{"id":12253,"date":"2003-06-01T07:42:39","date_gmt":"2003-06-01T11:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12253"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:55","slug":"measuring-up-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12253","title":{"rendered":"Measuring Up! (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>With Little Joe feeling as if he doesn’t measure up to his two older brothers or his father’s expectations, Joe’s attitude turns nasty, until he hears what Pa has to say on the matter.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG (6,960 words)<\/p>\n

Measuring Up!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe twirled around to see who had spoken the insulting words, but everyone who stood or sat behind him seemed to be busy doing something other than making loud comments about his ability to be an equal to his two older brothers. He glanced at the different faces, not sure, which of the two men had been talking about him. Joe reasoned that whomever it might have been could not have missed seeing him standing at the bar, and briefly Joe wondered if the comments had been meant for him to hear. Turning back to face the bar, Joe glanced up into the gilded mirror and watched the crowd through the looking glass. Only two men stood out, they had caught his attention when he had first turned around by the snickering they were doing while trying to hide their faces. Alex and Jess were two of his older brother\u2019s friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had never cared for either of the young men who where still glancing in his direction, laughing softly behind his back. Alex and Jess where the same age as Adam and Hoss, or somewhere in-between his own two brothers and they had always seemed to take pleasure in ridiculing him at every opportunity they could find. But this, this was going too far and when Joe twirled around for the second time, Alex and Jess both stood to their feet and moved to stand behind him. Joe could feel their hot breath on the back of his neck, though he tried to ignore the pair, for both men where twice his size and Joe knew that this was one of those times that he should be swallowing his pride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Little Joe<\/em>? Got a burr under ya saddle?\u201d laughed Jess, elbowing his brother and making him to start laughing as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt himself bristle at the way in which Jess had emphasized his nickname. Now these two men had the whole crowd laughing at him by their comments. The crowd had begun to gather in, closing around the three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed his anger, not wanting to stir up trouble, but when he turned back to face the bar for the second time, Alex placed his massive hands on Joe\u2019s shoulder and spun him around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe asked ya a question, kid? What\u2019s wrong, ain\u2019t ya man enough to stand up for yourself?\u201d laughed Alex with a smirk on his face and his eyes dancing with the excitement of a pending fight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sensed the implications, the agitation that lay just beneath the surface of the other man\u2019s voice, and he smiled. \u201cOh, I\u2019m man enough, I just don\u2019t think it\u2019s worth getting my hands dirtied for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The statement seemed to frustrate and ignite the other man\u2019s fuse. Alex\u2019s face became distorted and he grabbed Joe by the front of his shirt, nearly lifting Joe off his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe the little man is afraid of us, big boys!\u201d The entire saloon full of Saturday night cowboys burst into loud laughter, shattering Joe\u2019s reserve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe placed his hand over the one who had clamped onto his shirt and pushed the man backward. He had grown weary of the implications that everyone, including his family had been making towards him, that he was nothing more than a mere child. He\u2019d just had his seventeenth birthday\u2026didn\u2019t that make him a man?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show you who\u2019s afraid of who,\u201d muttered Joe to Jess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swung his left fist out, clipping the bigger man on the chin and causing him to stumble backwards and fall across a nearby table, scattering the men who remained seated. Jess watched, his eyes growing bigger as his sidekick fell to the floor. Jess cut his eyes back to Joe, just as Joe swung out again, but Jess was quicker and was able to block the swing. Bringing his other fist upward, Jess jabbed Joe in the side, cracking the ribs beneath his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe doubled up in pain and slowly slipped to the floor. Alex had jumped to his feet and before Joe could become a crumbled ball, Alex slipped his long arms about Joe\u2019s chest and hauled the stunned boy to his feet. Alex moved his arms to where he could place his hands behind Joe\u2019s neck, holding Joe\u2019s arms tightly over his own head and leaving Joe\u2019s mid-section open to Jess\u2019 fists that had begun to rein their fury to the out-numbered smaller man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time after time, Jess drove his fists into Joe\u2019s stomach and sides. Alex refused to allow Joe to crumble to the floor; instead he forced Joe to remain on his feet and take each and every hard blow that Jess issued. Joe\u2019s face began to swell, his cheeks and around his eyes began to blacken as Jess moved upward, splitting the lips that had stopped their out cries of pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One man ran from the saloon, and down the street toward the livery, where he had just minutes ago, spied Joe\u2019s two brothers. Adam and Hoss were just coming from the building as the old man stumbled up to them nearly falling into Hoss\u2019 outstretched arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, old timer, what\u2019s the hurry?\u201d laughed Hoss, steadying the puffing man on his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa better come quick like, Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s ya brother,\u201d gasped the man, trying to steady his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur brother? What\u2019s he done this time?\u201d laughed Adam, knowing Joe\u2019s propensity for trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what\u2019s he doin\u2019, breakin\u2019 up the saloon, again?\u201d asked Hoss, his bright eyes shining with amusement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019s a killin\u2019 him, that\u2019s what!\u201d shouted the old man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKilling him?\u201d Adam glanced at Hoss, whose smile was beginning to fade. \u201cWho\u2019s killing him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThem Parker boys, Alex and Jess, they\u2019s agangin\u2019 up on the boy, nearly beat\u2019em to death already,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged anxious looks and took off running for the saloon. Just as they burst through the swinging doors, the crowd seemed to part, giving both Cartwrights a full view of the happenings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had just been released and was slipping, to the floor. Blood dripped from his mouth, his eyes had blackened and a gash over his left eye seeped bright red blood. Jess and Alex stood over the still form of their brother, laughing and slapping one another for their triumph. Neither man saw Joe\u2019s older brothers standing in silence, their expressions unreadable, until Jess turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi Adam, Hoss\u2026ere\u2026about your kid brother there\u2026sorry, but he threw the first punch. Had to protect myself, you know,\u201d said Jess, taking a step back as Hoss moved in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTook two of you to protect yourself from a boy?\u201d questioned Adam who had placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 arm to stop his advance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t a boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both twisted their heads around, amazed to see Joe staggering to his feet. Adam noted the dark, angry expression that Joe wore on his battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, look out!\u201d shouted Joe, too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jess had taken a swing at Joe\u2019s oldest brother, clipping him on the chin and causing Adam to hesitate slightly. Hoss made a grab to help him but was cut off by Alex who attempted to land a punch on the end of the big man\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A full-fledged battle broke out in the saloon between the Parker brothers and the Cartwright brothers. It was only minutes until the four men where out in the street, hammering away at one another, while Joe, groggy from his own battle, stood leaning against the railing, watching his brothers deliver a much deserved beating to their so called friends. It lasted only minutes, the Parkers both ended up laying face down in the dirt, breathing heavily, while Adam and Hoss dusted off their clothes and hurried to their younger brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had propped himself against the railing and when Adam and Hoss reached their brother, Joe glared up at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just had to interfere, didn\u2019t you?\u201d he growled at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up as straight as his wounded body would permit, his left arm folded across his middle where the worst of his pain seemed to be localized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHeh?\u201d asked Hoss, wrinkling his nose. \u201cWhat\u2019ca mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know darn well what I mean!\u201d said Little Joe, slowly moving toward his horse that was tied to the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached out his hand and placed it on Joe\u2019s shoulder, stopping the boy from going any further.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wait just a minute, Joe. We were minding our own business when some old man rushes up to us and tells us that two guys are trying to kill you in the saloon. All we did was rush over and when we got there, you were laying in the floor, blood dripping everywhere, two big ox sized men standing over you, and you blame us for interfering? What were we suppose to do, stand by and watch them kill you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could have taken them, if they had fought fair,\u201d moaned Joe, glancing angrily up at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast his dark eyes at Hoss and then back at Joe, taking a deep breath before he spoke. \u201cSure you could have kid, sure you could have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wrenched his body away from his brother, groaning in the process. \u201cDon\u2019t call me kid! Damn it, can\u2019t you ever think of me as anything other than that? I\u2019m a man, and all I ever wanted of you or anyone else is to treat me as one\u2026I\u2019m as good a man as either of you\u2026when will you ever realize that? Can\u2019t you see\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe, calm down\u2026\u201d said Hoss, moving to stand next to his younger brother. \u201cWe didn\u2019t mean ta make ya mad\u2026we were just trying\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, help me!\u201d shouted Hoss as Joe crumbled to the ground in a heap. Hoss quickly stooped down next to Joe and gathered the boy into his massive arms. \u201cWe best get\u2019em over ta the doc\u2019s,\u201d said Hoss, looking down into the ashen face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he\u2019s hurt worse than we thought, come on,\u201d ordered Adam, leading the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was late evening by the time that Ben Cartwright rode into town. A message telling him that Joe had been injured, and he was needed at the doctor\u2019s office had been sent by Adam. There had been nothing more, nothing explaining to him how his youngest son had come to be hurt or why. Ben reined in his mount in front of the doctor\u2019s office, noticing that all three of his sons\u2019 horses were there as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Ben pushed opened the door and stepped into the office, Adam and Hoss were immediately on their feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Pa,\u201d Hoss greeted his father, his voice low.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss wore a worried pout on his face and his eyes held a look of fright as well. His fingers were shoved halfway into the pockets of his trousers and he rocked back and forth on the heels of his boots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d Ben replied, glancing from one to the other. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked, turning to Adam for his answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wore the same type of worried expression on his young face as well, but Ben noted that in his eyes was something different than what he saw in his middle son\u2019s. Adam\u2019s eyes were dark and his lips were pressed tightly together and Ben knew that could only mean one thing, Adam was very angry. Why, Ben wondered. Had the boy been the cause of some mischief that had gotten him hurt and had caused one brother to worry profusely and the other to be furious?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know just yet, he\u2019s hurt pretty badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow? What happened?\u201d Ben said, the concern and worry showing in his expression and in his deep dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was in the saloon, apparently a fight broke out and Joe was caught in the middle, somehow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does that not surprise me!\u201d growled Ben. \u201cWhat else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know for sure, Pa. We was down at the livery when this here fella came runnin\u2019 up to us and said someone was beatin\u2019 up Little Joe. We took off down the street to the saloon and when we got there, Little Joe was just afallin\u2019 to the floor. Alex and Jess Parker were dustin\u2019 off their hands\u2026more or less,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of them? Joseph was fighting with both Alex and Jess?\u201d stammered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon so,\u201d muttered Hoss. \u201cWasn\u2019t much of a fight, two agin one, especially when the two was the size them Parker boys are and Joe being just\u2026well\u2026just a boy and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a round with them ourselves, left them lying in the street and when we turned to Joe to see how he was, he crawled all over us for helping him. When we tried to explain why\u2026he collapsed and we brought him here,\u201d Adam told his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see\u2026and you don\u2019t know what started the fight?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had moved to a chair and had sat down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cOne of them Parker boys did say that Joe threw the first punch, but he ain\u2019t said why Joe did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head in disgust. \u201cWhat is wrong with that boy, brawling like a hoodlum, and taking on two men twice his size!\u201d Ben ranted. \u201cI swear that boy will never grow up and act his age!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Ben could ask anything else, the door to the back room opened and Paul Martin, the town\u2019s doctor entered the main office where the Cartwrights were waiting word on Joe\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jumped to his feet, his anger at his youngest son\u2019s behavior forgotten for the present time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he? Can I see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled. \u201cTake it easy Ben. He\u2019s going to be fine, sore and bruised I\u2019m afraid, but he\u2019ll be okay in a few days. I had to bind his ribs, looks as if he suffered most of the damage in that area. I stitched up the cut over his eye, took a couple in his lip and gave him something for the pain. He\u2019s sleeping right now, and probably will for the rest of the night. I suggest that he stays here until tomorrow and then if you\u2019re careful when you move him, you can take him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news Paul, can I see him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, come on\u2026and I suppose the two of you want to see him as well, am I right?\u201d smiled Paul as he turned to Adam and Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 He pulled opened the door to the back room and allowed Joe\u2019s family to enter the sick room where they could see Joe laying on a small bed over in the corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d answered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled, he could see the anxious expressions on the older brothers\u2019 faces and knew that both Adam and Hoss were every bit as worried about their brother as their father was about his youngest son. It was a rare type of love for one another that this close knit family of men shared, and Paul knew that even though the sons were often at odds with each other, each would without question, lay down their own lives for their family members.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s gasp, when he saw his son\u2019s face, sounded loud in the quiet room. His two sons and the doctor, who stood off to the side and watched, did not miss his expression of shock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben whispered taking the chair and pulling it along side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned forward and with loving hands, brushed back the curls that had fallen onto the boy\u2019s battered face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSweetheart?\u201d Ben murmured in a low voice. \u201cPa\u2019s here son.\u201d Ben lowered his head and gently kissed Joe\u2019s brow, not caring that the three grown men standing around the bed had seen or heard his reaction to his son\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at Paul, \u201cAre you sure he\u2019s going to be alright? He\u2019s so pale and\u2026dear God\u2026so young!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded his head and moved forward, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s brow. \u201cBen, I know he looks bad, and he is in some pain because of the cracked ribs, but the bruises will fade and the cuts and scratches will heal, even his ribs will mend, over time. What bothers me, is why, all of a sudden has Joe taken to fighting. You do know, don\u2019t you, that this is the third time this week that he\u2019s been here, because of a fight with some one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes flashed dark and when he turned to look up at Adam and Hoss, both turned to look away. Ben stood to his feet, glaring at his two oldest sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo either of you know anything about what Paul is referring too?\u201d he demanded in a thick voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorta,\u201d stammered Hoss, glancing sideways at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorta? What kind of an answer is that?\u201d Ben questioned. He turned to Adam. \u201cWell? What haven\u2019t you been telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2026I mean, I knew about the fights, but honest\u2026Joe didn\u2019t tell me why he was fighting,\u201d answered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was watching Joe\u2019s face and the painful expressions that the sleeping boy was making and was caught off guard when his father called his name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026I\u2019m speaking to you,\u201d Ben whispered and then motioned for his son to follow him to the opposite side of the room where they could talk without disturbing Little Joe. Adam might not be so willing to tell him what had been going on, but Hoss, when face to face with his father, could never withhold the truth from him. Ben knew if he were to get an answer for his question, it would have to come from his middle and most tenderhearted son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe\u2019s been afeelin\u2019 like he ain\u2019t good enough,\u201d stammered Hoss, hanging his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled. \u201cGood enough\u2026good enough for what? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I, Pa. All I know is that yesterday, when he was workin\u2019 at fixin\u2019 that wheel on the wagon, I told\u2019em he was goin\u2019 about it all wrong. Well, dang Pa, Little Joe got so mad, he took a swing at me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, he took a swing at me and said if\u2019n I didn\u2019t like the way he was adoin\u2019 it, I could do it myself. Then he jist walked off and left it. I heard\u2019em muttering to himself about how he could never do nuthin\u2019 right and how everyone was always comparin\u2019 him to Adam and me. And that ain\u2019t all, Pa\u2026\u201d Hoss paused and lowered his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand over Hoss\u2019 arm and when the big man looked up, Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else, son?\u201d Ben said with all the compassion he was feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLater, when I went to the barn for somethin\u2019, Little Joe was talkin\u2019 to his horse. He didn\u2019t know I was there, but he was atellin\u2019 Cooch how he felt like the rest of us looked down on him cause he wasn\u2019t smart like Adam or big and strong like me\u2026and that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat what, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the pool of tears that suddenly filled Hoss\u2019 blue eyes and his heart went out to the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that he didn\u2019t think ya loved him as much as ya do me and Adam, cause he\u2019d never measure up to ya expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ran the back of his hand under his nose and when he turned his head, Ben heard his son sniff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Hoss said softly as Ben sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t true, none of it\u2026is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not\u2026why\u2026that little scamp has no idea how much I really do love him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his own eyes sting with tears and he had to walk away to hide them from his troubled son. Ben returned to the bed, Joe hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you and Hoss go on back to the ranch, Adam? I\u2019ll stay the night with Joe and then rent a buggy in the morning once Paul says it\u2019s okay to take him home, and then I\u2019ll bring him,\u201d suggested Ben as he lowered himself into the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Pa. If that\u2019s what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please\u2026and son, would you mind stopping by Roy\u2019s office and telling him what happened? I doubt that there is anything he can do, if Joe hit first, I suppose that the Parkers, even though there was two of them, had every right to defend themselves,\u201d Ben surmised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we\u2019ll stop and give Roy the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rested his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. \u201cSend for us if you need us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will son, I promise,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was mid morning before Joe finally woke up. He had begun to toss and turn, crying out some from the discomfort he felt in his battered body. Ben had remained by his son\u2019s bedside the entire night and the weariness and lack of sleep showed on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d moaned Joe softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son,\u201d Ben answered, a smile on his face. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d Ben said lightly as he gave Joe a warm smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to giggle, but stopped suddenly as the pain in his ribs caused him to frown. \u201cOh\u2026I guess I hurt more than I thought I did,\u201d he said and tried to return his father\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you just lie still, son. Paul will be back in a few minutes and if he says you can, then we\u2019ll go home. Think you can drink some coffee?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, his jaw hurt, and the crack in his lip felt as if it would split again if he tried to talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly poured a cup for his son and then helped Joe into a sitting position so that he could hold the cup in his own hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEasy now,\u201d Ben instructed. He reached behind Joe\u2019s head and straightened the pillows so that Joe would be more comfortable. \u201cThere now, careful, it\u2019s hot,\u201d he warned as he placed the cup into Joe\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d said Joe. He carefully tipped the cup to his lips and tried to sip the hot brew. \u201cOuch,\u201d he muttered and then tried again. \u201cGood,\u201d he said after swallowing the hot liquid. Looking over at his father, he saw that Ben had been watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2019s wife made it. Joseph, do you feel like talking?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked quickly at his father and studied Ben\u2019s face. He wasn\u2019t sure what his father had in mind to talk to him about, but Joe supposed that it had something to do with the fight he was in yesterday over at the saloon. Instantly, his mind began thinking of ways to avoid the conversation, cause it wasn\u2019t one that he wanted to have. How could he explain to this father that he had been angry enough to lose his temper and actually throw the first punch? It was hard enough for him to understand why he\u2019d been feeling as such, for as long as he had, let alone try to explain to his father, his feeling of inadequacies and failure. Joe turned away from his father and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo we have to?\u201d he asked in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chanced another quick look at his father\u2019s face and noted how tired Ben looked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou look like you need some sleep. Have you been here all night?\u201d Joe asked, concerned for his father. He unexpectedly felt guilty, knowing that his father had lost an entire night of sleep on his account.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I came as soon as I received word,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I should have just walked away. I didn\u2019t mean for you to have to come sit and hold my hand all night. I\u2019m not a little boy anymore,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed surprised by his son\u2019s statement. \u201cNo Joseph, you are not. And since you are no longer a little boy, would you mind explaining to me, why you didn\u2019t walk away\u2026but first tell me what the fight was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d he whispered and then looked up, into Ben\u2019s face, eyeing the doubt within the chocolate eyes. \u201cReally, it was nothing\u2026I just lost my temper, that\u2019s all. As usual, I made a fool of myself and had everyone in the saloon laughing at me.\u201d Joe felt the old resentment return. \u201cI\u2019ll never learn, I guess I\u2019m just too stupid to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP THAT! Right this minute, young man!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cYou are not stupid, and I\u2019d better never hear you say that again, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir\u2026but it\u2019s true\u2026I can\u2019t do anything right\u2026Hoss said as much yesterday morning\u2026and Adam\u2026oh Adam, he\u2019s always saying things like \u2018when will you ever grow up\u2019\u2026or\u2026\u2019why don\u2019t you act your age\u2019\u2026\u2019hey, boy\u2026kid do this\u2026kid do that\u2019\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped suddenly realizing what he was saying and knowing that now it was too late. His father would know how he felt about things. When Ben said nothing, Joe began to fidget with the edge of the blanket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, its true\u2026none of you treat me like I have any sense\u2026or\u2026or feelings. Adam thinks its funny to call me names, Hoss pokes fun at me cause I can\u2019t even carry a hundred pound sack of taters, and you\u2026\u201d Joe stopped and swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in the back of his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI what, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, just forget it,\u201d Joe grumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well say it and get it off your chest,\u201d Ben ordered. He\u2019d had no idea that his youngest son was feeling as he claimed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and dared himself to finish what he was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou never let me do anything on my own\u2026I can\u2019t go on the cattle drives yet but you make me go on the round-ups, you think I\u2019m incapable of branding the calves\u2026\u2019cause you think I can\u2019t stomach it, but you\u2019ve let me help with the birthing, you barely let me go to town by myself, and when I do get to, you always tell me to stay out of the saloon unless one of my brothers are with me\u2026you won\u2019t let me break the mustangs until after someone else, usually Adam, has practically gotten them eating out of his hand. Pa\u2026you expect me to do the work of a man\u2026but you still treat me like I was a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe\u2019s throat grew tight once again and he felt tears burning his eyes. That was the last thing that he needed his father to see, him crying. How could he ever expect his father or brothers to treat him like a man, if he cried every time that things didn\u2019t go his way?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened and both Adam and Hoss paused in the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh great, just what I need, an audience,\u201d Joe groaned and turned his head away from the threesome, so they could not see the tears that threatened to spill over. When he thought they weren\u2019t looking, he wiped the dampness from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled broadly at his brother. \u201cHi ya, short shanks, how ya afeelin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe said gloomily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He handed his father the coffee cup and moving cautiously, scooted down into the bed until his head was resting against the pillows. He turned toward Ben, ignoring Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I go home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on how you\u2019re feeling this morning, young man,\u201d called the doctor from the doorway. \u201cHow\u2019s those ribs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe answered honestly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No sense in saying he was fine, not with his father sitting so close by. Because he wasn\u2019t fine, he hurt like blazes from the top of his head to the end of his toes. But he wanted to go home, so he\u2019d say everything right, agree with anything that the doctor said and would promise to stand on his head for an hour every day, if they would only let him go home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, young man, they should be sore, you took quite a beating yesterday. I\u2019m surprised that you can even talk, I had to take a couple of stitches in that lip of yours.\u201d The doctor sat down on the edge of the narrow bed and placed his hand to Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, no fever. I was afraid you might develop one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul turned to Ben and smiled. \u201cHe should, in all honesty, stay here another night, but knowing Little Joe like I do, I think I\u2019ll just let you take your baby home, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Neither the doctor nor his father saw the dark scowl that stretched across Joe\u2019s face at the term the physician had referred to him as. When Joe glanced up, he saw that Adam was watching him, and he quickly turned his head away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held his tongue, for he was just about to comment on the angry glare that his younger brother wore on his face. Instead, he turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe brought the buggy, Pa. It\u2019s out front when you and Joe are ready. Come on Hoss, we\u2019ll wait outside\u2026better yet, we\u2019ll meet you back at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took Hoss by the arm and turned him around, leading him from the room and back outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss followed along willingly until he was outside before he wrenched his arm free of Adam\u2019s grasp and scowled at him. \u201cWhat in blazes was that all about?\u201d he all but shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you tell? That boy didn\u2019t want either of us in there, he\u2019s angry Hoss, at us and I\u2019ve yet to figure out why!\u201d stormed Adam as he mounted up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMad at us? Aw\u2026Adam\u2026the kid\u2019s just hurtin\u2019 and all, and he\u2019s probably still a might put out about yesterday and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet on your horse, Hoss and let\u2019s go. Pa can take him home, we\u2019re not needed here\u2026or wanted,\u201d added Adam as he turned his horse toward home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t really mad at his brother, just troubled by the way that the boy had been acting. For some unknown reason or reasons, Joe was mad at him and everyone else around him and the why in the matter puzzled his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged his shoulders and mounted up. Giving Chubb a gentle nudge with his knees, Hoss soon caught up with his brother. The pair rode along together in silence; each lost in their own thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Ben arrived home with Joe, both Hoss and Adam were waiting in the yard. Hoss undaunted by his youngest brother\u2019s strange behavior and ill-reputed attitude immediately stepped forward to welcome his brother home. Adam, on the other hand, held back, remaining instead leaning against the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa,\u201d Ben called out to the team, which stopped just inches from the porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was quick to jump down and tied the team. Hoss hurried around to his brother\u2019s side of the buggy as Joe was just beginning to climb down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy little brother,\u201d Hoss smiled broadly, welcoming Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored his brother\u2019s greeting and continued to try to stand up from the seat where he\u2019d been sitting. Once up on his feet, his arm clutching his ribcage, he started to place his foot on the tiny step at the side of the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me help ya,\u201d offered Hoss, extending his hand to Joe who stopped and glared down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need your help!\u201d Joe snapped and shoved away Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cI think I\u2019m old enough to get down by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss paused, his eyes opened wide in disbelief as he stared at his brother. He glanced at his father and then, stepping back from the carriage, gave Joe his space.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine with me\u2026suit ya self,\u201d he muttered and turned away, the hurt he felt showing in his eyes as he walked back to where Adam stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clamped his hand down on Hoss\u2019 shoulder in encouragement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let it get to you, Hoss,\u201d Adam said in a low voice. \u201cHe\u2019s just in one of his moods.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that boy, Adam? He acts like he\u2019s mad at the whole world,\u201d mumbled Hoss as he and Adam watched Joe lumber slowly across the yard toward the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben offered his arm to his son but Joe refused his father\u2019s help and without so much as a word, made his way to the door. His ribs throbbed and he felt sick to his stomach, but he\u2019d already decided not to let on to his family, they\u2019d only think him weak, Joe thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He managed to open the door and once inside, stopped at the credenza to remove his hat. The pain in his middle caused him to lean heavily on the solid piece of furniture, but when he heard his father come in behind him, Joe straightened himself up as best he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to bed,\u201d he said flatly to his father and then started toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like for me to help you?\u201d Ben said in a compassionate voice, unsure of his son\u2019s offhanded attitude.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was halfway across the room but stopped and turned back to face his father. His eyes glowed with the shine of unshed tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, don\u2019t you think I\u2019m old enough to put myself in the bed?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He twisted back around, continuing to the stairs. At the foot of the staircase, Joe paused and looked up, not sure whether or not he really was able to manage on his own, but just as determined not to ask for help. Swallowing, Joe began the climb. On the landing, he paused and glanced back, his father and two brothers were watching him, and it unnerved him, making him more determined than ever to do it on his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and clinging tightly to the handrail, made it up two more steps before faltering. When he nearly stumbled, Hoss started forward to help but was stopped when Ben grabbed his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him be, son,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked perplexed, but did as his father instructed. Once Joe made it to the top and around the corner, Ben released his hold on Hoss\u2019 arm and walked to the bottom of the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou two find something to do, I\u2019m going to have a little talk with your brother,\u201d Ben said and then went upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe managed to make it to his room where he staggered to his bed and sat down. His face showed the agony that he felt, his eyes were pinched tightly closed and it was all the boy could do to keep from crying out. He wanted nothing more than to just lie back and will the pain away, but he had to remove his boots, somehow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bending over was near impossible to do, but nonetheless, Joe did. The first stab of pain sent him sprawling into the floor where he gasped for air. Ben appeared in the doorway just as Joe was struggling to get up and hurried across the room, kneeling down in front of his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you let me help you, please Joseph?\u201d Ben asked as he placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head slowly raised to look up into his father\u2019s eyes. Ben noted the tears that had finally been released and were slowly dripping down the sides of his son\u2019s battered and bruised face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head and held his hand out to his father. Ben swallowed the lump that had mysteriously thickened his throat and took the offered hand and slowly guided Joe to his feet and helped him to sit on the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, the concerned father knelt in front of his son and pulled off Joe\u2019s boots. Once the boots were off, Ben helped Joe to his feet just long enough to be able to pull back the covers then helped Joe into the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben carefully tucked the blanket around Joe, who had somehow managed to wipe away the traces of tears, and sat down on the edge of the bed. Ben smiled and gently brushed his hand along Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I can\u2019t even put myself to bed,\u201d whispered Joe, all the while his emotions were raw and showing on his face. His eyes quickly began to pool with water once again. Ben watched as his son struggled to maintain his composure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d began Ben in a loving voice, \u201cthere\u2019s nothing wrong with a man asking for help, especially from his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose\u2026if I were a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat is that suppose to mean? Aren\u2019t you always telling us that you are a man?\u201d His voice was calm, but his insides had begun to churn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but none of you treat me like I am,\u201d answered Joe, avoiding having to meet his father\u2019s intense eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, let me explain something to you. First and foremost, I am your father, Adam and Hoss are your brothers, that\u2019s a fact of life\u2026no, don\u2019t say anything until I\u2019m finished,\u201d Ben said as Joe opened his mouth to protest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, Adam is a man of mystery, oft as not I don\u2019t fully understand him, but he\u2019s a devoted son, a loyal and trusted man, a good brother to Hoss and you and for those reasons, I love him with all of my heart. On the other hand, Hoss is a giant of a man with a heart to match. He\u2019s kind and caring and one of the most gentle men I have ever known, and he has a love for his family and this land that is incomparable to any, and for those reasons, I also love him with all of my heart. And then\u2026there\u2019s Joseph\u2026a young man struggling between the transition of boyhood and manhood, a free spirit with a zest for life, with a heart filled with love and compassion like none I have ever seen. He\u2019s the heart of this family, the soul of the Ponderosa, he\u2019s my pride and my joy, and for those reasons, I love him deeply and with every fiber of my being.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, about those things that you claim I won\u2019t let you do. You are barely seventeen, to me, you are still a boy\u2026oh, I know you don\u2019t like to hear me say that, but I can\u2019t help how I feel any more than you can help how you feel. I suppose that one day very soon, I will have to come to terms with the fact that you are becoming a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused and took a breath, giving Joe a moment to let his words seep in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, about the expectations that I have for you, I have the highest ones possible, do you know what they are?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI expect you to be the very best man that you can possibly be. I don\u2019t expect you to be a carbon copy of your brother Adam or your brother Hoss\u2026and I certainly don\u2019t expect you to be a carbon copy of me. I expect you to be\u2026you\u2026nothing more, nothing less and I expect you to be happy with who and what you become. You are who you are son.\u00a0\u00a0 And I want you to believe me when I say that your brothers and I love you just as you are. So there\u2019s nothing Joseph that you have to prove to us about how much of a man you really are, we already know those things, so please son, stop trying so hard to measure up!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned down and looking deeply into the tear filled eyes that had at last overflowed, he placed a kiss on his son\u2019s forehead. Joe reached for his father\u2019s hand, which had been resting on his arm, and pulled Ben\u2019s palm up to his lips where he held it momentarily and then planted several kisses. Ben gulped away the thickness in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Joseph,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes, brimming with tears, smiled up at his father. \u201cI love you too, Pa\u2026and I\u2019m sorry\u2026about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Hoss, for snapping at you, and Adam, I\u2019m sorry for acting the way I did towards you,\u201d said Joe to his brothers who had quietly slipped into the room and who had joined their father at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks, short shanks, every man\u2019s entitled to have a bad day, now and then. Ain\u2019t that right Adam?\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks right little buddy,\u201d Adam grinned at Joe. \u201cJust not so many,\u201d he said, causing Joe to start giggling. \u201cLook Joe, Hoss and I don\u2019t mean to be so bossy or to come down on you so hard, but\u2026well, shucks kid, you\u2019re the only little brother we have and who else do we have to pick on? We love ya, kid\u2026don\u2019t ever doubt that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled broadly as he wiped away the last of his tears. \u201cWell, I reckon since you\u2019re being so honest, I will too. I love you both, and\u2026I suppose I can still be your little brother, for a while anyway,\u201d laughed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor a while?\u201d laughed Ben, \u201cson, if you live to be one hundred you will always be their little brother\u2026and I might add\u2026my little boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned softly and pushed his head back against the soft pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right little brother, you\u2019re stuck with the title and you\u2019re stuck with us!\u201d laughed Hoss who was joined by Adam and his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked the cover over his head to hide from his family, the smile that transformed his unhappy expression into a happy one. \u201cWhy me, Lord? Why me!!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

June 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 With Little Joe feeling as if he doesn’t measure up to his two older brothers or his father’s expectations, Joe’s attitude turns nasty, until he hears what Pa has to say on the matter.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG (6,960 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":14920,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1729,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/measuring.png?fit=81%2C207&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12911,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12911","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":0},"title":"The Stranger – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"January 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 What followed when Roy released Little Joe from jail. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (1,130 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 1.5x, https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Adam-and-Joe-Desert-Justice-2.bmp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":1},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2882,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2882","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":2},"title":"The Race (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"October 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Can Joe convince his brothers to take part of a new race Virginia City is hosting this month? Word Count: \u00a0513\u00a0 This is my answer to October's C&S and the Michael Landon Birthday Challenge. Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/outhouse.jpg?fit=600%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/outhouse.jpg?fit=600%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/outhouse.jpg?fit=600%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12750,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12750","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":3},"title":"A Modern Cartwrights Story #3 – A Quarter\u2019s Worth of Glory: Joe in the Infernal Machine (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 23, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Headlines ripped from the daily newspaper in this modern era tale of the Cartwrights. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (775 word) A Modern Cartwright Story Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14374,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14374","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":4},"title":"The Tiger Puzzle (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 1, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright brothers come to the aid of sisters; however, will they be able to help the damsels in distress? \u00a0If you know the brothers, you know where this is going -- risque'. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(1,135 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15348,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15348","url_meta":{"origin":12253,"position":5},"title":"Joe Cartwright – Magician! (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: A Bonanza story celebrating that fun side of Michael in his role as Joe Cartwright. 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