ‘Rather not pay it?’  asked Ben. Joe shook his head. ‘Well then until you’re prepared to foot the bill for your little escapades you will do as I say young man!’ thundered his father. ‘And that includes working where and when I tell you and not taking any time off work to get into mischief.  Do I make myself clear?’

Joe swallowed. ‘Yes sir,’ he said quietly.

Ben pointed his finger at his son. ‘I mean it!’ he said angrily. ‘The next time you get yourself into trouble Joseph, you can get yourself out of it!  There will be no more picking up the pieces by me!  Is that understood?’

‘Yes sir.’

‘Now get out of here and get back to work!’ thundered Ben.

Joe scuttled quickly out of the room, banging the door behind him.  Ben flinched as the noise reverberated through the room. He glanced at the picture of Joe’s mother on the desk in front of him. ‘Well you tell me what to do!’ he said angrily. ‘I’ve run out of ideas!’  He stood up and strode out of the room after his son.

XXXXXXX

For the next few days Joe kept his head down and worked hard, hoping to avoid his father’s wrath any further.  It seemed to Ben that the boy was making a genuine effort to heed his words, but past experience had told him that Joe never could sustain any attempt to behave himself for any great length of time and so he was rather sceptical about it.  He knew that it was only a matter of time before the boy fell from grace again and he was determined that when it happened he would well and truly teach him a lesson that he wouldn’t soon forget.

So it was less than a week later, that he had the opportunity to do just that.  It was late afternoon when Hoss came riding into the front yard at full pelt.  The action was so unlike his middle son who usually took things at a much steadier pace, that it made Ben look up in surprise.

‘Where are you off to in such a hurry Hoss?’ he asked. ‘Something the matter?’

Hoss dismounted quickly and rubbed his chin as he said reluctantly. ‘Ya could say that Pa.’

Ben’s eyes narrowed as he noticed that Hoss wasn’t looking him straight in the eye…a sure sign that he was uneasy about something. ‘What?’ he asked sharply.

Hoss dug his toe into the ground and seemed intent on watching it. ‘Um…. I was in town getting the mail like ya told me to Pa,’ he said slowly.

‘Yes?’

‘And … well Sheriff Coffee gave me a message ta give you.’

Ben gave him a frustrated look. ‘And the message is?’

‘Um… He said that if you want Joe released you’d better come in and get him.’

Ben’s face hardened. ‘Released?  Released from where?’

Hoss looked at the sky and seemed to be studying the clouds intently. ‘Um… jail I guess.’

‘What?!?’ Ben thundered. ‘And just how did that brother of yours manage to end up in jail might I ask?’

‘Joe’s in jail?’ asked Adam as he emerged from the barn. ‘How come?’

Hoss looked from one to the other. ‘Nuthin ta do with me!’ he assured them. ‘He was already in there when I got ta town.’

‘And just what was he doing in town anyway?’ asked Ben angrily. ‘I told him to get those fences fixed today.’

‘Seems like he was in a poker game,’ said Hoss slowly. ‘There was a bit of a fight by the sound of it.  Sam said he’s sick of having the place busted up and so he told Roy that this time he’s pressing charges against Joe.’

‘Why just Joe?  Why not the others who were involved?’ asked Adam.

‘Hoss swallowed. ‘Well… it seems like Joe was the one started it. The others was just defending themselves.’

Ben had a thunderous look on his face. ‘Really? he said quietly. Adam and Hoss glanced at each other.

‘You want me to go and get him Pa?’ asked Adam.  Even though he teased Joe unmercifully he did feel rather sorry for his little brother at the moment considering the look on their father’s face and what it could mean for him.

‘No.’

Hoss and Adam exchanged another glance. ‘Ya want me to Pa?’ asked Hoss tentatively.

‘No I don’t,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll go into town myself thank you boys. Please ask Hop Sing not to hold my supper for me.’

‘Sure Pa,’ said Adam. ‘We’ll wait to eat with you and Joe when you get back.’

Ben shook his head. ‘Don’t bother waiting boys,’ he said. ‘Your brother won’t be coming back with me and I can get something to eat in town.’

‘Not coming back?’ asked Adam. ‘Why not?’

‘I think it’s about time Joseph was taught a lesson before it’s too late,’ said Ben. ‘I intend to leave him cooling his heels in jail for a while.’

Hoss swallowed. ‘Joe’s gonna hate that Pa!’ he said. ‘You know he can’t stand being still in one spot fer very long.’

Ben nodded. ‘I do know that Hoss and that’s exactly why I’m doing this.  I have to get through to that boy somehow and I think that a few days in jail might do him the world of good.’  He strode over to his horse and mounted. ‘I’ll be back later tonight,’ he said. ‘Please don’t wait up for me.’

The two Cartwrights watched their father disappear around the side of the barn. ‘Wow!’ said Hoss. ‘Joe’s gonna hate this!’

‘I think it’s about time Pa did something like this,’ said Adam. ‘Joe needs to be taught a lesson.’

‘Yeah, but…’  Hoss shrugged. ‘I sure hope he don’t make him stay there too long.’

Adam shrugged and put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. ‘Just think for a minute Hoss.  Consider the possibilities of this. Several days without Joe pestering us!  Maybe some time to do our work without him causing trouble around us.’

Hoss’ face split into a huge grin. ‘Yeah!’ he agreed. ‘Come ta think of it, it might be nice ta be without that pest for a bit after all!’

Now you’ve got the idea,’ said Adam. ‘Come on brother!  Let’s have a nice peaceful supper….just the two of us.’  The two brothers headed for the house together.

XXXXXXX

Joe sat on the edge of the narrow bunk and considered his options anxiously.  He desperately tried to think up an excuse for his behaviour that his father would accept, but for the life of him he just couldn’t come up with anything feasible. The problem was that what had happened had been his fault and there was just no getting around that fact. He knew he shouldn’t have been in town in the first place, but when he’d heard that those professional gamblers had made it back he just couldn’t resist trying to get his money back. The problem was that they hadn’t taken too kindly to that fact.  Joe had found himself in a difficult situation in more ways than one.

He looked around him at the four walls of the small cell and sighed. Even though he was dreading the confrontation with his father over this, Pa couldn’t come soon enough for his liking.  He’d only been in here a couple of hours and already he’d had enough!

He turned his head sharply as he heard voices in the next room.  As the door opened, Joe stood up and picked up his hat, holding it in front of him in what he hoped was an apologetic stance.  As Ben Cartwright and Sheriff Coffee entered the room, he gave them a small smile. ‘Hi Pa,’ he said.

Ben glared at him and ignored the remark. Instead he turned to Roy. ‘How much damage was there this time Roy?’ he asked.

‘About two hundred dollars worth,’ said the Sheriff with a twinkle in his eye. Ben had already filled him in on what he was intending to do and he was set to enjoy the spectacle that was about to unfold in front of him.

‘I see. And Sam is pressing charges?’

‘Sure is,’ replied Roy.

‘Well then you’d better deal with things,’ said Ben, staring at Joe with a stony face.  Joe gulped. He had expected his father to start yelling at him straight away and was wishing that he would get it over with so that they could get started on their way home before supper.

Roy turned to Joe. ‘You’ve got two choices boy,’ he said. ‘Either you pay for the damages or you spend a week right here in this jail cell,’ he said. ‘Which is it to be?’

Joe glanced at his father, trying to read the expression on his face. ‘Um….I guess I’ll be paying,’ he said lamely.

‘Fine,’ said the Sheriff. ‘Hand it over then.’

‘What?’

‘The money. Two hundred dollars.’

‘Um….’ Joe looked at his father again. ‘I ain’t got two hundred dollars,’ he said finally when Ben didn’t move.

Roy put on a frustrated look. ‘Well then why’d ya say you was gonna pay?’ he asked.

Joe licked his lips as he began to feel more uncomfortable. ‘Um… I was hoping someone else might pay for me,’ he said hopefully.

‘And just who might that someone be Joseph?’ asked Ben sarcastically. ‘I hope you don’t mean me.’

Joe nodded slightly. ‘Well…. I was thinking you might Pa,’ he said.

Ben folded his arms in front of him. ‘Well you were thinking wrong,’ he said. ‘Roy?’

The Sheriff tried to hide his smile. ‘Well it looks like you’ll to do your time in here then boy,’ he said.

Joe looked at him appalled. ‘But… but I can’t!’ he said.

‘Why not?’

Joe looked desperately at his father. ‘Pa!’ he said.

Ben looked back at him coolly. ‘Yes Joseph?’ he asked.

‘Ain’t you gonna get me out of here?’

Ben shook his head. ‘No I’m not,’ he said simply. ‘I think it’s about time you took responsibility for your actions young man.  Isn’t that what you wanted after all? You wanted to be treated like you’re grown up.’

Joe licked his lips again. ‘Yeah but…’

‘Yes?’ asked Ben.

‘Please?’ asked his son, giving his father one of his best puppy dog looks.

Ben hardened himself to the look on his son’s face. ‘No Joseph,’ he said firmly. ‘You made your bed and now you can lie in it son.’  He glanced over at the narrow bunk. ‘And by the looks of it it’s not going to be too comfortable.’  He turned to Roy. ‘Thank you Sheriff,’ he said. ‘I’ll leave you to sort out your prisoner now.’  Without another word he turned on his heel and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Joe stood and stared at Sheriff Coffee silently. ‘Ya’d best get some sleep while ya can boy,’ said the Sheriff. ‘It’s likely ta get a mite noisy round here as the night gets on. Lots of drunks usually congregate over the road at the Saloon and it’s hard to get some shuteye. I’ll bring you some grub soon.’ He turned and left the room as well, laughing to himself at the dejected look on the boy’s face.  Ben was sure teaching this boy one big lesson and from the looks of things it was one young Joseph Cartwright mightn’t soon forget!

XXXXXXX

Joe walked restlessly from one end of the cell to the other for the hundredth time that morning. He banged his hand on the wall in front of him when he reached it and then turned to go the other way again.  He felt like screaming out his frustration, but knew that there was no one to hear it and so didn’t bother to waste his breath. It seemed like he’d been cooped in here forever and he hated the thought of how much time was left until he could get out.

At first he’d thought that his father had been joking and that he’d come for him the following day after leaving him to cool his heels overnight.  But here it was after lunch already and he began to realise that it wasn’t going to happen. Last night had been difficult, as Sheriff Coffee had been right and there was just too much noise for him to get much sleep.  Besides, the bunk was so uncomfortable that he couldn’t have slept much even if it had been quiet.

Joe turned sharply as the door opened and he smiled when Sheriff Coffee entered. ‘How are you boy?’ the man asked. He glanced at the tray on the bunk. ‘I’ll take that now.’  He frowned as he reached for the tray through the bars. ‘You didn’t eat much.’

‘I’m not hungry,’ said Joe. ‘Has my Pa been in yet?’

‘Nope. Anything I can get you?’

Joe tried again. ‘Have my brothers been around?’

‘Nope.’  Roy looked at the youngster sympathetically. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’m sure they’ll be in eventually to visit you. Yell out if there’s anything you need.’ He turned to leave, but stopped as he heard Joe call out.

‘Um… there is one thing,’ he said sheepishly.

Roy turned. ‘What?’ he said.

‘I need to get out of here for a few minutes,’ said Joe, blushing slightly.

The sheriff frowned. ‘It’s like ya Pa said son.  You got time to do in here and there’s no getting around that fact.  I ain’t about to go against his wishes.’

‘No that’s not what I mean,’ said Joe. ‘It’s…. um…’ he cleared his throat. ‘I need to …you know!’

Roy frowned. ‘No I don’t know,’ he said. ‘What?’

Joe lowered his voice. ‘Visit the outhouse,’ he said softly.

Roy tried to stop himself from laughing. ‘Oh,’ he said and then shook his head. ‘Sorry son.  There’s a pot under the bunk for that.  I’ll collect it later.’

Joe stood rooted to the spot and stared at the man appalled. ‘You ain’t serious!’ he said.

Roy looked amused. ‘I certainly am,’ he said. ‘What did you think?  That I let murderers and other prisoners out of here to have a polite pee out the back? One of the hazards of being in jail son. You’d better get used to it if you’re gonna be here for a while.’

Joe stared as Roy left the room. ‘I ain’t no murderer!’ he yelled after him. ‘Can’t you make an exception?’ When the Sheriff didn’t return, he reached under the bunk and drew out the pot that he found there. So the man wasn’t joking after all? He put his face in his hands and thought for a moment considering his options. It seemed like he didn’t have any and so he began to go about his business as quickly as he could.

A moment later the door burst open and the Sheriff entered again. ‘I thought you might need this,’ he said as he held out an old newspaper to Joe with a grin.  Joe flushed with embarrassment as he looked up at the Sheriff. ‘Thanks,’ he mumbled.  Roy put the paper on the floor and left again, leaving a very red-faced youngster behind him. A moment later the door burst open again and the Sheriff put his head around it a second time. ‘You’ve got a visitor,’ he said. ‘Need a bit more time?’

‘Yes,’ said Joe between clenched teeth. ‘Please.’

The sheriff disappeared again. ‘Holler when you’re ready,’ he called.

Joe finished up and readjusted his clothing, wondering what to do with the receptacle in his hand.  After a moment’s thought he shoved it under the bunk again. ‘Ready!’ he shouted.

The door opened and Roy appeared again with a big grin on his face. ‘Someone to see you,’ he said. Joe stepped forward hopefully, but his face fell as he saw Susan Watkins entering the room behind the Sheriff. ‘Well I’ll leave you two together,’ said Roy and disappeared again.

Susan gave Joe a mournful look. ‘I heard you were in here,’ she said. ‘I thought I’d come to cheer you up a bit.’ She plonked herself down on a stool and smiled.

‘Thanks,’ said Joe flatly. ‘But I wouldn’t want to put you out at all.’ The last thing he wanted to do was talk to someone like Susan Watkins.

‘Oh it’s no trouble,’ said Susan sweetly. ‘I’ve got lots of time.’  She looked around her in an interested fashion. ‘I’ve never visited a jail before. What’s it like?’

‘Oh it’s fine and dandy!’ declared Joe.  ‘All the comforts of home!’

So I see,’ she said. ‘They let you read the paper at least I see.  Although I think the Sheriff could have given you an updated one.  That one’s at least a week old!’

Joe blushed and pushed the paper under the bunk. ‘Yeah,’ he said lamely. ‘Whatever.’

‘So!’ said Susan on the stool comfortably. ‘I’ve got all afternoon. ‘What would you like to talk about?’

Joe sat down on the bunk dejectedly and sighed.  It seemed that there were quite a few things that he needed to come to terms with during his stay here and getting used to Susan Watkins was just one of them.

XXXXXXX

‘So how’s he getting on Roy?’ asked Adam as he stretched his long legs out and took the cup of coffee from the Sheriff. ‘Is he coping?’

Roy sat down and took a sip form his own cup. ‘Just,’ he admitted. ‘Seems like your Pa might be right.  I think this is the best medicine that youngster could have.’

Adam grinned. ‘I agree,’ he said. ‘He needs to learn that the world doesn’t revolve around him. It’ll do him good to have things tough for a bit.’

Roy laughed. ‘I think your brother is learning to appreciate his home at the moment,’ he said. ‘I must admit to having a few laughs at his expense though.’

Adam grinned. ‘I’m sure,’ he said as he stood up. ‘Well I’d better go and give him some family comfort. Want to bet he plays for the sympathy vote?’

Roy returned the grin. ‘That’s a safe bet,’ he said as he opened up the newspaper. ‘Good luck!’

Joe looked up dully as the door opened again. If that was Susan Watkins again he thought he might just scream.  An afternoon spent in her company was enough to last him forever! He smiled when he was it was his brother Adam and leapt off the bunk. ‘Adam!’ he said. ‘Have you come to get me out of here?’

Adam took his time sitting down on the stool. ‘Now whatever would you make think that?’ he said slowly. ‘What would Pa say if I went against his wishes?’

Joe ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated fashion. ‘Please?’ he said. ‘Can’t you talk to him for me?’ He gave his brother a pleading puppy dog look that seemed to amuse Adam.

‘Well I could,’ his older brother replied. ‘But it wouldn’t do any good. He’s bound and determined to teach you a lesson this time Joe and to be honest I think he’s right.’

Joe scowled. ‘You would!’ he declared and turned away to sit back down on the bunk.

Adam stared at him for a full minute before he spoke. ‘It’s not too bad in here is it?’ he asked.

Joe made a face. ‘Not too bad?’ he said. ‘What do you think? I’m going mad in here Adam! Cooped up like this!’

‘Oh for heavens sake, stop being so dramatic,’ said his brother. ‘It’s only been a day.’

‘The longest day of my life!’ said Joe. ‘I can’t take this for a whole week Adam!  Please talk to Pa!’  He turned on his most charming look and batted his eyelashes. ‘I…. I’m feeling kinda weak in here.  I don’t think it’s good for my health.’

Adam wrinkled up his nose. ‘Yes, well it doesn’t smell too good in here I must admit,’ he said. ‘What is that awful smell?’

Joe blushed. ‘I can’t smell anything,’ he said.

Adam pursed his lips. ‘Well I can,’ he said. ‘Probably the outhouse.  That window backs onto it. Face it Joe, you’re here to stay for a while and there’s nothing you can do about it.’  He stood up. ‘Anything you need?’

Joe gave his brother another mournful look. ‘I could do with a change of clothes,’ he said. ‘And something to wash with.’

‘No need for that,’ said Roy Coffee as he walked through the door with a bowl of hot water.  Here’s your washing allocation for the day son.’

Joe looked at the small bowl of water as Adam tried to hide a grin. ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘I’d like to wash my hands and face.  Do I get a bath later?’

Adam suppressed a laugh and turned it into a coughing fit instead. ‘This is all you get,’ said Roy Coffee. ‘Standard procedure.  You can use it to wash all over.’

Joe looked shocked. ‘In here?’ he said. ‘Someone might come in!’

‘No one’s gonna look at you,’ said the Sheriff. ‘I’ll keep the door closed.  Now while I’m here I may as well take that pot and empty it for you.  Couldn’t very well do it earlier with your young lady in here could I?’

‘What young lady?’ asked Adam as he tried to keep a straight face at the look that Joe gave the Sheriff.

‘Young Susan Watkins,’ said Roy.  ‘Spent the whole afternoon here with Joe.  Said she’s coming back tomorrow as well. I think she might be keen on you boy.’

Joe gave them both a pained look. ‘Can’t you keep her out?’ he said.

Roy shook his head. ‘Anyone has the right to visit the jail when they want to,’ he said. ‘Besides I would think you might enjoy the company. Now…where’s that pot?’

Joe tried to look casual as he pulled the chamber pot out from under the bunk and handed it to the sheriff who left the room with it. Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘Seems like the outhouse was closer than I thought,’ he said as he watched his brother go bright red. ‘My nose was accurate after all.’ Joe cleared his throat and turned to face the wall, studying the bricks intently. ‘Bye,’ said Adam. ‘One of us will bring you a change of clothes in the morning.’

‘Thanks,’ mumbled Joe as his brother left the room. He glanced at the small bowl of hot water that Roy had left. ‘Hey!’ he yelled. ‘What about a towel?’  There was silence as he sighed and began to undo the buttons of his shirt slowly.

XXXXXXX

‘What is this mush?’ asked Joe as he wrinkled up his nose at the bowl he held in his hands.

‘Porridge,’ said Roy. ‘That’s your breakfast. Got a bit burnt, but you can eat around the black bits.’

‘It’s full of lumps!’ declared Joe as he took a small mouthful.

‘Well I’m not the best cook in the world, but you won’t starve in here,’ said Roy pleasantly. ‘Most inmates get to like my cooking after a few days.’

‘Well I won’t be one of em,’ said Joe as he tried to swallow the unpalatable fare.

‘Pity,’ said Roy. ‘You won’t get anything else.’

Joe stared glumly at the bowl as he wondered what his Hop Sing was serving his father and brothers for breakfast. Probably flapjacks with maple syrup, eggs and bacon, fresh rolls and coffee he decided.  His mouth began to water as he shovelled another mouthful of the unappetising porridge into his mouth and tried to swallow it. It wasn’t fair! he thought. His father was being too hard on him!  After all…all he had done was try and win back the money he’d lost.  It wasn’t his fault if those guys had provoked him into a fight! Joe scowled as he admitted to himself that it probably was his fault in a way.  It was just…well if this was being grown up and taking responsibility then he didn’t want it!

‘Hey Sheriff Coffee?’ he asked suddenly.

‘Yes son?’

‘Do you reckon I could get a message to my Pa? Could I get some stuff to write a letter?’

‘I don’t see why not,’ said the Sheriff as he smiled to himself.  So the boy was going to try pleading to his father direct was he? Somehow he didn’t think it could do him any good, but he wouldn’t deny him the opportunity to try. ‘I’ll get some paper and a pen for you.’

Joe spent the next half hour trying to put his thoughts into words for his father.  It was true that he wanted him to come and liberate him from here more than anything, but he also wanted him to know how sorry he was about what he’d done and the way in which he’d been behaving lately. As he finished the letter and sealed it up, Joe wondered if his father would at least come and visit him here.  He hoped so, for he would like the chance to tell him what was in the letter face to face.

‘Here’s your visitor,’ said the Sheriff as Joe put the letter on the bunk beside him. He looked up with a sinking heart to see Susan appearing, carrying a large bag.

Hello Joe!’ she said brightly. ‘How are you today?’

‘Fine,’ he said without any enthusiasm.  Roy ignored the youngster’s pleading look and left the room with a grin.

‘What you got in the bag?’ asked Joe hopefully.

‘My knitting,’ said Susan brightly as she took a huge wad of wool out of it. ‘I thought seeing as how I’ll be spending a lot of time here I may as well keep busy. Want to help me roll it up?’

Joe looked at her aghast. ‘What?’ he said.

‘Do you want to help me roll it up?’ repeated Susan patiently. ‘Aren’t you hearing very well?’

Joe blinked a couple of times. ‘If you think I’m gonna sit here and…..’

‘I thought it might give you something to do,’ said Susan pleasantly. ‘Here.’  She thrust the pile of wool at Joe through the bars and took the end as she began to roll. ‘Now…. I was telling you yesterday about my Aunt Beatrice.  After she found out that she suffered from a mild form of asthma…..’

Joe groaned softly as he held onto the wool and placed his face against the bars. He knew that he probably deserved to be locked up, but surely this was a punishment above and beyond something even the most hardened of criminals should be expected to bear!

XXXXXXX

‘Well lookey here!’ said Hoss with a huge grin as he entered the room and saw Joe sitting patiently holding a scan of wool around his two outstretched hands and winding them obediently for an animated Susan Watkins. ‘I do believe our little brother is becoming domesticated Adam.’

Adam grinned behind his brother in the doorway. ‘Practising for the Wednesday Afternoon Ladies’ Society Meeting are we Joe?’ he asked sweetly. ‘Morning Miss Susan.’

Joe gave his brothers a dark look and thrust the wool back through the bars at Susan. ‘Well it was something to do!’ he declared. ‘I don’t suppose either of you thought to bring me anything to amuse myself!’

Adam smirked. ‘Well it looks as though you’ve got enough to keep you busy here,’ he said. ‘We did, however, bring you a few things.’

Susan stood up. ‘Well I’d better be going home for lunch,’ she said. ‘I’ll be back this afternoon Joe.’

‘Don’t bother,’ said Joe with a scowl.

‘Oh it’s no bother at all!’ she said. ‘I’ll see you soon!’

‘Well ain’t that nice!’ declared Hoss as he sat down. ‘I told you that you should get to know that little gal a bit more and it seems you took my advice for once.’

Joe ignored the remark. ‘What did you bring me?’ he asked, eyeing the bag that Adam held.

‘Some things we thought might be useful,’ said his older brother as he handed him the bag through the bars. ‘Sorry there’s no hacksaw in there for you to cut your way out of here.’

‘Yeah,’ added Hoss. ‘Roy made us get rid of it.’

‘Very funny!’ said Joe as he undid the bag.  He took out some clean clothes. ‘Great!’ he said enthusiastically. ‘I really need these.’

‘Yes you are a bit on the nose,’ said Adam. ‘Come to think of it, anything you’d like me to empty for you while I’m here?’

Joe shot him another dark look. ‘No thank you!’ he said angrily. He could tell from Hoss’ smirk that the story of his chamber pot had been circulated and he didn’t like it one bit.  ‘Is that all you brought?’

‘Well what were you expecting?’ asked Adam.

‘I thought you could have brought me a couple of books,’ said Joe grumpily. ‘Or maybe a checkerboard.’

‘And just who would you be playing with?’ asked Adam. ‘Roy doesn’t have time to be baby sitting you.’

‘If you were any kind of decent brothers one of you would stay with me for a while!’ said Joe.

‘Well first of all little brother we’ve got work to do,’ said Hoss. ‘And second of all you’re not exactly great company at the moment.’

‘Yes,’ agreed Adam. ‘It’s all right for you sitting here loafing all day, but some of us have to make up for the work you’re not doing. come on Hoss, let’s leave little brother to his whining.’

‘No wait!’ said Joe. ‘I didn’t mean it. Honest.  Can’t you stay for a bit?’

‘Oh,’ said Hoss with a wink at Adam. ‘Now he changes his tune. ‘What’s the matter little buddy?  Missing your big brothers are you?’

Joe looked downcast. ‘Well it’s kinda lonely in here,’ he said. He looked at his brothers out of the corner of his eye and was pleased to see them looking a bit anxious under their smirks.  He gave a big sigh. ‘I’m feeling kinda depressed you know?’

‘Aw come on Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘It ain’t fer long.  It can’t be that bad!’

‘You don’t understand,’ said Joe, putting his face in his hands and watching them from between his parted fingers. ‘I feel so…. so alone in here.’  He sighed again for effect.

‘Well you should have thought of that before you went ahead and busted up the Saloon,’ said Adam firmly. ‘Don’t play the sympathy vote here Joe.  You’ll get none from me.’

Joe put his head up and scowled. ‘Did you talk to Pa for me?’ he asked, changing his tone.

Adam nodded. ‘Sure did,’ he said. ‘Didn’t do any good though.  He’s determined you’re seeing the week out little brother.’

‘Well can you take this to him for me at least?’ asked Joe holding out the letter.

‘What is it?’ asked Hoss as he took it from him.

‘A letter,’ said Joe sarcastically. ‘What does it look like?’

Hoss stared at him. ‘OK,’ Joe acknowledged glumly. ‘Would you please deliver this letter to Pa Hoss?’

‘Sure,’ said Hoss as he stuffed it into his pocket. ‘Be glad to.’

‘Come on Hoss,’ said Adam. ‘How about a drink before we get back to work?’  He grinned at Joe. ‘Sorry I can’t bring you one Joe, but it’s against regulations. Maybe next time.’ Joe scowled at them both. ‘We’ll come in again tomorrow,’ said Adam. ‘Maybe if you’re a good boy we’ll bring you a bit of patchwork or tapestry to do while you’re talking to Susan.  To keep her company.’

Joe watched as his two brothers left the room. ‘Don’t think I won’t remember this!’ he called after them. He scowled again as they closed the door behind them.

XXXXXXX

‘He wrote you a letter,’ said Hoss as he handed it over.

Ben looked at the crumpled paper as he took it. ‘How is he coping?’ he asked.

‘Oh he’s surviving.  Don’t worry about him Pa,’ said Adam as he sat down. ‘Do him the world of good to be a bit put out for a few days. I do think he’ll come home with a different attitude though.’

I certainly hope so,’ said their father in a determined voice.  Much and all as he didn’t want to admit it, he really missed the boy and he wanted to be sure that Joe wasn’t finding the experience too difficult.  Ben was adamant that his son was going to see out the week in jail, but with each day that passed he found it very difficult not to give in and go and get him.  He ripped open the letter and began to read it out loud.

Dear Pa,

I hope you are well. I’m not doing so good myself. It’s hard being here in jail, but I expect you know that.  You put me here for that reason I know.  I want you to know that I’ve learned my lesson now and I’m ready to come home.  I promise that I won’t get into any more trouble and I will try to do as you tell me. I miss you and want to be home again. Please Pa? Please let me come home now.  Jail is not a nice place to be and I will try to be good so that I never have to come back here. I’m sorry that I made you angry and that I cost you all that money.  I will try to pay it back.  You can take it out of my wages. Please Pa? Will you come and get me? I’ve learnt my lesson now I promise you.

Your loving son,

 

Joseph Cartwright

 

Ben put down the letter.  There was silence for a few moments as they all thought about Joe’s words.

‘Pa…’ began Hoss.

Ben looked at him and held up his hand. ‘No Hoss,’ he said firmly. ‘Don’t say it son.  I am not changing my mind.’

Hoss looked glum. ‘He looked real sad in there today,’ he said.

‘I’m sure he did,’ said his father. ‘And I’m sure he’ll be a whole lot sadder before the week is out. That’s the whole point of this.’ There was another silence. ‘I’ll go in and see him myself tomorrow,’ said Ben. ‘Goodnight boys.’

‘Night Pa,’ they chorused.

‘Do you think he’ll give in?’ asked Hoss as they watched their father disappear up the stairs.

‘Nope,’ said Adam as he picked up a book.

‘Sure is quiet around it ain’t it?’ said Hoss sadly.

Adam sighed. ‘Yes.  Isn’t it nice?’

Hoss frowned. ‘Don’t you give me that!’ he said. ‘You miss him as much as I do.’

Adam hid a grin. ‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘But not half as much as someone else around here does.’ He looked at the staircase meaningfully.

XXXXXXX

Joe put his hands over his ears to try and drown out the noise in the cell next to him.  It seemed that Clem Tanner would never stop that racket that had kept him awake all night. He rubbed his eyes wearily, wishing the man would just give it a rest so that he could get some shut-eye as well. He looked at the large man sprawled out on the bunk.  His snoring sounded like a saw grating against a tree-trunk, although he himself seemed oblivious to it.

Joe sighed. Yesterday he hadn’t thought things could get any worse, but last night when Sheriff Coffee had brought Clem in drunk Joe had soon discovered that they could. Not only did the man snore incessantly, but in the rare moments he did wake up it was to throw up in the chamber-pot under his bed. The noise and the smell of it was enough to make Joe want to heave himself.

Now with the dawn he found himself bleary-eyed and short tempered as he watched the man blissfully sleeping off his hangover. He put his head down again and rested his chin on his hands, wondering what new tortures the day would bring for him.

Suddenly a series of snorts from the man in the next cell made him look up again. He watched as Clem sat up groggily and gave him a lopsided grin. ‘Hello there young feller!’ he said. ‘What you in here for?’

Joe scowled at him. ‘Busting up the Saloon,’ he said. ‘I don’t need to ask why you’re here.’

Clem smiled again. ‘Just my weekly visit,’ he said. ‘Sheriff Coffee usually lets me sleep off my celebrating here. Hey!’ he shouted loudly. ‘Where’s my breakfast?’ He burped loudly and began to scratch himself. ‘Feel kinda hungry this morning,’ he explained. Joe gave him a disgusted look and turned away. ‘Hey! What’s wrong with you?’ asked Clem. ‘Bit refined for old Clem are ya?  Fancy Cartwright boy ain’t ya?  I know your sort…’ he pointed a finger at Joe. ‘We’re all the same in here boy, you just remember that!’

Sheriff Coffee entered the room bearing two bowls. ‘Here you go gentlemen,’ he said. ‘Breakfast.’

Joe took his bowl, hoping to see something other than the porridge he’d come to expect.  When he saw the same fare, however, he made a face.

‘What’s the matter with you?’ asked Clem with his mouth full. ‘Don’t ya like porridge?’

Joe shuddered. ‘It’s got lumps in it,’ he said.

‘I like the lumps!’ declared Clem as he sprayed a mouthful over Joe through the bars. ‘They slide down easy once ya get use to em.’

Joe put down his bowl.

‘I’d eat some if I were you,’ said Roy pleasantly. ‘It’s a long wait until lunch.’

Joe picked up his bowl and began to eat reluctantly, listing all the while to Clem slurping his down in the next cell. ‘That’s the boy!’ said Clem. ‘You’ll get used to it in time.’ He licked his fingers and then reached for his chamber-pot. ‘Hey Sheriff,’ he said . ‘Can ya empty that fer me?  I need to fill it up with other things.’  He gave Roy a wink and took another spoonful of porridge.  Joe groaned quietly to himself.

XXXXXXX

‘Ben!’ said Roy delightedly as he looked up from his paperwork. ‘That boy of yours in there will be mighty pleased to see you!’

‘How is he?’ asked Ben as he sat down.

‘Not too happy,’ said Roy with a smile. ‘Clem Tanner is the cell next to him.’ He wrinkled up his nose. ‘That one’s hard to put up with at the best of times.’

Ben tried not to smile. ‘Is it OK if I visit for a while?’ he asked.

‘You giving in and paying up for him?’ asked Roy.

‘No I’m not!’ said Ben. ‘I’m just visiting.’  He pointed a finger at his friend. ‘And if I sound like I’m weakening, you have my full permission to ignore me!’ he said. ‘That boy is going to learn his lesson if it’s the last thing I do!’

Roy signalled with his hand. ‘He’s all yours,’ he said. ‘Yell out when you’re ready!’ He smiled to himself. It was a well-known fact that Ben’s youngest son possessed a considerable amount of charm that he was usually able to use to his advantage.  It would be interesting to see who won this round!

Joe looked up as his father entered the room and sprang to his feet. ‘Pa!’ he said happily. ‘I knew you’d come!’ He clutched hold of the bars as he gazed at his father.

Ben stared back at his youngest son for a moment before holding out a bag. ‘I brought you some clean clothes,’ he said. ‘Adam and Hoss said you’d appreciate them.

Joe stared at the bag with a crestfallen expression on his face. ‘I thought you was coming to get me out of here,’ he said mournfully.

Ben sat down on the stool. ‘Why would I do that?’ he asked sternly. ‘I told you a few days ago that you’d be taking responsibility for your actions young man.  The way I figure it you still have a few more days to go in here.’

Joe sat down dejectedly on the narrow bunk and gazed at his father with sad eyes. ‘I know,’ he said softly. ‘Did you get my letter Pa?’

‘Yes.’

He gave a deep sigh. ‘I meant what I said you know.  I’m really sorry for what I did.’

Ben folded his arms in front of him. ‘I’m sure you are,’ he said.

Joe put his chin in his hand as he continued to gaze at his father. ‘I won’t be so stupid next time,’ he said.

‘I’m sure you won’t be,’ said Ben, crossing his legs.

Joe frowned slightly. ‘I’ve learned my lesson Pa,’ he said.

‘Have you?’

Joe’s frown increased. ‘Sure have.  I’m ready to behave myself now.’

‘Are you?’

Joe scowled. ‘You ain’t gonna let me out are you?’

Ben shook his head. ‘I told you I wasn’t Joseph. Didn’t you understand what I said before?’

Joe folded his arms as well. ‘Yeah I understood it,’ he said grumpily. ‘I just didn’t….well…’

‘You just didn’t think I meant it did you?’ said Ben. ‘Well I did and it’s time you realised that I’m not playing around with you this time young man!  You deserve everything you get in here.’

Joe jumped to his feet. ‘Pa!’ he said. ‘You don’t know what it’s like in here!’  He gestured to the sleeping Clem in the cell next to him. ‘He’s …. He’s awful Pa! And the food… well I can’t eat none of it. I’ve got nothing to do except listen to boring old Susan Watkins when she comes to visit and ….well I can’t even keep clean properly!  It’s horrible Pa! I can’t stand it!’

Ben shook his head slightly. ‘Well I don’t see that you have a choice Joseph,’ he said. ‘This is what jail is son.  You might think before you allow yourself to come back in here again.’

Joe shook his head violently. ‘I ain’t ever coming back in here again!’ he declared. ‘No way!’

‘Well I’m glad to hear that,’ said Ben as he stood up. ‘I’d like to think that was the truth Joseph, and if it is then this week has not been a waste.’  He turned towards the door. ‘By the way, there are a couple of books in that bag.  I thought you might like to read a bit while you’re in here.’

Joe’s eyes it up. ‘Thanks Pa!’ he said enthusiastically and Ben smiled to himself as he heard the boy’s tone of voice.  He’d never known Joseph to be enthusiastic about reading before.  Maybe this week would be a help to his son in more ways than one.  He hesitated as he reached the doorway.

‘It’s only a few more days son.  You’ll survive.’

Joe looked sad again. ‘I don’t know about that Pa,’ he said. ‘I’m feeling kinda weak.  I guess it’s from the lack of food.’  Ben hesitated, feeling a bit anxious in spite of himself. ‘And the lack of sleep,’ continued Joe, warming up to the topic as he saw the expression on his father’s face. ‘I’m not getting much of either. It’s unsanitary as well…that can’t be good for my health.’ He sighed. ‘But I’m sure I won’t pick up any diseases serious enough to make me too ill.’  He wiped his hand over his forehead. ‘I must admit that I’ve got a bit of fever though.  Been feeling it come on since last night.’  He played his trump card, knowing that his father usually couldn’t resist worrying about his health.

Ben turned to face the boy again, a little unsure of himself for a moment. ‘Let me feel your forehead,’ he said. Joe dutifully stepped forward and allowed his father to put his hand on him. ‘You feel fine,’ said Ben, his eyes narrowing.

Joe sighed again. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘I’ll just concentrate on not throwing up then.’  He lay down on the bunk and closed his eyes. ‘You go on Pa.  I know you’ve got work to do.  I’ll be fine.’

Ben stared at the boy, knowing in his head that it was all an act but feeling in his heart that he should feel sorry for him. ‘Well Joseph, if you’re really not feeling well….’ He began. Joe opened his eyes and looked expectantly at this father, who’s own eyes narrowed at the expression on his son’s face. ‘I’ll get Paul Martin to come over and take a look at you.’

Joe swallowed. ‘No, that’s OK Pa,’ he said. ‘I’m feeling a bit better.’

Well you tell Sheriff Coffee if you feel any worse,’ said Ben with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Paul will be sure to have some medicine to fix you up. Bye son.’  He chuckled to himself as he entered Roy’s office again.

‘Who won?’ asked Roy.

‘Who do you think?’ replied Ben. ‘I’ll see you in a few days Roy. Don’t take any nonsense from him.’

Roy smiled. ‘Oh don’t worry, I won’t,’ he said.

XXXXXXX

‘See ya boy!’ said Clem cheerily as he left his cell. ‘I’ll be back next week.’

Joe looked up from the book he was reading. ‘I won’t be here,’ he said. ‘I’ll be long gone by then.’

‘Pity,’ said Clem with a huge burp. ‘I’ve enjoyed the company.’

I haven’t! thought Joe as he watched the man leave. He closed the book and turned over on his thin pillow, anxious to try and get some sleep now that things were quiet again.  As he lay staring at the wall beside him, he was startled to hear a voice behind him. ‘Hello Joseph.’

He frowned as he tried to place the voice and when he couldn’t he turned slightly.  All at once he wished that he’d feigned sleep as he noticed Miss Abigail Jones looking at him with a stern expression on her face. ‘Um…hi Miss Jones,’ he said.

If there was one person Joe Cartwright would have liked to disappear from his life it was Miss Abigail. As if several years of putting up with her at school hadn’t been enough, he still had to be polite to her when they met at Church on Sundays where she ran the choir. She also had a crush on his brother Adam and made a point of speaking to Joe every time she saw him as a means of finding out what Adam was doing.

Abigail sat down. I heard you were in here Joseph,’ she said. ‘The whole town is talking about the fact that a Cartwright is in jail.’

Joe looked surprised. ‘Are they?’ he said. Somehow he liked to think that everyone was talking about him.

‘Yes they are,’ she said sternly. ‘I hope you realise what you’re doing to your family’s reputation by being here!  Your father must be ashamed of you…not to mention your brother Adam.  He’d never allow himself to lose control of himself like you have!’

Joe scowled at her, wondering what business it was of hers what he did with his life. Wisely, he decided not to voice his opinion though. Instead he tried to look casual.  Abigail’s eye fell on the book beside him. ‘I’m pleased to see that you’re not wasting your time while you’re in here though Joseph,’ she said. ‘I’m glad that I was able to instil in you some kind of appreciation of literature during your time under my tutelage. Joe glanced down at the book his father had brought him.  He wondered if Pa had been trying to give him a hidden message when he had chosen ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ for his reading material. He probably thought that Joe would get some kind of message from it about how to behave.

Abigail reached through the bars and picked up the Bible which was also on the bunk next to Joe.  Another of Pa’s messages, he thought grimly.

‘This must be a comfort to you in your time of trial,’ said Abigail seriously. ‘I’m glad to see that you’re turning to God in your hour of need Joseph.’ Joe stared at her, not quite knowing what to say. Abigail opened the book. ‘Here,’ she said. ‘How about I read to you for a while?’  Joe opened his mouth to say no, but never got the chance as the teacher had already started reading from Ecclesiasticus:

My son, have you sinned? Do not do it again,

And ask forgiveness for your previous faults.

Flee from sin as from a snake,

If you approach it, it will bite you.

 

Abigail looked up at Joe. ‘I think there’s a message in that for you Joseph, don’t you agree?’ Joe gave her a weak smile and shrugged his shoulders as the woman’s voice began to drone on again.  Her flat voice reminded him of many boring afternoons spent listening to her in the classroom and after about half an hour of it he felt like screaming at her to shut up.

Joe was just beginning to think that life couldn’t get any worse than this when Susan Watkins appeared in the doorway. ‘Hello,’ she said cheerfully. ‘You have another visitor. Oh, hello Miss Jones!’

‘Hello Susan dear,’ said Abigail as she looked at the girls’ workbox. ‘What do you have there?’

‘Just some quilting work I’m doing,’ said Susan. ‘I thought I’d keep busy while I talk to Joe. Would you like to have a look?’

‘I’d love to!’ said Abigail enthusiastically. ‘Oh it’s lovely dear!  What a nice pattern you’ve done.  Would you like some help?’

‘Thank you,’ said Susan as she got out a couple of needles. ‘It’s so nice to find a fellow enthusiast.’

‘Hey!’ interrupted Joe crossly.

‘Yes?’ they both asked.

‘What about me?’ he asked.  ‘Does no one remember that I’m here?’

‘Sorry,’ said Susan. ‘But I didn’t know that you enjoyed quilting as well Joe.  It’s not really the sort of thing most men would admit to.’  She thrust a piece of material through the bars at him.

‘That’s not what I meant!’ said Joe crossly. ‘I meant that….’

‘Here,’ said Abigail. ‘You do it like this dear.’  She reached over and held his hand as she began to pull the needle through the material. Joe tried to pull his hand away, but the woman had a firm grasp on it.

At that moment, Sheriff Coffee thrust his head through the doorway and said. ‘You have some more visitors Joe.  Busy day for you.’  He glanced at the sight of Joe seemingly sewing with the two women and chuckled. ‘I’ll send em straight in.’

‘No!’ said Joe anxiously as he tried to pull his hand away from Abigail’s forceful grip. A moment later he was mortified to see his friends Mitch and Seth entering the room. ‘Hi,’ he said weakly.

Both boys stopped and looked in amazement at the sight before them. ‘Picked up some new habits while you’ve been in here, eh Joe?’ said Mitch with a wink at Seth.

‘Now boys!’ admonished Abigail. ‘There’s nothing wrong with a man who enjoys some feminine pursuits.  Joseph should be able to indulge his passion for quilting if he wants to without being made fun of.’  She patted Joe’s arm. ‘You’re doing very well dear.’

Seth leant over to take a look at the material in Joe’s hand. ‘Yes very well,’ he agreed with a cheeky look at Mitch. ‘I’d say Joe was real handy at sewing wouldn’t you Mitch?’

‘Sure would!’ agreed Mitch. ‘Never knew about this side of you before Joe.’

Joe gave them each a dark look. ‘Shut up!’ he hissed as he flung the material through the bars at Abigail. ‘I wasn’t sewing!’

‘Sure looked like ya was to us,’ said Seth.

‘Joseph!’ said Abigail in her best schoolmarm voice. ‘There’s no need to talk like that young man! Come on Susan, let’s be on our way.  We can finish this up at my place dear over a cool glass of lemonade.’

Susan smiled at Joe as she bundled her work together. ‘I’ll be back as usual this afternoon Joe,’ she said. ‘’I’m really enjoying our time we’ve been spending together.’

Joe glared at her. ‘Don’t bother,’ he said.

‘Oh I told you it’s no bother,’ she replied. ‘See you then.’

‘Is your brother Adam likely to be visiting you Joseph?’ asked Abigail sweetly.

Joe smiled at her. ‘I’m sure he will be Miss Abigail.  You be sure and look out for him won’t you? I know he’d love to see you.’

The schoolteacher gave him a wide smile. ‘I will dear.  Thank you.’

‘So,’ said Mitch as he and Seth sat down. ‘You and Susan Watkins!’

Joe glared at his friend. ‘What?!’ he said crossly. ‘Me and Susan Watkins nothing!  I don’t want her around!’

Mitch nodded and winked at Seth. ‘Sure Joe, sure!’ he said. ‘Seems like you and her got lots in common if ya count the sewing and…’ he pursed his lips in the form of a kiss. ‘Other things.’  Both he and Mitch laughed.

‘Although I really don’t know why any girl would want to come near you at the moment,’ said Seth. ‘You’re on the nose Cartwright.’

‘It ain’t my fault!’ said Joe indignantly. ‘I can’t get a decent wash in here.’

‘Bet you can’t get any of this neither,’ said Mitch as he glanced towards the doorway and drew a small bottle furtively from his pocket.

‘What is it?’ asked Joe eagerly.

Mitch thrust it between the bars. ‘Have a swig,’ he said. ‘Seth and me thought you’d be desperate about now to have a bit of a drink.’

Joe was about to put the bottle to his lips when he was startled by a voice. ‘That’s enough of that!’ said Sheriff Coffee from the doorway. ‘There’ll be no drinking in my jail!’

‘Oh Sheriff Coffee have a heart!’ said Joe. ‘I ain’t had anything else to look forward to this week!’

Roy took the bottle for Joe and gave it back to Mitch. ‘You two get out of here,’ he said. ‘And you’re not welcome back until this youngster is out of here.’

‘Just one swallow?’ asked Joe pleadingly.

Roy Coffee raised an eyebrow and pointed out of the door to the two boys. ‘I said to go,’ he said. ‘And you,’ he said to Joe. ‘You can just be quiet if you don’t want me telling your Pa what you were up to.’ Joe shut his mouth immediately.

‘Bye Joe,’ said Mitch. ‘See you in a couple of days.’

‘Bye,’ said Seth with a shrug of his shoulders. ‘Hope you get all your sewing finished.’

Joe gave them another dark look as they departed. ‘Sheriff….’ he said.

Roy stared at him. ‘Yes?’

Joe hung his head. ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘Is it lunch time yet?’ Suddenly lunch seemed the highlight of the day to him.

XXXXXXX

Joe sat and listened to the sounds that were drifting in through the small barred window. It was Friday night and it seemed to him that everyone was in town having a good time. He would have given anything to be out there with them all.  He wondered how many of his friends were over at the Saloon now having a drink and maybe talking to some of the bargirls. Pa usually let him come into town on a Friday night as long as Adam or Hoss was with him, and now that he was sixteen he’d been allowed to have a drink or two.  He sighed. Not tonight though!

He wondered if Adam and Hoss were over there as well. He scowled as he thought about it. If they were, they sure hadn’t made any effort to come and see him that was for sure!  He wondered if everyone was beginning to forget about him already.  He’d read a book once about a prisoner who’d been in jail for so long that no one remembered him when he finally got out again, and his fertile imagination began to run away with him as he pictured his father and brothers and all his friends staring at him in amazement and trying to remember just who he was.

Another burst of laughter made him stare longingly at the window again. It sure sounded like everyone was having a great time. Selfish things! It wouldn’t take much of an effort for someone to come over and visit him, but he figured they were all too busy having a good time to worry about him.  He felt very alone and very rejected.

‘I’m just going on my rounds,’ said Sheriff Coffee from the doorway. ‘You need anything before I go?’

Joe shook his head, but didn’t answer.

‘You all right boy?’ asked the Sheriff.

Joe nodded.

‘What’s the matter?’

Joe shrugged.

Sheriff Coffee scratched his head as he looked at the dejected boy in the cell. ‘It’s not much longer,’ he said after a moment. ‘You’ll be out of here soon.’

Joe nodded silently.

The Sheriff shook his head and disappeared again. He took his hat off the peg and headed outside, looking up and down the street a couple of times before making his way over to the Silver Dollar Saloon.  He liked to check it out a couple of times on a Friday night, as he knew from experience that his mere presence would remind everyone to keep their heads as the drink overcame them.  The place was indeed crowded and he glanced around a couple of times to reassure himself that all was well before moving on.

‘Hi Roy,’ said a voice behind him and he turned to see Adam and Hoss standing there. ‘How’s our little brother?’

Roy smiled at them. ‘Not doing too well tonight,’ he said. ‘I think it’s been a long week for him.’

‘I’m sure it has,’ agreed Adam. ‘I just hope he’s learned his lesson through it all.’

‘I think you can count on that,’ replied Roy. ‘Remind your Pa that the boy’s due out tomorrow will you boys?’

‘Pa doesn’t need any reminding,’ said Adam. ‘I think he’s found the week to be as long as Joe has.’

‘Been kinda quiet out on the ranch without him eh?’ asked Roy with a twinkle in his eye. ‘I thought you’d all miss him.’

‘Yeah well don’t tell Joe will ya?’ asked Hoss with a laugh. ‘We wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea.’

‘Pa will be very pleased to get him home again,’ said Adam. ‘I think you can expect him in bright and early tomorrow to pick up the culprit.’

‘I’ll look forward to it,’ said the sheriff with a smile. ‘He’s been attracting quite a bit of attention since he’s been in there.  I’ll be glad to get my jail back to myself again and only deal with the easy prisoners like bank-robbers and murderers.’ He gave them both a wink. ‘See you boys.’

‘We gonna visit him?’ asked Hoss.

‘I suppose we should,’ replied Adam. He glanced over at the Silver Dollar. ‘No rush though.  Come on brother, I’ll buy you a drink.’ He put his arms over Hoss’ shoulder as they entered the Saloon together.

XXXXXXX

‘Hi Joe!’

Joe looked up to see his two brothers standing in the doorway grinning at him. He sat up and gave them a big smile. ‘Hi,’ he said. ‘I’m real glad you came.’

Hoss clapped him on the back through the bars. ‘Well what do you know!’ he said. ‘Our little brother has learned to appreciate us while he’s been in here.  Ain’t that nice Adam?’

‘Sure is,’ said Adam. ‘Maybe you’ll be nicer to us when you get out.’

Joe nodded his head. ‘I’ll be so glad to get out of here!’ he declared. ‘Is Pa coming in to get me tomorrow?’

Hoss winked at Adam. ‘Is it tomorrow you’re getting out?’ he asked. ‘Isn’t it the day after?’

‘Yeah I think it is,’ said Adam, returning the wink.

Joe looked at them aghast. ‘No!’ he said. ‘It’s tomorrow…..ain’t it?’

‘Not sure now,’ said Hoss, rubbing his chin. ‘I think it’s the day after though.  Anyways, what does one day matter?’

Joe’s eyes filled with tears before he could stop it. ‘It makes a big difference to me!’ he said. ‘It is tomorrow!’

Adam noticed his brother’s expression. ‘We were only kidding Joe,’ he said. ‘Of course it is.  Pa’ll be coming in to get you in the morning.’

Joe wiped his eyes on his sleeve. ‘Can’t I go home with you tonight?’ he asked miserably. ‘Sheriff Coffee might let you take me if you ask him.’

Adam hesitated. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Pa said a week and a week it has to be. ‘Sorry little buddy.’

Joe sat down on the bunk and stared at the floor. ‘I just wanna get out of here,’ he said in a small voice. ‘Please?’

Hoss looked at Adam and bit his lip. ‘We can’t do it Joe.  Sorry.’

‘It’s OK,’ said Joe.

‘You try and get some sleep now,’ said Adam. ‘It’ll be morning before you know it.’

‘OK,’ said Joe.

‘We’ll see you in the morning Joe,’ said Hoss.

‘OK,’ said Joe.

‘He’s looks right miserable,’ said Hoss as they left the jail. ‘I feel like just taking him home in spite of what Pa said.

‘He’ll survive one more night,’ said Adam, but he too looked anxious. ‘Come on… let’s get home.’

XXXXXXX

Ben breathed a sigh of relief as he tied up his own horse and that of Joe’s to the rail outside the jail.  It had hard to restrain himself from coming into town at first light and he had actually had to force himself to wait until after breakfast.  He knew that Adam and Hoss were well aware of his anxiousness at getting Joseph home again and he tried not to let on to them how much of a rush he was in, but it had been difficult.

He strode over to the jail. ‘Hello Roy,’ he said as he entered.

The Sheriff looked up. ‘I thought I’d see you first thing,’ he said. ‘You’ve got one anxious boy in there Ben.’

‘Is he all right?’

‘Sure is.  Mighty anxious to get out of there though.’

‘Thanks for looking after him.’

‘My pleasure,’ replied the Sheriff. ‘I just hope he learned his lesson for you Ben. I don’t think any of us could stand the strain of having young Joseph Cartwright in jail too often.’

‘Well hopefully we won’t have to worry about it again,’ said Ben. ‘Although something tells me that youngest son of mine might make a return trip one day.’ He followed Roy in to the next room and said loudly as they entered it. ‘I’ve come to take your prisoner off your hands now Sheriff.’

Joe leapt to his feet at the sound of his father’s voice. ‘Pa!’ he said. ‘Am I glad to see you! Sheriff can you unlock the door now?’

‘Just a minute there son,’ said Roy. ‘Hold your horses.’  He fumbled with the keys as Joe picked up his bag.

‘How are you Joseph?’ asked Ben as Joe leapt out of the cell and hugged his father.

‘I’m great now Pa,’ Joe said. ‘I promise I won’t ever do anything so stupid again.’

‘Well I’m glad to hear it,’ said his father with a smile. ‘Come on, there’s a hot bath and a good meal waiting for you at home.’

Joe’s grin widened. ‘Sounds great Pa!’ he said. ‘Um…. thanks Sheriff!’

Roy grinned. ‘Well I think that’s the first time I’ve ever had anyone thank me for keeping them in jail for a week,’ he said. ‘But you’re welcome son.’  He reached down and picked up an old newspaper that was on the floor. ‘Like to take this in case you have a need for it?’

Joe frowned at him. ‘No thank you!’ he said firmly. ‘Come on Pa, let’s get out of here!’

Ben winked at Roy as he followed his son out of the jail.  Joe stood blinking in the strong sunshine outside. ‘Sure is good to feel the sun again,’ he said. ‘Coochie!’  He sprang forward and hugged his horse delightedly before mounting up. ‘Come on Pa!  I’ll race you!’

‘Joseph!’ said Ben as he mounted up as well. ‘Wait until we get out of the town please!’  But his words were lost on his son who was already halfway up the main street in his excitement.

‘Tell that boy when you catch up with him that I’d hate to lock him up for disorderly conduct!’ said Roy from the doorway. ‘A charge like that would mean three days in jail!’

Ben tipped his hat at the Sheriff as he rode away. ‘I’ll be sure to tell him,’ he said cheerily. ‘I think he might take notice of me this time!’

Roy Coffee grinned and turned to walk inside his jail again. Somehow it didn’t seem the same as it had before and he sighed as he listened to the silence.

The End