{"id":1672,"date":"2014-03-31T16:55:14","date_gmt":"2014-03-31T20:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1672"},"modified":"2025-08-01T13:29:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:29:16","slug":"may-the-thunder-roll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1672","title":{"rendered":"May the Thunder Roll… (by BluewindFarm)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Three Vignettes, which were originally posted separately in the Old Brand Library; where the reader gets to figure out TWO of the brothers.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Part One – A Brother: \u00a0<\/strong>He lay there; wishing for all that he was worth that it was just the sound of thunder that was pounding in his head.\u00a0\u00a0 His body wanted to give into its exhaustion but the sounds wouldn\u2019t let him.\u00a0 And so there he laid; praying for a rescue, hoping above hope that it all would stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part Two – The Other Brother<\/strong>:\u00a0 Pa had assigned the jobs and now… another brother waits for rescue or for it all to just stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part Three – The Final Brother<\/strong>:\u00a0 You’ve read of two of the brothers, now comes the final brother.\u00a0 Or rather, it began like this…<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating<\/strong>:\u00a0 K+ (4,840 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll – A Brother
\n<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He lay there; wishing for all that he was worth that it was just the sound of thunder that was pounding in his head.\u00a0\u00a0 His body wanted to give into its exhaustion, but the sounds wouldn\u2019t let him.\u00a0 And so there he laid; praying for a rescue, hoping above hope that it all would stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The day had started before the sun tinged the sky.\u00a0\u00a0 Forgoing breakfast, he grabbed a cup of coffee and after taking a tentative sip, thanked Hop Sing for the foresight to brew it stronger than normal.\u00a0 With the cup placed in the sink, he returned to the front door to gather his gun belt and hat, and without a backwards glance was out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The night before he and his brothers had listened to their father lament the fact that the hands hand reported a large break in the north pasture fencing and he was ordered to see to returning any and all strays to the proper side of the boundary.\u00a0 Begrudging the fact that it was the peak of summer, he elected to get an early start in an effort to be back home before the heat of the day struck.<\/span><\/p>\n

It couldn\u2019t be helped that one brother was sick and the other was required to go to another section of the ranch to check on the condition of a stream-fed watering hole that was always prone to damming by beavers.\u00a0 It was a toss-up as to which brother had been assigned the worst job.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

With fifteen head of cattle still counted as missing, his jacket that had been required during the early morning hours had long been tied to the back of his saddle as the sun reached the noon mark. \u00a0\u00a0He\u2019d rechecked the underbrush and the various copses of trees nearby.\u00a0 He ranged deep into a few arroyos and found several head bearing the Ponderosa brand within.\u00a0 He ranged farther afield and rode with his shirt unbuttoned, in hopes the breeze he created as he loped his horse along would help evaporate the sweat that coursed down his chest in an effort to cool himself.\u00a0 By the time the count was down to five head missing, his canteen was nearing empty as he dismounted his horse and allowed it to stand fetlock deep in the creek that cut through the open range; both satiating their thirst as the sun beat down from overhead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once remounted, the lowing sound was faint but insistent.\u00a0 And so he followed and found five head bogged down in a section of the creek where it pooled wider before narrowing again.<\/span><\/p>\n

He cursed the cattle as he stepped to the ground and retrieved his lariat from his saddle.\u00a0 The first cow was highly cooperative after he roped her and his horse pulled her to terra firma.\u00a0 The second cow presented a slightly different circumstance, not as deeply sunk; however, she was unwilling to leave her calf.\u00a0 So, he decided to rescue the calf in hopes that the mother would rescue herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

With no luck in pulling the calf out using the rope, he hung his head.\u00a0 In a controlled descent, he flopped on the ground to tug off his boots and socks.\u00a0 Rolling up his pant legs, he returned to the scene of the crime<\/i>.\u00a0 He stepped cautiously into the mire and thrust his arms deep and grabbed hold of the calf\u2019s front leg before he reached over to grab up the second front leg, extricating both from their entrapment.\u00a0 Moving to the rear of the bovine, he pulled out the tail with a prayer it would incite the animal to move on its own.\u00a0 The cow stood nearby, bawling as if telling the human, \u201cMy baby!\u00a0 Don\u2019t hurt my baby!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell momma, if you\u2019d taught this youngster right; WE wouldn\u2019t be here, now\u2026 would we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He rued the fact that he was actually talking to such a stupid animal.\u00a0 With an effort, he grabbed the calf\u2019s haunches and after a mighty heave the bull calf flopped free on its side.\u00a0 Flanks heaving, it lay where it landed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man rolled his head around on his neck as if begging, \u201cCome on\u2026 Give me a break!\u00a0 I\u2019ve done all the work.\u00a0 Move your scrawny\u2026\u201d But he refrained from speaking the rest and went to work hauling the exhausted animal to the dry bank; the mother happily plodding along behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning to his horse, he repositioned his partner in order to rescue the fourth animal of the day.\u00a0 With a deft flick of his wrist, the loop landed around the cow\u2019s neck and with a subtle shifting of his weight the horse carefully backed.\u00a0 The loop tightened and gave just enough purchase for the animal to heave their full weight against the rope, managing to propel itself free and clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thirty minutes later he poked and prodded, pulled and swatted before the last cow was heading back towards her home range, the others following suit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down, he loathed the mud and muck and the smell that now clung to him. \u00a0Grabbing his boots and socks, he walked up the stream where he did his best to clean off his limbs and clothes.\u00a0 Feet in socks, and socks in boots, he returned to his horse who gave him a wary eye as he approached but held still for his rider to mount.\u00a0 Wearily he neck reined his horse to follow the cattle.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The hands sitting on the tailgate of the wagon laughed at his appearance, cackling with good-hearted mirth at his expense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust get the fence finished before Pa comes out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With an hour to ride home, he signaled his horse into a ground covering lope, changing into a trot to conserve the animal\u2019s strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sun had set by the time he exited the barn, horse groomed, tack cleaned; eager to make his way to the bathhouse and a long, hot bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing declared he would bring his charge clean clothes; he didn\u2019t want dried mud all over the house.\u00a0 And so he made his way out the back of the kitchen, to find his brother already in the copper tub singing atrociously some bawdy song he\u2019d evidently heard at the saloon.\u00a0 The singing only stopped when a series of sneezes let loose, indicating this brother was still not over his cold.\u00a0 It appeared that he would not be in a position to help again tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

With his brother’s dirty bath water drained, his muscles protested as he assisted Hop Sing in carrying fresh hot water.\u00a0 He finally dismissed the small man.<\/span><\/p>\n

His hands knew each button and without conscious thought he shucked off his shirt, followed by his pants and undergarments.\u00a0 Slowly he eased his body into the water and felt it work to relax his sore muscles.\u00a0 Waking quickly as he began to slip below the waters, he reached for the rag and soap, and began to clean his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The family retired to the great room after supper.\u00a0 His head bobbed forward as his eyes slipped closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll head to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSame here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

And now, hours later, body pleading for sleep, he lay in his bed, his mind arguing with his desires.\u00a0 \u2018Why couldn\u2019t it be thunder? \u00a0\u00a0I can sleep through a storm.\u2019<\/i> \u00a0He was so tired he was on the verge of tears.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Laying there, praying for a rescue, hoping above hope that it all would stop.\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Just go down the hall and place the pillow over his face\u2026\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

And like the eventual passing of a storm, the snoring stopped and he fell to sleep\u2026 blessed, perfect, welcoming sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three quick raps on his door and it opened to reveal bright blue eyes, \u201cHey, come on, time to rise and shine.\u00a0 Pa sent me up here to get you.\u00a0 It\u2019s gonna be a glorious day, I finally got rid a my cold.\u00a0 Guess all that sleep yesterday and last night done the trick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally entered the hallway he ground his teeth and announced, \u201cI\u2019m gonna smother him tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I get to him first,\u201d claimed the other brother as he struggled to stand upright against the doorway to his room, eyes bleary from a lack of sleep too.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author’s note:\u00a0 So you know at least one brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll \u2026the other brother<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He lay there; begrudging the torment of someone hammering within in his skull.\u00a0\u00a0 His body was desperate to give into its exhaustion and abuse, but the pervasive sounds wouldn\u2019t let him.\u00a0 All his senses were on high alert, picking up on anything minute and transforming it into sensory overload.\u00a0 He tried to relax, but just couldn\u2019t harness the stillness within; he dared pray for rescue or for it to just stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

His day had started before the sun tinged the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy me?\u201d the rider moaned to his horse as reached the halfway point of his trip out to the primary stream that fed one of their larger ponds in the pasture south of the homestead.\u00a0 \u201cHe gets to go out and play<\/em> cowboy,\u201d rolling his eyes as he thought, \u201cit isn\u2019t that hard to round up missing cattle and head them back to our range\u2026\u00a0 A beaver, Pa said.\u00a0 A beaver!\u00a0 Bet you I get to wrangle a beaver dam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The rider halted his horse at a creek, allowing the animal to drink while he removed his jacket.\u00a0 He\u2019d left home shortly before sunrise, but sometime after his brother had already left to see about the broken fence line and the scattered herd.\u00a0 Twisting around, he tied his jacket to the cantle of his saddle before picking up the reins and signaling his horse onward.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode along, he remembered supper the evening before, he and his brothers had listened to their father lament the fact that one of the hands hand reported he had seen numerous signs of a beaver near the stream that fed the southern watering hole.\u00a0 He withheld his groan when his father assigned him this task, \u201cMake sure the stream is cleared,\u201d Pa stated, pointing directly to him.\u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0As he accepted the order, he regretted the fact that there were no burning matchsticks to assign the chore this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Great, just great\u2019<\/em> he had silently cursed, knowing that he had been assigned the worst job on the ranch, as he made his way up the stairs to bed later that night.\u00a0 He worried about which transgression might have been discovered by his father in order for him to draw this job.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing it was the height of summer and the day would be another scorcher, he had elected to get an early start in an effort to return home before the arrival of the heat of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

He thanked Hop Sing for the strong brew of coffee in the pre-dawn hour.\u00a0 Grabbing two warm, golden-brown biscuits from the baking sheet, he bit off a large chunk from one as he hurried out of the way of the ever threatening wooden spoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back after lunch,\u201d was stated after quickly swallowing the biscuit in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA beaver my a\u2026\u201d the rider\u2019s head sank forward, resting his chin to his chest as he fumed at the sight in front of him.\u00a0 \u2018There\u2019s no way one beaver constructed that…\u2019\u00a0 <\/em>He ground his teeth in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping from the saddle he unfastened the cinch and stripped the saddle from his horse\u2019s back.\u00a0 From his saddlebags he fetched the hobbles and tied them around his horse\u2019s pasterns, thus allowing the horse to roam and graze while he cleared out the blockage; this was going to take some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least you\u2019ll have an easy day,\u201d he stated as he gave a firm pat to his horse\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before he plopped down on the still lush grass, he unfastened his gunbelt from around his waist, buckled it, and draped it over the saddle horn.\u00a0 Next, he removed his boots and socks, and rolled his pant legs up above his knees while he began to assess the best way to begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew it was a job that had to be completed and couldn\u2019t be put off, or else their cattle could get bogged down behind the dam as it blocked the flow of water and would ultimately turn the area into an unusable marshland for months to come<\/span><\/p>\n

After walking the circumference of the pile of brush several times, and from both directions, he identified what he felt was the weakest location. Grabbing a large branch with both hands and heftily pulling, he was not prepared for the ease in which it moved.\u00a0 Ruing that he had not tested his beliefs, his efforts sent the log flying over his head allowing his arms to windmill around, all in a futile effort to save himself from falling backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

SPLATSH<\/strong>!\u00a0 The material of his pants was a poor barrier against the water that oozed through to his skin as well as making its way down his waist line. Flinging the mud from his hands, he worked to unbutton his shirt and removed the mud-sodden garment.\u00a0 Gaining his feet, he cursed as he walked to a clear portion of the stream and rinsed out his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he proceeded to the stand of trees where he had left his saddle, he looked to his horse\u2026\u201cDon\u2019t look at me like that,\u201d he sarcastically called out as he hung his shirt to dry, before returning to his task.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Limb by limb, branch by branch he worked to clear away the debris used to construct the ever dwindling dwelling.\u00a0 By the time he finally breached the inner sanctum, he wished he had his gun with him to dispatch the two beavers that dove beneath the water to swim out the hidden exit.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The sun was well past noon and was probably closer to two o\u2019clock when he finally reached below the waterline to pull out pieces from the foundation of the structure.\u00a0 As he pulled up, the suction from the mud gave way and the branch rocketed from the water, striking him across the cheekbone, startling him into momentarily seeing stars.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently rubbing his cheek bone he mused, \u201cThat\u2019s going to leave a mark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweat glistened across his tanned skin as he laboriously worked; not one to shirk responsibilities as part owner of the Ponderosa, he knew he had a duty to his family and the land.\u00a0 But that didn\u2019t stop him from grumbling about the job at hand and why it was him out there.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time he had heaped the branches into a pile, it had grown too late to set them ablaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll bring a wagon tomorrow and collect all this for firewood,\u201d he said to no one.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Feet in socks and socks in boots, he slipped his arms into the stiff shirt before buttoning it.\u00a0 With the hobbles removed and his horse saddled, wearily he pulled himself into the saddle and slowly threw his leg over to the other side.\u00a0 Patting his holster strapped to his thigh, he reined his horse for home, mumbling something about being prepared<\/em> tomorrow if the beavers dared show their scrawny<\/em> hides.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tempo of his mount\u2019s trot did nothing to alleviate his aches and pains, or the stiffness of his pants caused by the soaking mud having dried.\u00a0 So, he signaled his mount into an easy lope in hopes of reaching home and a bath, sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon arriving home and his horse taken care of, he was disheartened to hear his brother singing some off-key bawdy saloon song in the bath house.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have the patience or the strength to wait, so he proceeded to the bunk house for his bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tin tub rattled around as he lost control of it while setting it to the floor.\u00a0 He was thankful for the cistern they had built on to the back of the bunkhouse for the men to have access to readily warmed water as he opened the spigot and allowed the water to flow.\u00a0 He tossed his soiled and smelly clothes aside as he stripped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not waiting for the tub to fill entirely, he gave a mighty sigh as he sat down and leaned back.\u00a0 As the water continued to flow, he enjoyed the warmth that penetrated his aching muscles.\u00a0 With the water inches from the edge, he used his foot to turn off the spigot.\u00a0 He woke as the water cooled, he decided now was the time to lather up.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

After supper, the family retired to the great room, the warmth from the fire teased him with sleep.\u00a0 His head tilted forward as his eyes momentarily slipped closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

His head bobbed up when he heard, \u201cI think I\u2019ll head to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Followed by, \u201cMe too\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSame here,\u201d he replied as he yawned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, boys,\u201d their father called.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

And now, hours later, pleading for sleep, he lay in his bed, his body too tired to obey his desires.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter what commands his brain pleaded, the instructions were ignored and the sounds continued to batter his head; resonating as if echoing off the dark mountains in the distance, building one on top of another in a never ending sequence.\u00a0 And so he lay there, praying for a rescue, hoping above hope that it all would just stop.\u00a0 His mind continually begged, \u2018Just go next door and place a pillow over his face\u2026\u2019<\/em>\u00a0 Twenty-four hours after he had last woke\u2026 quiet, allowing his fatigue to conquer his over-wrought senses and win.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were no raps on his door, just a voice too cheery, next to his ear, proclaiming, \u201cHey, wake up, time to rise and shine,\u201d with a resounding smack on his upturned backside.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent me to get you.\u00a0 Guess what? \u00a0I finally got rid a my cold.\u00a0 Guess all that sleep yesterday and last night done the trick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tried to go back to sleep, but heard three raps on the door down the hall and that all too cheery brother, and knew there was no option other than to obey.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally entered the hallway; leaning against the door jamb for support, rubbing his assaulted backside, he looked up when he heard his other brother mumble, \u201cI\u2019m gonna smother him tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I get to him first,\u201d he claimed, his black eye boldly glaring after his brother who had disappeared down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Note<\/strong>:\u00a0 For those who inquired, \u2018Which brother?\u2019 after May the Thunder Roll… I had hoped this story would answer your question.\u00a0 But\u2026 I must apologize, my muse conspired against you; however, there are subtle clues.\u00a0 Regardless, I guess it\u2019s up to your imagination which brother suffered which task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again one brother is clearly identified, and if you read closely, there is at least one clue within this chapter to identify a second brother.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A ~<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll \u2026the final brother
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing, the long-time factotum for the Cartwright family set the table; all the while he listened for the first sounds that his family was waking for the day.\u00a0 The weekend that had just concluded had been as long and as difficult as any weekend following the conclusion of a cattle drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The chuck and supply wagons were unloaded while the horses were unharnessed and turned out in the corral; their leather tack was checked thoroughly as it was cleaned before being put away.\u00a0 Boxes of unused supplies were returned to the kitchen and to the cold cellar below the house. \u00a0Tarps and gear still wet from the rain earlier in the day were hung to dry in the barn<\/span><\/p>\n

Saddles were stripped from the backs of the riding horses before their mounts were curried and gone over to confirm they were sound.\u00a0 Any loose shoes were immediately pulled and plans made to trim the hooves and reset the shoes in the coming days.\u00a0\u00a0 Saddles and bridles were cleaned and checked for needed repairs before being returned to the assigned places.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time the family had returned to the house, all were walking slower and a little more deliberately.\u00a0 After a filling supper and time in the wash house, all turned in a little earlier than normal.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

A sound from the second floor indicated that the senior Cartwright was soon to make his appearance for the morning; walking down the staircase while tying his neck kerchief as he descended.\u00a0 The small oriental man smiled, knowing his employer would soon appreciate the hearty breakfast he was preparing. But first, a strong cup of coffee would be set in front of the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pleasantries had been exchanged and Ben had taken the first sip from the coffee cup, \u201cThank you Hop Sing.\u00a0 I really needed this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright vely welcome.\u00a0 Breakfast be ready soon.\u201d\u00a0 The small man returned to his domain as the second door opened and closed from the floor above.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a father of three grown sons, Ben knew which son to expect to make his presence known next; and he wasn\u2019t surprised to see his eldest slowly making his way down the stairs.\u00a0 Even though he was immaculately and completely dressed for the day, it didn\u2019t stop the yawn that forced its way out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Adam stated as he settled into his chair at the end of the table, carefully taking the hot cup of coffee that Hop Sing handed to the man.\u00a0 \u201cSmells good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrink slowly, coffee hot, wake numba one son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u00a0 I hope you\u2019ve brewed another pot.\u00a0 I think we\u2019re going to need it today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlways brew plenty coffee, keep family wake after hard trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you sleep well, son?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs good as I could\u2026 even though I\u2019ve looked forward to sleeping in my own bed ever since our first night out it still took a while to get used to the fact that it was so comfortable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear anything of your brothers before you came down?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I heard Joe,\u201d Adam answered briefly as another yawn broke forth.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and turned back to fill his own cup of coffee, but his attention was immediately focused on the staircase and seeing his youngest sprawling on his backside as he slid down to the middle landing.\u00a0 Ben half stood as he called, \u201cJoseph, are you okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 sure Pa,\u201d Joe answered, rising slowly, taking hold of the banister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam asked as Joe slipped into his seat at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, not talk, boy drink coffee, boy wake up,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he set another China cup to the table, steam drifting lazily from within.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe answered after sipping and relishing the warmth that trickled down his throat.\u00a0 \u201cBy the way, I\u2019m not a boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEighteen still boy!\u00a0 Always be boy, even when thirty!\u201d answered the housekeeper as he turned to leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay son?\u201d Ben asked, noticing the movement of his youngest as he slightly squirmed in his seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust my pride Pa, only my pride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s innocent expression caused Adam to laugh, \u201cWould you like a pillow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can find one to fit my saddle?\u201d Joe answered back, in good humor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sounds emanated from the kitchen, indicating that Hop Sing was taking up their breakfast from the stove and placing it into the serving dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, would you kindly go back upstairs and encourage your brother to join us for breakfast?\u00a0 And maybe coming back down you can make a more graceful entrance,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a change,\u201d Adam grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Joe gulped his coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust go tell Hoss that\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cACHOOOO!\u201d rumbled from the second floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cY\u012b\u2026\u201d (One)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cACHOOOOO!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u00c8r\u2026\u201d (Two)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cACHOOOOO!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cS\u0101n\u2026\u201d (Three)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cACHOOOO!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cS\u00ec\u2026\u201d (Four<\/em>) Hop Sing silently counted from the kitchen as each sneeze reverberated through the house.\u00a0 He waited, his work of taking food from the stove temporarily forgotten, until no more sneezes were heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

The chandelier over the table swung slightly and the windows behind their father rattled in their panes as feet stumbling from bed pounded on the floor in cadence to the sneezes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease no,\u201d Adam whispered as he lowered his head after the last sneeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d Joe mirrored his brother\u2019s sentiments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid of that, after trying to retrieve Cookie\u2019s favorite pan from the river and falling in\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention yesterday\u2019s rain,\u201d Adam added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two know what this means,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe just assumed Hoss\u2019 chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slumped backwards and slipped downward in his chair, \u201cAnd it\u2019s only Monday morning\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~The End<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

********************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

Translation via Google Translation.\u00a0 My apologies for any errors.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll was inspired by the Seedling Challenge:\u00a0 Thunder<\/span><\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll – the Other Brother was written as a follow-up story to answer the question of which brother.\u00a0 It does not contain a Seedling Challenge word.<\/span><\/p>\n

May the Thunder Roll – the Final Brother was inspired by the Seedling Challenge:\u00a0 Monday Morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Story Tags: Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, multiple stories<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The final page contains the reviews\/comments left on the old BonanzaBrand Library.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer: <\/span>sklamb<\/a> <\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>24 Feb 2014 11:49 pm Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Good fun with a nice twist at the end–and a good reminder about how much pure hard work we never saw “our boys” doing on the TV show! Thank you!!<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Author’s Response: <\/i>Yes, the story was fun to write, but I’m not so sure it was fun for the brother involved.\u00a0 I guess with any good reality show, you can only see so little during that 60 minute of broadcast, and maybe the producers just thought the ‘pure hard work’ was too much drudgery to ask the viewers to sit through.\u00a0 Thank you for reading and reviewing.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
Reviewer: <\/span>Anonymous <\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>12 Feb 2014 07:41 pm Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Not what I’d expected but instead an awesomely crafted little story. :-)Great use of the prompt, BWF!<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Author’s Response: <\/i>Thank you, it was a fun tale to write.\u00a0 Sort of like… bait the hook, play out the line, reel them in, and then when the reader is sure that something is about to happen… Turn the story around with a twist.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Reviewer: <\/span>dmc824<\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>12 Feb 2014 04:33 am Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll<\/span><\/p>\n

What a wonderful brothers story! For years I listened to the lion loose in our bedroom [my husband’s snoring] and now that he’s gone I can’t sleep without the noise!<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

DMC824<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m glad you enjoyed!!\u00a0 I too suffer through the ‘lion loose’.\u00a0 As with the brother in my story, I wish it were thunder, the gentle rolling thunder instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer: <\/span>dmc824<\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>04 Mar 2014 08:09 am Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll …the other brother<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
I pictured my favorite cowboy while reading this! Great story!<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Glad to read that you were able to see your favorite cowboy in this story.\u00a0 Thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer: <\/span>Spiced Sausage<\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>25 Feb 2014 08:36 pm Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll …the other brother<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Great story! Thanks!!<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Spiced, Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the story.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Reviewer: <\/span>sklamb<\/a> <\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>24 Feb 2014 11:56 pm Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll …the other brother<\/span><\/p>\n

I reckon I have figured the puzzle out–not that I’m going to spoil anyone else’s fun, or risk making a fool of myself! But even if I’m wrong it’s still a fun companion to the earlier story–and, once again, a reminder of what “real” ranching is like. (When did the Cartwrights ever get the time to engage in all their adventures?) Thank you for sharing!<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Response: <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Sue, as long as you’re sure which brother was assigned which task… that’s all the counts.\u00a0 And I agree, when did they EVER get the time to even think about robbing a bank, or dressing up like an Easter bunny, or swooning after the ladies, or…<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for reading and reviewing, oh and by the way… You could never make a fool of yourself!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

**********<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviewer: <\/span>Cheaux<\/a><\/span>
\n Date: <\/span>31 Mar 2014 11:41 pm Title: <\/span>May the Thunder Roll …the final brother<\/span><\/p>\n

Nice visuals. \u00a0I could clearly picture each movement as the Cartwrights greeted the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Cheaux, I’m glad you enjoyed!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Three Vingettes where you get to figure out TWO of the brothers.<\/p>\n

He lay there; wishing for all that he was worth that it was just the sound of thunder that was pounding in his head.\u00a0\u00a0 His body wanted to give into its exhaustion but the sounds wouldn\u2019t let him.\u00a0 And so there he laid; praying for a rescue, hoping above hope that it all would stop. And what of his brothers?
\nRating:\u00a0 K+ (4,840 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":8202,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1009,23,4,32,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-drama","category-humor","category-mystery","category-challenges","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-32-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1466,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/lightning.jpg?fit=200%2C252&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2981,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2981","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":0},"title":"Brothers and Mud (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This is my entry for April's 2013 Chaps & Spurs\/Pinecone Trifecta.A WHIB for Springtime. Have you ever wondered what happened between the brothers making a \"Joe sandwich\" and the mud fight? Well, here's my answer to it. Word Count: 708\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/springtime6.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7673,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7673","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":1},"title":"Did I Hear You Mention Boston? (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: One Cartwright, two Lancers, and a chance meeting equal a little crossover story. Rated:\u00a0 K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01032","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vlcsnap-error340-3.png?fit=517%2C388&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":50532,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50532","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":2},"title":"Did We Win (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"February 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The Founders Day horse race was a tradition for Adam and Joe Cartwright, but the question always is - which brother will win? Rating: G, Word Count: 772","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Joe-and-Adam-The-Hayburner.png?fit=496%2C395&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7728,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7728","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":3},"title":"I’ve Got A Secret (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe knows a secret Adam would rather he did not tell. Rated: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01085","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7668,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7668","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":4},"title":"Stampede (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A cattle drive, a stampede, and one guilty Cartwright make for a simple little tale. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0 1211","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/cattle-drive.jpg?fit=357%2C267&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":16021,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16021","url_meta":{"origin":1672,"position":5},"title":"We Done Our Share (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"March 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY: \u00a0My entry for the March 2018 poetry challenge -- It's a little discussion among the brothers about loves lost which is spoken in three voices. rating = PG13 \u00a0 \u00a0word count = 282","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/three-brothers.jpg?fit=300%2C284&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1672"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1672\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}