{"id":2070,"date":"2010-06-07T15:51:40","date_gmt":"2010-06-07T19:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2070"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:46","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:46","slug":"little-boy-lost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2070","title":{"rendered":"Little Boy Lost (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe is missing when the family are in a San Francisco hotel<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (7,465 words)<\/p>\n

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Little Boy Lost<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright shifted on the seat and let out a weary yawn. \u201cNearly there now boys,\u201d he said, peering into the darkness beyond the cab. \u201cThere\u2019s our hotel up ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to look out of the window. \u201cSure feels good to finally get here,\u201d he said tiredly. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long few days,\u201d agreed his father. He glanced at Hoss whose head was nodding on the back of the seat opposite as he struggled to keep his eyes open. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said, gently shaking the young boy\u2019s knee. \u201cWake up son. It\u2019s time to get out now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss struggled to open his eyes and gave a large yawn as he rubbed them. \u201cOK Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took out his pocket watch and glanced at it. \u201cIt\u2019s nearly eight o\u2019clock,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been nearly half an hour from the wharf where we left the boat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cI\u2019m hungry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adam gave a snort. \u201cWhen are you not hungry?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben blinked his tired eyes a couple of times as the cab drew to a halt outside a large imposing building. \u201cWe\u2019ll get something to eat once we\u2019re inside,\u201d he said. \u201cI could do with something myself. Come on boys, let\u2019s get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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He waited for Hoss and Adam to climb down before him, then picked up Little Joe who was curled up fast asleep on the seat beside him and slung him over his shoulder before getting down himself. \u201cThank you driver,\u201d he said as the man handed their bags down to the two boys. He paid him their fare and then picked up one of the bags himself, hitching the limp body of his youngest son up against his shoulder even higher with his free arm. \u201cCan you manage the rest of them boys?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Adam. He picked up two bags and Hoss did the same. They followed their father up the few steps to the hotel slowly, everyone feeling exhausted from their long trip. Joe curled in towards his father\u2019s shoulder and Ben could feel the small boy\u2019s steady breath on his neck as he walked. Thank goodness the child had finally succumbed to his exhaustion, for he didn\u2019t think that he could have taken any more of his excited chatter. Between the three of them, they must have answered a thousand questions from the youngster since they\u2019d left Virginia City days ago. Not that Ben could blame him. After all, this was his first real trip away from The Ponderosa and the little boy was bound to be very excited.<\/p>\n

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Hoss was very excited too about this vacation, but his middle son was more reserved about it. He\u2019d been on short trips before, but never with all his brothers and he had never been as far as San Francisco \u2026 especially on a boat. As far as Hoss was concerned, this trip was just about the most exciting thing that he\u2019d done in all his eleven years and Ben could see through the youngster\u2019s tiredness one very thrilled young man.<\/p>\n

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He glanced at Adam who was attempting to open the door while still holding onto his two bags, and his heart lurched momentarily. Adam had been to San Francisco before so in one way this trip wasn\u2019t so special for him, but in another way it was for Adam that Ben had planned this vacation. All too soon his eldest son would be leaving them to travel to Boston to attend college, and in these final weeks that they all had together Ben was determined to make it a time that they would all remember. In a way, it was a farewell trip for Adam and his father wanted it to be special for him.<\/p>\n

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Besides, he thought, they all needed a break. This last year had been so full of heartache since Marie, Little Joe\u2019s mother, had died. They all needed to wipe the unhappy memories away and what better way to do it than with a trip to the big city? Ben smiled to himself, knowing that San Francisco wasn\u2019t exactly a big city, but to his boys it would be big enough and would provide them all with plenty of excitement. He thanked God that he had been able to leave Hop Sing behind to look after things in the house and Charlie, their foreman, to look after things on the ranch for the two weeks they would be away. The fact that he\u2019d been able to had allowed him to take this precious time to be with his boys and enjoy themselves.<\/p>\n

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He held the door open for Adam and Hoss to enter with the arm on which he was balancing the sleeping Little Joe, and then followed them into the foyer. \u201cYou sit here boys,\u201d he said, putting his bag down next to a seat. \u201cI\u2019ll go and see about our room.\u201d\u00a0 The two boys sat down gratefully on the seat and arranged the bags around their feet.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou want me to take Joe for you Pa?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNo, he\u2019s fine,\u201d said his father. \u201cBest not disturb him.\u201d\u00a0 He walked over to the counter with the sleeping child still on his arm and smiled at the clerk.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI have a booking,\u201d he said. \u201cCartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes sir,\u201d said the clerk. \u201cYou ordered a suite I believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d said Ben. \u201cFor one week.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The clerk turned the large book on the counter around so that it faced Ben. \u201cSign here,\u201d he said, pointing. He snapped his fingers and two bellboys appeared as if from nowhere. \u201cTake Mr Cartwright\u2019s bags and show him his room,\u201d the clerk ordered.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI wonder \u2026 is there any chance of getting some room service? My boys and I were hoping for something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m sorry sir,\u201d replied the clerk. \u201cBut room service has finished for the day. Dinner will still be served for another hour in the dining room though.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWe\u2019ll be down as soon as we\u2019re settled then. Come on boys,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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They followed the bellboys up two flights of stairs and along a hallway to a door that was labelled number fifteen. \u201cYour suite sir,\u201d said one of the bellboys, opening the door and handing Ben the key.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d replied Ben, reaching into his pocket and taking out some coins, which he gave to the two young men. They both smiled, placed the bags inside the room and then left.<\/p>\n

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Adam went inside and lit a lamp that was on a table next to the door. \u201cWow!\u201d said Hoss, following his brother inside. \u201cThis is great!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben closed the door behind them and looked around at the furnished sitting room. \u201cVery nice,\u201d he said. \u201cAdam \u2026 you and Hoss can take that bedroom over there. There should be two beds in it. I\u2019ll take Little Joe in with me in the double bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam picked up two of the bags and took them into the second bedroom. Are we gonna eat now Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes son,\u201d replied his father. \u201cIn a few minutes. Take those two bags into my room please and I\u2019ll get your little brother settled first.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss did as he was bid and then ran into the second bedroom, leaving Ben to sit down on the bed and let out a weary sigh. He prised Little Joe off his shoulder and lay the child down on the bed beside him. The little boy snuggled up straight away into a ball and put his thumb into his mouth. Ben rubbed his eyes a couple of times and then stretched.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben opened his eyes to see Adam standing in the doorway. \u201cYes son?\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDo we have to get changed to go to the dining room?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNo, what we have on should be fine. Just have a wash and make sure that Hoss does the same. I\u2019ll get Little Joe into bed and then we\u2019ll go down.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cOK.\u201d Adam disappeared again and Ben leant down and opened up one of the bags. He took out one of Little Joe\u2019s nightshirts and began to undress the sleeping boy. Little Joe\u2019s limp body was soon encased in his white nightshirt and Ben tucked him in under the bedcovers before washing his own face and hands.<\/p>\n

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\u201cReady?\u201d he asked as he came out into the sitting room again and saw Hoss leaning out of the window. \u201cHoss, get back inside here this instant!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss climbed back from the window. \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d he said, but it\u2019s real exciting ain\u2019t it? We\u2019re real high up here. Look at all them lights down there!\u201d Ben looked. \u201cSan Francisco must be just about the biggest city there is,\u201d continued Hoss in wonder.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNot quite the biggest city,\u201d said Adam with a chuckle as he entered the room, straightened his clothing. \u201cWhat are we doing about Joe while we\u2019re downstairs Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019ll be alright,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s fast asleep and we won\u2019t be long. Come on boys, let\u2019s get something to eat.\u201d He led his sons out of the room and closed the door softly behind them.<\/p>\n

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^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWow!\u201d said Hoss in amazement as he studied the menu in front of him. \u201cLook at all them choices of food!\u201d He ran his eyes up and down the two pages in delight. \u201cCan I have lots of em Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou can order one thing,\u201d said his father. \u201cYou\u2019ve got all week to sample what\u2019s on that menu young man. Besides, we want to make this meal quick so we can get to bed early.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll have \u2026\u201d Hoss hesitated, not sure what to order. \u201cGee, I dunno Pa. I don\u2019t know where ta start.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHow about the chicken?\u201d suggested his father, knowing that the youngster loved it. Chicken on The Ponderosa was a dish reserved for special events and they all looked forward to it.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSounds good,\u201d said Hoss in satisfaction.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll have it too,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThree roast chickens,\u201d said Ben to the waiter who had come up beside their table. \u201cTwo coffees and a glass of milk as well please. Will it be long?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019ll make it as quick as possible sir,\u201d said the waiter, smiling at Hoss\u2019 hungry look.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben, his mind on his sleeping little boy upstairs. He didn\u2019t want to leave the child any longer than was necessary, for even though he was sure that Joe wouldn\u2019t wake up, he\u2019d feel better when he was back up there with him again.\u00a0 \u201cWell boys,\u201d he said, smiling at his two sons. \u201cHere\u2019s to a wonderful vacation.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up a glass of water and held it out, clinking it with first Adam\u2019s glass and then Hoss\u2019. \u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s going to be a wonderful time for us all.<\/p>\n

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**********<\/p>\n

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The little boy rolled over and grunted as his small feet touched a cold spot on the other side of the bed. He opened his eyes and rubbed them, wondering what had happened to his bedroom ceiling and then remembered that they were on a boat. At least that was the last thing he remembered about their vacation. His last memory had been of staring at the wooden ceiling of the boat as it gently rocked from side to side. His head had been cuddled into his father\u2019s chest and he\u2019d felt so sleepy \u2026 so very sleepy \u2026 He opened his eyes wider and frowned as he realised that the ceiling wasn\u2019t rocking back and forth the way it had been before. It was still. In fact \u2026 it was a different colour now that he thought about it.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe sat up and rubbed his eyes again, looking around at the room. This wasn\u2019t the boat, he thought. This was another room. \u201cPa!\u201d he called out into the darkness. \u201cPa! I\u2019m awake now!\u201d There was no reply and he frowned as he pushed the covers back and wriggled out from under them. He swung his small feet over the edge of the bed and padded out to the next room. \u201cPa!\u201d he called. \u201cWhere are ya Pa? Hey Adam? Hoss? Where is everyone?\u201d\u00a0 He padded on his small bare feet over to another door and opened it, looking out curiously into a narrow dimly lit hallway. \u201cPa!\u201d he called out. \u201cAre ya there Pa? I\u2019m awake now!\u201d<\/p>\n

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There was still no reply, so the little boy walked out into the hallway, leaving the door ajar behind him. He walked to the end of the hallway, passing several doors that were shut along the way. At the end he saw a narrow door and opened it, peering down into the darkness beyond. His Pa and brothers must have gone down there he reasoned, so without hesitating he began to climb down the stairs in search of them. Behind him, the door softly clicked shut.<\/p>\n

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**********<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat was sure good chicken,\u201d said Hoss, leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach. \u201cI reckon I\u2019m gonna enjoy this vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben downed the last of his cup of coffee. \u201cLet\u2019s get on upstairs boys,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to leave Little Joe any longer than is necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cDon\u2019t you have to pay the bill?\u201d asked Adam as they left the table.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThey add all the food to the cost of the room,\u201d his father explained.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPoor Joe, missing out on all that fried chicken,\u201d said Hoss sadly. \u201cHe\u2019ll be right hungry in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019ll survive,\u201d said his father, knowing full well that the little boy wouldn\u2019t have eaten much if he had been awake. \u201cSleep is more important for your brother than food right about now.\u201d He yawned. \u201cFor all of us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m sure looking forward to a good night\u2019s rest,\u201d said Adam as they reached the top of the stairs. \u201cHey Pa \u2026 isn\u2019t that our room where the door is open?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is,\u201d replied his father, his heart lurching as he saw the open door. \u201cI\u2019m sure that I closed it.\u201d He pushed the door open further and lit the lamp inside. \u201cI\u2019ll just check on your little brother,\u201d he said in a soft voice. He picked up the lamp and went into the master bedroom, followed by Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Hoss in a worried voice as Ben held the lamp up and they all looked at the empty bed. \u201cHe ain\u2019t here!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s probably wandered into your room,\u201d said Ben, trying not to sound worried. \u201cGo and check Hoss.\u201d He gave Adam a worried look as Hoss left the room. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have left him,\u201d he said. \u201cI had no right to leave him here!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPa he was asleep,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know that he never wakes up once he\u2019s gone to sleep. You weren\u2019t to know that he would this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI should have known,\u201d said Ben, half to himself. \u201cA strange bed in a strange room \u2026. He could have woken up and been frightened.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cWell he can\u2019t have got far,\u201d said Adam reasonably. \u201cHe \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe ain\u2019t in our room,\u201d said Hoss, coming back into the room. He looked at his father anxiously. \u201cDo ya think someone came in and took him Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben\u2019s heart constricted and he swallowed. \u201cOf course not,\u201d he said, trying to sound confident. \u201cHe\u2019s probably just wandered off looking for us, that\u2019s all. No one would have taken him Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 His brain worked quickly, thinking of all the scenarios that could have led to his little boy\u2019s disappearance, but he brushed them aside quickly. This was no time for his imagination to run wild! He smiled at both the boys. \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find that he has just wandered down the hallway.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe woulda seen him iffen he had,\u201d insisted Hoss, his face crumpling. \u201cHe\u2019s lost Pa! Where\u2019s he gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben put his arm around the youngster\u2019s shoulders. \u201cStop worrying Hoss,\u201d he said, wishing that someone could say that to him. \u201cYou go and get ready for bed while Adam and I walk around and look for him, OK?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI wanna come too,\u201d insisted Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSon, I need you here in case he wanders back again,\u201d said his father. \u201cPlease do as I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded miserably. \u201cOK Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll look out for him here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben patted his shoulder. \u201cGood boy,\u201d he said. \u201cAdam, come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Outside in the hallway, Ben led the way down to the lobby and approached the clerk. \u201cExcuse me,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I wonder if you\u2019ve seen a little boy in a white nightshirt wandering through here?\u201d<\/p>\n

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The clerk raised one of his eyebrows. \u201cUm \u2026 no sir,\u201d he said in surprise. Our patrons don\u2019t usually walk around the hotel in their nightshirts.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben cleared his throat. \u201cYes I realise that,\u201d he said. \u201cBut my youngest son \u2026 the little boy I was holding when I arrive before \u2026 seems to have wandered out of our room. I thought perhaps he might have come down here?\u201d<\/p>\n

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The clerk shook his head. \u201cNo sir,\u201d he said. \u201cIf he\u2019d come down here then I would have seen him. I don\u2019t miss much,\u201d he added, looking Ben up and down.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIs this the only entrance to the hotel?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes,\u201d replied the clerk. \u201cRest assured sir, the only way he could have left the building is by this door. He\u2019ll still be inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ben raked his hands through his hair. \u201cYes \u2026\u201d he said. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll have my men search down here for you,\u201d said the clerk. \u201cThey\u2019ll cover the dining room in case the little boy has wandered in there \u2026. Although as I said before \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cYes I know,\u201d interrupted Ben. \u201cYou would have seen him if he\u2019d come downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cPrecisely,\u201d said the clerk, lifting both his eyebrows this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d said Ben, turning to Adam. \u201cSon \u2026 you search the floor we\u2019re staying on and Ill take the one below it. He has to be on one of them. Knock on every door if you have to in case he\u2019s wandered into one of the rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cIts getting late sir,\u201d interrupted the clerk. \u201cMost of our patrons may be asleep and I don\u2019t think they\u2019ll appreciate being woken.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t really care if they appreciate it or not!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cThis is my son we\u2019re talking about! He\u2019s only five and he\u2019s lost! I intend to find him if I have to wake up everyone in this whole hotel!\u201d<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said the clerk, pursing his mouth. \u201cWhatever you say sir.\u201d He summoned the two bellboys over to him and directed them to search in the dining room, before nodding at Ben and Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if we find him down here,\u201d he said and then went back to his paperwork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave the man a frustrated look and motioned to Adam to follow him up the stairs. Adam nodded to his father as they reached the first landing. \u201cI\u2019ll go up to the next level,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa \u2026 we\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know we will son,\u201d said Ben, trying to smile. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ran up the stairs two at a time and looked along the dimly lit hallway. When he had satisfied himself that Little Joe was nowhere to be seen, he knocked on the first door and then waited patiently until it was opened. His eyes widened as he saw a woman clad only in a skimpy nightdress standing in the open doorway looking at him. Her hair had been let down and was tumbling over shoulders and her mouth was still made up with some sort of lipstick. \u201cWell!\u201d she said, leaning against the doorframe and observing the young man in front of her. Her eyes travelled up and down his body slowly, making Adam feel decidedly uncomfortable as she did so. \u201cWho do we have here? What can I do for you, handsome?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed and forced himself not to take a step backwards. In spite of himself, he found his eyes travelling down to catch a glimpse of her ample bosom as she slowly pulled her nightgown away from her body to reveal it. \u201cUm \u2026 excuse me ma\u2019am,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re excused,\u201d she said, leaning forward and putting her head on one side as she observed him even closer. \u201cWhy? What did you do, you cheeky boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed again. \u201cI \u2026 um \u2026 I didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman gave a loud, long sigh and then ran her tongue around her lips slowly. Adam found himself watching the darting, red tongue in fascination. \u201cWhat a shame,\u201d she said softly. \u201cWould you like to come in for a while honey? We could think of something for you to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a step backwards this time, not caring if the woman noticed or not. He felt his face begin to flush a deep red and this fact only made the woman smile even more. \u201cCome on now,\u201d she urged, holding out her hand. \u201cYou look as if you could do with a drink. What do you say, handsome?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank \u2026 thank you \u2026 ma\u2019am,\u201d said Adam, swallowing again. \u201cI\u2019m just looking \u2026 I\u2019m just looking for my brother. Have you seen him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She put her head further to the side and crossed her arms under her ample bosom, accentuating its voluptuous curves. \u201cWell now that depends,\u201d she said softly. \u201cDoes he look anything like you? I\u2019m sure I would have remembered him if he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s \u2026 he\u2019s only five,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s wearing a white nightshirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFive?\u201d said the woman, straightened up again. \u201cNo honey. There ain\u2019t been no brats around here. None that I\u2019ve seen anyway.\u201d She smiled at him again. \u201cNow how about you come inside and visit for a while and we can talk about where your brother might be?\u201d She reached out and patted Adam on the arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took another step backward. \u201cNo thank you ma\u2019am,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got to look for my brother now.\u201d\u00a0 He walked down the hallway towards the next door, wishing that his face would cool down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you make sure you come back when you\u2019ve found him!\u201d shouted the woman after him. \u201cI\u2019ll have that drink ready for you honey!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ignored her and breathed a sigh of relief when she finally closed the door and went inside. He hoped that all these rooms he had to check wouldn\u2019t be the same as that one!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knocked on the first door near the landing and fiddled with his fingers in frustration while he waited for it to open. He\u2019d searched right up and down the dim hallway and satisfied himself that Little Joe was nowhere to be seen and now there was no hope for it but to check each of the rooms on this floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the door was opened by an old man in a nightshirt who looked at Ben crossly. \u201cDo you know what time it is?\u201d he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI do,\u201d he replied. \u201cAnd I\u2019m most sorry to disturb you sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t!\u201d shouted the man and banged the door shut in Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated for a moment and then knocked again. This time, the man opened the door quickly. \u201cGo away!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI\u2019m trying to sleep!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d began Ben. \u201cBut I \u2026\u201d The door banged shut in his face for a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his anger mounting as he knocked a third time, but this time the door didn\u2019t open. \u201cGo away!\u201d shouted the man from inside. \u201cStop waking people up in the middle of the night!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to ask you something!\u201d Ben shouted back. \u201cI\u2019m not going away until you open this door and answer my question!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a shuffling noise from inside and the door opened slowly. The man put his face around the edge of it, but this time Ben was ready for him and wedged his foot in between the door and the wall so that he couldn\u2019t slam it shut. \u201cI\u2019m looking for a little boy in a white nightshirt,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cHe\u2019s got curly hair and \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t seen him,\u201d interrupted the man as he tried to get the door shut again. \u201cGo away!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s only five years old and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care how old he is!\u201d said the man. \u201cI told you I haven\u2019t seen him!\u201d He pulled the door against Ben\u2019s foot and Ben let out a howl of pain. \u201cGet your foot out of there!\u201d the man said. \u201cGo away or I\u2019ll call the management up here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took his foot out of the door and watched as the door slammed shut again. He made a face at the wooden door in front of him and then limped slowly long the hallway to the next door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knocked tentatively on the second door and waiting anxiously as it was opened slightly. A man\u2019s head appeared from around the other side. \u201cYes?\u201d he said, looking at Adam suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering sir \u2026\u201d began Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a moment,\u201d said the man and disappeared again, closing the door. After a moment he opened the door again and looked around it a second time. \u201cHad to get my glasses,\u201d he said. \u201cCan\u2019t see a thing without them.\u201d He looked Adam up and down. \u201cWho are you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Adam Cartwright,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI was wondering if you\u2019d seen \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing in this hotel?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m staying here with my family,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich room?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNumber fifteen,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell what are you doing wandering around at this time of night?\u201d asked the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him a frustrated look. \u201cI was about to tell you \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell hurry then boy!\u201d snapped the man. \u201cI don\u2019t have all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering if you\u2019ve seen my brother,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man peered at him intently. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2026 why?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you looking for him?\u201d asked the man impatiently. \u201cWhat\u2019s he done?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t done anything,\u201d said Adam crossly. \u201cHe\u2019s lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he lost?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomewhere in the hotel,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t even know what he looks like!\u201d said Adam in an exasperated tone. \u201cHe\u2019s \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t need to know what he looks like,\u201d said the man smugly. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s only a little boy,\u201d said Adam, ignoring the remark. \u201cHe\u2019s in a nightshirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhite.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis hair boy \u2026 what colour is his hair?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm \u2026 brown. It\u2019s curly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe man looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cA little boy in a white nightshirt, with curly brown hair \u2026\u201d He gave Adam another intense look. \u201cWhat colour are his eyes?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreen,\u201d said Adam hopefully. \u201cHave you seen him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid he have anything on his feet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow tall is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hand near his hip. \u201cAbout this tall,\u201d he said. \u201cDid you see him then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I told you before that I hadn\u2019t,\u201d said the man and slammed the door shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hit his hand on the wall in frustration and stomped down the hallway to the next door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d said Ben as the door was opened by a young man. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry to interrupt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man gave him a puzzled look. \u201cHow did you know what \u2026\u201d he stopped. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, going red. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it Matthew?\u201d said a woman inside the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo one,\u201d replied the man over his shoulder. \u201cJust get back into bed and I\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Ben an enquiring look. \u201cYes?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking for my \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d asked the woman, obviously standing behind the man now. Ben craned his neck and caught a glimpse of her in a robe standing behind the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said to go back to \u2026\u201d the man stopped and glanced at Ben, going even redder than before. \u201cWe\u2019re on our wedding trip,\u201d he said, smiling at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations,\u201d said Ben, observing the brand new wedding ring on the woman\u2019s hand as she put it on her husband\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just married this afternoon,\u201d she said, coming to stand next to her husband and looking at him adoringly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cYes \u2026 well, I was looking for my son actually.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour son?\u201d said the man. \u201cHave you lost him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt would appear so,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s only five and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh the poor little boy!\u201d exclaimed the woman, pulling her robe even tighter and stepping forward. \u201cWhere did you lose him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally Edith!\u201d said the man. \u201cIf he knew where he\u2019d lost him, then he wouldn\u2019t need to look for him, would he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She gave her husband another adoring look. \u201cI suppose not,\u201d she giggled as she ran her hand up his side. Ben watched it, mesmerised for a moment. \u201cYou\u2019re so clever Matthew,\u201d Edith breathed, resting her head on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man puffed out his chest and looked at Ben again. \u201cYou were saying?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes \u2026\u201d said Ben. \u201cWell my son is missing. He\u2019s five years old, he has curly hair and he\u2019s wearing a white nightshirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sounds like a lovely little boy,\u201d breathed Edith, not taking her eyes off Matthew. \u201cI hope our children are lovely like your little boy, mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026\u201d said Ben, clearing his throat again and watching as she slipped her hand this time inside the man\u2019s robe and continued to rub it up and down. \u201cWell \u2026. have you \u2026 um \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He tried to concentrate on what he had been asking. \u201cHave you seen him?\u201d he asked hopefully, looking at Matthew again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sorry,\u201d said Matthew, smiling down at Edith. He touched her face lovingly and she nuzzled her cheek against his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell \u2026 thank you anyway,\u201d said Ben. The two of them took no notice of him, but began to kiss each other instead. After a moment, Ben walked away from the door, not daring to look back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes as he knocked on the door thankful that this was the last one, yet worried because he still hadn\u2019t been able to find Joe. He waited as a lamp was lit inside and footsteps came towards the door. \u201cYes?\u201d said a voice from inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d said Adam loudly. \u201cI was wondering if I could ask you something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his voice even louder. \u201cI was wondering if I could ask you something!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to shout \u2026. I asked you what you wanted to ask me!\u201d said the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould you please open the door?\u201d shouted Adam. \u201cIt\u2019d be easier that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not accustomed to opening my door to strange men in the middle of the night!\u201d said the voice indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cI was wondering if you\u2019ve seen a lost child?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA lost child!\u201d he shouted even louder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to shout! I heard you the first time,\u201d said the voice. \u201cI was asking what kind of child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cA little boy,\u201d he shouted. \u201cFive years old. He is wearing a white nightshirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the door opened and a tall grey-haired woman leaning on a cane stood there glaring at him. \u201cWhat is a young man like you running around this hotel looking for a small boy in the middle of the night for?\u201d she snapped. \u201cThe very idea of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m searching for him,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s my brother and he\u2019s lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWaking up people at all hours,\u2019 she continued as if she hadn\u2019t heard him. \u201cThe very idea of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen him?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo I haven\u2019t and if I did, then I\u2019d turn him over to the management!\u201d she snapped. \u201cThe very idea of it \u2026 a child running around a hotel by himself at this hour!\u201d She leant out and hit Adam over the head with her cane. \u201cYou should be ashamed of yourself!\u201d she said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam ducked as her cane swung around a second time. He stepped backwards and then took off down the hall quickly towards the steps. \u201cThe very idea of it!\u201d he heard her say again as she slammed the door. He rubbed his head ruefully as he walked down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man leant on the doorframe unsteadily and gave Ben a crooked smile as he opened the door. \u201cEvening,\u201d he said, swaying a little. \u201cWhat .. can I do fer you mishter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grimaced at the strong smell of whiskey that was lingering around the man. \u201cHave you seen a little boy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cNope!\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cAre you sure? I\u2019ve checked with everyone else on this floor. He has to be somewhere.\u201d He raked his hands through his hair again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in and have a drink,\u201d suggested the man, leaning close to Ben and giving him a blurry look. \u201cTake ya mind off ya troubles so ta speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d said Ben, stepping away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya sure?\u201d asked the man, waving a half-full bottle around. \u201cI\u2019ve got plenty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d repeated Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve got to keep looking for my little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man\u2019s eyes filled up with tears. \u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d he said, swaying again. \u201cI wish someone cared bout me like that.\u201d He wiped his eyes on his sleeve and gave Ben a watery smile. \u201cThat\u2019s a lucky little boy ta have a Pa that cares bout him mishter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Ben, walking away quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t got no one ta care bout me!\u201d snivelled the man, leaning on the doorframe again. \u201cNo siree!\u201d he shouted, slinging the bottle around. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no one in this world care bout me enough ta go looking fer me! Come and have a drink!\u201d he shouted down the hallway at Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and made for the stairs, nearly knocking into Adam as he reached them. \u201cAny luck?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve searched every room on that floor Pa. There sure are some strange people staying here though.\u201d\u00a0 He rubbed his head thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with your head?\u201d asked his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d replied Adam ruefully. He noticed that his father was limping. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with your foot?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m really getting worried now. \u201cYou go on up to our room, check on Hoss and see if perhaps Joe has gone back there. I\u2019m going down to check with that clerk at the front desk. He headed down the stairs again, hoping against hope that Little Joe had been found in the dining room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa told you to get ready for bed,\u201d said Adam as he entered the suite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya find Joe?\u201d asked Hoss hopefully, ignoring his brother\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cYou should get ready for bed Hoss. Try to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m too worried bout Joe being lost. You know that I can never sleep when I\u2019m worried. Sure could eat though,\u201d he added, rubbing his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you think about food at a time like this?\u201d asked Adam, amazed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it,\u201d Hoss said defensively. \u201cI always get hungry when I\u2019m worried \u2026 you know that. Sides … that chicken has done left my stomach by now.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI sure wish I knew where the kitchen was in this place. Then I could go down and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam clicked his fingers. \u201cThe kitchen!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about it?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell there must be a kitchen here somewhere,\u201d replied his brother. \u201cI wonder if those bellboys thought to check it when they were checking the dining room? I\u2019m going down to see Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to the kitchen, then I\u2019m coming too,\u201d said Hoss, following him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d said Adam over his shoulder as he walked out of the room. \u201cBut hurry up if you\u2019re coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo I\u2019m sorry sir,\u201d said the desk clerk. \u201cBut they didn\u2019t find the little boy in the dining room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand over his face for a moment in despair. \u201cWell then I think it\u2019s about time to call in the police,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk jerked. \u201cSurely that\u2019s not necessary,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all, the child can\u2019t have gone far.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then you tell me where he is!\u201d shouted Ben, beginning to lost his temper. \u201cMy son and I have looked in every room in this hotel and he\u2019s nowhere to be found!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir please calm down,\u201d said the desk clerk. \u201cI\u2019m just trying to reason with you. I\u2019d prefer not to bring the police into this sir. After all, we have the reputation of the hotel to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t give a damn about the reputation of your hotel!\u201d shouted Ben, banging his fist on the counter. \u201cAll I care about at this point is the safety of my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk took out his handkerchief and wiped an imaginary speck of dust from the counter where Ben had touched it. \u201cPlease remain calm sir,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sure that \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He stopped as Adam and Hoss came barrelling down the stairs two at a time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned sharply. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked quickly. \u201cDid you find him? Was he back in the room?\u201d He looked at both the boys eagerly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut we thought about the kitchen!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe kitchen?\u201d asked Ben, dazed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe turned to the desk clerk. \u201cDid the bellboys check the kitchen when they checked the dining room?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe so,\u201d said the clerk. He rang a bell and the two bellboys appeared. \u201cDid you check the kitchen for the child?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d said one of them. \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell us to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould my son have got to the kitchen without you seeing him?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell yes,\u201d said the clerk thoughtfully. \u201cHe could have gone down the back stairs I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over the counter and grabbed the man by the collar. \u201cYou mean to tell me that there are back stairs? Why didn\u2019t you tell me that before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk drew back from Ben to release himself and straightened his clothing before replying. \u201cYou didn\u2019t ask,\u201d he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a withering look. \u201cWhere are these stairs?\u201d he snapped. \u201cWhere do they lead to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey lead to the kitchen,\u201d said the clerk. \u201cI\u2019ll show you.\u201d He snapped his fingers as he came around the other side of the counter. \u201cYou two come as well,\u201d he said to the two bellboys before leading them all around to the back of the dining room to a door. \u201cHere they are,\u201d he said. \u201cThey lead straight down to the kitchen from here and also back up to both floors. I\u2019ll go down and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t wait for the man to finish, but simply pushed him out of the way and began to climb down the stairs, followed by Adam and then Hoss. The clerk flicked a few imaginary specks of dust off his coat and then snapped his fingers again. \u201cFollow me,\u201d he said to the two bellboys and went down the stairs after Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben entered the kitchen one flight of stairs below, the first thing that he noticed was his youngest son sitting on a high counter happily licking a wooden spoon. His white nightshirt was no longer white, but was stained with a variety of foodstuffs that had obviously dribbled down the front of it and his face was liberally smeared with the gooey brown substance that he was licking from the spoon. His small bare legs were swinging as he happily smiled at his father. \u201cHi Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cHi Adam. Hi Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked a couple of times before taking a couple of deep breaths. \u201cThank God,\u201d he said under his breath. \u201cJoseph \u2026 what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaving supper,\u201d said the little boy, taking another lick of his spoon. \u201cLu Chow gived me some.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLu Chow,\u201d said the small boy, pointing to the very large Chinese cook who was beaming at them all as he stirred something in a pot on the stove. \u201cHe\u2019s my new friend,\u201d Little Joe informed his father happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow,\u201d said Hoss looking around the kitchen in wonder. \u201cSomething sure smells good.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up a piece of meat from a plate on the counter and sampled it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d said his father, slapping his hand away. \u201cLeave that alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cook said something in Chinese and smiled at Hoss who returned the look. \u201cHe says you can have it Hoss,\u201d said Little Joe, swinging his legs even more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee thanks!\u201d said Hoss, stuffing the meat into his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know what he said?\u201d Adam asked his little brother curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed his mouthful before replying. \u201cCause he talks them words like what Hop Sing does,\u201d he said as if that explained everything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked a couple more times. \u201cWhy did you come down here Joseph?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe frowned at his father. \u201cCause I waked up and you were gone,\u201d he said accusingly. \u201cYou and Adam and Hoss got losted, so I had ta come and find ya.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed his finger at his father accusingly. \u201cYou left me in that room!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted. \u201cI\u2019m sorry son,\u201d he said contritely. \u201cI didn\u2019t think that you\u2019d wake up and get scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I didn\u2019t get scared,\u201d replied Little Joe airily, licking his spoon again. \u201cI just wanted to know where ya was, that\u2019s all. Lu Chow gived me some supper while I was finding ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Ben, not knowing what else to say. He walked over and took the spoon from his youngest son, placing it on the counter before picking up the small boy and putting him on his hip.\u00a0 \u201cThank you,\u201d he said to the cook who answered him in Chinese.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe says I can come back anytime,\u201d Little Joe informed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell him that I\u2019m your brother and ask if I can come back too,\u201d suggested Hoss, his eyes lighting up at the thought of sampling all the food in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat will do,\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cYou\u2019re all coming upstairs right this minute. It\u2019s time we all got some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t sleepy no more,\u201d Little Joe informed his father. \u201cI done had a sleep before so I\u2019m ready to be awake now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh goody,\u201d said Adam sarcastically, thinking of his bed longingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe turned and grinned at his older brother happily. \u201cYeah,\u201d he agreed. \u201cHey Pa, can we go and see Sam Ferisco now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said his father firmly. \u201cFor one thing it\u2019s dark outside and for another \u2026\u201d he searched his tired brain for another reason. \u201cFor another thing I said no,\u201d he said finally. \u201cSan Francisco will be there for us to see tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wanna see Sam Ferisco now,\u201d insisted Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet Joseph,\u201d said his father. He turned to the clerk. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I was so short with you earlier,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I was just so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk inclined his head and gave a small nod. \u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d he said stiffly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on boys,\u201d said Ben ushering Hoss and Adam in front of him. \u201cBack to our room now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBye Mr Lu Chow!\u201d shouted Little Joe over his father\u2019s shoulder. He wiped his dirty, sticky face on Ben\u2019s shoulder, leaving marks all over his father\u2019s coat. \u201cHey Pa?\u201d they all heard him say as Ben carried him up the stairs. \u201cI gotta go pee now. Uh uh! It\u2019s too late. I done went! Sorry Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bellboys looked at the clerk and the clerk looked at the bellboys as Lu Chow continued to stir whatever was in his pot. \u201cHow long are they staying for?\u201d asked one of the bellboys finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA whole week,\u201d moaned the desk clerk. A whole, long, long week.\u201d He groaned as he left the room, followed by the two young men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Joe is missing when the family are in a San Francisco hotel<\/p>\n

Rated: K (7,465 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2419,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12260,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12260","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":0},"title":"Our Secret Love’s No Secret Anymore (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Only one man that Ben knows of can be held responsible for Ben's youngest son's injuries, Austin Baker.\u00a0 But why, after nearly twenty years, would an old friend want to seek revenge on Ben Cartwright?\u00a0 A secret love from Ben's past may hold the key that unlocks the\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\/Bad_Day2.jpg?fit=555%2C468&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bad_Day2.jpg?fit=555%2C468&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bad_Day2.jpg?fit=555%2C468&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63518,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63518","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":1},"title":"To Sleep, Perchance to Dream (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"March 16, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe finds it hard to sleep. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a05,830 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12187,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12187","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":2},"title":"Why Jesus is Better Than Santa (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 20, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0As explained to Little Joe by his father and brothers. Rated G \u00a0WC 1,780 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12130,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12130","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":3},"title":"Careful What You Wish For (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"July 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Hoss, tired of his younger brother always being under foot, wishes that Little Joe would just go away and leave him alone. Rated:\u00a0 G (8,850 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12087,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12087","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":4},"title":"A Handful of Faith (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"March 1, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 In the midst of a drought, Ben witnesses a miracle, from a most unsuspecting source Rated:\u00a0 G (2,360 word)","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\/nature.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/nature.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/nature.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12166,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12166","url_meta":{"origin":2070,"position":5},"title":"How Do I Love Thee? (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe, battling his conscience, refuses to tell his father why he was beaten up, until a neighbor's barn is burnt and the Cartwright's barn almost meets the same fate, with more than just their horses trapped inside. 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