Summary:  It was just a boy’s prank, so why did it cause such a rift between brothers. This story was written for the Chaps and Spurs 2025 First Quater challenge.
Rating: K+ word count: 5279

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Just a Prank 

 

“Are you sure, Joe.  If your Pa finds out, you know there’s gonna be a red moon rising in your future, not to mention if Adam actually catches you.” 

 

“Adam ain’t gonna catch me!” 

 

“Joe, Adam’s your big brother, what if he recognizes your…” 

 

Little Joe harrumphed and gave a dismissive wave of his hand even though a shiver ran down his spine.  “I’m not saying he couldn’t… I mean I’d know his even in a crowd, but knowing and proving what ya know is a whole different kettle of fish, and Adam wouldn’t ever bust me good if there wasn’t proof for Pa.  ‘Sides he’s gonna be facing away from the loft.” 

 

“Yeah, but he could turn around quick.  Your Pa… wouldn’t he just take Adam’s word for it?  I mean…” 

 

“It’s not like that.  Anybody can be mistaken.” 

 

“What about Hoss?  If both your brothers thought the same…” 

 

Little Joe chewed his bottom lip.  “Shut up and quit going on about getting caught.  Prissy Britches Canford double-dog-dared me, so I ain’t got no choice. “ 

 

Mitch Devlin shrugged. Little Joe really did not have a choice if he wanted to maintain his reputation among the boys of their school.  He had been challenged in front of half-a-dozen of them.  

 

“Besides, you bet him that I’d do it.  I can’t leave my best friend in debt to the most insufferable boy in town.  Lord knows what he’d claim as a forfeit.”  Joe slung his arm around his friend’s shoulders.  “Besides, you said you’d tell anybody who asked that we were eating cake out by the wagons: you, Tuck, the twins, and me.  You all said you’d back my story.” 

 

“Yeah, we did.  You can count on us.” 

 

“Anyways, we will eat one of Hop Sing’s cakes right there, and since none of us have a timepiece, well, it won’t be like really lying if we ain’t exactly clear on when we all were back there eating it. So, there ain’t nothing for me to worry about.” Little Joe clapped Mitch hard on the back and pushed thoughts of punishment and retribution from his mind.  If the five of them stuck to their story, nobody would be punished for mooning the crowd gathered to hear Adam and Mary Alice Simpson sing. 

 

(00000) 

 

Little Joe wiped the frosting and cake crumbs on his fingers off on his pants.  The smears on his face he left undisturbed.  He checked for the rope he had hidden earlier in the day beneath the church bell, took the plain, white pillowcase and the lantern that had also been secreted there, and slipped down the short ladder to the church loft.  He lay down flat on his stomach perpendicular to the balustrade and peered down at the people gathering in the pews below.  He stayed still, breathing softly in the darkness, and slipped a lucifer from his pocket setting it ready next to the lantern. 

 

He could hear sounds of revelry from the crowds outside. The Founder’s Day Picnic and Frolic was one of the biggest celebrations of the year.  There was food, tons of it; and contests, games, evening entertainment, plus fireworks. Adam had been part of the evening entertainment every year before he went off to college, and he was finally going to resume his participation this year.  Adam’s performing was one of the reasons Pa was really disappointed that he had business in San Francisco that could not wait.  Adam was going to sing two solos and a duet with his current girl, Mary Alice.  Mary Alice was pretty and had a sweet voice, but her haughty, dismissive attitude toward Hoss and Little Joe had created a strong dislike on Joe’s part.  He had decided that he would moon the audience during the duet as a subtle expression of that dislike. Little Joe knew there was always a possibility of his being caught.  Though the thought made him shudder, he also knew that his elder brother, no matter how mad he got about the prank, would forgive him while Mary Alice would not.   Such a conflict would have a good chance at hastening the end of the romance.  A result that might be worth even a tanning from Pa. 

 

Joe managed to stay quiet, still, and unnoticed while the crowd settled, and then entertainment filled the building with songs and recitations. Actually, Little Joe had a fine view, even if what he saw mainly consisted of the performer’s backs, and he enjoyed most of the performances. Finally, Adam rose and took his place beside the piano.  Joe had to admit that Adam had one fine voice, and pride in his brother’s talent sent the thought of not completing his prank flickering through his mind.  He chewed his lower lip, told himself he really wasn’t hurting his brother- in fact, might be saving him from Mary Alice- and that his reputation and Mitch’s bet required him to finish what he had started.  His fingers slowly unbuttoned his fly as he watched Mary Alice join Adam at the piano.   During the first verse, he slipped the pillowcase over his head.  Then he stood turning his back to the crowd, struck the lucifer, lit the lantern, dropped his pants, and bent over.  When he heard shouted Look’s, gasps, and swelling laughter, he blew out the lantern, jerked up his pants, doffed the pillowcase, and headed not down the loft stairs but up the belfry ladder.  He did not forget the lantern, did not drop the pillowcase, and while a crowd of both angry and amused adults waited at the foot of the loft stairs, made a successful escape down the back of the building with the help of the rope and two of his friends. 

 

(00000) 

 

“Hey, what’s going on?”  Little Joe ran up behind Hoss and shouted up at his brother’s ear.  Mitch, Tuck, and the twins were right behind him. 

 

Hoss glanced down at the boy’s up-turned face.  “Don’t ya know?” 

 

“Know what?”  Mitch kept himself from glancing toward Little Joe. 

 

“What happened during Adam’s duet.” 

 

“Something happened?”  Little Joe’s face held a look of pure astonishment.  “Nothing bad, I hope.  He’s not hurt, is he?  Nobody came in shooting or nothing, did they?  Adam didn’t have his gun!” The other boys added exclamations and inquiries that Hoss gave no attention. 

 

“No, nothing like that.” 

 

“Then he’s alright?” 

 

“Well, I’d say he’s mostly madder than a wet hen.” 

 

“What happened?  Tell me, Hoss.” 

 

“Some kid up in the loft picked that time to moon all and sundry.”  Hoss’s eyes caught and held Little Joe’s. 

 

“Really!  A full mooning.”  Hoss nodded.  “And I missed it!  Goldurn.”  Joe’s quartet of friends added similar observations and a great deal of howling laughter.  Adam walked up. 

 

“Joseph!”  There was a harsh edge of accusation to Adam’s voice. 

 

“Wait!”  Little Joe took a step backward that increased the distance between himself and Adam but bumped him up against Hoss’s solid bulk.  “I weren’t even around the church.  Tell him fellows.” 

 

Mitch took a step forward.  “That’s right, Adam.  Joe, Tuck, the twins, and me were eating cake over by your wagon.”  Tuck and the twins all added their assurances that neither Little Joe nor any of them could have disrupted the entertainment.   

 

“The five of you missed the evening’s entertainment to eat cake that’s been there since noon?”  Adam’s inquiry was voiced with obvious doubt. 

 

“Yeah!”  Little Joe’s assurance was adamant.  Then he dropped his eyes and shifted slightly.  “Hop Sing made a triple chocolate cake with caramel and nuts on top.  Umm… it was too fine to just set on the desert table.  We woulda never gotten a bite, since the grownups always get first dibs, so I just, well, I just set it in the corner of the wagon in the shade until the five of us could share.”  Joe straightened and looked his elder brother in the eye.  “Ain’t nothing wrong with me wanting my friends to have something that good.  It was meant to be eaten at the picnic; we were at the picnic; we ate it!” 

 

Hoss cleared his throat.  Adam turned his head to look at his middle brother, and they exchanged glances.  Hoss’s look clearly said that basically Joe was right; the boys had not done anything wrong. 

 

“You gonna fuss at us for eating cake?”  Joe’s voice was indignant. 

 

“No.”  Adam drew in a deep breath as he inspected the five boys.  Each of them had clearly been eating chocolate cake.  The evidence was all over their faces, hands, and clothes.  “I thought you would have been there to hear your brother sing at least.” 

 

Little Joe snorted.  “I’ve done heard you sing all them songs hundreds, thousands of times.”  Little Joe widened his eyes and let them flash green indignation.  “Is that what you’re really mad about?  That I didn’t come to your performance.  Is that my real sin- skipping your showing-off just to eat cake with my friends?  ‘Cause you sure enough ain’t got no reason to think I was doing anything else!” 

 

“Settle down, Short Shanks.  Adam didn’t accuse you of nothing!”  Hoss used his most soothing voice and placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. 

 

“He all but said the words.  Didn’t he, fellows?” 

 

Joe’s friends all voiced their agreement.  Hoss looked at Adam.  “I take it folks didn’t catch nobody coming down the stairs.  There were some close enough to at least see…” 

 

Adam kept his eyes on the youngest Cartwright as he answered.  “The culprit didn’t come down the stairs.  Sheriff Coffee found a rope hanging down from the belfry.  Evidently, he descended that way.” 

 

“Oh.  Well, we may never know who it was then.  Though, if there’s any other evidence, Roy Coffee will find it.”    

 

“I’m sure he will.”  Adam’s grazed raked all five boys.  “Fireworks will be going off.” 

 

“We’re gonna watch from the schoolhouse steps.”  Little Joe sent a glare toward his elder brother.  “Everybody will be able to see we ain’t doing nothing but watching.” 

 

Adam sighed but let the boy’s impudent tone pass.  “We’ll be leaving immediately after; come straight back to the wagon.” 

 

“Yes, sir, brother, sir.”  Joe flung the words over his shoulder at Adam.  This time Hoss’s hand settled on his older brother’s shoulder. 

 

(00000) 

 

“Take the baskets into the kitchen and then head straight up to bed.  It’s late!   Hoss and I’ll see to the horses and wagon.” 

 

“Yes, sir!”  Adam was amazed at how two respectful words could exude such complete and utter distain.  Hoss managed to catch his older brother’s eyes and gave a slight shake of his head.  Adam sighed and silently watched Little Joe enter the house. 

 

“Come on then.  It is late, and my bed is calling.” Frustration was evident in Adam’s tone. 

 

Hoss and Adam finished the necessary tasks with minimal comments.  It was not until they had entered the great room that Hoss addressed the topic which had clouded the entire ride home. 

 

“Ya spoke some more to Roy Coffee?” 

 

“There were cake crumbs and frosting smears on the floor of the loft.” 

 

“Those boys weren’t the only youngins  that were eating cake.” 

 

Adam sighed.  “No, but…  Hoss, you know as well as I do that one of the five of them was tonight’s mooner.  If it wasn’t Joe, he knows who it was.” 

 

“Would you expect him to tattle if it is one of the other boys?” 

 

Adam drew in a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose.  “No.  Uh, you had a better view than I did.” 

 

“It weren’t either of the twins.  He weren’t near as husky as them two.”  Hoss rubbed his chin.  Can’t see Tuck doing it; he, well…” 

 

“I can’t either.  He’s not the type, and that climb down…  No, it wasn’t Tuck. So, Mitch or Little Joe.”  Adam’s tone was definite but flat. 

 

“We can’t be sure, Adam.”
 

“No, actually we can’t.” 

 

“So?” 

 

“So, I intend to head up to my bed.” 

 

“Adam.  It were just a prank.  A kid’s prank.” 

 

“There were ladies and little girls in that crowd.” 

 

“Yeah, but…  truth is, elder brother, there probably ain’t one of them that hasn’t seen a boy’s bare backside before.” 

 

“Still, there’s the rope climbing from a twenty-foot belfry in the dark.” 

 

“That’s true, but both boys climb like monkeys; at least how folks say monkeys climb.”  Hoss sighed.  “What are ya going to tell Pa?” 

 

Adam shook his head.  “That I’m glad he’s home.” 

 

(00000) 

 

“Bed, Joe.” 

 

Hoss held his breath, but Little Joe simply rose and headed up the stairs without comment.  Both Hoss and Adam noted that he also departed without a goodnight to either of his brothers.   Hoss’s eyes went to Adam who sat in his blue chair holding a book.  Elder brother was not actually reading; no, said book was still on the same page as when Adam had first sat down.   Hoss sighed and settled his mind. 

 

“Adam?” 

 

“Yes?” 

 

“Would you know where Hop Sing stores the sackcloth?” 

 

“Stores the … stores the what?” 

 

“Sackcloth.  Sackcloth and ashes, ain’t that what the Bible folk wore when they went into mourning?” 

 

“Yes, but we are not in mourning, brother.  We have all refrained from fratricide.” 

 

“Dead people ain’t the only thing that a body can mourn.  Seems to me the way things have been around here… well, you and Joe ain’t actually ate hardly nothing, and even I left food on the platters at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Hop Sing has started mumbling about his hard work going to waste.  All there’s been around here the past two days is glares, stares, and the kind of silence that says a whole lot.  Seems real mournful to me.” 

 

“You’re exaggerating, little brother.” 

 

“What I am is plumb ready to drag ya up to Little Joe’s room, toss ya in, and lock the door until the two of ya get things straight between ya.” 

 

“Drag me?”  Adam’s eyebrow rose. 

 

“Don’t give me that look.  If ya ain’t figured it out in all the time since you got back, I’ve got the punch to knock ya out and the strength to tote ya up them stairs.” 

 

Adam drew in a breath and let out a snort.  “There’s no lock on Little Joe’s door.” 

 

“That’s as it may be, but if I toss ya in, ya won’t be coming out ‘til I let ya, even so.” 

 

Adam closed his eyes and spoke to the roof.  “When she was carrying you, Mama insisted that you were going to be a boy.  Foolish child that I was, I prayed each night that my brother would be big and strong.  Well, they do say that you should be careful what you pray for.” 

 

“So, are you gonna go up and talk to Joe on your feet or mine?” 

 

“I don’t see what good…” 

 

Hoss rose.  Adam threw his book to the floor, stood, and stomped up the stairs mumbling.  Hoss sat down at the bottom of the stairs to wait. 

 

(00000) 

 

The knuckles of Adam’s left hand rapped Joe’s bedroom door as his right hand turned the doorknob.  He stepped into the room and looked toward the bed.   

 

“I’m in bed.”  Little Joe’s tone could best be described as surly. 

 

Adam would have commented that on would be a better preposition as he had seen Joe dive onto the bed as he entered, but he decided not to comment. 

 

“I ain’t needed to be tucked in for years, ya know.”  Joe’s voice had become churlish. 

 

“I came neither to check on you nor tuck you in.” 

 

“Then why are ya here?” 

  

“Because my stubborn little brother is not only mule-headed but possessed of a punch as deadly as a kick from said mule.” 

 

Joe’s face scrunched as he considered Adam’s comment.  “You mean Hoss?” 

 

“None other.  Evidently, our brother is tired of being caught in the middle of our…”  Adam searched mentally for the proper term, did not find precisely what he wanted, and simply moved on.  “He is concerned.” 

 

“He sent you to talk to me?” 

 

“Ordered to be more precise.” 

 

“Since when do you do what Hoss orders?” 

 

“Since he acquired a punch like a mule’s kick as previously stated.” 

 

“Hoss won’t punch me, so I guess I ain’t got to listen.”  Little Joe rolled onto his side with his back to his brother. 

 

Adam walked closer to the bed and looked down at Joe.  “I can speak loudly enough that you’ll hear me even with your fingers stuck in your ears.” 

 

“I may hear ya, but I won’t be listening.” 

 

“Then I guess I’m spending the night in your room.”  Adam sat down on the desk chair.  “Things do need settling.  Pa is due home in a few days.” 

 

“Well, then you’ll be able to tell him how you think I mooned the town during the Founder’s Day Picnic, ‘cause you’re sure that I did.” 

 

“Turn around, look me in the eye, and tell me that you didn’t.  You haven’t, you know.” 

 

Little Joe surged to his feet and glared at Adam.  “I shouldn’t have to!”  His eyes were flashing, and his breath came in pants.  “I may be the only boy on the ranch, but I ain’t the only boy in town who can pull a prank.” 

 

Adam rose and drew in his breath.   “No, you’re not, but…    You know who it was, don’t you, Joseph?” 

 

“I ain’t no tattletale.” 

 

“No, you never have been.”  Adam sighed. 

 

“It was just a prank.  It’s not like anybody coulda got hurt.  Seeing a bare backside ain’t really nothing.” 

 

“It was inappropriate behavior.   When it comes to someone getting hurt, well, a fall from that rope…” 

 

Little Joe’s hands fisted on his hips, and his head shook slowly.  “You’ve seen me climb lots of ropes even before you went off to college.  It never worried you over much before.” 

 

“I’ve worried more then you evidently think I have.  Little Joe, when Pa’s gone, you’re my responsibility.” 

 

“And ya think I did it, so just bust my tail and be done with it.  Then ya can tell Hoss it’s settled.” 

 

“No, I don’t intend to tan you, and I’ve no intention of lying to our brother.”  Adam turned and walked out of the room.  Little Joe threw himself down on his bed. At the bottom of the stairs, Hoss heard the click of Adam’s boots and the slam of a door.  He sighed and told himself he had tried. 

 

(00000) 

 

Hoss heard his door opening and flipped back the covers on his bed.  Raising his arm, he waited for his little brother to crawl in beside him and then drew the boy to his side. 

 

“Was mooning the town something really, really bad?”  Joe’s voice was barely a whisper. 

 

“Naw, not really, really bad.  Just not the right thing to do.” 

 

“Adam thinks it’s really bad.” 

 

“Don’t know if that’s true.  Adam, well, he…” 

 

“He’s sure it was me.”  Hoss sighed.  “I don’t care though; he can think what he wants.”  Joe’s fist slammed the mattress. 

 

“Settle down.”  Hoss’s voice was soft not harsh.  “Adam…”  Hoss paused; Little Joe jumped in. 

 

“Always thinks it’s me.  A prank happens anywhere for twenty miles around, and he thinks it’s me done it.  Why, Hoss, why?” 

 

Hoss squeezed his brother.  “Well, now, maybe ‘cause ya’ve pulled quite a few, especially some the cleverest ones.  Ya got to admit that’s true, Punkin.” 

 

“Wellll, still… you don’t always blame me.  Adam just… Adam just thinks I’m bad.” 

 

Hoss stiffened and sat up.  He lifted Joe by the forearms and set him so that they were face to face.  “That just ain’t so, Joseph; it just ain’t so!  Adam don’t think you’re bad, no way.” Little Joe crossed his arms and stared down but did not speak. Hoss gave him a slight shake.  Joe refused to look at him.  Hoss sighed.  “I got me two of the most stubborn brothers ever born.” 

 

“Adam says your muleheaded.” 

 

“Well, sometimes I need to be.”  Hoss sighed again.  “And sometimes it don’t do no good when I am.” 

 

Little Joe slumped against his brother and buried his face in Hoss’s chest.  “You ain’t asked me if I did it.” 

 

“No, I ain’t, and I ain’t gonna.” 

 

“Because Adam has you believing I did?” 

 

“Joe…”  Before Hoss could say more, Little Joe jumped from the bed and ran out of the room. 

 

(00000) 

 

“Another sandwich?”  Hoss shook his head.  “More coffee?”   

 

“No.” 

 

Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. Little Joe had been surly and silent at breakfast, and Hoss and he had spent the morning working together but speaking only when necessary. “A different set of brothers?” 

 

“Naw, got enough trouble with the set I’m used to.”   

 

“I do regret that, you know, you being pulled in the middle.” 

 

“I know.  Joe came and talked to me last night.” 

 

“He did?” 

 

“Yeah.” 

 

“And?” 

 

“He thinks that you think he’s a bad person.” 

 

“What!” 

 

“That you always think he’s done wrong ‘cause you think he’s bad.” 

 

“He said that?”  Adam’s voice had dropped in force and volume. 

 

“Pretty much.”  Hoss saw that Adam’s face had paled.  “I told him it weren’t so, but, well, that’s what’s got him in a fret, and there ain’t but one person that can do anything about it, and that’s you.” 

 

Adam rose and walked off.  Hoss waited.  After a time, Adam returned.  “We need to finish the fencing.” 

 

“The fencing can wait.  Something more important needs mending.” 

 

“I…  he’s going to ask me if I still believe he did it, and for the life of me I can’t say I don’t.” 

“A lie wouldn’t help nothing no way.” 

 

“I’ve tried talking…” 

 

“Well, you’re just gonna have to keep on trying.  Better now than later.” 

 

“And if it goes no better than the last time?” 

 

“We pray that Pa has some magic up his sleeve when he gets back or at least some good advice.” 

 

“I’d prefer that Pa never knew how bad it’s gotten.” 

 

“Don’t we all!” 

 

(00000) 

 

Adam came into the house through the kitchen.  “Hop Sing, do you know where Little Joe is?” 

 

“Look upstairs.”  Hop Sing sent Adam a glare along with the directive. 

 

“I need to speak with him.” 

 

Hop Sing nodded agreement, and Adam understood the intent of the cook’s next observations even though they were delivered in Chinese.  Adam turned and mounted the backstairs.  As he reached his father’s room, he noticed the door was open.  He stopped and looked in.  Little Joe was curled up on the bed clutching a pillow.  Adam walked to the bed, turned, dropped to the floor, and sat with his knees raised leaning back against the bed. 

 

“You’re missing Pa.”  It was an observation not an inquiry.  Surprisingly, Little Joe responded. 

 

“Yeah.” 

 

“Me too.  Even though he’d be disappointed in both of us.” 

 

“Why you?  You ain’t done nothing inappropriate.”  There was venom in Little Joe’s inappropriate. 

 

“I’m the adult in the situation, and I’ve…   Pa would never countenance the way things are between us.  He expects better of us as brothers.” 

 

“Yeah.”  Adam heard and felt movement on the bed. 

 

“You know, well, you probably wouldn’t remember even if you did.  Anyway, when I was not quite fourteen there was a woman in town, Elvira Peabody.  She was always putting on and putting people down.  One day, when Pa, Marie, and I were in town, she said something to Marie, and I up and let fly with an observation of my own about her.” 

 

“What did ya say?” 

 

“Doesn’t really matter.  Suffice to say it was immensely disrespectful, vulgar, and insulting, and said in front of not just Marie but Pa who had walked up without me noticing.  Old Elvira went into a fit of apoplexy.  Marie was trying to calm her down, and Pa, well, he dragged me into the alley and blistered my behind.  When we walked back, I made an apology.” 

 

“A real apology?” 

 

“It was really polite if not really sincere.  Thing was even before I opened my mouth I saw the smirk on her face.  It was that smirk that motivated me to do what I did.” 

 

“What did ya do?” 

 

“For a time I waited: three months, two weeks, and four days.  Old Elvira smirked at me anytime we met.  Then I heard that she had decided to move on and join her brother’s household in California, and I knew my time had come.  The morning she left, I snuck off and waited just outside of town right where the road bends and the stage slows.  As the stage went by, I called out her name.  When she looked out the window, I let her see my face, and then I turned and let the full moon shine for Old Elvira.  The driver took no notice, the stage rolled on, and that was the last of Elvira Peabody in these parts.” 

 

“Did Pa…” 

 

“He still doesn’t know to this day.” 

 

“Golly.” 

 

“Yeah, golly.” 

 

Silence settled, but it was less heavy than it had been in days.    “Adam, um, I did it.” 

 

“I know.” 

 

Adam saw Little Joe’s head come over the edge of the bed.  He focused his entire gaze on his brother’s eyes.  “I do not now, nor have I ever even once thought that you were a bad person.  Never.” 

 

“Oh.”  It was a soft exhalation of air.  “But…” 

 

“Joe, when I mooned Elvira Peabody, it was meant to be an insult.  It was an insult, a blatant insult, not actually harmful but …” Adam paused and drew in a deep breath.  “It was definitely inappropriate behavior, and I knew it; I had been taught better.” 

 

Some seconds later, Little Joe was on his knees in front of Adam.  “I didn’t…  it wasn’t…  I never meant… it was a dare, Adam.  Prissy Britches dared me.” 

 

“I see, but, Joe, you chose to do it during mine and Mary Alice’s duet. Was that because you think I’m showing off when I sing in front of folks?  Others have said the same.” 

 

“No, no, I…”  Little Joe’s head shook adamantly, and then he remembered his accusation on Founder’s Day.  “I was mad, and I… I don’t know, I just said it.  When you sing for folks, me and Hoss and Pa, well, we’re proud, Adam; we’re all proud.” 

 

“Yet you chose my duet for your prank.” 

 

Little Joe settled back on his heels and dropped his chin.  “You weren’t the only one signing that duet.” 

 

Adam straightened.  “Mary Alice?  You were insulting Mary Alice?” 

 

“I guess.” 

 

“But why?” 

 

“I don’t want ya to be mad if I tell ya.” 

 

“I… I’ll try not to be.” 

 

“Well, she’s pretty, and she’s educated like you like your girls to be, but she, well, she… she don’t think much of Hoss and me.” 

 

“She…  has she ever…” 

 

“Not outright like, but, Adam, she’s got a mean streak.  She don’t show it around you, but she does.  She shows it subtle with words, and looks, and the like.”  Joe searched Adam’s face for anger but found none.  “I’m sorry, Adam, for saying what hurts ya, and, well, for insulting ya at the Founder’s Day Picnic, and going on like I did since, especially when I had done what ya thought I did.” 

 

“Apology accepted.”  Adam found his arms full of baby brother. “I’m sorry too, brother. For making you think…” 

 

“I forgive you too!” 

 

Adam hugged Little Joe and patted his back.  “I guess now we can tell Hoss that things are settled between us.”  He released his hold on his brother. 

 

“Yea.  He’ll probably eat four or five servings at dinner tonight.” 

 

“I imagine he will.  I intend to have seconds, maybe thirds.” 

 

“Yeah, me too.  Um, are you going to tell Pa I mooned the town on Founder’s Day?” 

 

“No.  I can’t assure you that he’ll not find out, but… well, what you choose to tell Pa, if he hears something and asks you about it, is between you and Pa.” 

 

“Okay.  I… it never was about taking a licking.  If you think you need …” 

 

“If I did, I would; I don’t.  Straighten the bed clothes before you come down.”  Adam stood and ruffled Joe’s curls as he headed out of the room. 

 

(00000) 

 

Adam entered the great room and stopped in surprise.  “Mary Alice, I… we didn’t…  I’m surprised to see you.” 

 

“Pleasantly surprised, I hope.”  She smiled and fluttered her lashes. 

 

“You’re always welcome, it’s just the Ponderosa isn’t some place you stop in when just passing by.” 

 

“Well, no, but I felt the need to talk to you.” 

 

“Of course.  Hop Sing invited you to lunch?” 

 

“Yes.  He’d said you’d be in soon.”  Mary Alice set down the glass she had been holding.  “May we speak first.” 

 

“Certainly.”   

 

Mary Alice dropped her eyes.  “I hate to tell you, but… well, there’s been a lot of talk since Founder’s Day.  I’m sorry to say it seems Little Joe was the one.”  Mary Alice’s voice lacked a truly regretful tone and put a clear emphasis on Joe’s name and the words the one. 

 

“The one who… well, disrupted our performance?” 

 

“Yes, some of the children have said he was dared, and there’s no doubt he accepted the dare.”    

 

“Oh, well, if he was dared.  After all, to a boy Little Joe’s age a dare’s a dare, a matter of honor.” 

 

Mary Alice stiffened, and her eyes flashed.  “A matter of honor!  Why, the little…”  Mary Alice sputtered, drew in a breath, and swallowed several insulting terms. “He spoiled our duet!”  Her voice had developed a strident whine. 

 

“The scamp did do that rather well.”  Adam chuckled and shrugged.  “Boys will be boys.” 

 

The color rose in Mary Alice’s face. “Boys that behave in such a disgusting manner need to be taken in hand.” 

 

“Now, Mary Alice, you mustn’t over excite yourself.  Pa will no doubt speak to him.” 

 

Mary Alice rose.  “Speak to him; speak to him!  What he needs is a good thrashing.” 

 

“Now, surely that would be a little harsh.  It was just a prank, a boyish prank.  Don’t make too much of it, Mary Alice.” 

 

“Don’t make… over excite… I thought…  I thought you’d…”  Her eyes flashed.  “He insulted me, and you sit there smiling!” 

 

Adam rubbed his chin, and his voice grew serious.  “I suppose he did, but then how often have you insulted him?” 

 

“Why…I… I never!” 

 

“Let us simply agree that you never will again.”  Adam stood.   “Am I right in assuming that you’ll not be staying for lunch?” 

 

“I… I…”  Mary Alice gave a guttural growl and swept out of the house.”  As she departed, Hoss and Little Joe entered from the kitchen. 

 

“Now shouldn’t ya be seeing your guest to her buggy?”  Hoss’s voice was teasing not chiding. 

 

“Will you tell Pa if my manners are lacking?” 

 

“No.”   Hoss chuckled.  “She certainly was in a right fine pucker.” 

 

“She was.” 

 

“But, Adam, I thought you liked her?”  Little Joe, along with Hoss, had heard most of the discussion, and his fingers were crossed in hopes he had been right all along. 

 

“I did, but my eyes have been opened.” 

 

“Good!”  Hoss gave Adam a hearty clap on the back and headed to the dining table. 

 

“Adam, um, does Hoss know about Elvira Peabody?”  Joe kept his voice low, but Hoss still heard. 

 

“Yep, and I still ain’t forgiven him for not letting me come along!” 

 

The End

 

The required words for the First Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs challenge that inspired the story are: Moon, Debt, Picnic(s), Revelry, Mourning