{"id":1970,"date":"2009-10-11T11:05:31","date_gmt":"2009-10-11T15:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1970"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:17","slug":"the-brother-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1970","title":{"rendered":"The Brother Campaign (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Little Joe advertises for a new Cartwright when he decides that he doesn\u2019t want to be the youngest brother anymore<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (5,610 words)<\/p>\n

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The Brother Campaign<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMove your feet,\u201d Adam instructed as he raked some of the hay from near the bale where his little brother was sitting.<\/p>\n

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Joe obligingly put his small feet up on the hay-bale and looked at his brother as he continued to rake. \u201cHow come you haveta do that Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSo that the horses don\u2019t get sick,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u201cFrom all their poop huh?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s why you rake it away and put it onto the manure pile ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam vaguely.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI wish I could do the manure pile,\u201d sighed his little brother. \u201cYou get all the fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cBelieve me squirt,\u201d chuckled Adam. \u201cThe manure pile sure isn\u2019t any fun. Besides \u2026 your turn will come.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen I\u2019m bigger,\u201d sighed Joe wistfully.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWhen you\u2019re bigger. Hoss and I will be very happy to hand that particular chore over to you little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cEveryone always says when I\u2019m bigger,\u201d sighed Joe, putting his chin on his drawn up knees. \u201cWhen will I be bigger Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cSoon enough,\u201d said Adam, ruffling his little brother\u2019s hair before walking towards the door of the barn.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat are we doin now Adam?\u201d asked Joe as he jumped down from the hay-bale and followed his older brother outside. \u201cSomething int\u2019resting?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m going to cut some wood,\u201d replied Adam, getting the axe from the top of the stump next to the pile of kindling. \u201cYou can watch.\u201d He started to work, watched by Joe who had perched himself on top of the kindling.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWill I cut wood when I\u2019m bigger too?\u201d he asked presently.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUh huh,\u201d said Adam, picking up another piece.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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\u201cIffen you and Hoss will give me your chores when I get big enuff, then who will I give em to when I grow real big?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam stopped cutting and stared at his little brother for a moment. \u201cWell,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s one I\u2019ll have to think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said seriously and then his small face lit up. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need another brother. A little one fer me so\u2019s I got someone to hand my chores onto.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam smiled. \u201cMaybe,\u201d he said. \u201cOnly it isn\u2019t that simple.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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\u201cWell \u2026 where are you going to get this little brother from?\u201d Adam teased playfully.<\/p>\n

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Joe frowned as he thought about it. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s one I\u2019ll have to think about.\u201d He sat in deep thought, his small brow furrowed in contemplation. \u201cI reckon it\u2019d be good but,\u201d he said after a few moments. \u201cThen I\u2019d have someone to boss around like you and Hoss do. I wish I\u2019d been born the older brother so\u2019s I could do the bossing round.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cBeing the oldest isn\u2019t all that great kid,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThere\u2019s lots of good things about being the youngest.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe was thoughtful again. \u201cYeah,\u201d he agreed. \u201cYou\u2019re probbly right. I reckon Hoss is the lucky one, huh Adam? He\u2019s got a older brother and<\/em> a younger brother. He\u2019s lucky being in the middle.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cMaybe,\u201d said Adam splitting another log.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIffen I had a younger brother then I\u2019d be in the middle too,\u201d surmised Joe with a grin. \u201cAin\u2019t that right Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI suppose so,\u201d said Adam vaguely as he picked up yet another piece of wood and wondered where his little brother got all his ideas from. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and see if Hop Sing needs some help?\u201d he suggested, thinking it might be a way to get some peace and quiet away from the child\u2019s chattering.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe happily, jumping down from the wood heap and running towards the kitchen door. \u201cI\u2019ll come back iffen he don\u2019t!\u201d he shouted over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOh goody,\u201d muttered Adam under his breath, hoping that the cook would have a lot of things to keep his little brother busy. Adam loved the child dearly, but sometimes in small doses.<\/p>\n

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0000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Ben looked at his youngest son who was lying in bed grinning up at him. \u201cDid you wash your face?\u201d he asked. Joe nodded his head. \u201cBehind your ears?\u201d Joe hesitated and then nodded his head again, more slowly this time and Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cJo-seph?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s nod turned into a slow shake of his head. \u201cSort of,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

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Ben turned back the bedcovers and motioned to the washbowl and jug on the child\u2019s dresser. \u201cNow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe reluctantly got out of bed and stood by the dresser while his father picked up a cloth and gave his face, ears and neck a thorough washing. \u201cI didn\u2019t say my prayers yet neither,\u201d he admitted through the towel as his father dried his face.<\/p>\n

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\u201cKneel down,\u201d instructed his father, pointing to the bed and Joe obediently knelt by his bed, joined his hands and closed his eyes while his father hung the towel back up and sat down on the bed to listen.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDear God,\u201d began Joe, opening one eye to see if his father was ready and then closing it again when he had satisfied himself that he was. \u201cPlease bless my Pa and my brothers Adam and Hoss and also bless my Mama up in heaven with you. Bless Hop Sing too and make him cook roast potatoes for supper tomorrow.\u201d He opened the eye again to see if his father approved of the statement, and closed it again as Ben didn\u2019t react. \u201cPlease make me a good boy and not get into trubble,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cAnd please send us a baby brother for me to boss around. Amen.\u201d He got up from his knees and into bed, not noticing the startled look on his father\u2019s face as he did so.<\/p>\n

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Ben drew the bedclothes up around the child and looked down at him. \u201cJoe, God can\u2019t send you a baby brother,\u201d he said after a moment.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy not?\u201d asked Little Joe. \u201cYou told me that God can do anything he likes Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u201cWell yes,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cBut he made us so that we need a mother and a father to have a baby,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know all about that. We\u2019ve talked about it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe thought for a moment. \u201cOh yeah,\u201d he said. \u201cI forgot.\u201d He propped himself up on his elbows an looked at his father sadly. \u201cWe don\u2019t have a mother to have us a baby now, do we?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head as he smoothed own his son\u2019s curls. \u201cNo,\u201d he said, with a tinge of sadness in his own voice. \u201cWe don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe studied his father\u2019s expression for a moment. \u201cMaybe one day we\u2019ll get us another mother, and then we could get us another brother?\u201d he said hopefully. \u201cYou\u2019d like that, wouldn\u2019t you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben tried not to let his despair at the thought of their loss show on his face to his small son. \u201cMaybe one day,\u201d he said softly. \u201cNot now.\u201d He bent down and kissed Little Joe on the forehead. \u201cGoodnight son,\u201d he said. \u201cSleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNight Pa,\u201d replied Joe.\u00a0 He waited until his father had turned down the lamp and left the room before kicking the covers off himself and getting out of bed again to kneel on the floor. He closed his eyes and joined his hands. \u201cDear God,\u201d he began. \u201cOne more thing. Please bring us a mother to have a baby brother for us. Amen.\u201d With a satisfied nod, he got back into bed again and rolled over to face the wall, sure in the knowledge that God would take care of things now.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Joe waited three days before deciding that God wasn\u2019t in any hurry to bring them a mother to have a baby brother. On the third morning at the breakfast table, he sought to find out why. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes son?\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDoes God always give us what we ask for?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head as he sipped his coffee. \u201cNot always,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHow come?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d Ben put down his coffee and looked at the serious expression on his son\u2019s face. \u201cGod knows better than us if we should have it or not,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe thought about that for a moment. \u201cWell, what if we want something real bad?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t God give it to us then?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben considered for a moment. \u201cIf we want something real bad, then God gave us our minds and our bodies to work to get it,\u201d he said finally. \u201cIf we want something bad enough, then there\u2019s usually nothing that to stop us getting it, if we\u2019re willing to work hard enough,\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSometimes God expects us to go out and work for things ourselves,\u201d Ben continued. He studied the child for a moment. \u201cWhat is it you want Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe hung his head and studied his plate. \u201cJest something,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s between God and me Pa. I\u2019ve been praying for it, but God ain\u2019t hearing me too good.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben tried to keep a straight face. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe, God always hears our prayers. Maybe he\u2019s not giving you what you\u2019re asking for because he wants you to work for it instead? Remember what I always tell you boys? Hard work is very important.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cBut I don\u2019t know how to work for this,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at the boy. \u201cIf God thinks you need to, then he\u2019ll show you the way to work for it,\u201d he said. \u201cNow eat your breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Little Joe sat on a grain sack on the back of the buckboard sucking on a peppermint stick as his father loaded up the supplies, helped by Hoss who also had a peppermint stick sticking out of his mouth as he worked. \u201cMorning Ben,\u201d said Sheriff Roy Coffee as he walked along the sidewalk. \u201cMorning boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cRoy!\u201d said Ben, straightening up and shaking the sheriff\u2019s hand. \u201cI was going to come and see you before we left town. I\u2019m glad we ran into you.\u201d Roy smiled at Ben and ruffled Hoss\u2019 hair before winking at Little Joe. Both boys gave him a wide smile, as the sheriff was well known to them and liked by both. \u201cI wanted to know if you needed the boys to help put up your posters again this year?\u201d continued Ben.<\/p>\n

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Roy nodded. \u201cThat\u2019d sure be great Ben. Thanks,\u201d he said. \u201cThe printing office said they\u2019d have em ready fer next week. So you\u2019ll be willing ta help me with my campaign?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t I always?\u201d laughed Ben, slapping the other man on the back. \u201cI have to help make sure that we get the very best sheriff available come election time, don\u2019t I? Don\u2019t you worry Roy, I\u2019ll be ready and willing to help you with your campaign in any way I can. Tell you what,\u201d he suggested. \u201cHow about coming out to the house on Friday night for one of Hop Sing\u2019s suppers and we can discuss it then?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll just do that,\u201d replied Roy with a grin. \u201cWell \u2026 I must be going. It\u2019s important for folks ta see my face as much as possible before the campaign begins.\u201d He waved to the boys. \u201cSee you later boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cSee ya sheriff,\u201d said Hoss, slinging another bag of grain up onto the buckboard. \u201cHey Pa?\u00a0 Does that mean I get ta help with them posters this year too?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben slapped his son on the back. \u201cSure does,\u201d he said. \u201cI think you\u2019re just about big enough to help Adam this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cPa?\u201d piped up Little Joe, taking his peppermint stick out of his mouth.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u201cNot this year Little Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe in a few years.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cMaybe what in a few years?\u201d asked Joe in a puzzled tone.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave him a strange look. \u201cI thought that you were asking \u2026. Never mind son. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s a cam \u2026 cam \u2026 pain?\u201d asked Joe as his father and brother climbed up on the buckboard seat, one on each side of him.<\/p>\n

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\u201cA campaign son is something you do to get people to commit to something.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cLike Sheriff Coffee getting elected again,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d said his father, hitching up the reins.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s a comm. \u2026 it?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell \u2026. It\u2019s a promise to do something,\u201d explained his father. \u201cIn Sheriff Coffee\u2019s campaign he asks people to vote for him and they say that they will. That\u2019s a commitment to vote for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHow does he campaign Pa?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cWhat does he do?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell \u2026. He puts up the posters \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cUh huh!\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cAdam and Hoss put up them posters.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell they put them up for Sheriff Coffee,\u201d went on Ben. \u201cAnd he talks to people and makes speeches.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Little Joe looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cThat sounds real hard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at him. \u201cHe writes to people as well,\u201d he went on.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat does he write?\u201d asked Joe, suddenly interested again.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe writes them letters asking them to vote for him,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWriting letters is easy,\u201d said Joe excitedly.<\/p>\n

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Ben ruffled his hair. \u201cDepending on how many he has to write,\u201d he said. \u201cBut yes \u2026. I suppose letters are easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe wrinkled up his small nose, deep in thought. \u201cAnd does the people do what Sheriff Coffee says?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSheriff Coffee doesn\u2019t tell them what to do,\u201d Ben said patiently. \u201cHe asks them to vote for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s being polite,\u201d said Hoss knowingly.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d agreed his father. \u201cNow \u2026. any more questions about campaigning boys?\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNuh,\u201d answered Hoss, sucking on his peppermint and looking content.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNuh,\u201d answered Little Joe, sucking on his peppermint and looking thoughtful.<\/p>\n

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Joe leant his arms on the dining room table and stared at his older brother until Adam put down his pencil with a sigh and looked back at the little boy. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat are ya doin\u2019 Adam?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u201cStudying,\u201d replied Adam, picking up his pencil again.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cMy college exams,\u201d replied Adam. There was silence for another couple of minutes until he looked over at his little brother again who was still staring at him. \u201cDo you want something?\u201d he asked, clearly irritated.\u00a0 Little Joe nodded. \u201cWell what is it then?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cOut with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Joe pointed to the pile of papers next to his brother\u2019s books. \u201cCan I get some of them papers?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause I want to do some writing,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cCan I Adam? I need \u2026.\u201d He screwed up his nose and counted something silently on his fingers. \u201cI need \u2026 four.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him four pieces of paper. \u201cAre you practising your writing for Miss Jones?\u201d he asked with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNah! I\u2019m writing a cam \u2026 campain. Can I have a pencil too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d said Adam, handing him a pencil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d said Joe with a grin as he took the pencil. \u201cThanks.\u201d He seated himself opposite his older brother at the table and screwed up his nose again, clearly in deep thought about something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried not to laugh at his younger brother\u2019s seriousness. \u201cWhat\u2019s the campaign for?\u201d he asked teasingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t telling,\u201d said Joe smugly as he began to write. \u201cIt\u2019s a secret between me and God.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a secret?\u201d asked Ben, coming into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s campaign,\u201d said Adam with a wink at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put on a serious face. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cWell don\u2019t let me disturb you boys at your work.\u201d He chuckled to himself as he went to sit in his chair by the fireplace. \u201cOh that reminds me Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cThose posters will be ready next week for Roy\u2019s campaign. I told him that you and Hoss would put them up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy will be here on Friday to discuss his campaign,\u201d said Ben, reaching for his pipe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that where someone learnt about campaigns?\u201d asked Adam with a chuckle, indicating his little brother who was busy writing on one of his papers, his tongue sticking out from between his teeth as he concentrated on doing his neatest writing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Ben, giving his eldest son a wink. \u201cI have a suspicion that someone doesn\u2019t want to be left out. Whatever its doing will be harmless enough and keep it quiet for a while at least.\u201d He settled down and lit his pipe as he listened to the crackling of the fire in the grate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The writing definitely did keep Joe quiet for the evening and by the time Ben called him to go to bed he had covered most of the four pieces of paper. \u201cYou want me to check your spelling for you?\u201d asked Adam as Joe gathered up his papers. Secretly, Adam was dying to know what the child had written, but Joe didn\u2019t seem very keen to share his secret just yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d replied Joe haughtily. \u201cIt\u2019s a secret. Sides, I can spell real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam lifted an eyebrow. \u201cReally?\u201d he said in an amused tone. \u201cThat\u2019s news to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can so spell good!\u201d countered Joe crossly, giving his older brother a dark look. \u201cAnd I ain\u2019t showing you neither!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, that will do,\u201d said Ben turning around the edge of the chair and giving his youngest son a stern look. \u201cTime for bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held his papers close to his chest as he came over to kiss his father goodnight. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Little Joe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ll respect your privacy son. No one will look at your campaign.\u201d He tousled the boy\u2019s curly hair. \u201cIt\u2019s a very good thing to want to help. Now up to bed with you and I\u2019ll be up soon to tuck you in.\u201d Joe gave his brother one last dark look and went upstairs, still holding his papers to his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you worried about what he\u2019s written?\u201d asked Adam when Joe had disappeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied his father. \u201cHe\u2019s probably just writing something to help with Roy\u2019s campaign. Whatever it is will be harmless enough, I\u2019m sure.\u201d He settled down again in his chair and puffed on his pipe contentedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

0000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened the front door and looked in surprised at Mrs Adele Pruitt standing on the front porch. \u201cWell this is a surprise,\u201d he said with a smile, while looking over her shoulder. \u201cIs Bert with you Adele?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she replied. \u201cHe\u2019s working down on our lower pasture this morning Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease come in,\u201d said Ben, opening the door fully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs Pruitt shook her head. \u201cThank you Ben, but I can\u2019t stay,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve left the children at home and can\u2019t stay away long. This really isn\u2019t a social call.\u201d She held out a piece of paper. \u201cI really just came to give you this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows in surprise. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked as he took it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a letter to me from you,\u201d the woman replied, trying hard not to laugh. \u201cSeth brought it home yesterday afternoon from school.\u00a0 He said that Little Joe gave it to him and that it\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked even more puzzled as he opened the letter and read:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

deeR miSiS pRUet<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

mi Nam is miSta bEn caRtRite and I aM hAvin a caMpain. I woNt yu Ta hav a bAbi broTha fer My boYs. I fiNk yu ar pRitte aNd I am haPPe for You ta Bee tHe mOtha and I will Bee tHe fAthA. I will lOOk afta tHe babi aT mi hoUs so You woNt hav ta liSen to iT cri. PlEs riTe bak aNd tel mE if Yu are goNa say yeS. I dOnt wOnt no giRls in mi fAmilE so Yu hav ta saY it wil Bee a boY or Yu can ceeP it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

fROm miSta beN caRtRite<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up to see Adele trying not to laugh. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said, trying to hide his embarrassment from the woman. \u201cIt seems that I need to have a talk with my youngest son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d want to see it,\u201d said Adele. She placed a hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t be too hard on the youngster Ben. There\u2019s no harm done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat before nodding. \u201cThank you for bringing it,\u201d he said. \u201cDid Seth say if Joe gave one of these to anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adele shook her head. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say,\u201d she replied. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better get back to the children now. I\u2019ll see you in church tomorrow Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye Adele,\u201d said Ben, walking her to her buggy. \u201cAnd again \u2026 thank you.\u201d He helped the woman into her buggy as Adam rode into the front yard. Adam waved to Mrs Pruitt as he dismounted from his horse and walked over to his father. \u201cDid you get the mail son?\u201d asked Ben as he watched Mrs Pruitt\u2019s buggy disappear around the side of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure did,\u201d said Adam, handing a pile of letters to his father. \u201cAnd I got another letter from Mrs Devlin that you\u2019d probably rather not see.\u201d He fished a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Ben who opened it to see the same childish scrawl that he\u2019d just seen on the letter to Adele Pruitt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve just had one of these given to me from Adele Pruitt,\u201d he said wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs Devlin thought it was real funny,\u201d said Adam, trying to keep a straight face himself. \u201cShe said not to worry about it Pa, but she thought that you\u2019d want to see it though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do indeed!\u201d said Ben with a frown. \u201cLord knows how many women have received them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if this is the campaign that Joe\u2019s been working on, he got four pieces of paper from me,\u201d said Adam. \u201cSo there might still be a couple more unaccounted for.\u201d He giggled. \u201cYou must admit that it is kinda funny Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben kept a straight face. \u201cHeaven knows where that boy gets his ideas from,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who said whatever his campaign was \u2026. it was a harmless one,\u201d Adam reminded his father gleefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a stern look that took the smirk off Adam\u2019s face immediately. \u201cThat\u2019s when I thought he was simply campaigning for Roy Coffee,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI had no idea that he was campaigning for \u2026. this!\u201d He waved the two papers around in his hand. \u201cWhatever would put this idea into his head?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been talking about not wanting to be the youngest in the family,\u201d said Adam with a shrug. \u201cI suppose that idea combined with Roy\u2019s campaign that we\u2019ve been talking about \u2026\u201d he shrugged again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have to have a talk with that boy before this goes any further,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s in the barn with Hoss. Go and tell him to come inside please Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Adam with a grin and led his horse towards the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked towards the house, shaking his head and reading the letters again as he did. \u201cJoseph, Joseph,\u201d he said wearily. \u201cWhat am I going to do with that imagination of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

0000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened the front door and ushered his youngest brother inside before following him. There was no way that he was going to miss out on what he considered might be a highly amusing exchange between his little brother and his father and he settled himself on the sofa to listen with an amused expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ran straight over to his father who was seated in his favourite chair in front of the fireplace. \u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe said happily, leaning on his father\u2019s lap and smiling up at him. \u201cAdam said that you and me is gonna have a talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe most certainly are,\u201d said Ben, drawing the boy closer to him and bending forward to look him in the eye. \u201cI believe that you\u2019ve written some letters?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep!\u201d said Little Joe happily, smiling up at his father.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s my campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at the bright face of his youngest son and his heart melted. After all, the little boy hadn\u2019t really meant any harm and had no idea of what problems he\u2019d caused. He picked him up and placed him on his knee, looking at him with a serious expression on his face. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have done that son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked confused. \u201cBut Pa,\u201d he protested. \u201cYou said that a campaign was a good thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know I did,\u201d Ben said patiently. \u201cBut only when the person you\u2019re campaigning for knows about it. You used my name in those letters and you didn\u2019t tell me, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe warily. \u201cI reckon I shoulda told you bout them letters then, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes you should have,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you said that you\u2019d spect my privacy,\u201d countered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes and prayed for patience. \u201cYes, that\u2019s true \u2026 I did say that, but \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you said that God wants us ta work for things,\u201d continued Joe. \u201cI asked God for a little baby brother and he didn\u2019t give me one yet, so I reckoned I had ta work a campaign for one. You said so Pa,\u201d he finished indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, it\u2019s not that simple,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt isn\u2019t a matter of just finding a lady to have a baby. You can\u2019t go around asking anyone to do that. Before we can have another baby in this family I need to have a wife. Those women you sent the letters to have their own families\u00a0 \u2026 they can\u2019t be part of ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Jones don\u2019t,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt weak at the knees. \u201cMiss Jones?\u201d he said. \u201cPlease tell me that you didn\u2019t give one of those letters to your teacher Little Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe happily. \u201cI won\u2019t tell ya Pa.\u201d He fished a piece of paper out of the pocket of his trousers. \u201cI done forgot ta give you this but. When I gave Miss Jones my letter, she gave me another one ta give back to you.\u201d He handed it to his father with a grin. \u201cI reckon she might be writing to ya bout having that baby brother Pa.\u201d He grinned happily at the idea. \u201cAin\u2019t ya gonna read it Pa?\u201d He asked when Ben put it on the coffee table next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the moment,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cI have a good idea what might be in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I guess we\u2019ll haveta tell her no<\/em> now,\u201d said Joe in a dejected tone. \u201cIf ya haveta have a wife fore we can get a little brother, we don\u2019t want her<\/em> being here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we do not!\u201d chimed in Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his eldest a stern look and Adam sat back in his chair. \u201cJoe, you shouldn\u2019t have given Miss Jones one either,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s OK but Pa,\u201d Joe assured his father. \u201cCause she ain\u2019t married or nothing \u2026 and I left out the bit about you thinking she was pretty \u2026 cause that woulda been a lie.\u201d His eyes widened. \u201cI didn\u2019t tell no lies Pa.\u201d Ben looked at his son, momentarily lost for words. \u201cTell ya what Pa,\u201d suggested Joe, leaning close to his father. \u201cHow bout I do a campaign for a wife for you iffen you don\u2019t want a baby brother for me first? I can find some other ladies who aren\u2019t married and campaign them. Then you\u2019ll get a wife and I\u2019ll get a brother!\u201d he finished happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joseph,\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cThere\u2019ll be no more campaigning for wives or babies or anything else around here? Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Joe assured his father. \u201cIt\u2019s fun doing a campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said no and I mean no!\u201d said Ben firmly. He looked at Joe sternly. \u201cDid you write a letter to anyone else?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJo-seph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head more vigorously this time. \u201cHonest Pa I didn\u2019t. I only wrote three letters.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell thank goodness for that,\u201d said Ben thankfully. \u201cNow we\u2019ll hear no more about this campaigning. The next time you decide to campaign for anything son, I want you to tell me about it first. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Joe, grinning at his father. \u201cCan I go now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can go now,\u201d said Ben wearily, allowing the little boy to slide down from his lap. He picked up the letter on the coffee table from Abigail Jones and began to read it as Joe ran out of the room. Beside him on the sofa, Adam began to chuckle. \u201cI\u2019m glad you find this amusing,\u201d said Ben sarcastically. \u201cI fail to see the humour in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking of having Abigail Jones as a stepmother,\u201d chuckled Adam and laughed even more as he watched the horrified expression on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

0000000<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tipped his hat to the three women huddled together in the corner of the small churchyard and was surprised when they all giggled as they nodded to him in reply. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on Pa?\u201d asked Adam behind him. \u201cThat\u2019s the third group of women who\u2019ve laughed like that since we came out of church.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know son,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cIt sure beats me.\u201d He pulled on Little Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cCome along Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s time we were getting home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped dragging his feet and smiled up at his father. \u201cCan we go fishin this afternoon Pa?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d said his father vaguely, looking across another group of women who were laughing and pointing in his direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat probbly means no,\u201d sighed Joe wistfully. \u201cIt always means no when you say that you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d Ben turned to see Roy Coffee striding across the yard. \u201cI\u2019m glad I caught you before you left,\u201d said Roy with a grin. \u201cI wanted to give you something.\u201d He held out a tattered piece of paper towards Ben, who took it with a frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust read it,\u201d replied Roy, his grin getting bigger. \u201cI found it on the Livery Stable wall yesterday morning and I took it down thinking that you\u2019d wanna see it.\u201d Ben looked, and as he read, it suddenly occurred to him what Little Joe had used his fourth piece of paper for:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WoNteD<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>
\na laDe ta hAV a BoY baBi<\/p>\n

foR <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

mIsTa beN caRtRitE<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

cUm tO <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

tHe poNdaROsa <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

if Yu Ar wiliNg<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben went slightly red as he looked down at his small son by his side and he held the paper out so that Joe could see it. \u201cDid you do this Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d replied Joe with a grin. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty good ain\u2019t it Pa? I put up a poster like Adam and Hoss does for Sheriff Coffee\u2019s campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did you put this up?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Miss Jones let us out from school on Friday,\u201d explained Joe proudly. \u201cI done it while I was waiting fer Hoss to come out. I got a nail from our barn and I banged it in all by myself. I hadta use my boot ta bang it in but, cause you always tell me not ta use a hammer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you told me that you hadn\u2019t written anything else,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNuh uh,\u201d said Joe, his eyes going wide. \u201cYou asked me if I\u2019d wrote any more letters. You never asked me if I\u2019d wrote a poster.\u201d He gave his father an anxious look. \u201cWeren\u2019t that a good thing ta do neither Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, it wasn\u2019t,\u201d sighed Ben. He looked over at Roy who was still grinning at them both. \u201cWhen did you take this down Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSaturday afternoon,\u201d said Roy. \u201cSome of the fellars in the saloon were hanging round it and laughing, so I thought it best ta get it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wiped a hand over his face. \u201cNo wonder everyone\u2019s been looking at me strangely,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was up there long enough for the whole town to find out about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Ben,\u201d said Roy with a chuckle. \u201cEveryone knows it was a joke. Don\u2019t take on about it.\u201d He laughed again. \u201cI think it\u2019s quite funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a dark look. \u201cIt\u2019s not funny Roy.\u201d He pulled Joe by the hand. \u201cYou come along home now,\u201d he said. \u201cYou and I need to have another talk young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben?\u201d called Roy after them as they headed towards their buggy. \u201cI was just wondering if you are gonna have time to still help me with my campaign?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I?\u201d asked Ben crossly over his shoulder as he lifted Joe up into the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t want to take you away from other important things,\u201d said Roy. \u201cAfter all, you might have lots of ladies calling on you this week out at The Ponderosa and you mightn\u2019t have time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several people who were standing nearby dissolved into fits of laughter and Ben glared at them all before turning to Adam and Hoss who were standing behind him doubled up with laughter. \u201cYou two can just get up into that buggy!\u201d he said crossly. \u201cHurry up! And stop that laughing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nudged Hoss and they climbed up into the buggy, trying desperately to stop their giggling. Ben got in front of them and hitched up the reins, driving away to the sound of everyone\u2019s laughter ringing in his ears. \u201cSo are we gonna go fishin this afternoon Pa?\u201d asked Little Joe, wondering what everyone was laughing about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Little Joe advertises for a new Cartwright when he decides that he doesn\u2019t want to be the youngest brother anymore<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (5,610 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,4,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2517,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":63032,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63032","url_meta":{"origin":1970,"position":0},"title":"Behind the House (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A story for anyone who has ever wondered what goes on behind the Cartwright house. 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Written for day 20 of the 2021 Advent Calendar. Rating: G Word Count: 1903","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/30wreath.jpg?fit=450%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2804,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2804","url_meta":{"origin":1970,"position":2},"title":"Where’s Little Joe? (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 10, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0Adam was put in charge of watching two-year-old Little Joe while Ben and Marie are in town, but there's a problem. Where did he disappear to? 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Rating: K (940 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":1970,"position":4},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7591,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7591","url_meta":{"origin":1970,"position":5},"title":"A Matter of Regret (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Does Adam regret returning to the Ponderosa after college? 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