{"id":1958,"date":"2009-10-11T10:13:35","date_gmt":"2009-10-11T14:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1958"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:18","slug":"the-indian-painting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1958","title":{"rendered":"The Indian Painting (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ever wondered about the Cartwright’s Indian painting and why it moves around so much? This story should answer your questions if you have<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (10,345 words)<\/p>\n

The Indian Painting<\/strong><\/p>\n

1843<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cBen, I absolutely insist,\u201d said Stephen Hawkins as he showed the other man through the front doorway of his house. \u201cYou\u2019ve been so good to me over the years since I arrived here, that it\u2019s the least I can do. Besides, I painted it especially for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis really isn\u2019t necessary,\u201d insisted Ben as he walked into the living room of the small house and looked around. \u201cMy goodness Stephen, you\u2019ve certainly done a lot.\u201d\u00a0 He viewed the many paintings that were propped up against the wall of the small room appreciatively and shook his head. \u201cWonderful work! Truly wonderful!\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

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Stephen grinned. \u201cI\u2019m flattered that you think so,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know Ben, many people don\u2019t appreciate real art \u2026. Especially out here. When I first came I just knew that I had to use my painting skills to capture what this area is really like.\u201d He indicated a rather large painting of Lake Tahoe with a rise of tall pines in the background. \u201cRecognise this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s looking over The Ponderosa from this side of the lake,\u201d said Ben, hoping that this was the painting that Stephen meant to give him. \u201cIt truly is beautiful. You\u2019ve really captured it well.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Stephen. \u201cI\u2019m rather proud of that one.\u201d He started to shift several canvases as he spoke. \u201cNow \u2026 where is that one I \u2026 ah! Here it is.\u201d He held up a painting of a rather stern looking Indian brave and Ben swallowed at the sight of it. \u201cYou like it?\u201d asked Stephen. Ben nodded, not quite knowing what to say and desperate not to hurt the other man\u2019s feelings. He supposed that it was well painted, but it was just so \u2026. So \u2026 he wasn\u2019t sure quite what it was \u2026 but the way Indian stared back at him menacingly sent a shiver down his spine.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI know how much you admire Chief Winnemucca,\u201d continued Stephen. \u201cSo I couldn\u2019t think of a better subject for a painting to give you. I did it from memory. I\u2019ve only seen the chief once, but I have rather captured his pride and leadership abilities don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded again. \u201cYes,\u201d he managed to say. He glanced at all the fine landscapes around the room and wished that he could swap the Indian painting for one of them. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to say Stephen,\u201d he said truthfully. \u201cReally I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThen don\u2019t say anything,\u201d said Stephen happily, handing Ben the painting. \u201cJust take it home and enjoy it … with my compliments.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben, taking the painting gingerly and wondering what Marie\u2019s reaction to the painting would be.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t care who gave it to you! You are not bringing that ugly thing into my house Ben Cartwright!\u201d Marie stood with her hands on her hips and glared at her husband who was holding the painting up in front of him to show her.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBe reasonable Marie,\u201d Ben pleaded. \u201cI had no choice but to accept it. Stephen\u2019s pride would have been hurt if I hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell accepting it is one thing,\u201d his wife replied, looking at the painting distastefully. \u201cBut its another thing completely to hang it up anywhere in the house.\u201d She shuddered. \u201cWhy on earth would anyone want to paint a subject like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben bristled. \u201cChief Winnemucca is a fine man,\u201d he said defensively. \u201cA great leader of his tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell he might be a great leader and a fine man,\u201d replied his wife. \u201cBut you must admit that he\u2019s not the handsomest of men.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam giggled. \u201cI think he\u2019s downright ugly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave his eldest son a stern look. \u201cThat will be enough out of you, young man,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Marie, but the painting goes up. I have to do it. What if Stephen comes out here to visit one day and doesn\u2019t see it hanging on the wall? He\u2019d be offended.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell I\u2019ll be offended if I have to look at that \u2026 that thing every day,\u201d she said haughtily. \u201cPut it up then if you must, but put it somewhere where I don\u2019t have to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben kissed the top of her curly hair. \u201cThank you my love,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll find a place for it where it won\u2019t offend anyone, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Marie sighed as her husband walked upstairs with the painting. \u201cI just don\u2019t understand it,\u201d she said to Adam, who was standing beside her. \u201cWhy paint an ugly Indian when there are so many other beautiful things around here to paint?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam shrugged. \u201cMr Hawkins paints lots of things,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s got tons of landscapes and other stuff in his house you know. Some of em look real good too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Marie shook her head. \u201cAnd he had to choose that one to give to Ben,\u201d she said, as she looked around the large room. \u201cNow a landscape we could have used.\u201d Suddenly there was a faint crying sound from upstairs and she sighed again. \u201cIt sounds as if your baby brother is awake,\u201d she said. \u201cGo and do your chores before supper please Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d said Adam and made his escape from the house and his step-mother\u2019s bad mood in a hurry.<\/p>\n

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Marie walked upstairs to the baby\u2019s room and was surprised to see the door standing open, as she was sure that she\u2019d closed it when she\u2019d put baby Joe down for his nap. She blinked a couple of times to see Ben standing in the middle of the room gazing at his screaming son in his crib. The painting was still in his hand and he held a nail and a hammer in the other one. \u201cNo!\u201d she said firmly as she went to pick up the crying baby. \u201cYou\u2019re not putting that thing in my baby\u2019s room Ben!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben gave her a frustrated look. \u201cWell a baby can\u2019t object to looking at it,\u201d he said reasonably. \u201cHe\u2019s too young to appreciate bad art.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t you be so sure about that,\u201d said Marie, rubbing the still-sobbing Joe\u2019s back. \u201cLook at him \u2026. he\u2019s frightened by it.\u201d She made soothing noises to the baby. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t blame him,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, all right,\u201d said Ben in a resigned fashion. \u201cI\u2019ll put it in one of the guest rooms then.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNever you mind little one,\u201d said Marie to the baby as she continued to rub his back. \u201cPapa has taken the ugly man away.\u201d Baby Joe\u2019s sobs gradually lessened as he listened to the soothing noises that his mother made into his ear.<\/p>\n

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1845<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Ben held the painting defensively in front of him as he gave his wife a frustrated look. \u201cI have to Marie,\u201d he said. \u201cStephen is coming today and he\u2019ll be offended if he doesn\u2019t see it down here.\u201d He put his arm around his wife\u2019s waist and gave her a smile. \u201cIt\u2019s only for this afternoon,\u201d he said. \u201cI promise that I\u2019ll put it back upstairs when he leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d she said reluctantly. \u201cAll right. As long as it\u2019s just for the afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben kissed her. \u201cThat\u2019s my girl,\u201d he said. He looked around the room. \u201cNow let\u2019s see \u2026 where to put it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss came out of the kitchen eating a cookie, followed as always by his little shadow known to the family as Little Joe. \u201cHow come you\u2019re putting that ugly Indian painting up down here Pa?\u201d he asked, spraying a mouthful of cookie crumbs onto the floor.<\/p>\n

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\u201cMr Hawkins is coming this afternoon,\u201d explained his father as he took a painting of a clipper ship down from the wall in his study and put the Indian painting up in its place. \u201cIt would be nice for him to see it down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss wrinkled his nose in disgust. \u201cBut its so ugly Pa. Do we haveta?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cUgwy Papa,\u201d agreed Little Joe, not sure what the word meant, but wrinkling his nose in imitation of his brother\u2019s anyway.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes we do,\u201d said their father firmly. He took a couple of steps backwards. \u201cIt might be ugly, but it\u2019s staying down here for the rest of the afternoon. There \u2026. now that looks all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss looked at Joe and shook his head. Little Joe shook his head in imitation of his brother.<\/p>\n

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Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Ben smiled as he hid the painting of the clipper ship behind the credenza. \u201cThere\u2019s Stephen now,\u201d he said. He straightened his bandanna and then opened the door. \u201cStephen!\u201d he said. \u201cNice to see you. Come on in.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Stephen Hawkins entered the room. \u201cThank you Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cNice to see you too.\u201d He held out his hands to Marie. \u201cAnd your lovely wife of course. How are you Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m fine thank you,\u201d she replied, smiling at the man. \u201cPlease \u2026 come and be seated.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou know our two youngest boys of course,\u201d said Ben, indicating Hoss and Little Joe. \u201cSay hello to Mr Hawkins boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHello Mr Hawkins,\u201d said Hoss dutifully.<\/p>\n

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\u201cLo Mis H\u2019kin,\u201d repeated Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHello boys,\u201d said Stephen Hawkins. His eyes immediately fixated on the painting over Ben\u2019s desk. \u201cWell I see you have my painting down here,\u201d he said with a huge smile. \u201cI\u2019m glad you like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben cleared his throat, ignoring the look that Marie gave him. \u201cOh we like it just fine,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Marie smiled in her gracious way. \u201cWe think its \u2026 most interesting,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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Stephen\u2019s smile broadened. \u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s a shame to have it over there?\u201d he said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you put it out here in the living area where you can get a better view of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben opened his mouth to speak, but Marie got in first. \u201cOh Ben just loves looking at it while he\u2019s working over there in his study,\u201d she said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t dare deprive him of it in his special area.\u201d She gave her husband a smug look.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNonsense,\u201d said Stephen, standing up and walking over to the study. \u201cThat\u2019s not the Ben Cartwright I know. Such a generous man as yourself should be glad to share this with everyone in your family Ben.\u201d He reached up and took it off the wall, handing it to Ben. \u201cHere \u2026 why don\u2019t you put it over the credenza in the entry?\u00a0 That way everyone can see it as they come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat a good idea,\u201d said Ben half-heartedly, avoiding the look that his wife was giving him.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou can take down that disturbing landscape,\u201d said Stephen brightly. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit sombre, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Marie\u2019s eyes went steely green and she clenched her fists. \u201cMa picked that one out,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cShe ordered it from San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe quite like it,\u201d said Marie stiffly.<\/p>\n

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Stephen shrugged, not looking the least bit embarrassed. \u201cWell, each to his own taste,\u201d he said. \u201cThere \u2026 now doesn\u2019t that look better?\u201d He beamed around at them all as Ben hung the Indian painting on the wall over the credenza.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe stepped forward, his finger in his nose as he stared up at the painting. \u201cPapa say ugwy,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

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Stephen laughed. \u201cWhat did you say little man?\u201d he asked, his eyes twinkling at the small boy.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe took his finger out of his nose and repeated again in a louder voice. \u201cPapa say ugwy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Marie went slightly red and picked up her child. \u201cI have to see to something in the kitchen,\u201d she said and whisked Joe away before he could say anything else.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat was that the little one said?\u201d Stephen asked Ben.<\/p>\n

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Ben cleared his throat. \u201cOh, you know how children are,\u201d he said weakly. \u201cJust some baby talk is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe said \u2026.\u201d Hoss piped up, but Ben silenced him before he could finish.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t you have chores to do young man?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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Hoss shrugged and headed for the door. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave Stephen an apologetic look. \u201cBoys,\u201d he said, shaking his head. \u201cWhat do you do with them, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

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1847<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Ben opened his eyes as he heard a scream coming from down the hallway. He wearily put his feet onto the floor and reached for his robe as he gave a loud yawn. He did up his robe with one hand while opening his pocket-watch with the other. Three o\u2019clock! What on earth \u2026.<\/p>\n

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He rubbed his eyes wearily as he made his way down the hallway to what he thought would be the source of the noise. Sure enough, as soon as he opened his youngest son\u2019s bedroom door, the screaming increased and he saw the little boy hunched over as he sat in the middle of his bed. His face was tightly pressed against his knees as he hugged them towards his chest and even from a distance, Ben could se that the little body was trembling.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d he asked as he lit the lamp and sat down on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe looked up at his father, his tear-streaked face looking woeful in the lamplight. \u201cMake the bad man go away Pa!\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

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Ben reached for his son and put him on his lap, holding him close. He could feel his little heart thumping against his own chest and tried to still the trembling of the small body against his. \u201cDid you have a bad dream?\u201d he asked softly as he rested his head on top of Joe\u2019s curly one.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUh huh,\u201d whimpered Joe, putting his thumb into his mouth and sucking on it furiously.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you want to tell Pa about it?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe nodded. \u201cUh huh,\u201d he said again. \u201cThe bad man was chasing me Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled in the semi-darkness. \u201cWell there\u2019s no need to be afraid now,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s gone away and Pa\u2019s here to look after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe sat up straight and looked at his father. \u201cNuh uh!\u201d he declared. \u201cHe ain\u2019t gone away.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben smoothed down the child\u2019s curls. \u201cYes he has,\u201d he said gently. \u201cIt was only a dream Little Joe. He can\u2019t hurt you. He isn\u2019t real.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes he is,\u201d declared Joe, pointing at the painting of the Indian on the wall facing his bed. \u201cHe\u2019s over there!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben looked and cursed himself for hanging the painting up there. It was just that he had been tired of Adam and Hoss\u2019 complaints about having it downstairs. \u201cPa will take him away. Would you like that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUh huh,\u201d replied Joe, still sucking on his thumb. \u201cTake him a long ways away Pa,\u201d he said earnestly. \u201cHe\u2019s a bad man.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben lay the child down in his bed and smoothed the curls again. \u201cNow you go back to sleep,\u201d he said as he turned the lamp down. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you worry about it anymore.\u201d He walked over and took down the painting of the Indian and carried it out to the hall with him.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDid he have another nightmare?\u201d asked Adam from his doorway.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d replied his father. \u201cIt seems that this painting was giving him bad dreams. He\u2019s all right now though.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m not surprised,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough to give anyone bad dreams. I don\u2019t know why you put it there in the first place Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI got sick of you and Hoss whinging about it being downstairs,\u201d replied his father. \u201cIt has to go somewhere. Besides, how was I to know that it would give the child nightmares?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell don\u2019t put it in my room,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019m not having it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll put it in the downstairs guest room,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cAt least it might be appreciated down there by some of our guests,\u201d he added huffily.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd we won\u2019t have to look at it,\u201d grinned Adam. \u201cAdmit it Pa, you don\u2019t like it any more than the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat isn\u2019t true,\u201d said Ben, sounding huffy. \u201cNow go back to bed before you freeze to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam grinned at his father again and walked into his bedroom. Ben looked at the painting in his hand. \u201cChief Winnemucca is a fine man,\u201d he muttered. \u201cHe can\u2019t help his looks.\u201d<\/p>\n

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1850<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you for coming out in such bad weather Paul,\u201d said Ben as the two men walked down the stairs together.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNo problem Ben,\u201d replied the doctor. \u201cHe\u2019s breathing a lot easier now, but I\u2019m glad that you called for me. This influenza is taking hold of a lot of people in the district and it\u2019s particularly difficult for children.\u201d He put his hand on Ben\u2019s arm as they reached the bottom of the stairs. \u201cJoe will be fine, I\u2019m sure and Hoss is doing a lot better now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he replied. \u201cPlease make use of our guest room Paul. It\u2019s really too late for you to return to town tonight and the weather being what it is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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Paul smiled. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cI wasn\u2019t looking forward to the trip, I can assure you. Besides, I can check on the boy before I leave in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben showed the doctor towards the guest room. \u201cYou wash up and I\u2019ll see Hop Sing about getting some supper. One thing about having both the boys in bed with this influenza is that I\u2019ve been eating a lot by myself lately. I\u2019ll certainly enjoy your company tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cHow is Adam going?\u201d asked Paul as Ben opened the door and showed him inside. \u201cHave you heard from him lately?\u201d He stopped and stared at the painting of the Indian on the opposite wall.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s doing fine,\u201d said Ben, noticing the slight frown that passed over the doctor\u2019s face as he looked at the picture. \u201cEnjoying college immensely.\u201d Paul nodded, dragging his eyes away form the painting. \u201cI\u2019ll get some hot water for you,\u201d said Ben quickly and disappeared. Paul walked over to get a better look at the painting and was still staring at it some minutes later when Ben reappeared carrying a pitcher of hot water. \u201cHere we are,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHop Sing will have supper on the table in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cUnusual painting,\u201d remarked Paul as he rolled up his sleeves. \u201cWho did it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cStephen Hawkins,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBefore he went back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Paul nodded. \u201cI see,\u201d he said and began to wash his hands. \u201cIt\u2019s different, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben glanced at his friend. \u201cYes, it certainly is,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t say that it\u2019s one of my favourites,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Paul breathed a sigh of relief. \u201cOh thank goodness,\u201d he said. \u201cI wasn\u2019t really sure how to put it \u2026 but \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou thought I liked it,\u201d Ben finished for him.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, yes,\u201d said the doctor as he picked up a towel. \u201cI mean, a man usually puts a painting on a wall in his house because he likes it; doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cI suppose so,\u201d sighed Ben. \u201cBut the truth is that I\u2019ve never known where to put it. I thought that here in the guest room it would be \u2026 well \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnnoticed?\u201d said Paul with a chuckle. \u201cHow many people have you had to stay here at The Ponderosa over the past few years Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben shrugged. \u201cQuite a few,\u201d he said. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cWell have you stopped to consider that every time someone sleeps in this room, they think that this is your taste in art?\u201d Paul indicated the painting with a flourish of his hand. \u201cOnly they\u2019d be too polite to mention it of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cI never thought of that,\u201d admitted Ben, staring at the painting and shuddering slightly as the Indian stared back at him. \u201cTo be honest, I don\u2019t know why I even bother to have it hung up now that Stephen has gone back East. He\u2019d never know if I had it hidden away.\u201d He strode over the painting. \u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI\u2019m not having all my acquaintances talking about my bad taste behind my back. This painting goes up to the attic tonight … and there it stays!\u201d He laughed. \u201cMarie always hated it, you know \u2026. and it used to give Little Joe nightmares a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben walked out of the guest room holding the painting and propped it up against the wall just as Hop Sing put a platter of vegetables on the table. \u201cWhat for you do with painting?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m taking it out of the guest room,\u201d said Ben firmly. He stopped for a minute and stared at Hop Sing hopefully. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t like \u2026 I mean \u2026 would you like to have it up in your room Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing gave him a dark look and muttered in Chinese as he shook his head. He stomped out of the room still muttering and for once, Ben didn\u2019t have to wonder what he was saying \u2026 he could well imagine.<\/p>\n

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1853<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWelcome home son,\u201d said Ben, opening the door to Adam\u2019s bedroom and ushering him inside. \u201cHop Sing has aired your room just yesterday and it\u2019s just as you left it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam grinned as he put his bag down and looked around. \u201cI can\u2019t believe that I finally made it,\u201d he said. \u201cThree years at college and it seems like a lifetime since I\u2019ve been gone.\u201d He walked over to the window and looked down onto the front yard and beyond the barn to Lake Tahoe, which was shimmering in the distance.<\/p>\n

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\u201cCan we open our presents now?\u201d asked Joe, climbing up onto his brother\u2019s bed and bouncing on it several times.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat makes you think that I\u2019ve brought you presents?\u201d asked Adam teasingly.<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s face dropped for a moment and then he grinned. \u201cCause you said you was in one of your letters,\u201d he said. \u201cWhere are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cJoseph!\u201d said his father sternly. \u201cThat\u2019s not very polite.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy do we haveta be polite?\u201d Joe asked his father. \u201cIts just Adam, not company.\u201d He began to rummage in his brother\u2019s bag expectantly.<\/p>\n

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Adam snatched the bag from his little brother. \u201cGet out of there,\u201d he said. He took out two small parcels and held out one to Joe and one to Hoss. \u201cHere,\u201d he said. \u201cJust something small. The rest of my presents are in my trunk, so you\u2019ll have to wait until that arrives next month.\u201d He turned to his father. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, but I couldn\u2019t fit in \u2026\u201d His eyes nearly popped out of his head as he suddenly realised what was on the wall behind his father. \u201cWhat the h \u2026 I mean, what is that doing here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave his son a broad grin and put his arms around his shoulder as they both gazed at the Indian painting on the wall. \u201cWe got it down from the attic, dusted it off and put it up here as a surprise for you,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen you wrote about Stephen Hawkins and his success with his paintings back East, I thought I should put it out on display again. After all, it\u2019s not everyone who can boast a Hawkins original painting in their home.\u201d He hugged Adam around the shoulder. \u201cWe talked it over and we thought that you\u2019d be the obvious one to enjoy it, seeing as how you\u2019ve been back East among all the finer things in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cYeah Adam,\u201d said Hoss as he held up a belt buckle. \u201cThanks for the buckle \u2026 it\u2019s a beauty. We figured that you\u2019d appreciate the painting more than any of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d replied Adam vaguely as he continued to stare at the Indian. \u201cBut that\u2019s not really fair,\u201d he added feebly. \u201cI mean, just because Stephen Hawkins is doing well with his paintings back East doesn\u2019t mean that I should \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cGee \u2026. thanks for the model ship Adam! It\u2019s great!\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cI still reckon that Indian painting is right ugly, but Pa says its art now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d replied Adam, still staring at the painting. \u201cIt is,\u201d he added. \u201cHawkins\u2019 paintings are considered very fine art back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m glad that he\u2019s done so well,\u201d said his father. \u201cAnd now you can enjoy it every day. It\u2019s so good to have you home again son.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cGood to be here Pa,\u201d said Adam, finally dragging his eyes away from the painting and trying to look grateful. \u201cGood to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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1857<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cBut I can\u2019t stand it no more Pa!\u201d objected Hoss earnestly. \u201cHonest I can\u2019t! That Indian painting plumb turns my stomach!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re lucky to have it,\u201d said Adam huffily. \u201cI had it in my room for years and I appreciated it. Now it\u2019s your turn brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cStill don\u2019t see why I hadta get it when you\u2019d finished with it,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI didn\u2019t finish with it<\/em>, as you so eloquently put it,\u201d said Adam in that superior way he had of speaking at times. \u201cI just didn\u2019t have room for it in my bedroom any more. All those beautiful paintings I\u2019ve been collecting on my trips to San Francisco had to go somewhere, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss gave his brother a dark look. \u201cI reckon you done bought all them paintings just so you\u2019d have no room fer that darned Indian!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Adam looked shocked. \u201cHoss!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat a thing to say! You know that I appreciate all art. Why, that Indian painting is just \u2026 \u201c he swallowed as he tried to think of just the right word, but failed. \u201cIt should be doing you good looking at such fine art every day,\u201d he finally said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Hoss didn\u2019t look convinced. \u201cWell fine art or not, I still can\u2019t stand it. Please Pa? I\u2019ve had it on my wall fer two years. Can\u2019t Joe have a turn now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe nearly choked on a mouthful of his breakfast. \u201cNot me!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI had my turn with that thing when I was little. It damned near \u2026\u201d He stopped and glanced at his father who was frowning at him. \u201cI mean \u2026. It used ta give me nightmares. I remember!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cEverything used to give you nightmares,\u201d muttered Adam. \u201cWe were forever going into your room to shut you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe shot his brother a dark look and kicked out at him under the table. \u201cNow that will do!\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of hearing about that painting! It is a wonderful piece of artwork and that\u2019s all there to it. We should count ourselves lucky that we have it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cI totally agree,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThen you have it in your room,\u201d said Hoss quickly.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHaven\u2019t we just been through all that?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cI told you \u2026 there isn\u2019t any room for it. I have every wall covered with something else.\u201d He hesitated as he thought of how long it had taken him to save the money to get all the artwork just so that he had an excuse to get rid of the Indian painting from his wall. \u201cI\u2019d gladly have it in my room if there was room,\u201d he added. \u201cI appreciate art.\u201d He gave everyone around the table a smug look.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t reckon you like it any more that the rest of us,\u201d interjected Joe. \u201cI think you\u2019re just pretending to because you think its art.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell I don\u2019t really care what \u2026\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

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Ben put up his hand. \u201cAll right, all right, he said. \u201cYou can put it down in the guest room again Hoss. At least our guests will know that we have a Hawkins painting in the house and they might appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss stood up and wiped his face with his napkin. \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll take it down straight away.\u201d He moved away from the table quickly and Joe reached over and took a bread roll that was sitting on the side of it.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHoss must really hate that painting,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen him leave food for nothing before.\u201d He buttered the bread roll happily while his father glared at him. Joe grinned back at Ben as he popped half of the bread roll into his mouth.<\/p>\n

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1860<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Joe kicked Hoss under the table. \u201cHey Hoss!\u201d he whispered, pointing to the wall behind the saloon bar. \u201cDo ya see what I see?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss looked. \u201cHuh?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cThe painting!\u201d hissed Joe. \u201cLook! It\u2019s our Indian painting on the wall behind the bar!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss looked confused. \u201cHey, so it is!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s it doin here Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u201cI dunno, but I aim ta find out,\u201d he said, standing up and gesturing to Hoss to follow him. He walked over to the bar and leant on it. \u201cHey Sam!\u201d he called. \u201cWhere\u2019d ya get the new painting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Sam the bartender grinned at them. \u201cI got it from some guy over in Carson City,\u201d he said proudly. \u201cIt\u2019s a genuine Hawkins ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cYeah we know,\u201d said Joe, his eyes narrowing. \u201cWhat guy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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Sam shrugged. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said. \u201cSome guy who was passing through. Said he knew Stephen Hawkins way back and got it from him. Cost me quite a bit too.\u201d He looked at the painting. \u201cIt\u2019s right fine, don\u2019t ya think?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss gave him a strange look. \u201cYou really like it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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Sam nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s worth a lot of money Hoss. Course I like it. I know expensive art when I see it and this is right expensive so it must be good.\u201d He moved down the bar to serve another customer and Hoss nudged Joe who was staring at the painting and seemingly lost in thought.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat do ya reckon Joe?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cHow do ya reckon our painting got here?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s obvious,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWhoever this guy in Carson City was \u2026 he musta stolen it from our place.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cStrange that no one noticed,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHow do ya figure that Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe gave his brother a frustrated look. \u201cWell Pa has it in the downstairs guestroom don\u2019t he?\u201d he said. \u201cNow how often do any of us go in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNot often,\u201d admitted Hoss. \u201cIn fact, now that I think about it, hardly ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWhich is exactly why Pa has it down there \u2026 So we don\u2019t haveta look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss took of his hat and scratched his head. \u201cThat still don\u2019t explain how this fellar from Carson City happened ta get hold of it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe pulled his brother closer by the collar of his shirt. \u201cHoss \u2026. where is the downstairs guest room?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

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Hoss thought for a moment. \u201cDownstairs?\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

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Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cWell of course it\u2019s downstairs,\u201d he said. \u201cBut where downstairs? Think Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss thought and then shrugged his shoulders. \u201cGee, I dunno Joe,\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s right at the front of the house near the front yard,\u201d said Joe. \u201cIf Hop Sing was in the kitchen and all of us were out at work, then this guy could have just walked in and helped himself to it without any of us being the wiser.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss scratched his head again. \u201cYeah \u2026. but why would he wanna do that Joe? I mean \u2026. well, look at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at it and shuddered slightly. \u201cI know what you mean,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it\u2019s worth a lot of money Hoss. You heard Sam say so just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded wisely. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cI reckon you\u2019re right Joe. So what are we gonna do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said. I haveta think on it a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHey Joe,\u201d said Hoss suddenly. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just leave it be? After all, none of us really like the painting \u2026. and Sam does \u2026 and he paid a lot of money fer it and all. Why don\u2019t we just let him have it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe looked frustrated. \u201cWe can\u2019t do that!\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s worth a lot of money Hoss. Sides \u2026 it ain\u2019t ours ta give him. It\u2019s Pa\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded again. \u201cYeah,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHey Sam!\u201d called out Joe suddenly. \u201cHow much did ya say ya paid for this here painting?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI didn\u2019t say,\u201d replied the bartender. \u201cBut if you must know, it was two hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe whistled. \u201cTwo hundred dollars!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Sam nodded. \u201cAnd worth every cent,\u201d he said smugly.<\/p>\n

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Joe nudged Hoss. \u201cGive him two hundred dollars,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Hoss\u2019 eyes boggled. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. \u201cI ain\u2019t got two hundred dollars Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou got the money Pa gave us fer paying the feed bill, haven\u2019t ya?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen give it to Sam fer the painting,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Sam put up his hand. \u201cNow hold on there fellars,\u201d he said. \u201cThis here painting ain\u2019t fer sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe beckoned Sam closer. \u201cTake the money Sam,\u201d he said. \u201cWe don\u2019t wanna embarrass ya, but the painting actually belongs ta us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Now it was Sam\u2019s turn for his eyes to boggle out. \u201cTo you!\u201d he said. \u201cHow do ya figure that Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cThis fellar from Carson City who you bought it from musta stole it from our ranch,\u201d said Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s rightfully ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cNow you see here,\u201d he began. \u201cI bought that painting fair and square and that\u2019s that young Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled the man close by the collar. \u201cNow listen here Sam,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam shook himself loose. \u201cDon\u2019t you listen here<\/em> me you young Cartwright,\u201d he said. \u201cGet on out of my bar this minute!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss leant forward. \u201cNow see here Sam,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Sam. \u201cBoth of you get out!\u201d He leant over the bar and hit Hoss on the side of the face. Hoss looked stunned for a moment and then he shrugged at Joe. Joe shrugged back at him and then took off his hat \u2026..<\/p>\n

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Ben paced up and down in front of the fireplace, his fists clenched and his breathing heavy as Joe and Hoss both stood with their hands behind their backs watching him. Adam sat on the sofa with a smirk on his face, ready to enjoy the scene that was about to unfold in front of him. The moment his two younger brothers had presented themselves at the front door with all those bruises on their faces he knew that his father would be in a foul mood and those two would bear the brunt of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, tell me again,\u201d said Ben in a measured tone. \u201cYou say that it all started over the Indian painting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d said Joe, bringing it out from behind his back and showing it to his father. \u201cAnd you should be right proud that we got it back for you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a steely look that made Joe take a step backwards and put the painting behind his back again. \u201cProud is not exactly the word I\u2019d use at the moment,\u201d said his father in a flinty tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d began Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and pointed his finger at him. \u201cYou be quiet,\u201d he said. \u201cYour younger brother was explaining this \u2026. Go on Joseph.\u201d He sat down on the arm of the blue chair and crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cPlease continue,\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss and then swallowed. \u201cWell, when we saw the painting there we offered Sam two hundred dollars for it \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou what?\u201d thundered Ben.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at Hoss again. \u201cGo on little brother,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cSpeak right up and tell Pa why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u201cWell \u2026\u201d he began. \u201cI \u2026 that is \u2026 we \u2026. knew that you wouldn\u2019t want Sam to be out of pocket Pa. Not fer something that weren\u2019t his fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand to stop him. \u201cLet me see if I have this right,\u201d he said. \u201cYou offered Sam two hundred dollars for a painting that I already own?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cOn account of that guy what sold it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cThe man who sold him my<\/em> Indian painting?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben, motioning to his eldest son. \u201cIf you please.\u201d Adam grinned and got up, going into the guest room and coming out with the Indian painting in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss looked at it in amazement. \u201cBut \u2026 how \u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes bulged as he took the Indian painting out from behind his back. \u201cHow \u2026\u201d he looked at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid it never occur to you that the man from Carson City might have been telling the truth?\u201d asked Ben sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowly shook his head, looked at the Indian painting in his brother\u2019s hands and then at the one in his own hands. \u201cNice going little brother,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean there are two<\/em> of them?\u201d asked Joe in amazement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly right little brother,\u201d said Adam, putting the first Indian painting down and leaning it against the wall. \u201cStephen Hawkins obviously painted two of the same subject. Next time you might check these things before you jump to conclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut how \u2026 I mean \u2026.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cHow was we to know that?\u201d he demanded defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t,\u201d said his father. \u201cNone of us did until now. But instead of checking that our painting was here first, you jumped in and got yourselves into a fight, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss started it,\u201d said Joe defensively. \u201cHe threw the first punch. I only got involved to protect him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss snorted and gave his younger brother a dark look. \u201cThe day I need you ta protect me little brother will be a cold day in hell,\u201d he said. \u201cBesides, I didn\u2019t start it \u2026. Sam did.\u201d He fingered the bruise on the side of his face ruefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t much care who started it,\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cYou two will march yourselves back into town this instant and apologise to Sam and give him back his painting \u2026 is that clear?\u201d He looked from Joe to Hoss and then back again. \u201cAnd be mighty thankful that he let you bring the picture home without handing over that two hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss and then back to his father again. \u201cWell, not exactly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWhat do you mean not exactly<\/em>?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe kinda had ta pay him the two hundred dollars for it in the end,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI see. Well, take it back and just pray that he gives the money back to you. Otherwise it\u2019ll be coming out of both your pays \u2026 and be thankful that it was only two hundred dollars you\u2019ll be up for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss and then back to his father yet again. \u201cWell, not exactly,\u201d he said again. Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed and he continued to stare at his youngest son. \u201cWe kinda broke up a bunch of chairs and a couple of tables,\u201d admitted Joe. \u201cAnd some drinks,\u201d he added when his father said nothing. \u201cWell a lot of drinks actually,\u201d he finished lamely. \u201cWe owe him another two hundred dollars on top of the first two hundred dollars we gave him for the painting.\u201d He took a step back as his father pinched his nose between his fingers and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo,\u201d Ben said. \u201cGet out of my sight right now.\u201d He looked up as Joe pulled Hoss towards the door. \u201cOh \u2026 and Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and looked at his father apprehensively. \u201cYeah Pa?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would hate any of our visitors to make the same mistake that you did son. Anyone who stays in our guest room from now on could assume that we took the Indian painting from the saloon, so from now on it belongs in your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mouth dropped open and he took a step forward. \u201cBut that ain\u2019t \u2026\u201d He dropped his head as his father continued to stare at him. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cCome on Hoss.\u201d The two of them left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam picked up the Indian painting and looked at it. \u201cYou want me to put it in Joe\u2019s room now Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cI would hate anyone to see it and be reminded of that boy\u2019s stupidity. The whole of Virginia City will know about this before the week is out. Looking at that painting every day might just be a reminder to him to stop and think before he acts in future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam pulled a face. \u201cI think it might take more than this painting to achieve that,\u201d he said as he walked up the stairs with the painting in his hand.<\/p>\n

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1863<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cBut it just ain\u2019t fair!\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve had it in my bedroom for close on three years! I\u2019ve done learned my lesson from it now Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cThat is debatable Joseph,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be grateful to have it,\u201d interrupted Adam. \u201cThere are a lot of people who would like to have an expensive painting like that in their bedroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d replied Joe. \u201cWell I ain\u2019t one of em. Please Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, it has to go somewhere,\u201d replied Ben wearily. \u201cAnd to tell you the truth I\u2019ve just about run out of places to put it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could put it back in Adam\u2019s room seeing as how he\u2019s so keen on it,\u201d suggested Joe quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shot his younger brother a dark look. \u201cAnd what about all the fine art work I already have on my walls?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll swap you fer one of em,\u201d suggested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cYou keep your grubby hands off my art,\u201d said Adam and went back to reading his book.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cWell what about Hoss\u2019 room? All he\u2019s got up in there is some Indian spears and his mother\u2019s picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked shocked. \u201cYa ain\u2019t suggesting that I take down my Ma\u2019s picture I hope!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe quickly. \u201cBut the Indian painting would look right nice next to them spears Hoss. They\u2019d fit together real well \u2026 you must admit that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cThere\u2019s no room,\u201d sniffed Hoss. \u201cThem spears take up the whole wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s opportune,\u201d said Adam in a low voice as he turned a page.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up. \u201cI said that there\u2019s no opportunity<\/em> to put it up in there,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe got up and started pacing up and down in front of the fireplace. \u201cWell someone else has to have it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gives me the creeps! How would any of you like it staring down at you every night?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cIt did used ta give him nightmares when he was a little\u2019un Pa,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cYes it did,\u201d he said eagerly. \u201cI remember that. It could make me start having them again.\u201d He looked at his father hopefully, but Ben merely went on smoking his pipe. \u201cCome to think of it, I haven\u2019t been sleeping too well lately,\u201d added Joe for effect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben took his pipe out of his mouth. \u201cYou\u2019re too old for nightmares now,\u201d he said calmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d said Joe meaningfully. \u201cI could start having them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a threat?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took his pipe out of his mouth again. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, putting up his hands in a gesture of defeat. \u201cI give in. Put it in my room Joe. At least it will be appreciated there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clapped his hands in glee. \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d he said, springing towards the stairs. \u201cI\u2019ll do it right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Adam asked Ben as his younger brother bounded up the stairs two at a time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d said Ben, putting his pipe back in his mouth. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t bother me in the slightest.\u201d<\/p>\n

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1866<\/em><\/strong>*<\/p>\n

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It had been a long, long day and Ben was bone weary. He rode into the front yard and dismounted, walking towards the front porch slowly. All he wanted was to sink down under the covers and close his eyes \u2026. A girl\u2019s high-pitched giggle make him look up and he noticed Joe and Peggy Miller sitting on the front porch together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa,\u201d called Joe, grinning at his father. \u201cYou\u2019re home early.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Peggy. \u201cHello Peggy,\u201d he said politely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cDid the meeting break up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s still going on,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cBut I got tired. I\u2019m bone tired. Do me a favour will you? Put up my horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah sure,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHave a rest. Be back in a minute,\u201d he aid to Peggy. \u201cI\u2019ve got a great one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Mr Cartwright?\u201d said Peggy as Ben walked towards the door. \u201cIs my father still at the meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s still there,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHe\u2019ll be along after a while. Don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peggy gave him a huge smile. \u201cOh I\u2019m not worried,\u201d she replied. \u201cLittle Joe and I are having a wonderful time! He tells the best jokes I\u2019ve ever heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at the young girl. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cGood night Peggy.\u201d He walked into the house and saw Adam sitting in the living room strumming on his guitar. Ben wearily took off his gun-belt. \u201cAdam,\u201d he said, nodding to his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, hi Pa,\u201d said Adam, continuing to strum on his guitar. \u201cHow did the meeting go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cOh, all right I guess,\u201d said Ben, stifling a yawn. \u201cI left early.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Ben shook his head and stifled yet another yawn. \u201cNo \u2026 no \u2026. just tired I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s no wonder, the way you\u2019ve been driving yourself lately,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u201cSoon as I get some sleep I should be all right I think,\u201d he said. \u201cI think I\u2019ll hit the hay right now. Goodnight.\u201d He walked slowly up the stairs, feeling each one harder to climb than the one before. As he passed Hoss\u2019 bedroom he heard his middle son snoring loudly and he stopped momentarily to listen. In a resigned fashion, he entered the room and with a bit of difficulty, turned Hoss onto his side in the bed. \u201cCome on boy,\u201d he said softly. \u201cOn your side.\u201d Hoss snuffled a couple of times and was then silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben undressed and got into bed, feeling the softness of the mattress with a great deal of joy. He sighed as he snuggled down under the covers and closed his eyes \u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly he heard Hoss snoring again from the next room. Ben opened his eyes and stared straight at the Indian painting on the opposite wall as he listened. Funny how that painting had never really bothered him before, but tonight it seemed to be looking straight at him. Hoss\u2019 snoring became louder and Ben could also now hear the strains of Adam\u2019s guitar from downstairs. He closed his eyes again, but couldn\u2019t seem to stop listening and opened them to see the Indian staring straight down at him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly there was the sound of the dinner gong from downstairs and a girl\u2019s high-pitched scream. Joseph! <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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Ben sat up in bed and stared back at the Indian on the wall. He got up and put on his robe and boots and walked towards the door. As he looked back over his shoulder, he could have sworn that the Indian\u2019s eyes had followed him and he shuddered. No wonder Joe had said that the painting had given him nightmares! There was something about it \u2026. Ben shook his head. It was just because he was so tired, he reasoned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben went into Hoss\u2019 room and turned his son over onto his side again, but before he had even left the room Hoss had rolled back onto his back and had begun snoring again. Ben turned back into the bedroom wearily and began to shake Hoss. \u201cHoss! Hoss!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grunted and opened his eyes. \u201cWhat \u2026 what\u2019s the matter?\u201d he asked sleepily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould you mange to sleep a little more quietly?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Hoss blinked a couple of times. \u201cWhat was I doing?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u201cYou were snoring,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Hoss gave a chuckle. \u201cAw Pa \u2026 I don\u2019t snore!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cWhatever it was you were doing then, will you please stop it?\u201d Hoss nodded and Ben left the room and headed down the hallway, stopping at the top of the stairs. \u201cAdam!\u201d Adam stopped playing his guitar and looked around the side of the blue chair on which he was sitting. \u201cIf you have to play that \u2026 that thing, keep it down please,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put down the guitar. \u201cOh \u2026 sorry Pa,\u201d he said and picked up a book instead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and went back down the hallway towards his bedroom, glancing at the Indian painting as he walked over to the window. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he shouted loudly as the dinner gong sounded again, accompanied by Peggy\u2019s screaming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father\u2019s bedroom window, a big fat frog in his hand which he had been scaring Peggy with. \u201cHey \u2026 did you call me Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned down at his youngest son as he rested his hands on the windowsill. \u201cIf you have to tell stories at this time of night, tell some quiet ones!\u201d he yelled sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The frog in Joe\u2019s hand croaked and Joe looked at it. \u201cShh,\u201d he said to it. \u201cPa\u2019s trying to sleep.\u201d He grinned up at his father again. \u201cWe\u2019ll be quiet Pa,\u201d he shouted and then made a face at Peggy. \u201cI think we\u2019d better play checkers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and took off his robe and boots, trying to ignore the feeling that the Indian in the painting was still watching him. He got into bed and snuggled down again, but the silence around him seemed to weigh heavily on him and he lay in the bed without closing his eyes. He suddenly felt very guilty that he had yelled at his sons as he had and \u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked over at the Indian painting on the wall and shuddered. For a moment he could have sworn that he saw it\u2019s eyes move. He frowned. Don\u2019t be stupid<\/em>, he thought to himself. You\u2019re reacting like a child, Ben Cartwright. <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes again, but try as he might he couldn\u2019t shut out the Indian\u2019s face. He opened them again to see the piercing eyes glaring at him through the dim light and he sat up in his bed. He leant to one side and found that the Indian\u2019s eyes followed him and the back to the other side \u2026. Only to see the eyes looking at him from that angle as well. Ben shuddered and got out of bed. He walked to the window and back again, the Indian\u2019s eyes upon him all the while. After a few moments he shook his head and began to get dressed again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

0000000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben entered town, he heard quite a bit of noise coming from the saloon and wondered momentarily if he would have been better off staying at the ranch after all?\u00a0 His guilty conscience and that blasted Indian painting had driven him away though and now that he was here he had better make the best of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Getting to the hotel was easier said than done, however. By the time he\u2019d sidestepped an altercation with a drunk and greeted Roy Coffee who was doing his rounds, not to mention avoiding the widow Jenkins who had her eye on him, he was ready to sink down into the first bed that he could find. The desk clerk hadn\u2019t been terribly helpful either, and had merely told him to get rid of the drunk that he\u2019d found blissfully sleeping it off in his bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and began to take off his boots, he thought he might be seeing things when he glanced up and caught sight of the Indian painting staring down at him from the wall. Ben shook his head and rubbed his eyes for a minute before looking at the wall again. Sure enough, there was the stern-looking Indian staring at him still. He blinked several times. Hadn\u2019t he left that darned thing at home? How on earth had it managed to follow him here into the hotel?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a weary sigh, Ben put his boots back on and walked downstairs. \u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said to the desk clerk. \u201cThere is a painting of an Indian on the wall in my room?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said the clerk, looking at Ben expectantly. When Ben said nothing, he added. \u201cAnd your point is sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is it there?\u201d asked Ben with a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked confused. \u201cWhy is it there sir?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he replied. \u201cWhy my room of all rooms? Why does it have to be on my wall?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked even more confused. \u201cI don\u2019t understand sir. Do you have an objection to the painting being on that wall?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded again. \u201cYes,\u201d he replied. \u201cYou could say that. Can you have it removed please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked shocked. \u201cBut sir!\u201d he said. \u201cThat is a very valuable painting. The owner of this establishment bought it from the bartender across the room for a very large sum of money when he realised how famous it was. It\u2019s a genuine \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a genuine Hawkins.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk nodded. \u201cYes sir,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t remove it without the owner\u2019s permission.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leant on the counter and got closer to the clerk. \u201cWell then get the owner\u2019s permission,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk shook his head. \u201cAt this hour?\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry sir, but I can\u2019t disturb him until morning. I\u2019ll have it removed for you first thing tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m only staying one night!\u201d spluttered Ben. He sighed. \u201cOh never mind \u2026 forget it. I can see that Chief Winnemucca and I are destined to spend the night together, whatever I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked shocked. \u201cSir?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved his hand at the man. \u201cNever mind,\u201d he said wearily. He climbed the stairs slowly and headed back to his room. He sat down on the bed and looked at the painting and then got up again. He walked over to the painting and turned it to face the wall. \u201cWell I might have to spend the night with you,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cBut I certainly don\u2019t have to have you looking at me.\u201d He sat down again and wearily began to take off his boots once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

0000000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

1867<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come we\u2019re all going this year Pa?\u201d asked Hoss as he rode alongside his father. \u201cYou usually just take one of us on your annual trip ta see the Paiutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought it would be a good opportunity for all you boys to learn some of the Indian ways,\u201d said his father. \u201cNone of us really appreciate our neighbours as well as we should.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe chief is sure gonna like them two steers you got fer him this year Pa,\u201d said Hoss, looking over his shoulder at the two large steers that Adam and Joe were driving behind them. \u201cAnd that tobacco too, sure enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u201cI wonder if he\u2019ll have another wife fer you like he did last time Pa?\u201d he said.**<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shot a dark look over his shoulder at his youngest son. \u201cYou be quiet,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to even think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father. \u201cI still don\u2019t understand why you\u2019re giving the chief that painting,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are other ways to get rid of it Pa. It\u2019d fetch quite a bit of money if you sold it you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not getting rid of it!\u201d declared Ben huffily. \u201cIt just stands to reason that it should go to the person who is the subject of it. It\u2019s a fine study of Chief Winnemucca and he\u2019ll be proud to own it. Besides,\u201d he added, looking over his shoulder at Adam. \u201cI would never sell it. It has great sentimental value and not everything can be measured in financial terms son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cIf you say so Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d piped in Joe. \u201cBesides, who\u2019d buy it anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand for silence as they approached the Paiute camp. They stopped in the middle of a clearing and waited until several Paiute braves rode out from behind the trees to meet them. Ben put up his hand in greeting. \u201cBen Cartwright and his sons brings greetings and gifts to Chief Winnemucca,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the braves nodded and gestured for them to ride on. \u201cChief Winnemucca welcomes you to our camp,\u201d he said. Ben urged his horse forward in the direction to which the braves had pointed, followed by first Hoss, then Joe and Adam bringing up the rear with the two steers. They rode on for several minutes until they spied the Paiute camp in the next clearing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me do the talking boys,\u201d said Ben. He stopped his horse beside a weathered old Indian who was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, watching them as they came into camp. \u201cGreetings,\u201d said Ben, holding up his hand to the chief. \u201cMy sons and I bring you gifts Chief Winnemucca, as a sign of our friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The chief nodded and uncrossed his arms. \u201cYou and your sons are welcome Ben Cartwright,\u201d he said, gesturing to the campfire. \u201cI also give you greetings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben dismounted, as did his three sons. \u201cThese steers are for your tribe,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope that they will provide many meals through the winter for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chief Winnemucca walked over to inspect the animals. \u201cDon\u2019t he look just like his picture!\u201d Joe whispered to Hoss as he stared at the chief. \u201cReal ugly.\u201d Hoss motioned for him to be quiet and glared at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI give you thanks,\u201d said the chief, indicating that they should sit down near the fire. \u201cI too have gifts for you.\u201d He clapped his hands and three braves appeared, each carrying an armful of animal hides that they lay down in front of Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI also give you thanks,\u201d said Ben, smiling at the chief. He drew from his pocket a pouch of tobacco. \u201cThis is for Chief Winnemucca,\u201d he said and the chief smiled at him before pocketing the tobacco. Ben next held out the painting, which was wrapped in brown paper. \u201cThis is also for Chief Winnemucca,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a likeness of the great chief.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chief Winnemucca looked slightly puzzled and then, at Ben\u2019s urging, took off the paper wrapping around the painting. He stared at it for several minutes before looking at up Ben again. \u201cThis is painting of Chief Winnemucca?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Ben with a huge smile. \u201cIt was painted by a white man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The chief looked at the painting again. \u201cWhy he make Chief Winnemucca look ugly?\u201d he said finally. \u201cIs Ben Cartwright making insult?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile faded. \u201cNo \u2026 no \u2026 chief! I assure you that it is meant to be a compliment,\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chief Winnemucca handed the painting back to Ben and frowned. \u201cBen Cartwright take ugly painting back,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cChief Winnemucca not like insult.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe chief don\u2019t know it looks ugly just like him,\u201d Joe whispered to Hoss, who shushed him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated and then took the painting from the chief. \u201cI thought you would like it,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. It wasn\u2019t meant to be an insult. It was painted as a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chief Winnemucca shook his head firmly. \u201cIs no compliment,\u201d he said, standing up. \u201cBen Cartwright take insult back to white man. Talk is over.\u201d He walked away, followed by all the braves until only the Cartwrights were left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the painting in his hands. \u201cI was sure that he\u2019d like it,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he ain\u2019t never looked in a mirror?\u201d suggested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shot his youngest son a dark look. \u201cCome on boys,\u201d he said, getting up. \u201cLet\u2019s leave before the Chief decides that he wants to return the insult in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can thank Stephen Hawkins for single-handedly setting back relations with the Paiutes a good ten years,\u201d said Adam sarcastically as he mounted his horse. \u201cWhat are you going to do with it now Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was silent as they rode away from the camp. His fingers itched to hurl the Indian painting down the side of the hill, but he refrained from doing so only by sheer willpower. He muttered something under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d replied his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa?\u201d said Joe, coming up to ride beside his father. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking. Have you made a will?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I have,\u201d replied his father, giving him a strange look. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I was just wondering \u2026 seeing as how that painting is gonna stay in our family and all \u2026 who have you left it to? I mean \u2026 I wouldn\u2019t want to be greedy or nothing, so I\u2019m happy for you ta leave it to Adam or Hoss if ya like.\u201d He smiled at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo generous of you,\u201d muttered Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you appreciate fine art and all,\u201d countered Joe. \u201cI just think Pa should leave it to you \u2026. Don\u2019t you agree Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFer sure,\u201d said Hoss quickly. \u201cLeave it ta Adam Pa. He\u2019ll appreciate it more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have enough art already,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cOne of you two should get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and spurred his horse forward, riding away from his arguing sons with the painting still in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

* The 1866 segment is based on the first few scenes from the episode: \u201cA Good Night\u2019s Rest\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Ever wondered about the Cartwright’s Indian painting and why it moves around so much? This story should answer your questions if you have<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (10,345 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1242,"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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":867,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1495,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1495","url_meta":{"origin":1958,"position":0},"title":"Bonanza – A Guide (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0As a follow-up to A Spoof for Stephen \u2013 or Bonanza for Beginners \u2013 here is the next installment in Stephen\u2019s Bonanza education. Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a02200 Bonanza for Beginners Series: A Spoof for Stephen A Guide","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1497,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1497","url_meta":{"origin":1958,"position":1},"title":"Bonanza for Beginners — A Spoof for Stephen (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A light-hearted, irreverent look at the world of Bonanza, as explained to a new young Bonanza fan. Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a02700 Bonanza for Beginners Series: A Spoof for Stephen A Guide","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":25478,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25478","url_meta":{"origin":1958,"position":2},"title":"First Christmas in Boston, 1848 (by Indiana)","author":"indiana","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam's spending his first Christmas away from his family. Rating:\u00a0 G Word Count:\u00a0 565","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\/2019\/12\/advent.jpg?fit=480%2C413&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1502,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1502","url_meta":{"origin":1958,"position":3},"title":"Changing Rooms (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It's spring and the sap is rising. So naturally, the Cartwrights start to think about redecorating. Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a01750","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6452,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6452","url_meta":{"origin":1958,"position":4},"title":"A Prayer in the Night (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben stands vigil as thirteen-year-old Adam lies near death with a raging fever. The father blames himself and questions his ability as a parent\u00a0while offering a prayer to give his own life to spare his son's. 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