Summary: Young Hoss and Adam learn some lessons about wisdom.
Rating: G, Word Count: 1016

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Fools and Wisemen

Adam was reading a book at lunch time when he heard yelling at the other end of the school yard. He put his book down to see what was going on. As he approached he saw three boys piled on another boy. Adam couldn’t tell who the boy was until he got closer and saw it was his nine-year-old brother, Hoss. Adam pulled the boys off Hoss and threw them back.

“Get off him!” Adam yelled.

He looked at Hoss and saw his nose was bleeding and a black eye was starting to form.

“Why did you beat up on him?” Adam demanded.

“He’s a dumb ox. He’s bigger’n everyone else. We figured he could fight. He’s nothing but a dumb ox and a sissy!” Josh Greene said.

“So you’re going to beat him up because he’s a dummy? You just thought it would be fun to hurt him? He’s nine years old! Just leave him alone or you’ll have me to deal with,” Adam threatened.

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch. The boys went in leaving Adam and Hoss alone. Adam helped Hoss up and led him to the water pump. He pulled out his handkerchief, got it wet and dabbed it on Hoss’ face.

“Hoss, why did they really hit you?”

“I was tossing a ball with Bobby when those boys took my ball and tossed it between each other. I tried to get it back from them but they wouldn’t give it back. I shoved one of them and they got mad and hit me. I tried to fight back but that’s when they jumped on me.”

Adam’s jaw clenched in anger.

“Let’s go inside and talk to the teacher about it.”

Later that evening Adam was losing an argument with his father. “But Pa, Hoss needs to learn to fight and be able to stand up for himself.”

“Adam, I told you he’s too young,” Ben replied.

Adam couldn’t believe his father wouldn’t let him teach Hoss to stand up for himself.

“Are you saying it’s all right for those boys to pick on him? The teacher didn’t do a thing when we told him! He asked the boys about it and they denied hurting Hoss. The teacher said because he didn’t see anything he couldn’t get after them.”

“Adam, your father is right. Hoss shouldn’t have to fight,” Marie added from the floor where she was playing with three-year-old Joe.

Adam spun around and glared at Marie. “You don’t know what’s good for Hoss. You stay out of it.”

“Adam Cartwright, you apologize to Marie and get outside to your chores before I take a belt to you,” Ben said angrily.

“I won’t!” Adam yelled and stormed out of the house.

Hoss was out in the barn doing his homework when he saw Adam stomping in muttering angrily to himself.

“What’s wrong?”

Adam jumped not realizing anyone was in the barn.

“Nothing.”

“Come on, Adam, there’s something wrong.”

Hoss set his book down as Adam walked over to him and sighed.

“Pa won’t let me teach you how to fight.”

“Why not just do it in secret?” Hoss suggested.

Adam looked at him.

“For a supposed dumb ox, you’re pretty smart.”

Hoss smiled.

“You know you’re not really a dumb ox right? You’re smart, Hoss.”

“Yeah, but nobody knows that because I’m big. They see big and think I’m dumb. I know I’m only nine and don’t know a lot yet but it’s not fair, Adam. Why should people assume that by the way a person looks they’re dumb or smart? They see you and think you’re smart. They see me and think I’m dumb. Why can’t I just be me and not get picked on?” Hoss shook his head sadly.

Adam sighed trying to think of a reply. “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

Hoss wrinkled his nose in confusion. “Huh?”

Adam chuckled then grew serious. “Hoss, they’re fools. All of them. Fools think they’re so dang smart, but a wise man is smart enough to know he’s still got a lot to learn.”

Hoss sat and thought about it. Adam watched his younger brother knowing the wheels were turning in his head.
Hoss looked at his older brother. “Are you saying I’m a wise man?”

“Yes, I am. Hoss, you’re still learning and will be a smart and wise man one day. You’ll surprise people. I know fighting doesn’t solve problems but you do need to learn to fight and stand up for yourself. They are bullies and need to be stopped,” Adam explained.

Hoss admired his fifteen-year-old brother. He wanted to be smart like Adam. He knew what Adam told him was true. Adam would never lie to him.

A month had gone by after Adam had secretly taught Hoss to fight. Hoss was again playing with Bobby in the school yard when the bullies came up to him. Adam looked up from his book and saw Josh and his cronies walking up to Hoss. He wanted to stop the boys but knew Hoss had to deal with it. He couldn’t hear what was being said and it drove him nuts. He knew that if he walked anywhere near his brother, the boys would tease Hoss. A few minutes later, Josh walked away. Adam swore he detected a lone tear on Josh’s cheek. What did Hoss say to make the school bully cry?

Adam walked up to Hoss after witnessing what happened.

“What happened?”

Hoss turned to his brother.

“Josh wanted to fight and I told him I didn’t want to. He teased me calling me horse and other names. He asked if I was going to get you to fight for me. I said I wasn’t and I asked why he wanted to fight me. He said he’s jealous because I’m smarter than him. I’m nine and he’s twelve and he said I’m smarter than him! I was surprised. I told him I didn’t know if I could help him with school work but that we could be friends. That’s when he cried and said he might.”

“Hoss, you are wise beyond your years. Pa would be proud. I know I am.”

Adam put his arm around his brother and they went in the school house.

 

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Posted in Observance of Brother’s Day 2026

From the Brandsters.  The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.  Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.