{"id":2074,"date":"2009-09-07T16:26:37","date_gmt":"2009-09-07T20:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2074"},"modified":"2026-03-07T18:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T23:53:10","slug":"keeping-things-going","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2074","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Things Going (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The Cartwrights try to keep things going around the house when Hop Sing leaves for a while<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (10,000 words)<\/p>\n

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Keeping Things Going<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Of course you must go if your cousin needs you Hop Sing.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry about us, we\u2019ll be fine.\u2019\u00a0 Ben Cartwright looked at his cook anxiously. \u2018What exactly is wrong with him?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing shrugged. \u2018Not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018Message not say.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well Joseph can take you into town to get this afternoon\u2019s stage,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Why me?\u2019 squeaked Little Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Because I told you too!\u2019 replied his father with a look that caused the youngster to slide down in his seat. \u2018You take as much time in San Francisco as you need to Hop Sing. We\u2019ll keep things going here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing continued to look worried. \u2018You sure Mr Cartlight?\u2019 he said. \u2018Much to do in house.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Of course I\u2019m sure,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018We\u2019ve managed before, haven\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes\u2026.\u2019 said the man doubtfully. \u2018But I always leave one cousin to help before.\u00a0 No one can come this time.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018The boys will all pitch in and help,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Won\u2019t you boys?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Adam, nudging Hoss who wasn\u2019t looking so sure.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Who\u2019ll do the cooking?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben gave him a meaningful stare before turning back to Hop Sing again. \u2018We\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now that the roundup\u2019s over there are only a couple of hands around and they\u2019re mostly in town anyway.\u00a0 There\u2019s really only the four of us here to worry about and it couldn\u2019t possibly be that hard to keep things going for a few weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing shrugged, but didn\u2019t look convinced. \u2018If you say so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I go pack now.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Who\u2019ll do the cooking?\u2019 asked Hoss again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019ll all need to try our hand at it I suppose,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018We\u2019ll need to take on a few extra things each until Hop Sing is away\u2026 and that includes you Joseph!\u2019 he said as he noticed the face his youngest son was pulling.<\/p>\n

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Joe immediately tried to look contrite. \u2018Anything you say Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only I think that Hoss should do the cooking cause he eats the most.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I agree,\u2019 said Adam quickly. \u2018It\u2019s only fair after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Fine,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s settled then.\u00a0 Hoss does the cooking. And you Adam can take charge of keeping the house clean.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to keep a straight face as his eldest son gave him a dark look. \u2018Any problems with that?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No,\u2019 said Adam shortly.<\/p>\n

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Little Joe grinned at both his brothers cheekily. \u2018I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll do a great job Pa,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be seeing you.\u00a0 I\u2019d better get the team hitched up if I\u2019m gonna get Hop Sing into town in time for that stage.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hold on there a minute young man,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You haven\u2019t heard what you\u2019re going to be doing yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked puzzled as the grin disappeared from his face. \u2018Me?\u2019 he said. \u2018But if Hoss is doing the cooking and Adam is doing the cleaning then that\u2019s all there is, isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No, not at all,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You\u2019ll be doing the laundry.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh.\u00a0 Well that doesn\u2019t sound too bad,\u2019 said Joe, relieved. \u2018Sure Pa!\u2019\u00a0 He walked towards the front door. \u2018Be seeing ya later\u2026. and Hoss, I hope you\u2019ve got something good planned for supper.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Hoss another cheeky look as his brother glared at him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And what will you be doing Pa?\u2019 asked Adam, staring at his father intently.<\/p>\n

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Ben looked smug. \u2018I\u2019ll be supervising the three of you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Someone will need to.\u00a0 That\u2019s the most important job of all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Of course,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018I understand that.\u2019\u00a0 He continued to stare at his father who looked away quickly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I\u2019d better get outside now,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019s still a lot to be done before supper. Don\u2019t forget that I expect you all to keep up with your usual chores while we\u2019re keeping things going in here as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Wouldn\u2019t have it any other way, would we Hoss?\u2019 asked Adam with a sigh.<\/p>\n

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Hoss looked worried. \u2018But Adam\u2026.\u2019 he began. \u2018I don\u2019t know how ta cook!\u00a0 I only know how ta eat!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I guess you\u2019re about to learn,\u2019 said Adam as he put an arm around his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I have a feeling we\u2019re all about to learn a few things.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018How many cousins ya got anyways Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Little Joe as they travelled towards town together in the buckboard.<\/p>\n

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The cook shrugged. \u2018Not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018Many lots.\u00a0 Hop Sing not ever count.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well which cousin is the one that\u2019s sick?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Number eighteen cousin,\u2019 Hop Sing replied.<\/p>\n

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\u2018So you know you got at least eighteen of em then huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing shrugged again. \u2018Suppose so,\u2019 he acknowledged.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t they have names?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes.\u00a0 Easier to call by number though.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Little Joe shrugged, not sure how the man\u2019s many cousins could all have a number, even though he had no idea how many of them there were. \u2018Well you have a good trip anyways,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll be fine here.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing looked at him sideways. \u2018Hop Sing not sure about that,\u2019 he said. \u2018Much work to do in house.\u00a0 Cartlights not used to work in house.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019ll be fine!\u2019 Joe assured him. \u2018As long as Hoss gets the hang of the cooking.\u00a0 After all\u2026 what could go wrong with Adam and me doing a little bit of cleaning and laundry?\u00a0 It\u2019ll be easy!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hop Sing tried to keep a straight face at the youngster\u2019s words. \u2018Sure thing Little Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hope it easy for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss scratched his head as he looked around the kitchen at the array of pot and pans. He had no idea where to start in preparing a meal and didn\u2019t really want to have to try.\u00a0 It was strange how he had always been one to hang around the kitchen, yet he had never really taken any notice of what Hop Sing did there.\u00a0 He had only ever been interested in the finished product.<\/p>\n

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He sighed and opened one of the cupboards, searching for something he could use.\u00a0 His eyes lit up as he saw a blue book that he had seen the cook use many times. \u2018This\u2019ll give me some clues,\u2019 he said out loud as he sat down to examine the pages.<\/p>\n

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About two hours later, Hoss watched anxiously as his father put a forkful of the stew into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. \u2018Well?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben tried not to show his true feelings. \u2018Not bad,\u2019 he said. \u2018For a first attempt.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll get better at it as you go though son.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe followed his father\u2019s lead and chewed noisily on a forkful. \u2018Yuck!\u2019 he said, less tactfully. \u2018What did you put in it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Just some herbs and stuff that Hop Sing had on the shelf,\u2019 said Hoss defensively. \u2018What\u2019s wrong with it?\u2019 He stuffed a mouthful in and tried not to pull a face as he tasted it. \u2018I guess it\u2019s not too good,\u2019 he said mournfully.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019ll get better at it,\u2019 said Adam, pushing his own plate away. \u2018In the meantime we can always fill up on bread.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe, helping himself to a slice. \u2018You might even lose some weight Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss glared at the stew on his plate. \u2018I can\u2019t understand it,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I used all the ingredients just like it said in Hop Sing\u2019s recipe book.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What recipe book?\u2019 asked his father,<\/p>\n

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\u2018The blue one in the drawer,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018It said how to add herbs and stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe choked on his bread. \u2018That\u2019s the book he\u2019s always looking at to work out what to give us when we\u2019re sick!\u2019 he said. \u2018Them\u2019s medicine recipes not food recipes!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No wonder it tastes so terrible,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018What are you trying to do\u2026 kill us?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Twern\u2019t my fault!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018I didn\u2019t ask ta do the cooking! Pa\u2026 can\u2019t I swap with one of them?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Not on your life!\u2019 said Joe quickly. \u2018I\u2019m quite happy with doing the laundry thank you very much!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head. \u2018No way.\u00a0 A bit of cleaning is OK by me.\u00a0 Besides\u2026 if you don\u2019t improve I\u2019ll just eat in town for the next few weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018That\u2019s enough,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sure you did your best Hoss.\u2019 He stood up from the table. \u2018How about a game of checkers son?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018It\u2019ll keep us busy while Adam is cleaning up.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What?\u2019 said Adam, his head jerking up at the sound of his name. \u2018I\u2019m not cleaning up!\u00a0 You cooked this mess, so it\u2019s all yours brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa said that you\u2019re in charge of cleaning.\u00a0 I doing the cooking and you do the cleaning!\u2019 Hoss declared.<\/p>\n

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\u2018He meant the beds and furniture and things,\u2019 said Adam, glaring at his brother. \u2018Not your kitchen mess!\u2019<\/p>\n

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They both looked at their father.\u00a0 Ben hesitated. \u2018Well\u2026.\u2019 He said. \u2018I suppose that\u2019s a tricky one\u2026.\u2019 He scratched his head and noticed Little Joe sitting grinning at him while he enjoyed the sight of his two brothers fighting. \u2018I think you should all take it in turns with the dishes. Adam you do them tonight, Hoss tomorrow and Joe the day after.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018And the day after that?\u2019 Adam asked meaningfully as he looked at his father.<\/p>\n

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\u2018All right! I\u2019ll do them the day after that!\u2019 said Ben crossly. \u2018Now get to it please!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam stood up and started to clear the dishes, muttering to himself. \u2018You missed one,\u2019 said Joe as he leant back in his chair and indicated a lone plate on the tablecloth.<\/p>\n

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For a moment, Adam looked as if he was about to throw the plate at his younger brother\u2019s head, but instead he gave him a dark look and walked off into the kitchen muttering to himself.\u00a0 \u2018Musta caught the habit from Hop Sing,\u2019 said Hoss as he stood up to join his father at the checkerboard.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well at least we can eat fruit and toast for breakfast,\u2019 said Adam as he settled himself at the table. \u2018I suppose you can make coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Course I can!\u2019 said Hoss grumpily. \u2018And for your information I\u2019ve made eggs.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at the platter of eggs as Hoss dumped it on the table. \u2018They don\u2019t look too bad,\u2019 he said as he scooped some onto his plate. He chewed them thoughtfully. \u2018Bit crunchy though.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I couldn\u2019t get all the shells out,\u2019 said Hoss as he sat down. \u2018Is anyone going into town today?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Why?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I need some things to cook with.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll get them for you son,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Just write me out a list.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll go,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019ve got work to do,\u2019 said his father as he helped himself to some eggs. \u2018Plus doing the laundry don\u2019t forget.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018But Hop Sing don\u2019t do it every day,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I thought I\u2019d do it bout twice a week.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Did you?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Have you looked in the washhouse lately?\u00a0 There\u2019s big pile in there already.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked puzzled. \u2018Is there? Oh.\u00a0 Well I\u2019ll get it done first thing before I go to work on them horses.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t take too long.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben raised an eyebrow at his son\u2019s words. \u2018It takes Hop Sing most of the day,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Well I\u2019ll be quicker,\u2019 said Joe confidently. \u2018Are you gonna spend sometime doing the cleaning in here this morning Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Mmm,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018I\u2019ll do a quick cleanup before I get out to the North Pasture. Don\u2019t forget it\u2019s your turn to clean the kitchen today Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss frowned. \u2018But I\u2019ve got to get to the branding,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can\u2019t you do it?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Nope,\u2019 said Adam as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ve got upstairs to do. And the sooner I get started the better.\u2019\u00a0 He went into the kitchen and came back out carrying a broom and some cloths.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well Hoss, get that list done and I\u2019ll get into town,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It seems like we\u2019ve got everything under control here boys.\u00a0 This shouldn\u2019t be too hard after all. Joseph, get to that laundry straight after breakfast please.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe as he stuffed the last of his eggs in his mouth. \u2018Ya know what Hoss? These crunchy eggs ain\u2019t bad.\u00a0 They kinda grow on you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss smiled proudly as he began to clear the table.<\/p>\n

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As Ben drove the buckboard into the front yard he could immediately sense that something was wrong.\u00a0 Both the kitchen and washhouse doors were open and he could hear shouting coming from inside. As he got down and walked towards the door, he heard Little Joe shout. \u2018I don\u2019t care! I ain\u2019t got time to do em all now!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben as he walked into the washhouse and saw his eldest and youngest sons standing facing each other, both with their hands on their hips. \u2018What is going on here?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam\u2019s brought down all these sheets down from the beds and expects me to wash em all and get em dry today!\u2019 declared Little Joe as he turned to face his father. \u2018I got enough to do with all of them without sheets as well!\u2019 He indicated the large pile of clothing on the floor.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ben frowned. \u2018Haven\u2019t you done any of that laundry yet?\u2019 he asked. \u2018It\u2019s almost lunchtime!\u00a0 I would have thought you\u2019d be finished by now.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Finished?\u2019 squeaked Joe as he waved his hands around. \u2018How could I be finished?\u00a0 Do you know how long it takes to soak them things and then scrub em and then get em rinsed?\u00a0 Not to mention hanging em out and then bringing em back in again.\u00a0 We gotta get more clothesline space Pa!\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how Hop Sing manages with just the bit we\u2019ve got.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018So it isn\u2019t as easy as you first thought little brother?\u2019 asked Adam sarcastically.<\/p>\n

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Joe glared at him. \u2018Well it wouldn\u2019t be so bad if you didn\u2019t keep dumping all them sheets down here!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa told me to make sure the house was clean and that\u2019s what I\u2019m doing, said Adam. \u2018The beds need changing.\u00a0 You\u2019re just lucky I didn\u2019t bring all the towels down as well. I\u2019m saving them for tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Well thank you very much!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018So I\u2019ll be stuck here tomorrow as well, will I?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I think you can plan on doing a bit each day Joseph,\u2019 said Ben, trying not to laugh. \u2018That way it won\u2019t get on top of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked at the huge pile of wet clothing on the floor. \u2018Well I think it\u2019s a bit too late for that!\u2019 he said. \u2018From now on I\u2019m only washing a few things each day.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019ll wash just as much as you need to!\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018And I\u2019ll hear no more about it young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yeah!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Think yourself lucky you\u2019ve got the easy job and stop whinging about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Easy job?\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018You\u2019ve got the easy job!\u00a0 All you have to do is sweep up a bit and make some beds!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ve got no idea have you?\u2019 shouted Adam. \u2018Next time you have to empty a full chamber pot and pick up after everyone up there just let me know how easy it is!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That is enough!\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018If this is how it\u2019s going to be for the next few weeks I think I\u2019ll move into town and just leave you to it! Now can we please just all calm down?\u00a0 I\u2019ll go and unload the supplies while you two finish up here and then we\u2019ll have lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snorted. \u2018Judging from the sounds that have been coming from the kitchen I think I\u2019ll give it a miss!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Listen,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all stood still and listened to the thumping sounds that were coming from the next room. \u2018What is it?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think it\u2019s Hoss\u2019 impression of making bread,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019s been kneading dough like that all morning. If strength has anything to do with it\u2026 it should be the lightest bread ever.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Ten minutes,\u2019 he said as he pointed his finger at his sons. \u2018I\u2019ll expect you two in there at the table when I come back in.\u00a0 Tell your brother I want lunch in ten minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged at Adam as their father left the room. \u2018Well we might get lunch in ten minutes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Who knows what kind of state it\u2019ll be in though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it seems that strength ain\u2019t got anything to do with light bread,\u2019 said Little Joe glumly as he banged his bread roll on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 said Hoss glumly. \u2018I done my best!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know you did son,\u2019 said Ben as he tried unsuccessfully to break his roll apart. \u2018Nobody is blaming you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It doesn\u2019t taste too bad if you smear the butter on the top of it,\u2019 said Adam as he indicated his own bread roll. \u2018As long as you bite into it at the right spot you can chew it\u2026 sort of.\u2019\u00a0 He made as face as he tried to swallow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The salad and the meat is OK,\u2019 said Joe encouragingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019re leftovers from Hop Sing,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018That\u2019s the last of em too.\u00a0 \u2018From now on it\u2019s all up to me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh\u2026.\u2019 Ben didn\u2019t know what else to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought I\u2019d cook some fish tonight,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll go fishing after lunch and get some.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How come you get to go fishing?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Neither of you will do it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019s work to be done outside that none of you have even started yet.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018Pa you really can\u2019t expect us to do all this as well as our outside work,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s too much.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I do expect it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019s not a lot on in the ranch at the moment for the three of you and I don\u2019t think it\u2019s too much to ask for all of you to do a bit extra in here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa!\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018You got no idea what it\u2019s like to have to do all these things!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018Have all of you forgotten that I raised the three of you for many years while doing all \u2018these things\u2019 as well?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t always have the support of Hop Sing you know and I certainly had to learn to cope with cleaning, cooking and washing along the way\u2026. While I was looking after the three of you and earning a living I might add.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence. \u2018We\u2019re sorry Pa,\u2019 said Adam quietly. \u2018I guess we didn\u2019t think.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u2018All I\u2019m asking is for the three of you to try your best,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think Hop Sing deserves to be able to go away for a few weeks when he needs to and we don\u2019t want him thinking he can\u2019t do that just because we can\u2019t cope without him.\u00a0 Now I\u2019ve got the railroad contracts and the timber deals to tie up during these next few weeks and I\u2019ll be fairly busy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll help you when I can boys, but in general it\u2019s over to the three of you to keep things going around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll try Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You can depend on us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018And to be honest I think it\u2019ll do the three of you good.\u00a0 Make you appreciate things around here a bit more.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019d certainly appreciate things around here a lot more if Hop Sing were back!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I could learn to appreciate things from a distance if you know what I mean.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Unfortunately I do know what you mean Joseph,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now if I were you I\u2019d get back to that laundry.\u00a0 You need to get things under control before you even make it down to the corral this afternoon.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you all at supper boys.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and left the table, watched by three pairs of mournful eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pick up your feet please Pa,\u2019 said Adam as he attempted to sweep around his father\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why are you doing that now?\u2019 asked his father in a surprised tone. \u2018Can\u2019t it wait until I\u2019m at least dressed?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If I wait until then I\u2019ll never get the beds done before breakfast,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018And today is my day for polishing the furniture so I want to make a start on that.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the floorboards. \u2018These could do with a wash as well, but I think I\u2019ll do them tomorrow. Downstairs will have to wait until the weekend.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried not to smile at his son\u2019s words, but simply moved away so that Adam could get to his bed. He began to lather his face and then stopped. \u2018I don\u2019t have any water,\u2019 he said. \u2018How can I shave with no water?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018I haven\u2019t got to that yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll do it now.\u2019 He picked up the jug and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his drawer and began to search through his things. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head appeared around the doorframe. \u2018Yes Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why do I have no underwear in this drawer?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe frowned. \u2018Don\u2019t you?\u00a0 Gee I thought you did.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go and check downstairs.\u2019\u00a0 His head disappeared again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he went to his cupboard and pulled out the same pants that he had worn the day before. It hadn\u2019t seemed worth it lately to expect to have clean ones everyday, so he\u2019d given up putting them out to be washed. He had pulled them on and was searching for a clean shirt when Adam came back with a full jug of water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, but you\u2019ll have to settle for cold again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss is mighty tetchy down there in the kitchen and I couldn\u2019t get near the stove for some warm water.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s all right son,\u2019 said Ben wearily. \u2018I\u2019m getting used to it.\u2019 He poured the water into the basin and began to shave as Adam went back to sweeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here you go Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe as he came into the room with his father\u2019s underwear. \u2018I couldn\u2019t get some of the stains out though\u2026 sorry.\u2019 He held up the undershirt for his father\u2019s inspection and Ben noticed the marks on the front of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t put those there,\u2019 he said. \u2018What is that from?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it kinda got stained from Adam\u2019s black shirt,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It came out a bit different to how it started.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry though\u2026 no one\u2019ll see it under your shirt.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s if I can find a shirt,\u2019 said his father. \u2018There doesn\u2019t seem to be a clean one here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018I\u2019m sure I put one in there yesterday,\u2019 he said as he rummaged through the drawer himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you did,\u2019 said his father. \u2018And I wore it yesterday remember? It\u2019s a funny thing about laundry Joseph, you keep having to do it son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Tell me about it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ll have to wear the same one again I suppose,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ll be just like the rest of us then,\u2019 said Adam from across the room. \u2018I haven\u2019t had a clean shirt in \u2026 well, I don\u2019t know how long.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well how would you know anyway?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018One thing about them black shirts you insist on wearing, you can\u2019t tell if they\u2019re dirty or not.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just because they\u2019re black doesn\u2019t mean they don\u2019t have to be washed though!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I have a feeling you\u2019re just putting them back into my drawer still dirty and pretending you\u2019ve washed them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried unsuccessfully to look shocked. \u2018As if I would!\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s a terrible thing to say!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 said his father, looking at him closely. \u2018Are you washing your brother\u2019s shirts or not?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe avoided his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018Of course I am!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m going to start smelling them every morning,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018And you\u2019d better be telling the truth little brother or you\u2019ll be emptying your own chamber pot from now on.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now that\u2019s one job I don\u2019t envy you,\u2019 said Little Joe, wrinkling up his nose. \u2018I ain\u2019t gonna do that!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Boys do you think you could have this conversation outside?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I would like to finish getting dressed.\u2019 He watched as his two sons left the room, Adam trailing the broom behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And by the way,\u2019 he heard Adam say as they walked up the hall together. \u2018The rubbish under your bed is disgusting!\u00a0 Either you clean it out or I\u2019m getting rid of the lot!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you touch anything under there!\u2019 came Joe\u2019s voice. \u2018That\u2019s all my important stuff under there!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well clean it up then! I can\u2019t get a broom under it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shut the door to block his son\u2019s voices.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at bit worse for wear as he came into the dining room carrying a large platter. His hair was splattered with flour and the apron he wore had stains on it that no one dared even to guess at.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Eggs again!\u2019 said Joe, wrinkling up his nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you liked my crunchy eggs!\u2019 said Hoss crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah\u2026 but not every morning,\u2019 replied his younger brother. \u2018Can\u2019t we have something different?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I did bacon to go with em this morning,\u2019 said Hoss, indicating some long black strips next to the eggs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is that what that is?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And there\u2019s grits,\u2019 said Hoss, lifting the lid from a bowl in the centre of the table. \u2018You can put some molasses on em.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Lots of molasses I think,\u2019 said Adam as he put his finger into the bowl and licked it. \u2018We\u2019ll need to disguise the taste with something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you see if you can do any better!\u2019 said Hoss crossly. \u2018I\u2019m sick of you two complaining about my cooking!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And I\u2019m sick of you two complaining about my laundry!\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re sick of the complaints?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018How do you think I feel every day?\u00a0 Adam\u2026 where\u2019s this?\u00a0 Adam\u2026. where\u2019s that?\u00a0 You two have to learn to pick up after yourselves! I shouldn\u2019t have to be responsible for everything around here!\u00a0 And while we\u2019re at it\u2026. the state of your rooms is disgusting!\u2019 He pointed a finger at Hoss. \u2018What have you been doing up there? There\u2019s bits of who-knows-what all over your floor and your cupboards are disgraceful!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What are you looking in my cupboards for!\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s none of your business what I\u2019m keeping in em!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It is so my business,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018At least I\u2019m attempting to do my job properly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m pleased to hear it son,\u2019 said Ben as he joined them. \u2018Actually I was going to commend you on upstairs. \u2018It\u2019s not looking too bad at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smirked at the other two. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh, by the way\u2026 I\u2019m going to do the floors down here today, so can you work upstairs?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is that necessary?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes it is,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I want to do the fireplace as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh great!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018More dirty things for me to wash!\u2019 He sighed. \u2018And I have to do the tablecloths today as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll cope son,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his hands. \u2018Yeah\u2026 but will my hands?\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018That lye soap is terrible hard on the skin you know Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stifled a laugh by holding his coffee cup to his mouth.\u00a0 \u2018Persevere Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Persevere son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

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Ben stood up to stretch his aching back.\u00a0 His bedroom table was not the most conducive spot to working on the accounts, but it was far preferable to downstairs where Adam was noisily polishing everything within sight. He walked over to the window and looked down into the front yard.\u00a0 Every lower branch of each tree as well as several of the corral fences were covered with wet washing and Joseph was in the process of hanging more over the water trough.\u00a0 Ben shook his head.\u00a0 He really didn\u2019t know where it all was coming from.\u00a0 All their clothing seemed to disappear into the washhouse lately and Joseph spent an awful lot of time swishing water around, but none of it seemed to make it back to their rooms again.\u00a0 It seemed like every day they were all searching for things to wear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Hoss appeared in the yard and emptied a large tray of vegetable peelings onto the compost heap. \u2018Watch it!\u2019 shouted Little Joe. \u2018You\u2019re splattering that muck on my clean washing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you shouldn\u2019t have em hung there!\u2019 said Hoss, just as angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t got no where else ta put em!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They don\u2019t look too clean ta me!\u2019 said Hoss, inspecting a shirt. \u2018This one\u2019s still got bits of food on it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leave it alone!\u2019 said Joe, snatching it from his brother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys!\u2019 shouted Ben from upstairs. \u2018Can you keep it down a bit please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both looked up. \u2018Sorry Pa!\u2019 shouted Hoss as his father\u2019s head disappeared again. He turned towards Little Joe again. \u2018I\u2019m sick of wearing the same shirts all the time.\u00a0 They\u2019re going a funny colour too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s not my fault!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018It\u2019s this lye soap.\u00a0 All it seems to do is ruin my hands.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think it\u2019s any good for clothes at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well Hop Sing seems ta be able ta make it work,\u2019 said Hoss sarcastically. \u2018You must be doing something wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t you just pay attention to your cooking and leave my washing alone?\u2019 said Little Joe defensively. \u2018I\u2019m sick of everyone criticising my washing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well maybe if you did it properly we wouldn\u2019t have to,\u2019 said Adam, coming up behind them. If you\u2019re going to do a job Joe, then you should do it properly.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am doing it properly,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018As properly as I can do it at least!\u00a0 Anyway, what about you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What about me?\u2019 countered Adam. \u2018Everything in the house is as tidy as can be.\u00a0 You heard Pa say so the other day didn\u2019t you? And that reminds me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve polished the floors downstairs so be careful when you go inside.\u00a0 They\u2019re a bit slippery.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment there was a crash from inside the house and the three brothers looked at each other in dismay. \u2018What in tarnation was that?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But whatever it was we\u2019d better check it out.\u2019\u00a0 He took his gun out of his holster and motioned to his two brothers to cover him as they edged towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam\u2026 Pa\u2019s upstairs!\u2019 whispered Little Joe anxiously. \u2018We gotta protect him!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened the front door slowly and then swallowed as he looked inside. \u2018I have a feeling I\u2019m the one who might need to be protected,\u2019 he said quietly as he surveyed the scene in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was sitting on the floor rubbing his back, with a furious expression on his face.\u00a0 He looked up and saw his three sons peering at him anxiously through the doorway. \u2018What in tarnation is going on here?\u2019 he thundered. \u2018I came downstairs and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back! The rug just slipped out from under me.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to get up and slid back down again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Adam as he edged towards his father gingerly. \u2018I polished the floors and forgot to tell you.\u00a0 They\u2019re a bit slippery.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A bit slippery!\u2019 thundered Ben as his eldest son helped him to his feet. \u2018That\u2019s an understatement!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think I might have used a bit too much polish,\u2019 said Adam sheepishly. He gave Hoss and Joe a dark look as he noticed them giggling in the corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his sore back. \u2018Well, next time be careful please son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I appreciate what you\u2019re trying to do, but make sure that you don\u2019t kill any of us in the process.\u2019 He glared at his two youngest sons. \u2018Don\u2019t you two have anything to do except stand there and laugh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m just going.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to leave the room and lost his balance on the slippery floor.\u00a0 He clutched at Joe as he felt himself falling and the two of them slid to the floor, laughing as they went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Please do your rough-housing outside!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re trying to Pa,\u2019 giggling Little Joe.\u00a0 \u2018We might just have ta crawl out there to do it though.\u00a0 Older brother\u2019s cleaning is a bit too much for us.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure glad you did such a good job Adam,\u2019 he continued, ignoring his brother\u2019s dark look. \u2018You\u2019re right about doing something well if you\u2019re gonna do it.\u2019\u00a0 He dissolved into another fit of giggles, accompanied by Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought I might eat in town tonight,\u2019 said Adam at lunch time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s that supposed ta mean?\u2019 asked Hoss defensively. \u2018You criticising my cooking agen?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018Look Hoss\u2026 I know you\u2019re trying hard, but we\u2019ve had the same stew three nights in a row now.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t think I could take it again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked hurt. \u2018Well it\u2019s the only thing I\u2019ve worked out how ta cook,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll try something different tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rolled his eyes at Adam and Joe. \u2018Hoss I think Adam is right,\u2019 he said. \u2018We might give you a break tonight.\u00a0 How about I treat us all to dinner in town?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sounds good Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well all right,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018But I\u2019m still trying something new tomorrow. I\u2019ve been thinking about doing something with chicken,\u2019 he mused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, but what?\u2019 whispered Adam behind his hand and Little Joe giggled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at them both. \u2018Well then it\u2019s settled,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll make a night of it boys.\u00a0 Do us good to get dressed up and\u2026\u2019 his voice trailed off and he looked at Joe. \u2018I suppose we\u2019ll have something decent to wear, will we Joseph?\u2019 he asked sarcastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to look hurt. \u2018Course we will!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got all our shirts drying on the line outside. Don\u2019t worry Pa, \u2018We\u2019ll look fine!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ve got work to do,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up and stepped gingerly away from the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s not too bad if you don\u2019t step on a rug,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Just walk in between them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That reminds me,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Those rugs need a good clean.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll get onto that tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son there is such a thing as overdoing it,\u2019 said Ben as he continued to make his way carefully across the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now Adam looked hurt. \u2018Well Pa it\u2019s like you always say.\u00a0 If you\u2019re going to do a job, then you might as well\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know!\u2019 interrupted his father. \u2018You might as well do it properly.\u00a0 I did say that didn\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Many times,\u2019 said Adam smugly. \u2018I\u2019m only following your advice.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is that the best you can do?\u2019 asked Adam as Hoss came down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss looked down at his crumpled shirt. \u2018Yes it is,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018You don\u2019t look too great yourself big brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018Well let\u2019s just hope that no one notices,\u2019 he said. He lifted an eyebrow as Joe came bouncing down the stairs looking fresh and clean. \u2018Hey!\u00a0 How come your shirt looks better than the rest of ours?\u2019 he asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a cheeky grin. \u2018It\u2019s just the package older brother.\u00a0 The wrapping can only look as good as the package after all and with this body\u2026 well anything would look good!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss fingered his brother\u2019s shirt suspiciously. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said slowly. \u2018Seems to me that this looks a lot cleaner than ours.\u00a0 Have you been paying your own things more attention than ours little brother?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to look offended. \u2018As if I would!\u2019 he said. \u2018I treat em all the same in the washtub.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam closed in on the other side of him and took a close look at Joe\u2019s shirt. \u2018I\u2019m beginning to think our little brother\u2019s been holding out on us Hoss,\u2019 he said slowly. \u2018He does look a mite too fresh for my liking!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and tried to get away from his two older brothers, but Hoss held him firmly in place. \u2018Come on Joseph,\u2019 he said threateningly. \u2018Come clean \u2026 and I don\u2019t just mean the laundry! Just what have you been up to?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and tried to wriggle out of his brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about!\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018It ain\u2019t my fault if my shirt looks better than yours!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s all this about?\u2019 asked Ben as he reached the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We have a feeling our little brother here is holding out on us about something,\u2019 said Adam, still staring at Joe\u2019s shirt. \u2018His clothing is a mite too clean compared to ours.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think so Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his youngest son closely. \u2018Come to think of it, you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph!\u00a0 What\u2019s the meaning of this?\u00a0 How is it that your clothes look better than ours?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Well\u2026.\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess\u2026. I guess I just musta done a better job on some things more than others. I didn\u2019t mean to!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You certainly did,\u2019 said Ben, fingering his son\u2019s shirt. \u2018Why Joseph!\u00a0 This is as good as they do in the Chinese Laundry in town.\u00a0 If I didn\u2019t know any better I\u2019d swear it had come straight from there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam stared at their little brother. \u2018You little scumbag!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m gonna throttle you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 cried Joe. \u2018Don\u2019t!\u00a0 Pa, help me!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed him on the other side. \u2018You\u2019ve been taking your own things into town to get done!\u2019 he said. \u2018And letting us walk around in half dirty things all this time! How could you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I couldn\u2019t afford to get everyone\u2019s done!\u2019 cried Joe desperately. \u2018It was too expensive!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swatted his youngest son on the side of his head. \u2018You and I are going to have words about this tomorrow Joseph,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018This is the end of your little excursions into the Chinese Laundry young man.\u00a0 From now on you are going to suffer just like the rest of us! Now the three of you get out there to the buggy and stop this nonsense!\u2019\u00a0 As the Hoss and Adam manhandled Joe out of the room threateningly, Ben looked down at his own shirt which looked a bit worse for wear and sighed. \u2018Come back soon Hop Sing!\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Before I kill these three boys of mine!\u2019<\/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 looked crossly across the table at Joe as the youngster gave another huge yawn. \u2018Could you at least cover your mouth when you do that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Joe as he rubbed his eyes. \u2018I didn\u2019t get much sleep last night.\u00a0 It was so cold in my room that I just couldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted an eyebrow. \u2018May I remind you that no one got much sleep last night Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018We all had to sleep with our windows open\u2026 remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and gave another loud yawn. \u2018Who woulda thought that furniture polish could be so bad ta smell?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t start on about that again!\u2019 said Adam crossly as he sat down. \u2018How many times do you want me to say that I\u2019m sorry?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son we know that you didn\u2019t mean it,\u2019 said Ben as he began to yawn himself. \u2018But you really must learn to read the labels on those bottles before you use any more of Hop Sing\u2019s cleaning products.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s just the problem Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018They don\u2019t have labels.\u00a0 Hop Sing must just make up the mixtures himself.\u00a0 Obviously that particular one was meant to be diluted.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Obviously,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shot him a dark look. \u2018Well if we keep all our windows open today it should be all right by tonight,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019d better hope so,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ve got a lot of work to do and I need my sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You certainly do Joseph,\u2019 said his father in a stern voice. \u2018Now that you aren\u2019t going to be visiting any more Chinese Laundries in town your work has probably increased quite considerably.\u2019 He shot Joe a meaningful look. \u2018Understand?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his head down. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018He had hoped that his father had forgotten about that, but obviously not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Speaking of which,\u2019 said Adam as he fingered his shirt. \u2018You\u2019re obviously being too rough with our things Joe.\u00a0 Half of my shirts are missing buttons.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mine too!\u2019 declared Hoss as he plonked the usual plate of crunchy eggs and black bacon on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s not my problem!\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It certainly is son,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Doing the laundry includes any repairs that might need sewing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father an appalled look. \u2018But I ain\u2019t got any idea how ta sew on a button!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019d better learn then, don\u2019t you think?\u2019 said his father. \u2018This will be a good experience for you Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pouted in his chair. \u2018I think Hop Sing has a sewing basket in the washhouse,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You can look for it this morning while you\u2019re doing the laundry.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up from his breakfast. \u2018I\u2019ve got a new recipe for supper tonight,\u2019 he said enthusiastically. \u2018<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh good!\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018What is it to be this time?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fried chicken!\u2019 replied Hoss with a grin. \u2018I reckon I can\u2019t go much wrong with that!\u00a0 And I\u2019m gonna do baked vegetables with it! Ya know\u2026 I\u2019m kinda beginning to enjoy this cooking stuff!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Excuse me Pa. I\u2019ve got ta get ta kneading my dough.\u00a0 Iffen I don\u2019t get it into the oven before noon it won\u2019t be ready for tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a weak smile as he left the room. \u2018Do you think we should tell him where we\u2019ve been putting the leftover bread?\u2019 asked Joe in a whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 said his father. \u2018I told you before that it would only hurt his feelings!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well at least we don\u2019t have to eat it this way!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I figure it\u2019s better buried in the garden than in our stomachs.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018You\u2019re forgetting one thing older brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018It can\u2019t make it as far as our stomachs.\u00a0 It\u2019s impossible to chew it into a state where it can get down our throats remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018True,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get going too. It\u2019s my day on kitchen cleanup today and I want to clean out all those cupboards.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he drank his coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his paper at his three sons who were all seated in the living room engaged it what could only be described as unusual past times.\u00a0 Adam had a happy expression on his face as he polished the silverware, Hoss was studying a recipe book with a confused expression on his face and Joe was almost going cross-eyed as he tried unsuccessfully to thread a needle.\u00a0 Ben nearly laughed out loud before he stopped himself by coughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you three seem to be finding things to keep you busy,\u2019 he said cheerily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his father \u2018You know what Pa?\u00a0 This is kind of relaxing in a way.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his reflection in the silver teapot that he was polishing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad that you think so,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Ow!\u2019\u00a0 He sucked his thumb as he pulled the needle out yet again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come here Joseph and I\u2019ll show you how to do that,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It goes like this\u2026 see?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you before. I didn\u2019t always have Hop Sing around to help,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Here \u2026 you try.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a cheeky grin. \u2018Why don\u2019t you sew the buttons on Pa?\u00a0 That way I could watch you and learn while you\u2019re doing it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben handed his youngest son the needle and thread. \u2018I think you\u2019ll learn a lot quicker by doing it yourself Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go on.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a sheepish look. \u2018Well it was worth a try,\u2019 he said, shrugging his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys I must say that I\u2019m proud of you all,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You\u2019ve really risen to the challenge of keeping things going around here while Hop Sing has been away. Even if it has been with varied success. All in all, I think things around here haven\u2019t been too bad at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was interrupted by Joe. \u2018Ow!\u2019 he said. \u2018Darn needle!\u00a0 Why do they haveta make the holes in these buttons so small for anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes at his father. \u2018You were saying Pa?\u2019 he asked with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up from his recipe book. \u2018Ya know what?\u2019 he said to no one in particular. \u2018There\u2019s a big difference between frying and baking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his middle son a look of astonishment and decided to ignore the comment. \u2018At least we\u2019re learning to appreciate Hop Sing,\u2019 he continued. \u2018And that can only be a good thing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018When do you think he might be back Pa?\u2019 asked Adam as he continued to polish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I really don\u2019t know.\u00a0 He said a few weeks, so I guess we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss began to mutter under his breath. \u2018What?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His middle son looked up. \u2018Oh\u2026 sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just reading an interesting bit here bout bacon.\u00a0 I think I might try it a bit different tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018As long as you don\u2019t use the large frying pan,\u2019 said Adam firmly. \u2018I just scrubbed it today and I don\u2019t want you getting it all greasy again!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked flustered. \u2018Well I can\u2019t cook iffen I can\u2019t use the pans and such like,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s what they\u2019re there for!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I spent hours cleaning up that kitchen today and I don\u2019t want you getting it all dirty again!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Can\u2019t you cook without using the pans?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No I can!\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled. \u2018He can\u2019t cook with<\/em> using the pans!\u2019 he said. \u2018Ow!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glared at him. \u2018You shut up and get back ta your sewing!\u2019 he said, burying his nose in his recipe book again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he reached for his pipe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow!\u2019 said Joe again.<\/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 raised his head and listened to the shouting coming from outside in the front yard.\u00a0 He began to massage his temples as he felt another headache coming on. Those boys!\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t one thing it was another!\u00a0 He stood up wearily and headed for the front door, hearing Joe yelling as he opened it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You did it on purpose! I\u2019m gonna pound you Adam!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hands on his hips. \u2018You just try it little brother,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Come on\u2026 I\u2019m ready for you!\u00a0 You\u2019ve been looking for this for days now!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s enough!\u2019 thundered Ben. \u2018Is it absolutely necessary to carry on like this boys?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to his father angrily. \u2018Look what he\u2019s done Pa!\u2019 he pointed to his washing that was hung up over everything as usual.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the array of underwear, shirts and towels. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019s dirtied it all up!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018He\u2019s been hitting them rugs and spraying the dirt all over my clean washing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his hands defensively. \u2018I didn\u2019t know it was there,\u2019 he said. \u2018These rugs need cleaning and that was all there is to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t know it was there?\u2019 yelled Joe incredulously. \u2018How could you not know it was there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t feel it necessary to look all over the front yard for washing,\u2019 said Adam as he hit one of the rugs again that he\u2019d draped over the fence. \u2018If you had any sense you\u2019d have hung them on the line out back like Hop Sing does.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got the sheets hung out there!\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018I told you we needed more lines out there, but you didn\u2019t put them up did you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why should I put them up?\u00a0 You\u2019re the one that does the washing, not me!\u2019 said Adam calmly as he continued to beat the rug. \u2018If you want extra lines then you can put them up yourself.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got more important things to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018More important things?\u2019 yelled Joe. \u2018Like what?\u00a0 Polishing things that have already been polished?\u00a0 Changing sheets that aren\u2019t dirty?\u00a0 Emptying chamber pots?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam haughtily. \u2018All of those things and more.\u00a0 Cleaning is an ongoing responsibility you know. Not something that you do once and then forget about. If you\u2019re going to do something\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe threw his hands up. \u2018Don\u2019t start that again!\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 Tell him to stop beating that rug here will you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam, isn\u2019t there somewhere else you could do that son?\u2019 asked Ben wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled the rug off the fence. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said haughtily. \u2018I\u2019ll do it around the back.\u2019\u00a0 He marched off around the side of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and pulled several pieces of underwear off the tree branches and looked at them closely. \u2018I\u2019ll haveta re-do these ones now!\u2019 he said angrily<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a close look at them. \u2018Joseph can you tell me why these are all pink?\u2019 he said. \u2018Since when have we been buying pink underwear?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked sheepish. \u2018Oh\u2026 well that was kinda a mistake Pa,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018You see\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, I thought I\u2019d save time and soak them all together.\u00a0 They kinda ended up pink because they was in the water with Hoss\u2019 red flannel under-drawers.\u2019\u00a0 He stole a glance at his father\u2019s face and said hastily. \u2018But don\u2019t worry Pa,\u2019 he assured his father. \u2018It\u2019s only the underwear.\u00a0 No one sees it under your other things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded without commenting.\u00a0 Somehow it didn\u2019t seem worth it to say anything. \u2018Carry on then Joseph,\u2019 he said quietly as he turned towards the house again.<\/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 fingered the buttons down the front of his shirt cautiously.\u00a0 They felt so stiff that he wondered if he would be able to get them through the button-holes.\u00a0 He turned his shirt inside out and stared in amazement at the huge wad of thread that was holding the button in place at the back of it. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said in frustration and then pulled the shirt on wearily.\u00a0 After several attempts he managed to get the buttons done up, although they did look sort of strange sticking out from the material of the shirt.\u00a0 He covered them up with his vest. At least Joe couldn\u2019t do anything to ruin that! <\/em>he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He descended the stairs carefully, aware that Adam had been scrubbing them the day before.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t be sure if they had also succumbed to his eldest son\u2019s zeal for polishing and so decided not to take any chances.\u00a0 As he got to the bottom, he noticed the huge vase of flowers on the table and the fresh tablecloth. The fireplace was already ablaze and there was a strange smell coming from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he stood looking around him, Hoss strode into the room. \u2018Morning Pa!\u2019 he said cheerily. \u2018Ready for breakfast?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded weakly as he sat down. \u2018Eggs again I suppose?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nope!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I tried something different!\u2019\u00a0 He grinned as he put a steaming plate of hotcakes in front of his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up as Adam and Joe approached the table. \u2018Where are the eggs?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I did hotcakes this morning,\u2019 said Hoss proudly. \u2018Try some!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at Adam. \u2018You first,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father. \u2018How are yours Pa?\u2019 he asked cautiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a small bite. \u2018Not bad,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you might have\u2026.\u2019 He spat his mouthful into his napkin and took a long swig of coffee. \u2018Hoss!\u2019 he said. \u2018What did you put in them son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked dejected. \u2018I followed the recipe exactly this time,\u2019 he said. \u2018I couldn\u2019t have gone wrong! There\u2019s only flour and sugar and baking powder in em with a bit of milk. Maybe the baking powder is off.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go and check it in the red canister.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The red canister?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018The red canister where it always is. Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh.\u00a0 Well I was rearranging the kitchen last night and I forgot to tell you.\u00a0 I reorganised some of the ingredients in the canisters,\u2019 replied Adam with a shrug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You what?\u00a0 Why on earth would you do a thing like that?\u2019 said Hoss angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it makes sense,\u2019 said Adam defensively. \u2018I put them in alphabetical order.\u00a0 It makes it easier to find them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it don\u2019t make it easier to find em iffen ya don\u2019t know what\u2019s in em in the first place!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What did ya put in the red canister?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated. \u2018Gelatine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Pa.\u00a0 It won\u2019t kill you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018At this point Adam, killing me just might be a blessing son.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up from the table. \u2018Boys I know you all mean well, but I have just about had it.\u00a0 I cannot take one more day of this!\u00a0 I think I\u2019m going to stay in town for a few days and get myself a decent meal, dress in decent clothing that I know is not going to pop buttons every time I put it on and walk around without falling over every two minutes.\u2019 He flung his napkin down on the table. \u2018I must admit, that the sooner that cook of ours gets back the better!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing!\u2019 shouted Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at his youngest son. \u2018Yes Joseph, Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I haven\u2019t forgotten his name.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No Pa!\u2019 said Little Joe pointing. \u2018Hop Sing!\u00a0 He\u2019s come back!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to see the Chinese cook standing in the doorway watching them all silently. \u2018Hop Sing!\u2019 he said as he walked over and hugged the man. \u2018Am I sure glad to see you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked around at them all. \u2018What you all yell for?\u2019 he said and frowned as one after the other Adam, Hoss and Joe all gave him a hug. \u2018What you do?\u2019 he said as he waved them all away. \u2018Fuss!\u00a0 Fuss! Stop all fuss!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re just glad to see you Hop Sing!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We really missed you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How\u2019s your cousin Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Is he better now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He hurt in heart,\u2019 said Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Oh Hop Sing, I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you sure you should have left him if he\u2019s that bad?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He not bad,\u2019 said Hop Sing glaring at them all. \u2018I hit him on head to make better.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded. \u2018It work,\u2019 he said. \u2018Knock some sense into him head.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked confused. \u2018I don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Him got sore heart from Chinese girl,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018She leave him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He\u2019s got a broken heart is that it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmph!\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Waste of trip!\u2019 He looked around. \u2018House look good!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Believe me Hop Sing, it is only on the surface,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We really need you to fix a few things up around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing glared at him. \u2018All time work!\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing not appreciated!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh believe me Hop Sing, you certainly are appreciated,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019re so pleased to have you back!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing sniffed the air. \u2018What awful smell?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s breakfast,\u2019 said Joe mournfully. \u2018Hoss has been in charge of the cooking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Number Two son better at eating than cooking,\u2019 said Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s for sure Hop Sing,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018I agree with you one hundred percent.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I kept things really clean for you Hop Sing,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I think you\u2019ll be pleased at the state of the house.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded as he looked around again. \u2018Look good,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Plenty clean!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam puffed up with pride and gave his two brothers a smirk. \u2018Thank you!\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s more than can be said for other things around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now Adam,\u2019 interrupted his father. \u2018Your brothers tried their best to keep things going.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It weren\u2019t my fault if the laundry weren\u2019t as good as when Hop Sing does it.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I\u2019m gonna put some new washing lines out back for ya Hop Sing,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing frowned at him. \u2018Why?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018To make it easier for you to get things dry,\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018No need,\u2019 he said. \u2018Plenty lines already.\u00a0 Leave washing alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I\u2019m only too happy to obey you there Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t understand how you can possibly manage with things as they are though.\u00a0 I think you need\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing brushed his arm away and pointed his finger at him. \u2018I think you need butt out of Hop Sing laundry!\u2019 he said. \u2018All Cartwrights butt out of Hop Sing work!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u2018Oh we will Hop Sing!\u2019 he said. \u2018Here\u2026 let me help you with your bag.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing brushed him aside. \u2018Can do!\u2019 he said crossly. He sniffed the air again. \u2018Get proper breakfast now.\u2019\u00a0 He left the room, leaving the four Cartwrights grinning behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clapped his hands together. \u2018Well boys!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018It seems as if life is about to settle down again.\u00a0 Let\u2019s sit down and wait for our breakfast shall we?\u2019 He strode over to the table and sat down, grinning at his three sons as they took their places beside him.\u00a0 \u2018Now we can get back to\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His words were cut off by an exclamation from the kitchen, followed by a string of Chinese words. Suddenly, Hop Sing appeared, waving a pan above his head. \u2018Who change things round in kitchen?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018All pans moved!\u00a0 All ingredients changed!\u00a0 Floor slippery too!\u2019\u00a0 He glared at them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pointed to Adam. \u2018He did it!\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018It was Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing walked slowly towards the eldest Cartwright son, his eyes blazing. \u2018Stay out of kitchen!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018And you!\u2019 he banged Hoss on the side of the head. \u2018No more cooking! You use all flour! No sugar left!\u00a0 No one get supplies!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry Hop Sing,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I was too busy cooking ta get any new stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No breakfast!\u2019 shouted Hop Sing. \u2018No time make breakfast!\u00a0 Hop Sing need fix kitchen!\u2019\u00a0 He walked back towards the kitchen, hitting Little Joe on the head as he passed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ow! What was that for?\u2019 asked Joe indignantly. \u2018It was them two, not me!\u00a0 What did I do wrong?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think of something!\u2019 said Hop Sing as he left the room. \u2018I find what you done wrong later! Sure there be something!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as the four Cartwrights looked at the ruined, cold hotcakes on the table in front of them. \u2018Well it doesn\u2019t look like we\u2019re getting anything else to eat here,\u2019 said Ben after a moment. \u2018How about we go into town for breakfast boys?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good idea Pa!\u2019 agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And we could take our time in there,\u2019 suggested Adam. \u2018By the time we get back Hop Sing might have straightened things out around here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We could get the supplies he needs to sweeten him up a bit,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good idea,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Come on boys, let\u2019s get out of here.\u2019\u00a0 He followed his three sons towards the door.\u00a0 As he paused to put on his hat, he heard another loud bang from the kitchen followed by another string of Chinese words. \u2018Welcome back Hop Sing,\u2019 he said softly as he left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0The Cartwrights try to keep things going around the house when Hop Sing leaves for a while<\/p>\n

Rated: K (10,000 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":13148,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2074","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":1490,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Screen-Shot-2016-07-12-at-8.06.51-PM.png?fit=441%2C303&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15473,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15473","url_meta":{"origin":2074,"position":0},"title":"Blessings of Friendship (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"November 21, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: After a last minute cattle drive that almost drove Hop Sing away, can the Cartwrights hope to have a calm Thanksgiving? Perhaps with a little help from some friends. Rating - K WC - 1288","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Z-ben-toast.png?fit=506%2C402&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":63917,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63917","url_meta":{"origin":2074,"position":1},"title":"Old Friend (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"July 24, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwrights realize just how much Hop Sing means to them when he becomes ill. 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