{"id":2057,"date":"2009-09-06T15:45:13","date_gmt":"2009-09-06T19:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2057"},"modified":"2026-03-07T18:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T23:58:09","slug":"measuring-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2057","title":{"rendered":"Measuring Up (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe is tired of being ‘Little Joe’<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (11,365 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Measuring Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Hey Shortshanks let me get that for ya.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss reached up and took the rake down from its hook on the wall for his younger brother who was attempting to reach it.<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018I could have done it myself,\u2019 he said testily as he took it from his brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018And don\u2019t call me that!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do ya mean don\u2019t call ya that?\u2019 Hoss said. \u2018I always call ya shortshanks.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know you do,\u2019 Joe muttered. \u2018But I don\u2019t want you to any more.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked hurt. \u2018Why not?\u2019\u00a0 When his younger brother didn\u2019t answer he stepped around in front of him and pulled him towards him. \u2018What\u2019s up with you anyway?\u2019 He gasped as he saw the bruise on the boy\u2019s face. \u2018What have ya done to yourself boy? Pa\u2019s gonna kill ya if you\u2019ve been fighting again!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe pushed him away. \u2018Leave me alone will you Hoss? I\u2019ll handle Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m only trying ta help.\u00a0 Seems ta me like you\u2019ve been getting inta a lot of fighting lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer, but simply bent over to rake out the stall in front of him. Hoss shook his head as he turned to leave the barn, wondering what had gotten into his little brother lately.\u00a0 He always seemed to be snarling at someone and it wasn\u2019t like him not to want to talk about it. Maybe Pa would get to the bottom of it.\u00a0 He always seemed to one way or another when there was something wrong with one of them.\u00a0 The problem was that there always seemed to be something wrong with Joe lately, and that usually meant trouble of one sort or another.\u00a0 Hoss was sure that the marks on his face were from another fight at school and he didn\u2019t envy Joe having to face Pa with his latest excuse for fighting.<\/p>\n

As he raked out the stall, Joe didn\u2019t really envy himself either.\u00a0 He honestly hadn\u2019t meant to get into a fight again, but the taunts he had to endure were just too much for him and he couldn\u2019t hold his temper as he knew he should.\u00a0 He dreaded having to face his father and regretted talking as he had done to his brother, but the \u2018shortshanks\u2019 nickname had just got to him on top of everything else today. It seemed like every time he turned around someone was having a swipe at him about something and the teasing about his size from the other kids at school had really hit their mark.<\/p>\n

Joe had always been small.\u00a0 Since he could first remember he had answered to the nickname of Little Joe, and there was no doubt as to where that had originated from and why it had stuck.\u00a0 His brothers also referred to him as \u2018shortshanks\u2019 or \u2018little buddy\u2019 or \u2018boy\u2019 \u2013 all designed in Joe\u2019s mind to remind him of his lack of stature.<\/p>\n

It all seemed so unfair.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t his fault that he was smaller than everyone else in his family!\u00a0 Even so he could justify that, as he was after all the youngest and his two brothers were rather large.\u00a0 Especially Hoss!\u00a0 Who could look even normal size next to a brother that big.\u00a0 But Adam was tall as well, even though he didn\u2019t have the bulk that Hoss had.\u00a0 They both dwarfed him and Pa of course was up there with them.<\/p>\n

When he had been younger he had accepted it.\u00a0 He was so much younger than his two brothers that it hadn\u2019t worried him to be so much smaller. But now that he was fifteen he expected a growth spurt to fix all that and it just wasn\u2019t happening.<\/p>\n

Joe had always been smaller than the other children around his own age and now it was hard to see them all shooting up and still be the one to be left behind.\u00a0 Not only was he shorter than all the others, but his frame was thin as well.\u00a0 \u2018Weedy\u2019 as he\u2019d been told today by a couple of his schoolmates eager to get a reaction out of him.\u00a0 And he had given them exactly what they had wanted, he thought ruefully as he touched the sore spot on his face.<\/p>\n

He hated to think what Pa would say. There was no way Joe was about to admit why he had been fighting, as he didn\u2019t want his family to know of the taunts the other boys were throwing at him.\u00a0 But he knew that his father would not accept any excuses this time.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 Pa had warned him of his displeasure with the fights he was getting into lately, and Joe saw no way of avoiding the trouble that he knew was about to come his way. With a resigned expression on his face he put the rake down and headed towards the house to face it.<\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m waiting for an answer Joseph,\u2019 Ben said as he glared at his youngest son. Joe looked back at his father, but said nothing. After a moment Ben said in a tired voice, \u2018You leave me with no alternative son.\u00a0 Go up to your room.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned and climbed the stairs without a word.\u00a0 Hoss gave him a sorrowful look as he passed him and watched as he turned at the landing and disappeared around the top of the staircase.\u00a0 He turned to his father. \u2018Don\u2019t be too hard on him Pa,\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018He don\u2019t mean it ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his temples.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll be just as hard as I have to be Hoss.\u00a0 The boy has to understand he cannot carry on like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Like what?\u2019 said a voice behind him and he turned to see his oldest son Adam entering the room. \u2018What\u2019s the kid done now?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Fighting at school again,\u2019 said Ben wearily. \u2018I don\u2019t know how to get through to him any more.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well there must be a reason for it,\u2019 said Adam as he sat down on the settee. \u2018Won\u2019t he tell you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 I know something is going on with him, but I just can\u2019t figure out what it is.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe he\u2019d talk to one of us,\u2019 suggested Hoss. \u2018He usually does.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019re most welcome to try,\u2019 said his father as he headed for the stairs. \u2018In the meantime I need to have a serious discussion of a physical nature with that youngest son of mine.\u2019<\/p>\n

As their father climbed the staircase Hoss turned to Adam to Adam. \u2018What do ya reckon it could be Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged his shoulders as he reached for the newspaper that was lying on the table near the fireplace. \u2018Who would ever know with that kid?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s exhausting trying to figure him out at the best of times.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned as he stared into the fireplace.\u00a0 It worried him that his younger brother felt he couldn\u2019t confide in any of them about what was troubling him. He grimaced as a yell from upstairs announced the beginning of Pa\u2019s \u2018discussion\u2019 with his little brother and he resolved to try and find out what it was.\u00a0 Tomorrow was Saturday and after their chores he would suggest an afternoon of fishing.\u00a0 Maybe that would help Joe to open up to him.<\/p>\n

—————-<\/p>\n

\u2018Hand me another sandwich will ya shor\u2026. I mean Joe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Them roast beef ones sure are great.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe reached into the picnic basket and took out yet another sandwich for his brother. \u2018Here you go,\u2019 he said as he handed it to him. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever stop eating?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a gap-toothed grin. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018How do ya think I keep my strength up?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother thoughtfully. \u2018Hoss,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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

\u2018Were you always big?\u00a0 I mean, even as a little kid?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Reckon so,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pa said I was big even as a baby.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018Reckon it doesn\u2019t have anything to do with how much you eat then.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh I reckon that\u2019s got something ta do with it,\u2019 replied Hoss patting his stomach. \u2018This here\u2019s pure muscle little brother and don\u2019t you be thinking differently. Reckon it takes a heap of food to build up muscle like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What else does it take?\u2019 asked Joe casually.<\/p>\n

\u2018Lots of exercise too I reckon,\u2019 said Hoss as he swallowed the last of the sandwich. \u2018Nothing like hard work to build up the shoulder muscles.\u2019\u00a0 He flexed his bicep and watched his brother marvel at its size.<\/p>\n

Joe sat back against the tree and stared into the lake. He knew that he\u2019d never be as big as Hoss, but maybe he could help himself along a bit after all.\u00a0 Since he could first remember Pa had been on at him about how little food he ate, so maybe that had something to do with his size?\u00a0 And the bodybuilding exercises?\u00a0 Well Joe had a lot of chores to do around the ranch of course, but as he was still at school he still spent the majority of his time in a classroom, whereas his brothers were physically active all day.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled.\u00a0 Finally there was something he could do to help his problem.\u00a0 If he just tried to eat more and followed an exercise routine, then maybe his growth spurt would kick into place.\u00a0 He thought with satisfaction of the looks on the other\u2019s faces when they saw his new improved self.\u00a0 There\u2019d be no more reason to use the demeaning nicknames they all used \u2013 from now on he would be just plain Joe Cartwright and they could all drop the \u2018little\u2019 adjective.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hey Joe,\u2019 said Hoss after a while. \u2018What is it with you lately anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at the water. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he finally said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re getting in so many fights at school is all,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 Joe muttered. \u2018Don\u2019t keep on about it will you?\u00a0 Pa is bad enough.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s only worried about you,\u2019 explained Hoss. \u2018He wants to help you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I can help myself,\u2019 replied Joe, still thinking of his plan. \u2018I don\u2019t need any one else to butt into my business.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss raised his eyebrows. \u2018You\u2019d better not let Pa hear ya say he\u2019s butting into ya business,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019d take too kindly ta hearing that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You know what I mean,\u2019 said Joe sulkily.<\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pa is only trying ta help you after all. Seems ta me ya could do with some help shortshanks.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018I told you to stop calling me that!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry little buddy,\u2019 said Hoss, wondering why the sudden reaction to the name he had used for so long.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and pulled in his line. \u2018And that too!\u2019 he said. \u2018I wish everyone would stop calling me little!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u2018Simmer down,\u2019 he said. \u2018We call you that because you are.\u00a0 Why are you so touchy about it all of a sudden?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stomped over to his horse. \u2018Forget it,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I\u2019ll see you later Hoss. I\u2019ve got things to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head as he watched his younger brother ride off.\u00a0 As he turned back towards the lake and stared at the water he wondered what was behind the boy\u2019s bad frame of mind. Why was he suddenly objecting to the use of the nicknames they had used so often before and why the fighting?\u00a0 He scratched his head.\u00a0 Sometimes there was just no figuring out that younger brother of his!<\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

Ben stared at his youngest son in surprise. \u2018Joe slow down,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of time to get to church.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up guiltily.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t realised that he\u2019d been eating so fast and certainly didn\u2019t want to draw his father\u2019s attention to it. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he mumbled through a mouthful. \u2018Guess I\u2019m just hungry this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I guess you are,\u2019 said his father in a pleased voice. \u2018It\u2019s good to see son.\u2019\u00a0 In fact Ben was delighted to see him obviously enjoying his food.\u00a0 It was a rare occasion that Joe ate much at all and Ben had always worried about just how little the boy did eat.\u00a0 It was a constant battle to get him to eat a decent meal at the best of times, and to see him tucking into his breakfast in this fashion was heartening.<\/p>\n

Joe put down his fork and picked up his glass.\u00a0 As he took a slow sip of milk he closed his eyes. If the truth were known he felt as if he had overdone it somewhat as he felt a bit nauseous.\u00a0 Maybe he should have eaten slower, but with his newfound knowledge he was anxious to begin his bodybuilding routine as soon as possible. Still, if he was to hold his food down he should maybe take it a bit easier from now on.<\/p>\n

He still felt uncomfortable on the way to church in the buggy.\u00a0 Maybe it was breakfast combined with dinner last night, he thought.\u00a0 He had tried to eat a second helping, but hadn\u2019t quite made it \u2013 still he had eaten much more than he was used to.\u00a0 He had noticed the pleased look on his father\u2019s face at both meals and frankly it annoyed him to think that his eating habits were under scrutiny.\u00a0 Joe felt that what he ate should be no-one else\u2019s business but his own.<\/p>\n

Later on in Church he found it difficult as usual to concentrate on what the minister was saying and his mind kept wandering to his plans for building up his muscles.<\/p>\n

He figured that the more he did each day the quicker he would begin to see results, and he was anxious to get home and get started. He began to fidget and immediately felt his father\u2019s hand on his thigh to stop him.\u00a0 He brushed it off impatiently, and refused to look at the man beside him. Treating me like I was a kid or something!<\/em> he thought. The sooner I start to show them just how grown up I am the better!<\/em><\/p>\n

He tried to sit still, but found it increasingly difficult as the nauseous feeling that he had felt earlier just wouldn\u2019t leave him. He began to feel as if he wanted to be sick and squirmed slightly as he tried to alleviate the feeling.\u00a0 He sensed his father glaring at him, but still refused to look at him.\u00a0 Finally he could stand it no longer and stood up to move outside.\u00a0 Ben pulled him down again and whispered in his ear. \u2018Keep still and sit down!\u00a0 Just what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe finally looked his father in the eye. \u2018I have to go outside for a moment,\u2019 he said urgently. Ben released his hold on the boy and motioned for him to leave.\u00a0 Joe gratefully got up and moved quickly to the back door, ignoring all the surprised looks of the congregation. He made it just in time, and ran to some bushes around the side of the building where he threw up most of his breakfast.<\/p>\n

When he had finished he straightened up and washed his face at the pump over near the outhouse. Great! <\/em>he thought. That was a wasted effort if all that\u2019s going to happen is that I\u2019m going to throw it up again. What\u2019s the point of eating so much?<\/em><\/p>\n

He wondered whether or not to go back in, but decided against it as he heard the final hymn commencing.\u00a0 He thought his father would be angry enough with him without making it worse by disturbing everyone again.<\/p>\n

Angry was definitely the word that sprang back into his mind when he saw his father\u2019s face as he came out of the building moments later. \u2018Just what was that all about?\u2019 Ben asked in a low voice. \u2018Was it really necessary to carry on like a five year-old and rush out to the outhouse like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe thought it best not to tell his father about throwing up, as he knew from bitter experience that Ben would probably haul him off to the doctor if he felt there was something wrong with him.\u00a0 Doctor Martin was not Joe\u2019s favourite person in the world.\u00a0 Not that he had anything against him personally, but doctors in general brought many complications to his life that he could well do without.\u00a0 So he simply answered. \u2018Sorry Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well see that it doesn\u2019t happen again,\u2019 said Ben as he moved away.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Could I have some milk as well please Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Joe as he picked up his fork to attack the meat and vegetables on his plate. He figured that he could probably keep this meal down if he just paced himself a little better and didn\u2019t rush things.<\/p>\n

Everyone stopped chewing to look at him and Hop Sing looked startled.\u00a0 Never before had Joe asked for milk voluntarily.\u00a0 In fact he had spent much of his growing years telling everyone who would listen how much he detested the stuff and his father usually had to force him to drink it before he was allowed to leave the table. Ben looked at his son intently as Hop Sing left the room to get it. \u2018You\u2019re asking for milk?\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you didn\u2019t like it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and decided not to comment, but began to eat his meal.\u00a0 When Hop Sing returned with the glass of milk he drank half of it quickly, hoping that it would settle his stomach.\u00a0 As the meal progressed he listened to Adam and Ben\u2019s conversation about the fences that were in need of repair and Adam\u2019s plan of how to replace them in stages.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019ll take quite a bit of lumber,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 I thought if we gradually put it aside it\u2019ll be ready for when we need it. I\u2019ll get the men at the lumber camp organised to\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I could chop some of it,\u2019 said Joe eagerly, thinking that would be just the sort of exercise he could use to help his shoulder muscles to develop.<\/p>\n

They all stopped and stared at him. \u2018What did you say?\u2019 asked Adam incredulously. \u2018You\u2019re volunteering for work?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018Yeah!\u00a0 So what?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head slightly. \u2018Nothing.\u00a0 I just think it\u2019s a bit unusual for you to volunteer,\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018You usually run a mile when the word is mentioned.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Very funny!\u2019 replied Joe with a sneer, and then turned to his father. \u2018Well Pa? Can I do some of the chopping?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked just as stunned as Adam. He paused for a moment before clearing his throat and replying. \u2018Well son, it seems to me that there\u2019s plenty of chopping for you to do around here first.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment. One of his regular chores was to keep the kindling boxes full for Hop Sing to use in the kitchen and also for the fireplace at night. It was a chore he hated and so it was usually an ongoing battle between himself and his father to get him to do it.\u00a0 Thinking about it now, he figured that it didn\u2019t matter what he chopped, as long as he was chopping something.\u00a0 \u2018OK Pa,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018I\u2019ll get onto it after dinner.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben continued to stare at him with a surprised expression on his face. \u2018Today?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s Sunday, Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah I know.\u00a0 But I\u2019ll get a head start on it for the week,\u2019 he replied.\u00a0 Ben and Adam exchanged startled looks as the boy stood up from the table. \u2018I\u2019ll go and start on it now,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

As the front door slammed shut, Hoss broke the silence. \u2018Well if that don\u2019t beat all,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wonder what\u2019s gotten into him?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well whatever it is I hope it lasts,\u2019 replied Adam sarcastically. \u2018Although I have a feeling that it won\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben picked up his cup of coffee. \u2018Maybe the boy is just growing up after all,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can only hope.\u2019<\/p>\n

Later that afternoon as he watched his youngest son through the window, the same thought crossed his mind. After all, Joe was fifteen now, and some maturity was bound to come his way sooner or later.\u00a0 Ben smiled.\u00a0 Lord knows they had all waited long enough for it!\u00a0 He watched the boy pick up another piece of wood and attack it with the axe.\u00a0 He\u2019d been going at it for hours now, and the pile beside him was twice as much as was needed.\u00a0 He walked to the front door and opened it.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, you\u2019ve done enough son.\u00a0 Have a break now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father, the sweat running down his face. \u2018I\u2019ll just do a bit more Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben walked out to the yard. \u2018I said that\u2019s enough,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing will have enough wood to last him the week now.\u2019 He took the small axe out of Joe\u2019s hand. \u2018Come inside and sit down for a bit.\u2019\u00a0 He noticed the sweat on his son\u2019s face and throat. \u2018It\u2019s Sunday after all Joe.\u00a0 This is usually your afternoon off.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wiped his face on his shirtsleeve. \u2018That\u2019s OK Pa,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019d rather work. Is there anything else you\u2019d like me to do?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him amazed. \u2018Nothing that I can think of,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go for a ride or something?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ll clean out the barn,\u2019 he said and turned to walk away from his father.\u00a0 He figured that he could most likely find something to keep his muscles exercised in there.\u00a0 Although his shoulders ached, he wasn\u2019t willing to stop yet.<\/p>\n

Ben watched him enter the barn and shook his head. He just couldn\u2019t figure what was causing this sudden desire for chores, but whatever it was he supposed it was harmless enough.\u00a0 As long as the boy didn\u2019t overdo it.<\/p>\n

Joe entered the barn and looked around.\u00a0 The stalls were all clean and he couldn\u2019t see anything that needed fixing.\u00a0 For the first time in his life he found himself wishing for chores and he laughed out loud at the sheer strangeness of it all. He sat down on an upturned barrel as he thought about what to do next.\u00a0 His shoulders were still hurting from all the chopping, but he ignored them as he tried to figure out what kind of exercise he could try next.<\/p>\n

He thought about his brothers.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t just their shoulder muscles that gave them their bulk, it was their broad chests as well.\u00a0 He felt his own ribcage and noted how underdeveloped it seemed.\u00a0 He had always had a thin frame, but still that didn\u2019t mean that he couldn\u2019t cover it with muscle if he tried. Getting down on the floor he began to do some sit-ups, slowly at first and then faster, counting as he went.\u00a0 At this rate, he thought happily, no one would be able to recognise him soon.<\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

At the evening meal that night, Ben noted how tired his youngest son looked and considering the day he had had, he wasn\u2019t the least bit surprised.\u00a0 Joe had done more chores in one afternoon than he usually did all week and he had no doubt that the boy was exhausted.\u00a0 He looked as though he was about to fall asleep at the table and tried gamely to stay awake to eat. Ben reached over and touched the boy on the arm. \u2018Joe, you look tuckered out,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 I think you should have an early night.\u2019<\/p>\n

His son simply nodded at him and picked up his glass of milk to finish it. Grimacing at the taste, he nevertheless swallowed it down and placed it back on the table. \u2018I just want to finish my supper first Pa,\u2019 he said, forcing another forkful of beef into his mouth. He was happy with the afternoon\u2019s work that he had accomplished and smiled to himself as he thought about all the good it would have done him.\u00a0 There was nothing that could stop him now and he happily thought about all the growing that he was probably doing right at this very minute.<\/p>\n

In spite of himself he felt his eyelids closing and longed to put his head down on the table.\u00a0 With a start he realised that his father was speaking to him again. \u2018Joe?\u00a0 Are you all right son?\u2019<\/p>\n

He straightened up again. \u2018Yeah sure Pa,\u2019 he said, opening his eyes again. \u2018What did you say?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him concerned. \u2018I said that I\u2019m going into town tomorrow morning, so I\u2019ll ride in with you on your way to school.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018OK.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll go to bed now.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Goodnight.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Night son,\u2019 his father replied. \u2018Sleep tight.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe had no doubt that he would.\u00a0 Suddenly his bed seemed very appealing to him, but the main reason he wanted to go upstairs early was to get in some more exercise before he went to sleep.\u00a0 Moments later he was on the floor of his bedroom doing push-ups.<\/p>\n

Downstairs Ben was enjoying his after dinner coffee and wondering what the thumping noise was coming from his son\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 He walked over to the bottom of the staircase and shouted upstairs. \u2018Joseph!\u00a0 What are you doing up there?\u2019<\/p>\n

The thumping noise stopped and Joe\u2019s voice yelled out in reply. \u2018Nothing Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019re awfully noisy for someone doing nothing,\u2019 his father said irritably. \u2018Go to bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 Joe\u2019s voice drifted down again.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and returned to his place at the table.\u00a0 Adam laughed. \u2018Sounds like he\u2019s herding cattle or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u2018I can\u2019t figure that boy out any more.\u00a0 One minute he\u2019s half asleep, then the next he\u2019s thumping around up there\u2026. What with the sudden eating and the emphasis on getting his chores done, I just\u2026..\u2019 he put his hands up in a gesture of futility. \u2018Lord knows what he\u2019s on about now.\u00a0 I certainly don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t try to figure him out Pa,\u2019 said Adam with a grin. \u2018Just be thankful he\u2019s behaving for once.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so,\u2019 replied his father with a shake of his head. \u2018He sure is a mystery to me though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Joe was continuing with his exercises, but tried to be as quiet as possible about it.\u00a0 There was no way he wanted to let on to his father or his brothers about it, as he feared the teasing that Adam and Hoss might give him about it.\u00a0 After a few dozen push ups he rested his head on the floor feeling quite exhausted, and it was in this position that his father found him a while later, sleeping soundly.<\/p>\n

At first Ben thought there was something wrong with the boy.\u00a0 When he opened the door to check on him his first thought was that he wasn\u2019t in his bed and he strode angrily over to the window to see if it was open. There had been many occasions when Joe had taken it into his head to leave the room via his window for various reasons and Ben wanted to make sure this wasn\u2019t one of them.<\/p>\n

So intent was he on checking that he almost fell over the boy lying on the floor.\u00a0 He drew his breath in sharply as he bent down, anxious to know why the boy had seemingly collapsed on the floor.\u00a0 As he bent closer he realised that he wasn\u2019t ill, but merely asleep.\u00a0 As he gently shook him, Joe opened his eyes and smiled sleepily. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hi yourself,\u2019 said his father. \u2018What are you doing asleep on the floor son?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes wider. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said looking around.<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re asleep on the floor,\u2019 his father explained patiently. \u2018Get up and get into bed.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled his son up by the shoulders and directed him to the bed. Joe complied with his father sleepily and snuggled down under the covers without a murmur.\u00a0 In less than a minute he had closed his eyes and rolled over fast asleep.\u00a0 Ben looked down at him puzzled.\u00a0 Now just what was going on with the boy? \u00a0What on earth would make him go to sleep on the floor?\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t remember being so puzzled about any of his sons to this extent before.\u00a0 Nothing the boy did seemed to make any sense any more.\u00a0 He left the room shaking his head.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

\u2018Saddle my horse for me please Joseph,\u2019 instructed his father. \u2018I\u2019ll be out in a few minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe got up from the table cautiously. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 he said, turning towards the front door. Every muscle in his body ached, especially his shoulders, and he wondered if he had overdone it with the exercising yesterday. He walked wearily towards the door, dragging his feet.\u00a0 His breakfast felt heavy on his stomach, which he wasn\u2019t happy about.\u00a0 He really felt he would have been getting used to eating so much now, but every meal just seemed to leave him with a sick and bloated feeling.<\/p>\n

When Ben entered the yard a few moments later, he was surprised to see Joe standing next to their still unsaddled horses. \u2018I thought you\u2019d have them all saddled up by now,\u2019 he remarked as he took his saddle from the boy\u2019s hands and swung it onto Buck. \u2018Hurry up or you\u2019ll be late for school.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe moved to obey his father.\u00a0 As he lifted his saddle the weight of it made his shoulders ache even more and he winced as he swung it onto Cochise\u2019s back.\u00a0 Rather than his usual full swing up into the saddle it was all he could do to mount slowly, which didn\u2019t escape his father\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n

As they rode out of the yard together, Ben commented on his son\u2019s obvious lethargy. \u2018You seem very tired this morning Joe.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you sleep well?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa, I did.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over at him. \u2018Do you feel all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe actually didn\u2019t feel very well at all.\u00a0 Apart from his aching muscles, he still had the nauseous feeling in his stomach and was afraid that he might throw up in front of his father. \u2018Yeah Pa, I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him as if he didn\u2019t believe his statement, but didn\u2019t say anything. After a few moments he noticed Joe seemed uneasy and asked again, \u2018Joe are you sure you\u2019re all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked away from his father and closed his eyes. If he had been by himself he would have stopped by now and tried to throw up to make the nausea go away, but in front of his father he didn\u2019t dare.\u00a0 When he didn\u2019t answer, Ben reached over and held onto his arm. \u2018Joseph I asked you a question.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe was forced to face his father and Ben noted the dark rings around his eyes and the paleness of his skin. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said in an anxious voice, but before he could continue Joe stopped his horse and dismounted.\u00a0 Kneeling by the side of the trail he vomited his heart out in spite of himself, while his father looked on anxiously.<\/p>\n

After a few moments Ben got off his own horse and brought his canteen over to his son. \u2018Drink,\u2019 he said simply, and Joe reached out to take a swig.<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said, handing the canteen back. \u2018I feel better now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 \u2018No sign of a fever,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe pushed away from his father. \u2018I\u2019m not sick,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just ate too much breakfast that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him. \u2018I think we\u2019ll stop off at the doctor\u2019s to make sure,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Aw Pa,\u2019 Joe protested. \u2018I told you I just ate too much breakfast.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing wrong with me. I just ain\u2019t used to eating that much is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben motioned from him to mount up. \u2018I said we\u2019re going to the doctor,\u2019 he said in a tone that gave no further room for argument.\u00a0 Joe scowled, but did as his father said.\u00a0 He knew better than to argue back when he heard him speak like that.\u00a0 Cursing his own weakness inwardly as they entered the town, he dreaded seeing the doctor and answering the questions that he knew the man would ask him.\u00a0 With a sigh he dismounted and followed his father into Paul Martin\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u2018Ben! Joe! Nice to see you both,\u2019 said Paul as he looked up to see them entering. \u2018What brings you in here?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe needs to see you,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019s just been sick.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul looked at the boy and noted as Ben had the dark rings and pale skin. \u2018Oh?\u2019 he said. \u2018What brought that on Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Joe sulkily. \u2018I told Pa I just ate too much breakfast that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You never ate too much of anything in your whole life,\u2019 replied the doctor with a smile. \u2018Let\u2019s get you up on the examining table and have a look shall we?\u2019 he motioned to the table in the corner of the room, but Joe didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is a waste of time,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I know what\u2019s wrong with me and I just ate too much that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe reluctantly did as he was told and sat on the table.\u00a0 \u2018Take your shirt off please,\u2019 said Paul as he picked up his stethoscope. Joe undid his buttons slowly. \u2018Now sit up straight and put your shoulders back,\u2019 directed the doctor as he placed the stethoscope on Joe\u2019s chest. He frowned as he noticed the grimace the boy made as he straightened his shoulders. \u2018What\u2019s that face for?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Do you have sore muscles?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Joe, looking at the floor.<\/p>\n

Paul touched him on the shoulder and watched as the boy grimaced again. \u2018It would help if you told me the truth,\u2019 he admonished.<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018Well?\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n

\u2018A bit,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018But I\u2019m not sick!\u00a0 I\u2019ve just been exercising that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul kneaded both his shoulders and then felt his ribcage. \u2018Over-exercising is more to the point,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018No reason,\u2019 he said looking at the floor again.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph answer properly please!\u2019 said his father angrily. \u2018We\u2019re not here to waste the doctor\u2019s time young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018I\u2019m just doing body building exercises that\u2019s all,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018Is that what this has been about?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Whatever for?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018To build up my muscles,\u2019 muttered Joe looking at the floor.<\/p>\n

\u2018And the vomiting?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018Have you been eating too much on purpose?\u2019 Joe nodded. \u2018Why?\u2019 his father demanded.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the two men. \u2018Because I\u2019m tired of being small,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019m just trying to help myself grow bigger that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his eyes wearily and then looked at Paul who was trying to hide a grin. \u2018Joe I think you and I need to have a talk,\u2019 said the doctor. \u2018It\u2019s all very well to make sure you eat well and exercise, but there\u2019s nothing to be gained by overdoing it you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I just thought that if I ate lots and built up my muscles that I\u2019d help my growth spurt to start,\u2019 said Joe hopefully. \u2018It\u2019s gotta happen soon, so I\u2019m just helping it along.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul sat down next to the table. \u2018Joe, it\u2019s impossible to help nature along in that way.\u00a0 You\u2019ll grow if and when you\u2019re meant to.\u00a0 Nothing you can do will change that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not true,\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018Hoss said that if he didn\u2019t eat so much and exercise like he does then he wouldn\u2019t be as big as he is.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss is an exceptionally big man,\u2019 explained Paul patiently. \u2018He was born with a large frame. You weren\u2019t, so you couldn\u2019t possibly hope to end up like him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018But at least I\u2019ll be as big as Pa or Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Both your father and Adam are tall men,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018You just weren\u2019t born to be like them.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018I ain\u2019t done growing yet!\u2019 he declared. \u2018You don\u2019t know that for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward. \u2018Joe when Adam was your age he was much taller than you. So was I in fact. You just take after your mother\u2019s family son, and she was quite small.\u00a0 I imagine the men in her family were too.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018I still reckon I got more growing to do yet,\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you\u2019re probably right,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018But not that much.\u00a0 You have to face the fact Joe that you\u2019ll never be a large man like the others in your family.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe hopped off the table. \u2018Well I\u2019m sick of being small and I aim to help myself get bigger if I can.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s nothing wrong with a sensible diet and exercise,\u2019 said the doctor. \u2018In fact I think it would do you the world of good.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t expect too much all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then turned to his father. \u2018Can I go now Pa? I\u2019ll be in trouble if I\u2019m late for school.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes off you go,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about this more at home tonight.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to face Paul as his son left the room. \u2018Now it all makes sense,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018I just couldn\u2019t work out what was going on in that head of his. There\u2019s just no figuring that son of mine sometimes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Both men laughed. \u2018Well you\u2019d better try and get through to him that he\u2019s not meant to grow much more,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018I somehow think I wasn\u2019t very successful.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He can\u2019t do himself much harm with all this can he?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018No not really,\u2019 replied the doctor.\u00a0 \u2018Just make sure he doesn\u2019t overdo the exercising and doesn\u2019t eat too much.\u00a0 Now did you ever think I\u2019d be saying that about Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No never,\u2019 laughed Ben. \u2018That boy has never been known to overeat that\u2019s for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think this will last,\u2019 said Paul as he put away his stethoscope. \u2018He\u2019ll probably get over it soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That youngest boy of mine is pretty stubborn you know.\u00a0 If he decides to do something well\u2026. you know what he\u2019s like.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Just get through to him that he can\u2019t perform miracles when it comes to his body,\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n

\u2018Easier said than done,\u2019 muttered Ben as he left the office.<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

Later that night Ben tried to reason with his son while they were waiting for supper. \u2018Joe,\u2019 he said as he sat down next to him on the settee, \u2018We need to discuss what happened this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father. \u2018\u2019I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said warily. \u2018I told you I didn\u2019t need to go and see no doctor.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm.\u00a0 Well I know that now,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But I\u2019m glad we did.\u00a0 Now that I know what\u2019s in that head of yours I want to make sure that you understand a thing or two young man.\u00a0 What Paul said to you was right.\u00a0 You can\u2019t force nature you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018I\u2019m not trying to.\u00a0 I\u2019m just helping it along is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand around the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018Joe it doesn\u2019t matter how big you are. The measure of a man is not in his size but in his heart.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

Ben tried again. \u2018It isn\u2019t important how big or how small a man grows, it\u2019s how he behaves that\u2019s important.\u00a0 I don\u2019t care if you never grow another inch.\u00a0 What\u2019s important to me is that you are a decent and caring young man.\u00a0 That\u2019s how we\u2019re all judged in life \u2013 by our behaviour.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well can\u2019t I be decent and caring and still grow big too?\u2019 said Joe in a frustrated tone. \u2018I\u2019m just sick of everyone teasing me for being small.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Is that why you\u2019ve been getting into fights lately?\u2019 asked his father. Joe nodded. \u2018Son you have to learn to control that temper of yours.\u00a0 There is always going to be someone in life who is bigger or smarter or faster than you.\u00a0 There\u2019s no point in fighting about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t want to be bigger than everyone.\u00a0 I just want to be bigger than I am.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018Well son, I\u2019m afraid you just don\u2019t have much control over that.\u00a0 We all have to learn to be happy with what we\u2019re given in life.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated gesture. \u2018Well how come some people are given more than others?\u00a0 It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph don\u2019t you dare go on about how fair life is!\u2019 admonished his father. \u2018You should be grateful for all the things you have that others don\u2019t.\u00a0 You\u2019re a good-looking boy and you have a family who loves you.\u00a0 What more could you ask for?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘I know,\u2019 Joe admitted. \u2018It\u2019s just that sometimes I want to be like Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 When do you think my growth spurt will start Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slightly.\u00a0 Sometimes it was like talking to a brick wall with this youngest son of his. \u2018Joe just be happy with how you are all right?\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Now I don\u2019t want to hear any more about this.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad you\u2019re eating sensibly and the exercises won\u2019t hurt you, but beyond that I don\u2019t want to hear of you doing anything foolish.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe. He thought for a moment. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018When do you reckon I\u2019ll start shaving?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben walked over to the dining room table. \u2018When you\u2019re ready to,\u2019 he said wearily.\u00a0 This boy could really exhaust him sometimes. \u2018Now come to the table.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe followed him. \u2018When I start that\u2019ll be when I start to grow bigger I reckon. I\u2019m just asking because I want to be ready when it\u2019s time,\u2019 he explained. \u2018Don\u2019t you think I need to practice?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Practice for what?\u2019 asked Adam and he and Hoss came through the front door. \u2018When it\u2019s time for what little buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked pleadingly at his father.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want his brothers to know what they had been talking about, for fear of being teased.<\/p>\n

\u2018Time to eat dinner,\u2019 said Ben with a wink at his youngest son. \u2018Sit down please boys.\u2019<\/p>\n

They all sat around the table as Hop Sing entered with a steaming platter. \u2018Oh boy!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pork.\u00a0 My favourite.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Everything is your favourite,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Joe looked thoughtfully at Hoss as he piled his plate with the meat and then reached for the vegetables. He picked up the platter and followed his example while Ben hid a smile.<\/p>\n

\u2018So are you going to tell us what you want to practice for?\u2019 asked Hoss as he began to eat.<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him. \u2018None of your business,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now don\u2019t be like that little brother,\u2019 said Adam playfully. \u2018We\u2019re only interested in what you\u2019re up to now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t up to nothing,\u2019 muttered Joe as he picked up his knife and fork. \u2018So mind your own business!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Touchy!\u2019 said Adam with a grin. \u2018When are you going to learn that Hoss and I are only interested in keeping you on the straight and narrow little buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018What?\u00a0 Little buddy?\u2019 asked Adam with an innocent expression. \u2018You are, aren\u2019t you little brother?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sick of being called all them \u2018little\u2019 names!\u2019 declared Joe angrily, then stopped as he realised his mistake in saying this.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at him again. \u2018Why?\u2019 he asked. \u2018They suit you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s enough boys,\u2019 Ben said as he noticed the flush on Joe\u2019s face. He knew how easily his youngest son could be provoked and was not about to let this develop into a full-scale argument.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at his father and then handed Joe the platter that was in his hand. \u2018Here you go Little<\/em> Joe,\u2019 he said with emphasis. Joe glared at him and reached across to push it away, but only succeeded in tipping the contents onto the tablecloth.<\/p>\n

Ben glared at them both. \u2018What on earth do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019 he asked as he looked at the vegetables spread in front of him. \u2018Joseph, stop that at once!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Me?\u2019 said Joe indignantly. \u2018Why is it my fault?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Because you have to learn to control yourself little<\/em> brother,\u2019 said Adam with the same emphasis. \u2018Stop acting like a child.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe reached over the table and pulled his brother by the arm. \u2018I said to stop calling me them names!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Sit down!\u2019\u00a0 But Joe was beyond hearing reason. He stood up and jumped around the table and grabbed his eldest brother around the neck. \u2018You shut up Adam!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

Adam easily pushed him away.\u00a0 \u2018Simmer down Joe,\u2019 he said uneasily. \u2018I\u2019m only joking, you know that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph sit down,\u2019 repeated his father. \u2018I will not have you behaving like this at the dinner table.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well then, you tell him to shut up!\u2019 Joe yelled at his father. \u2018I\u2019m sick of them calling me names!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss pushed his younger brother back into his chair before his surprised father could answer. \u2018Be quiet Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018You shut up too!\u2019 he yelled again.<\/p>\n

\u2018That is enough,\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018Joseph leave the table and go to your room.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why me?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Tell Adam to\u2026. he\u2019s the one that started it!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I said to go!\u2019 thundered Ben.\u00a0 Joe stood up and stomped over to the staircase, then ran up the stairs quickly. Ben turned to Adam. \u2018And you should have more sense!\u2019 he said pointing his finger at him. \u2018What was that for?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked shamefaced. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa.\u00a0 I thought he knew I was joking.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Honestly I\u2019ve had just about enough of all this nonsense!\u2019 he exclaimed. \u2018As if your younger brother isn\u2019t enough to put with\u2026now I have to listen to your nonsense as well!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss and bit his lip. \u2018I said I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I didn\u2019t know he was getting riled up.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you should have!\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018You know how he\u2019s been lately, and you only make it worse when you carry on like that!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam bent his head and ate in silence. After a few moments Hoss ventured, \u2018Did you find out what he\u2019s on about Pa?\u00a0 What\u2019s been making him so touchy lately?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I did, and it\u2019s something that I think both of you should stay out of,\u2019 replied Ban. \u2018Just stop teasing him and treating him like a child.\u00a0 He\u2019s a young man trying to grow up and your attitudes don\u2019t make it any easier for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Adam and shrugged his shoulders. Adam put down his fork. \u2018I said I was sorry Pa.\u00a0 We\u2019re both just used to treating him like that and he\u2019s never taken offence before.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018Well he is now,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018For heavens sake try and remember back to when you were that age.\u2019 They both nodded, and the three of them began to eat once again.<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

\u2018So Joe, how about coming up to the lumber mill this afternoon and helping Hoss and me out?\u2019 Adam suggested. \u2018We could do with an extra man up there. I need to take the backboard up to Hoss with more equipment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his older brother with an amazed expression. \u2018Me?\u2019 he said. \u2018You want me to come?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s what I said didn\u2019t I?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Well, how about it?\u00a0 It is Saturday after all and you don\u2019t have school.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018Sure!\u2019 he said enthusiastically. \u2018I\u2019ll go and hitch the horses to the buckboard!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up to move from the table, then hesitated and reached back for an extra piece of toast to take with him.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as his youngest son left the room.\u00a0 Joe certainly was trying to keep his eating habits up, and during the past few weeks he had been determined to keep his routine of eating well and exercising.\u00a0 He was sure one determined youngster when he put his mind to it, and at the moment he was determined to help himself as much as he could to grow and develop.\u00a0 Even though it had only been a few weeks, Ben was sure he could see a slight improvement in the boy\u2019s appearance, and he made sure he told him.\u00a0 He had been rewarded by a light in the youngster\u2019s eyes as he replied. \u2018You think so Pa?\u00a0 Here, feel this!\u2019\u00a0 He had reached out and put Ben\u2019s hand on his bicep and Ben had complimented him on its size, even though he couldn\u2019t feel any difference in it. \u2018It\u2019s sure working ain\u2019t it Pa?\u2019 asked the boy enthusiastically, and his father had nodded assent.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had really been trying to treat him differently as well, and this latest invitation of Adam\u2019s spoke volumes to his younger brother.\u00a0 It was as if he really considered him grown up and not the kid he usually treated him as.<\/p>\n

Ben reached out and touched his eldest son on the arm. \u2018That was nice of you son,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018I\u2019ll probably regret it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know why I volunteered to have him along really.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 Much as Adam tried to pretend the opposite, he knew that he enjoyed his younger brother\u2019s company and he wasn\u2019t fooling his father for a minute. \u2018Just remember not to tease him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned back at him. \u2018If I can avoid it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sometimes it\u2019s pretty hard though.\u2019<\/p>\n

Later on as the two brothers were seated together on the buckboard, Adam tried to remember his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 It came so naturally to him to treat his little brother as a child, but he could still remember how much he himself had strived to be a man at Joe\u2019s age and so he refrained from the sarcastic comments that kept popping into his head during their conversation.<\/p>\n

Joe talked on about the timber operation and what they would be doing that day. \u2018So what will I be working on?\u2019 he asked excitedly. \u2018Can I help with the chopping?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well maybe the lopping of the branches,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018The larger trees are best kept for the men who\u2019ve had experience with them. Hoss is overseeing them.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But the bigger the tree the more exercise I\u2019ll get,\u2019 protested Joe.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him. \u2018Why is exercise so important to you lately?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You trying to build up your muscles or something?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe answered without thinking. \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018So that\u2019s what all this has been about,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re trying to develop yourself eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his brother, anxious to see if he was making fun of him. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I think that\u2019s a good idea,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I tried it at your age too.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You did?\u2019 exclaimed Joe. \u2018How come?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Same reason as you I suppose,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I wanted to prove to everyone that I was a man, or at least becoming one.\u00a0 I had really grown taller all of a sudden and needed filling out.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018Yeah well, I guess I won\u2019t have that problem,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Pa and Doc Martin say I probably won\u2019t grow tall at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him. So this what had been eating away at him all these weeks. \u2018Well everyone is different,\u2019 he said carefully. \u2018But I think you probably won\u2019t be as tall as Pa or me, and you certainly won\u2019t make it to Hoss\u2019 height. Who could after all?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah well I just want to be average, not smaller than everyone else,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t have much choice in that do you?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s what Pa said,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018He said it\u2019s not important anyway, cause the measure of man is in his heart not in his height.\u00a0 Or something like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa\u2019s usually right, don\u2019t you think?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I\u2019d take notice of what he says if I were you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I reckon so.\u00a0 But it\u2019s all right for him.\u00a0 He\u2019s tall.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam hid a smile.\u00a0 His younger brother sure was difficult to get through to sometimes. He hitched the reins up and began to drive the horses faster as he realised just how late it was becoming.\u00a0 Hoss would be needing the equipment they were bringing if they were to get much work done that day. The trail became steeper as they climber up the hillside, the land falling away on one side of them steeply.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hey Adam?\u2019 said Joe again.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm?\u2019 replied his brother, concentrating on manoeuvring the team around a sharp bend on the trail.<\/p>\n

\u2018How old were you and Hoss when you started shaving?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I was fourteen.\u00a0 Hoss was fifteen I think. You\u2019ll start when you\u2019re ready, don\u2019t worry about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his chin thoughtfully. \u2018Well I reckon\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He never finished the sentence, as one of the horses suddenly reared up, frightened by something in front of it on the trail.\u00a0 Adam struggled to keep hold of the reins and pulled back on both of the animals.\u00a0 The frightened horse in turn spooked the other one, and they both began to panic as they felt the reins tightened on them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hang on Joe,\u2019 said Adam grimly. He pulled with all his might, but the frightened animals were beyond his control.\u00a0 They started to lurch forward and the buckboard took off up the hill at too fast a speed for the trail.<\/p>\n

\u2018Whoa boys!\u2019 called out Adam, but nothing would hold them.\u00a0 Joe hung onto the side of the buckboard tightly, watching his brother helplessly as he struggled to contain the frightened animals.\u00a0 As they approached another bend in the trail, Adam called out to his younger brother. \u2018Get ready to jump if we tip over!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe acknowledged the comment with a slight nod of his head and when indeed he felt them tipping over he jumped as instructed.\u00a0 As he hit the ground he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and rolled over a few times before he came to a stop against the embankment at the side of the trail.\u00a0 Behind him he could hear the horses screaming in fright as the buckboard pulled them down and off the side of the trail on the other side.\u00a0 There was a series of loud thumps until finally a huge crash signalled that the buckboard had come to a halt.<\/p>\n

Joe looked around as he tried to catch his breath, expecting to see his brother close beside him, but he saw nothing.\u00a0 \u2018Adam?\u2019 he called loudly. \u2018Adam?\u2019\u00a0 There was no answer and Joe frantically looked around again, hoping to see where his brother had jumped to.\u00a0 He saw nothing.<\/p>\n

Warily he approached the side of the trail to survey the damage.\u00a0 The buckboard was partway down the steep embankment, tilted onto its side.\u00a0 One of the horses had broken free and had managed to make it down to the bottom of the embankment and the other was lying next to the buckboard tangled in the reins.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t see if it was alive or not.\u00a0 Nowhere could he see his brother and he called to him again frantically. \u2018Adam? Where are you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Again there was silence.\u00a0 Joe put his feet over the edge of the embankment and began to slither down on his backside, ignoring the pain in his shoulder.\u00a0 As he approached the buckboard he noticed the horse seemed to be dead, or at any rate very still.\u00a0 His eyes searched frantically again for his brother.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard a low moan and ducked his head down low against the ground, trying to ascertain which direction it was coming from.\u00a0 He slithered over closer towards the buckboard and put his face close to the side.\u00a0 He drew back as the ground around him began to subside, and pushed himself around to the other side where it seemed to be more stable. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he called.<\/p>\n

Another low moan from the direction of the buckboard made him flatten his face against the wooden side.\u00a0 In the dim light underneath he could just make out his brother\u2019s limp form. \u2018Hey Adam,\u2019 he called anxiously. \u2018Can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n

There was no response. Joe tried to shift the buckboard with his hands, but he couldn\u2019t budge it. He thought for a moment before making his decision. He knew he wasn\u2019t far from the lumber camp and if he headed straight up the incline instead of following the trail it shouldn\u2019t take him too long to get there.\u00a0 Knowing that he couldn\u2019t help his brother by himself, he flattened his face against the earth again and said. \u2018I\u2019m gonna get help Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was no response and Joe said a silent prayer that his brother was still alive before he turned to face the steep climb up towards the trail again.\u00a0 Moments later he was sitting on the side trying to catch his breath and clutching at his shoulder which was now really beginning to cause him some discomfort.\u00a0 When he regained his breath he stood up and began running towards the lumber camp, Hoss and the help that Adam desperately needed.<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Adam should have been here by now,\u2019 said Hoss, looking anxiously down the trail.<\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t you say he was bringing Joe with him?\u2019 asked Charlie with a grin. \u2018That\u2019s sure to slow him down some.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss returned the grin. \u2018Yeah maybe,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018Come on. Let\u2019s get those logs stacked.\u00a0 At least we can do that while we\u2019re waiting for that equipment.\u2019\u00a0 A sudden cry made him turn sharply and he saw a couple of the men pointing towards the trail where his little brother was stumbling along it towards them.\u00a0 Without hesitation he ran towards him and as he came up close noticed how distressed the boy looked. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he called anxiously. \u2018What is it? Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe fell into his brother\u2019s strong arms and struggled to regain his breath.\u00a0 He pointed back down the way he had come. \u2018Down there,\u2019 he said between breaths. \u2018The buckboard\u2026 the horses bolted and\u2026.. it fell.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019 Hoss repeated, his eyes scanning the trail anxiously. \u2018Is he hurt?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes, I think so.\u00a0 He\u2019s under the buckboard.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t move it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him intently. \u2018Of course you couldn\u2019t move it,\u2019 he said. \u2018No one could by themselves.\u2019 He turned towards the men who had gathered behind them. \u2018We\u2019ll need rope and\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

Charlie put his hand on his arm. \u2018We know what to get Hoss. Leave it to me. You get down there now with Joe and we\u2019ll follow with the equipment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss turned and ran towards his horse.\u00a0 As he mounted he noticed one of the men helping Joe up onto their own horse. \u2018Show me where,\u2019 he called as they turned back towards the trail.\u00a0 Joe led his brother back to the scene of the accident.\u00a0 As they dismounted he simply pointed to the side of the trail and Hoss glanced down.\u00a0 The scene was exactly as it had been when Joe had left, except that now he could hear the injured horse moving around.\u00a0 It seemed that he wasn\u2019t dead after all.<\/p>\n

Hoss sat down and began to slide down the embankment, followed immediately by Joe.\u00a0 As they approached the buckboard the horse sensed them coming and struggled in fright, causing the buckboard to shift slightly. \u2018Shhh, steady boy,\u2019 said Hoss quietly, trying to calm the animal.\u00a0 He glanced at it and appraised its injuries before taking his gun out of his holster and pointing it at the animal.<\/p>\n

\u2018No Hoss don\u2019t!\u2019 called out Joe. \u2018We can cut him free!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his younger brother. \u2018We ain\u2019t got time for that,\u2019 he said abruptly. \u2018Sides, this animal is beyond our help now Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his brother a sad look and then turned back towards the struggling animal and pulled the trigger. As the shot rang out through the stillness around them Joe grimaced, and then quickly turned his attention to the buckboard.\u00a0 His brother was far more important than the horse after all.<\/p>\n

Hoss scrambled over towards him and both brothers tried to look under the buckboard. \u2018There!\u2019 said Joe pointing to his brother\u2019s still form. \u2018Can you see him Hoss? Hey Adam, can you hear us?\u2019<\/p>\n

There was still no response from underneath the buckboard and Joe looked up at Hoss anxiously. \u2018What do we do Hoss?\u00a0 Do we try and push the buckboard?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head and he surveyed the ground around them \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018The ground is too unstable, even if we could shift it\u2026which I doubt. We\u2019ll have to wait for the others to get here with the rope.\u2019\u00a0 As the words left his mouth there were noises above them and they both looked up relieved to see a group of men coming down the side of the embankment towards them, ropes draped around them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Here!\u2019 yelled Charlie, throwing a coil of rope towards Hoss. Hoss caught it and began to tie it to the side of the buckboard, the others doing the same all around him. Joe looked on anxiously, striving to hear a sound from Adam amidst all the activity.<\/p>\n

After a few moments the ropes were in place and Hoss gave the direction.\u00a0 Joe grabbed hold of an end along with one of the other men and on Hoss\u2019 shout they all pulled together.\u00a0 The buckboard began to shift upwards and reveal Adam\u2019s still form underneath and Joe could see that his brother wasn\u2019t moving at all. Suddenly the ground around them began to subside and Hoss shouted again. They lessened their hold on the ropes somewhat and the movement stopped.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked anxiously at Charlie. \u2018It\u2019s likely to give way if we pull much more,\u2019 he said. Charlie hesitated before replying, \u2018We need to pull him out while we have the buckboard tilted upwards,\u2019 he said. ‘Problem is getting in to him to tie the rope with him unconscious and all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I could do it,\u2019 said Joe eagerly.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018You ain\u2019t getting in there. \u2018The ropes mightn\u2019t hold, and then you\u2019d both be trapped.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Charlie. \u2018I\u2019ll do it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Charlie shook his head. \u2018You\u2019d never fit under there Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018None of us would, except maybe Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated.\u00a0 He knew the man was right, but he hated to give his little brother permission to place himself in danger in that way. He glanced towards the buckboard and thought of his other brother lying there unconscious and also in danger. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Here, tie this rope around your waist Joe and grab hold of the end of this one. When I say the word I want you to crawl in there and get to Adam.\u00a0 Tie it under his arms and feel to see if his legs are pinned under anything before you give us the word to pull on him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed the ropes and did as his brother told him.\u00a0 He lay as flat on the ground as possible and waited for Hoss\u2019 shout.\u00a0 When it came he saw the buckboard tilt upwards again slightly in front of him and scrunched forward underneath it.\u00a0 Within seconds he had reached Adam and felt all around him to see if there was any obstruction.\u00a0 Thankfully he realised that there was none, and his brother seemed to be free of the buckboard now that it had been lifted off him.\u00a0 Struggling with his breathing, he managed to lift Adam\u2019s shoulders slightly and got the rope underneath him, tying it under his armpits securely.<\/p>\n

\u2018Ready!\u2019 he called, and immediately felt the rope tighten as the men began to pull on it.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s body moved away from him and he pushed against his brother\u2019s legs as they passed him to help speed up the process.\u00a0 Inches above his face he could feel the weight of the buckboard pressing down upon them both, and he was extremely anxious to get out from under it.\u00a0 He waited until he saw Adam completely free of the buckboard before he followed, squinting as he felt the sunlight on his face again.<\/p>\n

Joe felt a number of hands lift him up and the rope untied from around his waist. \u2018Well done boy!\u2019 said Charlie, patting him on the back. Joe grinned at him and wiped the dirt from his face and he tried to get his breath back. He turned towards Hoss who was crouched on the ground cradling Adam in his arms, and knelt down beside him. \u2018How is he?\u2019 he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at him. \u2018He\u2019s alive shortshanks,\u2019 he said, the relief evident in his face and his voice. \u2018He\u2019s got a nasty bump on his head and I\u2019m not sure about this arm, but he\u2019s alive.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at him, for once not minding the nickname that his brother gave him. He was just relieved to think that his brother was going to be all right.<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I\u2019m very proud of you,\u2019 said Ben as he sat on the edge of Adam\u2019s bed and watched his eldest son drinking the glass of medicine Paul Martin had handed to him. \u2018I\u2019m proud of both of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at Joe. \u2018You should have seen this little guy, Pa,\u2019 he said, then he realised what he had said. \u2018Sorry Joe,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s OK,\u2019 said Joe happily. \u2018I guess this was one time that being small helped.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 grin got even bigger. \u2018Yeah I guess it was,\u2019 he agreed.<\/p>\n

Adam lowered the glass and put his hand up to finger the bandage around his head. \u2018I\u2019m just glad you both kept your wits about you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Next time you can drive the team little buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul Martin walked away from the bed. \u2018Now let me have a look at that shoulder of yours Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him. \u2018It\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t need to.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul ignored him and began to pull off the boy\u2019s shirt. \u2018Sit down please,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled away from the doctor. \u2018Joseph do as you\u2019re told,\u2019 said his father wearily.<\/p>\n

Joe sat down and let the doctor prod his shoulder. \u2018It doesn\u2019t seem to be serious,\u2019 the man said. \u2018You probably just pulled a muscle or two.\u00a0 Take it easy for a few days young man.\u00a0 No exercising it at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018But what about\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand. \u2018Joseph, that\u2019s enough.\u00a0 I think those body-building exercises of yours will wait a few days, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled. \u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t afford to waste the time. I need to keep doing them if I\u2019m going to build my muscles up and develop.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes. \u2018Joseph be quiet,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why don\u2019t you go downstairs and eat something?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Come on Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe I can work out how to do one handed push-ups.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head at his younger brother, but followed him out of the room anyway.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben rolled his eyes at Adam who laughingly said,\u00a0 \u2018He never gives up does he?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 Ben acknowledged. \u2018He never does. I thought this might have taught him that being small doesn\u2019t matter.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you know Joe,\u2019 said Adam as he settled himself back on the pillow. \u2018He may understand it, but he\u2019ll never accept it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head wearily. \u2018No I don\u2019t suppose he ever will,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s a stubborn youngster that\u2019s for sure.\u2019 And I wouldn\u2019t have him any other way, <\/em>he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Joe is tired of being ‘Little Joe’<\/p>\n

Rated: K (11,365 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14920,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1842,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/measuring.png?fit=81%2C207&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7728,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7728","url_meta":{"origin":2057,"position":0},"title":"I’ve Got A Secret (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe knows a secret Adam would rather he did not tell. Rated: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01085","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16262,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=16262","url_meta":{"origin":2057,"position":1},"title":"The Heart of a Hero (by Christy)","author":"Christy","date":"August 21, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0Joe and Hoss have taken time off on a fine spring day to go fishing when something terribly wrong brings the Cartwright's worst nightmare to reality. How will the heart of a hero see them through their darkest days? I'm sorry I'm not a Jamie fan. He does not exist\u2026","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\/Joe-Hoss.jpg?fit=505%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12119,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12119","url_meta":{"origin":2057,"position":2},"title":"Big Brother Hoss (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Joe worships his older brother Hoss, more so after being beaten by a gang of bullies who hold a grudge against the older brother.\u00a0 Hoss then deems it his duty to become his younger brother's protector. Rated: PG13 \u00a0Contains some graphic fight scenes. (22,375 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Hoss.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Hoss.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Hoss.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11353,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11353","url_meta":{"origin":2057,"position":3},"title":"The Map (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 You've probably read what the producers want you to know about the map that hung on the wall behind Ben's desk, but here is the real story. Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (2,790 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12299,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12299","url_meta":{"origin":2057,"position":4},"title":"Standing on Principles (by Debbie B)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught in the middle of a family argument turned ugly and having to face his own\u00a0irate father, Joe bears the blunt of both family's wrath.\u00a0 He isn't the only one who learns something from the experience. 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Rating: K (940 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2057","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=2057"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2057\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}