Summary: Adam takes a trip out of town only to run into a pair of twins in need of a home. The tables turn when it may be more trouble for Adam than it’s worth.
Rating:  PG-13   (15,705  words)

The Younger Years Series

The Younger Years
The Graingers

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The Brandsters have included this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.  The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.

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The Younger Years

This was his first trip on his own and it was going well. Adam found himself feeling a bit proud as he had just gotten his father a lumber contract from a new agent in San Francisco. His father had trusted him to travel all the way to San Francisco alone, and settle the contract with the lumber agent. He had completed his task without a hitch, and was excited to get home to receive his praise. He had ridden with his father a few times to learn the ropes, he knew what to expect from the city. He enjoyed the look of a big city, all the shops, people, and different ways of living. He took the time to stop and observe new buildings being erected, and even started some planning of his own on things he could bring back to Virginia City. He was doing this now actually, a new school building had been built since his last trip with his father, and was quite intrigued by its intricate design. As he was studying the detailed art work of the brick, he noticed a boy nearby. The boy was sitting below the open window outside of the school. He seemed to be taking notes of the knowledge being rendered inside. Adam observed this scene for a while, then decided to approach.

“Shouldn’t you be inside the school, it seems to me it would be easier to hear from inside the classroom,” Adam smiled at the boy.

“I can’t go inside, they won’t let me,” replied the boy still intently writing his notes.

“Ah, so you should be home helping with work there then, I take it?”

“No,” said the boy shrugging towards Adam. “I am trying to listen if you don’t mind.”

“Right, sorry. I have some errands to run anyway.”

The boy continued his learning, Adam walked towards the post office to wire his father about the contract.

John was 13, and had never been to school. He was however often found outside of the school with a tablet, jotting down all the lessons being passed to the students. He prided himself on the ease in which learning came to him. He had taught himself to read and write sitting below the window of many schools. He would then take this information to his twin brother Danny, and do his best to teach him as well. Danny couldn’t seem to learn as well as his brother. He was street smart, he kept he and his brother fed, got new clothes for them when need be, and found the occasional odd job. But, John always wanted his brother to experience the joy of learning as he did. Every night John and Danny would practice reading and writing, but for some reason Danny always got the letters turned around backwards or mixed up. When he tried to read, the letters would jumble together, he couldn’t get the letters turned around the right way. Danny did however enjoy the stories his brother would bring home, he would tell tales of wars with Indians, battles, and famous cowboys. Sometimes the stories seemed a little far fetched but his brother John swore they were true. John was a lot of things, but he was not a liar.

Adam headed back to the school just as the bell was ringing to dismiss the students. Adam saw the boy stand to leave. Adam called out to him.

“Kid! Hey, wait up a minute will ya?’

“What is it Mister, I gotta get going.”

“I picked up this extra sandwich, I thought I could eat two, but it was too much. I didn’t want it to go to waste, so I thought you might like to have it.”

“Thank you,” John said taking the sandwich. “I really have to go, thanks again for the sandwich.”

“Hey wait, what’s your name Kid; Or should I just keep calling you Kid?”

“Kid will do fine. See ya round Mister,” John said walking away.

Well that didn’t work well did it, Adam thought. Oh well, maybe I’ll see him before I leave tomorrow. Seems to me a kid like that hasn’t eaten in a while. I hope he has a place to stay.

He walked back to the hotel, wanting a good nights sleep before his long journey alone tomorrow.

“Hey John, what ya got there?” asked Danny, his mouth watering slightly.

“A sandwich, someone gave it to me outside of the school,” said John handing half of the sandwich to his brother.

“Why’d they do that, was it Miss Lowry again?”

“No, some stranger, I didn’t get his name.”

“Well, did ya thank ‘em anyway?”

“I did. Pretty good sandwich huh. I took really good notes today. The teacher was talking all about the war of 1812, are ya ready to hear it?” asked John waiting impatiently to begin his story. He had added a few details of his own to the war, just to spice it up a little.

“No, not now. We need some new clothes, mine smell so bad I can hardly stand myself. Your’s aren’t to pretty either brother!” Danny said laughing at their tattered clothing.

“Ya mean I gotta go too. Danny, I thought you liked to do that alone.”

“Well, after I almost got caught the last time, I need you to be the lookout! Hey ya don’t want me to go to jail do ya?”

“Of course not, but I wanted to tell you all about the war and all the other things I learned today!”

“There’ll be time for that later. Lets get going before it gets too dark, and people get too drunk. Danny lead his brother towards the corner store where he planned to steal at least two new shirts a piece.

Adam stared out the window of the hotel. It was too early to sleep and he felt restless. Looking into the streets he saw a boy that looked like the one outside of the school. It was already beginning to get dark, but he swore it was the same boy, only he had different clothes on. “Now what is he doing back again if he had something so important to do that he couldn’t even stop for conversation,” he thought to himself. “He looks up to something, I think I’ll go have another talk with my friend down there.”

He grabbed his hat and headed towards the door.

Danny made his way slowly towards the corner store. He stayed in the midst of the crowd so as to blend in. If he was spotted entering the store, he would be caught for sure. He was sure they would recognize him from the last shop lifting adventure. Danny turned to make sure his brother was still nearby, seeing him he quickened his pace towards the store.

“Whoa, Whoa, watch it there Kid, you almost ran me down,” Adam said holding onto the boys arm.

“Let go Fella, what are you doing?”

“Fella, now is that the way to greet an old friend”? Adam laughed at the way the boy tried to wriggle free. “Settle down now, and I’ll let you go. If I let you go now, you’ll land a mile a way!”

Danny settled, and the stranger let go of his arm.

“What do you mean old friend?” asked Danny staring into the strangers eyes.

“Don’t you remember?” “I gave you that sandwich earlier, outside of the school.”

“Oh. Yeah. Thanks,” Danny said trying to walk around the stranger.

“Hey, what’s the hurry, why don’t you and I go get some real supper, you can tell me what mission you’re on,” Adam said catching the boy by the sleeve.

“LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!” John yelled punching Adam directly in the kidney from behind.

“HEY! YOU LITTLE! What the, there’s two of you!” Adam said spinning around to meet his attacker.

“Touch him again and I’ll kill ya Mister, we don’t want any trouble,” John said stepping beside his brother.

“I was offering your brother dinner, before you struck me that is,” Adam said leaning against the nearby post of the corner store entrance.

“Oh, it didn’t look that way from over there. Why do you wanna by us dinner?” asked John suspiciously.

“Cause’ you look like ya need it!”

The two brothers looked at each other. Why turn down a good meal? But, what would the stranger want in return?

“What’ll we owe ya?” asked Danny.

“Owe me?”

“For the dinner,” said John.

“It is my understanding that when a man offers a dinner, he expects nothing in return except for the company,” said Adam studying the boys closely. They looked so much alike he couldn’t distinguish any certain characteristic to tell them apart.

“Sounds good Mister,” John said getting Danny’s nodding approval.

As the three sat down, Adam ordered each a steak dinner. The boys continued to eye him suspiciously, he smiled to show he meant no harm.

“So can I ask your names?”

“Sure you can,” said John in return.

Adam raised an eyebrow in response.

“Okay, I’ll start. My name is Adam Cartwright. I am traveling on business for my father Ben Cartwright.”

“I’m John, and this is my brother Danny. We live here.”

“Does your Pa let you come into town this late often?”

“Ain’t got no Pa,” said John.

“Oh, so your mother then?”

“No mother neither,” stated Danny matter of factly.

Just then the food arrived. By the look on the boys faces, Adam knew that the talking would have to wait. There was eating to be done. Soon the boys finished, both cleaning their plates. Adam was still working on his when the boys glanced towards the door.

“Hold on there boy’s, how about dessert?”

The boys looked at each other with wide eyes. They had never eaten dessert.

“GREAT!” they exclaimed together.

“Apple pie it is then,” Adam laughed.

As the boys waited for their order, Adam began a new round of questions.

“Where do you live if you don’t have a Ma or Pa then?”

“We live here,” said John quietly. All these questions were making him nervous.

“In this restaurant?”

“No, here in town.” Danny stated.

“Alone?”

“No, with each other,” John said watching as the pie arrived to the table.

“How old are you boys?”

“Thirteen,” the boys said again in unison.

“That’s mighty young to be living alone isn’t it?”

“Naw, we been alone since we was three. Ma and Pa died of the fever, we been on our own ever since,” said John with his mouth full.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Would you boys be interested in some work then?”

“What kind of work do you mean? Where?” Danny asked.

“Ranch work. I would like you to come work on the Ponderosa with me and my family. It would pay some, and you would receive free room and board.”

The boys looked at each other, it seemed this was all they needed to do to communicate.

“Sounds good. Where is this Ponderosa?” asked Danny.

“We ride out in the morning, it is not too far. Why don’t you gather your things, you can share my room at the hotel, we’ll ride out at dawn. Meet me at the hotel once you’ve gathered your things.”

The boys finished their pie, and scooted out the door. Glancing at the store Danny shook his head. “Won’t need it now, we’ll have plenty of money to buy our own clothes soon. I only take out of necessity you know.”

They arrived at the hotel quickly. Adam noticed John holding only a tattered old book, and Danny a small pocket knife.

“Alright boy’s, let’s head up, we got a ride ahead of us tomorrow. We’ll rent a horse from the stable that you boys can share.” Adam said, excited to be headed home.

John and Danny slept soundly the whole night through. The boys shared the bed, Adam slept in a roll out on the floor. Adam was the first to wake, he noticed a slight ache in his back, boy can that kid pack a punch he thought. Stretching, he made up his mind to visit the corner store. He didn’t want the boys arriving at the Ponderosa looking like that. The smell was bad enough to scare the horses. He slipped out quietly to let the boys get more sleep, they had quite a ride ahead of them, and riding double on a horse was not that comfortable. I think I’ll get them a few sets of clothing, I’ll call it an advance for the work they will do. With that thought, he closed the door quietly behind him.

Danny woke quietly, feeling his brother beside him, he tried his best not to wake him. “Wow, I didn’t know how good it felt to sleep in a real bed. I think that must be what Heaven feels like. Is it Ma and Pa?” Danny thought to himself looking to the sky.

“Hey Brother, what are you doing?” asked John with sleep still in his voice.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna wash up.”

“I’ll join you. That bed was mighty nice don’t you think?”

“Sure was, what do you think this Ponderosa will be like, as nice as this?”

“AW I don’t know, I can’t imagine anything else as nice as this, but I guess we’ll see. Speakin of, where did that Adam go, you don’t think he left us do you?” asked John with a worried frow.

“I don’t know, maybe he thinks were lazy sleepin this long and all. You know, I am not quite sure what we’re getting ourselves into.”

“Hey boys, you’re up,” said Adam standing in the doorway. I went to the store and got you some things for the trip. We’ll call it an advance. You needed a canteen a piece for water, some boots, hats, and some clothes. Don’t worry, you’ll pay me back soon enough.”

“Thanks Mister Adam” the boys said together.

It’s just Adam, you can save the Mister for my Father, you know I am just a couple of years older than you boys.”

“How old are you?” asked Danny.

“Lets get going, I’ll tell you about my family on the way.

The boys headed out the door, and off to the stable to get the horses. Adam smiled at the thought of these boys experiencing his family for the first time. Even though they were going through a tough time at the moment with the death of Joe’s mother recently, Adam knew the boys would be welcomed with open arms.

“You didn’t answer my question Adam,” Danny said struggling to maintain his balance on the horse.

“I’m seventeen.”

“Seventeen, I thought you were way older than that. Your only four years older than us!” John said laughing.

“Thanks, I think. Anyway, I have two brothers at home. I’m the oldest at seventeen, then Hoss, he’s eleven, and Little Joe, he’s five. My ma just passed away last month, my Pa has been doing his best to cope, but, I can say that all of our work has suffered on account of the happenings. We sure could use extra hands, and I’m awful glad I found you two. With Hoss and I in school, the ranch is starting to suffer.

“Your Ma passed too. What happened?” asked John.

“I don’t’ think I’m ready to talk about it yet John. I understand your curiosity, but there are some things better left alone.” He still felt some guilt over the death of Marie.

“Sorry.” John said looking away, he knew how hard it could be to talk about your parents.

The boys rode in silence for some time. The boys had never seen this part of the country, and they were in awe of the rolling hills and the mountains.

“Hey, John said excitedly. Can I tell you about the war now?”

“Now’s as good as time as any ain’t it. I ain’t got no place else to go!” Danny answered holding on tightly to the horse’s reins.

The sun was setting as the boys noticed the light from the Ponderosa. Adam knew his Pa would be surprised that he had brought back with him two young boys. Also he knew that his Pa would understand, and after meeting the boys, Pa would be glad he brought them home. Pa had a mighty generous heart when it came to helping other’s, especially young one’s, they reminded him of his sons.

“Well, this is it, this is the Ponderosa. You’ll be staying here at the house with us. I’m sure supper is waiting. We’ll eat first, then I’ll have Hop Sing fill a bath for you.

“Hop Sing?” asked John his eyebrows raised.

“He’s our cook. If it weren’t for Hop Sing we would starve. Careful though, he has a temper.”

Ben looked out the window, he had heard horses approaching. That’s Adam alright he thought, but who is that with him? Ben took a step towards the door. Just then Little Joe ran in front of him and out the front door in a flash, Hoss was not too far behind. Hoss bumping into his father nearly knocked him out of the door. Ben started to complain, but smiled realizing how his son’s had not shown this much excitement since Marie had passed. “Oh Marie, look at our sons. Our beautiful sons, I wish you were here.” Ben thought stepping out of the door.

“Hey Pa,” Adam said trying to release himself from Little Joe’s tightening grip around his waist.

“Adam. Who are your friends here?” Ben asked noticing first how young these boys were.

“This is Danny and John, I hired them to help around the ranch,” Adam said smiling towards the boys who were being led to the barn with the horses by Little Joe who had finally lost interest in his older brother.

“You come now, EAT. Food going to get cold, have to throw it out. YOU COME NOW,” Hop sing said, not wasting any time with greetings.

“Welcome home son,” Pa said putting his arm around his young son leading him inside.

“This food is really great,” said John with his mouth full.

“Yeah, ain’t had nothing like it!” said Danny finishing his plate.

Adam looked at his father, waiting for him to find out why the boys were here. He thought it best that Pa heard from the boys why they were here.

“So Boys, were you looking for work in San Francisco?” questioned Ben.

“Not really, we were just offered the job,” said John reaching for more biscuits.

“What about your family? Won’t they be missing you, you so far from home?”

“Ain’t got no family sir, just the two of us. We been alone since we was three when our parents died. We done raised up ourselves. Thought this was a good opportunity to put some money back in hopes that John can go to school some day,” Danny said, pleased for the opportunity to help his brother.

“I see, well Hop Sing is getting your bath ready, and Adam and I will set up your rooms,” Ben said rising from the table. Adam stood up as well, knowing his father would want to talk to him alone.

Ben led his son upstairs toward the bed room. He listened to Little Joe and Hoss chattering away to their new friends, and smiled at the idea of how this may help to ease some of the grief.

“Pa, you’re not mad are ya?” Adam asked looking at his Pa intently. “I’m sorry I didn’t wire home first, but there wasn’t any time. I couldn’t leave them there, that John reminds me of Little Joe something fierce.

“Of course I’m not angry son, you did the right thing. Only thing is, will anyone be questioning these boys whereabouts. I’ll send in a wire to the town sheriff tomorrow letting him know the boys are here just in case.” Ben said reassuring his son with a smile and a pat on the shoulder.

Adam smiled, knowing that his father would understand. He hoped that these boys might ease some of the grief his father was feeling. It would definitely keep his mind on other things for a while. Adam and Ben prepared a room for each of the boys.

“Look at this water John, you sure were dirty. I can’t get in there with the water lookin like it is, I’m liable to come out dirtier than before,” Danny said looking at the water and backing away with his hands in the air.

“What do you mean? This water is great, here have a splash!” John said splashing the water at his brother.

“Why you, I’ll get you for that!” Danny said rushing forward to dunk his brother under the water.

“YOU BOYS, YOU MAKE MESS, YOU CLEAN UP! MORE BOYS MEAN MORE TROUBLE FOR HOP SING!” Hop Sing carried on as both boys quieted, John quickly getting out of the tub.

“We’re really sorry, we’ll clean it up good, honest.” Danny said stepping away from Hop Sing.

“WHATS GOING ON HERE!” Ben said, his voice booming. He thought someone had been hurt by the sound of Hop Sing.

“Sorry sir, we’re cleaning it up, honest!” John said hurriedly trying to clean up the water.

“We didn’t mean it sir, we just got carried away that’s all, I’m sorry. It’s been so long since we had a bath, we just were messin around. I’m awful sorry sir!” Danny said hoping Mr. Cartwright didn’t see the tears in his eyes.

“Here, I’ll help you. It’s just water. HOP SING, DRAW UP ANOTHER BATH. YELLING LIKE THAT I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS KILLED!” Ben said anger building as he saw the tears forming in both boys eyes.

“Boys, you have to forgive Hop Sing, he is a mighty good cook, but is lacking in manners. Don’t worry about the mess, it’ll clean up easy enough.” Ben put an arm around each boy. John, you seem clean enough, your bed clothes are laid out in your room. Adam, show John to his room please.”

“Thank You sir, sorry again about the mess. I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble. Me and my brother appreciate this job, and don’t want to screw it up.” Danny said meeting Ben’s kind eyes.

Hop Sing finished refilling the tub. Danny got into the steaming hot bath, he was still a little nervous about the uproar he had caused earlier. “I wonder if this is what it is like to have a father. Mr. Cartwright seems nice enough, he wasn’t too upset about the trouble we caused. I have to remind John that we need to be on our best behavior. I don’t want to lose this job.”

“Done yet Danny?” asked Ben standing next to the tub with a fresh towel.

“Oh, yes sir. I didn’t realize I was in here so long. The water is a might chilly now. Thank you,” said Danny taking the towel from Ben.

Ben turned as the boy exited the tub. He remembered how shy boys this age could be.

“I will take you to your room, your bed is ready, and I am sure you’re ready for a rest.”

“I sure am. This is great Mr. Cartwright, I sure am glad I ran into that Adam!” Danny said climbing the stairs to his new room.

It was quiet here, too quiet. John couldn’t sleep. “I think I’ll go check on Danny. He is probably having as much trouble sleeping as I am. I never slept without Danny beside me, not even in the womb,” John thought to himself.

“Danny. Danny you awake?” John whispered.

“Yeah, I’m awake, I was waitin on you brother,” Danny said smiling. He had never slept without his brother before, not even in the womb.

“Scoot over, you’re hoggin the covers ya big lummox, Danny playfully pushed his brother.

“This is my bed, you scoot over ya oversized Ox!” John said pushing back at Danny. John realized too late that he pushed harder than he meant to. He reached for his brother as he fell out of bed, landing with a hard bump, and hitting his head on the desk on the way down.

“Oh, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think I hit my head though!” Why’d ya push me so hard, I was only joking.”

“I didn’t mean too, I was just…” The door opened quickly, Ben, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe stepping into the room.

“What is going on here? Is someone hurt?” Ben asked sharply.

“N N No sir, I fell out of bed, that’s all,” said Danny rubbing his head. He already had a lump forming from the fall.

“JOE, HOSS GO TO BED!” Ben said upset that his sleep had been disturbed. It was hard enough to get to sleep without this nonsense.

Joe and Hoss quickly left the room. They knew that bed time was no time for Tom Foolery.

“YOU HAVE YOUR OWN BED, WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!” Ben said, more harshly than he meant.

“I, I, I just.” Danny couldn’t finish. This man scared him, and he started to cry. He was not used to answering orders, and it seemed like he kept messing up.

“I’m sorry son, I didn’t mean to sound so angry. Why are you in this room? Don’t get upset, I am not that angry,” Ben said softening up. He forgot that most people were not used to the booming sound of his voice.

“I never slept without my brother before, I just needed his company that’s all. I’m sorry, I’ll go back to my own room.” John said eyeing Ben angrily. He didn’t like the fact that his brother was crying.

“No, No, you don’t have to do that. You can stay. Just keep the noise down. Let me see your head boy. It’s just a bump, you’ll end up with a headache, but that is all. Tomorrow, I will bring in a bed so you boys can share a room. Sleep tight, there is school tomorrow,” Ben said heading towards the door.

John stopped in his tracks. Did he say school? What did he mean, they had never been to school, he didn’t know that was part of the deal.

“School?” John and Danny said together.

“Yes, you boys are school age. I’ll expect you to attend school with Adam and Hoss in the morning. I’ll ride out with you so I can let the teacher know you’re coming.” Ben said guiding Adam out of the room and closing the door behind him.

“Well Pa, I think you scared ‘em to death, and made their night all at the same time,” Adam said laughing at his father.

“Go to bed son, it looks like you may have your hands full keeping an eye on those two tomorrow!”

“Did you hear that Danny, school! He said we get to go to school!” John said bouncing excitedly on the bed.

“Yeah, I heard, that’s great. Real great. I know you’ll do well,” Danny said not quite as enthusiastic as his brother. “I’m just a little worried about me, that’s all. You know how I am with my letters. They always get turned around. I don’t know if I can do it John.”

“You’ll do fine, you’ll see. What’s to worry about, we’ll be together won’t we,” John said rolling over. He wanted morning to come now more than anything.

John was up before anyone, dressing in his new clothes he was right proud about the way he looked. Combing his hair, he smiled at the thought of being inside a classroom where he could answer questions, and not have to hide every time the teacher came near. What a difference to the life he had just left. He smelled breakfast cooking, he had new clothes, and a bed to sleep in. In a way, he sort of had a new family.

Danny watched as his brother combed his hair. He was happy that his brother would be able to go to a real school. Danny however was quite worried. He couldn’t read or write, he wasn’t nearly as smart as his brother. This was not a day he was looking forward to.

“Ready for school already boys?” Ben smiled as he saw the boys already waiting at the table.

“Yes Sir, Mr. Cartwright! We sure are ready, I’ve been ready my whole life!” John beamed at the thought of that classroom.

“I expect you to work hard and do your best. No jokes, and no fooling around, you’ve done enough of that, just look at Danny’s head.” Ben said seriously. He worried a little that the boys may get in some trouble.

“No Sir, we’ll be good.” Danny stated meeting Ben’s eyes. “I promise.”

“Darn right you’ll be good if my hide is on the line,” said Adam joining the table.

Hoss and Little Joe soon followed, filling the table with the sounds of morning chatter.

“When do I get to go to school Pa?” Little Joe flashed his bright green eyes at his father.

“Soon Joe, too soon,” Ben laughed, knowing Little Joe hated to be left out. With his mother gone now, he knew his son would be entering school soon enough.

“We better get started on our chores if we want to make it to school on time. C’mon on boys Little Joe and I will show you the ropes!” Adam said picking his brother up by the waist of his pants.

“PUT ME DOWN YOU BIG OVERSIZED OX!” Joe shouted at his brother, kicking his feet.

The boys realized they may have been louder last night than they thought.

“PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN, PUT MEEEEEEE DOWWWNNNNNN!” Joe continued to yell as Adam carried him all the way out to the barn.

“Your down, your down, quit your belly aching!” Adam said laughing at his baby brothers temper.

Little Joe rearranged his pants, and threw a handful of hay at his brother. Adam could really get under his skin sometimes. Danny and John followed laughing at the way the brother’s behaved. Soon they all joined in the fun. Hoss trailed behind recognizing trouble when he saw it. Pa would not be happy with this, and he hated the thought of his father including him in a group tanning.

Hay was everywhere but where it should be. Ben was steaming. He expected this behavior from Little Joe, and maybe even Danny and John; but Adam, he expected more from him.

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF JOHOVA IS GOING ON IN THIS BARN!” Ben shouted at the boys. Everyone stopped in there tracks, eyes open wide.

“Pa, um we were just cleaning up, can you believe the mess something made in this barn!” Little Joe said showing his father his best innocent smile.

“I EXPECTED YOU BOYS TO FINISH YOUR CHORES AND BE ON YOUR WAY TO SCHOOL!” Ben boomed.

Danny started shaking, and Ben noticed John step in front of his brother. Adam moved towards the door of the barn to make a silent escape, Hoss had already mounted his horse. Ben lowered his voice.

“Now I realize you boys may not have enough to do in the mornings, so I will gladly assign you more chores this evening, and a new list of chores for the morning. Adam, I expected more from you. You are the oldest in this family, and I expect you to be an example to your new friends there. Would you say you are doing a satisfactory job?” Ben said heatedly towards his son.

“No Pa,” Adam whispered. He hated when his father was disappointed in him.

“SPEAK UP BOY!”

“No Sir Pa!: Adam said raising his voice an octave. I’ll clean this up right away, Hoss can lead the boys to school, I’ll except the consequences for my tardiness when I get to school.”

“I was accompanying you boys to school today remember.” Ben said plainly. “But, you are right, you will get this mess cleaned up, finish the other chores, and except the consequences of your tardiness. Let’s go boys, Little Joe, you’re coming too, ride with Hoss,

“OKAY!” Little Joe exclaimed.

Well that’s just great thought Adam. I’m stuck here with all these chores, and Little Joe gets rewarded by riding into town with Pa. Little Joe started this mess, and here I am cleaning it up. Can’t I be a kid to sometimes without being reprimanded for it? I know I’ll have to stay after school to make up this time, then I’ll be late with the evening chores. I hope Pa doesn’t follow through with his list of extra chores, but he is a man of his word.

“Here we are boys, Joe you stay with me ya hear. I don’t want you wandering off,” Ben said sternly. “He didn’t sleep well, and now he felt guilty about the way he was treating his boys. He shouldn’t be so hard on them, in fact he should be happy that they are acting as children should act again.” He decided that when he got home, he would help Adam with his chores so he could get to school more quickly, it could take him hours to do the work of the three of them.

“This is the school, it’s smaller than what we had at home.” John stated matter of factly.

“This is it alright,” said Hoss smiling. He enjoyed school some, he liked the company of boys his age. Though he wished they would hold classes outside.

“Well, lets go!” John said running inside.

Ben noticed Danny lagging far behind. The boys face had a sadness to it, and wondered if the boy was troubled.

“Danny, what’s the matter?” “Don’t you want to go to school with other children your age?”

“I’m not very smart Sir, I can’t read or write or nuthin,” Danny said his eyes downcast. “My brother tries hard to teach me, but I can’t get it. The letters are always jumbled up or turned around, I can’t make them out. I don’t know if I can do it.”

“It won’t hurt to try for a while will it? Give it a month or so, if you don’t like it, we will find a way to make it so you do. Don’t worry so much, remember you now have five people to help you rather than just one,” Ben said warmly, holding the boys shoulders.

Danny in a way seemed much older than his brother, even though they were twins, in a way he reminded him of Adam.

“Adam, I almost forgot, I have to get home to help him with chores,” Ben thought.

“Go ahead Danny, your brother’s are waiting for you. Mrs. Ida, These boys will be joining you for a spell, this is John, and Danny. They are staying with us on the Ponderosa for a while. Boys, this is Mrs. Ida, she will be your teacher. Goodbye boys, have a good day, I’ll see you this evening. Oh, and Adam will be joining class later, we had a little problem he had to tend to, you won’t be too hard on him for being late will you Misses?” Ben asked smiling, hoping to ease the consequences for his boy.

“No, Mr. Cartwright, Adam is a good student and a strong boy, I can understand your needing his assistance with matters at the Ponderosa. I will let it go without consequence if you feel that is best,” Mrs. Ida said smiling. She held a special place in her heart for the Cartwright’s.

“Yes Ma’am, I feel that is best, thank you. Please excuse me, I have to get going.”

“Little Joe, get down from that swing little one, we have to be going,” Ben smiled to his youngest son, who if he went any higher in that swing, it might loop around the tree branch. This one is sure a handful.

Adam heard a horse riding up, it couldn’t be his father already could it? He wasn’t nearly half way through the morning chores.

“Adam,” Ben said stepping up behind his oldest son.

“Pa, I am doing the best that I can here, I will be done soon enough,” Adam said quietly through clenched teeth. He was not at all happy with his father or himself.

“I know son, I thought we would help you finish.”

“I would like that Pa, thank you!”

“Pa?” Adam stated.

“Yes Son,” Ben waited, he knew his son felt guilty about his earlier antics. Ben felt guilty for expecting too much from his young son. He was still a boy after all, he just had a birthday not too long ago.

“I’m sorry for starting trouble earlier, I know how much work we have to do around here, I have no call to go goofing off.” Adam said looking into his fathers eyes for reassurance that he was not angry. Ben had enough to worry about as it was without his son’s antics, Adam felt tears burning in his throat, he swallowed them down quickly.

“No son, I shouldn’t have been so hard on you, I am happy that you boys are enjoying yourselves again. I should be encouraging you to play more, you’re only young once. I am the one that should be sorry, if your mother was here, she would have lit into me good,” Ben felt his eyes begin to well, he turned away quickly.

Adam saw the tears forming in his fathers eyes and knew no words would help. He hated to see his father suffering, grabbing his father’s shoulder he turned him towards him. They embraced, something Adam did not allow often. It was a short embrace, and Adam walked away before his tears fell.

“Adam, head on to school, Joe and I will finish up here. Make sure those two that you brought home don’t get into any more trouble, will ya!” Ben said lightening the air.

“Yes Pa,” Adam said wiping at his eyes with the back of his hands before his Pa could see.

“So glad you could join us Adam, take your seat please,” Mrs. Ida said to Adam with a hint of annoyance in her voice, though this was more for show to the other students.

“Yes Ma’am,” Adam replied sitting quickly and hating that all eyes were on him.

School went on without a hitch, and Mrs. Ida did not mention Adam’s tardiness again. He thought this was strange, but did not want to push his luck by inquiring. John was intrigued throughout the entire class session, he absorbed as much as he could. He could even keep up with the work expected of the older students. Danny however was working with the youngest of the group, and still falling behind. He was not happy at all, as the teacher assigned him the same work as his brother. On the ride home, John chatted endlessly at how much he enjoyed school. He and Adam passed their knowledge back and forth and even got into a discussion about slavery. Hoss listened a while, but was soon day dreaming about being home on the ranch tending to the new born horses. Danny said not a word the whole trip home, he was trying to figure a way out of school, and to think Mr. Cartwright wanted him to go for a whole month. He guessed his teacher was nice enough, but he didn’t want to give it even one more day.

“Adam, Hoss, come quick, look what I did for Pa!” Little Joe came running out of the barn.

“Alright Joe, let us settle the horses and we’ll be there!” Adam said smiling, knowing what would come next.

“NO, THERE IS NO TIME FOR THAT! YOU HAVE TO COME SEE NOW, ADAM. C’mon!” Little Joe said grabbing Adam and Danny’s hands.

“Joe,” Adam said pulling backwards on Joe’s hand so he fell back into him. “It is not polite to grab people’s hands like that, now let go.”

“It is not polite to grab people by their pants Adam, now C’MON!”

Adam laughed, he loved that his brother was getting back to normal. Little Joe had lost a little of his excitement for life when his Ma had died, as did they all.

Joe took the boys into the barn and they saw how the stalls had all been taken care of, the horses tended to, and the saddles hanging neatly.

“You did this Joe?” Hoss asked with wonder. This was his afternoon chore, it had already been done. He was pleased to say the least.

“I helped!” Joe exclaimed. That’s not all! We took care of the field fences, got the hands working on the lumber for the contract, and fed all the animals.”

“Well, that was our evening chores, what does Pa have in store for us then?” Adam asked more to himself than anyone else.

“Not a thing boys; I thought we would ride to town and catch a show,” Ben said gleaming with excitement. “I thought we could all use a vacation day!”

“But Pa, You said we would have extra…” Hoss was interrupted by a hard slap on the back by Adam.

“Well, I guess we better change our clothes then,” Adam said stopping his brother maybe a little to roughly in mid sentence. “Let’s go,” Adam said taking Hoss by the arm.

“Adam, you hit me like that again and…,” Hoss was again interrupted by a sharp shove by his oldest brother.

On there way to town, John filled Mr. Cartwright in on their day at school. He talked about how he was able even to keep up with most of Adam’s work. Adam and Hoss played cards on the buck board, and Little Joe sat with his Pa listening to John. Danny had still not said a word. They arrived at the show, and everyone seemed excited as they entered the stage area. Ben had gotten them the best seats in the house.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats, the show is about to begin.”

Danny, John, Hoss and Little Joe sat mesmerized. They hardly ever got the chance to see a show. Pa told Hoss and Joe that most shows were inappropriate for the eyes of young children, and they watched with a feeling of jealousy as Pa, Adam and Marie went to many a show without them. Now Marie was gone, and everything had changed. Here they all were, together at the show.

John and Little Joe had fallen asleep on the way home. Hoss and Adam sat talking quietly with one another, their conversation Ben could not hear. His two sons did this often, and Ben often wondered what his two sons would speak so privately about. He noticed Danny had not said a word all evening, he could tell something was weighing heavily on the boys mind.

“Care to talk about it?” said Ben to the young boy.

“I don’t know,” Danny said quietly.

“Was it school?”

“Yes!” replied Danny looking away.

“Well?”

“I can’t do it Mr. Cartwright. I couldn’t keep up with the kids my age; heck, I couldn’t keep up with the youngest class in there. I don’t want to go back, please don’t make me!” Danny said trying not to sound so childish. He covered his face to hide his shame. He felt a arm make its way around his shoulder, and Mr. Cartwright pulled him close.

“It was only the first day Danny, give it a chance. You’ll catch on, I know you will. Your teacher is nice isn’t she?”

“She’s right nice, I just don’t think I can do it. What if I ask for help and she gets angry with me? John will help, but he has so much of his own work to do. I already have an assignment due Friday, we are supposed to write a biography of our life. I can’t write Mr. Cartwright, and John shouldn’t have to write two papers. I don’t want to cause any trouble. I think it would be better if I just worked at the ranch with you and Little Joe.” Danny said hoping Ben would agree.

“Did you tell the teacher you can’t read or write?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Well, don’t you worry, we’ll tell her tomorrow, I have to go into town anyway for some errands, and I know Joe will enjoy the trip. I will have a talk with her, and together the three of us can come up with some solution. We agreed you would try it for a month remember, you are not backing out on an agreement are you?” Ben asked looking at the boy for an answer.

“No sir, I will try again tomorrow, but I don’t think a month will make a difference. Thank you for talking with her Mr. Cartwright, I really appreciate everything your doing for John and I.” He really liked Mr. Cartwright, and he felt he was liked in return. He could get used to having a real adult around, it took a lot of pressure off of him, as he had tried hard to provide for his brother all these years. Not only did he provide life’s necessities, but he tried to offer advice, and help anyway he could. Now he was the one receiving the help and advice.

Arriving home Adam carried Little Joe to his room. He liked the feeling of holding the small boy in his arms. It reminded him of when Little Joe was an infant, and had been his sole caretaker after his birth when his mother was so sick, and his Pa was away on business.

Ben carried John to he and Danny’s room. He had done as he promised while the boys were at school and brought in an extra bed. Danny followed closely behind, always worrying about his brother. He felt relief when he saw two beds, he liked Mr. Cartwright more and more.

“I think this was a great idea, taking this job and all,” Danny thought. “We haven’t even had to do much work yet, what a deal!”

Ben lay John down in his bed, and Danny climbed in to his after changing quickly into his bed clothes. “I’ll get my brother changed Mr. Cartwright, I done it often, I won’t wake him up!”

“Okay, good night then boy. Did you enjoy the show?”

“It was great, I ain’t never seen a show before, I hope we’ll go again sometime!”

“I’m sure we will, it is one of life’s great many pleasures.” Ben said leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

“Pa,” Adam said quietly standing outside of Joe’s door.

“Yes, Adam?”

“Did you speak with Danny, I noticed he was awful quiet this evening. Did something happen I need to know about , is he okay?” asked Adam, concern clouding his features.

“I talked to him, we are going to get it all straightened out in the morning son, don’t worry,” Ben said holding his sons shoulder. “You up to start a game of chess? It is a little early yet.”

“Sure Pa, but I probably won’t be able to finish it tonight. Riding on the buckboard always makes me tired.”

Danny woke up early again. “With this nice bed, you would think I would sleep in, but I am too worried about that awful school. I hope Mr. Cartwright gets my point across to Mrs. Ida, I am just not smart enough to be in school. I know he’ll make me stay, but maybe I won’t be assigned so much work.” Danny thought to himself.

“You finished your chores then?” Ben asked as the boys came into the house fetching the items they needed for school.

“Yes Pa, there all done, and we did a good job this time Pa, them boys didn’t fool around none,” said Hoss smiling up at his father, glad that no trouble had ensued.

“Let’s get going then, we don’t want to be late,” Ben said headed to the door.

“Pa, is Little Joe with you?” Adam asked noticing his baby brother missing for the first time.

“No. He wasn’t helping in the barn?”

“No sir, as a matter of fact, he didn’t come down for breakfast this morning,” Adam said quickly heading towards the stairs.

Adam was the first to the door.

“Joe, Little Joe?” Adam said swinging the door open.

Little Joe was lying in bed, sweat on his brow. Ben entered the room heading straight for his youngest son.

“Little Joe, wake up son!” Ben said shaking the boy a little roughly.

Little Joe groaned and opened his eyes slightly. They were full of fever.

“Pa, I don’t feel too good,” Joe said in a whisper.

“He’s burning up Pa, I’ll have Hop Sing make some tea, and I’ll get the cold water,” Adam said moving into action.

“Pa, I’m cold,” Joe said trembling.

“You boys go on to school, we’ll be fine here. I’m sorry Danny, but that talk with your teacher will have to wait,” Ben said smoothing back his sons curls.

“I understand Mr. Cartwright, maybe I can just talk to her myself.”

Adam came back with the cold water and rags, placing the bowl on the table next to the bed.

“Pa, do ya want me to stay home? I could get some work done on the ranch while you tend to Little Joe,” Adam said. He hated to miss school, but he hated the thought of falling behind on the ranch work also.

“No Adam, go to school, the hands can pick up the slack, the ranch will be fine,” Ben said as Hop Sing arrived with the tea.

Adam winced at the thought of the taste of that tea. He dreaded getting sick, as Hop Sing would come up with the nastiest tasting medicinal teas.

“Yes Pa. Little Joe, you feel better you hear,” Adam said pushing back his little brothers curls as his Pa had done.

Adam left to the sounds of his father trying to coax Little Joe to drink the tea, and Little Joe wanting none of it.

The boys arrived to school, and Danny could feel his heart quicken at what he was about to face.

“Mrs. Ida, could I speak with you a minute?” Danny asked his teacher quietly.

“Sure Danny, what do you need?” asked Mrs. Ida smiling.

“Well, Ya see, I have this problem, I don’t quite know how to explain it. I don’t think I am cut out for school ma’am.”

“Danny, don’t be ridiculous, you seem fine to me. What is the problem you don’t quite know how to explain?”

“Ma‘am, I can’t read or write, I try, but the letters get turned around backwards, and I never get them straight. You want me to write a biography, but I can’t do it. I couldn’t do any of the work yesterday, and I couldn’t even keep up with the younger one’s. Like I said, I ain’t cut out for school Ma‘am.”

He noticed two boys standing near, they seemed to be listening in to his conversation, and this made him uneasy.

“Danny, I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware you were struggling so. About that assignment, why don’t you stay in today, and you can dictate your biography to me, I will write it out for you, and then we will go over it together,” Mrs. Ida said, trying to hide her sadness for this boys pain.

“That sounds fine Ma‘am. Thank you. But what about the other assignments?” Danny asked glaring at the two boys.

“We’ll worry about that when the time comes. For now, you will have no written assignments due, and I am sure Adam or your brother will read to you all of the chapters you will need to learn,” Mrs. Ida said noticing Danny’s side ways glare.

“Charles, and Michael, can I help you?” Mrs. Ida asked the two boys that were standing near.

“No ma’am, we were just taking our seats,” answered Charles with a mock smile written across his face.

Danny realized that these boys were going to be trouble. He also knew he was more than capable of handling himself in a fight if it came down to it.

“Take your seat please Danny.”

Adam wondered how Little Joe and Pa were getting along. He had been at school just over an hour, and he just could not concentrate on his work. The teacher had given them time to begin writing their biographies, he was not interested. Biographies about other people had always interested him, but he would rather not write up his own. He felt his past was better left there, as sometimes it was too hard to think of what had happened in his youth. He was gazing around the room when he noticed Danny being taunted from behind by two boys. Charlie and Michael were throwing small wads of paper at Danny, and could tell Danny’s frustration was building. He wondered how Danny would hold his temper. After several minutes, the boys tired of this activity, as they received no response. They began working again on their assignment. “He handled that well,” thought Adam.

“Mrs. Ida, are you ready to work on that biography now?” Danny asked as the other’s filed out for lunch. Charlie and Michael both bumped shoulders with him on their way outside.

“I’m ready when you are Danny, let’s get to work, we’ll eat while we work.” Mrs. Ida said pulling a chair up to her desk.

Adam saw Charlie and Michael both intentionally bump into Danny’s shoulder, and Danny not react. “I think I’ll have a word with those boys,” thought Adam as he headed towards the tree under which both boys were eating.

“Charlie, Michael, nice day isn’t it?” Adam asked getting a feel for the boys.

“Sure,” said Charlie, shrugging in response.

“Do you boys have a problem with Danny in there? Is it something you would like to discuss?” Adam asked raising an eyebrow at the boys.

“Our problem is not with you Adam, why you sticking up for that dummy for anyway?” said Michael biting into his sandwich.

“Watch what you say Michael Granger, he is no dummy, and if I hear you say so again you will answer to me! GOT IT!” Adam said trying to hold his temper.

Charlie and Michael stood up at the same time.

“What you gonna do about it Adam?” Charlie said stepping towards Adam.

“Take a swing and find out!” Adam said nose to nose with Charlie Granger.

“You got a fight with my brother, you got a fight with me!” said Michael standing beside his older brother.

Suddenly, Charlie swung his fist, catching Adam in the right temple. Quick as a flash, Adam swung back hitting Charlie square in the nose. The fight was on. Hoss noticed a commotion and looked to see his brother being swung upon by the Granger brothers. Hoss flew into action, he flung both boys to the ground, before they could get up, Mrs. Ida appeared followed by Danny. John appeared beside his brother, he was watching this scene from a far, ready to step in if need be, but not wanting to risk his stay at the Ponderosa.

“What is going on here boys?” Mrs. Ida said stepping in between the boys.

“It’s Adam ma’am, he done broke my brother’s nose,” Michael said pointing the finger at Adam.

“Is this true Adam? Are you the cause of this fight?” Mrs. Ida asked skeptically.

“I simply wanted to talk, Mrs. Ida.”

“So you did this to Charlie then?” Mrs. Ida asked, her anger increasing with Adam’s short answer.

“I was defending myself Ma‘am,” Adam said looking towards the ground. He knew better than to fight at school, he should have left the situation alone as Danny had.

“I would like you to go home Adam, you are not to come back to school today. I will ride out and speak to your father this evening,” Mrs. Ida said surprised at Adam’s nonchalant attitude. “I will be doing the same for you boys. Michael, take your brother over to Doc Martins!”

Adam knew he was in trouble, it was one thing to get into a fight, but to get sent home from school, he knew his father would not be pleased.

Danny watched this scene as Adam walked away. Had he seen what these boys were doing, and went to defend him. Danny had hoped to handle the situation himself after school, he knew it would not be a good idea to fight at school, Mr. Cartwright had told them to stay out of trouble and that was what he intended to do.

Adam rode slowly towards the house, he dreaded a trip to the barn with his father, and he knew it was surely to come. He was more angry at himself for losing his temper, but he had to defend himself. Arriving home, he remembered that Joe was sick. “Great, Pa will already be frustrated. I guess I should not plan on doing much sitting the rest of this week,” Adam thought to himself.

“Adam what are you doing home?” Ben asked. “Are you sick too? What’s wrong are you feverish?”

“No Pa, I’m fine,” Adam remained looking at the floor.

“What is it then, why are you here?”

“I sort of got sent home Pa.” Adam said in a whisper.

“Sent home for what, AND SPEAK UP!” Ben’s voice full of frustration with his son. This was not like him.

“I got into a fight with the Granger brother’s Pa. Mrs. Ida sent me home. She said she would be by later to speak with you,” Adam said meeting his father’s eyes and looking away quickly.

“Pa, PA!” Little Joe shouted.

“YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU WERE SENT HOME FROM SCHOOL!” Ben did not take lightly discipline problems at school.

“Yes Pa.” Adam said shrinking under his father’s sharp stare.

“PA, PA.” Joe shouted again.

“You wait for me in the barn, we will finish this conversation in there boy!” Pa said heatedly as he headed towards the stairs.

Adam slowly walked to the barn, his backside already stung from the thought of the strap. He couldn’t stand the thought of waiting for his tanning, he hoped his Pa would hurry and get it over with. He wondered if the Granger brothers were going to get the same thing. Adam watched his Pa enter the barn; Pa didn’t ask anymore questions.

Adam walked slowly into the house, his backside stinging with each step. He started up the stairs towards his room, but thought better of it, and instead headed out to do some extra chores. It helped to keep his mind busy. Time passed slowly, and finally hearing the approach of the horses, he headed back towards the house.

“Hey boy’s it’s about time ya’ll got home,” Adam said not noticing that he was rubbing his backside.

“He got to ya did he?” Danny asked referring to Adam’s obvious discomfort.

“It was expected.” Adam stated avoiding the looks of sympathy he received. “I got most of our chores done, if I help you finish up the rest, will you join me in a game of checkers Danny?”

“Sure, we can finish up the chores on our own though, why don’t you rest up, you’ll have to teach me the game. I have never played checkers.

The boys heads turned at the sound of another horse approaching.

“If you need me, I’ll be in my room,” Adam said taking slow steps towards the house to ease the pain, he knew it was his teacher approaching.

Pa saw the boys arrive home, and noticed the obvious pain his oldest was trying to hide. He always felt bad after disciplining the boys, but school was not the place for fighting. He noticed the boys scatter as another horse rode towards the house. It was Mrs. Ida, followed by Mr. Granger. “Just what I need, more trouble.” He checked Joe’s fever once more, convinced it was low enough to not worry. He headed to answer to his guests.

“Mrs. Ida, Mr. Granger, please come in,” Ben stated holding open the door.

“We’re here to talk about your son, Ben,” Mr. Granger stated stepping in the house.

“I know that Mr. Granger, what would you like to tell me? Please have a seat,” Ben said leading his guests to the settee.

“Your boy broke my boy’s nose, and Charlie said that the punch was unprovoked!”

“Well Mr. Granger, I understand your feelings of anger, I will pay the Doc for his trouble. As for the punch being unprovoked, that is no concern of mine. Adam has already been punished for this misdeed, and I’ll see to it that he apologizes to your son’s tomorrow sir,” Ben said calmly.

“No concern of your’s? Your son is a bully sir, and your so called punishment probably makes no difference to him. I would like to give my hand a try at straightening out that boy of yours,” Mr. Granger said harshly.

“I told you, his punishment was already received. As I said, Adam will apologize to your boys tomorrow, and as I think enough has been said, I am asking you to now leave my house sir!”

He didn’t appreciate this man questioning his authority in his own home.

“Fine, I’ll be glad to go as soon as your son apologizes to me on account of my having to leave work early to deal with the situation at hand. Those are wages I lost, and cannot get back, and I would like an apology!”

“ADAM!” Ben bellowed. “GET DOWN HERE!” Ben was losing patience with this man.

Adam made his way down the stairs, he could hear the conversation from his room, was his Pa actually going to make him apologize?

“Yes Sir?” Adam said pretending he didn’t know the situation.

“Mr. Granger says you owe him an apology for the work he missed today!” Ben said glaring at Mr. Granger.

“Yes Pa. I’m sorry you missed work Mr. Granger,” Adam said looking at the floor.

“LOOK AT ME WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ME BOY!”

“I am sorry you had to miss work today SIR,” Adam said staring directly into the mans eyes, and emphasizing his last word.

“Are you taking a tone with me BOY?” Mr. Granger asked stepping towards Adam.

“Take it as you will SIR,” Adam said mocking Mr. Granger’s tone.

“AND YOU SAY HE HAS LEARNED A LESSON DO YOU, LISTEN TO THE WAY HE SPEAKS TO HIS ELDERS!” Mr. Granger said his face full of anger.

“He did as you asked. You may leave now Mr. Granger,” Ben said opening the door for the man.

“We’re not finished here Mr. Cartwright. If my boys receive any more trouble from your son, HE WILL ANSWER TO ME!” Mr. Granger said slamming the door closed behind him.

Adam stood still waiting to be dismissed, he wasn’t sure if he should stay here, or go back up to his room, he sure didn’t want to risk another tanning.

“Mrs. Ida, you wanted to speak to me?” Ben said, waiting for another lecture.

“Yes Mr. Cartwright, regarding the incident in school today. I am sorry about Mr. Granger, I stopped by there first to check on the boys and speak to their father. He insisted on coming with me out here. I want you to know his boys have him convinced that Adam has been harassing them all year.”

“Adam is this true?” Ben asked acknowledging his sons presence in the room.

“No sir,” Adam said quietly.

“Well, care to explain?” Ben asked sounding annoyed.

“They were picking on Danny sir.” Adam said meeting Mrs. Ida’s eyes.

“When Adam? Danny didn’t say anything,”

She couldn’t stand the thought of Danny suffering more at school.

“Many times Mrs. Ida. They were throwing things at him, bumping into him, and calling him Dummy!”

“Adam, why didn’t you come to me?”

“I thought I would talk to them about it, make them stop. Charlie took the first swing, I had to defend myself. I wish I would have left it alone, but I didn’t. I would never start a fight intentionally ma’am.”

“Pa, Pa, PA!” Little Joe yelled from upstairs.

“He’s been doing that all day!” Pa said shaking his head. I swear when that boy is sick there is no peace in this house, and now this. Go upstairs and tend to your brother Adam, Mrs. Ida and I can finish this discussion.”

“Yes sir, I’m sorry for the trouble Mrs. Ida.”

Mrs. Ida, I am sure my son is being truthful, Adam is not one to lie, and neither am I. Adam has already received his punishment, and I’ll see to it that this does not happen again. Is there anything else I can do for you Ma‘am?”

“Actually there is. Danny came to me today, he is struggling. Adam is one of my best students, and I was hoping you could influence him to take Danny under his wing.”

“He has already done that Ma‘am. Who do you think brought the boys here in the first place?” Ben laughed.

“Oh, I didn’t know. Then I will expect Danny will be just fine,” Mrs. Ida said standing to leave.

“Good day, Mrs. Ida,” Ben said walking her out. “I am sorry for the trouble caused by my son today, and I imagine he will feel quite sorry himself for a few days. I left a little reminder on his backside, this should keep him out of trouble at least until Friday!”

“Mr. Cartwright, Adam is a good boy and a great student, if he didn’t mess up once in a while, we would think something must be wrong with him. Take it easy on him Mr. Cartwright, he may act grown, but on the inside he is still a boy trying to take on the role of a man,” Mrs. Ida said with admiration for the Cartwright family. She knew that with all they had been through, they had remained strong.

“Quite now Little Joe, you’re too sick to play, you have to stay here in bed,” Adam said softly trying to coax his brother out of a temper tantrum. “I remember when you were just a baby, you came down with fever. You just cried and cried till I thought the house would cave in. We were just about fed up. Ma started singing this song, and you quieted right down. The song worked every time. Do you remember how it went?” Adam asked remembering Marie, and how much she loved Little Joe.

“Could you sing it Adam?” asked Little Joe, his small hands on each of Adam’s cheeks. He sang out the tune in his smooth baritone voice:

Sweet Sweet Child O’ Mine

Sweet Sweet Child O’ Mine

Your hair and your eyes are so Divine

Sweet O’ Child of Mine!

Sweet Sweet Child O’Mine

Sweet Sweet Child O’Mine

Hush your fussin’ your doing just fine

Sweet O’ Child of Mine

Ben smiled, standing outside of Joe’s room, he heard Adam swooning his brother. Adam and Little Joe tussled a lot, but he knew it was because they were too much alike. Both had tempers that could light a fire on a snowy day. On the inside, they were both Teddy Bears.

Joe fell to sleep, and Adam lay beside him. He had a rough day, and his backside was still burning. He was trying to forget what Mr. Granger had said, he knew it was not the truth, and that bothered him. He did not want to apologize to those Granger brother’s, but he knew his Pa would make him. He fell asleep beside his brother.

Danny felt guilty about what happened with Adam. He knew Adam was fighting over him. He hadn’t asked him to, why should he feel guilty? Danny felt that he was causing an awful lot of trouble here. John seemed to be enjoying himself, but he didn’t feel this was quite the right fit for him. He wanted both a mother and a father. Mr. Cartwright was nice enough, but his booming voice and harsh temper made it hard for him to be comfortable around Mr.Cartwright all the time. Danny caught himself dreaming about Mrs. Ida, and what it would be like for her to be his mother. He liked the idea of that.

John and Hoss were finishing up feeding the animals.

“Hoss, do you reckon those boys will mess with Adam again tomorrow?” John asked.

“I reckon so, by the way their pa was actin, I imagine they feel right high and mighty,” Hoss answered dreading the day to come. He hated conflict, and he hated the fact that his brother was hurting, and Joe was sick.

“Reckon we ought a be his body guards tomorrow?” John said standing straighter.

“Who? For Adam, he wouldn’t stand for it. Too much pride. Adam can stand up for himself.” Hoss said knowing how angry his brother would be if they got into his affairs.

“He won’t have to know, we will protect him from a far, at the first sign of trouble, we can step in and remove Adam from the situation!”

“Well, if Adam didn’t know, I wouldn’t mind it I guess,” Hoss said wondering how he was gonna pull this one off.

Adam woke beside his little brother. He must have fallen asleep here. He was surprised at how well he actually slept. His first thought was how he was going to avoid trouble with the Granger brothers today. He rose to get started on his morning routine, he stretched out, and shook his head at the sting that remained in his back side.

“Now listen boy’s. All of you. There will be no fighting at school, no matter the situation. Do you boys understand me!” Ben said meeting each boys eyes.

“Yes, Sir!” the boys each responded.

“GOOD, then finish your chores and be on your way then,” Ben stated standing to check again on Little Joe.

The boys left for school a little early, hoping to arrive before the Granger brother’s. Arriving at school, they noticed they were the first one’s there. Hoss stopped by the swing, and motioned for John to join him. Adam went ahead into the building with Danny, hoping to work a little on his writing.

“John, you expect we can keep Adam out of trouble all day?” Hoss asked with worry in his eyes. “Pa would be right mad if any of us got into trouble today.”

“Sure we can Hoss, we’ll just stay close enough to over hear any trouble started; then if need be we’ll cause a distraction that will end the situation,” John said with reassurance.

“You boys are here early,” Mrs. Ida said just arriving.

“Yes Ma’am, Adam is helping me with my writing, we thought we would get an early start.” Danny said smiling at his teacher.

“Well isn’t this a surprise, what are you doing here Harlen?” Mrs. Ida said to her husband who was standing in the doorway.

“I had some extra time this morning, I thought I would visit, but it looks like you have students already,” Harlen said with disappointment.

“It’s early still. Boy’s, I would like you to meet my husband, Harlen Ida.”

“Mornin’ sir,” replied Danny studying the man closely.

“Nice to meet you sir,” Adam replied waiting patiently to return to the work at hand.

“Let’s step outside, we can visit out there and let these boys keep working,” Mrs. Ida said leading her husband towards the door.

Adam and Danny returned to their task.

“I don’t recognize that boy. Danny was his name?” asked Harlan.

“He is staying on the Ponderosa with the Cartwright’s. Word is that they are from California. They came home with Adam from his last trip on business for his father. I heard their parents had both passed away.” Mrs. Ida said sadly.

“You said their?”

“Oh, yes. Over yonder by that tree is his twin brother John. I have the hardest time telling them apart when they are together. I mark down what they are wearing so as not to make a mistake each morning,” Mrs. Ida laughed at the boys striking resemblance.

“Twins huh, and they’re both staying at the Ponderosa?”

“They have been hired on as hands, to help out with the ranch work. I don’t think Ben would work them too hard. They are both such sweet boys, too bad Danny struggles so. I was thinking of bringing Danny home some evenings to tutor him on his subjects, you wouldn’t mind would you?”

“No, I wouldn’t mind. What about his brother, will he be bothered by the separation?”

“I didn’t think of that, I could invite him to. Maybe he could help you with some of the chores,” Mrs. Ida wondered what the boys would say.

“That’ll be fine dear, it looks like your class is arriving, keep your eyes on that situation by the swing over there,” Harlen said standing.

“Heard my Pa lit into your brother last night. Heard he had him so scared he was shakin’ in his boots,” Michael Granger was saying poking at Hoss.

“That’s not what happened! Matter of fact, Mr. Cartwright and Adam stood up to your Pa. He’s the one who left shakin’ in his boots!” John replied back.

“Oh YEAH!” Michael said stepping towards John.

“Boys, you better head in for school now, or your gonna miss the bell,” Mr. Ida said stepping in between the two boys squaring off.

“Yes sir,” the boys replied.

Mr. Ida put a hand out to stop John from leaving with the others.

“What was that all about boy?”

“Do I know you Mister?”

“No, I suppose not. I am married to your teacher, I am Mr. Ida.”

“Nice to meet you sir,” John said trying to go around the man.

“Wait boy, you didn’t answer my question,” Mr. Ida said stopping John once again. “Your name’s John right, your staying up at the Ponderosa?”

“Yes sir,” John said uncomfortable with all these questions.

“Well?”

“Well what, sir?”

“What was the issue with you boys here?”

“Oh, that. No problem really, we were just having a discussion that’s all.”

“A discussion huh? Would this be about the altercation between Adam and those boys yesterday? Seems to me you boys would be better off letting it be, don’t you think?”

“Yes sir. I’ve got to go, I’m going to be late Mister,” John said trying once again to get around the man.

“Your already late son; I’ll walk you in. My wife was going to ask your brother if he would come by the house tonight to work on his studies. If you don’t mind, I could use your help fixing up some fences around the farm. If your brother accepts his invitation, I would be happy to have some help.” Mr. Ida said allowing the boy to pass.

“Sure Mister, if my brother accepts, I will accompany him.”

Mr. Ida nodded to his wife as John entered the room. John took his seat and ignored the quite taunting from the Granger brothers.

“Danny,” Mrs. Ida said as the students headed out to lunch.

“Yes ma’am?”

“I would like you to come by my home tonight, I would like to help you with your studies some, and see if we can’t work out these letters,” Mrs. Ida said holding Danny and Adam’s work from the morning. She noticed most of the letters were written backwards, and some sentences trailed off the page.

“Really, you want me to come to your house!” Danny blushed as he realized he sounded a little too excited.

“Yes, I would like that very much Danny,” Mrs. Ida replied feeling a tinge in her heart. She and her husband had always wanted a child, but could not conceive. She had miscarried a set of twins a few years ago, and was informed then she would no longer be able to conceive children. She knew the boys situation, and wondered a little if maybe the boys would like them to become their guardians. She thought they enjoyed the Ponderosa, but hated the thought of the boys sweating like hired hands, she wanted them to have a chance at childhood.

“How’s that hide of yours Adam Cartwright?” Michael said approaching Adam quickly.

Adam looked up with a scowl. He was sitting under the large oak in the yard reading.

“Fine!” Adam stated.

Just then John and Hoss walked up.

“Hey, Adam! You wanna come with us to hunt frogs in the creek ‘till we have to go back in?” Hoss said eyeing the Granger’s.

“No, Hoss, I would like to finish my book!”

“Sure Adam. We’ll just sit and keep you company some,” John gave his best smile.

“Yeah, they’ll just sit a while so they can fight your battles for ya,” Michael laughed elbowing his brother who was awful quite.

“I can fight my own battles boys, and I would be happy to finish this discussion after school lets out!”

Adam said returning to his book, and ignoring his body guards.

“You can fight your battles now!” Michael said kicking Adams foot.

Adam started to rise, but Hoss pushed him back down.

“Now Adam, remember what Pa said,” Hoss said fearing his brother would receive another tanning.

Adam sat back down, reminded of the burning still in his backside. “I don’t want any trouble with you boys.”

“Well you got trouble Cartwright, trouble’s comin, and you better hope your ready for it, or are you too scared of your Pa to stand and fight like a man?” spoke up Charlie for the first time.

Danny approached the scene quietly, he was tired of these Granger boys. He had come to tell Adam that he would be headed to Mrs. Ida’s house with John after school. Now he was seething with anger as he watched Adam struggle to maintain his temper.

“I told you I will be happy to settle this dispute after school boy’s.”

Michael reached towards Adam pulling the book out of his hands.

“Settle it now!” Michael said throwing the book into the dirt.

Adam was up in a flash. That was his favorite book, now it was ruined. The pages were bent, and covered in dust. Danny grabbed Adam’s hand just as it flew.

“Adam, NO!” Danny said holding onto Adam’s arm.

Adam ripped free of Danny’s grip.

“Stay out of it!”

Michael and Charlie began kicking the book back and forth on the ground.

Adam lunged forward knocking Danny down in the process. He got a hold of Michael first. He struck out forcefully knocking the air from Michael’s lungs, then turning towards Charlie. He got a hold of Charlie by the throat and threw him against the tree he was sitting under only seconds before. Mrs. Ida came running and yelled Adam’s name. Adam was not done yet. He pulled Michael off the ground by the shirt collar and punched him square in the face. Then turned his attention to Charlie who he lifted off the ground and slammed up against the tree his fist raised in anger. Danny grabbed his arm before he was able to strike. Mrs. Ida stepped between he and Charlie.

“ADAM STOP, settle down now, settle!” Mrs. Ida said reaching out gently touching Adam’s arm. She felt him relax some, noticing the expression in his eyes. She knew he was in trouble. She bent down to pick up the book and handed it to him. “Adam, go home,” Mrs. Ida said quietly.

“I can’t,” said Adam. “Pa warned me not to fight, I can’t go home. I didn’t listen, I don’t want to go,” Adam said ashamed at how childish he must have looked fearing a beating from his Pa.

“You can Adam, and you will. It will not be pleasant in the least, but you can take it. Please let your Pa know that I will be over after school,” Mrs. Ida said gently pushing Adam towards the path home.

Adam walked beside his horse home. He knew this would take a lot of time, and hoped that his Pa would be out in the pastures when he arrived. He dreaded explaining to his Pa why he had disobeyed him. He had tried, but had again lost his temper. Arriving home, he saw Pa and Joe in the barn. His heart dropped.

“Adam?” What’s wrong boy?” Ben asked. The look on his son’s face was one he had not seen before.

“Pa, I didn’t mean it, really! I tried not too, but my book…..I just lost my temper. I didn’t mean it Pa really,” Adam said with dread.

“You got into another fight son?” asked Ben, feeling dread also.

“I did.”

“The Granger boys again!” Ben asked his voice rising.

“Yes sir.”

“Pa, you gonna tan Adam again?” Little Joe asked looking sadly at his father.

“I’m afraid I have to son, he disobeyed me,” Ben said speaking to Joe but looking at Adam. “Go in the house Joe, have Hop Sing make you some tea. You still look a little peaked.”

“Yes sir,” Joe said walking slowly. He hated the thought of what his brother was going through.

Ben led Adam again into the barn.

“I wish I wasn’t doing this son, you know that don’t you?” Ben asked a hand on his son’s back.

Adam did not answer.

“What do you think happened?” Hoss asked John after school.

“I don’t know, poor Adam. It’s not fair, that fight was not his fault. Did you hear the doctor tell Mrs. Ida that Charlie had two broken ribs from hitting that tree? His Pa will be fit to be tied!” John said worrying that Mr. Granger would again return to the Ponderosa.

“I heard, lets take the long way home, I don’t mind taking my time today,” Hoss said mounting his horse slowly.

“Boys. John wait!” Mrs. Ida said standing beside the boys horses with Danny. “I would like to ride out with you. The offer is still on the table for tonight John, after speaking with Mr. Cartwright, I would like you boys to come home with me.

“Yes’m ma’am, we’ll ride along with you.”

Arriving at the house, the boys tended to the horses. Danny was trying to hide his excitement at going home with Mrs. Ida. Sure he felt bad about Adam, but he felt pleasure at the thought of Mrs. Ida and her home.

“Mr. Cartwright?” Mrs. Ida said looking at Ben who was staring off from behind his desk. Adam had cried during the tanning, this was a rarity, and it had hurt Ben badly to finish the job.

“Hello, Mrs. Ida. I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in. Please sit down,” Ben said motioning towards the sitting area near the fireplace.

“Pa, can I go to the creek with Hoss and catch some frogs, I promise I will finish my chores and help Hoss with his!” Little Joe said.

“Go ahead son, make sure you mind your brother. Will Danny and John be joining you?”

“I don’t think so, they said they wanted to get their chores done early,” Joe stated skipping towards the door.

“Mr. Cartwright, I wanted to see you for a couple of reasons today,” Mrs. Ida smiled at Little Joe as he left. I asked Danny to come home with me to work on his studies some tonight. John was going to accompany him to help out my husband with fixing the fence. That is if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind, I’ll be glad for the quiet. The boys are no trouble, but the more boys there are, the more noise,” Ben said smiling. “I wanted to ask you about Adam, Mrs. Ida. What caused that fight today? It is not like Adam to disobey me, and he was quite upset.”

“I am not sure Mr. Cartwright, I was in the school with Danny. I didn’t come out until I heard commotion, then I saw Adam throwing Charlie into the tree. I tried to get there in time to break it up, but Adam had already swung on the boys twice more.”

“Were the boys badly hurt?”

“Charlie suffered two broken ribs from hitting the tree, and Michael a concussion from a blow he received to the head,” Mrs. Ida said with worry, knowing Mr. Granger was probably on his way to the ranch.

“I see, well if my permission was all you needed for Danny and John, I will see you out. I would like to have the boys gone before Mr. Granger arrives,” Ben said rising.

“I will gather the boys; how’s Adam?”

“He’ll be fine, he is up in his room,” Ben said looking towards the stairs.

“Mrs. Ida, it is getting rather late, would you mind keeping the boys over night? I am afraid I have my hands full here and will not be able to pick them up. I hate the thought of them riding alone at night.”

“That will be fine, I will have them gather some things,” Mrs. Ida said heading to the barn where she heard the boys talking.

After everyone had left, and Ben checked on Hoss and Joe at the creek, he headed up towards Adam’s room. He could not rest until he knew all of his boys were okay.

“Adam,” Ben knocked on his son’s bedroom door. “Can I come in?”

Adam did not reply. He opened the door a crack and peeked inside. His son was lying on his stomach, sleeping. Ben sat down beside his son on the edge of the bed. He began softly rubbing his back. Adam woke up, feeling his father’s touch, but did not open his eyes. This went on for a few minutes, then Adam sat up on an elbow and met his father’s eyes.

“Do you wanna talk son?”

“I’m sorry Pa,” Adam said quietly.

“I know son, that’s not what I mean. What happened at school today?”

“I don’t know Pa, I was reading my book under the tree and the boys came at me picking a fight. I knew better than to react Pa, but Michael ripped the book out of my hand and threw it into the dirt. I lost my temper Pa. Danny tried to step in to stop me, I think I knocked him down. I just lost it Pa,” Adam said looking out the window.

A horse was approaching quickly.

Mr. Granger stepped off his horse. Ben was descending the stairs as the door to the house flew open, Mr. Granger stepped in the doorway.

“Mr. Granger, please have a seat.” Ben stated holding his temper.

“HAVE A SEAT, YOUR SON NEARLY KILLED MY BOYS, I WILL HAVE NO SEAT! BRING THAT BOY DOWN HERE, I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH HIM,” Mr. Granger shouted approaching the stairs.

“STOP RIGHT THERE MR. GRANGER!” Ben shouted blocking Mr. Granger’s path. “I have already dealt with Adam, I am asking you now to leave.”

“LET ME TALK TO THAT BOY! I WILL NOT LEAVE UNTIL I GET TO DO SO!”

“NOW YOU LISTEN HERE……”Ben began, but stopped as he noticed Adam standing at the top of the stairs.

“Pa, its okay. I would like to talk with Mr. Granger,” Adam said heading down the stairs slowly. “Mr. Granger, I want to apologize for hurting Michael and Charlie sir. I meant no harm, I lost my temper. I hope the boys are okay.

“OKAY! YOU BROKE MY CHARLIE’S RIBS AND MICHAEL HAS A CONCUSSION, THEY ARE UNABLE TO WORK, AND HOPE YOU THEY ARE OKAY?” Mr. Granger said smacking the banister of the stairs.

“That is what I wanted to talk to you about sir. I would like to help out with the work your boys can’t do. I would be glad to come over after school and complete their chores until they are able to work again.”

“I suppose that is only right,” Mr. Granger said surprised by the way this conversation was going.

“I will be by tomorrow then, after school,” Adam said looking to his father for approval.

“That will be fine Adam. Are you sure that is what you want to do son?”

“THAT’S WHAT HE WANTS TO DO? NO WONDER YOUR SON IS OUT OF CONTROL, OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT HE SHOULD DO, AND YOUR ASKING HIM PERMISSION!” Mr. Granger was astonished at the lack of courage this father had at disciplining his son.

“Pa,” Adam said quickly, hoping to stop his father from arguing. “That is what I should do. Mr. Granger I will be over directly after school tomorrow.”

“Fine, I’ll be expecting you. Don’t expect it to be easy work either!” Mr. Granger said walking towards the door.

“Yes sir,” replied Adam closing the door behind him.

“Son, that man is looking for trouble, and you are stepping right into it. You have every right to change your mind. You have received your punishment, and in my eyes you’ve paid your dues,” Ben said feeling quite uncertain about his son stepping foot on Granger land.

“I’ll be fine Pa, it is my fault those boys cannot work. I can handle it. I have chores to attend, I will be back soon,” Adam said heading out the door.

The door closed behind him, and Ben noticed that his son was walking with a slight limp. He knew it wasn’t easy for him to walk, let alone do physical work after his second punishment in the barn. How was he going to be able to do two boys chores plus his own?

John and Danny arrived at Mrs. Ida’s home. She showed them to the guest room, and Mr. Ida led John out to explore the property. Danny sat with Mrs. Ida in the sitting room.

“Thank You for havin us Mrs. Ida,” Danny said smiling. “John is real good at fixing things and coming up with new ideas for doing things. I bet your husband will be right pleased.”

“I’m glad you could come. I think I’ll start supper, and we can get to work afterwards. If you’d like, you can join your brother outside, I’ll call you when supper is ready.

“Yes’m, I never had a woman’s home cookin before. I bet you’re the best cook there is Mrs. Ida,” Danny said his mouth beginning to water.

“Call me Charlotte, at school you can call me Mrs. Ida, but here in my home I would like you to call me by my first name.”

“Yes’m; Charlotte; that is a pretty name. Thank you ma’am,” Danny said stepping outside.

“I wish I could stay here,” Danny thought to himself. “Mrs. Ida would make a really nice Ma!”

The boys were called to supper, and sat down to their meal. Danny and John cleaned their plates in record time, this was the best cooking they ever ate. After supper the boys did the dishes, and Charlotte and Harlen had a chance to talk alone.

“Those boys sure are good workers sweetie, do we have to give’em back?” Harlen said jokingly.

“Actually that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you think we should offer them to stay the weekend?”

“I don’t know what it would hurt to ask; tomorrow is Friday and all. They could ride to the Ponderosa tomorrow and get their things. I think having the boys around for the weekend is a swell idea sweetie!”

“I wish we could stay here,” Danny said to his brother when Charlotte and Harlen were out of sight. “The Ponderosa is great and all, and the Cartwright’s have been nice, but I always wanted a Ma and a Pa.”

“Yeah, Harlen let me develop new plans for the pig pen, he said we could start building it any time. I loved staying at the Ponderosa, but could you imagine our very own place to stay, with parents! We could still work at the Ponderosa, but come home each evening. But, we don’t even know that Mr. and Mrs. Ida want us around. Who’s to say they would even want us period?”

“We would love for you to stay,” Charlotte answered standing in the doorway.

“You would? Sorry ma’am we didn’t know you were there,” John said embarrassed that he had been overheard.

“Yes, we would!” said Harlen. “My misses and I, we always wanted children of our own, but it was not the will of God. You boys are the answer to our prayers, that is if you would have us?” Harlen said watching the boys closely for reaction.

“Of course we’ll have you!” the boys said in unison.

The boys moved in with Harlen and Charlotte the following Monday. That allowed time for the adoption papers to be drawn up. Ben was sorry to see the boys go, it did help take his mind off things, but he was happy to have his family back to normal again.

“JOE, I SAID NO! NOW LET ME BE, I HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO,” Ben heard Adam shouting.

“ADAM, I JUST WANT YOU TO COME WITH ME TO HUNT INDIANS IN THE FIELD, JUST FOR A LITTLE WHILE!” Joe whined to his brother.

“I SAID NO, GET OUT OF MY ROOM!”

Ben heard the door slam, and Joe let out a wail.

“Oh the sounds of a happy family,” Ben said smiling, heading into the house to settle the latest dispute.

 

 

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