Summary:\u00a0 Just how deep of a hole will Joe dig for himself?\u00a0 And when the consequences of being restricted from the Silver Dollar seem unjust…\u00a0 Could it get any worse?\u00a0 This is Joe we’re talking about.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (14,030 words)<\/p>\n
The Silver Dollar<\/strong><\/p>\n Ben Cartwright gave his youngest son a frustrated look. \u201cJoseph, I just don\u2019t understand you,\u201d he said in a weary tone. \u201cHow many times have you been told that you\u2019re not to go into the saloon when you\u2019re supposed to be working?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged and tried to look contrite, but it was difficult in view of the rather nice memory he had of the few hours he\u2019d managed to spend in the Silver Dollar that afternoon. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know!\u201d repeated his father. \u201cI\u2019m not surprised you have no idea, because frankly Joseph, neither do I! I lost count a long time ago.\u201d Joe gave his father an understanding look \u2026 for he knew what it was to lose count of something. He did it quite often. His look was lost on his father though, for Ben merely sighed wearily and rubbed his temples. \u201cIt\u2019s not that I mind you having the occasional drink,\u201d he continued. \u201cEveryone deserves to have a bit of relaxation now and then and you\u2019re old enough to have the occasional drink, but not in the middle of a week day and not when you have work to do!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head shot up. \u201cBut I\u2019d done my work,\u201d he said, a touch defensively and then swallowed at the look his father shot him at the remark. \u201cWell \u2026 sorta \u2026.\u201d he acknowledged as Ben continued to glare at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorta,\u201d sniffed his father. \u201cWhen you\u2019re sent into town to get supplies young man, that includes bringing them back home again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI did!\u201d interrupted Joe, his remark causing Adam, who was seated on the sofa, to raise an eyebrow and wonder why his youngest brother could never learn to keep his mouth shut. It seemed that Joe was bound and determined to rile their father as much as possible today and Adam wondered just how many beers the youngster had polished off before making it home. However many he\u2019d had \u2026 it seemed to be one too many \u2026 for Joe was trying to stare down his father in a way that he never would have done without alcohol in his system.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes \u2026 you did!\u201d thundered Ben, pounding his fist on the table and making everyone in the room jump slightly. \u201cYou brought the supplies home \u2026 but three hours late! Now you tell me what you were doing in the Silver Dollar for three full hours!\u201d He pointed his finger under Joe\u2019s nose and his son swallowed again and made a face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust having a drink,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust having a drink!\u201d repeated Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned from the fireplace where he\u2019d been steadily poking at the fire for the past ten minutes since Joe had come through the front doorway. He\u2019d listened to every word of the exchange between his father and brother, wincing each time Joe had managed to dig himself further into the hole he was making. Hoss shot Adam a look of frustration and Adam rolled his eyes at him, before looking down and pretending to read the book that was on his lap.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust having a drink!\u201d repeated Ben again. His dark eyes bored into the bland face of his youngest son and he wondered for a moment if Joseph in fact even understood how angry he was. The youngster\u2019s eyes had a slight far-away look in them and Ben gathered that it was induced by the beer he\u2019d imbibed that afternoon. \u201cAnd nothing else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe screwed up his face for a moment and tried to focus on exactly how he\u2019d spent the three hours in the saloon. A brief vision of a scantily-clad blonde girl sitting on his knee crossed his mind, but for the life of him he couldn\u2019t recall her name. \u201cNot really,\u201d he said, shrugging again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed as he stared at his son and wondered just how true his statement was. In the interests of his impending headache, he decided to drop that line of questioning, for sometimes he knew that it was better not to know the answer to certain questions. A quick glance across the room at Adam and Hoss, who were studiously trying to appear as if they weren\u2019t listening to the conversation, reminded him of that fact, for many times in years gone by he\u2019d learnt to only ask what was necessary.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lowered his voice slightly as he tried to keep control of his emotions. \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t want a son of mine making a fool of himself in public,\u201d he said and then held up his hand as Joe opened his mouth to speak. \u201cDon\u2019t try to deny it son,\u201d he continued. \u201cEvery time you go into the Silver Dollar you end up in some sort of trouble,\u201d he said. \u201cNow in view of your transgression today \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s transgression<\/em> mean?\u201d interrupted Joe and Adam shook his head slightly in response to the remark. This time it was Hoss\u2019 turn to roll his eyes at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben checked his rising temper. \u201cA transgression,\u201d he said. \u201cIs a wrongdoing.\u201d He sat down at his desk and folded his arms in front of his chest. \u201cIn view of your trans \u2026 wrongdoing today, I\u2019m afraid I have no choice but to not allow you in the Silver Dollar for a while Joseph. Perhaps that might encourage you to have a bit more common sense in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened for a moment and then he shrugged. \u201cOK,\u201d he said. \u201cI guess that\u2019s fair Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow as he considered that fact that perhaps Joseph was finally growing up and accepting his judgements. Normally the youngster would have argued the point with him, but perhaps the alcohol within him had caused him to be less volatile today? \u201cGo and get the buckboard unloaded for Hop Sing,\u201d he added, waving his hand in the direction of the front door. \u201cHe\u2019s been waiting for those supplies all afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a lopsided grin. \u201cSure thing Pa,\u201d he said as he turned towards the door. \u201cAnd don\u2019t worry bout me missing the Silver Dollar too much. I reckon I\u2019ve had my fill of beer for a while.\u201d He winked at his two brothers as he passed them. \u201cSides,\u201d he added as an afterthought. \u201cThere\u2019ll be plenty of beer and \u2026 other stuff \u2026 at the Gala Night next weekend. I\u2019ll save up until then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose in disbelief at his youngest brother\u2019s words, marvelling as he did so just how stupid Joe could be at times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll do what?\u201d asked his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped at the front door and shot his father one of his broad smiles. \u201cI said that I\u2019ll save up for the Gala Night next weekend Pa,\u201d he said in a louder voice. \u201cI reckon after a week or so of not drinking, the beer\u2019ll taste right sweet by then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up again. \u201cJoseph, I said that you\u2019ll not be going into the Silver Dollar for quite a while,\u201d he said. \u201cGala Night or no Gala Night.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened and he took his hand off the doorknob. He stared at his father in disbelief for a moment before opening his mouth. \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious Pa!\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked over the fireplace and held his hands out to warm them. \u201cI\u2019m deadly serious Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019ll be missing the Gala Night, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a few steps towards his father. \u201cBut \u2026 but it\u2019s the Gala Night!\u201d he said in dismay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded his head slowly. \u201cYes, it\u2019s the Gala Night,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd you won\u2019t be attending it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to stare at his father for a moment, his jaw dropping as he then glanced at first Adam and then Hoss. Adam simply looked back at him and shook his head slightly before picking up his book and turning a page. Hoss gave his younger brother a sympathetic smile. \u201cPa \u2026\u201d he began<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put up his hand to stop him. \u201cDon\u2019t you start pleading for him Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve made my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut Sam at the Silver Dollar has had the place all done up for it,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s bringing them show girls all the way from San Francisco for it. It\u2019s gonna be one hell of \u2026 I mean \u2026. It\u2019s gonna be one great show!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo I believe,\u201d said Ben mildly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd \u2026\u201d Joe swallowed as he tried to think of something \u2026 anything \u2026 to change his father\u2019s mind. \u201cAnd \u2026 everyone\u2019s going,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEveryone except you,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cBut that ain\u2019t fair!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned from the fireplace. \u201cDon\u2019t you raise your voice to me boy,\u201d he said in a low tone. Joe immediately shut his mouth and took a step backward, for all three Cartwright sons knew that in spite of the volume their father\u2019s voice was capable of achieving, it was when he lowered his voice in that way that they knew to be wary.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d he said, trying to sound contrite. \u201cBut it\u2019s just that I\u2019ve been looking forward to the Gala Night for weeks. There ain\u2019t never been one in Virginia City before and I really wanna go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u201cJoe, I know all that son,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I also know that you haven\u2019t exactly been fair to a lot of people lately either. You\u2019ve been spending too much time in the Silver Dollar these past few weeks, neglecting your work and making others make up for it. Letting Hop Sing down with those supplies today was just the final straw. You\u2019re not going to The Gala Night next weekend and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d He shot his angry son a frustrated look. \u201cPerhaps this might just get some common sense into that head of yours in the future.\u201d He turned back to the fireplace again. \u201cNow go and unload those supplies as you were told to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head shot up again. \u201cI don\u2019t believe it!\u201d he shouted. \u201cYou ain\u2019t being fair Pa! All my friends are going!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, you have caused this yourself,\u201d said his father. \u201cNow please go and unload those supplies for Hop Sing before I really lose my temper with you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood for a moment clenching his fists and his eyes blazing. After a moment, he turned on his heel, strode to the door and went outside, slamming the door behind him with an intensity that shook several of the glasses that Hop Sing had placed on the dining room table in readiness for supper. Ben, Adam and Hoss all winced at the sound.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence in the room for two minutes before Hoss broke it. \u201cPa,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve made my decision Hoss,\u201d interrupted his father, trying to forestall the inevitable pleading that he knew would follow. \u201cThere\u2019s no point in you trying to change it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put his hands into his pockets and looked at his feet as he shuffled them slightly. \u201cBut he\u2019s been looking forward to the Gala Night for weeks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen he should have had some consideration for other people,\u201d said Ben in a tight voice. He did feel slightly guilty at his punishment for Joseph, for if the truth were told he\u2019d forgotten all about the Gala Night until his youngest son had mentioned it. However, once he had decided on a punishment for one of his sons he felt it important to stick to it and \u2026 Gala Night or no Gala Night \u2026 Joe had to learn to do the right thing. After all, it was his job as his father to teach him. Much and all as his heart went out to the youngster, he had to stand firm with his decision for Joe\u2019s own good.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d said Hoss, turning to his brother in the hopes of creating an ally in him. \u201cYou know how much he\u2019s been looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cYes I do,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cWe\u2019ve all been looking forward to it. But Pa\u2019s right, Hoss. Joe has to learn a lesson and I reckon that this might be just the thing to teach him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared into the fireplace and said nothing. Hoss looked from Adam to his father and sighed as he shuffled his feet again. \u201cI guess,\u201d he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down on a hay bale and watched Joe working in the stall beside him. The youngster was forking hay as if his very life depended on it. \u201cWhat\u2019s the rush?\u201d Adam asked, sitting back and stretching his legs out in front of him. \u201cGot somewhere to go?\u201d The moment the words were out of his mouth he winced, wishing he had bitten his tongue before uttering them. The way Joe had been these last few days, he was sure that he\u2019d take offence at the thoughtless comment and sure enough his brother stopped working for a moment and shot him a dark look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs that supposed to be funny?\u201d he asked sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled a face and shrugged. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know what you meant!\u201d snapped Joe. \u201cTonight\u2019s the Gala Night \u2026 and no \u2026. I guess I\u2019ve got nowhere to go. Happy now?\u201d He began to rake again, his eyes blazing and his teeth clenched.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head slightly and sighed. \u201cYou know I didn\u2019t mean it like that Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI was just making conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell go make it with someone else,\u201d snapped Joe shortly. \u201cI ain\u2019t interested.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed his nose in an irritated fashion. \u201cYou know that the show girls will be here for a few days,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll get to see them at some other time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped again and leant on his rake. \u201cYeah?\u201d he asked sarcastically. \u201cLike when? You think that they\u2019re gonna put on another show just for me? Besides, Pa didn\u2019t put no time limit on my punishment remember? He ain\u2019t gonna let me back into the Silver Dollar until them girls is well and truly gone and that ain\u2019t fair!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you know that\u2019s not true,\u201d said Adam calmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs too!\u201d shouted Joe angrily. \u201cAnd if you were any kind of brother you\u2019d have stood up for me with Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know I didn\u2019t?\u201d asked Adam reasonably. \u201cAnd it\u2019s no use shouting at me \u2026 I\u2019m not the one punishing you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe acknowledged his brother\u2019s remarks with a slight nod of his head. \u201cI guess,\u201d he said softly. He sat down on the hay bale next to Adam and hung his head. \u201cIt\u2019s just so darned \u2026\u201d his voice trailed away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder, but Joe immediately shrugged it off again. \u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he said irritably. \u201cI don\u2019t need your sympathy!\u201d He stood up and stomped off out of the barn, leaving his brother shaking his head behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStill at it?\u201d said a voice behind him and Adam turned to see Hoss standing there with some tack in his hand. \u201cI was hoping he\u2019d have calmed down by now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cYou know our little brother,\u201d he said. \u201cHe won\u2019t get over it until the Gala Night is well and truly over.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou reckon if I tried talking to Pa again then he might \u2026\u201d began Hoss with a hopeful look in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019d be wasting your breath,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know that as well as I do brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI reckon,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cStill, I ain\u2019t gonna enjoy it much without Joe there. It just won\u2019t be the same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cHe does tend to lend an air of excitement to the night,\u201d he admitted dryly. \u201cEspecially when there are pretty girls around. Pity in a way, but then again \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know, I know,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou think he deserves it. I just wish he were coming but. Those girls are gonna be a sight fer sure and Joe should get a chance to see em.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Outside the barn Joe nodded his head slightly and a determined look came into his eyes as he eavesdropped on his brothers\u2019 conversation. \u201cI should,\u201d he said in a half whisper. \u201cBut don\u2019t you worry brother, cause I\u2019m gonna see them show girls no matter what!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss walked down the stairs while straightening his necktie a little self-consciously. \u201cI sure never wore one of these to the Silver Dollar before,\u201d he said ruefully. \u201cDon\u2019t see why we haveta get all doodied up nohows.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked over and untied his brother\u2019s tie before beginning to do it up again correctly. \u201cSam has gone to a lot of trouble for tonight,\u201d he said. \u201cThe dress code is different.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made a face. \u201cDon\u2019t know much bout any code,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I still don\u2019t see why we haveta wear ties.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at the sight of his eldest son yet again looking after the interests of his younger brother as he straightened first his tie, then his coat and checked his hair was all slicked down. Since the moment Hoss\u2019 mother Inger had died, Adam had taken charge of his little<\/em> brother and made sure that he was looked after. Even now when they were both grown men, old habits were hard to overcome and he always made sure that Hoss was well-presented before they left for a social occasion. He\u2019d done the same for Joe before the youngster had fancied himself as a ladies man and taken over his grooming himself, but Ben had noticed that Adam still always cast an appraising eye over his youngest brother to ensure that the Cartwright name was not sullied by his appearance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the thought of his youngest son, Ben\u2019s thoughts plummeted yet again as they had been doing all week. The boy was still extremely angry with his father for the punishment he\u2019d meted out to him and in a way Ben couldn\u2019t blame him. He heart had gone out to the young man earlier this evening at the supper table as he\u2019d sat in stony silence when his brothers had left the table to get ready for tonight\u2019s event. He\u2019d tried to reason with him again, but all he\u2019d got from the boy was a shrug of the shoulders and an announcement that he was going to his room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had declared yesterday that he wasn\u2019t going to the Gala Night either if Joe wasn\u2019t going, but to the youngest Cartwright\u2019s credit he\u2019d soon talked his brother around. After all, Joe had reasoned with him, why should two of them miss out? Hoss and Adam had been looking forward to this event as much as he had and Hoss missing it wasn\u2019t going to solve his problem. Ben had listened to the conversation with a touch of pride, for it showed that in spite of his feelings Joseph was finally considering someone else for a change.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had considered not going himself, but at the last minute had relented and decided to accompany his two older sons. He wasn\u2019t against a pretty face and a nice figure himself, and the way Joe was behaving by going to his room, it wasn\u2019t as if he was going to do him any good by staying here tonight. Ben sincerely hoped that by tomorrow when all this was over, Joseph would calm down and they could all get back to normal, but for tonight \u2026 well they may as well enjoy themselves while they could.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cReady boys?\u201d he asked, putting on his coat. He gave them each a smile and they grinned back, but their father noticed that the grins didn\u2019t reach their eyes. As they left the living room, all their thoughts were on the youngest member of the family upstairs in his room and their hearts were heavy because of it. As they rode from the front yard, Ben gave one last glance over his shoulder at the dim light that emanated from his youngest son\u2019s bedroom window and sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If Ben had known the whereabouts of his youngest son at that moment his thoughts may been slightly different, for Joe Cartwright was not moping in his room as his family thought, but was dismounting from his horse in front of the Silver Dollar Saloon. As he straightened up his best blue suit coat and patted down his carefully slicked-down curls, Joe knew that he was a thing of beauty, for weren\u2019t all the saloon girls in the Silver Dollar always telling him so?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He drew himself up to his full height and wished, as he usually tended to before a social night out, that he were taller. Not that it seemed to worry the ladies, but if he had his way he would have added an inch or two to his height. Maybe it would have made his father and brothers treat him with more respect, he thought ruefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the thought of his father, a brief flash of guilt crossed his mind at what he\u2019d done. Getting out of his room was easy, for he\u2019d been sliding across the roof and climbing down the tree for as long as he could remember. Propping some pillows under his blankets to make it look as if he were sleeping was part of his routine as well, so he hadn\u2019t even given that a thought. What did play on his mind as he hitched up his horse was the fact that he might be caught and that was what concerned him the most.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After all, Pa and his brothers had made it abundantly clear at supper that they were coming to the Gala Night and Joe was taking quite a risk by being there at all. He patted the old brown mare that he\u2019d been forced to take from the corral behind the barn, for there was no way that Cochise wouldn\u2019t have been missed if he\u2019d taken his own horse out of his stall. It was a shame that he had to ride Brandy into town though, as he knew that he looked particularly fine on Cochise when he was dressed up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He flinched slightly as he walked along the sidewalk towards the Silver Dollar \u2026 for he\u2019d been careful to leave Brandy around the corner from the saloon \u2026 thinking about what his Pa would say if he could see him now. The feeling of guilt subsided as quickly as it had come as he considered that his Pa was to blame for the way he\u2019d acted tonight anyway and that it was all his fault. If he hadn\u2019t been so unreasonable, then Joe wouldn\u2019t have been forced to be so secretive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He hesitated for a moment at the swinging door of the saloon, listening to the sounds of the gaiety that was coming from within. Part of him thrilled to it and he longed to go in quickly, but the small sensible of him made him put his head down and lower his hat over his face. After all, it wouldn\u2019t do to be noticed by too many people tonight. Joe figured that could have a good look at the San Francisco show girls, have a couple of quiet beers in a corner where no one would notice him and still have time to leave before the rest of his family arrived. With any luck, his father would never be any the wiser that he\u2019d even been here at all. It wasn\u2019t an ideal plan, but under the circumstances it was the best he could do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Given the amount of time that Hoss always took to get ready, Joe figured that he had a good hour to amuse himself before having to leave. To make sure that he was safe, he was prepared to allow himself only half that time here and that should be plenty of time to get a good look at those girls and fit in a couple of beers. By the time Pa and his brothers arrived he\u2019d be well on his way to The Ponderosa by the back trails.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a deep breath and entered the Silver Dollar, his eyes wide with the excitement of what the next half hour was going to bring. \u201cLooks great don\u2019t it?\u201d said a voice by his side and Joe turned to see Mitch Devlin standing next to him with a drink in his hand. \u201cBeen waiting for ya Joe,\u201d he added. \u201cI thought you\u2019d be here by now.\u201d Mitch looked over Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAin\u2019t ya brothers with ya?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe drew his friend by the arm into a corner. \u201cShh!\u201d he said, putting his finger to his lip. \u201cI ain\u2019t supposed to be here Mitch, so you gotta keep it quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch pulled a face. \u201cAin\u2019t gonna be nuthin quiet about tonight,\u201d he said with a short laugh, motioning to the activity around them. Joe looked with interest at the decorations that had been strung up around the saloon and the large platform that had been set up at one end of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLooks great,\u201d he breathed with excitement. \u201cYou got a look at them show girls yet, Mitch?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch shook his head. \u201cNah! Sam is being real mean and keeping em in the back room until the show starts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face fell. \u201cWhen is that gonna be?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch shrugged and took a sip of his beer before answering. \u201cNot for an hour yet. Seems that Sam is trying to get everyone to drink up while we wait. He\u2019s a good businessman, that Sam,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAn hour?\u201d cried Joe. \u201cI can\u2019t wait an hour!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch leant against the wall and continued to drink. \u201cJust get a beer and the time will pass real quick,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cStop being so anxious Joe, they\u2019ll come out in time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you don\u2019t understand!\u201d said Joe, his heart sinking. \u201cI can\u2019t wait an hour. I told you that I\u2019m not supposed to be here. My Pa and my brothers are gonna be here later on and I have to be gone before they see me!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch gave his friend a sympathetic look. \u201cToo bad,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat you\u2019d do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe ignored the question. \u201cAll this for nuthin,\u201d he said angrily, thinking of all the trouble he\u2019d taken to get here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd you look right fine too,\u201d Mitch sympathised. \u201cSeems a waste not to let them show girls get the chance to meet ya Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks \u2026. I know.\u201d Joe nodded in agreement, knowing for sure that he would have made an impression on the girls. Already he\u2019d noticed several of the regular saloon girls eyeing him off and he didn\u2019t blame them one bit, for he knew that he looked his best in his blue suit. \u201cI know,\u201d he repeated miserably. He turned at a movement beside him and smiled at the blonde saloon girl that he remembered had been sitting on his knee the other afternoon before he\u2019d been in trouble from his Pa. For the life of him he couldn\u2019t remember her name, but he flashed her a smile anyway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHi Joe,\u201d she breathed and tucked her arm around his. \u201cI was hoping you would be in tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t miss it,\u201d he said absently. \u201cHey Mitch! How about getting me a drink? I may as well have a couple even if I can\u2019t see them San Francisco girls.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet it yourself,\u201d said Mitch, his eyes on a red-haired girl across the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nudged his friend. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna get noticed,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cI told ya why!\u201d He handed the other young man a few coins. Mitch nodded and walked away to get his friend a beer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI noticed you Joe,\u201d the blonde girl breathed into his ear. \u201cI noticed you the moment you walked in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave her a slight smile while searching his brain to try and remember her name. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I\u2019m kinda trying not to be noticed tonight. I\u2019m only here for a bit.\u201d His eyes swivelled around the room and he made a mental note of anyone who might be likely to greet him and thus make the evening more complicated than it had to be. Ross Marquette and several of Adam\u2019s other friends were seated at a table near the bar, so he immediately drew back from the light in that area and into a dark corner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The blonde girl, still clinging to his arm, was dragged with him. \u201cGood idea,\u201d she said in a low voice. \u201cDark corners are nice to snuggle in, ain\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe, his eyes still on the room and not the blonde girl. It wasn\u2019t that he wasn\u2019t interested in her, for she was quite pretty, but she was someone he could have a drink with any day of the week. What was tearing at him right now was the need to see the San Francisco showgirls who would be disappearing from town within days. He might never get another chance after all, and all the effort he\u2019d gone to, to get all gussied up, seemed to be for nothing. He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair in a nonchalant way as he considered all his good looks going to waste when not one of those San Francisco beauties would even get to appreciate them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got lovely hair Joe,\u201d the blonde girl breathed into his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes didn\u2019t falter. \u201cYeah \u2026 I know \u2026 thanks,\u201d he said absently. He took the glass of beer from Mitch as his friend held it out to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHi Cindy,\u201d said Mitch and the blonde girl smiled at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy,<\/em> thought Joe. That was her name.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSee ya later Joe,\u201d sad Mitch, his eyes on the redhead across the room. \u201cOr maybe not,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cShame that ya can\u2019t stay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy gave Joe a mournful look. \u201cYou can\u2019t stay?\u201d she asked as Mitch walked away. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged as he sipped his beer. \u201cIt\u2019s complicated,\u201d he said, not wanting to let the girl know that his family couldn\u2019t even treat him like the grown up man he was. \u201cI\u2019ll have to be going soon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat a shame,\u201d she said, clinging onto his arm even tighter. \u201cAren\u2019t you even staying for the show?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cCan\u2019t,\u201d he said sadly. \u201cSure wish I could get a glimpse of them San Francisco showgirls before I go but. They\u2019re sposed to be real sensational.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy sniffed. \u201cThey\u2019re not that pretty,\u201d she said, tossing her blonde curls over her shoulder. \u201cSome of us are just as good looking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at her for the first time with interest. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen em?\u201d he asked, ignoring her obvious hint for a compliment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d she said with a pout. \u201cThey\u2019ve got the rooms just down the hall from the rest of us.\u201d She leant over towards him. \u201cSome of em are real snobby,\u201d she added. \u201cJust cause they come from the city and all don\u2019t make them so special. Why only this morning I said to one of them \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou reckon you could get me in to see em?\u201d Joe interrupted, as a thought entered his brain. \u201cI\u2019d be ever so grateful if you could \u2026 with me not being able to stay for the show and all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d said Cindy. \u201cI\u2019m not sure that I should. Sam said \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pressed his lips to her neck and fluttered them lightly across her skin, making her shiver with excitement. \u201cForget Sam,\u201d he said in a soft voice. \u201cI\u2019d be ever so grateful just to get to meet em before the show.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy closed her eyes and gave herself up to the joy of his touch. \u201cWell,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t think \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think,\u201d he said with all the charm he could muster. He cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her head back slightly so that he was looking into her eyes. She stared into his green eyes and went weak at the knees as he bent his head towards hers and kissed her full on the mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy closed her eyes as they kissed, her mind focused on the wonderful feeling of closeness to Joe. Joe opened his eyes wide as they kissed, his mind focussed on the anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach as he noted the time ticking away on the clock on the wall opposite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a minute, their lips parted and Joe breathed into her ear softly as he caressed her gently along her neck with the hand that wasn\u2019t holding his beer. \u201cHow\u2019s about it then? I\u2019d be ever so grateful,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cindy smiled at him and took him by the arm. Joe grinned at her as she led him into the back room behind a heavy draped curtain. After all, what was the Cartwright charm for if you didn\u2019t use it? he reasoned. It would have been downright criminal if he hadn\u2019t made full use of his good looks and expert kissing technique at a time like this. Not one ounce of guilt crossed his mind as the girl led him up a hallway and along a landing, for after all \u2026 he\u2019d make it up to her once the San Francisco showgirls had left town. He\u2019d devote a whole afternoon to letting her sit on his knee once Pa let him back into the saloon again, just to show how grateful he was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re in here,\u201d said Cindy, opening a door. \u201cThis is their dressing room. I\u2019d better \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe, pushing past her in his excitement and opening the door. \u201cI can manage from here.\u201d He looked through the open doorway eagerly and to his delight saw about a dozen women in various states of dress and undress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you mind?\u201d shouted out one of them. \u201cGet out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be so hasty, Elizabeth,\u201d said a voice close to Joe\u2019s side and he turned to see a lovely blonde woman standing next to him, holding her garment in front of her half-dressed self. \u201cLook before you make those kind of decisions,\u201d she added, smiling at Joe and pulling him into the room. \u201cHello there, honey,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat can we do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed as he looked around the room at all the women. Everyone had frozen at his entrance and were all staring back at him as if he were from another planet. \u201cUm \u2026\u201d he said and then swallowed again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cClaire!\u201d said Elizabeth who had spoken before. \u201cHe\u2019s a man \u2026 and we\u2019re all getting dressed here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know he\u2019s a man,\u201d said Claire, still smiling beautifully at Joe. \u201cAnd such a lovely specimen too, don\u2019t you agree?\u201d She looked at him appraising up and then down. \u201cIt\u2019s not often we meet such a stunning young man such a yourself in one of these provincial towns. What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe Cartwright,\u201d replied Joe, his confidence returning in a rush. \u201cThank you ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCall me Claire, sweetie,\u201d she breathed into his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d hissed Cindy behind him. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen them now. Come on! I\u2019ve got to get back to work and you\u2019ve got to get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe ignored her and continued to grin around the room. \u201cHello ladies,\u201d he said. \u201cSorry to barge in unannounced like this, but I can\u2019t stay for the show you see, so I ..\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d asked a dark-haired beauty \u2026 named Debbiejo \u2026 who had sidled up next to him and was caressing his arm. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019d enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at her. \u201cI know I would,\u201d he said. \u201cBut \u2026 well I have business elsewhere. I run a big ranch you see and I have a lot of business to conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt night?\u201d asked Elizabeth, her curiosity getting the better of her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cThere\u2019s always something to be done,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I thought I\u2019d just come in and wish you all good luck for the performance. He grinned at two of the women who were jostling each other to stand next to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop it Sarah! Stop it Hilary!\u201d said the blonde Claire, holding onto him possessively. \u201cGive him a chance to breathe. Here honey \u2026\u201d she led Joe to a stool in the corner. \u201cJust sit there while we all get dressed. We\u2019ll be with you in a minute.\u201d She disappeared behind a strategically placed screen, leaving a very happy Joe perched on his stool as all the women proceeded to hook each other\u2019s dresses up. He sighed in utter contentment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t stay long,\u201d he said wistfully. \u201cJust a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A tall woman next to him patted him on the arm. \u201cBetter than nothing,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m Jenny by the way and I think you\u2019ve got the most gorgeous green eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe happily. \u201cEveryone says that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd lovely thick hair,\u201d breathed another woman on the other side of him. \u201cMy name is Helen,\u201d she breathed into his ear. \u201cMind doing me up honey?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was only too happy to oblige. \u201cGee if I\u2019d known how friendly you all was, then I\u2019d have come in earlier,\u201d he said as he tried to hook up Helen\u2019s dress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re friendly for sure,\u201d said Elizabeth. \u201cAnd bored. The man who hired us has practically kept us locked up in here for the past two days. Says that he doesn\u2019t want anyone seeing us before the show because it\u2019s bad for business.\u201d She ran her fingers through Joe curls. \u201cSo we\u2019re sort of starved for company,\u201d she added, smiling at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUntil you turned up, that is,\u201d said another girl. \u201cAnd we\u2019re mighty glad that you did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo am I,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cBut like I said, I can\u2019t stay long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmph!\u201d said a voice behind him. \u201cJoe! I have to get back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned to look at Cindy. \u201cDon\u2019t let me stop you,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be out directly.\u201d He turned back to the showgirls and grinned again. \u201cDon\u2019t let me interrupt you girls,\u201d he said. \u201cJust carry on as if I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He watched with interest as the women began to apply make-up to each other\u2019s faces, ignoring the disgruntled Cindy who flounced out of the room and slammed the door behind her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo,\u201d said one of the women. \u201cWhere exactly is this ranch of yours Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOut of town aways,\u201d said Joe, trying to sound casual. \u201cIt\u2019s the biggest spread around here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou look rather young to own such a place,\u201d said Claire, coming out from behind the screen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah .. well \u2026 what can I say?\u201d replied Joe. \u201cI guess I\u2019m just a good businessman is all. I let my family work there with me, so it ain\u2019t too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have family?\u201d asked Sarah. \u201cTell us about them!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d rather tell you about me,\u201d said Joe, leaning towards her and nuzzling her neck with his face. \u201cYou smell nice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah squealed happily and turned her face so that their lips locked. \u201cCareful,\u201d she said after a moment. \u201cYou\u2019ll smudge my lipstick. What a lovely kisser you are, Joe,\u201d she added in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d said Joe. He reached out for her. \u201cI\u2019m good at other things too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCareful there,\u201d said Debbiejo, getting in between them. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to keep this young man all to yourself now Sarah.\u201d She looked Joe up and down again. \u201cExactly how old are you Joe Cartwright? You don\u2019t look a day over about fifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe drew himself up to his full height on the stool, his seventeen-year-old dignity suddenly hurt. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know I\u2019m twenty,\u201d he declared boldly. \u201cAnd old enough to know what\u2019s what I can tell you!\u201d He reached out again, but Claire hit him with her fan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough of that,\u201d she said sternly. \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of time for such things later. We\u2019ve got a show to do shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I told you that I can\u2019t stay for the show,\u201d said Joe, giving her one of his most charming grins and noticing a softening in her countenance immediately. \u201cWe have to make the most of the time I\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you say so,\u201d said Elizabeth, bouncing in between them. \u201cShow me what a good kisser you are Joe. I don\u2019t mind how old you are.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was happy to oblige and several of the women gasped as Elizabeth received the benefit of his instructions. \u201cMe next!\u201d shouted Helen, pushing her way forward and flinging herself into Joe\u2019s arms. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long two days and I\u2019m starved for a man!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe found himself nearly pushed off his stool as first one and then another of the women accosted him. He could hardly keep up with whom he was kissing at any one time and finally had to lean back to catch his breath again. \u201cWhew!\u201d he said. \u201cYou city women sure are keen!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re what you\u2019d call experienced,\u201d said Hilary, fixing up her smudged lipstick again. \u201cAnd in spite of how young you are Joe, you sure seem experienced too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve been told that before. \u201cI reckon that \u2026\u201d He stopped as there came a loud knock on the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTen minutes girls!\u201d shouted Sam. \u201cThe show\u2019s about to start!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe got off his stool quickly. \u201cSorry girls,\u201d he said, reluctantly. \u201cBut I gotta go. I didn\u2019t realise that it was so late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d cried Elizabeth. \u201cStay. We\u2019ll be free later on and we can do a lot more than kissing then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked as if would have loved to have changed his mind, but instead shook his head resolutely. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I just can\u2019t. Work is waiting. Maybe I can get to San Francisco and visit you gals someday?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh yes do!\u201d said Claire. \u201cWe\u2019d love to see you again Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood luck with the show,\u201d said Joe, opening the door. \u201cI hope it all goes well.\u201d He sighed as he shut the door, thinking as he did so that all his efforts had been worth it. True, his lips did feel a little numb, but that was to be expected, considering the amount of kissing he\u2019d just done. As he walked down the hallway, his thoughts flew to the wonderful times he could have with these girls in other circumstances. If they were an example of San Francisco showgirls, then he\u2019d have to work on getting Adam to invite him along on the next business trip he took to that fine city. Now he knew why his eldest brother was so keen to go there all the time for Pa. Why Adam was \u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stopped and stared into the large room in front of him, one hand on the curtain that he\u2019d half-pulled aside. Adam was \u2026. Adam was \u2026 sitting directly in front of him across the other side of the room. Joe gulped and let the curtain down again. He stood stock still for a moment, cursing himself for staying too long. His thoughts whirled around his head and he tried to work out what to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If Adam were already here then \u2026 He looked through a crack in the curtain and his blood went cold. Hoss was sitting next to Adam and across the other side of the room next to Sheriff Coffee sat \u2026. his Pa!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe groaned as he let go of the curtain. Either Hoss hadn\u2019t taken as long to get ready as he usually had, or Joe had been in the back room longer than he\u2019d thought. Either way, he was in deep trouble! He opened the curtain again to take another look, hoping against hope that his eyes might have been playing tricks on him the first time, but no such luck. There were Adam and Hoss seated together with a group of Adam\u2019s friends. They both had beers in their hands and were looking around in great anticipation of the coming show. Pa was also cradling a beer in his hands as he sat talking to Sheriff Coffee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe let go of the curtain and looked around. He\u2019d been back here enough to know that there was no back entry \u2026 at least not from this hallway. There was no hope for it \u2026 he\u2019d have to go back to the girls\u2019 room and get out of the window into the back alleyway and make his escape from there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He scurried back down the hall, anxious to get out of the building as quickly as possible and gave a smart rap on the door. Suddenly it was opened by Claire, who glared out into the hallway. \u201cI said we\u2019d be ready in a few moments,\u201d she said in an irritated fashion. \u201cDon\u2019t you \u2026\u201d she stopped, her eyes wide. \u201cJoe!\u201d she said, changing her tone immediately. \u201cChanged your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head as he pushed past her. \u201cIt was sorta changed for me,\u201d he said grimly. \u201cSorry to disturb you again ladies, but I gotta use your window if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t mind,\u201d said Sarah, from in front of the mirror where she was touching up her face make-up. \u201cBut it\u2019s kind of small, don\u2019t you think? Even for a littlun like you honey.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at the tiny window, his heart sinking as he noticed how small it indeed was. The woman was right, for there was no way he\u2019d ever be able to fit though it. He sat down on the stool, where only moments before he\u2019d been perched in such a happy way, his face speaking volumes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, honey?\u201d asked Elizabeth. \u201cAren\u2019t you glad to see us again?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave her one of his best puppy dog looks. \u201cIt ain\u2019t that, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said dejectedly. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I gotta get out of here \u2026.. and right quick.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut why?\u201d she asked, sitting down next to him. \u201cDon\u2019t you like us anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore than you could know,\u201d he said ruefully. \u201cIt\u2019s not you \u2026 it\u2019s \u2026 someone else. Someone who\u2019s likely to \u2026\u201d He swallowed and hesitated, considering how it would sound if he told the roomful of women that he was scared of going out there and being seen by his father and brothers because he was being punished like a little boy and wasn\u2019t allowed to be here in the first place. \u201c \u2026. to beat me up,\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone stopped and stared at him. \u201cBeat you up?\u201d said Hilary finally. \u201cWhy on earth would someone want to beat you up, Joe? Who would do such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u201cWell there are some people who enjoy that sort of thing,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a \u2026 a \u2026 business rival. He\u2019s jealous of my \u2026 um \u2026 business sense and he\u2019s \u2026 well, he\u2019s always trying to get the better of me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut why would he beat you up?\u201d asked Jenny. \u201cWhat a horrible man!\u201d She clenched her fists. \u201cJust show me who he is and I\u2019ll kick him for you when we get out there,\u201d she added, holding up one of her long legs. \u201cThese heels can come in handy sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat for a moment admiring her leg in the short dress and then roused himself to say. \u201cHe\u2019s the one dressed in black at the table near the bar,\u201d he said, describing Adam. \u201cBut that\u2019s not important. The important thing is that I\u2019ve got to get out of here without him or his men seeing me.\u201d He looked around at the indignant faces of the women and warmed to his topic. \u201cThe big guy beside him is his offsider,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd there\u2019s an older guy with silver hair talking to the sheriff who\u2019s in on it too.\u201d He noticed the women getting more and more agitated at his words and considered that they just might be able to be his salvation if he got them riled up enough. \u201cThat\u2019s why I can\u2019t just go to the sheriff to protect me,\u201d he said mournfully. \u201cHe\u2019s in on it too. The silver-haired man has been talking to him all evening and they\u2019ll be paying him to look the other way.\u201d He looked at them hopefully. \u201cSo do you think you could help me ladies?\u201d he asked giving them all his best puppy dog look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019d beat you up with all those people out there to witness it?\u201d gasped Jenny. \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cThey\u2019d drag me outside,\u201d he said, noting with satisfaction how terrified they were all looking. \u201cIt\u2019s a terrible thing to be envied in business,\u201d he said, really getting into the issue now. \u201cI\u2019m always in danger of business rivals trying to get back at me for some deal I\u2019ve beaten them to. So, if you ladies could just see your way clear to \u2026 maybe help me? Anyone have any ideas?\u201d He looked around hopefully, knowing that they were his only hope. It was true that if he couldn\u2019t get out of here then he would most likely sustain a beating \u2026 but it wouldn\u2019t be quite the way he was telling it. Pa hadn\u2019t tanned him for a few years \u2026 but he wouldn\u2019t have put it past his father to start the tradition up again, if he\u2019d discovered just what had taken place tonight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t see what we can do, Joe,\u201d said Elizabeth, running her fingers through his curls playfully. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just sit it out here until they\u2019ve gone after the show? That way we could visit a bit more later on this evening.\u201d She gave him a lovely smile and his heart melted at the sight of the small dimple that appeared in her cheek.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t,\u201d he said, thinking about what would happen to him if Pa and his brothers got home before him. Pa would be sure to check his room as he always did before turning in and when he discovered nothing more in his bed than some fluffed up pillows \u2026 Joe shuddered at the thought. \u201cThey\u2019ll wait fer me outside after the show if they see me,\u2019 he said. \u201cThey could stay out there all night,\u201d he added for emphasis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s a problem?\u201d asked Claire, leaning down and looking deeply into his eyes. Joe found himself looking straight into her ample bosom and for a moment felt that it didn\u2019t much matter whether his father found out that he was here or not. It would be worth it for the delights that he felt he might have to offer him before he was dragged away. \u201cYou could spend the night in here with us, Joe,\u201d Claire added suggestively. \u201cAnd tomorrow when it\u2019s light you\u2019d be able to get away. They wouldn\u2019t dare beat you up with people on the streets to witness it in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was on the tip of his tongue to agree with her and to offer his company for the whole night, but a vision of his father\u2019s face suddenly flashed in front of him and he shivered slightly. \u201cBetter not,\u201d he said reluctantly. \u201cI gotta get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The women all thought for a moment. \u201cWell \u2026\u201d said Sarah. \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to make it out any back way \u2026 because there\u2019re isn\u2019t any apart from that window \u2026 seems to me that you\u2019ve got no choice Joe. You\u2019ll have to walk through the main saloon.\u201d She winked at the other women. \u201cI think we can fix it up so that no one will recognise you \u2026 don\u2019t you girls?\u201d she gestured towards the large trunk that contained their costumes and several of the other women giggled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave them a horrified look, knowing in an instant what they were thinking. \u201cNo way!\u201d he said, hopping up. \u201cI ain\u2019t getting dressed up as \u2026 no way!\u201d he declared again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d make a lovely looking girl,\u201d Hilary whispered into his ear. \u201cBeing such a good looking young man and all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut that\u2019s not the point. I ain\u2019t getting dressed up in no dress!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSuit yourself,\u201d said Claire with a shrug of her shoulders. \u201cBut it seems to me that it\u2019s either that or be discovered by those men out there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated. \u201cI \u2026 I can\u2019t,\u201d he said, feeling like a trapped animal in a snare. \u201cI mean \u2026 how would I look?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d look lovely,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cJust like now.\u201d She dove into the trunk, pulled out a short red dress and held it against him. \u201cThis should fit,\u201d she said with a giggle. \u201cYou\u2019d look beautiful in this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth ran a finger down his cheek. \u201cNo stubble,\u201d she said. \u201cHe\u2019s a light shaver.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pushed her hand away crossly. \u201cDon\u2019t!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hilary put her head onto one side. \u201cEven so,\u201d she mused. \u201cPlenty of pancake makeup wouldn\u2019t go astray.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd he could hold a fan to his face like this!\u201d enthused Jenny. \u201cSo they\u2019d only see his eyes. No one would even know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t dressing up like no woman!\u201d Joe declared, but no one was listening to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire pulled a golden brown wig out of the trunk. \u201cThis should do,\u201d she said excitedly. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve got some extra stockings here somewhere.\u201d She bent down to look. \u201cHere they are!\u201d she declared, holding up a black pair. \u201cNow \u2026\u201d she tilted her head to one side and studied Joe. \u201cWith a bit of padding \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t dressing up like no woman!\u201d repeated Joe, louder this time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think the green dress would go better with his colouring,\u201d said Jenny. \u201cTry this one Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pushed her hands away. \u201cI told you that I ain\u2019t \u2026\u201d he started to protest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire shook her head. \u201cNo \u2026 the red one is better,\u201d she said. \u201cHilary \u2026 get those bloomers from over there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t wearing no \u2026\u201d began Joe, but his voice wasn\u2019t even heard as the women began to scurry around the room, picking up things to dress him in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about shoes?\u201d asked Elizabeth. \u201cHe can\u2019t wear those boots.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all stopped and looked at Joe\u2019s feet. \u201cTry your shoes, Jenny,\u201d said Sarah after a moment. \u201cYou\u2019ve got the biggest feet.\u201d She bent down to pull Joe\u2019s boots off, but he kicked out at her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI told you,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI ain\u2019t \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stopped suddenly there was another knock on the door. \u201cTime, ladies!\u201d shouted Sam. \u201cShow time!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll just be a few minutes!\u201d called out Debbiejo. \u201cSlight problem with one of the dresses!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell hurry up!\u201d shouted back Sam. \u201cThe crowd\u2019s getting real impatient out here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was true. They could all hear the calls coming from the front room and the stomping of feet could also be felt. Joe swallowed. \u201cI can\u2019t go out there,\u201d he said. \u201cNot dressed up like \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow don\u2019t be silly,\u201d said Claire, pulling him to his feet and pushing him behind the screen. \u201cNo one will recognise you. Just get into the dress and we\u2019ll take care of the rest of it. Hurry up now!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about my own clothes?\u201d asked Joe as he began to take off his shirt in spite of himself. \u201cI can\u2019t ride home in a dress!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just hand them to me,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cI\u2019ll throw them out of the window and you can pick them up out there and change back into them once you get outside. You can leave the dress and the wig out there and we\u2019ll get them later. Now hurry up!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slid out of his trousers, feeling rather self-conscious knowing that there were a dozen or so women standing only inches from him. He looked at the red dress hanging on the screen. \u201cHow does this go on?\u201d he asked. \u201cI ain\u2019t never \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire appeared from around the other side of the screen, ignoring his embarrassed look. \u201cI\u2019ll help,\u201d she said. \u201cNow don\u2019t be embarrassed, honey,\u201d she said looking him up and down. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it all before.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe put one hand over his chest and the other lower down as the woman looked at him in his under-drawers. \u201cHey!\u201d he said, but didn\u2019t have the chance to say any more before she pulled the red dress over his head. His words were muffled until he pulled the material down around his neck. \u201cStop looking at me!\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have to take off those under-garments,\u201d she said, ignoring his protests. \u201cQuickly now \u2026 we don\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled the dress down over his slim hips and wriggled his under-drawers down underneath it. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, holding them out to her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire took them and flung them over the screen along with his shirt, coat, trousers and boots. \u201cTake a look girls!\u201d she called out, pulling the screen aside. \u201cHe really looks the part.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone gasped as they caught sight of Joe and he thought how dramatic they all were. He supposed that it came with being in the theatre, but it did tend to unnerve him a little. That and the fact that they were all staring at him in a way that made him feel decidedly uncomfortable. He pulled the dress tighter around himself. \u201cI still don\u2019t think\u2026.\u201d he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think,\u201d said Jenny, holding out the black stockings to him. \u201cHere put these on to hide your legs.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked down at his legs. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with them?\u201d he asked indignantly. Claire pushed him down on the stool and began to pull one of the stockings onto his foot. \u201cNothing,\u201d she said soothingly. \u201cThey\u2019re lovely legs Joe, except they\u2019re a bit hairy for a lady.\u201d She pulled the first stocking up to his thigh and Joe slapped her hand away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can do it,\u201d he said, pulling it up further.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire began to pull the other stocking onto his foot. \u201cYou\u2019ve got lovely toes Joe,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI love nice toes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s got a thing for them,\u201d explained Sarah. \u201cEspecially curly ones like yours.\u201d She sighed as Joe took Claire\u2019s hand away and pulled the second stocking up himself. \u201cYou know what? Your legs are pretty good Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI know.\u201d He looked down at the dress. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of material up here,\u201d he said gesturing to his chest area. \u201cLooks kinda funny.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth grabbed a couple of stockings. \u201cTry these,\u201d she said, rolling them up into tight balls and stuffing them down the front of his dress. \u201cThere! No one will ever know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow for the wig,\u201d said Jenny. \u201cAlthough it sure seems like a waste to cover these beautiful curls. You\u2019ve got lovely hair, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks. I know,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHey! What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust a bit of powder and some rouge,\u201d said Hilary soothingly as she patted his face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, we all wear it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I don\u2019t \u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words were smothered as one of the women tilted back his head and began to apply red lipstick to his mouth. \u201cMmm \u2026 mmm \u2026.mmm \u2026\u201d he spluttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust relax,\u201d said Claire soothingly. \u201cTrust us Joe. You\u2019re going to look lovely. There!\u201d she declared as she slipped Jenny\u2019s high heels onto his feet. \u201cAll done!\u201d She pulled him to his feet. \u201cWhat do you think girls?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence for a full minute as they all surveyed their handiwork. \u201cI think I\u2019m jealous,\u201d said Hilary at last. \u201cNo man has the right to look that good in a dress.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo man in his right mind would be seen looking this good in a dress,\u201d said Joe dejectedly. \u201cI still don\u2019t think that this is a good idea. I \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was another knock on the door. \u201cLadies!\u201d shouted Sam. \u201cI can\u2019t hold em no longer!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re coming!\u201d shouted Sarah. She handed Joe a fan. \u201cNow keep that up in front of your face,\u201d she instructed. \u201cJust follow our lead and you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour lead?\u201d squeaked Joe. \u201cBut \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust follow all of us onto the stage,\u201d said Claire. \u201cMake sure you get onto the right hand side and then you can make a run for it. Don\u2019t worry … no one will notice as we\u2019ll keep them looking at us. Ready girls? Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All the girls trailed out of the room with Joe in the midst of them trying desperately to walk in the high heels and looking miserably around. As they approached the thick curtain, his resolve failed him and he started to falter. \u201cI can\u2019t \u2026\u201d he said as he listened to the stomping of the feet from beyond the curtain. \u201cI \u2026.\u201d But he didn\u2019t have a chance to say any more as a couple of the girls pushed him forward and he found himself on stage with them facing the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd here they are!\u201d shouted Sam. The crowd started to cheer and there was much clapping and stomping of feet. \u201cStraight from San Francisco!\u201d he continued. \u201cThe glamorous showgirls here to entertain you!\u201d Again the crowd burst into spontaneous applause and Joe summoned up the courage to peek out from behind his fan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To his dismay he saw Hoss and Adam clapping along with everyone else while his Pa sat back in his chair and grinned at all the girls. Joe gulped and quickly hid behind his fan again. He took a tentative step towards the door, but Claire pulled him back again. \u201cNot yet!\u201d she whispered into his ear. \u201cWait for the music and the dancing to start. They won\u2019t notice you when we all distract them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe forced himself to stay next to her, even though every fibre of his being wanted to get out of the room and away from the prying eyes of the crowd. He felt as if every eye in the room was on him and he avoided looking at his two brothers who were close by. He tensed himself up, waiting for the first strains of the music that would be his signal to bolt for the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, instead of the music, Sam\u2019s voice boomed out again. \u201cNow before we have the chance to hear these lovely ladies sing, let me introduce them all to you. He grinned around at the crowd who all began to clap again, shout out and whistle at the girls on the stage. Joe felt as if he were about to collapse and it was only the fact that he found it difficult to move in Jenny\u2019s high heels that stopped him from sprinting across the stage. His breath came in short gasps as Sam called out the name of one girl after another as he walked across the stage and he was just about to ask Claire what he should do, when the saloon owner stopped beside him and stared at him. For the life of him, Sam just couldn\u2019t seem to remember the name of the striking girl in the red dress and he shook his head slightly hoping that it would come back to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s your name honey?\u201d he asked, bending closer to Joe who immediately put his fan up in front of his face and scowled at him. Sam was slightly taken aback, but nevertheless continued to probe the young lady for information. \u2018Your name?\u201d he asked again and then turned to the crowd. \u201cThis one is a bit shy,\u201d he said with a wink. \u201cLet\u2019s all ask her name, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The men in the crowd all chorused out the question and several of them whistled at Joe for encouragement. Over in the corner, Roy Coffee leant towards Ben. \u201cThat one in the red dress sure has pretty legs, don\u2019t ya think so Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded, but didn\u2019t reply. There was something about that slim red-attired girl that seemed familiar to him, but he couldn\u2019t quite place why that should be so. \u201cShe sure is a looker,\u201d he replied after a moment\u2019s hesitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Up on the stage, Sam noticed that Joe was trembling and he put his arm around his waist as he whispered in his ear. \u201cDon\u2019t be frightened, honey,\u201d he said soothingly. \u201cIs this your first show?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him and pushed him away. \u201cShe\u2019s shy!\u201d shouted out a man in the audience and Joe turned to glare at him. At that moment Adam sat forward in his chair and their eyes locked for a split second. Joe quickly put his fan in front of his face again, but not quickly enough for the eagle-eyed Adam who fairly gasped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s ya name sweetie?\u201d persisted Sam. \u201cYou\u2019re holding up the show!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe cleared his throat. \u201cJ .. Jo \u2026\u201d he stammered in a high voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s hear it for Josephine!\u201d shouted Sam and everyone clapped. Several of the men in the audience began to whistle again and one called out, \u201cShow us yer legs!\u201d causing Joe to turn and glare at him again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Claire pulled on his dress. \u201cJust settle down,\u201d she said. \u201cWait for the music.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the musicians began the first notes of the introduction, Adam leant over and whispered to Hoss. \u201cNotice anything about that red one on the end?\u201d he asked. \u201cDoes she look familiar to you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at him. \u201cNope!\u201d he said. \u201cBut I sure wouldn\u2019t mind getting ta know her a bit better. She\u2019s a real looker!\u201d He took a deep swig of his beer and grinned at his brother happily while Adam leant closer and whispered something into his ear that caused him to nearly choke on his mouthful. \u201cWhat?!\u201d he exclaimed and turned to look at Joe again. \u201cWell I\u2019ll be!\u201d he said, staring at brother standing on the stage in a dress. \u201cWhat \u2026 I mean \u2026 How come \u2026\u201d His voice trailed away, lost for words and he turned to Adam in shock. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it!\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can,\u201d replied Adam grimly. \u201cI have come to believe anything of that little brother of ours.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared at Joe again. \u201cWell ya must admit that he makes a right fine looking girl,\u201d he said admiringly. \u201cWho\u2019d a thought \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed as he stared at Joe who was miserably watching the other girls begin to dance. Someone from the audience called out \u201cWhy don\u2019t ya dance sweetie?\u201d and Adam suddenly grinned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d he called out. \u201cDance! Show us your legs \u2026 you in the red dress! Over here sweetheart! Dance over here!\u201d he motioned to Hoss who also grinned and put his fingers to his mouth. A loud whistle split the air and everyone took up the call. \u201cDance! Dance! Dance!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe suddenly found himself the centre of attention and \u2026 not knowing what else to do \u2026 began to move his feet in imitation of the girls. Unfortunately, he was so unsteady on his high heels that he immediately tripped and fell off the side of the stage, straight into Adam\u2019s waiting arms. \u201cWell, hello sweetie,\u201d said Adam, clutching his brother to him and giving him a huge smile to the delight of the audience. \u201cAre you going to give me a kiss?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe struggled to be free of his brother\u2019s grasp, but Adam had a firm grip on him. \u201cLet me go!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?\u201d asked Hoss, hugely enjoying the sight of his two brothers in such a situation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet me go!\u201d shouted Joe again and hit Adam on the side of the head with his fan. He brought his legs up and kicked his brother hard on the shins, causing Adam to let go of him and gasp in pain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy you little \u2026\u201d muttered Adam, reaching for his brother again, but Joe had scrambled off his lap before he could grab hold of him again. He made a run for the door, but the heels let him down again and instead he toppled into the waiting arms of a brawny cowboy who swooped him up in delight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI got one!\u201d he shouted out to the crowd. \u201cAnd the pretty one too!\u201d He grinned at Joe who was struggling in his arms. \u201cKiss me!\u201d he cried out. He closed his eyes and opened his mouth \u2026 and received a hard punch right on it. He dropped the girl<\/em> in his arms in surprise and stared at her<\/em> sprawled on the floor at his feet. \u201cWhat the \u2026\u201d he cried, holding onto his mouth. \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou leave Joe alone!\u201d cried Sarah from the stage. All the girls stopped singing and glared at Adam and the brawny cowboy, their indignation evident on their faces.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t gonna beat him up while we\u2019re around!\u201d shouted Elizabeth. \u201cCome on girls!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She launched herself from the stage and began pummelling the brawny cowboy with her fists. The other girls didn\u2019t hesitate, but quickly follow suit. Suddenly there were people everywhere getting out of their chairs to join the fray and several of the men tried to grab hold of the women who clawed at them with their nails and kicked at them with their heels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe found himself lying on the floor watching everyone fight around him. As he looked up at the chaos it suddenly occurred to him that this was his ideal opportunity to escape and so without any more ado he began to crawl for the door. Suddenly a tall cowboy picked him up and squeezed him around the waist. \u201cNot so fast!\u201d the man shouted. \u201cI\u2019ve had my eye on you honey \u2026 now be nice!\u201d Joe squirmed in his arms, shouting at him and trying to punch him at the same time. \u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d shouted the cowboy. \u201cI love a feisty girl!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put down his beer and looked at Adam who was still seated next to him. \u201cI hate to miss a fight!\u201d he shouted over the noise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, took off his hat and stood up, motioning to Joe who was kicking for all he was worth. Besides,\u201d he shouted. \u201cIt seems like our little brother\u2019s honour is at stake!\u201d They both stepped into the fray just as Ben forced his way through the crowd and arrived at their table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam! Hoss!\u201d he yelled. \u201cCome back here!\u201d His two sons ignored him and he shook his head as he saw them go to the rescue of the slim girl in red who was being held up high by a large cowboy. Suddenly it came to him who she reminded him of. \u201cMarie!\u201d he gasped \u2026 for the girl was the spitting image of his late wife. \u201cMarie!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment, Joe\u2019s wig came tumbling off and Ben gasped. \u201cJoe!\u201d he yelled furiously. \u201cJoseph Francis Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over the noise of the fight, Joe faintly heard his father\u2019s voice calling him and his heart sank, but he had other things to think of at that moment as he tried to free himself from the cowboy\u2019s grasp. Suddenly he felt a great force pull him out of the man\u2019s arms and he opened his eyes to see his brother Hoss grinning at him as he held him up high.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell lookee here!\u201d shouted Hoss. \u201cSee who I\u2019ve found Adam!\u201d Joe swallowed as he looked first at one brother and then the other. Realising that there was nothing he could do at that point, he simply groaned and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood with his hands behind his back in his customary position in front of his father\u2019s desk, trying to look contrite. He opened his mouth to speak and then thought better of it and shut it again. Hoss and Adam stood near the bookcase on the other side of the study, watching their father as he paced up and down in front of the grandfather clock. Every so often Ben would stop his pacing, look across at his sons, open his mouth and then shut it again, shaking his head as if he didn\u2019t dare say anything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finally, it was Joe who broke the silence. \u201cPa?\u201d he said tentatively.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben immediately pointed an accusing finger at his errant son. \u201cYou be quiet!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll deal with you when I\u2019m ready and not before!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shifted his position slightly and leant against the bookcase, causing his father to immediately turn to him. \u201cWhat I can\u2019t understand about all of this,\u201d he thundered. \u201cIs that you two knew what was going on!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNot until it was too late and this \u2026\u201d he gave his youngest brother a withering look. \u201cThis idiot was up on the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at his brother. \u201cDon\u2019t call me an idiot!\u201d he said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI told you to be quiet!\u201d shouted his father. \u201cAnd I meant it!\u201d Joe shut his mouth immediately. \u201cAnd in view of your behaviour tonight Joseph, I think your brother\u2019s description is a fairly accurate one,\u201d added Ben meaningfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa,\u201d chimed in Hoss. \u201cBesides, younger brother here needed to be taught a lesson.\u201d He grinned at Adam. \u201cI\u2019ve got him out of lots of situations before, but I never thought I\u2019d have ta save him from the attentions of a ranch hand.\u201d Both men chuckled at the memory of their little brother in the arms of the cowboy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe needed to be taught a lesson?\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cAnd you were just the one to teach him, weren\u2019t you?\u201d he added sarcastically. \u201cAll you two did was to make the situation worse!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lifted his head. \u201cYeah!\u201d he agreed. \u201cYou two didn\u2019t help me none.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI seem to remember that we did,\u201d said Adam mildly. \u201cIf Hoss here hadn\u2019t saved you, you\u2019d have found yourself being ravished by that ranch hand right there on the saloon floor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is enough!\u201d thundered Ben. \u201cIsn\u2019t it enough that I\u2019ve been totally embarrassed by all of you tonight in front of the whole town, without you continuing this nonsense here at home?\u201d He shuddered at the memory of his youngest son in a dress and high heels being held aloft in the middle of the crowd. \u201cWhatever possessed you, Joseph?\u201d he asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cSeemed like the only way out at the time,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cI didn\u2019t wanna do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smirked. \u201cI actually thought you looked quite pretty,\u201d he said teasingly. \u201cYou seemed to be enjoying yourself up there on stage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe clenched his fists and took a step towards his brother, but his father pulled him back by the collar. \u201cKeep still!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cNow,\u201d he continued, trying to keep his temper in check. \u201cFirstly, all the damages from tonight\u2019s little escapade will be taken from all your pays until Sam has all the damages paid for.\u201d He ignored the protests of all three of his sons and raised his hand to quiet them. \u201cNot another word!\u201d he said. \u201cYou were all in the fight, so you will all pay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to smirk at his brothers. \u201cSeems fair,\u201d he remarked. \u201cThey broke more of them glasses and chairs than I did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss gave their younger brother dark looks, but Joe only smirked more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow please get out of my sight,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cI\u2019ve had enough of your nonsense tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d he said and pulled Hoss behind him towards the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah \u2026 sorry Pa,\u201d echoed Joe, following his brothers quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot you, Joseph,\u201d called Ben. \u201cI haven\u2019t finished with you yet.\u201d Adam and Hoss both grinned at each other, gave Joe triumphant looks and then disappeared up the stairs quickly. \u201cOver here, young man!\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and walked over towards his father. \u201cYes Pa?\u201d he said in a low voice, putting his hands behind his back again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down at his desk and gazed at his son. \u201cI am thoroughly ashamed of your behaviour tonight, Joseph,\u201d he began. \u201cHow could you do such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d said Joe, considering the question. \u201cOnce I got the dress on it was easier than I thought. It was only the heels that \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet!\u201d thundered Ben. \u201cI am not only talking about the dress. Firstly, you deliberately disobeyed my orders by going to the Silver Dollar. Secondly, you participated in what I can only describe as ludicrous behaviour by wearing such a disguise. Thirdly, you have damaged the good reputation of your family by your wanton actions. What do you have to say for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d replied Joe, trying to look it. \u201cBut really \u2026 well \u2026 if you hadn\u2019t forbidden me to go in the first place, then this never would have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s jaw dropped in disbelief. \u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I only disguised myself because you wouldn\u2019t let me go to the Gala Night,\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant forward in his chair and put his hands on his desk as he stared at his son. \u201cAm I hearing you correctly?\u201d he asked. \u201cAre you insinuating that this fiasco tonight was my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment, wondering what the words insinuating<\/em> and fiasco<\/em> meant. \u201cWell \u2026. yeah \u2026.\u201d he said finally. \u201cSorta.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked a couple of times. \u201cLet me get this straight,\u201d he said, lowering his voice. \u201cYou\u2019re saying that it is my fault that you crept out of the house, entered the saloon, disguised yourself as a showgirl and put on a ludicrous display that resulted in $500 worth of damages to the Silver Dollar Saloon. Not to mention dragging your brothers into your mess as well. Not to mention embarrassing me in front of the whole town. You are saying that all that is MY fault?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed. Somehow, the way his father said it, made it sound different to the way he saw it in his mind. \u201cIs that what you\u2019re saying, Joseph?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell \u2026. kinda,\u201d said Joe in a low voice. \u201cI mean \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet up to your room!\u201d shouted his father. \u201cGet out of my sight this instance! I will deal with you tomorrow when I feel less like strangling you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a step backwards. \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d he said, before turning to go. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked over his shoulder. \u201cWhat\u2019s a fiasco<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomething you are constantly causing,\u201d sighed his father. \u201cNow get upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth to ask what insinuating<\/em> meant, but one look at his father\u2019s face made him shut it again. \u201cNight Pa,\u201d he said instead and bolted for the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben waited until his son had disappeared around the top of the staircase before rubbing his temples and sighing. He sat for a few minutes staring into space before reaching across the desk and picking up a picture of Marie, his late wife. He stared at her face, thinking just how much like her Joe had looked tonight with the wig on. Perhaps if Joseph had been a girl, then he would have been able to control him better? Somehow he didn\u2019t think so. Ben shook his head wearily and put the picture down again. \u201cWhere did I go wrong as a father?\u201d he muttered. \u201cI can\u2019t figure him out. Maybe if you were here you could, my love,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe straightened up and stretched his shoulders as he looked at the pile of wood beside him. Somehow all the work he\u2019d put into making it smaller hadn\u2019t seemed to make any difference at all. In fact, it looked to him as if it was even bigger than when he\u2019d started three days ago. He shook his head, picked up yet another piece and began to attack it with his axe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell now, there\u2019s an unusual sight,\u201d said a voice behind him and he turned to see Adam and Hoss sitting on their horses grinning down at him. \u201cMake sure you get a good look at this, Adam,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cSeeing our little brother work isn\u2019t something that you see very often.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d said Adam with a lazy grin, as he slid down from his saddle. \u201cSomething tells me that we\u2019re going to see an awful lot more of this in the coming weeks \u2026. Maybe even months,\u201d he added as he looked at the huge pile of wood waiting to be cut into kindling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re enjoying this, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d snarled Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou deserve this and a whole lot more for the stunt you pulled the other night. \u201cYou should be thankful that Pa didn\u2019t take you over his knee for what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m too old for that!\u201d retorted Joe. \u201cSides,\u201d he sighed as he looked at the woodpile. \u201cWhat with this and all the other extra chores he gave me, I think I\u2019d rather have had a tanning and got it over with. There\u2019s a lot to be said for being punished that way. At least it don\u2019t last long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnd this way you\u2019ll be punished fer weeks ta come, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBy the ways,\u201d said Adam, tying up his horse. \u201cThe San Francisco girls left town this afternoon while we were in there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d said Joe, fiddling with his axe. He had a momentary feeling of dismay that he\u2019d probably never see them again,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry Joe,\u201d said Hoss with a wink at Adam. \u201cMaybe Pa will let you see em if they ever come back to town again?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on it,\u201d said Adam. \u201cSam said that he won\u2019t get them back for another ten years, what with all the trouble they caused and I\u2019m sure that Joe won\u2019t be finished this wood pile by then.\u201d He came and put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder in a mock-sympathetic way. \u201cFace it Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI have my doubts that you\u2019ll ever see the inside of a saloon again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knocked his brother\u2019s hand off his shoulder. \u201cShut up!\u201d he said, scowling at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow don\u2019t look like that,\u201d said Adam, sweetly. \u201cScowling like that will spoil your pretty complexion. After all, you want to look your best if you ever get to go into town again. Everyone says that you were the prettiest one out of all the girls, so you\u2019ve got a reputation to uphold, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He and Hoss both doubled over in laughter at the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cYou shut up!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s true!\u201d spluttered Hoss. \u201cThere was quite a few cowboys asking after you Joe,\u201d he said, laughing even harder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said to shut up!\u201d shouted Joe, getting angry in the face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted his father, coming out of the house and standing on the front porch. \u201cWhat is all that yelling about? Get back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah Joe,\u201d giggled Adam, leaning on Hoss for support. \u201cGet back to work. The sooner you get all this finished, the sooner you get go in to see everyone in town. Maybe you can do a bit of a show for them? If I were you I\u2019d be practising my singing while I was working though \u2026 some of your higher notes need a bit more work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss, holding his stomach as he continued to laugh. \u201cAnd them dance steps could do with some work too. You weren\u2019t too good in them high heels.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam! Hoss! Let your brother get back to his work!\u201d shouted their father angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s brothers turned to go to the barn, still laughing loudly. \u201cMaybe we should get him some ladies shoes to wear around the house to practise with?\u201d suggested Hoss gleefully as they disappeared into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben again. \u201cWork!\u201d He turned and stomped into the house, slamming the front door behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe picked up another piece of wood and stared at it. Well, he reasoned. The San Francisco showgirls might be gone, but there was still that blonde girl who was willing to sit on his knee while he had a beer or two. She had been quite nice and was worth looking forward to when he finally did get back into the Silver Dollar again. Now \u2026 if he could only just remember her name \u2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n