Summary:\u00a0<\/b> Adam’s 21st birthday is almost here, and Ben has something special to give to him.\u00a0 But does his youngest son’s insatiable curiosity ruin the entire surprise for both Ben and Adam?<\/p>\n
Rated G \u00a0WC 14,100<\/p>\n
Time Will Tell<\/strong><\/p>\n Ben held the old timepiece in the palm of his left hand<\/strong> and fingered the gold case gently with his fingers.\u00a0 His touch was much like a loving caress that one would use when embracing a child.\u00a0 Ben smiled; his memory darted back through the years to the time when he had first been given the gold pocket watch.\u00a0 His father had presented it to him on his twenty-first birthday, and Ben recalled the blessedness he had felt when he had opened the beautifully wrapped birthday gift.\u00a0 Lovingly his finger traced the engraved C that covered the back of the golden case. Glancing up at his reflection in the mirror, Ben studied his face, it had been such a long time ago he told himself, but he remembered the day as if it had been yesterday.\u00a0 The memory of his father\u2019s happy face stood out before him and suddenly Ben felt a pang of loss for his beloved father who was now long passed.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben\u2019s thoughts just as quickly returned to the present and he thought with happiness that now he was about to pass his prized treasure down to his oldest son, Adam, who was to be twenty-one in just a few days.<\/p>\n Ben closed the top piece of the watch and carefully laid the twenty-one jeweled gold timekeeper back on his dresser.\u00a0 He was unaware of the curious little boy who stood at his bedroom door and watched silently, his actions.\u00a0 Nine-year old Little Joe Cartwright had been standing for several minutes, unnoticed by his father, behind the partially opened door watching his father examine the treasure.\u00a0 Curiosity had held the little boy\u2019s attention; though he knew it was wrong to spy, especially on his father, Little Joe had been unable to take his eyes off the shiny object that had seemed to put his father in a trance.\u00a0 Joe ached to ask Ben what it was that had captivated his parent so, but knew that to speak now, would be admitting that he had been spying.\u00a0 Little Joe knew what would happen then, and he had no desire to have his fanny warmed by his father\u2019s opened hand.\u00a0 Just as silently as he had stood watching, Little Joe turned from the door of his father\u2019s bedroom and hurried on down the hall to his own room.\u00a0 As he pushed the heavy door opened, Ben emerged from his own room and caught a glimpse of his youngest son, just as Joe closed the door.<\/p>\n Ben slowly made his way down the hall to Joseph\u2019s room and knocked softly on the door before entering.\u00a0 He stopped at the sight that forced his face into a broad grin.\u00a0 Joe stood on his tiptoes trying desperately to pour water into the basin, but was spilling more on the washstand than in the brightly colored bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cNeed some help, son?\u201d Ben questioned as he stood behind his son and took the heavy pitcher from the tiny hands that struggled to hold the container upright.<\/p>\n \u201cHi ya Pa,\u201d smiled Joe, looking up and into Ben\u2019s smiling face as he allowed his father to take the water pitcher from his grasp.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s dark chocolate eyes locked with the hazel colored eyes of his offspring and Ben was quick to note the shiny glow within their depths and the happy carefree expression on the cherub like face.<\/p>\n Ben poured just the needed amount of water that Joe would use to wash his face and hands and returned the pitcher to the wash table.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d beamed Little Joe as he plunged his dirty hands into the cold water and began rubbing the homemade lye soap into a lather.<\/p>\n Ben tousled the mass of unruly curls that adorned his little boy\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cBe sure to wash behind your ears, young man,\u201d ordered Ben as he bent Joe\u2019s head forward and inspected the area in question.<\/p>\n \u201cOuch,\u201d said Joe as he squirmed away from his father.\u00a0 \u201cI always wash \u2018hind my ears, Pa!\u201d stated Joe firmly as he glanced up at Ben and noted the doubtful expression on his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cWell, \u2018most all the time,\u201d the little boy smiled and batted his long lashes at his father.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s laughter could be heard throughout the upstairs and he knelt down and gathered the soapy boy into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, Joseph,\u201d smiled Ben as he kissed Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n Joe studied his father\u2019s face for several long moments before speaking.\u00a0 \u201cAre ya mad at me \u2018bout somthin\u2019, Pa?\u201d he suddenly asked.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s smiled faded as he watched the expression on Joe\u2019s face turn to one of worry and he brushed back a lock of hair that had fallen out of place.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you done something that I should be angry at you for?\u201d questioned Ben, wondering what had prompted this particular line of questioning.<\/p>\n Joe gulped, thinking back to the last few minutes when he had stood at his father\u2019s bedroom door and spied on his parent.\u00a0 Had his father seen him? Joe questioned himself.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm\u2026no sir, I ain\u2019t done nothin\u2019, leastways Pa, nothin\u2019 that I know of,\u201d muttered Little Joe softly.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I don\u2019t reckon I\u2019m mad at you, why would you ask that, son?\u201d Ben directed.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and tossed the wet towel that he had used to dry his hands and face on, onto the floor at his feet.\u00a0 As he turned to face his father, Joe noted the dismayed look that Ben cast first at him and then at the towel.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, sorry, Pa,\u201d said Joe and quickly picked up the soiled linen and placed it on the washstand.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you son.\u00a0 Now, you didn\u2019t answer my question, why would you think I was mad at you?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n Joe glanced down at the floor, his chin began to tremble and Ben gently tilted the angelic little face upward so that he could look into the troubled expression of his baby son\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothin\u2019, honest Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that you always tell me ya love me, right before ya lay me across ya knees.\u201d Joe fought to keep his tears from escaping his eyes, believing in his heart that his father knew of his secret.<\/p>\n Suddenly Ben began to laugh surprising the boy who stared at him with open mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Joseph,\u201d laughed Ben, pulling Joe into a tight embrace.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry son, I had no idea that you related my \u2018I love yous,\u2019 with getting a paddling.\u00a0 I will have to work at changing that.\u00a0 I do love you son, and I was just wanting to tell you so, I\u2019m not mad at you for anything, Precious.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cuddled his son to his breast.\u00a0 Never had he associated his telling Joe that he loved him with the event that Joe had recalled.\u00a0 Ben vowed to himself that he would change that, use another tactic to assure his son of his love for him before having to do as Joe hinted, meaning, to turn the boy across his lap for a much deserved punishment.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I am truly sorry if you thought I was angry with you and more sorry than you will ever know to think that my telling you I love you, meant only one thing to you, a paddling.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t, son, when I tell you that I love you, I mean it, with all of my heart.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d smiled Ben, using his thumb to wipe away the lone tear that had slipped passed the dam that held the others in place.<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head up and down, glad to know that he wasn\u2019t in trouble and more happy to realize that his father had not suspected him of spying.\u00a0 \u201cI understand Papa, and I love you too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, now let\u2019s go eat, I\u2019m sure Hop Sing has supper about ready, and I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m starved,\u201d smiled Ben, taking Joe\u2019s hand into his and leading the way into the hallway.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss were already sitting at the table by the time that Ben and Little Joe joined them.\u00a0 Joe took his usual place, across from Hoss and smiled at his older and much larger brother.\u00a0 Hoss was his best friend, Adam was like another father to the youngest Cartwright and oft as not, Joe and his oldest brother were often locking horns with one another.\u00a0 Joe resented the fact that Adam had been given the right to be a stand-in for his parent during those times that Ben was away from home, but as Joe glanced up and saw Adam smiling at him, Joe\u2019s heart lost it\u2019s resentment and Joe returned the smile.\u00a0 He loved his big brother, unconditionally in spite of himself and Joe knew that he could always depend on Adam when his pa was not available.\u00a0 With those thoughts in mind, Joe wondered what he could give his brother for his upcoming birthday.\u00a0 He knew that his funds were limited, thus making his choices limited as well.\u00a0 Lost in thought, he had not heard his brother speaking to him.<\/p>\n Adam reached over and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s arm, startling the boy and bringing him back to the present.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cHey Joe, are you awake?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt his face redden in embarrassment but smiled, \u201cCourse I am, I was just thinkin\u2019 about your birthday next week, that\u2019s all,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cOh, you were, were you?\u201d he teased.\u00a0 \u201cAnd have you decided what you are going to get me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s smile faded as he thought of the few pennies he had hidden in his dresser drawer upstairs in his room.\u00a0 The little fellow shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNaw, ain\u2019t made up my mind yet,\u201d he tried to cover his quivering lip by filling his mouth full.\u00a0 The thoughts that he might not be able to give his brother a proper gift bothered the young boy and he fought the urge not to cry.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t made up my mind,\u201d corrected Ben before either Adam or Joe could continue.<\/p>\n Little Joe looked at his father and smiled, \u201cMe either, Pa.\u00a0 Maybe we otta go into town tomorrow and do some shopping,\u201d suggested Joe, unaware that his father had been correcting his English.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss laughed; Ben just shook his head but smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I think Pa was correcting ya, he didn\u2019t mean that he didn\u2019t know what to get Adam.\u00a0 I think Pa\u2019s already made his choice,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n Joe looked disappointed at Hoss and then glanced at his father, his eyes filled with sadness.\u00a0 \u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 It was all he could say.<\/p>\n Ben suddenly realized his youngest son\u2019s dilemma and the reason for the quivering lip.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, if you need to do some shopping, I would be happy to take you into town in the morning,\u201d Ben offered.<\/p>\n Immediately the young boy\u2019s face brightened.\u00a0 \u201cWould ya, Pa?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t got Adam no present yet, and it would be fun to shop for him.\u201d\u00a0 Joe chanced a glance in Adam\u2019s direction and was surprised to see his brother smiling at him.\u00a0 The youngest Cartwright had not seen his father scrunch up his face at his poor use of the English language.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see what you come up with this year, little buddy,\u201d Adam grinned and winked at Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Short Shanks, you\u2019ll have to think hard to come up with somethin\u2019 different than that sack of gum balls that ya got big brother last year,\u201d giggled Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t help but join in the laughter, it had been a standing joke between the two older brothers, for Joe had indeed bought his oldest brother a good size sack of his favorite gum balls, Joe\u2019s favorites that is.\u00a0 And somehow, Joe had managed to chew all of the colored ones, leaving only the black ones, before Adam\u2019s special day.<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head, he had been so disappointed in himself last year, giving in to his craving and ending up enjoying most of what he had intended for his brother to enjoy.\u00a0 He had vowed then not to let it happen ever again.<\/p>\n Adam watched as his baby brother\u2019s eyes began to fill with tears and his heart softened toward the anxious lad.<\/p>\n \u201cHey little buddy,\u201d Adam said gently as he took a hold of Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him from his chair and into his lap, wrapping his arms about the slender body in a warm embrace.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t feel so bad, I really did like the black gum balls the best anyway.\u00a0 How did you know they were my favorite?\u201d asked Adam, watching Joe\u2019s expressions.<\/p>\n Joe sniffed his nose and cast worried eyes at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cDid ya really Adam, like the black ones best, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Joe.\u00a0 Have I ever lied to you?\u201d prompted Adam, glancing over at his father who sat silently, observing the interaction between his two sons.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head back and forth, \u201cNo, I don\u2019t reckon ya have.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam squeezed the tiny body, \u201cWell, I haven\u2019t, sport.\u00a0 I really do like black gum balls the best, so don\u2019t let ole Hoss\u2019 teasing get under your skin, what does he know anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t stop the giggle and he turned to face his middle brother, watching as the color drained slowly from his face.\u00a0 \u201cI know he begged me for some of the red and purple gum balls last year and I know he said if I didn\u2019t give\u2019em to him, he\u2019d tell you what I got ya!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 head shot straight up and he glanced around the table at the three pairs of eyes that stared at him and the biggest of Ben\u2019s sons suddenly felt very small.\u00a0 He gulped and then swallowed a second time, his face scrunched up in worry, \u201cAw shucks, Pa, I wouldn\u2019t have really told Adam what Joe got fur\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n The room filled with explosive laughter as Ben, Adam and Little Joe enjoyed the puzzled look on their father\u2019s middle son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n The next morning Joe was up early so that he could be ready to go into town with his father.\u00a0 Slowly Joe pulled opened the drawer where his few pennies where hidden and counted them out, placing each one into the side pocket of his trousers.\u00a0 Twelve copper pennies, that was all.\u00a0 Joe sighed, determined to find something special for his older brother that would please and hopefully surprise him on his birthday.\u00a0 As Joe slipped quietly from his room and down the hall, anxious to join his family at the breakfast table, Joe\u2019s steps were suddenly halted as he cast a quick glance into his father\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 Ben had left the door slightly a jar and from where he stood in the open doorway, Joe could see the bright shiny object that his father had been holding in his hands the day before.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s curiosity begged his inquisitive soul to steal inside and peek at what it was that had held Ben\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n Joe took two tiny steps into the forbidden room but stopped suddenly when Ben\u2019s loud roar reached his ears.\u00a0 \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben from the bottom of the steps.<\/p>\n Joe quickly rushed from the room and back into the hallway, \u201cComin\u2019 Pa,\u201d he called in return, running to the end of the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just about ready to come and get you, hurry up son if you still want to ride into town with me,\u201d smiled Ben as Joe fell into step behind his father and followed him to the table.<\/p>\n Just as Ben was about to seat himself, a steady rapping at the front door forced him to answer the call rather than sitting back down to finish his coffee.<\/p>\n Ben pulled opened the heavy oak door and was surprised to find his foreman on his doorstep.\u00a0 \u201cHank, what are you doing here?\u00a0 I thought you were up at the north pasture, rounding up those strays.\u201d<\/p>\n Hank stepped just inside the room and removed his hat.\u00a0 \u201cI was Mr. Cartwright, but there\u2019s been an accident, Mr. Adam said that I should fetch ya.\u00a0 He\u2019s already sent Hoss into town for the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached behind the door and grabbed his hat and then his sidearm, strapping the belt quickly around his waist.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened, who got hurt?\u201d Ben said in his rush to hurry.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of them new hands ya hired last week.\u00a0 Steer horned him, he\u2019s hurt pretty badly,\u201d explained Hank.<\/p>\n Ben started to close the door but the tiny voice behind him halted his steps.\u00a0 \u201cPa, what about me?\u00a0 I thought ya promised to take me to town?\u201d pleaded Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben turned to face his tiny son and seeing the disappointment on the cherub like face; Ben knelt and pulled the boy into his arms.\u00a0 Ben could see the tears already beginning to fill the hazel eyes and quickly smiled at the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I\u2019m needed up at the north pasture.\u00a0 One of the hands has been hurt badly and Papa has to go see about him.\u00a0 I promise; as soon as I get back, I will take you into town.\u00a0 Is that okay with you, precious?\u00a0 Papa doesn\u2019t mean to break my promise, but it is my duty to be sure that the men are cared for.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wiped the tears from his face with the sleeves of his shirt.\u00a0 He was disappointed, he had looked forward to spending the day with his father, but he did understand about the accident and his father\u2019s obligation to his hired men.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay Pa, I\u2019ll stay here with Hop Sing.\u00a0 But ya promise to take me, as soon as ya get home?\u201d conceded Joe.<\/p>\n Ben tightened his hug, \u201cI promise, and Joseph, thank you son, for understanding.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tousled the top of Joe\u2019s mass of curls and stood to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back just as soon as I can, you be a good boy for Hop Sing, and son, please do as he says.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled up into the face of his father, \u201cI will, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll help him with his work so maybe he\u2019ll have some extra time to bake us some cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be nice Joe, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pivoted on his feet and was out of the door.\u00a0 Seconds later, he and Hank were mounted up and off at a run, for the north pasture.\u00a0 Joe turned from the door, and went to find the family cook.<\/p>\n Joe had helped the family servant all morning and was growing weary from the effort.\u00a0 He had just about given up hope that his father would return before noon and his disappointment showed on his young face.\u00a0 The sad expression had not gone unnoticed to Hop Sing who was like a second mother to the youngest Cartwright, having tended to his every need during the time after Marie had died and Ben had been unable to move beyond his own grief.<\/p>\n Hop Sing entered the kitchen from the wash room and placed some folded laundry on the table in front of Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe take Papa\u2019s shirts to father\u2019s room, yes please?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned at the little Chinaman and nodded his head, always happy to lend the beloved family servant a helping hand.\u00a0 Standing to his feet, Joe faced Hop Sing and bowed, \u201cYes sir, little boy pleased to be of service,\u201d he said, playfully mocking Hop Sing\u2019s accent.<\/p>\n Hop Sing laughed and returned the bow.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe hurry, and help Hop Sing bake cookies for hungry boys.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grabbed the shirts and all but ran from the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right back, Hoppy, don\u2019t start without me,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Joe ran as fast as his legs would carry him, up the stairs and down the hall to his father\u2019s room.\u00a0 Flinging opened the door Joe rushed to place the folded laundry on Ben\u2019s bed.\u00a0 As he turned to leave, his eyes once again found the shiny object on his father\u2019s dresser.\u00a0 Casting wary eyes about him, Joe peeked around the door to be sure he was alone upstairs before returning to stand in front of Ben\u2019s dresser.\u00a0 His bright eyes stared in wonder at the beautiful timepiece and his tiny fingers ached to touch the smoothness of the golden case.\u00a0 No longer able to resist the urge to hold the object in his hand, Joe\u2019s fingers trembled as he carefully picked up the gold watch.\u00a0 Joe turned slightly meaning to sit on the bed as he satisfied his curiosity but in turning, the tip of his boot slipped under the edge of the braided rug and Joe stumbled, sending the golden treasure flying into the air.\u00a0 Joe heard the pocket watch as it tumbled to the floor, and the clinking sound caused the startled boy\u2019s heart to momentarily stop it\u2019s beating.<\/p>\n Joe caught himself before he fell to the floor but quickly dropped to his hands and knees, searching, desperately seeking the dropped object.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart had begun to pound loudly and rapidly, his eyes filled with tears and he heard his own voice as he cried out in remorse of what he had just done.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no,\u201d wept Joe silently as he ran his hand under the foot of his father\u2019s bed until at last his fingers brushed against the coolness of the gold case.<\/p>\n Joe quickly pulled the watch from its hiding place and holding tightly to the object, raised up to his feet.\u00a0 He felt weak and his stomach hurt something fierce as he sat down on the edge of the bed. With hands that trembled almost beyond the frightened boy\u2019s control, Joe pressed the tiny button that released the cover and opened the watch to reveal the facing of the treasured timepiece.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s hopes were shattered as he stared at the once beautiful watch that had first been his grandfather\u2019s and then his father\u2019s.\u00a0 Tears dripped from the quivering chin as what he had done tore at the pieces of his shattered heart.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Papa,\u201d cried out Joe, \u201cwhat have I done?\u201d he questioned himself.<\/p>\n Joe wiped away the tears and continued to stare at the face of the watch.\u00a0 The miniature glass crystal that covered the face and hands was shattered.\u00a0 Joe could barely make out the time through the cracks of the glass.\u00a0 Joe felt his stomach churn and thought that he might vomit.\u00a0 The distraught boy swallowed several times, totally at a loss as what to do.\u00a0 He sat for several long moments as worried and troublesome thoughts surged though him.<\/p>\n Joe knew his father would be furious with him.\u00a0 He also knew that his father\u2019s bedroom was forbidden to any of them, unless invited.\u00a0 Joe could only imagine what his father would do when he found out that Joe had broken the rule, even if he had been instructed by Hop Sing to deliver clean laundry to his father\u2019s room.\u00a0 When his father returned and found that his prized possession had been ruined because of a foolish boy\u2019s curiosity, Joe was sure that Ben would take a strap to his backside.<\/p>\n His father\u2019s disappointment in him worried Joe far more than the spanking he was sure he would get.\u00a0 It broke his heart to think that the man, whom he loved more than any other person on the face of the earth, would look upon his face with disgust and disapproval at him.\u00a0 Joe felt the flow of fresh tears as he stood to his feet and placed the watch back on his father\u2019s dresser and slowly slipped from the room.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t tell his father, he would remain silent about what he had done, and unless asked, would not admit to breaking the timepiece.\u00a0 Maybe, hoped Joe, his father would not even notice what had happened, or perhaps Ben would think that he, himself had somehow broken the crystal.<\/p>\n Joe slowly slipped into his room and lay face down on his bed.\u00a0 His guilty conscience brought the onrush of tears that flooded his face and fell silently onto the sheet beneath him.\u00a0 Joe cried until he could cry no more and soon afterwards, fell into a troubled slumber where his dreams were visions of broken timepieces, where his father ranted and raved at him for his lack of responsibility and where broken treasures swallowed him up into a dark sea of regret.<\/p>\n Joe woke to the gentle rubbing hand that caressed his back.\u00a0 Turning over onto his back, Joe was surprised to see his father\u2019s smiling face beaming down at him.\u00a0 Joe rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sweetheart, its Papa.\u00a0 Did you have to wait so long for me that you fell asleep?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n Joe tried to think quickly, suddenly remembering his act of vandalism. Joe could barely look his father in the eye and he struggled not to cry.\u00a0 His hand trembled as he swiped at his face.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d said Ben softly, seeing his son\u2019s unnatural reactions.\u00a0 \u201cAre you feeling poorly?\u201d\u00a0 Ben placed the back of his large but gentle hand first to his son\u2019s cheek and then against the warm flesh of Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t feel warm, does your tummy hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said nothing but nodded his head up and down in the hopes that Ben would allow him to remain in bed, thus freeing him from his obligation to accompany his father into town.\u00a0 Joe doubted that he would be able to control his emotions if forced to spend the remainder of the day alone with this man whom he had betrayed.<\/p>\n \u201cDid Hop Sing let you eat too many cookies?\u201d smiled Ben, finger combing the wayward locks of Joe\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t have cookies, it must have been the cake he let me have for lunch,\u201d Joe said weakly as he rested his head against the softness of the pillows behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I just stay in bed for a little while longer?\u00a0 Please Pa?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I could ride all the way into town right now,\u201d he fibbed.<\/p>\n Ben watched the expression that darted in and out of the hazel eyes that tried so hard to keep from meeting his and wondered what had really initiated his son\u2019s behavior.\u00a0 Ben gave up trying to figure it out when he saw the tiny bead of water that slowly slid from beneath the long lashes that covered the usual brightness which normally glowed from the hazel depths.<\/p>\n Ben pulled the cover back and allowed his son to slip underneath.\u00a0 \u201cAll right Joe, you rest for as long as you want to.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be downstairs; I have some paper work to finish anyway.\u00a0 We can go on our little shopping trip tomorrow, if you feel up to it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben arranged the blankets about the tiny form and leaned down to place a kiss on Joe\u2019s brow.\u00a0 He watched as Joe squeezed his eyes tightly shut and marveled at his son\u2019s ability to avoid eye contact.<\/p>\n \u201cHave a good rest son,\u201d Ben called from the doorway before closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n Joe snuggled deeply into the softness of his bed and fought against the panic that racked his body.\u00a0 His head had begun to ache and his stomach still hurt, he was worried sick about what he had done.\u00a0 In his young mind, he had commented the unforgivable, and the fear that his father would never forgive him gave him cause for fresh tears.\u00a0 Joe buried his face in his pillow to muffle his sobs as he cried out his heartache and sorrow.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026hey\u2026little buddy,\u201d Adam had placed himself on the edge of his brother\u2019s bed and gently shook the sleeping boy.\u00a0 \u201cWake up sleepy head,\u201d urged Adam as he pulled back the covers and began tickling his youngest brother.<\/p>\n Joe began to giggle as soon as his brother\u2019s long slender fingers found his most ticklish spots and Joe squirmed about on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cOh stop, please\u2026\u201d giggled Joe using his feet to push at his brother\u2019s body in a futile attempt to distance himself from the probing fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no you don\u2019t,\u201d laughed Adam as he wrapped the smaller and less likely boy into the folds of his arms.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent me up here to get you up, so up you go.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood to his feet, bringing Joe up into his arms as he did so.\u00a0 Using special care, he flipped Joe face down across his shoulder and swatted his little brother\u2019s bare bottom and then hearing the boy\u2019s laughter, dumped Joe back onto his bed, bouncing him as he did so.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry up and get dressed, Pa wants to talk to you about something,\u201d ordered Adam with a gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s laughter died quickly as dread began inching it\u2019s way into his heart.\u00a0 Pa had found out about the watch!<\/p>\n Adam noticed the sudden change in Joe\u2019s mood and sat down, taking the boy into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cHey pal, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n Joe cast tear filled eyes up at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does Pa want to talk to me about?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019,\u201d muttered Joe as he nestled against his brother\u2019s broad chest.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, he didn\u2019t say, but if it makes you feel any better, Pa\u2019s not mad about anything, in fact, he\u2019s in a really good mood,\u201d offered Adam in hopes of comforting his kid brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is?\u201d asked Little Joe, pulling away from Adam\u2019s embrace and looking into his older brother\u2019s face to see his expression.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cReally Joe, Pa\u2019s excited about taking you to town to shop for\u2026hm\u2026my birthday present,\u201d smiled Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou amaze me little brother, you are like fire and ice, hot one minute, cold the next, now get dressed and get your little butt downstairs before Pa does get angry with you for delaying him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood to his feet and as he moved toward the door, he picked up Joe\u2019s trousers and tossed them at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cMake sure you get me plenty of black gum balls,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n Joe giggled, \u201cWhat makes ya so sure I\u2019m even gonna get ya gum balls this year?\u00a0 I might get somethin\u2019 else.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stopped, his hand resting on the doorknob and smiled back at the boy who stood half dressed in the middle of his bed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, but I will tell you this, whatever you decide on, I will treasure for the rest of my life, just because you gave it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s mouth popped opened, \u201creally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally,\u201d laughed Adam as he stepped into the hallway, his face graced by the warm smile on his handsome face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure are quiet this morning, son.\u00a0 Is something bothering you?\u201d questioned Ben, glancing down at his son who sat next to him in the wagon.<\/p>\n Joe could not bring himself to look up at his father; he feared what he might see on his father’s face and the disappointment he thought he would see in Ben\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir,\u201d he said softly as he stared straight ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you worried about what to get Adam for his birthday?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Joe could not resist glancing up at Ben.\u00a0 His father had seemed to be in a good mood, which meant to Joe that Ben had not noticed that his valued treasure had been broken.\u00a0 Joe relaxed a little and forced himself to smile at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cA little, I ain\u2019t got much money, just twelve pennies, that\u2019s all,\u201d proclaimed Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHoss says ya can\u2019t buy much with that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben noted the ring of unhappiness that sounded in the boy\u2019s voice and glanced down at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Hoss doesn\u2019t know everything son.\u00a0 I think if you look around closely at what\u2019s in the mercantile, you might be able to find something that you can spend your money on,\u201d encouraged Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to get him something really special, but I ain\u2019t got enough money for a new bridle for Sport.\u00a0 I heard Adam saying the other day that he needed one,\u201d Joe told his father sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cNew bridles can be very expensive Little Joe.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think your brother would expect a young boy like you to be able to afford a gift like that.\u00a0 I think that whatever you choose, Adam will be happy with it,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n Joe sighed and leaned his head against his father.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose so.\u00a0 That\u2019s what he told me this morning, but I think he was just tryin\u2019 to make me feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, it sounded like something that his older son would do, always trying to help one of his younger brothers in some small way.\u00a0 Ben chanced a sideways glance down at Joe and wondered again about the boy\u2019s reproachful mood.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t believe that your older brother would have said it, if he hadn\u2019t meant it,\u201d abolished Ben gently.<\/p>\n Joe sat up straight and refused to look at his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa.\u00a0 I know Adam meant what he said, but I was only wishing I could do something special for him this year.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t never got enough money to buy anything for any of you that really means somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pulled back on the reins, bringing the team of chestnut bays to a standstill in the middle of the road and turned to face his son.\u00a0 Placing an arm gently about the slim shoulders that had begun to tremble, Ben used his other hand to lift Joe\u2019s face upward.<\/p>\n \u201cSon,\u201d began Ben in a soft voice that rang with emotion, noting the sudden rush of tears that filled the boy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cEveryday that we have spent with you, since the very day you were born, you have given to me and your brothers, something that no amount of money can buy.\u00a0 Money cannot buy love, or honor, nor can it purchase respect and loyalty.\u00a0 Those are the things that you give to each of us, me, Adam and Hoss, everyday, son.\u00a0 You, yourself are a gift to all three of us.\u00a0 I know that sometimes your older brothers think of you as a pest, what with your practical jokes and the way that you are always getting underfoot, but never once have they wished that things were different.\u00a0 They both thrive on the hero-like worship you have for them, and they love the way you make them feel loved and needed.\u00a0 They love you Joseph, and they wouldn\u2019t ever want those things to change, they could not even begin to imagine what life would have been like, had you never been born.\u00a0 You are the heart of our family, son.\u00a0 You keep us young, you keep us on our toes, you keep us loving each other and trusting one another, you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre a royal pain in the butt\u2026that\u2019s what Adam told me just yesterday,\u201d smiled Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben burst into laughter and tightened his hold about his son.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes Joseph, but not always,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d Joe smiled in earnest this time, \u201cI\u2019m sure that I\u2019ll find something for Adam if I look hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the spirit Joe, once you\u2019ve set your mind to something, follow through with it and you\u2019re sure to be successful.\u201d\u00a0 Ben patted his son\u2019s back and clicked to the team of horses, once more on their way.<\/p>\n Father and son rode in silence for several minutes before Joe spoke once again.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u00a0 What are you going to give Adam for his birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben kept his eyes on the road and continued clicking softly to the team of horses.\u00a0 \u201cI have something old to give to your brother, Little Joe.\u00a0 It\u2019s something that my father gave to me on my twenty-first birthday and now I am going to pass it down to Adam.\u00a0 It is something that is very dear to my heart, something that means a great deal to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could not imagine what that something could be, and being naturally curious, he could not refrain from asking.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Pa, will ya tell me?\u00a0 I promise not to tell Adam,\u201d said Joe excitedly, watching his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know son, it\u2019s suppose to be a surprise.\u00a0 You see it was my grandfathers first, and on my papa\u2019s twenty-first birthday, Grandfather gave it to him, and then Pa gave it to me like I\u2019ve already told you.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a tradition in my family now for many, many years.\u00a0 Someday, hopefully your brother will have a son and will continue the tradition and pass it on to his oldest son,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cBut what is it Pa?\u00a0 Please, I won\u2019t tell a soul, honest, you can trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly Little Joe gulped, remembering the broken watch that he had not told his father he had broken.\u00a0 Joe felt horrible, he hung his head, ashamed of his weakness yet, fearful enough still to keep silent about his mischief.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay son, I\u2019ll tell you my secret.\u00a0 It\u2019s my gold pocket watch.\u00a0 I have kept it put away for years now.\u00a0 I was always afraid it might get broken if I carried it everyday, so I kept it in my special box where I keep my most treasured items that have been given to me over the years.\u00a0 Now, you have to promise not to tell a soul, not even Hoss, promise?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n Joe was speechless; he was unable to find his voice, for the knot that had just appeared in his throat threatened to choke off his air supply.\u00a0 Suddenly his head felt dizzy, forcing him to lean against his father for support.\u00a0 The watch!\u00a0 No! Screamed Little Joe\u2019s heart\u2026not his father\u2019s golden engraved pocket watch! Surely the one his father was referring too could not be the one he had dropped and broken! Joe felt a new kind of dread fill his heart; the watch must have been very old if it had been his father\u2019s grandfathers.\u00a0 Joe felt the tears sting his eyes and he turned his head away from his father.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise,\u201d the reply sounded weak and insincere, even to Joe\u2019s young ears.<\/p>\n Joe wiped away a lone tear that ran down his cheek.\u00a0 His father was too busy trying to miss the ruts in the road to notice that his youngest son had become extremely quiet.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s hands had begun to shake and he feared that his father might see and ask him why so Joe shoved both hands deeply into the pockets on his jacket.\u00a0 For the rest of the ride into town Joe was silent, lost in his own world of misery and dread, afraid to tell his secret, afraid of the way in which his father would react.\u00a0 Just as soon as the wagon stopped, Joe jumped from his seat next to his father and darted for the mercantile.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, slow down, please,\u201d called out Ben as he climbed from the wagon.<\/p>\n Laughing, he placed a restraining hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, unaware of the apprehension that his youngest son was feeling.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a couple of errands to do while you shop.\u00a0 Now remember what I said, don\u2019t touch anything breakable, I\u2019d hate to see you using your pennies paying for something that you broke instead of on Adam\u2019s birthday gift.\u00a0 I know how clumsy little boy\u2019s hands can be at times, and I know you, you cannot resist inspecting everything within your reach.\u00a0 Keep your hands in your pockets until you make up your mind, and then you tell Mr. Cass and he will get the item for you.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled at the expression on the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand,\u201d Joe said softly, \u201cboy do I understand,\u201d he muttered to himself and then glanced up at his father, afraid that Ben might have heard his statement.\u00a0 Ben had turned his head and was talking to Mr. Cass, probably explaining why he had brought his youngest son into the store and why he was leaving him to do his shopping.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a short while Joe.\u00a0 Take your time and son, spend your money wisely,\u201d advised Ben.\u00a0 \u201cSo long son,\u201d he called as he walked from the store.<\/p>\n Joe stood rooted to the spot where his father had left him.\u00a0 He took several deep breaths and tried to steady his nerves and still his trembling hands.\u00a0 Mr. Cass appeared in the doorway of his little shop and smiled down at the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u201cWell Little Joe, your father tells me you are here to shop for a birthday present for Adam.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll find anything out here on the sidewalk, why don\u2019t you come on inside?\u201d suggested the shopkeeper with a wide grin on his wrinkled face.<\/p>\n Joe looked up into the kind face of the man and returned the smile.\u00a0 He had always liked the kind old man and could not recall a time when Mr. Cass had not been the owner of the mercantile.\u00a0 Mr. Cass had always been nice to the Cartwright family, and had also been kind enough to extend them credit when times had been hard and money had been short.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just trying to dig my pennies out of my pocket,\u201d explained Little Joe as he followed the gentleman into the store.\u00a0 \u201cAll I got is twelve of\u2019em.\u00a0 You got anything for that amount of money that might be nice for a gift?\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Cass placed his index finger to the tip of his chin as if thinking.\u00a0 \u201cWell now, let me think,\u201d he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHow about a nice big bag of gum balls?\u00a0 I bet your brother would like those.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I got him gum balls last year\u2026I want something nice for him this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe wandered over to the leather goods and stood admiring the new bridles.\u00a0 His fingers rubbed at the softness of the leather and he pulled one leather strap over close to his nose and sniffed at the item.\u00a0 \u201cI love the smell of leather, don\u2019t you Mr. Cass?\u201d Joe asked as the man came to stand behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cI do too, Little Joe,\u201d answered Mr. Cass.<\/p>\n \u201cDo I got enough money to buy one of these?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe turned to look into the face of the kindly man.<\/p>\n The shop owner watched the expression on the little boy\u2019s face and wished with all of his heart that he could somehow let the boy have one of the new bridles for the amount of money that the child held in the palm of his hand.\u00a0 Mr. Cass knelt down on one knee so that he could be eye level with the little boy who stood in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, I really wish I had one that I could sell to ya, but I don\u2019t, not for the amount of money ya got there,\u201d explained the storekeeper with a sigh.<\/p>\n Mr. Cass saw the disappointment that sparked the tears that had quickly filled the hazel eyes and suddenly an idea came into his head.\u00a0 \u201cHey,\u201d Mr. Cass said with excitement, \u201ccome into the back with me.\u00a0 I just remembered that I have some used bridles in the back room.\u00a0 I reworked most of them and they are almost as good as new, would you like to take a look at one of them?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s expression changed and his tiny little face broke into a smile.\u00a0 \u201cSure I would,\u201d beamed Little Joe happily.\u00a0 \u201cYa reckon ya got one for twelve pennies?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n Cass stood to his feet and scratched his head, \u201cCain\u2019t never tell son, I might just have one.\u00a0 Lead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took the lead and skipped happily toward the rear door.\u00a0 He never noticed that kind hearted Mr. Cass had slipped one of the new, less expensive bridles behind his back and when they stood together in the back room, Joe failed to see the storekeeper place the bridle in among the used ones.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take a look over here Little Joe and see what we can find.\u201d\u00a0 Mr. Cass searched through the bridles that hung from different pegs along the back wall.\u00a0 \u201cNope, don\u2019t see any that might suit your pocketbook.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe watched with expectation as Cass continued on his search.\u00a0 Finally Mr. Cass turned and faced Little Joe, a shiny leather bridle held high in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cThis looks like a nice one, what do you think?\u201d he smiled and handled the new bridle to the little boy whose eyes glowed with happiness.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s perfect Mr. Cass\u2026hmm\u2026how much is it?\u00a0 It looks almost new!\u201d Little Joe said in a whispered voice.\u00a0 He could hardly believe his good fortune; now, if he only had enough pennies to purchase the bridle, he would have the perfect gift for this older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see now,\u201d Cass hem-hawed around pretending to calculate the prize of the bridle.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like today is your lucky day, Little Joe, the price is fifteen cents, but since it\u2019s for a birthday gift, I\u2019ll make you a deal.\u00a0 How\u2019s about if\u2019n I sell it to you for the amount you slipped back into your pocket?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you\u2019ll sell it to me for twelve cents?\u201d Joe nearly shouted as he jumped up and down in glee.<\/p>\n Mr. Cass started laughing.\u00a0 He knew in his heart that he had made the right decision by selling the new bridle for a used bridle price.\u00a0 \u201cSure enough, that is, if you still want it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWant it?\u201d shouted Joe, \u201cyou bet I want it.\u00a0 Thank you Mr. Cass, thank you.\u00a0 Here\u2019s my money.\u201d\u00a0 Joe crammed his hand into his pocket and began digging for the pennies he had worked so hard to save.<\/p>\n By the time that Ben returned from his errand, Joe sat on the sidewalk digging the toe of his boot into the dirt.\u00a0 Ben paused and watched, a smile creeping across his face as he watched his youngest son.\u00a0 Ben stepped closer and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Joe stopped his toe digging and looked up.\u00a0 When he spied his father standing behind him, he jumped quickly to his feet.\u00a0 His father noted the happy glow on the young boy\u2019s face and decided that Joe must have been able to make a selection on Adam\u2019s birthday gift.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Little Joe, you certainly looked please with yourself.\u00a0 Did you find something for Adam\u2019s birthday?\u201d asked Ben stooping down to Joe\u2019s level.<\/p>\n Joe was dancing around in excitement.\u00a0 \u201cI sure did, look Pa, I got Adam a new bridle for Sport.\u00a0 Mr. Cass had some used ones in the back room and he found this one.\u00a0 It was fifteen cents but he sold it to me for the twelve pennies I had in my pocket.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t it nice Pa?\u00a0 Heh, Pa, heh?\u201d Joe squealed.<\/p>\n Ben inspected the bridle and was just about to comment on the fact that this particular one could not possibly be a used bridle when Mr. Cass stepped out of the store and into the sunlight next to Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cHi Ben,\u201d smiled Mr. Cass.<\/p>\n Ben stood to his feet and faced the shopkeeper.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t say a word, just scrutinized the man\u2019s face, studying Cass\u2019 expression.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind.\u00a0 I over stocked anyway, and Little Joe was really worried about what to get his brother.\u00a0 Ben,\u201d whispered Cass, \u201cI couldn\u2019t resist, you know how I feel about the boy there, please, let him keep it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s lips made a tight straight line across his face.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure what to say to the gentleman who had remained his long time friend, other than thank you.<\/p>\n \u201cCass, I know the little scamp can twist a grown man\u2019s heart around his little finger.\u00a0 I hope he didn\u2019t play on your sympathies?\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u00a0 He only asked if I had a bridle that I could sell for twelve cents.\u00a0 I found one in the back\u2026well, sort of\u2026anyway I made the deal with him.\u00a0 So, since he was left alone, in my care, I felt it my right to sell what I want from my own store for whatever price I chose\u2026it was a fair deal,\u201d remarked Cass, determined that Ben would not force his son into returning the bridle.<\/p>\n Ben snickered, \u201cYes, it most certainly is your right, and if you choose to make such an outrageous deal with a nine year old, who am I to question your judgment, or your sanity for that matter?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you don\u2019t mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d responded Ben as he and Cass stepped back into the shop, leaving Joe alone on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n Cass laughed loudly, \u201cFor once, Mr. Cartwright, no, you do not have a choice.\u00a0 I did what I did, because\u2026well, let\u2019s just say because I remember what it\u2019s like to be a boy with only pennies in my pocket and a desire in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook the storekeeper\u2019s hand and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThank you Cass, you are a most remarkable man.\u00a0 I shall not be forgetting this.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed as he listened to his young son\u2019s babble.\u00a0 Joe was beside himself with happiness about his gift to his older brother.\u00a0 Ben glanced down and noted the blissful expression on Joe\u2019s face and he smiled to himself.\u00a0 Mr. Cass was a jewel of a friend, a special man whose heart was filled with love for his fellowman\u2026and their young sons, laughed Ben silently.\u00a0 He would have preferred that Little Joe purchase something within his price range for Adam instead of the expensive bridle that Cass had sold to the boy.\u00a0 But seeing how pleased his baby son was, Ben could not fault the man for his generosity and he whispered a silent prayer of thanks for the dear man.<\/p>\n \u201cDo ya Pa?\u00a0 Heh?\u201d squeaked Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben was drawn from his daydreams by the gentle tug on his shirtsleeve.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry son, I must have been daydreaming.\u00a0 What did you ask me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed, \u201cI asked ya if\u2019n ya thought that Adam would be pleased with my present?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe looked into the face of his father and smiled.<\/p>\n Ben slipped his arm about the slender shoulders and returned the smile.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t think any young man could possibly like anything any better.\u00a0 Yes, I do believe Adam will be pleased.\u00a0 But what amazes me is that you managed to do this all on your own, and without breaking half the things in Mr. Cass\u2019 store, like last year,\u201d teased Ben.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s smile faded suddenly and was replaced with dread and fear.\u00a0 Joe had forgotten all about his father\u2019s broken pocket watch, until now.\u00a0 He quickly turned his head in the opposite direction to avoid meeting his father\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Is something wrong son?\u201d quizzed Ben, aware of the unexplained change in the little boy\u2019s expression and mannerisms.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d whispered Joe, \u201cI was just thinking about Adam\u2019s party, that\u2019s all Pa, honest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure that\u2019s all?\u00a0 I have a feeling that something besides this upcoming party is bothering you.\u00a0 You have been unusually quiet for the last couple of days.\u00a0 Would you like to explain why?\u201d Ben inquired, clicking to the team of bays to keep them at a steady trot.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s heart began to beat rapidly and he sucked in air to keep his head from spinning.\u00a0 Pa knew; he had to know, why else would he ask such a question?<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2026I ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 eatin\u2019 at me,\u201d Little Joe stuttered as he told his little white lie.<\/p>\n When he glanced down, he saw his hands shaking and quickly snatched up the little brown bag that Mr. Cass had put the bridle in.\u00a0 Hopefully his father had not seen how he trembled, thought Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben had noted the reaction, he saw the tiny hands grab for something to hold on to, and he witnessed the trembling chin and heard the quiver to his son\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Something was bothering the lad, that, Ben was sure of, but for the life of him he could not imagine what it could be.<\/p>\n Joe remained silent until they reached the ranch house.\u00a0 As soon as the team stopped, Adam and Hoss emerged from the barn to help their father unload the supplies and care for the team.\u00a0 Little Joe jumped down and without so much as a word to his brothers, ran into the house.<\/p>\n Adam stared after his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s eating at him?\u201d he questioned, looking over at Ben who had also witnessed his son\u2019s sudden departure.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I knew.\u00a0 He\u2019s been on the verge of tears for the last couple of days.\u00a0 Have either of you said anything to hurt his feelings?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cNope, not me, Pa,\u201d Hoss was quick to reply.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t, unless he\u2019s still upset about me teasing him about the gum balls,\u201d smiled Adam, remembering his last birthday and the look on Little Joe\u2019s face when he had been forced to hand his older brother the half filled bag of black gum balls.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s it.\u00a0 It\u2019s something more,\u201d Ben said more to himself than to his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you asked him about it, Pa?\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the way home, but he said there was nothing wrong, but he sure was about to cry about something.\u00a0 Maybe, I\u2019ll go have a talk with him.\u00a0 You boys finish unloading the wagon, will you please?\u201d Ben stated as he started toward the house.<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Pa,\u201d Hoss said, hoisting a sack of feed onto his broad shoulders.<\/p>\n Little Joe had run straight for the stairs.\u00a0 He had to distance himself from the prying eyes of his family and try to avoid any probing questions that he might not be able to answer.\u00a0 He knew that his father could read him like a book and Joe was sure that had Ben pushed ahead with his questioning, Joe would surely break down and confess his transgressions.\u00a0 The fear of getting his behind warmed by his beloved father forced him into delaying his confession for as long as possible.\u00a0 Joe rushed down the hall, but stopped at his father\u2019s bedroom door, the watch seemingly to lure him into the room.\u00a0 He had to know; he had to find out for sure if his father knew of the broken watch.<\/p>\n Silently he eased opened the door that separated him from his father\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 Joe peeked back over his shoulder to be sure that he was alone in the upstairs hallway before slipping into Ben\u2019s room.\u00a0 He pushed the door almost shut and hurried over to the large dresser.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes sought to find the treasured timepiece, but it was not to be found.\u00a0 Panic began coursing it\u2019s way through the diminutive body as Joe began moving items around in his frantic search for the pocket watch.\u00a0 His heart rate increased to such intensity that Joe was afraid that someone might be able to hear the thump, thump that echoed deep within his pint-size little chest.<\/p>\n Alarm invaded his thoughts as he ran from the room, slamming the door behind him.\u00a0 Joe flung himself across his bed, unable to stop the onslaught of tears that ran unchecked down his rosy cheeks.\u00a0 The pillow in which he had buried his face deeply into muffled his sobs.\u00a0 Joe did not hear the sound of the gentle knocking at his door, nor did he know when his father entered his room, he only knew that his heart was broken.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said softly as he sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand gently on his son\u2019s back.\u00a0 Ben could feel the trembling that coursed its way throughout the young boy\u2019s body and concern for his son rose to a new height.<\/p>\n When Joe refused to turn over, Ben gently raised the boy from the bed and placed him onto his lap, holding him closely.\u00a0 Joe immediately buried his face into his father\u2019s chest, wrapping his arms tightly around his father and sobbed out his despair.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t you tell Papa what has you so upset, sweetheart?\u201d encouraged Ben, rubbing his hand up and down the tiny back, offering comfort to the weeping boy as best he could.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head but refused to look at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you feeling poorly, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy tummy hurts,\u201d muttered Joe as he sniffed his nose and wiped the tears from his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWell now, that\u2019s nothing to cry about.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you crawl into bed and I\u2019ll have Hop Sing fix you something to make it stop?\u201d smiled Ben as he placed Joe back onto his bed.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s chin still quivered, he wanted to tell his father what he had done, but seeing Ben\u2019s face and the way in which the dark eyes filled with love, Joe hadn\u2019t the heart to sacrifice the love he felt his father giving to him now.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want that tummy of yours to be hurting tomorrow.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s party, remember?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head, \u201cI remember\u2026I\u2026think it will be better by then.\u201d\u00a0 Joe forced himself to smile.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, you rest son and I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood to his feet and pulled the cover up around Joe\u2019s chin.\u00a0 The concerned father leaned down and placed a kiss on his son\u2019s brow.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, Joe,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n The enduring words brought fresh tears to the hazel colored eyes but Joe quickly wiped them away.\u00a0 \u201cI love you too, Pa,\u201d he said in a wee little voice.<\/p>\n Ben smiled, still concerned about whatever it was that was troubling his son.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t really doubt Joe when the boy had said that his tummy hurt, but Ben was sure that, that was not the cause for his son\u2019s unhappiness.\u00a0 Ben shook his head; Joe often had a tummy ache when he was in trouble or when he had done something that he knew he should not have done.\u00a0 Ben tried to think back over the last few days, his youngest son had not been in trouble, nor had he done anything that he shouldn\u2019t have.\u00a0 In fact, reasoned Ben, Little Joe had been a near perfect child over the last several days.\u00a0 Even that began to plague the older Cartwright, compliance was not the norm for Joseph surmised Ben, something wasn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n By the time that Ben returned with Hop Sing\u2019s remedy cure broth, Joe was fast asleep.\u00a0 Ben set the tray down on the table next to the bed and debated with himself as to whether or not he should wake the boy or let him sleep.\u00a0 Little Joe looked so peaceful, so young and so innocent, that Ben had a hard time making up his mind.\u00a0 He lowered himself onto the edge of the bed and watched as Joe\u2019s eyes darted about in some unknown flight of fancy.\u00a0 Ben smiled, leaning over and kissing the little boy\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 When his lips brushed against the soft flesh, he could feel the dampness left by the tears that had wet the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben rearranged a displaced lock of hair and smiled at the sight of the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u201cSleep tight, handsome prince, God bless,\u201d whispered Ben, his decision made, he would let Little Joe sleep.\u00a0 Ben stood to his feet, his heart swelled with love for his little urchin and he smiled again, thinking how blessed he was.<\/p>\n The morning darkness faded away with the sunrise.\u00a0 The heavy dew that moistened the tips of the trees and bushes, grasses and wildflowers, dried quickly as the sun warmed the earth.\u00a0 About the house, men scurried from one room to the other, often tripping over one another in their haste to prepare for the afternoon event.<\/p>\n Joe opened the door and stepped into the hallway and was nearly knocked to his feet as Adam stumbled over the unseen child.\u00a0 Joe groaned as he felt his body slammed into the wall.\u00a0 Adam dropped his bundle of laundry and with hands fraying about in mid air, groped for a handhold to break his fall.<\/p>\n Joe slid down the wall, Adam landed face down across the legs of his youngest brother, and the clean towels lay scattered up and down the long hall.\u00a0 Dark eyes met hazel eyes, and suddenly the upstairs was filled with laughter, as the two brothers lay sprawled in the floor, giggling.<\/p>\n Ben rounded the corner, just in time to witness the event and stood with hands on hips, a mock scowl across his bronzed face.\u00a0 \u201cHow many times must I remind you two not to horse play, in the house.\u00a0 You must go outside for that!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced up at his father, spying the smile on Ben\u2019s face and started laughing all over again.\u00a0 He pointed to Little Joe who watched, not sure if his father was angry with them or not.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was his fault,\u201d groaned Adam, getting to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cNo it wasn\u2019t,\u201d snapped Little Joe, also getting to his feet and glaring at his older brother, not realizing that Adam was teasing him.<\/p>\n Adam wrapped his arm about Joe\u2019s neck, holding him in a headlock.\u00a0 \u201cI was only teasing Little Buddy, sorry Pa, we had a major collision.\u00a0 We\u2019ll clean up the mess, won\u2019t we sport?\u201d laughed Adam, releasing his little brother.<\/p>\n Joe giggled, \u201cYeah, don\u2019t worry none Pa, me and Adam will pick up the towels.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam and I will pick up the towels,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, thanks Pa,\u201d squealed Little Joe as he turned and raced down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben, staring in shock at his son\u2019s retreating back.<\/p>\n Joe was already gone by the time that his father had realized that Joe had misunderstood his words.\u00a0 Adam laughed out loud and slipped his arm about his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll pick them up Pa, it was my fault anyway, I should have been watching where I was going,\u201d Adam said and began gathering the clean linens from the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cThat little scamp\u2026how on earth are we ever going to tame that wild spirit of his?\u201d groaned Ben as he helped Adam to pick up the scattered towels.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Pa, do you really want too?\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n Ben stopped and glanced down the hall where Joe had disappeared.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not really.\u00a0 I love the little rascal just as he is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, me too.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to stay angry with him, even when he is at his worse,\u201d Adam confessed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s those eyes,\u201d offered Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s that quivering chin,\u201d supplied Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s that crooked little smile,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s that infectious giggle,\u201d added Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026it\u2019s\u2026\u201dstammered Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s his charm\u2026you know Pa, we could go on and on and on if we wanted too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but we both know that when it comes to your little brother, we are both clay in the hands of the potter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe aren\u2019t by ourselves, don\u2019t leave out Hoss, he\u2019s worse than the two of us put together!\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed and Ben could not help but to join in.\u00a0 Quickly the pair finished cleaning up the mess in the hallway and went their separate ways, the sounds of their soft laughter fading away.<\/p>\n The guest began arriving at the appropriate hour.\u00a0 Everything was ready, the Chinese lanterns had been hung and lit, the cake decorated, including twenty-one tiny candles that Hop Sing had managed to find.\u00a0 Joe had helped Hoss move the furniture to the side of the room thus giving extra space for couples to dance.\u00a0 The fiddler and his entourage arrived early and began setting up in the corner near the bottom of the steps where everyone would be able to see and hear them better.<\/p>\n Joe was sent to his room to clean up and dress for the birthday party.\u00a0 When he heard the first of the invited guest arrive, he sat down on the edge of his bed, lost in thought and worry.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be long now before he would have to make his confession to his father.\u00a0 He wondered what Ben would do.\u00a0 Joe had decided that he would wait until Adam had opened his gift that his father presented to him and then, when Adam asked about the broken crystal, he would explain to his father what had happened.\u00a0 Joe had it all planned in his mind, if he waited until the house was full of guests, his father surely would not rant and rave in front of company, thus giving the boy a few extra moments to plead his case.<\/p>\n Joe felt the sting of tears and he quickly brushed them away.\u00a0 He felt horrible about what happened and he cringed when he thought of how proud his father had sounded the day before when he had told Joe about the watch that had been passed down from one generation to the other.\u00a0 It all ended here, thought Little Joe; the watch would be ruined, destroyed, all because of him and his uncontrollable curiosity.\u00a0 The tiny beads of water rolled slowly down his face as he moved to stand in front of the mirror.\u00a0 He gazed at his reflection, disgusted with himself for his lack of courage to face the consequences of his actions.\u00a0 Joe vaguely remembered his father telling him something about how it took a big man to admit he made a mistake and a bigger man that was willing to face the consequences.\u00a0 Well, thought Joe, I ain\u2019t no man, I\u2019m just a little boy\u2026with a guilty conscience.\u00a0 Joe swiped at the tears, turned from the mirror and proceeded out the door and down the stairs.\u00a0 Remembering his gift, Joe darted back to his room, grabbed his carelessly wrapped present and ran down from the room.<\/p>\n Joe watched the happy faces; everyone seemed to be having a good time, everyone that is but himself.\u00a0 Joe sat in the corner of the room unnoticed by the guest, not caring that the others were indulging themselves in the beautiful bounty of food that Hop Sing had worked so hard to prepare.\u00a0 His stomach hurt again, he felt flushed one minute, freezing the next.\u00a0 The palms of his hands were damp from sweat, as was his brow.\u00a0 For a brief moment, Joe thought he might vomit, he was so distraught.\u00a0 He was lost in thoughts, anxiety claimed every inch of his being; his hands trembled, and his eyes filled with tears.\u00a0 Not caring that anyone might see, Joe buried his face in the palms of his hands and wept silently.<\/p>\n From across the crowded room, Ben had been watching his youngest son.\u00a0 Joe had made himself scarce and for the first thirty minutes of the party Ben had not been able to locate the boy.\u00a0 After scanning the room several times, a motion in the far corner of the study drew his attention from his guest.\u00a0 Ben had spotted Little Joe; the boy seemed to almost cower in his hidden corner and as Ben moved toward his child, he was stopped by more arriving guest.\u00a0 He had no other choice than to stop and speak, he was after all, the host of this celebration, Adam being the honoree.\u00a0 Ben kept his eyes trained on the tiny boy and watched the range of emotions that filtered across the young face.\u00a0 When he spied Joe bury his face into the palms of his hands, and witnessed how the slender shoulders began to shake and tremble, Ben excused himself from his guest and quickly made his way to his distraught son.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d whispered Ben, resting his hand on one shoulder of his son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong precious?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glanced up, saw the concern in his father\u2019s eyes and flung his body into his father\u2019s arms, surprising Ben and nearly causing him to sit in the floor.<\/p>\n Ben immediately gathered the weeping child into the folds of his arms and pulled Joe tightly against his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Pa, I\u2019m\u2026so\u2026sorry\u2026I \u2026didn\u2019t mean\u2026to do it\u2026honest,\u201d sobbed Little Joe as he buried his face against Ben\u2019s dinner jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cDo what Precious, what are you talking about?\u201d Ben asked, holding on to Joe who had moved to wrap his arms about his father\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026broke\u2026\u201d he began but was cut off when Hoss began to call the crowd to attention.<\/p>\n \u201cIf everyone will gather \u2018round, brother Adam is going to open his gifts, come on Pa,\u201d announced Hoss in a loud voice.<\/p>\n The guest began circling the honoree in anticipation of seeing Adam\u2019s excited face when he opened his gifts.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d whispered Ben, \u201clet\u2019s watch Adam open his presents, and then we can have a little talk, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe raised his head from his father\u2019s shoulder and watched as everyone closed in on his brother.\u00a0 It was too late now; his fate had been sealed.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right Pa,\u201d sniffed Little Joe as he unwrapped his arms and slid to the floor.\u00a0 Without looking back at his father Little Joe wormed his way through the crowd to stand in front of his oldest brother.<\/p>\n Adam opened first one gift and then another, taking his time to savor each gratuity and to thank the bearer.\u00a0 When all but three presents remained, Ben stepped forward and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy birthday son.\u00a0 Before you open these, I just want to tell you how proud I am of you.\u00a0 I hope this special day will always remain a pleasant memory for you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben leaned forward and gave his oldest son a quick hug, being sure not to linger any longer than necessary lest he cause the boy to blush.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Pa, it\u2019s not everyday that a man turns twenty-one.\u00a0 I will always think back on today as one of the best days of my life,\u201d stated Adam, his face turning a shade pink.<\/p>\n \u201cHere big brother, this\u2019ons from me,\u201d smiled Hoss has he handed his brother a neatly wrapped package.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing wrapped it for me, you know how I am, what with these big ole things,\u201d he laughed, holding his huge hands out for Adam and everyone else to see.<\/p>\n Adam laughed and tore away the paper.\u00a0 When he opened the box, he gasped for inside was a beautifully hand-crafted holster made of the finest leather available.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes sought his brother\u2019s face, \u201chow?\u00a0 I mean, this must have cost you a fortune!\u201d he exclaimed in shock.<\/p>\n Hoss felt his own face blushing, \u201cAw shucks Adam, it tweren\u2019t that much, \u2018sides, I been savin\u2019 now for nearly a year.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled the holster from the box and examined it carefully.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful Hoss, thank you,\u201d he said as he slipped his arms about the big boy.\u00a0 \u201cThank you so much,\u201d he whispered a second time.<\/p>\n Adam set the holster aside and glanced toward his father and Joe.\u00a0 Joe stood rooted to the spot but with a gentle hand on his back and a slight nudge forward, Joe stepped up to the table and pick up his gift.<\/p>\n \u201cHappy birthday Adam,\u201d muttered Joe as he held out his hand, the gift gripped tightly within the folds of his fingers.<\/p>\n Adam noted the unhappy expression on his brother\u2019s face and knelt down face to face.\u00a0 He could see the tears that threatened to spill forth and could plainly tell that the boy had been crying.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, buddy,\u201d Adam said softly as he pulled Joe closer to him, \u201care you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head and pulled back his hand, turning back to bury his face against his father.\u00a0 Adam looked up at Ben, exchanged worried glances and began to unfold the brown paper that withheld the box\u2019s little secret that his brother had given to him.<\/p>\n His eyes opened wide as he pulled the bridle from the box and held it up for all to see.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d exclaimed the older brother, \u201cplease, come here buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned back to Adam and took a step nearer.\u00a0 He did not pull back this time as his brother pulled him into a hug.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe, how did you know I needed this?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard ya tell Hoss the other day that you needed a new bridle for Sport,\u201d explained Little Joe, smiling at last.\u00a0 \u201cDo ya like it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo I like it?\u00a0 Of course I like it\u2026but Joe, it must have cost you dearly?\u201d hinted Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI got a really good deal from Mr. Cass\u2026it\u2019s only a used one, but it looks almost new,\u201d Little Joe told his brother.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes darted to his father\u2019s face and his doubt about the bridle was confirmed.\u00a0 It was a new bridle.\u00a0 Adam wondered just what kind of a deal his little brother had made with the storekeeper but decided to keep his thoughts until later.<\/p>\n \u201cIt certain does look almost new,\u201d Adam smiled at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cThank you Joe, it is the perfect gift.\u00a0 I will cherish it always, and Sport will wear it proudly.\u201d\u00a0 Adam squeezed Joe tightly until the boy was forced to squirm out of his brother\u2019s embrace.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben, his voice growing husky with emotion.\u00a0 Ben stood in front of his oldest son, his small package held in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have something new to give you for your birthday, but I do have something that is very dear to my heart.\u00a0 It is something that I have cherished for many years now, something that once belonged to my grandfather.\u00a0 Grandfather pasted it down to my father on his twenty-first birthday and then Papa passed it to me on my twenty-first year.\u00a0 I am honored now, to pass it on to you.\u00a0 I hope you will always cherish it as I have and perhaps someday, you can pass it on to your son.\u00a0 Happy birthday, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Ben embraced his son, clinging longer this time.\u00a0 He was surprised when Adam slipped his arms about his shoulders and clung to him in return.<\/p>\n Joe watched the exchange between his father and his brother with a sinking heart.\u00a0 His fear was in his throat and he took a step backward from the guest who still circled his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Pa, for whatever this is.\u00a0 I know without having to look, I will certainly treasure this always, if for no other reason, but that you gave it to me,\u201d smiled Adam as he fought to control his emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry up Adam, open it,\u201d someone called out.<\/p>\n Joe had distanced himself from the crowd and had found his way back to his dark corner, unobserved by the others.\u00a0 He turned his back to the small group of people, hiding his tears.\u00a0 But he listened as Adam tore the wrapping paper that had been neatly tied with a golden ribbon.<\/p>\n The room fell silent as Adam slowly and expectantly lifted the lid from the box. Suddenly loud gasps filled the room; all eyes were on the expression of the handsome young man as Adam slowly pulled the watch from the box and held it in the palm of his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026Pa,\u201d Little Joe heard Adam gasp.<\/p>\n Joe could not stand the suspense any longer.\u00a0 He rose and stepped again to the edge of the circle.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d exclaimed Adam, turning the timepiece over in his hand and examining the golden watch.\u00a0 His finger traced the engraved C that covered the back of the case.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s heart thumped within his chest, he glanced at his father and was surprised to see Ben watching him.\u00a0 Tears blinded his vision, as he stood immobile and watched as Adam mashed the miniature button that released the cover on the top.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u201d whispered Adam.<\/p>\n Joe pinched his eyes tightly together, freeing his tears from their prison.\u00a0 His chin quivered as he waited with dread the angry words he knew his father would shout at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what to say, Pa\u2026it\u2019s exquisite\u2026it\u2019s\u2026it\u2019s\u2026priceless.\u00a0 Thank you, Pa,\u201d murmured Adam, fighting to hide his tears from the onlookers.\u00a0 \u201cI will treasure it forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Something wasn\u2019t right, the watch\u2026it was suppose to be broken!\u00a0 Joe stepped up to his older brother, tears dripping from the end of his chin.\u00a0 His reserve was shattered, his nerves shot as he snatched the watch from his brother\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d shouted Adam, as he made a grab to reclaim the watch.<\/p>\n Joe turned his back to the older brother preventing Adam from taking the watch from him.\u00a0 Quickly, Joe opened the case and stared in shock at the watch\u2019s face.\u00a0 The glass crystal was in perfect shape.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s mouth dropped opened in shock, his hands trembled, and had it not been for his father gently removing the treasured item from his hand, Joe might have dropped the watch a second time.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d demanded Ben in an angry voice, handing the priceless watch back to its new owner.<\/p>\n Joe started to dart passed his father, he was crushed, but Ben\u2019s quick response stopped his son from fleeing.\u00a0 Ben scooped the weeping boy up into his arms and Joe buried his face against his father\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Papa\u2026\u201d he sobbed, \u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry\u2026I\u2026should\u2026have\u2026told\u2026you,\u201d wept Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben glanced at Adam, Hoss and then excused himself from the room, carrying the distraught child in his arms and to his room.\u00a0 Once Ben had sat down in the old rocker that had been Marie\u2019s and had long ago been placed in their bedroom, he held the weeping boy in his loving arms and allowed the boy to cry himself out.\u00a0 At long last, Joe sniffed his nose, but kept his head resting against his father\u2019s beating heart.<\/p>\n The guest had long since left, bidding a happy birthday to the oldest Cartwright son.\u00a0 When the last of his guest had said their good-byes, Adam hurried to his father\u2019s room where he slipped silently into the bedroom and stood to the side.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he all right, Pa?\u201d asked Adam, the concern for his baby brother\u2019s welfare foremost on his mind.<\/p>\n Ben nodded his head, offering a small smile to the young man.\u00a0 Gently he pulled Joe into an upright position and using his handkerchief, wiped dry the tiny little face.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said in a soft, caring voice.\u00a0 \u201cWould you please explain to your brother and I, what happened a little while ago?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gulped, giving a swift glance up at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to grab the watch away from you\u2026it\u2019s just that\u2026that\u2026\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s what son?\u201d directed Ben as he watched the small boy\u2019s face for signs that he might break down once more.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026to\u2026break\u2026it\u2026honest Pa, honest\u2026ya just gotta believe me\u2026it was an accident\u2026honest Pa, please, don\u2019t be mad at me\u2026please,\u201d cried Joe, burying his face in his father\u2019s shirt as he cried.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s he talking about Pa?\u201d Adam asked in bewilderment.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no earthly idea,\u201d he told Adam.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, what are you talking about son?\u00a0 Please tell me what you are referring to, I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh Pa\u2026I only meant to look at it\u2026I didn\u2019t break it on purpose\u2026\u201d began Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2026What were you looking at and what is it that you broke?\u201d questioned Ben, becoming slightly frustrated with his youngest.<\/p>\n Joe looked long into Ben\u2019s dark eyes and studied his face.\u00a0 His father really did not have a clue as to what he was talking about.\u00a0 Joe sighed deeply.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026your watch\u2026I broke it,\u201d said Joe softly.<\/p>\n \u201cBroke it?\u00a0 When?\u00a0 How?\u201d his father asked, trying hard to put the pieces of the puzzle into one.<\/p>\n \u201cThe other day, when you were suppose to take me to town.\u00a0 I saw it on your dresser when Hop Sing asked me to bring your clean shirts to your room.\u00a0 It\u2026it\u2026was so pretty, I couldn\u2019t help but to pick it up\u2026and when I did\u2026I dropped it.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry\u2026honest Pa, honest Adam\u2026I didn\u2019t do it on purpose,\u201d pleaded Joe, his eyes filling once more with unshed tears.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on, please,\u201d encouraged Ben, glancing up at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen\u2026I opened\u2026it\u2026it was broken\u2026the glass\u2026I mean.\u00a0 I wanted to tell ya\u2026honest Pa\u2026\u201d exclaimed Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you son?\u201d Ben asked softly, not wanting to upset Joe who had finally stopped crying.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe gulped, \u201cI was afraid too.\u201d\u00a0 Joe dropped his head; his chin began to quiver again.<\/p>\n Ben placed his fingers under the droopy chin and gently raised his son\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cStop crying, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited until his son had his emotions under control before speaking again.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, tell me this little boy, are we so far apart that you are afraid to admit to me when you have done something that you know you are not allowed to do?\u00a0 Joseph, are you actually afraid of me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wished more than any thing to be able to turn his face from his father; but Ben held firmly to the quivering chin.\u00a0 \u201cNo sir, I\u2019m just afraid of your\u2026hand, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stifled his laughter as Adam began coughing.\u00a0 \u201cMy hand, son?\u201d asked Ben, knowing what Joseph was referring too.<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, I\u2026I\u2026knew I was in for a good one\u2026when you found out\u2026so\u2026so\u2026I just waited.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben couldn\u2019t stop the smile that toyed with his lips.\u00a0 \u201cSon, you should have come to me just as soon as I got back home.\u00a0 All you had to do was to explain that you saw the watch on my dresser, and wanted to look at it.\u00a0 You would have saved yourself a great deal of heartache, if you had just been honest about what you did\u2026you see Joseph\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Pa, you would\u2019ve yelled at me!\u201d exclaimed Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Brother, Pa\u2019s yelling at you would not have been nearly as bad as what you have put yourself through,\u201d smiled Adam, tousling Joe\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n \u201cYour brother\u2019s right son.\u00a0 You see Precious, you didn\u2019t break the crystal in the watch\u2026it was already broken,\u201d Ben explained and then snickered when he saw the shock that registered on the cherub little face.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Joe as he squirmed on Ben\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right Joseph.\u00a0 I had the watch laid out so that I could take it into town and have the glass replaced before giving it to Adam for his birthday.\u00a0 I dropped the watch years ago and broke the glass, just as I had been afraid I\u2019d do, that\u2019s why I had it put up\u2026you didn\u2019t break anything, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was speechless; mixed emotions flooded his soul\u2026he was relieved, angry with himself for not speaking up, but most of all, happy to know that his father still love him.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Pa\u2026I wish\u2026I mean\u2026I\u2026didn\u2019t know what to do, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Little Joe leaned forward and rested his head on Ben\u2019s chest where he could hear his father\u2019s heart beat.<\/p>\n \u201cLet this be a lesson to you young man\u2026remember what I said about touching things that do not belong to you\u2026and son, please\u2026never be afraid to come to me when you have a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t Pa, never again\u2026and I really am sorry\u2026about everything,\u201d said Joe, raising up to look into his father\u2019s loving eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, see that it never happens again, understood?\u201d issued Ben, standing Joe on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir!\u201d confirmed Little Joe.\u00a0 Joe smiled at his father and without warning to Ben, wrapped his arms about his parent\u2019s neck.\u00a0 \u201cI love ya, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you too, Little Joe,\u201d replied Ben.\u00a0 \u201cNow scoot, downstairs with you, there might still be some of that birthday cake left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right!\u201d shouted Joe, his relief evident to his father and older brother.\u00a0 Joe skipped from the room.<\/p>\n Adam and Ben exchanged looks and suddenly burst out laughing.\u00a0 \u201cThat has got to be the luckiest little scamp in the entire world,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, in the entire universe\u2026no one can get into more trouble doing nothing and come out smelling like a rose, except Little Joe Cartwright!\u201d acclaimed Ben with a hearty laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, he must surely have a multitude of guardian angels watching over him,\u201d Adam grinned and moved towards the bedroom door.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes a multitude son, trust me\u2026an entire multitude!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam placed his arm across his father\u2019s shoulder, \u201cPa, this has been the best birthday ever, thank you\u2026for the watch\u2026but\u2026well Pa\u2026there\u2019s something else I will treasure forever\u2026something that you have already given to me\u2026several years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stopped, pondered the statement and then turned with a blank look on his face toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat in the world could it be?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026I want to thank you for\u2026for\u2026well, for giving me my baby brother.\u00a0 I could never even begin to think about how dull my life would have been without him.\u00a0 Thanks Pa, that was the best gift ever,\u201d beamed Adam.<\/p>\n The End <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nJanuary 2003<\/b><\/p>\n