{"id":2043,"date":"2010-06-07T13:38:15","date_gmt":"2010-06-07T17:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2043"},"modified":"2026-03-11T07:25:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:25:37","slug":"one-hell-of-a-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2043","title":{"rendered":"One Hell of a Trip (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ben finds it necessary to take a young Little Joe on a long stagecoach trip<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (7,090 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One Hell of a Trip<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up Joseph,\u201d said Ben as he knocked the wooden door. \u201cHave you finished yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened the door and frowned up at his father. \u201cI done told ya Pa \u2026 I don\u2019t need to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back in there and try again,\u201d said Ben sternly, giving the small boy a push inside the outhouse and shutting the door firmly behind him. \u201cI\u2019m not having you tell me that you need to go the minute we get on board that stagecoach like you did last time. Hurry up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinished!\u201d\u00a0 Joe flung the door open again and Ben leant down to straighten up his son\u2019s suspenders before taking his hand and leading him towards the main street again. \u201cAre we gonna get on board the stagecoach now Pa?\u201d the child asked excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d replied Ben.\u00a0 He smiled down at the small boy swinging on his arm as they walked, wishing that he had the same outlook on life that his five year-old had.\u00a0 Joe was so excited about this trip and Ben had to acknowledge that his behaviour had been better than he could possibly have hoped for, but even so a five year-old and a ten-hour stagecoach trip were not things that one looked forward to putting together. Ben would never have brought the little boy with him if he could have avoided it, but with Adam having to get the horses they\u2019d promised Colonel Myers to Reno he\u2019d had no option but to bring his youngest son with him on this trip to the Sacramento bank. Hop Sing was visiting one of his numerous cousins and had agreed to take Hoss with him.\u00a0 Ben would never have asked anyone to mind Joseph, as the child at five was quite a handful and would have been too upset to stay away from his family.\u00a0 It was only six months since his mother had died and he was still very insecure about being separated from any of them.<\/p>\n

So he\u2019d been forced to bring his youngest son with him. It had been Joe\u2019s first real trip that he could remember and everything had been a great adventure to his son, from the horses and the stagecoach to the city of Sacramento itself. As they approached the stagecoach, however, Ben silently thanked the Lord that they were on their way home again.\u00a0 Two days of trying to keep a small boy occupied while at the same time getting his business at the bank finished had been rather trying.\u00a0 Now he had a long trip with Joe in the stagecoach ahead of him and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to it.<\/p>\n

He smiled down at the small boy beside him and Joe grinned back at him, his excitement shining in his eyes. \u201cAny luggage mister?\u201d asked the stagecoach driver and Ben indicated their bag which he hoisted up to the man.\u00a0 He kept a canteen with him, as he knew that Joe would most likely need a drink before their first stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn we get now,\u201d he said and grinned at the sight of his small son eagerly trying to climb aboard.\u00a0 He hoisted him up by the back of his trousers and then followed him into the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa \u2026 I wanna sit next to the window,\u201d whined Joe. \u201cYou said I could sit next to the window and look out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on the boy\u2019s head to shush him. \u201cBe quiet Joseph,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cWait until everyone is settled first.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe made a face and tried to sit still, but his exuberance threatened to overflow at any minute as he wriggled on the narrow seat. He watched as a thin man climbed on board and settled himself opposite them. He smiled at him, but the man merely gave him a hard look and then turned to stare out of the window.<\/p>\n

Joe wriggled again. \u201cNow?\u2019 he asked his father.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as an older woman climbed on board.\u00a0 She was rather large and the whole stagecoach tipped slightly to one side as the springs contracted under her weight.\u00a0 She smiled at the other inhabitants and then plonked herself down with a sigh next to the other man. \u201cHello everyone,\u201d she said cheerfully. \u201cIt looks like we\u2019ll be travelling companions for a while. My name is Martha Kelly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tipped his hat. \u201cBen Cartwright ma\u2019am,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd this is my son Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello there dear,\u201d said the woman,\u2019 beaming at Joe. She looked expectantly at the thin man beside her and he reluctantly tipped his hat as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeorge Davis,\u201d he said tersely and then turned towards the window again.<\/p>\n

Martha smiled around at them all again. \u201cI\u2019m going to Carson City,\u201d She announced and looked at Ben expectantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to Carson City as well,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too!\u201d declared Little Joe excitedly. \u201cI\u2019m going with my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I figured that out dear,\u201d said Martha as she settled herself further on the seat.\u00a0 Her ample frame covered three-quarters of it, so that George was only left with a small section. When two more people climbed aboard, he gave them a meaningful look and Ben drew Joe towards him to allow the young couple room to sit next to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d protested Little Joe. \u201cI ain\u2019t got much room Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need much room,\u201d said Ben, lifting him up and wedging him between the window and his own knees. \u201cKeep still and be quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said George sternly. \u201cBe quiet boy. Children should be seen and not heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t ya hear me?\u201d asked Joe in a friendly fashion and leant forward. \u201cI said that I ain\u2019t got much room,\u201d he repeated in his biggest voice.<\/p>\n

George gave Ben a hard look and muttered something under his breath about children and stagecoaches, while Ben bent down and whispered in Joe\u2019s ear. \u201cBe quiet Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe opened his mouth to reply to his father, but his eye wandered towards the young woman sitting next to them and he said nothing.\u00a0 His mouth hung open as he forgot what he had been about to say and he put his finger in his nose as he stared at the woman. Ben hit the small finger down again and then turned to tip his hat at the young couple beside him. \u201cBen Cartwright,\u2019 he said when the others had finished their introductions. \u201cAnd this is Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man reached out his hand and shook Ben\u2019s. \u201cMatthew Fitzroy,\u201d he said cheerfully. \u201cAnd this is my wife Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you got enough room?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cI can put Joseph on my knee for a while if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we\u2019re fine thank you Mr Cartwright,\u201d replied Sarah sweetly. \u201cIsn\u2019t he a darling little thing?\u201d she added, smiling at Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled back at her. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said as the stage lurched forward and Joe stood up expectantly to hang his head out of the window. Ben pulled him down again and received an accidental kick in the shins in return. \u201cJoseph sit down,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cAnd be careful where you put your feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned and grinned at his father. \u201cIt\u2019s great, ain\u2019t it Pa?\u201d he said excitedly.\u00a0 Ben nodded as he tried to shush the child. Joe looked around the stagecoach in an interested fashion, staring at first one person and then the next until his eyes lit on Sarah again and he stared at her for several minutes.<\/p>\n

Finally the young woman felt his eyes upon her and turned to smile at him. \u201cHello,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u2019 replied Joe in a friendly fashion. He stared at her for another minute. \u201cYou stick out in front,\u201d he said suddenly. \u201cIs that cause you\u2019re gonna have a baby?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah blushed red. \u2018Well \u2026 yes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 warned Ben. \u2018That is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a hurt look. \u2018But I was only saying,\u201d he protested. \u201cAnyway she ain\u2019t as fat as that other lady.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to Martha. \u201cShe takes up nearly the whole seat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone was quiet and Martha looked embarrassed. Ben put his hand over Joe\u2019s mouth and whispered something into his ear that made Joe frown and shut his mouth quickly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Ben lamely.\u00a0 Martha said nothing, but merely clenched her jaw and looked out of the window in stony silence.<\/p>\n

Suddenly the stagecoach hit a rut in the road and everyone jerked uncomfortably to the left. Joe began to giggle. \u201cThat was fun,\u201d he said happily. \u201cDo ya reckon they\u2019ll do it again Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope they do,\u201d said Joe eagerly as he tried to put his head out of the window again. \u201cLook \u2026 Sacramento looks real little back there now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we going to be subjected to that boy\u2019s chatter all the way?\u2019 asked George suddenly, giving Ben a hard look. \u201cI don\u2019t expect to have a child interrupt my journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave the other man a searching look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if he offends you,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s only five and a journey like this makes it difficult for a small child to keep still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes it difficult for all of us,\u201d sniffed George. \u201cI don\u2019t think they should allow children on stagecoaches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe little boy has just as much right to be here as all of us,\u201d interrupted Sarah. \u201cHere you are Joseph \u2026 have a peppermint.\u201d\u00a0 She handed Little Joe a piece of candy and he took it, his eyes shining happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you ma\u2019am,\u201d he said politely and then popped it into his mouth before looking out of the window again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try to keep him as quiet as possible for your sake,\u201d said Ben tersely, giving George a hard look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if his presence offends you.\u201d<\/p>\n

George sniffed again and opened his newspaper with a rustle, burying his face behind it without another word. Sarah shifted on the seat beside Ben and her husband looked at her anxiously. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she said. \u201cRelax Matthew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at her. \u201cYour first?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said, patting her stomach. She indicated Joe. \u201cWe love children \u2026 don\u2019t you worry too much about the little boy disturbing us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he replied. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to know that some people are tolerant of children.\u201d\u00a0 George sniffed significantly again from behind his newspaper and Ben tried to hide his amusement at the fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many children do you have Mr Cartwright?\u201d asked Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree boys,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cJoseph is the youngest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope to have lots of children,\u201d she said, patting her stomach again. \u201cDo you and your wife want more than three?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Little Joe. \u201cMy mama is dead,\u201d he said, as he took his peppermint out of his mouth and gave it a cross-eyed look to see how much he\u2019d sucked it. \u201cMy Pa don\u2019t got no wife no more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah immediately looked embarrassed. \u201cOh,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo are we \u2026 ain\u2019t we Pa?\u2019 said Little Joe sadly, putting his peppermint back in again. Ben nodded and said nothing. There was an uncomfortable silence in the stagecoach, interrupted only by the sound of Little Joe sucking on his peppermint. After a few moments, he reached over and tapped George on the knee. \u201cScuze me mister,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

George put down his newspaper and looked at the little boy impatiently. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked crossly.<\/p>\n

Little Joe placed both his hands on the man\u2019s knees and gave him an intense look. \u201cDo you have a wife mister?\u201d he asked curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t!\u201d he replied and moved his knees away from the boy. \u201cNow my trousers are all sticky \u2026 really!\u201d he took out his handkerchief and began to wipe the sticky fingerprints off them.\u00a0 Ben sighed and took out his own handkerchief, wiping Little Joe\u2019s hands and then around his mouth for good measure.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry mister,\u201d said Little Joe when he could get his mouth free from his father\u2019s handkerchief. George merely grunted at him and then hid behind his newspaper again. Ben sighed \u2026 It seemed like it was going to be a long trip.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head lolled to one side as the morning sun streamed in on him.\u00a0 It had been a long three days since they had left home and the strain of it all was catching up with him now.\u00a0 In spite of himself, he felt sleep overtaking him. Joe glanced at his father and then at the other passengers.\u00a0 George was still reading his newspaper and Martha had fallen asleep as well with her mouth open.\u00a0 Tiny snores emanated from her mouth and her chin quivered slightly. Little Joe stared at her with a fascinated look until a particularly loud snore made him giggle.\u00a0 He put his hand over his mouth and glanced at his father to see if the noise had woken the man, but Ben slept on undisturbed.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced over at Sarah who was smiling kindly at him. Suddenly the stage tilted to the left again and they hit another bump in the road and Joe giggled with glee. \u201cThat was another good one,\u201d he announced happily.<\/p>\n

Matthew looked at his wife anxiously. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Sarah nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d she said, holding her stomach protectively. \u201cOnly I hope we don\u2019t get too many of those.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d said Little Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

George glared at the child as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch of tobacco. Little Joe\u2019s eyes lit up when he saw it. \u201cAre ya gonna smoke a pipe?\u201d he asked. \u201cMy Pa smokes one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I\u2019m not!\u201d said the man crossly and began to roll a cigarette. Little Joe\u2019s eyes popped out when he saw it. \u201cWow!\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s real clever!\u00a0 What do ya do with that mister?\u201d\u00a0 He leant forward and put his hands on the man\u2019s knees to get a closer look, but George shifted his legs and pushed him back again.<\/p>\n

“You\u2019re surely not going to smoke in here?\u201d said Matthew crossly. \u201cI don\u2019t think it would do my wife much good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t much care,\u201d retorted George as he lit the cigarette.<\/p>\n

Sarah held a handkerchief over her nose and began to cough. \u201cI think you should be more considerate of others,\u201d said Matthew.<\/p>\n

George ignored him and continued to puff on his cigarette, trying to ignore Little Joe was gazing at him intently. \u201cWhat are you looking at?\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d said the child simply, putting his finger in his nose as he gazed at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell don\u2019t!\u201d said George.<\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew I\u2019m not feeling well,\u201d said Sarah suddenly and began to retch into her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you gonna be sick?\u201d asked Little Joe in an interested fashion as the woman began to throw up all over the floor. \u201cYuck!\u201d he yelled, taking his finger out of his nose.<\/p>\n

His shrill voice woke up Ben and Martha who both looked around in a puzzled fashion. \u201cIt weren\u2019t me Pa,\u201d said Little Joe immediately. \u201cIt was her!\u201d He pointed at Sarah who was still bent over retching.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor dear,\u201d said Martha, leaning forward and patting the young woman on the back. \u201cNever mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind?\u201d spluttered George indignantly. \u201cShe throws up all over us and you tell her to never mind? Really! This is becoming the trip from hell \u2026 what with women vomiting and \u2026\u201d he gave Joe a hard look. \u201c\u2026children all over the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can\u2019t help it,\u201d said Matthew as he put his arm around his wife. \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t been smoking this might not have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell excuse me!\u201d snapped George.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are some cloths up on the rack,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWe can wipe it up.\u201d He stood up to reach them, but right at that moment the stage lurched to the right and he lost his footing and fell over Martha. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said as he got up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa fell on the fat lady,\u201d giggled Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph be quiet,\u201d said Ben crossly. He got the cloths and handed them to Matthew who began to wipe up the mess on the floor. \u201cGet your feet out of there,\u201d said Ben, noticing that Little Joe was dangling his feet in the vomit. He pulled the child\u2019s legs up and looked at them distastefully. \u201cIt\u2019s all over your boots,\u201d he said wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we\u2019d better ask the driver to stop for a few minutes,\u201d suggested Martha. \u201cSo we can get all this cleaned up.<\/p>\n

George hit the front of the stage with his fist. \u201cHey driver!\u201d he yelled. \u201cHold up!\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver pulled to a halt immediately and reached for his gun. \u201cHold up!\u201d he yelled, brandishing it around. \u201cWhere?\u00a0 Where are the varmints?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t a hold up,\u201d explained George. \u201cJust a choice of phrase, that\u2019s all. We need to get out for a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo can do,\u201d said the driver crossly. \u201cThis stage has to run on time. We\u2019ll be stopping in an hour as planned when the horses need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut my wife is \u2026\u201d\u00a0 Matthew\u2019s words were lost in the noise of the stagecoach starting off again.<\/p>\n

They all looked at each other for a moment. \u201cWell we\u2019ll just have to make the best of it,\u201d said Martha. \u201cHere you are dear \u2026 have a drink of water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt stinks in here now!\u201d said Little Joe as his father wiped off his boots. \u201cIs she gonna throw up again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope not,\u201d said George as he continued to puff on his cigarette.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell if you put that out she might not,\u201d said Ben. George gave him a hard look and stubbed the cigarette out on the side of the coach.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

By the time the stage drew to a halt, the stench in the stagecoach was well and truly overpowering and all the occupants could hardly wait to get out. As soon as the horses stopped George flung the door open and jumped down, muttering something about a trip from hell<\/em> and began to gulp down huge lungfuls of fresh air.<\/p>\n

Matthew and Sarah got out next, Matthew supporting his wife who was still looking rather green. They were followed by Martha, who had some difficulty getting through the doorway. \u201cDo ya want me to push your butt for you?\u201d asked Little Joe helpfully from behind her and gave his father an indignant look as the man swatted him on his own small behind. \u201cI was only trying to help,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet,\u201d said Ben firmly as he got down and pulled the child off the coach behind him. \u201cNow I want you to pee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s the outhouse?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t one,\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t peeing in front of everyone!\u201d said Little Joe indignantly.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed, grabbed the child by the hand and took him behind a large rock. \u201cHurry up,\u201d he said. \u201cThen I want you to have a good walk around and stretch your legs.\u201d He waited until the child had done what he had to and then helped him straighten up his trousers before giving him a gentle pat on the bottom. \u201cNow I want you to listen to me,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cNo more talking about that lady on the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the fat lady Pa?\u201d said Little Joe in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled him towards him. \u201cYes,\u201d he whispered. \u201cNo more talking about how \u2026 well\u00a0 \u2026. large she is. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOK \u2026 but why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s rude,\u201d said his father. \u201cNow go and stretch your legs.\u201d<\/p>\n

He attended to his own needs as Little Joe did as he was bid and walked around the area with extra large steps to stretch his legs as best he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are ya doing there boy?\u201d said the driver, watching him with a puzzled expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m stretching my legs,\u201d explained the child. \u201cMy Pa told me to. What are you doing mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatering the horses,\u201d replied the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019s nice horses,\u201d said the boy, patting one on the flank. \u201cWhat are their names?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow should I know?\u201d snarled the driver, as he spat on the ground. \u201cThey don\u2019t need names.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cHey that was a good spit!\u201d he said. \u201cI can do good ones too. My brother teached me. Watch!\u201d\u00a0 He let fly a huge spit, which unfortunately landed right on George\u2019s boot.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally!\u201d snarled the man and turned to Ben. \u201cCan\u2019t you control this brat of yours?\u201d he said crossly. \u201cThe child has no manners, going around spitting at people!\u201d\u00a0 He walked away and began to wipe his boot on the grass by the side of the trail.<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave his father an apologetic look. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean ta get his boot,\u201d he said hastily, putting his small hands on his backside and taking a step away from his father.<\/p>\n

Ben merely shook his head and motioned to the child. \u201cCome over here and take a drink,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd no more spitting \u2026 do you hear me Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u2019 said the child as he lifted the canteen to his mouth and took a large drink.<\/p>\n

They all watched as the driver finished watering the horses and then threw a bucket of water over the floor of the stagecoach. \u201cThat should get rid of the smell,\u201d he said gruffly.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sniffed the air. \u201cIt ain\u2019t,\u201d he announced. \u201cIt\u2019s still there some.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019ll haveta do,\u201d snarled the driver. \u201cCome on everyone \u2026. Back inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d said Sarah in an embarrassed tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d said Ben, patting her on the arm. \u201cYou couldn\u2019t help it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all climbed back on board and settled themselves on the seats. As they lurched off again, Little Joe grinned up at his father. \u201cThis sure is fun, ain\u2019t it Pa?\u201d he said happily.\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t answer, as they were all jolted to the left side of the stage again.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben untied the thong that held up the leather curtain in an attempt to stop the interminable dust from coming in on him. \u201cPa!\u201d said Little Joe indignantly. \u201cI can\u2019t see all the things out there now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClose your eyes and have a rest for a while then,\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a bit rank in here with that curtain down,\u201d sniffed George, giving Sarah a dark look that made the woman blush and turn away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut I\u2019m choking on dust back here. Unless you\u2019d like to swap seats?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d said George firmly. \u201cDoes the boy really have to do that?\u201d he added crossly.<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Little Joe\u2019s knee. \u201cJoseph, keep your feet still,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad enough being so cramped without being kicked every two minutes,\u201d said George grumpily. He took out a hip flask and took a swig from it, taking no notice of the appalled look that Martha gave him as he did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you should be drinking on board,\u201d she said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t much care what you think,\u201d he replied and took another swig from the flask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s not a good example for the child,\u201d she said huffily.<\/p>\n

George took yet another swig from the flask. \u201cI told you I don\u2019t care,\u201d he replied. \u201cThe brat\u2019s not my concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally!\u201d said Martha and turned to look the other way out of the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have a drink too?\u201d said Little Joe. Ben reached up and took down his canteen, handing it to the child to have a drink.\u00a0 Little Joe drank thirstily before handing it back to his father. \u201cThanks Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cAre we there yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben wearily, wishing with all his might that they were.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a while yet,\u201d replied his father. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you try and get some sleep?\u201d he suggested, thinking that at least it would give everyone some quiet time.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks,\u201d said Little Joe happily. \u201cI ain\u2019t sleepy.\u201d Now that his view had been taken from him, he looked around for something to focus his attention on and began to stare at Martha. She smiled back at him and he grinned at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u2019 said George.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry mister,\u201d said Little Joe contritely. Ben reached over and picked up the child, wedging him on the other side of him next to Sarah and away from George. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna sit here,\u201d whined Little Joe. \u201cI wanna sit next to the window.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe curtain is closed and you can\u2019t see out anyway,\u201d said his father firmly. \u201cYou\u2019ll sit there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if the lady is sick again?\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll get it all over me Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you keep that child quiet?\u201d snarled George. \u201cSome of us are trying to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave him a dark look and ignored him. \u201cI\u2019ve got nuthin to do,\u201d whined Little Joe. \u201cThere\u2019s nuthin to do on this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a rest,\u201d suggested his father again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t sleepy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor heavens sake!\u201d said George. \u201cCan\u2019t you just be quiet boy?\u00a0 Children should be seen and not heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at the man for a few minutes and then whispered to his father. \u201cThat man don\u2019t like me.\u201d Ben shushed him. \u2018But why don\u2019t that man like me Pa?\u201d persisted the child.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet,\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled at George and sat back on the seat. Suddenly the stage lurched once again and a box fell off the rack above them and hit Ben on the head. \u201cAre you all right Mr Cartwright?\u201d said Martha anxiously.<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed the sore spot on his head. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. He stood up to replace the box and the stage lurched once again, causing him this time to fall on top of Sarah. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said. \u201cDid I hurt you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said, once she\u2019d got her breath back. \u201cI\u2019m all right Mr Cartwright \u2026 really.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe giggled. \u201cPa fell on another lady,\u201d he said happily. \u201cYou was funny Pa.\u201d Ben didn\u2019t answer the child, but eased his sore body down onto the narrow seat again.\u00a0 \u201cHey Pa?\u2019 said Little Joe suddenly.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe leaned forward and put his hand up to his mouth, whispering in a voice that everyone could hear. \u201cI gotta go!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave the child a pained look. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

His son clutched the front of his trousers. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cMust be all that water I drank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cursed himself silently for allowing the child to drink so much. \u201cYou\u2019ll just have to hold on for a bit son,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can go when we get to Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m holding on as hard as I can Pa,\u201d said Little Joe, holding onto the front of his trousers desperately. \u201cBut I think it\u2019s gonna come out anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

George groaned. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me we\u2019re going to have to put up with this now,\u201d he said angrily. \u201cI said before that children shouldn\u2019t be allowed on stagecoaches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe little boy can\u2019t help it,\u201d said Sarah. \u201cIs there something he could go into?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t going in front of everyone,\u201d said Little Joe indignantly as he clutched himself even tighter. \u201cToo late,\u201d he said sadly as he felt the moisture begin to trickle down his leg. \u201cI done went already Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah and Matthew drew back from the pool that was forming around the child\u2019s feet and Martha picked up her skirts so that they were free of it. George said nothing, but his look spoke volumes. Ben sighed and reached for the cloth above his head again and began to mop it up. Little Joe merely sat there and watched his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up,\u201d said Ben. He pulled the child to his feet and mopped the seat he\u2019d been sitting on as well as the back of his trousers as best he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all wet,\u201d said Little Joe unnecessarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up for a while until your trousers dry,\u201d said Be. \u201cHere \u2026. Lean against the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019re all sticky Pa!\u201d whined Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour other trousers are in the bag on top,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait until we get to Placerville before I can get them for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe leaned obediently against the door of the stage, Ben holding him in place as they all lurched around. After a few minutes a distinct smell began to seep through the stage. \u201cNow we have to put up with the smell of that boy\u2019s accident,\u201d complained George. \u201cHonestly, this is the trip from hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLanguage!\u201d said Martha sternly.<\/p>\n

George gave her a dark look as Ben closed his eyes momentarily.\u00a0 He mentally ticked off the hours they still had to travel as he clung on tightly to Little Joe who was swaying precariously from side to side as he stood on the floor.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d said Ben, bending down with the trousers in his hand. \u201cPull your trousers down and we\u2019ll get these dry ones on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe pushed his father\u2019s hand away. \u201cPa!\u201d he said indignantly. \u201cNot in front of everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cJoseph, no one is looking at you. Now come on.\u201d Little Joe shook his head and gave his father one of his best stubborn looks and Ben sighed again. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said wearily. \u201cCome on then.\u201d\u00a0 He took the little boy by the hand and began to walk down the street towards an alleyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey mister!\u201d called out the driver. \u201cWhere are you going?\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a schedule to keep!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll only be a couple of minutes,\u201d called back Ben. \u201cHurry up Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 He dragged the child behind him to the alleyway and into the small outhouse there. \u201cHurry up,\u201d he said. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to miss the stagecoach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened and he quickly began to pull down his trousers. \u201cI haveta go Pa,\u201d he said urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell hurry up then,\u201d said his father. \u201cQuickly!\u201d\u00a0 As soon as the child had finished he pulled the fresh trousers onto him and shoved him out of the outhouse. \u201cNow wait there for a minute while I\u2019m inside,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Thirty seconds later when he opened the door again, Little Joe was nowhere in sight. \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben called. \u201cCome here!\u201d He looked around, but there was no sign of the child. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he called again. He walked to the end of the alleyway and looked up and down the street, but didn\u2019t catch a glimpse of his son. With a shake of his head he strode back to the stagecoach and looked around. \u201cHas anyone seen Joseph?\u201d he asked. \u201cDid he come back here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Martha. \u201cCan\u2019t you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben, beginning to get worried. \u201cHe just took off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll on board!\u201d shouted the driver. \u201cWe got a schedule to keep to!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait until I find my son,\u201d said Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n

The driver spat onto the street. \u201cCan\u2019t wait fer no one mister,\u201d he said. \u201cGet ya bag off if ya ain\u2019t coming with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease!\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s only a little boy.\u00a0 He can\u2019t have gone far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help you look,\u201d said Matthew. \u201cCome on driver, it won\u2019t take long.\u201d He pointed up the street. \u201cYou go that way and I\u2019ll go down the other way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the arm. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got two minutes!\u201d the driver shouted after them. \u201cAfter that I\u2019m leaving with or without yas!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben ran frantically up the street, scanning the area for the little boy and calling his name frantically. By the time he\u2019d reached the end of it, he was extremely worried and his heart was beating quickly both with the anxiety of not finding the child and the strenuous exercise.\u00a0 He turned back towards the stagecoach again, scanning the other side of the street when he spied Matthew in the other direction carrying Little Joe. \u201cThank the Lord!\u201d he breathed and ran back towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d puffed Matthew, thrusting the boy into Ben\u2019s arms. They both climbed on board the stagecoach and sat down, panting to get their breath. As soon as he had, Ben stared angrily at the child in his arms, who merely smiled back at him.<\/p>\n

“Where were you?\u201d he said. \u201cI told you not to move!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was gonna go back to the stagecoach,\u201d explained Little Joe, his expression turning from a smile to a frown instantly. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t find it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was down the other end of the alleyway,\u201d said Matthew. \u201cHe must have turned the wrong way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a naughty boy!\u201d said Ben crossly.\u00a0 He turned the child over and swatted him several times on his small behind, causing Little Joe to set to wailing immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to Pa!\u201d he sobbed. \u201cI was trying ta help by being quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time do as you\u2019re told!\u201d said Ben crossly, ignoring the child\u2019s sobs and plonking him down on his lap again.<\/p>\n

Little Joe continued to yell out his indignation for several minutes. \u201cAre we going to be subjected to that child\u2019s yelling now?\u201d asked George sarcastically. \u201cIsn\u2019t it enough that he kept all of us late?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe quite Joseph,\u201d said Ben sternly, but Little Joe took no notice of his father and continued to cry loudly. Ben stared out of the window, ignoring the harsh looks he was getting from everyone, including his small son.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben shifted the sleeping child on his lap as Little Joe once again kicked out his sleep. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said to Sarah next to him as she rubbed her leg. \u201cHe\u2019s a very restless sleeper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d she said wearily. \u201cAt least we have a bit of quiet while he\u2019s asleep.\u201d\u00a0 She tried to shift sideways on the seat as Little Joe\u2019s legs moved again, but didn\u2019t have anywhere to go.\u00a0 Ben held onto the child\u2019s legs and Joe flung his arms sideways instead. Ben tried to move him further up onto his shoulder, but the movement woke the child and his head bobbed up immediately from his father\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we there yet?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said his father. \u201cGo back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took no notice, but sat up instead and rubbed his eyes with his knuckles while Ben tried to smooth out his matted curly hair. \u201cI\u2019m awake now,\u201d Joe announced happily to everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh good,\u201d said George.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him, not aware of the sarcasm in the man\u2019s tone. He stared over at Martha who was snoring softly in the corner with a trickle of drool coming out of the corner of her mouth.\u00a0 Joe leant closer to the woman and stared at her for a full minute with a puzzled expression on his face. \u201cHey Pa?\u201d he said presently.<\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes. \u201cYes?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo ladies shave like men do?\u201d asked the child.<\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes again. \u201cNo,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded thoughtfully. \u201cThey jest let their whiskers grow then, do they? Funny I ain\u2019t never seen a lady with a beard before but.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes again. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d he said wearily. \u201cLadies don\u2019t grow beards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe does,\u201d said Little Joe, pointing at Martha\u2019s chin. \u201cSee? She\u2019s got whiskers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand over the little boy\u2019s mouth, thanking the Lord that the woman wasn\u2019t awake to hear him. \u201cShush!\u201d he said sternly.<\/p>\n

Sarah hid her smile behind her hand, while Matthew looked out of the window and tried to keep a straight face. George merely ignored the interchange and continued to glare at Ben as he had for the past hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet,\u201d whispered Ben. \u201cI told you before not to talk about the lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave his father an indignant look as he pushed his hand away from his mouth. \u201cBut you said not to talk bout how fat she is,\u201d he declared in a loud voice. \u201cYou never said nothing bout her whiskers Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand back over the boy\u2019s mouth again and leant close to his ear, whispering something into it.\u00a0 Whatever he said obviously satisfied the child, as he happily began to swing his legs and hum to himself happily. \u201cThat\u2019s a song my mama sunged to me before she went to heaven,\u201d he informed Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d the woman replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know lots of songs,\u201d said Little Joe eagerly. \u201cYou wanna hear some of em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d said Sarah.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind your legs boy!\u201d said George crossly as he hit the small swinging feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d said Little Joe crossly. \u201cThat man hit me Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shifted the boy onto the seat beside him and held onto his legs. \u201cKeep your feet still,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave a dramatic sigh as he looked at his father\u2019s hand on his legs. \u201cAre we there yet?\u201d he asked again hopefully.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFinally!\u201d breathed George as Carson City came into view around the corner. \u201cThis has been one hell of a trip and all I can say is that I\u2019m glad it\u2019s over!\u201d\u00a0 He reached up and took down his newspaper and a small bundle wrapped in cloth, before straightening up his clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here Pa!\u201d shouted Little Joe shrilly and Sarah winced at the child\u2019s strident tones in her ear. She rolled her eyes at Matthew, bent towards him and whispered into his ear. \u201cI think we need to talk about that large family we said we wanted.\u00a0 I\u2019ve decided that this one might be enough.\u201d\u00a0 Matthew nodded in agreement as they both watch Little Joe jumping up and down in his excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph keep still,\u201d said his father sternly. \u201cWe\u2019re not there yet and you\u2019re making the stage rock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes we are!\u201d shouted Little Joe excitedly. \u201cLook Pa!\u00a0 There\u2019s Adam waiting for us down there!\u201d\u00a0 He turned to the others. \u201cThat\u2019s my brother Adam,\u201d he informed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow nice,\u201d said George sarcastically. \u201cRemind me to give him my commiserations.\u201d He gave Ben a filthy look as Little Joe happily leaned out of the window again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted. \u201cHey Adam! I\u2019m here!\u201d<\/p>\n

He leant forward even more and Ben immediately pulled him back by the legs. \u201cGet inside!\u201d he said sternly. \u201cYou\u2019ll tip out if you\u2019re not careful!\u201d<\/p>\n

The stagecoach drew to a halt and George immediately opened the door and jumped out, striding down the street without saying a word to anyone. \u201cGood riddance,\u201d said Martha as she got up to disembark. \u201cI\u2019m not sorry to see the back of that one!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared impatiently at the woman\u2019s large behind, which was blocking the doorway. He glanced up at his father, but Ben shook his head sternly and the child shut his mouth as he jiggled from one foot to the other in his impatience.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d said Sarah, rubbing her foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry lady,\u201d said Little Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean ta step on you, but I can\u2019t get past the fat lady.\u201d\u00a0 He put his hand over his mouth and his eyes widened as he stared at his father. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean ta say she was fat again,\u201d he said defensively.<\/p>\n

Martha, who had by now reached the street, turned back towards them and said huffily. \u201cNice travelling with you. Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter you,\u201d said Ben politely to Sarah and Matthew as he held Little Joe back from the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please,\u201d said Sarah in a tired voice. \u201cJust get the little boy off first. I think it would be best, don\u2019t you? Good bye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave them both a half-smile and turned to pick up Little Joe, but the child was already climbing down by himself. \u201cHey Adam!\u201d he called again as he fell down the step and landed in the dirty street. \u201cWe\u2019re back!\u201d\u00a0 He picked himself up and ran into his brother\u2019s waiting arms.<\/p>\n

Adam swung his little brother up into the air and then put him on his hip before turning to shake his father\u2019s hand. \u201cGood trip?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask,\u201d groaned Ben as he took his bag from the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure was,\u201d said Little Joe happily. \u201cIt was one hell of a trip!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d he asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said it was one hell of a trip!\u201d Little Joe informed him again. \u201cWeren\u2019t it Pa?\u00a0 We had fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said his father in a shocked voice. \u201cNo more of that language young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhy not?\u201d he asked innocently. \u201cThat\u2019s what the man said!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s not something for you to say,\u201d replied his father sternly. \u201cWe\u2019ll have a talk about that word when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Little Joe, unfazed. \u201cHey Adam,\u201d he continued as they began to walk down towards their buggy. \u201cThere was a lady with whiskers on the stagecoach. She could snore real good too and she was real fat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smothered a giggle. \u201cReally?\u201d he said, bouncing his brother on his hip as he walked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep \u2026. And Pa lied on top of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. \u201cJoseph!\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at his father. \u201cWell you did Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cYou lied on the other lady too. Pa was real funny,\u201d he said to his brother.<\/p>\n

Adam sniffed the air. \u201cYou stink,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was real smelly in there when the lady threw up, weren\u2019t it Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head at Adam wearily. \u201cAnd it didn\u2019t help when a certain someone wet his trousers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was me,\u201d Little Joe explained unnecessarily to his brother. \u201cIt just came out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like you had a wonderful time,\u201d laughed Adam as they reached the buggy.\u00a0 He put his little brother on the seat and then turned to his father. \u201cMaybe Joe\u2019s description of the trip was accurate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he put his bag into the back of the buggy. \u201cI suppose he was just being a typical five year-old,\u201d he admitted. \u201cOnly next time I have to take him with me on a trip Adam, do me a favour please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Adam with a grin. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemind me to just stay at home?\u201d laughed Ben as he climbed on board the buggy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Ben finds it necessary to take a young Little Joe on a long stagecoach trip<\/p>\n

Rated: K (7,090 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14921,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1015,23,4,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-humor","category-prequels","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2549,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/stage-coach.jpg?fit=285%2C177&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2211,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2211","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":0},"title":"Adjustments (by Donna)","author":"Donna","date":"March 10, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Joe awaits Merrie's arrival west, and finds himself having to deal with Walsh once again as Walsh and the Empire Railway threaten the Ponderosa. Rated K+ (15,565 words) The Only Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/MyFriendMyEnemy1.png?fit=486%2C296&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5514,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5514","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":1},"title":"Great Minds (by deansgirl)","author":"deansgirl","date":"May 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It's Christmas time on the Ponderosa and the family is ready to exchange gifts. Rated: K+ (2,440 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2041,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2041","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":2},"title":"Picking up the Threads (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"September 7, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben finds it difficult to re-enter his boys\u2019 lives after Marie\u2019s death Rated: K (13,335 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":50113,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50113","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":3},"title":"For Real? (by ElayneA)","author":"Elayne","date":"December 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwright brothers take a Christmas trip? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 1,725 words Written for the Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63574","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":4},"title":"The Snake (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"March 16, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A snake causes chaos in the Cartwright house. Rating\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a02,140 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6506,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6506","url_meta":{"origin":2043,"position":5},"title":"One Shot (by rh2006fan \/ HeatherF)","author":"heather","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 A normal trip to the saloon turns tragic. I wrote this back in the summer, you may need some tissues with this too... Warning: Character death Rated:\u00a0 T (1,450 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-9.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}