Summary: Hoss has an unusual gift for Little Joe. A prequel challenge piece.
Rating: K WC:510
Jeremiah
“What’s that you’ve got in the bucket, son?”
Ben stood by the water trough peering down over twelve year-old Hoss’ shoulder.
“Oh – uh – it’s Jeremiah.” A forced, nervous chuckle escaped the big boy’s tense mouth. Embarrassed, Hoss held his hand over the frog hoping to delay his father seeing it.
“Jeremiah? Like the prophet?” Ben laughed softly. “Let me have a look.”
“Uh sure, Pa” Hoss turned and lifted the small pail toward his father.
“Why it’s a bullfrog. Jeremiah, you say?”
“Yeah, ya know the preacher did say that Jeremiah did a lot o’ weepin’. This old bullfrog seemed lonesome like and sounded kinda sad when I was down at the creek today.”
Ben folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t you think he would be better off down there? The creek is his home.”
Hoss swallowed uncomfortably. “Yeah -mebbe, but I was thinkin’ ’bout givin’ him ta Little Joe.”
“To Joe?”
Hoss nodded tentatively as Ben twisted his mouth in question and waited for further explanation.
“Well, Pa, ya know Joe’s been missin’ Adam real bad since he left for school in Boston. I jest thought he might like a pet to keep him comp’ny.” The boy looked up at his father with a mix of sympathy and pleading.
Ben relaxed his posture and placed his large hands on his son’s shoulders. His mind wandered briefly at the frightening realization that it would not be long until Hoss was looking him squarely in the eye. The contradiction of this child in a man-sized body often made Hoss appear comical. And yet, Ben knew that his middle son’s heart was in the right place despite how Adam might feel about being replaced by a bullfrog.
His father’s thoughtful silence made Hoss even more uncomfortable. “Pa?”
“Yes, son. Sorry. Guess I was thinking about Adam, too. We’ve all been missing your brother.” Ben gave Hoss a warm smile and squeezed his shoulders. “I think Joe will like Jeremiah just fine. But -”
“I know, Pa. I know Jeremiah hasta stay outside or Hop Sing will have a fit. I’ll see to it. Thanks, Pa!”
Hoss took off with determined steps toward the front door and stopped abruptly at the ‘uh hem’ coming from behind him. He turned and gave his father a sheepish grin.
“Oh yeah. Sorry, Pa. Guess I got a little excited.” Hoss set the bucket by the front door and charged inside. “Little Joe! I got somethin’ for ya!”
Ben chuckled and leaned on the pump waiting to observe the presentation of the gift. Moments later, Joe came running through the door and grabbed the frog from the bucket and began to stroke its back and call it by name. Hoss gave his little brother quiet words of instruction and encouragement. At seeing how happy Little Joe was with Jeremiah, Hoss beamed up at his father and gave him a nod.
Ben shook his head and murmured to himself. “Would that more of the hurts of this world could be eased by a caring brother and ‘lonesome’ bullfrog.”
Tags: Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright
Hoss’s kindness and gentleness, his keen awareness of the feelings of others, always made him my favorite. I love reading stories like this, where we glimpse what how that may have manifested as he was growing up. Thanks for writing and sharing!
Thank you for reading and for your kind words.
Such a sweet story. I can’t help but agree with Ben: if only more problems could be solved by something so simple, life would be so much better.
Thanks wx! Appreciate your thoughtful comments!
So sweet, I had a nice brother but not that nice❤️
Glad you enjoyed this little piece! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hoss has the biggest heart ever! Lovely little story of brotherly love and care.
Doesn’t he, though! Thanks so much!
This little story illustrates the essence of Hoss. This is why he would be welcome in any home. Also liked how Ben shows his understanding of his middle son.
Thanks so much!
This little story illustrates the essence of Hoss. This is why he would be welcome in any home.
Thanks for much for reading and your kind comments!
Charming little tale. So like Hoss to think of his brother.
Thanks, Bakerj, for taking the time to read and comment! Glad you like it!
Oh… this is so cute!!
The world would be better with persons like Hoss and families like Cartwrights! I Love them all!!!
Thank you for this lovely story!
Thanks Maria!! Do appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
“The contradiction of this child in a man-sized body” is such an apt description. Thanks for this sweet vignette, Hart. Joe grew up knowing Hoss would always be there for him. (And the first thing that came to my mind at seeing the picture and title was Hoyt Axton’s song “Jeremiah was a bullfrog; he was a good friend of mine…”) 🙂
Thanks so much, JC2! I’m glad that you agree with my assessment of Hoss. Yes, the prompt for the story was that song. I do appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Hoss has a big heart and is always concerned about how his brothers and father feel, and even about a lonely one of God’s creatures. Well done.
Thanks so much Betty for taking the time to read and comment here!
What a wonderful little snippet of love by Hoss to Little Joe. Thanks for the little things.
Thanks so much Judi for reading and commenting! Warms my heart that you enjoyed this little piece!
Hoss is so attentive to others’ feelings. Sweet story of the him looking out for Joe.
Thanks AC! Do appreciate your kind comments!
Such a cute story! I’m with Ben on this: I wish more of the problems of the world could be solved so easily.
So glad you like this little piece! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!