Summary:  Hoss is feeling overshadowed by his two brothers.
Rating:  G  (4,320 words)

In Between

It was so unusual for Ben to have to think about this, that he wasn’t really sure where to start.  There were many times when he had to contemplate how to get through to that hard-headed eldest son of his, when they had clashed over things and he needed to try and break through the exterior that Adam put up around himself. He couldn’t count the times that he and Joseph had clashed over things.  The amount of energy he had to put into figuring that boy was amazing!  But Hoss?  Never had Ben really felt like this about that middle boy of his.

The other two had always needed his careful guiding hand to bring them through the usual boyhood scrapes and complications.  Joseph in particular had always challenged his father’s parenting skills to the limit.  But Hoss had never been the sort of boy that Ben had needed to give much attention to in that way at all.  It was almost as if he had raised himself in many ways.  Ben had always blessed the fact that he had been a self-sufficient type of child.  He had started life as a placid baby, developed into a happy youngster and had matured into a pleasant young man who never caused a fuss or looked for problems.

Yet here he was causing his father more anxiety than either of the others.  And that was saying something, given Adam’s intense nature and Joseph’s talent for mischief.

Ben sat back in his chair as he reflected over the events of the last few days.  First there had been the incident with Adam and his friend from Boston ……

‘What kind of name is that anyways?’  Joe had asked in great amusement. ‘Percival?  Ya gotta be joking!’  He giggled at the mere thought of it.

Adam glared across the table at his youngest brother, not at all amused by the source of his merriment. ‘It’s an old family name, he didn’t exactly choose it you know!’ he said. ‘Anyway, he prefers to be called Percy.  At least he did when we were at College together.’

Joe giggled again. ‘Well that’s not much better!’  He glanced at Hoss, eager to bring him in on the joke. ‘What d’ya reckon Hoss?  Sounds like a wimp to me!’

‘Mmm,’ Hoss replied without looking up from his plate.

Ben glared at his youngest son. ‘I hope you are not going to carry on like this when Adam’s guest arrives,’ he admonished him before turning to address Adam. ‘You’d better hurry if you’re going to meet that stage son.’

Adam stood up and wiped his mouth on his napkin. ‘I’ll get going,’ he said. ‘And you watch yourself,’ he said to Joe as he passed him. ‘Percy’s an old friend, and I won’t have you carrying on about him.’  He tried to swipe the boy on the head as he passed, but Joe was too quick for him and ducked just at the right moment.  He made a face at Hoss as Adam left the room, but Hoss ignored him and simply sat and chewed as he stared at the wall behind Joe’s head.  Joe frowned at him.

‘What’s the matter with you?’  he asked. ‘You look like you swallowed a worm or something.’

Hoss frowned at him. ‘Why don’t you just shut up Joe?’ he said. ‘Just quit carrying on about that Percy fella why don’t ya?’

Joe stared at him. ‘Well who’s funeral are you off to anyway?’  he said sarcastically. ‘Can’t say anything lately to you without getting my head bit off!’  He stood up from the table as well. ‘Well I’m gonna get out of here before you make me miserable too!’  He stomped out of the room.

Ben glanced at Hoss beside him. Joe’s right!  He does look miserable.  Wonder what that’s all about?  ‘Son?’ he asked as he put a hand on Hoss’ arm. ‘Something the matter?’

Hoss looked down at the plate in front of him. ‘Nuh,’ he said.

Ben tried again. ‘You do seem out of sorts lately.  Are you sure there is nothing the matter?’

Hoss looked up at his father. ‘What could possibly be the matter Pa?’ he said. ‘Nothings ever the matter with me is it?’

‘No, not usually,’ Ben replied. ‘That’s why I’m concerned about you. I think your brothers have noticed it too.’

‘Why would they? Specially Adam with his great friend coming ta stay.  He wouldn’t notice anything past his own nose at the moment!’

Ben blinked. It was so unusual for this boy of his to speak like that about one of his brothers that it took a moment for him to register what he had actually said.  ‘Hoss, Adam is naturally excited about seeing Percy.  They haven’t been able to catch up with other for years, you know that!’

Hoss scratched his head. ‘Yeah Pa, I know that!  It’s just that when he comes they’re gonna …..’

‘They’re going to what?’  prompted Ben.

‘Nuthin,’ Hoss muttered. ‘I’ve gotta get ta work now Pa, see ya later.’

Ben sat and thought as his son left the room. Perhaps the boy was worried that Adam wouldn’t have time for him while his friend was around?  Perhaps he was feeling left out?  After all, the two of them were close.  Ben resolved to talk to Adam about including Hoss in some of his activities while Percy was around.

That, however, proved to be easier said than done.  Percy turned out to be a very likeable young man, and even Joseph got on with him once he got over the fascination with his name.  It was natural for Adam to be very caught up in entertaining his guest of course and he spent many hours showing him around The Ponderosa and Virginia City.

Ben watched Hoss carefully during these few days and was certain that he felt a little left out, but he also sensed it was more than that.  After all, Hoss wasn’t a child and he had Joseph who always seemed to be around.  No, Ben was sure there was more to his son’s unhappiness than a simple case of neglect.

It all came to a head at dinner one evening on the third day of Percy’s stay.  He and Adam were entertaining the family with their reminiscences of Boston and their College days.

‘…of course Adam had to make out that he knew what we were talking about,’ spluttered Percy. ‘And the next day in Professor Stanton’s lecture he tried to bluff his way through.’

‘… and Professor Stanton saw straight through me of course!’ said Adam with a grin. ‘After all, how was I supposed to know that it wasn’t even a theorem.  They set me up good and proper!’

Ben chuckled and Joe grinned at them both. ‘So what did you do?’ he asked.

‘Nothing,’ said Adam. ‘I figured I was in enough trouble, so I simply pretended that I had understood all along and nothing was wrong. To this day I’m sure the good Professor doesn’t understand why the whole class erupted in laughter.  His Physics lessons were never the same for us all after that.’

Ben laughed again and glanced at Hoss who sat frowning at his meal and not eating for once. ‘What do you reckon Hoss,’ said Joe in between fits of laughter. ‘I would have liked to have seen that, wouldn’t you?’

Hoss merely shrugged his shoulders and stood up from the table. ‘I guess,’ he said and turned away from the table. ‘I’ve got to see to that horse we talked about today Pa.  I’ll be out in the barn for a while.’

They all watched him leave the room. ‘What’s eating him?’ said Joe.

Ben shook his head and smiled at them. ‘I’m sure he’s fine,’ he said. ‘More vegetables Percy?’

Ben frowned as he recalled Hoss’ reaction to him when he tried to talk to him later that evening.  He said that nothing was wrong, but Ben knew differently.  Yet try as he would to get him to talk, Hoss just clammed up and refused to confide in his father.  Then there was the incident with Joseph in town……

It happened the day after when all of them had gone into Virginia City to have lunch.  Ben had offered to treat all the boys to a meal in honour of Percy’s arrival and they were all to meet at the International House after a morning of doing their own errands.  Normally Hoss loved nothing better than a good lunch there, as the Hotel had the finest cuisine in town, but the minute he entered the room with his younger brother Ben could see that things weren’t right between them.

Joe bounced in as was his usual fashion, but Ben noticed he kept a wary eye on his brother who trailed behind him with a face like thunder. He also noticed that Joe took great care to sit as far away from his brother as was possible and positioned himself next to Ben as if for protection. Ben hid a smile.

‘So boys,’ he said pleasantly. ‘How was your morning?’

‘Great!’ said Joe glancing at his brother.

‘Hoss?’ said Ben, pretending to study the menu. Hoss didn’t answer, but merely gave a dark look in the direction of his brother. ‘Hoss?’ Ben repeated.

‘Fine,’ he said shortly. ‘Except for this one here interfering with my life as he usually does.’

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘It’s not my fault!’ he said indignantly. ‘I can’t help it if girls find me irresistable!’

‘Joseph!’ said his father sternly. ‘What have you done this time?’

Joe looked at his father innocently. ‘Honest Pa, I did nothing!’ he said. ‘I just happened to be there.  It wasn’t my fault!’

Ben was fast losing patience. ‘What wasn’t your fault?’ he said. ‘Will someone please tell me what is going on here?’

Hoss pointed a finger accusingly at his younger brother. ‘He,’ he said, ‘came along and spoilt the best chance I had a getting a date with Sue-Ellen in weeks. Just when I had her about to agree to going to the dance next week with me, this interfering busybody has to come along and she goes all wide-eyed over him!’

Joe was quick to defend himself. ‘Yeah, well I didn’t ask her to did I?  Like I said…I’m just irresistible to girls.  I don’t even have to encourage them to have them fall all over me!’  He smirked and Hoss looked as if he was about to reach across the table and throttle him.

‘Joseph there is such a thing as modesty,’ said Ben reprovingly. ‘Please use some of it!’

‘Yes Pa,’ said Joe, hiding his face in the menu to avoid both their dark looks.

‘And you,’ said Ben turning to Hoss. ‘I’m sure your brother didn’t mean to disturb your courting.  Why don’t you try again?’

‘What’s the point?’ said Hoss mournfully. ‘She probably won’t go with me now anyway.’

‘Who won’t go with you where?’ asked Adam as he and Percy approached the table. ‘Sorry we’re late Pa, but we got held up.’

‘None of your business,’ replied Hoss. ‘What is it with this family anyway?  Everyone needs to know everything!’

They all stared at him in amazement.  That sort of comment usually came from Joe, not Hoss.  It was very out of character for him.

‘I think you’d better just settle down and order something,’ said Ben. ‘There’s no need for that kind of talk thank you!’

Hoss flung down the menu and stood up. ‘Well I won’t interrupt your fine lunch by staying then,’ he said. ‘I’ll see you back at the ranch!’  He turned and left the room without another word and they all looked at him in amazement.

‘What happened?’ asked Adam when he could find his voice. ‘That’s not like Hoss.’

‘I know,’ said Ben. ‘He hasn’t been himself for a while now. Something is going on with him.’

‘Well that’s a change,’ said Adam. ‘It’s usually Joe who storms out and we all talk about him.’  He winked at Percy and then looked at his younger brother to gauge his reaction.

Joe bit immediately at the remark. ‘What do you mean you all talk about me?’ he asked indignantly.

Ben held up his hand. ‘Quiet you two,’ he said. ‘I’ve got enough to worry about with Hoss without you two starting up as well.  Let’s order.’

Joe threw Adam a dark look and made a mental note to find out about his remark later.

Later that afternoon as they were riding home, Ben noticed Hoss’ tracks veering off the side of the trail in front of them. ‘You go ahead boys,’ he said. ‘I’ll catch up with you at home.’

He had a fairly good idea of where the tracks would lead.  He knew the habits of all his boys when they were upset or worried about something. Adam usually brooded over things for a while and became very quiet.  Ben knew to leave him alone when he was like that and eventually he would come to his father with the problem.  Ben had learned over the years not to seek him out and pressure him into talking, as it simply didn’t work.  Joe always let everyone know when he had a problem simply by blurting it out for everyone to hear, and when he didn’t, Ben knew he could always find him thinking on it up at the lake near his mother’s grave.  He simply had to go up there and sit with him for a while and the boy would bare his soul to him.

Hoss rarely had a problem that he needed to talk out with his father, but when he did he would lose himself in his work for a while and then go and sit by the river looking towards the mountains.  Ben headed for there now and sure enough his tracks led him straight to the spot.

‘So?’ he said as he sat himself next to his son. ‘Are you going to tell me straight out what’s eating away at you or do we have to sit here while I figure it out?’

Hoss grinned at him, the first smile Ben had seen on his face for days. ‘You always know, don’t you Pa?’ he said.

‘Well it doesn’t take much to figure it out this time,’ said his father. ‘You’ve been like a bear with a sore head for the past few days.  You’re angry with Adam and now this episode with Joe.  What’s going on Hoss?’

Hoss scratched his head. ‘I’m sorry Pa,’ he said. ‘I just don’t seem ta be able ta help myself lately.’

‘I know that it’s a bit hard on you with Adam so busy with Percy lately, said Ben. ‘But he doesn’t mean to neglect you.’

Hoss shook his head. ‘It ain’t that Pa,’ he said. ‘I like Percy and Adam ain’t seen him for years.  He’s got a right ta hang around with him.  I don’t mind.’

Ben frowned. ‘Then what is it?’ he asked.

Hoss sighed. ‘The other night at the dinner table when they was talking about all them stories from College,’ he said. ‘Every time I listen to them they’re carrying on about the things they did.’

‘That’s only natural,’ said his father. ‘They shared a few years together there you know.’

‘I know that…..but Pa, well…….I don’t even know what they’re talking about.  That stuff with the theorems and all.  I didn’t have a clue what it was all about.  You and Joe did, but I couldn’t catch onto it.  It’s been like that all week.  I can’t understand half their conversations.’  He sighed again. ‘I guess I’m just a big dumb old Hoss.  I’m surprised Adam didn’t ask me to disappear while Percy is here so that I wouldn’t embarrass him.’

‘I don’t want to hear you talking like that Hoss!  Adam would never be ashamed of you!’ said Ben. ‘Just because you don’t understand their conversations doesn’t mean that you’re dumb!’

‘Yeah?  Well I feel like I’m dumb.  And Joe today in town……. I know he didn’t mean ta do it, but I just can’t compete with the charm that boy’s got.  Women don’t even look at me when he’s around!’

‘Don’t you worry about Joe,’ said Ben. ‘That boy can be too charming for his own good at times.  Quite a few girls have found that out!’

Hoss continued as if he hadn’t even heard his father. ‘It just seems like I’m stuck in the middle all the time Pa,’ he said. ‘I mean, ya know I love them both, but I just can’t compete with either of them.  Every time I turn around Adam is smarter or Joe is more charming, and both of them are so good looking!  All I am is a dumb and ugly old Hoss!’

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulder. ‘You are not!’ he said. ‘You are a wonderful young man! You are the most caring person I’ve ever come across and you are far more perceptive than either of your brothers about many things.  You shouldn’t compare yourself to them.’

Hoss looked at his father. ‘But I can’t help it Pa!’ he said. ‘All my life Adam has been the smart older brother and Joe has been the cute younger one.  I love them both Pa, but I’m sick of being the nothing one in the middle! Being caring and all doesn’t matter to me any more Pa……..it just ain’t enough!’  He stood up and stomped over to his horse.  After a moment he turned. ‘I’m sorry Pa, I don’t mean to upset ya.  Just fergit about it will ya?’  He mounted up and trotted off before Ben had a chance to speak.

Ben sat and stared into the river. He understood what Hoss was saying. The problem was that he thought he was right. It was no one’s fault, but that middle boy of his did seem to have been short changed in so many areas that he longed to have gifts in. It seemed that they had all been so used to his easy-going nature that they had taken for granted the fact that he seemed to accept the way things were.

Ben stood up and looked across the land that he loved so much.  He had always tried to do the right thing by all his boys, but had he been remiss in giving this middle son of his all that he needed.  Hoss needed a good dose of self-esteem, and he knew just the two people to give it to him.

‘But Pa, we never meant him to feel that way,’ said Adam, his concern etched on his face.

‘Yeah, I can’t help it if I’m so good looking and intelligent that he feels he’s not as good as me,’ chimed in Joe.  Adam reached across and hit him on the side of the head while Ben frowned at his youngest son.

‘Joseph!’ he admonished. ‘That is just the sort of remark I’m talking about!  That sort of careless talk only causes Hoss to feel less sure of himself.’

Joe slunk down on the settee. ‘Sorry,’ he mumbled while he rubbed his head.

‘So what can we do Pa?’ asked Adam, while ignoring his younger brother. ‘We have to make him feel better.’

Ben nodded. ‘Just look for opportunities to make him feel good about himself,’ he said. ‘I’m sure you’ll think of something boys.’

Adam looked into the fireplace, lost in thought. Joe sat with a concentrated look on his face, screwing up his eyes in an attempt to look serious. After a few moments Ben stood up to leave the room.

‘Hey Adam?’ asked Joe.

‘Mmm?’

‘I’ve got an idea.’

Adam grinned at him. ‘So have I.’ he said as he stood up. ‘I have to find Percy.  I’ll need his help.’

Joe stood up too.’ I have to go into town,’ he said. I need to get some help too.’

Both brothers left the room, each lost in his own thoughts and plans.

‘Where is that younger brother of yours?’ said Ben crossly. ‘I’m tired of him being late for meals every time we sit down to eat.’

‘He said something about going into town,’ said Adam. ‘I’m sure he won’t be long.’

‘Well we’re not waiting for him,’ said Ben, picking up a platter from the table. ‘Meat, Percy?’

‘Thank you Mr Cartwright,’ said Percy as he helped himself. ‘This is sure fine beef you raise here on The Ponderosa.  I sure haven’t tasted anything finer.’

‘Ben smiled at him. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Although the boys should take the credit instead of me.’

‘Adam tells me that Hoss in responsible for running the entire cattle operation.’ Hoss looked up from his plate. ‘I don’t know how you keep track of it all Hoss.’

Hoss looked puzzled. ‘It ain’t nothing,’ he said. ‘They’re just animals.’

‘Well I couldn’t do it,’ said Percy. ‘It seems to me that it’s not just understanding the animals, it’s a lot of other things besides.’

Hoss chewed thoughtfully and thought before he answered. ‘Yeah, well I guess you’re right,’ he said. ‘There’s knowing what ta do with them, and where the best places are ta put them.  Then there’s reading the weather signs and understanding how the breeding program works.’

‘And don’t forget knowing the market,’ added Adam. ‘My brother is one of the best at knowing just how much to go for and when to sell.’

‘He knows the stock value as well,’ chimed in Ben as he caught on to what was happening. ‘There’s no one in the Territory who can pick a bull like Hoss can.’

Percy shook his head. ‘Well it’s all strange to me,’ he said. ‘Hey Hoss, do you think I could come out with you on your next job to watch?’

Hoss puffed up. ‘Sure thing,’ he said. ‘I’m organising some branding tomorrow.  How about I take you along to see that?’

Percy grinned at him. ‘That would be wonderful!’ he said. ‘I hope you don’t mind Adam?’

Adam shrugged his shoulders. ‘No that’s OK.  I couldn’t explain it to you like Hoss would. I’ll think of something to keep myself amused for the day.’

There was a bang behind them and Joe entered the room like a whirlwind. ‘Sorry Pa!’ he said as he slid into his seat. ‘I got caught up in town.’

Ben raised his eyebrow. ‘It would be appreciated Joseph if you could remember to be on time in the future.’

‘I was gonna be, but I got sidetracked at the last minute,’ said Joe apologetically.

‘That’s the story of your life,’ said Hoss. ‘You’re always getting sidetracked little brother.’

Joe grinned at him. ‘Well it was your fault that I did this time,’ he said cheekily.

‘My fault?’ said Hoss. ‘How on earth could it be my fault that you’re late to supper?’

Joe drew a piece of paper out of his pocket. ‘Sue-Ellen stopped me and asked me to give this to you,’ he said. ‘I couldn’t be rude and just walk away could I?  I had to stop and talk to her.’

Hoss gave him a dark look. ‘I’ll bet you did!’ he said as he snatched the piece of paper and glanced at it.  Joe sat with a grin on his face as he watched his brother’s eyes nearly pop out of his head.

‘What is it Hoss?’ he asked innocently.

‘None of your business,’ said Hoss. ‘Pa can I be excused now?  I want ta get into town tonight.’

‘Of course,’ said his father and watched as Hoss bounded up the stairs. He turned to Joe. ‘Just what exactly have you done?’ he asked. ‘What was that all about?’

Joe grinned even wider. ‘Nothing to worry about Pa,’ he said. ‘I just persuaded Sue-Ellen to invite Hoss into town tonight for a bit of a talk. She owes me a couple of favours.’

‘And what’s going to happen when he finds out what you’re up to?’ asked Adam. ‘Is that really fair to him to get her to lead him on like that?’

Joe frowned at him. ‘It’ll make him feel a bit better won’t it?’ he said. ‘And he doesn’t have to find out unless some busybody like you tells him!’

‘Joseph is only trying to help,’ Ben interrupted. ‘Just like you are Adam.  I appreciated both of you trying to help.  And you too Percy,’ he said.  ‘It’s nice of you to give up your day tomorrow.’

Percy held up his hand. ‘I really am interested in things around here,’ he said. ‘I don’t mind.’

‘Well let’s hope all this helps Hoss,’ said Ben.

At breakfast the next morning Hoss seemed to be a different person. ‘How did you go in town last night son?’ asked Ben casually. ‘Anything happening in there?’

‘Not much,’ said Hoss with his mouth full. ‘I didn’t have much time to talk ta anyone really. I was busy seeing Sue-Ellen.’

‘Yeah?’ interrupted Joe. ‘Was that what the note was about?’

‘Yeah,’ said Hoss happily. ‘Seems she’d like ta go to the dance with me after all.’

Joe frowned. ‘You’re kidding!’ he said. ‘But she was supp….’

Hoss looked up. ‘She was what?’ he asked.

Joe gulped. ‘Supposed to be real popular,’ he said. ‘Good one brother,’ he finished lamely.  He stared at Hoss intently for a moment, wondering exactly what had gone on the night before.

Hoss wiped his mouth on his napkin. ‘Coming Percy?’ he said and headed for the door.

As it closed behind them, Joe turned back towards the table. ‘That wasn’t supposed to happen,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘She said she’d only talk to him last night.  I never made her promise that she’d go to the dance with him.’

‘Well maybe she wanted to,’ said Ben.

‘Yeah right Pa!  A popular girl like Sue-Ellen would rather go with someone like me,’ said Joe. ‘Not someone like Hoss!’

Ben put down his coffee cup. ‘And just what is that supposed to mean young man?’ he said angrily. ‘Haven’t I told you about making those kind of remarks?’

‘Well Hoss isn’t here to hear em,’ said Joe indignantly. ‘And I only meant….’

‘I know exactly what you meant,’ said his father angrily. ‘And I don’t want to hear that kind of talk again please!’

Joe put his head down and continued to eat. After a few moments Adam said, ‘I hope Percy isn’t too bored with Hoss all day.’

‘I’m sure he won’t be,’ said Ben sarcastically. ‘After all he did say he was interested in how the ranch is run.’

‘Yes but he was only being polite,’ said Adam. ‘Percy’s a city man through and through.  He really isn’t that interested.’

Ben studied his eldest son over the brim of his coffee cup. ‘Really?’ he said.

‘It was fantastic!’ said Percy enthusiastically. ‘Hoss sure has a wonderful operation going on up there. You should have seen the way he was getting them in and out.  A very slick operation!’

‘Glad you enjoyed it,’ said Ben looking at Adam in amusement.

‘I thought we might go into town this afternoon,’ said Adam. ‘We could stop off for a drink after I do a bit of business for Pa.’

Percy looked at him across the table. ‘Sorry Adam, but Hoss has offered to show me the North Pasture,’ he said. ‘I’ll bet he knows this country better than anyone around here!’

Hoss looked modest. ‘I wouldn’t say that!’ he said. ‘There’s plenty of others do just as good a job around here as me.’

Percy shook his head. ‘None that could explain it like you though,’ he said. ‘It’s fascinating the way you talk about it.’

Hoss stood up. ‘I’ll go and get the horses saddled,’ he said. ‘I’ll meet ya outside.’

As he left the room, Joe came rushing through the door and almost collided with him. ‘Sorry Hoss,’ he said. ‘Sorry Pa,’ he repeated as he slid into his chair beside his father.

Ben gave his youngest son his customary dark look. ‘That’s all right Joseph,’ he said sarcastically. ‘If you ever turned up on time for a meal I’d wonder what was wrong!’

Joe looked at him puzzled. ‘Huh?’ he said.

‘Eat,’ said Ben.

Adam turned to Percy. ‘You’re putting it on a bit thick aren’t you?’ he said.

Percy looked at him strangely. ‘What do you mean?’ he said.

‘Talking about Hoss like that and how pleased you are to be spending time with him,’ said Adam. ‘You don’t have to go to that extreme you know.’

Percy laughed. ‘I’m not putting it on,’ he said. ‘I started out by doing you a favour, but I meant what I said.  Your brother is one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever talked to.’  He stood up from the table. ‘Excuse me,’ he said as he left the room.

Adam looked after him, stunned.

‘Isn’t anyone going to ask me why I was late?’ said Joe, oblivious to his brother’s amazement.

Ben heaved a sigh. ‘Why are you late Joseph?’ he asked dutifully.

Joe turned to him. ‘Well, I saw Sue-Ellen in town and guess what she told me?’ he said.

‘What did she tell you?’ asked Ben again taking his son’s prompt.

‘She said that she had a wonderful time with Hoss last night.  She asked him to go to the dance, not the other way around! Do you believe it?’

‘Why wouldn’t I believe it?’ asked Ben.

‘Well because it’s Hoss!’ said Joe as if that said it all.

‘And…..’ prompted Ben.

Joe sat silently, not knowing what to say. Ben looked at both his sons. ‘You were both willing to help your brother,’ he said. ‘But it seems to me that you were only willing to do it on your terms.  You didn’t really believe others might be interested in him, did you?’

Adam and Joe both looked shamefaced. ‘Well it’s just that we never expect Hoss to be popular, that’s all,’ said Adam finally. ‘We love him Pa, but he’s not the most outgoing person in the world.’

‘Or the most good looking,’ added Joe. ‘We just didn’t believe in him I reckon.’

‘Well maybe you will from now on,’ said Ben. ‘Learn to have a bit more faith in your brother boys.’

‘Yes sir,’ they chorused.

‘Thanks Percy,’ said Hoss happily as they rode side by side.  ‘I’ve never seen Adam so lost for words.’

Percy laughed. ‘He did look slightly strange, didn’t he?’

‘I just can’t believe that he thought I’d fall for that corny story of you wanting to know about the ranch,’ said Hoss. ‘And you weren’t exactly convincing either.’

Percy shrugged. ‘I did my best,’ he said. ‘I’m not a very good actor I suppose.’

‘No you’re not,’ laughed Hoss. ‘How about we go into town for a drink?  Unless you’d rather see the North Pasture after all?’

‘No thank you!  That branding was enough for me this morning.’

‘Good, ‘said Hoss. ‘I have to see a certain lady in town and thank her as well.’

‘Sue-Ellen?’ asked Percy.

‘Sue-Ellen,’ said Hoss. ‘That Joseph thinks he’s so clever!  She and I had a good laugh over it once I told her that I knew what he’d done. She’s going to the dance with me just to keep him guessing.’

You don’t seem to mind what your brothers did,’ said Percy.

‘Nah!’ admitted Hoss. ‘Why should I? They did it for me after all.  And anyways,’ he added. ‘I get to spend some time with you as well as getting the chance to show Sue-Ellen my true charm.’

Percy laughed. ‘Plus you get to put one over on your brothers for a while.’

Yeah, that too,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘That too!’

The End