{"id":2046,"date":"2010-06-07T14:10:26","date_gmt":"2010-06-07T18:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2046"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:29:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:29:12","slug":"old-demons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2046","title":{"rendered":"Old Demons (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A college friend of Adam’s causes trouble for both Adam and Joe<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T (18,955 words)<\/p>\n

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Old Demons<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph stop bouncing please and eat your breakfast,\u2019 Ben admonished.\u00a0 He turned to Adam. \u2018You\u2019d better hurry up as well if you\u2019re going to be on time for that stage son.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam swallowed his mouthful before replying. \u2018It\u2019s OK Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It doesn\u2019t get in until ten.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just how long is Albert staying for anyways?\u2019 asked Hoss with his mouth full.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018He\u2019s at a bit of a loose end so he doesn\u2019t really have a time limit.\u00a0 That\u2019s OK, isn\u2019t it Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Of course it is,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I think it\u2019s wonderful that you\u2019ll both get the chance to see each other again. Joseph, I said to stop bouncing!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well it\u2019s only been six months since we left College, but it seems like a lifetime ago,\u2019 said Adam wistfully. \u2018Albert and I were so close there\u2026.. I really miss the good times we had together sometimes.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben studied him carefully. \u2018Not regretting your decision to come back here after all are you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head and smiled. \u2018No, not at all.\u00a0 You know that Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s just\u2026\u2026well it\u2019ll be good to see him again.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t he have a job back East?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018All that College education and he don\u2019t have a job yet?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018He doesn\u2019t need one I suppose,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Will you keep still Joe! His father owns a very prestigious Law Firm in New York and he gives him an allowance.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018That\u2019s nice for him,\u2019 he said tactfully. \u2018But doesn\u2019t he feel the need to make his own way in the world instead of letting his father support him?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh, I think he intends to,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It\u2019s just while he makes up his mind what he wants to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I see,\u2019 said Ben dryly. \u2018And how long is that going to take?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know if Albert does really. He wants to find out what\u2019s important in his life first.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben raised an eyebrow but said nothing.<\/p>\n

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Adam stood up. \u2018Well, I\u2019d better get going,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get that business done at the bank for you first Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018You can ride in with Joe. Joseph!\u2019\u00a0 He picked up the glass of milk that his youngest son had spilt. \u2018If you had kept still as you were asked to that wouldn\u2019t have happened.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Joe with a grin. \u2018I\u2019ll clean it up.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Leave it to me,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I don\u2019t want you to be late for school.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t mind,\u2019 said Joe with another grin.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I do!\u2019 said his father. \u2018Adam is waiting for you.\u00a0 Now go!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe pulled a face and made for the door where Adam was waiting for him.\u00a0 Adam gave him a cuff on the head. \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 he said playfully. \u2018I haven\u2019t got all day to be waiting for the likes of you!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe jumped up a couple of times to try and reach his brother\u2019s head and return the gesture, but it was a futile attempt as Adam was well over six foot and Joe was small for his ten years. He only succeeded in hitting him on the shoulder. \u2018Ow!\u2019 said Adam, pretending to be hurt and rubbing it. \u2018You\u2019re getting too strong for me little buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned and put up his arm. \u2018I\u2019m growing real strong muscles now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Feel this!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam felt his little brother\u2019s bicep. \u2018Coming in real fine there Joe,\u2019 he said as he plonked his little brother\u2019s hat on his head.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Boys will you get going please!\u2019 shouted Ben from the dining room. \u2018Joe will be late for school again if you\u2019re not careful.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled to himself. It warmed his heart to hear the banter between his eldest and youngest son.\u00a0 When Adam had first returned from College they had been quite wary of each other and it had taken quite a bit of work on all sides to get them to the comfortable state they now enjoyed.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Are you finished yet?\u2019 he asked Hoss as he heard the front door slam. Hoss looked up at his father as he shovelled in another forkful of eggs. \u2018Nearly Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled. His middle son had just recently left school and was enjoying the fact that he had a certain amount of freedom now.\u00a0 Hoss had begged his father for the last few years to allow him leave and Ben had finally given in when he had seen how unhappy the boy was since Adam had returned. He had ached to be out with his father and his brother on the ranch and the truth was that he didn\u2019t cope too well with school anyway.<\/p>\n

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Apart from that, Ben felt it was important to both Adam and Hoss that they have the chance to re-establish themselves and working on the ranch together was a wonderful way to do that.\u00a0 Up until this point they didn\u2019t seem to have too much trouble accomplishing that and had slipped back into their easy relationship together without too much trouble.<\/p>\n

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Not so the other two though!\u00a0 Ben suspected that the trouble between Adam and Joseph had a lot to do with their personalities and the fact that they were so different, whereas Hoss was so easy-going that he got on with both of them easily.\u00a0 But the trouble also sprang from the fact that when Adam left Joseph was still a little boy\u2026\u2026.only six years old\u2026.and when he returned he had grown into a ten-year old youngster who was determined to prove to his older brother just how grown up he was.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head.\u00a0 It seemed that only now were they beginning to adjust to each other again and of that fact he was glad.\u00a0 He knew that Adam felt very strongly about Joseph, probably stemming from the time when his mother died and he had had to become a substitute father for him when Ben himself wasn\u2019t coping for a while.\u00a0 And Joseph\u2026well try as the boy did he couldn\u2019t hide the fact that he adored his older brother.\u00a0 He had spent the three years he was away in College pining for him and when Adam did come home Joe had perceived him as a returning hero.\u00a0 The problem was that he was just too stubborn to show it.<\/p>\n

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Maybe now that things had settled down those two would begin to find their way again together.\u00a0 Judging by what he had observed during the last few days, Ben was beginning to be quite confident about it.<\/p>\n

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He glanced at Hoss again. \u2018Son, there\u2019s work to be done,\u2019 he said. \u2018You can\u2019t possibly still be hungry.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No, I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Hoss as he stood up. \u2018But you know how upset Hop Sing gets when we don\u2019t finish everything up.\u2019\u00a0 He grabbed another roll as he left the table. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to keep the peace for all of us.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben slapped him on the back as he followed him. \u2018And we are all most grateful to you son,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get to those fences.\u2019<\/p>\n

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wwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Can\u2019t you keep still at least in the saddle?\u2019 said Adam absently. \u2018You\u2019re going to spook your pony if you keep on like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe grinned at him. \u2018He\u2019s used to me,\u2019 he said. \u2018He knows what to do without me telling him. I keep telling Pa he\u2019s too tame for me now anyway, but he said I can\u2019t have a bigger horse until I\u2019m twelve.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I\u2019m not surprised if you ride like that all the time,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Honestly Joe, anyone would think you had worms or something!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Huh?\u2019 said Joe wriggling around to look at him. \u2018I ain\u2019t got no worms in my pocket!\u00a0 And what\u2019s that got to do with how I sit in the saddle anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head. \u2018Oh forget it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hey Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Mmm?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018How come this Albert guy don\u2019t know what he wants to do?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam looked at his little brother. \u2018That conversation wasn\u2019t meant for you,\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Because I was talking to Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shrugged. \u2018Well you didn\u2019t tell me not to listen, did ya? No one told me to close my ears!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t be cheeky.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Can\u2019t help it,\u2019 said Joe with a mischievous look on his face. \u2018It\u2019s just the way I am.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s for sure,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u2018So how come he don\u2019t know what to do?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018He just needs to think about it for a while that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Is that why he\u2019s coming here?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Partly. He wants to see me so that we can have some time together. And to learn about the ranch too, I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe scratched his head. \u2018Is he gonna be a rancher?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam laughed. \u2018No! He\u2019s going to live back East I guess.\u00a0 He just wants a bit of a holiday.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll show him around for ya if you like,\u2019 said Joe generously. \u2018I\u2019d be good at that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No thank you, I can handle looking after him,\u2019 replied his older brother. \u2018I won\u2019t need your help.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe frowned. \u2018You won\u2019t be too busy to still go fishing with Hoss and me, will ya Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam grinned at him. \u2018No, of course I won\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018Although I do intend to spend quite a bit of time with Alfred.\u00a0 He is my guest after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Is he good looking?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam looked puzzled. \u2018Why on earth would you care if he was good looking or not?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh I don\u2019t care, but I thought it might be good if he was,\u2019 answered his brother with a serious expression on his face. \u2018Cause if he was then you could introduce Miss Jones to him and she might leave you alone for a change.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam laughed. \u2018Good idea little brother, but not one that I\u2019m likely to take up.\u00a0 Albert happens to be a friend of mine.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked puzzled. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Adam reached across and patted his little brother on the shoulder. \u2018Never mind,\u2019 he said. \u2018Here we are.\u00a0 Now get over to school.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to go to the bank for Pa before that stage gets in.\u2019 He rode over to the bank slowly, thinking about his little brother\u2019s suggestion.\u00a0 It was sure mighty tempting to think that he might get that nosey schoolteacher off his back for a while!<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam!\u2019 Albert shook his friend\u2019s hand enthusiastically. \u2018I can\u2019t believe I finally got here!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam returned his friend\u2019s grin. \u2018I told you it was a long way. Why do you think I was always wanting to come with you during the holidays instead of coming home?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert laughed. \u2018It\u2019s further than I thought all right.\u00a0 And that stagecoach!\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his backside. \u2018Is it much further to your ranch?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018An hour or so. But don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be able to stretch your legs in the buckboard as we go.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert frowned. \u2018Buckboard?\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t have a carriage?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam slapped him on the back in delight. \u2018I told you things were different out here! This isn\u2019t the civilized East now you know!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert looked shamefaced. \u2018Oh yes, well I didn\u2019t mean\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam laughed. \u2018You did so!\u00a0 Come on, let\u2019s get moving.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got so much to catch up on.\u2019<\/p>\n

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The two friends talked non-stop to the ranch, thrilled to have the opportunity to fill each other in on the last six months of their lives. \u2018So how did your father take the news that you wanted to travel for a while?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

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Albert shrugged. \u2018He didn\u2019t care.\u00a0 You know my father\u2026.nothing I do seems to worry him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded.\u00a0 He had spent a couple of holidays at Albert\u2019s house in New York and had the impression that his father had never had much time for his son.\u00a0 Albert had been shipped off to boarding school at an early age and then College and it was obvious that even when he came home for the holidays his father gave him no more than a little attention.\u00a0 During Adam\u2019s time there, they had in fact hardly ever seen the man and when they did he was so caught up in his business affairs that the two boys might not have even existed. Not that Adam minded.\u00a0 He seemed to be a very stern character with whom Albert didn\u2019t seem to have a relationship at all.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And your mother?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018She\u2019s not even in New York at the moment,\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018Some sort of charity tour in several cities has her amused for a while.\u2019\u00a0 His mother was always caught up in numerous good causes and also didn\u2019t seem to have much time for her son.\u00a0 In fact as far as Adam could see, Albert had been mostly raised by various servants throughout his childhood. Adam often caught a wistful expression on his friend\u2019s face when he spoke of his Pa and his brothers and knew that he probably envied Adam the family that he had.<\/p>\n

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It was one of the reasons he had invited Albert to stay with him.\u00a0 He wanted his friend to see for himself the family he had told him so much about.\u00a0 That and the fact that he felt he should repay his hospitality for those vacations he had spent in New York.\u00a0 Also, he had missed his friend and looked forward to catching up with him again.<\/p>\n

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Adam punched Albert playfully on the arm. \u2018We\u2019re going to have a great time,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I\u2019m so glad you could come!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert returned the punch. \u2018So am I,\u2019 he said looking around. \u2018Is this all your property?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam with pride. \u2018It begins up there at the top of that mountain range and continues down to the lake.\u00a0 All the western side is ours and most of that way as well.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the south.<\/p>\n

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\u2018It certainly is large,\u2019 said Albert impressed. \u2018Your father must be worth a lot!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shrugged. \u2018We don\u2019t think about it much,\u2019 he said. \u2018The land is what\u2019s important, not how much it\u2019s worth.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes but if you sold \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head. \u2018Pa wouldn\u2019t ever sell any of The Ponderosa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not unless he was absolutely forced to.\u00a0 He\u2019s spent many years of his life building this place up and wouldn\u2019t ever want to let go of it now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around with shining eyes. \u2018Neither would I,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n

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Albert looked at him. \u2018I can see why you came back here now,\u2019 he said. \u2018All this, plus a family like you\u2019ve described.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 \u2018I wish I had it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded. \u2018I hope you like Pa, Hoss and Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure you will.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m looking forward to meeting them,\u2019 replied his friend. \u2018From what you\u2019ve told me of them I\u2019m sure I will.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Albert, this is my father Ben Cartwright,\u2019 said Adam proudly. \u2018Pa, this is Albert.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben reached out his hand. \u2018Nice to meet you Albert,\u2019 he said warmly. \u2018Welcome to The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert returned the handshake. \u2018Nice to meet you Mr Cartwright and thank you for allowing me to stay.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Any friend of Adam\u2019s is most welcome here,\u2019 replied Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And this is Hoss,\u2019 said Adam, indicating his brother who was standing rather shyly to the side.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hello Hoss,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018Adam has told me a lot about you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss grinned at him shyly. \u2018Has he? That\u2019s nice. Well I\u2019ll get ya bags.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert looked around. \u2018And where is your other brother?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joe\u2019s at school,\u2019 said Adam as he led him into the house. \u2018You\u2019ll meet him this afternoon.\u00a0 We send him to school to get some peace and quiet around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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They both laughed as they entered the house and Albert looked around. \u2018It\u2019s just how I pictured it from your description,\u2019 he said. \u2018It has a homely feel to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam smiled. \u2018Well I hope you\u2019ll feel at home here during your stay,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on and I\u2019ll show you to your room.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Hop Sing has already got the hot water on for your bath.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ah, Hop Sing\u2026.the family cook and housekeeper,\u2019 said Albert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ve got a good memory,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, I\u2019ve got a very good memory,\u2019 replied Albert.\u00a0 Later that afternoon as he stood looking out of his bedroom window at the blue lake, he wondered if Adam realised how much of his family business Albert had remembered.\u00a0 He loved to hear his friend\u2019s stories of his father and his brothers and whenever he got letters and parcels looked forward to sharing them with him. He hardly ever had any of his own after all and Adam never seemed to mind sharing all his family news with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert sighed.\u00a0 It seemed that his friend had everything he\u2019d longed for all his life.\u00a0 He had a family who loved him and gave him attention.\u00a0 He had a father who actually cared about him and brothers who looked up to and needed him.\u00a0 Albert would have given anything for that.\u00a0 It was the main reason he had come here.\u00a0 Of course he wanted to see his friend again, but really he had a great need to experience this family that he\u2019d heard so much about for himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During his childhood his father had very little time for him, and when he did pay attention to his son\u2026\u2026.well, Albert wished he hadn\u2019t.\u00a0 His mother\u2026..actually there were times when he wondered if she even knew that he existed at all. Certainly he could never remember her paying him any attention, particularly when his father\u2026\u2026. Albert shook his head. He had come out here to forget all that, and he was determined to make the most of his time here.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Cartwright and Hoss had seemed very nice and Hop Sing had been most attentive.\u00a0 His only hope now was that he and Adam would be able to spend some time together.\u00a0 His friend had explained to him that this was, of course, a working ranch and he would need to carry on with his work while Albert was visiting, but Albert was quite prepared to become involved where he could.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know much about ranching but he was prepared to learn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled.\u00a0 All in all it seemed that this would be a very pleasant stay and he was looking forward to it.\u00a0 He leant forward as he heard a noise down below and watched as a youngster rode full-pelt into the yard and skidded to a halt.\u00a0 He supposed that this was the younger brother Joe.\u00a0 He watched with interest as the boy hitched his horse and ran into the house yelling as he did. Suddenly there was a commotion downstairs and Hop Sing appeared, chasing him back out again.\u00a0 The cook was shouting something and waving a cloth above his head as Joe hopped around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert smiled.\u00a0 The boy was just as Adam had described him\u2026.full of mischief and fun.\u00a0 As he watched, Joe disappeared again and Hop Sing followed.\u00a0 Albert sighed, suddenly envious of the boy\u2019s carefree attitude.\u00a0 He had never had the opportunity to carry on like that as a child and he wondered for the tenth time that day what it would have been like to grow up in this family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018So what are you two going to do tomorrow?\u2019 asked Ben at supper that evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How come Adam gets the day off?\u2019 asked Little Joe. \u2018Can I have the day off school too?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your brother is having a few days off because Albert has just arrived,\u2019 explained his father. \u2018It\u2019s got nothing to do with you.\u00a0 Now eat your supper please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought we might go for a ride,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I want to give him an idea of the boundaries of The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Take him to the lake,\u2019 suggested Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I want to go too,\u2019 interrupted Little Joe and frowned as he realised that everyone was ignoring him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wherever we go is alright with me,\u2019 said Albert.\u00a0 \u2018I just want to see it all.\u00a0 It\u2019s beautiful country.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why can\u2019t I?\u2019 asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019d be best to start over near\u2026.\u2019 began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why can\u2019t I?\u2019 repeated Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to his youngest son. \u2018I told you to eat your supper and I meant it young man,\u2019 he said sternly. \u2018Stop interrupting.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled at his plate and was silent as the conversation continued around him.\u00a0 After a few moments he lifted his head and said. \u2018I could help show Albert\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over, pulled the boy towards him and swatted him on the backside before replacing him on his chair without a word. Joe rubbed his backside and studied his plate again with a scowl on his face.\u00a0 Albert watched the whole episode with amusement.\u00a0 It seemed to him that the youngest Cartwright had far too much to say for himself and he was pleased that Mr Cartwright seemed to agree with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After supper they settled down in the living room with their coffee and Hop Sing brought some milk in for Little Joe.\u00a0 Albert was surprised that the family expected the boy to sit with them but he supposed it was part of their more relaxed way of life.\u00a0 He certainly would never have been allowed to sit up with the adults when he was a child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss listened enthralled while Adam and Albert told one story after another about their College experiences.\u00a0 Ben hadn\u2019t seen his oldest son so animated in all the time he\u2019d been home and it warmed his heart to see it.\u00a0 He felt that Albert\u2019s visit had definitely come at the right time for his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spent the time idly moving the checker pieces backwards and forwards and trying to get Hoss to play with him, but Hoss was far too busy listening to take much notice. Finally he turned to his brother. \u2018Quit it will ya Joe.\u00a0 I told ya I don\u2019t want ta play tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But I want to play,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Come on, will ya Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leant forward. \u2018Bring it over here son and I\u2019ll play with you while I listen.\u2019\u00a0 Joe smiled at him and moved the board over closer to his father and Ben set up the pieces while concentrating on what Adam was saying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert was enjoying himself immensely. It was just as he had thought it would be.\u00a0 He felt so at ease here and so comfortable talking to Adam and his father.\u00a0 Even Hoss was beginning to thaw out a bit and was definitely a great listener.\u00a0 Joe he decided he could have done without, but he reasoned that he really had no experience with children and really didn\u2019t quite know how to treat the youngster. He watched him with interest while the conversation went on and noticed that he seemed quite bright as he gave his father quite a challenge in the game they played.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Time for bed now Joseph,\u2019 said Ben after the game had finished. \u2018Say goodnight to everyone please.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to protest, but saw the look in his father\u2019s eye and closed it again. \u2018Goodnight,\u2019 he said mournfully and went upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soon afterwards Hoss said goodnight and his father went upstairs to check on Joe, so Adam and Albert were left alone in front of the fireplace. \u2018You\u2019d better have an early night too,\u2019 suggested Adam. \u2018You\u2019re probably tired after the long trip and we get up awfully early around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am tired,\u2019 replied Albert stretching. \u2018Must be the country air I think.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated. \u2018Thanks for inviting me Adam.\u00a0 I really love it here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad,\u2019 replied Adam as he stood up. \u2018Come on and I\u2019ll walk up with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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He watched nervously as Jacob served the vegetables onto his plate then moved around to serve his father.\u00a0 It was just the two of them tonight as Mama was out yet again.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t quite know where she went all the time, but she seemed to like to be anywhere but here.\u00a0 He tried to count the number of nights since she had eaten with them, but finally gave up when he realised he couldn\u2019t remember.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you going to eat any of that or are we going to have a repeat performance of last night?\u2019 asked his father in a frosty tone.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert picked up his fork quickly and began to eat.\u00a0 He knew better than to say anything, as his father didn\u2019t expect him to initiate any conversation at the table.\u00a0 He believed in children not speaking unless they were addressed first.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He ate nervously, wishing the meal were over with so that he could escape to his room again.\u00a0 Even though there were times when he hated the sight of those four walls, anything was better than having to sit under the scrutiny of the man at the other end of the table or be questioned by him.\u00a0 He never knew what to say and the more his father probed the more nervous he got.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So what did you do today?\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert racked his brain to think of a suitable response.\u00a0 The day had been like any other and he had spent it up in his room reading and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. \u2018Nothing much,\u2019 he said finally.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

His father raised an eyebrow. \u2018Are you seriously expecting me to believe that you did nothing all day?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert swallowed before replying. \u2018I read,\u2019 he said finally.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You read what?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert listed the names of two books he had finished that morning. <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then why didn\u2019t you say so to begin with?\u00a0 Sometimes I can\u2019t work out if you\u2019re trying to be stupid or you\u2019re simply obstinate.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert sank down in his chair. It was always like this.\u00a0 Whatever he said was wrong and if he said nothing he was classified as dumb.\u00a0 He just wished he could escape, but there was still one more course to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So I suppose you\u2019re looking forward to going back to school again next week,\u2019 said his father.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 replied Albert.\u00a0 He certainly was!\u00a0 Only at school could he have anything resembling a normal life and hard though boarding school was, it was definitely preferable to the atmosphere of his home. He picked up his milk with a trembling hand, trying to get a grip on it with his sweaty fingers.\u00a0 He mustn\u2019t drop it this time, as the last time he had\u2026\u2026 he preferred not to think about the punishment his father had meted out to him that time.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d better go up to your room then if you\u2019ve got nothing to say,\u2019 said his father severely. Albert stood up, thankful to escape. \u2018Just a moment young man, continued his father. Albert turned fearfully. \u2018I\u2019m waiting.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good night sir,\u2019 said Albert mechanically.\u00a0 He turned to climb the stairs to his lonely bedroom.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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The next few days were a wonderful experience for Albert.\u00a0 Not only did he get to see the beautiful countryside his friend called home, but he got to experience the comfortable family atmosphere of the Cartwright family first hand.\u00a0 He began to really warm to Mr Cartwright who was a warm and caring man.\u00a0 He really listened to what his sons had to say and shared many a joke with them as well.\u00a0 He was the sort of father Albert had always dreamed of having.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had thawed out enough to talk to him now and was proving to be quite good company.\u00a0 He had an amazing knowledge of the ranch for one so young and blossomed when Albert displayed an eagerness to learn from him by asking his advice about things. He could see why Adam was so fond of his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not so Little Joe, however.\u00a0 Albert found the boy difficult to put up with and often wished he were at school more than the five days per week.\u00a0 He could begin to understand why his parents had sent him away to boarding school if this was what children were like.\u00a0 The boy asked incessant questions and had an opinion on everything and instead of simply putting him in his place Mr Cartwright, Adam and Hoss seemed to indulge and encourage him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not that he wasn\u2019t disciplined!\u00a0 Albert had seen evidence that Mr Cartwright was quite firm with him in many ways, but he seemed to put up with a lot from him at the same time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert began to feel quite cross with the child.\u00a0 He was always underfoot when he wasn\u2019t at school and poked his nose into everything that was going on. Albert tried to avoid him whenever he could, but on Saturday afternoon he found himself alone with the boy for the first time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018What ya doing?\u2019 asked Joe pleasantly as he climbed up on the railing next to where Albert was standing watching Adam on a horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Watching,\u2019 he replied abruptly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam\u2019s good at that ain\u2019t he?\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert turned to him, unable to hold his tongue. \u2018It\u2019s isn\u2019t<\/em> not ain\u2019t<\/em>,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe didn\u2019t seem to be fazed by his comment. \u2018You sound like Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s always telling me how to talk too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he hasn\u2019t been very successful has he?\u2019 said Albert frostily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at him for a moment. \u2018What\u2019s up with you?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m trying to watch without being pestered,\u2019 replied Albert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe ignored him. \u2018See that black over there?\u2019 he asked pleasantly. \u2018He\u2019s the one that\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I really don\u2019t need you to tell me,\u2019 said Albert losing patience with the boy. \u2018If I want to know anything about the horses I\u2019ll ask one of the adults around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe bristled. \u2018I know lots about the horses,\u2019 he said indignantly. \u2018My Pa says I\u2019m real good with em.\u2019 Albert stared ahead and said nothing, wishing the boy would go away but Little Joe continued. \u2018I\u2019m getting a big horse when I\u2019m twelve,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa says\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I really don\u2019t care,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go and play or something?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe frowned at him. \u2018I want to stay here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fine,\u2019 said Albert and moved away from him.\u00a0 \u2018Hey Adam,\u2019 he called. \u2018Good ride!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came over to the railing. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m a bit out of practice, but it all comes back to you after a while. \u2018I\u2019m beginning to feel my old self on horseback finally.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re good at it,\u2019 said Albert admiringly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m good at riding too, ain\u2019t I Adam,\u2019 interrupted Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leant over and ruffled his little brother\u2019s hair. \u2018You\u2019re not bad,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ll be better when you\u2019re older.\u2019 Albert glared at the boy from behind Adam\u2019s back.\u00a0 Joe glared back at him, deciding that he didn\u2019t much care for this friend of Adam\u2019s after all. Adam turned to Albert who immediately changed his expression to an agreeable one. \u2018I\u2019ll get a horse saddled up for you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Then we can get up to the lake.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you going fishing?\u2019 asked Joe excitedly. \u2018Can I come?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I don\u2019t see why not,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018If that\u2019s alright with you Albert.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert wasn\u2019t looking forward to an afternoon spent with the boy chattering in his ear every few minutes. \u2018Oh it\u2019s alright with me,\u2019 he said carefully. \u2018But didn\u2019t your father say that he had to do his chores?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018My chores ain\u2019t nothing to do with you!\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018That\u2019s no way to talk to a guest.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it\u2019s not his business if I\u2019ve done my chores or not!\u2019 declared Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, have you?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sort of.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well no,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But I could get em done real quick if you\u2019ll wait for me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think we should get going now Adam,\u2019 said Albert with a look at Joe. \u2018We really don\u2019t have any time to waste if we have to get back to go town tonight remember.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes that\u2019s true,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Sorry Joe, maybe next time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at Albert as Adam walked away to get the horses. \u2018You did that on purpose!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert smiled at him and began to whistle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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On their way to church the next morning, Albert had to put up with Joe’s incessant chatter again. He wished one of the others would put an end to it and wondered why Mr Cartwright didn\u2019t tell the boy to mind his place. By the time they reached the church he was well and truly sick of the child and was most displeased to find himself seated next to him in the Cartwright pew.\u00a0 The only consolation he had was that Joe seemed to be just as angry about it as he was and tried to get up to move, but he was immediately told to sit down again by Adam who was sitting on the other side of him. They glared at each other and Joe moved as far away from Albert as he could possibly manage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert quite enjoyed the Service and particularly enjoyed checking out the girls at the same time.\u00a0 Adam had promised to introduce him to certain young ladies afterwards and he spent a pleasant half-hour trying to match faces with the names that his friend had mentioned. He also enjoyed the fact that Little Joe was forced to be quiet during this time, although the boy made up for it by fiddling incessantly.\u00a0 Albert noticed that Adam spent the entire time with his hand on his younger brother\u2019s leg in an attempt to keep him still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time the service was over Albert was ready to throttle the child next to him and pushed past him roughly as he left the pew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019 said Joe loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and cuffed his son around the ears. \u2018Be quiet! You\u2019re still in the church,\u2019 he admonished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But he\u2026.\u2019 began Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I said to be quiet Joseph,\u2019 said Ben pulling him forward by the arm. Joe looked over his shoulder and poked out his tongue at Albert who smiled in satisfaction at getting the boy into trouble. He was beginning to find it quite an interesting pastime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outside, Adam was true to his word and they were both surrounded by quite a few pretty young ladies who were anxious to know who the handsome stranger was.\u00a0 Albert preened himself under their attentions and rose to the occasion with his smooth talk and compliments.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down to see Joe standing there. \u2018What do you want?\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I gotta introduce you to someone who wants to meet you,\u2019 he said smiling pleasantly and indicated an ugly woman next to him. \u2018This is Miss Jones my teacher. I told her all about you and how you wanted to meet her.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert looked at him surprised and turned to find Adam for support, but his friend was busy talking to a girl next to him. \u2018Um..hello,\u2019 he said hesitantly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hello, she said with a toothy grin. \u2018I\u2019m so pleased to meet you. \u2018Little Joseph has told me all about you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s nice,\u2019 he said confused and wondered why Joe would have gone out of his way to tell his teacher about him?\u00a0 He glanced down at the boy and began to be suspicious when he saw the sarcastic grin on his face, but didn\u2019t have time to pursue the thought as the ugly woman pulled him over to a quiet space in the corner and began to regale him with boring stories of her interests and pursuits.<\/p>\n

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After ten minutes of her boring talk he practically jumped on Adam when he approached them. \u2018I\u2019m sorry to disturb you,\u2019 Adam said tipping his hat. \u2018But we have to go now.\u00a0 Good day Miss Jones.\u2019 He pulled Albert away quickly and whispered in his ear. \u2018What did you go and talk to her for?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I didn\u2019t have much choice,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Your brother Joe introduced us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Well he probably thought he was being helpful,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But you have to know by now she\u2019s one to stay away from.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t say?\u2019 replied Albert sarcastically. He glanced over to where Joe was standing next to the buggy giggling with glee. The boy had known exactly what he was doing when he brought the teacher over to introduce her, Albert was sure of it!\u00a0 His blood boiled as he vowed to make sure the meddling youngster paid for his mischief.<\/p>\n

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Albert had his chance to pay Joe back that very night at supper. The boy was fidgeting as usual and being constantly told by his father to keep still.\u00a0 Albert took his chance as Hop Sing carried in the meat platter, to reach over without anyone seeing him and knock the boy\u2019s milk over and spill its contents all over everything.<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at him shocked. \u2018What did ya do that for?\u2019 he asked loudly.<\/p>\n

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Albert stared back at him. \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said his father. \u2018Watch what you\u2019re doing please!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe turned to his father angrily. \u2018But I didn\u2019t do it!\u2019 he declared as he pointed at Albert. \u2018He did!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018Joe!\u00a0 As if Albert would do that.\u00a0 If you sat still for once we might get through a meal without you spilling something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared around at them all. \u2018But I didn\u2019t do it!\u2019 he declared again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm. \u2018It\u2019s alright Adam,\u2019 he said kindly. \u2018The boy can\u2019t help being clumsy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben glared at his youngest son. \u2018Well he can help being rude and not owning up to something when he does it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Apologize to Albert please Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe\u2019s mouth dropped open. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You heard me.\u00a0 I told you to apologize for what you said,\u2019 repeated his father.<\/p>\n

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Joe jumped up from his seat. \u2018Why should I apologize for something he did?\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t gonna!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben pulled his son towards him and swatted him on the backside. \u2018Do as you\u2019re told!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

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Joe glared at him and then looked at the tablecloth. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n

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Ben pushed him back on his seat again. \u2018Now eat your supper without another word,\u2019 he said. \u2018And keep still this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert gave the boy a triumphant look when no one was looking and Joe scowled back at him. Albert settled back to enjoy the rest of his meal as he thought about it.\u00a0 Taunting the youngest Cartwright was beginning to be an enjoyable piece of entertainment for him.\u00a0 The boy deserved it after all.\u00a0 It seemed to Albert that he was extremely spoilt and needed taking down a peg or two.<\/p>\n

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He watched with dismay as the glass fell to the floor and shattered around them both, the milk making a huge pattern of the floorboards.\u00a0 He continued to stare at the mess, not daring to look up into his father\u2019s face and the expression he knew it would contain.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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\u2018Look at me!\u2019 He looked up reluctantly. \u2018Why can\u2019t you be more careful, you stupid boy?\u2019 Albert said nothing, but continued to stare at the angry face of the man in front of him. \u2018Do you have nothing to say for yourself?\u2019 Albert shook his head, knowing that words were useless and nothing he could say would save him from his fate. \u2018Then get up to your room immediately!\u00a0 I will not have such behaviour here!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert turned and left as quickly as he could, his heart beating fast. He reached his room and momentarily considered locking the door, but he knew that it was a futile exercise.\u00a0 Instead, he stood waiting for the inevitable.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Within moments the door opened and he heard his father\u2019s footsteps cross the room. He stared at the man\u2019s boots, not willing to take his eyes off them as he listened to the rhythmic sound of the leather strap as it hit against his father\u2019s thigh.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is there a reason for your clumsiness?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No sir,\u2019 Albert whispered.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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\u2018Take off your shirt.\u2019 Albert took off his shirt mechanically and stood waiting. \u2018Turn around.\u2019\u00a0 He turned and felt his head being forced downwards.\u00a0 He bit his lip as he felt the blows upon his back and closed his eyes as he tried not to cry out.\u00a0 To do so would only prolong the punishment.\u00a0 When finally it was over he felt himself turned again to face his father. \u2018Well?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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\u2018I\u2019m sorry sir,\u2019 he whispered.\u00a0 He continued to study the floorboards as his father left the room and only looked up as he heard the door close behind him.\u00a0 A small cry escaped his lips as he flung himself onto his bed and allowed himself the luxury of crying his tears into his pillow.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert sat up shaking.\u00a0 It had seemed so real!\u00a0 Why was it that after all these years the memories still came back to haunt him? He tried to get his breathing under control and lay down again to stare at the ceiling.\u00a0 He frowned as he thought about Adam\u2019s little brother.\u00a0 If he had answered his father back like that he would have been half killed when he was that age.\u00a0 What was it about this family that they didn\u2019t see just how spoilt the boy was? Why should that child be allowed to get away with things when Albert himself hadn\u2019t?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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He rolled over and stared at the wall.<\/p>\n

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The next few days were pleasant ones for all concerned.\u00a0 Joe was back at school and kept his distance from Albert when he was around the ranch.\u00a0\u00a0 The only time they came into contact with each other was at the meal table or in the living room after supper and Joe was very careful to avoid even speaking to the man.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like or trust him at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Albert kept his eyes on the boy and was pleased to see that he intimidated him.\u00a0 He took delight in the power that he felt he had over his behaviour and the way in which he was able to manipulate the others\u2019 feeling towards himself.\u00a0 He felt that Mr Cartwright and Hoss liked him a lot and he and Adam were getting on as if they had never been apart.\u00a0 He was careful to go out of his way to treat Joe kindly in front of everyone and even offered to play checkers with him several times only to be turned down flat.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph that\u2019s not very polite,\u2019 said his father one evening. \u2018Albert is kindly asking you to play with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t want to,\u2019 replied Joe studying the checkerboard in front of him.\u00a0 Nothing could make him play with the man.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well suit yourself,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018But don\u2019t ask anyone else to play with you if that\u2019s the case.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to move the pieces around the board himself while he listened to the adults\u2019 conversation around him.\u00a0 He knew that Albert had only asked him to play so that he could ruin another evening for him.\u00a0 It seemed that every time he turned around the man was causing him problems and he wished he would go home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph if you\u2019re going to sit there and sulk, you may as well go up to bed,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Go on.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe stood up. \u2018Goodnight,\u2019 he said mournfully and climbed the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s the matter with him?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s so grumpy lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe he resents me being here?\u2019 said Albert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t be silly,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Why would he?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I have the feeling he doesn\u2019t like me very much,\u2019 Albert continued. \u2018I suspect he might think I\u2019m taking you away from him Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Well he\u2019s got to learn that he\u2019s not the centre of everyone\u2019s world,\u2019 said Ben leaning forward and helping himself to another cup of coffee. \u2018He\u2019s just been too sulky for his own good lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018How about I try to patch things up?\u2019 suggested Albert with a smile. \u2018I could offer to take him fishing on Saturday.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t have to do that son,\u2019 said Ben with a fond smile. \u2018It\u2019s nice of you though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head. \u2018No, I insist,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want things to be right between us.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled to himself.\u00a0 He\u2019d show that brat who had the power around here!<\/p>\n

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\u2018So how about it Joe, just you and I together tomorrow?\u2019 said Albert pleasantly.<\/p>\n

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Joe didn\u2019t look up from his plate.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t going to be caught up in anything concerning this man, but was aware that everyone was listening. \u2018No thank you,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben frowned. \u2018Joseph, Albert has kindly offered to take you fishing.\u00a0 I think it would be polite of you to accept, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at his father. \u2018I don\u2019t want to go,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018But you love fishing,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You\u2019re always pestering me ta go with you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I don\u2019t want to go this time,\u2019 replied Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019d be able to show Albert our favourite fishing spot near the lake,\u2019 suggested Adam with a wink to his friend. \u2018He\u2019d love to see it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That I would,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018Come on Joe, how about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe sullenly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph would love to go with you Albert,\u2019 said his father giving his son a meaningful look. Joe looked up at his father, knowing that any further argument was futile.\u00a0 When Pa said something like that he meant it. \u2018You can go after lunch tomorrow,\u2019 suggested Ben. \u2018Alright Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Little Joe mournfully and stood up. \u2018I\u2019ve got to go to school now.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Albert a baleful look as he left the room.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well, that went well,\u2019 said Adam with a laugh. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Albert, you\u2019ll win him over.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I hope so,\u2019 said Albert with a sigh. \u2018I hate to think I\u2019ve upset him in any way.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t worry about it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019ll get over it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Come on Albert,\u2019 said Hoss as he stood up. \u2018You\u2019re coming with me this morning aren\u2019t ya?\u2019\u00a0 Albert nodded and left the room with him, leaving Adam and his father together.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I wish Joe would stop behaving like this,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I think Albert is upset about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018He just needs to get used to having a new person in the house that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well he doesn\u2019t have to be rude to him,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You know Pa, Albert had a pretty rotten childhood from what he\u2019s told me and I really want this holiday to be great for him.\u00a0 He needs to see what a real family is like and Joe is spoiling it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Rotten in what way?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Well his father was very strict from what he\u2019s said and his mother\u2026.well she was hardly ever around.\u00a0 I know he missed out on a lot as a child.\u00a0 Sometimes\u2026\u2026 well, he sometimes gets pretty down about it all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben sighed. \u2018Poor boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018He seems to have come through it all fairly well though.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 He\u2019s great, considering all that he\u2019s been through.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben patted his son on the arm. \u2018Well he\u2019s lucky that he\u2019s got you as a friend,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll certainly do all that we can to make sure we show him the good side of family life while he\u2019s here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018If Joe can bother to behave himself,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u2018So this is it?\u2019 said Albert.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Joe and got down from his pony.\u00a0 He had spoken as little as possible to the man on their way to the lake, determined to keep his distance from him as much as he could.<\/p>\n

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They got their fishing poles and headed over to a shady spot before baiting their hooks.\u00a0 Albert glanced at the boy as he did so. He certainly was a sullen young kid, he thought.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t even be bothered to make any kind of decent conversation all the way out here. Albert was determined to show him a thing or two!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018So,\u2019 he said pleasantly when they had settled themselves with their backs to the tree and were looking at the lake with their lines dangling. \u2018How\u2019s school with that Miss Jones?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe scowled.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not that you\u2019d care.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert smiled at him. \u2018What makes you think that Little Joe?\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t call me that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Cause that\u2019s what my family call me and you ain\u2019t one of em.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert smirked. \u2018Your family!\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve got them wrapped right round your little finger haven\u2019t you? Spoilt brat!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him again. \u2018I ain\u2019t a spoilt brat!\u2019 he said. \u2018My family loves me, that\u2019s all!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019re a spoilt little baby that\u2019s all you are,\u2019 said Albert warming up to the topic now that he could see how upset the boy was becoming. \u2018You think you can get away with anything!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe turned on him. \u2018I hate you!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019m gonna tell my Pa and Adam what you say to me and how mean you are!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert continued to smile. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said casually. \u2018Try it and see if they believe you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018They will!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert shook his head. \u2018Uh uh,\u2019 he said. \u2018Face it Little Joe, I\u2019m much cleverer than you at this. I have more power than you.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned nastily. \u2018I\u2019m a guest remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe stood up. \u2018I ain\u2019t staying with you here! You can fish by yourself!\u00a0 See if I care!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Albert watched as the boy ran to his pony and climbed up.\u00a0 \u2018Bye Little Joe!\u2019 he called sarcastically and stood up.\u00a0 He walked over to his horse and untied him before hitting him on the rump.\u00a0 The horse ran off startled and Albert smiled again as he settled himself down to a bit of quiet fishing.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph! What are you doing back so quickly?\u2019 asked Ben as the boy rode full pelt into the yard. \u2018Is anything the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe got down from his pony quickly and brushed his tears away. \u2018I told you I didn\u2019t want to go fishing with him!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

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Ben knelt down in front of his son. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

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Joe sniffed. \u2018He was mean to me,\u2019 he said. \u2018He said I was a baby and that\u2026. and that you wouldn\u2019t believe me cause he\u2019s a guest.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben looked puzzled. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t understand.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t like him!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I want him to leave!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph just because your brother is spending some time with his friend instead of you,\u2019 began Ben. \u2018There\u2019s no need to be jealous of him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t jealous of him!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018He\u2019s just mean to me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned as another horse came running into the yard. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he heard Adam shout from the corral. \u2018It\u2019s Albert\u2019s horse!\u00a0 He must have been hurt!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Saddle up,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018We\u2019ll go and check it out.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Joe again. \u2018Joseph?\u00a0 Did anything happen to Albert when you were out?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I left him by the lake fishing.\u00a0 I told him I didn\u2019t want to fish with him no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well that wasn\u2019t very polite was it?\u2019 said Adam angrily as he joined them. \u2018I\u2019m sick of you being rude to my friend.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s the one being rude to me!\u2019 declared Joe and pulled away from his father\u2019s grasp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben, but the boy was running into the house and didn\u2019t acknowledge his father\u2019s call.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Leave him Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We\u2019ve got to get to Albert.\u00a0 He could be seriously hurt.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and they both mounted up.\u00a0 They were still about ten minutes from the lake when they spotted Albert walking towards them. \u2018Albert! What happened?\u00a0 Are you alright?\u2019 asked Adam as he reined his horse in. \u2018Your horse made it back home and we were worried about you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert smiled up at him. \u2018Oh, I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m glad the horse made it back safely though.\u2019\u00a0 He grimaced. \u2018I\u2019m not used to walking so much that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What happened?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert hesitated. \u2018I\u2019d rather not say,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s just leave it at that, alright Mr Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018Does this have anything to do with Joseph?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head. \u2018Please don\u2019t be angry with the boy, Mr Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure he thought it was just a funny joke.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Adam shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Albert,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018If Joseph did this, then I need to know about it.\u00a0 He needs to be disciplined.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it\u2019s just\u2026.I don\u2019t know why he did it,\u2019 began Albert. \u2018But he seemed to think it was funny to ride off and leave me without a horse.\u2019\u00a0 He held his hands up. \u2018Please don\u2019t punish him for it.\u00a0 He really doesn\u2019t like me and it will only give him more cause not to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He shouldn\u2019t get away with that Pa!\u2019 declared Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I agree,\u2019 he said. \u2018Albert, I\u2019m sure he really does like you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head. \u2018No I\u2019m afraid he doesn\u2019t, and I really don\u2019t know what to do about it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried….I really have\u2026..but he just thinks I\u2019m taking Adam away from him or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned his horse around and Adam gave Albert a hand up so that his friend was behind him in the saddle. \u2018I\u2019ll see you back at the house boys,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018It\u2019s time I had a discussion with that youngest son of mine!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert smiled broadly as he rode behind Adam. The day was turning out to be quite an enjoyable one after all!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019m waiting Joseph!\u00a0 Do you have any excuse for what you\u2019ve done?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. \u2018I told you Pa, I didn\u2019t do it!\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s lying!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the bed. \u2018Why would Albert lie about a thing like that?\u2019 he said. \u2018He has no reason to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Cause he don\u2019t like me, that\u2019s why!\u2019 Joe declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He thinks you don\u2019t like him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Cause he\u2019s mean to me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and rubbed his forehead. It seemed that they were just going around in circles on this one.\u00a0 \u2018Joseph, I\u2019ll ask you one more time.\u00a0 Why did you spook his horse like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son, there is no reason why Albert would choose to walk home like that.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t believe you this time.\u2019 Joe looked up at his father mournfully as he continued. \u2018You will stay in your room for the rest of the day Joseph and then you will apologize to Albert before supper. Is that understood?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, but looked at the floor. Albert had been right!\u00a0 He did have more power around here when his Pa and probably his brothers believed him every time.\u00a0 He waited until his father had closed the door before looking up again.\u00a0 Well one thing was for sure\u2026\u2026there was no way he was going to apologize this time for something he hadn\u2019t done!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hey, steady on there,\u2019 said Adam with a laugh. \u2018We\u2019re not back at college now!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Exactly,\u2019 said Albert winking at his friend. \u2018No early morning classes to concentrate on tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well some of us still have to work,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I don\u2019t think Pa would be too pleased if I turned up at breakfast with a giant hangover.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shrugged. \u2018Suit yourself,\u2019 he said as he downed yet another whiskey. \u2018I\u2019m on holidays though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam studied his friend for a moment. \u2018I thought you were going to try and cut back on the drinking after we graduated?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I have,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018I only drink when\u2026\u2019 he swayed a little. \u2018I only drink when I feel the need to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled on Albert\u2019s arm. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve had enough.\u00a0 Time to go home.\u2019\u00a0 He supported his friend gently out of the saloon. \u2018How many times have I done this for you?\u2019 he said with a laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Many,\u2019 said Albert with a silly grin. \u2018You\u2019re a great friend Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed his friend up on his horse and shook his head. \u2018One of these days Albert you\u2019re going to really go too far with this drinking of yours.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone is entitled to one vice in life,\u2019 Albert replied as they rode slowly down the street. \u2018I could do a lot worse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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He took the stopper out as carefully as he could and brought the crystal decanter to his lips.\u00a0 As long as he was careful not to take more than a couple of swallows he knew his father wouldn\u2019t miss it and he was always careful not to come down here unless the man was out.\u00a0 There was no way he felt he could be caught.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It had been three years ago when he was twelve that he had first discovered the way in which the alcohol could numb his senses and help him get through the long days in this house. He wondered at times what he would have done without it.\u00a0 He smacked his lips as he replaced the stopper and crept back across the room to return to his bedroom.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

One day he would be old enough to go out and get his own drinks and he looked forward to the time when the barmen believed his age.\u00a0 He had plenty of money to throw about so that wouldn\u2019t be a problem.\u00a0 It was only his youth that was stopping him from experiencing this delightful feeling as often as he wished.\u00a0 He smiled as the familiar numbness began to creep over him again.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam I know you are a man now and I\u2019m sure you indulged yourself in many activities while you were away in Boston. That\u2019s all part of growing up,\u2019 said his father. \u2018But I thought you understood that I don\u2019t approve of drinking during the week when you have work to do!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, but I only had two beers.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think it would hurt.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Well Albert certainly looked like he had more than two beers,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, that\u2019s just Albert,\u2019 said Adam crossly. \u2018I couldn\u2019t very well leave him there, could I?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose not,\u2019 acknowledged his father. \u2018What do you mean, that\u2019s just Albert?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged again. \u2018Well he\u2019s always been one to have a bit more drink than the rest of my friends,\u2019 he said. \u2018It doesn\u2019t mean that I do though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Albert is a guest and it\u2019s not for me to criticise him for how much he drinks,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I just hope that you exercise caution in that regard son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Of course I do,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u2018Good. Well in a way I think it\u2019s a good thing that Albert didn\u2019t make it down to breakfast this morning.\u00a0 What with Joseph refusing to apologize for yesterday\u2019s incident, I think they both need more time apart.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s a stubborn little cuss,\u2019 said Adam crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam I\u2019ve been thinking,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018If Joseph really is missing your company, it might be a good idea for you to spend some time with him today while Albert is \u2026 um\u2026 indisposed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do I have to?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, you don\u2019t have to,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But with the boy confined to the yard to do those extra chores it might be a good idea, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked cross. \u2018Oh, alright,\u2019 he said and turned to leave the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He found Joe cleaning out the barn and sat down to polish his saddle next to him. \u2018How\u2019s it going?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him. \u2018I got all these extra chores to do for nuthin!\u00a0 How do you think it\u2019s going?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, I wouldn\u2019t call what you did nothing,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t do it!\u00a0 He done it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know.\u00a0 Just like he spilt your milk and made fun of you,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ve heard it all before, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018Well he did,\u2019 he declared. \u2018I don\u2019t know why anyone won\u2019t believe me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nobody believes you because you\u2019re not telling the truth,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Albert had no reason to do those things to you.\u00a0 I\u2019ve watched him be nothing but kind to you since he arrived here and you\u2019ve been rude to him the whole time.\u00a0 Face it Joe, you\u2019re just being a spoilt kid this time!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe concentrated on his work.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem to matter what he said, nobody believed him anyway!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018Hey buddy, how about you and me go fishing next weekend when you\u2019re off restriction?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Will he be coming?\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No. I said just the two of us didn\u2019t I?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Well, OK.\u00a0 As long as he don\u2019t come.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and stood up. The kid really had a set against Albert that was for sure!<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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The next two days were quiet ones.\u00a0 Albert felt Ben\u2019s disapproval with his drinking session, so he was careful not to repeat it and give the man anything to criticise him for.\u00a0 He should have known that Adam\u2019s father wouldn\u2019t be the kind of man to approve of drinking too much and he made a mental note to avoid showing him just how much he did indulge in alcohol at times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had hoped that during this trip he might be able to dry out a little and keep sober for an extended period.\u00a0 He did feel much better when he did, but found it very hard to maintain.\u00a0 He supposed it was because he had begun drinking at such a young age and when he had found his freedom at College had gone overboard a bit.\u00a0 Not even Adam realised just how much he did drink at times.\u00a0 He had tried to keep it from his friend and had been partly successful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out here he had thought it would be easy to lighten up on it a bit, but the old demons were still in his head and he discovered that they travelled with him no matter where he was.\u00a0 If only he could rid himself of them he knew he could overcome this need to drink them away, but every time he tried something happened to make it so difficult.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the moment it was the boy.\u00a0 Joe seemed to bring out the worst in him and he just didn\u2019t know why. All he knew was that he felt a deep-seated need to hurt him and the drinking helped to numb the feeling. He watched the way in which Mr Cartwright, Adam and Hoss treated the child and couldn\u2019t help but feel a great sense of longing to have had a childhood as this boy did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One evening after supper, he and Adam were playing chess while Ben smoked his pipe and read the evening paper.\u00a0 Hoss was by the fireplace fixing some of the tack and Joe was helping him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hold it there shortshanks,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pull it tighter.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I can\u2019t hold it any tighter than that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here let me then,\u2019 said his brother and took it from him. \u2018See? Like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How\u2019d ya learn to do that Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa taught me,\u2019 said his brother. \u2018And now I\u2019m teaching you. See?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent over and watched fascinated as Hoss twined the leather straps together. \u2018Now hold that while I do the next one,\u2019 he instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took it and held it up for his father to see. \u2018Look Pa. Hoss is real good at it, ain\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben motioned to his son. \u2018Bring it here and show me,\u2019 he said. Joe brought it over to his father and leant on the edge of his chair as Ben inspected the leather. \u2018Very nice,\u2019 he said handing it back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Albert watched, Joe ducked under his father\u2019s newspaper, crawled up into his lap and snuggled into his chest, playing with the leather absently as his father continued to read.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your move,\u2019 said Adam disturbing his train of thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 he said startled. \u2018Oh \u2026 there.\u2019\u00a0 He moved a bishop and turned to watch the two on the armchair again as Adam studied the board.\u00a0 He felt a great sense of frustration as he watched Mr Cartwright gently stroke the boy\u2019s hair and Joe cuddle into him even further. His breathing became ragged and he clenched his fists.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Albert?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to face his friend. \u2018What?\u2019 he said absently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s your turn,\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert stood up. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026 I\u2019m a bit tired.\u00a0 Do you mind if we finish this tomorrow?\u00a0 I think I need an early night.\u2019\u00a0 He felt a great desire to get out of the room quickly so that he didn\u2019t have to watch father and son together like that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fine,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Goodnight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert hurried quickly to his bedroom and shut the door behind him.\u00a0 He closed his eyes for a few moments and tried to blot out the image of the boy and his father downstairs.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he have had a father like that?\u00a0 Why hadn\u2019t he ever had the opportunity to be cuddled and loved?\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t even remember a time when he had been. It wasn\u2019t fair!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt the old demons begin to surface again and reached under his bed to pull out a bottle. He walked to the open widow and felt the cool breeze on his face as he took a swig from it.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t they leave him alone?<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s it for darling?\u2019 she asked dangling the medal from her manicured fingers. <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I came top of the class in mathematics,\u2019 he answered proudly. \u2018I got the most marks for the whole year.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

She placed it back in his hand. \u2018That\u2019s nice.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t it Harold?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

His father stared at him for a moment. \u2018What were your marks?\u2019 he asked. <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201898%\u2019 he answered proudly. \u2018No one came close to beating me.\u2019\u00a0 He hoped that this time one of them would give him a hug.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s excellent,\u2019 said his father going back to his paper again. \u2018Maybe you\u2019re not so stupid after all.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he\u2019s not stupid,\u2019 said his mother and smiled at him. She gave him an absent pat on the arm. \u2018Keep up the good work darling.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert stood holding his medal as his mother left the room.\u00a0 He took a hesitant step towards his father. \u2018Would you like to see it?\u2019 he asked.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I did,\u2019 the man replied. \u2018Go and put it in your room.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Albert left the room silently.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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His head was pounding but made worse by the exertion of trying to keep it from everyone. He knew it had been stupid to finish that second bottle last night, but he had to do something to drive the old demons away or he felt he wouldn\u2019t have slept at all.\u00a0 And now he had to pretend he was fine to stop Mr Cartwright from becoming suspicious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt the man was still watching him carefully since the last time and he was determined not to show him the way it really was.\u00a0 His demons were his own affair and he wouldn\u2019t allow them to be noticed by anyone.\u00a0 After all, he had spent many years hiding them and he didn\u2019t intend for anyone to find out about them now. So he spent the day doing as little as possible, but doing it away from prying eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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He had declined when Adam had asked him to accompany him into town and had put off Hoss\u2019 offer to go out to the North Pasture.\u00a0 The thought of a long ride in either direction was just too daunting.\u00a0 Instead he pleaded for an easy morning with a book to recover from all the riding he had been doing.\u00a0 He was happy for them to think that he couldn\u2019t quite keep up physically, as long as they didn\u2019t find out about the old demons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Cartwright had spent the morning out with Hoss and had returned after lunch to do some paper work, so Albert had been forced to move outside away from him. He took his book to a quiet spot in the barn and had a good rest for an hour or so, hoping to feel better by the time that Adam returned.\u00a0 As he heard a movement in the doorway he got up expectantly. \u2018You\u2019re back early,\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh\u2026 I thought it was Adam,\u2019 he added as Joe led his pony into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him and said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Is school over already?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said the boy shortly and began to unsaddle his pony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Albert moved closer to him and wished the thumping of his head would stop. \u2018Got into any trouble?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe, continuing to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose a kid like you would wheedle his way out of it if you did anyway,\u2019 said Albert sarcastically.\u00a0 \u2018You seem to get most things you want.\u2019\u00a0 Joe said nothing as he continued to work. \u2018I\u2019ll bet that ugly teacher of yours is as stupid as your family is about you,\u2019 Albert continued, warming up to his subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018My family ain\u2019t stupid!\u2019 declared Joe in spite of his intention not to engage in a conversation with the man.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well they are where you\u2019re concerned,\u2019 said Albert casually. \u2018Your Pa and brothers let you get away with anything. I think that\u2019s pretty stupid.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe turned to face him. \u2018You take that back!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare call my Pa and brothers stupid!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert laughed.\u00a0 He was beginning to enjoy himself. \u2018Can\u2019t the spoilt little baby handle it?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Poor Little Joe!\u2019\u00a0 He stepped back in surprise as the boy pushed him. \u2018Hey!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Joe clenched his fists and tears began to form in his eyes. \u2018You shut up, you!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

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Albert looked down at the small boy in front of him.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019d shut up if I were you,\u2019 he said casually. \u2018You don\u2019t want me to get you into trouble again with your Pa do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe launched himself on Albert and tried to beat him with his fists, all the frustrations of the past few weeks coming out all at once.\u00a0 Albert held him back easily by pinning him on the head with his hand and began to laugh. \u2018You\u2019ll have to try harder than that, little man,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments Joe stopped and stood still, panting with the exertion. \u2018I want you to leave me alone,\u2019 he said, \u2018or I\u2019ll\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert bent down so that he was level with the boy\u2019s face. \u2018Or you\u2019ll what?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Or I\u2019ll hit you!\u2019 declared Joe and reached out to do just that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert stopped the blow easily with his fist and laughed again. He shook his head, reached out and slapped the boy hard on the face. \u2018Don\u2019t you try that again,\u2019 he said nastily.<\/p>\n

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Joe gasped with the shock and stood holding his cheek where the blow had landed. \u2018I\u2019m gonna tell my Pa what you did!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Albert bent down again and pulled the youngster close to him. \u2018No you won\u2019t,\u2019 he said quietly as he looked into the boy\u2019s eyes. \u2018Because if you do, I\u2019ll make sure you get into even more trouble.\u2019 He pointed his finger under Joe\u2019s nose. \u2018And you know I can do it, don\u2019t you?\u2019 Joe looked at him with wide eyes, not knowing what to say.\u00a0 Albert shook him slightly. \u2018You\u2019ll tell your Pa you fell over. Understood?\u2019 Joe nodded silently. \u2018And from now on you make sure you don\u2019t give me any trouble or it\u2019ll happen again. I don\u2019t want any of them thinking you don\u2019t like me any more.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u2019\u00a0 He shook him again. \u2018I said do you understand me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 Joe said and pulled himself free of the man\u2019s grasp.\u00a0 He fled from the barn without looking back.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Put your face up,\u2019 instructed Ben as he dabbed his son\u2019s cheek again with the cloth. Joe did as he was instructed without a word. \u2018Next time you might be a bit more careful, eh Joseph?\u2019 his father said as he continued to dab the sore spot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 answered Joe in a small voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben reached out and rubbed the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018Well I think that\u2019ll help it a bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018But you\u2019re going to have quite a bruise there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe stood up, put his arms around his father\u2019s neck and hugged him. \u2018There, there,\u2019 said Ben as he patted the boy on the back. \u2018It\u2019s not that sore, is it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe, his voice muffled against his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben frowned. \u2018Then what is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben looked over his shoulder at Adam and Hoss who shrugged. He patted the boy on the back again. \u2018Well then, how about an early night?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll bring your supper up to you in bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018OK Pa,\u2019 said Joe and turned to go without a fuss.\u00a0 He was pleased not to have to sit at the same table as that Albert again, even if it was just for one night.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Something\u2019s definitely wrong with that boy,\u2019 said Ben as he watched his son climb the stairs. \u2018It\u2019s not like him to agree to going to bed early.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh, he\u2019s fine Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Just hurting a bit because he fell, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 replied his father, but he couldn\u2019t stop the feeling that something just wasn\u2019t quite right with his son.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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The thought continued to nag Ben as he watched his youngest son during the next few days.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t seem his usual bubbly self and didn\u2019t get into any trouble at all which was a sure sign that something was wrong with him.\u00a0 He was just too good to be normal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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He brought the subject up after the boy had gone to bed one night.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Boys, has Joseph confided in any of you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018About what Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t know, but he just seems unhappy about something lately.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t you noticed it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Not really,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019s probably still sulking about being in trouble,\u2019 said Albert with a touch of sarcasm.\u00a0 Ben glanced at him, but said nothing.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You want me ta talk ta him Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018He usually tells me stuff he don\u2019t let on ta anyone else.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018That would be a good idea.\u00a0 Thank you son.\u2019 He watched Albert as he puffed on his pipe and wondered if he had anything to do with Joe\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s up with ya shortshanks?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018Cat got ya tongue?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and continued to rake out the stall. \u2018I just gotta lot of work to do is all.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s give me all these extra chores to make up.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded sympathetically. \u2018Yeah I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But ya\u2019ve been sorta funny lately.\u00a0 Any reason?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head again. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Hoss leant over and cupped his little brother\u2019s face in his hand as he brought it up level with his own.\u00a0 \u2018Ya\u2019d tell old Hoss if something was bothering ya, wouldn\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded and gave him a half-smile. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Hoss patted him on the head. \u2018OK then.\u00a0 See ya later little buddy.\u2019\u00a0 He walked out of the barn and Joe bent back to his work again with a heavy heart.\u00a0 He had wanted so much to confide in his big brother, but he really didn\u2019t think he\u2019d believe him anyway and after what Albert had threatened he just couldn\u2019t take the chance on being hurt further.\u00a0 He turned sharply as he heard a voice behind him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018That was smart.\u2019\u00a0 Joe frowned to see Albert leaning against a railing. \u2018I see you\u2019ve taken notice of what I said,\u2019 Albert continued. Joe bent down to his work again and ignored him.\u00a0 \u2018I believe you and Adam are going fishing tomorrow?\u2019 Albert said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019d better tell him I\u2019m coming too then.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe stared at him. \u2018Why would I do that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Albert shrugged. \u2018Because I told you to.\u00a0 I feel like a bit of fishing tomorrow, so you make out like you want me to come as well.\u00a0 Understood?\u2019\u00a0 Joe stared at him again for a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert took a step forward. \u2018Alright,\u2019 said Joe quickly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Good,\u2019 said Albert and left the barn.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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At\u00a0 supper that evening Ben watched Joe carefully and noticed that the boy hardly ate anything.\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Is your face still hurting Joseph?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Is anything else the matter?\u2019 persisted his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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Ben frowned. \u2018So you and Adam are going fishing tomorrow?\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019ll be nice.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe nodded and Ben noticed him glance at Albert before turning towards Adam. \u2018Could\u2026. could Albert come with us?\u2019 he asked flatly.<\/p>\n

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Adam looked at him surprised. \u2018You want Albert to come?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I thought you wanted it to be just the two of us?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben noticed Joe glance at Albert again. \u2018No,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I want Albert to come too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam smiled at his friend. \u2018That OK with you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019d love to,\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018Thank you for inviting me Little Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the boy a big smile which Ben noticed his son didn\u2019t return.\u00a0 Instead he squirmed in his seat and looked uncomfortable. He wondered why the boy would have invited Albert if he really didn\u2019t seem to want him there after all.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018So how did the fishing go?\u2019 asked Ben.\u00a0 He was interested to know if Albert and Joe had got along after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018We caught enough for supper,\u2019 replied Adam as he sat down on the settee.\u00a0 \u2018Not too bad.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018How were they together?\u2019 Ben felt he didn\u2019t have to explain who he was referring to.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Strange actually,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Albert made a real effort to be nice to Joe, but the kid didn\u2019t seem to want anything to do with him at all.\u00a0 I can\u2019t understand why he asked for him to go if he felt like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Neither can I,\u2019 said Ben thoughtfully. \u2018Adam, I\u2019ve been wondering if perhaps Albert is teasing Joe a bit when we\u2019re not around.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam sat up. \u2018What? Why on earth would he do that?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I\u2019ve noticed your brother isn\u2019t comfortable with him at all.\u00a0 In fact he seems a bit scared of him.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t you noticed how he avoids his company whenever he can?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh Pa!\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018That\u2019s just Joe being stubborn because he got caught out in trouble a couple of times.\u00a0 He\u2019s just a bit jealous of Albert that\u2019s all.\u00a0 He asked for him to come today, didn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes but he wasn\u2019t happy about it,\u2019 murmured Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What are you trying to imply?\u2019 said Adam defensively. \u2018Are you trying to say that Albert doesn\u2019t like the kid?\u00a0 He\u2019s done nothing but try and be nice to him since he arrived here\u2026..its Joe who\u2019s been causing the trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I just wonder if he knows how to act around children, that\u2019s all,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean anything by it particularly.\u00a0 You said yourself he\u2019s never had much experience being in a family before.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s exactly what I\u2019ve been talking about,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I want to show him how great it is and Joe isn\u2019t helping.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Perhaps you should have a talk with Albert,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Make it clear to him how Joe might be feeling and try to make him understand how important it is to reach out to the boy. You know Adam, sometimes when people haven\u2019t experienced something themselves they\u2019re not quite sure how to deal with it.\u00a0 Albert may be feeling uncomfortable with Joe and talking to you about it might help.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I see what you mean.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve noticed he hasn\u2019t received any mail from his family since he\u2019s been here,\u2019 said Ben casually.<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s not unusual,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I told you they\u2019re not close.\u00a0 In fact sometimes I think his parents don\u2019t care about him at all.\u00a0 You know, that must have been a terrible way to grow up.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018All the more reason for you to help him son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Talk to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam stood up. \u2018I will Pa, you can count on it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Come on!\u2019 shouted Adam as he turned his horse and waited. \u2018I\u2019m not waiting all day!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert drew up alongside of him panting. \u2018Whew!\u2019 he said. \u2018That was great!\u2019\u00a0 He turned to look at the lake spread in front of them. \u2018What a view!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pointed to the left. \u2018That\u2019s the southernmost tip of The Ponderosa,\u2019 he said. \u2018And over that mountain range\u2026well if you go far enough I guess you\u2019d reach the Pacific Ocean.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Eventually!\u2019 laughed Albert.<\/p>\n

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Adam dismounted. \u2018Let\u2019s have a break,\u2019 he said as he tied his horse to a nearby branch and sat on the soft green pine needles beneath him.\u00a0 Albert did the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018You been enjoying your stay so far?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Albert grinned at him. \u2018Do you need to ask?\u2019 he replied. \u2018I can\u2019t tell you how wonderful it\u2019s been Adam!\u00a0 I never knew country like this existed. And as for your family\u2026..well you father is an amazing man!\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded in agreement. \u2018That he is,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m lucky to have had him when I was growing up.\u00a0 Especially through all the tragedies we\u2019ve had in our family.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert nodded sympathetically.\u00a0 Adam had told him all about the deaths of his mother and two stepmothers.\u00a0 \u2018You certainly are lucky ,\u2019 he said wistfully. \u2018I wish I had a father like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his friend. \u2018I\u2019m sure your father loves you in his own way,\u2019 he said carefully.\u00a0 He was always wary of speaking too much of Albert\u2019s family as it had proved to be a sensitive subject for his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shrugged. \u2018Yeah, of course he does,\u2019 he replied without much conviction in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know Albert,\u2019 said Adam casually. \u2018Pa thinks that you might have been a bit uncomfortable living with us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert looked at him surprised. \u2018Why?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026 I suppose you\u2019ve noticed we\u2019re fairly close knit,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I mean, we\u2019ve had to be really over the years.\u00a0 Especially when Joe\u2019s mother died.\u00a0 We all had to pull together and it made us closer than a lot of families I think.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Meaning?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well..it\u2019s just that I don\u2019t think you\u2019re used to children, are you?\u00a0 I know Joe can be a real nuisance at times, but he\u2019s\u2026..well he needs a lot of support from all of us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here we go again, <\/em>thought Albert. Why do they think the world revolves around that brat? <\/em>\u2018I can see that,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s sure you don\u2019t like him,\u2019 continued Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert frowned. \u2018That\u2019s obvious,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I can\u2019t do any more than I have already.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip. \u2018I just thought it might help if you understood about him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Understood what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How hard life is for him sometimes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How hard life is for him!\u00a0 That\u2019s a joke!<\/em> \u2018Yeah poor kid,\u2019 Albert replied. \u2018I know how it feels to be \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him. \u2018To be what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said simply.\u00a0 He closed his eyes for a moment trying to will the demons away.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe that they were following him even up to this beautiful spot.\u00a0 He opened his eyes again and smiled at his friend. \u2018I\u2019ll try a bit harder with him,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about I take him with me into town this afternoon.\u00a0 I could pick up the mail for your father.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Great!\u2019 said Adam standing up. He pulled his friend to his feet. \u2018Come on!\u00a0 I\u2019ll race you back again.\u2019\u00a0 The two young men mounted quickly and headed their horses back down the hill, laughing as they went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wwwwwww<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea,\u2019 said Ben, looking at Joe\u2019s crestfallen face. \u2018Unless Joseph particularly wants to go.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked away from his father and Ben noticed that he was biting his lip.\u00a0 That was always a sure indication that the boy was uncomfortable about something. He watched as his son glanced at Albert. \u2018I\u2026. I suppose so,\u2019 Joe said quietly.\u00a0 He walked over to his father and leaned in towards him. \u2018Can Adam or Hoss come with us?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Hoss isn\u2019t back yet from the South Pasture and I need Adam here with me to finish these accounts,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t have to go if you don\u2019t want to Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course he wants to go,\u2019 said Albert brightly. \u2018Don\u2019t you Little Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe can decide for himself,\u2019 said Ben shortly. He didn\u2019t want his son to feel that he was being pressured to go. \u2018Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you need me for something here Pa?\u2019 asked Little Joe hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not really,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You may go with Albert if you\u2019d like to.\u2019\u00a0 He studied the boy again. \u2018But you don\u2019t have to,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip again and glanced at Albert. \u2018No,\u2019 he said without much enthusiasm. \u2018I\u2019ll go.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good!\u2019 said Albert brightly. \u2018Come on and we\u2019ll saddle up then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe followed the man out of the house, dragging his feet. Ben watched him go with an uncomfortable feeling. He couldn\u2019t quite put his finger on it, but the boy didn\u2019t want to go and he couldn\u2019t work out why.\u00a0 He opened his mouth to call him back again, but was interrupted by Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa? What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. \u2018I don\u2019t think Joseph wanted to go,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019s comfortable with Albert.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well isn\u2019t that the whole point of this?\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018To get them used to each other a bit more?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get to those accounts.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wwwwwww<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe rode as far away from Albert as was possible on the trail into town.\u00a0 He made no attempt at conversation at all and was pleased that Albert didn\u2019t either.\u00a0 By the time they reached town, he was wondering why Albert had insisted he come after all.\u00a0 He had thought it would be so that he could taunt him again, but apparently not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where do we get it from?\u2019 Albert\u2019s words interrupted Joe\u2019s train of thought. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The mail, stupid!\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018Isn\u2019t that what we came in here for?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored the remark. \u2018Over there,\u2019 he said pointing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you go and get it while I go in here for a few minutes,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018Wait for me outside.\u2019\u00a0 He swung off his saddle and headed into the Silver Dollar Saloon.\u00a0 Joe stood and watched him disappear before heading over to the Mail Office.\u00a0 When he returned Albert hadn\u2019t appeared again, so he sat down and put the mailbag next to him while he waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, hello there young man.\u2019 Joe looked up to see Sheriff Coffee, his father\u2019s friend standing in front of him. \u2018What are you doing in town?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Getting the mail,\u2019 replied Joe, indicating the mailbag beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee sat down next to him. \u2018Your Pa trusting you to come in by yourself now is he?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s friend is with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ah.\u00a0 The young man from New York,\u2019 said Sheriff Coffee. \u2018Where is he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In there,\u2019 said Joe, indicating the Saloon. \u2018He said for me to wait for him out here, but he\u2019s been an awful long time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee frowned. \u2018Has he?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well how about I go and see what\u2019s holding him up, eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and watched the Sheriff disappear into the Saloon.\u00a0 A few moments later he reappeared with Albert who seemed to be protesting about something. \u2018So what\u2019s your objection to a man having a couple of drinks then Sheriff?\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee gave him a push towards his horse. \u2018None at all young fella,\u2019 he said mildly. \u2018But you\u2019ve had more than a couple and I don\u2019t think Ben Cartwright would want you to have any more when you\u2019re in charge of this little guy, do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert gave Joe a hateful look, then turned to the sheriff and smiled. \u2018No of course not,\u2019 he said . \u2018I don\u2019t know what I was thinking.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat to the man. \u2018I\u2019ll get the boy straight home.\u2019\u00a0 He mounted up. \u2018Come on little Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Sheriff Coffee and hesitated for a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Go on son,\u2019 said the Sheriff kindly. \u2018Now mind you get him straight home!\u2019 he said to Albert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course, Sheriff,\u2019 replied Albert and smiled at Joe kindly before turning his horse around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Say hello to your Pa for me Little Joe,\u2019 said the Sheriff, as he handed the mailbag up to Joe on his horse. He watched as the two riders disappeared around the corner and shook his head.\u00a0 That young friend of Adam\u2019s wasn\u2019t too impressive by any means, he decided before turning to go back to his office again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as they had rounded the corner, Albert reached out and took hold of Little Joe\u2019s reins. \u2018Well thanks a lot!\u2019 he said with a sneer. \u2018A man can\u2019t even get a decent drink around here because of you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him and leant back as he smelt the whiskey on his breath. \u2018I done nothing!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah well, you watch yourself or I\u2019ll let you have it!\u2019 said Albert. \u2018Now come with me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where are we going?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018None of your business,\u2019 said Albert as he led the boy\u2019s pony around another corner to a more rundown part of town and stopped outside the Bucket of Blood Saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My Pa don\u2019t let me come in this street,\u2019 said Joe, looking around him with wide eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, I\u2019m not your Pa!\u2019 said Albert with a nasty grin. \u2018Now get off that pony and sit over there while you wait for me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How long will you be?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018As long as I feel like!\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018Now sit down and wait for me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the sidewalk and watched the fascinating parade of people as they passed. There were many men staggering around as if they were drunk, even though it was the middle of the day and he wondered why. His eyes got wider and wider as he watched and noticed several women across the street dressed in very short skirts up to their knees. One of them winked at him and he smiled back, thinking how nice she looked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while he got tired of watching the people and began to wonder how long Albert would be.\u00a0 He stood up, approached the saloon and tried to peek under the swinging doors, but at that moment they opened and he was nearly knocked over by a large man who walked through. \u2018Watch out boy!\u2019 he said loudly and gave Joe a lopsided grin. \u2018You\u2019re a bit young to be going in there, ain\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up again. \u2018I\u2019m not going in there,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just looking for someone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man held the door open. \u2018Well, have a look then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Find him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked through the open doors and saw Albert sitting in the corner drinking. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man gave him a push inside with a laugh. \u2018Well go and get him then,\u2019 he said and laughed as he turned and left. Joe stood inside the saloon and looked around.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019d never been inside one before and he was fascinated to see what it was like.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hey you!\u2019 yelled the bartender behind him. \u2018Out of here, boy!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and scampered out onto the street again and sat down.\u00a0 He sighed, hoping that Albert wouldn\u2019t take too long to finish that big bottle he had seen on the table in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shadows were lengthening before Albert emerged from the saloon and stood looking down at Joe. \u2018You\u2026 you still\u2026. here?\u2019 he said as he swayed a little. \u2018Come on kid, let\u2019s get home.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe mounted up quickly, eager to get home.\u00a0 He knew they were long overdue and didn\u2019t want his Pa to be worried about them. Albert didn\u2019t seem to be worried however, and mounted his horse very slowly and carefully before following Joe down the street.\u00a0 He was singing softly to himself and Joe wondered why.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After they had ridden for about fifteen minutes Albert stopped singing and looked at Joe. \u2018What are you looking at?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t looking at nothing,\u2019 replied Joe, edging his horse away. \u2018I\u2019m just riding.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert pointed his finger at the boy. \u2018No you\u2019re not,\u2019 he said, slurring his words. \u2018You\u2019re looking at me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not!\u2019 said Joe and tried to ride ahead of the man, but Albert reached out and grabbed the reins of his pony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You stop right there young man!\u2019 said Albert. \u2018You answer me when I\u2019m talking to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to pull his pony away from Albert\u2019s horse, but only succeeded in pulling Albert off the saddle. He watched in horror as the man landed with a thump in the dirt. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0 There was no answer, so he dismounted and walked over to him and bent down.\u00a0 \u2018Are you alright?\u2019 he asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert opened one eye and glared at him. \u2018What did you do that for?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 He could see now that the man was a bit drunk and thought it would be best to just get back on his pony and they could both go home.\u00a0 He turned, but Albert grabbed him by the ankle as he sat up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Let go!\u2019 Joe said crossly. \u2018We have to get home now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert pulled the boy towards him. \u2018We\u2019ll go when I say!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Now get back here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to wriggle free of the man\u2019s grasp, but Albert held onto him firmly as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019m sick of you!\u2019 he yelled at the boy. \u2018You and your family!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried once again to wrest himself free of the man\u2019s grasp.\u00a0 He could smell the whiskey on his breath and shrunk away from it. \u2018Let me go!\u2019 he yelled back at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook him fiercely. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare answer me back, young man!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You will do as I say!\u00a0 I will not have any disobedience in this house!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped struggling and stared at him. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018What house?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his again, his words slurring as he yelled at the boy. \u2018I have told you many times young man and I don\u2019t expect any insolence do you understand? As long as you live under this roof you will remember that I am in charge!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began to get frightened.\u00a0 Albert wasn\u2019t making any sense at all. \u2018What are you talking about?\u2019 he said as he struggled. \u2018What roof?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert flung the boy to the ground and stood over him. \u2018You are a stupid boy!\u2019 he yelled pointing his finger at him. \u2018You can\u2019t do anything right! No wonder your mother and I don\u2019t pay any attention to you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cringed away from him, too scared to speak now.\u00a0 Albert bent down and picked him up by the shirt collar. \u2018You will learn to obey me, do you understand?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018I\u2019ll show you who\u2019s in charge!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hit the boy on the face and body over and over again, listening to his whimpers with a deep-seated satisfaction. The old demons were happy again. Finally he flung him to the ground again and watched as Joe curled himself up into a ball on the ground. He undid his belt and pulled the boy towards him. \u2018You will apologize for your rudeness young man!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019m waiting!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe whimpered as he tried to pull himself free of the man, but Albert held onto him tightly. \u2018I\u2019m waiting!\u2019 he heard him yell again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes in fright. \u2018Let go of me!\u2019 he cried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll let go of you when I\u2019m good and ready!\u2019 shouted Albert.\u00a0 The demons were thumping inside his head and he shook it to try and loosen them. \u2018I\u2019m waiting for your apology young man!\u2019 He brought the belt down on the boy. \u2018What do you say?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry!\u2019 cried Joe. \u2018Don\u2019t hit me again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert let go of him and stood up. He swayed a little as he clutched his head and tried to shake the demons away. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever disobey me again boy!\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019m your father and I won\u2019t tolerate your insolence!\u2019\u00a0 He turned and mounted up again, leaving the whimpering boy behind him as he rode off into the approaching darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wwwwwww<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben looked out of the study window for the tenth time.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m sure they\u2019re fine Pa,\u2019 said Adam from the settee. \u2018Joe\u2019s just probably showing Albert some of the sights on the way home from town.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned. \u2018I feel uneasy about this,\u2019 he said. \u2018I shouldn\u2019t have let Joseph go with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why ever not? It was only into town and back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but looked out of the window again. He began to pace up and down the study.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m going in after them,\u2019 he said after a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in frustration. \u2018Pa, they\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 he said again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Call it a father\u2019s intuition or whatever you like,\u2019 said Ben as he put on his jacket. \u2018But something isn\u2019t right and I\u2019m going after them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just because they\u2019re a little late\u2026..\u2019 began Adam.\u00a0 \u2018Oh alright, I\u2019ll come with you then.\u2019\u00a0 He took his jacket from the hook and followed his father out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The further they rode along the trail and the closer they got to town, the more convinced Ben was that there was something wrong.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t forget the look in Joseph\u2019s eyes as he had agreed to go to town with Albert and he knew that the boy felt uneasy about it.\u00a0 Why had he let him go?\u00a0 Why hadn\u2019t he stopped him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were about fifteen minutes out of town when Adam suddenly brought his horse to a stop. \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he said pointing ahead. \u2018Isn\u2019t that Joe\u2019s pony?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben went cold as he urged his horse forward.\u00a0 As they neared the spot where the pony was peacefully grazing by the side of the trail, he skidded to a halt and looked around. \u2018Where is he?\u2019 he said anxiously to Adam, but before his son had time to answer he heard a snuffling sound from behind the rocks and ran over towards it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was Little Joe huddled in towards the rock face, whimpering to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 cried Ben as he pulled his son towards him. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe allowed his father to pick him up and cradle him on his lap.\u00a0 He huddled against him and the tears began to flow down his cheeks.\u00a0 For several minutes Ben just rocked him backwards and forwards and stroked his hair, trying desperately to communicate to his son that whatever it was had gone and he was there for him.\u00a0 Finally Joe\u2019s cries subsided to small sobs and Ben asked again. \u2018What happened Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and tried to answer his father. \u2018He\u2026 he hit me!\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018He said I had to say I was sorry, but I done nothing Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Who hit you son?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Al\u2026.Albert!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He was drunk a bit and he said I lived in his house.\u00a0 Why\u2019d he say that Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Ben, feeling his temper rising. He heard Adam gasp beside him. \u2018It\u2019s alright now Joseph,\u00a0 Your Pa\u2019s here and everything will be alright,\u2019 Ben crooned to the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up and looked at his father.\u00a0 Ben saw the marks on his face and drew in his breath. \u2018He said he was my father Pa!\u00a0 He ain\u2019t, is he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, of course he\u2019s not!\u2019 said Ben angrily.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what had gotten into Albert, but the important thing now was calming Joseph down enough to get him home again. \u2018He\u2019s confused son, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t tell you lies Pa.\u00a0 Honest I didn\u2019t!\u2019 continued Little Joe. \u2018He was mean to me and I done nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hugged the boy tightly to his chest. \u2018I know that now Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019m so sorry I didn\u2019t believe you son.\u00a0 Truly I am.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up with his son in his arms and looked at Adam, still crouching on the ground beside him. \u2018We have to get Joseph home,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at his father with a stricken face. \u2018I can\u2019t believe this Pa,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018Albert would never\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The important thing is Joseph,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about Albert later.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached out and touched his father on the arm. \u2018But Pa, he wouldn\u2019t\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I said we\u2019ll talk about this later!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Help me with your brother Adam.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to his horse and handed Little Joe to Adam as he mounted, then reached down for his son. \u2018Bring his pony,\u2019 he said and turned his horse towards home again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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Hoss had returned home a few minutes ago expecting to find his father and Adam still working on the accounts and was surprised to find them both missing.\u00a0 Thinking that they had probably both finished early and decided to go out to see the branding, he had decided to get a head start on his chores and had just begun on the woodpile when the sound of horses behind brought him to a sudden stop. He put down the axe in his hand and turned with a smile that quickly faded when he noticed the agitated state of both riders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What happened?\u2019 he shouted as he noticed Little Joe in his father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brought his horse to a stop and handed the boy down to his brother before dismounting.\u00a0 Hoss took him without a word, frowning as he saw the marks on his face. He looked at his father silently as Ben took the boy back from him and turned towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took a step after him. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Look after the horses please Hoss,\u2019 said Ben, continuing to walk. \u2018Then come upstairs and I\u2019ll explain.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to Adam with a puzzled expression. \u2018Did he fall off his pony?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned away from him. \u2018No,\u2019 he said in a tight voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached out to grab him. \u2018Then what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Adam shook off his brother\u2019s hand. \u2018Ask Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 He mounted his horse again and rode out of the yard. Hoss shook his head and reached out for the horses\u2019 reins. After he had cared for them he went quickly inside and straight up to Little Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 As he entered he heard the sound of whimpering and found Ben undressing his little brother gently as he whispered softly to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood and looked at the marks on the child\u2019s body as a great rage welled up inside him. \u2018Who done it?\u2019 He said angrily. \u2018I\u2019ll kill em!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll deal with it later.\u2019 He looked up at Hoss. \u2018Is Albert in the house?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018He ain\u2019t home from town yet.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the boy on the bed again. \u2018He done it, didn\u2019t he Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, trying to contain his rage. \u2018He rode out again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Probably gone looking for him.\u00a0 You want me to go after him Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018They have to sort this out on their own.\u00a0 Besides, I need you here.\u2019\u00a0 He picked his son up and put him in the bed, whispering softly to him all the while. \u2018It\u2019s alright now Little Joe, Pa\u2019s here.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be alright son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss watched his little brother still whimpering in the bed and clenched his fists in rage.\u00a0 He hoped for his own sake that Albert had ridden as fast as the wind to get away, for if he hadn\u2019t Adam would most likely kill him. And if he doesn\u2019t, <\/em>thought Hoss, then I will!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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Albert sat on top of the cliff and stared at the blue lake.\u00a0 His head was still throbbing, although the demons were quieter now. He put his head in his hands and breathed heavily for a few moments, wondering what to do.\u00a0 He had really gone and done it now!\u00a0 There was no way that Mr Cartwright or Adam would believe that what had happened had been an accident and he shuddered to think of the consequences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He drew up his knees and thumped his head on them in sheer frustration. Why? Why did it have to turn out like this?\u00a0 He had no answers for himself. The only thing that he could concentrate on was the fact that the demons were quiet again and seemed to have left him.\u00a0 But for how long?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned as he heard a horse pull up behind him and watched as Adam dismounted and came to stand before him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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There was silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose I\u2019m not welcome back there now?\u2019 Albert said finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If I took you back there now my father would most likely kill you,\u2019 said Adam in a tight voice. \u2018To be honest, I feel like doing it for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert nodded. \u2018I\u2019m sure you do,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why did you do it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head. \u2018You don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then tell me!\u2019 yelled Adam. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert put his head down on his knees again. \u2018I couldn\u2019t help it,\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s a child!\u2019 yelled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert looked up at him pleadingly. \u2018So was I,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked puzzled \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert shook his head again. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just\u2026. I\u2019m just so sorry!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at him. \u2018Sorry isn\u2019t good enough,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t believe you could do a thing like that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert said nothing. After a moment Adam took a step away from him. \u2018I\u2019ll see to it that your things are sent into town,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please tell your father\u2026.. tell him I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 said Albert miserably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him a withering look and turned away again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert stared after him. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said, getting to his feet. \u2018Please\u2026\u2026 please don\u2019t let it end like this!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018After what you\u2019ve done you expect me to continue being your friend?\u2019 asked Adam incredulously. \u2018You can\u2019t be serious!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert reached out to his friend. \u2018Please\u2026\u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018I know I don\u2019t deserve it, but \u2026\u2026please!\u00a0 I can\u2019t live like this anymore.\u2019 Adam stared at him.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s the\u2026\u2026 the demons,\u2019 Albert said softly. \u2018They\u2019re inside of me and \u2026.. I can\u2019t control them! They make me\u2026. do things.\u2019 He looked at his friend pleadingly. \u2018Adam, please help me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re a grown man Albert,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You have to learn to take responsibility for your actions, not blame them on some stupid demons in your head for heavens sake!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert sank to his knees and began to sob. \u2018You can\u2019t possibly understand!\u2019 he said. \u2018You had a father who loved you!\u00a0 You knew you were wanted!\u00a0 I never did!\u00a0 Never!\u00a0 Do you know what that feels like?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood rooted to the spot as he watched his friend sobbing on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018They never once told me that they loved me!\u00a0 They never once hugged me!\u00a0 Never!\u2019\u00a0 Albert looked up at his friend. \u2018You have no idea how it feels Adam!\u00a0 You can\u2019t possibly understand!\u00a0 Do you know the number of times I\u2019ve tried to confide in you?\u00a0 The times I\u2019ve ached to let you know just how it was for me?\u00a0 But I couldn\u2019t!\u00a0 The demons were there and I couldn\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Demons?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019ve been with me for years,\u2019 explained Albert.\u00a0 \u2018They\u2019re old ones now.\u00a0 Inside my head telling me what to do.\u00a0 They come out when I\u2026.when I can\u2019t cope with things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018They tell you to drink, don\u2019t they?\u2019 asked Adam, beginning to understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Albert. \u2018I started when I wasn\u2019t much older than your little brother.\u00a0 It was the only way to survive living in that house.\u2019\u00a0 He hung his head. \u2018They told me to hurt Joe,\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Albert looked up again. \u2018He had everything I wanted,\u2019 he said, trying desperately to make his friend understand. \u2018When I was his age I had nothing.\u00a0 Oh, I had plenty of money given to me, I had lots of material things, but I had no love\u2026\u2026\u2026I had nothing.\u00a0 And when I watched that boy with your father and with you and Hoss\u2026\u2026well it \u2026\u2026. it brought the demons back again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You were jealous of him,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Albert. \u2018But more than that.\u00a0 I wanted to hurt him Adam. God help me, but I did hurt him! I felt he had no right to be so loved\u2026\u2026. I wanted so much to be loved like that!\u2019\u00a0 He hung his head and wept for several minutes while Adam stood and watched him. After a while he lifted his head again and stood up, trying to compose himself. \u2018I\u2019m sorry, \u2018 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll make sure I leave town on the next stagecoach.\u2019 He turned away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your demons are old ones,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You can get rid of them if you want to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Albert turned again and shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ve tried before,\u2019 he said. \u2018They just won\u2019t go and I don\u2019t know how to make them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam put his hand on his friend\u2019s arm. \u2018Yes you do,\u2019 he said. \u2018You have to face them to make them go.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Albert shook his head. \u2018I can\u2019t,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You just did,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n

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wwwwwww<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa, I know should hate him for what he did,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But I just can\u2019t. He looked so miserable up there I just didn\u2019t have the heart to reject him totally.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Adam he did wrong, there\u2019s no denying that.\u00a0 But Albert wasn\u2019t really responsible for his actions.\u00a0 It would be wrong to hate him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But I feel like I should for Little Joe\u2019s sake,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I feel like I\u2019m letting Joe down by helping Albert.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Son, you\u2019re not letting your brother down.\u00a0 Besides, Joe only needs to know that Albert is gone.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t need to know any more than that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I hope he\u2019ll find some help there,\u2019 said Adam miserably.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure he will,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018It\u2019s supposed to be an excellent place.\u00a0 Will you keep in touch with him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think so.\u00a0 He needs me Pa, you know?\u00a0 And we\u2019ve been friends for a long time.\u00a0 I\u2026.well it\u2019s just hard to brush all that aside.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

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Adam looked up at his father. \u2018Thanks for understanding Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I sure hope Hoss does.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss will calm down in time,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You know what he\u2019s like with Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you think Joe\u2019s forgiven me yet?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u2018I\u2019m sure he has,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Don\u2019t forget that you\u2019re not the only one who needs forgiveness around here.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t believe him either.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment the front door opened and Hoss entered, followed by Little Joe. \u2018Ya shoulda seen this little guy this afternoon,\u2019 said Hoss with a broad grin. \u2018He just about fished the whole lake out.\u00a0 I\u2019d be surprised if there are any fish left between here and California!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned up at him. \u2018I got enough fish to last all week, didn\u2019t I Hoss?\u2019 he said delightedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure did shortshanks,\u2019 said his brother, ruffling his curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bounced over to his father and gave him a hug. \u2018Did ya miss me Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked his son\u2019s curls. \u2018Of course I did,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother and noticed the bruises that were beginning to heal. \u2018How about you and me going next time Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Just the two of us?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK,\u2019 said Joe with another grin. \u2018But we\u2019d better wait a while so that the fish have time to recover from today.\u2019\u00a0 He bounced over to Hoss again. \u2018Hey Hoss? How about a game of checkers before supper?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You, young man are going straight into the bathtub,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up.\u00a0 You smell all fishy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a step backwards. \u2018Aw Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018Do I havta?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yes!\u2019 said Ben in a firm voice. \u2018You too Hoss! Go on.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two of them left the room, still objecting.\u00a0 Ben looked down at Adam and laughed. \u2018I always said that young brother of yours bounces back quickly,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam. He stood up beside his father and faced him. \u2018Pa, thank you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son with a puzzled expression on his face. \u2018For what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018For loving us,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder and hugged his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A college friend of Adam’s causes trouble for both Adam and Joe<\/p>\n

Rated: T (18,955 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":11800,"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":[1091,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3199,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/A-J.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6720,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6720","url_meta":{"origin":2046,"position":0},"title":"Conflict (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"April 30, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This was written for the Chaps & Spurs Literary Challenge in April.\u00a0 Adam and Joe fight and Ben steps in to help. 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As punishment, Ben makes both sons write essays concerning why they are thankful for the other.","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-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4836,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4836","url_meta":{"origin":2046,"position":3},"title":"The Magic Of Christmas (by Storm)","author":"storm","date":"December 1, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Here is my Christmas story I hope you like it. \u00a0 Rated: K+ \u00a01800","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\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15525,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15525","url_meta":{"origin":2046,"position":4},"title":"Ben Raised His Boys RIGHT (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 4, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The trials of a Cartwight father. 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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":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046","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=2046"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}