{"id":1942,"date":"2009-09-06T09:22:45","date_gmt":"2009-09-06T13:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1942"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:24","slug":"trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1942","title":{"rendered":"Trust (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Joe feels that his father doesn’t trust him anymore<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (11,125 Words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019 Little Joe Cartwright pulled back his hand quickly and put it to his mouth to suck on it. \u2018What did ya do that for?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing waved the wooden spoon around in the air and then aimed it at the youngster again as he pretended to swat him a second time. \u2018Leave alone!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Cookies still hot from oven!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I can tell that,\u2019 said Joe sulkily as he continued to suck on his hand. \u2018There\u2019s no need to hit me though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Is need,\u2019 declared Hop Sing as he went back to stirring the batter in the bowl. \u2018Leave alone.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe waited until the cook was intent on his work again, before reaching out and carefully removing two cookies from the tray.\u00a0 He grinned as he popped them into his pocket and then said casually. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get back to work.\u00a0 See ya later Hop Sing.\u2019\u00a0 He whistled as he left the kitchen and headed back to the front yard.<\/p>\n

Behind him, Hop Sing grinned to himself as he gave the departing youngster a sideways glance. \u2018Enjoy cookie,\u2019 he muttered under his breath. It was always like this between the two of them.\u00a0 Ever since Little Joe could first remember, Hop Sing had been with the Cartwright family.\u00a0 He was as much a part of The Ponderosa as his father or brothers and Joe couldn\u2019t even begin to imagine what life would be like without the Chinese cook.\u00a0 The bond between the two of them ran very deep since it had been forged when Joe\u2019s mother had died many years ago.\u00a0 The little boy had turned to Hop Sing in his confusion when his father had been so consumed by grief that he had been incapable of giving the child the attention he needed at that desperate time.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing himself would never have admitted that he felt a special bond between himself and the boy \u2026 he felt that he treated the three Cartwright sons the same \u2026 but it was there all the same and everyone knew it.\u00a0 It was evident in the way in which he allowed Little Joe more freedom in his kitchen than anyone else, it was evident in the way he scolded him and it was evident in the way he looked at the boy when he thought that he wasn\u2019t being watched. Everyone knew that their relationship was special, even though it was an unspoken thing within the household.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing smiled as he began to knead his bread dough.\u00a0 The sound of shouting came from outside and he craned his neck to look through the small kitchen window.\u00a0 His smile broadened as he watched his boy ducking away from his older brother Hoss who was reaching out to hit him.\u00a0 No doubt he\u2019d played some trick on his brother again.\u00a0 The youngest Cartwright just didn\u2019t seem to be able to help himself and his brothers often bore the brunt of his mischievous nature.\u00a0 Not that Adam tolerated it much, but Hoss was a different matter.\u00a0 He would put up with a lot from the little brother that he had worshipped ever since he\u2019d first drawn breath and judging by the expression on his face Joe must have done something to really annoy him.\u00a0 His words floated through the window and reached the cook\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

\u2018You get back here Joe or I\u2019m gonna pound ya!\u2019 shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe stepped nimbly to one side. \u2018Aw come on Hoss!\u2019 he shined. \u2018Can\u2019t blame a fellar for an accident can ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That weren\u2019t no accident and you know it!\u2019 said Hoss with a scowl as he reached into the water trough and fished out his hat. He turned to his brother again. \u2018I\u2019m gonna pound ya Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n

Just at that moment Ben Cartwright came out of the barn and Joe stepped quickly behind his father ginning all the while at Hoss. \u2018What\u2019s all this about?\u2019 asked their father sternly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nothin Pa,\u2019 replied Joe quickly. \u2018You got that list you mentioned?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave his youngest son a suspicious look and handed him a piece of paper. \u2018Here it is,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just give it to Albert at the mail office and he\u2019ll take care of it.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated before adding. \u2018And make sure that you come straight home young man.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to have to send one of your brothers in to get you as I had to the other day.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried to look affronted. \u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I won\u2019t be long.\u2019\u00a0 He vaulted up into his saddle and tucked the piece of paper into his jacket pocket. \u2018See ya!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss continued to glare at his brother as he rode off. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s wrong with you?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018That younger brother of mine,\u2019 said Hoss grumpily. \u2018Ain\u2019t a day goes past when he don\u2019t cause me trouble in one form or another.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben made a face. \u2018What\u2019s he done now?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss shrugged. \u2018Nothin important,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018He jest can\u2019t help himself is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018I must say I have to agree,\u2019 he replied. \u2018It seems that not a week goes past when he doesn\u2019t get himself into some sort of trouble in town either.\u00a0 I think Roy Coffee is beginning to hate it when I send him in.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Then why do ya Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018Seems ta me iffen ya kept him on the ranch more often things would be a lot easier.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Well it might make it easier in the short term Hoss, but it wouldn\u2019t help Joseph learn how to behave himself if I never give him the opportunity to prove that he can do it.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018Although sometimes I must admit that I wonder why I do it myself.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around his middle son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Come on son, we\u2019ve got work to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa,\u2019 said Hoss with a sigh.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned as he listened to the exchange between father and son. He too had been aware of just how often Little Joe had been in trouble lately for fighting and he hoped that today wouldn\u2019t be one of those times.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I fail to see how that could possibly excuse you!\u2019 thundered Ben as he stared at his contrite son. \u2018I gave you instructions to go straight to town and come straight home again. And yet here you are trying to tell me that you had no choice but to stop and get into a fight in the middle of the street!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but Pa\u2026\u2019 began Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand. \u2018I\u2019ve heard it all before son.\u00a0 There\u2019s always a reason why you end up looking like this isn\u2019t there?\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at his son\u2019s dirty and torn clothing and bruised face. \u2018Joseph there is nothing you could say to me that would convince me not to be angry with you over this!\u00a0 Nothing at all!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But I didn\u2019t have no choice!\u2019 interrupted Joe and earned himself a further glare from his father. He swallowed and carried on regardless. \u2018Bill White called me a coward so I didn\u2019t have no choice but to clobber him!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018So you\u2019re telling me that you started this fight?\u2019 he said incredulously. \u2018After all I\u2019ve said on the topic?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and nodded reluctantly. \u2018Well yeah, I kinda did,\u2019 he said. \u2018But like I said Pa it was\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand. \u2018Stop it Joseph,\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018I\u2019m not listening anymore.\u00a0 You are confined to this ranch for the next week and there\u2019ll be no going into town if you can\u2019t behave yourself.\u00a0 Now go and get cleaned up!\u2019\u00a0 He motioned the boy away and turned back towards his desk.<\/p>\n

Joe stood for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders before turning towards the kitchen.\u00a0 He rolled his eyes as he walked across the dining room and heaved his shoulders dramatically. \u2018Stop that!\u2019 said Hop Sing as he entered the kitchen. \u2018Boy in plenty trouble already.\u00a0 No make father more mad with eyes roll!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him. \u2018Weren\u2019t my fault!\u2019 he declared as he sat down where Hop Sing indicated.<\/p>\n

\u2018You always say not your fault!\u2019 said Hop Sing angrily as he wet a cloth and held it out. \u2018Wipe face!\u2019 He swatted the boy on the side of the head.<\/p>\n

Joe ducked and then took the cloth and began to clean himself up. He sighed, more for effect than for anything else. \u2018Still say it weren\u2019t my fault,\u2019 he mumbled under his breath and then stopped as he saw the glare that Hop Sing gave him.<\/p>\n

\u2018You not go town now?\u2019 said Hop Sing as he picked up a knife and began to chop the vegetables.<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe mournfully. \u2018Pa said one week restriction this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You lucky not longer!\u2019 said Hop Sing as he pointed the knife in Joe\u2019s direction. \u2018Father plenty mad.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 sighed Joe. \u2018Seems I make him mad all the time lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Then you stop fighting!\u2019 said Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u2018I try to,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018But every time I go in there someone wants to be in a fight with me.\u00a0 I can\u2019t help that can I?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing thought for a moment. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why they all want fight with you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Different reasons all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing chopped fiercely. \u2018Who get in trouble when you fight?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Then why you let them fight you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I told you.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t help it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stopped chopping and stared at him. \u2018You help,\u2019 he said. \u2018You walk away.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Easier said than done,\u2019 muttered Joe. \u2018Sometimes that\u2019s a hard thing to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing continued to stare at him. \u2018Too hard?\u2019 he said. \u2018Prefer trouble from father instead?\u2019<\/p>\n

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

The cook started chopping again. \u2018Then stop fighting,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said with a shrug. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get back to work or I\u2019ll be in even more trouble I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You change clothes,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018I fix for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at the cook. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll bring them down to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head as the boy left the kitchen.\u00a0 He wondered how long it would take to get into his head that fighting was only hurting him.\u00a0 It seemed to him that the boy still had a lot of growing up to do.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Now remember,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I expect you to get those supplies out to the North Section by lunchtime.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you worry Mr Ben,\u2019 said Hop Sing from his perch on the buckboard next to Little Joe. \u2018I make sure he be there in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben lifted an eyebrow. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018But Joseph is old enough to make sure that he obeys my instructions \u2026 unless you believe that you still need someone to look after you Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No Pa,\u2019 sighed Joe. \u2018We\u2019ll be home in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well see that you are,\u2019 said his father sternly. \u2018I hope that past week here on the ranch has made you stop and think about your behaviour young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 sighed Joe. \u2018I\u2019ve learned my lesson.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t look convinced. \u2018Well I hope that you have.\u00a0 I\u2019m not tolerating any more of your nonsense.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No Pa,\u2019 sighed Joe. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as his son and Hop Sing rode out of the yard together. He shook his head as he turned back towards the house again.<\/p>\n

\u2018So where do ya haveta go in town Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Little Joe as they disappeared around the side of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mercantile,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Mr Hoss eat all the fruit.\u00a0 Also flour and other things to get.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well while you\u2019re over there I could go and see a couple of friends of mine,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned at him. \u2018Father say home by lunchtime,\u2019 he said. \u2018No time for friends.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe put on his most innocent look. \u2018It\u2019ll be OK Hop Sing.\u00a0 By the time you\u2019ve ordered your stuff I\u2019ll be back to load it up for you.\u00a0 I promise.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the cook one of his devastating smiles, but Hop Sing wasn\u2019t taken in by his charm and merely frowned and wiggled his finger at him.<\/p>\n

\u2018No nonsense!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head and continued to smile at the man. \u2018No nonsense,\u2019 he promised.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you Mr Winters,\u2019 said Hop Sing and gave the man a small bow. \u2018Have been most kind.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No problem,\u2019 said Sam Winters. \u2018Sorry I didn\u2019t have the sugar, but everything else is there.\u00a0 You want some help loading it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No thank you Mr Winters.\u00a0 Little Joe be back soon and he load supplies.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Anything you say,\u2019 said Sam Winters as he disappeared into the store.\u00a0 Hop Sing looked up and down the street impatiently, but didn\u2019t see any sign of Little Joe in either direction.\u00a0 He shook his head angrily and began to load the supplies himself as he muttered in Chinese under his breath.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a shadow fell over him and he looked up to see three men standing there. \u2018What ya doing China boy?\u2019 asked the taller of the bunch. Hop Sing ignored him and continued to load the supplies.\u00a0 The man reached out and held onto his arm. \u2018I said what ya doing China boy?\u2019 he snarled. \u2018Where\u2019s ya manners?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stopped. \u2018Loading supplies,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Please excuse.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to step past, but the man blocked his path.<\/p>\n

\u2018Ya hear that?\u2019 he said over his shoulder to his friends. \u2018He asks ta be excused.\u00a0 How about that?\u00a0 Should we excuse the China boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

One of the others spat on the sidewalk before replying. \u2018Nah,\u2019 he said. \u2018He don\u2019t deserve ta be excused.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You hear that China boy?\u2019 said the first man. \u2018My friend here say ya\u2019re not excused.\u00a0 How about that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stepped sideways again, but was this time blocked by the third man. \u2018Please let past,\u2019 he said. \u2018I not bothering you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ya hear that?\u2019 said the man with a chuckle. \u2018He says he\u2019s not bothering us.\u00a0 How about that?\u00a0 Do ya think he\u2019s bothering us?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I think he is,\u2019 said the first man.\u00a0 I think he\u2019s bothering us all right.\u2019 He reached out and gave Hop Sing a shove. \u2018Hey China boy, stop bothering us!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked around frantically. \u2018Please let past,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

The first man grabbed him by the collar and drew back his fist.\u00a0 Just as he was about to hit Hop Sing though, he was knocked off his feet and let go of Hop Sing as he lost his balance. Hop Sing looked up in amazement to see Little Joe standing next to him, his fists clenched and an angry look on his face. \u2018You leave Hop Sing alone!\u2019 he cried.<\/p>\n

The third man stepped forward and shoved Little Joe backwards. \u2018This ain\u2019t no business of yourn sonny,\u2019 he said nastily. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go and find ya Mama like a good boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe turned to face him, his eyes blazing. \u2018I said to leave Hop Sing alone,\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

The second man laughed. \u2018What\u2019s the China boy to you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Little Joe ignored him and turned to Hop Sing. \u2018Let\u2019s finish those supplies Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. Suddenly he was knocked off his feet by the second man who stood over him grinning. \u2018Seems to me that sonny boy here doesn\u2019t know how to mind his own business,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018Let\u2019s show him how to, eh fellers?\u2019\u00a0 With that he hauled Joe to his feet and held him while the other two began to pound into him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing!\u2019\u00a0 A voice behind the cook made him turn sharply. \u2018Run and get the Sheriff,\u2019 called Sam Winters. \u2018Hurry!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing needed no second bidding and ran as fast as he could up the street to the Sheriff\u2019s office. He burst into the room to find Roy Coffee sitting with his feet on the desk reading the newspaper. \u2018Sheriff Coffee!\u2019 he called. \u2018Hurry!\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy put his feet down and stood up. \u2018Hop Sing!\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Is Little Joe,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he struggled for breath. \u2018Three men beat him up.\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy was out of the office in an instant and with Hop Sing running behind him made it back to the Mercantile in a minute.\u00a0 As he approached the building he drew his pistol and fired a shot in the air, stopping one of the men just as he was about to kick Little Joe as he lay on the sidewalk. \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Stand back all of you!\u2019<\/p>\n

The three men stood rock still and Hop Sing ran over to Little Joe and helped him up. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 mumbled Joe.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing pointed to the men. \u2018They beat up Little Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018They threaten me!\u2019<\/p>\n

One of the men opened his mouth to speak,\u2019 but Roy silenced him with a gesture. \u2018Don\u2019t even think about it,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s obvious to me what was going on here.\u00a0 Three men against a half-grown boy ain\u2019t good odds any way ya wanna look at it.\u00a0 Now hand over them guns.\u2019 He took the weapons as they were handed to him and then gestured towards the jail. \u2018After you,\u2019 he said. \u2018A night in jail might just help to settle down those tempers of yours. Now get.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder as they headed off. \u2018Better get him down ta Doc Martin Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Looks like he could stand to be checked over.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled at the sheriff as he left, still smarting from the half-grown boy remark.\u00a0 He flung off Hop Sing\u2019s arm as the man tried to move him off the sidewalk. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he mumbled. \u2018I don\u2019t need ta see no doctor.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned. \u2018You see doctor!\u2019 he said insistently. \u2018Come!\u2019\u00a0 He began to pull on Little Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 Joe sighed, but allowed himself to be led down the street by the man, scowling as they reached the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll only fuss like he always does,\u2019 he said sulkily. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 His words were cut short as Hop Sing pushed him through the open doorway.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 said Doctor Paul Martin, looking up as they entered the room. \u2018And Hop Sing.\u00a0 What brings you both here?\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as he observed the bruises that were beginning to appear on Joe\u2019s face. \u2018Ah I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Another fight I take it?\u2019 Joe shrugged his shoulders, but said nothing. \u2018Well get on up here and I\u2019ll check you over,\u2019 said the doctor.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stood by as the doctor gave Joe a check. \u2018You\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just some bruising this time, nothing more.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated as Joe did up his shirt. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nothin,\u2019 mumbled Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018He beaten by men,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018They threaten me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul raised an eyebrow. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are they in jail?\u2019 Joe nodded. \u2018Good.\u00a0 Hop Sing get this young man straight home.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed a finger at Joe. \u2018And you need to get some rest tonight,\u2019 he said. \u2018Tell your Pa you can have the night off from chores. All right?\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at the boy who merely shrugged again as he left the room.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing touched the doctor on the arm. \u2018Hop Sing look after him,\u2019 he said quietly before leaving. Paul Martin shook his head.\u00a0 It seemed that Ben\u2019s youngest son couldn\u2019t stay out of trouble if he tried.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

‘You feel all right?\u2019 asked Hop Sing as he glanced at Little Joe beside him on the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine Hop Sing,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Stop fussing will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You save Hop Sing,\u2019 said the cook. \u2018Much grateful to Little Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Forget it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t do nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018You save Hop Sing. Hop Sing thank you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again. \u2018You done plenty for me Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was the least I could do I reckon.\u2019\u00a0 He closed his eyes as the buckboard jolted and sent a wave of pain through his body. \u2018Guess I do ache a bit,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018I\u2019ll be glad when we reach home.\u2019<\/p>\n

By the time they drove into the front yard Joe was feeling worse than ever and he got down from the buckboard slowly and leant on the side. Hop Sing was around to him in an instant. \u2018You go inside and lay down,\u2019 he said. \u2018I take supplies to men in North Section.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave him a grateful smile. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I might just go and rest a bit before lunch.\u2019\u00a0 He waved as the cook disappeared around the side of the barn again and then headed slowly into the house.\u00a0 As he shut the front door behind him his father\u2019s voice called out.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing, is that you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No Pa, it\u2019s me,\u2019 said Joe as he hung up his hat and took off his jacket.<\/p>\n

\u2018Where is Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Ben as he walked over from the study. \u2018And why aren\u2019t you on your way to the North\u2026\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as he looked at his son and his face darkened.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him and smiled ruefully. \u2018I didn\u2019t much feel like going up there with the supplies,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing is doing it for me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Well judging by the look of you Joseph, I suppose that might be a good idea.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I thought I might lie down for a bit,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben folded his arms in front of him. \u2018Did you get checked over by Paul Martin?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah.\u2019\u00a0 Joe headed for the stairs. \u2018He said I\u2019m OK.\u00a0 Just some bruises is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben in a tight voice. \u2018Then you can stop just where you are young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stopped and faced his father silently. \u2018Yeah Pa?\u00a0 I suppose you want to know what happened.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Not particularly,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I think it\u2019s obvious what happened, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Well I was in a fight if that\u2019s what you mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018But\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand to silence his son. \u2018I don\u2019t want to hear any buts Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve heard just about every excuse there is where you and fighting are concerned.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Be quiet!\u00a0 How many times have we been through this Joseph?\u2019 demanded his father. \u2018I have certainly lost count, have you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018But this time there\u2019s a good reason for it. You see\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I said to be quiet!\u2019 thundered Ben. \u2018Nothing you could say would make me not angry with you at this point. I have had it with your attitude and your fighting!\u2019 He glared at his son angrily.<\/p>\n

Joe felt his temper beginning to rise. \u2018I only wanna tell you what happened,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Enough!\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018I don\u2019t want to hear your excuses Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared back at his father. \u2018I\u2019m not making excuses,\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You don\u2019t care, so what\u2019s the point of telling you anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I do care Joseph and that\u2019s precisely my point,\u2019 he said. \u2018I care very much, but you just don\u2019t seem to. I think you\u2019d better get up to your room young man.\u00a0 And this time you can consider yourself on restriction for the next two weeks!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his father. \u2018But that ain\u2019t fair!\u2019\u00a0 he said. \u2018You \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Go to your room!\u2019\u00a0 Ben thundered. \u2018Before I decide that you aren\u2019t too old to put you over my knee and give you the tanning you obviously deserve.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father one last glare before turning and stomping off upstairs to his room. Ben shook his head as he turned back towards his desk.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t the boy just keep out of trouble for once?<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Hop Sing put the platter of meat down on the table. \u2018Little Joe not come down for supper?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He says he\u2019s not hungry.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked worried. \u2018He in fight today,\u2019 he said. \u2018You talk to him about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I talked to him,\u2019 said Ben curtly. \u2018I think it\u2019s best if he stays upstairs in his room for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded. The boy hadn\u2019t looked too good to him and he thought that Mr Cartwright was right to be so concerned. He knew that the man would have been proud of the boy and the way he had defended Hop Sing as well. \u2018I take him food,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded shortly. \u2018See if you can get him to eat something,\u2019 he said. Angry as he was with his son, of course he didn\u2019t want him to get ill.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t looked too well when he came in, even through Ben\u2019s anger he could see that and he thought that staying upstairs would do him good as well as punish him. Sort of killing two birds so to speak.<\/p>\n

As Hop Sing entered Joe\u2019s room with a tray he noticed that the boy had been crying. \u2018You feel bad?\u2019 he said as he put it down and looking at him anxiously. \u2018You still hurt?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I\u2019m not hungry,\u2019 he said. The way he was feeling, food was the last thing on his mind.<\/p>\n

\u2018You eat,\u2019 said Hop Sing firmly. \u2018Get sick if don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him ruefully as he picked up his fork. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll try. Don\u2019t feel much like it though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing watched as the boy pushed the food around his plate for a while. He must have been feeling worse than he looked. \u2018Father talk to you about what happen in town?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sure did.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded, satisfied that the two of them had talked it through. \u2018You rest now,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed as Hop Sing left the room. He thought it strange that the cook hadn\u2019t mentioned the fact that he was being punished for something when he didn\u2019t really deserve to be, but he figured that Hop Sing felt that it wasn\u2019t his place to comment on Ben\u2019s decision to punish his son.\u00a0 Joe sighed.\u00a0 He could understand his father being angry with him if he thought he\u2019d disobeyed him and fought again, but he couldn\u2019t understand why the man hadn\u2019t given him the opportunity to explain why it had happened.<\/p>\n

He set his jaw. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 he said, his anger beginning to boil over again. \u2018He never even gave me a chance to say why it happened. He don\u2019t trust me!\u2019 He lay down the bed and rolled over to face the wall, feeling very sorry for himself.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see why his father should treat him in this way when all he had done was try to help Hop Sing.\u00a0 The man was being unreasonable and Joe didn\u2019t see why he should be the one to suffer for it.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Joe squared his shoulders as he reached the bottom of the staircase and glanced over to the breakfast table where his father and brothers were eating.\u00a0 As he slid into his chair he gave his father a sideways glance before reaching for the eggs.<\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning Joseph,\u2019 said Ben as he lowered his cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Pa,\u2019 replied Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018Wow ya sure got a shiner this time,\u2019 said Hoss through a full mouth.\u00a0 Joe glared at him and didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please remember that you\u2019re on restriction for the next two weeks,\u2019 said his father.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018I don\u2019t see why,\u2019 he said sulkily. \u2018It weren\u2019t my fault this time.\u00a0 I only\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put up a hand to silence his son. \u2018I told you last night what I thought about all of this young man and that\u2019s an end to it. I don\u2019t want to hear any more about it, is that understood?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his father.\u00a0 He was just about the most stubbornest man that there was.\u00a0 Well if he didn\u2019t want to hear his side of it, so be it, he reasoned. If his father wasn\u2019t ready to listen to him and trust him, then two could play at that game!\u00a0 He picked up his fork and began to eat in silence.<\/p>\n

Everyone felt the tension at the table and Hoss gave Adam a look as he rolled his eyes. Adam cleared his throat and said, \u2018You want me to start on that batch of horses this morning Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You\u2019ll have to bring them in from the West Sector first though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018OK.\u00a0 You want to come with me and help Joe?\u2019 asked Adam, trying to draw the boy out of his black mood.\u00a0 There was nothing Joe liked better than working with the horses and his brother knew it.<\/p>\n

\u2018How can I?\u2019 asked Joe sulkily. \u2018I ain\u2019t allowed out remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s no need to speak to your brother like that Joseph!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He isn\u2019t the one in trouble around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father another glare and clenched his jaw shut. Adam rolled his eyes back at Hoss and stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get going,\u2019 he said and motioned to Hoss. \u2018You coming?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss got up from the table, snatched the last of the rolls and stuffed it into his mouth as he followed his brother. Ben continued to sip on his coffee as Joe pushed the eggs around his plate. \u2018You\u2019d better hurry up,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve got plenty of work to get to out there.\u2019 Joe stood up and made to leave the table. \u2018Sit down and finish that first,\u2019 said his father. Joe sat down with a thump and picked up his fork again without saying a word. Ben put his cup down. \u2018There\u2019s no need to carry on like that Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Eat your breakfast and be done with it please.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stuffed some eggs into his mouth and chewed them with a clenched jaw.\u00a0 He stared at his plate and refused to look at his father who simply sat sipping his coffee.\u00a0 When he\u2019d finished he stood up again and left the table without a word.\u00a0 As the door banged shut behind him, Ben flinched and put down his cup.\u00a0 That boy!<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

During the remainder of the morning the two of them stayed away from each other.\u00a0 Ben observed that Joe worked hard at the various tasks that had been assigned to him but failed to come in at lunchtime to eat.\u00a0 Finally, he sent Hop Sing out to the boy with some sandwiches. \u2018Father say eat these,\u2019 said the cook as he held them out to the boy.<\/p>\n

Joe put down his axe and sat on the end of the porch. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said and began to eat hungrily.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stood and stared at him. \u2018Why you not come inside?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I\u2019m in trouble,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa\u2019s mad with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And you mad with him,\u2019 said Hop Sing wisely.<\/p>\n

Joe gave the cook a half smile. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018He won\u2019t listen to me about yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned. \u2018About fight?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I tell,\u2019 said the cook. \u2018He understand then.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll listen to you either,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ain\u2019t no point.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing turned and walked into the house angrily. Sometimes those two could make him so mad\u2026 madder than either Adam or Hoss. The boy might look like his mother, but he sure acted as stubborn as his father.\u00a0 When the two of them put their minds to it, neither of them would budge and a ballet of wills was usually the result.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing strode straight over to Ben\u2019s desk where the man was busy doing the accounts. \u2018What for you angry with boy?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced up. \u2018Hop Sing please stay out of this,\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018This is between my son and myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Boy in fight because of me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018Boy in fight because of me,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018He fight men who attack me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled. \u2018Then why didn\u2019t he tell me that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing shrugged. \u2018You not listen,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and frowned. \u2018Well I\u2019ll listen to him now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you.\u2019\u00a0 He opened the front door and walked out while Hop Sing shrugged and walked into the kitchen muttering in Chinese under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 asked his father as he approached his son.<\/p>\n

Joe wiped the crumbs off his shirt and stood to pick up his axe. \u2018I\u2019m working!\u2019 he said abruptly.<\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t mean that,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Stop for a moment please.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe clenched his jaw and put the axe down as he stood in silence. \u2018What?\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n

‘Why didn\u2019t you tell me about the fight yesterday?\u00a0 Hop Sing said that you were defending him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You didn\u2019t let me remember?\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Anyway, would it have made any difference?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Of course it would have made a difference. I realise now that you weren\u2019t just fighting for the sake of it.\u2019\u00a0 Joe was silent. \u2018I\u2019m sorry that I didn\u2019t listen to you,\u2019 continued Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018You never listen to me!\u2019 The words exploded form the boy\u2019s mouth before he could stop himself. \u2018You always think the worst and you never trust me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That is not true Joseph,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You know very well that it\u2019s not.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes it is,\u2019 replied Joe angrily. \u2018You always think first of how I\u2019m in trouble and you never let me explain!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben pointed his finger at his son. \u2018I have given you many chances to explain in the past Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you are usually at fault.\u00a0 You can\u2019t blame me for assuming that you were this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe rounded on his father. \u2018Yes I can!\u2019 he declared. \u2018You don\u2019t trust me Pa and that\u2019s all there is to it!\u2019\u00a0 He stormed onto the porch and headed towards the house.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, come back here!\u2019 shouted his father, but the boy simply ignored him and slammed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Fix up with father now?\u2019 asked Hop Sing as Joe passed him.\u00a0 The boy didn\u2019t answer, but Hop Sing could tell from the look on his face that all was still not well between them. He shook his head and then turned as the door opened again behind him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Where did Joseph go?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Upstairs.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben strode over to the staircase and followed his son without another word. He walked to Joe\u2019s bedroom and hesitated before knocking on the door. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said.\u00a0 There was no answer, so he knocked again. When he was greeted with silence for a second time, Ben clenched his jaw and put his hand on the doorknob. After a moment\u2019s hesitation he withdrew it again and turned to leave.\u00a0 Perhaps it was better if he gave them both time to calm down before pursuing the matter, he reasoned.\u00a0 When Joe got like this there was no talking sense to him and the way Ben himself still felt\u2026 well, it was better if he calmed down himself.<\/p>\n

As he reached the bottom of the staircase again, he saw that Adam and Hoss were seated at the table ready for lunch. \u2018Where\u2019s shortshanks?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018He wasn\u2019t outside when we rode up.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph is in his room,\u2019 said Ben as he sat down.\u00a0 Hop Sing came into the room, glared at Ben and banged a plate down on the table before leaving again.<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s wrong with him?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018It seems that I was a bit hasty last night,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Apparently Joseph was defending Hop Sing in town yesterday and that\u2019s how he got into that fight.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018How did you find out?\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing came into the room a second time, banged down another plate and gave Ben a filthy look before exiting again.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing told me,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if looks could kill he\u2019d have you carved up and ready to serve fer lunch!\u2019 said Hoss with a chuckle. \u2018He sure is angry with ya Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So is Joe,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He won\u2019t listen to reason.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room again with a tray.\u00a0 \u2018I feed boy,\u2019 he said shortly. With a glare at Ben he went towards the staircase and climbed it without another word.<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows. \u2018Seems like we\u2019re in for some frosty weather around here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018I should have listened to Joe last night,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I was just so angry with him for fighting again.\u00a0 He said that I don\u2019t trust him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well he ain\u2019t exactly earned anyone\u2019s trust lately has he?\u2019 asked Hoss as he helped himself to some food.\u00a0 Nothing spoilt Hoss\u2019 appetite at the best of times and he wasn\u2019t about to let a little family disagreement upset him now when there was food to be eaten.<\/p>\n

\u2018True,\u2019 acknowledged his father. \u2018Still, I should have listened to him. I\u2019ll go up and talk to him after lunch and see if I can get through to him then.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You want me to pick up the mail this afternoon?\u2019 asked Adam as he began to eat as well.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please,\u2019 said Ben. He began to push his food around his plate, not really feeling like eating for once.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u00a0 I\u2019d like to speak to you please son.\u2019\u00a0 Ben spoke through the closed door and waited.\u00a0 After a moment the door opened and Joe walked back towards his bed and sat down.\u00a0 Ben hesitated for a moment and then entered the room, sitting on the bed beside his son.<\/p>\n

\u2018I came to apologize,\u2019 he began. \u2018I should have listened to you last night Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry that I didn\u2019t.\u2019 Joe was silent as he stared at the floor. \u2018Did you hear me Joseph?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018I said that I\u2019m sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I heard you Pa,\u2019 said Joe in a quiet voice. \u2018Am I still on restriction then?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No of course you\u2019re not,\u2019 said Ben with a smile.\u00a0 He reached out to put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder, but Joe shrugged it off and leant away from his father. \u2018You\u2019re still angry with me aren\u2019t you?\u2019 asked Ben.\u00a0 Joe said nothing. \u2018Joseph you haven\u2019t exactly given me cause to trust you lately have you?\u2019 his father continued.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not the point,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You should have trusted me this time.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t do nothing wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know that now son,\u2019 said Ben. He bent his head to look at his son\u2019s face. \u2018Do you forgive me?\u2019 Joe nodded curtly, but it was obvious to Ben that he still harboured angry feelings towards his father.\u00a0 \u2018Well you can have the afternoon off Joe to make up for this morning,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go fishing or something?\u2019\u00a0 Joe merely nodded his head and continued to look at the floor.<\/p>\n

As the door closed behind his father, Joe finally looked up.\u00a0 He scowled at the closed door and ran his hand through his hair in frustration.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t his father see that it wasn\u2019t just about last night?\u00a0 Well it was, but that was just the beginning of it.\u00a0 His father didn\u2019t trust him and there was no mistaking that fact.\u00a0 What would happen the next time that something like this happened?<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought I\u2019d find ya up here,\u2019 said Hoss as he got off his horse and came to sit beside his brother.<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa said I could have the afternoon off,\u2019 said Joe with a scowl. \u2018I ain\u2019t doing nothing wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Did I say that you were?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Honestly Joe, stop biting everyone\u2019s head off without any cause.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to scowl at the water and was silent for a moment before he spoke. \u2018I spose you\u2019ve come to tell me not to be angry with Pa no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Darn right I have,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018What\u2019s got into you anyways shortshanks?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018He didn\u2019t believe me,\u2019 he said. \u2018He didn\u2019t even give me a chance to tell him what had happened.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother incredulously. \u2018What do you mean so<\/em>?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I told you he didn\u2019t even let me tell him what had happened.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018You\u2019re acting like you deserved to be believed,\u2019 he said. \u2018How many times have ya come home and lied ta Pa about things ya\u2019ve done?\u00a0 Huh?\u00a0 How many times Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at his brother \u2018I didn\u2019t lie this time,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t even get the chance to even if I\u2019d wanted to.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged. \u2018Seems ta me that Pa\u2019s got cause ta think you might have been though,\u2019 he said, ignoring the dark look his brother gave him. \u2018Face it Joe, ya ain\u2019t given anyone any cause lately ta think of ya any other way but in trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe clenched his jaw and stared at the water. \u2018He shoulda believed me,\u2019 he insisted. \u2018I didn\u2019t do nothing wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged again.\u00a0 It seemed that there was no talking reason to his brother when he was in one of his moods. \u2018Well if I were you I\u2019d give it some serious thought,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018Pa\u2019s mighty upset about all this ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe watched as his brother walked away from him and mounted up on his horse again. \u2018I didn\u2019t do nothing wrong,\u2019 he said again softly. \u2018If Pa\u2019s upset \u2026 well so am I!\u2019 He lay down on the grass and put his hands behind his head as he stared up at the sky, feeling very hard done by and very sorry for himself.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I\u2019d like you to go into town this afternoon and pick up the mail please.\u2019\u00a0 Ben smiled at his youngest son, knowing full well the reaction he would get from him in response to his statement.\u00a0 It was a rare occasion that he asked Joe to go into town during the week, as the boy was more than likely to get into trouble and Ben usually preferred to send one of his more dependable older brothers. To his amazement, however, all he got in response from his son was a slight incline of his head as he continued to eat. \u2018Did you hear what I said Joseph?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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

Ben raised an eyebrow at the boy.\u00a0 It had been like this for the past three days and he was getting mighty sick of his son\u2019s sulking.\u00a0 He clenched his jaw and continued to eat his lunch as well.<\/p>\n

After a moment, Adam broke the awkward silence. \u2018Hoss and I\u2019ll be bringing those new horses in this afternoon from the North Pasture Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s time they were broken.\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded and didn\u2019t comment.\u00a0 He caught the look in Adam\u2019s eye and then smiled at him as he caught onto his meaning.<\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Looks like you\u2019ll have your work cut out for you in the next few days then Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but continued to eat. Adam exchanged a glance with his father and then said, \u2018Pa wants you to start on them Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I heard him,\u2019 replied his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u2018That enough Joseph!\u2019 said Ben angrily.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father\u2019s words. \u2018What?\u2019 he said defensively. \u2018What did I do now?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018You know very well what I\u2019m talking about young man,\u2019 he said. \u2018Stop this sulking act immediately.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked back down at his plate again and clenched his jaw. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019 he said. \u2018If you want me to get into town I have to get started.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave a frustrated sigh. \u2018Go then,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Aren\u2019t you going to tell me not to get into trouble?\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

Ben stared at his son. \u2018I said to go Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know how to behave in town and you certainly don\u2019t need me to tell you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stomped away from the table angrily and within a minute they heard the slamming of the front door as he exited.\u00a0 \u2018That boy!\u2019 said Ben as he shook his head. \u2018Seems like he just can\u2019t simmer down about all this. I really don\u2019t know what to do with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam exchanged a look with Hoss who shook his head slightly. \u2018He\u2019ll settle down in time Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You know he always does.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t look convinced. \u2018Yes I suppose so,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I really don\u2019t like this coldness between us in the meantime. It\u2019s just not like him to carry on like this for so long.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed again and then continued in a quieter voice. \u2018I think I\u2019ve really hurt his feelings.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh come on Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You had every right to act as you did.\u00a0 Joe just has to learn that he\u2019s not the only one in the world that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave his eldest son a sad look. \u2018I should have believed him,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now he thinks I don\u2019t trust him any more.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then why don\u2019t ya give him a job to show him that ya do?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Adam looked at him in amazement.\u00a0 Sometimes it took Hoss with his slow deliberate way of thinking to cut across a problem and see it for what it really was. Ben clapped his middle son on the back. \u2018Of course!\u2019 he said. \u2018Now why didn\u2019t I think of that?\u2019 Hoss puffed up and grinned at them both.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but what?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018It would have to be something that you don\u2019t usually ask him to do with enough responsibility to show him that you trust him, yet not enough in case he messes up again.<\/p>\n

Ben sat for a few moments in thought and then straightened up. \u2018I think I know just the thing,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I\u2019ll give Joseph the chance to show me what he\u2019s made of.\u2019<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018You want me to what?\u2019 asked Joe in amazement.<\/p>\n

‘I want you to deliver this Bank Draft to the Bank in Placerville for me,\u2019 repeated Ben patiently as he held it out to his son. \u2018If you leave this afternoon you should be back by tomorrow night.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the paper in his father\u2019s hand in amazement.\u00a0 He\u2019d never been asked to do an overnight job before, except when he was being accompanied by one of his brothers. \u2018How come me?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why not Adam or Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Because I\u2019d like you to do it,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I trust you to get the job done.\u2019\u00a0 He looked meaningfully at his son. \u2018Do you think you can do it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his father for the first time in days and snatched the Bank Draft from him. \u2018Sure can!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I\u2019ll go get packed right now Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he watched his youngest son bound up the stairs two at a time.<\/p>\n

\u2018Do you think that was wise?\u2019 asked Adam from his position on the sofa.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Joseph can handle it,\u2019 he said. \u2018He know I trust him now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but Pa that Bank Draft is for an awful lot of money,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Maybe it would be better if you found a way to trust him with something less valuable.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow at his son. \u2018It wouldn\u2019t mean as much to Joe though would it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018I guess not,\u2019 said Adam with a shrug of his shoulders. He sat forward in his seat. \u2018You want me or Hoss to follow him from a distance in case?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019ll be fine.\u2019\u00a0 In his heart he tried to believe his own words.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Now be careful Joseph,\u2019 said Ben as he patted his son\u2019s horse and looked up at the boy. \u2018Remember what I told you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I will Pa,\u2019 said Joe happily. \u2018I\u2019ll deliver it straight to the Bank in Placerville and come straight home.\u00a0 I won\u2019t get into no trouble this time I promise you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son. \u2018I know you won\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you tomorrow night son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe started to turn his horse away and then hesitated. \u2018Bye Pa,\u2019 he said over his shoulder. \u2018And thanks.\u2019 He watched his father\u2019s reaction to see if he understood his meaning.<\/p>\n

Ben waved at him and smiled. \u2018You be careful Joe,\u2019 he said and watched as his youngest son spurred his horse to a trot as they made their way out of the yard.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s ride to Placerville was uneventful and he spent the time thinking about how his father had trust in him again and how he wouldn\u2019t let him down. \u2018Noway am I gonna mess this one up Cooch,\u2019 he said to his horse as they rode along pleasantly. \u2018This time Pa\u2019s gonna be so proud of me!\u2019<\/p>\n

As he rode into Placerville he looked up and down the street.\u00a0 He\u2019d never actually been here by himself before, but had always been with one of his brothers or his father when they were conducting business. He rode straight to the Hotel where the Cartwrights usually stayed and walked into the foyer. \u2018Hi Mr Charlton,\u2019 he said to the desk clerk<\/p>\n

Michael Charlton looked up. \u2018Why Little Joe,\u2019 he said in surprise. \u2018Where did you spring from?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes darted over the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Which of your family is with you today?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried not to give the man a frustrated look. \u2018No one,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m here by myself this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

The man raised his eyebrows. \u2018Oh I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you need a room?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Sure do,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018Just for the one night.\u2019\u00a0 He drew out a wad of money that his father had given to him and handed it over. \u2018How much?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked at the money and took a few bills from the wad before reluctantly handing it back to the boy. \u2018That\u2019s enough,\u2019 he said, still eyeing off the wad as Joe put it back into his pocket. \u2018Here\u2019s your key.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No I don\u2019t need it yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to get to the Bank first for Pa and then get my horse stabled. I\u2019ll be back in a while for it.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at the man who smiled back at him as the boy left the room.<\/p>\n

Michael Charlton scratched his chin thoughtfully for a moment and then reached over and took his hat from the hook on the wall behind him. \u2018Sam!\u2019 he called. \u2018Can you cover for me for a few minutes?\u00a0 I have to see someone.\u2019\u00a0 With that he abruptly left the room, banging the door behind him.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Joe walked happily down the street.\u00a0 By his reckoning he still had about half an hour to go before the Bank shut which was just enough time to get the Draft deposited for Pa and then he was free to enjoy himself. He\u2019d get Cochise stabled and then \u2026 his eyes drifted over to the Saloon on the other side of the street and he smiled as his thoughts turned to the cold beer that he thought he\u2019d treat himself to.<\/p>\n

Suddenly he stopped and burrowed his hands into his pockets as he remained deep in thought. No,<\/em> he decided. Pa is counting on me this time and I ain\u2019t gonna do anything that<\/em> might spoil it. <\/em>He decided against the Saloon after all and looked around for somewhere where he could grab a bite to eat instead. As he stood surveying the street he felt a knock and stumbled slightly. He looked up crossly to see a man grabbing hold of him. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 said the man apologetically. \u2018Are you all right sonny?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Joe as he shook the man\u2019s hands off him. \u2018No harm done.\u2019\u00a0 He straightened up as he watched the man tip his hat and hurry off down the street quickly.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Some people sure are in a hurry,\u2019 he said. He looked up and down the street again and decided on a small caf\u00e9 a few shop down from where he stood.\u00a0 Nodding slightly, he walked down to the Bank and entered and shut the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Good afternoon,\u2019 he said to the Bank Teller. \u2018I have a Bank Draft to deposit for my father.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Name?\u2019 asked the man without looking up.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018I mean Ben Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n

The teller looked up in frustration. \u2018Which is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m Joe Cartwright,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018My father is Ben Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n

The man looked him up and down. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018And the account would be in your father\u2019s name?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

The two looked at each other for a full minute. \u2018Well do you have the Bank Draft?\u2019 asked the teller finally, to break the silence.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yeah,\u2019 said Joe with an apologetic smile. \u2018Sorry.\u2019\u00a0 He reached into his pocket to retrieve the piece of paper and frowned as he realised it wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well?\u2019 asked the man behind the counter.<\/p>\n

\u2018I had it before,\u2019 said Joe as he searched desperately in his other pockets. \u2018I don\u2019t know why it isn\u2019t there now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked on the floor, hoping that it might have fallen out of his pocket.<\/p>\n

The Bank Teller lifted an eyebrow as he watched the youngster. \u2018Well if you\u2019re depositing anything would you please step aside?\u00a0 There are other customers waiting,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the man desperately. \u2018But I had it!\u2019 he said. \u2018I musta dropped it someplace.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then I suggest you go and find it,\u2019 the man replied. \u2018Please step aside.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stepped away from the counter and scratched his head in a puzzled fashion. For the life of him he couldn\u2019t understand where the paper had got to, but one was for sure … he had to find it again!<\/p>\n

He walked out of the Bank and retraced his steps back to the Hotel, looking at the ground the while way.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until he was nearly there that he accidentally bumped into a woman coming in the opposite direction. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he mumbled as she glared at him. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.\u00a0 The man who had bumped into him! Joe clicked his fingers\u2026 that must have been it!\u00a0 The man had lifted the Bank Draft and \u2026.\u00a0 He reached for his wallet and with a sinking heart realised that it was missing as well.<\/p>\n

Joe cursed softly under his breath.\u00a0 How stupid could he have been not to have realised what was happening.\u00a0 And now he had no money\u2026 not to mention Pa\u2019s Bank Draft that he knew was worth a lot of money.\u00a0 With another soft curse under his breath, he headed for the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018I see,\u2019 said Sheriff John Mitchell. \u2018And what did this man look like?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. \u2018I don\u2019t really know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t look.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s not much help is it?\u2019 said the sheriff as he sat back in his chair. \u2018You can\u2019t remember anything about him?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe thought hard. \u2018He was wearing a red shirt,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018And a black hat.\u00a0 I think he had black hair too.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm. Well that would narrow it down to about fifty suspects in town tonight,\u2019 said the Sheriff. \u2018I can\u2019t help you if you can\u2019t give me any more than that.\u2019 Joe gave the man a frustrated look as he took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. \u2018Tell you what,\u2019 suggested the Sheriff as he noticed the youngster\u2019s anxiety. \u2018Why don\u2019t you walk around for a bit and see if you can pick this guy out?\u00a0\u00a0 He might still be around town if he thinks that you didn\u2019t realise what had happened. You can come and let me know if you see him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, glad to have a plan. \u2018Yeah that\u2019s a good idea,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will.\u2019 He bounded out of the Sheriff\u2019s office and looked up and down the street again, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man in question, but couldn\u2019t see him anywhere.\u00a0 With a frustrated sigh, Joe turned towards the Bank once again and began to make his way slowly down the street.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

About three hours later, he was still walking.\u00a0 It seemed to Joe that he must have covered the entire town five times over, but still he hadn\u2019t caught a glimpse of the man in question.\u00a0 He was just about to give up when he caught a glimpse of a red shirt as he passed by the Saloon. He stopped and looked inside and to his delight he recognised the man from earlier that afternoon.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. If he left to get the sheriff the man might get away, but how else was he to get help?\u00a0 He stood on the sidewalk for a few moments while he pondered the problem and had just decided to get the Sheriff when the man stood up and made his way over to the door.\u00a0 He pushed past Joe roughly, swaying a little on his feet as he did so. \u2018Watch it kid,\u2019 he said roughly, his words slurring slightly.\u00a0 It was obvious to Joe that he was slightly drunk.<\/p>\n

Without thinking, Joe grabbed hold of the man\u2019s arm. \u2018Wait,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

The stranger turned towards him. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, not sure what to say next. \u2018I\u2026 um that is\u2026 I\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

The man shook his head and shrugged his arm out of Joe\u2019s grasp and then turned to walk away. \u2018Get lost kid,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n

Joe walked after him. \u2018Stop,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026 you need to come to the Sheriff\u2019s office with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

The stranger gave a short laugh. \u2018I what?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You need to come to the Sheriff\u2019s office with me,\u2019 repeated Joe.<\/p>\n

The man gave him an amused look. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked. \u2018And why is that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You know very well why!\u2019 said Joe, his temper rising.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got no idea what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 the man sneered. \u2018Beat it kid.\u2019\u00a0 He walked away from Joe and turned into an alleyway.<\/p>\n

Joe ran after him. \u2018You give me back that Bank Draft and my money!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You\u2019re a thief!\u2019<\/p>\n

The man turned towards Joe and before the youngster knew what had hit him he had been knocked backwards and stumbled to keep his balance. \u2018I said to get lost kid,\u2019 said the man again.<\/p>\n

Joe took a step forward and hit the man square on the jaw, causing him to stagger backwards a couple of steps. He gave the boy a strange look and shook his head. \u2018That was a big mistake kid,\u2019 he said. \u2018A big mistake.\u2019\u00a0 Without hesitation he drew his fist back and punched Joe in the stomach and laughed as the boy fell to his knees. \u2018A big mistake,\u2019 he repeated as he stepped forward towards his victim.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and stretched without thinking.\u00a0 He frowned as his aching body reminded him of last night\u2019s events and he put his hand up to feel his split lip which still felt tender.\u00a0 He sighed as he sat up and put his feet to the floor, willing the memory of what had happened to go away.\u00a0 But try as he might, it remained with him.<\/p>\n

He could still see that man\u2019s face as he stood over him and sneered before punching him over and over again.\u00a0 He had been grateful that unconsciousness had finally over taken him and released him from the pain, but when he had woken up again it had come back in full force. He wondered how he had had the strength to get himself to the Sheriff\u2019s office as he had done and guessed that anything was possible under such circumstances.<\/p>\n

Of course the man had long gone by the time he had given the Sheriff his story.\u00a0 There was no way he would have hung around after what had occurred and Joe knew that with his departure had come the only chance of getting Pa\u2019s Bank Draft back again.\u00a0 The Sheriff had been kind enough to help him along to the doctor\u2019s office and afterwards Joe\u2019s aching body had felt a little better.\u00a0 He stretched again tentatively and realised that he did indeed feel better than he had the night before\u2026 a good night\u2019s rest had been just the thing as the doctor had indeed told him it would be.<\/p>\n

Joe had been grateful that the management had let him stay at the hotel after all, but he supposed it wasn\u2019t surprising seeing as how his father was so well known here.\u00a0 He blessed the fact that his father\u2019s reputation had earned him a good night\u2019s sleep after all.<\/p>\n

As he stood up and caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror, Joe flinched.\u00a0 There was no way that Pa would understand about this, he reasoned.\u00a0 Not after all the trust that the man had put in him.\u00a0 He dreaded going home to tell his story, but figured he\u2019d just as soon get it over with sooner than later.<\/p>\n

Half an hour later, Joe was dressed and ready to leave.\u00a0 As he made his way downstairs he sensed everyone\u2019s eyes on him and pulled his hat down as far as he could over his face. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he mumbled to Michael Charlton and wondered at the strange look that the man gave him before looking away. \u2018You\u2019ll send the bill to my Pa I suppose,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said the man, avoiding looking at the youngster. \u2018I will.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and left the hotel, heading towards the Livery Stable.\u00a0 He kept his eyes peeled for the man in the red shirt, but wasn\u2019t the leats bit surprised not to see him.\u00a0 No, he reasoned again, he would have been long gone by now.<\/p>\n

Joe mounted up and headed Cochise towards home with a heavy heart.<\/p>\n

———-<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said his father as he caught a glimpse of the boy\u2019s face. \u2018You\u2019re hurt!\u2019 Joe stood silently, waiting for his father to begin yelling at him.\u00a0 His heart sank even further with every minute and he wished that they could just get this part over with as soon as possible. \u2018Have you been in a fight again?\u2019 asked Ben in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he looked at his father. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said in a quiet voice. \u2018And I lost the Bank Draft too\u2026. And my wallet,\u2019 he added miserably.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath as he gazed at his miserable son. \u2018Come here and sit down,\u2019 he said. \u2018Tell me what happened.\u2019<\/p>\n

As they sat side by side on the sofa, Joe related his sorry tale to his father. \u2018I spose you\u2019re real angry with me Pa,\u2019 he said miserably when he had finished. \u2018I don\u2019t blame ya if ya are.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the boy. \u2018Why would I be mad with you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked confused. \u2018Well\u2026 I lost the Bank Draft and my wallet. Plus I got into a fight again after everything you\u2019d told me.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at his father. \u2018I guess you\u2019d be mad.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d be wrong,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Huh?\u2019 said Joe, looking even more confused. \u2018Why not? You trusted me Pa and I let you down.\u00a0 I guess it\u2019s just like you always say\u2026 I got an attitude when it comes ta fighting.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Joseph I\u2019ll admit that I get plenty mad with you at times son.\u00a0 But this time I don\u2019t see that it was your fault.\u00a0 It could have happened to any of us and you really couldn\u2019t have helped it if that man was out to steal from you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But what about the fight?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018You had the right to try and get your property back,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Just like the other day\u2026 you had the right to defend Hop Sing as you did.\u00a0 The only difference son is that I\u2019ve learned a very valuable lesson.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked at his father as he continued. \u2018I\u2019ve learned that I should always listen to you and get your account of the story before I fly off the handle.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you agree?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded \u2018Yeah I guess,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018If I had done that the other day you wouldn\u2019t have been in trouble,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018Just like you\u2019re not in trouble now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa\u2026 the Bank Draft. I lost it and it was worth a lot of money,\u2019 protested Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben shrugged. \u2018Yes it was,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018More than I\u2019d care to have had stolen I must admit.\u00a0 But the important thing Joe is that you\u2019re all right.\u00a0 Money means nothing to me compared to your safety you know.\u2019 He rubbed the back of his son\u2019s neck as he smiled at him. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said again softly.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his father for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I guess you won\u2019t be trusting me in a hurry again though, will ya Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018And why wouldn\u2019t I?\u2019 asked his father. \u2018I told you it wasn\u2019t your fault.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up. \u2018Ya mean it?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Ben with a smile. \u2018However I would prefer that you try not to come home with a split lip next time if you can avoid it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe began to giggle, but stopped and put his hand to his mouth as he realised how much it hurt his lip. \u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I know that you\u2019re not going to ever get into a fight again,\u2019 said his father. \u2018The only thing I ask is that you try son. If you can do that, then I\u2019ll try to remember to trust you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Sort of a pact,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s a good way of looking at it. A pact.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I promise Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows at his son. \u2018That\u2019s all I ask son.\u00a0 And in return I\u2019ll try and remember that you\u2019re growing up and becoming responsible\u2026. Most of the time,\u2019 he added with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Now let\u2019s get that face of yours cleaned up shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Hop Sing can do it for me,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s good at it.\u2019\u00a0 He sauntered out to the kitchen and a moment later Ben heard the cook yelling something in Chinese, followed by a loud yell from Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and raised his eyes to the ceiling. \u2018Back to normal,\u2019 he said out loud to no one in particular.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Joe feels that his father doesn’t trust him anymore<\/p>\n

Rated: K (11,125 Words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2970,"today_views":2},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Season-1-00003.jpg?fit=576%2C432&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":19259,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=19259","url_meta":{"origin":1942,"position":0},"title":"Bear Tracks (by A-P)","author":"A-P","date":"December 25, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Written for the 2018 Advent Calendar, based on the quilting prompt, Bear Tracks. There\u2019s bear tracks on the Ponderosa. Rating: G 865 words","rel":"","context":"In "Writing Challenges"","block_context":{"text":"Writing Challenges","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=40"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018-Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018-Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018-Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018-Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":56709,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56709","url_meta":{"origin":1942,"position":1},"title":"In a Spirit of Enterprise (by Tavia42)","author":"Tavia42","date":"April 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe should have known he couldn\u2019t get anything past Hop Sing.\u00a0 This story was written for the 2025 2nd Quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge. 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Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,950 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\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7505,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7505","url_meta":{"origin":1942,"position":4},"title":"QiXi: The Seventh Night of the Seventh Moon (by freyakendra)","author":"freyakendra","date":"December 3, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A Chinese fairy-tale, an all-too-human Hop Sing and a carefree moment of make-believe usher the Cartwrights into a nightmare involving Chinese assassins and a beautiful, young woman two men will do anything to possess. 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