{"id":1921,"date":"2009-10-21T06:30:44","date_gmt":"2009-10-21T10:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1921"},"modified":"2026-07-22T07:16:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:16:19","slug":"waiting-for-the-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1921","title":{"rendered":"Waiting for the Stage (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>When Ben’s stage is delayed, Adam has his hands full trying to keep himself and his brothers out of trouble while they wait for it<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (19,185 words)<\/p>\n

Waiting for the Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious!\u201d Adam Cartwright leant against the hitching rail as he stared at the small blackboard on which Bert was writing. \u201cDelayed?\u201d he said, incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert nodded as he finished writing. \u201cSorry Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I just got a wire from Reno. Seems that there\u2019s been a rockslide across the trail and it\u2019s gonna take em a few hours to clear it before the stage can get through.\u201d He scratched his chin as he looked at Hoss and Joe who were giving him eager looks. \u201cYou expecting yer Pa on the stage?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said, shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bert shook his head. \u201cWell, I\u2019d say it\u2019ll be around four o\u2019clock,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a bit of a wait ahead of you.\u201d He began to whistle as he walked back into the Stage Office, leaving three crestfallen Cartwrights behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFour o\u2019clock!\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut it was supposed to get here now and it\u2019s only ten o\u2019clock!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cWell, there\u2019s nothing we can do about it,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we gonna go home and come back again Adam?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo point,\u201d replied his brother. \u201cBy the time we got there we\u2019d only have a couple of hours before we needed to come back again, so it\u2019d be a waste of a trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tugged on his big brother\u2019s sleeve. \u201cAin\u2019t Pa coming home?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at the small boy and smiled. \u201cSure he is,\u201d he assured him. \u201cHe\u2019s just going to be a bit late, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked around. \u201cWhat are we gonna do until four o\u2019clock?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scratched his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWell you\u2019re going to school for a start,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m not sure about me and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his older brother a shocked look. \u201cSchool!\u201d he declared. \u201cBut Pa said I could be here to meet him and he never said nothing about school today!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was when he thought the stage was getting in at ten o\u2019clock,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe only meant you could have the day off because he thought he\u2019d be here by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut \u2026. but school\u2019s already started!\u201d spluttered Hoss indignantly. \u201cThat ain\u2019t fair!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cListen Hoss, I\u2019ve got enough to worry about keeping Joe amused all day without worrying about you as well,\u201d said Adam firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re going to school and that\u2019s all there is to it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glared at his brother angrily. \u201cI ain\u2019t!\u201d he said. \u201cI ain\u2019t got any lunch to take anyway and \u2026 I just ain\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are,\u201d Adam said, just as firmly. \u201cJoe and I will need to eat as well, so I\u2019ll bring something over for you when it\u2019s time. You\u2019ll be well and truly finished with school by the time Pa gets off that stage, so don\u2019t fret about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t fretting about it,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cI just don\u2019t wanna go to school today, is all!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pointed a finger at his younger brother. \u201cNow you listen here,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know the deal when Pa\u2019s away \u2026 I\u2019m in charge. You want me to tell Pa that you refused to do what you were told?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the ground as he dug the toe of his boot into the dirt. \u201cNo,\u201d he said, in a low voice. \u201cBut \u2026.\u201d He looked up at Adam again. \u201cPlease Adam? I won\u2019t be no trouble and I\u2019ll look after Little Joe for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave Hoss an indignant look. \u201cI don\u2019t need no looking after,\u201d he declared. \u201cI can look after myself!\u201d When both his brothers ignored him, he simply turned and began to swing around the hitching rail happily, ignoring the war of words that was taking place between his brothers a few steps away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going and that\u2019s that,\u201d said Adam firmly to Hoss. \u201cNow get!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother one last angry glare before turning on his heel and marching up the Main Street towards the small schoolhouse. Adam continued to lean against the hitching rail that Joe was swinging on as he watched him go, not standing upright until he saw Hoss disappear into the front door of the building at the top of the small flight of stairs. He sighed and looked down at Joe who was still happily swinging. \u201cWell, I suppose it\u2019s just you and me for a while, squirt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d replied Joe happily. \u201cWhat are we gonna do now Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed again. \u201cLord knows,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI know what I\u2019d like to do \u2026.\u201d He looked at the Silver Dollar Saloon longingly and then shook his head. \u201cOf all the dumb luck,\u201d he muttered. \u201cA fellar gets a day in town and \u2026.\u201d He looked down at Joe who grinned back up at him. \u201cWell, it can\u2019t be helped I suppose,\u201d he said. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere we going Adam?\u201d asked Joe, happily jumping along next to his brother down the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Adam admitted dolefully and then his eyes lit up as he spied Ross Marquette coming out of the bank. \u201cRoss!\u201d he called. \u201cWhat are you doing in town today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ross grinned back at his friend. \u201cJust doing some banking,\u201d he said, patting his hip pocket. \u201cI\u2019m all cashed up and ready for a drink or two. How about it, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam indicated Joe with his thumb. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he said, rolling his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d said Ross. He ruffled Joe\u2019s curly hair and grinned down at him. \u201cWell can\u2019t you ditch the kid somewhere for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cWhere would you suggest?\u201d he asked, sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ross scratched his head. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he admitted. \u201cIt was just a thought. What are you doing in town anyway? Your Pa\u2019s normally got you busy working at this time of day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s been in Reno for a week on business,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cWe came in to meet him on the morning stage, but it\u2019s not coming in until late this afternoon now, so I\u2019m just hanging around waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ross nodded. \u201cOh, well it\u2019s a shame that you can\u2019t come for a drink or two while you\u2019re waiting,\u201d he said. \u201cBessie\u2019s in there today and she\u2019s been asking about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cShe has?\u201d he asked eagerly. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Ross. \u201cWanted to know when you was coming in next.\u201d He patted Adam on the shoulder. \u201cI guess that I\u2019ll just have to keep her company in your absence, Cartwright.\u201d He grinned at Adam, showing anything but sympathy for his friend. \u201cShame about that, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said, sarcastically. \u201cReal shame.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ross winked at him and then took off across the street towards the Silver Dollar. \u201cI\u2019ll have one for you!\u201d he shouted over his shoulder and then gleefully disappeared into the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood looking after him for a moment before turning his gaze on his small brother. \u201cIt\u2019s all your fault,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked indignant. \u201cWhat\u2019s all my fault?\u201d he asked. \u201cI ain\u2019t done nothing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d said Adam, beginning to walk down the street again. \u201cJust the fact that you\u2019re here \u2026.\u201d He waved his arm around. \u201cOh, never mind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and took off after his brother, one foot up on the sidewalk and the other down in the street. \u201cThis is great, ain\u2019t it Adam?\u201d he said as he bounced, but his brother only grunted at him as he stopped to look in the window of the Mercantile. Joe stopped as well and pressed his nose against the glass as he gazed at the array of coloured jars in the window. \u201cWe gonna get some candy?\u201d he asked, hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we\u2019re not,\u201d said Adam grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could eat it all and not tell Hoss,\u201d Joe suggested cagily. \u201cHe\u2019d never know we done it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to reply, but before he could there was a shrill whine from the doorway. \u201cWhy Adam Cartwright!\u201d said Abigail Jones, her eyes wide with pleasure as she spied Adam. \u201cImagine seeing you here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face immediately took on a hunted look and he took a step away from the window as he tipped his hat. \u201cMiss Jones,\u201d he said politely to the schoolteacher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail took a step towards him. \u201cPlease \u2026 call me Abigail,\u201d she gushed. \u201cI\u2019ve told you before not to be so formal.\u201d She gave him a rather toothy smile and fluttered her eyelashes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbigail,\u201d said Adam reluctantly. \u201cI thought \u2026 I mean \u2026 that is \u2026.\u201d He looked puzzled. \u201cIsn\u2019t school in? I just sent Hoss over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d Abigail replied. \u201cBut it\u2019s nearly morning recess at the moment so I\u2019ve just slipped over here to pick up a bolt of silken material that Mr Abrahams has kindly had on hold for me.\u201d She pulled the brown paper wrapping away from the parcel she held under her arm. \u201cDo you like it?\u201d she asked. \u201cIt\u2019s a particular shade of yellow that I\u2019ve been\u00a0 wanting to make up into a dress for the box social next month.\u201d She sidled closer to Adam. \u201cAre you going to the box social Adam?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed. \u201cNice colour,\u201d he said, avoiding the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat looks like someone peed on it,\u201d Joe declared insensitively. \u201cIt\u2019s the same colour as \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hand over his little brother\u2019s mouth and smiled weakly at the woman. \u201cChildren,\u201d he said, somewhat sheepishly. \u201cWhat do they know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail tried to smile back at him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d she said. \u201cIf there\u2019s one thing I understand, it\u2019s children.\u201d She gave Joe an appraising look. \u201cSo this is the youngest Cartwright?\u201d she said. \u201cYour father told me that he\u2019ll be joining my classes after the summer vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWhen he\u2019s six.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll look forward to making your intimate acquaintance then, Joseph,\u201d said Abigail, bending down and pinching the boy on the cheek. \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll become close friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t look too sure about that, but simply glared at the woman as he rubbed his red cheek where she\u2019d pinched it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEric told me that your father is coming home on the stage today?\u201d continued Abigail, not noticing the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHe has been delayed, I believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit difficult too, waiting with Joe and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail\u2019s eyebrows shot up. \u201cOh?\u201d she said. \u201cWell if I could be of any assistance, I\u2019d be happy to help. The child is welcome to join my classes for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately took a step forward without meaning to. \u201cYou mean it?\u201d he asked eagerly. \u201cOh that would be great! You\u2019d really be doing me a favour if you\u2019d take him for a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail preened herself under Adam\u2019s grateful and eager gaze. \u201cOf course,\u201d she said generously as she fluttered her eyelashes at him. \u201cIt would be no trouble at all to have one extra. Come along Joseph!\u201d She tried to grab hold of Little Joe\u2019s hand, but the boy was having none of it and immediately edged away from her and around the back of his brother\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled him out again and knelt down so that he was face to face with the child. \u201cIsn\u2019t that great squirt?\u201d he said, plastering a big smile on his face and hoping that it would fool his little brother. \u201cYou\u2019re going to get to go to school with Hoss for the day. Lucky you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s wary look softened a little, but he still declared, \u201cI don\u2019t wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you do,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou\u2019ve been telling Pa how much you want to go to school with Hoss and now\u2019s your chance. You\u2019re going to have a real fun day and then after you\u2019ve finished, we\u2019ll meet Pa and you can tell him all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked unsure. \u201cWell \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome along Joseph,\u201d said Abigail, clutching hold of his hand in a no-nonsense way. \u201cDon\u2019t dawdle.\u201d She began to pull Joe away from Adam as she smiled at him. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d she assured the young man. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I ever thank you?\u201d asked Adam, getting up again. \u201cI\u2019m very grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail fluttered her eyelashes again. \u201cOh, I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll think of something,\u201d she said. \u201cPerhaps when you come to pick him up later we could discuss it?\u201d She winked at Adam who immediately blanched and wondered if a day without Joe was worth the price she might be thinking about exacting from him for it later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring their lunches by later on,\u201d he called as Abigail led Joe away. \u201cHave a good time Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked back over his shoulder at his brother, not at all sure that things were turning out for the best, but not able to break free of Abigail\u2019s grasp long enough to find out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took one look at their retreating forms before clapping his hands together as he looked skyward. \u201cThanks!\u201d he said and then turned to run towards the Silver Dollar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t drag your feet Joseph,\u201d said Abigail as she pulled him towards the schoolhouse. \u201cTime is wasting.\u201d She opened the small gate of the front yard and motioned towards a red-haired child who was standing near the porch. \u201cJimmy, please ring the bell. Recess is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe!\u201d Hoss Cartwright came running across the small playground, his mouth opened in surprise to see his little brother standing next to Abigail. \u201cWhat are you doing here Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother has come to join us for the day, Eric,\u201d said Abigail as she led Joe and the other children up the small flight of stairs and into the schoolhouse. \u201cHere you are Joseph, you may sit on this bench with the smaller children.\u201d She directed the little boy towards the front bench, but Joe shook his head firmly as she finally let go of his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll sit here with Hoss.\u201d He climbed up next to his brother and grinned around at everyone happily. Now that he was with Hoss he felt much happier about being here and was determined to find out all he could about what went on in this mysterious school that his brother was always talking about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d said Abigail, just as firmly. \u201cEric\u2019s desk is far too big for you \u2026 you can\u2019t see over the top of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can iffen I kneel up,\u201d said Joe, kneeling up on the seat to show her that it was so. \u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless,\u201d insisted Abigail. \u201cYou will sit in the front as I\u2019ve said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and gave her what Hoss knew to be his best stubborn look. \u201cNup,\u201d he said simply and put his elbows on Hoss\u2019 desk as he looked at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBest to let him stay here ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss suggested tentatively. \u201cI don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it. She would have plenty of time to sort out the stubbornness of this youngster in time and she didn\u2019t feel inclined to tackle it today. \u201cVery well,\u201d she said briskly and swept to the front of the room where she placed herself at her large desk facing the children. \u201cThe younger children open your readers please,\u201d she said. \u201cGrades Five to Eight commence copying your arithmetic from the board.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around happily as everyone began on their assigned tasks. \u201cWhatcha doing Hoss?\u201d he asked after a few minutes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake-aways,\u201d muttered Hoss as he began to count on his fingers. \u201cBe quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s take-aways?\u201d asked Joe, leaning over to try and see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShush!\u201d said Hoss. His brow furrowed as he tried to concentrate on the task at hand and he continued to count on his fingers. \u201cGold darn it,\u201d he muttered. \u201cI ran out of fingers on that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can borrow some of mine,\u201d Joe offered generously, holding out his small hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swiped it away quickly. \u201cShh!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brother indignantly. \u201cDon\u2019t you shush me!\u201d he said. \u201cI can talk iffen I want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot here ya can\u2019t,\u201d Hoss warned him, glancing at Abigail to see if she had noticed their conversation. \u201cYou gotta be quiet,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around again. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked in a loud voice. \u201cWhy have I gotta be quiet Hoss?\u201d He waved his arms excitedly as he noticed a neighbour of theirs. \u201cHey, there\u2019s Jake! Hey Jake!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail stopped hearing the younger children read and looked over at Joe. \u201cJoseph,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease be quiet while the children are working.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around again and noticed how everyone at the desks had their heads bent over their slates. \u201cI wanna work too,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail stood up and brought a slate over to him. \u201cThere you are,\u201d she said, trying to sound kind in spite of her frustration with the little boy. \u201cYou can draw a lovely picture on that. Won\u2019t that be nice?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe happily and started to work. Several minutes passed before he lifted his head again. \u201cSee Hoss?\u201d he said. \u201cI done a horse.\u201d When his brother didn\u2019t answer, he jiggled his elbow. \u201cI said I done a horse!\u201d he repeated in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said Abigail. She beckoned to the boy who obligingly got down from the desk and trotted to the front of the room. He stood next to Abigail, grinning around at all the children who tried their best to ignore him and concentrate on their work under Abigail\u2019s watchful eyes. Abigail beckoned to Joe to come closer and he sidled up to her so that they were eye to eye. \u201cJoseph,\u201d she said in a mild tone. \u201cIn school you must be quiet so that everyone can concentrate on their work,\u201d she explained. \u201cPlease don\u2019t shout out like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at her intently. \u201cOK,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He continued to stare at her in such an intense way that she finally felt obliged to add, \u201cIs there anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNup,\u201d he said. He put his head on one side as he stared at the teacher. \u201cOnly \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly what dear?\u201d asked Abigail kindly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got a real big nose when you see it up close,\u201d said Joe pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail blushed profusely and looked around as several of the children started to snigger. \u201cThat will be enough!\u201d she said sharply. In spite of herself she touched her nose as she added. \u201cPlease return to your seat, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe, happily skipping back to Hoss\u2019 seat and climbing up again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you said that,\u201d muttered Hoss under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she does have a big nose up close!\u201d declared Joe as he began to draw again. \u201cI ain\u2019t telling a lie!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as everyone settled down and began to work again, only interrupted by the low voices of the younger children who were still reading aloud. After about ten minutes Abigail set them to work and began to roam around the classroom checking the older children\u2019s arithmetic. \u201cVery good Eric,\u201d she said as she passed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come she calls you Eric?\u201d asked Joe as Abigail went onto the next student. \u201cIs she mad with you like Pa is when he calls you that name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d whispered Hoss. \u201cBut she will be mad with me if you don\u2019t shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cYou said shut up<\/em>!\u201d he announced in his loudest most indignant voice. \u201cYou ain\u2019t allowed to say that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said Abigail. \u201cBe quiet please!\u201d She came over to stand next to their desk and put her finger on her lip to indicate to him that she meant business. \u201cThat\u2019s a nice drawing dear,\u201d she said, looking down at his slate and indicating a long-nosed creature that he\u2019d drawn. \u201cIs that one of your father\u2019s horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNup,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s the horse over there. This one is you.\u201d He pointed to the long-nosed face and gave her a happy grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail cleared her throat and moved on without another word. \u201cHow come she\u2019s so bossy?\u201d Joe asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh!\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBe quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail looked over at them. \u201cEric,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease don\u2019t speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna be quiet,\u201d said Joe, ignoring her and speaking to Hoss. \u201cI don\u2019t like being quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou haveta be quiet in school,\u201d whispered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s just the way it is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I ain\u2019t staying!\u201d declared Joe as he climbed down from the desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, get back here!\u201d said Hoss, desperately trying to grab onto his brother\u2019s sleeve, but Little Joe was too quick for him and trotted from the classroom before anyone had even had time to notice. Hoss bit his lip as he considered what to do, then shook his head as he decided that the best course of action would be to simply do nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a full ten minutes before Abigail again looked in his direction and noticed the empty seat next to him. \u201cEric?\u201d she said immediately. \u201cWhere is your brother Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tried to look innocent. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said. \u201cI reckon he\u2019s gone, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail looked confused. \u201cGone?\u201d she said. \u201cGone where?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he admitted. \u201cJust gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail stood up and came to stand next to him. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged again. \u201cYou said not to speak,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail gave him a frustrated look. \u201cGo and find him this instant!\u201d she said. \u201cAnd bring him back here immediately!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss slid off his seat and headed for the door, eager to get outside and away from the angry woman. \u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d he said over his shoulder. As he reached the small playground at the front of the schoolhouse he shaded his eyes as he looked around, but there was no trace of Joe to be seen anywhere. With another shrug, he sauntered out of the yard and across to the Main Street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly a movement caught his eye and he stopped as he saw a mangy dog near a water pump. \u201cHello fellar,\u201d he said, signalling to the animal. \u201cWhere\u2019d you come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog ran up to him and licked his hands, causing Hoss to chuckle and get down on one knee to fondle the animal. \u201cYou\u2019re a nice one,\u201d he said. \u201cWho do you belong to fellar?\u201d He scratched the dog behind its ear and then stood up again. \u201cWell I\u2019d best be off,\u201d he said. \u201cI gotta find my brother before he finds some trouble. He\u2019s real good at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe had already found himself a heap of trouble. He had run quickly from the schoolhouse, anxious that the nosey Miss Abigail Jones wouldn\u2019t have the chance to grab him and haul him back there, for he had no intention of spending his day being constantly told to keep quiet. By the time he had reached the Main Street he had quite run out of breath, so he leant against a swinging door while he caught it again and fell straight through when his weight caused it to open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he picked himself up from the ground, he grinned to see his brother Adam sitting on the other side of the room, chair pushed back and a large glass attached to his mouth. A girl in a short skirt was perched on his lap and seemed to have her own mouth attached to his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked over to his brother, leant his arms on the table and gazed up at them. \u201cWhat\u2019s she slobbering all over your face like that for?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nearly choked on his beer as he stared down at his youngest brother. \u201cWh \u2026 What are you doing in here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged as he continued to stare in a fascinated way at the girl kissing Adam\u2019s cheek. \u201cI didn\u2019t like that school,\u201d he said simply. \u201cWhy\u2019s she slobbering all over your face like that Adam? That\u2019s yuck!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bessie stopped kissing Adam and looked down at Joe. \u201cWell now, ain\u2019t he cute!\u201d she said. \u201cWho is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy kid brother,\u201d said Adam, putting down his beer and glaring at Joe. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be in here,\u201d he said sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around, his jaw dropping in astonishment as he spied a painting of a half naked woman hanging above the bar. \u201cHey!\u201d he said. \u201cLook at that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d shouted Sam, the bartender, looking up at the sound of the boy\u2019s voice. \u201cWho brought that kid in here? Get him out!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up quickly, causing Bessie to nearly topple onto the floor as she fell off his lap. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Sam,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe just followed me in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell get him out,\u201d said Sam. \u201cA kid that little got no business being in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hoss!\u201d shouted Joe, deftly sidestepping Adam as his eldest brother reached out for him. \u201cLookee here Hoss!\u201d He waved to Hoss who had suddenly appeared at the swinging doors and was staring over the top of them, trying to see inside. \u201cThat\u2019s my brother,\u201d Joe explained to Bessie who was dusting herself off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, by all means,\u201d said Adam sarcastically as he finally collared Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s have the whole family in here, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Hoss happily, his brother\u2019s sarcasm totally lost on him. He sauntered into the saloon and looked around in an interested fashion, for he\u2019d never set foot in the place before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Bessie curiously. \u201cAre you real poor?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bessie looked confused. \u201cPoor?\u201d she asked. \u201cWhy would you ask that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pointed to her fishnet tights. \u201cCause your stockings got all them holes in em,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t you have any money to buy new ones with no holes?\u201d He didn\u2019t wait for her to answer before turning to his brother. \u201cLookee there Hoss,\u201d said Joe, pointing to the half naked lady in the painting. \u201cShe\u2019s got real big \u2026.\u201d His voice became muffled as Adam\u2019s hand was clamped firmly on top of his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked and his own mouth opened in surprise as he stared at the painting. \u201cOh Lordy!\u201d he said, standing stock still in amazement as he fixated on the scantily clad woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet them kids outta here before the sheriff shuts this place down!\u201d demanded Sam angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded to him, took one last longing look at his half-full glass of beer and then grasped hold of Hoss\u2019 sleeve as he pulled both his brothers from the saloon. \u201cWhat do you two think are doing?\u201d he demanded as they reached the sidewalk and he let go of them. \u201cYou\u2019re both supposed to be in school!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI left,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t like it. That Miss Jones kept telling me not to talk!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Miss Jones sent me to look for Joe,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you can both march yourselves back there straight away,\u201d said Adam. \u201cGet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother a long look. \u201cWhat were you doing in the saloon?\u201d he asked cagily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t quite meet his brother\u2019s eye as Joe piped up and replied for him. \u201cHe was letting a girl slobber all over his face,\u201d he said. \u201cWeren\u2019t you Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever you mind,\u201d said Adam in a huffy tone. \u201cNow both of you get back to that schoolhouse!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI ain\u2019t going,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m finished with school fer good!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave Adam a pleading look. \u201cAnd I\u2019m hungry,\u201d he said. \u201cAin\u2019t it about lunch time anyhow? You promised to get me something to eat \u2026. remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you that I\u2019d bring you something to eat over at the schoolhouse,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut seeing as how I\u2019m here now I could save you the trip,\u201d he reasoned. \u201cHow about it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hungry too!\u201d Joe butted in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI suppose it is just about lunch time and I could do with something myself.\u201d He pointed a finger at Hoss. \u201cBut as soon as you\u2019ve eaten, you\u2019re heading back to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t say anything, but simply grinned from ear to ear as he followed Adam down the street. \u201cAre we going to the International House fer lunch?\u201d he asked. \u201cThey\u2019ve got mighty fine food there!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d piped up Joe. \u201cI liked the \u2018National House when Pa took us there that time for Hoss\u2019 birthday supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe In<\/em><\/strong>ternational House is far too fancy for lunch for us,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll go to Daisy\u2019s Kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Hoss happily, for he liked the mothering Daisy and her solid home-style cooking. He suddenly grabbed hold of Joe\u2019s arm and pointed. \u201cWell look at that,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s that dog again!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat dog?\u201d asked Joe, also looking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe dog I made friends with before,\u201d said Hoss as the dog ran up to him. \u201cHe and me are good friends, ain\u2019t we fellar?\u201d He scratched behind the dog\u2019s ears. \u201cHe\u2019s a real fine dog, ain\u2019t he Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReal fine,\u201d agreed Joe, giving the animal a pat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks like a mutt to me,\u201d muttered Adam. \u201cGet rid of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother a shocked look. \u201cGet rid of him?\u201d he said. \u201cBut Adam \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo there you are,\u201d said a voice behind them and all three Cartwrights turned to see Sheriff Roy Coffee standing looking at them with his arms folded across his chest. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have?\u201d asked Adam, giving the man an astonished look. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards the schoolhouse. \u201cMiss Jones called me over to the school,\u201d he said. \u201cSeems that she lost a boy.\u201d He winked at Joe before adding. \u201cSeems I found him, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Roy,\u201d apologised Adam. \u201cJoe was supposed to stay there for the day, but he ran off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy scratched his chin thoughtfully. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cThis one run off too?\u201d he asked playfully, giving Hoss a pat on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was looking fer Joe,\u201d explained Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019re all waiting for the stage to come in,\u201d he added, so as to deflect attention away from himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cYer Pa\u2019s on it?\u201d he asked. \u201cI heard tell that it\u2019s coming in late today cause of a rock slide on the trail.\u201d He looked down at the dog at their feet. \u201cIs that stray still hanging around?\u201d he muttered, half to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my friend,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been hanging around town fer days,\u201d said Roy. \u201cReckon I\u2019ll just take him down to old man Keefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Hoss, flinging his arms around the dog. \u201cHe\u2019ll kill him for dog meat!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor dog meat!\u201d echoed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked at Adam and shrugged. \u201cYou taking responsibility fer it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to do with me,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen it before now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of it son,\u201d said Roy to Hoss. \u201cBest if I take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d shouted Hoss, clinging onto the dog. \u201cI\u2019ll find him a home sheriff! I promise that I will!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy softened under the stricken gaze of the boy. \u201cWell, all right,\u201d he said. \u201cBut if you don\u2019t he goes straight to old man Keefer by nightfall,\u201d he said. He tipped his hat to Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll just mosey on down to the school and calm Miss Jones down,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s raving on about kidnapping and some such nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd please let her know that Hoss will be back at school straight after lunch,\u201d he added, giving Hoss a stern look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t go back to school!\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cI\u2019ve got to find a home for this dog before Sheriff Coffee gives him to old man Keefer, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget the dog,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe need to get something to eat. Come on.\u201d He started to turn, but suddenly stopped and smiled as a young lady in a bright red skirt and white blouse came out of the mercantile store next door. \u201cWhy hello Alice,\u201d he said, tipping his hat politely in her direction. \u201cFancy meeting you here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam Cartwright,\u201d replied the girl, fluttering her eyelashes at him in a pretty fashion. \u201cI was just thinking about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face lit up. \u201cYou were?\u201d he asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Alice. \u201cI heard this morning that a new shipment of books arrived at the bookstore from Chicago yesterday and I just knew that you\u2019d be interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew a couple of steps closer to her. \u201cWell, of course I\u2019m interested,\u201d he said softly as he gazed into her face. \u201cWhen am I not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother a painful look and drew Joe close to him as he kept one arm protectively around the dog. \u201cWe gotta save this dog Joe,\u201d he whispered. \u201cWe can\u2019t let old man Keefer have him fer dog meat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cBut you heard what Adam said. He reckons we should get rid of him. Who are we gonna give him to Hoss?\u201d He looked at his brother trustingly as Hoss gave the matter some thought.<\/p>\n

\u201dI dunno Joe,\u201d he admitted finally. \u201cBut I reckon we\u2019ve gotta hide him until we figure it out, otherwise Adam\u2019s gonna get might angry about it.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up. \u201cAdam,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to look at him. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss blushed as he looked at Alice. \u201cI gotta go,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too!\u201d chimed in Joe, not wanting to be left out of whatever it was that Hoss was planning to do. \u201cI gotta go too!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hurry up,\u201d said Adam crossly. \u201cAnd watch out for Joe!\u201d he shouted to Hoss as they both scampered around the back of the store to the outhouse. He turned to Alice again. \u201cSo \u2026. tell me about these books,\u201d he breathed, getting quite close to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was intending to go and take a look at them this afternoon,\u201d said Alice with a demure smile at him. \u201cPerhaps you\u2019d be free to join me at the bookstore and we could go through them together?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that can be arranged,\u201d said Adam, smiling at her and showing off his dimple to great effect. \u201cI\u2019ll be in town for the rest of the day anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about your brothers?\u201d asked Alice. \u201cAren\u2019t you looking after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is going back to school this afternoon,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI can bring Joe with me. He won\u2019t be any trouble.\u201d Adam wished he could believe the last statement, for he\u2019d never actually known his little brother not to be any trouble, but he wasn\u2019t about to tell the young lady that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ironically, right at that exact moment his two younger brothers were up to their armpits in trouble as they crouched next to the Cartwright buggy that was hitched up the street. \u201cUnder there boy,\u201d said Hoss, shoving the dog underneath. \u201cNo one will see ya if ya stay nice and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he takes off Hoss?\u201d asked Joe, looking at the dog anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss thought for a moment. \u201cWe\u2019ll tie him to the wheel with something,\u201d he said. \u201cHave ya got any rope Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked in both his pockets as if by magic a piece of rope might have found its way into them. \u201cNo,\u201d he said truthfully. \u201cHave you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow what would I be carrying rope for?\u201d scoffed Hoss. He scratched his head. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to use something else,\u201d he decided. \u201cHow about your suspenders?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cIffen I take my suspenders off my trousers will fall down,\u201d he said. \u201cMy butt ain\u2019t big enough to hold em up.\u201d He patted Hoss\u2019 ample behind. \u201cBut yours is Hoss,\u201d he added. \u201cYou got plenty of butt to hold your trousers up by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d admitted Hoss modestly. \u201cI got a right big butt.\u201d He unhooked one of his suspenders and used it to tie the dog to the wheel. \u201cNow you stay there fellar until we come back for you,\u201d he said. \u201cKeep nice and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog looked up at them trustingly and then put its head down and shut its eyes. \u201cI dunno Joe,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHe don\u2019t look too good to me.\u201d He felt all over the animal\u2019s body. \u201cHis nose is all warm and dry and see how his tail goes down? That ain\u2019t a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he sick Hoss?\u201d asked Joe anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cMaybe. His eyes is real dull too.\u201d He stood up. \u201cI\u2019ll have to think on it,\u201d he said. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get back before Adam figures out what we\u2019ve been up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two boys scampered back down the street and stood side by side as they looked at their older brother who was still talking to Alice. They stared at them both until Adam was forced to turn and give them a frustrated look in return. \u201cWhat are you two looking at?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothin,\u201d said Hoss innocently. \u201cWe\u2019re just standing here waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed as he noticed the familiar innocent expressions on both their faces that usually signalled trouble, but he was quickly distracted by Alice who placed a hand on his sleeve and looked up into his eyes. \u201cSo I\u2019ll see you at the bookstore later on then?\u201d she asked sweetly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss gripped hold of Joe\u2019s sleeve and he pointed across the street to where Doctor Paul Martin was standing outside his office leaning against a pole in the sun while he read a newspaper. \u201cThere\u2019s Doc Martin!\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe\u2019re just gonna go and say hello to him, Adam!\u201d He began to drag Joe across the street before either of his brothers could say anything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna talk to Doc Martin!\u201d whined Joe as he dragged his feet in the dirt, for the doctor wasn\u2019t his favourite person. Joe always associated him with being hurt and nasty tasting medicine and he wasn\u2019t about to willingly go near the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss bent down until they were face to face. \u201cNow listen here Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWe gotta find out what\u2019s wrong with that dog and Doc Martin might be able to tell us,\u201d he said. \u201cYou wanna help that dog or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut Doc Martin doctors people, not animals, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe still might know,\u201d said Hoss cagily. \u201cLeave all the talking to me.\u201d He waved to the doctor as they approached. \u201cHi Doc,\u201d he said. \u201cNice day, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor looked up from his newspaper. \u201cWell, if it isn\u2019t the Cartwright boys,\u201d he said. \u201cNot in school today, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah,\u201d said Hoss, dismissively. \u201cPa\u2019s coming in from Reno and we\u2019re meeting him on the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Paul Martin. \u201cI heard that the stage was running late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHey Doc, could I ask you a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d said the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone has real dull eyes and they look real tired, what would you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d think they were probably sick,\u201d said the Doctor. \u201cAren\u2019t you feeling well son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s not me,\u201d declared Hoss quickly as he pulled Little Joe forward. \u201cIt\u2019s my little brother here. He\u2019s been feeling right poorly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Paul, kneeling down to get a closer look at the child. \u201cAnd what exactly is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a warm nose and it\u2019s real dry,\u201d explained Hoss. \u201cHis eyes are real dull and his tail \u2026. I mean \u2026 his butt \u2026. keeps pointing down to the ground. What do ya think might be wrong with him Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul blinked a couple of times as he tried to smother a smile. \u201cI see,\u201d he said, controlling himself quickly. \u201cWell now \u2026\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cIf you were talking about an animal I\u2019d say that he was simply hungry, but seeing as how you\u2019re talking about a boy \u2026. well, I think that a full examination in my office followed by a big dose of castor oil might be in order.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the man a horrified look and scuttled behind his brother\u2019s legs. \u201cI ain\u2019t sick!\u201d he shouted quickly. \u201cI feel real good now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, praise be!\u201d said Paul, getting up again. \u201cThat\u2019s the quickest cure I\u2019ve ever witnessed.\u201d He grinned down at the two boys. \u201cAnything else I can help you with?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks Doc,\u201d said Hoss, happily. \u201cWe\u2019ll be seeing ya.\u201d He dragged Joe back across the street to where Adam was glaring at them both, while Paul Martin had a quiet chuckle to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you take off for?\u201d asked Adam crossly as they approached him. \u201cYou had no call to run across the street like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just being sociable,\u201d retorted Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust being sociable,\u201d echoed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell don\u2019t,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHurry up and follow me.\u201d He pointed a finger at Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get back to school and I\u2019ve got to get to the bookstore as soon as we\u2019ve eaten.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon Doc Martin is right,\u201d whispered Hoss to Joe as they scampered off after Adam down the street. \u201cI reckon that poor dog\u2019s real hungry, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we gonna feed him Hoss?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said, eyeing off Daisy\u2019s Kitchen as they approached it. \u201cI\u2019m gonna figure out how to fill his belly while we\u2019re filling ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if it isn\u2019t the three Cartwright boys!\u201d declared Daisy as Adam led his brother\u2019s into her small caf\u00e9. \u201cIsn\u2019t it nice to see you all!\u201d She bustled over to them, her ample skirts rustling as she did so. \u201cHave you come for a bite to eat, me dears?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes please,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe\u2019re waiting for Pa to come on the stage from Reno and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 it\u2019s been delayed,\u201d Daisy finished for him. \u201cYes, I heard about the rock slide.\u201d She smiled at all of them in turn. \u201cAnd of course you\u2019ve all built up an appetite while you\u2019re waiting,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat you need is a good nourishing meal to keep your strength up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am!\u201d declared Hoss as the woman ushered them to a table. \u201cThat sounds real fine!\u201d He took hold of the menu that Daisy held out to him and studied it while Daisy fussed over Little Joe, propping him up on two cushions so that he could see over the top of the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you have a think about what you\u2019d like to eat and I\u2019ll get it for you,\u201d Daisy said with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have to have a think,\u201d Joe informed her confidently. \u201cI already know what I want. I want a big piece of chocolate cake and a double whiskey please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daisy gave him a startled look. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, I\u2019ll have a piece of chocolate cake and a double whiskey please,\u201d repeated Joe in a louder voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you get that from?\u201d asked Adam, astonished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe turned his innocent face towards his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe double whiskey?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cWhere did you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh \u2026 Charlie told Jake that a double whiskey really is the best drink ever,\u201d Joe said casually. \u201cSo I\u2019ve been meaning to try one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a mental note to have a discussion with his father about the amount of time his little brother spent in the bunkhouse. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cWell you can try one in about fifteen years, but for now you\u2019ll have milk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t want milk,\u201d protested Joe. \u201cI want a double whiskey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t serve double whiskeys in here, me darling,\u201d said Daisy soothingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do they serve em then?\u201d enquired Joe curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDown at the saloon,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd you aren\u2019t \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up from his menu, oblivious to the conversation that had been taking place. \u201cI\u2019ll have some of the vegetable soup,\u201d he said to Daisy. \u201cAnd fried chicken with those little baked potatoes, and some grilled steak with \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have beef stew,\u201d interrupted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother an aggrieved look. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t finished yet,\u201d he said. \u201cI was getting to the beef stew.\u201d He looked at Daisy again. \u201cAnd with the grilled steak I\u2019ll have \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached over and took the menu from his brother\u2019s hands. \u201cThree beef stews,\u201d he said firmly to Daisy. \u201cOne half size,\u201d he added, nodding in Joe\u2019s direction. \u201cTwo glasses of milk and one coffee, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daisy smiled at him and bustled away to get the order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t fair Adam,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cI wanted \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what you wanted,\u201d interrupted Adam. \u201cYou\u2019re having beef stew and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou forgot to say my chocolate cake,\u201d Joe reminded him. \u201cI ain\u2019t having beef stew \u2026 I\u2019m having chocolate cake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all having beef stew and that\u2019s the end of it,\u201d said Adam firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee, you\u2019re getting all bossy today Adam,\u201d said Hoss grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d echoed Joe. \u201cAll bossy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat reminds me,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWhere did that dog go? Did you find somewhere for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d said Hoss casually. \u201cWe found somewhere for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached over and fingered Hoss\u2019 lone suspender. \u201cAnd what\u2019s happened to your other suspender?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou\u2019ve only got one on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss feigned a surprised look. \u201cYeah?\u201d he said, looking down at it. \u201cI reckon the other one musta fallen off when I went to the outhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow does a suspender simply fall off?\u201d enquired Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d said Hoss, shrugging. \u201cHey, here\u2019s our stew!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence around the table for the next few minutes as Adam and Hoss tucked into their stew and Joe pushed his around his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEat some,\u201d instructed Adam, pointing to his brother\u2019s plate with his fork. Joe dutifully put a piece of meat into his mouth and began to chew on it noisily with his mouth open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClose your mouth when you chew,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou sound like a dog chewing on a bone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes opened wide at his brother\u2019s words and he grinned at Joe and then winked at him. \u201cWhat was that for?\u201d asked Adam, suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything the door was flung open and Miss Abigail Jones appeared. \u201cWell, there you are!\u201d she said, coming over to them. \u201cSheriff Coffee told me that Joseph had been found.\u201d She clutched her hands to her breast in a dramatic gesture. \u201cI\u2019m so relieved,\u201d she gushed. \u201cI had terrible thoughts about what might have happened to him running through my brain.\u201d She gave Adam a huge smile. \u201cI am rather sensitive about things,\u201d she explained. \u201cIt\u2019s my delicate nature you see. I feel things so deeply.\u201d Adam simply nodded, not sure what to reply to this outburst. \u201cOh, you\u2019re having lunch,\u201d said Abigail. \u201cI\u2019ll join you for a few moments if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d She pulled a chair away from an adjoining table and set it close to Adam\u2019s. \u201cJust a coffee please!\u201d she said, waving a hand at Daisy who gave her a hard look in return. \u201cWell, isn\u2019t this cosy?\u201d she said, looking around at them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled weakly at the woman. He placed the beef stew he\u2019d managed to scoop up from Joe\u2019s plate in his handkerchief while she was distracting Adam, secretively into his pocket and then stood up. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in a minute,\u201d he said. \u201cI gotta go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve just been,\u201d said Adam, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA man\u2019s gotta go when a man\u2019s gotta go,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cScuze me ma\u2019am,\u201d he said and hurried from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook for your suspender while you\u2019re out there!\u201d Adam shouted after him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake your time, Eric dear,\u201d Abigail called after him. \u201cWe\u2019re quite cosy here while we\u2019re waiting for you!\u201d She fluttered her eyelids at Adam who promptly leant away from her and stood up. \u201cI\u2019ll just go and \u2026. pay for our meals,\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail sipped her coffee as she watched him walk to the other side of the room. \u201cWell,\u201d she said pleasantly to Joe who was sitting staring at her intently. \u201cWould you like to tell me why you left the schoolhouse earlier, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t coming to school no more,\u201d Joe informed the woman. \u201cI don\u2019t like being quiet all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well \u2026 I\u2019ll soon knock that out of you when you come to school fulltime,\u201d said Abigail, giving the youngster a determined look and was startled to see that Joe gave her just as determined a look in return. She had a sudden uneasy thought that this particular Cartwright mightn\u2019t be as easy to control in class as his older brother and the thought made her a little wary of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ve certainly cleaned your plate up for once,\u201d said Adam, coming back to the table. He patted Joe on the head. \u201cGood boy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his near-empty plate and wondered where all the beef stew had gone. As it wasn\u2019t his favourite meal, he decided to keep quiet about the fact that he hadn\u2019t actually eaten much of it and instead simply smiled at his brother. \u201cCan I have my chocolate cake now?\u201d he asked sweetly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Adam, who had no intention of sitting back down at the table next to Abigail while his brother ate a dessert. \u201cWe must be going to the bookstore now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe bookstore?\u201d said Abigail, her eyes brightening. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice to meet a man who enjoys reading as much as you do Adam.\u201d She gave Hoss a hard look as the boy came back into the room. \u201cYour younger brother could well do with a good role model in that area. Reading isn\u2019t your best subject, is it Eric?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hung his head. \u201cNo ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, for if the truth were told, Hoss and Abigail were both still searching for what might be his best subject in school and neither of them had found it yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd straighten up your trousers,\u201d Abigail instructed him. \u201cYou look like tramp with them hanging down like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tried to pull up his lopsided trousers. \u201cI only got one suspender,\u201d he said glumly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abigail sniffed. \u201cSo I see,\u201d she said. \u201cWell, I suppose one is better than none, although you really should take more care with your appearance Eric.\u201d She smiled a toothy smile at Adam. \u201cAppearances are so important, don\u2019t you think so Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe must be going,\u201d said Adam, ignoring the comment. \u201cCome on Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re meeting a lady at the bookstore,\u201d Joe informed Abigail as he climbed down from the cushions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you indeed?\u201d replied Abigail with a sudden steely look in her eye as she stared directly at Adam. \u201cI see! Hmph! Come along Eric, we must get back to class now.\u201d She flounced out of the room without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Adam pleadingly, but Adam simply shook his head and shrugged. Hoss sighed deeply and followed Abigail from the caf\u00e9, his head down and his feet shuffling \u2026 looking for all the world as if he were following an executioner to his own demise. His empty handkerchief, recently licked clean of the beef stew by the dog, hung from his back pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat woman!\u201d snapped Daisy, shaking her head as she began to clean up their table. \u201cI swear, every chance she gets she\u2019s out of that school and down here in town poking her nose into everyone\u2019s business!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s got a right big nose up close too,\u201d Joe informed her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean,\u201d Adam said to Daisy. \u201cShe\u2019s very determined.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daisy gave the young man a look of pity. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me saying so Adam,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s obvious that she\u2019s set her cap at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d sighed Adam mournfully. \u201cIt\u2019s becoming a fulltime job just keeping away from her lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, good luck with it dear,\u201d said Daisy sympathetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd thanks for the beef stew. It was real fine Daisy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, thanks Mrs Daisy,\u201d echoed Joe, grinning up at the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daisy gave him a motherly hug and then reached in a drawer beneath the counter. \u201cThere you go, me darling,\u201d she said, placing a shiny penny on his small palm. \u201cNow you spend that on something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you!\u201d said Joe eagerly, his mind suddenly fixated on peppermint sticks and gumdrops. \u201cHey Adam! Look what she gave me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucky you,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBye Daisy, and thanks again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, me darlings!\u201d Daisy waved to Joe as Adam led him from the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam?\u201d said Joe as they walked briskly down the street towards the bookstore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Jones didn\u2019t have no cap on. What did Daisy mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it Joe,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou\u2019ll understand all that when you get older.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he pocketed his penny carefully, for that was something that he was well used to hearing. It seemed to him that when he finally did get older he would know a lot of things and he could hardly wait. \u201cCan I spend my penny what she gave me now?\u201d he asked. \u201cI wanna buy some candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLater,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe\u2019re going to the bookstore first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHey Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the name of that lady we\u2019re gonna meet there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is Alice and I\u2019m<\/em> meeting with her, not you,\u201d replied Adam as he pushed open the door to the small bookstore and smiled as he spied Alice sitting demurely on a cushioned chair at the back of the store, reading a book. \u201cWhy hello there,\u201d he said, sitting down next to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello yourself,\u201d she replied as she shut the book and gazed adoringly at him. \u201cI was wondering when you were going to show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took off his hat and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. \u201cI got a bit held up,\u201d he said. \u201cSorry about that.\u201d He tipped the book over. \u201cWhat are you reading?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThoreau,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d said Joe indignantly. \u201cWhat about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d asked Adam, staring into Alice\u2019s blue eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I gonna do while you\u2019re reading a book with that lady?\u201d Joe pointed at Alice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo and find yourself a book to read,\u201d said Adam absently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t read yet!\u201d said Joe. \u201cThat Miss Jones didn\u2019t teach me to read this morning when I was at that school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have some children\u2019s books at the back,\u201d said the storekeeper, smiling at Joe. \u201cPerhaps the little boy would like to look at them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at her. \u201cI ain\u2019t little!\u201d he retorted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful,\u201d said Adam, giving the woman a grateful look. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome along dear,\u201d the woman said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can find something suitable for you to look at.\u201d She led Joe towards the back of the shop and began to look on a few shelves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you got any stories about pirates?\u201d asked Joe, fingering one of the books. \u201cI like pirate stories. My Pa told me some.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPirates?\u201d said the woman absently as she continued to look. \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d She took a large book off the shelf. \u201cAh, here we are,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll like this one.\u201d She held it out for his inspection. \u201cSee? It has prayers in it and some pictures of angels for you to look at.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the book a disdainful look. \u201cHas it got blood in it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman blinked. \u201cBlood?\u201d she asked. \u201cNo, there\u2019s no blood in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head firmly. \u201cNo thanks then,\u201d he said. \u201cI like stories with blood in em. You know, people getting their arms chopped off and stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman blinked again. \u201cWell, I really don\u2019t think \u2026.\u201d she began and then stopped. \u201cHere,\u201d she continued, trying to sound pleasant. \u201cTry this one. It\u2019s all about a little rabbit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he get his head chopped off?\u201d asked Joe, standing up on his tiptoes and trying to get a look at the book. \u201cDoes he get killed and made into someone\u2019s supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d said the woman, blinking rapidly again. \u201cHe\u2019s a nice, sweet little bunny.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d said Joe. He gave her a withering look. \u201cAin\u2019t you got anything interesting to look at?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman took a deep breath. \u201cWell, try this one,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s got some folk tales in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of tails?\u201d asked Joe, taking the book from her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFolk tales,\u201d repeated the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t heard of them,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cDoes any of the tails get chopped off?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman took another deep breath. \u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know,\u201d she said impatiently. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and have a look?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK, thanks,\u201d said Joe, smiling at her politely. He took his book and walked back to Adam and Alice. \u201cI got a book,\u201d he informed them. \u201cIt\u2019s all about folks with tails.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Adam absently, not even looking at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat on the floor and opened the book. \u201cHey! This is no good!\u201d he said loudly. \u201cThere\u2019s no pictures in this!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam finally turned to look at him and rolled his eyes. \u201cCan\u2019t you just be quiet for a little while?\u201d he asked impatiently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t he a sweetheart?\u201d said Alice, pursing her lips and giving Adam a demure smile. \u201cI do so love children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you?\u201d asked Adam dreamily, picking up her hand and caressing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she breathed. \u201cI\u2019d love to have a few of my own \u2026 some day.\u201d She blushed slightly and smiled again at him from under her eyelashes as Joe looked from one to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re pretty,\u201d he said to Alice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice smiled down at the little boy. \u201cWhat a lovely child,\u201d she said. \u201cWould you like me to read you a story, darling?\u201d She looked at Adam out of the corner of her eye and noticed with pleasure that he was still looking at her with the same dreamy expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe, happily climbing up into her lap. \u201cFind me one where someone\u2019s tail gets chopped off, will ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice gave him a strange look and then leafed through the book, aware the whole time of the lovely picture she thought she was making with the small child on her lap. \u201cWell now,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s see what we can find, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou smell nice,\u201d said Joe, smiling up at her and cuddling his face into her ample bosom. \u201cYou\u2019re all soft and squishy too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice cuddled the boy tenderly to her chest. \u201cWhat a precious little thing,\u201d she said to Adam as she stroked Joe\u2019s curls. \u201cDon\u2019t you just love him to bits?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll the time,\u201d said Adam sarcastically as he gave Joe a wary look, but Joe didn\u2019t even notice because he was staring straight into the girl\u2019s ample bosom, which was at the same height as his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you gonna slobber all over Adam\u2019s face like that other lady did?\u201d asked Joe looking up sweetly at Alice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice blinked twice and then looked down at him. \u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, are you gonna slobber all over Adam\u2019s face like that other lady did?\u201d Joe repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice pushed the child away from her and forced him to sit upright on her lap. \u201cWhat other lady?\u201d she asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cGet down from there and go and find another book.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute,\u201d said Alice, her eyes glinting as she held up her hand to silence him. \u201cI\u2019d like to know just who this other lady is that you\u2019ve had slobbering<\/em> all over you.\u201d She looked down at Joe. \u201cWho do you mean?\u201d she asked, trying to sound sweet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know her name,\u201d he said. \u201cBut she lives over in the saloon.\u201d His face took on a mournful expression. \u201cShe\u2019s real poor. I know because she\u2019s got a real short dress and big holes in her stockings.\u201d He smiled at Alice and then added,\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re prettier but.\u201d He looked at Adam, failing to notice the outraged expression on his brother\u2019s face. \u201cI think you should let her slobber on your face too Adam,\u201d he said generously. \u201cI don\u2019t mind watching fer a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his brother and plonked him firmly onto his feet. \u201cGet lost,\u201d he said in a low whisper. \u201cGo and sit over there near the door with your book, why don\u2019t you?\u201d He turned to Alice. \u201cChildren!\u201d he said quickly with a smile. \u201cThey say the darndest things, don\u2019t they? You never know what they\u2019re going to come out with next.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cApparently not,\u201d said Alice, giving him a hard look. \u201cReally! I honestly didn\u2019t think that you were the sort of man who would be seeing more than one girl at a time Adam Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not,\u201d declared Adam quickly. \u201cOne drink in the saloon and a peck on the cheek from a girl doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m seeing her!\u201d He kicked Joe away surreptitiously as he leant towards Alice. \u201cIt\u2019s you I\u2019m interested in seeing, not some saloon girl I hardly know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alice softened a little. \u201cWell,\u201d she said. \u201cI suppose I can\u2019t blame anyone for wanting to kiss you,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve been wanting to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on Adam,\u201d said Joe, happily as he clutched his book to his chest. \u201cI wanna see you kiss her!\u201d He turned to Alice. \u201cHe\u2019s a real good kisser,\u201d he informed her. \u201cHe\u2019s always practising with lots of girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, is he?\u201d said Alice, giving Adam a suspicious look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to Joe. \u201cWill you do as you\u2019re told and go away?\u201d he said. \u201cSit over there near the door and look at your book.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and went over to the seat next to the doorway. He concentrated on turning several pages in his book, but when he found no pictures in it, he quickly lost interest in it and dropped it onto the floor as he looked at Adam and Alice again. They were deep in conversation and try as he might he couldn\u2019t seem to get their attention, so he stood up and amused himself by looking out of the door and into the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly his eyes lit up, he reached into his pocket and fingered the shiny penny that Daisy had given him and then with a quick backward glance at Adam and Alice he quietly left the store.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it,\u201d said Adam as he breathed into Alice\u2019s ear. \u201cYou\u2019re the only girl I even think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d she breathed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKiss me Adam,\u201d she said and held up a book in front of their faces so that they were hidden from view. Adam obliged her and gave her a long lingering kiss on the lips. \u201cOh Adam!\u201d Alice breathed. \u201cOh Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, you two lovebirds,\u201d said the storekeeper sarcastically as she approached. \u201cBut I think you should know that the little boy has gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat little boy?\u201d asked Adam absently, still gazing into Alice\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one who came in with you earlier,\u201d said the woman. \u201cHe was sitting over near the door a few moments ago, but now he\u2019s disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head shot up. \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill him!\u201d he said angrily. He stood up and looked around the store. \u201cJoe!\u201d he shouted. \u201cGet out here right this minute!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think he might have left,\u201d said the storekeeper. \u201cThe front door has been opened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his hat, gave Alice an apologetic look and ran from the bookstore. He looked to the right and then to the left, but couldn\u2019t see his little brother anywhere. \u201cI\u2019ll kill him!\u2019 he said again and strode off down in the direction of the mercantile to search for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t in the mercantile, for he had trotted in the opposite direction and had made his way back to those swinging doors again, ducked straight under them and entered the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam the bartender was busy polishing glasses when he heard a small voice. \u201cA double whiskey, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked around, but saw no one. Shaking his head, he continued to clean the glasses, when he heard the voice again. \u201cI said \u2026 a double whiskey, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam looked over the top of the bar and down to the top of a curly head. \u201cWell I\u2019ll be!\u201d he said, in amazement. \u201cWhat are you doing in here sonny?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a frustrated look and put his hands on his hips as he shouted up at him. \u201cI been asking for a double whiskey!\u201d he said crossly. \u201cAin\u2019t you heard me yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam chuckled. \u201cI heard you,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t about to give you one \u2026. Mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe puffed up at the thought of being called Mister and grinned up at the man. \u201cWhy not?\u201d he asked and held up his shiny penny. \u201cI got money for it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam shook his head, his eyes twinkling. \u201cSorry, but that just ain\u2019t enough for a double whiskey,\u201d he said. \u201cBesides, we got a policy in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d asked Joe, wondering what a policy was. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam patted the wooden bar. \u201cYou gotta be big enough to rest your elbows on this here bar before you can order a double whiskey,\u201d he said playfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s brow furrowed in thought at this new development. \u201cWell, iffen I stood on a chair I reckon I could reach with my elbows,\u201d he said, looking around for a chair that he could use.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo good,\u201d said Sam, shaking his head. \u201cYour feet gotta be on the floor while your elbows are on the bar,\u201d he said, laughing outright this time. \u201cSorry kid, but you gotta leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be so hard on the kid, Sam,\u201d said Bessie as she came to stand next to Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s just thirsty.\u201d She bent down and patted the small boy on the top of his curly head. \u201cHow\u2019s that big handsome brother of yours, sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one?\u201d asked Joe, smiling up at her. \u201cI got two.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Adam, of course,\u201d replied Bessie. \u201cYou tell him that I\u2019m waiting to see him again, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure!\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe looked her up and down with a pitying glance. \u201cI know a lady who you can buy stockings from if ya like,\u201d he said. \u201cProper ones, without holes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bessie giggled. \u201cWell, you tell her that I just might come and see her one day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI will.\u201d He fingered his shiny penny and gave Sam one more hopeful look. \u201cI still want that double whiskey,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be back when my legs get a bit longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that!\u201d laughed Sam as Bessie led the child out to the sidewalk. \u201cSee ya then, kid!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you remember what I told you,\u201d said Bessie, patting him on the head again. \u201cTell your brother Adam that I\u2019m waiting for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll tell that lady bout you wanting some proper stockings too!\u201d He waved to Bessie as she wandered back into the saloon again and then pocketed his money as he trotted down the street.\u00a0 Joe was on a mission and when he made up his mind to do something, he usually did it straight away before he forgot about it. So it was with great determination that he ran straight around the corner of Main Street and into a ladies apparel shop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bell on the door tinkled as he pushed it open and he smiled at the familiar sight of the piles of ladies undergarments that he\u2019d been used to seeing for as long as he could remember. His mother Marie had been friendly with the woman who owned the store, for they shared a French heritage together, and many afternoons Joe had perched happily on top of a pile of ladies bloomers and whiled away the time listening to their conversation, as ladies wandered in and out of the store with their purchases. For one so young, he had developed quite a knowledge of ladies apparel under such circumstances, without even knowing that he had done so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello Mademoiselle Francine,\u201d he said happily to the woman behind the counter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman stopped folding the linen in her hands and smiled at him. \u201cWhy Joe-Joe!\u201d she said excitedly. \u201cHow are you, mon cheri? I have not seen you in such a long time!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBonjour,\u201d said Joe, lapsing into the language of his mother, unconsciously. \u201cI\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine came around to his side of the counter and swept him up into her arms as she gave him a hug. \u201cI have missed you, mon pr\u00e9cieux,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t see you very often now that your sweet mama has gone away from us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOui,\u201d said Joe politely, wriggling to get free. \u201cPa and my brothers don\u2019t shop in here much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI should hope not!\u201d said an indignant voice from behind the curtained off section of the shop. \u201cThe very idea of men frequenting a ladies apparel shop!\u201d A woman poked her head out from behind the curtain and smiled at Joe. \u201cWhy, if it isn\u2019t the little Cartwright boy,\u201d she said. \u201cHello dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBonjour,\u201d said Joe politely. He fingered a pile of bloomers that were on a chair next to him. \u201cNice lace,\u201d he said absently. \u201cI came to buy some stockings,\u201d he explained to Miss Francine. \u201cFor a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine and the woman behind the curtain exchanged amused glances. \u201cReally Joe-Joe?\u201d said Miss Francine. \u201cAnd who would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know her name,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut she lives in the saloon and she\u2019s got big holes in her stockings. She\u2019s got a real short skirt, so I got a good look at em.\u201d He looked around. \u201cYou got any of them nice black ones?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman behind the curtain pursed her lips. \u201cA saloon girl,\u201d she said in a disapproving tone. \u201cNow how did a little thing like you meet up with a saloon girl?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a friend of my brother Adam\u2019s,\u201d said Joe casually. \u201cWhere\u2019s them black stockings, Miss Francine?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine picked the little boy up and placed him on the counter. \u201cNow Joe-Joe,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cIt\u2019s not very \u2026. nice \u2026 for you to be buying stockings for a girl,\u201d she said. \u201cMaybe when you\u2019re a little older?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman behind the counter snorted. \u201cHmph! Maybe some of the husbands around here would do well to follow this child\u2019s example,\u201d she said. \u201cSome men have got no idea of how to treat a lady.\u201d She came out from behind the curtain and wagged her finger at Miss Francine. \u201cThe world would be a better place if men thought about a lady\u2019s needs once in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOoh la la!\u201d said Miss Francine, throwing her arms in the air. \u201cJe conviens \u2026 I agree!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the large woman a rather interested look. \u201cThat\u2019s a nice bodice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman looked a little startled at his words and put her arms over her chest self consciously. \u201cYou think so?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOui,\u201d said Joe. \u201cThat corset with the English lace on it matches. You should try them on together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman looked to where he was pointing. \u201cWell, I do declare,\u201d she said. \u201cThe boy is right!\u201d She gave Joe a curious look. \u201cHow on earth does a child his age have any idea about such things?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe-Joe knows a lot about ladies lingerie,\u201d said Miss Francine, giving him another quick hug. \u201cHe has spent many hours in here with his mama, haven\u2019t you mon pr\u00e9cieux?\u201d She nodded knowingly to the large woman. \u201cHis mama Marie had mod\u00e8le \u2026\u201d She put her hands up as she grasped for the word. \u201cHow do you say it? \u2026.. style,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t \u2018member her buying any style,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh la la!\u201d laughed Miss Francine. \u201cShe did not buy her style mon petit, she was born with it.\u201d She touched him on the nose. \u201cI think you also have a peu de mod\u00e8le<\/p>\n

too \u2026 a leetle style.\u201d She winked at the other woman. \u201cThe lucky ladies when this one grows up \u2026 ne pensez-vous pas?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes indeedy,\u201d said the other woman. She held the corset up in front of her as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. \u201cHe\u2019s got the Cartwright charm,\u201d she added. \u201cAll them Cartwright men got it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how about them stockings?\u201d Joe reminded Miss Francine. \u201cI got a penny to pay for them.\u201d He held it up for her inspection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, mon cheri,\u201d said Miss Francine, wagging her finger at him. \u201cYou tell the lady in question to come and buy her own stockings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe happily as he pocketed his penny again. \u201cI\u2019d rather buy some candy with it anyhow.\u201d His brow furrowed as he rubbed his little belly. \u201cI\u2019m right hungry,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine looked concerned. \u201cDid you not have any dinner, mon pr\u00e9cieux?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNon \u2026. only one bite,\u201d said Joe sadly. \u201cAdam said I couldn\u2019t have no more cause we ran out of time and had to leave.\u201d He sighed for effect, fully enjoying the attention that he was getting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine put her hand on her chest. \u201cMais c’est terrible!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cDid you not tell your papa that you are hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s not here,\u201d said Joe sadly. \u201cWe\u2019re waiting for him to come home on the stage from Reno.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been delayed,\u201d said the large woman. \u201cRock slide, so I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine continued to look at Joe sorrowfully. \u201cBut who is looking after you if your papa is not at home?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brothers,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAnd Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The large woman sniffed. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she said. \u201cA little child like that in the care of men. It just isn\u2019t right, if you ask me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine bent down and looked at Joe closely. \u201cMon b\u00e9b\u00e9 ch\u00e9ri,\u201d she said sorrowfully. \u201cYou need a woman\u2019s love \u2026. l’amour d’une femme.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put on his best puppy-dog expression and nodded. \u201cSometimes my brothers are mean to me,\u201d he said, beginning to sense the drama of it all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre they, mon amour?\u201d said Miss Francine, stroking his hair. \u201cWell then, I might just have to have a word to your papa about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began to sense that he was the centre of attention and rose to the occasion. \u201cAdam keeps kissing girls all the time and tells me to be quiet,\u201d he said, sniffing for effect. \u201cHe can be right bossy when he wants to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMais c’est terrible!\u201d exclaimed Miss Francine. \u201cIs this the same brother who took you into the saloon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe and sniffed again. \u201cC’est lui.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it sounds to me as if the child is neglected,\u201d sniffed the large woman. \u201cNot feeding him properly, letting him frequent saloons, the very idea of it! He\u2019ll be telling us next that they beat him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes my brother hits me,\u201d said Joe eagerly. \u201cWhen I don\u2019t do what he tells me to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed!\u201d said Miss Francine. \u201cWell, we shall see about that!\u201d She turned as the door opened. \u201cWell, speak of the devil,\u201d she said, with a glint in her eye. \u201cAdam Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Francine,\u201d said Adam, tipping his hat to the woman. The large woman scuttled back behind the curtain with her corset as he added, \u201cI\u2019m sorry to interrupt ladies, but \u2026.\u201d His eyes narrowed as he spied Joe sitting up on the counter. \u201cThere you are!\u201d he said crossly. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking everywhere for you!\u201d He strode over, picked up the child and gave him a swat on his backside. \u201cDon\u2019t you ever run off from me like that again!\u201d he said, shaking him slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Francine leapt forward and hit Adam between the shoulder-blades. \u201cYou let go of that poor defenceless child this instant!\u201d she said. \u201cWhat a beast! Quelle b\u00eate!\u201d She grabbed Joe out of Adam\u2019s arms and clutched him to her, glaring at the startled Adam angrily. \u201cHow dare you hit him!\u201d she said. \u201cIsn\u2019t it enough that you\u2019ve starved the child without making it worse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blinked. \u201cStarved him?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d His eyes narrowed as he looked at Joe gazing innocently at him as he was cuddled securely in Miss Francine\u2019s arms. \u201cWhat have you been telling her?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust the truth!\u201d said Miss Francine haughtily. She stroked Joe\u2019s hair softly. \u201cPoor little lamb \u2026 mon b\u00e9b\u00e9 ch\u00e9ri,\u201d she said. \u201cI can assure you that I intend to report this to the authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked confused. \u201cReport what?\u201d he said. \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d He reached over and dragged Joe away from her. \u201cHave you been telling fibs?\u201d he asked him as he held him up at arm\u2019s length to look at him properly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam,\u201d said Joe, looking at his brother sincerely. \u201cI ain\u2019t been telling fibs. Can we go and spend my penny now? I wanna buy something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, go and feed that child!\u201d said Miss Francine. \u201cAnd you just wait until your father gets back and I have words with him. Letting a darling little lamb \u2026 un b\u00e9b\u00e9 innocent \u2026 into a hideous saloon while you spend your time cavorting with flooseys \u2026. avec femmes l\u00e2ches! You just wait until your father hears about this!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head slightly as he backed away from her. \u201cAu revoir Mademoiselle Francine!\u201d called Joe from under Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cVous voient la fois prochaine!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam retreated from the shop quickly and practically ran up the street. He didn\u2019t stop until he\u2019d reached Main Street again, then placed Joe on his feet and bent down level with him. \u201cWhat did you say to her?\u201d he asked his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother in a frustrated way. \u201cDidn\u2019t ya hear me?\u201d he said. \u201cI said vous voient la fois prochaine \u2026 see ya next time<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t going to be a next time if you keep carrying on making trouble everywhere you go,\u201d Adam warned him. \u201cWhat have you done?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin,\u201d said Joe looking around as his interest in the conversation waned. \u201cCan we go and buy my candy now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not buying any candy until I find out what you\u2019ve been saying,\u201d said Adam. He pointed a finger under Joe\u2019s nose. \u201cNow you listen to me Joe \u2026.\u201d He looked up as he sensed someone standing next to them. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he said testily. \u201cYou should be in school!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cMiss Jones let us out a bit early,\u201d he said. \u201cI think she\u2019s looking for you Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up again. \u201cWhat now?\u201d he snapped. \u201cWhy on earth is she looking for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged a second time. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said. \u201cBut she kept asking me questions about who you were meeting in the bookstore and then she told us that she had some books to buy and so we got out early,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t mind,\u201d he added happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook what I got Hoss,\u201d said Joe, holding up his shiny penny. \u201cWe can get some candy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes lit up. \u201cSure can,\u201d he said. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s spend it now!\u201d He grabbed Joe by the hand and set off, oblivious to Adam\u2019s pained expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou two just hold on there,\u201d said their brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe turned. \u201cBut you said I could buy some candy later,\u201d Joe reasoned. \u201cAnd it\u2019s later now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam threw up his hands in a gesture of hopelessness. \u201cI give up,\u201d he said. \u201cAll right, go and buy your candy,\u201d he said. \u201cHurry up!\u201d He leant against a pole and folded his arms across his chest as he contemplated recent events. He couldn\u2019t for the life of him understand what Miss Francine was accusing him of, but it didn\u2019t sound good. And as for Abigail Jones \u2026. Adam shuddered. He looked around anxiously as if the woman might suddenly appear from around a corner and swiftly pulled his hat down over his face as if to shield himself from the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments, Adam stood up straight and walked briskly across the street after his brothers to the mercantile. \u201cAfternoon Adam,\u201d said the storekeeper who was busy sweeping the sidewalk outside the store. \u201cIf you\u2019re looking for your brothers, they\u2019re inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Adam, brushing past the man and inside the store. \u201cWould you two hurry up?\u201d he said curtly. \u201cI want to get up to the Stage Office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t time for the stage yet,\u201d said Hoss, his nose pressed against the glass counter as he stared at all the candy jars inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hear there\u2019s been a rock slide that delayed the stage from Reno,\u201d said the woman behind the counter. \u201cYour Pa on it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam, looking over his shoulder as if he feared Abigail might appear at any moment. \u201cHurry up boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have two of them,\u201d said Joe, pointing. \u201cNo \u2026. I changed my mind \u2026. One of them and three of them \u2026. no \u2026. two of them ones instead \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up!\u201d snarled Adam. \u201cHow long does it take to decide on a few pieces of candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt usually takes a while,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cTwo of them ones as well \u2026.\u201d He pointed. \u201cHow many is that now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just about right,\u201d said the woman. \u201cOne penny\u2019s worth all together \u2026 ten pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPay her Joe,\u201d Hoss instructed his brother as he grabbed hold of the twisted paper cone with the candy inside and began to open it. \u201cWe can go now,\u201d he informed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the three brothers reached the sidewalk, Joe and Hoss began to argue over the candy. \u201cIt was my penny,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cI should get to hold it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m bigger than you, so I can count em out better,\u201d retorted Hoss, holding them up and out of Joe\u2019s reach. He counted out three for Joe and handed them to him, gave Adam three and then looked at the four still left in the paper. \u201cThere\u2019s one over,\u201d he said thoughtfully. \u201cI think I should have that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him an indignant look. \u201cIt\u2019s mine!\u201d he said. \u201cIt was my penny!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what Joe,\u201d suggested Hoss. \u201cHow about I suck on it for a bit and then you can suck the second half?\u201d He popped it into his mouth and smiled at his brother as he began to suck on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment. \u201cOK,\u201d he said finally. \u201cThat\u2019s a good plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou two can\u2019t be serious,\u201d Adam said in a disgusted tone. \u201cYou\u2019re actually going to share the sucking rights to a piece of candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Hoss happily, secure in the knowledge that he was getting the better end of the deal. \u201cWe don\u2019t mind sharing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do now Adam?\u201d asked Joe, popping all three of his pieces of candy into his mouth at once and starting to suck on them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to walk down to the Stage Office,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI want to see if there\u2019s any chance of that stage getting in earlier than planned.\u201d He looked around uneasily. \u201cThe sooner we get out of town the better as far as I\u2019m concerned. What a day!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe as he happily skipped next to his eldest brother. \u201cIt\u2019s been a great one, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him a dark look. \u201cI haven\u2019t finished with you yet,\u201d he muttered. \u201cI\u2019d be quiet if I were you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to give his brother an innocent look, but it quickly turned into a grin. \u201cLookee Hoss!\u201d he shouted. \u201cHere comes our dog!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All the brothers looked at the mangy mutt that was running towards them, Hoss\u2019 suspender trailing in the dust behind it. \u201cHi boy!\u201d shouted Joe happily, while Hoss gave Adam a guilty look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said that you got rid of that mutt!\u201d said Adam angrily. \u201cWhy did you lie to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t lie,\u201d said Hoss defensively as he got down on one knee to hug the animal. \u201cYou asked if I found a place for him and I said yes \u2026 cause I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cWe found a place for him under our buggy.\u201d He picked up one end of Hoss\u2019 suspender. \u201cHe musta got loose from the wheel, Hoss,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s what happened to your suspender,\u201d snorted Adam, glaring at Hoss. \u201cFell off indeed!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog snuffled around Hoss, trying to get to his dirty handkerchief that was still hanging out of his back pocket. \u201cHe\u2019s still hungry,\u201d said Hoss in a concerned voice. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter boy? You want some more beef stew?\u201d He stopped as he realised what he\u2019d said and looked down at the ground guiltily, not willing to meet Adam\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeef stew?\u201d snapped Adam. \u201cYou fed him Joe\u2019s beef stew, didn\u2019t you? I should have known.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe didn\u2019t want it!\u201d declared Hoss. \u201cAnd the dog was real hungry Adam,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was real hungry Adam,\u201d echoed Joe. \u201cI\u2019m glad Hoss gave him my beef stew. Give me my half of that candy now Hoss,\u201d he demanded, holding out his hand. Hoss took the half-sucked piece of candy from his mouth and handed it to Joe who promptly put it into his own mouth and started to suck on it happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s it,\u201d said Adam, snatching up the suspender and holding onto it firmly. \u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of all of this. We\u2019re taking this mutt to Roy Coffee right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam!\u201d shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Adam!\u201d said Adam. He turned to walk away with the animal, Hoss and Joe running to catch up to him as they continued to plead their case.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we love him,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnd Sheriff Coffee will give him to old man Keefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe love him!\u201d echoed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019ll make him into dog meat!\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDog meat!\u201d echoed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood riddance,\u201d said Adam, continuing to walk briskly down the street. \u201cThe sooner we get rid of this dog, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam!\u201d both boys echoed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped outside the Sheriff\u2019s Office. \u201cRoy inside?\u201d he asked an old man who was sitting in the doorway sunning himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d said the old man. \u201cHe got called down to the bookstore a while back. Seems there\u2019s a problem going on down there between some gals.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProblem in the bookstore?\u201d asked Adam quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said the old man. \u201cBit of a catfight between that school teacher and another gal.\u201d He chuckled. \u201cI heard tell there\u2019s been some hair pulling and some scratching going on. Roy went down to sort it out.\u201d He looked at the dog. \u201cNice mutt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want him?\u201d asked Adam hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The old man spat a wad of tobacco onto the sidewalk, causing Joe to stare at him in delight. \u201cNope,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tied the animal to the hitching rail. \u201cWe\u2019re going to leave him here,\u201d he said to Hoss and Joe. \u201cRoy will see him when he comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019ll get lonely,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll wait with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u201d said Adam, dragging him away from the animal. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with me. Both of you!\u201d he added to Joe over his shoulder. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going back to the bookstore?\u201d asked Joe as he trotted after them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we are not!\u201d snapped Adam. \u201cWe\u2019re going in the opposite direction!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet that Miss Jones was fighting with that gal over you,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cShe was right interested in you being with her and all. Kept asking me iffen I knew who the gal might be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer, but continued to pull Hoss along the sidewalk by his sleeve. \u201cAny news on the stage?\u201d he asked Bert as they approached the Stage Office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d said Bert. He looked at his pocket watch. \u201cYou\u2019re a might early though Adam. It\u2019s just gone three o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam visibly sagged and let go Hoss\u2019 sleeve. \u201cI was just hoping,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go down to the liffery stable while we\u2019re waiting?\u201d asked Joe eagerly. \u201cWe could look at the horses there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBut I think we\u2019d best go back and settle up with Roy about that dog first.\u201d He gave Hoss a hard look. \u201cWe need to make sure we get that suspender of yours back too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m powerful hungry,\u201d complained Joe as they trotted back the way they\u2019d come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve just had a bellyful of candy!\u201d said Adam. \u201cHow can you be hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCandy don\u2019t fill me up,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI still got a hole in my belly that needs to be filled.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam softened a little. \u201cYes, that\u2019s right,\u201d he said. \u201cI forgot about someone taking your lunch away from you.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Hoss a dark look, but Hoss simply stared back at him with a bland look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could do with something to eat too,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHow about it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam fingered the coins in his pocket. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said finally. He handed Hoss some money. \u201cYou go and get three pieces of pie from Daisy\u2019s Kitchen and bring them up to the Sheriff\u2019s Office. Joe and I will meet you there and then we\u2019ll sort out about that dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at his brother and took off. \u201cCome on you,\u201d said Adam grumpily to Joe. \u201cWe\u2019re going back to watch that dog and make sure he doesn\u2019t escape again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna go to the liffery stable,\u201d whined Joe as he followed his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuit your whining,\u201d retorted Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll go to the livery stable later if we get time, now sit down there and keep still.\u201d He pointed to the edge of the sidewalk next to the dog as they approached the Stage Office again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down obediently and put his arm around the dog\u2019s neck as he watched the old man sitting on the chair. \u201cThat your dog?\u201d asked the old man and then spat a wad of tobacco into the gutter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored the question and his mouth dropped open as he watched. \u201cThat\u2019s real neat,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat are ya spitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBaccy,\u201d said the old man and spat another wad of tobacco out. \u201cIt\u2019s real relaxing to chew.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I try some?\u201d asked Joe eagerly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you can\u2019t,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cDon\u2019t you even think about it.\u201d He sat down next to Joe and stared off into the distance while his brother watched the old man chewing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWish I had me some baccy,\u201d said Joe wistfully, looking at Adam hopefully and then frowning as his brother didn\u2019t acknowledge him. \u201cI said \u2026 I wish I had me some baccy!\u201d he repeated, louder this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBe quiet! I\u2019ve got enough to worry about without you yelling in my ear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a sympathetic look. \u201cWomen trouble, eh?\u201d he said wisely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cWhat would you know about women trouble?\u201d he asked. \u201cBe quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere comes the sheriff now,\u201d the old man informed them between a couple of spits. \u201cHey there, sheriff!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here comes Hoss!\u201d shouted Joe. \u201cWe\u2019re having pie,\u201d he informed the old man who nodded in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hello there Cartwrights,\u201d said Sheriff Roy Coffee amiably as he sauntered across the street towards them. \u201cNot got rid of that dog yet?\u201d He grinned at Hoss as the boy came to stand beside him, but Hoss scowled at the man in return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd that\u2019s what I\u2019ve come to talk to you about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cWell, bring him into my office,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got a few things to talk to you about as well.\u201d He ushered them into his office and sat down at his desk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t have my dog!\u201d Hoss said as soon as the door was closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on there young fellar,\u201d said Roy. \u201cIt ain\u2019t your dog, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he could be,\u201d said Hoss, giving Adam a hopeful look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam immediately shook his head. \u201cYou leave me out of this,\u201d he said. \u201cThere is no way I\u2019m giving you permission to keep that mutt, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss picked up the end of the dog\u2019s makeshift lead that was dragging on the floor and looked at both of the men sorrowfully. \u201cBut he\u2019s a real nice dog Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cHe won\u2019t be no trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble,\u201d echoed Joe. He sidled over to the doorway that led into the cell area in the hopes of seeing if there was anyone inside, for Joe loved jails and longed to get into a cell someday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss edged towards his little brother and away from Adam and Roy, dragging the dog with him. \u201cYou ain\u2019t taking him!\u201d he declared. \u201cOld man Keefer will kill him for dog meat!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, it\u2019s for the best,\u201d said Roy. \u201cNow hand over that dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Hoss. He backed into the other room with the dog, pushing Joe behind him as he did so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, quit it will you?\u201d said Adam. \u201cGive the sheriff the dog and be done with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Hoss again and disappeared into the other room with the dog and Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy put a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cLeave him to me,\u201d he said. \u201cYou stay here and have a seat Adam. We\u2019ve got a bit of talking to do.\u201d But Adam had just had time to sit down before Roy had appeared in the doorway again.\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d the sheriff said, rubbing his hands together. \u201cI think you and I have got a bit of time to have a talk now while we wait fer ya Pa. Coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked confused. \u201cBut \u2026 but what about Hoss and the dog?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re safe fer now,\u201d chuckled the sheriff. \u201cSee fer yourself if you\u2019ve a mind to.\u201d He jerked his thumb towards the doorway and Adam gave him another puzzled look before he stood up and walked over to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gasped as he looked into the other room, for there were Hoss, Joe and the dog happily sitting in a locked cell sharing the three pieces of pie. \u201cYou get out of there!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked across at him and shook his head. \u201cNope,\u201d he said. \u201cNot until you say we can keep the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d echoed Joe. \u201cNot until you say we can keep the dog!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the keys?\u201d Adam asked Roy who had come to stand beside him. \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill em when I get them out of there!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss held up the keys. \u201cThey was in the door,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I locked us all in. And we ain\u2019t coming out until we get to keep the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down son,\u201d murmured Roy in Adam\u2019s ear. \u201cThey\u2019re not going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to kill you if you don\u2019t open that door this minute!\u201d shouted Adam, taking a step towards the cell and pointing his finger at Hoss threateningly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNo!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cWe ain\u2019t coming out.\u201d He put the keys into his pocket and gave Adam a smug look as he munched on his pie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome and have a cup of coffee Adam,\u201d urged Roy. \u201cWe\u2019ll have a talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is real nice pie,\u201d said Joe, munching on his piece as well. \u201cBut the dog ate your piece Adam.\u201d He smiled at Hoss who was also busy munching. \u201cLucky he didn\u2019t eat yours or mine, ain\u2019t it Hoss?\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave them both one last dark look before letting himself be led into the outside room by Roy.\u00a0 \u201cNow just sit down and I\u2019ll pour you a cup of coffee,\u201d said Roy, soothingly. \u201cLike I said Adam, they ain\u2019t going nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scratched his head in frustration. \u201cBut what if we can\u2019t get them out of there?\u201d he asked. \u201cPa will be here soon and he won\u2019t be happy to find his youngest two sons in jail, I can assure you Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy grinned at him. \u201cI got another set of keys in my drawer,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cI can let them two out any time I want, only I thought you might like a bit of a break for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face broke into a grin as he accepted the cup of coffee from the sheriff. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cGood thinking Roy.\u201d He turned to look at the open doorway. \u201cThere isn\u2019t \u2026 I mean, there isn\u2019t anyone in that other cell is there? Anyone who could hurt them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d said Roy, sitting down again. \u201cOnly Jethro,\u201d he said, referring to the town drunk. \u201cHe\u2019s still sleeping it off from last night.\u201d He put his feet up on the desk and stared at Adam over the rim of his cup. \u201cNow young fellar, it seems to me that you\u2019ve been a busy boy with the ladies today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cOh,\u201d he said, looking a little embarrassed. \u201cYou\u2019re referring to the bookstore, I suppose?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s one thing I was referring to. Seems that Abigail Jones and Sarah Wilson had a bit of a problem with each other and there ended up being a bit of a catfight,\u201d he said, trying not to sound too amused at the situation. \u201cYour name was mentioned a few times, come to think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes as he stared into his coffee cup. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Roy,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do about that Abigail Jones. She just keeps hunting me down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWell, it ain\u2019t your fault, I reckon,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got the Cartwright charm and all the ladies just naturally follow you around cause of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In spite of his misery, Adam puffed up with a little pride at the man\u2019s words. \u201cYeah, but Abigail Jones!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat did I do to deserve her attention?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow I will admit that she ain\u2019t the most comely lady I\u2019ve ever laid eyes on,\u201d the sheriff said with a twinkle in his eyes. \u201cBut she seems to be a right smart young woman.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cMind you, I don\u2019t think her appointment was the best decision that the School Board ever made. She seems to only have half her mind on teaching them kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the rest of it on me,\u201d said Adam morosely. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do about it, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy put his head on one side as he contemplated the young man sitting opposite him. \u201cWell now if you want my advice \u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d said Adam, looking up hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c \u2026 I\u2019d be asking yer Pa if I were you,\u201d finished Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked puzzled. \u201cPa?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat would Pa know about being chased by women?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy chuckled as he put down his cup. \u201cIt might surprise you to know that your Pa has been chased by plenty of women around town in the past,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s quite experienced in avoiding so-called difficult situations with em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Adam, his eyes widening. \u201cI mean \u2026 I know he\u2019s experienced \u2026 being married three times and all \u2026 but \u2026. chased after \u2026 my Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes \u2026 your Pa,\u201d said Roy, sitting forward on his chair. \u201cYou were too young to remember it son, but when your Pa first arrived in these parts he was quite a catch. A young widower as he was \u2026 good looking and all \u2026 and with two fine young boys \u2026 well, there were women lining up to catch a-hold of him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked thoughtful. \u201cWell, I do remember there were always women coming out to the ranch with baked goods for us in those early days,\u201d he said. \u201cHoss and I loved it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cGoing out to the ranch with baked goods and hoping to come back with a wedding ring,\u201d he said wisely. \u201cYer Pa had to do quite a bit of fancy footwork to keep one step ahead of them all, I can tell you. Here in town too. Every time he\u2019d come into the store with you boys, the ladies would all get preened up and buzz around him like flies around a honey pot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blinked a couple of times as he tried to get his head around his father as an eligible young sought-after bachelor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy sat back in his chair. \u201cI reckon he went off that time to New Orleans just to get away from em,\u201d he chuckled. \u201cOf course, when he came back married to Little Joe\u2019s ma there was plenty of upset women around town. It took ages before they all forgave him and \u2026 well, your little brother Joe was toddling around before they would even give Marie the time of day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI remember her not being too popular,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I thought that was just jealousy because of how beautiful she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was that too,\u201d admitted Roy. \u201cBut they was all just plain jealous that she\u2019d scored the best-looking bachelor in these parts. Your Pa was a real good-looker when he was younger, Adam. If anyone can give you advice about how to handle women, it\u2019d be him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThanks Roy,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll have a talk with him then,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked thoughtful. \u201cAnd while you\u2019re having that talk with him you might mention that he needs to clear a few things up with Miss Francine down at the ladies\u2019 apparel shop too,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t know what Little Joe said to her, but she seems to think that we\u2019re neglecting him.\u201d He looked at the sheriff. \u201cYou know that isn\u2019t true Roy,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I know it,\u201d Roy assured him. \u201cAnd I told her so when she bailed me up down there about it. \u201cBut it wouldn\u2019t hurt for ya Pa to have a word with her neither. Smooth things over, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t even begin to reason with her,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy pulled on his moustache thoughtfully. \u201cIt\u2019s all that French blood,\u201d he said. \u201cYer Pa knows how to deal with it though. He did with Little Joe\u2019s ma and she was a right feisty one at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cI remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry about it none Adam,\u201d Roy assured him. \u201cYer Pa will use some of that Cartwright charm on her and she\u2019ll settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwright charm!\u201d snorted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou all got it,\u201d said Roy. \u201cYou, yer Pa \u2026. even that youngster in there.\u201d He indicated the next room. \u201cDon\u2019t you go under-estimating that young Hoss. Anyone who can charm a stray mutt like he did today has more than his share of charm, I\u2019m telling you. Why, that animal hasn\u2019t come near anyone for a whole week and the minute that boy comes into town it\u2019s all over him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cHe sure does have a way with animals,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I know for sure that Joe has more than his fair share of that Cartwright charm too. He\u2019s already got any woman who lays eyes on him in the palm of his hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a sudden bark from the other room and Adam turned to look over his shoulder. \u201cYou think they\u2019re OK in there?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight as rain,\u201d said Roy calmly. \u201cProbably enjoying the novelty of being in a cell. Here, have another cup of coffee Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Joe was in fact having the time of his life being a jailbird, Hoss was beginning to get anxious about whether or not anyone was going to bother to come and negotiate about the dog with him. He had finished the last of his pie, polished off some of Joe\u2019s as well and was eyeing off what the dog had left, as he considered the problem of the animal stretched out at his feet. \u201cMaybe they ain\u2019t coming back in to talk to us Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d replied Joe happily as he looked around the cell in an interested fashion. \u201cIt\u2019s nice in here, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t too bad,\u201d admitted Hoss. \u201cOnly I don\u2019t think I\u2019d like to spend the night here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would!\u201d declared Joe. \u201cI like being a jailbird.\u201d His eyes widened as he noticed a pile of rags in the next cell that had begun to move, and he moved a little closer to Hoss on the edge of the bunk. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d he asked, sounding a little tentative.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the pile of rags. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said casually as he bent down to pat the dog again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly there was a grunting noise from under the pile of rags and a grizzled face looked out at them. \u201cWhat are you kids doing here?\u201d said a grumpy voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re jailbirds,\u201d Joe informed the man proudly. \u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright and this is my brother Hoss. Who are you, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJethro,\u201d said Jethro, getting up and scratching his large stomach as he yawned. \u201cJethro Callan\u2019s the name.\u201d He burped several times as he eyed off the two boys. \u201cYou Ben Cartwright\u2019s boys?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you a murderer?\u201d asked Joe excitedly, for he\u2019d never really talked to a real criminal before and he was more than happy to have the chance to do so now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d replied Jethro with a loud yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you a bank robber?\u201d persisted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cThen what kind of jailbird are ya?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jethro burped again. \u201cA right sorry one,\u201d he said. \u201cYou two seem to be a bit young to be in here. What you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss held up the keys. \u201cWe locked ourselves in,\u201d he said. \u201cTo protect our dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jethro tried to get his mind around that particular piece of information, but failed to do so. \u201cMmm,\u201d he said, sleepily rubbing his eyes. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDunno fer sure,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cNearly four o\u2019clock, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jethro\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cFour o\u2019clock?\u201d he said happily. \u201cNearly time to start celebrating again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you celebrating Mister?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever I feel like sonny,\u201d said Jethro. \u201cHey sheriff! Time to get me out now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you having a party to celebrate?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say that,\u201d said Jethro. \u201cOver at the Silver Dollar.\u201d He stood up and started banging on the railings of his cell. \u201cHey sheriff!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI been in that saloon,\u201d Joe informed the man. \u201cI tried to buy a double whiskey, but my legs was too short.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d said Jethro, wondering what the two things had to do with each other. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll have one fer ya then kid.\u201d He frowned as Roy and Adam came into the room. \u201cIt\u2019s about time,\u201d he said, picking up his coat. \u201cTime\u2019s a\u2019wasting sheriff, let me outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow why don\u2019t you go home tonight Jethro?\u201d said Roy as he unlocked the man\u2019s cell. \u201cGet a good night\u2019s rest for a change?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jethro put on his coat. \u201cNo point in doing that sheriff,\u201d he said. \u201cSides, I gotta have a double whiskey fer this one here,\u201d he added, pointing to Joe. \u201cSeems they wouldn\u2019t serve him.\u201d He chuckled before he added, \u201cCan\u2019t think why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Joe a strange look. \u201cWhen was this?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBefore,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut my legs was too short.\u201d He put his hand over his mouth and widened his eyes. \u201cI forgot!\u201d he added. \u201cThat lady with the holes in her stockings said that she\u2019s waiting to see you again Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have<\/em> been a busy boy today,\u201d said Roy dryly as he watched Adam squirm. \u201cLet\u2019s see now \u2026 what is the count up to? I think that makes it three ladies after you. You\u2019d better not put off that talk with yer Pa for much longer son.\u201d He turned to Hoss. \u201cYou about ready to come out now?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNope,\u201d he said. \u201cNot until Adam says we can keep our dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFirst of all, he\u2019s not your dog,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cAnd second of all \u2026.\u201d He hesitated as he caught Roy\u2019s eye. \u201cHow about we let Pa make that decision?\u201d he suggested. \u201cI\u2019m willing to let you keep hold of him until Pa gets into town and then he can decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up. \u201cIt\u2019s a deal,\u201d he said happily. \u201cCome on Joe, we\u2019re outta here!\u201d He handed Roy the keys through the bars and grinned at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d said Joe as Roy opened the cell door. \u201cI wanna stay in here! I wanna be a jailbird!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got plenty of time to be a jailbird in the future son,\u201d Roy assured him. \u201cI\u2019ve got a feeling that you just might be spending a bit of time in here in years to come if you keep on going the way you are. As far as I\u2019m concerned, you\u2019ll be welcome any time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d said Joe happily. \u201cGee, that\u2019d be great sheriff!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you mention it,\u201d said Roy, winking at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you handcuff me next time I stay in the cell?\u201d asked Joe eagerly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think that can be arranged,\u201d Roy assured him.\u00a0 \u201cNo trouble at all.\u201d He glanced at the clock on the wall. \u201cNow I think you three had better hurry up and get down to the Stage Office or you might miss yer Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy,\u201d said Adam and smiled at the man. \u201c\u2026 For everything,\u201d he added, meaningfully. \u201cI know now why Pa likes you so much. You\u2019re a very wise man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy winked at him. \u201cYou remember what I told you son,\u201d he said. \u201cOff you go now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye sheriff!\u201d said Joe, following his two brothers out of the office. \u201cSee you next time I get to be a jailbird.\u201d He looked up at Adam as they reached the sidewalk. \u201cAre we gonna go to the liffery stable now Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Adam, and pointed across the street. \u201cNot unless you don\u2019t want to say hi<\/em> to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked in the direction his brother was pointing. \u201cPa!\u201d he shouted as he noticed a man helping hand some luggage down from the stage that was parked across the street. He took off at a run and launched himself at his father who swiftly gathered him up into his arms and hugged him tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Hoss and dragged the dog across the street after Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed at a more leisurely pace and by the time he\u2019d reached his father, Ben had Joe in one arm and the other around Hoss\u2019 shoulders. \u201cWell,\u201d Ben said, grinning around at them. He reached out and gave Adam a hug around the shoulders. \u201cI didn\u2019t know for sure if you\u2019d be still here to meet me. I suppose it\u2019s been a long day for you all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a great day Pa!\u201d shouted Joe happily. \u201cWe\u2019ve had a real good time, ain\u2019t we Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u201cSome of it,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThe part I didn\u2019t have to go to school for anyways.\u201d He gave Adam a dark look before turning to his father. \u201cAdam made me go to school Pa!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cGo to school?\u201d he said. \u201cWhy, you were hardly spent any time there at all!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that was probably the best plan, seeing as how you had to wait all day for me,\u201d said their father, much to Hoss\u2019 dismay. \u201cWell, who is this?\u201d asked Ben, bending down to pat the dog.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s our new dog,\u201d Joe informed his father. \u201cHoss found him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur<\/em> new dog?\u201d repeated Ben. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say they could keep it,\u201d interrupted Adam quickly. \u201cI only said that they could hold onto it until you decided.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Pa?\u201d pleaded Hoss quickly. \u201cHe won\u2019t be no trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble!\u201d echoed Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd iffen you don\u2019t say yes then Sheriff Coffee is gonna give him to old man Keefer for dog meat!\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor dog meat!\u201d echoed Joe dramatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both boys looked at their father pleadingly and Ben looked at Adam who merely shrugged. \u201cBoys, we have enough dogs on The Ponderosa already,\u201d said their father. \u201cWe really don\u2019t need one more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he needs us!\u201d said Hoss. He held onto his father\u2019s sleeve and looked at him pleadingly while Joe flung his arms around the man\u2019s neck and held on tight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shrugged and smiled at Adam. \u201cWell, how can I say no?\u201d he said. \u201cI suppose he can stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks Pa!\u201d shouted Hoss happily and knelt down in the dirt to hug the dog. \u201cYou hear that fellar? Pa\u2019s says you can come home with us!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa!\u201d shouted Joe happily, letting go of his father\u2019s neck and squirming to be let down so that he could also hug the dog.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at the two of them fondly and then shrugged his shoulders again as he looked at Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s a nice dog,\u201d he said, lamely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019ll probably be of some use,\u201d continued Ben, a touch defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d said Adam in a dry tone. He caught his father\u2019s eye and they both burst out laughing. \u201cI sure am glad you\u2019re home Pa,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeen a long day son?\u201d said Ben, putting his arm around the young man\u2019s shoulders affectionately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYou could say that,\u201d he said. \u201cI really need to have a talk to you about quite a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cOf course,\u201d he said. \u201cYou two get that dog into the back of the buggy,\u201d he said to Hoss and Little Joe. \u201cAnd Hoss, get your suspender off him and pull up those trousers, young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Hoss happily. \u201cCome on Joe, let\u2019s think of a name for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a real fine dog Pa!\u201d Joe shouted over his shoulder as he followed Hoss down the street with it. He turned to look at his father, tripped over the dog and picked himself up before adding, \u201cYou\u2019ll like him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in response as he and Adam followed the two boys. \u201cSo \u2026\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s been happening around here while I\u2019ve been gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u201cGee now, where do I start?\u201d he said thoughtfully. \u201cWould you like to hear about the boys being in jail first? Or maybe about Joe ordering whiskey in the saloon?\u201d He laughed to see the look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJail?\u201d said Ben looking quite confused. \u201cWhiskey?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI think we\u2019d better start with Miss Francine from the ladies\u2019 apparel store,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Francine?\u201d said his father, looking startled. \u201cWhat on earth has she got to do with anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his arm around his father as they walked. \u201cWell, you see Pa, it\u2019s like this \u2026.. while we were waiting for the stage \u2026. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0When Ben’s stage is delayed, Adam has his hands full trying to keep himself and his brothers out of trouble while they wait for it<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (19,185 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14921,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1009,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/stage-coach.jpg?fit=285%2C177&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1921","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\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1921\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}