Summary: Adam and Joe argue about who has the better horse.
Rating: G 8,120 words
Fair Exchange
“That feels real good, doesn’t it fellar?” Joe asked his pinto lovingly as he continued to brush him vigorously. He patted the horse’s flank. “Real fine, I reckon,” he added.
“The way you carry on with that horse, anyone would think he was the only animal in the world,” observed Adam dryly as he entered the barn leading his own mount, Sport.
Joe shrugged and patted the horse again. “Well he may as well be,” he said, a touch defensively. “He is the best in the world anyway.”
“R … ight,” said Adam raising his eyebrow sarcastically as he led Sport into the stall next to Joe’s pinto Cochise and began to take off his saddle. “You, of course, having evaluated all the horses in the world personally,” he added with a smirk.
“You know what I mean,” retorted Joe, rather crossly as he allowed Cochise to nuzzle against his cheek momentarily. “He’s the best horse in these parts anyways. Everyone knows that!”
Adam put on a puzzled face as he picked up a brush and began to rub down Sport. “Oh?” he said. “That’s news to me, and I’m sure it’d be news to a lot of people around here too.”
“He is so the best horse around!” said Joe, pointing his brush at his brother. “You’re just jealous that he’s not your horse Adam!”
Adam leant on Sport’s flank and stared at his brother for a moment. “Jealous?” he said. “Whatever would I be jealous of?” He patted Sport’s flank. “With a horse like Sport, I’ve got no need to be jealous.”
Joe shrugged. “Oh, Sport’s OK I guess,” he admitted. “But he’s not as good as Cochise. No way.”
Adam gestured with his hand. “That’s your opinion,” he said. “You’re entitled to it of course.” He turned and began grooming Sport again.
Joe stopped brushing his horse and glared at his older brother. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he challenged him.
Adam shrugged as he worked. “Simply that your opinion isn’t necessarily the right one,” he said smugly. “I don’t happen to agree with it because I think that Sport is the better horse.”
Joe’s jaw dropped and he stared at his brother incredulously. “You ain’t serious!” he said.
Adam frowned in a puzzled way. “Of course I’m serious,” he said. “Look Joe … Cochise is pretty, I’ll admit that … and he’s fast … but there’s more to being a top animal than just those two qualities.”
“Yeah?” countered Joe, thrusting out his jaw in a stubborn way. “Like what exactly?”
“Like temperament,” said Adam. “And intelligence …”
“Cochise is so intelligent!” interjected Joe indignantly. “I should know!”
“Hmm,” said Adam, deciding not to make the response that seemed so obvious to this comment. “There’s also endurance and breeding and …”
“Cochise has got all of that!” said Joe. “Much more than Sport.”
“What’s Cochise got?” asked Hoss as he entered the barn leading his own horse, Chubb.
Joe waved his arm towards Adam and answered scathingly, “He’s smart and … well-bred … and all that other stuff! Adam here seems to think that his horse Sport is the best around here and I’m telling him that he’s wrong. Ain’t that right, Hoss?”
Hoss nodded. “Sure is,” he said thoughtfully.
Joe smirked at Adam. “See?” he said in a superior fashion. “Hoss agrees with me that Cochise is the best horse.”
“Now hold on there shortshanks,” Hoss interjected. “That’s not quite what I was agreeing to.” He gave both his brothers a satisfied look. “Cochise and Sport are great horses,” he said. “But neither of em come up to Chubb at all.” He gave his large horse a satisfied pat. “Chubby’s the best darned animal I’ve come across, and you both haveta admit that I know a lot about good horseflesh.”
“Chubb?” said Adam, obviously amused. “Well, granted that your opinion is one I usually agree with Hoss, but … Chubb? Come on! He’s strong, that’s for sure, but as far as intelligence and breeding goes, he’s just a bit short on such things.”
“Yeah,” agreed Joe. “Not like Cochise.” He patted his horse again and gave him a satisfied look.
“Breeding ain’t everything,” retorted Hoss. “Chubb is dependable and strong and that’s much more important than being pretty and fast like Cochise.”
Joe frowned again. “You take that back brother,” he said. “Cochise is …”
Adam held up a hand. “Isn’t that Hop Sing?” he interjected. All three brothers stopped glaring at each other and listened. Sure enough, they heard the distinct sound of the bell that hung on the front porch … the one that Hop Sing used to call them to meals whenever he couldn’t be bothered yelling for them.
Hoss rubbed his hands together. “Hot diggety!” he said. “Supper!” He turned and walked out of the barn without a backwards glance, leaving Joe and Adam to give each other one more glare before following him.
“Well I don’t care what either of you think,” Ben heard Adam say as his three sons entered the house. “When you examine all the criteria logically neither of them stack up, that’s all I’m saying.”
Ben smothered a smile as he sat at the table and waited for the young men to take off their jackets and hats and sit down. He noted Joe’s indignant look, Adam’s superior one and Hoss’ eager one as he looked around the table, and steeled himself for yet another inevitable argument that was obviously already taking place. “Boys,” he said, tilting his head to each of them in acknowledgement. “Supper’s been ready for ten minutes and Hop Sing’s fit to be tied because you didn’t appear on time.”
“Sorry Pa,” said Adam, putting his napkin on his lap. “But I was trying to get a very important point across to these two.”
Ben raised an eyebrow as he began to help himself to some vegetables. “So I heard as you all came in,” he remarked. “And what is all this criteria you were talking about examining?” He tried to keep a straight face as Joe turned to him, his eyes flashing with frustration and anger.
“Older brother here is trying to use big words to confuse us again,” he announced, glaring at Adam.
Adam looked puzzled. “Big words?” he asked.
“Yeah,” said Joe. “Ain’t that right Hoss?”
“Mmm,” said Hoss, through a mouthful of beef.
“Hoss please,” said his father. “Not with your mouth full.”
“If you two can’t understand plain English, then it’s not my fault,” said Adam in that smug tone he often used that infuriated his brothers no end. “All I’m saying is that when you consider everything that makes a good horse, then Sport is obviously the better option than either of your mounts. One thing I know is horseflesh and ….”
“Me too,” said Hoss, a touch defensively. “You ain’t the only one around here that can judge a good horse, brother.”
“I know that,” said Adam, also a touch defensively. “I’m not negating your opinion Hoss, I’m just saying that Sport is the obvious choice. Your Chubb may be strong and Joe’s Cochise may be pretty, but my Sport has a lot more going for him than that.”
Hoss shrugged as he didn’t really care one way or the other and busied himself with his food again. Not so Joe, however, who frowned at his eldest brother.
“You might know good horseflesh Adam,” he countered. “But in this case you’re wrong. Cochise would outclass your Sport in all them areas you were talking about before and you know it.”
Adam took a deep breath before addressing his younger brother. “No, I don’t know it,” he said carefully. “But its pointless arguing about it any further, isn’t it? I don’t think that either of us will concede to the other’s opinion and there are a lot of variables in judging such things.”
Joe frowned again as he tried to work out what concede and variables meant, and failed. “Well it don’t much matter what you think,” he said finally. “I know the truth.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “My point exactly,” he said smugly.
Joe smiled around the table. “Then you do agree with me?” he said in a cocky tone. “Cochise is the better horse?”
Adam held up his hands. “Don’t you listen?” he said, raising his voice a little. “That’s not what I said at all!”
“That’s enough from both of you,” said Ben sharply. “I’m tired of hearing about this. Either stop arguing about it or one of you prove your point once and for all!”
Adam gave his father a frustrated look. “And just how would you suggest that we do that?” he asked. “With all the variables involved in judging horses ….”
“Ask an independent judge to make the decision for you,” replied his father shortly.
Adam’s eyes lit up. “Now that’s the first sensible suggestion I’ve heard on the topic,” he said, glancing at Joe. “You up for it brother?”
Joe frowned yet again. “Depends,” he said cautiously. “Who would it be?”
They both turned to their father hopefully, but Ben quickly shook his head. “Don’t look at me,” he said quickly. “I only made the suggestion. I’m not fool enough to get between the two of you on an issue like this.”
Adam and Joe exchanged looks across the table and then both turned to Hoss who was munching away quietly at the other end of the table. He continued to focus on his food until the silence around the table made him look up. “What?” he said, looking at both his siblings.
“How would you like to judge which of our horses is the better animal?” asked Adam.
“Yeah,” said Joe, giving Hoss one of his most winning smiles as he considered how easy it would be to sway his brother’s opinion as he usually managed to do. “You’d be great at judging Hoss.”
Hoss’ eyes narrowed. “What’s in it for me?” he asked.
“Why does there have to be something in it for you?” asked Adam.
“Because like Pa says, I’m not fool enough to get caught between the two of you unless I get something out of it,” said Hoss, pointing at both of them in turn with his fork.”
“Chores for a week from the loser,” said Joe quickly, eyeing off Adam who immediately nodded in agreement.
Hoss considered the proposal while Ben smothered a grin. “You both have to take my opinion and not argue about it after,” said Hoss. Adam and Joe both nodded. “And I’m gonna take my time and not be hurried while I think on it,” added Hoss. Adam and Joe both nodded again.
“Of course,” said Adam eagerly. “And if we’re going to do this, then we’re going to do it right,” he said, his eyes lighting up with the thought of a new project to occupy him. “We’ll set down all the criteria for judging …”
“There you go with all them big words again,” interrupted Joe. “What you trying to do Adam? Confuse Hoss so that he’ll pick Sport?”
Adam rolled his eyes. “After supper we’ll write down all the things … the criteria …. that Hoss needs to consider when he’s judging,” he said. “He can give points for each.”
“Oh,” said Joe, suddenly realising what his brother was on about. “I get it. Sort of like at Founders Day when they judge the fancy preserves and such like.”
“Exactly,” said Adam. “They look for flavour and texture and …”
“Mmm,” said Hoss, his eyes glazing over. “And it’s great when they sell off the leftovers at the end of the day too.”
“So Hoss will look for endurance and speed and strength and ….” Joe searched his brain to come up with more. “All them things,” he finished. “That sounds OK to me.”
Adam nodded his head. “Good,’ he said. “It’s settled then We’ll set the criteria and then give Hoss here one week to observe and judge the two horses as we use them around the ranch.”
“Hold on,” said Hoss, dragging his mind back from the thought of the pies. “There’s one more thing. I reckon if I’m gonna get a fair look at these two animals then I’d like to see em in different conditions.”
“What are you suggesting?” asked Adam warily.
“What I’m saying is that I’d like to see how each of you handle the other one’s horse,” said Hoss. “That way, neither of you can get the chance to show off and hope that I’ll pick your horse jest cause of the way you ride him.”
Adam looked thoughtful. “Sounds a good idea to me,” he said. “Joe?”
“I don’t want you riding Cochise for a week,” said Joe. “He’s used to me and you won’t be able to handle him like I can.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “So you’re saying that he doesn’t relate well to any other rider except yourself?” he said. “Hmm …. You’d better remember that when you’re judging on temperament Hoss.”
“I’m not saying that!” said Joe quickly. He shot Adam a dark look across the table. “All right,” he mumbled finally. “You can ride him. I only hope that I can put up with Sport for the week.”
“I’m sure you’ll find him quite suitable,” said Adam smugly. He held out his hand. “Deal?” he said.
Joe hesitated for a moment and then grasped hold of his brother’s hand across the table. “Deal,” he said.
Hoss laid his hand on top of his two brothers’ hands and grinned at his father. “Deal,” he said.
Ben shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment. “Just don’t let this deal of yours affect your work this week,” he said, looking at each of his sons in turn.
“No problem,” Adam assured him quickly.
“No problem,” Joe agreed, grinning at his father.
“We’ve got problems,” Ben muttered under his breath.
∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪
“How goes it brother?”
Hoss looked up from the kindling pile to see Joe grinning down at him. “I didn’t hear you ride up,” he observed as he picked up yet another piece of wood and split it clean down the middle with one great heft of his axe.
Joe slid down from his saddle in an easy movement and sighed. “Well it’s kinda easy to sneak up on people on Sport,” he said, putting on an injured look. “He’s kinda slow and don’t make a lot of noise.”
Hoss said nothing, but smothered a grin as he continued to work, amused as he had constantly been during the past few days whenever Joe had made such remarks about his brother’s horse.
“Hey, let me help you with that,” continued Joe, picking up several pieces of wood as he grinned at his brother. “Been doing lots of thinking about horses while you’ve been working?”
“Uh huh,” said Hoss.
Joe nodded in an understanding fashion. “Well you just keep on thinking Hoss,” he said. “And you can’t help but come to the right answer by the end of the week. Here …. Let me do that for a while and give you a break.”
Hoss let the axe be taken from him and leant back on the hitching rail as he wiped his face with a handkerchief. “Thanks Joe,” he said. “Sure is mighty hot today.”
“Just tie up Sport for me, will ya Hoss?” asked Joe as he got to work. “He’s a mite skittish and if he’s not tied up then he tends to take off. Not like Cochise of course … I never have to worry about him taking off.” He hit a piece of wood lengthways and split it deftly. “I guess it all just come down to the training.” He gave Hoss a sideways glance. “Just between you and me Hoss, I reckon that Adam ain’t done such a good job with training that horse as he makes out. He don’t accept the bit easily and he’s always tossing his head around.” He gave a sigh. “Sure makes it hard to get control of him and you know what I good rider I am. If anyone can get control of a horse it’s me,” he said, somewhat immodestly. “And I’m telling you brother, that Sport just don’t handle well. Now Cochise on the other hand …”
Hoss held up his hand to stop his brother. “But Adam was the one who helped you train Cochise when you were a young’un,” he said. “It stands to reason that they’ve both been trained the same way.”
Joe shrugged his shoulders. “Well yeah,” he admitted. “I reckon I must have improved on the training then with my expert riding, cause I’m telling you Hoss ….”
“You’re telling him what?” said a voice behind them and they both turned to see Adam sitting on Cochise, glaring down at Joe.
“Oh, hi Adam,” said Joe, looking a touch wary at the sight of his eldest brother.
“Don’t you hi Adam me,” retorted his brother. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be out in the North pasture checking on those strays, aren’t you?”
“Well yeah,” said Joe defensively. “But a fellar has a right to take a break now and then, don’t he?”
Adam raised an eyebrow and put his leg up on the saddle, as he looked down at his brother. “Yes,” he admitted. “But lately your breaks have been interrupted by your work, younger brother.”
Joe frowned as he tried to make out what his brother meant by that remark. “Well you’re supposed to be out checking fences anyway,” he retorted finally. “What are you doing back here?”
Adam slid down from the saddle and faced his brother. “For your information, I’ve finished my work,” he said. “And Pa asked me to get back well before supper to help him with the accounts.” He turned and grabbed hold of Cochise’s reins. “Whoa boy,” he said to the animal who was standing quite still. “He’s been skittish all day,” he said, by way of explanation.
“He ain’t skittish!” declared Joe, patting the animal on the nose lovingly. “If he’s ridden properly.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” demanded Adam.
“Just what I said,” replied Joe. “He performs well if he’s ridden well.” He winked at Hoss. “Hoss here knows what I’m talking about.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed in spite of himself. “And what are you doing Hoss’ chores for?” he asked. “Try to bribe the judge again?”
Joe’s eyes widened. “Bribe the judge?” he squeaked. “As if I would!”
“Don’t you try that innocent act with me,” countered Adam. “You’ve been sneaking off work all week to do whatever you can to get on Hoss’ good side.” He turned to Hoss. “I would never insult you by trying something as low-down as that,” he assured his brother. “I, at least, have scruples.”
Joe glared at his eldest brother. “I’ve got scruples!” he said, unsure of what the word meant, but knowing that if Adam had them then he’d better have them too.
“Would you two be quiet?” interrupted Hoss, wiping his face again with his handkerchief. It’s too hot ta listen to you two fighting.”
“I’m not fighting,” Adam assured his brother in a calmer tone. He turned to Joe. “You’d better get back out to the North pasture before Pa sees you here.”
Joe gave his older brother one last glare before swing mounting up onto Sport. “Steady boy,” he said as the horse stepped back once. Joe gave Hoss conspiratorial wink and then turned the horse. “I’ll do my best with them strays,” he said. “But I can’t promise to get the whole job done with such a slow horse.”
Adam shook his head as Joe rode out of the yard. “I’m sorry about that Hoss,” he said. “He has no right not to play fair with this.” Hoss said nothing, but merely picked up the axe and began to chop another piece of wood. “Well, I’d better get inside and help Pa with those accounts,” added Adam, when it became obvious that his brother wasn’t about to comment. “Although I’m sure not looking forward to sitting down for the rest of the day,” Adam added as he rubbed his backside. “Sitting on a skittish horse like Cochise all morning sure isn’t my idea of fun. I honestly don’t know how Joe does it all the time.” He rubbed his backside again and glanced at Hoss who continued to work. “I guess he’s just used to squirming around in the saddle,” Adam added. “Well, I’ll talk to you later brother.”
Hoss nodded and tried not to grin as Adam turned and walked across the yard. He patted Cochise on the nose and smiled at the horse. “It’s turning out to be an interesting week fellar,” he said in a low voice. “Mighty interesting.”
∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪
“Have some more potatoes Hoss,” said Adam, handing the dish to his brother with a smile. Hoss took it and began to shovel another heap of potatoes onto his plate.
“Another roll?” asked Joe, handing it across the table to his brother.
Hoss glanced at the empty plate in the middle of the table. “I reckon not Joe,” he said regretfully. “I already had two and you ain’t taken one yet. That’s the last one.”
Joe shook his head and placed the roll onto Hoss’ plate. “I don’t want one,” he assured his brother with a wide smile. “I insist you have it.”
Hoss nodded his head and began to tear the roll open. “OK. Thanks Joe,” he said.
“Carrots?” asked Adam, handing them to Hoss. “Here, let me get some for you.” He scooped out a large spoonful and put them onto Hoss’ plate.
“Thanks,” said Hoss.
“Why are you two so interested in making sure that your brother eats most of the food on this table?” enquired Ben, a touch sarcastically.
Joe’s eyes widened. “I’m just being polite like you’re always telling me to Pa,” he said. “You’re always talking about my table manners, so I thought I’d practise some is all.”
Ben nodded. “I see,” he said. “Well then, if it’s not too much trouble, do you think that I could possibly have some of that beef before you give it all to your brother?”
Joe picked up the platter of beef and hesitated. “You got enough Hoss?” he asked and when Hoss nodded, he handed the platter to his father. “Here you go Pa,” he said.
“Well, thank you,” said Ben shortly.
There was silence for a few moments around the table as they all turned their attention to their meals. Finally, Adam broke it. “I was talking to Ross Marquette in town yesterday,” he said with a forced casualness that fooled no one. “He wanted to know why I was riding Cochise and when I told him he had a good laugh over it.”
“Why?” demanded Joe instantly.
Adam shrugged his shoulders in a casual fashion. “He just thought it amusing that we were even considering a contest between the two horses,” he said. “He said that there was really no contest seeing as how Sport is the better horse.”
Joe pointed his fork at his brother. “And of course it wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that he’s your friend and agreeing with you, would it?”
Adam shook his head. “No,” he said. “He was just being honest. Now, if there’s a person around here who’s opinion about horses I trust, it’d have to be Ross.”
“I’m sick of you trying to make up Hoss’ mind for him!” exploded Joe.
Adam shrugged again. “And I’m sick of you weaselling up to him every ….”
“That’s enough!” interrupted their father firmly. “I’d like at least one meal this week where our discussion doesn’t degenerate into an argument about those two animals! The sooner this contest is over, the better as far as I’m concerned! I’ve heard just about as much as I can take about those two horses!”
Adam nodded his head. “Agreed,” he said. “I’ll say no more about it Pa.”
Joe simply glared across the table at his brother and continued to chew his meal.
“So,” said Ben after a few moments. “Did you round up all those strays in the North pasture Joe?”
“Just about Pa,” replied Joe. “It took me a lot longer on Sport than it would have on Cochise, but I managed it.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed and he cleared his throat. “Bert Summers was in town Pa,” he said. “He said that he’d be out next week to look at that new string of ponies you’ve got for him.”
Ben nodded. “Good,” he said. “Hopefully he’ll be happy with them and take them off our hands.”
“Oh, I’m sure he will be,” Adam assured his father. “He said that he always likes getting his hands on Ponderosa horses. He said that he considers them the best around.”
Ben nodded again. “That’s good to hear,” he said.
Adam nodded. “Yes. He’s always saying how he’d love to buy Sport as he considers him one of the best, but of course I always tell him that he’s not for sale.”
“He should be,” muttered Joe. “I’d sell him if it were up to me.”
“Well it’s not up to you,” said his father, with a meaningful look at his youngest son. “So don’t say it.”
“Of course Bert likes horses that look good as well as being tough,” continued Adam. “He said that he likes chestnuts like Sport, not flashy horses. Speaking of which ….” He glanced at Hoss who still had his head down eating. “Cochise nearly spooked Roy Coffee’s mount while I was riding up Main Street,” he said.
“Why?” asked Hoss, putting his head up at last.
“I’m not sure,” said Adam. “I think it’s just the look of him. Flashy and all as he is, he does tend to catch the eye of other horses.”
“In a good way,” said Joe quickly. “They notice him because he’s so pretty.”
Adam looked thoughtful. “I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “After all, you must admit that pinto horses are a touch garish.”
Joe opened his mouth to comment, but shut it again as he caught the look in his father’s eye.
“Adam,” said Ben sternly. “What part of not discussing your horses don’t you understand?”
Adam looked shocked. “But I was only talking about Bert Summers,” he said. “I wasn’t discussing ….” His voice trailed off as his father continued to stare at him and he shrugged. “Sorry,” he said. “But it’s hard not to comment when other people …”
“I’ve had just about enough!” said Ben. “If you can’t stop talking about those horses, then kindly leave the table!”
Joe smirked at the uncharacteristic sight of his father’s anger at his eldest brother. “Yeah,” he said. “We all know the truth anyway, so you may as well just shut up about it Adam.”
“You too!” said Ben, turning to Joe.
Joe’s jaw dropped. “But … it was him!” he said, defensively.
Adam put down his napkin. “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “I need to go and rub Sport down anyway.”
“I’ve already rubbed him down,” said Joe.
“Hmm,” said Adam. “Well, I might just rub him down again. Lord knows what a slipshod job you did with him. Judging by the way Cochise has acted when I’ve rubbed him down this week, he’s definitely not used to being tended well. I suppose that might have something to do with his skittish nature though.”
Joe stood up and faced his brother. “I’m sick and tired of …”
“Get out the both of you!” shouted Ben. “Go and argue outside if you must, but leave us in peace!” He held his head wearily as first Adam, and then Joe looked at him and then left the room. “I don’t know what’s got into the two of them,” he said to Hoss who sat munching beside him. “I mean … Joe usually finds something to argue about, but Adam … this is most unlike him.”
Hoss nodded and swallowed his mouthful. “I reckon that criticising a man’s horse kinda cuts deep,” he said. “They both just need ta prove something I reckon.”
Ben gave his son a thoughtful look. Many times over the years people had intimated that this second son of his was a mite slow, but it was at moments like this that Ben didn’t agree with that summation of Hoss. “And you don’t?” he probed.
Hoss shook his head as he helped himself to the last of the peas. “Nope,” he said. “I know that Chubb’s the best horse around and I ain’t feeling the need ta prove that to anyone.”
Ben nodded. “I see,” he said. “Well, I just thank the Lord that there are only three days left to listen to this nonsense.” He gave Hoss a quizzical look. “Isn’t it bothering you son?”
Hoss shrugged “Heck no Pa,” he said, with another grin. “Why would it? Joe’s been offering to do my chores all week and Adam can’t do enough fer me neither. And when it’s all over … no matter who wins … I get em done fer another week on top of that.” He sat back in his chair and rubbed his stomach with a satisfied smile. “I reckon I just can’t lose.”
Ben grinned at him. “I suppose not,” he agreed. “Only … aren’t you a bit afraid of offending one of your brothers when you give your decision?”
Hoss shrugged again. “Nope, it don’t really worry me none,” he admitted. “The loser will get over it.”
Ben gave him a searching look. “And the loser will be… ?”
Hoss glanced at his father. “Now Pa,” he said. “You don’t expect me ta tell, do ya?”
Ben stood up and slapped his son on the back. “I suppose not,” he said. “You enjoy your week Hoss … I’m glad that at least one of us can.”
∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪
“Hoss? Are you asleep?”
Hoss opened one eye and stared groggily into the darkness. “Nope,” he said, sleepily.
“Good,” said Adam, coming into the room with a lantern in his hand. “I forgot to give you something this afternoon.” He placed a small paper bag on Hoss’ dresser and then sat down carefully on the edge of the bed. “I got you some candy while I was in town,” he said. “I thought you might like some.”
Hoss grinned into the darkness. “Gee, thanks Adam,” he said. “You always remember my favourites too.”
Adam nodded and smiled at his brother, remembering back to when they were much younger and his big little brother had consumed many such bagfuls whenever their father had a few pennies spare to buy him some. “I got you a mixture of all the ones you like best,” he said.
Hoss grabbed the bag, opened it and licked his lips. “Thanks,” he said.
Adam settled himself onto the bed a little further. “I also came to apologise for all the problems we’ve been having this week,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair of Joe to be carrying on like this and I wanted you to know that I realise how hard it much be for you in the circumstances.”
Hoss looked thoughtful. “It ain’t that hard,” he said quite happily, beginning to munch on a piece of candy. “I know my own mind about such things.”
Adam began to fiddle with the fringe on the edge of the bedcover, not quite meeting his brother’s eyes as he spoke. “Does that mean that you’ve made up your mind already?” he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Hoss nodded. “Sorta,” he said, not letting on that he’d actually made up his mind days ago.
Adam sat up straighter. “Well, I’m glad to hear it,” he said. “That will be a load off your mind.” When Hoss didn’t answer, he added. “So …. Um …. I’m sure it’s the right decision you’ve made then.” He glanced at Hoss furtively, but couldn’t make out his brother’s expression in the dim light.
“I reckon,” replied Hoss, still happily munching on his candy. “This is right good candy Adam.”
Adam nodded and after a moment, added, “So …. You want to tell me what your decision is?”
“Nope,” replied Hoss casually. “I reckon that wouldn’t be fair until I’ve made my mind up fully at the end of the week like we agreed.”
“Of course not,” replied Adam quickly. “I only meant … if you wanted unburden yourself on someone and discuss it. I’d keep quiet what your thoughts on the subject are, of course.”
“It’s OK,” said Hoss, reaching for another piece of candy. “I can make my mind up by myself.”
Adam hesitated for a moment and then stood up and smoothed down the bedcover. “You know Hoss, I’ve been meaning to say …. If ever you need any help with ideas about asking Bessie Sue out, then I’d be willing to help. She was asking about you when I was in town the other day.”
Hoss’ eye lit up. “She was?” he said eagerly.
“Yes,” said Adam. “And I made sure to get into the conversation about the Spring Dance and how you were aiming to go. If you need any help about how to ask her, then you only have to ask.”
“Gee thanks Adam … that’d be great,” replied Hoss.
Adam bent down and patted his brother’s arm. “No trouble at all,” he said, clearing his throat self-consciously. “That’s what brothers are for, after all. I know that you’d help me out with anything if you could.”
“Night Adam,” said Hoss, avoiding the obvious hint. ‘Thanks again for the candy.”
“Good night,” said Adam.
Hoss reached for yet another piece of candy and snuggled down under the bedclothes, grinning to himself. He was just drifting off to sleep when a dim light appeared at the doorway and his eyes opened wide yet again. “Who’s there?” he asked in a low voice.
“It’s just me Hoss,” said Joe, coming into the room. He placed his lantern on Hoss’ dresser and sat down heavily on the end of the bed, shaking Hoss from side to side. “I’m glad you’re awake cause I need to talk to you.”
Hoss half sat up again and looked at his younger brother expectantly. “Yeah?” he said. “What is it Joe?”
“I couldn’t go to sleep cause I’ve been thinking how worried I am about Cochise this week,” said Joe, putting on one of his best puppy dog expressions, which was somewhat lost on his brother who couldn’t see his face properly in the dim light. “I don’t think that Adam is feeding him enough.” He looked at Hoss to see his reaction, but was disappointed to see that his brother merely sat there without changing his expression. “What are you chewing?” Joe asked.
“Candy,” said Hoss. “Adam got me some in town. You want a piece Joe?”
Joe’s eyes narrowed. “So he’s bribing you, is he?” he said angrily, ignoring the offer.
“Tweren’t a bribe,” replied Hoss easily. “He just bought me some candy, is all.” He helped himself to another piece. “So what makes you think that Adam ain’t feeding Cochise enough?” he asked.
“Well,” said Joe, shifting on the bed and causing Hoss to lean to one side. “He’s right miserable when I go to check on him each morning and he can’t get enough of his morning coffee at the moment. I also think he misses me somewhat fierce Hoss. He’s a very sensitive horse you know, it comes with having such a fine temperament.”
Hoss ignored the last comment as he replied. “Morning coffee?” he asked. “What do you mean …. Morning coffee?”
“He likes it,” said Joe. “I tried him on it once and he really likes it now.”
“I don’t know as how that can be good fer a horse to have coffee,” said Hoss thoughtfully. “I ain’t never heard of it before.”
“But that’s just my point Hoss,” said Joe, leaning forward eagerly. “He’s a special horse, so he needs a special diet and I don’t think that brother Adam is taking that into account when he feeds him.”
“I saw him giving him just the right amount of oats the other morning,” said Hoss. “I don’t think you need to worry about it Joe.”
Joe gave a loud sigh and managed to look extremely worried. “But I do worry Hoss,” he said. “You know how important it is to look after a good horse. They ain’t too easy to find and once you’ve got one you have to look after him real well.”
“I’m sure that Cochise will survive the next three days,” said Hoss easily. “The trouble with you Joe, is that you spoil that horse.”
Joe looked indignant and his voice rose in spite of himself. “I do not spoil him!” he declared. “It’s just like I said … he’s special.”
“What is all this yelling about?”
Joe turned to see their father standing behind him in the doorway, glaring at them both. “Oh, hi Pa,” he said, giving the man one of his most charming smiles. “Me and Hoss are just having a little talk, is all.”
Ben nodded. “And I’m sure that I can guess the topic,” he said. “Joseph, will you go to bed please and stop keeping everyone awake?”
Joe patted Hoss on the arm. “You think about what I said Hoss,” he said with a wink. “You and me know just how special Cochise is.” He stood up, picked up the lantern and turned to go. “I’ll help you clean out the barn in the morning if you like,” he added. “It’s a big job for one person.”
“Thanks Joe,” said Hoss happily. “I appreciate that.” He smiled at his father as Joe left the room. “Night Pa,” he said.
Ben peered into the dark room. “Are you eating in bed?” he asked sternly.
Hoss quickly swallowed the piece of candy in his mouth. “Heck no Pa,” he said. “I wouldn’t do that.”
Ben nodded. “Well, goodnight son,” he said and then added. “And don’t let your brothers sway your opinion. You choose whichever horse you think deserves to be chosen and don’t take any notice of their tricks.”
Hoss grinned again. “Don’t worry Pa,” he said. “I won’t.” He waited until his father had disappeared before reaching for the last of the candy and putting it into his mouth. With a contented smile on his face he scrunched down again under the covers and closed his eyes as he chewed.
∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪
Hoss sat and watched as Joe forked yet another pile of hay into Chubb’s stall. Sure is good of you ta help me with my chores today Joe,” he said, leaning back against the wall lazily.
“No problem brother,” said Joe, giving Hoss an easy grin as he continued to work. “I can do my own chores a bit later on.” Hoss nodded and chewed on the piece of hay sticking out of his mouth as he watched his brother. “I might give Chubb a bit of a rub down for you while I’m here,” added Joe.
“I was going to do that,” said Adam, leading Cochise into the barn. “I’m rubbing down Cochise, so I may as well do both.” He glanced over at Sport who was in his usual stall. “I’d better do Sport as well by the look of those legs,” he added, giving Joe a glare. “It looks as though you’ve only groomed him down to the knees.”
“It’s all I could do,” said Joe casually and gave Hoss a knowing wink. “He kicks.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “Strange,” he said. “He’s never done that to me. He’s extremely even-tempered. Not like Cochise,” he added as he led the pinto into a stall.
Hoss said nothing, but merely grinned at both his brothers.
Joe stretched and put down the pitchfork. “Well that’s done,” he said. He glanced over at Hoss again before rubbing his backside ruefully. “My goodness I’m sore today. Sitting in the saddle all day on Sport really is tough on the old butt. He swings around so much that it’s hard even for an expert rider such as myself to stay in the saddle. He’s so much wider than Cochise too …. Too wide to be in proportion with the rest of him to be honest.”
“He’s not too wide,” said Adam dryly as he began to rub down Chubb. “Your butt is just too skinny.” He gave his brother an appraising look. “It’s downright puny really. I’m surprised that you don’t get saddle sores from Cochise.”
“Cochise fits me real well,” said Joe, coming over and letting the pinto nuzzle into his shoulder for a few moments. “Never mind boy,” he said loud enough so that both his brothers could hear. “You only have to put up with him for one more day.”
“And I only have to put up with him for one more day,” countered Adam. “It’ll be nice to sit on a reliable horse again after the week I’ve had trying to keep this one under control. I’ll be glad when this exchange is over tomorrow.”
“You and me both,” said Joe.
“Well that’s the first thing I’ve heard you two agree on all week,” said their father as he entered the barn and stood with his hands on his hips look at both of them. “So it hasn’t been an easy week for either of you?”
“No,” said Adam shortly.
“Nuh uh,” agreed Joe. “We both want our proper horses back.”
Ben nodded. “I understand,” he said. “And you’ll get them back tomorrow, once Hoss has given his judgement.”
Adam stopped brushing Chubb and looked at Hoss who was still sitting chewing lazily on the piece of hay. “How about that Hoss?” he said. “Why don’t you just tell us today and get this whole thing over with? Why wait until tomorrow?”
Hoss looked across at his horse waiting to be brushed, the tidy barn and the large pile of wood outside that Joe had chopped for him that morning. “I think I’ll wait until tomorrow,” he said easily. “Best to go the full week.”
“Yeah,” said Joe quickly. “Quit annoying Hoss, Adam. Let him take all the time he needs to pick the best horse.” He winked at Hoss and pointed furtively to Cochise beside him. “It’s important that he makes the right choice.”
Adam nodded in acknowledgement. “All right,” he said, beginning to brush down Chubb again. “You take all the time you need Hoss.” He winked at his brother. “You and I know what that right choice will be, after all.”
Hoss grinned at them both and then smiled at his father and Adam continued to brush Chubb and Joe picked up a broom to finish cleaning out the barn for his brother.
∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪ ∪
Hoss cleared his throat and looked at first Adam who was seated in his favourite blue chair and then Joe who was perched on the coffee table. Both his brothers looked back at him expectantly and smiled.
“Well?” said Adam. “Out with it. You’ve had a whole week brother, so let’s have your decision.”
“Just a minute,” said Ben, walking over from his study and sitting on the sofa. “I want to hear this too.” He waved at Hoss with his hand. “Off you go now son. What do you have to say?”
Hoss cleared his throat again and drew himself up to his full height before speaking. “Well,” he said. “It’s like this. I examined all them critery that Adam talked about last week ….”
“Criteria,” prompted Adam.
Hoss nodded. “Yeah,” he agreed. He held up one finger. “Now … first there was how long each of em can run for ….”
“Stamina,” prompted Adam again.
“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. “And they both did pretty well there.”
“Cochise is faster,” interrupted Joe.
“That’s not stamina,” said Adam. “That’s speed. Now be quiet and let Hoss talk.”
Joe slumped down on the coffee table and gave Adam a dark look, but was quiet.
“That’s true,” said Hoss. “I noticed that Cochise is faster …”
“Told you so,” said Joe smugly to Adam.
“ … but he’s a mite flighty,” continued Hoss.
Adam gave Joe a superior look. “Go on,” he said.
“In the looks department,” continued Hoss. “They’re both fine looking animals. Sport has a real way of holding his head and fine lines on him that show real breeding.”
Adam grinned at his brother. “I knew you’d notice that,” he said.
“Quit interrupting,” snarled Joe. “What about Cochise?”
“He’s real pretty in a flashy way,” acknowledged Hoss. “He’s got good breeding too.”
“As pintos go,” muttered Adam in a low voice, ignoring the look that Joe gave him.
“Now … about the way they behave …” continued Hoss.
“Temperament,” prompted Adam.
“Yeah,” agreed Hoss. “Sport is real dependable. He don’t get flustered too easily.”
“He’s boring,” interjected Joe.
“Now Cochise …. He’s a mite flighty,” said Hoss. “He’s pretty and he’s quick, but I’m not sure he can always be trusted to keep his head.”
Joe’s own head shot up. “He can so!” he said. “He’s real dependable!”
“Joseph!” said his father. “Everyone agreed to hear Hoss out in this, so kindly be quiet.” He tried to smother the grin that was threatening to break out on his face as he watched his three sons and listened to Hoss, for it seemed to him that his middle son … in describing the two horses …. was in fact coming close to describing his older and younger brothers.
Ben had never given much credence to the theory that people tend to choose animals to match their own characters, but the way Hoss was describing those two horses it sure sounded like it in this case to him.
“Like I said,” continued Hoss. “Sport is a fine looker, got a good body and is dependable. He’s fast when he wants to be and nothing seems to rattle him. Cochise is a flashy looker and real fast, and he seems to be a quick thinker too.”
“So?” prompted Ben. “Where does that leave your decision son?”
“Yeah,” said Joe. “Get to the point Hoss.”
“I’m getting there,” said Hoss, refusing to be hurried. “I looked at all them critery real close this week and I must say that it was hard to decide. They’re both fine animals …. Nearly as fine as Chubb when it comes down to it.” He took a deep breath. “But in the end …. I decided that when it comes right down to it … the best horse is …. Sport.”
Adam stood up and clapped his brother on the back. “I knew you’d make the right decision,” he said happily. “Well done brother.”
Joe leapt to his feet. “What?!” he shouted. “You ain’t serious Hoss!”
Hoss nodded his head. “Yep,” he said. “Cochise is a mighty fine horse Joe, but Sport just has that little bit extra in my mind.”
“Well your mind is wrong!” said Joe indignantly.
“Joseph,” warned his father. “Remember that you agreed to abide by your brother’s decision.”
Joe gave Hoss a dark look. “Well, yeah,” he admitted. “But that was when I figured he’d make the right decision, not the wrong one!”
“Don’t be a sore loser,” said Adam smugly. “You lost fair and square.” He sat down in his blue chair and again and crossed his legs. “I’m sure glad that you made the right choice Hoss.”
Hoss held out his hand to Joe. “No hard feelings Joe?” he asked. Joe glared at him and crossed his arms, refusing to shake. Hoss shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I did my best,” he said. “It ain’t my fault if you don’t agree.”
“You sure did do your best son,” said Ben, striking up a match. “And that’s all we can ask.” He motioned to Joe with his pipe as he lit it. “And don’t forget that you’ll be doing your brother’s chores all next week too son.”
Joe’s jaw dropped. “But … I’ve been doing them all this week,” he said.
Hoss grinned at him. “That was your choice little brother,” he said. “The agreement was that the loser would do my chores for the whole of next week …”
“ … and you’re the loser,” Adam finished for him. “How about a game of chess Hoss?”
“Don’t mind if I do,” said Hoss, sitting down on the sofa next to his father.
Joe stood for a full minute, looking first at his father and then in turn at both his brothers. When no one said anything, he turned on his heel and flounced out of the room, banging the front door loudly behind him.
“It’s going to be another long week,” observed Ben dryly as he began to puff on his pipe.
