{"id":1960,"date":"2010-06-03T10:26:43","date_gmt":"2010-06-03T14:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1960"},"modified":"2026-07-22T07:14:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:14:31","slug":"the-impatient-patient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1960","title":{"rendered":"The Impatient Patient (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe is forced to stay in bed after an accident and causes trouble for everyone as a result<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (14,980 words)<\/p>\n

The Impatient Patient<\/strong><\/p>\n

Doctor Paul Martin straightened up and faced Ben who was standing beside him. \u2018You were right,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s definitely broken.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I knew it,\u2019 Ben Cartwright replied. \u2018He really came off with a thud.\u2019 He frowned at the youngster on the bed. \u2018Perhaps that might teach you to listen to me when I tell you to ride that horse of yours sensibly Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned back at his father. \u2018I wasn\u2019t going that fast,\u2019 he said indignantly. \u2018No faster than usual anyways.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Precisely my point,\u2019 said his father as he sat on the edge of the bed and noticed that even that slight movement made the boy wince with the pain.\u00a0 \u2018I don\u2019t know how many times I\u2019ve told you to slow down on that animal Joseph, and now see where\u2019s it got you.\u00a0 A broken leg is not to be taken lightly.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It certainly is not,\u2019 said Paul as he rummaged in his bag for a few things that he\u2019d need. \u2018You\u2019ve just earned yourself quite some time in bed young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his leg. \u2018It don\u2019t hurt much now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I really don\u2019t think it is broke.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It doesn\u2019t hurt much now because you\u2019re keeping it still,\u2019 replied the doctor as he began to unwind some long strips of bandage.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned even more. \u2018What\u2019s that for?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m going to put a couple of splints on it after I set the bone back in position,\u2019 replied the doctor.\u00a0 He motioned to Ben. \u2018You\u2019ll need to hold him Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried to push his father\u2019s arms away as Ben reached for his son. \u2018You don\u2019t need to Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0 I told you it don\u2019t hurt much.\u2019\u00a0 He drew in a sharp breath as Paul moved his leg slightly to elevate it. \u2018Well maybe just a bit,\u2019 he acknowledged as he got his breath back again.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at down him and held onto his arms tightly. \u2018Just take a deep breath Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hang on to me while the doctor sets it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to say something, but his breath was cut short again by a sharp spasm of pain that ripped through his body. \u2018Owww!\u2019 he said, throwing back his head and yelling at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

Ben gritted his teeth and continued to hang onto his son as the boy tried to struggle out from under his grasp. \u2018Try and keep still now,\u2019 he said. \u2018The doctor has to do his work.\u2019 He listened to the boy as Joe took a few shallow breaths and stared at the ceiling, trying not to cry out again with the pain.\u00a0 A couple of minutes had passed before Paul spoke again. \u2018There.\u00a0 That\u2019s it back in place.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben reached forward and patted Joe on the shoulder. \u2018That\u2019s the worst of it now,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s finished setting the leg.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe merely nodded and didn\u2019t say anything as he lay back and stared at the ceiling while breathing deeply while Ben stroked his forehead and murmured to him softly. He heard Paul\u2019s voice behind him. \u2018I\u2019m going to splint it now,\u2019 the doctor said. \u2018This won\u2019t be too painful Joe, but you need to lie very still if you can. All right?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded again, as Ben reached for a cloth and wiped the beads of sweat that were forming on the boy\u2019s forehead off. He watched his son grit his teeth and continue to stare at the ceiling while the doctor did his work, which seemed to take ages. Finally came the words they were both waiting for. \u2018There.\u00a0 All done.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked behind him and smiled at Paul who was washing his hands in the basin beside the bed. He glanced down at Joe\u2019s leg and noted the precise bandaging that the doctor had wrapped around the two wooden splints which reached from ankle to knee.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s a clean break,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Should heal fine.\u2019\u00a0 He bent over and looked at Joe\u2019s face intently. \u2018Are you all right son?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded slightly. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018It didn\u2019t hurt much.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul and Ben exchanged quick smile. \u2018Glad to hear it,\u2019 said Paul as he patted the youngster on the shoulder. \u2018You get yourself some rest now Joe.\u2019 He turned back to Ben again. \u2018As I was saying Ben, it\u2019s a clean break and should heal without any problems as long as he keeps it still.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018For how long?\u2019 asked Joe as he tried to sit up.<\/p>\n

\u2018For as long as it takes,\u2019 said Paul, pushing him back down again. \u2018As long as you keep it still it should heal in about six weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at his leg again. \u2018When can I get out of bed?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018I just told you.\u00a0 Six weeks,\u2019 said the doctor as he packed his bag.<\/p>\n

Joe looked horrified. \u2018But can\u2019t I get up and hop on one leg?\u2019 he said. \u2018Or use crutches or something?\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head firmly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018When I said keep it still that\u2019s exactly what I meant young man. That means keeping still in bed without putting that foot to the floor at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But I can\u2019t stay in bed for six weeks!\u2019 exclaimed Joe. \u2018Tell him I can\u2019t Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u2019 he said. \u2018If Paul says six weeks, then six weeks it is Joseph. That\u2019s an end to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked from one man to the other, the horrified expression on his face heightening. \u2018But\u2026 but I can\u2019t!\u2019 he said. \u2018What am I gonna do in bed for six weeks?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Here, drink this,\u2019 said Paul as he held a glass out to him and forced it to his lips. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll survive it Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He watched to make sure that his patient drank the whole glassful and then picked up his bag. \u2018I\u2019ll be back in a couple of days to check him Ben,\u2019 he said as he headed to the door. \u2018There\u2019s a couple more powders there on the dresser if he needs them for the pain.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave Joe a meaningful look. \u2018Thanks Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can you find your own way out? I want to have a word with this young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018I\u2019ll see you in a couple of days.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben turned towards his son who was by now pouting on the bed. \u2018That\u2019s enough whinging Joseph,\u2019 he said, firmly. \u2018You\u2019re staying in this bed for the next six weeks and that\u2019s all there is to it, so you\u2019d best get used to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father mournfully. \u2018Yeah, but Pa\u2026\u2019 he began and then blinked a couple of times. \u2018What am I\u2026\u2019 his speech slurred slightly as the effects of the powder began to take hold of him. \u2018What am\u2026\u2019\u00a0 his head lolled to one side and his eyes began to close.<\/p>\n

Ben reached down and pulled up the covers around the boy. \u2018We\u2019ll have this conversation later Joseph,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Sleep tight son.\u2019\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t answer him, but merely closed his eyes with a deep sigh.\u00a0 Ben bent down and kissed his son lightly on the forehead, taking the opportunity to do so while the boy was unconscious. Joe snuggled into the pillow as he felt his father\u2019s touch and gave another sigh.\u00a0 Ben smiled as he straightened up again and turned to leave the room.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018How is he?\u2019 asked Adam as his father reached the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u2018Restless,\u2019 said Ben as he took his seat at the breakfast table.\u00a0 \u2018He didn\u2019t get a lot of sleep last night.\u00a0 Without the help of those powders that Paul left I don\u2019t think he would have got any at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Leg still hurting him some eh?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u2018More than he\u2019ll admit to,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018It should settle in a day or two though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well the pain might settle, but I have a feeling that Joe won\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Something tells me that it\u2019s going to take a lot to keep him in bed for the next few weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he helped himself to some eggs. \u2018He has no choice,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018I\u2019ve told him that.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss gave a short laugh. \u2018Telling short shanks and making him are two different things, you know that Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben chewed thoughtfully as Hop Sing entered the room carrying a tray. \u2018Is that for Joseph?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

The cook nodded. \u2018Boy eat breakfast!\u2019 he said in a determined voice as he headed for the staircase.<\/p>\n

\u2018Good luck!\u2019 called Adam with a grin. \u2018Well I\u2019ve gotta get going Pa.\u00a0 You sticking close to the house today?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I think I\u2019d better.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at the ceiling for a moment. \u2018Something tells me I\u2019ll need to have words with someone before the day is out.\u2019\u00a0 His voice softened. \u2018Besides,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s going to need some more pain relief I think and it\u2019s not fair to Hop Sing to leave him with the responsibility of all that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018OK.\u00a0 See you tonight then.\u00a0 Coming Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben watched as his two sons left the table.\u00a0 As he finished off his cup of coffee Hop Sing came downstairs again, muttering to himself. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018Not co-operating?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No eat!\u2019 said Hop Sing shaking his head as he walked into the kitchen. \u2018Cook favourite breakfast and still not eat.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll talk to him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

The first thing that he noticed upon entering his son\u2019s room was the angry look on the boy\u2019s face. \u2018Hop Sing said you\u2019re not eating breakfast,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018I\u2019m not hungry,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t ask if you were,\u2019 said his father as he sat down and picked up the plate of flapjacks and handed it to him. \u2018Eat.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned even more. \u2018I\u2019m not hungry,\u2019 he repeated.\u00a0 When his father didn\u2019t answer but merely kept holding the plate out to him, he took it with a dramatic sigh and picked up the fork. Ben watched in silence as his son made the barest attempt to eat, taking the smallest bite that he could. \u2018Any pain?\u2019 he asked after a moment.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and took another small bite. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Where\u2019s Adam and Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sat back in the chair and crossed his legs. \u2018Gone to work,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re up in the North Pasture today.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ain\u2019t you going?\u2019 asked Joe as he took another bite.<\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 I\u2019m sticking close to the house today.\u2019<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s frown deepened. \u2018You don\u2019t need you to stay here on account of me,\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019m fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure you are,\u2019 said Ben easily. \u2018But I have things to do here today.\u00a0 Not everything around here revolves around you Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a sideways glance. \u2018I know that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just meant that I don\u2019t need looking after like a baby.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now if you would only finish that breakfast then I wouldn\u2019t have to treat you like one would I?\u2019\u00a0 He gave his son a grin. \u2018No one is treating you like a baby Joseph, but you\u2019re going to have to let us take care of you in the next few weeks. There are lots of things you\u2019re going to need assistance with son, so you\u2019re going to have to get used to that fact. If you\u2019re going to continue to make a fuss about eating, then I\u2019m going to have to treat you accordingly.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled as he watched the boy take a larger bite at hearing his words. \u2018That\u2019s more like it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now drink that milk or Hop Sing will give you a hard time as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave another dramatic sigh as he picked up the glass and began to drink. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair,\u2019 he said when he\u2019d finished. \u2018I feel like a prisoner up here.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s no need to feel like that,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018It won\u2019t be so bad if you just make up your mind to look on the bright side.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave a snort. \u2018Bright side?\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018I don\u2019t see no bright side of having to stay up here in bed all this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben pursed his lips. \u2018Well you don\u2019t have to go to school and you can\u2019t do your chores can you?\u2019 he suggested. \u2018That\u2019s two things for a start.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said with a sudden smile. \u2018I guess I can\u2019t. Maybe this won\u2019t be so bad after all?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018And your brothers and I will do everything we can to make the time go quickly for you,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018It won\u2019t be too bad.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked out of the window. \u2018What kind of day is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sunny,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Would you like a book to read?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wrinkled up his nose. \u2018Reading?\u2019 he said as if his father had suggested something incredible. \u2018No thank you!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben tried to hide a smile. \u2018Well, is there anything else you need then?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked a bit embarrassed. \u2018Well,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t reach the \u2026 you know Pa \u2026 under the bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben reached down and pulled out the chamber pot. \u2018Need some help?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe went red. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he said as he snatched the pot. \u2018Of course I don\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben hid another smile. \u2018I\u2019m not joking,\u2019 he said. \u2018When Paul said to keep that leg still, he meant it Joseph.\u00a0 Moving around in the bed for things like this is not advisable.\u2019\u00a0 He grabbed hold of the pot again. \u2018Now let me help you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed it back again. \u2018I don\u2019t need help!\u2019 he said, going even redder \u2018It\u2019s not for that!\u00a0 Its just for peeing.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well when it\u2019s for more you let me know,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now hurry up and do what you have to.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t haveta stand there while I do it, do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You can\u2019t put the pot back on the floor by yourself now can you?\u2019 said Ben impatiently. \u2018Hurry up and get it over with.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over and looked out of the window to give his son a small amount of privacy.<\/p>\n

\u2018Finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben strode back over to the bed and took the pot without a word and put it back under the bed again. \u2018Hop Sing will come up and take that later,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now you try and get some rest.\u00a0 Do you want another one of those powders?\u2019 Joe shook his head. Ben picked up the tray and headed out of the room with it. \u2018I\u2019ll be up again in a while,\u2019 he said. \u2018Get some sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018Your move,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pay attention will ya Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and reached over to move his bishop. \u2018I am concentrating,\u2019 he said testily. \u2018Hurry and make your move why don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018Give me a chance!\u2019 he replied. \u2018Stop being so grumpy will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well sorry,\u2019 said Joe in a sarcastic voice. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just go back downstairs if you don\u2019t want to be up here with me?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t say I wanted ta leave,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m just sick of your whinging that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Well if you had to be up here all day and all night you might whinge too,\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I\u2019m sick of it!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Aw, come on Joe,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s only been three days.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Exactly!\u2019 said his younger brother. \u2018And already I can\u2019t handle it no more.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna go mad up here for six weeks!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well why don\u2019t you try exercising your brain a bit?\u2019 asked Adam as he entered the room. \u2018There are lots of things you could do to keep occupied you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him as well. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026 you could do some reading for a start,\u2019 said Adam as he sat down on a chair next to the bed. \u2018It\u2019d do you good to read a bit\u2026 expand your mind somewhat.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018My mind\u2019s expanded enough!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I don\u2019t need ta read any of them boring books like what you\u2019ve got.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam put his hands behind his head and leant back in the chair. \u2018Now if I weren\u2019t in such a good mood I just might take offence at that little brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s lucky for you that I don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at the chessboard. \u2018\u2019Well I ain\u2019t interested in Shakespeare and that other stuff like what you read,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018How do you know?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018You\u2019ve never tried it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I just know,\u2019 said Joe grumpily. \u2018Anyways, Miss Jones reads some of it to us at school and it\u2019s boring!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I have other books besides Shakespeare,\u2019 said Adam in the same easy tone. \u2018Think about it. Speaking of Abigail Jones reminds me though\u2026 Pa was talking about going in to see her and getting some school work for you to do, so that should keep you busy.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his brother a grin, knowing full well what his reaction would be.\u00a0 Sure enough, Joe didn\u2019t disappoint him.<\/p>\n

\u2018You gotta be kidding!\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t do schoolwork!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018You\u2019re doing nothing else all day.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But that ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I\u2019m sick and I shouldn\u2019t haveta do school work!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Tell Pa, not us,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Personally I think it\u2019ll do you the world of good to do some.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to be left behind in your studies do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t care!\u2019 declared Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow. \u2018Hmm\u2026. Well you probably wouldn\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018But Pa does.\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Check!\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe looked startled. \u2018What?\u2019 he said as he bent forward to peer at the board closely. \u2018How\u2019d you do that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I told ya to pay attention,\u2019 said Hoss smugly. \u2018Now get out of that one if ya can.\u2019\u00a0 He and Adam exchanged amused glances as Joe continued to study the board. He was still studying it a few moments later when his father entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u2018So this is where everyone is,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I thought you\u2019d all disappeared.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nah!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m just thrashing little brother here at chess.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019ll have to thrash him another time,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s time this young man went to sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u2018Aw Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t sleep no more.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had too much already.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Paul said you were to get plenty of rest,\u2019 said Ben firmly.\u00a0 \u2018And that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019re going to do young man.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up the chessboard carefully and placed it on the dresser. \u2018You can finish this game tomorrow.\u00a0 Now boys if you\u2019ll excuse us I need to get your brother organised.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood up. \u2018See ya Joe,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019Make sure you tuck him in nicely Pa,\u2019 said Adam with a smirk. \u2018He looks a mite cranky and sounds as if he needs a good nap.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his brothers and opened his mouth to make a sharp retort, but shut it again as he saw the look on his father\u2019s face. \u2018Aw Pa!\u2019 he whinged as he saw Ben take out a clean nightshirt from the drawer. \u2018I don\u2019t need to change again.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you do!\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018Now put your arms up and get that nightshirt off.\u2019\u00a0 Joe did as he was told, pulling the covers up around him as his father pulled his nightshirt off.\u00a0 He reached for the clean one and frowned as Ben pulled it away from him. \u2018Not so fast,\u2019 his father said. \u2018I\u2019ve asked Hop Sing to bring up some warm water.\u00a0 You could do with a wash.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Again?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I washed last night!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And you\u2019ll wash again today,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Ah\u2026 thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 he said as the cook brought in a basin of water. \u2018Just set it down there please.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Joe again as Hop Sing left the room. \u2018This time I just don\u2019t mean your face and hands Joseph\u2026 you need to wash all over.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave a huge sigh. \u2018All right!\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t see why though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben picked up a washcloth and some soap. \u2018Well I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now pull down those covers.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father appalled. \u2018I can do it!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll call out when I\u2019m done.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018No you can\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is one of those things I told you you\u2019d have to get used to Joe.\u00a0 Now pull down those covers and we\u2019ll get started.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe clung to the covers firmly. \u2018I can do it!\u2019 he insisted. \u2018I don\u2019t want you looking at me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben tried not to laugh. \u2018Joseph I\u2019ve given you a bath many times,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is no different.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes it is!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I\u2019m older now and I\u2019m not a little kid no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben tried to keep a straight face. \u2018Well how about you wash where you can and then I\u2019ll finish off for you?\u2019 he said as he handed his son the washcloth. \u2018Here.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and walked over to the window and stood with his back to the boy. \u2018Hurry up.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe dipped the washcloth in the water and began to soap it up. He quickly washed all the parts of his body that he could reach, being careful not to touch his broken leg, and then towelled himself off. \u2018Finished,\u2019 he said as he pulled the covers up again.<\/p>\n

Ben turned and strode over to the bed. \u2018Lean forward,\u2019 he said as he picked up the washcloth and began to wash the boy\u2019s back. \u2018That feel good?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said in spite of himself.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now lean sideways,\u2019 said his father as he continued to work his way downwards. Joe looked at the wall as his father finished up. \u2018There,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That wasn\u2019t so bad was it?\u2019\u00a0 Joe was silent. \u2018Now before you get dressed I\u2019ll help you with this,\u2019 said his father, drawing the chamber pot out from under the bed. \u2018Lean sideways.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 said Joe blushing.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t Pa me!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You can\u2019t go on like this for six weeks Joseph.\u00a0 You\u2019ll end up with a bowel problem. Now lean sideways.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the wall as he obeyed his father. Could life get any more embarrassing than this? <\/em>he wondered.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll take this basin downstairs,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll be back when you\u2019ve finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe kept staring at the wall and didn\u2019t answer his father.\u00a0 When the man left the room he breathed a sigh a relief and by the time he had returned ten minutes later he was feeling a lot better. Ben quickly pushed him sideways again gently, took away the pot and popped the clean nightshirt over his head. \u2018There,\u2019 he said, patting him on the shoulder. \u2018I told you it wasn\u2019t so bad.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s embarrassing,\u2019 said Joe sulkily.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down next to him. \u2018You\u2019ve got no need to be embarrassed,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now lie down and I\u2019ll get you settled.\u2019\u00a0 He noticed Joe\u2019s pained look as he slithered down in the bed. \u2018Is that leg hurting?\u2019 his father asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Just a bit,\u2019 said Joe as he put his head on the pillow. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018Adam said that you\u2019re gonna get some schoolwork for me.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t really are you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I certainly am,\u2019 said his father. \u2018As a matter of fact I asked Miss Jones for some today.\u00a0 She was very happy to oblige.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father an appalled look. \u2018You didn\u2019t!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018In fact she said that she\u2019d bring it out for you herself tomorrow and explain it,\u2019 continued his father. Joe just shook his head at the thought of it. \u2018Now you get some sleep,\u2019 said Ben as he turned the lamp down low. \u2018You\u2019ll have work to do tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put his head up again. \u2018But it\u2019s Saturday tomorrow!\u2019 he said. He thought for a moment. \u2018Ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018So what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But\u2026 Saturday!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018No one does schoolwork on a Saturday!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well from now on you do,\u2019 said his father \u2018Miss Jones is only available to come out on a Saturday and she\u2019ll give you your assignments for the week.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d better let Adam know then,\u2019 said Joe as he lay down again. \u2018I\u2019ll bet he\u2019ll want to be busy away from here iffen she\u2019s coming!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he shut the door. \u2018That\u2019s a safe bet,\u2019 he said to himself softly.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018Hello Joseph,\u2019 said Abigail Jones brightly as she entered the room behind Ben and looked around her inquisitively. \u2018Well isn\u2019t this a nice room!\u2019\u00a0 She plonked herself down on the chair beside the bed and didn\u2019t wait for his reply before turning to Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll be fine here Mr Cartwright. I\u2019ll explain all his work to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll get you some coffee,\u2019 said Ben as he backed out of the room.<\/p>\n

Abigail opened several books as she continued to look around. \u2018Are your brothers around today Joseph?\u2019 she said casually. \u2018I didn\u2019t see either of them when I arrived.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said as he drew up the bedcovers even further around himself. \u2018They\u2019re out working.\u2019<\/p>\n

Abigail frowned. \u2018Pity,\u2019 she said. \u2018I could have explained some of this to your brother Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that he would have been able to help you with it.\u2019\u00a0 She brightened up \u2018Never mind,\u2019 she said brightly. \u2018We\u2019ll manage won\u2019t we?\u00a0 Now take a look at this page\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

By the time Ben arrived back with the coffee, Abigail was holding forth with instructions and Joe was lying back on his pillow giving his father a sad look. \u2018How\u2019s it going?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Fine,\u2019 said Abigail. \u2018I\u2019m just going to get Joseph to start on a few of these problems before I go, to make sure that he knows what to do.\u2019\u00a0 She handed Joe a pencil. \u2018Off you go Joseph.\u2019\u00a0 Abigail turned to Ben and took the coffee. \u2018Thank you Mr Cartwright.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be down shortly when we\u2019re done.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben left the room again, feeling as if he had been decidedly dismissed from his own house. He shook his head.\u00a0 He could really begin to understand what his boys were talking about when they spoke of that woman.\u00a0 It seemed that she certainly was a bossy boots!<\/p>\n

Abigail drank her coffee and stared around the room as Joe worked. \u2018Oh dear!\u2019 she said after a moment. \u2018I seem to have forgotten to bring an atlas to help you with those geography questions.\u00a0 Would your brother Adam have one in his room Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah he does,\u2019 said Joe, not lifting his head.<\/p>\n

Abigail was on her feet in an instant and over to the door. \u2018I\u2019ll just go and get it then,\u2019 she said. \u2018Which one is his room?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u2018I\u2019ll get Pa to get it,\u2019 he said, reaching for the bell that his father had left near his bed. \u2018I don\u2019t think that Adam would like\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as he realised that the teacher had already left the room. Oh boy!<\/em> he thought to himself. Adam is sure not gonna be happy that she\u2019s snooping around in his bedroom!<\/em><\/p>\n

It was a full ten minutes before Abigail returned, looking quite flushed. \u2018How is it going Joseph?\u2019 she asked breathlessly as she sat down again.<\/p>\n

\u2018OK,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Where\u2019s the atlas?\u2019<\/p>\n

Abigail looked at him blankly. \u2018Atlas?\u2019 she said softly. \u2018Oh yes \u2026 The atlas!\u00a0 Well I couldn\u2019t find it dear.\u00a0 You\u2019ll just have to ask your brother for it when he comes home.\u2019\u00a0 She leant over close to Joe. \u2018When exactly will that be?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe leant back away from her. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then I\u2019d better be going,\u2019 said the teacher as she stood up. \u2018Make sure you get all that work done by next Saturday and I\u2019ll be back to correct it and bring you some more.\u2019 She left the room abruptly, not even bothering to say goodbye.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at the door as she closed it, wondering just what she had been doing in Adam\u2019s room all that time and wondering whether or not he should tell his brother when he returned.\u00a0 He shrugged as he pushed the schoolbooks away from him and lay back down again.\u00a0 As far as he was concerned, the work could wait.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t rushing to get it done for the likes of Miss Abigail Jones!<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone was asking about you at Church this morning,\u2019 said Ben as he sat down next to his son\u2019s bed. \u2018Mitch and Seth wanted to know if they could come out and see you later.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Did you tell them yes?\u2019 he asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son and nodded. \u2018Of course I did,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I thought it might do you good to have some company.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Pa!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018That\u2019ll be great!\u2019 He eased himself up and stared at his broken leg. \u2018Is Doc Martin gonna visit too?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He said that he\u2019d be out tomorrow,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018He usually doesn\u2019t make house calls on a Sunday if he can avoid it you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yeah,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It\u2019s Sunday ain\u2019t it?\u00a0 You know Pa, I think I\u2019m beginning to forget what day it is.\u00a0 They\u2019re all the same up here,\u2019 he added morosely.<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the head. \u2018Come on now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Keep your chin up Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019re having visitors two days in a row, that\u2019s something to look forward to, isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at his father \u2018I don\u2019t call the Doctor a visitor,\u2019 he said. \u2018But do you reckon he\u2019ll let me sit in a chair or something now?\u00a0 My leg don\u2019t hurt at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018He said six weeks in bed remember? Not six weeks in bed and in a chair.\u00a0 I know this is hard for you Joe, but you just have to be patient son.\u00a0 Now, how about some dinner?\u00a0 Hop Sing has made fried chicken just for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Later that afternoon as Joe waited for his friends to arrive, he thought about all that he was missing out on.\u00a0 Usually on a Sunday afternoon he would take off and go fishing or something equally as inviting, and now\u2026 he sighed and wondered just how long it would be before his friends got sick of visiting him and forgot about him altogether.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t really blame them if they did.\u00a0 He was still lying back feeling very sorry for himself when Mitch and Seth entered the room. \u2018Hi,\u2019 said Mitch brightly. \u2018What a way to get out of school Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said as he sat up. \u2018Thanks for coming.\u2019<\/p>\n

Seth sat down on the edge of the bed. \u2018We wouldn\u2019t miss a chance to get a look at the invalid,\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018So what you been up to up here all the time?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think?\u2019 said Joe morosely. \u2018Not much I can do is there?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Mitch with a twinkle in his eye. He looked around furtively. \u2018Look what we brought you.\u2019\u00a0 He took a small bottle out from under his coat and Joe\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u2018What is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think?\u2019 said Seth with a grin. \u2018We got it from Charlie at the Livery Stable.\u00a0 We told him this story about our sick friend who needed some cheering up so he went and got it for us from the Saloon.\u2019\u00a0 He shrugged. \u2018The part about the sick friend was true anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

At that moment, Ben Cartwright entered the room and Mitch hastily put the bottle back under his coat. \u2018Would you boys like something to drink?\u2019 asked Ben pleasantly.\u00a0 He looked puzzled as the three boys dissolved into laughter. \u2018Is that funny?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018No, not really Mr Cartwright,\u2019 replied Mitch as he covered his mouth with his hand. \u2018We\u2019d love a drink thanks.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he left the room. I\u2019m getting too old for this, <\/em>he thought to himself. It was much easier with Hoss and Adam when they were that age. Well at least they seem to have brightened Joe up a bit.\u00a0 <\/em>By the time he went upstairs again carrying a tray of drinks and cookies, all three boys seemed to have really brightened up considerably.\u00a0 In fact they were so happy that they just kept giggling at him.\u00a0 \u2018Well I\u2019m glad to see you are having a good time,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll leave you to it.\u2019\u00a0 His words only made them dissolve into fits of giggles again and he smiled to himself about the exuberance of youth as he left the room.<\/p>\n

\u2018Here,\u2019 said Mitch as he took the bottle out from under his coat again and handed it to Joe. \u2018Have another swig.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe took the bottle eagerly. \u2018It kinda grows on ya, don\u2019t it?\u2019 he said with a giggle. \u2018So tell me, what\u2019s been happening at school while I\u2019ve been away?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Well we started to study about\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe waved his hand in the air. \u2018I don\u2019t mean that,\u2019 he said as he handed the bottle to Seth. \u2018I mean the important stuff like who\u2019s been in trouble and what\u2019s old Jonesy been doing.\u00a0 Stuff like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but you\u2019ll be interested in this!\u2019 said Seth as he leant forward. \u2018Old Jonesy has been talking bout that new book in the bookstores.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018What book?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Seems its all bout art and culture and stuff like that,\u2019 said Mitch with a slight burp. \u2018Here give me that bottle again.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wrinkled up his nose. \u2018Since when have either of you been interested in culture?\u2019 he asked sarcastically.<\/p>\n

\u2018Seth\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Since now,\u2019 he said with a sly grin. \u2018It\u2019s a book from San Francisco that\u2019s just come.\u00a0 It\u2019s all bout great artworks of the master painters.\u00a0 Old Jonesy was saying how wonderful it was.\u2019\u00a0 He rolled his eyes for effect.\u00a0 \u2018She can\u2019t show it to us though cause of all the\u2026\u2019 he lowered his voice. \u2018Nekkid people in it.\u2019 He and Mitch giggled.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened even more. \u2018She said that?\u2019 he asked in wonderment.<\/p>\n

\u2018No of course not,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018She just told us bout all the pictures of sculptures and stuff in it.\u00a0 Stands ta reason they\u2019d be\u2026 nekkid though, don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded thoughtfully. \u2018Reckon so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve heard tell bout all them statues in museums. Adam\u2019s been ta see em.\u2019\u00a0 He clicked his fingers. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said, his eyes brightening. \u2018I\u2019ll bet he\u2019s bought that book.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mitch swallowed. \u2018Ya reckon?\u2019 he said excitedly.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 He always buys anything new that comes into the bookstores.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Your Pa wouldn\u2019t let him have a book like that here!\u2019 declared Seth.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah he would!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He\u2019s grown up so Pa wouldn\u2019t tell him not to and iffen he did then Adam would just say it was culture and not rude.\u00a0 Sides\u2026 Pa wouldn\u2019t even know.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes narrowed. \u2018I\u2019ll bet he\u2019s got it in his room right now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Seth jumped up excitedly. \u2018Where is his room?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019ll go get it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018He\u2019d know if we did that and then I\u2019d be in awful trouble.\u2019\u00a0 He thought for a moment. \u2018No\u2026 I\u2019ll just havta think of a way to get it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if you do get it, don\u2019t you dare give it back before you show it to us!\u2019 declared Mitch. \u2018You owe us for this!\u2019 He held up the bottle, which was now empty.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll get my hands on it one way or the other and then we\u2019ll all get to look at it!\u2019\u00a0 All three boys dissolved again into fits of giggles and downstairs Ben smiled to hear it.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018You want to what?\u2019 he asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u2018I want to borrow some of your books,\u2019 repeated Joe with an angelic smile on his face. \u2018I reckon you was right big brother.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a hankering for some culture.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s right eyebrow lifted considerably. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Well I\u2019ll pick you out something then.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018None of that Shakespeare stuff but,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Something with\u2026 oh \u2026 lots of pictures in it that\u2019s easy to look at,\u2019 he said casually.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned even more. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see what I can find.\u2019\u00a0 He looked suspiciously at his younger brother\u2019s smiling face.<\/p>\n

\u2018What are you finding?\u2019 asked Ben as he entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u2018Something for Joe to read,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben looked astonished. \u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think it\u2019s wonderful that you\u2019ve decided to use your time well up here Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to smile. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said meekly. His head still felt a bit fuzzy from the afternoon\u2019s visitors and he was content to lie back and let his father fuss over him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018\u2019Let\u2019s see how much of that schoolwork you\u2019ve managed to get done Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked worried. \u2018But I had visitors,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hadta entertain them all afternoon.\u00a0 They were more important than old Jonesy\u2019s\u2026 I mean \u2026 than any schoolwork.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t be rude to them could I Pa?\u00a0 I knew that you wouldn\u2019t want me to do that.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father his best puppy dog look.<\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose not,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But still, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t get onto it now young man. Where are those books?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put his hand on his forehead. \u2018I\u2019ve got a bit of a headache Pa,\u2019 he said in a weak voice. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d better strain my brain too much today or it might get worse.\u2019\u00a0 He was actually telling the truth for once as the effects of the alcohol had well and truly kicked in and he was feeling decidedly woosey.<\/p>\n

Ben felt his forehead. \u2018You feel all right,\u2019 he said and then studied the boy\u2019s face. \u2018But you do look pale. \u2018All right then\u2026 get some sleep and we\u2019ll talk about your work in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe lay back and smiled as his father left the room.\u00a0 He wondered if he\u2019d be lucky enough that Adam picked the right book for him the first time, but decided that the odds of that happening were too great.\u00a0 Well, he\u2019d just have to keep asking for more books until the right one appeared that was all.\u00a0 He sighed as he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to his alcohol-induced slumber.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018Well for someone who had as much sleep as you did last night you sure don\u2019t look too bright,\u2019 said Adam as he dumped a pile of books on Joe\u2019s bed. \u2018Here, see if any of these are to your liking.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe held his thumping head with one hand as he picked up the books one by one with the other.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn\u2019t even asked the name of the book in question and he flicked one of them open to see if there were any pictures in it.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well keep them today and see,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Mind you, if I\u2019m going to lend you my books I\u2019ll expect to know what you did or didn\u2019t like about them when you\u2019re finished. I\u2019m not just having you put your dirty fingers on them for no reason.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his hands as his brother left the room. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 he said to himself out loud. \u2018My hands ain\u2019t dirty!\u2019\u00a0 He held his head again as the thumping got worse.\u00a0 Maybe that drinking hadn\u2019t been such a good idea yesterday after all?<\/p>\n

\u2018Right,\u2019 said his father as he came into the room. \u2018Time for you to get started on that school work young man.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up Adam\u2019s books and placed them firmly on the dresser. \u2018You can look at these when you\u2019ve done your work.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018But I thought that I\u2019d just have a look at \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head firmly. \u2018School work first,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018It\u2019s commendable that you want to look at your brother\u2019s books and broaden your mind Joseph,\u2019 he said, \u2018but only when you\u2019ve finished your work.\u2019\u00a0 He sat down next to his son\u2019s bed. \u2018Now show me what you\u2019ve got to do first.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed.\u00a0 It seemed to him that this was going to be worse than school if his father was going to sit here with him and make sure that he did his work.\u00a0 At least at school he had the luxury of looking out of the window and daydreaming for part of the day and playing tricks on his friends and teacher.<\/p>\n

By the end of the morning, Joe\u2019s worst thoughts had been confirmed.\u00a0 His father was proving to be a hard taskmaster and hadn\u2019t let him waste a minute.\u00a0 He had popped into his room at regular intervals to check on his work and had even made Joe redo some of it when he deemed it not up to standard. By lunchtime Joe was well and truly sick of it all. \u2018You ain\u2019t gonna be here everyday to supervise me are ya Pa?\u2019 he asked warily as he ate his lunch.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll try to be,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018And when I can\u2019t, I\u2019ll have Adam or Hoss do it.\u00a0 Hop Sing has even volunteered to keep you on task young man, so you don\u2019t need to think that you\u2019ll be up here doing nothing.\u2019\u00a0 He leant forward and patted Joe on the shoulder. \u2018I told you that we\u2019d look out for you and try to help make the time go quickly Joe.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing like keeping your brain active to help the time pass quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well at this rate I\u2019ll be ahead of everyone at school by the time I get back there,\u2019 said Joe morosely.<\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben, pleased. \u2018Now this afternoon you can have a rest and read some of Adam\u2019s books if you like.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll be up later to give you another wash.\u2019 He hesitated at the door. \u2018And I won\u2019t hear any more complaining about it either Joseph. You\u2019ll wash and that\u2019s an end to it!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at the door as his father closed it. \u2018Like a prisoner,\u2019 he said out loud. \u2018Only prisoners get time out for good behaviour sometimes!\u2019 He picked up the pile of books eagerly and began to leaf through them.\u00a0 It soon became obvious to him that there was nothing rude in them by the way of pictures and it seemed that Adam hadn\u2019t chosen the right book this time.\u00a0 He sighed and in spite of himself began to read.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018How about a game of cards?\u2019 asked Hoss as he came into the bedroom.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up from the book he was reading. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hey Hoss, did you know that it took the Egyptians years to build them pyramid things?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked puzzled. \u2018Ya don\u2019t say?\u2019 he said.\u00a0 After a moment he added, \u2018What pyramid things?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You know\u2026 the ones in Egypt,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018See? Here\u2019s a drawing of one of em.\u00a0 They used ta bury people in em.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018I dunno,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I ain\u2019t got to that part yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018They were tombs,\u2019 said Adam from the hallway as he passed by. \u2018Liking the book I see, little brother?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s OK,\u2019 said Joe grudgingly. \u2018You can have them two back though.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the two other books on the dresser. \u2018I\u2019m finished with em.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up eagerly. \u2018Can I have some more for tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Anything in particular?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated, not wanting to sound too obvious and make his brother suspicious. \u2018Well have ya got anything bout art and stuff?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You know\u2026 with lots of pictures?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll see,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Since when have you been interested in that sort of thing anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018Bout as long as I\u2019ve been interested in these Egyptian people I guess.\u2019\u00a0 He put down the book as Adam left the room. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u2019 said Hoss as he dealt out the cards.<\/p>\n

\u2018Can ya teach me how to play proper cards?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you mean proper?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You know\u2026 poker and stuff.\u00a0 Like with betting and all that.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t think Pa would like that,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Aw come on Hoss!\u00a0 Pa don\u2019t need to know,\u2019 whined Joe in a voice that he knew his older brother found hard to resist.\u00a0 He put on one of his best puppy dog looks. \u2018Sides, You\u2019d be helping me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 How do ya figure that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d be protecting me from losing money when I\u2019m old enough to go into a Saloon,\u2019 said Little Joe cagily. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t want me to be taken advantage of would ya Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I guess not,\u2019 said Hoss slowly.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019d be sorta part of my education,\u2019 continued Joe, sensing that his brother was weakening. \u2018Pa said to broaden my mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think he meant by playing poker,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed dramatically. \u2018Well I thought older brothers were supposed to look out for their little brothers?\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at Hoss sideways to gauge his reaction.<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. \u2018Well I dunno Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems to me that\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled sadly at his older brother. \u2018Just look at it as your contribution to helping me pass the time up here,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s awful hard lying here with nothing to do all day Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 He lay back on the pillow and stared at his brother sadly. \u2018Please?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh all right,\u2019 said Hoss grudgingly. \u2018Only iffen you tell Pa\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Me?\u2019 squeaked Joe as he sat up again eagerly. \u2018As if I would!\u00a0 Come on then, deal em out.\u2019<\/p>\n

An hour later the two brothers were still engrossed in their game with bundles of matches spread out on the bedcover to illustrate money. Hoss was frowning and Joe was grinning. \u2018This is great!\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018If we was playing with real money you\u2019d owe me a heap by now Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss scowled at his younger brother. \u2018Don\u2019t rub it in,\u2019 he said sulkily. \u2018You\u2019re sure a quick learner Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s easy,\u2019 said Joe rubbing his hands together in glee as he took another of the piles of matches from the middle. \u2018I win again!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You win what?\u2019 asked his father as he came through the doorway. Joe quickly covered up the matches and smiled innocently at his father.<\/p>\n

The game we\u2019re playing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Some of these Old Maid games can be fun ya know Pa!\u2019 He grinned to think that he hadn\u2019t lied to his father as he hadn\u2019t actually said what they were playing.\u00a0 He batted his eyelids innocently and continued to smile. \u2018I\u2019ve done a lot of reading today too.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Have you?\u2019 said Ben, pleased. \u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it. Now pack all this away before Hop Sing brings up your supper.\u2019\u00a0 Joe quickly swept the matches into a box while his father was talking to Hoss and by the time Hop Sing entered the room he was sitting up and ready for his meal.<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s tonight?\u2019 he asked as Hop Sing put the tray on his lap. \u2018Yuck!\u2019 he said as he screwed up his face. \u2018Liver!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing reached over and swatted him on the side of the head. \u2018Boy eat it!\u2019 he said. \u2018Good for bones!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But I hate liver,\u2019 protested Joe. \u2018You know that I do!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You hate most things,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Nothing new!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018That\u2019s enough of your nonsense.\u00a0 You\u2019ll eat what you\u2019re given and be grateful for it.\u00a0 Hop Sing is trying to provide you with nutritious meals.\u00a0 He\u2019s gone to extra trouble to prepare that for you and you\u2019ll eat it without any fuss.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018And drink all that milk too,\u2019 said his father, pointing a finger threateningly at him.<\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing glared at him and left the room, followed by Hoss.\u00a0 Joe sat and stared at his plate sulkily. \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018When I come back up here I expect to see an empty plate young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at his father\u2019s back as he left the room. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 he said out loud. \u2018They\u2019re probably having something good down there!\u2019\u00a0 He sighed as he picked up his fork and began to push the liver around his plate. It seemed to him that the more trouble Hop Sing took over his meals the more horrible they tasted. \u2018I wish he\u2019d just not worry bout em at all,\u2019 he said sulkily. \u2018I\u2019d be happy eating nothing!\u2019\u00a0 He looked around his room cagily and stared out of the window for a moment. In the blink of an eye he had picked up the piece of meat and thrown it out of the window, listening with satisfaction as he heard it bouncing on the roof several times before plopping off the side of the house. Grinning to himself, he then picked up his fork and began to eat the vegetables that were on his plate.<\/p>\n

By the time Ben appeared back in the room, he saw with delight that Joe\u2019s plate was just about empty. \u2018Well you\u2019ve certainly made an effort,\u2019 he said, pleased. \u2018If you keep eating like this you\u2019ll be better in no time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe as he grinned up at his father.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed the books from his brother\u2019s hands eagerly. \u2018Gee thanks!\u2019 he said enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

Adam looked suspiciously at his brother. \u2018You sure you want them all?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 said Joe as he looked at the titles of the art books. \u2018I\u2019m kinda interested in art all of a sudden. Thanks!\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Don\u2019t mention it,\u2019 said Adam as he turned to leave the room. \u2018I\u2019ll be interested in hearing what you think of them.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer.\u00a0 He was too busy leafing through the books and examining the pictures to check out if any of them were rude. To his dismay he found that they were mostly of landscapes with a few fully clothed people. He sighed as he put them down. Now he would have to read bits of them to convince Adam that he\u2019d taken notice of their contents, when all he really wanted to do was give them back and get some more.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hi Cartwright!\u2019\u00a0 Mitch poked his head around the corner of the doorframe.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned back at his friend. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I didn\u2019t know that you were coming.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mitch shrugged as he sat down. \u2018Just wanted to see if you\u2019d had any luck with that book yet,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nah!\u2019 said Joe, indicating the books on his bed. \u2018I\u2019m getting closer though.\u00a0 He\u2019s giving me lots of art books \u2026 just not the right kind yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mitch picked one up and flicked through it casually. \u2018Nothing rude,\u2019 he said sadly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 said Joe confidently. \u2018Give it time. Hey!\u2019 His eyes brightened. \u2018Did you bring any more of that \u2026 you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure did,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018I thought you\u2019d need some more round about now.\u2019\u00a0 He took a bottle out from under his coat and Joe grabbed it eagerly.<\/p>\n

Hey how about we play some cards?\u2019 Joe suggested as he finished swallowing. \u2018Hoss taught me how to bet at poker.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said. \u2018How\u2019d you get him ta do that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe took the cards down from the dresser. \u2018I told him he\u2019d be protecting me for the future,\u2019 he said as he began to giggle with the effects of the alcohol.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hey good one!\u2019 said Mitch as he too began to giggle. \u2018Come on then, deal em out.\u2019<\/p>\n

As Ben crossed the front yard he heard the two boys\u2019 giggles floating down from Joe\u2019s bedroom window and shook his head. It seemed that every time Joe got together with one of his friends they got fits of uncontrollable giggles.\u00a0 For the life of him he just couldn\u2019t understand what the youngsters had to keep laughing about. He stopped as he saw Hop Sing standing at the side of the house shaking his head. \u2018Hop Sing?\u2019 he said as he approached the cook. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked up at him with a puzzled expression on his face. \u2018Not know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Cats not eat for many days now.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the group of cats that were his special pride and joy.\u00a0 He had raised them from kittens and hand fed them conscientiously.\u00a0 In return they kept the barn and the yards mice-free, making everyone\u2019s lives a lot easier.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the sleek and well-fed cats. \u2018They look fine,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018They not eat,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not want food. Hang round all time here.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the spot where the cats were grouped at the side of the house directly under Joe\u2019s window. He shook his head again. \u2018Not understand,\u2019 he said sadly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I wouldn\u2019t worry about them Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben soothingly. \u2018They\u2019ll eat when they\u2019re hungry I\u2019m sure.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as the cook walked away from him and shut the kitchen door behind him, still shaking his head in a puzzled fashion.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Paul Martin\u2019s buggy coming into the front yard. He walked over towards the man and held out his hand. \u2018Paul!\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018Good to see you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I was out at the Miller ranch,\u2019 said Paul as he got down from the buggy. \u2018I thought I\u2019d just stop by and check on Joe\u2019s leg.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He seems to be in good spirits today.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul smiled as another wave of giggling came from the upstairs window. \u2018So I hear,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well lead me to him then.\u2019<\/p>\n

As the men entered Joe\u2019s bedroom they sensed a flurry of activity as both boys moved to tidy things up on the bedcover. \u2018Hello boys,\u2019 said Paul Martin. \u2018What are you up to?\u2019<\/p>\n

Both boys stared at him for a moment and then dissolved into a fit of giggling. \u2018Noth\u2026. Nothing,\u2019 giggled Joe happily as he gathered up the pack of cards.\u00a0 He noticed that Mitch had managed to collect the matches and was hiding them in his pocket. \u2018Hello Doc!\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul looked at the happy boy for a moment. \u2018I\u2019ve come to look at your leg,\u2019 he said and was amazed to see that Joe\u2019s expression didn\u2019t change at all as he had expected it to.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure!\u2019 said Joe as he flung back the covers and pointed to it. \u2018It\u2019s still there!\u2019 he announced and giggled again. Mitch joined in with him.<\/p>\n

Paul glanced at Ben who merely shook his head.\u00a0 \u2018Well let\u2019s take a look at it then,\u2019 said Paul and bent over to examine the youngster\u2019s leg. After a moment he straightened up again. \u2018That looks fine,\u2019 he said in a pleased tone. \u2018You\u2019re doing very well Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe giggled again and pulled the covers up around himself. \u2018Gee thanks!\u2019 he said and giggled again.<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head at the boy and picked up his bag. \u2018Well I\u2019ll leave you both to whatever it is you\u2019re doing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Interested in art I see?\u2019\u00a0 He added as he noticed the books on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure am!\u2019 said Joe with a big grin. \u2018Lots of that art stuff is interesting!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben ushered Paul out of the room and closed the door on the sound of both boys laughing. \u2018Well he certainly is in high spirits,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018I expected to see him sulking after this length of time Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well he\u2019s done enough of that,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018To be honest though, I can\u2019t really make him out.\u00a0 One minute he\u2019s whinging and totally impatient, and the next he\u2019s\u2026 well he\u2019s like you just saw him.\u00a0 He\u2019s interested in reading all of a sudden and he\u2019s eating everything that Hop Sing brings him without a fuss.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul patted his friend on the shoulder. \u2018Well it sounds like things are going OK then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Be thankful while it lasts.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018It\u2019s just\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018Well\u2026 knowing Joseph as I do it\u2019s just\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Nothing I can put my finger on anyway.\u2019\u00a0 Thanks for coming Paul.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you out.\u2019<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Adam with an innocent look. \u2018They was real nice Adam.\u00a0 Thanks for lending them to me. Any more of em?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam gave his brother a frustrated look and ran his fingers through his hair. \u2018I really don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you\u2019ve just about seen all of the art books I\u2019ve got now.\u00a0 Maybe I could find you something else.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Couldn\u2019t you just check one more time?\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018You might have one that I haven\u2019t seen yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Give me a minute.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe lay back and put his hands behind his head as he waited.\u00a0 He could hear the meowing of Hop Sing\u2019s cats below his window again as they waited for their supper and he grinned. Those cats had never been so well fed as they had during these past few weeks and they had him to thank for it.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see any harm in it after all\u2026 Pa was pleased with him for eating everything that Hop Sing brought up and he felt fine with the few bits that he had eaten.\u00a0 Hop Sing always gave him too much of everything after all!<\/p>\n

He sat up in anticipation as Adam came back into the room holding a couple of books.\u00a0 \u2018Try these,\u2019 he said as he flung them onto the bed. \u2018I haven\u2019t even looked at them myself yet, but there might be something in there that you\u2019d like.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe happily.\u00a0 He picked up the first one, but noticed with dismay that Adam sat down on the chair next to his bed and leant forward. \u2018Well?\u2019 his brother said. \u2018You haven\u2019t said much about the parts that you\u2019re enjoying.\u00a0 What do you like about these art books anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe searched his brain to think of some useful piece of information that might have lodged itself there. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he said thoughtfully and then his eyes widened. \u2018I like the colours.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows lifted. \u2018In what particular respect?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Um\u2026. in the landscapes,\u2019 ventured Joe for want of anything else to say.<\/p>\n

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

Joe frowned. \u2018And\u2026 well\u2026. they kinda grow on you, ya know?\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his brother hopefully, thinking that it was time he left him alone to look at the books on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u2018Do you know why the artists chose those particular combinations?\u2019 probed Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018Nah.\u2019<\/p>\n

His brother leant forward even more. \u2018Well that\u2019s an interesting thing\u2026\u2019 he began.\u00a0 Joe sighed and lay back on the pillow again, resigned in the knowledge that this was the price he had to pay for borrowing all those books.\u00a0 Adam seemed to think that he really was interested in all that art, so Joe supposed he had done his job well.\u00a0 Half an hour later he was still staring at his oldest brother, trying to look interested in what he was saying.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you agree?\u2019 asked Adam enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe, not sure at all what he was agreeing to.<\/p>\n

Adam patted his brother on the shoulder. \u2018You really are growing up a bit Joe,\u2019 he said pleased. \u2018It\u2019s nice to be able to talk like this about something that interests us both isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe weakly. \u2018I\u2019m kinda tired now though Adam. \u2018Even though I\u2019d love to listen to you some more, do you mind if we have a break?\u00a0 I think I need some rest.\u2019\u00a0 He closed his eyes momentarily for effect and then half-opened them again to see if it was having any impression on his brother.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up and patted Joe on the shoulder again. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018You get some rest now.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk again later. Maybe you can tell me about what\u2019s in those two new books.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded tiredly and watched as his brother walked towards the door.\u00a0 He picked up one of the books and opened it and his eyes widened in delight. \u2018Yes!\u2019 Adam heard his brother yell and he smiled gently as he closed the door behind him.\u00a0 Joe really did seem to be maturing lately.\u00a0 Maybe this enforced bed rest was doing him some good after all.\u00a0 As he walked down the hallway a very happy youngster sat bolt upright in the bedroom behind him and leafed through the pages excitedly. \u2018Yes!\u2019 he shouted again as his heart began to beat widely. \u2018Just wait until Mitch and Seth see this!\u2019<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018Wow!\u2019 said Mitch excitedly. \u2018She\u2019s got nothing on at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Let me see,\u2019 said Seth impatiently and grabbed for the book.<\/p>\n

\u2018Be careful,\u2019 said Joe as he swatted his friend\u2019s hand away. \u2018Get our dirty paws off it!\u2019 He held the book up for his friends\u2019 inspection and grinned at them both. \u2018There\u2019s so many pictures like this in it,\u2019 he said happily as he turned a few more pages. \u2018Look!\u2019\u00a0 All three boys bent their heads over the book and stared at it delightedly. They passed a small bottle around as they gazed at page after page and sighed contentedly.<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re so lucky Joe, being up here with this book and a broken leg,\u2019 said Mitch wistfully. \u2018Nothing to do all day but look at this.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes widened as Joe turned another page. \u2018Look at that one!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 Joe agreed. \u2018Makes you wonder don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

All three boys bent their heads sideways. \u2018How\u2019s she do that anyway?\u2019 asked Seth.<\/p>\n

\u2018Dunno,\u2019 said Joe as he stared at it sidewards. \u2018I guess she\u2019s just got good balance.\u2019\u00a0 He slammed the book shut as his father entered the room and grinned up at him. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said innocently.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hello,\u2019 said Ben pleasantly. \u2018Boys, I think it\u2019s about time you went home don\u2019t you?\u00a0 It\u2019s very nice of you to be visiting so often these past few days, but I\u2019m sure your supper will be ready now.\u2019 He shook his head as the inevitable giggles came at his words. He really couldn\u2019t remember either Adam or Hoss\u2019 friends being so happy at this age.<\/p>\n

\u2018When Mitch and Seth had left the room, Ben sat down next to Joe on the bed and looked at his son\u2019s bright eyes and happy smile. \u2018You seem to be in good spirits again,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled up at him. \u2018Why wouldn\u2019t I be?\u2019 he said happily. \u2018It\u2019s like you said Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m looking on the bright side of having to stay up here. I\u2019ve got good books to read\u2026\u2019 he hugged Adam\u2019s book to himself happily. \u2018Hoss is teaching me\u2026 well, lots of new card tricks, Mitch and Seth bring me\u2026. lots of good company,\u2019 he giggled at the thought of what else they\u2019d been bringing him and remembered the small bottle that was even at this moment under his pillow. \u2018And\u2026 well I dunno. Things just ain\u2019t too bad after all I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his son\u2019s hair indulgently. \u2018Well I must say how proud I am of you Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018You aren\u2019t being nearly as impatient lately as you have been. \u2018Why Hop Sing even tells me that you\u2019re eating everything on your plate.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to smile at his father. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u2018Doctor Martin will be here this afternoon to check your leg again,\u2019 he said. \u2018I must say that you\u2019ve certainly been getting a lot of visitors lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe as he thought about all the boys that Mitch and Seth had been bringing to see him and the book. \u2018I\u2019m real popular.\u2019\u00a0 As his father left the room, he reached under his pillow and brought out a small bag in which he kept his earnings. Adam\u2019s book was proving to be most popular amongst the young boys of the district and Joe was earning quite a bit by charging a nickel a time to look at it.\u00a0 Mitch and Seth of course were getting their cut too, but the bulk of it went to him as the keeper of the book.\u00a0 He grinned as he began to plan out what he\u2019d buy with all his newfound wealth when he was up and around again. Yes\u2026 he thought\u2026 it was always good to look on the bright side of things!<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

You\u2019re doing fine,\u2019 said Paul Martin as he straightened up again. \u2018You\u2019ll be up and around in a couple more weeks Joe, so I suppose that will please you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the doctor. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

Paul looked slightly puzzled as he packed his bag again. \u2018I thought you\u2019d be really anxious to get out of bed,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018I am,\u2019 said Joe. He glanced at the book beside him, his fingers itching to open it again.<\/p>\n

Paul noticed the look. \u2018You\u2019ve been doing a lot of reading while you\u2019ve been stuck up here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your father is pleased with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded at him impatiently. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Paul sighed and picked up his bag.\u00a0 It seemed as if he wasn\u2019t wanted here, that was for sure. He left the room shaking his head at the inconsistencies of youth. Joe picked up the book happily and began to leaf through a few pages.<\/p>\n

\u2018Whatcha reading Joe?\u2019 asked Hoss as he entered the room.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and closed the book again. \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 he said and then his eyes brightened. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018How about you and me\u2026 well, how about we play a bit more poker?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I dunno Joe,\u2019 said Hoss warily. \u2018Seems ta me that you\u2019re a mite too fond of that game.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I even taught ya how to play it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018It\u2019s part of my education remember?\u00a0 Why Pa\u2019d probably thank you if he knew that you were helping me learn how to bet.\u2019 Hoss didn\u2019t look convinced. \u2018It\u2019s true Hoss!\u2019 declared Joe enthusiastically. \u2018It\u2019s saving me from losing money one day \u2026 I\u2019m sure of it!\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his brother sweetly. \u2018Ya know what?\u00a0 I\u2019ve been thinking Hoss.\u00a0 Who better to learn with than a trusted brother after all?\u00a0 I\u2019ll bet that if we used real money I\u2019d learn a lot more besides.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at Hoss and batted his eyelids a few times. \u2018How about we try it huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked wary. \u2018I dunno Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sides\u2026 you ain\u2019t got no money.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Yeah I have!\u2019 he said and pulled out the small bag from under his pillow. \u2018See?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u2018Where\u2019d ya get all that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. \u2018I\u2019ve been saving up,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Hoss\u2026 how about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u2018Well\u2026 as long as you don\u2019t whinge when you lose it all,\u2019 he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of coins. \u2018Deal em out then little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his brother as he reached for the cards on the dresser.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head in a puzzled fashion as his cats turned away yet again from the dish of food that he\u2019d prepared for them. \u2018Still not eating?\u2019 asked Ben as he came and stood beside him.<\/p>\n

The diminutive cook shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Strange.\u00a0 Not sick, but not eat.\u2019\u00a0 He walked away to the kitchen, shaking his head and muttering to himself in Chinese.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Adam standing behind him. \u2018I\u2019m going into town Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Anything I can get for you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You can pick up the mail,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Oh and I don\u2019t suppose you\u2019d like to pick up some more work for your brother at the school house?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked pained. \u2018Do I have to?\u2019 he said. \u2018You know what\u2019ll happen.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I know son, but it\u2019s school time.\u00a0 Surely Abigail can\u2019t keep you too long with all her students there.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam made a face. \u2018Well all right,\u2019 he said grudgingly. \u2018But only because Joe needs the work.\u2019\u00a0 He vaulted up into the saddle and tipped his hat at his father. \u2018See you at lunch,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

About two hours later Adam sighed as he approached the little schoolhouse. He had put this off as long as possible and he knew that it had to be\u2026 but he just prayed that Abigail would be so busy that she wouldn\u2019t be able to stop and talk to him for long.\u00a0 He squared his shoulders as he entered the small classroom and took off his hat as every eye turned to him.\u00a0 Abigail Jones was sitting at her desk and stood up straight away with a huge smile on her face. \u2018Why Adam Cartwright!\u2019 she said. \u2018What a pleasant surprise. Say hello to Mr Cartwright class.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good morning Mr Cartwright,\u2019 chorused the class and Adam felt decidedly uncomfortable as he felt the children staring intently at him. \u2018Um\u2026 good morning,\u2019 he said and then turned to Abigail. \u2018I\u2019ve come for more work for Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s finished all that you gave him last Saturday.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Already?\u2019 said Abigail. \u2018Your father must really be working him hard.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam shortly.\u00a0 He cleared his throat when Abigail simply stood and stared at him without saying anything more. \u2018Could you get it please?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yes,\u2019 replied the teacher. \u2018It\u2019s time the children had a break anyway.\u2019\u00a0 She turned towards the class. \u2018Children we\u2019ll have an early recess. Dismissed.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh no!\u2019 said Adam quickly. \u2018Please don\u2019t let me disturb you.\u00a0 Let the children stay\u2026 please?\u2019<\/p>\n

Abigail gave him a toothy smile. \u2018Don\u2019t be silly,\u2019 she said. \u2018They don\u2019t mind. Children\u2026 go outside please.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam swallowed nervously as the children filed past him, each of them giving him admiring looks, which he found hard to work out. It was as if they were all very pleased to see him. He tried to smile at them as he nervously wrung his hat in his hands. Abigail busied herself getting together some books and handed them to him. \u2018Here,\u2019 she said. \u2018If you\u2019d like to sit down then I\u2019ll explain to you what Joe has to do.\u2019\u00a0 She gave Adam another toothy smile.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said as he put his hat back on. \u2018But I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll work it out. I have to go now.\u2019\u00a0 Just as he turned to go he spied a dash of colour on the teacher\u2019s desk and hesitated when he noticed it was a red handkerchief. \u2018Um\u2026 goodbye,\u2019 he said, tipping his hat at the teacher as he left the room.\u00a0 Abigail stood with her hands over her chest and took several deep breaths before turning away with a dazed expression on her face.\u00a0 She picked up the red handkerchief and pressed it to her face as she breathed deeply of its fragrance.<\/p>\n

Outside, Adam bounded down the stairs and strode over to his horse where a group of young boys were clustered. \u2018Hello Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said one of them, looking up at him admiringly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hello,\u2019 said Adam, still puzzled as to why they were all looking at him in such a fashion. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he added as the boy handed him the reins. He mounted quickly and put the books into his saddlebag, noticing that the group of boys had increased in number. He gave them a fleeting smile. \u2018Bye,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Bye,\u2019 they chorused as he rode away.<\/p>\n

\u2018Is he the one that owns it?\u2019 asked a small boy standing beside the bigger ones.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Mitch admiringly. \u2018That\u2019s him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 said the little boy. \u2018One day I\u2019m gonna have saved up enough ta see it,\u2019 he said wistfully.<\/p>\n

Mitch frowned. \u2018You\u2019re too young,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t even think about it Stevie.\u2019<\/p>\n

Little Stevie Conner sighed. \u2018I ain\u2019t too little!\u2019 he declared to himself. \u2018I\u2019m gonna see that book!\u00a0 I swear I am!\u2019 He frowned in a determined fashion as he stomped back to the classroom.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

\u2018You sure you\u2019ve got everything you need?\u2019 asked Ben as he poked his head around the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Joe. He was sitting up in bed, propped up with three pillows and holding Adam\u2019s book that he seemed to love so much.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he continued to do up his tie. \u2018You seem to really be enjoying that book of your brother\u2019s,\u2019 he said. \u2018I must take a look at it myself if it\u2019s so interesting.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and put the book down hastily. \u2018It really ain\u2019t that interesting,\u2019 he said. \u2018Kinda boring really.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think you\u2019d like it at all.\u00a0 I\u2019m just trying to improve my mind like I know you want me too Pa,\u2019 He gave his father a sweet smile.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s wonderful Joseph,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Now you take it easy while we\u2019re at Church son. We\u2019ll be back in a few hours.\u00a0 Hop Sing is downstairs if you need anything.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled again at his father. \u2018OK Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thanks.\u2019\u00a0 He snuggled down in the bed and opened the book again and Ben gave him a smile as he quietly closed the door. The boy was really growing up, he thought as he went downstairs and headed for the front door. It seemed like his youngest son was finally becoming mature. Perhaps this broken leg of his had happened for a reason?<\/p>\n

It was with a full heart and a full smile that Ben drove the buggy into the Churchyard an hour later. \u2018Well boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018Looks like we\u2019re a bit early for Church this morning. Time to stretch our legs a bit.\u2019\u00a0 He got down from the buggy, followed by Adam and Hoss and then turned as he felt a pressure on his arm.<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Looks like Mr Conner isn\u2019t too happy about something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked across the churchyard and saw the man in question who was striding towards them with a dark look on his face. He frowned as he held out his hand. \u2018Bill,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018How are you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Bill Conner pushed past him, ignoring his greeting and strode straight over to Adam. \u2018I want a word with you!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Adam looked puzzled. \u2018Mr Conner,\u2019 he said. \u2018Um\u2026 what can I do for you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d like to know just where you get off corrupting the young ones around here with your lewd books!\u2019 the man shouted. \u2018How dare you!\u00a0 They\u2019re only children!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam went red and stammered. \u2018But\u2026 but \u2026 I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about!\u2019 he said. \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

Bill Conner pointed his finger at Adam\u2019s nose. \u2018You and your education!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You think you\u2019re so smart with all that learning! Well it might interest you to know young Cartwright that not everyone feels about art the same way that you do!\u00a0 You have no right to show such stuff to young impressionable children such as my Stevie and all them other kids.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked around and noticed a group of people clustering around at the man\u2019s words and several of them were nodding. \u2018Look Mr Conner,\u2019 he said. \u2018I really don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about. I don\u2019t even know your son.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And it\u2019s going to stay that way!\u2019 declared the man. \u2018Lucky I caught him in time before he had the chance to make it out to your place and be corrupted like all them other kids!\u2019\u00a0 He looked around at those who were clustered around them.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s like I told you all,\u2019 he shouted. \u2018My boy ain\u2019t going ta be corrupted by this one and if any of you are decent parents you\u2019d feel the same way about it that I do!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward. \u2018Now just a minute Bill,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you\u2019d better explain what this is all about.\u2019<\/p>\n

Bill Conner turned to Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018It ain\u2019t your fault.\u00a0 Leastways I\u2019m assuming you didn\u2019t know about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Know about what?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018What exactly am I supposed to have done?\u2019<\/p>\n

Bill Conner glared at him. \u2018I found my Stevie stealing a nickel from his Ma\u2019s purse,\u2019 he said. \u2018He claims it was payment to get a look at your filthy book like all them other kids have been doing.\u2019 He looked around again at the crowd. \u2018Filthy pictures!\u2019 he spat. \u2018That\u2019s what he\u2019s been showing around to all your younguns!\u00a0 Filthy pictures and disguising it as art!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked shocked. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018I never\u2026\u2019 stopped and stared at his father. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and nodded slightly. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said grimly. \u2018Exactly what is in that book of yours that he\u2019s so fond of?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his hands in a gesture of dismay. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I haven\u2019t read it yet.\u2019\u00a0 He turned towards the crowd. \u2018It seems that there\u2019s been a misunderstanding here,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s not me that has been showing that book around.\u00a0 I have a feeling it\u2019s my younger brother Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Bill Conner continued to glare at him. \u2018And just where did he get such filth from?\u2019 he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well from me,\u2019 admitted Adam. \u2018But it\u2019s not filth. \u2018It\u2019s art.\u00a0 Just because it\u2019s\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t care what you call it!\u2019 declared the man. \u2018It\u2019s still filth and I\u2019ll have none of it around my son!\u00a0 Just because you Cartwrights let your youngun look at it don\u2019t mean that we have to.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right?\u2019\u00a0 He looked around at the nodding crowd.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now just wait a moment there!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018If this book is as you say, then of course I don\u2019t approve of my son looking at it.\u00a0 This is the first I\u2019ve heard of it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then I suppose you don\u2019t know that he\u2019s apparently been charging for the others to look at it?\u2019 said Bill.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw clenched. \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018I wasn\u2019t aware of that. I assure you though that the boy will be punished for his behaviour.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019 said Bill in a quieter tone. \u2018Well\u2026. as I said Ben, I reckon you didn\u2019t know.\u00a0 As long as the boy is dealt with we\u2019ll hear no more about it. But I really think you should keep a closer eye on your son\u2019s reading material.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at Adam. \u2018All your sons,\u2019 he said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and smiled at the other man. \u2018As you say Bill,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018Now let\u2019s get into Church before we talk the morning away, shall we?\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Adam as the crowd dispersed. \u2018We\u2019ll discuss this on the way home,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his father\u2019s arm. \u2018But Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know what was in the book!\u00a0 I thought\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018On the way home Adam,\u2019 said Ben in a steely voice as he turned towards the Church.\u00a0 Hoss gave Adam a mournful look and followed his father.\u00a0 Adam shrugged as thoughts of his younger brother came into his head. \u2018If Pa doesn\u2019t kill him, then I will!\u2019 he said softly as he followed.<\/p>\n

==========<\/p>\n

The ride home was less than pleasant for all three Cartwrights, compounded by the fact that the Minister\u2019s sermon was still ringing in their ears all the way.\u00a0 Adam wondered bitterly if the man had chosen the Bible passage about the corruptibility of youth on purpose, or if it was sheer chance.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t really matter, he decided. It had been the final thing to push his father\u2019s temper over the edge and at one stage he had really thought that the man was about to stand up and walk out of the church in the middle of the Service.<\/p>\n

And then there had been the reaction of the crowd afterwards. It was icy to say the least, as each person they passed gave them outraged looks.\u00a0 Adam could almost feel his father\u2019s unspoken anger as he got into the buggy.\u00a0 Even Abigail Jones had given him a disappointed look as she fluttered a red handkerchief across her face.\u00a0 Adam frowned as he glanced across at his father as the buggy stopped. \u2018You going up to see Joe now Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

I certainly am!\u2019 declared Ben. \u2018And I\u2019d like you both with me please.\u00a0 This is going to be spoken about immediately.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged at Adam and followed his father. Adam brought up the rear, his anger mounting with every step that he took.\u00a0 As they reached Joe\u2019s bedroom, Ben flung the door open and strode over to the bed. Joe was in a deep sleep, Adam\u2019s book open on his chest and his face a mixture of contentment and peacefulness.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 Wake up!\u2019 shouted Ben as he snatched the book up. He opened it and his eyes widened as he leafed through the pages before handing it to Adam. Hoss looked over his brother\u2019s shoulder as Adam turned a few pages. \u2018Oh Lordy!\u2019 said Hoss in embarrassment. \u2018That\u2019s\u2026 Oh Lordy!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joseph!\u2019 repeated Ben as he shook his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I said to wake up!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and smiled sleepily as he looked up at his father.\u00a0 \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018You back from Church already?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We certainly are,\u2019 said Ben as he sat down next to the bed. \u2018Sit up.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes even wider, puzzled at the tone in his father\u2019s voice. He sat up and his eyes widened as he noticed the book in Adam\u2019s hand. \u2018I \u2026 um\u2026 I ain\u2019t finished with that yet,\u2019 he said feebly. \u2018Can I have it back?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yes you have finished with it Joseph!\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018You have definitely finished with it young man.\u2019\u00a0 He glared at the boy on the bed.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and lay back down again. \u2018My leg hurts,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think I\u2019d better rest some more.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I said to sit up!\u2019 thundered Ben and Joe sat up again immediately. Ben leant forward. \u2018Is what I hear true young man?\u00a0 Have you or have you not been charging for other children to look at this\u2026. this book?\u2019\u00a0 He waved his hand in the general direction of the book.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again. \u2018Which book?\u2019 he asked feebly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!!\u2019 thundered his father. \u2018I suggest you stop this nonsense and answer my question!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grimaced at the tone of his father\u2019s voice. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Where is the money?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe reached under his pillow and pulled out the small bag that was there.\u00a0 Unfortunately at the same time a bottle also rolled out and landed on the floor at Ben\u2019s feet. \u2018What is this?\u2019 asked his father as he bent to pick it up. Joe shrank away from his father as Ben opened the top of the bottle and smelt its contents. \u2018Whiskey!\u2019 he thundered. \u2018What in the name of\u2026.. Could you explain to me why you have a flask of whiskey under your pillow young man?\u2019 Joe looked at his father pleadingly and was silent. \u2018I\u2019m waiting!\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018Don\u2019t make this any worse than it already is Joseph!\u00a0 Hurry up and answer me!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2026 well\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018I um\u2026 I thought it would do me good,\u2019 said Joe feebly. \u2018For the pain.\u00a0 It\u2019s awful bad sometimes Pa,\u2019 he added. \u2018Like now.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his leg. \u2018It\u2019s hurting something bad Pa.\u00a0 I think I\u2019d better\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you dare insult my intelligence with your lies!\u2019 yelled Ben. \u2018For the pain indeed! Where did you get this from?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Mitch and Seth,\u2019 said Joe quietly, realising the futility of lying anymore.<\/p>\n

\u2018So this is why you three have been giggling so much!\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018You\u2019ve been drunk!\u2019 Joe looked at his brothers pleadingly and shrank back at the expression on their faces. He said nothing. \u2018Give me that bag!\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0 He opened the small bag and emptied it onto the bedcover, watching in amazement as the coins rolled out.\u00a0 \u2018You had this many children come to see that book?\u2019 he asked in amazement.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh no Pa!\u2019 Joe assured his father. \u2018It weren\u2019t nearly that many!\u00a0 That\u2019s just the money I won from Hoss is all.\u2019 he put his hand over his mouth as he realised what he\u2019d just said.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u2018From Hoss?\u2019 he asked quietly as he turned to face his middle son. \u2018Why are you giving your brother money Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I weren\u2019t,\u2019 said Hoss indignantly. \u2018I reckon he was cheating Pa!\u00a0 No one could have won as many hands as he did\u2026 honestly!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes wearily. \u2018Do you mean to tell me that you have been betting money with your younger brother here?\u00a0 What were you playing?\u00a0 Poker I suppose?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 admitted Hoss grudgingly. \u2018But I was only trying to protect him Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Protect him?\u2019 asked Ben weakly.\u00a0 He put up his hand. \u2018On second thoughts don\u2019t tell me.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s best if I don\u2019t know.\u2019<\/p>\n

He turned towards the boy on the bed again. \u2018I don\u2019t suppose I have to tell you how I\u2019m feeling right at this moment do I Joseph?\u2019\u00a0 Joe shook his head, his eyes wide. \u2018Not only have you embarrassed myself and your brothers today, but you\u2019ve done a great deal of damage to your own reputation as well.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the book in Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u2018It weren\u2019t my fault,\u2019 declared Joe, sitting up straight again. \u2018You said to do some reading and expand my mind and Adam was the one that gave it to me!\u2019\u00a0 He smirked at Adam triumphantly.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u2018Why you little\u2026.\u2019 He began and then his voice trailed off as he became speechless with rage. He drew a deep breath. \u2018Pa if you don\u2019t belt him, then I will!\u2019 he declared. \u2018Everyone thinks I\u2019m trying to corrupt the youth of the district all because of this\u2026.\u2019 he waved his hand towards his brother, \u2018this\u2026. troublemaker!\u2019\u00a0 His face began to go red and his breaths came quickly in a rare display of emotion.<\/p>\n

\u2018You bought the book!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018Even Miss Jones said that it was rude, but you still bought it!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018What right have you got to question what I buy?\u2019 he spluttered. \u2018I\u2019m an adult and I can buy anything I want to!\u00a0 Besides\u2026 it\u2019s art and there\u2019s nothing wrong with it!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then, why is it wrong for me to look at it?\u2019 asked Joe with a gleam in his eye. \u2018If it\u2019s art, then it should be\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 interrupted his father. \u2018That will do! It appears that for the past few weeks you have been up here drinking, betting at poker and looking at rude pictures. Is there anything else you want to add to the list before we go any further young man?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head as he stared at his father. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh, I\u2019m sure you are Joseph,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up. \u2018And you\u2019ll be even sorrier the moment Doctor Martin gives you clearance to get out of this bed.\u00a0 Unfortunately your punishment will have to wait until then, but the moment he says that you are well you will be wishing you were sick in this bed once again!\u00a0 Do you get my meaning?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed . \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018According to my calculations you have one more week up here Joseph,\u2019 said his father quietly. \u2018And it will be a very long week for you young man.\u00a0 There will be no more visitors bringing alcoholic drinks for you and sharing lewd pictures with you.\u00a0 There will be no more poker games with your brother.\u2019 He glared at Hoss who looked at the floor. \u2018And your reading material will be strictly supervised by myself and will consist of schoolwork only. I have a feeling this will be a week that you will remember young man! And all week you can stay here and think about what you have done!\u2019<\/p>\n

He turned and strode from the room. \u2018Adam! Hoss!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Leave your brother to do some thinking by himself!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018With pleasure!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018I have something to look for in my room anyway!\u2019\u00a0 He went off to search for a certain red handkerchief that he had misplaced.<\/p>\n

Joe grimaced as Hoss gave him a dark look before turning to follow their father. He sighed as he lay back on the pillow and glared at his broken leg. \u2018It\u2019s all your fault!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Stupid broken leg! If it weren\u2019t for you I wouldn\u2019t have had ta do them things!\u2019\u00a0 He sighed again at the unfairness of it all and glared at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room bearing a tray. \u2018Boy in trouble,\u2019 he admonished as he set it down. \u2018Make father very angry!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe grudgingly. \u2018Weren\u2019t my fault but!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hop Sing swatted him on the side of the head and then left the room muttering to himself in Chinese. As if he didn\u2019t enough of his own worries! Now Mr Cartwright was in a bad mood and the whole household would pay for it.\u00a0 And all because of one boy\u2019s foolishment!<\/p>\n

He grabbed a bucket as he went through the kitchen and headed towards the pump outside, giving Ben a wide berth.\u00a0 As he stooped to fill his bucket he heard a loud exclamation behind him and turned in amazement to see Mr Cartwright standing with a piece of meat sitting on his head.\u00a0 Hop Sing watched in amazement as another piece of meat came sailing through the air and landed at the man\u2019s feet.\u00a0 Three cats dived on it straight away and struggled over it as he and Ben looked at each other in amazement.<\/p>\n

Ben reached up and picked the piece of meat out of his hair and looked at it. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he yelled as he strode back towards the house again.<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Joe is forced to stay in bed after an accident and causes trouble for everyone as a result<\/p>\n

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