Summary:  Ben spends a day on the front porch while laid-up with a bad ankle and discovers that it is impossible to become bored with his three sons around.
Rating:  G  (8,300 words)

Front Porch

Ben looked down at his heavily bandaged ankle in disgust and thought about how stupid he felt having to sit here while everyone else did things for and around him. After all the advice he constantly gave his sons about being careful on the ranch, he was the one who had to go and step in a chuck-hole and this was the result! It was hard to imagine that something as simple as a chuckhole could cause such an injury, but it had. He felt so stupid, but more frustrated than anything else.

He glanced at the walking stick beside him in frustration, for it was hard for him to get around without it at the moment. Paul Martin had said that it would take a full two weeks before he was back to his normal self, but even that we hard for a man as active as he was. He smiled slightly as he thought about all the times he’d told his sons that they had to learn patience, when he himself was worse than any of them.

He knew that he was quite bad tempered at the moment and was taking out his frustration on his family and Hop Sing, but he just didn’t seem to be able to help himself. Every morning he had to sit here and watch the boys go off for another day’s work and know that all he had to do was study the accounts … not his favourite chore at the best of times. Hop Sing either hovered over him …. Which annoyed him … or ignored him when he let it be clear that he didn’t want help … and that made him even angrier. It seemed that nothing anyone could do was helpful, so mostly now they just stayed away. It sure was testing his patience and that of everyone else!

He turned as Hop Sing walked to the kitchen door and stared across at him with a wary look. “You want coffee?” he shouted, being a man of few words.

“No,” said Ben and then sighed as the cook disappeared again. Actually, he would have loved a cup of coffee, but he’d already had too many cups that morning and he didn’t relish yet another awkward trip to the outhouse. It was easier just to sit still. The problem was that he was plain bored and there was no getting around that.

His eyes lit up as his youngest son appeared from around the side of the barn, driving the buckboard. Joe grinned at his father and waved, and Ben waved back. “Get everything son?” he shouted as Joe pulled the horses to a halt. His eyes wandered over the large pile of goods in the back of the buckboard and thought how pleased Hop Sing would be to get some of the things he’d been waiting for. He had sent Joe off early this morning with a long list and many instructions to make sure that he didn’t forget this or that.

“Just about,” said Joe casually as he walked towards the front porch and sat down on the edge of it. He took off his hat and wiped his forehead. “Sure is hot out there Pa.”

Hop Sing appeared again from the kitchen. “What for you sit?” he demanded. “Bring in things! I waiting for them!”

Joe waved to the man casually. “Yeah sure thing Hop Sing,” he said with a grin. “In a minute.”

Hop Sing waved his cloth at the young man. “Not in minute!” he shouted. “You bring in now!” He disappeared again and Joe shrugged his shoulders, but didn’t move.

“I think you’d better get to work,” his father suggested. “He’s in a bad mood this morning.”

“He’s always in a bad mood,” replied Joe, grinning at his father. He still didn’t get up, but simply sat back and rested against a porch support, putting his hands behind his head as he grinned up at Ben. “Guess who I saw in town?” he asked.

“Who?” said Ben, wishing that he could have gone in with his son instead of sitting here and doing nothing.

“Sheriff Coffee,” said Joe. “He’s back from Carson City and he said to say hello. He said next time you better watch your feet.”  He giggled. “He sure laughed when I told him what had happened to ya.”

Ben frowned. “Well I’m glad that someone get amusement out of my misfortune,” he snarled.

Joe made a face. “Oh it weren’t like that Pa,” he said. “Sheriff Coffee was making a joke.”

“Well it’s a mighty poor joke,” sniffed Ben. “Shouldn’t you be unloading those supplies?”

Joe nodded. “In a minute,” he said. “Mr Bristol from the bank asked after you too. He said to tell you …”  He stopped as Hop Sing appeared again and gave him a dark look. “I’m doing it Hop Sing!” he said quickly.

Hop Sing snorted and strode over to the buckboard, rummaging through its contents. “No can wait for lazy boy,” he muttered under his breath. “Need things now.”

Joe sighed and got to his feet. “I’ll do it,” he said. He began to haul a few sacks off the buckboard while Hop Sing watched.

“Where sugar?” demanded Hop Sing after a moment.

“They didn’t have any left,” said Joe, hauling off another sack.

“What?” shouted the cook, waving his arms around. “Need sugar!”

“Well it ain’t my fault!” said Joe.

Hop Sing hit him on the side of the head. “Is your fault!” he said angrily. “If leave earlier then still have sugar in store!” He looked again. “Where currants?”

Joe bit his lip. “I forgot em,” he admitted, taking a step away from the man. He gave him an indignant look as Hop Sing began to wave his arms around again. “Well you didn’t put em on the list,” he said defensively.

“I call out to you as you leave … you get currants!” replied Hop Sing. “You say yes … then no get!” He waved his arms around wildly. “No sugar! No currants! No dessert for many days! No point sending number three son to town!” He strode towards the house, muttering under his breath. “Foolishment! Always too much foolishment!”

Joe shrugged and gave his father a half-smile. “Guess he ain’t too happy with me,” he said.

Ben raised an eyebrow. “You’d better get whatever supplies you did manage to bring home unloaded before he gets out here again,” he said dryly. “You’ve just made his bad mood worse young man.”

Joe looked completely unconcerned as he started to work again. Ben watched him or ten minutes while he carried the various sacks around the back of the kitchen to the cellar, wisely avoiding coming into contact with Hop Sing. When he’d finished, he came and sat down next to his father again on the front porch. “Guess there ain’t much point going in there and asking for something to eat,” he said.

Ben shook his head. “I suppose not,” he agreed. “You’d best stay away from him for a while until he simmers down, I reckon.”

Joe put his hands behind his head again. “I was going to tell you bout Mr Bristol,” he said.

“Aren’t you supposed to be going out to help your brothers in the North Section?” interrupted Ben. “You’ve taken so long in town that they’ll be beginning to wonder where you are.”

“Yeah,” said Joe. “I’ll get out there directly.”

“You’ll get out there now young man,” said his father sternly. “Now hop to it.”

Joe sighed and stood up. “Are you sure that you don’t want me to keep you company fer a bit?” he asked hopefully. “You must be right lonely having to sit here all day Pa. I don’t mind.”

Ben raised his other eyebrow. “I’m sure you don’t,” he said dryly. “But you’ve got work to do.”

Joe grinned. “I’m sure that those two brothers of mine will get it done just as well without me,” he said. “We could play checkers if you like.” He gave his father another hopeful look, but Ben simple stared at him. “I reckon not then,” Joe said finally. “I’ll put the team away.”

Ben tried not to smile at the sight of his downcast son leading the horses into the barn. Joseph was a good worker once he put his mind to it, but the problem with that particular young man was actually putting his mind to the chore at hand. Adam was constantly telling his father how lazy Joe was and Ben had to admit that he was probably right, but he envied the boy his ability to enjoy life. It was something that Ben himself had never had the opportunity to do as he’d been to sea at such a young age, so he supposed that he was a bit more lenient with Joe than he should have been. Lord knows that he hadn’t had that chance with either Adam or Hoss. When they were Joe’s age the ranch had demanded their full concentration. Now things were a little easier and they all benefited from that fact ….. especially Joe, if the truth be known.

He looked up suddenly as a buggy came around the side of the barn, smiling as he noticed that it was driven by his good friend, Dr Paul Martin. “Paul!” he said, giving him a wave. “Good to see you!”

Paul returned the wave as he pulled up the buggy and got down. “I was on my way out to Henderson place and thought I’d stop in to take a look at that ankle,” he replied.

Ben’s smile immediately disappeared. “It’s fine,” he said stiffly.

Paul nodded. “I see,” he replied. “Well, I’ll take a look at it anyway.” He bent down and began to undo the bandage around Ben’s ankle, clucking with disapproval as Ben tried to free it from the man’s grasp. “You’re as bad as one of your boys when they’re sick,” he said, studying the ankle. “Hold still.”

“I’m not sick,” said Ben testily. “It’s just a sore ankle is all.” He winced as Paul prodded it and couldn’t help a sharp cry as the doctor manipulated it in a circular motion.

“Just what I thought,” said Paul, beginning to bandage it again. “You’re going to need a few more days off it Ben.”

“I told you it’s fine,” snapped Ben, not liking what he was hearing.

Paul simply stared at him for a moment. “You are the worst patient Ben Cartwright,” he said finally. “Why on earth can’t you listen to reason and do what you’re told for once?”

“I am doing what I’m told,” sulked Ben. “But I don’t have to like it, do I?”

“I suppose not,” said Paul with a chuckle as he sat down next to his friend. “But you could be a bit more gracious about it.”

Ben acknowledged the man’s remark with a slight tilt of his head. “I’m sorry Paul,” he said. “But it’s just so frustrating having to sit here and do nothing. I suppose I am sounding off a bit.”

“A bit,” said Paul. He smiled as Joe came out of the barn. “Hello Joe!” he called. “Been looking after your father?”

“I would if he’d let me,” said Joe, ambling up. “But he ain’t taking too kindly to my company at the moment.”

“Only because you’re supposed to be out working,” said Ben shortly. “Now before you go, ask Hop Sing to get some coffee for Doc Martin please Joseph,” he added. “And then …. Go to work!”

Joe looked a bit doubtful. “Me?” he said. “Gee Pa, you know he ain’t taking too kindly to me at the moment. He’s likely to chase me out the kitchen with a meat cleaver.”

Ben raised his eyebrows. “And whose fault is that?” he countered. “Coffee please Joseph.”

Joe sighed and then shrugged before turning towards the kitchen. “Well don’t blame me if I get hurt,” he said.

Paul chuckled. “What’s going on between him and Hop Sing now?” he asked.

Ben shook his head. “Joe has a good habit of not quite bringing the supplies home to Hop Sing’s satisfaction,” he said. “And Hop Sing is out of sorts because he’s been waiting on me for the past few days. He likes routine and I’m interrupting that by being around the house all day.” He looked up as his middle son came riding around the side of the barn. “Here’s Hoss,” he said. “I wonder what’s brought him back at this time of the day?”

Hoss pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted before sauntering over to the two men. “Howdy Pa. Howdy Doc,” he said, tipping his hat slightly and giving them a gap-toothed grin. “Nice day, ain’t it?”

“Lovely day Hoss,” replied Paul. “Been out working?”

“Yep,” replied the big man, sitting down on the edge of the porch and taking his a large red handkerchief out of his pocket. He wiped it across his face a couple of times and grinned at them again. “Busy out at the North Section. It’s been right hot out there too.” He stretched his legs out and sighed with contentment. “Sure is good to stop fer a bit,” he added happily.

Ben gave him a frustrated look. This was the second of his sons to give him the impression that work wasn’t so important today and for someone who was itching to get out there and actually do something physical, it was frustrating to listen to. “What brings you back here so early?” he asked, trying not to sound frustrated. “Surely you haven’t finished all that work in the North Section already?”

“No sir,” Hoss assured him. “Not by half.” He grinned again at his father. “How’s ya ankle Pa?” he asked.

“Fine,” grunted Ben. “Are you going to tell me what you’re doing back here or not?”

“Looking fer that weasel of a younger brother of mine,” said Hoss, not looking as if he cared too much. “Adam’s been wondering why Joe ain’t come out ta help us yet. He’s fit ta be tied with him to tell ya the truth Pa.”

“I’ve been wondering that very same thing,” replied his father with a nod of his head. “It seems that your younger brother would rather stay here than work today.”

Hoss nodded. “Thought so,” he said easily. “He ain’t too good at hurrying himself when there’s work ta be done.” He put his hands behind his head and tilted his body back until he was leaning against one of the upright poles, looking for all the world as if he wasn’t in the hurrying mood either.

“Well he’s in the kitchen if you want to go and get him,” said Ben pointedly.

“Uh huh,” said Hoss, closing his eyes slightly. “I will directly.”

The kitchen door opened with a loud bang and Joe came outside, balancing a tray as he tried to close it again behind him. “Told ya he’d be mad,” he said to his father accusingly as he brought the tray over to them. “He made me make the coffee myself and wouldn’t give me nothing to eat with it. He said its just bout lunch time anyways.” He stared at Hoss for a moment. “What are you doin here?” he asked suspiciously.

“Come to get you fer Adam,” muttered Hoss, not even bothering to open his eyes. “He’s right mad with you fer not turning up to work yet.”

Joe put the coffee tray down on the table with a bang. “I’ll have you know I’ve been busy all morning!” he said indignantly. “I’ve been to town and back getting supplies, not sitting here doing nothing!”

Hoss shrugged. “Tell Adam, not me,” he said, opening one eye and looking at the tray on the table. “Hop Sing wouldn’t give ya nothing ta eat huh?”

“No,” replied Joe, sitting down. “Too close to lunch time, he said.” He rubbed his head ruefully. “He sure can hit with that wooden spoon.”

“What have ya done to old Hop Sing now?” asked Hoss accusingly, opening the other eye and glaring at his brother. “Made him mad have ya? How many times have I told ya Joe? Ya gotta keep on his good side iffen we’re all gonna get fed properly.” He picked up a mug from the tray and began to pour coffee into it. “I spose ya fergot to bring back all his supplies again,” he added.

“Hey!” said Joe. “Get your own coffee mug! That one was for me!”

“Well I don’t know why,” said Ben, pouring out coffee for himself and Paul. “You’re supposed to be going to work right about now Joseph, not sitting here drinking coffee.”

Joe gave his father a grin. “Just being sociable,” he said. “That’s all Pa. You wouldn’t want me to be rude to Doc Martin, would ya?”

“How many lumps?” Ben asked, holding the sugar bowl out to Paul in one hand and a coffee mug in the other.

“I reckon about three this time,” said Joe, rubbing his head again to feel where Hop Sing’s wooden spoon had connected with his skull. “I don’t know why Hop Sing hasta hit me every time he gets angry. Ain’t my fault if they was out of sugar in town.”

Ben gave his youngest son a steely look. “Actually, I was speaking to the doctor,” he said. “Sugar, Paul?”

Paul took the cup of coffee and began to help himself to some sugar. “Thank you,” he said.

Hoss leant forward. “You didn’t bring no sugar back?” he said to Joe accusingly. “I spose that means we ain’t getting no dessert fer supper now?”

Now it was Joe’s turn to shrug. “Spose not,” he agreed. “Hop Sing don’t seem too inclined to do much of anything at the moment. The way he’s banging things around in that kitchen, we’ll be lucky to get any supper at all.” He rubbed his stomach. “And we ain’t even got no lunch yet neither.” He made another grab for the coffee mug in Hoss’ hand, but his brother held it away from him. “Hey Hoss?” he said suddenly, a dangerous light coming into his eyes. “Why don’t you go and see if you can get some lunch out of him? You handle Hop Sing better than anyone else around here, ya know.”

Hoss nodded proudly. “I do that,” he agreed. “And I am kinda hungry myself.”

Joe leant forward. “You can do it Hoss,” he said encouragingly. “You’re so good at getting him to do what you want … I can learn a lot from you in that department. You’re real good at handling people.” His eyes twinkled as he watched his brother’s expression.

Ben nearly groaned at the obvious manipulation in the tone of his son’s voice and Paul hid a smile as he sipped his coffee. True to form, as Ben knew he would though, Hoss immediately stood up and nodded. He always did what Joe wanted and Joe knew it. “Reckon I can teach you a thing or two bout how to handle people Joe,” he said. “Now watch and learn.”

Joe straight away picked up the discarded coffee mug and began to drink. “I’ll wait fer you out here thanks Hoss,” he said. “I’ll leave it to the expert.”

Hoss proudly ambled off into the kitchen as Joe chuckled. “I reckon we’ll have lunch after all,” he said in delight.

“And your work?” his father reminded him. “Adam doesn’t sound too pleased with you, young man.”

Joe shrugged. “He’ll get over it,” he said. “Sides, a man can’t be expected to work on an empty stomach now, can he Pa?”

“Well I’d better be going,” said Paul, finishing up his coffee and standing up.

“Can’t you stay for lunch?” asked Ben.

Paul shook his head. “I’ll get something to eat at the Henderson’s,” he said. “It’s time I was getting on out there. Bye Ben. Look after that ankle … and remember, no weight on it for a few more days.”

Ben nodded. “Bye,” he said.

“Bye Doc!” called out Joe, leaning back on the upright pole of the porch and sipping his coffee. “See ya!” Father and son watched as the doctor got into the buggy and rode off the way he’d come. “Gee I hope Hoss is getting some lunch from Hop Sing,” said Joe, rubbing his stomach. “I’m plumb starving.”

Ben raised an eyebrow. “If I were you I’d be more worried about your brother Adam,” he said. “Seems to me that if you stop to have lunch now he’ll be even more angry with you when you eventually get on out to the North Section than he is already.”

Joe made a face. “He’s always getting on my back about something,” he said. “He takes life too seriously.”

“Something you’re in no danger of succumbing to,” said his father dryly.

“I reckon not,” said Joe easily. “Life’s too short to be worried bout work all the time like Adam does.”

“Your brother is only trying to keep this place running efficiently,” admonished Ben. “You would do well to follow his example young man.”

“Yes sir,” replied Joe automatically, looking as for all the world as if he didn’t care one way or the other. He sat up straight again and looked at the kitchen expectantly as the door opened and Hoss appeared. “It’s about time,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “So what did ya get brother?”

“Sandwiches,” said Hoss, putting them on the table.

Joe frowned. “Is that all?” he asked. “I was expecting something better than sandwiches.”

Hoss pointed a finger at his brother as he took a sandwich and then offered one to his father. “You be thankful you got these,” he said. “After all you done this morning to rile Hop Sing up.”

Joe made a face and grabbed a sandwich for himself. For a few minutes there was silence as all three of them munched away happily and finally Hoss licked his fingers and poured himself another cup of coffee. “Mighty tasty,” he said. “Better than cold jerky out there in the North Section.” He frowned as he remembered where he should be right at that moment and a spasm of guilt gave over him as he considered Adam sitting out there somewhere chewing on cold jerky and getting angrier with each bite. “Reckon we’d better be getting out there,” he said, dusting the crumbs of his lap. “Older brother’s gonna be fit to be tied if we don’t.”

“Don’t worry,” replied Joe, still munching on his sandwich. “I’ll get round him.” Ben raised an eyebrow and said nothing as his youngest son added, “I always do.”

Hoss nodded, but his guilt still showed on his face. “Even so,” he said. “I reckon we’d better get back to work.”

“You feeling OK Pa?” asked Joe, ignoring Hoss’ remark. “You ankle hurting you any?”

“I wish everyone would stop carrying on about my ankle!” snapped Ben. “I’m sick of hearing about it!” Joe made a face at Hoss and wisely shut his mouth.

Hoss stood up. “Well, come on Joe,” he said. “We’d better get on out there.”

Joe snapped his fingers. “Just had a thought,” he said. “We may as well check on Brandy while we’re here Hoss. She was doing right poorly this morning, remember?”

Hoss’ face immediately took on a look of concern. “She was that,” he said. “Maybe I’d better….” He stopped as another buggy came around the side of the barn. “Hey Pa, here’s Widow Hawkins,” he said over his shoulder.[1]

“Now it was Ben’s turn to look worried. “Oh no,” he groaned. Widow Hawkins was probably the last person he would have liked to see right about now, especially when he was laid up with this sore foot and couldn’t get away from her. The woman ran a boarding house in Virginia City and was nice enough, but the problem was that she had her cap set firmly in his direction and made no secret of the fact. “Don’t leave me alone with her, boys,” he said desperately.

But sitting on the porch in the presence of a female was the last place that Hoss intended to be. He never knew at the best of times what to say to women and Widow Hawkins was someone who made him feel more intimidated than most. “Scuze me Pa,” he said quickly. “I need to check on that mare Brandy.” He practically ran into the barn, tipping his hat to the widow as he passed her.

Joe strolled across the yard and also tipped his hat to the widow as he gave her one of his most charming smiles. “Afternoon ma’am,” he said politely as he helped her out of the buggy. “Nice day, ain’t it?”

“Sure is Little Joe,” replied Widow Hawkins. She reached up and took a basket out of the buggy. “I heard your father was poorly, so I came to bring him some comforting.”

“Well that’s right nice of you ma’am,” replied Joe, escorting her across the front yard to where his father sat with a desperate expression on his face. Joe thought for a moment that he looked like a trapped rabbit or fox and the thought quite amused him. With a perfectly straight face, he sat the widow down and took her basket, placing it on the table. “You’ve got company Pa,” he said brightly. “Ain’t that nice?”

Joe stood back and folded his arms across his chest as he watched his father and Widow Hawkins in great amusement. It was common knowledge in the family that Ben was not at all keen on the woman’s company and all of them had at one time or another witnessed their father’s manoeuvrings around her attentions and been quite amused at them. Joe figured that being the youngest, he had to put up with everyone else’s teasing, so watching his father with Widow Hawkins was the one time he was on the other side of things, so to speak.

“I brought you a cake Ben,” said the widow, indicating the basket and giving him a large smile.

“That’s nice,” said Joe, with a huge grin on his face. “Ain’t that nice Pa?”

“Very nice,” said Ben between gritted teeth as he wondered how to get rid of the woman. She settled herself as if ready for a long session and eyed off the coffeepot meaningfully. “Coffee?” he asked.

“I’ll get ya another cup,” offered Joe quickly.

Ben shot him a dark look. “You’re being very helpful all of a sudden Joseph,” he said.

“Think nothing of it,” said Joe happily. “I reckon Hop Sing might be a bit calmer now, so I’ll just be off to the kitchen to get one for you ma’am.” He tipped his hat at the widow again and shot off towards the kitchen.

“What a lovely young man your Joseph is,” sighed the widow. “It’s rare to see such a well-mannered young man nowadays Ben.”

“Yes,” replied Ben, trying to smile between his gritted teeth. “He’s very well-mannered.”

The widow sidled up a little closer to him. “Isn’t this just so comfy, Duckie?” she breathed, giving him a large smile. “Just you and me here together. Coo …. How lovely!”

Ben cringed at her strident cockney accent, which always grated so much on his nerves. She and her husband had come to the United States years ago, yet somehow she had never managed to lose her accent. That and the fact that she had spent years with him travelling all over the countryside while he performed his weight-lifting in various circuses, made her quite an oddity around town. Ben couldn’t for the life of him think why she had made him a romantic target …. For two people couldn’t have possibly been more unalike as himself and the widow …. But the sad truth was that she had. One thing was for sure …. he certainly didn’t like his name linked with hers in any way.

He leant away from her as he replied. “Nice,” he said, wishing with all his might that he could get up and move.

The kitchen door opened again and Joe strolled out with a coffeepot and a cup in his hand. “Here you are,” he said, putting them on the table. “I got some fresh for you.”

“Thank you ducky,” said the widow, pouring herself some coffee. “Coffee Benjamin?” She poured Ben out a cup as well, not even waiting for his reply. “Joseph?” she asked, looking around for his mug.

Joe put his hand and waved her away. “No thank you ma’am,” he said, with a twinkle in his eyes. “I got things to do. I need to help Hoss with that mare in the barn.” He patted her on the arm. “Now you just sit here and have a nice long visit with my Pa,” he continued. “He’s a bit out of sorts what with his ankle and all, but don’t you take any noticed of him. What he really needs is some company right about now.”

“Joseph!” shouted Ben as his youngest son turned on his heel and began to walk to the barn. “Get back here!”

Widow Hawkins reached out and put her hand over Ben’s on the table. “Now let him get to his work Benjamin,” she said. “It’s so much nicer with just the two of us … don’t you think?”

Ben gave her a horrified look before opening his mouth again. “Joseph!” he shouted to his son’s disappearing figure, but Little Joe simply ignored his father and disappeared into the barn.

“So,” said Widow Hawkins, sipping her coffee. “Let me fill you in on the comings and goings in town duckie.” She settled back on her chair and gave him a loving look.

For the next ten minutes, Ben was subjected to the intimate details of the lives of everyone who had crossed the widow’s path in the past week in town. He heard many things he had no interest in and many things he certainly didn’t want to hear … and was just about to try shouting for Little Joe again when to his great relief Adam came riding around the side of the barn at a fast pace.

Ordinarily he would have shouted out an admonishment to his son about his breakneck speed, but at that moment all he could feel was the greatest relief that he was rescued from the clutches of Widow Hawkins and that drove everything else out of his mind. “Adam!” he shouted, a little too loudly and made Widow Hawkins stop in mid-sentence as she told him the interesting details she’d heard in Doc Martin’s office about Mrs Anderson’s warts. “Adam!” shouted Ben again. “Over here son!” He felt like adding the word quickly … but thought better of it.

Adam swung down from his saddle, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. “Where are they?” he demanded as he strode across the front yard towards his father.

“Adam … we have company,” interrupted Ben, indicating the Widow sitting beside him. He gave his eldest son an entreating look that even through his anger Adam couldn’t help but take notice of. He acknowledged his father’s remark with a slight nod of his head as he visibly tried to get his emotions under control.

“Ma’am,” he said, tipping his hat at the woman.

“Coo … Adam,” answered the widow. “I swear you’re getting as handsome as yer Pa here.”

Adam gave her a weak smile and for a moment felt great empathy with his father. “Where are they?” he repeated as he turned towards the man.

“If you’re referring to your brothers …” began Ben, leaning even further away from the woman beside him. “They are …”

“Who else would I be referring to?” Adam interrupted. “When I get my hands on those two, they’re going to regret their lack of work today. I mean …. I expect it of Joe. He’s as lazy as all get-out. But Hoss! I never thought that he’d …” He stopped as he saw the two of them giving him strange looks. “Sorry,” he said in a calmer tone. “It’s just that I’ve been working out there all day while those two ….”

Ben put up a hand. “Now Adam,” he said. “Hoss did his fair share this morning, didn’t he?”

“Well …. Yes,” Adam acknowledged. “But I expected him back ages ago. And as for that lazy, good-for-nothing Little Joe … well ….”

Widow Hawkins sat forward in her chair and stared at Adam. “Cor!” she exclaimed. “You ain’t half like yer Pa when you get riled up. Your eyes go real dark like his do.”

Adam gave her a puzzled look and then looked back at his father. For a fleeting instant he remembered how he felt whenever that Virginia City schoolteacher Abigail Jones trapped him and he felt a rush of sympathy with the man. “Mighty nice of you to come out to see Pa ma’am,” he said, taking off his hat and running his hands through his dark hair. “Considering and all.”

The widow frowned. “Considering what?”

Adam shrugged. “Well … his problem being contagious and all,” he said, as if that explained everything.

The widow immediately moved away from Ben. “What do ya mean …. Contagious?” she asked. “It ain’t nuthin but a sore ankle as I heard tell it.”

Adam nodded, not daring to look at his father. “Well yes,” he said. “That’s part of it of course. We’re trying not to let it be known to too many people though that Pa also has a contagious condition. The ankle is really just an excuse to keep him away from people for a little while in case they come down with … it.”

Ben frowned. “Adam …” he said.

Adam held up his hand. “I know what you’re going to say Pa,” he said quickly before his father could continue. “But I’m sure that Mrs Hawkins won’t tell anyone.” He sat down on the edge of the porch. “Mighty brave of you to come ma’am,” he said. “But there’s no sense overdoing things.” He gave her an intense look. “You aren’t feeling itchy at all, are you?” he enquired.

Widow Hawkins got to her feet quickly. “No,” she said. “Well I really must be going now Ben. I hope you enjoy the cake.” She bounded off the porch as quickly as she could and practically ran towards her buggy. Adam gave a short chuckle and walked after her to help her up. “Goodbye Adam,” she said, turning the horses around as quickly as she could. “Bye Ben!”

“Now don’t forget to try not to scratch!” Adam called after her. “It only makes it worse!”

“That wasn’t very nice,” said Ben, trying to keep a straight face. “That was a deliberate lie Adam.”

Adam shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know,” he said as he came and sat down on the porch again. “It could have been the truth. After all …. You could have a contagious disease and just not know it yet. It never hurts to be too careful you know Pa.” His eyes twinkled as he fought to keep a straight face and his expression was mirrored in the face of his father.

“Yes … well …” said Ben, trying to think of something appropriate to say. “I owe you one son,” he said at last.

“Don’t mention it,” replied Adam with a grin at his father. “Now …. where are those two brothers of mine? I’m going to skin them alive … especially that youngest one.” He looked around, expecting to see them popping up anywhere.

“Now Adam,” said his father, holding up a hand to silence him. “They haven’t done anything really bad.”

Adam frowned. “That’s the problem Pa,” he said angrily. “They haven’t done anything while I’ve been out there slaving away in the hot sun all day with nothing but cold jerky to eat. Where are they?”

Ben noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye over near the barn, but didn’t turn his head in that direction. If Hoss and Joe knew what was good for them, they would stay holed up in there until their brother had calmed down somewhat. “They’re young Adam,” he said. “I guess that they don’t take things as seriously as you do, that’s all.”

Adam shook his head. “I’m sick and tired of trying to keep them in line. At least Hoss is somewhat responsible when he’s not under Joe’s influence, but that … that youngest brother of mine is just plain …”

“Plain lazy,” Ben finished for him. “Yes, I know son. I’ve heard it all before. I agree that Joseph’s work habits leave a lot to be desired at times, but when he does put his mind to it he can hold his own with the best of them. You must admit that.”

“He’s a good worker,” Adam agreed. “But it’s a rare occasion to get him into the mood for it. Honestly Pa, I don’t know how you can be so patient with him.”

Ben shrugged and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Perhaps it’s because I envy him the ability to look at life in the carefree way he does,” he said softly. “And I’m sorry that you … or in fact myself …. never had the opportunity to be like that at his age.” He reached out and put his hand on his eldest son’s shoulder. “Don’t be too hard on him Adam,” he said. “He’s just young.”

“He’s just young and lazy,” said Adam, the anger still smouldering in his eyes. “All I want from him is a hard day’s work Pa. Is that too much to expect?”

“No,” replied Ben. “That’s not too much to expect son.” He looked up to the sky. “Lovely day, isn’t it?” he said, trying to deflect Adam’s anger.

Adam grunted. “I hadn’t noticed,” he said. “I’ve been too busy working.”

Ben patted the young man on the shoulder in an understanding way. He knew that Adam was right about Joe, but couldn’t help but try and defend his miscreant youngest son anyway. “They’ll be around soon,” he said. “And I’m sure they’ll get some work done then. Better late than never, eh?”

Adam opened his mouth to answer, but shut it again as he noticed his two brothers coming out of the barn with sheepish expressions on their faces. “Well?” he shouted.

“Hi Adam,” said Hoss.

“Don’t you hi Adam me!” Adam shouted. “I send you home to get this ….” He gave Joe a withering look. “…this brother of ours … and you never come back! Where on earth have you been?”

Hoss shrugged. “I’m sure sorry bout that Adam,” he said. “But I was plumb hungry and hadta get a bite to eat and then Brandy needed tending to. I was about ta get right back ta work.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed. “You were plumb hungry,” he said angrily. “Did it occur to you that I might be hungry as well? I’ve been out there slaving away all day …”

“Well now, that’s where you made your mistake,” Little Joe cut in. “You shouldn’t work so hard older brother. It ain’t good fer you to be working all the time.”

Adam gave his youngest brother a withering look. “You!” he shouted. “How dare you tell me what to do! I’ve been expecting you out there for hours and instead you’ve been doing nothing!”

Joe looked indignant. “Nothing!” he shouted back. “I’ll have you know that I’ve had a full day’s work! First I went all the way to town and back fer Hop Sing’s supplies, then I’ve been looking after poor Pa …” He gave his father a comforting look. “… in his hour of need. I’ve been keeping his company entertained and feeding them and ….” He searched his brain to think of anything else he’d been doing. “And … and helping Hoss with tending to Brandy,” he finished triumphantly. “And you say I’ve been doing nothing?” He gave his brother a superior look. “Just because I wasn’t out there working with you don’t mean that I haven’t been busy,” he declared.

Adam shook his head. “You’re unbelievable!” he shouted. “I’ve been slaving away in the hot sun all day and you’ve been lolling about here having a good time …. You call that fair?”

Hoss nodded. “He’s got a point Joe,” he said.

“Well if you’re stupid enough to keep on working, it ain’t my problem!” Joe shouted back, giving his traitor brother Hoss a dark look.

“That is enough!” shouted Ben, from his position on the porch, but no one took any notice of him.

“Well someone has to do the work around here!” shouted Adam. “It sure is certain that you aren’t doing any! I expected more from you Joe … especially while Pa’s not well.”

“How many times do I have to tell everyone that I’m fine?” said Ben. “It’s only a sore ankle.” None of his sons listened to him, but continued to glare at each other angrily.

“I’m doing my fair share!” said Joe. “I always do!”

“That’s a joke,” snorted Adam. “You’ve never done your fair share.”

Joe glared at his brother before reaching forward and giving him a slight push on the chest. “You take that back!” he shouted.

“Joseph!” warned Ben.

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and gave his brother a withering look. “No,” he said in a low voice. “I meant it.”

Joe’s face turned red and he launched himself at his brother, nearly knocking him off his feet.

“Joseph!” shouted Ben again and reached out for his walking stick.

Adam steadied himself and took a step backwards as Hoss leant forward and held onto Joe’s collar to hold him away from Adam. “Just settle down little buddy,” he said calmly. “He don’t mean nothing by it.”

“He does!” shouted Joe angrily as he tried to free himself and reach Adam again. His arms flailed wildly in all directions. “You shut up Adam!”

“Boys!” shouted Ben, struggling to his feet and leaning heavily on his walking stick in an attempt to take a step. “That is enough of all this nonsense! Joseph …. Behave yourself!” He struggled forward, but lost his balance and tripped, landing heavily on his knees.

“Pa!” shouted Hoss, letting go of Little Joe and rushing towards his father.

“Pa!” shouted Adam, following close behind him.

“Pa!” shouted Joe, pushing in from the rear.

“Are you OK?” asked Hoss anxiously as he bent over his father.

“I’m fine,” said Ben, trying to get up again. “It’s just this darned ankle.”

“Doc Martin said you wasn’t to stand on it,” said Joe, pointing a finger at his father accusingly as Hoss and Adam grabbed their father under his arms and sat him down on his chair again.

“Well I wouldn’t have tried to stand on it if any of you had listened to me,” said Ben, rubbing the offending limb. “Such behaviour!”

“Well Adam said ….” began Joe, his voice rising again.

“I heard what he said,” interrupted Ben. “And I say enough! From all of you,” he added, looking around at his three sons. “I just don’t know what gotten into all of you today.” He sighed. “It’s such a beautiful day,” he added. “Do you all have to spoil it by fighting?”

“Sorry Pa,” said Adam in a contrite tone. “But you know how I feel about people who don’t do their fair share.” He gave Joe a meaningful look.

Joe shook his head. “The trouble with you older brother, is that you get so caught up with all that work that you don’t have time for nothing else. Now the way I see it, we’d be much better off using our energy for fishing this afternoon than standing here arguing like this.”

Hoss’ eyes lit up. “Now there’s an idea,” he said happily.

Adam’s jaw dropped. “Are you seriously suggesting that we take the rest of the afternoon off and go fishing?” he said to Joe.

Joe nodded. “Sure!” he said. “Why not? Like Pa said … it’s a beautiful day … too beautiful to waste it by working. What do you think Pa?” he asked, giving his father one of his most charming smiles. “Big brother here could do with a spot of fishing to ease his stress, don’t you think?”

Ben shook his head. “You leave me out of this,” he said, beginning to feel quite amused at the way Joe could so blithely try to manipulate people. “Adam’s in charge while I’m laid up with this ankle.”

Joe flashed a smile at Adam. “What do you say then big brother?” he said. “I ain’t holding no grudges if you ain’t.”

Adam’s jaw became slacker. “You’re incredible,” he said finally.

Joe looked pleased at what he decided was a compliment. “Thanks,” he said. “I try. So how about it? By the time we got back out to the North Section it’d be nearly dark anyways … ain’t no point the way I look at it. Whereas we could get a whole hour’s fishing in and sweeten up Hop Sing with some fresh fish for supper into the bargain if we start now.”

“Now there’s an idea,” said Hoss again. “He sure could do with some sweetening up.”

“What’s wrong with Hop Sing?” asked Adam in spite of himself.

“Joe forgot the sugar and he got Hop Sing all riled up,” said Hoss.

“Hop Sing not riled up!” shouted the cook, coming up behind them on the porch. He looked at the cake in the basket. “Where flat cake come from?”

“Widow Hawkins,” said Ben with a sigh. “I thought we could have it after supper.”

Hoss rubbed his hands together. “Oh boy!” he said happily. “We get dessert after all.”

Joe grinned at Hop Sing as the cook picked up the basket and gave the cake a disgusted look. “See Hop Sing?” he said. “You didn’t need that sugar after all.”

“Cake flat!” declared Hop Sing and then began to mutter something in Chinese. “Will have to do though.” He gave Joe a dark look. “No sugar to make better one.”

Joe unconsciously rubbed his head, remembering the wooden spoon from earlier. “We’ll catch you a mess of fish for supper too if you like Hop Sing,” he said.

Hop Sing glared at him. “You catch fish and want Hop Sing clean for supper?” he shouted. “No time for cleaning fish!” He glared at Ben. “Too much work with Mr Cartwright around house all day without cleaning fish!”

“Don’t worry,” Joe assured him. “Hoss will clean em … won’t ya Hoss?”

Hoss’ eyes widened. “Why me?” he asked.

“Because you’re the best at it,” said Joe patiently. “You’re a real expert Hoss. I’ll watch and learn from you and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be good at it like you are.”

“Yeah … I am good at it,” acknowledged Hoss proudly and Ben shook his head as Joseph once again successfully manipulated his brother and got out of doing the job himself. “OK Hop Sing … I’ll clean the fish and have em ready fer you ta cook,” added Hoss. He licked his lips. I can almost taste em now,” he said happily.

“I’ll get the fishing poles,” said Joe.

“Just a minute!” said Adam. “I haven’t said we’re going yet!”

“Aw come on Adam!” pleaded Joe. “You know you want to …. Besides, you’ve done all that hard work today … you deserve some time off.”

Adam hesitated, clearly caught between his desires and his duty. “Well …” he said.

“Please Adam?” said Hoss.

Adam rolled his eyes. “Oh … all right,” he said. “I can see I’m not going to get any work out of either of you today anyway.”

Joe let out a whoop and ran towards the barn to get the rods and tackle. “I’ll get our horses watered afore we go,” said Hoss happily. He slapped Adam on the shoulder as he passed him. “Thanks brother.”

Adam stood staring into space for a moment, wondering how he could have gone from being so determined to get his brothers back to work … to going fishing … in such a short space of time.

“Good decision son,” said Ben, trying to hid his amused expression.

Adam gave his father a shrug. “Yeah … well, they’re going to make up for it tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll expect them both out there in the North Section at sun-up.”

“Of course,” replied Ben. “Hop Sing, why don’t you take that cake inside? With the boys fishing for supper and dessert all organised you won’t have much to do now.”

“Hop Sing always have too much to do!” countered the cook. “Mr Cartwright around house all day and make lots of work!” He gathered up all the coffee mugs and the two coffeepots and began to make his way back to the kitchen, muttering to himself in Chinese.

Ben sat back in his chair and watched his three sons getting into their saddles. “You want to come Pa?” asked Adam. “We could get you in the buckboard and down to the creek if you wanted to.”

Ben shook his head. “No thank you son,” he said. “You go and have a good time. I’ll just sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet for while.”

Joe looked concerned. “You won’t get bored?” he asked anxiously.

Ben chuckled. “No Joe, I won’t get bored,” he replied. “I’d like to be alone now for a while if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing Pa,” said Hoss, giving his father a grin. “We’ll see you at supper time.”

Ben waved to his sons as they rode out of the front yard. What was it Joseph had said? Get bored? How on earth could anyone possibly get bored around here? He sighed and leant back in his chair as he listened to the silence around him.

The End

[1] The Widow Hawkins appears in the Bonanza episode: “The Burma Rarity”