Summary:  Adam and Hoss are sick of Joe not co-operating while their father is away.
Rating:  T  (5,225 words)

Coventry

Adam gave his youngest brother a frustrated look. “Will you stop that?” he said irritably. “I’ve had just about enough of your nonsense.”

Joe tried to look innocent. “So–rry,” he replied in a teasing tone. “Why do you have to take things so seriously all the time older brother?”

Adam sighed as he leant on his rake and brushed the hay of himself that Joe had flung his way. “I take things seriously because I have a responsibility to get things done around here,” he said. “When Pa’s away I’m in charge and I want things to run smoothly. There is a lot to be done around here without your tricks Joe, so just get to work will you?”

“Yeah shortshanks,” added Hoss. “I wanna get this done so’s we can get inta supper. I’m plumb famished.”

“You’re always famished,” replied Joe, unconcerned. “Anyways, I don’t see why I haveta take orders from you two all the time just because Pa’s not around. I’m sick of it!” He threw his rake to the floor of the barn and put his hands on his hips as he glared at his two brothers.

“You have to take orders because I’m in charge,” replied Adam reasonably. “You’ve been in charge of the ranch at times, so you know how important it is for people to take orders.”

“I’ve only been in charge when you or Hoss ain’t here,” said Joe indignantly. “Why did I haveta be the youngest?”

“So you could learn from ya’re elders little brother,” said Hoss with a grin. “Now get ta work.”

Joe continued to stand with his hands on his hips regarding his two brothers for a few moments. Finally Adam looked up. “Will you get to work?” he asked irritably. “You heard what Hoss said.”

“I heard him,” replied Joe. “But I ain’t doing any more. I figure I’ve done my share fer today.” He turned to leave the barn, but looked over his shoulder as Adam called out to him.

“Joe! You get back here straight away! Do you hear me?”

“I hear you,” replied Joe over his shoulder. “But like I told you … I ain’t doing no more. You two can finish it off.”

“Joe!” shouted Adam angrily. “You get back here!”

“Go order someone else around,” said Joe airily. “I’m not listening.” He walked out of the barn, whistling in an infuriating manner.

Adam threw his rake down on the barn floor and swore under his breath. “I’ve had just about enough of him!” he said angrily. “He knows how hard things can get when Pa’s away and he doesn’t seem to care.”

Hoss made a sympathetic face. “He don’t mean it Adam,” he said.

“He does too!” Adam snapped at him. “He means every bit of it! You know very well that he hasn’t been pulling his weight around here this past week and its only because Pa isn’t around. He wouldn’t dare try to get away with the things he’s been doing if Pa were here.”

Hoss shrugged. “Well what can we do about it?” he said. “You know as well as I do that he sure as heck won’t do what we tell him when Pa’s not around … and by the time Pa gets back he’ll have thought of some excuse ta wiggle his way outta trouble. He always does.” He picked up the rake that Joe had left on the floor and began to work with it. “Jest forget it Adam … we really can’t make him do anything if he don’t wanna.”

Adam leant against his rake and stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I’m not so sure about that,” he said. “I’ve got an idea Hoss.”

Hoss looked at his brother expectantly. “Yeah?” he said. “What?”

Adam grinned. “We send him to Coventry,” he said.

Hoss looked puzzled as he lifted his hat and scratched his head. “I dunno bout that Adam. Sending him away might give us a break from him, but it won’t help get all this work done.”

Adam pinched his nose on the bridge. “Not quite what I meant Hoss,” he said. “We send him to Coventry means …”

Hoss shook his head. “I ain’t never even heard of a town by that name,” he said. “Where is it anyways? California?”

“England,” replied Adam.

Hoss stopped raking and gave his brother an amazed look. “England?” he said. “Ya ain’t serious Adam? You’re gonna send him ta England? What is Pa gonna say bout that when he gets home from San Francisco?”

“Hoss, if you’d shut up for a minute and let me explain,” began Adam. “Sending someone to Coventry is just an expression. It means ignoring them.”

“Oh,” said Hoss. “I see.” He tried to look as if he did in fact see, but it was quite obvious to Adam that he didn’t.

“Its like this,” said Adam. “If we send him to Coventry … ignore him … then he’ll soon get sick of it. You know what he’s like ….. can’t stand his own company for long.”

Hoss’ face broke into a grin as the realisation of what Adam was proposing began to filter into his brain. “Yeah,” he said. “He gets a mite skittish iffen he don’t have any company. He’d hate it iffen we was ta take no notice of him fer a bit.”

“Exactly my point,” said Adam, smiling at the thought of it. “But we’ll have to be prepared to do his work while this is going on Hoss … and we’ll have to stand firm together. There can’t be any feeling sorry for him once we start.”

Hoss nodded. “I’ll be happy ta do some extra chores jest ta put that weasel in his place,” he said. “And I don’t feel the least bit sorry fer him.” He thought for a moment. “How long are we gonna do this fer Adam?”

“Just until Pa comes home,” said Adam. “Or until Joe breaks and apologises for not being fair to us this past week … whichever comes first. With Hop Sing away he won’t have any support in the house and we can soon let the hands know what’s going on. They’ll think it’s a great joke.”

“They sure will,” agreed Hoss. He held out his hand to his brother. “Allrighty then, you’re on. Let’s see if little brother can weasel outta this one eh?” They both chuckled as they shook hands and then began to finish up their work.

++++++++++

“Good morning,” said Joe, sliding onto his chair and grinning at his brothers “Sleep well?” Adam looked at Hoss and they both nodded slightly. “Good,” said Joe happily. He rubbed his hands together as he looked around the breakfast table. “Yum,” he said. “Scrambled eggs. You’re really doing well with the cooking while Hop Sing’s been away Hoss. You’re turning into a right good cook. Must be all those hours you’ve spent in the kitchen looking for food, eh? ” He chuckled at his own joke as he reached out to grab the platter of eggs, but Hoss quickly moved it away from him without a word. Joe frowned at his brother. “Whatcha doing?” he said angrily. “Give it back here Hoss. I’m hungry.”

“Them eggs is fer people who actually deserve em,” said Hoss huffily. “Me and Adam did all your chores last night, so I made em fer us … not you.”

Joe made a face at him. “Fine!” he said. “I’ll just make some for myself then.” He made to get up from the table, but Adam put his hand up to stop him.

“Before you go to the kitchen Joe, there’s something that Hoss and I need to tell you,” he said. “Sit down.”

Joe sat down ungraciously. “What?” he said. “Another order? I know you think you’re in charge around here Adam, but I’m sick and tired of …”

Adam shook his head. “No,” he said. “Not another order. Just a piece of information for your benefit.” Joe looked a little confused as his brother continued. “Due to your recent behaviour,” said Adam. “Hoss and I are just about fed up with dealing with you. So … until Pa gets back … we’re sending you to Coventry.”

Joe grinned at his brother. “Really?” he said. “Great!”

Adam gave him a puzzled look. “Do you understand what I just said?” he asked.

“Sure,” said Joe happily. “I can sure do with some time away from you two. A trip sounds just perfect. When do I leave?”

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose for the second time in the past twenty-four hours. “Sending someone to Coventry,” he explained patiently. “Is an expression.”

“That’s right,” added Hoss in a superior tone. “It means we’re gonna ignore ya little brother.”

Joe frowned. “Oh yeah?” he said. “I knew that!”

“You did not!” retorted Hoss. “Ya thought it was a town somewhere!” He looked superior again. “You don’t know nothin Joe.”

“I do too,” retorted Joe. “Anyways … there is a town called Coventry in another country,” he screwed up his face as he tried to remember. “Miss Jones told us a story bout it when I was in school. Just can’t remember what it was but.”

“Probably about Lady Godiva,” said Adam. “The woman who rode naked through the town of Coventry in the tenth century.” He ignored the interested look that suddenly appeared on Joe’s face as he pointed his finger at him. “But that’s not what we’re talking about,” he said. “The important thing is that we’re disgusted with your attitude around here Joe and so until you apologise and start pulling your weight, then we’re simply having nothing to do with you.”

“Apologise?” spluttered Joe. “I ain’t apologising to no one! You both enjoy ordering me around and I’ve had enough of it, that’s all.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest in a determined fashion. “You’ll be waiting a long time to hear me apologise.”

“Fine,” said Adam calmly. “You make up your own mind about it, but from this moment on little brother … consider yourself in Coventry.” He turned to Hoss and smiled. “I’d like some of those eggs please Hoss. They sure smell great.”

Joe scowled as Hoss handed Adam the platter of eggs and then waited until it became obvious that neither of them was going to acknowledge him again before standing up. “Fine!” he said. “I’ll cook my own breakfast then, will I?” His brothers simply continued to chew on their eggs, so he stomped out of the room towards the kitchen. Adam winked at Hoss before picking up his coffee cup and beginning to drink.

Fifteen minutes later when Joe reappeared from the kitchen carrying a small platter of half-burnt eggs, his two brothers were discussing the chores that needed doing and their priorities for the day. Joe made a face at both of them before tucking into his eggs. “I suppose I’m gonna get the worst jobs to do while you’re both ignoring me then huh?” he said, making at face at the taste of his eggs. “So what have you got in mind for me then?” Neither of his brothers responded to his question, but simply went on talking to each other as if he hadn’t spoken. “I said, what am I doing this week around the ranch?” Joe raised his voice over the top of theirs, but it didn’t make the slightest difference as they simply ignored him and went on eating. Joe’s face suddenly split into a wide grin. “Oh, I get it,” he said. “The ignoring has started, has it? Fine! Well if you’re ignoring me, then you can’t give me any orders, can you?” He drank down his cup of coffee quickly and then stood up, slapping his hands together gleefully. “Then I’ll be taking the day off. See ya!” He sauntered over to the door, looking over his shoulder to see the reaction to his words that he just knew would follow, but to his surprise neither Adam nor Hoss even looked at him. He frowned for a moment and then shrugged, put on his jacket and hat and disappeared through the front doorway.

Hoss looked at Adam as the front door slammed behind their brother. “Are ya sure bout this Adam?” he asked. “That weasel is gonna take full advantage of us ya know. Seems ta me that he’s getting outta all the work and we’re getting lumped with it.”

Adam winked at his brother and wiped his mouth on his napkin before standing up. “Trust me Hoss. It might take a few days, but our younger brother is going to be begging us for forgiveness before too long. Come on, let’s get these dishes cleaned up before we get to work.”

“Well I sure hope you’re right,” replied Hoss as he began to pick up several plates. “I’m bout ready ta pound that weasel iffen he don’t.”

“Patience brother ….. patience,” said Adam with a grin. “Patience is a virtue.”

++++++++++

Joe sauntered into the saloon and looked around before tipping his hat at Sam the bartender. “Howdy Sam,” he said. “Where is everyone?”

Sam looked up in surprise. “Well howdy there Joe,” he said. “What brings you into town in the middle of the week?”

“Not much,” replied Joe, leaning on the bar. “Gimme me a beer thanks Sam. He looked over his shoulder. “Where’s Sally and Betty and the rest of the girls?”

Sam jerked his finger to the staircase at the back of the saloon. “Probably asleep,” he said. “There ain’t no call fer em down here in the middle of the day ya know Joe. Mary is over there if you’re looking fer some female company but. She’s always about.”

Joe shuddered slightly as he looked over his shoulder at the plain middle-aged woman. “No thanks,” he said. “So where is everyone else?”

Sam began to wipe a glass with a cloth. “Out working, I reckon,” he said. “Why aren’t you out working too Joe?”

Joe shrugged. “Got me some time off,” he said happily as he began to drink his beer. “Thought I’d come into town and have some fun.”

Sam snorted. “You’d be lucky to find any fun round here,” he said. “Not on a Tuesday in the middle of the day anyways.”

Joe made a wry face. “I see what you mean,” he said. “I’ve walked from one end of town to the other, but everyone either busy working or they ain’t my sorta people if you know what I mean.” He sipped at his beer again and then put it down on the counter. “I reckon it might liven up a bit later huh?” He looked at Sam hopefully, but the bartender just shook his head.

“Don’t see why it should,” said Sam. “Ain’t a lot of activity goes on round here during the week Joe. Come back on Friday night like you usually do and you’ll find some action then.”

Joe drained the last of his beer. “Yeah,” he said. “Only there’s a lotta time to kill between Tuesday and Friday Sam.” He flipped a coin onto the counter. “Thanks for the beer. I’ll see you later.”

He sauntered out into the sunshine and looked first one way up the street and then down the other before putting his hands into his pockets and crossing the street. He walked up to the Jail and went inside. “Howdy Sheriff Coffee,” he said. “How’s it going?”

Roy Coffee looked up from the pile of papers on his desk, which he’d been sorting through. “Well howdy there, young fellar,” he said. “What are you doing in town?”

“How come everyone keeps asking me that?” said Joe as he sat down on the edge of the desk. “I’m having some time off so I thought I’d just come in and see what was going on.”

“Well nothing’s going on, I hope,” replied Roy. “My job sure is easier when it’s like this .. nice and quiet. Do ya mind moving Joe? I’m sorting through them papers you’re sitting on.”

Joe hopped off the desk. “Sorry,” he said. He looked around the jail hopefully. “So … no one here?” he asked.

“Nope,” said Roy absently as he put his glasses back on and began to look at the papers again. “I ain’t arrested no one lately.”

Joe nodded. “Need any help doing that?” he asked hopefully.

“Nope,” replied Roy again. “Its kinda a one-man job if ya know what I mean.”

“Feel like having a drink?” suggested Joe hopefully. “On me, of course.”

“Nope,” replied Roy. “Much and all as I’d like to, I can’t when I’m on duty.” He peered up at the young man in front of him. “Why don’t you go fishing or something if you’ve got nothing to do?”

Joe’s eyes lit up. “Now that’s the best suggestion I’ve heard all day,” he said as he clicked his fingers. “Thanks Roy. See ya later.”

Roy shook his head as the youngster left the room. “Bet his Pa don’t know he’s taken the day off,” he muttered under his breath. “He’d be fit ta be tied iffen he did.” He licked up the pile of papers again with a sigh. “A sheriff’s work ain’t ever done,” he said sadly.

++++++++++

Joe looked at the sizzling fish cooking on the stove and then sighed. This was the third night in a row that he’d had fish for supper and while he loved to eat it, it just somehow didn’t seem quite as tasty when you cooked it yourself and had no one to share it with. He had glanced across the table and caught a glimpse of Hoss eyeing it off last night and he’d have been only too happy to share his catch with his brother, but it was obvious from the way both Hoss and Adam were still ignoring him that they’d have taken no notice of the offer even if he’d suggested it. Besides, they’d eaten quite well themselves each night, considering that Hoss was still doing the cooking.

How Joe longed for his father or even Hop Sing to come home! He’d never realised how much he depended on conversation with his family at night before and had spent the past three nights staring into the fire pretending to read while Adam and Hoss had played chess, checkers and cards together. He’d found himself listening to their conversations hungrily, and had once or twice forgotten that they weren’t including him. He had opened his mouth both times to say something, before quickly remembering that it was pointless to talk and had shut it again. He was beginning to feel very lonely. After all, a man could only fish for so long with no one except his horse to talk to!

He had visited several of his friends in the hopes that they would be able to keep him company, but everyone was busy with their ranches or their jobs to pay him mush heed. Several of them had promised to meet him in town as usual on Friday night, but Friday had seemed a long time away when he was itching for immediate company.

Joe put his fish onto a plate and carried it into the dining room where Adam and Hoss were already eating some sort of stew. Joe sat down and immediately wished that he’d thought of cooking some vegetables to go with his fish, as the roast potatoes and greens on the table looked very tempting. He really felt like trying to help himself to some, but he knew that one or other of his brothers would have moved the plate away from him before he could do so. So instead, he picked up his knife and fork and began to chew on his fish slowly.

The silence around the table was in stark contrast to the noisy chatter that was usual at this time of night. Both Adam and Hoss seemed intent on eating and not talking tonight, until finally Joe could stand it no longer. “I suppose you two think this is funny?” he said. There was no response to his remark. “Well I don’t really care,” he said, trying to sound as if he didn’t. “Not having you two to talk to is a relief you know.” Once again, there was silence. “Just wanted to let you know that I’m having a great week though,” he ventured again, hoping to goad one of them into addressing him. “No work, nuthin to do but fish all day and do whatever I want … this is the life. I couldn’t be happier!” Again there was no response, and Joe felt like yelling at them both.

He looked from one brother to the other, hoping to catch one of their eyes, but both of them simply looked at their plates as they ate. Finally, Adam put his head up to look around the table and Joe’s eyes brightened. “Pass me those potatoes please Hoss,” Adam said finally. “You sure did a good job with them.”

Hoss grinned at his brother. “Mighty tasty if I do say so myself,” he acknowledged. “I reckon Hop Sing would be mighty proud of my cooking.”

“They smell good,” Joe ventured, hoping that his hangdog expression would soften one of his brothers and he might be offered some.

“Great stew too,” said Adam, not even glancing in his brother’s direction. “Well done Hoss.”

“Thankee,” said Hoss proudly. “Here … have some more.” He handed the serving dish to Adam while Joe looked on longingly. “Ya know, I’ve been thinking Adam,” Hoss continued. “We should really get started on that fencing tomorrow now that we got the corrals fixed. What do ya think?”

“Good idea,” said Adam as he helped himself to some more stew. “Why wait until next week after all? We may as well start on them tomorrow. You going to town tomorrow night Hoss?”

“Sure am,” said Hoss. “I was hoping ta see Betsy Sue.”

“She was in town this week,” interrupted Joe, forgetting that he wasn’t in the conversation. “She said to say hello to you.”

“She sure is nice girl,” said Adam, ignoring Joe’s comment. “I think she’s right for you Hoss.”

“So do I,” said Joe, smiling at Hoss tentatively, but Hoss ignored him.

“So how about we ride into town tomorrow night together then?” suggested Adam. “We can make it an early afternoon and come back to get cleaned up before going in.”

“I’m going in too,” said Joe. “I could ride with you.”

Hoss wiped his mouth. “Well that was a great meal even if I do say so myself,” he said. “What do ya say Adam? How about we clean up theses dished and then have a game of checkers?”

“You’re on brother,” said Adam. “Here … let me help you with those dishes.” They both licked up their plates and took them to the kitchen, Hoss also taking the leftover vegetables with him. Joe looked down at his half-eaten piece of fish on his plate, his appetite suddenly disappearing. With a sigh he stood up and walked upstairs alone to his bedroom.

++++++++++

Joe rode a few feet behind his brothers, miserably listening to their happy chatter in front of him. He’d set out to have a good time tonight with his friends in the saloon, but each time he’d glanced across the room at either Adam or Hoss he’d remembered the state of affairs between them and their very presence there had spoilt the evening for him. Try as he would, he just couldn’t seem to let go of what had been happening between them all and enjoy himself. He had ended up drinking too much to drown his sorrows and he knew that tomorrow he’d pay the price for it. Well, he thought ruefully, at least I didn’t have to work with a hangover tomorrow and can afford to sleep it off.

Darned Adam and Hoss! he thought. First they wouldn’t talk to him and had caused him to have a miserable week, and now they had even spoilt his night in town as well.

He’d spent a lonely week fishing or riding around the ranch, wishing that he’d had something to do. He could, of course, had found himself some work by himself, but somehow his heart wasn’t in it. A couple of times he’d found one or other of the hands out working, but each time he’d suggested that he help them they had found one excuse or another not to take up his offer. He scowled at his two brothers riding in front of him. He wouldn’t have put it past them to make sure that everyone followed their lead and didn’t include him in things. It would be just like them to do something like that!

Why, he’d even resorted to asking old Bert who did odd chores around the place if he could help him, but the old man had not taken kindly to the suggestion. He’d been of the mind that Joe had been trying to suggest that he wasn’t up to the job anymore and in the end Joe had left him to it. Besides, he was so deaf that he wouldn’t have been much company anyway.

Joe made a wry face as he rode along the trail in the dark. That was the problem of course. It wasn’t so much not having anything to do, but the lack of conversation that he was finding so hard to take. There wasn’t even anyone in the bunkhouse to talk to at night, as most of the men were out in the North Pasture watching the herd. He could have ridden out there to keep them company, but somehow he just didn’t feel like it. Wherever he went and whatever he did, Adam and Hoss were on his mind. He could shake the feeling that he wasn’t wanted around them anymore and would have given anything for one of them to turn around right now and talk to him …. But they had made it abundantly clear that it wasn’t about to happen.

Joe bent his head and rode slowly home behind his brothers.

++++++++++

Hoss nudged Adam and then pointed at their younger brother as he stared into the fireplace. Adam put his finger on his lip and shook his head slightly in response and Hoss shrugged and then turned back to the chess game on the coffee table.

Joe rubbed his temples absently. He had really overdone the drinking these past two nights at the saloon, but after all … what else had there been for him to do?  He was going crazy sitting here every night doing nothing except pretend to read, so he had resorted to spending both nights in the saloon just for some conversation. He glanced over at his brothers. It was more than he got here, he thought miserably. This going to Coventry as Adam had called it, was certainly no fun! He felt decidedly miserable what with all the drinking and no one to talk to.

He stood up and faced his brothers. “Well I’m off to bed,” he said. “Not that anyone around here cares what I do!” He stomped up the stairs and disappeared.

Hoss gave Adam a sad look. “I dunno bout this Adam,” he said. “He’s looking right miserable. I think he’s had enough.”

“Then he can apologise,” replied Adam firmly. “No one is forcing this except him Hoss.”

Hoss shrugged. “I know, but I feel real sorry fer him Adam. It’s been a week now. Are ya sure this is gonna work?”

Adam hesitated. “I hope it does,” he said. “He has to learn that he can’t go through life with an attitude like he’s had Hoss. You know that he can’t. It isn’t fair to either of us … and if the truth be told it isn’t fair to himself either.”

Hoss nodded. “Now you’re beginning ta sound like Pa,” he said.

Adam smiled. “Am I? Well I suppose that father of ours has taught me well then. Believe me Hoss, it’s for Joe’s own good. He’ll come around in time. Just be patient.”

“I sure hope so Adam,” replied Hoss. “I can’t stand this much longer.”

Adam raised his eyebrows. “Well hopefully its our younger brother who can’t stand this much longer,” he said wisely. “That’s the whole point of it all.”

++++++++++

Joe hesitated before getting down off his horse and walking across to where his two brothers were working on the fence. He figured that this wasn’t going to be easy, but he was beginning to get desperate. That very morning he had stood around while Adam had given out various jobs for several of the hands to do and after everyone had gone off to their allocated tasks he had approached his brother and offered to do some work. Adam, however, had simply ignored him and had mounted up and ridden away, leaving Joe standing in the front yard feeling stupid. This time he was determined that he would go about it in the right way.

“Need any help?” he asked as he stood next to them. There was silence. “I asked if you need any help?” said Joe again. He looked from one brother to the other as they worked. “Come on fellars. Hasn’t this gone on for long enough? I’m offering to get back to work now.”

Adam looked over at Hoss. “Hand me that hammer please Hoss,” he said.

Joe sighed. “Oh why don’t you two grow up?” he said fretfully. “This is so childish!” he waited for a reaction form either of them and when there was none he turned on his heel, mounted up on his horse and turned it away form them. “Please yourselves!” he shouted before he rode off. “See if I care!”

Hoss put his head up and opened his mouth, but then caught Adam’s eye and closed it again. He shrugged and bent over the fence again to get back to work.

Joe rode and rode until he could he feel the blood pounding in his head. He reined in Cochise and sat still in the saddle, breathing hard and listening to the animal beneath him breathing hard as well. “Sorry fellar,” he said presently, bending down and patting the horse on the neck. “That sure did make me feel better though.” He sat still for a long time staring into the distance before speaking again. “No offence Cooch,” he said. “But talking to you just ain’t quite the same thing. You don’t answer me back and that’s what I miss.” He sighed. “I spose I never realised how much I take them two for granted Cooch. I reckon I might have been pretty unfair to both of em in the past … not wanting to work and all. Reckon I deserve the way they’ve been ignoring me.” There was a long silence again. “But how can I get em to talk to me when they won’t?” He rested his chin on his hand and stared off into the distance, pondering the problem.

++++++++++

Joe came to stand next to his brothers, his hands behind his back in a gesture that he hoped would look contrite. He felt like he had a few years ago when owning up to a misdemeanour at school and had been chastised by his father because of it. He drew a deep breath before beginning to speak. “I know that neither of you ain’t talking to me,” he said. “But I have something ta say anyways.”

There was silence as Adam and Hoss both stared at the chessboard and then Adam moved a piece. “Your turn Hoss,” he said, as if Joe hadn’t spoken at all.

Joe took another deep breath and continued. “I’m trying to say that I’m sorry,” he said contritely. “I shouldn’t have treated you both like that,” he searched his brain for the words to express himself. “And I should have done my work without complaining.” He thought for another few seconds. “And I promise that I’ll obey orders in the future.” He waited hopefully for some sign that he’d been heard, but neither of his brothers gave any indication that they had been listening to him at all. “All right!” said Joe angrily. “What do you want me to say then?  I’ve said I’m sorry so shouldn’t that be enough?” He waited again. “Look,” he continued. “Sometimes I get out of line … I know that. But gee …” He sighed again. “I’m trying to say that I’ve learnt my lesson. I know ….” He swallowed. “I guess I know now how much I need my family. I didn’t know before. I didn’t … I guess I didn’t appreciate you both.” He looked at them hopefully. “How about it? Can’t we forget all this Coventry nonsense?” He waited for a full minute before turning on his heel and walking towards the stairs. “Fine!” he said over his shoulder. “See if I care!”

“Joe?”

Joe stopped, with his foot on the bottom step and looked over his shoulder hopefully. “Yeah?” he said, his eyes lighting up.

Adam gave him a stern look. “You have to take orders from Hoss and I just like Pa was here in charge,” he said.

Joe turned and nodded eagerly. “Yeah,” he said. “Sure thing Adam.”

“You have ta do your work with a good grace,” continued his brother.

Joe nodded again. “Yeah,” he said, beginning to smile.

“You can’t complain.”

“Yeah …. I mean no,” replied Joe.

“And no more tricks,” added Hoss.

Joe shook his head. “No more tricks,” he said sincerely. “I mean it.”

Adam looked at Hoss and Hoss looked at Adam. “All right then,” said Adam. “Get to bed … there’ll be plenty of work for you to do in the morning.”

Joe grinned at his two brothers. “Thanks,” he said. “You’ll see .. I won’t let you down. I’ve learnt my lesson bout responsibility and I’ll be a changed person.”

Adam made a face. “We’ll see,” he said.

Joe turned to walk up the stairs, but hesitated on the bottom one. “Adam?” he said. “Can I borrow that history book of yours?”

Adam frowned at his brother. “You want to borrow a book?” he said.

“Yeah,” said Joe. “I thought I might be able to read about that Coventry legend in there. You always say that I don’t do enough reading.”

Adam shrugged. “Sure,” he said. “Help yourself.” He smiled at Hoss as Joe scrambled up the stairs and then reached over and slapped his brother on the back. “I told you that patience was a virtue,” he said. “All things come to those who wait.”

Hoss grinned back at him. “Yeah, I guess you was right older brother,” he acknowledged. “I’m sure glad that is over but. It ain’t been a good week.”

Adam made another face. “No,” he admitted. “I guess it hasn’t, but I think it might have been well worth it.”

++++++++++

Hoss rubbed his hands in glee and grinned at the vast array of food on the table. “Gee its great ta have Hop Sing back cooking again,” he said. “I’ve sure missed him and his cooking.” He glanced across at his father. “No offence Pa,” he added. “We missed ya too.”

“No offence taken son,” said Ben. He smiled around the table at his three boys. “Well it certainly feels good to be home,” he said. “San Francisco is a lovely town, but it’s always great to come home again.” He began to serve out the vegetables and hand around the plates. “So tell me …. How did everything here on the ranch go while I was away? Anything interesting happen?”

Joe shot a look at both his brothers but Adam shook his head. “Nothing much,” he said. “Just the usual routine.”

“Yeah,” added Hoss. “Things was real calm Pa. We got lotsa work done too.” He grinned at Joe who grinned back at him.

“And how about you Joseph,” said his father. “Anything interesting from your perspective?”

Joe’s grin got wider. “I learnt some stuff,” he admitted. “Bout taking responsibility.” He caught Adam’s eye and they exchanged a grin.

“Really?” said his father. “Well I am impressed.” He glanced at Adam and Hoss. “If you two have managed to instil some responsibility into your younger brother then I take my hat off to you.”

“Yeah,” said Joe. “They’s real good teachers Pa. I even took some time to brush up on some history stuff while you’ve been away too.”

Ben stopped chewing and stared at his son. “History?” he said in an amazed tone. “What sort of history?”

“British history,” said Joe. “I’ve been reading about Coventry. Seems that there was this lady called Godavar or something …” he leant close to his father and gave him a knowing look. “She used ta ride in the town nekkid,” he said. Ben swallowed his mouthful and stared at his youngest son in amazement. “Well anyways,” continued Joe, not appearing to notice the look. “One day she was riding nekkid …..”

“Where on earth have you been getting this from?” spluttered Ben.

Joe shrugged casually. “From Adam,” he said. “He leant me his book about it. It’s a right good story Pa.” Ben gave Adam a dark look and Adam looked down at his plate. “Anyways,” continued Joe, unabashed. “Seems that this nekkid woman ….”

The End