{"id":12313,"date":"2003-06-01T16:59:49","date_gmt":"2003-06-01T20:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12313"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:55","slug":"the-last-laugh-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12313","title":{"rendered":"The Last Laugh (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Those who laugh last, laugh the hardest.\u00a0 Thus, Joe proves this statement to be true, but at what cost?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>G\u00a0 (18,200 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Last Laugh<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group of people that assembled together in the chapel after Sunday morning worship service wasn\u2019t a large group, but it was made up of some of the finest people in Virginia City, among them, the four Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was early May, and time to start planning for the annual church festival that the congregation hosted each year in order to raise money for various needs of the church and the surrounding community. This year, Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright\u2019s oldest son, headed the event.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAny suggestions for something different? I mean, we always have the usual, the bake sale, the pie contest, dress making, and,\u201d he laughed, glancing at Hoss, \u201cthe prettiest baby contest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone else glanced at Adam\u2019s middle brother and laughed. \u201cHoss, ya gonna judge that again this year?\u201d someone in the back of the group asked, causing the room to fill with laughter once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had been the judge for the Prettiest Baby Contest the year before and had ended up with every woman who had an infant young enough to enter the contest, mad at him. Hoss scrunched up his face and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosirree, I\u2019m leavin\u2019 that job to some other fella,\u201d declared Hoss loudly, leaving no doubt to the group of people that they\u2019d have to look elsewhere for a new judge. \u201cMaybe my Pa, would be willing to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t young man.\u201d Ben\u2019s deep voice rang loudly in the chapel as all heads turned in Ben\u2019s direction. \u201cI think that job should fall to the mayor, he\u2019s the one that spent his election campaign kissing those babies!\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone started to laugh. \u201cThen it\u2019s settled,\u201d shouted Adam, before the mayor could decline. \u201cEveryone in agreement, raise your hand. Count\u2019em Hoss,\u201d Adam said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood to his feet and glanced around the room. \u201cNo need too, it\u2019s unan\u2026younam\u2026everyone agrees, ain\u2019t no one saying no,\u201d beamed Hoss, relief showing on his chubby face as he smiled at the mayor and then sat back down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not have a greased pole climbing event? Every one can pay\u2026say a dollar to enter, with the prize money going into the church fund?\u201d one of the men spoke up to ask. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it done before, it can get pretty funny watching the boys trying to climb up those slick poles.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it done?\u201d inquired another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have two poles, flag poles really and we grease them with lard, or oil, make them real slick and then the boys compete against each other until one is able to get to the top, then that boy is the winner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Little Joe piped in to say. He rubbed his hands together as if he were a child waiting for a special treat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched with amusement, his youngest son, and wondered silently if the boy would ever truly grow up. Secretly, he hoped not, he loved Little Joe just the way he was, young and full of life\u2026and mischief, thought Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, then we need two poles, Tim, since you came up with the idea, why don\u2019t you see if you can find us two poles that we can use?\u201d Adam said as he wrote down greased pole climbing contest to his list of things to do. \u201cAnyone else have an idea?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about if we have a log pulling contest? The men from the lumber camp can furnish the logs from one of my camps, and then the loggers can team up, use their own horses? Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a good idea, but Adam, why not form a committee to ask some of the merchants to furnish prizes for the events? That way we could charge an entrance fee to the festival\u2026so much per person to see all the events rather than to charge the participants a fee to enter, that way we collect one time and the pot of cash then goes to the church fund?\u201d Mr. Hamilton the banker suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds logical to me, how about the rest of you?\u201d inquired Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement to the one time entrance fee as Adam made notes. When he\u2019d finish, he moved on, glancing around the room at the excited faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cleared his throat and smiled, \u201cWe are going to have a kissing booth, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The room erupted in to gales of laughter at Joe\u2019s suggestion, for they all knew of the youngest Cartwright\u2019s slightly tarnished reputation involving nearly every woman in Virginia City between the ages of 16 and 60.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why not?\u201d Joe stammered, looking as if his feelings were hurt. \u201cWhy, I\u2019d pay a dollar a kiss just to kiss\u2026hahaha\u2026I\u2019m not telling, Miss Cindy, don\u2019t you dare look at me like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright, shame on you, why\u2026I\u2019d give you an old dollar NOT to kiss me!\u201d Cindy Hamiltion, the banker\u2019s daughter said as she stood to her feet and placed her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face began turning red as Cindy sashayed up to the youngest Cartwright. \u201cWhy Joe Cartwright, I do believe you are blushing,\u201d giggled Cindy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped, and Cindy giggled again, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Little Joe, I won\u2019t give away our little secret,\u201d she whispered in a low voice so that only Joe could hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched with an amused look on his face and almost felt sorry for his little brother, though he wasn\u2019t sure just why. His brother had begun to squirm and as his face grew redder, Adam decided to help him out of an obvious touchy situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s it be, do we or do we not have a kissing booth?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no objections, if it is done properly,\u201d the minister was quick to speak up. \u201cJust a quick peck on the cheek, nothing more, we have to remember that this is a church fund raising event!\u201d he added as an after thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group once again nodded their heads, the younger men and women smiled shyly at one another, and Joe was off the hook, for whatever it was that Miss Cindy knew and no one else did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea, I\u2019d like to present, it\u2019s something I saw the last time I was in Sacramento. I think you might like it,\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d one of the ranchers asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s called a dunking booth. What it really is, is a water tank, filled with water and a seat that extends over the rim, above the water. On the outside there is a lever that drops the seat down and when the target is hit the person who is sitting on the seat, falls into the tank of water. It\u2019s really pretty neat, and quite fun, too. One person at a time gets three tries to hit the lever, for a small fee, if they hit it and the person falls in, the one throwing the ball gets a prize,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey that\u2019s a great idea, I saw one of those at a fair once, over in Salt Lake City. It is fun, but say Adam, who\u2019s going to be sitting on the seat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we would have to have a volunteer,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cIt would have to be someone who wouldn\u2019t mind getting wet, naturally, and someone not too big, or the seat might not hold him up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t be Hoss Cartwright! Ain\u2019t no seat that strong, \u2018ceptin\u2019 maybe his horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw dadburnit Shorty, I cain\u2019t help it none, I\u2019m just a growin\u2019 boy!\u201d Hoss called back to the man in the back of the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAny volunteers?\u201d Adam asked, waiting for a reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group glanced around at each other as if waiting for the next person to be the first to volunteer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam, how\u2019s about Little Joe? He ain\u2019t big like Hoss, and he\u2019s always such a good sport. What\u2019cha say Little Joe, ya willing to get wet for a good cause?\u201d Mitch Devlin called from across the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone turned to Joe and began encouraging him to be the man in the hot seat, or rather, the wet seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Short Shanks\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026I don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d Joe said, beginning to squirm, he\u2019d plan on spending his day at the kissing booth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe a good sport little brother, besides, it might keep you out of trouble,\u201d Adam grinned, winking at this father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved beside of Joe and placed one hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt is for a good cause son, and since it will be on Saturday night, you won\u2019t even have to take a bath afterwards,\u201d teased Ben, lowering his head and laughing softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he looked up, Joe\u2019s face was distorted by anxiety, but nonetheless, his son gave in to the pressure and smiled, nodding his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll do it, but I\u2019m warning you,\u201d he said, pointing to Hoss and Adam, \u201cit had better be after I get to visit the kis\u2026pie eating contest,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed and gripped his son\u2019s arm, \u201cThank you son, and remember, it is for a worthy cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, right\u2026I get dunked into a tank of cold water, and you call it a good cause, but let me stop by the kissing booth and you call it a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what I call it, thank you!\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men spent the next few days gathering the poles for the greased pole contest, and the lumber for the dunking tank, and the women folk began digging through their pie recipes, dress patterns and the mothers of infants, began preparing their babies for the prettiest baby contest. By the time that the church festival was scheduled to take place, everything was ready and in place, including the dunking tank, which had been filled with water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou about ready, Joe?\u201d called Hoss as he grinned at his father and Adam who were waiting in the great room for their youngest family member to show himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be down in a minute, you fellas go ahead, I\u2019ll catch up!\u201d Joe shouted from his room where he stood studying his reflection in the mirror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t,\u201d Adam called loudly, \u201cI\u2019m waiting right here, you\u2019ve been trying to get out of this ever since you volunteered.\u201d Adam grinned at his father and Ben laughed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t volunteer for this, and you know it,\u201d Joe said, as he stepped to the door so that his older brother could better hear him. \u201cMy so-called friend, Mitch, volunteered me\u2026I had other plans on how to spend the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWere you planning on spending the entire evening at the kissing booth, son?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe not the entire evening,\u201d Joe said, coming slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy, don\u2019t ya look plum purty,\u201d grinned Hoss, playfully slapping his brother on the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a waste too, Hoss. The first time he gets dunked, those new clothes of his will be ruined,\u201d Adam said teasingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face formed a frown and he glared at his two brothers. \u201cWhat makes you so sure, I am going to get dunked?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tossed back his head and laughed. Adam grinned mischievously and placed a firm hand on his little brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause I aim to throw the first ball, and\u2026you know what a good shot I am, so get prepared little buddy, for your bath!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam burst out laughing as they strolled to the door and donned their hats. Joe\u2019s frown deepened as he watched the pair. He turned to his father when Ben rested his hand across Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t take it seriously son, they are only teasing you. And remember\u2026it\u2019s for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned, \u201cI know, it\u2019s for a good cause,\u201d he grumbled and then offered his father a smile. \u201cCome on, I might as well get this over with, I have a feeling it\u2019s gonna be a long night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snickered softly. \u201cThat\u2019s the spirit, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made his first stop at the kissing booth. He smiled brightly when he saw that the first beauty was Cindy Hamilton, the girl that Joe was currently interested in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Miss Hamilton,\u201d greeted Joe, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, hello Little Joe,\u201d Cindy smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s my dollar,\u201d Joe said offering the bill to the pretty girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy glanced down at Joe\u2019s hand and smiled, taking the dollar from his hand and stuffing it into a box under the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up Little Joe,\u201d called a voice from behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned seeing Dan, one of the local boys that worked at a neighboring ranch. Joe made a mocking smile and held his hand up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold your horses, I\u2019ve paid my dollar and I aim to take my time and enjoy this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, just make it fast,\u201d Dan called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes, but smiled at Cindy. \u201cCome here,\u201d he said in a whispered voice, waiting for the girl to lean across the counter so that he could earn his dollar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame I have to pay to kiss you, when you didn\u2019t seem to mind my kissing you last night without having to pay,\u201d whispered Joe, grinning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face turned bright red from the slap that Cindy rendered. \u201cHey! What was that for?\u201d cried Joe, taken back by the blow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for being so sure of yourself, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d Cindy snapped. \u201cNext,\u201d she called, ignoring Joe and smiling sweetly at the man behind her suitor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, wait a minute, I didn\u2019t get my kiss!\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy turned dark eyes at the startled young man. \u201cYou\u2019ve gotten all you\u2019re getting from me, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe, move it,\u201d said Dan, laughing as he shoved Joe out of line and laid his dollar on the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no other recourse but to step aside as the other men in line pushed forward. He was disappointed and stood to the sidelines, rubbing his reddened face and nursing his wounded pride. Suddenly he felt the pressure of hands on his shoulders and turned, surprised to see his older brother standing behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re through fooling around, and from the looks of your face, I\u2019d guess that you are, we are waiting for you at the dunking booth. You coming willingly, or do I have to drag you, screaming and crying?\u201d taunted Adam, though he wore a friendly smile on his handsome face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his face at this brother and dropped his hand, no use trying to hide Cindy\u2019s brand from his brother. \u201cWomen, I\u2019ll never figure them out!\u201d moaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed and patted his brother\u2019s back. \u201cYou\u2019re not suppose too, little brother. That\u2019s what makes fools out of a man, trying to understand women\u2026it can\u2019t be done, you see, once you think you\u2019ve got them all figured out, they go and do something totally different. It\u2019s a never ending battle pal, so don\u2019t try!\u201d laughed Adam. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s what\u2019s so alluring about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, tell my face that\u2026that little gal wallops a powerful punch and I don\u2019t even know why she hit me,\u201d Joe said, rubbing the side of his face once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let it get to you, kid. Look, there\u2019s Hoss, he\u2019s waiting for us,\u201d said Adam pointing toward Hoss who was hurrying over to meet them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe, where ya been, we dun got people waitin\u2019 fur ya,\u201d the big man said, \u201cCome on, get in there,\u201d Hoss said, pointing toward the tank filled with water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced in the direction where they had set the tank up and was surprised to see that a small crowd had already gathered. He gulped, swallowing the knot that had formed in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Pa!\u201d Joe said weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep, that\u2019s Pa alright, he was the first one in line,\u201d laughed Hoss, taking Joe by the shoulders and nearly having to drag the boy to the back of the tank where the ladder was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow get ya ornery butt up there on that perch and let\u2019s get this show on the road,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and slowly climbed the ladder and took his spot on the narrow seat. He glanced down into the water, dread already washing over him. He glanced at the crowd, seeing his father\u2019s face and the smile that silently told him, he was fixing to get wet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t believe you would do this to me,\u201d Joe said, a sickly smile plastered on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell son, it\u2019s for a good cause,\u201d laughed Ben, tossing the first ball, which missed the target.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed, and when the second ball missed the target, he laughed again. The third ball whizzed through the air and just nicked the edge of the target. Joe giggled loudly, \u201cHey Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lever snapped suddenly and before Joe could utter another word, the water washed over him as he plunged into the tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd burst out laughing as Joe came sputtering to the surface and slowly climbed back on to his perch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucky shot,\u201d he sputtered, giving Ben a crooked little grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son, but I just couldn\u2019t help myself,\u201d laughed Ben, moving from the line and giving the next person a chance to do the same to his soaked son. \u201cYou have fun Joe, I\u2019ll come by later and check on you,\u201d Ben called as he moved off into the crowd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch Devlin was the second in line, and he laughed when he saw the surprised look on his best friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOH MITCH, NOT YOU TOO!\u201d yelled Joe just as his friend threw the ball, hitting the lever and dropping the chair. Joe was swept underwater and came up spewing a stream of water from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd roared with laughter. Ben heard the racket and glanced back toward the tank just in time to see Joe take yet another dive. Ben watched for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. Joe certainly was being a good sport about this he thought, and then groaned when Mitch called out to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember the other day Little Joe, that practical joke you played on me? Well, now it\u2019s pay-back time,\u201d laughed Mitch and threw another ball.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Mitch\u2026that was just in fun,\u201d Joe called as he settled himself on the seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo is this\u2026and this is even for a good cause, so unlike your practical joke,\u201d snarled Mitch, grinning as he flung the ball.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ball flew past the lever, coming within inches but missing. Joe burst out laughing as he wiped the dripping water from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGonna have to do better\u2019n that, old pal,\u201d mocked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch laughed right along with his friend, his sky blue eyes dancing with excitement. \u201cOh, I\u2019m not finished yet Cartwright,\u201d he laughed and then pulled another dollar from his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to the attendant, \u201cGive me three more balls,\u201d he said, glancing at Joe and laughing at the shocked look on the dripping boy\u2019s handsome features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silently, Joe groaned. He looked out among the crowd, which had doubled and watched the expressions on all the faces. \u2018And these people are suppose to be my friends,\u2019 he thought as he felt the chair beneath him give way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slid down below the surface of the water but this time he stayed down longer than before. He was holding his breath, trying to grab a moment of rest for himself, for he was already becoming tired out from the continuos dunking into the tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe came up, the crowd had become unusually quiet. Joe glanced around toward them and then suddenly they began to cheer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThought we\u2019d lost ya there for a moment, Short Shanks,\u201d called Hoss, who was standing behind Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up, Little Joe. I wanna dunk ya again, I owe you, remember? And I aim to collect,\u201d called Mitch, tossing one ball up and down in one hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay,\u201d answered Joe, making himself comfortable. \u201cJust give me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SPLASH! Down he went again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe popped to the surface and just as he turned to sit, Mitch threw the ball for the final time. SPLASH! Poor Joe was beginning to tire, but being the good sport that he was, he climbed for the\u2026how many times had it been?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHOSS! Not you too!\u201d Joe moaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed loudly, \u201cThat\u2019s right, little brother. I owe ya, too. Remember the other night when Bessie Sue and I were walking in the moonlight, and ya popped outta the woods, dressed like a werewolf? Remember what happened to that poor little gal?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Hoss, I already said I was sorry for that? Ya can\u2019t still be mad at me\u2026can ya?\u201d squeaked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew it was a dumb question, of course Hoss was still upset about what he\u2019d done. He had only meant to make a hero out of his middle brother, not have him the one rescued by Bessie Sue!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ball whizzed by so fast and hard that no one had even known when Hoss had thrown it. Had it not been for the spatter that Joe made when he hit the water, the crowd would have still been waiting for Joe to plead his case against his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Twice more the youngest Cartwright was dumped into the water and twice more Joe climbed to his perch. His hair dripped drops of water into his face and Joe hardly had time to brush back the damp locks of curls before another participant threw the ball. Each time someone different stepped up to the plate, they reminded Joe of a joke that he had played on them, and each swore that today was payday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was tiring quickly and he wondered if he would last until the end of the day. They had hardly given him a break, his trousers were soaked, as was his shirt and they seemed to weigh him down and grow heavier each and every time that he returned to the wired seat. As he glanced at the long line of players, he wondered briefly if they were all here to get back at him for some joke he had played on them or some misconduct that he had unknowingly taken part in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was next in line and behind him was the sheriff, Roy Coffee, and Doc Martin, and then Clem, and there was\u2026Cindy Hamilton?? \u2018Darn,\u2019 moaned Joe, \u2018she\u2019s already slapped me\u2026now she wants to drown me too?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam never said a word, he just smiled that crooked little smile of his, the one that made his dimple deepened into his cheek. Joe screwed up his mouth and took a breath. It was a good thing, for in the next instance, Joe was in the water. As he came to the top he glanced at his brother, Adam\u2019s eyes glowed and Joe knew why. Hadn\u2019t Joe forgotten to tighten his brother\u2019s saddle cinch just the other day, and hadn\u2019t Adam fallen off his horse because of it? Joe remembered Adam\u2019s anger that day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust you wait Joe, I\u2019ll remember this day\u2026and if it takes me a year, I\u2019ll get you for this,\u201d Adam had sworn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Short year,\u2019 thought Joe just before he hit the water again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The third ball was just as accurate; Joe felt the water wash over his body and when he came up, he was surprised to see Adam standing next to the tank waiting for him to surface.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face was expressionless and Joe had no idea what his brother was thinking, until he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re even now.\u201d Adam started to turn but stopped and looked back at Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re a good sport, kid.\u201d Adam gave his brother a smile and winked at him, leaving his brother to be dunked again and again by the others that wished to\u2026get back\u2026at the mischievous boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Mitch were waiting for Adam on the sidelines, out of Joe\u2019s view. They could hear the lever clicking and the crowd laughing and knew that Joe was taking another dunking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned as he joined his brother and Mitch. \u201cThree out of three\u2026guess that squares things with Little Joe,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, reckon it does,\u201d Hoss replied gloomily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with you?\u201d Adam asked, seeing the unhappy expression on Hoss\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to see what it was that Hoss was so intently watching, he smiled when he realized that his middle brother was watching their kid brother being dunked repeatedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa reckon he\u2019s had enough?\u201d Hoss asked, turning to face Adam and Mitch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cThere\u2019s still at least a dozen or more folks that want a chance to get even with that joker,\u201d stated Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks Adam, ya know Little Joe never meant no harm by them jokes he\u2019s always playin\u2019 on people,\u201d Hoss complained, following Adam and Mitch as they moved down the street in search of some other fun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, but still, we all agreed that Joe would be volunteered for this. It was your idea to sucker Joe into getting into that tank in the first place,\u201d Adam said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but the tank was your idea, not mine\u2026and \u2018sides, I didn\u2019t know so many people would be joinin\u2019 in. The kid\u2019s tired Adam, ya seen him, and ya know as well as I do, he won\u2019t quit, he never does,\u201d Hoss pointed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch started snickering. \u201cThat\u2019s right, he won\u2019t, but then again, he never stops playing those infernal jokes either, Hoss. What he gets tonight is only a smidgen of what he dishes out daily to everyone else. Let them have their fun, maybe Little Joe will learn something after tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose ya right, but somehow, it don\u2019t seem fair to the boy,\u201d grumbled Hoss, following along after his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The afternoon seemed to drag on and on for the wearisome boy. Joe was dragging and though he longed to toss in the towel and call it a day, his pride would not permit his quitting. So he stayed and he was dunked over and over until he felt as if his lungs would burst from the amount of water that he had swallowed. To make matters worse, the sun had begun to slip behind the mountain peaks and with the lowering came the evening breeze. The tank had been refilled with water that seemed much chillier than the previous tank and Joe had begun to shiver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben appeared around suppertime and had urged his son to call a halt to the dunking, claiming the need to eat and rest, but in truth, Ben had begun to fear for his son\u2019s well being. He could see Joe\u2019s lips trembling, he noted the bluish tint to his son\u2019s lips and knew that Joe was cold. His main concern was that his son would become sick from his experience in the festival\u2019s dunking tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come on son, enough is enough,\u201d Ben proclaimed. \u201cYou\u2019re freezing to death in that water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright, Pa\u2026it won\u2019t be much longer,\u201d Joe said, his voice already growing hoarse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove outta the way, Ben, I got a score to settle with that young\u2019n of yours,\u201d called Jonesy, the town\u2019s harness-maker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scrunched up his face and looked at Joe, holding his hand up to force Jonesy to wait for a minute. \u201cWhat did you do to him?\u201d whispered Ben as he stood beside the tank and talked to Joe who perched on the trick seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders and gave his father a forced smile. \u201cI dunno, Pa\u2026I can\u2019t remember doin\u2019 a thing to him\u2026unless it was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ball buzzed passed Ben\u2019s head, nearly hitting him along his noggin. Ben jerked his head around, glaring at Jonesy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I asked you to wait a minute, I was talking to my\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second ball shot by, brushing against the rim of Ben\u2019s hat and forcing him to duck. The ball somehow managed to hit the target and before Ben could straighten, he heard the click of the seat and felt the splatters of water as Joe sank to the bottom of the tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jonesy laughed, \u201cBetter move Ben, I have one ball left and I aim on using it against that rascal son of yours\u2019n, \u201c laughed the leather master.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think my boy has had enough, good God man, he\u2019s been in there since noon and it\u2019s nearly five o\u2019clock,\u201d growled Ben as he turned back to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe slowly and laboriously climbed on his perch and turned, giving his father a quick smile before finding himself back at the bottom of the tank. Joe was slow in rising to the surface. He had not been expecting Jonesy to throw the ball so soon after the last toss and Joe, being unprepared, had swallowed a large amount of water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched from the top where he had climbed the ladder, his son who seemed to be struggling to come to the top.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben, looking down into the tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam called, seeing his father on the ladder bending over the edge of the water tank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced up, caught Adam\u2019s eye and motioned for him to hurry over. Adam looked quickly at Hoss and then ran the short distance to where the tank was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me pull him up, he\u2019s too worn out to push himself to the surface,\u201d Ben explained anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam climbed up beside his father and with Ben\u2019s help, each grabbed at Joe\u2019s arms, pulling him to safety. Joe began sputtering and coughing, spitting water from his mouth. His body went limp as Adam and Ben carefully dragged him from the large pool and laid him carefully on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned and tried to get to his feet. \u201cLet go,\u201d he whined. \u201cI can\u2019t get out\u2026they\u2019ll think I\u2019m a quitter,\u201d he muttered in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo they won\u2019t son, you\u2019ve given them their money\u2019s worth,\u201d Ben said, softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last of the lingering crowd began to gather around the star of the show. One man laughed, \u201cYou did okay, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat show, Cartwright,\u201d called another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good sport Little Joe, being as how they set you up for this,\u201d one man called from behind the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who lay on the ground shivering, forced himself in to a sitting position. \u201cWhat\u2019s he talking about?\u201d he asked his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea, son,\u201d Ben answered, which was the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had been unaware that there had been a conspiracy going on against his youngest son. He turned troubled eyes up at his two older sons, but they were looking elsewhere and refused to meet his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get Joe a blanket,\u201d muttered Adam, turning to search for one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find a towel,\u201d Hoss added and hurried to follow his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said he\u2019d never find out, Mr. Knowitall,\u201d fumed Hoss to Adam. \u201cWhen Pa figures out what we did, we\u2019ll never hear the end of it,\u201d Hoss continued to grumble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just keep quiet about it for now, here, take this blanket to Pa and Joe, the kid\u2019s freezing,\u201d Adam instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was beginning to worry slightly about what he and Hoss and a whole slew of others had plotted to get even with Little Joe for all the times he had bested them in one of his little jokes or schemes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Adam returned to the dunking booth, Joe had dried off and changed into clean clothes and looked, to Adam, none the less for what he had been put through. The boy did look a mite on the tired side, decided Adam after they had ridden most of the way home and Joe had been unusually quiet. Adam studied his brother\u2019s posture and noted how the boy slumped in the saddle and again a nagging fear for his brother\u2019s welfare stirred his conscience. Perhaps they had over done themselves in their little joke, he considered, glancing at Hoss and noting that his middle brother appeared just as concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they reached the barn, Joe was all but asleep and nearly falling from his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d called Ben, moving to his son\u2019s side and resting his hand on the boy\u2019s leg. \u201cWe\u2019re home son,\u201d Ben smiled up at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d murmured Joe sliding down from the saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When his feet touched the ground, his legs buckled beneath him and had it not been for his father standing so close, Joe would have crumbled to the ground. He\u2019d never known, for he appeared asleep on his feet and he leaned against his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, little boy, let\u2019s get you in bed,\u201d smiled Ben as he slipped his arms about his son and gently guided the boy to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of his horse for\u2019em,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you get him in bed,\u201d volunteered Adam, taking a hold of Joe\u2019s free arm and helping to guide him into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once they had Joe in his room upstairs, they gently lowered his sagging body to the bed. Joe lay where he landed, undaunted by the fact that his father and older brother had begun to remove his clothing and was soon tucking him beneath the warm covers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis body feels chilled,\u201d whispered Ben, touching Joe\u2019s arm and feeling the coolness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll that water probably, look at his hands and feet, they look like prunes,\u201d smiled Adam, tucking Joe\u2019s feet under the blanket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s starting to shiver, please, would you tell Hop Sing to send up some warm blankets?\u201d Ben asked as he pulled a chair up to the side of the bed. He leaned down, placed the back of his hand to Joe\u2019s brow and then let out a long sigh, at least the boy wasn\u2019t running a fever, he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was on his way from the kitchen with the blankets that Hop Sing had warmed for him when the opening of the front door stopped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Hoss greeted, \u201chow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFreezing, and he looks like a gigantic prune, his entire body is wrinkled. I have to take these blankets up for him, to try to warm him up a bit,\u201d replied Adam as he moved on toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we over did it tonight, Hoss. I\u2019m afraid Joe may be sick over this,\u201d he whispered as he neared the opened bedroom door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLordy, Adam, I\u2019ll never forgive myself if anythin\u2019 happens to that boy,\u201d groaned Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d cautioned Adam, slipping into his brother\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere Pa, Hop Sing has more blankets warming if we need them,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you son,\u201d Ben said as he pulled back the blanket covering his sleeping son and then, with Adam\u2019s help, unfolded the warm blanket and spread it out across Joe\u2019s trembling body. They opened the second warmed blanket and did the same and then covered both with the first blanket. Ben was careful to tuck in all the edges so that none of the warmth could escape. When he finished, he sat down in the chair and let out a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI should have never let him stay in that tank for so long. He\u2019s going to be sick and it\u2019s all my fault,\u201d whispered Ben, turning to look up at his two sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with the two of you?\u201d he asked, seeing the worried expressions on their faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019\u2026\u2019ceptin\u2019 Joe gettin\u2019 sick,\u201d stammered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh don\u2019t worry, son, I was just thinking out loud,\u201d Ben said, quick to console his middle son, who worried about anything and everything where his little brother was concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam said, glancing at Hoss and then back at his father. It was time to confess and Adam knew that Hoss would never be able to get the confession out, so he jumped right to the point. \u201cIt won\u2019t be your fault if Joe gets sick\u2026it\u2019s mine,\u201d confessed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked startled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd mine\u2026and a lot of other people\u2019s fault as well, but not yours,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, your fault, and yours,\u201d he said, pointing to Adam. \u201cAnd what does everyone else have to do with whether or not Joe gets sick? And who is everyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gulped and glanced at Adam, he was silent for several moments before speaking up. \u201cHmm\u2026you tell him, Adam, you\u2019re better with words than I am,\u201d Hoss floundered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should go downstairs,\u201d suggested Adam. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to wake him up,\u201d he said, nodding his head toward Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what this is all about, but I have a feeling, I\u2019m not about to hear something that will please me,\u201d Ben muttered, rising from his chair and following Adam and Hoss out into the hall. Before Ben pulled the door closed, he glanced one last time into the room to be sure that Joe was sleeping soundly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three made their way down to the great room, and when Ben had reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, what was it that you were going to say that you felt so important that we had to come down here?\u201d Ben asked, noting the way that both boys glanced from one to the other yet refused to look at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it was like this\u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, like this\u2026\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what? Would you two please start making sense and tell me what in the world is going on here?\u201d scolded Ben, taking a seat in his red leather chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we, Hoss and I and some of Joe\u2019s friends, one\u2019s that he has played his jokes on, fixed the dunking tank especially for Joe\u2026\u201d Adam started to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up, his hands stuffed into his pockets as he eyed his sons. \u201cWait a minute, are you saying, this whole dunking booth was planned for your brother? For heaven\u2019s sake, why?\u201d he stammered when Adam and Hoss nodded their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a joke, Pa\u2026that\u2019s all,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo give everyone a chance to get back at the boy for the practical jokes he\u2019s played on everyone,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThe dunking booth was my idea, I confess.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it was my idea to have someone volunteer Joe for the job,\u201d Hoss said, pinching his lips tightly together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t know it would get so out of hand. We thought only a few of his closest friends would take a turn dunking him, we didn\u2019t plan on half the townsfolk getting in on the action,\u201d said Adam, plopping down in his blue chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sorry, Pa. We never meant for Joe to get sick\u2026we didn\u2019t think\u2026\u201d began Hoss, feeling very remorseful for his part in suckering his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! You didn\u2019t think!\u201d shouted Ben, and then, remembering his sleeping son, lowered his voice. \u201cI don\u2019t believe you two, oh I understand trying to get even, but to have all of your brother\u2019s friends to go along with you? This is worse than anything Joe has done to the lot of you!\u201d stormed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He edged his way around the furniture and Hoss and stopped at the bottom of the steps and turned back to face his apologetic sons. His eyes had turned dark and when he spoke, he waved his pointer finger in the air at them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand me, if you brother gets sick, each of you will take time about doing his chores for one solid month! Do I make myself clear?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss lowered his head, reminding his father of the times his middle son had done the same thing as a boy. Adam\u2019s lips formed a fine straight line across his face, but he nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now I\u2019m going up to sit with your brother, I would suggest to the two of you that each of you find something useful to do with your spare time, for I have a feeling that you won\u2019t have much of it left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and started back up the steps, unaware of the pitter-patter of footsteps that ran silently down the hall. The boy jumped back into the bed, pulled the blankets up to his chin, and by the time that his father sat down in the chair next to his bed, Joe could have truly been sound asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was all that Joe could do to keep from bursting out laughing. So, his brother\u2019s had set a trap for him and he had stepped right into the middle of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh, just wait,\u2019 thought Joe, \u2018this snare you\u2019ve set for yourself, all I have to do is wait until the time is right and then spring the trap.\u2019 Joe grinned to himself\u2026and he thought that he had been such a good sport, too!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He heard his father as Ben crossed the room, and quickly closed his eyes, faking sleep. He almost flinched when Ben\u2019s hand pressed against his forehead, checking for fever. And when Ben sighed and sat down, Joe chanced a small smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 he thought, \u2018this entire dunking tank scheme had been planned by his brothers and his friends to get back at him for his practical jokes and not to benefit the church,\u2019 Joe surmised, \u2018and now those same two brothers were worried that he\u2019d be sick. Serves them right,\u2019 smiled Joe. \u2018How many of his friends were in on the joke? Mitch was, for sure,\u2019 Joe figured. \u2018And Cindy?\u2019 Joe really hated to think of the pretty faced young woman taking advantage of him in such a way. \u2018They\u2019re all ruthless,\u2019 Joe summed up. \u2018I have to think of some way to even with them, but what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe suddenly sneezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben whispered as he leaned over the bed, searching for his son\u2019s face in the dim glow of the lamp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026\u201dmuttered Joe, hoping his father had not realized that he wasn\u2019t really sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay, son?\u201d murmured Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSleepy,\u201d Joe moaned, softly, keeping his eyes closed tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest then son, Pa\u2019s right here,\u201d Ben whispered as he brushed at the locks of hair that had fallen to Joe\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026okay, Pa\u2026night,\u201d Joe said, drifting off into loll-loll land for real.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Joe made his appearance at the breakfast table the next morning, he had decided what he would do to get back at everyone for their part in the practical joke that had left him water logged. One look at his two brothers, as he sat down in his seat, told him what he needed to know. They were worried about his health!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning son,\u201d smiled Ben, greeting his youngest as Joe slipped into his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d Joe said, lowering his voice too barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Short Shanks\u2026what\u2019s wrong with your voice?\u201d Hoss inquired, casting worried eyes at Joe and then at Adam and back to his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a point to clear his throat, and forced a smile, \u201cToo much water, I reckon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t feeling poorly, are you little buddy?\u201d Adam hurried to ask; suddenly ashamed of what he had conspired to do to the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw,\u201d Joe said, giving Adam a pathetic glance, and hearing his brother sigh in relief, \u201cleastwise, not too poorly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes darted from Joe to Hoss and then to their father. Joe almost burst out loud laughing at the startled look on his brothers\u2019 faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I\u2019m just still tired from all that dunking I took yesterday. The water sure was cold,\u201d Joe hinted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his youngest son intently, and tried to determine just how poorly the boy was feeling. Before he could ask, Joe sneezed, surprising them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Joe said. He was just as surprised as the others, he hadn\u2019t expected to sneeze; but he smiled to himself for the timing was perfect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGod bless you,\u201d Ben said quickly. \u201cJoseph, perhaps you should rest up some today. Since you aren\u2019t feeling well, maybe you should go back to bed. I can have Hop Sing fix you something on a tray and have it brought up to you,\u201d suggested Ben, worried now that Joe was sicker than he was letting on to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced around the table and then turned to his father. \u201cI\u2019d love nothing better Pa, but I have chores to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone sense, you\u2019re brothers won\u2019t mind doing them for you, will you boys?\u201d Ben said, turning to Adam and Hoss, his eyes dark and brooding, and telling both that they had better agree with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, course not Short Shanks, Pa\u2019s right, maybe ya better just go back to bed,\u201d Hoss spoke up first to agree.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do your chores for you\u2026today,\u201d Adam agreed at last, glancing at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I just want you to know, that I think you were a good sport\u2026about yesterday I mean. The dunking booth took in more money than what the main entrance fee brought in. You are a hero, as far as the church community is concerned,\u201d smiled Adam. \u201cAnd, as far as I am concerned, I don\u2019t think I could have been so accommodating as you were.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Joe said, honestly surprised at his oldest brother\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I wouldn\u2019t joke around about a thing like that,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201c I\u2019m proud of you kid,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I short shanks,\u201d smiled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that makes three of us, son. Now, back to bed with you\u2026I don\u2019t want you sick, and I\u2019m sure your brothers don\u2019t either,\u201d Ben said seriously, glancing at his two oldest sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026really, I\u2019ll do my chores first and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a stern face and pointed toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay, I\u2019m going,\u201d laughed Joe and then sneezed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay awake, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Funny, he thought, he\u2019d never noticed how the chink between the wide boards over his bed, seemed to make patterns on the high ceilings. He studied them intently for several moments and then flipped over on his side trying to get comfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had just peered out the window and had watched as Adam and Hoss worked about in the yard and barn. Joe\u2019s conscience bothered him just a mite; he really was feeling worse than when he had first gotten up, but not to the point that he should have been in bed. At first Joe sort of liked the idea of staying in bed all day and letting his conniving brothers do his chores, but the day had dragged by slowly and he was bored. And he had sneezed repeatedly, and when he swallowed, he felt the burning sensation in the back of his throat. He wished he had company, anyone with whom he could just talk with, but being short handed, his family was having to take more time to do all the yard and barn chores.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly a light rapping at his door caused Joe to jump. He quickly pulled the cover up to hide his half-naked body and then called gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s opened, come in,\u201d he said, his voice growing hoarse now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Little Joe,\u201d Mitch said from the doorway where he was peeking around the corner of the door. \u201cMind if I come in and sit a spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe straightened himself up in the bed, and cleared his throat; it still burned. \u201cNaw, come on in,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch eased slowly into the room and took a seat in the chair close to the bed. \u201cI didn\u2019t know if\u2019n ya would see me or not,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned slightly, \u201cWhy would you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, after yesterday\u2026you know, I dunked ya quite a few times and I thought perhaps\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was mad?\u201d Joe sneezed and had to wipe his nose. \u201cI ain\u2019t mad at you,\u201d he said, swiping his nose a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa pa said he thought ya was getting\u2019 sick. He said you shouldn\u2019t have been in that cold water as long as ya was,\u201d Mitch said. He glanced at Joe and watched how his friend crinkled up his face every time he swallowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa throat hurtin\u2019 Joe?\u201d he asked out of curiosity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved his hand to this throat and rubbed gently, nodding his head. \u201cYeah, it burns and feels scratchy. But hey, it will be okay, it ain\u2019t nothing,\u201d Joe said as he sneezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay Joe, I was wonderin\u2019 sumthin\u2019,\u201d began Mitch. \u201cI feel really bad about what I dun to ya yesterday, and I was thinkin\u2019, maybe I could make it up to ya somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and then cleared his scratchy throat. \u201cCould you pour me a glass of water?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch smiled and stood to his feet. \u201cSure,\u201d he agreed, grabbing the pitcher and pouring Joe a glass of water. \u201cHere,\u201d he said as he turned and handed Joe the glass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mitch,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned the glass upward and took a long drink, watching his friend over the rim of the glass. \u201cWould you mind going down to the kitchen and asking Hop Sing to fix me some soup? I could use a bite of something to eat,\u201d Joe asked in a raspy voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d Mitch smiled and hurried from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned and placed the glass on the table beside the bed. \u201cThis might be fun after all, I\u2019ll have them all hopping by the time they realize that I\u2019m not really sick. Ole Joe Cartwright will have the last laugh after all,\u201d he said in a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch came back minutes later with a tray of soup and a small pot of coffee and set the tray across Joe\u2019s lap. As he backed up, he smiled down at his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you mind fluffing my pillows?\u201d Joe smiled pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch quickly did as asked and when he\u2019d finished, he stood back, as if waiting for his next order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mitch, you\u2019re such a good friend,\u201d Joe said, and then sneezed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Mitch had his back turned, Joe quickly slipped his silverware under the covers. \u201cHey, Mitch,\u201d Joe said in his raspy voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch turned from the window, \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow am I suppose to eat this soup? You forgot to get me a spoon,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did?\u201d asked Mitch, surprised as he moved closer to the bed and looked down at Joe\u2019s tray. \u201cI could have sworn I grabbed a spoon and laid it right there,\u201d Mitch said, moving things around on the tray.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t there,\u201d whispered Joe. \u201cDo you mind? I mean, I don\u2019t like cold soup.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, course not, I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d answered Mitch heading for the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t refrain from snickering, \u2018serves ya right, friend.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Mitch returned, Joe was busy eating his soup. His friend stopped dead in his tracks, staring opened-eyed at the spoon that Joe held in his left hand. Joe smiled brightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust have slipped off the tray when you set it down, I found the spoon here under the corner of the blanket,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d sighed Mitch, \u201cgood thing, I\u2019m wearing myself out, running up and down those stairs, how do you manage it all the time?\u201d he asked, flopping down in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I\u2019m just used to it,\u201d Joe said between bites. \u201cSay Mitch, I hate to ask you to do anything else for me, but this coffee is cold, would you mind asking Hop Sing for a fresh pot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, he was almost sorry that he\u2019d stopped by to visit his best friend.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNaw, I\u2019ll get it for ya, and then I guess I\u2019d better be getting\u2019 on home, my Pa wanted me to help him\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo some chores?\u201d Joe supplied, hiding his smile behind his napkin as he wiped his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, some chores, that\u2019s it Little Joe, my Pa needed me to help him with the chores,\u201d muttered Mitch, grabbing the pot of cold coffee and practically running from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Mitch was out of hearing range, Joe began to giggle. When he heard his friend\u2019s heavy footsteps coming back up the stairs, Joe snuggled his head down into his pillow and closed his eyes. He heard Mitch stop in the doorway and gasp loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, dadburnit,\u201d Joe heard Mitch grumble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was aware when Mitch crossed the room and lifted the tray from his lap and then leave the room quietly. Joe began to laugh and laughed so hard that tears began to fill his eyes. When he finally stopped, Joe crawled from the bed and hurried to the window to peek outside. Mitch was saying good bye to Adam and Hoss and when he rounded the corner of the barn on his way home, Joe giggled again. When he spied his father starting toward the house, Joe ran back to his bed and covered up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In just a few minutes, Joe heard his father open the door. Slowly, as if he\u2019d been sleeping, Joe opened his eyes. \u201cOh, hi Pa,\u201d he smiled sheepishly. \u201cWhere\u2019s Mitch?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mitch went home, son. He said you fell asleep, how are you feeling?\u201d Ben asked, taking the chair that Mitch had tried so hard to sit in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Pa,\u201d Joe answered, aware that his voice had gotten raspier and that his throat seemed to be getting scratchier also.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d said his father, standing and placing his hand to Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cI think you\u2019re running a bit of a fever,\u201d Ben decided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, to be honest Pa, my throat does hurt just a little,\u201d confessed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so, I could tell by the way your voice is sounding. Do you hurt anywhere else?\u201d Ben questioned as his concern mounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I\u2019m just tired,\u201d answered Joe honestly. He was hoping that he wasn\u2019t really going to be sick.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be alright, Pa\u2026I just need to rest a little more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son, but I\u2019m going to have Hop Sing fix you a mustard pack for that sore throat,\u201d Ben informed his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa\u2026that stuff stinks to high heaven!\u201d Joe fussed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, it works, now you get back under those covers and I\u2019ll be back shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the disgusted look on his son\u2019s face and then patted Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t look so sad, little boy, you have everyone in this house jumping and hopping for you as it is. Why even Mitch said you had him running to and fro from the kitchen to your bedside. You are quite a charmer, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched how his father\u2019s eyes danced when he spoke and for a brief moment, Joe wondered if his father knew what he was doing, and in that same instant, Joe almost confessed his conspiracy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026oh hey little brother, ya awake,\u201d smiled Hoss as he slipped into the room. \u201cHow ya feelin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced from his brother to his father and back to Hoss. \u201cNot too well, Pa thinks I\u2019ve started running a temperature, but I ain\u2019t so sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHate to hear that Short Shanks, anythin\u2019 I can do fur ya?\u201d Hoss asked, pressing his large hand against his brother\u2019s brow to check for himself whether or not Joe was running a fever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems fine to me Pa,\u201d Hoss said, turning to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll just keep an eye on him for the next day or so, until then, I want you and Adam to do the boy\u2019s chores, he\u2019s not allowed out of that bed until I decide for sure just how ill he is,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t help but screw up his face, he had plenty of work to do without having to add half of his brother\u2019s chores to his own work list. But then he blamed himself in part for Joe being sick in the first place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, no problem\u2026much,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you want me for, son?\u201d Ben inquired of Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked puzzled and scratched his head. \u201cDanged if I know, I plum forgot what I came up here fur.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, while you\u2019re busy thinking big brother, would you mind doing me a favor?\u201d asked Joe sweetly, giving his brother a half smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, reckon not. What\u2019cha need, little brother?\u201d Hoss asked, turning his attention back to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering Hoss\u2026I was suppose to take Cindy on a picnic after church tomorrow, and now I can\u2019t go. I was wondering if you\u2019d mind riding into town and telling her that I\u2019m sick in bed and feeling pretty down and out about having to break our date?\u201d Joe said. \u201cMaybe you could hint that she might come by and visit me?\u201d he said slyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I gotta ride into town this afternoon anyway\u2026if\u2019n I can finish all those chores. But I\u2019ll make a point of goin\u2019 by and tellin\u2019 her fur ya,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d smiled Joe, snuggling deeper into his pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll finish up in the barn and then be on my way, see ya later Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss said as he tossed his arm in the air, waving bye. \u201cOh Pa,\u201d he said, turning back around, \u201cI remember what it was, Adam asked to see ya, he\u2019s down in the corral.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell him I\u2019ll be down in a minute, I want to talk to Joe first,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hoss,\u201d Joe called in his hoarse voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d began Ben, smiling as he sat down in the chair. \u201cI was wondering something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that Pa?\u201d croaked Joe, having to cover his nose because he began sneezing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBless you,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, what were you wondering about, Pa?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his son\u2019s face and saw the pained expression when Joe sneezed, or cleared his throat and decided not to voice his suspicions, that perhaps the boy was faking his sickness, for it did appear that his son was feeling poorly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled suddenly and stood to his feet, giving Joe a little pat on the arm. \u201cNever mind son, it wasn\u2019t anything important. You rest while I go see what Adam needed. Hop Sing will be here in a few minutes with his mustard plaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYuk,\u201d mumbled Joe as his father turned to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but smile, nor could he blame the boy, he hated those plasters every bit as much as his son hated them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed and turned. When he finally woke, it was the middle of the night, and his throat felt as if it were on fire. When Joe coughed, he was quick to wrap his hand around his sore throat, and his face twisted into distorted configurations because of the burning sensations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d he called out, though his voice was so raspy that the word was nothing more than a mere whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed back the blankets, he was hot, and tiny beads of perspiration had dotted his brow. He needed a drink to cool himself, even his insides felt as if someone had started a smoldering fire in his lungs. Joe hadn\u2019t realized how badly he felt, until he stood to his feet. His head throbbed, and unexpectedly the room began to spin. Joe stumbled across the floor searching in the dark for the chair. His hands groped for something to cling too as Joe flounder around in the dark knocking over the china basin on the bedside table and sending it crashing to the floor where it broke into several pieces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shattering of glass brought Ben from his warm bed. As he started for his door he stopped and grabbed the pistol that he kept hidden in the drawer next to his bed. As he ran into the hall he nearly collided with Adam who stood barefooted with just his trousers on, a pistol in his hand as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds as if someone is ransacking the house!\u201d whispered Ben, easing cautiously down the hall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sounds of someone falling drew their attention to Joe\u2019s room. \u201cIt\u2019s coming from Joe\u2019s room,\u201d Adam said, hurrying to the door where he stopped and pressed his ear against the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d cried Adam as he pushed the door opened and stepped into the dark room. \u201cJoe?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was right on his son\u2019s heels as he followed Adam inside. \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here Pa,\u201d said Adam, dashing to the other side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay crumbled in a heap on the floor with his eyes pressed tightly shut. Adam quickly turned his brother over so that he could see Joe\u2019s face. On the side of Joe\u2019s forehead, Adam could see blood oozing from a small cut where Joe had hit his head on the corner of the table when he fell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised the wick in the lamp to bring light into the room and then hurried around the bed where he could hear his youngest son moaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s hit his head Pa and he\u2019s burning up with fever. Help me get him back in the bed,\u201d said Adam as he slipped his arms beneath Joe\u2019s body and with his father\u2019s help they put the boy back into bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat on the edge of the bed taking Joe\u2019s hand in his. \u201cAdam, pour me some water and get me a cloth so that I can bathe his face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026can you hear me son?\u201d Ben cooed, brushing back the damp strands of hair that had plastered themselves to the boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe opened his eyes. He could barely make out his father\u2019s face before him. \u201cPa?\u201d moaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son. You\u2019re going to be okay, you must have tripped when you got up,\u201d Ben whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWater\u2026my throat\u2026burns,\u201d Joe murmured, pressing his hand to his throat. \u201cAnd my head\u2026it\u2019s pounding. I was trying\u2026to get a\u2026drink,\u201d explained Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go Little Buddy,\u201d Adam said as he handed his father the damp cloth and offered the glass of water to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben helped Joe raise into a sitting position and held the glass until he was ready to get a drink. Once Joe had satisfied his thirst, Ben placed the glass on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLay down son, you\u2019re burning up with fever,\u201d Ben said as he placed the cool cloth back on Joe\u2019s brow. \u201cI\u2019m sending your brother to town for the doctor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe whispered, \u201cIt\u2019s not even light, just wait until daybreak, Pa\u2026I\u2019ll be okay until then,\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Adam; his oldest son shrugged his shoulders. \u201cCan\u2019t do any harm, we can keep him bathed off, and I\u2019ll wake Hop Sing and have him fix another plaster for his throat,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you sure son\u2026cause if not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine until then\u2026it\u2019s my throat\u2026and my head,\u201d the boy groaned as he closed his eyes. \u201cOh\u2026\u201d he whispered, unaware that he had spoken aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, wake Hop Sing and asked him to come up here, he\u2019ll know what to do until we can get Paul out here. Joe needs some relief for this headache,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d Adam answered, turning to leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben got up and followed his son out into the hallway. \u201cI want you to wake Hoss and send him into town for the doctor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were going to wait until day break to\u2026\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what I said, but his fever is too high to suit me and I\u2019m worried about his throat, not to mention his head\u2026and besides, by the time you get Hoss awake enough to know what\u2019s going on, and he gets to town, it will be nearly morning. Now please son, go on,\u201d Ben instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right, it\u2019ll take a blast of dynamite to wake Hoss this time of night,\u201d Adam snickered and then patted his father\u2019s arm. \u201cIf I can\u2019t get the big galoot to wake up, I\u2019ll go myself,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Adam, now please, hurry,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had finally given up any hope of waking his middle brother, and so, after waking Hop Sing and explaining to the faithful servant what his father needed, Adam hurried to the barn to saddle his horse. He would go himself, though he had not even closed his eyes to sleep he felt responsible for his little brother\u2019s illness. He chided himself for having even thought up the idea in the first place and now, he felt as if he owed his brother something.<\/p>\n

\u2018Somehow,\u2019 thought Adam, \u2018I\u2019ll make it up to the boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he rode along in the moonlight he recalled his father\u2019s words that if Joe were to get sick over the dunking booth incident, he and Hoss would be required to do Joe\u2019s chores for a month.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, that\u2019s fair,\u2019 thought Adam, \u2018but I want to do more for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pondered several ideas as to how he and Hoss could make up with Joe. First and foremost, when the boy was well again, they would have to face the lad and admit that they had set him up, along with most of his friends and then they\u2019d have to offer an apology to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Great,\u2019 judged Adam, \u2018the kid will never let us hear the end of this one. I can just hear him now\u2026first you try to drown me and then you try to kill me! Yep,\u2019 smiled Adam to himself, \u2018that\u2019s just what Little Joe will say, I\u2019d stake my life on it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was just after daybreak that Adam and Doc Martin entered the house. Even before they started up the stairs they could hear the pitiful moaning coming from Joe\u2019s bedroom. Adam looked, with fearful eyes, at the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be lots worse,\u201d he said, silently cursing himself for being so foolish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul had quickly removed his coat and was already on his way to his patient\u2019s bedroom. He pushed opened the door without even taking the time to knock and rushed to Joe\u2019s bedside. Ben and Hoss both were leaned over the youngest family member, each grasping a shoulder and trying to keep the boy from throwing himself into the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, am I glad to see you,\u201d muttered Ben, \u201che\u2019s hot, Paul, much, much too hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove aside,\u201d ordered the doctor, taking Hoss\u2019 place next to Ben, who still held Joe down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stepped back next to Adam and watched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, we need to strip him off and bathe him down in cool water.\u201d The doctor turned to Hop Sing, \u201cget us plenty of cool water, I want it drawn fresh from the well, and sink that bucket to the bottom, the water will be cooler,\u201d ordered Paul as he tossed back the covers and began pulling off Joe\u2019s night shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEither give us a hand or get out,\u201d Paul ordered Adam and Hoss sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, go help Hop Sing draw some water, I\u2019ll find fresh linens,\u201d Adam quickly barked out the orders as he turned from the room in search of fresh sheets and more towels. He\u2019d make sure there were blankets in the warming oven. Though Joe\u2019s fever was high, Adam knew that his brother would be chilled after suffering through a near cold bath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was right in his assumption, for by the time he returned with fresh linens and towels, Paul and his father had already begun to bathe Joe in the cool water. Adam watched, horrified, as Joe\u2019s body trembled. Before his very eyes, Adam could see the thousands of tiny goose bumps that popped up over practically every inch of his brother\u2019s flaming flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s cries that he uttered broke his older brother\u2019s heart. Joe tossed his body around in the bed, trying to break free of the restraining, yet loving arms of his father as Ben held him down so that the caring doctor could finish with his bathing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026cold\u2026\u201d wept Joe. \u201cPlease\u2026stop,\u201d he said, his lips began turning a light shade of blue and his chin started quivering from the coolness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026we\u2019re about finished, son,\u201d soothed Ben gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, bring me those blankets,\u201d Paul said. \u201cBen, we\u2019ll wrap him in these for now, once his body warms up, we won\u2019t need them because he\u2019ll only grow too hot again. Hoss,\u201d Paul said over his shoulder when he spied Ben\u2019s middle son enter the room. \u201cPlease, fetch me some chopped up ice, I think if Joe will suck on it, it will help to soothe his throat,\u201d said the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The big man spun around on his heels and hurried to the kitchen. He felt as bad, probably worse, than his big brother about what they had done to get even with Joe for his infernal jokes. At first Hoss had thought the idea a good one, but as that day wore on, he had seen how weary his younger brother had grown and now, he wished he had never let Adam and Mitch talk him into doing what they had done. The price Joe was paying now was too much in Hoss\u2019 way of thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The long hours passed slowly as Joe\u2019s family and the doctor labored to bring down his fever. Ben lost count of the times that they were forced into changing the wet linens from where Joe\u2019s sweat drenched body had dampened the sheets. Hoss continued to haul water from the well and Adam and Hop Sing took turns with Ben and Paul bathing the youngest family member to keep his temperature from soaring any higher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s cough had worsened and Paul had instructed the family to build a breathing tent, fashioned with blankets that hung from the ceiling and draped across the patient\u2019s bed. Once that was done, Paul order pans of boiling water brought into the room and placed carefully beneath the tent where Joe lay, gasping for each breath that he drew. Ben shared the task of gently but firmly pounding on Joe\u2019s back, a technique used to help break free the phlegm and mucus that had collected in the lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe coughed for what seemed like hours to his worried father. The cough, dry and hacking at first finally began to produce the needed results. But each time that Joe was forced into a sitting position, leaning wearily against his father while the doctor took his turn to pound on the patient\u2019s back, Joe would whimper and cry from the unpleasantness of the treatment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026no\u2026Pa\u2026not again,\u201d Joe would beg between bouts of coughing and hacking. \u201cHurts\u2026\u201d he\u2019d cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, I know, but it has to be done,\u201d whispered Ben, tenderly caressing his son\u2019s cheek as Doc Martin worked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep coughing that stuff up young man, and you\u2019ll be fine,\u201d assured the caring physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy throat\u2026I can\u2019t cough\u2026much more\u2026makes my throat\u2026burn like\u2026fire,\u201d Joe tried to tell them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, but just a little more and I\u2019ll give you something for that,\u201d Doc Martin explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026please\u2026I can\u2019t\u2026no more\u2026\u201d Joe pleaded as his eyes sought for his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart melted when he saw the tears that had accumulated in the hazel eyes and threatened to spill over. Ben glanced up at the doctor, his own eyes slowly beginning to water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Ben, we\u2019ll stop for a spell,\u201d Paul said softly. \u201cJoe, I want you to lay back now, and be still son, I\u2019m going to have your brothers put more steaming water under here, it will help you breath better,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Doc,\u201d whispered Joe, doing as instructed and laying back, closing his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, open your eyes, for just a minute,\u201d Ben said as he stuck his head beneath the tent. \u201cOpen your mouth,\u201d Ben ordered when Joe had his eyes opened. \u201cDoc wants you to take this, it will help with the sore throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe complied without the usual fuss. He opened his mouth, swallowed and without a word, closed his eyes. Within minutes, he was asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll sit with him a spell Pa, why don\u2019t you go get some rest,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, son, I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019ve been at this for hours, now please, I promise to wake you if he asks for you. I don\u2019t want you sick, too,\u201d Adam scolded gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy\u2019s right Ben, go to bed, doctor\u2019s orders,\u201d smiled Paul. \u201cI\u2019ll be downstairs in the spare room, Adam you call both of us if Joe should need anything, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head in agreement. \u201cI will, I promise,\u201d he said, looking at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll rest, but you had better call me son,\u201d Ben said as he glanced back at the tent that now hid his son from view. \u201cDon\u2019t leave him, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed his father\u2019s gaze and then glanced back at Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, I won\u2019t,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s condition varied from hour to hour. Several times it appeared as if his fever might break but then just as soon as the family\u2019s hope began climbing, the fever would begin an upward climb and then they all would be busy bathing Joe\u2019s fevered flesh once again. Most of the time Joe either slept or was so disorientated that he would fight against the hands that administered the tender care.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s friends had received word of his illness and several had stopped by, hoping to get a chance for a short visit, but Joe was too ill to receive visitors. Mitch came by for a second visit, hoping to tell Joe how sorry he was. Cindy Hamilton, when she learned that Mitch was going to visit Joe, decided to accompany Mitch and rode along with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, I\u2019m so ashamed of myself. I can\u2019t believe that I let you and Hoss and Mitch talk me into doing such a cruel thing to Little Joe,\u201d Cindy fumed. \u201cJoe will never forgive me when he finds out what I\u2019ve done, or any of us for that matter,\u201d she scolded as she sat with Adam, Hoss and Mitch on the side porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I\u2019ve not thought of that? I\u2019m every much as ashamed of myself as the rest of you are, it was my idea, think about how that makes me feel,\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was angry with himself, and as Cindy stated, ashamed. Every time he walked into his brother\u2019s room and listened to the hacking cough and watched how Joe labored for every breath, Adam hated himself a little more. He\u2019d even wondered how he\u2019d ever be able to live with himself, should the worst happen, and Joe not pull through. His father would never forgive him; he\u2019d never be able to forgive himself for that matter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who sat across from his older brother, could almost read Adam\u2019s thoughts, for his was much the same. He\u2019d always, ever since they had been kids, he had been Joe\u2019s protector, protecting him from life\u2019s unpleasantness, from bullies, and ruffians, and had on many occasions, taken the blame for his brother in something that the pair had inspired to do that had led them into trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to do something to make up for what we\u2019ve done,\u201d said Adam, breaking the silence that had fallen upon the group. \u201cAny ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d Cindy questioned. \u201cWe can\u2019t do anything right now, not with him still sick. Oh Adam, he is going to get well, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes flashed from Hoss to Mitch and then back to his brother\u2019s girl. It was as if she\u2019d been sitting there, reading his mind and the thoughts disturbed him, for in his heart he feared the worst. It had been nearly three days and Joe\u2019s condition had hardly changed. Joe was still confined to the tent, he had been reduced to tears from the continual pounding on his back, and to add to his misery, he had lost his voice entirely. And the fever refused to relinquish possession of Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had, had to help his father with the treatments, Paul having been called away on an emergency and Hoss taking care of chores, Hop Sing busy in the kitchen keeping water boiling on the stove, the unpleasant duty fell to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of the young woman\u2019s voice and the touch of her hand to his arm brought Adam\u2019s thoughts to the present.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d apologized Adam, \u201cI was thinking about Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Cindy said softly, the concern she felt showed in her eyes and in her tone of voice as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we wait until Joe is better before deciding on something. But whatever we do, it has to be something that all of us, you, me, Mitch, Hoss and the rest of Joe\u2019s friends can take part in as well,\u201d advised Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cMe and Adam \u2018specially, cause it\u2019s more our faults than anyone else\u2019s, being\u2019s how the idea was ours in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we went along with it, didn\u2019t we Cindy?\u201d Mitch questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we certainly did, and so did a lot of others, why I was shocked when I saw the sheriff in line, and even Clem\u2026and Doc Martin. I heard him tell Joe that he was going to dunk him once for every time that he had to crawl out of bed on a cold night to come out here, just to patch Joe up!\u201d Cindy told every one. \u201cAnd now here he is, Doc Martin, having to stay hours with Little Joe in order to get him better. Oh, poor man, he must feel simply awful!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe all do,\u201d Adam said flatly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe just got carried away, knocking Joe off that little seat. He mentioned several times about the water being so cold that his lips were turning blue, but no one paid him any mind. I know I didn\u2019t, I just laughed at him and told him it served him right for all the times he\u2019d suckered me,\u201d Mitch said. \u201cNow I wish I had of listened to him. And he wouldn\u2019t quit, not for a thing. I\u2019d of took his place, if\u2019n he had of, I wouldn\u2019t have minded, for a little while anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Adam smiled, surprising the small group, for no one had smiled in days. \u201cI have the perfect way for all of us to show Joe how sorry we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Mitch quizzed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, do tell,\u201d Cindy pleaded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh brother, here we go again. I\u2019ve seen that look before and ya see where it got us the last time,\u201d Hoss groaned, rolling his blue eyes back in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy, Adam and Mitch couldn\u2019t help but laugh at the expression on Hoss\u2019 face. The laughter had served it purpose, for Joe\u2019s family and friends felt their spirits lifted and new hope flickered within each heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Joe is well enough, here\u2019s what we are going to do\u2026\u201d said Adam, smiling, for he felt that his plan was the perfect way to say, \u2018we\u2019re sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fever raged for another day and a half. It was late into the evening when Ben first realized that his son had broken out in a cold sweat. Within minutes, he had summoned Hop Sing to help him with stripping the bed and remaking it with fresh linens. The boy\u2019s temperature peaked at last, his flesh was ablaze with heat that burned his father\u2019s hand, but just as quickly, the temperature began to subside and an hour later, Joe lay sleeping peacefully at long last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply and walked to the window. It was completely dark outside now and the stars had begun to twinkle brightly in the cloudless sky. Silently, Ben bowed his head and offered up a prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin arrived shortly afterwards, happy to see that his patient had taken a turn for the better and was destined for recovery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at the weary family. \u201cThe worst is over Ben, praise the Lord. Now, lots of rest and plenty of Hop Sing\u2019s good food should bring him up to par. I want him to stay in that bed for a couple of weeks, maybe less it he behaves himself\u2026which isn\u2019t likely,\u201d laughed the doctor teasingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that,\u201d muttered Joe in a strained voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Doc Martin turned to see Joe smiling weakly at them. \u201cDon\u2019t try to talk too much just yet Joe. Your throat has been very inflamed, and I don\u2019t want you straining your voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d whispered Joe and then clamped his lips tightly together when he saw Paul roll his eyes and shake his head at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he always manage to get in the last word?\u201d Paul asked, snickering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the time,\u201d laughed Ben, going to the bed and sitting down on the edge. He smiled down at his son, brushing back some stray locks of hair. \u201cJust knowing that he will be able to talk to me again, is enough reason to let him have the last word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled again when he saw Joe looking at him. \u201cWelcome back, son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pinched his lips together and nodded his head. When Joe placed his hand over his father\u2019s, Ben knew what Joe was trying to tell him, he was glad to be back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first week in bed, Joe did quite well, under the circumstances, but by the middle of the second week, Joe was fit to be tied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t I get up? I feel fine,\u201d he complained to his father, and to whichever brother happened to stop by for a visit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the doctor said to stay in the bed, that\u2019s why. Listen Joseph I am not taking any chances on a relapse. You don\u2019t realize just how sick you were, young man!\u201d Ben scolded, gently but firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He plopped down in the chair next to the bed. Joe\u2019s face had formed a frown and Ben felt sorry for his bedridden son. The boy had always hated being restricted to the bed when sick, and Ben couldn\u2019t blame him. Joe was full of energy and held a zest for life that was unmatched, and having to remain in bed, was for Joe, what jail was to the most harden of criminals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be but another day, two at the most son, and then Paul will let you get up for short periods of time,” Ben said encouragingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, it\u2019s been forever since I\u2019ve been outside, or even downstairs for that matter. Cain\u2019t I please, just sit at the table while we eat, or I\u2019d even be willing to lay on the settee, just let me out of this room, please\u2026Pa\u2026please?\u201d begged Joe, giving his father his most pathetic puppy dog look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his heart begin to melt, it was the same each time. Just one certain look from his youngest son, and Ben felt all his reserve start to crumble, and this time was no different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Pa\u2026I promise, I\u2019ll come back up here the minute you tell me too,\u201d whined Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t tell the Doc\u2026come on\u2026just for half an hour,\u201d urged Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t think\u2026at least not with your brain\u2026think with your heart, Pa\u2026\u201d Joe tempted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed; he couldn\u2019t help it. \u201cJoseph, what am I going to do with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go downstairs?\u201d smiled Joe, batting his long lashes for affect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeppee!\u201d shouted Joe, tossing back the blanket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait just a minute, young man,\u201d Ben nearly shouted. \u201cLet\u2019s set some rules, right here and now,\u201d he stated, stopping Joe from getting out of bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne hour, no more, no less\u2026and you will not put up an argument when your time is up\u2026And\u2026you will stay inside, not outside, agreed?\u201d Ben said, giving his son a steady glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d smiled Joe, grabbing for his trousers and slipping them on. He stood quickly to his feet and then stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Ben asked, seeing how Joe grabbed for the bedpost to steady himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI must have gotten up to quick,\u201d Joe said in a low voice. \u201cI\u2019m alright though, just got a little dizzy there for a second,\u201d Joe forced himself to stand up straight and give his father a smile. No way was he going to get back in that bed, not after having to fight for his freedom, he decided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he told his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked in front of his son, glancing over his shoulder every now and then to be sure that Joe remained steady on his feet. When he reached the last step, he raised his arm and pointed to the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit, I\u2019ll have Hop Sing bring us some sandwiches,\u201d Ben said and then as Joe took his appointed spot, Ben smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa,\u201d Joe said, returning the smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hour passed far too quickly for Joe. He had enjoyed sharing time with his father and he hated to admit it, but by the time that Ben ordered him back to bed, Joe was feeling worn out. Reluctantly, he stood to his feet, paused to steady himself before moving and then, with his father right beside him, slowly climbed the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben followed his son into his room and even pulled back the blanket, waiting for Joe to crawl into bed. Joe giggled and glanced up at this father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou still treat me as if I were your little boy,\u201d smiled Joe, even though he enjoyed the pampering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited until Joe was settled and then tucked the blanket around him. \u201cJoseph,\u201d said Ben, sitting on the edge of the bed, \u201cno matter how big you grow, or how old you live to be, you will always be my little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled again, he couldn\u2019t help it, it was times like this, when it was just his father and himself, alone, that Joe enjoyed the most. \u201cI know that Pa, and don\u2019t think for one minute that it bothers me, cause it doesn\u2019t. I like being your little boy, I like it when you do this for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had a puzzled look on his face. \u201cDo what son?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis, tuck me into bed, make sure I\u2019m comfortable, take care of me when I\u2019m sick, read to me\u2026\u201d Joe paused briefly. \u201cWill you read to me, please Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben groaned, but he wasn\u2019t put out with his son, for he enjoyed doing for the boy, all those things that he had called to mind. \u201cSure, what do you want me to read?\u201d asked Ben, rising and going to the bookcase. He started to pull a book from the shelf, but Joe stopped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot that one, the one next to it,\u201d suggested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d answered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at the title and began laughing. \u201cJoseph, how many times in your lifetime have either I or your brother Adam read this story to you?\u201d Ben moved the chair closer to the bed and sat down, opening the book to the first page.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I stopped counting a couple of years ago,\u201d laughed Joe. \u201cBut it\u2019s my favorite story, I\u2019ve never gotten tired of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, son, it\u2019s my favorite story too. There\u2019s just something about Moby Dick that keeps me wanting to read it over and over again,\u201d Ben said, giving Joe a smile as he made himself comfortable in the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had only read the first few pages when realized that Joe had grown still and when he glanced up, Ben smiled. Joe had fallen to sleep, his head pressed back against the pile of pillows; a tiny smile remained on his face as Ben closed the book and set it on the table. Carefully so as not to wake his son, Ben pulled the covers up that Joe had kicked down and gently tucked them in around the sleeping boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eased out of the room, closing the door gently behind him and then made his way downstairs. He\u2019d give Joe time to take a nap before supper and then if he wanted him to, Ben would read some more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the second week, Doc Martin had proclaimed Joe well enough that he could send more time out of bed and downstairs with his family. The warm June days had given him a chance to get out of doors and most afternoons were spent helping his father with the ledgers. They spent their time going over figures, sipping lemonade and enjoying each other\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad when Doc lets me get back to work,\u201d Joe said one late afternoon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, whose head had been bent over the ledgers, glanced up, surprised at his son\u2019s remark. \u201cThat\u2019s a first,\u201d Ben said softly, a smile beginning to show on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa\u2026\u201d giggled Joe. \u201cBut no kidding, I\u2019m bored sitting here day after day, trying to add up all these figures. This is more math than when I was in old Miss Jones\u2019 class at school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Miss Jones was a very good teacher, and a nice lady, I might add,\u201d Ben scolded gently. \u201cAnd\u2026I\u2019m sorry you are so bored, having to sit with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes quickly searched his father\u2019s face, worried that Ben had taken his comment the wrong way. When he saw his father smile, Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean I was bored with you, Pa\u2026I only meant\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but laugh at the expression on his son\u2019s face. \u201cI know what you meant Joseph, and I can\u2019t say that I blame you one bit. If I were as young as you, I\u2019d want to be up doing something besides this,\u201d Ben groaned and pointed at the books, \u201cthere has to be a better way to keep track of things than the way we do them. Why couldn\u2019t Adam have been an accountant instead of\u2026speaking of your brother, here he comes now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed back his chair and stood up. Joe turned, looking over his shoulder, surprised to see Adam and Hoss, plus a slew of his friends. Joe smiled, happy for a break from the bookkeeping and happy to have company, he met the small group of gathers as they dismounted their horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi ya, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d Cindy Hamilton smiled sweetly. \u201cDid you enjoy the cookies I baked for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at everyone, but his gaze had fixed on the lovely young woman. \u201cI sure did, thank you Cindy,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Little Brother, a bunch of us guys, and gals,\u201d he added, \u201c are getting together Saturday night over at the church. We was wonderin\u2019, ya wanna come?\u201d Hoss said, grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have sandwiches and desserts, please say you\u2019ll come,\u201d begged Cindy as she slipped her arm around Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure, that is if Doc says I\u2019m well enough. I\u2019d do about anything just to get away from here for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to his father who was standing next to Adam. \u201cWhat do you think, Pa? Reckon Doc will agree?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know son, why don\u2019t we ask him, here he comes now,\u201d said Ben as he moved to greet the physician who was just arriving in his buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi Paul,\u201d Ben called, holding the horse\u2019s halter while the doctor climbed down from the buggy. \u201cWhat brings you out this way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was about time to check out that youngest bear cub of yours, I\u2019d say it\u2019s getting pretty close to time to turn him loose,\u201d Paul grinned. \u201cYou are ready for things to get back to normal, aren\u2019t you Ben?\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost certainly, in fact, Joseph was just telling me how bored he was with my company,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Pa, you know that\u2019s not what I said, or what I meant!\u201d called Joe who had overheard what his father had said. Joe excused himself from his company and walked over to the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe gang was just wondering if I could go with them Saturday night to a social at the church. Reckon, it would be alright?\u201d inquired Joe, the hope showing in his expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor smiled at Joe and then turned to smile at his father. Joe missed the wink that passed between the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you keep doing what you\u2019re doing, until then. That\u2019s only two more days, then I see no reason why you can\u2019t join your friends,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Doc,\u201d Joe nearly shouted, causing everyone to turn and stare at him. \u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Come Saturday, Joe was ready to go before everyone else and very anxious to be on his way. He paced the floor in front of the fireplace until he all but wore himself out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, can\u2019t you two hurry it up some?\u201d he shouted from the bottom step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, son, your brothers will be down shortly,\u201d Ben snickered, putting his paper down on the table. \u201cYou know what? I think I\u2019ll get ready and ride over to the church myself. From what Adam and Hoss tell me, just about everybody in town will be there,\u201d Ben said, standing to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to his son, a puzzled look on his face. \u201cWhat do you mean, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is everyone in town going to be there? I thought it was just going to some of my friends, and Adam and Hoss?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s the way it started out son, but when everyone got wind that there was going to be a party of sorts, everyone started saying that they wanted to come, so I guess everyone is,\u201d laughed Ben. \u201cI sure don\u2019t want to be the only person in town not to show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed along with his father, \u201cI\u2019m glad that you\u2019re coming too, Pa. Hey,\u201d he said, turning to his brothers who had finally decided to join him. \u201cIt\u2019s about time you\u2019re ready. Come on, let\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said happily as he started to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights arrived in due time. The church was buzzing with people and Joe set about right away, to find his friends. \u201cCatch ya later, Pa,\u201d Joe called as he hurry off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay out of trouble, little boy!\u201d Ben called back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused and turned. When he saw his family laughing at him, he frowned back, but then smiled, so they would know that he wasn\u2019t really up set with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found Mitch, along with Seth and Cindy was there as well. They spent several minutes chatting and then wandered over to the buffet table, which had been loaded with food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow, would ya look at all of this?\u201d said Joe. \u201cSomeone really did plan for a party, and Pa was right, everyone in town is here. Look, there\u2019s Roy and Clem, Doc Martin, Dan from the Bar S ranch, and Jonesy, and look, even Bruno\u2019s here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced around the room, astonished to see practically everyone he knew. Suddenly, he remembered his manners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHungry?\u201d he asked Cindy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot right now, Little Joe. I think Adam and Hoss have a couple of surprises planned. We can eat afterwards,\u201d she suggested. \u201cOh look, here they come now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss joined his brother and the small circle of friends who had formed a ring around Joe, all ready to wish him well, and to let him know that they were happy to see him up and about once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled out a chair and surprised his brother by standing in it. \u201cIf I could have everyone\u2019s attention, please!\u201d he called from his perch. Everyone stopped talking and turned to Adam, waiting to hear what he had to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the room was quiet, Adam smiled. \u201cFirst of all, I want to thank everyone who came tonight, especially, my brother Hoss, Roy, Clem, Miss Hamilton, Doc Martin, Jonesy, Dan, Bruno, and even my father. But most of all, I want to say something to someone who means the world to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned then and faced his youngest brother, a look of seriousness on his handsome face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy kid brother, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes popped opened as he looked from one smiling face to the other and then back to Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are up to Big Brother?\u201d he asked softly, suddenly suspicious of everyone around him. He glanced around the room one more time, realizing that the ones there were the same ones that had spent an entire day dunking him in the dunking pool.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, little brother. All of us have something that we want to say to you. Your friends chose me as spokesman for the group, and in a minute, I\u2019ll explain why. But right now, I just want to tell you that I\u2019m glad to see you well again and I\u2019m happy that you can be up and round and that you\u2019re here tonight. See Joe, I have to confess something. It was my idea to have a dunking booth at the church festival\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it was my ideay Short Shanks, to have ya the person what got dunked,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cAnd it was my ideay to have one of your friends volunteer ya for the job,\u201d stammered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide as he looked at all the faces. \u201cAnd let me guess, it was your idea to volunteer me, right Mitch?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I let them talk me into it,\u201d his friend confessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u201d muttered Cindy, turning her blue eyes up at her beau. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026for slapping you, and for dunking you\u2026it was all part of the set up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were beginning to grow dark and a small frown had begun to ebb its way onto his brow. Ben watched with concern and when he saw the very slight quiver to his son\u2019s chin, he hurried to Joe\u2019s side and slipped his arm across the boy\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cut his eyes up at this father. \u201cWere you in on this, too?\u201d he said in a soft voice. \u201cYou were the first to dunk me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son, I didn\u2019t have any part in it, in fact, I didn\u2019t even know it was a pay back, until you got sick and your brothers told me about it,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved from his father\u2019s embrace and stepped up to the chair. When he looked up at Adam, his brother could see the sad expression in his younger brother\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d he whispered, trying to keep the tears from building up in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, when I thought up the idea, and told your friends about it, it was supposed to be to pay you back for all of the practical jokes you\u2019ve pulled on everyone. It wasn\u2019t meant to hurt you, and it certainly wasn\u2019t meant to make you sick. I\u2019m sorry Joe,\u201d Adam said as he stepped down from the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, too Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss said as he stood beside of Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I Joe,\u201d Mitch added, hanging his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, I\u2019m very sorry. Please forgive us?\u201d she begged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked from face to face and saw the remorse in each expression. He gritted his teeth and then smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I had it coming, sooner of later,\u201d he said lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joe, thank you,\u201d Cindy cried gleefully as she wrapped her arms about Joe\u2019s neck and kissed him squarely on the lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHEEE!\u201d the crowd shouted, laughing at the surprised look on Joe Cartwright\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we\u2026all of us here\u2026want you to know that we think you\u2019re a good sport, and for being such a good sport, we threw this party in your honor,\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor me?\u201d Joe\u2019s arm rested protectively around Cindy\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, and we have surprise for ya, too,\u201d Hoss told his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome out back with us,\u201d Mitch said as he waved his arm in the air signaling for the group to follow him outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group circled Joe and practically forced him along with them as they all filed through the door and out to the back of the church. When they got to a certain spot, Adam held his hand up, stopping the moving crowd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, come here, buddy,\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The crowd parted ways so give the honoree the freedom to move forward. Joe took two steps and stopped in his track, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t, not again!\u201d he said and started to back up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who had been behind his brother, stopped Joe before he could bolt and run off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold still short shanks,\u201d Hoss ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe fought against the hands that clasped his arms. He dug his feet into the dirt as his bigger brother pushed him forward. His friends were laughing, adding to Joe\u2019s doubts about what this mob, as he thought of them, were planning for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found his father standing next to the doctor and the sheriff; Ben was laughing as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Adam said when Hoss had finally managed to get Joe to the front of the group.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not getting back in that tank, Adam, no matter what you or anyone else says, I\u2019m not doing it!\u201d Joe growled at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He finally pulled free of Hoss strong fingers and backed up a step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got suckered once, you\u2019ll not sucker me a second time,\u201d he glared, glancing around. \u201cAll those jokes I played on everyone, never hurt the first person, no one nearly died because of them, but you, and you, and you\u2026all of you, darn near killed me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026shucks, little brother, this here ole tank ain\u2019t fur you! It\u2019s fur all of us!\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHeh?\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Joe.\u201d Roy Coffee pushed his way to the front of the crowd. \u201cWe, all of us here, felt so bad about what we dun to ya, that we got together to think of a way to let you pay us back. And this here dunking booth was the perfect thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I understand,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, turn around,\u201d he heard his brother Adam say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe turned, his mouth dropped opened in shock. Adam had stripped his shirt and his boots and was now perched on the little seat. One look into the deep tank and Joe could see that it had been filled with water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s eyes lit up with amusement and his face broke open with a big smile. Like a child, he rubbed both hands together in excitement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs this what I think it is?\u201d he laughed, his eyes on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep\u2026payback time, Little Brother. For everyone of us that dunked you, you get to dunk us, but it cost a dollar per person,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile disappeared as his eyes swept the room. \u201cI don\u2019t have that much money!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but we do,\u201d laughed Mitch. \u201cWe agreed that each one of us would put up a dollar for our own selves, just so that you could dunk us. The money goes into the church fund, just like last time,\u201d Mitch explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s makes your part in the church fundraising, the biggest contribution in the church\u2019s history, Little Joe,\u201d the minister told Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stunned, Joe was at a loss for words. He felt his father\u2019s arm on his back and looked up into the dark eyes, and then smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking back at his brother, who sat waiting in the little seat, Joe picked up the three balls that were offered to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI get three chances to dunk everyone who was in on the joke, right?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight, and since it was my idea, I\u2019ll go first,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sure he liked the gleam in his little brother\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou came back two or three times, didn\u2019t you\u2026big brother?\u201d Joe snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone laughed when they saw Adam gulp, but pandemonium broke out when they saw the handsome dark hair man drop beneath the water. Adam crawled back into his seat, only to be dunked a second and then a third time. When he finished, Mitch took the seat. Joe remembered that Mitch had taken two turns the night of the festival.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s aim was deadly; five out of six times Mitch was knocked into the water. Joe couldn\u2019t stop the laughter that spewed forth from deep within. This was better than anything he could have thought up to get everybody back for suckering him into their mean little joke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Mitch was finished, Roy climbed into the seat, and then Clem, after that, Doc Martin even took his turn. Dan from the neighboring ranch, and Seth, and when he finished, another and then another took their turns on the perch. It was obvious that everyone was having fun, and that the plan to give the youngest Cartwright his last laugh, had been a complete success.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The evening wore on until at last, only one person remained to take their turn. When Joe watched Cindy slowly glance down into the tank as she climbed the ladder, Joe wasn\u2019t sure whether or not he could go through with his sweet revenge. She looked so pitiful, thought Joe, and her dress was so pretty, he\u2019d hate to ruin it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCindy, you don\u2019t have to do this,\u201d Joe called as he watched the girl get comfortable on the little chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She glanced up at him, her eyes wide. \u201cYes I do, Little Joe\u2026I was in on the joke, too. It wouldn\u2019t be fair to the others if you let me off,\u201d she said weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and glanced around him; they really did expect him to dunk the beautiful daughter of the town\u2019s banker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure if I can, or not,\u201d Joe muttered, trying to put off for as long as possible, throwing the ball. He smiled to himself, he would throw the ball, but just as easily as he could hit the target, he could miss as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do what I know you are thinking little brother,\u201d called Adam. \u201cShe wants to do what\u2019s right, don\u2019t deny her the chance, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smiled died on his lips as he looked at Cindy with some doubt. \u201cHe\u2019s right Joe, throw the ball, or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr what?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr\u2026I\u2019ll not go to the next church social with you, or I won\u2019t dance with you at the next dance, or I\u2019ll not have Sunday dinner with you tomorrow or I won\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.SPLASH!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy bounced back to the surface, her hair falling to her shoulders, her dress floating over the top of her head, revealing her lace pantaloons. Joe nearly split a gut giggling as the crowd around him joined in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Cindy was seated on her perch, she glared at Joe. \u201cYou just wait, Little J\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SPLASH\u2026she was underwater for the second time. The third time, she neither smiled nor frowned. She refused to look at anyone and kept her eyes staring straight ahead, looking at nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe raised his arm to prepare to throw the third ball, he felt a hand grab his wrist. \u201cHold on a second, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to see who had stopped him. He was surprised to find Mr. Hamilton to be the one holding his wrist. For a moment, Joe was unsure as to the man\u2019s motive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive me the ball,\u201d he ordered Joe, which Joe complied with the man\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cindy\u2019s eyes had grown wide and she squirmed on her seat as she watched her father toss the ball up and down in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy, you wouldn\u2019t dare?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t I daughter? Remember the other day, before Little Joe got so sick, you said to me that he would never get the last laugh on you, because he\u2019d never believe that you would be part of anything so devious? Well, guess what sweetheart, he did believe it, isn\u2019t that right, Little Joe?\u201d Mr. Hamilton said as he turned and smiled at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, returning the little wicked grin. \u201cOh yes sir, my pa always told me that if you couldn\u2019t trust the local banker, you couldn\u2019t trust anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Cindy. \u201cOh Daddy, you didn\u2019t\u2026please tell me, you weren\u2019t the one who told him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my dear\u2026I felt it my duty. I wanted the boy to know what he was getting in to,\u201d laughed the banker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere Joe,\u201d he said, handing the last ball to the youngest Cartwright. \u201cHave the last laugh, on my daughter!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone, including Cindy burst into laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed the ball up in the air one last time and caught it in his opened hand. \u201cOne last laugh. I thank you, Mr. Hamilton.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ball whizzed past everyone\u2019s head and clanged against the lever, the seat dropped down and Miss Cindy Hamilton took a final dive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed one last time\u2026he was even\u2026and one up on his family and friends, cause he\u2019d gotten the last laugh after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

*Thanks to the vacation Bible school of Hopewell Baptist Church, Cleveland, TN. for having a dunking booth on commencement night and to my cousin, Brenda, for sharing the story of her son\u2019s experience in another tank\u2026and for being my inspiration for this story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Those who laugh last, laugh the hardest.\u00a0 Thus, Joe proves this statement to be true, but at what cost?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (18,200 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":5289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,4,41],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","category-hurtcomfort","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3635,"today_views":2},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":12313,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11916,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11916","url_meta":{"origin":12313,"position":1},"title":"Trouble ….again! (by Krystyna)","author":"Krystyna","date":"September 19, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben awaits an explanation, does he really want to know the ending? 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