{"id":11350,"date":"2014-05-01T12:50:53","date_gmt":"2014-05-01T16:50:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11350"},"modified":"2026-03-11T07:24:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:24:38","slug":"settling-the-accounts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11350","title":{"rendered":"Settling the Accounts (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 It’s the end of the month and settling the accounts nearly spells an apoplexy for Ben.\u00a0 (Author’s note:\u00a0 Should include a horror warning for Little Joe fans.)<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (10,440 words)<\/p>\n

Settling the Accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright stood up and stretched as the last man took his money and thanked him. \u201cWell that\u2019s that,\u201d he said, shutting the payroll tin with a bang. \u201cEveryone\u2019s been paid for another month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite everyone,\u201d Adam reminded his father with a grin as he put his hand out with the palm facing upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d replied Ben as he opened the tin again and began to count out several notes. \u201cSorry son. Hoss? Joe?\u201d he called out. \u201cCome and get your pay, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sauntered over to stand beside Adam and waited while his father continued to count. \u201cSure is a good feeling to get paid,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got that new bridle just waiting in town to be picked up and today\u2019s the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t hurt you to bank a bit of that,\u201d said his father as he placed a pile of notes on first Adam\u2019s palm and then Hoss\u2019. \u201cI hope you\u2019re going to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d said Hoss absently, as he counted out his money. \u201cBut first I\u2019m getting that new bridle I ordered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben winked at Adam as they both watched Hoss counting. \u201cDon\u2019t you trust your father?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up, momentarily confused. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said and then grinned as he noticed the twinkle in both their eyes. \u201cAw gee, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cCourse I trust ya. Force of habit is all cause you always tell us to double check whenever we get any money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slapped his son on the shoulder. \u201cI sure do,\u201d he agreed. \u201cJoseph? Don\u2019t you want your pay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scampered over to his father. \u201cSure do!\u201d he said brightly. \u201cI\u2019ve got lots to do with it!\u201d He held out his hand and waited while Ben counted the money into it. \u201cThanks Pa!\u201d he said happily. \u201cWe gonna get going now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d asked Adam with a smirk. \u201cCan\u2019t wait to get into town and spend it all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pocketed his money and made a face at his older brother. \u201cAin\u2019t that what money\u2019s for?\u201d he asked. He waved a hand towards the corral where most of the ranch hands were already mounting up and some had even taken off towards Virginia City. \u201cEveryone else is gonna either drink their money or spend it on \u2026\u201d he cleared his throat. \u201c\u2026 on other things,\u201d he added vaguely. \u201cAin\u2019t that what the end of the month pay is for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is such a thing a saving your money for a rainy day Joseph,\u201d said his father over his shoulder as he walked towards his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the sky and stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u201cYeah, well it looks kinda sunny to me today Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I reckon saving money can wait for another day.\u201d He giggled at his own joke and winked at Hoss, but his older brother simply shook his head and walked towards his own horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI spose you\u2019re gonna put all yours in the bank?\u201d asked Joe as he and Adam followed their brother. \u201cI reckon you must have enough in there to tide us all over if that rainy day ever comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on it, little brother,\u201d said Adam as he swung up into the saddle. \u201cAny money that I\u2019ve saved up will go for things I need, not for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHear that Pa?\u201d said Joe as they all began to ride out of the front yard and down the trail that led to town. \u201cAdam ain\u2019t gonna share like you always tell us to!\u201d He gave all of them a cheeky grin. \u201cThat ain\u2019t nice Adam,\u201d he added in a teasing tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored the remark, as did everyone else, so Joe started to hum quietly to himself as he rode along. For a few minutes there was silence and then Hoss broke it. \u201cYou gonna get all the accounts settled today Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d replied his father. \u201cDon\u2019t I always pay everyone off at the end of the month? I don\u2019t like anyone having to wait any longer than that for what I owe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget that feed bill,\u201d Adam reminded his father. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be mighty high this month with all the hand feeding we had to do with those calves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cI\u2019d forgotten about that,\u201d he said. \u201cI might have to go to the bank and get some more cash out.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he mused aloud. \u201cThe price of everything just seems sky high at the moment. I hate to think what that feed bill is going to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe waved an arm around casually. \u201cWhat does it matter?\u201d he asked. \u201cWe got plenty of money to pay it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his youngest son a stern look. \u201cThat isn\u2019t the point Joseph,\u201d he said. \u201cJust because a person has money doesn\u2019t mean that he should waste it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Joe automatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s hardly wasting it, is it?\u201d asked Adam reasonably. \u201cIt\u2019s not as if we didn\u2019t use the feed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d acknowledged his father. \u201cBut I hate paying out for something when it could have been avoided.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cYou know them little critters needed more feed than they could get on the mountains at the moment. The winter\u2019s been tough and there ain\u2019t much spring grass fer em yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if we\u2019d used some of the hay we\u2019ve got in the barn like I said, then we \u2026.\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes at Hoss behind their father\u2019s back. \u201cPa, it would have taken an awful lot of work to get that hay back out there,\u201d he interrupted. \u201cAnd a lot of time that could better be put into other things. Besides, we can always use it later for the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snorted and didn\u2019t reply and Hoss rolled his eyes right back at his older brother as he grinned at him. They all knew that their father was careful with the pennies, but sometimes he just carried things a bit too far.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam?\u201d Joe motioned with his hand for his older brother to drop back a little, so the two of them slowed down their horses and let their father and Hoss ride a little ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Adam when they were far enough behind so that the other two couldn\u2019t hear them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been wondering,\u201d began Joe. \u201cHow come Pa\u2019s so mean with all the money he\u2019s got? He\u2019s got plenty, but he sure don\u2019t want to spend none of it too often.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t call him mean<\/em>, Joe,\u201d he said, speaking slowly and choosing his words carefully. \u201cMaybe careful<\/em> would be a more accurate way to describe him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell whatever you call it, he sure does hate spending money,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI mean, he\u2019s always giving it away to other folks but when it comes to spending it on himself or us or \u2026.\u201d He waved his hand around. \u201cThings for the ranch, he can be downright stingy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried not to laugh at his brother\u2019s words. \u201cI think he just has a good memory,\u201d he said. \u201cThings weren\u2019t always so easy for Pa you know. I remember a time when he couldn\u2019t afford to even buy food some days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cWhen you were a little kid?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cLooking back on things now I realise that there were many times when he wouldn\u2019t eat just so that Hoss and I could be fed when we were younger. By the time you came along things were a lot better so you never experienced those times.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cWhat you\u2019ve got to remember Joe is that Pa has really had a struggle in his life to make ends meet. The Ponderosa didn\u2019t just happen overnight, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d said Joe, a touch defensively. \u201cBut now that he\u2019s got the money, well why don\u2019t he want to spend it more often?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOld habits die hard, I suppose,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u201cWell, I sure wish he\u2019d spend a bit more on working clothes,\u201d he said. \u201cThese trousers are getting right short on me and I\u2019m sick and tired of wearing this blue jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe thankful at least that you\u2019ve got decent clothes to wear,\u201d Adam admonished him. \u201cSome folks don\u2019t have even that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Joe with a sigh. \u201cOnly sometimes I wish I had a couple of different things to wear, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, for he did know. It was the strangest thing, but their father could spend a lot of money when negotiating for contracts or building up the land resources of the ranch, but when it came to the smaller things in life such as clothing he expected that his sons made do with what they had. \u201cWaste not, want not,\u201d he said with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how many times have we heard that?\u201d said Joe, returning the grin. \u201cAnyone would think we were poor or something.\u201d He gave Adam a penetrating look. \u201cIs that why you always wear black?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the reasons,\u201d replied Adam. In truth he\u2019d given up arguing with his father about clothing. Every time he went to buy something they usually ended up in a disagreement about it, so he\u2019d found over the years that it was simply easier to stick to a few basic items of clothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like a new hat,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cThis one is getting too small.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the small black hat on his brother\u2019s head. \u201cWell then, just buy yourself one,\u201d he said. \u201cYou spend enough of your wages on other things, why not clothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cBut Pa always buys my clothes,\u201d he said. \u201cI never thought about buying anything for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell maybe it\u2019s time that you did,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHoss and I have been buying our own clothing for quite a while now.\u201d He reached over and patted Joe on the shoulder. \u201cTime to grow up, little brother,\u201d he said. \u201cMake a stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cI might just do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked over his shoulder. \u201cWhat are you two jabbering on about back there?\u201d he shouted. \u201cStop dawdling or everything will be closed before we get into town!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe urged his horse forward until he was riding next to his father. \u201cEverything except the important places,\u201d he said with a cheeky grin. \u201cAre you buying in the saloon tonight Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d he said. \u201cI think I might be able to afford a drink or two seeing as how you\u2019ve all worked so hard this past month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smacked his lips. \u201cThat\u2019ll be great,\u201d he said. \u201cI sure do look forward to Saturday nights in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, before you look forward to your Saturday night in town there\u2019s things to be done on Saturday afternoon,\u201d his father reminded him. He shook his head again. \u201cLord knows what Paul Martin\u2019s bill is going to be this month,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are times when I feel like I keep him employed full time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cHe\u2019d probably agree with you,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s always someone in our family who seems to need his attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd house calls don\u2019t come cheap,\u201d his father reminded him. \u201cI still don\u2019t see why you had to call him out to the ranch last week when those two hands got into a fight. They could have taken themselves into town and had Paul look them over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d protested Adam. \u201cOne of them had a busted leg. You couldn\u2019t honestly have expected him to sit on a horse all the way into town!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sniffed. \u201cThere is such a thing as the buckboard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he might have had internal injuries,\u201d Adam reminded his father. \u201cYou didn\u2019t want a man\u2019s life hanging in the balance just to save a few dollars, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben said wearily. \u201cIt just seems that with all those trips Paul made out to the ranch this month because of Joe\u2019s hurt arm \u2026.\u201d He gave his youngest son a stern look as if he could have avoided hurting himself. \u201c\u2026 then when Hoss fell off the ladder \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hop Sing\u2019s rash,\u201d Joe reminded him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d said his father. \u201cAll those trips! Paul must be getting a fortune from me this month!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell there is one way you could save money as far as the doctor is concerned,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father shot him an interested look. \u201cYes?\u201d he said. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou could make all the ranch hands pay for their own medical expenses,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019ve been through this before,\u201d he said. \u201cI happen to believe that if a man takes on employment then he should be able to expect that his employer looks after him. I remember what if feels like to not be able to afford the most simplest of medical help.\u201d His eyes took on a faraway look. \u201cWhen you were a youngster you were forever coming down with one illness or another Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cI often couldn\u2019t afford to take you to a doctor and it\u2019s a very worrying thing.\u201d He smiled at Adam and Hoss. \u201cActually that\u2019s how I met your mother, son,\u201d he said to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, for they\u2019d all heard the story many times of how it was little Adam\u2019s sore throat that had led their father to the general store where Inger \u2026. Hoss\u2019 mother \u2026. had worked. She had supplied their father with some medicine for the little boy and that had been the beginning of their relationship together. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cShe knew a lot about such things, didn\u2019t she Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe did indeed,\u201d said his father. \u201cI often thought that she would have made a wonderful doctor or nurse. She had such a way with sick animals too. I remember one time when the wagon train we were on was held up because there was a mare giving birth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that!\u201d said Adam. \u201cShe made the whole wagon train wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d he said. \u201cNow there was a woman who didn\u2019t waste money either. She knew how to stretch a dollar. I remember one time \u2026.\u201d Ben spent the next few miles reminiscing about his second wife, much to Hoss\u2019 delight, who loved to hear about his mother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time they reached town, Ben was all talked out and Hoss was grinning from ear to ear. \u201cI might just go and get that bridle first,\u201d he said. \u201cWhere will I meet up with you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe down at the mercantile,\u201d said his father. \u201cI\u2019ll go and pay that feed bill first and get it over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to pay it for you?\u201d volunteered Adam. \u201cIt might stress you out too much handing over all that money.\u201d He winked at Hoss and Joe and then gave his father a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you,\u201d said Ben stiffly. \u201cI am quite capable of keeping my temper over a feed bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, I might just go on down to the bookstore,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI need to settle up my account down there and see if there\u2019s anything new on the shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d said his father. \u201cWe\u2019ll all meet at the mercantile then. Joe, you come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cleared his throat. \u201cActually Pa, I was thinking I might do a few things myself.\u201d He gave his father a tentative smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was thinking \u2026\u201d Joe touched his black hat self-consciously. \u201cI was thinking that I might buy me a new hat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cWhy?\u201d he demanded. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a perfectly good hat already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s too small! It makes my head look too big.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sniffed. \u201cIt looks perfectly fine to me,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve had it for nigh on four years!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI\u2019m sick of it! There\u2019s a real nice tan one I\u2019ve had my eye on in the window of \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been wearing this hat of mine for close to ten years now,\u201d his father interrupted. \u201cAnd there\u2019s nothing wrong with it. Waste not, want not, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had mine for a long time too,\u201d said Hoss rather unhelpfully, patting his big ten gallon hat affectionately. \u201cFolks recognise me on account of my hat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but your head was full-grown when you bought it,\u201d said Joe. \u201cPa got mine for me when I was still growing.\u201d He gave his father a hangdog look. \u201cIt\u2019s my money,\u201d he reminded him. \u201cYou always said we should be responsible for our own money and decide what you do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cBut I don\u2019t approve of waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut it ain\u2019t waste,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s right fine hat Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet him buy it Pa,\u201d piped up Adam. \u201cIt is his money, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAs you say \u2026 it is your money son, so I suppose you\u2019ve got the right to buy what you like with it.\u201d He looked at all three of his sons in turn. \u201cI just wish you\u2019d all learnt to save a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, that\u2019s hardly fair,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cI save a lot of money. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Old money bags never spends anything,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cAnd where am I headed right now?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh \u2026 books \u2026.\u201d said Joe dismissively. \u201cBooks aren\u2019t spending money. I mean spending it on important things like \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he realised that he was about to get himself into a hole that he just might find hard to dig his way out of. \u201cWell, I\u2019d best go and get that hat,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou make sure you\u2019re on time down at that mercantile!\u201d his father shouted after him. \u201cHalf an hour young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe waved his hand airily as he rode off down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNew hat!\u201d Ben said under his breath. \u201cNew hat indeed!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya Pa,\u201d said Hoss, also turning his horse. \u201cI\u2019m going to get me that bridle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m off to the bookstore,\u201d said Adam, also turning away. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at the mercantile.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snorted again before urging his horse down the street towards the Feed and Grain Store. \u201cHats \u2026 bridles \u2026. books \u2026.\u201d he muttered softly under his breath. \u201cWhy can\u2019t they simply save their money for once? Waste not, want not \u2026. that\u2019s always been my motto and it\u2019s a darned good one to \u2026.\u201d He tipped his hat as he pulled his horse to a halt. \u201cAfternoon Jim,\u201d he said to the man standing outside the Feed and Grain Store. \u201cNice day!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d replied Jim Haskins. \u201cI was hoping you might be in today Ben, it being the end of the month and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d replied Ben as he got down from his horse. \u201cI\u2019ve come to settle the account for the month as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it sure is a big one,\u201d said Jim as Ben followed him inside. \u201cEverything\u2019s going up, you know. I\u2019ve got expenses to cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m sure you do,\u201d said Ben. \u201cTell me what the damage is.\u201d He swallowed as the other man put a piece of paper on the counter between them. \u201cThat much?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jim nodded. \u201cLike I said, everything\u2019s going up and you did have all that extra feed. Plus your usual. It all adds up Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scrutinized the piece of paper. \u201cWhat\u2019s this for?\u201d he asked, pointing to a figure at bottom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaulage,\u201d replied Jim easily. \u201cI gotta get the grain here somehow, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmph!\u201d snorted Ben. He opened his wallet and began to count out the bills onto the counter. \u201cDaylight robbery!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jim grinned at him unabashed as he picked up the notes. \u201cNow Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know as well as I do just what it takes to run a business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so,\u201d Ben acknowledged. \u201cOnly some folks can do it and still manage to keep their prices reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m one of em,\u201d said Jim, putting the money in a tin under the counter. \u201cTake your business elsewhere if you don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed a finger at the man. \u201cYou know full well that you\u2019re the only Feed and Grain store in town,\u201d he said accusingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t my fault,\u201d replied Jim, grinning at him for he was well used to Ben Cartwright\u2019s ways. He was one of the most generous men Jim knew, yet every month they had the same conversation about his prices nevertheless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWell, I\u2019d best be out of here before you think of something else to put on that bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe seeing you,\u201d shouted Jim. \u201cAt the end of next month as usual!\u201d He chuckled as Ben gave him a dark look and left the store.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he reached the sidewalk outside, Ben nearly ran into Hoss who was about to enter the store. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cI thought you were down at the Tack Store?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and held up his new bridle. \u201cI was,\u201d he said. \u201cAin\u2019t it a beauty Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery nice,\u201d his father acknowledged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told Bert down there that you were in town and he said to mention to you about your account,\u201d Hoss continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a blank look. \u201cAccount?\u201d he said. \u201cWe don\u2019t owe anything there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cSeems we do Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cRemember you ordered all that tack two months ago? Well seems like the shipment\u2019s come in yesterday and Bert kinda gave me the impression that he\u2019d like to be paid for it right quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d sighed Ben, reaching in and taking out his wallet again. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFifty dollars,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJumping Jephosophat!\u201d shouted Ben angrily. \u201cHow on earth could a bit of tack cost fifty dollars?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd forty three cents,\u201d added Hoss, quite unabashed by his father\u2019s shouting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cFifty dollars and forty three cents,\u201d he said. \u201cIncredible!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it was quite a bit of stuff you ordered,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cApparently so,\u201d said his father dryly as he held out some notes. \u201cGo and pay it for me please son. Here\u2019s the fifty dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 and forty three cents,\u201d Hoss prompted him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scowled at Hoss as he reached into his pocket. \u201cOh, by all means,\u201d he added sarcastically. \u201cLet\u2019s not forget the forty three cents!\u201d He looked into his near-empty wallet. \u201cSeems I\u2019m gong to have to go to the bank and get some more cash out just as I thought,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Hoss happily pocketing the money. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Bert to keep the tack aside for us and we\u2019ll pick it up next week. That OK, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said his father, still staring into his wallet as if some money might magically appear there. \u201cI suppose so.\u201d He sighed again and turned towards the bank, tipping his hat to several women as he walked along the footpath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d said George Bristol the bank manager as Ben entered the building. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect to see you back here so soon. You only picked the payroll up yesterday. Wasn\u2019t it enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cApparently not,\u201d said Ben with a shrug of his shoulders. \u201cYou know how it is George. End of the month \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEnd of the month accounts,\u201d George finished for him as he motioned to the teller to approach. \u201cI sure do. Hank here will take care of you Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben and turned to the teller. \u201cI think I\u2019d best take out another two hundred,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBig month, Mr Cartwright?\u201d said the man as he slid a withdrawal slip across the counter for Ben to sign.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt would seem so,\u201d said Ben. He sighed. \u201cI suppose I\u2019m one of the lucky ones, but Lord knows where the money goes lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank nodded sympathetically as he counted out some bills. \u201cWell at least you have it in your account to take out,\u201d he said. \u201cNot all folks are so lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll try to keep that in mind.\u201d He tipped his hat to the two men before putting the bills into his wallet. \u201cGood afternoon gentlemen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben reached the sidewalk again, he squinted in the afternoon sun before putting his wallet into his vest pocket and heading down the street towards the mercantile. As he approached the store he saw Joe standing there by his horse. \u201cJoseph,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see that you\u2019re on time for once.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa,\u201d said Joe, turning quickly. \u201cAlways on time \u2026 that\u2019s my motto.\u201d He gave his father a grin as he held his hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you got there?\u201d asked his father, curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee my new hat Pa?\u201d said Joe, indicating his head with one hand and ignoring the remark. \u201cIt\u2019s a nice one, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the tan hat and nodded his head. \u201cYes, well I must admit that it does fit you a bit better than the other one,\u201d he said. \u201cNow you make sure that this one lasts you a long time son.\u201d He pointed a finger at the young man. \u201cRemember what I always tell you. Waste \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c \u2026. not, want not,\u201d Joe finished for him. \u201cI know Pa. Hey Adam, see my new hat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice,\u201d said Adam as he approached them. \u201cHoss not here yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to the Tack Store to settle up an account we apparently owe there,\u201d said Ben. He frowned as he saw the pile of books in Adam\u2019s hands. \u201cBeen spending up son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked slightly embarrassed. \u201cWell, I ordered these quite a while ago,\u201d he said. \u201cSome are from Boston and some from New York. Just my luck that they\u2019ve all come in at the same time. On top of what I already owed, that doesn\u2019t leave me much to bank at all this month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy bank any of it?\u201d piped up Joe. \u201cSpend it on something good and live a little, brother!\u201d Adam raised and eyebrow, but said nothing as he began to pack his books into his saddlebags.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou two hurry up,\u201d said their father. \u201cI\u2019m going to get our account settled in the mercantile.\u201d He went inside the building and Adam immediately turned to Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d he asked, pointing to the brown wrapped parcel that the young man was still holding behind his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked furtive. \u201cNothin,\u201d he said. \u201cJust something I bought, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething other than the hat?\u201d enquired Adam. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have thought you\u2019d have had much money left to buy anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI put it on Pa\u2019s account.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said Adam. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe undid the parcel at one end. \u201cIt\u2019s that green jacket I was talking about before,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019ll go real nice with my new hat, don\u2019t ya think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cThe hat was one thing, but what do you think Pa\u2019s going to say when he finds out that there\u2019s a jacket on next month\u2019s clothing account?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cI reckon by next month I\u2019ll have half the money for it,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve got a whole month to think of a way to talk Pa into paying for the other half.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cJoe, sometimes you amaze me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u201cGee thanks!\u201d he said, proudly. \u201cI got to thinking about the advice you gave me. You know, about standing up for myself and all. That\u2019s what made up my mind about getting it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cNow don\u2019t you dare blame this on me,\u201d he said, pointing his finger at his brother. \u201cWhen Pa starts to skin you alive for spending that money you just tell him \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Pa gonna skin him alive fer now?\u201d asked Hoss, coming up to stand beside them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe bought a new jacket and put it on Pa\u2019s account,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss made a face and shrugged. \u201cGood luck with that one little brother,\u201d he said simply. \u201cNice hat but.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t it though?\u201d said Joe, puffing up and patting it proudly. \u201cI like your bridle too Hoss,\u201d he added generously as he looked at the piece of leather dangling from Hoss\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if we\u2019re all finished admiring each other, I think we\u2019d best get inside,\u201d observed Adam dryly. \u201cYou know how Pa gets when he has to pay the monthly account for the mercantile. We might need to calm him down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they entered the store, it seemed as if the oldest Cartwright son was right, for their father was leaning over the counter examining a long piece of paper and not looking at all happy about it. \u201cWho on earth ordered buckets?\u201d he demanded as soon as he saw his three sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did Pa,\u201d said Adam calmly. \u201cWe needed a few new ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned and went back to reading the account again. \u201cIncredible!\u201d he said under his breath. \u201cHow can one family eat so much food?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s easy,\u201d said Hoss, coming to stand next to his father. \u201cWe all work hard, so we\u2019ve all got right big appetites Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked his son up and down before replying. \u201cAnd some of us have bigger ones than others,\u201d he said. \u201cJust take a look at this!\u201d He waved the account under Hoss\u2019 nose. \u201cWhy on earth would Hop Sing have ordered so much flour this month? And sugar? And \u2026.. Good Lord!\u201d he exploded. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen such a list!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Pa,\u201d said Adam, holding up his hands to quiet the man. \u201cYou know that we had all those visitors last month \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAnd boy could they eat! Almost as much as Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then there was the party for Founder\u2019s Day,\u201d Hoss reminded them. \u201cHop Sing did a whole mess of cooking for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cTrue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou honestly can\u2019t expect him to cook without buying the ingredients,\u201d said Adam calmly. \u201cYou can\u2019t expect decent food from only the things we produce ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scowled at the account as if it was responsible for the amount written on it. \u201cWell maybe we should start trying to,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe we should just all eat a much simpler diet from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked stricken. \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious Pa?\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI need my grub!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and opened his wallet wearily as he faced the man behind the counter. \u201cAll right Will,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat does it all come to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Will Catts consulted his master list. \u201cOne hundred and thirty four dollars and nineteen cents,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as Ben stared at him. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d he asked in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Will swallowed. \u201cOne hundred and thirty four dollars and nineteen cents,\u201d he repeated. \u201cBut you can forget the nineteen cents, seeing as how you\u2019re such a good customer Ben.\u201d He gave them all a weak smile. \u201cDon\u2019t know how I\u2019d survive without the Cartwright business some months,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but counted out the bills, plonked them on the counter and then turned to face his three sons. \u201cNo one spends one more cent in this store without asking permission first!\u201d he shouted and then stalked out of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and gave Will an apologetic look before turning to follow his father. Joe giggled and winked at two women in the corner who had witnessed the scene and Hoss merely looked at the ceiling and whistled softly to himself as if he didn\u2019t know what was going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna settle up now too?\u201d Will asked Hoss when they were alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked first to the right and then to the left to make sure that no one was within earshot before replying. \u201cSure,\u201d he said in a loud whisper. \u201cWhat\u2019s it come to this month?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Will did a quick calculation. \u201cSix dollars even,\u201d he said and held out his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took some money out of his pocket and counted it before handing it to the man. \u201cAdd in an extra ten cent\u2019s worth of them bullseyes,\u201d he said. \u201cI sure am grateful to you for keeping our little secret Will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d replied Will as he measured out the bullseyes and then handed them to Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s all business to me.\u201d He watched as Hoss secreted the small paper bag into his pocket. \u201cOnly why you just can\u2019t put your candy on your father\u2019s account is beyond me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw him just now,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cIf he knew that I spend all this money on candy he\u2019d have a fit!\u201d He tipped his hat to the man. \u201cBe seeing ya Will and thanks again.\u201d He grimaced as he came outside and heard his father yelling at Adam and Joe.
\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s another thing,\u201d the man shouted. \u201cEight pickaxes! Why would we need eight new pickaxes, for heaven\u2019s sake?\u201d Joe opened his mouth to answer, but his father didn\u2019t pause long enough to allow him to. \u201cAnd the amount of coffee this month!\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cCriminal! That\u2019s what it is, criminal!\u201d He pointed as finger at Joe, then Adam and finally Hoss as he came to stand next to him. \u201cNext month we\u2019re all drinking tea!\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s cheaper!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a face. \u201cBut I hate tea!\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen do without!\u201d shouted his father angrily. \u201cThere is no way that \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all turned to see Will standing in the doorway of the store with a brown paper bag in his hand. \u201cI forgot,\u201d he said. \u201cHop Sing has been waiting on these currants and they just came in on Wednesday.\u201d He held it out cheerfully to Ben who snatched it from him without a word. \u201cNow don\u2019t you worry about paying for them now Ben,\u201d he said happily. \u201cI can put them on next month\u2019s account.\u201d He waved to them all and then disappeared into the shop again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at the bag of currants before stuffing it into his saddlebag without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm \u2026. I\u2019d best go down to the bank and put what\u2019s left of my money into my account,\u201d said Adam. He made a face and motioned with his head at his brothers. \u201cYou two coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI ain\u2019t got anything much left to put in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head as he stared at his father\u2019s back. \u201cUm \u2026 not right now Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cI need to tell Pa \u2026.\u201d He shrugged and didn\u2019t elaborate on what he needed to tell his father, so no one pressed the point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said. \u201cHave you already been to the bank?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to face them again, his eyes still blazing. \u201cYes, I have!\u201d he snapped. \u201cBut it seems that I didn\u2019t withdraw as much money as I needed!\u201d He looked at them all in turn before adding. \u201cGet another hundred out of the bank Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Adam and then added tentatively. \u201cIs that going to be enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his hands up in despair. \u201cWho would know?\u201d he said. \u201cBetter make it two hundred in case!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a step back. \u201cSure,\u201d he said. \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Hoss tentatively as Adam disappeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d snapped his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed. \u201cI hate to remind you, but do you want me to take care of the blacksmith for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but simply glared at his middle son. \u201cThe blacksmith?\u201d he asked finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cOnly when I was at the Tack Store earlier on I remembered bout that box of horseshoes we got last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Adam\u2019s horse was re-shod too,\u201d Joe piped up. \u201cDon\u2019t forget that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d said his father sarcastically. \u201cLet\u2019s not forget that!\u201d He reached into his pocket again and withdrew his wallet. \u201cHow much do you think it will be?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed again. \u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cTake twenty,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd bring me back the change!\u201d he shouted as Hoss took the money and made off with it quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step away from his father. \u201cWell I might just \u2026.\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just stay right where I can keep an eye on you, young man,\u201d interrupted his father. \u201cI\u2019m going to pay the doctor\u2019s bill and you can come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw gee Pa,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cBut \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith me<\/em>, Joseph!\u201d said his father firmly. He took off down the street, followed by a reluctant Little Joe who busied himself by tilting his new hat at different angles and watching his reflection in the various store windows as he passed them.<\/p>\n

Ben spied Paul Martin before they\u2019d even made it halfway to the doctor\u2019s office. He was standing on the corner of Main Street and C Street, chatting to Roy Coffee, Virginia City\u2019s long-time sheriff. Both of them raised a hand in greeting as Ben and Joe approached them and Ben smiled in return, for the three men were fast friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it the end of the month already?\u201d asked Roy Coffee with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cI figured it must be because all the shop keepers round town have been rubbing their hands together in anticipation all day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rolled his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sure they have,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t believe the prices that some of them charge lately.\u201d He turned to Paul. \u201cI suppose you\u2019ve got an account ready for me too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cI sure have,\u201d he said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t eat for half the month if it weren\u2019t for you and your boys Ben.\u201d He glanced at Joe who was busy eyeing off a pretty girl who was passing. \u201cAfternoon Joe,\u201d he called. Joe smiled at the doctor and the sheriff and then turned quickly to watch the girl as she hustled past them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have thought of anything I need to pay you for, have you Roy?\u201d asked Ben in a sarcastic tone. \u201cEveryone else around here seems to want money from me, so I figured you might as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWell now, not that I can think of,\u201d he said with a small chuckle. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if I come up with anything though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do!\u201d Ben shouted after the man as he made to cross the road with Paul. \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tipped his new hat to the sheriff and ambled across the road after his father and doctor, keeping one eye open for any females that might pass as he did so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on in,\u201d said Paul as he opened the outer door of his waiting room. \u201cI\u2019ve got your account all made up for you Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you might have,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHow much is the damage this month?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul rolled his eyes as he handed the piece of paper to Ben. \u201cI\u2019m afraid it\u2019s rather a big one,\u201d he said. \u201cHow\u2019s the arm Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d said Joe and took a step away from the doctor without actually meaning to, for the man wasn\u2019t his favourite person. Every since Joe had been tiny he\u2019d been quite accident-prone and he and the doctor were old adversaries. He had memories of many incidents when his father or brothers had had to hold him down while Paul Martin worked on him and he always associated the man with those times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I suppose it all can\u2019t be helped,\u201d said Ben as he surveyed the account. \u201cI pray that one of these days we\u2019re going to have a month where I don\u2019t owe you anything though, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul raised his eyebrows at the remark. \u201cWell, it hasn\u2019t happened yet,\u201d he said as he took the bills that Ben held out. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t like your chances of it happening soon either.\u201d He pointed to Joe. \u201cEspecially with this youngster around,\u201d he added with a chuckle. \u201cNew hat Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d mumbled Joe, anxious to get out of the doctor\u2019s rooms. \u201cCan we go now Pa? I\u2019ve got things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh really?\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnd what would they be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cJust things,\u201d he said. \u201cSides, Adam and Hoss are outside,\u201d he added, looking out of the window. \u201cI\u2019ll be outside waiting for you Pa.\u201d He scampered outside where his two brothers were waiting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa paying the doctor\u2019s bill?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah, and he don\u2019t seem too upset about it at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lifted an eyebrow in response. \u201cHe will be later,\u201d he said. \u201cHe tries to keep his temper in front of Paul Martin. Haven\u2019t you ever noticed that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHey, that\u2019s right. I ain\u2019t never seen him too upset about money when Doc Martin\u2019s around. Why is that Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they\u2019re friends,\u201d explained his brother. \u201cHe\u2019ll only complain when Paul\u2019s not around to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible!\u201d snorted their father as he came out of the building. He shook his head. \u201cAbsolutely incredible!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s incredible Pa?\u201d asked Adam, winking at his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head again. \u201cThe prices some people charge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, Doc Martin is the only doctor in these parts, so I think he\u2019s got the right to charge what he likes,\u201d said Adam, trying not to smile. \u201cDon\u2019t you think so?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible,\u201d murmured his father again, still shaking his head. \u201cDid you get the money from the bank son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam handed a wad of bills to his father. \u201cGeorge Bristol wanted to know if you\u2019re coming back for more or if it\u2019s all right for him to close up soon?\u201d he said with a straight face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny!\u201d snorted Ben as he counted the money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Pa, don\u2019t you trust me?\u201d asked Adam in a dry tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I trust \u2026\u201d Ben looked up and smiled. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about being so grumpy today boys. It\u2019s just that all these accounts have made me rather short tempered.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s OK Pa,\u201d said Joe, patting his father on the back. \u201cWe\u2019re used to you being all grumpy when you\u2019ve gotta pay people money. We don\u2019t take any notice of your stinginess.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s smile immediately turned to a frown. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step back. \u201cUm \u2026.what I meant was \u2026. Um \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse us Mr Cartwright,\u201d said a voice behind them and all four Cartwrights turned as one. \u201cWe\u2019re collecting money for the school house fund,\u201d said Dolly Kincaid as she eyed off Joe demurely. \u201cHello Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi Dolly,\u201d said Joe, giving her a wink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dolly rattled the tin in front of them. \u201cSchool house fund?\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with the school house this time?\u201d asked Ben as he wearily took his wallet out of his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019s nothing actually wrong with it at the moment,\u201d Dolly assured him. \u201cWe\u2019re just collecting money in case something needs to be fixed in the future. We\u2019re trying to be prepared.\u201d She smiled at Joe again as if there was no one else there. \u201cThank you Mr Cartwright,\u201d she said as Ben put a few notes into the tin. She continued to stare at Joe as she added. \u201cYou\u2019re always so generous with your money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d sad Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s only money after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNew hat Joe?\u201d asked Dolly as if she hadn\u2019t heard Ben\u2019s remark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tipped his hat to a jaunty angle. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. Like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d breathed Dolly. \u201cVery much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI also got a new \u2026.\u201d Joe stopped as he realised what he\u2019d been about to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA new what?\u201d asked Dolly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joseph,\u201d said Ben, crossing his arms over his chest. \u201cYou also got a new what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u201cUm \u2026 I also got a new \u2026. jacket,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows shot up so that they almost disappeared into his hat. \u201cReally?\u201d he said. \u201cAnd exactly what did you use to buy this new jacket with young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step sideways so that he was standing behind Dolly. \u201cI put it on account,\u201d he said rather boldly, but secure in the knowledge that his father wouldn\u2019t hit him in front of a female.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spluttered. \u201cYou \u2026 you \u2026. what?\u201d He tipped his hat towards Dolly. \u201cExcuse us Miss Kincaid,\u201d he said. \u201cGood day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dolly watched as Ben reached out and grabbed Joe\u2019s sleeve, pulling him to the other side of the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how have you been Dolly?\u201d asked Adam calmly, over the noise of Ben yelling in the distance. \u201cAnything new happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d replied Dolly, her eyes transfixed on the scene across the street as she spoke. \u201cIs Joe going to be \u2026. I mean is everything \u2026. All right?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you fret about Joe,\u201d Hoss said with a broad grin. \u201cHe\u2019s just involved in a bit of family business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice was raised a decibel or two as Adam and Hoss continued to smile at Dolly. \u201cSo how is your father?\u201d asked Adam politely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dolly watched Joe take a couple of steps away from his father as Ben began to poke him in the chest with his finger. \u201cFine thanks,\u201d she muttered. \u201cI .. um \u2026 I\u2019d better go and \u2026 \u201c she rattled the money tin again. \u201cUm \u2026. Bye!\u201d she took off down the street, leaving Hoss to stare after her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe sure is a pretty gal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of Ben\u2019s shouting became even louder. \u201cI think we\u2019d better rescue our little brother before Pa puts him over his knee in the middle of the street,\u201d observed Adam. \u201cCome on Hoss, it\u2019s time to preserve the family dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They sauntered across the street to where Ben by now had Joe by the collar with one hand and was pointing a finger under his nose with the other. \u201c\u2026 and furthermore young man,\u201d he shouted. Joe was leaning as far away from his father as he possibly could under the circumstances and gave his brothers a pleading look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Adam, tapping his father on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d shouted Ben, not letting go of Joe\u2019s collar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is listening,\u201d said Adam in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked around and noticed that several people had indeed stopped and were staring at him. He dropped Joe\u2019s collar instantly and tried to compose himself. \u201cThank you son,\u201d he said. \u201cI forgot myself for a moment.\u201d He turned to Joe again and said in a low voice. \u201cYou, young man will march yourself down to that clothing store right this minute and return that jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts<\/em> Joseph,\u201d said his father. \u201cIf you know what\u2019s good for you you\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told. Now get!\u201d Joe scampered off without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and see that he actually does it,\u201d said Ben grimly. \u201cYou two wait here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we were going to get haircuts,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cRemember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d said his father. \u201cWell, Joe and I will meet you at the barber\u2019s then.\u201d He strode off without another word, following in Joe\u2019s trail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss who looked at Adam. \u201cI sure wouldn\u2019t wanna be in Joe\u2019s shoes right about now,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStupid kid,\u201d said Adam, shaking his head. \u201cHe should have known better than to pull as stunt like that on the day Pa\u2019s paying accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss as they sauntered back across the street towards the barbershop. \u201cAt least we\u2019re not fool enough to put things on Pa\u2019s account on the very day he\u2019s paying this month\u2019s. The kid\u2019s looking fer trouble doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe\u2019ll be feeling sorry for himself right about now if Pa has anything to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The kid<\/em> in question was indeed feeling very sorry for himself at that exact moment. As he entered the clothing store with his jacket in hand, he felt himself pushed slightly in the back as his father came up alongside him. \u201cHurry up,\u201d said Ben in a testy tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBack so soon?\u201d asked Frank King. \u201cSomething wrong with the hat Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u201d said Joe, giving his father a mournful look. \u201cThe hat\u2019s just fine thanks Mr King.\u201d He placed the still-wrapped jacket on the counter. \u201cIt\u2019s the jacket,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with it?\u201d he asked. \u201cIt was fine when you took it earlier on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe wants to return it,\u201d said Ben firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank shook his head. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s store policy that we don\u2019t take returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cOh, well never mine then.\u201d He turned to his father. \u201cI tried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed him by the collar. \u201cNot hard enough, young man,\u201d he said grimly before turning to Frank. \u201cYou are<\/em> aware that Joe doesn\u2019t have the funds to pay for the jacket?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank shrugged. \u201cBut he put it on your account Ben,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cYou\u2019re responsible for it now, surely?\u201d He smiled. \u201cAnd while you\u2019re here, would you like to settle this month\u2019s account?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d spluttered Ben angrily. \u201cWhat account? I haven\u2019t \u2026.\u201d He gave Joe a slight shake. \u201cWhat else have you been buying in here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held up his hands in a gesture of innocence. \u201cNuthin Pa! I swear it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Hoss,\u201d said Frank, consulting his accounts book. \u201cHe bought a new pair of boots two weeks ago. And then there was Adam \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u2019 said Ben instantly. \u201cWhat has he been buying?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnother black shirt,\u201d said Frank, running his finger down the page. \u201cAnd \u2026. let me see \u2026. a red bandanna.\u201d He looked up. \u201cWill you be paying for all this now, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey can all pay for their own things,\u201d muttered Ben darkly. \u201cI have no intention of footing their clothing bills.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish,\u201d said Frank in a sweet tone. \u201cOnly I\u2019d hate to have to deny you credit if you need something yourself. It\u2019s important to keep a good credit rating you know, Ben. And then there are my overheads of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cOf course,\u201d he said. \u201cWell, I can assure you that no Cartwright will be spending money in this store for a while to come,\u201d he said. \u201cNone of my boys will be making it into town for quite a while to wear any of those fancy new duds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean I can keep the jacket?\u201d piped up Joe happily. \u201cGee, thanks Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you thank me!\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou and your brothers will be paying every cent of this off, I can assure you.\u201d He turned to Frank. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank consulted his book again. \u201cTwelve dollars and fifty eight cents,\u201d he said. \u201cIncluding the jacket.\u201d Ben handed over the money without another word. \u201cIt sure is a nice jacket, don\u2019t you think?\u201d added Frank as he counted the bills. \u201cJoe will look right fine in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe happily picking up his new jacket. \u201cI\u2019ll look right fine in it Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at his son and then turned on his heel without another word and left the store. Joe gave Frank a wink and then followed his father from the store. \u201cAre we gonna go to the saloon now Pa?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u201cJoseph, if I were you I wouldn\u2019t be talking to me right about now,\u201d he said. \u201cNot unless you want a good clip around the ear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step away from his father and swallowed. \u201cFollow me!\u201d barked Ben and strode off the sidewalk and into the street. Joe quietly walked behind his father, hugging his new jacket to his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several people stepped aside as a thundering Ben marched past them with Joe, leaving a couple staring after them. \u201cEnd of the month,\u201d the man explained to his wife and she nodded knowingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they approached the barbershop, Joe finally spoke. \u201cI don\u2019t need a haircut Pa,\u201d he said, tentatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do!\u201d said Ben shortly. \u201cBut for once you\u2019re not getting one. I am sick and tired of paying out for you at the moment!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his father turned away from him Joe smiled, for in spite of his father\u2019s mood getting a haircut wasn\u2019t his favourite thing to do. As they entered the barbershop, Ben eyed off the razor on the counter, his fingers itching to pick up the leather strop and use it on his youngest son. \u201cHi Pa,\u201d said Hoss from the chair. \u201cBack so soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cDon\u2019t you hi Pa<\/em> me!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat is this about you putting new boots on account?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 smile turned to a frown. \u201cOh,\u201d he said. \u201cI forgot about those. I was gonna tell you Pa, but I sorta didn\u2019t get around to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you didn\u2019t,\u201d snorted Ben, ignoring the looks he was getting from the other customers. \u201cAnd why, may I ask, didn\u2019t you pay for them youself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran his finger around his neck to loosen the towel that was pinned onto him. \u201cI was gonnna,\u201d he said. \u201cBut \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t get around to it,\u201d Ben finished for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon not,\u201d admitted Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m right sorry Pa. I\u2019ll pay you back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou most certainly will,\u201d said his father. \u201cAs will you!\u201d he added, pointing to Adam who was lying back in the other chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up, confused. \u201cMe?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat have I done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up two fingers. \u201cBlack shirt \u2026. Red bandanna \u2026.. ring a bell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hit his head with the palm of his hand. \u201cOh!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, I completely forgot about those.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou forgot!\u201d said Ben tersely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave his father an apologetic look. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll take care of it,\u201d he said. \u201cBut \u2026.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cThe bank will be closed now and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t have enough money,\u201d Ben finished for him. He pointed a finger at his son. \u201cYou owe me two dollars and fifty cents,\u201d he said. \u201cI had to settle the account.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get it,\u201d Adam assured his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Hoss. \u201cAnd you owe me four dollars and seventy five cents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Hoss, looking at his father\u2019s reflection in the mirror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sick and tired of picking up all the bills around here,\u201d continued their father, oblivious to the barber who was listening intently to the conversation. \u201cYou two make sure that you pay for your own haircuts too!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss and bit his lip. \u201cWell, like I said Pa,\u201d he began. \u201cThe bank is closed and \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cYou both owe me,\u201d he said. \u201cJust as well there is nothing on account here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell actually there is,\u201d said the barber. \u201cYou owe eighty five cents from this month just gone, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cEighty five cents?\u201d he spluttered. \u201cWhat on earth for? None of us have had a haircut for a whole month! I certainly haven\u2019t and Joe \u2026\u201d He glanced over his shoulder at Joe who was sitting meekly in the corner, still clutching his jacket. \u201cJoe isn\u2019t even having one today.\u201d He gave the young man a dark look. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t deserve one. I\u2019m considering giving him one myself when we get home!\u201d Joe gave his father a startled look and his jaw dropped as he remembered the woeful haircuts his father had given him in the past as a child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa!\u201d he said instantly. \u201cPlease!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou be quiet!\u201d Ben snapped and then to the barber again. \u201cShow me the account.\u201d The barber picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Ben who studied it. \u201cJumping Jehosophat!\u201d he shouted. \u201cWho has been buying bay rum?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged as the barber tilted his chair up again. \u201cNot me,\u201d he said, patting his newly-cut hair. \u201cI\u2019ve got a full bottle at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cTweren\u2019t me Pa, you know that I don\u2019t use the stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned on his heel to face Joe who had slunk down in his chair. \u201cWell then, that leaves one culprit,\u201d he said. \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slunk down ever further and mumbled something. \u201cWhat?!\u201d shouted Ben angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t think \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben threw the account onto the bench. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t think!\u201d he shouted at his youngest son. \u201cYou never do!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as they all stared at Ben. \u201cI can put it on next month\u2019s account if you like,\u201d said the barber, finally breaking the silence. \u201cIt isn\u2019t much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slapped a few coins on the bench. \u201cWhat\u2019s the point?\u201d he snarled. \u201cIt\u2019ll only make next month\u2019s bill larger!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barber looked at the coins as he took the towels off Adam and Hoss. \u201cPlus sixty cents for two haircuts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and slapped another sixty cents onto the bench. \u201cThe three of you get out of here!\u201d he said. \u201cBefore I say something in front of this man that I\u2019m going to regret!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave the barber an apologetic look, Hoss simple shrugged his shoulders and Joe slunk out of the shop, keeping as much space as he could between himself and his father as he did so. \u201cHe\u2019s like a bear with a sore head today,\u201d he observed as soon as all three of them were outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you didn\u2019t help with that stunt about the bay rum,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his eldest brother a huffy look. \u201cI bought it for your sake!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cFor my<\/em> sake?\u201d he asked. \u201cAnd how, pray tell, do you work that one out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stuck out his chin and looked defiant. \u201cSo that I wouldn\u2019t keep using yours all the time,\u201d he said. \u201cI thought you\u2019d be pleased about that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cJoe, sometimes there\u2019s just no figuring that mind of yours out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But before Joe could reply, their father appeared from inside the shop. \u201cNo more shaves in town,\u201d he said. \u201cYou all shave before you get in here from now on. Understood?\u201d He pointed to Joe. \u201cAnd you, young man \u2026. I\u2019ll be cutting your hair myself from now on to teach you a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step forward. \u201cBut Pa!\u201d he protested. He stopped as he saw the look in his father\u2019s eye and took a step back again, shutting his mouth instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPa, you really do need to calm down,\u201d he said. \u201cAll this stressing about money isn\u2019t good for your blood pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we all go on down to the saloon and get us a drink or two? That should help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s forget about the accounts now. They\u2019re all paid for another month and you don\u2019t need to pay out for another thing now Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcept maybe a drink or two,\u201d chuckled Hoss, looking at his father hopefully. \u201cWhat do you say Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at them each in turn. \u201cI suppose so,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry boys, I know that I\u2019ve been quite tetchy today. It\u2019s just that all those accounts \u2026 all those bills \u2026. All that money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe know,\u201d said Adam soothingly. \u201cIt\u2019s to be expected with having to pay them all at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d piped up Joe. \u201cWe know how you get all \u2026.\u201d He stopped. \u201cOw! What was that for Hoss?\u201d He rubbed his ankle where his brother\u2019s foot had connected with it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa,\u201d said Adam, ignoring his brothers and steering his father across the street towards the saloon. \u201cA few drinks will calm you down and make everything seem better again.\u201d Hoss and Joe followed them, Joe still trying to rub his ankle as he shot Hoss angry looks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right Adam,\u201d agreed his father as they reached he other side of the street and passed by the International Hotel. He smiled slightly as they walked along the sidewalk. \u201cAt least we know that\u2019s one place we don\u2019t have anything on account,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled a small hidden smile, thankful that no one in the family had any idea about his secret account with the manager of that particular establishment. After all, where else was a man to take his young lady friends when he was so well known about town? He had his reputation to uphold after all and the back entrance was<\/em> rather discreet. \u201cYes Pa,\u201d he said meekly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, I\u2019m sure hankering for a beer!\u201d said Hoss, smacking his lips as they all walked into the saloon. \u201cPaying all them accounts sure has been thirsty work.\u201d He leaned on the counter. \u201cSam! Four beers!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam smiled at them all, put down the beer glass he was polishing and nodded. \u201cComing right up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d said Adam, leaning on the counter of the other side of Ben. \u201cFeeling better now Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMuch,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cI sure do hate the end of the month.\u201d All his sons nodded in agreement, for they all hated it too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere you go,\u201d said Sam, putting four beers down on the bar. \u201cEnjoy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Sam,\u201d said Ben. He took a deep swig of his beer and smiled. \u201cNow that\u2019s almost worth paying all those accounts for,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s face brightened. \u201cSpeaking of which \u2026\u201d he said, reaching under the counter. \u201cYou want to settle this up now, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put down his beer. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked, softly. Adam and Hoss stood up on either side of him, both of them apprehensive about what Sam was talking about, but neither of them completely sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam waved the piece of paper around. \u201cYour account,\u201d he said. \u201cFor this month.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy account?\u201d asked Ben, finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a small groan behind him, the sound of a glass clinking as it was placed quickly on the bar and a slight figure in a tan hat slunk out of the saloon before Sam even had time to reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see,\u201d began Sam cheerfully as he examined the piece of paper. \u201cTwo large window panes, three chairs, one table, a mess of glasses \u2026\u201d He scratched his head. \u201cThings sure add up from a fight, don\u2019t they?\u201d He looked again. \u201cFourteen bottles of \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took out his wallet as he stared hopelessly at the mirror behind the bar. \u201cJoseph!!!\u201d he shouted angrily as he began to pull out some bills and count them. \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But the youngest Cartwright was already running down the street, one hand holding his new tan hat onto his head and the other clutching his still-wrapped green jacket to his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 It’s the end of the month and settling the accounts nearly spells an apoplexy for Ben.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (10,440 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":11263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2135,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/normal_Leprechauns3.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":63049,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63049","url_meta":{"origin":11350,"position":0},"title":"Pa’s Headache (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben has a headache, which throws the household into turmoil Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 7,200 words","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6357,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6357","url_meta":{"origin":11350,"position":1},"title":"The Tin Cup (by debpet)","author":"debpet","date":"August 7, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0What is the story behind Adam's attachment to one particular old possession of his? Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a02250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/tin-cup.jpg?fit=218%2C232&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15525,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15525","url_meta":{"origin":11350,"position":2},"title":"Ben Raised His Boys RIGHT (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 4, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The trials of a Cartwight father. 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