Summary: Little Joe gets into trouble when he goes into his father’s room without permission. The 8 year old sets his mind at making things right again. Adam and Hoss try to help their little brother, but in the end it is Ben who teaches them all an important lesson. (Mild reference to corporal punishment).

Rating: K+  WC  5500

The Scent of French Cologne

 

 

Little Joe Cartwright had been running nonstop for quite some time. He had been running away from the ranch house at full speed without any particular direction in mind. Now he found himself quite a distance away and definitely beyond the safe boundaries his father established for him to ever be alone.

His heart was racing wildly, so he paused a moment to catch his breath. He leaned over, resting his arms on his knees. This allowed his thoughts to catch up with him, and a few moments later he crumbled beneath the base of a tree. The tears flowed freely and fear enveloped him. He knew his Pa was going to be angry and even more so now that he ran away. He huddled tightly to himself as the memory of the last half hour replayed over and over in his mind and the strong scent of French cologne lingered in the air around him.

Moments prior…..

Ben Cartwright shot up from his chair, throwing the book he was reading down on a nearby cushion. His eyes scanned up the staircase where a horrendous sound had just made its way down. Adam came running in from the kitchen. “What was that?” he questioned, his mouth full of a half eaten sandwich he held in his right hand. Ben did not verbally respond. Instead he raced up the stairs fearing the worse. Adam followed behind.

There they met Hoss just outside his room. “What was that, Pa?”

His father briefly glanced at him before swinging open the door to his youngest son’s room. Everything seemed to be in order. Adam hastily headed for the guest room and swung open the door. There was nothing.

He then checked his own room before proceeding to join his father and brother back in the hallway.

Ben heaved a huge sigh as he reached for the doorknob of his own room; a room that was strictly off limits to anyone in the household other than himself and Hop Sing. He walked briskly in and was greeted with an overwhelming smell of men’s cologne. Ben fled immediately back out into the hallway, coughing and gagging from the scent’s intensity.

“JOSEPH!” (cough-cough) “Joseph Francis Cartwright. You get out in this hallway this very minute young man (cough-cough)” No one answered the call. “Joseph, NOW!” (cough-cough). Again, nothing.

“Open the windows, Hoss.” Ben stated coldly as he covered his mouth and entered his bedroom again. Hoss quickly complied. After a thorough investigation, they found no one.

Adam leaned in the doorway gagging. “Well, it shouldn’t be hard to track the culprit, Pa.”

Ben shot his oldest an annoyed smirk. “Well, let’s get tracking then. That boy has some explaining to do. That is if I allow him a chance to explain.” He then stormed passed his two boys and headed straight for the barn.

“Why did I have to go after my ball?” the eight year old questioned himself.”

Joe had been playing with his ball in the hallway when it had mistakenly rolled through the half-opened door of his Pa’s bedroom. Instead of bothering his father, he thought he could just quietly walk in, grab the ball and leave without any problem. It all played out like it should, except for the leaving part. As Joe turned, his eyes fell on a beautifully crafted cologne bottle in a shape of a ship. He paused, but a moment, to watch the sunlight reflect off the colored glass. It was almost like he was in a trance as he walked over towards the dresser to more thoroughly investigate.

Even though it was a colored bottle, you could still see the liquid inside. Joe shoved his ball under his arm and gingerly picked up the object with both hands. He began to rock the boat as if it were on the sea, gently swaying to and fro. Soon Joe could see waves splashing against the inside of the glass, creating a peaceful serene image in his mind.

Bang!

The door slammed shut without warning. Joe instantly released what was in his hands and spun around in surprise.

Crash!

For a moment, time stood still. Joe stood in his respective position gaping at the shards of glass and wet rug beneath his feet. Then the smell overwhelmed him and he began to cough from its overpowering strength. He ran over to the window and flung it open. That’s when he heard noise out in the hallway and panicked. He jumped out onto the roof and shut the window behind him. He quickly scaled down the plant ladder and when his feet hit the dirt he was off like lightening.

Joe wiped the tears from his eyes. “Now what am I going to do?” he thought. “I can’t go home… I just can’t.” Then he thought he heard horse hooves off in the distance. They were not far behind. Joe swiftly arose. He’d never out run them on foot. His eyes scaled up the enormous tree trunk. There was a branch just out of his reach.

“Maybe if I take a running start…” Joe took several steps back to gain room and then ran full throttle towards the tree. He pushed off from the trunk as a means to catapult himself upward and it worked. He was able to grab hold and pull himself up on the first branch. From there, it was as simple as climbing a ladder.

Joe climbed about three quarters of the way up and found a sturdy branch to straddle. He was amazed at how far he could see in all directions. There was a dust plume rising out towards the direction of home. His stomach turned at the sight. He knew he’d have to face his father eventually and it wasn’t going to be a pleasant experience. Tears started to fall once more as Joe slowly closed his eyes. He was exhausted both mentally and physically. He rested his back against the tree trunk and fell fast asleep.

A little while later…

“His tracks seem to stop here, Pa,” Hoss turned his horse around in circles surveying the situation. “He’s got to be around here somewhere.”

“Pa?” Adam stated, pointing his finger upwards.

Ben Cartwright looked up and his face instantly showed his frustration.

“Joseph!” his voice bellowed out, startling his son into consciousness.

Joe looked down to see his family looking up at him. He swallowed hard.

“Hi, Pa.” he sheepishly stated.

“Joseph Francis Cartwright you get yourself down her right this very minute!”

“I…I can’t, Pa,” the boy shakily responded as tears began to well in his eyes.

Ben swiftly dismounted and approached the base of the tree. “What do you mean you can’t? You can and you will! Right now young, man. You just wait until I get you home.”

Adam could tell that Ben was angry beyond angry and Joe was scared beyond scared.

I’m going to count to ten and you better be standing in front of me ONE…. TWO…”

Adam calmly spoke. “Pa, I think it might be best for the both of you to let me give it a try.”

“THREE…FOUR… FIVE”

“Pa, Please?’ Adam begged.

Ben rubbed his hand through his hair in frustration. He knew he was letting anger get the better of him. He motioned his consent with a wave of his hand and stepped away.

Adam removed his hat and coat and then looked up at his brother.

“I’m coming up, Joe,” he said and then scaled the tree with ease. Soon he was sitting on an opposite branch facing Joe.

At the sight of Adam, Joe felt the tears cascade down his cheeks. “I didn’t mean it, Adam. I didn’t. Pa’s even madder than I thought he would be…”

Adam reached over and rested his hand on his little brother’s shoulder. “Joe…this wasn’t the way to deal with this, was it?”

Joe hung his head and softly shook his head no.

“Now, I know Pa is mad and I’m sorry, but I think you know he has a right to be. You’re just going to have to face him, Joe. We both know what is going to happen regardless. There’s no going back. What’s done is done. Pa is going to punish you no matter what. You went into his room Joe. You broke a rule and you know you need to face the consequences of breaking that rule.”

Adam smiled at his little brother and wiped a tear from his eye.

“Do you want some brotherly advice?”

Joe longingly looked up at him and nodded.

“Just tell Pa exactly what happened… and I mean exactly. Then apologize sincerely. That’s all you can do. Today will pass and Pa will be over it by tomorrow. You can’t stop today from happening, Joe. Sitting up here is only prolonging it.”

Joe nodded then looked down. His father was sitting on his horse looking down, obviously brewing.

Adam reached over and lifted Joe off the branch, seating him in his lap.

“Are you ready?” he questioned.

“Yeah,” Joe miserably replied and the two slowly started their decent.

As soon as Joe’s feet hit the ground he lowered his head, not able to make eye contact with his father.

Ben made motion for Adam to hand the boy up to him and Adam complied.

Ben positioned Joe in front of him on the saddle. He swallowed hard as the strong scent of French cologne wafted up at him. Then, without a word he kicked his horse and the two headed off towards home.

Hoss looked over at his older brother. “Poor, kid.”

“Yeah, I’m afraid it will be a long evening…” Adam paused a moment to reflect. “I don’t think there is any reason why we should hurry back brother. In fact, I think we’ll just take the long way home for a change.”

He then mounted and turned his horse in the opposite direction from home. Hoss smirked and followed behind.

When the boys returned, the house was quiet. Ben was seated in his favorite chair reading a book. He looked up upon their entry.

“Hi, Pa,” Adam simply stated. “We a decided to check for strays out in the north pasture.”

Ben gave his sons a knowing glance.

Hoss sat his hat down and turned towards his father. He paused momentarily before carefully questioning “How’s Joe?”

“Well, about as well as can be expected. He’s in his room where he has been instructed to stay until dinner…” Hoss nodded and turned towards the stairs.

“Hoss… he will remain alone until then, understood?” Hoss responded with a simple, “Yes, Pa,” and continued up to his room.

Ben turned to see Adam sniffing the air. “Is it still pretty strong upstairs?”

Ben grumbled, “I’m afraid I will have to sleep in the guest room for a few days. Hop Sing has been up there for over two hours and still you can hardly breathe upon entry.”

“How about Joe’s scent?” Adam asked. “Shouldn’t he have a bath before dinner?”

Ben smirked. He knew exactly what Adam was trying to do. He had to admit his son had a point.

“All right. You may go get your brother and take him out to the barn for a bath before supper. I’ll tell Hop Sing to heat some water.”

“Thanks, Pa.” Then Adam bounded up the stairs to check on his little brother.

Adam found Joe lying face down on his bed. He could still hear sniffles as he approached.

“You doing okay, Joe?” Adam softly inquired as he reached gently down and touched the back of the boy’s head.

This made Joe turn over to his side, wincing slightly with the movement.

“Still hurting?”

“Yeah, I think it’s the worse one he’s ever given, Adam.” Joe reached his hand back and rubbed his back side for emphasis.

“Pa sent me up to take you out to the barn to get rid of that scent.”

“For a bath!” Joe exclaimed. “I don’t think I can sit in the tub,” he added remorsefully.

“Well, he won’t let you come to the table smelling like you smell and I’m sure there’s a way we can work out the sitting part.”

“I’m not hungry anyway,” Joe grumbled.

“I know, but you know Pa will make you sit at the table whether you eat or not.” Adam reached over and ruffled Joe’s hair.

“Come on, let’s go and see if we can get the old stinky Joe back.”

Joe provided his brother with a slight grin and then gingerly arose. He then followed Adam out the door. In the hallway, he suddenly paused.

“Adam? Is Pa downstairs?”

Adam turned towards Joe. “Yes, he was reading when I came up, why?”
“Well, I… I… don’t know if it would be a good idea if he saw me let alone smelled me right now.”

Adam put his arm around Joe’s shoulder and started walking with him to the stairs. “Joe, I know Pa can get pretty angry at times but he always forgives you… no matter what. We don’t have to say anything right now unless he asks us something, Okay?”

Joe just nodded and the two quietly made their way past their father and out to the barn.

Hop Sing had already filled the tub and in a matter of moments Joe was covered in soap with his brother scrubbing the daylights out of his back and arms. Joe was resting uncomfortably on his knees and complaining with every stroke.

“You’re hurting me, Adam. I want to keep some of my skin you know.”

“Sorry, Joe, but Hop Sing said this Chinese herb bath needs to be worked into your skin.” Adam eased up slightly, knowing his brother was miserable.

A few moments later, Adam announced. “There. I think that should do it.”

He walked over and grabbed a towel. He held it up in front of Joe, who rinsed then stood and wrapped it around himself before stepping out of the water.

Adam sniffed at his brother.

“I do believe we got rid of that memory.”

Joe just hung his head and turned to put on his clothes. Adam could see that the boy was beating himself up inside.

“What’s wrong, Joe. Is it Pa?”

Joe just shook his head and continued dressing.

There was a long silence before Joe spoke up. “Do you know where Pa got that bottle, Adam?” His words were uttered so softly they were barely audible.

Adam eyed his little brother for a moment. Yes, he knew. He knew that it was a birthday gift from Joe’s mother. It was very expensive cologne imported from France. She had seen it in a catalog and purchased it via mail from a small specialty shop in New Orleans. Adam paused to remember how happy she was giving it to him that day at the table. It was also the last gift he ever received from her because she died three days later.

“Yes, I know, Joe.”

Joe turned his back on his brother as he felt his emotions starting to rise. He tried to stop the tears, but they flowed freely down his already stained cheeks.

“I told him I would work extra chores until I could buy him another one. I told him I wanted to replace what I broke. He just told me there was no need that what was done was done. He was so angry, Adam. I know that bottle meant a lot to him and I won’t ever be able to replace it….. ever.”

Adam moved over and wrapped his arms around his little brother. He tried to comfort him, but he knew his brother well enough to know that his mind was set. The two remained huddled until Joe’s sobs subsided. Then Adam turned Joe to face him. Listen Joe, I’m not making any promises, but I’ll grab some catalogs the next time we’re in town and we can see if we can find Pa’s bottle, okay? I can’t guarantee it will be the same, but maybe we can find something similar and not so expensive.”

Joe’s face took on a huge grin “Thanks, Adam. I just knew you’d think of something. You always do.” He then leaned in and gave his older brother one more hug.

“Come on, Joe. We best get to the table.” Adam then grabbed Joe’s hand and the two began walking towards the ranch house.

By the next morning, Pa was quite pleasant at the table. Hop Sing had informed him that what he had doused the carpet with the night before was working. He’d be able to return to his own room that evening and sleep in his own bed. Adam and Hoss arrived at the table in good spirits and the three of them were engaged in friendly conversation when Joe quietly made his way to the table.

“Morning son,” Ben greeted his son with enthusiasm. “We were just talking about what needs to be done around here today.”

Joe couldn’t look up at his father, but nodded slightly to acknowledge his comment and sat down at the table. Ben eyed his youngest for a moment before continuing.

“Adam, I’d like you to go into town for me today. Mr. Anderson should have his new shipment in and there are things that I have ordered and need.”

“Could Hoss come with me, Pa. Who knows how much has come in since the last time.”

Hoss’s eyes twinkled at the mention of getting to go to town.

“No, I’m afraid not, Adam. It is Hoss’s turn to clean out the barn.”

“I…I… can do it so Hoss can go with Adam,” Joe quietly spoke up, keeping his eyes down at his plate. “That is if I can have permission to leave my room.”

The room fell silent as three sets of eyes fell on the youngest Cartwright.
“That’s mighty nice of you Joe,” Hoss stated and then looked over at his Pa with a huge grin.

“Yes. I don’t see why that won’t work. But you must return to your room just as soon as you are finished. You have a week of restriction remember.”

Joe answered with a simple, “yes sir.”

With that, the Cartwrights started out on their day.

In town, Adam kept his promise and remembered to bring home several catalogs for Joe. That evening he brought them to his room and Joe spent over two hours scanning each and every page. He was on his last catalog and about to give up hope when he turned the page and saw the bottle. His eyes glistened and a huge smile fell upon his face as he began reading the advertisement.

“The finest French Cologne in a beautifully crafted bottle. It’s the perfect way for a lady to refine those rough edges and add just a little “debonair flair.” Yours today for only $100…”

“ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS? Oh No!” Joe exclaimed. His eyes began to water. “I broke a $100 dollar bottle. No wonder Pa was so mad at me.”

Joe threw the catalog angrily down on the floor as he sat with arms folded on his bed pouting. He arose and dug out his secret money box he kept hidden under the bed. There he found only 50 cents. His whole life’s savings…

“Well, at least it’s a start. At this rate I’ll be 60 years old before I can buy Pa that bottle.” Then a determined look came over his face. “… but I’m going to buy Pa that bottle if it’s the last thing I do.”

He slammed the lid on the box and shoved it under the bed. He then picked up the catalog and ripped out the page with the advertisement. He walked over to his desk and put the paper inside his math book for safe keeping.

Joe let out a big yawn. It had been a long couple of days. He looked around his room and frowned. “Six more days of this,” He groaned. Then he pulled his nightshirt from the drawer and began getting ready for bed.

******************************

The next morning, Joe told Adam and Hoss about his findings.

“A hundred dollars?” Hoss couldn’t believe his eyes. “Boy, ma sure didn’t like cheap things, did she, Adam?”

Adam smirked, and simply answered, “No. She did not.” Then he turned to Joe. “Well, we’ll just have to find something else you can give him to replace…”

“NO! I’m getting him this exact bottle. I don’t care how long it takes. It’s something ma gave him and I’m going to do it.” Joe folded his arms and pouted.

Hoss and Adam eyed one another. They knew how stubborn Joe could be when his mind was set.

“Joe…” Adam started.

“Don’t try to talk me out of it Adam. Don’t you see I have to do this?” Tears began to form in his eyes. “Don’t you see?”

Adam looked sympathetically at his little brother. There was no use butting heads with a mule. After a moment he reached into his pocket and handed Joe fifty cents.

Joe looked down at his brother’s hand in puzzlement.

“I figure I owe this to you… for cleaning out the barn for us yesterday. It was a big help to have Hoss help me load.”

Hoss grinned the broadest grin and began digging in his pockets.

“Here, short shanks,” he thrust his hand out towards Joe.

“It ain’t as much as Adam’s contribution, but it will do.”

Joe accepted another quarter from his brother.

He looked down at the shiny coins now in his hand and ran his fingers over them in amazement.

He then thrust the money into his pocket and gave each of his brothers a big hug before running back to his room to count up his new total.

Adam and Hoss watched him speed away.

After a long moment, Adam spoke. “You know, I do believe our brother is on a mission.”

“Yeah, he ain’t gonna stop until he gets there that’s for sure. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna help him as much as I can. You got to admire the little scallywag, though… for wanting to make things right again.”

Adam simply nodded. “Yeah. We best get down to breakfast before Pa starts bellowing.” He then shouted out towards his brother’s room.

“Come on, Joe. It’s time for breakfast.”

There was a muffled, “Coming,” and then the door to Joe’s room swung open and he popped out into the hallway. He proceeded to run right by his brothers, announcing with enthusiasm as he passed, “I’m starving.”

Joe and Adam laughed and then followed their eager brother down the stairs.

Adam was right. Joe was on a mission and the next three weeks he did any job that he was capable of doing for his brothers in addition to his normal chores. If the job was too difficult for him to do alone, Adam and Hoss would allow him to be a helper at a reduced rate. His father noticed his sudden desire to be overly helpful and knew something was awry. He questioned Adam and Hoss, but they just brushed over it lightly, stating that Joe wanted to help and seemed to enjoy the added responsibility.

In the meantime, the 8 year old was working way too hard and it was beginning to reflect in his schoolwork. He was falling asleep during class and making mistakes on his tests. His teacher was worried about his performance and, after running into Ben in town, explained her concerns.
Ben rode home that afternoon with a heavy heart. He just couldn’t understand what was going on with his youngest. He knew his two oldest were involved somehow, and there was something brewing, but what?

He entered the ranch house and took off his coat, hat, and gun belt. He soon found himself in his son’s room at his desk, looking for any signs of the missing homework or unfinished assignments. When he flipped open Joe’s math book, he found the answer to all his questions. Ben unfolded the advertisement. Joe had been keeping a tally of his earnings. “Paint the chicken coop with Hoss…. $.50 Help Adam fix the fence…$.25. Stack Wood for Adam…$.15… ”

Ben just shook his head. This made everything make sense.

He quietly folded the paper and put it neatly back where it was found. He paused, for a moment, thinking. He knew he had to talk to Joe about his schoolwork, but he did not want his boys to know he knew what was going on… not just yet. All three had a lesson to learn and he was the one that was going to teach them that lesson.

That evening Ben had his discussion with Joe. He told him simply and plainly that his schoolwork came first. That there would be no more added jobs until he had received word from his teacher that his schoolwork was back up to standard and all missing assignments were no longer missing.

This simply crushed the 8 year old. He sat in his room crying at his desk and staring at the advertisement. He had already made $9.25 and now his father was taking his only chance to make things right away.

Joe heaved a huge sigh. He knew he hadn’t a choice in the matter. His father had made that very clear. He folded the now worn advertisement back up and moved it to his money box for safe keeping. He wasn’t giving up, it was something he had to do, but it would just have to wait. And wait it did. It took Joe nearly three weeks to catch up on his schoolwork and it was the three longest weeks of his life.

It was the longest three weeks of Ben’s life, too. Joe was hardly speaking to him. Adam and Hoss seemed down in the mouth. It was a very quiet household and there was little interaction.

In truth, Ben was waiting, too. He was waiting for a package. That package arrived at the start of the fourth week. He said nothing and just placed it on his desk. It sat there for 2 more days before Ben found the right moment.

That moment happened at the dinner table one evening.

“Joe, I talked with your teacher today. She says that you have done an excellent job of catching up with your schoolwork. Apparently all your missing assignments have been accounted for and she told me to tell you that she hopes this trend will continue.”

Joe looked up at his father. “It will, Pa. I promise.” Then he hesitated a moment before asking, “Can…can I begin helping Hoss and Adam out again now?”

This was just what Ben was waiting for and he seized the moment. “Yes, I think that can be arranged, but before you three start setting up plans I’d like you to take a little walk with me.”

Three sets of eyes stared up at him in puzzlement. Ben then arose and walked over to the table by the door and put on his hat, coat, and gun belt. He walked over to his desk and picked up the package, securely placing it under his arm. Adam, Hoss, and Joe followed his every movement. When he had returned to the door, he opened it wide and made motion for his sons to come along. They complied and the four of them walked out into the yard.

Ben led his boys out behind the barn. There he found an old stump and set the package down upon it.

“Joseph, I want you to open it,” Ben instructed.

The boy looked up at his father. Then he gave an apprehensive glance towards his two brothers before he stepped forward and began undoing the paper.

Ben smirked at his son’s carefulness. This was the same boy that tore into any other wrapped gift in a blink of an eye.

Joe carefully unfolded the paper. His eyes opened wide at the sight.

“The ship! Adam… Hoss… it’s the ship!” He exclaimed in excitement. He then gingerly held it up and let the sunlight glisten off the glass.

Adam and Hoss just smiled broadly. They knew what it meant to their brother. Ben gave his boys their moment and then…

“Joseph. Set it down, son, and look at me.” Ben’s words were stern. Joe complied and turned to face his father.

“Now I do remember telling you that there was no need to replace that bottle, did I not?”

Joe hung his head and acknowledge with a slight nod.

“Then tell me why it was so important for you to do so?”

Joe remained still. He did not know what to say. Adam could see his brother struggling and decided to intervene.

“Pa, I think Joe just felt bad that …”

“Adam. I asked Joe to tell me, not you.” Adam glanced at his Pa and tugged nervously at his ear.

“Joseph… I’m waiting.”

“Well… I broke something that meant a lot to you, Pa. I just wanted to get you another one.”

“You and I know that isn’t the real reason, son. I want you to tell me the truth… now!”

Joe’s eyes began to water and the tears started to flow. Adam and Hoss were stunned at their father’s brashness.

“I told you, Pa. I just wanted to replace it…” Joe sobbed.

Ben knelt down and grabbed Joe’s shoulders firmly.

“Why son, Why? Just say it.”

“I can’t…”

“Yes, you can. Now, say it Joseph.” Ben shook his boy’s shoulders slightly and that was enough to break the barrier.

“Because…. because… I didn’t want you to forget her Pa. I didn’t want you to forget ma…” Joe crumbled into his father’s arms as Ben held him tightly to his chest, fighting back tears himself.

He allowed his son the opportunity to cry out his pent up emotions. Adam and Hoss stood aside, absorbing the scene.

When Joe’s sobs subsided, Ben leaned over and picked up the bottle of cologne. Joseph, I’m going to teach you a new word. It’s something I don’t want any of my boys ever to be and that is materialistic.

Adam knew right away where this was headed, but poor Hoss looked even more confused than his little brother.

“This bottle, Joseph represents a gift your mother gave me. It is a material object… something made out of glass… nothing more… nothing less. It does not represent your mother’s memory, nor will its absence cause her memory to go away.”

Ben paused to set the bottle back down on the stump.

“I think of her every day and will continue to do so whether that bottle is sitting on my dresser or not. She touched all our lives, Joseph, and we will never forget her… ever. Do you know why?”

Joe looked up at his father and shook his head.

Ben arose and put his arm around his youngest son. He turned him away from the bottle and began walking towards the barn. Adam and Hoss followed.

They took about 20 steps before Ben suddenly stopped and looked up to the sky. Tears began to well in his eyes as he spoke.

“…Because we carry those memories in a very special place… our hearts; locked away for safe keeping whenever we need them. They will remain there until the day that we die.” Ben placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head a moment.

“Joseph, when you thought only of replacing that bottle, you were being materialistic, son. That means that the bottle meant more to you than the memory of your mother.”

Then, with out warning, Ben spun quickly around and drew his gun. He pointed it at the bottle and announced.

“So the presence…” Bang! The bottle instantly shattered into a million pieces right before their eyes. “Or absence there of it, should not make one bit of difference.” Ben paused to replace his gun in his gun belt. He softly reached over and put his arm around Joseph.

“Remember to focus on the memories. Cherish them, boys. Cherish them always…”

There was a stunned silence and then…

The air was filled with the scent of French Cologne.

All four of them began to gag and cough.

Adam managed to speak between coughs “There’s just one thing, Pa, (cough-cough) next time (cough-cough), can you make sure we are at least standing… down wind (cough-cough-cough)?”

Everyone laughed as Ben slapped Adam hardily on his back.

“Come on, you three,” he directed.

The Cartwrights quickly fled the scene; leaving behind a shattered bottle scattered in the dirt and shards of colored glass shimmering in the sunlight.