{"id":12337,"date":"2001-11-01T18:31:06","date_gmt":"2001-11-01T23:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12337"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:13","slug":"sticks-and-stones-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12337","title":{"rendered":"Sticks and Stones (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0Name calling really does hurt. Adam helps Little Joe understand why people do such things and tries to help him over the hurt.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> \u00a0G (14,000 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sticks and Stones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben had just rounded the corner from the kitchen carrying in his hand a fresh cup of hot coffee when the front door burst open and Little Joe came running into the house. Joe nearly collided with his father, causing the older man to spill his coffee as he spun around to avoid getting hit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH,\u201d shouted Ben but the boy did not stop as he continued on this flight up the stairs. Adam, Joe\u2019s oldest brother was on his way down, a book in his hand and as Joe tried to pass him on the steps, Joe bumped into him. Adam dropped the book and in a reflex type action grabbed the younger boy to stop him from falling backwards down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u2026what\u2019s your hurry there, buddy?\u201d Adam asked as he set Joe back onto his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet outta my way!\u201d yelled ten-year old Joe Cartwright as he shoved his way past Adam and ran for his room, slamming the door and throwing himself onto his bed. Joe grabbed for his pillow and covered his head to muffle his angry sobs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben who had stooped to wipe up his spilled coffee glanced at the stairs as Adam came to stand in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about, Pa?\u201d Adam asked as Ben stood and faced his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me son, he came tearing in here like the devil his self was after him,\u201d Ben stated and handed his coffee cup to Hop Sing who had entered when hearing all the commotion in the front room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The front door opened a second time and sixteen-year old Hoss entered. \u201cPa, did Little Joe just come through here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to face his middle son and smiled. \u201cYes, as a matter of fact he did. Just about took out both Adam and myself on the way I might add. Do you know what this is all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hung his oversized hat on the peg behind the door and turned to face his father and brother. \u201cNot really, Pa. When I got to school to pick him up, some of the older boys were pushing and shoving him and\u2026\u201d began Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face took on a stern look. \u201cPushing and shoving?\u201d he asked as the protective side of his personality began snapping to attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but they tweren\u2019t hurtin\u2019 him none. Looked like they was ateasing him. But he sure \u2018nough was mad.\u201d Hoss explained as he sat down at the table and helped himself to the glass of milk and cookies that Hop Sing had waiting for Little Joe for an after school snack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam joined Hoss at the table and Adam helped himself to one of the cookies, stuffing the whole thing in his mouth in one bite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were they teasing him about this time?\u201d Ben asked. Hop Sing handed Ben another cup of coffee and Ben sat, sipping slowly at the hot liquid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knew that Little Joe didn\u2019t take teasing very well, especially when the older boys at school were responsible for doing it. Joe rarely got mad when the family teased him, unless of course he was referred to as a kid or little boy and calling him the baby really sent him into a rage. Joe was like an unchecked stick of dynamite, one never knew for sure just how short or how long his fuse was until it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed another cookie and turned to his father. \u201cI\u2019ll go have a talk with him, Pa. Maybe he will tell me what happened and we can put a stop to it before it gets so far out of hand that he does something stupid,\u201d Adam said and turned toward the steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, he might just decide to take on the whole pack of them boys at school and end up getting himself pounded instead,\u201d Hoss stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had seen the look on the youngster\u2019s face when he had run from the school building. The boy had been on the verge of tears and had not even stopped to greet him as he waited. Instead, Joe had mounted his pony and kicking as hard as he could, had left the schoolyard and had headed home in a fury. Hoss doubted that his younger brother had even realized that he had been following close behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and faced Adam giving him a warm smile. \u201cGo ahead son, find out what you can about this and then I will speak with him later if I am needed. He might just need his big brother this time instead of his Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll worm it out of him,\u201d Adam chuckled and started up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knocked gently on the door, opened it and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit but he could see his little brother lying face down on the bed, his head covered with the pillow. Adam could hear the soft sounds of crying filtering from under the pillow and moved to sit on the edge of the bed as he laid his hand on the boy\u2019s back and rubbed gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Little Buddy, have a bad day at school?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his head from underneath the pillow and turned his face away from the face of his brother. \u201cGo away and leave me alone. I don\u2019t wanna talk about it,\u201d cried Joe in a choked voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved from his spot next to his brother and pulled the chair close to the bed and sat down. For several minutes both boys sat in silence. At last Joe turned to look over his shoulder, thinking that Adam had left him alone as he had asked. When Joe saw Adam sitting in the chair close to his bed, the smaller boy, who looked as if his heart were breaking, wiped away the remaining tears. Joe pulled himself into a sitting position and sat on the edge of the bed, facing his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remained quiet, waiting for Joe to speak first. He watched the play of emotion on his younger brother\u2019s face and noticed the redness of his eyes, a sure sign that the boy had spent the last several minutes since arriving home, in tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d said Adam, \u201cwhy not tell me what\u2019s bothering you. Maybe I can help, you never know,\u201d encouraged Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head and picked at an imaginary piece of lint on the blanket. \u201cAin\u2019t nuthin\u2019 to tell, except that I ain\u2019t never going back to school. I hate it, ya hear?\u201d he said solemnly. Joe raised his hand to his face and wiped the tears that had begun to slip down his cheeks again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched, his heart breaking for this little boy that he loved as if he had been his own. Adam knew that something had set the boy off, causing the tears, the unwillingness to talk, and the hurt feelings to show so openly on the young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam patted his lap and smiled. \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you come sit here. Just for a few minutes. Maybe you\u2019ll feel better and we don\u2019t have to talk about anything if you don\u2019t want to,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head and met the eyes of his brother. He really did want some comforting and Adam seemed ready with his offer so Joe climbed from the bed and into the lap of his big brother. Adam\u2019s arm closed protectively around the smaller boy and held him, neither boy nor young man speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a short time, Joe looked into his brother\u2019s face and Adam noted the small smile that tugged at the corners of the younger boy\u2019s lips. \u201cFeeling better buddy?\u201d Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sorta,\u201d paused Little Joe. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Joe?\u201d responded Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked again into the dark eyes that studied him. \u201cWhy do people have ta be so mean all of the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought about the question briefly before answering. \u201cWell, Joe, just what do you mean? And what people are we talking about?\u201d Adam rearranged the boy on his lap so that they could face each other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied his brother\u2019s face. \u201cThe guys at school. They are always teasing me, calling me names. I don\u2019t like it either. I don\u2019t call them names. Why do they do it to me, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boys at school; well, let\u2019s see now Joe. What kind of names do they call you?\u201d Adam asked. He thought if he could find out that much, then he might be able to give his brother a reason as to why the boys were calling him names. Not that that would make it right, but it might give him an insight as to the problem that Joe seemed to be having with the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome of them called me a southpaw\u2026 whatever that is, and another said I was a midget. I think I know what that is,\u201d Joe told his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could not resist the smile that crossed his face. \u201cJoe, a southpaw is a word that is used to describe someone who is left handed, like you are. It\u2019s not anything bad. Most people are right handed, so it probably seems strange to them to see someone who uses the opposite hand from what they use.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know that Adam. But just because I use a different hand, that shouldn\u2019t be no reason for them to make fun of me is it?\u201d Joe wanted to know, not sure whether or not he fully understood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are right Joe. Just because someone is different from you, gives a person no excuse to poke fun at the other person, especially when it is something that they have no control over,\u201d Adam said watching to see if his brother was getting his point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a midget is a word used to describe a very short person. Usually that person never grows to the full size as what we call a person of normal height, like me and Hoss and Pa. A midget is always short. Remember the little clowns we saw at the circus last year?\u201d Adam asked and saw a smile break through the unhappy face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, they were funny,\u201d laughed Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they were short people, midgets that were dressed up as the clowns,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother, \u201cThat is what a midget is, a really short person that never gets tall?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at the look on his brother\u2019s face, \u201cthat\u2019s right, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly a frown creased Joe\u2019s forehead and tears returned to the green eyes that looked at Adam. \u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said softly, a lone tear making it\u2019s way down the cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hugged his brother, wondering at the tears that had suddenly reappeared. \u201cWhat is it little buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAm I goin\u2019 to be a midget? Cause I\u2019m shorter than any of the other guys, is that why they make fun of me and call me that?\u201d Joe leaned his head onto Adam\u2019s chest and tried to stop the next tear from escaping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tightened his hold on his brother and kissed the top of his curly head. \u201cNo sport, you will grow and you will get taller, in time. You are not going to be a midget,\u201d smiled Adam to himself behind the boy\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe kept his head against Adam\u2019s chest, all the while enjoying the comforting presence of the older boy. \u201cKnow what else they say to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else do they say?\u201d inquired Adam, gently rocking back and forth with Joe on his lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at Adam; he wanted to see his brother\u2019s reaction to his next statement. \u201cThey call Hoss a horse and they say he\u2019s as strong as a mule and dumber than an ox. They say he couldn\u2019t possibly be my brother, cause he\u2019s too big and I\u2019m too small.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we both know that isn\u2019t so. Of course Hoss is your brother, and he\u2019s my brother also. As far as Hoss being big, well, he is and he is strong. But Joe, we both know too, that Hoss is not dumb, don\u2019t we?\u201d Adam stated firmly, beginning to understand his little brother\u2019s anger at the boys at school. Joe could get mad very quickly when he tired of the name calling when they called him names. But Joe was fast to come to the defense of one of his family members when the name-calling referred to one of them rather than to him self.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, but they only laugh at me when I try to explain it to them. They think it\u2019s funny to make fun of someone else. I don\u2019t understand that Adam,\u201d cried Joe, wiping his tears again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they say Pa is a rich old coot and I\u2019m a spoiled rich kid. Shucks, Adam, I ain\u2019t got no money, but the don\u2019t believe me,\u201d Joe explained to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned to himself; all three of the brothers had at some time or other been called spoiled rich kids. More so Joe than himself or to a lesser extent, Hoss, when Adam was growing up, they really were poor, not better off as his younger brothers were now. But Adam knew how badly that hurt his little brother\u2019s feelings. Joe tried harder than Hoss or he had about trying to be friends with everyone. To Joe, it was important to be liked by his peers. Hoss was always happiest when alone or with his critters that he was always finding and bringing home. As for himself, Adam didn\u2019t care either way; you either liked or you didn\u2019t like Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they say you are a boring snob. And you are stuck up cause you won\u2019t drink and chase women with their older brothers. They called you stupid cause you like to read Shakespire and\u2026\u201d continued Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShakespeare,\u201d corrected Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said. Then they started calling Hop Sing stupid names like Chink and Slant-eyes,\u201d the tears had returned once again and Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver as he pressed his face against the chest of his brother and cried. Adam held the little boy and allowed him the needed time to compose himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to look at Adam, the tears shining on his little cheeks. Joe puckered his lip and continued. \u201cAdam, they said my mama was a bad woman, and that Pa was wrong for marrying her. I almost punched that ole Lucas Tatum, but Mitch stopped me. I hate him Adam, my mama wasn\u2019t bad and Pa ain\u2019t never been wrong,\u201d wept Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the worst part about it Adam, they didn\u2019t even know my ma and most of them don\u2019t really know Pa but they were laughing anyway. Why would they think it so funny?\u201d Joe didn\u2019t seem to think it was the least bit funny, in fact he thought that it was rather mean of the boys to make fun of someone else especially a member of his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved Joe onto the bed and propped him on the pillows then climbed up and sat facing his brother, both boys sitting Indian fashion. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ll try to explain this to you. Some people think that it is okay to make fun of others. They are probably people who have low self-esteem. Do you know what that means?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head no and Adam continued, \u201cThat means that a person with low self-esteem doesn\u2019t think very well of themselves. It\u2019s like they don\u2019t like themselves. People who have low self-esteem are probably people who have been bullied by others, or maybe they have been laughed at and teased, called names and made fun of. Their only way to make themselves look big or important is to do to others what has been done to them. If they see someone who is different, say like Hop Sing, or maybe someone who has a disability, like Josh, down at the livery. He has a wooden leg, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head again. \u201cYeah, he showed it to me one time and told me that he lost his real leg when he got shot by the Indians. He said the doctor had to cut it off or he would die,\u201d Joe told Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Joe, and how many times have you heard the guys teasing and laughing at him because of it? Plenty, I\u2019m sure. And even though Josh laughs along with them most of the time, it hurts his feelings and I\u2019m sure it makes him feel as if he were only half a man. I know how I would feel,\u201d finished Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe seemed lost in thought, \u201cYeah, me too Adam. But Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d said Adam, looking up and watching Joe\u2019s face, knowing that the boy was trying to understand all that was being told to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not sure why they think it\u2019s funny. It just seems to me like it is mean,\u201d stated Joe. \u201cYou know Pa says the golden rule says to \u2018do unto others as you would have others do unto you\u2019. But people don\u2019t really do that do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his brother. \u201cNo buddy, they sure don\u2019t. People that make fun of others are only trying to feel good about them selves, just as I said. To them, it makes them feel special, they get attention from it, they like that. They see nothing wrong with it. They seem to think that they are hurting no one by the things they say about someone. Joe, it\u2019s hard to like or love someone else when you don\u2019t even like or love yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me,\u201d chanted Little Joe. \u201cBut that ain\u2019t always so is it Adam?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe, it isn\u2019t. Wonder why that is?\u201d Adam asked. He wanted to let Joe think about his answer to see if the boy was truly getting the point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked into his brother\u2019s dark eyes and without flinching or hesitating stated, \u201cCause when ya get hit with sticks and stones, it hurts but you get better and the marks go away.\u00a0\u00a0 But when you get hurt in here,\u201d and Joe stopped and patted his chest over the area of the heart, \u201cit don\u2019t always get better. It\u2019s harder to forget the names, the laughing, and jokes made about ya and it\u2019s especially hard to forget how those things made you feel.\u201d Joe looked sadly at his brother, remembering how the taunting of the older boys had made him feel. \u201cThey all claimed to be my friends, Adam,\u201d Joe added sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gathered Joe into his arms and kissed his head. \u201cWell, maybe they are your friends Joe, but that doesn\u2019t make it right. And when you hear them calling other kids names or making fun of others, I hope you remember how you\u2019re feeling tonight, and not take part in their so called fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t Adam, I promise, cause it hurts too bad,\u201d Little Joe crossed his heart with his fingers, confirming his promise to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, one more thing,\u201d said Adam, turning Joe\u2019s face so that the smaller boy could see his own. \u201cDon\u2019t ever lower your standards by joining in something that you think or know is wrong, just so that people will like you. You were taught right from wrong, and no matter what, in the end, right will overcome the wrong. If your friends think you weird for not joining in, then let them think what they will, stand strong for what you believe in. Pa has always taught us that if you cannot say something nice about someone, then say nothing at all,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cAnd Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Adam?\u201d answered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you open your mouth to speak and nothing but crude remarks comes out, you will be the one to end up looking like a fool, not the person you were commenting about,\u201d advised Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRemember Joe, life is good but it has a way of playing mean tricks on us. We don\u2019t always know what happens to a person in the course of a lifetime to make that person the way they are. Things happen, people change, and not always for the better. Sometimes good people go bad and bad people become good people. People get injured, or disfigured or crippled, others might grow old and fat, some may be grouchy and cranky all reasons that someone else might have for laughing at them or making rude remarks about their looks or behavior. There is nothing Joe, nothing that makes that right, not even in the name of fun. People, who do that, have nothing else to do, and I feel sorry for them. If they took half the energy they use to bad mouth others and put it to a good use, lots more good would come of this world. There would be less fighting, less killing, fewer robberies, and the world would be a happier place for all of us,\u201d Adam stopped and watched his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever judge someone by what you see, their clothes, the way they look, where they come from, whether they are smart or not so smart, but look at what is in here,\u201d and this time Adam patted his own chest over his heart. \u201cJoe, you might pass up a really good friendship it you don\u2019t take the time to get to know someone before writing them off as a friend, and lastly, never judge anyone, especially someone you don\u2019t even know. I can\u2019t imagine why anyone would even think about doing that, don\u2019t cast judgment on what you hear about a person, make your own assessment of an individual before either making him your friend or choosing not to make him your friend,\u201d finished Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rested his head on Adam\u2019s chest. \u201cThanks Adam, I thinks I understand now. But it\u2019s hard to ignore them.\u201d Joe raised his head briefly and looked at his brother, \u201cI\u2019ll try, but if they don\u2019t stop, I\u2019m gonna tell \u2018em I\u2019m gonna send Hoss after them. That\u2019ll stop \u2018em, they\u2019re scared of Hoss,\u201d giggled Little Joe as he reached up and placed both his arms around his brother\u2019s neck and planted a series of wet kisses to Adam\u2019s cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed and returned his little brother\u2019s hugs and kisses with his own. \u201cI\u2019m sure that will work, I don\u2019t even like to tangle with that middle brother of ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, what say we go find those cookies Hop Sing baked for us today before Hoss eats them all, if he hasn\u2019t already,\u201d Adam said as he stood and swung Little Joe onto his back and gave his little brother a piggy-back ride down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rest of the week at school was a repeat of the first day. The older boys continued to taunt and tease, bashing him by calling him names along with his family and even Hop Sing. Joe did his best to ignore them, though many times Mitch, Joe\u2019s best friend, had to stop him from taking a swing at one boy in particular, Lucas Tatum. Lucas and Joe had known each other since Joe\u2019s first day of school. Lucas was two years older than Joe, and had used that to his advantage many times over the course of their time together in school. Today was no different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d Lucas yelled out to Joe as Joe and Mitch was readying their horses for the ride home after school. Joe turned his head, trying to ignore the older and now much taller boy but the boy continued to shout out at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey midget, can\u2019t ya hear nothin\u2019? Or are you just stupid, like your big dumber-than-an-ox brother, Horse?\u201d Lucas laughed and several of the older boys who were with him joined in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook fellas, the little shrimp is scared. He\u2019s gonna run home to his papa and big brothers. Little Shrimp Cartwright is a baby, I bet he still wears diapers!\u201d Lucas continued with his taunting hoping Little Joe would react. He had been baiting the smaller boy all week hoping to get a reaction out of him but so far none had been forth coming and Lucas worried that he was losing his touch. Usually Cartwright was quick to take the bait, making it easier for Lucas to take him in a scuffle but something had changed and now Little Joe seemed immune to his insults and it was a bit unnerving for the older boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked at Joe and could see the fire burning in his friend\u2019s eyes and knew that he was just about to loose his temper. \u201cCome on Joe, let\u2019s just go home. If you answer him back, there will just be a fight and then you will be the one to end up in trouble,\u201d Mitch advised his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned up at his friend who had already mounted his horse. \u201cI know, but I would love the chance to flatten his mouth for him.\u201d Joe cast his eyes in the direction of the older boys and watched as they mounted their horses, all the while laughing at the two younger boys. \u201cBut I promised Adam, I wouldn\u2019t stoop to their level so I guess we just better get on home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Mitch turned their horses toward home, hoping that the small group of boys would not follow and continue with their snide remarks. They were in luck for the others seemed to have tired of Lucas\u2019 game and left in the other direction. Lucas remained behind for a few minutes watching Joe and Mitch until they were out of view before turning his horse and catching up to the rest of his friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch and Joe made plans for fishing on Saturday, allowing of course that they could get their father\u2019s consent and then parted ways when they reached the divide in the road. Joe rode home slowly, all the while trying to regain his composure. After Mitch had gone his way, Joe had tried to stop the tears that had formed in his eyes, but had no luck. The things that Lucas had been saying to him all week and then again today was tearing at his heart. Try as he might, he could think of no real reason why Lucas would have to dislike him so much that he would take pleasure in tormenting him as he had been doing. Joe tried to be nice to all of the fellas at school and even most of the girls. But Joe realized that no matter what he did, Lucas was just one boy he could not win his friendship and that realization made Joe feel sad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew that there had been times this last week when he had been tempted to strike out at the older boy, but had stopped himself. He was learning that it took great restraint on his part to do so because Little Joe was one who usually acted first and thought later, mostly when it was too late. But he had promised Adam that he would do his best to ignore the name-calling and the insults, but Joe had found that harder to do than he had first thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and turning in that direction he was surprised to see Lucas Tatum and another boy, Tommy Walters, riding in his direction. Joe quickly wiped the remaining tears from his eyes as he pulled his pony to a halt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Shrimp,\u201d sneered Lucas. Joe\u2019s heart began racing and a knot began forming in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the lump that had suddenly tightened his throat and watched as the two boys approached him. \u201cWhat?\u201d was all Joe managed to get out before Timmy jumped from his horse and grabbed the reins to Little Joe\u2019s pony causing the animal to pull back suddenly. Joe who was caught unaware slipped backward from his saddle and landed unhurt into the dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d yelled Joe as he rose and dusted off his trousers. \u201cWhat\u2019d do that for?\u201d he said and made a grab for his pony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy pulled back from Joe\u2019s reach and laughed. Lucas dismounted from his horse and came from behind Joe. The taller boy grabbed Joe by the shoulder and spun him around to face him. \u201cYou\u2019re yella ain\u2019t ya?\u201d stated Lucas, giving Joe a dirty grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy released Joe\u2019s pony and closed in on Joe, making it impossible for the smaller boy to back away from the advancing Lucas. Joe cast worried eyes over his shoulder, trying to keep Timmy in his view but the other boy was standing so close that the only way Joe could see him was to look up into the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t yella. I\u2019m just not goin\u2019 to fight ya, that\u2019s all,\u201d Joe stated firmly, trying to hide the fear in his voice. He knew it was coming down to a fight and he knew he was at a disadvantage, the odds being two to one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas took a step closer, laughing as he moved in, \u201cOh, you\u2019ll fight me Shrimp, I\u2019ll make ya.\u201d Lucas\u2019 face was inches from Joe\u2019s and Joe could feel the other boy\u2019s breath on his face. Joe closed his fists, readying him self for the first punch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard tell that your mama was a\u2026\u201d and Lucas\u2019 face broke into a wide grin, savoring the moment, \u201ctrollop!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When it was all over, Joe could not remember who had thrown the first punch. But now he found himself lying in the dirt, feeling as if every inch of his body was crying out in pain. He had tried to cover himself as best he could.\u00a0\u00a0 With two of them pounding away at his body, he had finally had to give up trying to get in punches himself and just try to protect his body from the onslaught of fists and feet that repeatedly connected with his entire body. Joe wiped at the blood that oozed from his mouth as he pulled himself to his feet. His knees buckled from beneath him and he fell to the ground groaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had been in the yard when Joe\u2019s pony arrived, the saddle empty of its rider. Hoss made a grab for the reins and stopped the pony. \u201cWhat\u2019ll ya make of this Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked to the pony and began inspecting the animal, looking for any signs of blood that might indicate that their brother might have been injured. \u201cI don\u2019t see any blood, maybe he just fell off,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on Adam, fell off? Little Joe?\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s not very likely. But one thing for sure, he\u2019s on foot now. Better mount up and go find him before Pa gets home,\u201d Hoss stated and led the pony into the barn where he unsaddled him and put him in his stall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed Hoss into the barn and quickly both brothers saddled their horses and led them outside. Mounting quickly they turned from the yard and went in search of their younger brother, who by this time had managed to get to his feet and had started walking home. As Hoss and Adam rounded the bend, they both stopped suddenly, pulling their horses up short. Sport, Adam\u2019s horse, danced in circles while Adam tried to make out what they were seeing in the distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, look, there he is. He\u2019s staggering, come on.\u201d Adam kicked his mount into a run and was soon sliding from the saddle as soon as the big stallion had come to a stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, buddy, what happened to you?\u201d Adam was beside his younger brother instantly and gathered the beaten boy into his arms. Joe, exhausted, collapsed into the waiting arms. Hoss was immediately beside his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam carefully laid Joe on the ground and scanned the body for signs of injuries. \u201cJoe, can you hear me, buddy?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss hand me some water,\u201d Adam ordered, taking his handkerchief from his pocket and wetting it with the canteen water that Hoss handed to him. He wiped away the dirt that had been smeared across Joe\u2019s face and cleaned the blood that still oozed from the busted lip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and seeing his older brother\u2019s face, began crying. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d sobbed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey little buddy, you don\u2019t have anything to be sorry for,\u201d Adam said, trying to comfort the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI broke my promise to ya, Adam. I\u2019m sorry, but I couldn\u2019t let them say the things they were saying about my mama.\u201d Joe turned his head toward Adam as tears streamed from his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked from Joe to Adam, unasked questions showing in his worried blue eyes. Adam\u2019s dark eyes reflected the same questions. \u201cJoe, let\u2019s get you home first, we can talk about it later.\u201d Adam lifted Joe in his arms and carried him to his horse. Hoss took Joe from Adam and held him while Adam mounted his horse and then handed the wounded boy up to ride with Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I think I\u2019d better ride into town and get the doctor. He looks like he might have some busted ribs and that lip might need some sewin\u2019 up,\u201d Hoss offered, and turned toward town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam adjusted Joe onto his lap and agreed with his brother. Joe however did not like the idea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need the doctor, I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Little Joe said through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will see the doctor, Joe. Pa won\u2019t let this pass without a visit from Doc Martin and you know it,\u201d Adam informed him. He could see how Joe had been gritting his teeth in an attempt to cover his pain. The bruising on his face and arms were beginning to brighten, blood was showing from a small cut above the left eye, and the way that Joe held his arm around his mid-section, left no doubt to his brothers that a doctor was needed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead, Hoss, get the doctor. I\u2019ll get him home and clean him up and have him in bed by the time you get back. Pa should be home soon, he\u2019s not going to be happy about this.\u201d Adam turned and started toward the ranch house and Hoss left in the other direction for the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to keep from crying out but could not stop the soft moans that escaped each time that Sport seemed to move. Joe felt as if the big horse was jarring every bone in his body on purpose. Finally, Joe leaned his head back onto Adam\u2019s chest and dozed. Adam held him carefully, keeping him upright against him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we\u2019re almost home buddy. Want to tell me who did this to you and why?\u201d Adam said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned slightly trying to see his brother\u2019s face but the movement only caused him discomfort and he moaned again. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter who dun it Adam. Like I said, I couldn\u2019t let them get away with saying those things about my ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had picked up on the plural word, them. \u201cJoe, tell me this, was there more than one who beat you like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed slightly, \u201cCourse Adam, ya don\u2019t think one guy by himself could have dun this much damage do ya? What\u2019ll ya take me for?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had to refrain from laughing, his brother was a fireball when he was mad enough to fight and unless his opponent out weighed him or was lots bigger, it would indeed take more than one to do the little fella in as was now the case.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought as much. You sure took a beating this time, but Joe, tell me why? It might help when we have to explain to Pa. You know how he feels about you fighting.\u201d Adam wanted to get to the bottom of this and he wanted to make things easier for him when Pa had to be given a reason for the fight to have taken place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t wanna talk about it. Please, Adam, I just wanna lay down. I don\u2019t feel so good.\u201d Little Joe rested his head back on Adam\u2019s chest and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam decided to wait until he had his brother safely tucked into bed and perhaps then the boy would open up to him. He was very much aware that something serious had happened to the boy to cause him to resort to fighting and also to bring on the tears that were now slowly making their way down his cheeks. Adam tightened his arms around the young boy offering him a better feeling of comfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Adam rode into the yard, Ben had arrived home also. Ben, who had been surprised to find both his older sons away, had been further surprised to find Little Joe\u2019s pony in the barn but had found no trace of his youngest son or his two older sons. Ben had only supposed that Joseph had ridden off with the older two for whatever reason and therefore had not yet begun to worry. But that changed the minute he stepped into the yard and saw Adam cradling the smaller boy in his arms and Hoss nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened?\u201d Ben asked as he hurried to except his least son into his arms, allowing Adam to dismount his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched his father\u2019s face, it held only concern for the younger boy and no anger was apparent. A sigh of relief passed from Adam and he answered his father. \u201cHis pony came in earlier, without him, so Hoss and I went to find him. We figured the pony must have gotten away from him somehow so we thought we\u2019d better go look for him. He was still quite a ways from the house. Hoss has gone for the doctor, we thought he might need to take a look at the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood Joseph on the ground, keeping a protective arm around his son. \u201cAre you able to walk, son?\u201d Ben\u2019s concern was still apparent on his face as he helped the boy move toward the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think so Pa.\u201d Joe walked slowly, allowing his father to help him. He hurt from head to toe and he fought against the urge to cry out. He did not want his father to worry more than was necessary and he knew if he showed any further signs of being in pain, Ben would insist that he remain in bed for several days. Joe had no such intentions, in his mind he had begun to devise a plan to repay Lucas Tatum for calling his mother such a bad name. The memory of what Lucas had said about his ma caused Little Joe to forget his promise to Adam about stooping to the level of others in such matters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam helped Joe up the stairs and into his room. Carefully they undressed the boy and put him into bed. Ben sat on the bed next to his youngest and with care, cleaned the cut above his eye and tended as best he could, the split in the lower lip. Joe kept his eyes shut while his father tended his wounds in hopes of avoiding having to answer the questions that he knew his father would ask. When Ben at last finished he lowered his son onto the pillows and covered him with the blankets but made no move to leave his spot next to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben spoke softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked into the dark eyes of his father\u2019s. Seeing the worry there, he was quick to reassure him that he would be okay. \u201cPa, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m okay. I\u2019m just sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can see that, son. Now, before Doc Martin gets here, why don\u2019t you tell me why you were fighting? I can\u2019t seem to get a straight answer out of your older brother.\u201d Ben smiled up at Adam who had returned to the room and had heard what his father had said to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no intentions of telling his father about the name that Lucas had called his mother. He knew that things like that would hurt his father and doing that to the father that he loved so much was one thing that the ten year old refused to do, even if his defiance earned him a trip over his father\u2019s lap. Joe hesitated, trying to find words that might satisfy the man who watched him but those dark penetrating eyes made him nervous and Joe had trouble thinking of an excuse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019m waiting, son,\u201d Ben said at last, never allowing his eyes to stray from his young son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d Joe raised his eyes to meet those of his father\u2019s, \u201cI can\u2019t tell ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face reddened slightly but he managed to control the anger that began building inside. He could plainly see the tears that had suddenly pooled in his son\u2019s eyes and knew that arguing with the boy would not make matters better. Ben decided to let the matter drop for now and give Joseph time to calm down before the doctor arrived. Once the doctor finished with his exam and Joe had rested, there would be plenty of time to get to the bottom of the matter then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son, and gently brushed back a stray lock of hair that had fallen out of place. \u201cOkay, son, for now we will let the matter drop. But, when you are feeling better, we will continue this conversation, and you will give me a straight answer. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe closed his eyes but opened them quickly when he felt his father rising from the bed. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe called quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d Ben sat back down and faced the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d cried Joe, the tears appearing again in the sad eyes. Ben reached out and pulled the crying boy to his chest and held him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, please son, don\u2019t get so upset. I said we would talk about it later. I want you to just rest for now until Hoss gets back with the doctor. Everything will be okay, I promise.\u201d Ben kissed the top of the curly head and gently lowered Joe back against the soft pillows and pulled the covers up to the boy\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled weakly at his father and closed his eyes again, this time falling to sleep. Ben pulled the chair close to the bed and sat down. Adam sat on the foot of the bed and turned to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t know what happened out there, but Joe said there was more than one boy who jumped him. This might not have been something that the boy could have prevented.\u201d Adam wanted his father to understand Joe\u2019s position, just in case their father had plans on tanning a certain backside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled up at Adam, knowing full well that the older boy was trying in his own way, to save the younger boy\u2019s hide. \u201cAdam, did he tell you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, only that he couldn\u2019t let whoever it was get by with what they were saying about his mother. Pa, you know how defensive Joe can get when he thinks someone is putting down his ma, or any of us for that matter. The kid just can\u2019t help himself at times. And, I can\u2019t say that I blame him,\u201d Adam said in defense of his younger brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the dark look that had suddenly appeared on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cHas he been having problems with someone at school? Does this have anything to do with what happened earlier this week, you remember, the day he came home and nearly knocked the two of us down?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably, or at least I think so. I talked to him that day, he seemed fine afterwards but something else probably happened. Pa, he promised me that he would not do anything or say anything back to the ones who were teasing him and calling him names. If he was on his way home, my guess is that someone stopped him and started something; he was probably only trying to defend himself, from the looks of him.\u201d Adam glanced at his younger brother and then back to his father. \u201cPa, he knows how you feel about fighting, but sometimes a guy just can\u2019t help it and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d smiled Ben, \u201cdon\u2019t worry, I can plainly see that this was not his doings, alone. I will go easy on him, unless of course I find out differently.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose from his seat and peered out the window. \u201cPaul\u2019s here now. Would you see him in, please, Adam,\u201d Ben said and turned to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately left the room and went to show Paul Martin in. Hoss had already placed his hat on the peg behind the door and was helping the doctor to remove his coat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello Adam. Hoss said Joe had a little fight and might need my services,\u201d the doctor smiled, knowing full well that the patient upstairs would in no way welcome a visit from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam joined in the small joke, \u201cThat\u2019s right, and I\u2019ll warn you before hand, he\u2019s already said he didn\u2019t want to see you.\u201d Adam led the way up the stairs and the doctor followed laughing to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that boy ever want to see me? I should be use to his rejection, but somehow I find myself feeling unloved every time I am called out here,\u201d joked the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam led Paul into Joe\u2019s room and Ben stood to greet his long time friend. \u201cThanks for coming Paul. Look\u2019s like my least one has been at it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s take a look, shall we? Do you boys mind waiting downstairs for me?\u201d he asked Adam and Hoss. Both boys turned to leave the room as asked but each wanted to remain with their brother and stopped briefly at the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noted his son\u2019s hesitations and smiled at both. \u201cGo on, we will be down shortly to talk to you,\u201d he instructed gently. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed the door as he and Hoss went out and together the brothers returned to the great room and sat quietly, waiting for the doctor to finish with his exam of their brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing came in with a tray of coffee and some sandwiches for everyone. \u201cThanks, Hop Sing, I was starvin\u2019,\u201d smiled Hoss as he reached for a big sandwich and began to eat. Adam reached for his own sandwich and together the brothers waited for their father and the doctor to give them the news about Joe\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for the doctor and Ben to return to the great room and give the anxious brothers the news they had been waiting for. Ben smiled as he faced his sons. \u201cHe\u2019s fine, no broken bones.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is sleeping now but should be up and around by Sunday afternoon. I had to put a couple of stitches in the cut over his eye and about four in his lip,\u201d Paul smiled and continued, \u201cyour were right Adam, he didn\u2019t want to see me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss moved to face Paul and asked, \u201cNo broken ribs? I would have thought they were broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss just bruised. He\u2019s sore, but even that should be better by tomorrow. Just let him rest tonight and tomorrow, Ben, then he can get up Sunday.\u201d Paul had turned his attention to Ben. \u201cIf you need me, just send word,\u201d Paul reached for Ben\u2019s out stretched hand and shook it. Hoss handed the doctor his hat as Ben moved to see the doctor out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned to Little Joe\u2019s room after the doctor had left and sat down in the chair. He planned on remaining close to his son during the night, just in case Joe woke and needed anything, but mostly to reassure himself that the boy was truly okay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Little Joe had awaken the next morning and found his father asleep in the chair next to the bed. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stirred from his sleep and when he opened his eyes, it was to look into the smiling face of his youngest son. \u201cWell, good morning. How are you feeling?\u201d he asked as he moved to sit on the bed next to the boy. The bruises on Joe\u2019s face had deepened during the night, giving the face a whitish almost ghostly look about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe said, feeling somewhat relieved that part of the soreness was gone from his body. \u201cPa, about yesterday,\u201d began Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about yesterday, are you sure you\u2019re up to talking about it? We can wait until later if you\u2019d rather,\u201d Ben said as Joe pulled himself into a sitting position and leaned back on his pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we might as well get it over with, I know you ain\u2019t gonna like it,\u201d said Joe, hanging his head but peeking up to watch his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noticed his son\u2019s actions but said nothing about them. \u201cOkay, Joseph, why don\u2019t you start at the beginning and tell me all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t start the fight,\u201d Joe was quick to defend himself. \u201cLucas Tatum started it, and Timmy Walters was with him. It was two against one, Pa, I had no choice but to fight them.\u201d Joe began to explain the circumstances to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what was the fight about? I understand you having to defend yourself, but what started the fight in the first place?\u201d questioned Ben, still watching Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe seemed to stall before answering his father. He still did not plan on telling his father what the boys had called his mother. \u201cI don\u2019t remember,\u201d he lied and hung his head in hopes that his father could not see through to his lie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember? Joseph, do you really want me to believe that?\u201d Ben said, hoping to get the boy to open up to him and tell him the truth. He knew that Joe was holding back and was protecting someone, but he wasn\u2019t sure at this time just who that someone might be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced briefly at his father and then lowered his head to keep from meeting the dark eyes that seemed to be boring straight into him. Joe often wondered how his father could always tell when he was lying to him. It bothered Joe to lie to his father, but it bothered him more thinking how his father would feel if he found out that his so called friends thought that his mother had been a \u2026bad woman. Joe could not even allow himself to think the word that Lucas had used.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently cupped his son\u2019s chin and raised his head so that he might look eye to eye with the boy. Ben saw the despair that reflected in the hazel eyes that had begun to tear up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I know that you do remember what the fight was about. However, I respect your decision not to tell me. But unless you can come up with a better reason than not being able to remember, you will be made to pay the consequences of your decision. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped away his tears, surely his father would not tan his backside now, not when he was just getting over being beaten up, he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, sir.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was low and sounded pitiful even to his father\u2019s ears. Ben\u2019s heart melted slightly as it usually did when the youngest of his three son\u2019s managed to turn on the charm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you know I do not abide by your solving your problems with your fists. However in this case, I will forego any punishment for the fight\u2026\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly smiled up at this father, thinking that he had managed to avoid punishment entirely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, because as you and your brothers made plain to me, you had no choice in the matter, what with the odds being as they were. On the matter of lying to me, which we both know you are doing, am I correct?\u201d Ben asked, watching his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I\u2026just can\u2019t tell you why, Pa. I\u2019m sorry. I guess I did lie about it,\u201d cried Little Joe as the tears finally found their way down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gathered Joe into his arms and held him. \u201cThank you son, for at least admitting that much to me. Do you want to change your mind and tell me what the fight was about?\u201d Ben knew he was offering his son a way out and hoped that the boy would take it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought about it for a moment before speaking. \u201cNo, I can\u2019t tell ya, Pa. I just can\u2019t,\u201d cried Little Joe as he buried his face deeper into the comforting arms of his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case then Joseph, tomorrow afternoon, you will ride to the Tatum farm and apologize to the Tatum boy for fighting with him. After you have finished doing that, you will then ride to the Walters\u2019 place and apologize to their son. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe back so that he could see his face. Joe\u2019s anger had surfaced and it was clearly seen in the boy\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do I gotta tell them I\u2019m sorry? I dun told ya, I didn\u2019t start the fight!\u201d Joe demanded, throwing all caution to the wind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Don\u2019t take that tone with me, young man. I told you what I expect you to do, and you will do it, do you understand?\u201d Ben\u2019s own anger was beginning to surface also.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked back from his father\u2019s embrace and sunk down into the pillows. \u201cThat ain\u2019t fair, and you know it!\u201d he cried loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps not, but you leave me no choice in the matter. You have refused to justify your actions, choosing instead to lie to me, therefore, seeing that a whipping is out of the question due to your condition, you will do as I have instructed.\u201d Ben rose from the bed and turned to leave his son to think on his actions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRest assured, I will talk with both boys later to see that you have carried out my orders. I am sorry Joseph, if you are unhappy with things as they are, but you were given every opportunity to explain yourself. I personally think you are getting off rather easy, had things been different, we would be having a very necessary little talk right now.\u201d And with that Ben left the room, closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head into his pillow and cried. His father just did not understand how things had been going for him. And he did feel as if his father were being unfair to him, making him to apologize to the two boys who had for days on end been taunting him and calling his family and himself awful names and telling things about them that was not true. All he could see that came of it was his getting beat to a pulp and then having to be the one to say he was sorry. It just wasn\u2019t fair cried Little Joe into his pillow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Sunday afternoon, Joe felt well enough to join his family at the table for the noonday meal. As he slid quietly into his place, he glanced briefly at his brothers who watched his every move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow ya feelin, short shanks?\u201d asked Hoss as he piled his plate with mashed potatoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his larger than average big brother. \u201cI\u2019m all right, I guess. Still a little sore. Hey save some of those spuds for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed and passed the serving plate to this brother. Ben watched the teasing between his youngest sons and smiled. He was glad to see that Joe was feeling better, however the boy had yet to speak to him and Ben took that to mean that his son was still angry with him over the punishment he had handed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, as soon as you are finished with your meal, you may be excused to ride over to the Tatum\u2019s and Walters\u2019,\u201d Ben instructed Joe and watched as his son turned angry eyes at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d was Joe\u2019s only reply and suddenly Joe lost his appetite. In its place, a sick feeling began churning in his stomach. He did not look forward to having to face his tormentors, let alone having to apologize to them. Several minutes passed as Joe sat and moved his food around and around his plate, never stopping to take the first bite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry, may I go now?\u201d Joe turned to look at his father. Ben had been watching Joe play with his food. Knowing what the boy must be feeling, he could hardly blame him for not having an appetite. Maybe when he returned from his errand, he would feel more like eating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may be excused Joseph. Please do not be any longer than necessary to finish your errands,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe paused as he pushed back his chair and glanced at his father. \u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe still hoped his pa would have a change of heart but when his father said nothing more as he slowly made his way to the door, Joe gave up on the idea. \u2018Might as well get this over and done with,\u201d he thought to himself. Without so much as looking back, Joe walked out the door, closing it loudly enough to indicate to his father that he was not happy about having to do this certain chore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe neared the Tatum farm, the smell of smoke began to fill the air. Joe slowed his pony and turned his head in all directions, trying to locate the spot where the smoke was coming from. In the distance, he caught sight of the billowing dark smoke cloud and reasoned that the smoke came from the direction of the Tatum home. Joe applied kicks to his pony\u2019s sides in an effort to hurry the slow moving animal. In what seemed like ages to the young boy, the pony finally made its way into the yard of the Tatum homestead. What Joe saw stopped his heart; the large white-framed house seemed fully engulfed in fire and smoke. Laying on the ground several feet from the burning building lay Lucas Tatum, crying and screaming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucas, Lucas,\u201d shouted Joe as he jumped from his pony and ran to the boy\u2019s side all thoughts of getting back at the boy now gone. It was obvious that the older boy had suffered a broken leg and could not get up. His hair had the smell one gets when singed and his clothes were tattered and torn and covered in soot and dark ashes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, oh God, I\u2019m glad to see ya. My brother, he ran back into the house,\u201d cried Lucas grabbing Joe and pulling him down close to him so that he could hear him. \u201cPlease, you have to help him,\u201d continued Lucas, the tears streaming down his sooty face, leaving white tracks in the wake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your folks?\u201d Joe asked, looking around, hoping to see Mr. Tatum.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey went into town, please Joe, there isn\u2019t much time.\u201d Lucas\u2019 head rolled to the side and he began coughing, gasping for air. \u201cHurry,\u201d he squeaked between coughs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran toward the burning house, the heat covering his body instantly, causing him to pull back. The fire was leaping from the windows that had since been blown out from the heat that collected inside. Joe grabbed an old blanket he found on the porch and ran to the water trough and soaked it until water ran from its edges. He tossed the wet blanket over his head and ran back to the house; taking a deep breath he entered the inferno.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The smoke was thick and black and Joe could see nothing in front of him. Instantly he dropped to the floor and crawled about the room calling for the missing four-year old.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrankie, where are you?\u201d called out Joe. \u201cFrankie, answer me, please,\u201d Joe called again as he poked his head from beneath his wet blanket. Joe moved as quickly as he could, not sure where to go next. The floor was hot to his hands and he could feel the heat beginning to make blisters on them and on his knees as he continued to search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had decided to follow his son, not so much as to make sure that the boy followed his instructions, but because he wanted to assure himself that Joe would be okay. He knew his son was still sore from the fight and that he resented being make to apologize to the other boys. But Ben wanted to make sure that another fight would not occur when Joseph faced either of his tormentors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben approached the Tatum\u2019s, he too picked up on the scent of smoke and panic gripped at his heart. Giving a swift kick to Buck\u2019s ribs, Ben galloped into the yard. When he saw the Tatum boy lying on the ground and Joe\u2019s pony standing next to the boy, and his son nowhere in sight, his heart began racing with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucas, son,\u201d Ben carefully raised the injured boy\u2019s head and held him in his arms. \u201cWhere is Joseph?\u201d The panic coming to surface, causing Ben\u2019s face to take on the appearance of a mad man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas could not speak but pointed instead to the burning house. Ben looked in the direction where the boy indicated and cringed when he saw the roof of the house collapse into the bottom floor of the dwelling. Ben placed the boy\u2019s head back down and ran for the front of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH, JOSEPH!\u201d screamed Ben until his voice grew hoarse from the effort. Ben attempted to enter the burning inferno but the flames leaped and tugged at his body, denying him entrance. The roof had already burnt through to the first floor and Ben\u2019s hope of finding his young son was slipping from him. Tears began building in his dark eyes; sorrow began in his gut and worked its way into his heart until at last he fell to his knees, tears of anguish running in a steady stream down his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d called Adam as he and Hoss ran to their father. They had followed behind their father, both boys wanting to be on hand in case their younger brother needed help with his errand. Adam fell to the ground beside Ben and grabbed the man who had always been a source of strength for him and turned the older man to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026 Pa,\u201d Adam shook his father, trying to bring his father back to reality. Ben turned blank eyes up at his son. \u201cPa, where is Joe?\u201d cried Adam, Hoss knelt down with his brother, tears beginning to make their way down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben only pointed to the burning house. Hoss gasped in despair and ran toward the fire. Adam jumped up and ran after this bigger brother, grabbing him before he could go inside of what was left of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! No! Don\u2019t!\u201d yelled Adam as he tugged on Hoss, pulling him safely away from the hot flames and back to their father who still sat in the dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the yard seemed to fill with people. Most of them were Tatum\u2019s ranch hands that had ridden in as soon as the smoke had been spotted. Others had come from the surrounding area when they had first spotted the smoke. Mr. and Mrs. Tatum also arrived and ran to the side of their fallen son. \u201cLucas,\u201d cried his mother, grabbing the boy in a tight hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, where is your little brother?\u201d Mr. Tatum screamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas pointed to the now burnt house. \u201cHe ran back inside, after I had him out. Joe Cartwright went in after him, but neither of them came back out,\u201d cried Lucas, the tears pouring from his eyes. The mother screamed and the sound tore at each man\u2019s heart, for it was the scream of a mother who knew her child was forever gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam had returned to their father and helped him to his feet. Ben was shaky; unable to stand on his own and both of his sons each held him upright. Other men were running back and forth, pouring water on the fire as it died down from lack of fuel. The house was a total loss and neither family moved as they stared at the dying fire in silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No one noticed the small dirty boy who moved in silence, a smaller child held tightly in his arms as he came from the back of what had once been the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp, someone help me,\u201d the soft plea sounding faint in the commotion going on around him. Still no one heard and the boy unsteady on his feet continued to move closer to the crowd of people who had gathered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss saw the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned. When he saw his little brother carrying the child his tears flowed unashamedly from his clear blue eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d cried Hoss, turning his father in the direction where Joe stood. \u201cPa, look, it\u2019s Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All heads turned toward the child that carried the child and Ben reacted first, running to his son. Mr. Tatum was at his heels and removed his child from the arms of Ben\u2019s child as Ben fell to his knees and gathered his son, soot, dirt and all, into his arms. Ben made no attempt to hide his tears of joy as he hugged his youngest son to his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joseph, son. I thought we had lost you! Are you okay?\u201d Ben searched the boy\u2019s face for any signs of injuries or burns. Adam wiped at the ashes and soot that covered the boy\u2019s face and hugged his brother to him, Hoss, not wanting to be left out did the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure \u2018nough gave a fright, punkin. Ya dun scared ten years offa my life,\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was scared Papa, I thought I was gonna die.\u201d Joe\u2019s adrenaline was returning to normal levels and Joe fell into his father\u2019s arms, crying. \u201cI wanna go home, please, Papa, please,\u201d begged Joe. \u201cTake me home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up, bringing in his arms the crying boy who clung tightly to his neck. \u201cAdam, please get the horses, this boy needs to be in bed,\u201d ordered Ben. \u201cHoss, do you mind staying here and helping the Tatum\u2019s? If need be, bring them to the Ponderosa for now, they will need a place to stay for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa, you take care of that little brother for me and I\u2019ll see to the Tatum\u2019s,\u201d smiled Hoss as he wiped away the last of his tears and gave Little Joe a reassuring smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that evening, the Tatum\u2019s arrived at the Ponderosa with Hoss. Doctor Paul Martin came also to check on Little Joe who Ben had cleaned up and put straight to bed. Lucas\u2019 leg had been set but Paul was waiting until the family was settled before applying a plaster cast to the leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing came quickly when company arrived and showed the family to the spare rooms, which he had made ready for them. Hoss led Paul to Joe\u2019s room and when they entered, they were surprised to find the boy sitting up talking with his father and brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Joseph, here I am again,\u201d joked the doctor. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re going to tell me that you are okay, right?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the doctor a small smile. \u201cI am okay, I told Pa ya didn\u2019t need to come out, but he insisted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Paul seriously, \u201c do you dislike me for some reason?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked surprised at the doctor\u2019s question. \u201cNo sir, why would ya think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul tried to keep a straight face as did Ben, Adam and Hoss. They all knew that their friend was teasing Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I seems like every time I come to see you, you don\u2019t want to see me? Why is that?\u201d asked Paul, hiding the smile that threatened his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a short time and turned innocent eyes at the doctor, \u201cCause ya never come to see me when I don\u2019t need ya to come. Ya always come cause ya gotta,\u201d Joe explained. And then added as an after thought, \u201cAnd then Pa has to pay ya to see me.\u201d Joe continued to smile up at the doctor, his eyes shining with merriment. \u201cWhy don\u2019t ya come see me sometime just cause ya wanna?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All of a sudden the room filled with the sounds of men\u2019s laughter. \u201cHe\u2019s got you this time,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Joe, next time I come to see you it will be because I want to see you, and your Pa won\u2019t have to pay me for that visit. How\u2019s that?\u201d Paul laughed and sat down on the bed to begin his examination.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A short time later, Joe was declared fit other than singed hair and brows. He had a couple blisters on his hands, which Paul left ointment for, but nothing more serious. Paul cautioned Ben to listen carefully for Joe\u2019s cough as the smoke could have caused unseen problems with the boy\u2019s lungs, but after listening to Joe\u2019s breathing, Paul was confident that Joe would be fine. Joe was left in Adam\u2019s care and Paul moved on to his next patients, Lucas and Frankie Tatum.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to put a cast on the boy\u2019s leg. It shouldn\u2019t take long, Ben.\u201d Paul told his friend as he entered into the spare bedroom where Lucas lay on the bed and Frankie sat in his mother\u2019s lap rocking in the rocker that Ben had brought in for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben joined Hoss and Mr. Tatum downstairs in the great room. \u201cBen, I just don\u2019t know how to thank you enough for what you have done for us,\u201d Mr. Tatum told Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrank, I haven\u2019t done anything, except to see that you and your family have a place to stay for a few days,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing brought in hot coffee for everyone and returned to his kitchen to prepare the evening meal. Ben moved to hand Frank his coffee and returned to his favorite chair while Mr. Tatum continued standing and talking, pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben, I guess I should be thanking that youngest son of yours. He is quite the hero as far as I am concerned. Our Frankie would have been\u2026dead tonight if young Joseph had not risked his own life. I can\u2019t thank God enough that both boys are going to be okay.\u201d Frank Tatum gave Ben a weak smile and Ben moved to the man\u2019s side and patted his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeither can I, Frank. For a few minutes, I thought we both had lost our babies.\u201d Ben looked up the stairs as if he thought Joseph would suddenly appear and a distant look came into his eyes. \u2018Thank you, God\u2019, prayed Ben silently to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several days had past and Joe had tried numerous times to make conversation with Lucas who spent most of his days sitting in the sun on the side porch. Lucas was sullen and moody and Joe was beginning to tire of trying to be nice to the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d said Joe late one afternoon while alone in the house with his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what is it Joe?\u201d Adam answered, looking up from the ledger he was working on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s come Lucas won\u2019t talk to me? Every time I try to start a conversation with him, he just ignores me or turns his head in the other direction. Seems to me a week or so ago, he had plenty to say to me?\u201d asked Joe, who was confused by the other boy\u2019s moodiness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laid his pencil aside and faced his brother who had climbed into his lap. Instinctively Adam wrapped his arm around the younger boy. \u201cWell, let\u2019s see sport. Could be that Lucas is embarrassed by something. Or could be, he is feeling guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty?\u201d asked Joe, a thoughtful look coming across his face. \u201cGuilty about what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure. Maybe the fact that he was so mean to you and then in his hour of need, you were the person, who came to the rescue,\u201d Adam offered and watched the younger boy\u2019s face as he pondered this idea. \u201cHe might even be feeling ashamed of his self.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe considered what Adam said and wondered if this could be so. \u201cShould I try again to talk to him, and try again to be his friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his brother, \u201cWhat do you think, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe returned his brother\u2019s smile with one of his own, \u201cOkay, Adam, but if he doesn\u2019t want to be my friend after this time, then I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will what, young man?\u201d Adam\u2019s face held a pretend frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed at the face his brother was making knowing that it was a put on. \u201cI\u2019ll keep trying, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the way sport.\u201d Adam stood up, holding Joe in his arms, \u201cI happen to know that Hop Sing has some fresh baked apple turnovers made. What do you say if you and I fix a tray and then you can take it outside to the side porch and try again with Lucas? You know Joe he might really need a friend now. He nearly lost his little brother in that fire and he was unable to do anything to help him. I\u2019m sure that doesn\u2019t make him feel very good about things. Joe, remember when I told you not to judge someone because things happen in our lives to make us who we are?\u201d Adam sat Joe on his feet as they reached the kitchen and began fixing the tray of goodies for the two boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember, and you think that because he feels like he let his little brother down, that\u2019s why he is embarrassed and ashamed?\u201d Joe was beginning to see the point that Adam was trying to make.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Joe, that\u2019s part of it. And now he needs someone to understand how he feels and someone to show him that what happened was not his fault. Think you can handle that?\u201d Adam finished with the tray and handed it to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam, but I\u2019ll try,\u201d Joe smiled up at his brother and Adam could read the determination in the hazel eyes that watched him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened the kitchen door for his brother and watched as Joe made his way to the side porch where Lucas sat, seemingly staring into space. But Adam noticed that the sullen boy watched Little Joe out of the corner of his eye as his brother approached. Not wanting to spy, Adam closed the door when Joe sat the tray on the table and turned to Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to face Lucas but once again Lucas turned away from Joe. Joe just moved to stand in front of the boy. Lucas again turned his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can keep doing that all ya wanna, Lucas, but I got somethin\u2019 to say to ya and ya going to listen to me. You can\u2019t go anywhere, so you might as well listen up,\u201d said Joe, determined that he would have his say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas turned to look up at Joe, a frown clearly on his face. \u201cOkay, Shrimp, say what ya gotta then leave me alone,\u201d snarled Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that Joe had the older boy\u2019s attention, he was suddenly at a loss for words. \u201cWell?\u201d questioned Lucas, \u201cyou gonna say somethin\u2019 or just stand there all day?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got plenty to say, I just don\u2019t know how to start,\u201d snapped Little Joe. \u201cHere have an apple turnover,\u201d Joe said and handed one to Lucas who hesitated briefly before accepting the treat. Joe took a big bite of his turnover and watched Lucas as he bit into his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, these are good,\u201d Lucas said looking up at Little Joe and for a moment smiled at him. In that moment, Lucas forgot that he was supposed to be mad at the smaller boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe saw the smile and used it to his advantage. \u201cThat was nice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was nice?\u201d Lucas asked, his mouth full of turnovers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you smiled, it was nice. You should do it more often, makes you look sorta nice instead of mean all of the time,\u201d Joe said innocently, but truthfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas was surprised at Joe\u2019s words and remained quiet. \u201cTell me something, Lucas,\u201d started Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Lucas, stuffing his mouth full for the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come ya don\u2019t like me? What\u2019d I ever do to you?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019 I reckon, and besides, I never said I didn\u2019t like ya,\u201d Lucas said and turned his head so that Joe could not see the shame that he knew would be showing on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe remained silent for a minute. \u201cWant some milk?\u201d he asked and handed a glass to Lucas who took it and downed it in big gulps. When he pulled the glass away from his mouth, Joe laughed at the white mustache that remained on the boy\u2019s upper lip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt and laughed with Joe. \u201cYou know Joe, you really ain\u2019t so bad, for a shrimp I mean,\u201d Lucas smiled again at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t so bad either, but you could be nicer if ya didn\u2019t call everybody names and make fun of people all the time. My brother Adam says that when people do things like that, they are just trying to make themselves look important. And he says it ain\u2019t right for people to poke fun at others, or to call them names,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGosh Lucas, I was real mad at you for calling my ma that bad word. I wanted to pound you really good too, but you had Timmy with you so it wasn\u2019t a fair fight, and you know it. But wanna know what bothered me most?\u201d Joe sat in front of Lucas so the other boy had to look at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d was all Lucas could say. He had wanted to fight the Cartwright kid, just because he knew he could lick him. His older brother had always picked on him, calling him nasty names and such and Lucas had grown tired of it. Picking on Joe had been his way of feeling important, just as Joe had said. Lucas thought back to the day of the fire; he had been treating his baby brother, Frankie, in much the same way that his older brother had often treated him. When Lucas had seen the four-year old run back into the burning house, panic and shame overcame him and when he had tried to enter the house himself and had broken his leg, he had thought that his little brother would surely perish. Lucas had sat helpless, crying in the dirt for God to send help when he looked up and seen the Cartwright kid kneeling before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat at his desk working on his ledgers. The window above had been opened earlier and he could not help over hearing the conversation between the two young boys. Not meaning to eavesdrop, Ben now knew the reason why his youngest son had refused to tell him what the fight had been about. The Tatum boy had called Marie a name that had not sat well with Joseph. \u2018No wonder the boy had been so mad,\u2019 thought Ben. Ben also realized that the person who his son had been protecting had been himself and he understood why Joseph had felt like he had to lie to him, Joe had not wanted to hurt his feelings. Ben turned to Marie\u2019s picture that sat on his desk. \u2018We have ourselves quite a boy darling, you would be proud.\u2019 Ben silently reached up and closed the window; he had no need to hear more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou called my ma that name, and you didn\u2019t even know her. You never even seen her, and yet you called her such a nasty name. And then you laughed when you saw how mad it made me. How\u2019d you feel it I said that about your mother?\u201d Joe asked Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas thought about Joe\u2019s words and when he could not stand it any longer the tears slipped down his cheeks as he hung his head in shame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Little Joe. I know I shouldn\u2019t have called her that. I\u2019m sorry for picking on ya too. I don\u2019t know why I did; I really do like you. Wanna know somethin?\u201d Lucas raised his head and looked at Joe as he wiped the tears from his face. \u201cI think I was jealous of you,\u201d confessed Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJealous of me? Why?\u201d Joe was surprised by his friend\u2019s confession.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause everyone liked you and no one liked me. Cause the girls think you\u2019re cute, cause your brothers treat ya like you\u2019re somebody and not just a pest. Your Pa loves you, no matter what you do, everyone says he\u2019s like that and cause you\u2019re smart, cause you don\u2019t take no crap off of anyone, and cause ya ain\u2019t yella. I have the bruises to prove it too. And Joe, cause your family cares about each other, your brothers are always there for you when you need them. My brothers are always telling me to get lost or they\u2019ll tell Pa some lie about me and then I end up getting walloped for something I didn\u2019t even do,\u201d Lucas finished sadly and hung his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa says, if\u2019n ya can\u2019t say nothin\u2019 nice about someone, ya shouldn\u2019t say nothin\u2019 at all. And Adam says that sticks and stones do hurt but not like names people call each other,\u201d Joe told Lucas. \u201cThe names do hurt, they hurt the person who gets called the name, and then the person who calls the names gets hurt sometimes too, like you, you\u2019re hurtin\u2019 ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas wiped his tears again; \u201cI reckon so. Little Joe thanks for saving my brother. I promise from now on, I\u2019m gonna treat him better than I used too. And I promise you that I won\u2019t call you names anymore. From now on, I am going to be a different person,\u201d Lucas crossed his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo unto others as you would have others do unto you, that\u2019s the golden rule you know. Adam says the world would be a better place if\u2019n we all tried to live by it,\u201d Joe smiled. \u201cLucas, would ya make me one more promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything Little Joe,\u201d Lucas waited for Joe to finish chewing his last bite of apple turnover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me that you will be my friend from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise Little Joe, I learned my lesson. I will always be your friend but I hope you will always be my friend too, will you?\u201d Lucas asked almost shyly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPinkie swear?\u201d Little Joe smiled and held up his pinkie finger and Lucas met it with his own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And that day in the warm afternoon sun, two young boys brought together by a near tragedy became lifelong friends. Lessons of love, forgiveness, understanding, compassion and a willingness to change were tough taskmasters for such young souls but both boys would never break the bond of friendship that each had made with the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

November, 2001<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dedicated to the man in black.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> Adam Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, Lucas Tatum<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Name calling really does hurt. Adam helps Little Joe understand why people do such things and tries to help him over the hurt.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0G (14,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":4115,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2157,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":63574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63574","url_meta":{"origin":12337,"position":0},"title":"The Snake (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"March 16, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A snake causes chaos in the Cartwright house. 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