{"id":1924,"date":"2009-10-11T07:03:10","date_gmt":"2009-10-11T11:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1924"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:18","slug":"uncle-samuel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1924","title":{"rendered":"Uncle Samuel (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>When Ben’s Uncle Samuel visits from back East, things don’t go quite as well as Ben had hoped<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (17,590 words)<\/p>\n

Uncle Samuel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Samuel Cartwright eased himself forward and tried unsuccessfully to get the kinks out of his back and frowned. The enforced period of inactivity he\u2019d been forced to endure had done nothing to ease his bad mood, which had seemed to linger all the way from Cincinnati. Honestly! <\/em>he thought,\u00a0 If\u00a0 I\u2019d realised just how far this Godforsaken place was then I never would have agreed to come. Benjamin should have told me!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mood darkened even further as he looked at the snoring man opposite. Never known for his patience at the best of times, Samuel had very little now as another round of loud noises came form the man\u2019s open mouth and he watched in disgust as a thin line of drool ran down his chin. \u2018Disgusting!\u2019 he said out loud to no one in particular and turned to look at the never-ending scenery through the open window instead. He stared at the snow-capped mountains and vast surrounds of pine trees. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 he snorted. \u2018Tolerable!\u2019\u00a0 He thought that if this was the best Nevada had to offer then he might as well have stayed at home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel wondered how he would be able to stand a month living out here. If it hadn\u2019t been for Benjamin\u2019s insistence that he visit\u2026 well he still wondered if he\u2019d made the right decision. He wondered what his nephew would be like after all these years.\u00a0 Probably like that infernal brother of his\u2026Benjamin\u2019s father Joseph. The two of them had never gotten on and he didn\u2019t see why it should be any different now with his nephew.\u00a0 Come to think of it, he wondered why he\u2019d accept the invitation in the first place. Probably because Benjamin and his boys were the only relations left to him. He snorted again as he wondered what those great-nephews of his would be like. \u2018Probably like their father!\u2019 he said out loud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He remembered the last time he had seen his nephew.\u00a0 It had been at his marriage to that young\u2026.what was her name?\u00a0 Oh yes! Elizabeth Stoddard. Seemed a nice young thing\u2026probably far too good for Benjamin judging by the look of her.\u00a0 Samuel had been genuinely upset when he\u2019d heard about her death nearly a year later. And then that crazy nephew of his had taken off with a young baby to heaven knows where!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had corresponded for quite a few years after that.\u00a0 Each time letters arrived from various parts of the country from his nephew, Samuel had shaken his head in amazement.\u00a0 Could the boy ever learn to stay put in one place?\u00a0 Especially since he had a couple of young boys of his own to consider.\u00a0 Samuel wrote and told him so in no uncertain terms and it seemed that the Benjamin had finally taken his advice when he settled here in Nevada. Samuel looked around him again. Although why he had chosen here would never cease to amaze him.\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018Stubborn just like his father,\u2019 he said to himself. \u2018Never could do as he should.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It did sound as if the boy had made a life for himself out here though.\u00a0 Three sons and a large ranch by the sound of it should have kept him very busy. He thought again about the boys.\u00a0 Adam of course he\u2019d met some years back when the youngster had been in Boston attending College.\u00a0 Seemed a nice enough young man, even if Samuel considered him a bit full of himself. It seemed that the boy had far too high an opinion of himself in Samuel\u2019s mind and needed taking down a peg or two.\u00a0 He snorted for a third time.\u00a0 He could bet his bottom dollar that Benjamin thought he was wonderful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second boy with the strange name\u2026what was it again?\u00a0 He crinkled his eyes as he tried to remember.\u00a0 Oh yes!\u00a0 Hoss! Now what kind of name was that?\u00a0 He\u2019d make sure that Benjamin heard his opinion about it. The third boy\u2026Joseph.\u00a0 Yes. Named after his grandfather, Samuel\u2019s own brother. Well he certainly hoped the boy didn\u2019t take after that particular individual in any way! Judging by where his mother had come from though, Samuel held grave doubts about the boy\u2019s background.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He eased himself back on the hard seat again and took out his pocket watch.\u00a0 Two more hours on this stage.\u00a0 How was he going to bear it?! He sighed again as they hit a hole in the trail and he was flung sideways. Much and all as he was dreading it, they couldn\u2019t get to this Virginia City soon enough as far as he was concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hurry up Joseph!\u2019 called Ben from the bottom of the stairs. \u2018Your brothers and I are waiting for you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe appeared at the top of the staircase. \u2018Coming!\u2019 he said as he bounded down the stairs two at a time while he did up his tie at the same time. \u2018I still don\u2019t see why we all have to go in to meet the stage though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because I said so,\u2019 said his father as he steered him towards the door and out into the yard. \u2018It\u2019s not every day we have family visiting.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled as he got up into the buggy. \u2018Especially an Uncle Sam,\u2019 he said with a cheeky look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wouldn\u2019t call him that if I were you,\u2019 said Adam as he hitched up the reins. \u2018I seem to remember him as a rather severe old guy. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d appreciate being called Uncle Sam.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No he wouldn\u2019t,\u2019 agreed Ben. \u2018Kindly remember your manners with him please Joseph.\u00a0 He\u2019s not the sort of man to tolerate your nonsense.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked defensive. \u2018I was only making a joke!\u2019 he protested. \u2018Don\u2019t tell me he\u2019s the sort of person who doesn\u2019t like a laugh every now and then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018To be honest son, my memory of Uncle Samuel matches that of your brother. He is a rather severe old man and I imagine he\u2019s only gotten worse with age.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then why invite him?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Seems to me we don\u2019t need someone like that around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wagged a finger at him. \u2018I invited him because he\u2019s family!\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s my father\u2019s brother and I thought it might be nice for us all to get to know each other. While he is here I expect nothing but respect from the three of you.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 they chorused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m surprised he\u2019s coming after all this time,\u2019 said Hoss after a few moments. \u2018All the way from New York!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suspect he\u2019s become quite lonely in his old age,\u2019 said his father. \u2018We\u2019re all he has left now since his wife Bertha died.\u00a0 They never had any children.\u2019 He looked at his sons again. \u2018Which is all the more reason for you three to be tolerant of him,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 they chorused again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they neared the town, Ben noticed that the stage had already arrived. \u2018Oh no!\u2019 he said. \u2018Now we\u2019re late!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re not late Pa,\u2019 said Adam soothingly. \u2018The stage must have been early.\u2019\u00a0 He drew the horses to a halt and the four Cartwrights got down.\u00a0 Ben strode over to the stage depot and asked Charlie in the ticket office.\u00a0 \u2018Was there someone who got off the stage looking for me?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Charlie looked at him sadly. \u2018Sure was,\u2019 he said. \u2018Old guy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where is he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Charlie motioned with his finger into the depot. \u2018In there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Good luck!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 he asked, but before the man could answer there came a shrill cry from behind him. \u2018Well it\u2019s about time you got here! A body could die waiting for you to turn up Benjamin Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to see an old man standing behind him, tapping his foot impatiently. \u2018Uncle Samuel?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Who else were you expecting boy?\u2019 asked Samuel. He looked at Ben intently. \u2018Well Benjamin, I must say you look like your father.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Joe grinned to hear their father addressed as \u2018boy.\u2019 Ben frowned at them. \u2018These are my sons Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said as he motioned them forward. \u2018Adam you met some time ago of course.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Adam as he smiled at the man and held out his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked him up and down. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And this is Hoss,\u2019 continued Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel frowned. \u2018What kind of name is that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Its\u2026 well its sort of a nickname,\u2019 said Ben lamely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And his real name would be?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Eric.\u00a0 But we never\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello Eric,\u2019 said Samuel, cutting his nephew off. \u2018Nice to meet you.\u2019 Hoss frowned as he shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And this is Little Joe,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Another nickname I presume,\u2019 said Samuel as his frown deepened. \u2018I don\u2019t believe in them myself. Hello Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe tried to keep a scowl off his face as he shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a few moments. \u2018I suppose it would be too much to expect that someone would get my luggage?\u2019 asked Samuel. \u2018Or do you expect an old man to get it down himself?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked startled. \u2018Of course not uncle,\u2019 he said. \u2018Boys! Get your uncle\u2019s bags into the back of the buggy please.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned towards the buggy. \u2018I thought you\u2019d appreciate getting straight out to the ranch and having a rest,\u2019 he said pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018None too soon either!\u2019 said Samuel as he followed Ben to the buggy.\u00a0 \u2018That poor excuse for transportation you have here has just about done me in!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes at Hoss as Adam handed them both down a bag from the top of the stage. \u2018Looks like we\u2019re really gonna enjoy this visit!\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss made a face. \u2018Yeah!\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Seems like a right old\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shut up!\u2019 said Adam severely as he jumped down from the stage. \u2018Remember what Pa said and don\u2019t spoil things for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018As long as that old coot don\u2019t spoil things fer us!\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can see the edge of the lake down there.\u2019 Ben pointed with pride to the blue patch of water that could be seen through the trees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel frowned. \u2018What did you say it was called?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Lake Tahoe,\u2019 replied Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Strange name,\u2019 sniffed Samuel. \u2018Although I suppose it looks nice.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows at the term nice<\/em>. \u2018Most folks around here think its kind of special,\u2019 he said pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose to those that don\u2019t know any better it would seem to be,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018I suppose a lot of people around here have never been anywhere of note so they couldn\u2019t be blamed for their short-sightedness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clamped his mouth shut and Ben noticed the hard set of his son\u2019s jaw. \u2018Up there are the Sierras,\u2019 he said to change the subject. \u2018They\u2019re snow-capped all year round.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose that\u2019s nice for those who enjoy the cold,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I find it hard to take myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you ain\u2019t gonna like it here then,\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018It gets mighty cold around these parts at night.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel turned to look at him. \u2018I trust that you went to school young man?\u2019 he asked<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you certainly didn\u2019t take any notice of your grammar lessons then,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018The word is aren\u2019t, not ain\u2019t.\u2019 Joe swallowed and went red.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t worry Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Hoss hastily to change the subject. \u2018We\u2019ll get the fire good and hot fer you tonight. You\u2019ll be nice and warm.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 said Samuel as he pulled his coat around himself and shuddered. \u2018It is getting rather chilly already.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they approached the ranch house, Samuel sat forward. \u2018Is this it?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben proudly. \u2018I hope you like it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not bad,\u2019 Samuel said as he got down from the buggy. \u2018Certainly not what I was expecting.\u2019\u00a0 He started towards it. \u2018I\u2019d like a bath straight away if that\u2019s possible and my luggage in my room.\u00a0 Benjamin\u2026 I trust you\u2019ll show me where I\u2019m staying?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s horrible!\u2019 declared Joe as the front door shut on the two men. \u2018I don\u2019t know how Pa puts up with him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You just keep your mouth shut!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It won\u2019t hurt us to put up with him for a few weeks for Pa\u2019s sake.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pouted as he took the bag that Adam held out for him. \u2018Yeah OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018But he\u2019s got nothing good to say about anything!\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to believe he\u2019s related to Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 acknowledged Adam. \u2018I remember when I stayed with him for a few weeks years ago.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t very complimentary about a lot of things.\u00a0 Seems he hasn\u2019t changed at all. Come on let\u2019s get these bags upstairs before he yells out of the window at us to hurry up.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at his two brothers as they walked into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That was wonderful Hop Sing!\u2019 said Ben as the cook brought the coffee to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mighty tasty,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018Don\u2019t you think so Uncle Samuel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018Tolerable,\u2019 he said. \u2018Although a bit rich for my stomach.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he noticed the look on Hop Sing\u2019s face. \u2018I thought it was just fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Coffee Uncle Samuel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Not too strong though please.\u00a0 That cup you gave me this afternoon was far too strong.\u2019 He looked around the great room. \u2018Well I must say this is most pleasant,\u2019 he continued. \u2018You\u2019ve done well for yourself Benjamin.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his nephew. \u2018You\u2019ve come a long way from the young seaman I remember.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t have two cents to rub together in those days.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Life has been kind to me in that regard,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve had my share of problems along the way though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes so it would seem,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Three wives would have given you a great many worries.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked surprised. \u2018On the contrary,\u2019 he said. \u2018My wives brought me a great deal of happiness.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled around the table at his sons. \u2018And three wonderful boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph, get your mothers\u2019 pictures to show Uncle Samuel please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe got up and fetched the pictures from his father\u2019s desk and handed them to Samuel. \u2018This one I remember,\u2019 said the man, pointing to Adam\u2019s mother Elizabeth. \u2018A nice young thing she was.\u00a0 I could never understand what she saw in you at the time Benjamin.\u00a0 I always felt she had class.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat and tried not to look angry at his uncle\u2019s words. \u2018We were very much in love,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel picked up the picture of Hoss\u2019 mother Inger. \u2018Well you certainly didn\u2019t marry this one for her looks,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sort of plain.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Hoss\u2019 as he saw his son go red. \u2018She was a beautiful woman,\u2019 he said. \u2018Truly beautiful.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised his eyebrows. \u2018If you say so,\u2019 he said as he picked up the third picture of Joe\u2019s mother Marie. \u2018Hmm,\u2019 he said. \u2018You made up for it with this one. Kind of flashy though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started up with a jump. \u2018My mother was beautiful!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t say she wasn\u2019t boy,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018That fact is obvious.\u00a0 Kind of what I expected though, considering.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Considering what?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Her background,\u2019 answered Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Let\u2019s have our coffee in the living room,\u2019 said Ben quickly standing up and putting his hand on the back of Joe\u2019s neck.\u00a0 He smiled at his son. \u2018Joseph\u2026 would you please bring the coffeepot?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said and then glared at Samuel, deciding that he really didn\u2019t like the man at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll be going to Church in the morning,\u2019 said Ben pleasantly. \u2018Would you like to join us Uncle Samuel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel sipped his coffee. \u2018Too strong,\u2019 he said, putting it down on the table. \u2018I\u2019ll have another one Joseph.\u00a0 And make it weak please. Yes I think I will Benjamin,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d like to hear the standard of preaching you have out here in the wilderness.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bristled when he heard the word wilderness<\/em>. \u2018Well we don\u2019t think of it that way Uncle,\u2019 he said. \u2018Nevada is really growing up now and we consider that civilization is catching up with us around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018Do you?\u2019 he said, obviously not believing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We even have a theatre in town now,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really? All I noticed when I was waiting for you were two Saloons.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well we have them too,\u2019 acknowledged Adam. \u2018Virginia City caters for all tastes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d sure like to show you the ranch while you\u2019re here,\u2019 said Ben, changing the subject again. \u2018There are some beautiful spots to see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That would be nice,\u2019 said Samuel politely. \u2018Well I think I\u2019d better get to bed now. Early to bed, early to rise\u2026. You know the old saying.\u2019 Joe looked puzzled as the others nodded. \u2018I suppose you\u2019ll all be turning in now anyway,\u2019 continued Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the hint. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said, getting up. \u2018Come on boys, time for bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa\u2026\u2019began Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, would you please show Uncle Samuel to his room?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed and stood up as well. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said with a sigh. \u2018Come on Uncle Sam\u2026.I mean Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he corrected himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood up as they watched the two go upstairs. \u2018It\u2019s going to be an interesting month,\u2019 said Adam quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Good night boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat stiffly in the pew conscious of the tapping of his uncle\u2019s foot on the floor next to him. On the other side of him, Joseph was his usual fidgety self and Ben found it hard to concentrate on the sermon, placed as he was between the two of them.\u00a0 He was extremely glad when the end of the Service liberated him from his position and he found himself very eager to get outside. \u2018I\u2019ll introduce you to a few people,\u2019 he said to Samuel as they walked out of the Church together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d like to meet that young Minister first,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018I have a few comments about his sermon for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrow, but ushered his uncle over to the Minister straight away. \u2018I\u2019d like you to meet my Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said. \u2018Uncle Samuel, Reverend Allen.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reverend Allen shook Samuel\u2019s hand eagerly. \u2018Pleased to meet you sir,\u2019 he said. \u2018Any Uncle of Ben\u2019s is most welcome to our community.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Been preaching long?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018About three years,\u2019 said the Reverend with a short laugh. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you could have made more of the analogies included in those parables,\u2019 said Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reverend Allen gulped. \u2018You did?\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s interesting.\u2019 He blushed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll be interested to see what you do with next week\u2019s readings,\u2019 continued Samuel. \u2018I really think that the people around here deserve your undivided attention to detail don\u2019t you?\u00a0 They are after all\u2026\u2019 he looked around. \u2018Needing as much spiritual guidance as they can by the look of them.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat. \u2018Until next week,\u2019 he said. \u2018And make sure to concentrate on those parables won\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave the Reverend a look of apology as he followed his uncle across the yard of the Church. Suddenly Samuel stopped. \u2018Benjamin!\u2019 he said as he glared at him. \u2018Do you allow this kind of behaviour of your boys?\u2019 He pointed to where Joe was standing surrounded by a few young ladies. The young people were laughing at some joke and one of the girls linked arms with Joe and smiled up at him as they did so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 asked Ben, genuinely puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That!\u2019 said Samuel pointing at the group. \u2018Don\u2019t you think that is unseemly behaviour for a young man? Surely you are aware that it couldn\u2019t be doing Joseph\u2019s reputation any good to be seen in public like that with those young ladies.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019re perfectly respectable young people,\u2019 said Ben frostily. \u2018I see nothing wrong with a few young people chatting after Church.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well if you say so,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018However if he were my son\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s not your son,\u2019 said Ben and then stopped himself. \u2018I\u2019d like to introduce you to one of my friends\u2026\u2019 He pulled the man over towards Paul Martin. \u2018Dr Paul Martin,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is my Uncle Samuel.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pleased to meet you,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Ben told me that you were coming.\u00a0 I hope you\u2019ve been enjoying our fair town so far?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel ignored the question. \u2018A doctor eh?\u2019 he said. \u2018And just where did you do your training?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul seemed a bit taken aback by the man\u2019s question. \u2018Yale,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm. I\u2019ve always thought Harvard had the best medical school,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Still, I suppose they\u2019re lucky to get whoever they can way out here.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat and walked over to the Cartwright buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked at Ben in amazement. \u2018Don\u2019t take it personally,\u2019 said Ben with a shrug. \u2018He\u2019s like that with everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul gave his friend a look of consolation. \u2018How long is he staying?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A month,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018One long month by the look of it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smothered a laugh. \u2018How are the boys taking it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well so far,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Although he\u2019s managed to get them all offside already. Mind you, I don\u2019t think he means to\u2026he just doesn\u2019t think about what he\u2019s saying that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well good luck!\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and walked over to the buggy where Hoss was sitting with Samuel. \u2018Aren\u2019t those other two boys of yours ready to go now Benjamin?\u2019 asked Samuel crossly. \u2018This cool air isn\u2019t good for me you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 called Ben. \u2018We\u2019re going now!\u00a0 Come along!\u2019 He searched the area for Adam. \u2018Do you know where your brother is Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m here,\u2019 said a voice behind him. \u2018You go on without me Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been invited to Sarah\u2019s for Sunday dinner, so I might stay in town tonight and see you in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All right son. Joseph\u2026come on!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe climbed up into the buggy. \u2018How come Adam gets to stay in town and I don\u2019t?\u2019 he asked. Ben ignored his question. \u2018Pa?\u00a0 How come?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, do not question your father like that!\u2019 said Samuel severely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored him. \u2018Can I stay in town too?\u2019 he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No you may not,\u2019 said Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018I was asking my father,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel glared back at him. \u2018The impertinence of it!\u2019 he said. \u2018Have you never been taught respect for your elders boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, apologise to your uncle,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his father. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s none of his business who I\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat back on the seat of the buggy grumpily and crossed his arms over his chest. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said grudgingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hitched up the team and they headed for home. \u2018I thought we might take the long way around by the lake,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a mighty pretty drive.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If you say so,\u2019 said Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The atmosphere on the drive home was considerably strained as Joe sulked in the back of the buggy and Samuel grumbled in the front. Nothing seemed to please the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll stop here for a minute,\u2019 said Ben finally. \u2018Do you like the view?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked down over the startling blue lake that was surrounded by the tall pine-covered mountains that reached up to the impossible blue sky. It was a sight to take the breath away. \u2018Very nice,\u2019 he acknowledged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do ya like ta fish?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll take you if ya like.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well what would you like to look at around the ranch?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018I could show you some of the horses tomorrow if you\u2019d like to see them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No thank you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave Hoss a frustrated look. \u2018How about the timber operation?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Adam\u2019s been working on a new design up there and it might be interesting for you to see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded \u2018That might be nice,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well here we are,\u2019 said Ben as they came into the front yard. \u2018Smells like Hop Sing has dinner all ready for us.\u00a0 I know he\u2019s been working on a extra special one just for you Uncle Samuel.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I hope it\u2019s not as rich as last night\u2019s dinner,\u2019 said Samuel as he got down from the buggy. \u2018Much too heavy for my liking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is there anything he likes?\u2019 asked Hoss, shaking his head as he and Joe watched the man go into the house followed by Ben. \u2018He must be the most ornery critter I\u2019ve ever come across.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled. \u2018He\u2019s more than ornery Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s plain downright mean!\u2019 His eyes narrowed. \u2018How are we gonna stand a month with him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u2018I dunno little brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa\u2019s the one I feel sorry for though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How d\u2019ya mean?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well we can get away from him when we go back ta work tomorrow,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018But Pa\u2019s stuck with him. Poor Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 Joe agreed. \u2018Poor Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mr Samuel not like?\u2019 asked Hop Sing with a disappointed look on his face as he took the plate in front of Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure it was very nice,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Just not to my liking thank you Hop Sing.\u2019 He turned to Ben. \u2018Benjamin I was wondering why Adam is staying in town all night if he\u2019s only going to Sunday dinner with a young lady? Why isn\u2019t he returning this afternoon?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He probably wants to see some of his friends tonight,\u2019 said Ben as he poured himself a cup of coffee. \u2018The boys work very hard through the week, so they usually get in a bit of relaxation on the weekend.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Some of the boys,\u2019 said Joe under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ignored the remark. \u2018He\u2019ll be back in the morning for breakfast ready for work,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel frowned. \u2018I suppose by relaxation you mean drinking and gambling in one of those Saloons I saw in town,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you really think that\u2019s an appropriate past-time for one of your sons?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam is nearly thirty years old,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I think he\u2019s old enough to decide for himself what is suitable and what isn\u2019t. I trust my son to organise his own life accordingly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure he is,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It just seems that he\u2019s a young man with a few brains about him.\u00a0 I thought he out of all your boys would have had the sense to see what drinking can do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018As I said, Adam looks after his own affairs,\u2019 said Ben frostily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018I\u2019m sure he does,\u2019 he persisted. \u2018It\u2019s just that with two younger brothers who perhaps might need his guidance\u2026\u2019 his eyes rested on Joe and Hoss. \u2018He might have had the foresight to give them a good example.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up, his face dark. \u2018I\u2019m going fishing,\u2019 he said abruptly, his face showing his anger at the criticism of his elder brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel stared after him. \u2018Well that wasn\u2019t very polite,\u2019 he said. \u2018I would have expected better manners from him.\u00a0 Now if it had been young Joseph here, perhaps I would have understood it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 asked Joe defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing young man,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s just obvious that you\u2019re the one who has the volatile nature.\u00a0 Your brother seemed to be\u2026well more easy-going that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All my sons are different,\u2019 intervened Ben smiling at Joe soothingly. \u2018It\u2019s what makes them all so dear to me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018To be sure,\u2019 agreed Samuel. \u2018That\u2019s all that I meant. Young Joseph here does need a firm hand though Ben, that\u2019s obvious. After all, you don\u2019t want him to turn out like his mother do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sprang to his feet. \u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 he asked angrily. \u2018There was nothing wrong with my mother!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised his hands in a gesture of pity to Ben. \u2018See what I mean?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s in the blood Ben. You must have had a hard time raising this one!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph go outside please,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up next to his son. He pulled on the boy\u2019s arm as Joe started forward. \u2018Please do as I ask.\u2019 Joe glanced over at his father and nodded his head before leaving the room.\u00a0 Ben sat down again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he began. \u2018I think that you and I need to have a talk.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018What can I help you with Benjamin?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u2018I\u2019d appreciate it if you would refrain from criticising my sons or the memory of their mothers while you are here,\u2019 he said. \u2018I realise that not everything about the way we are or the way we live is going to be agreeable to you, but I would certainly appreciate it if you would just try not to upset any of my boys with your remarks.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel frowned. \u2018What remarks?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to point out things that they could improve in for their own good.\u00a0 It seems to me that you could use a bit of help in that regard Benjamin.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I will deal with my sons in my own way,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Please stay out of it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well!\u00a0 I always knew you were a stubborn youngster just like that father of yours, but I did think that age might have given you a bit of wisdom,\u2019 said Samuel haughtily. \u2018I think I\u2019ll spend the afternoon up in my room if my presence isn\u2019t appreciated around here!\u2019\u00a0 He got up from the table and walked towards the staircase.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Uncle Samuel!\u2019 called Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to upset you.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that \u2026 well\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel turned. \u2018That\u2019s all right Benjamin I forgive you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sometimes people say unkind things without thinking.\u00a0 Perhaps you should take my example. I never say anything unless it is in the other person\u2019s best interest to hear it.\u00a0 Perhaps one day you\u2019ll also be able to conduct yourself in like manner.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched open-mouthed as his uncle mounted the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think you\u2019ll enjoy it,\u2019 said Ben pleasantly at the breakfast table. \u2018Adam has designed a whole new system at the sawmill which nearly halves the time needed to cut the timber.\u2019 He smiled at his eldest son proudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It sounds very interesting,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Your degree was in Engineering wasn\u2019t it Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I also studied Architecture.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam helped Pa build this house,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018After he came back from College they added onto it and he designed that part.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You get to use your skills here then?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018There are quite a few things to hold my interest,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ve been able to design a few buildings and then see them through to completion.\u00a0 The sawmill is just an example of one.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really?\u2019 replied Samuel, thinking that the young man sounded quite full of himself. \u2018I\u2019m interested to see it then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam is real smart,\u2019 said Joe defensively. He hadn\u2019t forgiven the man for his remarks from last night. \u2018Better than any of them city engineers!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Those<\/em> city engineers Joseph,\u2019 said Samuel with a smile. \u2018You really should work on your grammar young man.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up, ignoring Joe\u2019s dark look. \u2018Well let\u2019s get going then Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to walk off that heavy breakfast.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a face at his brothers and stood up to follow his uncle out of the house.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes for a moment and tried not to look relieved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Remember those line shacks you wanted checked?\u00a0 Well I thought that I\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand. \u2018Thank you for the offer Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018But you are going to stay here and suffer along with the rest of us while your uncle is staying. I expect each of you to take your turn in entertaining him as well by the way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked appalled. \u2018Entertaining him?\u2019 he said. \u2018How?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll discover something that he likes to do,\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018There must be something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well with any luck he and Adam\u2019ll hit it off. He seemed to be interested in the timber operation,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018We can always hand him over to older brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think?\u2019 asked Adam as he stood proudly by the side of the river. \u2018Effective don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded. \u2018I must admit Adam, I think you\u2019ve done a very good job here,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re obviously a very intelligent young man to get this operation up and running so smoothly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018Well thank you,\u2019 he said, beginning to think that Uncle Samuel wasn\u2019t so bad after all. \u2018We\u2019ve increased production quite a bit since changing things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm.\u2019 Samuel looked at the young man closely. \u2018Seems a pity that a young man with your brains spends his time on things like this though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he asked. \u2018There\u2019s a great need for this sort of thing out here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I\u2019m sure there is,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s just\u2026. Well you must feel out of touch with things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t understand what you mean,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Out of touch how?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How long is it since you graduated from College my boy?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018About eight years. Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026a lot can happen in eight years.\u00a0 Seems to me that you\u2019ve been left to flounder out here while other young men of your ability are caught up in the exciting happenings back East.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you ever feel left behind?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned even more.\u00a0 He wondered how his uncle could have touched on the very thing that he\u2019d been feeling lately. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018I try not to think about it really.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019 asked Samuel. \u2018You really should you know. Another stint back East would do you the world of good.\u00a0 You\u2019d be able to do some more study\u2026catch up on how things have progressed\u2026. That sort of thing.\u2019 Adam was silent. \u2018I\u2019d be happy to have you stay with me if it would make it any easier for you,\u2019 continued Samuel. \u2018Well you think about it eh? We can\u2019t have a man of your ability wasting your talents out here now can we?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as his uncle walked back towards the buckboard. He wondered if the man was right.\u00a0 There were times he felt left behind living all the way out here.\u00a0 Maybe a trip back East would do him the world of good?\u00a0 He dug his hands in his pockets and scuffed his boot in the dirt.\u00a0 Pa wouldn\u2019t be pleased about it though. He could just imagine his father\u2019s face if he suggested it. Adam sighed.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt rather dejected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How come I haveta take him?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018Why me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because I had my turn yesterday,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Pa said it\u2019s your turn to look after him today.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Hoss,\u2019 chimed in Little Joe. \u2018It\u2019s your turn!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glared at his younger brother. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t look so cocky if I were you little buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your day will come!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well until it does I aim to stay away from the nosey old galoot,\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I don\u2019t like him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s not too bad,\u2019 mused Adam thoughtfully. \u2018He\u2019s got some good ideas.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss made a face at Joe. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said \u2018Well I ain\u2019t heard any of em yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning boys,\u2019 said Ben as he and Uncle Samuel approached the table. \u2018I hope you all slept well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018More than I did!\u2019 declared Samuel. \u2018Sorry as I am to say it Benjamin\u2026 that mattress you gave me is as hard as a board!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked pained. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Uncle,\u2019 he said. \u2018No one else has ever complained about it before.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe because no one else has a delicate back like mine,\u2019 said Samuel testily. \u2018Is there any chance of changing it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the boys who all put their heads down and were silent. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018We could always change it over with one of the others. \u2018Joseph, would you see to that this morning please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head shot up. \u2018Why me?\u2019 he squeaked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Because I told you to,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam has work to do at the timber mill and Hoss is taking Uncle Samuel into town. I\u2019d like you to exchange your uncle\u2019s mattress with Adam\u2019s please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head shot up. \u2018Why mine?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because Hoss\u2019 is too worn out by his heavy frame and Joseph\u2019s is\u2026 well Joseph\u2019s has had far too many accidents from years gone by on it and is still rather discoloured.\u00a0 I\u2019d like your uncle to have the best one.\u00a0 I know you won\u2019t mind for a few weeks.\u2019 Adam scowled, but said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Accidents?\u2019 said Uncle Samuel, raising his eyebrows. \u2018Don\u2019t tell me this young man is a bed-wetter!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe flushed a deep red. \u2018When I was a little kid!\u2019 he declared. \u2018Not now!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked at him thoughtfully. \u2018Well I must say I\u2019m not surprised,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a sign of weakness you know Benjamin.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe hasn\u2019t had the problem for a long time,\u2019 said Ben, giving Joe a reassuring look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do we really have to talk about this?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018It\u2019s embarrassing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel ignored him. \u2018It runs in the family you know,\u2019 he said to Ben. \u2018Your father used to do it.\u00a0 I remember many times waking up with a wet nightshirt after that particular youngster had sprayed all over me.\u2019\u00a0 He helped himself to a generous serving of eggs happily.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ve never had the problem myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorta sounds familiar don\u2019t it Adam?\u2019 said Hoss with a wink. \u2018Joe\u2019s done it to both of us lotsa times.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe went even redder. \u2018When I was a little kid! You make it sound like I\u2019ve been doing it recently!\u2019 he said. \u2018Can we change the subject please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They say that boys are the worst ones for it,\u2019 continued Samuel unabashed. He stared Joe up and down. \u2018Young boys with little control over their emotions.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I do so have control over my emotions!\u2019 declared Joe, going red with anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel smiled at Ben. \u2018See what I mean?\u00a0 I\u2019m surprised the youngster isn\u2019t still doing it.\u2019\u00a0 He leaned over towards Joe. \u2018Are you young man?\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to be embarrassed if you are.\u00a0 I could give you some stomach tightening exercises to help control it you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Pa can I go now?\u2019 he said tersely. \u2018I\u2019m not hungry!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes of course,\u2019 said Ben, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel watched as Joe left the room in a huff, banging the door after him. \u2018Emotional youngster isn\u2019t he?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Must be that Southern blood in him.\u00a0 I warned you about marrying into it when you wrote about your marriage to that \u2026 woman with the questionable background. Blood will always tell I say!\u2019\u00a0 He sat back in his chair. \u2018Now if you\u2019ve finished stuffing yourself Eric, could you tear yourself away from that food long enough to take an old man into town?\u00a0 There are some things I need to buy and I would like to get there before noon if you don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss put down his fork reluctantly. \u2018Sure Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was just about finished anyways. \u2018He took a longing look at the leftover food on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019ve been observing that you eat far too much.\u00a0 Not good for your digestion you know. We might have a talk about that on the way into town.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Come along then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he watched Hoss and Samuel leave the room. \u2018Twenty-seven,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Twenty-seven days until your uncle leaves,\u2019 said Ben shortly. \u2018I\u2019ve started counting them down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018He\u2019s not that bad,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow at his eldest son. \u2018No?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get out to the timber mill,\u2019 he said dully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t sound too enthusiastic about it,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I thought it was coming along well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged again. \u2018I suppose it is,\u2019 he said. \u2018For a small-town operation we\u2019re doing OK.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Small-town?\u2019 said Ben surprised. \u2018What brought on that remark?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh nothing!\u2019 said Adam testily. \u2018Its just that sometimes I\u2019d like to do something worthwhile Pa.\u00a0 You know\u2026 a big job instead of these little country projects.\u2019\u00a0 He walked away from the table. \u2018Waste of time even thinking about it I guess.\u00a0 There\u2019s not much else to do out here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben massaged his temples. It seemed that ever since Samuel had arrived everyone was on edge including himself.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 Well at least he\u2019d be able to have a quiet morning away from the whinging old man.\u00a0 He jumped as he heard a clanging noise from the kitchen. Hop Sing was obviously not happy again.\u00a0 Not that he could blame the man\u2026after all, all he\u2019d had from Samuel were complaints for the meals he\u2019d put so much preparation into.\u00a0 Ben could almost hear him now: Hop Sing go back to China!<\/em>\u00a0 He hoped it wouldn\u2019t come to that!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So where did you get that outlandish name of Hoss from Eric?\u2019 asked Samuel as they drove towards town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My second name is Haas,\u2019 explained Hoss. \u2018It kinda came from that. Plus, Hoss means \u2018big man\u2019 in Swedish.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ah yes! Your mother was Swedish wasn\u2019t she?\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018The plain woman in the picture.\u2019 Hoss frowned but said nothing. \u2018Still,\u2019 continued Samuel. \u2018It does seem a strange name. I supposed you\u2019re used to it though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yep,\u2019 said Hoss shortly. \u2018I think it suits me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018Your father tells me you\u2019re good with animals,\u2019 he said, changing the subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss puffed up. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said. \u2018I love working with em.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm. \u2018I\u2019m sure you do.\u00a0 It\u2019s nice to think that you have something going for you at least,\u2019 said Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel patted him on the arm. \u2018I only mean that it\u2019s nice that you have something that you\u2019re good at,\u2019 he said. \u2018It must be hard for you being between those two brothers of yours.\u00a0 Adam is so smart that you must feel sort of lacking in that regard next to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t really think about it,\u2019 he said slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel patted him again. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s best not to. You\u2019d only upset yourself feeling so limited in comparison. And as for that young brother of yours\u2026 well I imagine he\u2019s quite popular with the flashy looks that he\u2019s got.\u00a0 You must feel very inadequate at times when he\u2019s around.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked dejected. \u2018I do OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded \u2018I\u2019m sure you do,\u2019 he said. \u2018After all, no one would hold it against you for being the plain dull one in the family would they?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure people still try to be very kind to you in spite of it all.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled happily. \u2018Well here we are at last!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t realise that the ranch was so far from town.\u00a0 It must make you feel quite isolated out there. I\u2019m sure it causes some problems.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed, feeling quite despondent. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I spose it does. Where can I drop you Uncle Samuel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I need some things from the General Store if there is such a thing,\u2019 said Samuel looking around. \u2018Will you accompany me please Eric?\u00a0 I might need your assistance.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure!\u2019 said Hoss with a sigh. He showed his uncle the way to the Mercantile and followed him in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning sir!\u2019 said Uncle Samuel. \u2018I\u2019d like your assistance please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam Winters looked up. \u2018In a moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018When I\u2019m finished with Mrs Peters. Hi Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Isn\u2019t that nice!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I told you that people would be kind to you in spite of your shortcomings Eric.\u2019\u00a0 He sat down and looked around happily. \u2018Well they certainly seem to have a few things here in spite of their isolation.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam Winters came over. \u2018What can I do for you sir?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can fill this order for me please,\u2019 said Samuel, handing the man a list. \u2018I\u2019m Benjamin Cartwright\u2019s uncle.\u00a0 I presume you know him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Sam with a strange look at Hoss. \u2018Everyone knows the Cartwrights.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well then I expect the same service you\u2019d give to Benjamin,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Thank you.\u2019\u00a0 He sat back and looked around him again as Sam went to fill the order. He studied the people in the store closely. \u2018I can see that Virginia City is quite a bit behind the times in fashion,\u2019 he said loudly as a couple of young ladies passed them. \u2018Understandable though when you think about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss noticed the young girls blushing at his uncle\u2019s words and looking at their dresses in an embarrassed fashion. A few other people in the store stopped and stared at him and he smiled back at them pleasantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned as Roy Coffee entered the store. \u2018Hi Sheriff Coffee,\u2019 he said warmly. \u2018I\u2019d like you to meet my great-uncle Samuel. He\u2019s Pa\u2019s uncle. \u2018He\u2019s staying with us fer a few weeks. Uncle Samuel this is Sheriff Coffee, one of Pa\u2019s friends.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello,\u2019 said Roy, tipping his hat to Samuel. \u2018Any friend of Ben\u2019s is a friend of mine.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018How can that be when we are not acquainted yet Constable?\u00a0 I believe that\u2019s rather forward of you to suggest that we might be friends already.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s eyes bulged. \u2018I only meant\u2026.\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know what you meant and I\u2019m sorry if I sounded a little harsh,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s just that I\u2019m not used to the ways out here yet.\u00a0 I suppose back East we just expect people to be more aware of manners.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s mouth dropped and he stared at Hoss who shrugged apologetically. \u2018Well, good day then,\u2019 said Roy after a few minutes. \u2018I\u2019ll be seeing you.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head as he walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Have you finished with my order yet?\u2019 asked Samuel loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam walked over to them. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Everything is here in the bag.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s surprising!\u2019 said Samuel pleased. \u2018I never thought you\u2019d be able to fill the whole order!\u00a0 Perhaps things here are a little more civilised than I thought.\u00a0 Now,\u2019 he continued. \u2018There is one more thing while I\u2019m here. Do you have such a thing as a rubber sheet young man?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A rubber sheet?\u2019 asked Sam puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes a rubber sheet,\u2019 repeated Samuel in a loud voice so that everyone turned to listen. \u2018Or something of that nature. An oilskin perhaps? Large enough to spread on a mattress and cover it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think so,\u2019 said Sam, still looking puzzled. \u2018I\u2019ll have a look out back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel turned to Hoss and continued in a loud voice. \u2018I\u2019m surprised that Benjamin hasn\u2019t thought about it himself,\u2019 he explained. \u2018After all, it must have been difficult all these years to get Joseph\u2019s mattress dry if the youngster keeps wetting the bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked around at everyone who was listening and went red. \u2018Joe don\u2019t do that any\u2026\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel held up his hand. \u2018Oh I know what you\u2019re going to say Eric,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I know that you\u2019re trying to protect your brother from further embarrassment.\u00a0 But problems like bed-wetting need to be brought out into the open if they are going to be cured,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know Joseph says<\/em> he doesn\u2019t do it any more, but you can never be too sure can you?\u00a0 I know the type when I see them and mark my words\u2026 that young man is still not in control of himself!\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as Sam entered the room again. \u2018Ah! Just the thing!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll take it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked around happily at all the people who were listening. \u2018I\u2019m sure you all understand the importance of bedroom hygiene,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come along Eric.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss followed his uncle out of the store. \u2018But Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe don\u2019t need no rubber sheet!\u00a0 I told you before that\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now don\u2019t you worry about it Eric!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It was no trouble at all for me to get it for your brother.\u00a0 I like spending my money on other people and it seems that the youngster would appreciate it. If it gives him pleasure it\u2019s been worth the effort.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I don\u2019t know if pleasure is the right word,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel smiled at him. \u2018Now!\u2019 he said brightly. \u2018Are you going to show me around this town of yours?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grudgingly led his uncle down the main street. \u2018Over there\u2019s the Livery,\u2019 he said. \u2018And up there is the Blacksmith.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I see. And where is the theatre that Adam mentioned?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Down the end of town,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Ya wanna see it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please.\u00a0 Lead the way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss led the way past the Silver Dollar Saloon, wishing he could stop in and pick up a drink on the way.\u00a0 Somehow though, he didn\u2019t think his uncle would approve. \u2018Here it is,\u2019 he said, stopping outside the brick building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 said Samuel, studying the board outside. \u2018Not much on offer is there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ain\u2019t really my kind of place.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your brother Adam enjoys such entertainment though doesn\u2019t he?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yep. He sure does.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wonder if he would appreciate me buying him a ticket then?\u2019 mused Samuel. \u2018I\u2019d like to give him a present as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019d like that,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Would you wait here for me please Eric?\u00a0 I won\u2019t be a moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss leant against the building and whistled softly as he waited for his uncle. After a long time the man appeared again. \u2018Well I\u2019ve certainly been able to do your brother a favour!\u2019 he said, quite pleased with himself. \u2018He\u2019ll be delighted when he hears the news!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What news?\u2019 asked Hoss suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel smiled. \u2018I\u2019d like it to be a surprise for him, he said. \u2018I\u2019ll keep it to myself until tonight. Now!\u2019 he looked around. \u2018What else is there to look at? I\u2019d like to buy you and your father something as well Eric. What would you suggest?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Aw, that ain\u2019t necessary Uncle Samuel,\u2019 protested Hoss. All he wanted was to get his uncle out of town before he caused any more embarrassment to his family. He was rather suspicious about what he had in mind for Adam for a start.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nonsense!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s my pleasure. What\u2019s down that way?\u2019 He took off down the street before Hoss could stop him. \u2018A bookstore!\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s have a look in there shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed as he followed his uncle into the store. \u2018Well hello Hoss!\u2019 said Mrs Sheridan who ran the store. \u2018I\u2019m surprised to see you in here. Looking for something for your brother Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss blushing. \u2018My uncle here wanted to have a look around that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh? And what are you looking for sir?\u2019 asked the woman politely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Something for this young man here,\u2019 said Samuel. He put up a hand as Hoss began to protest. \u2018Now Eric!\u00a0 I insist! Let\u2019s see if we can find you something to broaden your mind shall we? Could you suggest something young lady?\u00a0 Perhaps not too difficult, as he isn\u2019t the brightest if you get my meaning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs Sheridan looked embarrassed and tried not to look at Hoss. \u2018Well\u2026. she said. \u2018Let\u2019s see\u2026\u00a0 What do you think you\u2019d like Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glared at his uncle. \u2018It\u2019s not necessary Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s embarrassed,\u2019 explained Samuel tactfully. \u2018Now Eric, there\u2019s nothing wrong with being a little behind.\u00a0 This kind lady will show you something to your taste I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 He enjoys animals,\u2019 he continued. \u2018Perhaps a nice animal story in the children\u2019s section would be appropriate and not be too taxing on him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few minutes later Hoss was clutching a large brown paper parcel and standing on the street scowling. \u2018Well that was fun wasn\u2019t it?\u2019 said Samuel as he came to stand beside him. \u2018Those books will certainly keep you entertained for a while.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around happily. \u2018Now there\u2019s only Benjamin left.\u00a0 Any suggestions?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss tried to look pleasant, but it was difficult with the knowledge that he held a pile of children\u2019s books under his arm that his uncle felt were suitable for him. \u2018Pa sure enjoys some of that choice pipe tobacco they sell over\u2026.\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Filthy habit!\u2019 interrupted Samuel. \u2018I won\u2019t be encouraging any of that!\u2019\u00a0 He looked up and down the street. \u2018No\u2026 We\u2019ll find something else Eric.\u00a0 Come on boy!\u00a0 Let\u2019s get moving!\u2019\u00a0 Hoss followed the man down the street with a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Lemon drops!\u2019 said Ben in amazement. \u2018Um\u2026. well\u2026. Thank you Uncle Samuel.\u2019\u00a0 He looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I remember how you enjoyed them as a boy,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I was sure you hadn\u2019t grown out of the habit.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at his nephew happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Joe tried not to smile. What did you get Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe, his eyes lighting upon the parcel that Hoss had placed on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018None of ya business,\u2019 said Hoss grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Aw come on Hoss!\u2019 said Joe, becoming determined to have a look once he had sensed that his brother didn\u2019t want to let on what his present was. \u2018Let\u2019s see!\u2019\u00a0 He grabbed the parcel and ripped the paper off it and stared in amazement at the pile of children\u2019s books. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now Joseph,\u2019 said Uncle Samuel. \u2018Don\u2019t make fun of your brother\u2019s reading ability please.\u00a0 He\u2019s trying to better himself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss went bright red and stared into the fire as Joe began to giggle. \u2018Oh I wouldn\u2019t dream of it Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said. \u2018I would never make fun of my brother!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it Joseph,\u2019 said Samuel as he handed him a parcel. \u2018Because he certainly doesn\u2019t make fun of your afflictions!\u2019 He beamed broadly as Joe began to unwrap the parcel. There was silence in the room as he took out the rubber sheet and held it up with a puzzled expression on his face. He looked at his father, but Ben shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m surprised your father never thought of it before,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018But I\u2019m sure it will give you a great deal of comfort and relief to know that you don\u2019t need to be embarrassed anymore about your disability Joseph.\u2019 Joe looked at his uncle in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go and try it on your bed now?\u2019 asked Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up and took a step towards the man, his fist clenched.\u00a0 Ben jumped up and pulled on his son\u2019s sleeve and said. \u2018Joseph!\u00a0 I\u2019d like you to go upstairs son.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe meaningfully. \u2018Do as I say please! We\u2019ll speak about this later.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, his nostrils flaring and his face a bright shade of red. After a moment he gave a slight nod and turned away.\u00a0 Ben watched as his son walked slowly up the stairs, the rubber sheet trailing behind him. He turned to Samuel. \u2018There was no need for that!\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel put up his hand. \u2018Please Benjamin!\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t thank me.\u00a0 It was worth it just to see the look of gratitude on the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 Why\u2026 he was absolutely speechless with delight.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Adam. \u2018Now Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018I have a real treat in store for you!\u2019\u00a0 He beamed. \u2018Eric showed me the theatre today and I visited the Box Office with the thought of purchasing a ticket for you to see the latest show.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018Well what a nice thought,\u2019 he said. It seemed to him that he was getting the best of the presents. \u2018Was it for the new comedy or the Shakespeare?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The Shakespeare,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I hope that meets with your approval.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I haven\u2019t seen it yet.\u00a0 Thank you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ah but there\u2019s more!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018As chance would have it, I met a dear friend of yours in there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018And just who might this dear friend be?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A lovely lady.\u00a0 The resident school teacher I believe.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paled. \u2018Not\u2026. Not Abigail Jones!\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel beamed at him. \u2018Yes That\u2019s her!\u00a0 Miss Abigail Jones! Such a lovely young lady and so very refined!\u00a0 She filled me in on your \u2026 well shall we say\u2026 long-standing relationship with each other.\u2019 He turned to Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019re most pleased with the match Benjamin.\u2019\u00a0 Ben sat down heavily on the sofa and tried not to look at Adam. \u2018Well anyway, it was lucky that we bumped into each other, because I was able to persuade Miss Jones to accept a ticket as well,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018She\u2019ll meet you there on Friday night. It will be much more pleasant for you seeing the production with your young lady\u2019s company than by yourself.\u2019\u00a0 He beamed at Adam as he held out the tickets to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat back in his chair and stared at the tickets in his hand silently.\u00a0 Samuel stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019m off to bed,\u2019 he said. \u2018All in all Eric, I think we\u2019ve had a very profitable day. It gives me such pleasure to be able to give things to others in this way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as his uncle walked up the stairs. \u2018I think I got the best of the deal,\u2019 he said as he popped a lemon drop into his mouth.\u00a0 He made a face and spat it out again into his hand. \u2018I never could abide these things!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t doing it!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018You can\u2019t make me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 thundered Ben. \u2018You most certainly are doing it young man!\u00a0 Both of your brothers have had a turn with your uncle and its about time you did the same!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No way!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll end up hitting him or something!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed his finger at his youngest son. \u2018You most certainly will not!\u2019 he said. \u2018And if I hear of you being impolite to your uncle you\u2019ll be sorry young man!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well if he starts on about that bed-wetting stuff again I\u2019ll\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you before that I\u2019ve had a word with him about that,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He understands that he\u2019s not to talk about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I hope so!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Cause it ain\u2019t funny!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Uncle Samuel don\u2019t think it\u2019s funny Joe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He thinks it\u2019s serious.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brother. \u2018Well it ain\u2019t funny and it ain\u2019t serious!\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s\u2026.\u2019 he flung his arms up in the air, lost for words. \u2018It\u2019s\u2026.. nuthin!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked the back of his youngest son\u2019s neck. \u2018Now Joe,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018We know there\u2019s nothing to it son.\u00a0 Don\u2019t get so steamed up about it.\u00a0 Just forget it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That boy being emotional again?\u2019 asked Samuel as he came into the room. \u2018Honestly Ben, I thought you would have beaten those tendencies out of him by now. A good thrashing is what he needs!\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe sternly. \u2018You have to learn to calm down young man,\u2019 he said severely. \u2018You want people to treat you as a grownup like your brothers don\u2019t you? They never will if you carry on like that you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe is just getting something off his chest,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019s fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he needs to act a little more maturely if he expects people to treat him as such,\u2019 sniffed Samuel. \u2018Come on Joseph, I\u2019m looking forward to that ride you promised me.\u2019\u00a0 He drew his coat around him as he headed for the door. \u2018I sure hope it\u2019s not too chilly out.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe will bring a blanket for you Uncle,\u2019 said Ben handing Joe a blanket. \u2018Remember what I said Joseph,\u2019 he warned his son. \u2018Keep your temper young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018But don\u2019t blame me if he comes home with this blanket stuffed into his mouth!\u2019 Ben grimaced as the door banged behind his youngest son. He lifted his eyes heavenward. \u2018Nineteen days!\u2019 he said. \u2018And counting!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Strange name for a ranch,\u2019 sniffed Samuel. \u2018Where did your father get the name Ponderosa from Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Its named after the Ponderosa pines,\u2019 said Joe pointing up at the trees that surrounded them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I see, \u2018 said Samuel wrinkling his nose. \u2018Spanish!\u2019\u00a0 He sighed as if that said it all. \u2018I don\u2019t hold with those foreign names myself.\u2019 He glanced at the young man driving the team beside him. \u2018I gather you don\u2019t like me very much Joseph,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I like you well enough,\u2019 he said diplomatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel put up his hand. \u2018Now now,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no need for you to lie about it boy.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been sensing a bit of hostility from you in the past few days.\u00a0 I just want you to know that it\u2019s all right.\u00a0 I don\u2019t blame you for the way you are.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you start in on that again!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I have no intention of mentioning your disability,\u2019 said Samuel soothingly. \u2018You father has explained to me how sensitive about it you are.\u00a0 No\u2026 I meant your personality that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My personality?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 Your fiery nature. It takes all kinds to make up a world you know Joseph and there\u2019s some people who believe that that\u2019s a good thing.\u00a0 Personally I think that we\u2019d all be a lot better off if we were the same.\u00a0 However, I\u2019m well aware that hot tempered people like you do have their place and I\u2019m not about to let your unfortunate nature spoil our relationship.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at the young man kindly. \u2018I\u2019m prepared to allow you a certain amount of leeway for your father\u2019s sake.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gritted his teeth. \u2018That\u2019s kind of you,\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know,\u2019 continued Samuel. \u2018Mind you, if it wasn\u2019t for your father I\u2019d give you a real talking to young man.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018Not that it would probably do any good. It\u2019s in your blood and there\u2019s not a lot you can do about that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled the horses to a halt and turned to face his uncle. \u2018You keep saying that!\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean in my blood<\/em>?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I mean your mother of course,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018I\u2019m sure she was a beautiful woman as you keep telling me, but beauty isn\u2019t everything you know.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m sure that Benjamin rues the day he took up with that one.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018She wasn\u2019t what you would call from a suitable background,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Mind you I don\u2019t want to talk out of place.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure your father has filled you in on her past.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at the man. \u2018There\u2019s nothing unsuitable about my mother\u2019s past,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded. \u2018If you say so Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure that your father has his own reasons for shielding you from the truth.\u00a0 Anyway!\u2019 he said brightly. \u2018Let\u2019s not dwell on the past shall we?\u00a0 The important thing now is that you try to overcome your background and try to make your father proud of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My Pa is proud of me!\u2019 declared Joe, hitching up the reins again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is he?\u2019 asked Samuel, genuinely surprised. \u2018Well how about that!\u00a0 Still, it never took much to please Benjamin.\u00a0 I remember when he was a boy how the smallest thing would make him happy.\u2019\u00a0 He patted Joe on the thigh. \u2018Be thankful that your father is content to settle for what you are Joseph.\u00a0 He\u2019s a sensible man not to expect too much from you when he knows that you can\u2019t deliver it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018What do you mean by that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re still young,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll measure up a bit more when you\u2019re older. I must admit you have the looks for it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u2018Thanks!\u2019 he said. \u2018\u2026..I think.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked sideways at the boy. \u2018A mite flashy,\u2019 he said. \u2018But still worthy of notice.\u2019 He paused. \u2018You make sure that you use those looks in the right way young man.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you go the way of your mother now will you? It would break your father\u2019s heart to think that a son of his had fallen into the gutter.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew the horses to a halt again. \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 he said. \u2018I promised my Pa that I\u2019d keep my temper with you\u2026 but enough is enough!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked at him shocked. \u2018I thought you were going to work on that temper?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Honestly Joseph!\u00a0 I really think that Benjamin is wrong in not giving you the flogging you deserve young man!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here!\u2019 said Joe flinging the reins at the man. \u2018I can\u2019t hit you, but I sure as hell don\u2019t have to ride with you no more!\u2019\u00a0 He got down from the buggy and stood on the trail. \u2018You can drive yourself back.\u00a0 I\u2019m walking!\u2019\u00a0 And with that he strode off down the trail leaving Samuel shaking his head and muttering to himself. \u2018Such language! If he were my son I\u2019d belt him within an inch of his life! The problem with young people today is that they have no respect for their elders!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Ben as his uncle drew up into the front yard. \u2018Where\u2019s Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That young man decided to walk home,\u2019 said Samuel as he got down from the buggy. \u2018Just as well too.\u00a0 I was just about to give him the thrashing he deserves, if you don\u2019t mind me saying so Benjamin!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I do mind you saying so!\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The boy lost his temper as usual,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018You really need to do something about that young man Benjamin. His language could do with some correction as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at his uncle as the man wandered into the house. \u2018Seventeen,\u2019 said a voice behind him and he turned to see Adam grinning at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Seventeen,\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018Seventeen days left.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scowled. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you must be honest and admit that he\u2019s hard to take,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019m surprised that he made it back without a black eye considering the way he\u2019s been riding Joe.\u00a0 All of us for that matter.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018He\u2019s family Adam.\u00a0 I know that he\u2019s a bit of an old grump\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A bit?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018\u2026. but he is family.\u00a0 Surely we can put up with him for a while.\u00a0 He is an old man after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lifted an eyebrow. \u2018He\u2019s an interfering old\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted his hand to stop his son. \u2018Don\u2019t say it!\u2019 he warned. \u2018It only makes it worse if it\u2019s said out loud.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m sorry Pa, but after him fixing me up with that\u2026.. Abigail Jones\u2026. Well that\u2019s the end as far as I\u2019m concerned!\u00a0 Personally I think he deserves a punch on the nose and if Joe had done it then I\u2019d stand there and applaud him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Joe entered the yard looking weary and very sorry for himself. He held up a hand as he passed by his father and brother. \u2018I didn\u2019t do it Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Much and all as I wanted to\u2026. I didn\u2019t do it.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around.\u00a0 \u2018Did he make it back OK?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You look as if you could do with soaking those feet young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018They\u2019re sore all right, but I\u2019d much rather have aching feet than an aching head from listening to him all the way home.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head as he looked at the house. \u2018Is he in there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then I\u2019ll go soak them in the horse trough,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you later.\u2019 He walked over to the corral and began to pull off his boots wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well don\u2019t you look nice for your date?\u2019 said Samuel brightly as Adam reached the bottom of the staircase. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019re looking forward to it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Adam always enjoys spending time with Miss Abigail!\u2019\u00a0 He giggled at the thought of it as his older brother glared at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad that I was able to be of service then,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018You go off and enjoy your night Adam.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t bother to thank me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at him and then at his father who was motioning to him to do just that. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said between gritted teeth, which only caused Joe to giggle even more.\u00a0 He turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now there\u2019s a young man with style,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019m so glad that he\u2019s thinking about returning with me to New York.\u00a0 After all Benjamin, he\u2019s really wasted out here don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw dropped. \u2018Adam\u2019s thinking of going to New York with you?\u2019 he said. \u2018He hasn\u2019t said anything to me about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked a little distressed. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I really shouldn\u2019t have mentioned it until the boy was ready to talk to you about it.\u00a0 You see he feels that he\u2019s missing out on things being stuck way out here.\u00a0 I imagine he\u2019s trying to build up the courage to tell you so.\u00a0 Just act surprised when he does bring the subject up won\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought Adam was quite contented here,\u2019 said Ben, trying not to look as hurt as he felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I\u2019m sure he wants you to think that,\u2019 Samuel reassured him. \u2018He wouldn\u2019t like to hurt you.\u2019 He turned his attention to Joe and Hoss who were engaged in a game of checkers. \u2018Boys I notice you have a beautiful chess set over there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why don\u2019t you play that instead of checkers?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We do sometimes,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it,\u2019 replied his uncle. \u2018It would do Eric the world of good to stimulate his brain with a game or two. Chess can be a wonderful way of exercising ourselves mentally and I\u2019m sure that you help your brother to do that when you can Joseph.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at Hoss kindly. \u2018You seem to be doing well with the checkers Eric, but don\u2019t forget to aim for things a little harder when you can boy. It will do you good.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss glared at his uncle, but didn\u2019t comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room bearing a tray of coffee. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben as he began to pour. \u2018Uncle Samuel?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll pour my own if you don\u2019t mind Benjamin,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018That way at least I\u2019ll be sure to be able to drink it.\u2019\u00a0 Ben clenched his jaw, but said nothing. \u2018Do you really think that\u2019s wise Joseph?\u2019 asked Samuel as Joe reached for a cup. \u2018You really should think about restricting your liquids after supper you know.\u2019 Joe scowled at the man. \u2018I know you consider yourself grownup now,\u2019 Samuel continued, \u2018and I promised that I would not mention your disability, but you really can\u2019t expect the rubber sheet to be enough you know.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got to exercise some control as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018I\u2019m going to bed!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good idea,\u2019 said Samuel as he sat back in his chair. \u2018Now you be sure to do those stomach exercises I showed you, won\u2019t you?\u2019 He turned to Ben. \u2018He\u2019s a sensible boy sometimes Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad to see that he has a good side to him as well when he wants to. Perhaps there\u2019s hope for him in some small way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up abruptly. \u2018I\u2019m going out to the barn,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel watched him go with a smile. \u2018Eric is a nice young man in spite of his limitations Benjamin.\u00a0 You really have done a good job with all your boys, even though it must have been hard at times.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded. \u2018I suppose you haven\u2019t really had a chance to think of your own needs when they were younger, but the time has come when you really should start to think about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My needs?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel leant forward and said in a soft voice. \u2018Companionship, Benjamin \u2026 of the female variety.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine thank you,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Since Joe\u2019s mother died I haven\u2019t really felt the need for a serious relationship.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you should,\u2019 declared Samuel. \u2018Think of yourself now that you\u2019re approaching your twilight years Benjamin.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to end up a lonely old man like me do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head firmly. \u2018No that\u2019s true,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018I certainly don\u2019t want to end up like you Uncle Samuel.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well there you are then!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018A man of your advancing years should really think about his future.\u00a0 You can\u2019t expect to rely on your boys to look after you forever. They will have their own lives to live soon and you don\u2019t want to be left alone do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018They don\u2019t look after me!\u2019 he said. \u2018If anything it\u2019s the other way around!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel patted him on the arm. \u2018There there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t get yourself all upset now. I only meant that you might want to start thinking about your future.\u00a0 You deserve to think of yourself now that your best years are behind you.\u2019\u00a0 He sipped his coffee. \u2018Believe me I know,\u2019 he said sorrowfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t consider that my best years are behind me!\u2019 declared Ben. \u2018I\u2019m still a very active man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded thoughtfully. \u2018Oh I\u2019m sure you are,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s all relative though isn\u2019t it? Compare yourself now to what you were able to do even a few years ago Benjamin. Surely you\u2019ve felt a little slower as the years creep up on you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated. \u2018I\u2026. I do just fine thank you,\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s good. You keep going while you can,\u2019 replied Samuel. \u2018Make the most of it in the time you have left I always say.\u2019\u00a0 He thrust his legs forward towards the fire contentedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u2018I think I might go up to bed,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s a good idea,\u2019 said Samuel with a smile. \u2018Get as much rest as you can.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need it to keep your energy level up tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded thoughtfully and climbed the stairs slowly to his room.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt rather tired.\u00a0 Samuel continued to toast his toes in front of the fire happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Quick!\u2019 said Joe as he shovelled another mouthful of breakfast in. \u2018They could be down here at any minute!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached for the basket of rolls. \u2018These are OK if ya put em in ya pocket,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ya can eat em on the run.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed a couple. \u2018Thanks!\u2019 he said. \u2018Good idea.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at Adam. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re running out of time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up mournfully. \u2018So what?\u2019 he said. \u2018What does it matter?\u00a0 In fact what does anything matter?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed his mouthful. \u2018What do you mean what does it matter?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You don\u2019t want to be the one to get stuck with him today do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Anything would look good compared to what I had to put up with last night,\u2019 he said dully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That bad eh?\u2019 asked Hoss sympathetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam merely nodded and put his head down. There was a noise behind them on the stairs and Ben and Samuel appeared. \u2018Good morning boys,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Pa,\u2019 chorused Joe and Hoss as they made for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where are you going in such a hurry?\u2019 asked their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Work!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Bye Pa!\u2019\u00a0 He slammed the door after them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s wrong with you?\u2019 asked Ben as he sat next to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh nothing!\u2019 Adam replied sarcastically. \u2018I had a wonderful time last night with Miss Abigail Jones remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried not to laugh, \u2018Oh of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018How did it go?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How do you think?\u2019 asked Adam mournfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it,\u2019 said Samuel as he seated himself at the table. \u2018You know Adam when you come to New York your young lady is most welcome to accompany you.\u00a0 I assume that you\u2019ll have made it official by then.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced over at Ben. \u2018Oh I\u2019m sorry!\u2019 he said apologetically. \u2018I forgot that you two haven\u2019t discussed it as yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Discussed what?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your trip to New York,\u2019 said Ben with a touch of bitterness in his voice. \u2018It seems like I\u2019m the last one to be told about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 Adam looked embarrassed. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa. Nothing was definite.\u00a0 Uncle Samuel and I were just talking the other day and\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I explained it all to your father Adam,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018He understands.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you Pa?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Good.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked hurt. \u2018Of course I understand Adam. \u2018If you really feel the need to go back East for a while, then who am I to stop you?\u00a0 You know that I only want the best for you son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked puzzled. \u2018But I never said\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your father understands Adam,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018He knows how useless you\u2019ve been feeling around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018I never said that!\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa, I don\u2019t!\u00a0 I would talk to you if\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He doesn\u2019t want to hurt you,\u2019 explained Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s alright Adam. Your father only wants what\u2019s best for you boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up. \u2018I give up!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh don\u2019t give up son!\u2019\u00a0 said Samuel anxiously. \u2018You\u2019ll find you\u2019ve still got a lot to give once you update yourself back East.\u00a0 It\u2019s never too late you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head at Ben and left the room, banging the door as he went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know Ben, none of your boys seem to know the polite way to leave a room without banging a door,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I really thought you would have instilled better manners into them.\u00a0 It\u2019s the small courtesies that are so important I always say.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben massaged his temples as he reached for a second cup of coffee.\u00a0 It seemed that he would be the one stuck with the man today and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached for another piece of paper and glanced at the sofa as he did so.\u00a0 Samuel looked very comfortable in the large armchair by the fireplace where he was reading a book.\u00a0 Ben shook his head and focused his attention on the paper in front of him.\u00a0 Somehow today, the ranch accounts looked interesting to him.\u00a0 But then, anything would look preferable to conversing with that uncle of his!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if he had read Ben\u2019s mind, Samuel suddenly spoke. \u2018You know Benjamin I\u2019ve been thinking\u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m glad to see that you\u2019re taking it easy.\u00a0 It would be so easy for you to overdo things at your stage of life.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I told you last night that I\u2019m feeling fine,\u2019 said Ben crossly.\u00a0 He watched as Hop Sing put a cup of coffee in front of Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Do you think you could stoke up the fire a little please?\u00a0 It\u2019s rather chilly in here.\u2019\u00a0 He shivered as he clutched his coat around him even tighter. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019re feeling fine Benjamin,\u2019 he continued. \u2018Taking it easy agrees with you.\u00a0 You\u2019re lucky that the boys run things for you so well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The boys don\u2019t run things around here!\u2019 said Ben, feeling his temper begin to rise. \u2018They\u2019re a great help to me of course, but I\u2019m still very much in control of the ranch.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel nodded as he sipped his coffee.\u00a0 He made a face and replaced it on the table again. \u2018Too strong!\u2019 he said. He smiled at Ben knowingly. \u2018I\u2019m glad to hear you say so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Doing the administrative tasks is almost like really working isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m usually out there with the boys,\u2019 said Ben shortly. \u2018Today is an exception.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I see,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018If you say so.\u2019 He called over his shoulder. \u2018Hop Sing!\u00a0 Do you think you could give me a blanket?\u00a0 It really is rather chilly in here.\u2019 Hop Sing dropped a blanket on his lap with a grunt and a sour look on his face. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018And you can take that cup of coffee please. It\u2019s far too strong for my delicate stomach to cope with.\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing picked up the coffee cup and walked behind Samuel.\u00a0 For a moment Ben had a horrible feeling that the man was about to tip it over his uncle\u2019s head, but to his relief he turned and stalked off into the kitchen again instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t you go for a walk?\u2019 he suggested. Anything to get rid of the man!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No thank you,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It\u2019s really rather cold out there. I honestly don\u2019t know how you stand the weather here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I love it,\u2019 said Ben defensively. \u2018It\u2019s very bracing once you get used to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I could never get used to it!\u2019 declared Samuel. \u2018For someone of my delicate constitution it\u2019s just too much to handle. I\u2019m surprised that you still cope with it so well.\u2019 He looked over at Ben. \u2018You\u2019re at an age when you\u2019ll begin to feel the cold in your bones soon,\u2019 he said. \u2018Arthritis is very prevalent in our family Benjamin.\u00a0 You really can expect to stiffen up soon.\u00a0 Particularly leading such a sedentary life as you do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw dropped. \u2018Sedentary life?\u2019 he said incredulously. \u2018I\u2019m very active!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel raised an eyebrow. \u2018Hmm,\u2019 he said, obviously not believing it. He turned back to the fireplace again. \u2018If only I could get a decent cup of coffee!\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t think it was too much to ask.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his fist and tried to concentrate on his paperwork. He glanced at the calendar on his desk. \u2018Fifteen!\u2019 he said. \u2018And counting!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do we have to?\u2019 whined Joe. \u2018You know he\u2019ll only say something nasty and upset everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his youngest son severely. \u2018That will do!\u2019 he said. \u2018Your uncle is coming to the Church picnic and that is an end to it!\u00a0 Besides\u2026\u2019 he continued. \u2018If we don\u2019t go, then we have to think of something else to do with him for the day.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, we could go and you could stay here with him,\u2019 suggested Joe. Ben glared at him. \u2018Well it was worth a thought,\u2019 said Joe with a shrug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well good morning everyone,\u2019 said Samuel brightly as he got to the bottom of the stairs. \u2018Lovely day for a picnic isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Ben, trying to look bright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you certainly look well rested Benjamin,\u2019 said Samuel as he sat down. \u2018I must say that I\u2019m surprised though at all the early nights you and the boys seem to have. You certainly get lots of sleep around here.\u2019 Joe scowled. If only the man realised that they all went to bed early to get away from him! \u2018Well, what time is the picnic?\u2019 Samuel asked brightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Straight after Church,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Hop Sing has packed us a basket of food and we\u2019ll take it with us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel frowned. \u2018I hope he hasn\u2019t included anything too heavy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You all seem to eat far too many rich foods as far as I\u2019m concerned.\u00a0 I think you should consider having a fast day once a week to cleanse your systems.\u00a0 Have you ever considered it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leapt up to bang Hoss on the back as he began to choke. \u2018You OK Hoss?\u2019 he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018It was just the shock of what he said,\u2019 he replied as he reached for his coffee. His eyes bulged as he stared at Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can see that Eric agrees with me,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Perhaps it\u2019s something you could think about Benjamin?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Perhaps,\u2019 said Ben with a comforting shake of his head at Hoss. \u2018Come on, we\u2019ll be late for Church if we don\u2019t get a move on boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh that wouldn\u2019t do at all!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I certainly don\u2019t want to miss the sermon today.\u00a0 Do you know I believe that young Minister has been looking forward to my suggestions each week?\u00a0 He actually told me last week that he\u2019d never had anyone speak to him the way I did.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad to be of use to him of course, but I must admit it was a very nice thing for him to say.\u2019 He stood up and reached for his hat. \u2018He is a very nervous speaker though don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He never used to be before you started going to Church,\u2019 said Adam pointedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really?\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I wonder why he\u2019s suddenly developed that habit?\u00a0 Perhaps I intimidate him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe and earned himself a glare from his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I hope not!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to help him. I really have an insight into the scriptures you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment, Hop Sing came into the room carrying a large picnic basket. \u2018Picnic lunch!\u2019 he announced with a glare at Samuel who gave the cook a pained look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I hope it\u2019s not too rich,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018My stomach is\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Velly delicate!\u2019 snapped the cook as he flung up his hands. \u2018I know! I know!\u2019\u00a0 He exited the room muttering to himself in Chinese and still waving his arms around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well come on boys,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up. \u2018We don\u2019t want to be late for Church.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No we don\u2019t,\u2019 agreed Samuel. \u2018One of you bring out that picnic basket please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at Samuel as he left the room. \u2018How come he gets to give the orders?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him. \u2018Just bring the basket please Joseph,\u2019 he said as he also left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why me?\u2019 asked Joe defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because you\u2019re the youngest,\u2019 said Adam as he passed him. \u2018Come on sonny.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brother as he picked up the heavy basket and followed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well this nice,\u2019 said Samuel as he settled himself on the rug overlooking the lake. \u2018Even if it is a mite chilly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018Would you like to move to another position?\u2019 he asked wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel sniffed. \u2018No its alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know me\u2026I never complain.\u2019 Joe\u2019s eyes bulged at the man\u2019s remark and Hoss rolled his eyes at Adam behind Samuel\u2019s back. \u2018I suppose to people out here these affairs are quite enjoyable,\u2019 continued the man. \u2018I\u2019m sure when you have nothing much to amuse yourself with they could be.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can we eat now?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I really want to go and talk to a few people.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Me too!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So do I,\u2019 agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ll all stay here!\u2019 said Ben with a meaningful look at all three of his boys.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss opened the picnic basket. \u2018Oh boy!\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s sure outdone himself!\u2019 He began to unpack the food and spread it on the rug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now Eric,\u2019 Samuel chided. \u2018You don\u2019t want to overdo it do you?\u00a0 Try to remember that all that rich food isn\u2019t good for you\u2026 especially in your condition.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do ya mean\u2026. My condition?\u2019 asked Hoss defensively. \u2018I\u2019m not in any kinda condition!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you must admit you\u2019re not exactly in the best physical state,\u2019 said Samuel calmly as he helped himself to a sandwich. \u2018You don\u2019t want to jeopardize your health any more than you have.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked worried. \u2018I ain\u2019t jeopardizing nothing!\u2019 he declared with his mouth full.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If you say so,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Things in moderation though is my motto.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an uneasy silence as everyone began to eat.\u00a0 Hoss chewed his food thoughtfully. \u2018Drink up Joseph,\u2019 said Samuel as he offered Little Joe a glass of lemonade. \u2018There\u2019s no need to worry at this time of the day you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stood up angrily. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018Can I get outta here\u2026..please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said wearily and watched as his youngest son strode off angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not another chicken leg Eric,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Don\u2019t you think that one is enough?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up and glared at his father. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed again. \u2018All right Hoss,\u2019 he said as he rubbed his eyes and watched his second son disappear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at his father and Ben shook his head at his son\u2019s unasked question.\u00a0 Adam sighed as he continued to eat. \u2018So,\u2019 said Samuel as he looked around. \u2018What usually happens at these events?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Families usually take the opportunity to catch up with each other,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019ll probably be some games in a while as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Games?\u2019 asked Samuel. \u2018What kind of games?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh \u2026 horseshoe throwing, tug of war, races\u2026.. that kind of thing,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm\u2026well it\u2019s as I said.\u00a0 For people who don\u2019t know any other form of entertainment I suppose they\u2019d be happy with that sort of thing,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I can understand why a young man such as yourself would be bored with things around here Adam.\u2019 Adam shot a look at his father and shook his head. Suddenly Samuel sat up straight. \u2018Adam … There\u2019s your young lady!\u2019 Adam looked across warily at Abigail Jones who was smiling at him from across the pasture. He looked at Samuel again, obviously torn between the two evils in his mind. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go over to say hello to her?\u2019 asked Samuel. \u2018We wouldn\u2019t mind, would we Benjamin?\u2019 he winked at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, I don\u2019t suppose so,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated.\u00a0 Suddenly his face lit up with a smile and he stood up. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said and left.\u00a0 Ben watched as his eldest son walked towards Abigail and then quickly changed direction and headed off in the other direction. Smart!<\/em> he thought to himself. I wish I could think of something to get me away from here as well! <\/em>He settled back reluctantly to listen to Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you must enjoy days like this Benjamin,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Nice and relaxed for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good for you to take it easy now that you\u2019re able to,\u2019 continued Samuel. \u2018A man of your years\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t start that again!\u2019 said Ben crossly. \u2018I told you before I\u2019m still very active.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018And I\u2019m glad that you think so.\u00a0 Try and convince yourself that for as long as you can!\u00a0 I must say Benjamin, when I first came here I was rather reluctant when I saw how things really were, but you\u2019ve managed to change my mind a bit I must admit,\u2019 the man said sociably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How things really were?\u2019 asked Ben in spite of himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you know\u2026 it\u2019s not exactly what you\u2019d call a civilised part of the world,\u2019 said Samuel as he looked around. \u2018In fact it\u2019s quite the opposite in some respects.\u00a0 Yet you\u2019ve managed to overcome quite a few obstacles to make a decent life for yourself and your boys out here after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well thank you!\u2019 said Ben, his voice dripping with sarcasm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t mention it!\u2019 said Samuel with a smile. \u2018I know it mustn\u2019t have been easy for you either, what with the problems those boys have.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think they have any problems to speak of!\u2019 said Ben, rather testily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad you defend them in spite of their shortcomings,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018That\u2019s what parents are for after all. They\u2019re nice boys in spite of it all.\u2019\u00a0 He sat up straight. \u2018What\u2019s Joseph doing?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced over at his youngest son. \u2018Just talking to some friends,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That boy seems to be very social,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Not that there\u2019s anything wrong with that of course, but I do hope that you impress upon him the importance of watching his behaviour.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph knows how to behave himself,\u2019 said Ben crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it!\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Still\u2026 knowing and doing are two separate things aren\u2019t they?\u2019 He shot a meaningful look in Joe\u2019s direction as one of the girls reached up and pulled off the young man\u2019s hat and ran off with it, and Joe chased her to get it back. Samuel sniffed. \u2018If I were you I\u2019d keep an eye on that youngster Benjamin,\u2019 he said with a dark look. \u2018It\u2019s in his blood.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s in his blood?\u2019 asked Ben, beginning to lose patience with the man. \u2018If you\u2019re referring to anything to do with his mother, then you can just stop right there before you say something you might regret!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I would think you\u2019d be the one to regret taking up with her,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Not me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please refrain from any more remarks of that nature Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Ben angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked hurt. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to help!\u2019 he said huffily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well as I\u2019ve said before Uncle Samuel, please don\u2019t!\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0 There was as awkward silence for a few moments and then Samuel got up. \u2018Well I\u2019ll think I\u2019ll go for a walk,\u2019 he said in a hurt tone. \u2018It might help my delicate stomach after all that rich food.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched him go. \u2018Ten!\u2019 he said in a determined voice. \u2018And counting!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It certainly is a strange place,\u2019 said Samuel as Ben drew the buckboard to a halt. \u2018What with theatres and saloons standing side by side its hard to know what to make of this town.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It suits us just fine,\u2019 said Ben as he got down. \u2018Boys? Which of you is going to accompany your uncle to the Barbershop while I\u2019m at the Bank?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Joe all looked at each other silently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well don\u2019t fall all over each other will you?\u2019 said Samuel crossly. He stared at them all. \u2018I think it had best be you Joseph,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why me?\u2019 squeaked Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because you look as if you could do with a cut as well,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018Now don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s my treat!\u2019\u00a0 He pulled on Little Joe\u2019s arm impatiently. \u2018Come on boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can get it done together.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 called Little Joe desperately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted his hands in a gesture of futility. \u2018Your uncle knows best son,\u2019 he said, trying not to laugh at his son\u2019s expression. He watched as the two of them disappeared around the corner. \u2018Well if Uncle Samuel can manage to get that young man\u2019s hair cut, then he\u2019s more determined than I thought!\u2019 he said. \u2018Off you go boys, make the most of your freedom while you can.\u00a0 I\u2019ll meet you back here in half an hour.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Little Joe and Samuel approached the barbershop, Joe tried to dissuade his uncle from his determined course of action. \u2018I really don\u2019t need a haircut,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll just watch you Uncle Samuel.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nonsense!\u2019 said the man as he pushed the youngster into the shop. \u2018Of course you do!\u00a0 No arguing now.\u2019\u00a0 He took off his hat. \u2018Good morning my man!\u2019 he said, pushing Joe into the chair in spite of his protests. \u2018A haircut for this young man first while I sit here and watch. \u2018I\u2019ll go next.\u2019\u00a0 He sat down on a chair and watched in satisfaction as the barber put a cloth around Little Joe. \u2018Nice and short I think please barber.\u00a0 It\u2019s far too long for my liking!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s my hair!\u2019 declared Little Joe.\u00a0 He ducked as the barber came near him with the scissors. \u2018I want it left long.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Who\u2019s paying?\u2019 asked the barber matter of factly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am,\u2019 said Samuel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then I listen ta him,\u2019 the man declared to Joe as he attacked his head with the scissors.\u00a0 \u2018Must say it\u2019s mighty strange ta see you in here though Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018You only had a haircut a month ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Mighty strange ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 said Samuel \u2018You mustn\u2019t have done a very good job then sir. Make sure it\u2019s better this time.\u00a0 I\u2019m not paying good money for nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his uncle in the mirror as he watched in dismay as his curls fell around him. \u2018Hey!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sit still,\u2019 said the barber, well used to the antics of the youngest Cartwright. \u2018Unless you want to lose an ear.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe sat as still as he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So what\u2019s been going on out at the Ponderosa?\u2019 asked the barber brightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing!\u2019 said Little Joe sulkily. \u2018My uncle\u2019s been visiting.\u2019 He rolled his eyes to indicate Samuel beside them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m Ben Cartwright\u2019s uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Samuel with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barber turned and looked him up and down. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve heard about you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Really?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Lots of folks have been talking about you around town.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll bet they have!\u2019 declared Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well isn\u2019t that nice!\u2019 said Samuel, pleased. \u2018Shorter please barber.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 said Little Joe, trying to get out of the chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you want it lopsided?\u2019 asked the barber, pushing him back down again. \u2018I haven\u2019t finished yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s too emotional for his own good,\u2019 Samuel explained to the man. \u2018Needs to calm down about things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Always was highly strung,\u2019 agreed the other man. \u2018I remember many a time when he was a little boy coming in here with his Pa for a haircut.\u00a0 Seems that Ben had to practically hold him down before I could do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He gets it from his mother\u2019s side of the family,\u2019 explained Samuel. \u2018She was\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you mind?\u2019 asked Joe indignantly. \u2018I am<\/em> here you know! Quit talking about me as if I wasn\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Finished,\u2019 said the barber as he took off the cloth and stepped back to let Joe stand up.\u00a0 Joe picked up his hat and plonked it on his head as he scowled into the mirror. \u2018Thanks for nothing!\u2019 he said and turned to go. \u2018I\u2019ll see you later Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going to find Adam and Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t go too far Joseph,\u2019 said Samuel as he sat in the chair himself. \u2018Now what was I saying?\u00a0 Oh yes!\u00a0 Apparently the boy\u2019s been like it for a long time then?\u00a0 Tell me more.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe strode into the Silver Dollar and sat down next to Hoss.\u00a0 He leant over and grabbed his brother\u2019s beer and took a long swig of it before banging it down on the table again. \u2018I\u2019ve had him!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Neither of his brothers needed to ask to whom he was referring. \u2018Five,\u2019 said Adam quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Five,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018Five days left with him.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa\u2019s been counting them down for ages.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Has he?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m not surprised.\u00a0 I wish I\u2019d thought of doing it sooner. It might have helped the time go faster.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing helps where he\u2019s concerned,\u2019 said Joe with a scowl. \u2018The sooner he goes the better!\u00a0 You ain\u2019t really going with him are ya Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u2018Of course not!\u2019 he said. \u2018That was all in his mind! I may be many things you know, but I\u2019m certainly not stupid!\u00a0 There is no way that I\u2019d voluntarily spend more time than I had to with that particular relative of ours!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded sympathetically. \u2018Well he practically got me scalped this time,\u2019 he said mournfully and took off his hat to show them. \u2018See?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss made a face. \u2018Kinda suits you little brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018Makes you look younger.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Great!\u2019 said Joe as he took another swig of Hoss\u2019 beer. \u2018Just what I need!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on,\u2019 said Adam, \u2018We\u2019d best go and meet Pa. He\u2019ll be waiting.\u2019\u00a0 The three brothers headed for the swinging door and left the Saloon, almost bumping into Samuel as they got to the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel looked shocked. \u2018Boys!\u2019 he said. \u2018You haven\u2019t been in there have you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave the other two a frustrated look. \u2018Is there anything wrong with that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course there is!\u2019 exclaimed Samuel. \u2018I can understand you having the occasional drink at night.\u2019 He looked at Hoss and Adam, then his eyes travelled to Joe. \u2018Well at least two of you should be old enough for that,\u2019 he said. Joe sighed. \u2018But in the middle of the day!\u00a0 What would your father think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019d probably think of joining us if he knew where we were,\u2019 said Joe rudely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That is enough young man!\u2019 said Samuel crossly. \u2018I\u2019m surprised at you allowing this youngster in there Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s been going into Saloons for a while now,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Pa knows all about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I must say that I\u2019m quite shocked,\u2019 said Samuel indignantly. \u2018After all the boy is hot headed enough without any of you encouraging him in this way.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Excuse us Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We need to go and meet Pa now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, I\u2019ll come with you,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I think that Ben would like to know about this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they crossed the street, Joe sidled up to Adam and asked. \u2018How many did you say?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Five,\u2019 said Adam grimly. \u2018And counting!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well who would have thought that my visit would have gone so quickly?\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019ve been here a month already!\u00a0 It hardly seems like it though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Has it really been a month?\u2019 asked Adam sarcastically. \u2018Well, what do you know?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know that my ticket is booked, but perhaps I should think about staying a little longer,\u2019 Samuel mused. \u2018After all, we\u2019ve just begun to get to know each other haven\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged a horrified look. \u2018Ya can\u2019t!\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel gave him a surprised look. \u2018No?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What Hoss means is that I don\u2019t think the tickets are refundable,\u2019 said Ben, giving Hoss a meaningful look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What a pity,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018It isn\u2019t as if a man of my years can make a trip like this too often is it? Who knows when we\u2019ll meet next?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to look sad. \u2018Yes who knows?\u2019 he said with a mournful expression on his face. \u2018It\u2019s too bad isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel patted him on the arm. \u2018There there,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re not a bad boy underneath it all are you Joseph?\u00a0 One day you might rise above your background and amaze everyone. You could make your father proud of you in spite of it all.\u2019 He turned to Hoss. \u2018And you still have time to get your life in order Eric,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s never too late to make something of yourself if only you have the willpower to do it.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss gave him a forced smile. \u2018And as for you Adam,\u2019 said Samuel. \u2018I\u2019m sorry you\u2019re not coming back with me after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe another time,\u2019 said Adam grimly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I hope so.\u00a0 You\u2019re welcome to visit me any time you like.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t be ashamed of showing you off in New York.\u00a0 You\u2019re quite the best of the bunch and would know how to behave in decent company in spite of all your years out here in the wilderness. Perhaps you could take these two under your wing and try and show them how to make something of themselves? One day they might be up to visiting the civilised East as well without being out of their depth.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt himself losing his temper, something that he had vowed not to do so close to his uncle\u2019s departure. \u2018I think you\u2019d better get on the stage now Uncle Samuel,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel smiled at him. \u2018Yes you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, goodbye boys.\u00a0 Remember what I\u2019ve tried to teach you while I\u2019ve been here won\u2019t you?\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to the stage with Ben. \u2018Now Benjamin,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have to tell you I am quite proud of you in spite of everything,\u2019 he said. \u2018I always thought of you as like your father, but it seems that you\u2019ve grown to be much better than that particular individual.\u2019\u00a0 He developed a sour look on his face as he thought about his brother. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018You haven\u2019t done too badly at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Goodbye Uncle Samuel,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Thank you for the visit.\u2019\u00a0 He practically pushed the man up the stairs into the stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Samuel put his head out of the window and waved to them all. \u2018Goodbye!\u2019 he called. \u2018Remember to keep me in your thoughts!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The four Cartwrights watched as the stage disappeared around the corner of Main Street. \u2018I\u2019ll keep him in my thoughts all right!\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018Shame there won\u2019t be any good ones amongst them!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss let out a sigh of relief. \u2018Thank goodness he\u2019s gone!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Good riddance I say!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now boys,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He is family after all.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at them all. \u2018And I for one am very pleased that that particular member of the family lives so far away!\u2019 he declared. \u2018Boys will you please do me a favour?\u00a0 The next time I mention inviting any member of our family for a visit, please remind me of what I\u2019m about to say.\u2019\u00a0 He took a deep breath. \u2018That man is the most cantankerous, nasty-minded, troublemaking individual I\u2019ve ever met and I have no intention of ever letting him step foot on The Ponderosa again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His three sons grinned at him. \u2018And mighty pleased we are to hear you say that too Pa!\u2019 declared Adam. \u2018We can do without Uncle Samuel in our lives!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure can!\u2019 echoed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on boys,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018The drinks are on me. We\u2019re celebrating our freedom again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir!\u2019 said Joe happily. \u2018Goodbye Uncle Samuel\u2026 may we never meet again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0When Ben’s Uncle Samuel visits from back East, things don’t go quite as well as Ben had hoped<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (17,590 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":383,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,4,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2313,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-9.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48125,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48125","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":0},"title":"A Mother’s Love (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"May 10, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: For a seven-year-old, a mother's love can come from several sources.\u00a0 Rating: G, Word Count: 2442","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":29582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29582","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":1},"title":"Eternal Legacy (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"August 17, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: After the death of a close friend, Adam and his family find a peculiar object that appears to have a long and fascinating history among the Cartwrights. Rating: K Word count: 2684","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/MS-Dixie-cc.jpg?fit=600%2C390&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/MS-Dixie-cc.jpg?fit=600%2C390&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/MS-Dixie-cc.jpg?fit=600%2C390&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17770,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17770","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":2},"title":"Ladies Day Out (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"September 10, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A day in the lives of Ben and Hoss Cartwright. Ben decides that his wife, Kate, and his daughter-in-law, Gabrielle, should have a day out away from the children. The 4th story in the Ben Brown series. Rating: K WC: 5184 Ben Brown Series,, links to all the stories\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/hat.jpg?fit=384%2C384&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9549,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9549","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":3},"title":"Hopeful (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"March 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0First part of the story is\u00a0based in part on the episode The Hopefuls -- Adam and Regina had been in love, but circumstances drove them apart. She kept a secret though, and five years later, it will cause dramatic changes in Adam's life.\u00a0 Rating T \u00a040,282 words.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/hope.jpg?fit=218%2C231&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15561,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15561","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":4},"title":"Glory Be… (by sklamb)","author":"sklamb","date":"December 25, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 This story was written for the 2016 Advent Collection. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (780 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/00001_Advent1.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/00001_Advent1.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/00001_Advent1.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/00001_Advent1.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2956,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2956","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":5},"title":"The Eyebrow of Doom (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"September 18, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Bankrobbers, mysterious family secrets, burnt food, some new additions to the household, and even two shot wounds -- what else could possibly make a six-year-old's summer more interesting? 10,700 words, rated K The Art-Universe series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Doom-e1405510175614.jpg?fit=452%2C378&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1924","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=1924"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1924\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}