Summary:\u00a0 You’ve probably read what the producers want you to know about the map that hung on the wall behind Ben’s desk, but here is the real story.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (2,790 words)<\/p>\n
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The Map<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s got to be something really special this year,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018After all, it is his fiftieth birthday.\u2019 He sat in thoughtful silence while his two brothers looked at him hopefully. They all knew that Adam was usually the one to come up with good ideas and both Hoss and Little Joe relied on him now to have an idea for their father\u2019s birthday present that would make the day truly memorable for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Adam snapped his fingers. \u2018I know!\u2019 he said. \u2018What is Pa\u2019s most treasured possession?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me!\u2019 said Little Joe quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his youngest brother a withering look and Hoss laughed as he tickled his brother. \u2018Adam means besides you, shortshanks,\u2019 he said. He looked over at Adam. \u2018You mean The Ponderosa, don\u2019t ya Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes of course The Ponderosa,\u2019 replied his brother impatiently. \u2018So let\u2019s give it to him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his head. \u2018But ain\u2019t he already got it?\u2019 he asked. \u2018How can a man get something twice?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I mean a momento of The Ponderosa,\u2019 explained Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A what?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A momento,\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018Something for him to keep as a \u2026 well, a reminder of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why does he need to be reminded of it?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018He can see it every time he looks out the window.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Would you please be sensible!\u2019 exploded Adam. \u2018I\u2019m trying to explain this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a face and sat back against the wall of the barn in a huff with his arms folded over his chest. \u2018I thought I was,\u2019 he muttered half to himself. \u2018He can so see it out the window!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ignored his youngest brother and continued speaking to Hoss. \u2018A map,\u2019 he said. \u2018He doesn\u2019t have a map of the ranch.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his head again. \u2018Well I reckon that he does Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s got a bunch of em from the Land Office, don\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not one map showing the whole ranch,\u2019 insisted Adam. \u2018He\u2019s only got maps of different sections of it. Anyway, I\u2019m talking about a special kind of map. One that shows not just the boundaries of the ranch, but special things about it as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leant forward, interested in spite of himself. \u2018Special things like what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh \u2026 you know \u2026 like the towns around. Carson City and Virginia City \u2026 Lake Tahoe \u2026 Special landmarks like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 Joe started to get enthused about it now. \u2018And we could put some tiny pine trees on it for the ponderosas too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And a stage coach to show where they run!\u2019 said Hoss, catching his brother\u2019s enthusiasm. \u2018You could draw it Adam\u2026 you\u2019re good at that sort of thing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to look modest, but his eyes were shining with the very thought of it. \u2018And you could make a special frame for it Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018A really fancy one with a backboard so that the map won\u2019t get ruined. Pa will probably want to mount it on a wall and you\u2019re good with woodwork.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Great idea!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll choose some nice pine for it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about me?\u2019 asked Joe excitedly. \u2018What can I do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated as he looked at his youngest brother. \u2018We\u2019ll think of something for you later,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll come up with an idea.\u2019 He stood up. \u2018Now we\u2019ve got two weeks to get this done. I\u2019m going into town to see if I can find a large piece of parchment paper to draw it on. I\u2019ve got a nice black pen that I can do the drawing with.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is going to be the best birthday present we\u2019ve ever given Pa,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He\u2019s going to be so excited!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pointed his finger at his little brother. \u2018You just remember to keep quiet about it,\u2019 he warned. \u2018I know what you\u2019re like with keeping secrets.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked offended. \u2018As if I\u2019d tell him!\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid Adam!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam said nothing as he left the barn. Hoss stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019d better go and pick out some good pine and get ta carving that frame,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about me?\u2019 asked Joe again. \u2018What am I gonna do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam done told ya Joe,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018We\u2019ll think of something. Don\u2019t you worry!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019d better!\u2019 called out Joe. \u2018This is my present too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey that looks great Adam!\u2019 Joe leant over his brother\u2019s shoulder to admire his work closer. \u2018So is that the real shape of The Ponderosa? I ain\u2019t never seen it in one bit before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018As near as I can make out it is,\u2019 said Adam as he concentrated on his drawing. \u2018Move back a bit will you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stepped back and craned his neck so that he could see. \u2018Don\u2019t forget the pine trees,\u2019 he said. \u2018You have to put in some ponderosa pines.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I won\u2019t forget,\u2019 said Adam absently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nice paper,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Where\u2019d ya get it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s parchment,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I found it in the Mercantile.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I could draw some of them ponderosa pines if ya like,\u2019 Joe offered generously. \u2018I\u2019d be good at that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018Not right now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have to finish this part first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So what is it?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Hey! That\u2019s the house ain\u2019t it? And over there \u2026 is that Virginia City?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Carson City,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018That\u2019s Virginia City over there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well they\u2019re both pretty good,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You\u2019re a good drawer, ain\u2019t ya Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon it needs a name,\u2019 mused Joe thoughtfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m going to give it one. Why don\u2019t you go downstairs and help Hoss with the frame in the barn?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah OK. You sure you don\u2019t need me here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, I\u2019m sure,\u2019 said Adam between gritted teeth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe left his brother\u2019s bedroom and happily bounced down the stairs. His father looked up from behind his desk where he was doing the accounts and smiled at him. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said. \u2018No one seems to be around tonight. Where are your brothers?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe came over and leant on his father\u2019s desk. \u2018Oh they\u2019re around,\u2019 he said airily. \u2018Hoss is in the barn and Adam\u2019s in his room doing \u2026. stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see.\u2019 Ben bent over his work again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s your birthday in a week or so, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes it is. Stop fiddling with those papers please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re fifty, ain\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam says that it\u2019s a special birthday so our present hasta be a real good one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s nice.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re getting something really good for ya, but I ain\u2019t allowed to tell you what.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well then you\u2019d better not. Get off the desk please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re gonna be real happy with what we\u2019ve got you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put down his pen. \u2018Joseph, if you\u2019re not supposed to tell me what it is, then you\u2019d better stop talking about it. I don\u2019t think your brothers would like it if they heard you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled a face. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going out to the barn to help Hoss with it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled to himself as his son left the room. Keeping secrets had never been Joseph\u2019s strong point and he hoped that he could make it to his birthday without the boy blurting out what the special present<\/em> was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Joe entered the barn he saw Hoss bent over a barrel sawing something. \u2018How\u2019s it going Hoss?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned to face him. \u2018Real good Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m nearly done putting it together. I\u2019ll start on the fancy carving then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I do a bit?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018I ain\u2019t done nothing yet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not this part shortshanks,\u2019 said Hoss, ruffling his brother\u2019s hair. \u2018It\u2019s a mite too tricky for ya\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Seems like there\u2019s nothing left for me to do!\u2019 he grumbled. \u2018Adam\u2019s doing all the drawing and you\u2019re doing the frame. What can I do Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam done told ya shortshanks. We\u2019ll think of something,\u2019 Hoss answered absently. \u2018Move away from there. I gotta use that now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe dutifully stepped away and watched his brother working. Hoss hammered the pieces of wood until they formed a frame and then hammered a backboard onto it carefully. \u2018There,\u2019 he said, holding it up proudly when it was done. \u2018Perfect!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do ya know that it\u2019s the right size Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam measured the paper of course,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s just right. Now I\u2019ve gotta carve out something special on it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph! Bedtime!\u2019 Their father\u2019s voice came drifting across the yard and Little Joe made a face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come I always gotta go to bed when things get interesting?\u2019 he whined. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 He left the barn and walked towards the house slowly, dragging his feet as he did so. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019 called out Ben from the house. He closed the door behind Joe as the boy entered the room. \u2018Up to bed with you now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the most precious thing you have?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You three boys of course,\u2019 answered his father without hesitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I done told Adam that!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018But he reckons that it\u2019s The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u2018Well of course The Ponderosa is very special to me as well,\u2019 he explained. \u2018But without you three boys it wouldn\u2019t mean very much to me. Now up to bed!\u2019 He swatted the boy on the backside and turned him towards the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I done told Adam that!\u2019 muttered Joe under his breath. \u2018I knew it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam placed the paper carefully in the finished frame and smoothed the edges down. All three boys stepped back to admire the map and nodded their heads. \u2018Perfect!\u2019 said Adam happily. \u2018Pa will love it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I put some hooks on the back so that he can hang it up iffen he has a mind to as well,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018It looks right fine Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your frame is beautiful,\u2019 said Adam generously. \u2018It really sets it off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Hoss, beaming at him. \u2018But your drawing of that map is real special. \u2018You done a fine job!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told him to put them ponderosa pine trees in.\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And they look mighty fine shortshanks,\u2019 Hoss assured him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t done nothing yet!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018You both said I could!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s right Adam,\u2019 admitted Hoss. \u2018We did say that he could do something.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wanted to do the lettering,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018But Adam already done it.\u2019 He fingered the words that Adam had written: Map To Illustrate The Ponderosa in Nevada<\/em>. \u2018I got to do nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam thought for a moment. \u2018How about you wrap it up?\u2019 he suggested. \u2018You could do that real fine!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Yeah!\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s some brown paper in the barn and I can get some string from Hop Sing. \u2018I\u2019ll do it real fine Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you just be careful with it,\u2019 replied his brother as he slid it under his bed for safekeeping. \u2018Pa\u2019s birthday is tomorrow and it has to be perfect.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You can trust me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled out the map and put it on the bed, looking at it carefully before putting his brown paper and string on the bed beside it. He traced the line of Lake Tahoe with his finger and then peered closely at the ranch house. \u2018Sure is a mighty fine map,\u2019 he muttered to himself. \u2018Wish I coulda done something more than just wrap it up though.\u2019 He peered at it closely and then a smile spread across his face. He clapped his hands in glee and then jumped up and went to Adam\u2019s desk. Grabbing his brother\u2019s best drawing pen, he came back and leant over the map again. \u2018I knew I\u2019d think of something,\u2019 he muttered as he poked his tongue out and began to draw.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean you already wrapped it?\u2019 whispered Adam across the supper table that night. \u2018I was going to supervise you doing that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I already done it,\u2019 said Joe proudly. \u2018It looks real fine too. Pa is gonna love it.\u2019 He gave both his brothers a cagey look. \u2018I done a surprise bit too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 asked Hoss in a low voice. \u2018What surprise bit?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just a surprise bit,\u2019 said Joe with a grin. \u2018Don\u2019t worry \u2026 Pa will like it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What exactly \u2026\u2019 began Adam and then stopped as their father entered the room. \u2018Hi Pa!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Evening boys,\u2019 said Ben as he sat down. \u2018How was your day?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mine was good Pa,\u2019 Little Joe assured his father. \u2018You\u2019re gonna have a good one tomorrow, ain\u2019t ya? It\u2019ll be your birthday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at the boy. \u2018I\u2019m sure I will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now let\u2019s begin our meal, shall we?\u2019 He reached for the meat platter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We gotta good present for ya Pa,\u2019 continued Joe excitedly. \u2018Ow!\u2019 He bent down to rub his ankle. \u2018What was that for?\u2019 He said angrily to Hoss. \u2018I wasn\u2019t gonna tell him about the m \u2026. Ow!\u2019 He rubbed his other ankle and glared at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Boys stop kicking your brother,\u2019 instructed Ben. \u2018Joseph begin your meal please and stop talking about my birthday. Your brothers do not want you to spoil any plans that they may have.\u2019 Joe scowled at both his brothers who glared back at him. He picked up his fork and began to eat slowly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here you are Pa. Happy fiftieth birthday from the three of us,\u2019 said Adam at breakfast the next morning as he handed his father the large brown paper-wrapped present.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well thank you boys,\u2019 said Ben with a grin at them all. \u2018I wonder what this could be?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Open it and see Pa!\u2019 said Little Joe excitedly, clapping his hands and grinning at his father. \u2018It\u2019s a real good present!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled and began to undo the string that Little Joe had carefully tied around it. As the paper fell away, his jaw dropped open and he stared at the beautifully-framed map in stunned silence. \u2018Why \u2026 why it\u2019s truly beautiful boys!\u2019 he gasped. \u2018How on earth did you ever manage to get something like this?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We made it,\u2019 said Hoss proudly. \u2018I made the frame and carved it and Adam drew the map.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And I wrapped it!\u2019 added Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put it on the table and peered at it closely while all the boys clustered around to get a better look. \u2018It\u2019s just beautiful!\u2019 their father declared with tears in his eyes. \u2018Just beautiful! Thank you so much!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We thought that you might like to hang it on the wall,\u2019 said Adam eagerly. \u2018Hoss put some hooks on the back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I will,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Now \u2026 I\u2019ll have to think of the best place to put it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned as he stared at the map and poked his finger on the top left hand corner. \u2018What is that?\u2019 he demanded, staring at Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe puffed up with pride. \u2018You forgot to put in a compass,\u2019 he explained. \u2018So I did for ya! Do you like it Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at the cross that depicted the compass points. \u2018It\u2019s lovely son,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026\u2019 Adam\u2019s face began to go red. \u2018But it\u2019s pointing in the wrong direction!\u2019 he spluttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No it ain\u2019t!\u2019 declared Little Joe defensively. \u2018It\u2019s got all the letters in the right spots\u2026 see? N for north and W for west and \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018North shouldn\u2019t be up there!\u2019 interrupted Adam angrily. \u2018It should be over that way!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam your brother was only trying to help,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And it doesn\u2019t really matter, does it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes it does matter!\u2019 declared Adam. \u2018He\u2019s ruined it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I have not!\u2019 shouted Little Joe angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam, it\u2019s fine,\u2019 said Ben, putting his hand on his eldest son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018No one will ever notice I\u2019m sure.\u2019 He stood up with the map in his hands. \u2018I think I know just the right spot for this.\u2019 He took it over to his study and hung it on the wall behind his desk. \u2018There!\u2019 he said. \u2018Doesn\u2019t that look perfect?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It did before a certain someone decided to put a compass on it pointing in the wrong direction,\u2019 muttered Adam with a dark look at Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at them all. \u2018Boys, I think your present will be in the Cartwright family for a long time to come,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018If I\u2019m not mistaken, this map will be identified with The Ponderosa ranch for many long years. He stood proudly in front of it. \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s a map to be proud of!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n