Summary: \u00a0Joe has his hands full trying to manage four girls who are interested in him<\/p>\n
Rated:\u00a0K (18,275 words)<\/p>\n
A Good Time<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018So what do you think Joe?\u2019<\/strong> Emma Rixon paused as she looked at the young man beside her.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head slightly and turned back towards her. \u2018Think about what?\u2019 he asked absently.<\/p>\n Emma tapped him on the arm impatiently. \u2018My new dress!\u2019 she said impatiently. \u2018You haven\u2019t said anything about it yet.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave her one of his dazzling smiles. \u2018It\u2019s beautiful,\u2019 he said and bent his head towards her. \u2018Just like you,\u2019 he whispered in her ear.<\/p>\n Emma looked around anxiously.\u00a0 \u2018Joe, not here!\u00a0 Someone might see!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018So what?\u2019 he said, trying to nuzzle her neck. \u2018I don\u2019t care.\u2019<\/p>\n She pushed him away and straightened her dress. \u2018Well I do!\u00a0 Behave yourself please!\u2019\u00a0 Her eyes sparkled as she tried to sound stern, but failed dismally.<\/p>\n \u2018You love it!\u2019 he teased.<\/p>\n Emma tried to look serious, but instead returned his smile and then laughed. \u2018You are terrible Joe Cartwright,\u2019 she said and slapped him playfully on the arm.<\/p>\n He continued to smile. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on, I\u2019ll walk you home.\u2019<\/p>\n The young couple set off down the street together. \u2018So? said Emma when they reached her front gate. \u2018I\u2019ll see you on Saturday night?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Sure thing,\u2019 replied Joe and leant towards her again, but she stepped back and held up a finger at him. \u2018Just because we\u2019ve been going out for a month now doesn\u2019t mean that you can take liberties,\u2019 she teased. \u2018If you\u2019re good I might let you steal a kiss at the dance on Saturday.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe grinned. \u2018Well in that case I\u2019ll be here bright and early,\u2019 he said as he tipped his hat. \u2018Bye!\u2019<\/p>\n Emma sighed as she watched him disappear down the street again. She couldn\u2019t believe her luck in having the chance to go out with someone like Joe Cartwright. She knew that she was the envy of many girls around town at the moment and she was determined to keep him interested in her for as long as possible.\u00a0 She turned towards the house, already thinking ahead to tomorrow night and the outfit she planned to wear.<\/p>\n Joe whistled softly as he walked back towards the Main Street.\u00a0 The day had turned out to be a good one after all. Not only had he managed to evade any work by persuading Hoss that he had other things to do that were more important than loading supplies, but he had seen Emma and spent a very pleasant half hour in her presence. He would just have time to catch up with a few people before meeting Hoss at the Saloon and convincing him to buy him a couple of drinks before they had to return home. Yes, life seemed to be very sweet at the moment!<\/p>\n Life suddenly seemed a whole lot sweeter to the young man and he stopped in his tracks and stared at the vision of loveliness across the street. The object of his attention was dressed in red and was looking in a dress shop window.\u00a0 Joe gulped as he stared at the young lady and then turned sharply as he heard a voice in his ear. \u2018You\u2019d better close your mouth or you\u2019ll catch a fly in there!\u2019<\/p>\n He grinned at his friend Mitch who had come up silently behind him. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well? Who is she?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Annie Davis,\u2019 replied his friend, giving the young lady in question an appraising stare the same as his friend. \u2018Her folks bought the old Henderson place and they moved in last Thursday. I\u2019m surprised you didn\u2019t hear about them.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I did,\u2019 replied Joe without taking his eyes off her. \u2018But I didn\u2019t know they had a daughter who looked like that!\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch shrugged. \u2018She sure is a beauty. Shame you\u2019re taken at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned at him. \u2018What do you mean taken?\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t taken!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018What about Emma?\u2019 replied Mitch. \u2018You two have been a bit of an item for a while now haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018Depends what you mean by an item,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Well if monopolising a young lady\u2019s attention for a full month is anything to go by, then I\u2019d say you were an item,\u2019 replied Mitch with a grin. \u2018Emma seems to think you are.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shrugged again and continued to give Annie an appraising stare. Mitch looked at his friend. \u2018Seriously though Joe, you don\u2019t want to do anything to ruin what you got with Emma.\u00a0 She\u2019s a real fine girl.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I know,\u2019 said Joe thoughtfully. \u2018I don\u2019t intend to let go of her, but I think I\u2019ll get to know Annie a little as well.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at his friend as he stepped off the sidewalk and headed across the street.\u00a0 Mitch shook his head as he watched his friend go.\u00a0 Joe sure liked the ladies!<\/p>\n Joe tipped his hat as he approached the young lady near the dress shop. \u2018Morning, \u2018 he said pleasantly. \u2018I don\u2019t believe we\u2019ve met?\u00a0 You must one of the Davis family.\u2019<\/p>\n Annie smiled at him, her heart fluttering as she saw his charming smile. \u2018Yes, I am,\u2019 she said shyly.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m Joe Cartwright,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Pleased to meet you Annie.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018One of the Cartwrights?\u00a0 Yes, I\u2019ve heard of your family. You\u2019re quite famous around these parts you know.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe tried to look modest. \u2018Oh\u2026 well, we have lived here for quite a while,\u2019 he said by way of explanation. \u2018Most people around here seem to know us. How about I show you around town?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Joe,\u2019 said Annie, \u2018But I really need to meet my mother down at the end of the street.\u00a0 She\u2019ll be waiting for me.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Then I\u2019ll walk you there,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018If that\u2019s OK with you.\u2019<\/p>\n She smiled again. \u2018Yes, thank you!\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n By the time they had reached the end of the street, Annie felt as if she had known Joe for a long time. He was so easy to talk to and so handsome, that she felt quite overcome in his presence. She introduced him to her mother.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh yes, one of the Cartwrights,\u2019 said Martha Davis. \u2018I\u2019ve heard of your family.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave her one of his most charming smiles. \u2018I was wondering ma\u2019am if you would have any objection to my showing your daughter around the district at some stage,\u2019 he said politely. \u2018If there was one thing Joe knew, it was that the key to a young girl was often through her mother and he was an expert at charming older women when he needed to.<\/p>\n Martha smiled back at him, obviously impressed with his polite manners and winning smile. \u2018Well I think that would be fine Joseph,\u2019 she said. \u2018That is if Annie would enjoy it.\u2019 She looked at her daughter who was obviously delighted with the suggestion and was nodding eagerly.<\/p>\n How about tomorrow morning then?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll pick you up in our buggy about ten?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you have work to do?\u2019 asked Martha.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh my Pa won\u2019t mind,\u2019 said Joe with a confidence that he didn\u2019t feel. \u2018He\u2019d likes us to be polite to newcomers.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018See you then Joe,\u2019 said Annie and smiled as she turned to follow her mother down the street.\u00a0 Joe stood for a while and watched her back view as she disappeared. He sighed. This day was getting better and better\u2026\u2026..now all he had to do was figure out a way to get Pa to agree to him having tomorrow morning off.<\/p>\n He practically sauntered over to the Saloon, feeling very smug with himself.\u00a0 Not only did he have the date with Emma to look forward to, but now he had a buggy ride with the beautiful Annie and neither girl needed to be any the wiser. He felt very pleased with the way he had managed everything so far.<\/p>\n As he entered the Saloon he noticed that Hoss hadn\u2019t made it yet, so reluctantly he had to order his own drink while he waited.\u00a0 Cradling it carefully, he sat at a corner table where he could take in a full view of the whole room and sat back in his chair. He had just taken the first sip when he heard his name mentioned.<\/p>\n \u2018Well if it isn\u2019t Joe Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe turned to see Sally Enright standing behind him and he gave her one of his most charming smiles. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said, delighted to see the Saloon girl. \u2018I didn\u2019t know you were working today.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Extra shift,\u2019 she said, sitting down next to him. \u2018One of the other girls took sick. So what are you doing in town in the middle of the week?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Getting supplies,\u2019 he replied. \u2018There\u2019s always supplies to get for a ranch the size of ours.\u2019<\/p>\n And you\u2019re just the one to get them, aren\u2019t you?\u2019 she said laughing. \u2018It just seems to me that someone else actually ends up doing the work for you every time you come in though.\u00a0 Who did you persuade to do it this time?\u2019<\/p>\n He grinned. \u2018My brother Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I told him I had more important things to do.\u2019\u00a0 He leant forward. \u2018Like seeing my best girl.\u2019<\/p>\n Sally gave him a knowing smile. \u2018Yeah sure!\u2019 she said. \u2018You didn\u2019t give me a thought until you walked in here!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes opened widely and he gave her an innocent look. \u2018Not true!\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve been on my mind all morning, I swear!\u2019<\/p>\n She began to stroke the back of his neck. \u2018You sure are sweet Joe, even if you are a good liar,\u2019 she said gently. \u2018So will you be in on the weekend?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said, bending forward and kissing her lightly on the lips. \u2018I told you\u2026.you\u2019re my best girl.<\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 his brother\u2019s voice behind him made him jump back with a start.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh\u2026.hi Hoss!\u2019 he said guiltily. \u2018I\u2019ve been waiting for you!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018So I see,\u2019 said Hoss with a frown. \u2018Bin keeping yaself busy while ya did eh?\u2019<\/p>\n Sally stood up and smiled at Hoss. \u2018Hello Hoss,\u2019 she said sweetly. \u2018I\u2019ve just been keeping your brother company while he waited for you.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss, tipping his hat to her. He sat down abruptly, not quite knowing what else to say to her.\u00a0 Small talk with women was not his strong point. Sally smiled and moved away, winking at Joe as she did so.<\/p>\n \u2018So where were you!\u2019 demanded. \u2018I done got all the supplies loaded already! You said you\u2019d only be a few minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Aw sorry Hoss,\u2019 said Joe, gulping down his beer so as to be ready for another one when his brother ordered his first. \u2018I kinda got sidetracked helping a new family in town.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah? Who?\u2019 said Hoss, signalling to the barman. \u2018A beer thanks Sam.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Make that two Sam,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018The Davis family. I was getting to know the mother and offered to help her out getting settled.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Tomorrow?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What makes ya think Pa will give ya the day off? He wants ya to start marking that fence line.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019ll only be for part of the day,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018And leave Pa to me.\u00a0 Thanks Sam.\u2019 Both Cartwrights began on their drinks.<\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019ll have to do some smart talking to convince him,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018And just what were you up to with that Sally when I came in anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Me? Nothing!\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018We was just talking.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well see that\u2019s all ya do,\u2019 said Hoss suspiciously. \u2018You know how Pa\u2019d feel about ya getting involved with a Saloon girl.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave him an innocent look. \u2018Who said anything about being involved?\u2019 he said. \u2018I told you, we was just talking.\u00a0 How about I go and get the buckboard for you Hoss?\u00a0 It\u2019s the least I can do seeing as how you loaded all the supplies.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss grinned at his little brother. \u2018Gee thanks buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Take your time Hoss,\u2019 said Joe patting his brother on the back as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll wait for you outside.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss sat back in his chair as he downed the last of his beer. That little brother of his did have his good points after all.\u00a0 He smiled as he made his way to the door and flipped Sam a coin. \u2018Thanks Sam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see ya!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Hold on there Hoss,\u2019 replied Sam. \u2018That\u2019ll be another dollar.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss frowned. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Another dollar,\u2019 repeated Sam. \u2018Three beers altogether.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss grimaced as he handed over the money. \u2018That young brother of mine,\u2019 he snarled as he left the Saloon. \u2018I\u2019ll get him one day!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So I\u2019d like you to start on marking those fences tomorrow Joseph,\u2019 said Ben at the dinner table. \u2018You can start in the East Pasture and work your way south.\u00a0 It should take about a week the way I figure it.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss watched his younger brother, interested to see how he\u2019d get out of this one. \u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 said Joe brightly, grinning at his father. \u2018I\u2019ll start bright and early!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben, turning to Adam. \u2018I think we might work on that\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You know, I met a new family in town today,\u2019 interrupted. Joe. \u2018Name of Davis.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I believe they\u2019ve bought the old Henderson place. He turned to Adam again. \u2018If we\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Nice woman that Mrs Davis,\u2019 interrupted Joe again. \u2018Shame she\u2019s got it so hard though.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben frowned at the interruption. \u2018What do you mean\u2026\u2026so hard?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh\u2026.well, you know\u2026\u2026.. getting settled in and all,\u2019 replied Joe casually. \u2018Seems like its just hard for them getting organised is all.\u00a0 I was talking to her and I felt right sorry for her.\u00a0 In fact, I was going to offer to go and help her, but I didn\u2019t want to leave Hoss with the supplies all by himself.\u00a0 I knew you needed em straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss choked on a mouthful and Ben turned to him. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0 Hoss nodded, watching his younger brother with wide eyes as he did so.<\/p>\n \u2018That was a nice thought son,\u2019 said Ben absently. \u2018Maybe I\u2019ll go over there and see if they need anything at some stage.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Pa, you\u2019re too busy what with everything going on around here,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018How about I go and do it for you? It\u2019d be right neighbourly if one of us did.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018That would be nice,\u2019 he said absently. \u2018Maybe later in the week you could\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I think I should do it tomorrow,\u2019 said Joe, looking concerned. \u2018She looked a bit frazzled if you get my meaning Pa. I think she could do with the help.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I heard the Davis family has three boys,\u2019 said Adam dryly. \u2018I don\u2019t know why their mother would need your help if she has three sons.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh?\u2019 said Joe innocently. \u2018She didn\u2019t mention that.\u00a0 Maybe they\u2019re only little kids.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Maybe,\u2019 said Adam, raising his eyebrow and looking at his brother suspiciously.<\/p>\n \u2018Well I\u2019d better go and get my chores done,\u2019 said Joe standing up before his father could say anything. \u2018I think Hop Sing needs some more wood brought in.\u2019<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged a glance as their younger brother left the room. \u2018Seems to me he\u2019s mighty keen to get to those chores tonight,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n Ben looked at his eldest son absently. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh yes, well it\u2019s about time he was.\u00a0 Now about tomorrow Adam, as I was saying we\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s the end of our property line over there,\u2019 said Joe pointing to the top of the mountain across the other side of the lake.<\/p>\n \u2018All that way?\u2019 said Annie. \u2018It\u2019s huge!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe tried to look modest. \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well it takes a lot of work to keep it running,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure it does,\u2019 she said, looking at him with shining eyes. \u2018You sure must be good at ranching Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Pa leaves a lot of it to me now,\u2019 he replied. \u2018My brothers help a bit though.\u2019 She stared at him adoringly. \u2018Do you want to get down for a while?\u2019 he asked. \u2018We could walk down this hill and I\u2019ll show you the shoreline of the lake.\u00a0 It\u2019s real pretty.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes, I\u2019d love to,\u2019 Annie breathed. Joe helped her down from the buggy and walked her carefully down the side of the hill.\u00a0 As they neared the shoreline she gasped. \u2018It\u2019s beautiful!\u2019 she breathed.<\/p>\n He smiled down at her. \u2018Yes, it is,\u2019 he said, his eyes intent on her face. \u2018Do you want to sit down?\u2019\u00a0 She nodded and he led her over to a soft spot on the grass and helped her to get settled.<\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Joe,\u2019 she said, looking up at him. \u2018You\u2019re a perfect gentleman.\u2019<\/p>\n He smiled as he sat beside her. \u2018I try to be,\u2019 he said. \u2018So how are you liking it in Virginia City so far?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh it\u2019s wonderful!\u2019 she said. \u2018I haven\u2019t met many people yet though\u2026\u2026..apart from you that is.\u2019\u00a0 Her face told him that she was glad she had. \u2018Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 he asked, sliding closer to her.<\/p>\n \u2018I was wondering if\u2026.I mean would you like to come to supper on Saturday night?\u00a0 Ma said I could ask you.\u00a0 Pa and my brothers would like to meet you too.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d love to,\u2019 he said, breathing in her fragrance. \u2018Is that lavendar?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018How did you know?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh\u2026.I just guessed,\u2019 he said. \u2018I like it.\u00a0 Let me smell it closer.\u2019\u00a0 He put his nose next to her neck and snuggled against it for a while. She shivered as she felt his face against hers and didn\u2019t draw back as he put his arms around her. Their eyes met and she tilted her head backwards as his lips descended upon hers and they shared a kiss.<\/p>\n After a moment, Annie sat up straight, her face flushed. \u2018I think we\u2019d best be going,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n Joe looked at her. \u2018If you say so,\u2019 he said, helping her up. \u2018\u2019I\u2019d better get the buggy back to the Livery Stable anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018How come you had to hire one?\u2019 she asked as they climbed the hill.\u00a0 Her thoughts were still on the kiss they had just shared, but she didn\u2019t want to look too distracted.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh\u2026.ours has broken axle.\u2019\u00a0 The lie came easily to him as he thought about the consequences of his father missing their buggy when he was supposed to be just riding over to the Davis place alone. \u2018Come on, I\u2019d better get you back for your lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you doing back in town?\u2019 asked Mitch as he came across his friend outside the Livery Stable.<\/p>\n \u2018Just returning a buggy,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018What are you doing in here?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Supplies,\u2019 said Mitch, indicating the buckboard behind him. \u2018What did you need a buggy for?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I took Annie Davis out for a ride,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Why\u2019d you hire one though?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Long story,\u2019 replied Joe.<\/p>\n \u2018So what\u2019s she like?\u2019 asked Mitch. \u2018As good as she looks?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I have a feeling she\u2019s going to be even better,\u2019 Joe said with a wink. \u2018I\u2019m hoping to find out soon enough.\u00a0 She\u2019s invited me to supper on Saturday night.\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch frowned. \u2018Saturday night?\u2019 he said. \u2018Aren\u2019t you taking Emma to the dance on Saturday night?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe hit his forehead. \u2018Oh!\u00a0 Yeah, I forgot!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Mitch laughed. \u2018Well it\u2019ll be interesting to see how you get out of this one!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Joe made a face. \u2018Hmm\u2026. Well I\u2019ll just have to think on it.\u00a0 Maybe there\u2019s a way I don\u2019t have to.\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch shook his head. \u2018One day Joe that devious mind of yours is going to get you into an awful lot of trouble my friend.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe hit his friend on the back. \u2018Yeah, but today ain\u2019t the day!\u2019 he said. \u2018How about a drink old buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch looked at the supplies. \u2018Well\u2026..I really should get these home,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Aw come one Mitch!\u00a0 Just a couple!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Alright,\u2019 said Mitch with a grin.\u00a0 The two friends put their arms around each other and headed down the street towards the Silver Dollar.\u00a0 As they entered, Joe was pleased to see Sally there again.\u00a0 She gave him a big smile and immediately headed in his direction.<\/p>\n Mitch nudged his friend. \u2018I think she really likes you!\u2019 he whispered as she approached. \u2018Afternoon Sally,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Afternoon,\u2019 she said to him, but her eyes were fixed on Joe. \u2018Two days in a row Joe? I\u2019m beginning to think you meant what you said yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Of course I did,\u2019 he said, returning her smile. \u2018How about a drink?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d love one,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n \u2018Mitch, that\u2019ll be three instead of two,\u2019 Joe said, grinning at his friend. \u2018You don\u2019t mind buying the first round do you?\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch gave him a scowl, but went to get the drinks while Joe and Sally sat down. \u2018So,\u2019 she said leaning close to him. \u2018I\u2019m still waiting for you to visit with me, handsome.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe swallowed as he tried to appear nonchalant. \u2018Just say the word Sally girl and I\u2019m all yours,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll be off early on Saturday night,\u2019 she said with a wicked look at him. \u2018So I guess I\u2019ll see you here around ten.\u2019 He opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment Mitch appeared with the drinks. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 she said and downed her whiskey straight away before standing up. \u2018See you on Saturday night then, Joe.\u2019\u00a0 She ran her fingers through Joe\u2019s hair as she passed him and he swallowed again as he followed her with his eyes.<\/p>\n \u2018Wow!\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018She\u2019s really got it bad for you Joe! What\u2019d she mean about Saturday night?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018She wants to see me. Private like,\u2019 said Joe as he picked up his beer.<\/p>\n Mitch stared at his friend. \u2018You aren\u2019t serious!\u2019 he said. \u2018Your Pa would kill you!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018What Pa doesn\u2019t know won\u2019t hurt him,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Do you really think I\u2019m letting a chance like this slip though my fingers?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well considering you\u2019ve already got a date with two other girls on that night I would have thought so,\u2019 replied Mitch dryly.<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Oh\u2026\u2026yeah well I\u2019ve been thinking about that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon I can do both.\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch snorted. \u2018Yeah\u2026\u2026.right! And just how are you going to manage that?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well, I told Emma I\u2019d pick her up early,\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0 If I get her to the dance and stay for a bit, I should be able to slip out for a while unnoticed if I have the help of a good friend.\u2019\u00a0 He looked meaningfully at Mitch. \u2018Then I could make it over to Annie\u2019s for a quick supper before going back to the dance. Neither of them would even know.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018And Sally?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well, after I take Emma home I\u2019ll still have time to make it over here for Sally,\u2019 said Joe, pleased with himself.\u00a0 \u2018A perfect night!\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch shook his head. \u2018It\u2019ll never work,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes it will,\u2019 said Joe leaning close to him. \u2018All I need is your help. Now here\u2019s what I have planned\u2026\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She arrived this afternoon,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018So naturally I told Roy Coffee that you would be happy to show her around town.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018But Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018Why can\u2019t Hoss do it?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Because she\u2019s closer to your age Joseph!\u2019 admonished his father. \u2018I know you\u2019re keeping company with a young lady at the moment\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe jerked as he stared at his father. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Emma Rixon,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018Or had you forgotten?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh yeah\u2026\u2026.Emma!\u00a0 Yeah, well I have been seeing a bit of her,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019m taking her to the dance tomorrow night.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s perfect,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Roy\u2019s niece Amanda will be there as well, so you can take the chance to dance with her a couple of times while you get to know her.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018But Pa\u2026\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure Emma won\u2019t mind,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018After all, Roy is an old friend and it\u2019s not every day his niece visits our town.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s the least you can do Joseph.\u00a0 She\u2019ll only be here on a visit for a couple of weeks and I promised him you\u2019d show her around.\u00a0 Emma will be sure to understand that she needs to share you for a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but Pa\u2026\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe hung his head. Tomorrow night was sure looking more complicated by the minute!\u00a0 \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d be happy to help.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Now how did you go with the fence marking today?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked up quickly. \u2018Um\u2026\u2026fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018No reason.\u00a0 I was just wondering,\u2019 said his father. Joe made a mental note to catch up on the day\u2019s missed work over the weekend when he had a chance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe, you\u2019re early!\u2019 said Emma surprised. \u2018I\u2019m not quite ready.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well I\u2019m just anxious to get there, that\u2019s all,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Can\u2019t you hurry up a bit?\u2019\u00a0 He was anxious to get his evening under way and figured that the earlier he started the more he could spread himself around.<\/p>\n \u2018Alright!\u2019 she said crossly. \u2018Just be patient. I\u2019ll be a few moments.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe paced up and down on the front porch as he waited, trying to get is plans straight in his mind.\u00a0 The arrival of Amanda had complicated things, but he still thought he\u2019d be able to manage it all.\u00a0 After all, he only needed to dance with the girl a couple of times. That wouldn\u2019t take all evening!<\/p>\n \u2018Come on!\u2019 he said impatiently as Emma reappeared. He took her by the arm and began to walk quickly towards the Hall.<\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s your rush?\u2019 she asked. \u2018I thought we might take it slowly and perhaps get close on the way.\u2019\u00a0 She edged over towards him and leant against him suggestively, her meaning clear.<\/p>\n Joe frowned in the darkness. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said absently. He put his arm around her and held her close as he kissed her, but his mind was still on his plans for the night. Within a minute he had let her go. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said. \u2018We need to get there.\u2019<\/p>\n She pouted. \u2018Well, I would have thought you could be a bit more enthusiastic!\u2019 she said. \u2018You were the other day!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Of course I am,\u2019 he said, leading her quickly up the steps. \u2018I just want to dance first, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n They entered the Hall and were immediately caught up in the crowd. Joe pulled Emma straight over to the dance floor, wanting to get his dances with her over so that he could search for Amanda. \u2018I kinda have to dance with a friend of the family,\u2019 he explained as they swayed to the music. \u2018You understand if I leave you for a bit, don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Who is the friend?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n \u2018Sheriff Coffee\u2019s niece,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh? I didn\u2019t know he had a niece.\u00a0 Where is she?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know what she looks like,\u2019 he replied, looking over her shoulder to see if he could spy the sheriff anywhere.<\/p>\n \u2018I thought you said she was a friend of the family?\u2019 said Emma. \u2018How could that be if you don\u2019t know what she looks like?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s a friend of the family, not her!\u2019 Joe explained. \u2018There he is. That must be her next to him.\u2019\u00a0 He gulped as he looked at the plain girl standing next to the sheriff.\u00a0 He hoped his Pa appreciated his sacrifice in doing this! \u2018Come on! We\u2019d better get this over wi\u2026. I mean we\u2019d better go and be polite.\u2019<\/p>\n He edged Emma over to the Sheriff and his niece. \u2018Evening Sheriff Coffee,\u2019 he said politely. \u2018This must be Amanda.\u2019<\/p>\n Roy Coffee grinned at the son of his best friend. \u2018It sure is,\u2019 he said proudly. \u2018Amanda, I\u2019d like you to meet Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 And this here\u2019s Emma Rixon.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Hello,\u2019 said Amanda, smiling and showing a mouthful of protruding teeth.<\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u2018Um\u2026..would you like to dance?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes. I\u2019d love to!\u2019 said Amanda delightedly. \u2018If Emma doesn\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Not at all,\u2019 said Emma graciously. \u2018Would you like to dance Sheriff Coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I sure would!\u2019 said the Sheriff delightedly. \u2018Thank you for asking Miss Emma.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe took Amanda reluctantly onto the dance floor and held her as far away from him as he could while he twirled her around the floor. He wondered how long he would need to keep her out here without seeming impolite before taking her back.\u00a0 He glanced at the clock.\u00a0 It was getting late and he wanted to be on time for Annie.<\/p>\n Joe looked around anxiously for Mitch, but couldn\u2019t see his friend amongst the crowd.\u00a0 Just as he was beginning to panic, he saw him walk through the door and wink at him.\u00a0 Joe smiled at his friend over the head of Amanda.\u00a0 So intent was he on his own thoughts, that he failed to hear her comment. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n She looked up at him, her teeth very close to his nose. He drew back as she spoke. \u2018My uncle says that there\u2019s a church picnic tomorrow.\u00a0 Will I see you there?\u2019 she asked again.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u00a0 Yeah I guess so,\u2019 he answered absently as he watch Mitch. \u2018My family is going.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh good,\u2019 she replied. \u2018I thought it might be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other a bit.\u00a0 My uncle said that you\u2019d agreed to squire me around while I\u2019m in town.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Um\u2026.yeah,\u2019 said Joe, motioning to Mitch with his eyes.\u00a0 His friend grinned at him and headed towards the drinks table. The music stopped and Joe practically pulled Amanda back towards her uncle. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said as he pushed her towards the man. \u2018Thanks for the dance,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n Amanda gave him a smile, showing her teeth again. \u2018Thank you Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018Perhaps we\u2019ll be able to have another one later?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said without much enthusiasm. He turned around startled as Emma pulled don his arm. \u2018My turn now,\u2019 she said brightly. \u2018Come on Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe felt himself being pulled onto the dance floor again and began to dance with Emma, looking desperately for Mitch as he moved to the music. \u2018You seem very jumpy tonight,\u2019 said Emma, looking at him strangely. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have you seen Mitch Devlin?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018No I haven\u2019t,\u2019 she replied. \u2018I\u2019ll be packing a special picnic basket for us tomorrow Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m bringing all your favourite foods.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018The church picnic tomorrow,\u2019 she said patiently. \u2018Have you forgotten?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u00a0 No\u2026.I haven\u2019t forgotten.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Good.\u00a0 Well\u2026\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Mitch!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018Hi! We\u2019re over here!\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch sauntered over to them. \u2018Evening,\u2019 he said. \u2018How are you Emma?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Fine, thank you,\u2019 said Emma.<\/p>\n Joe glared at his friend. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said hopefully.<\/p>\n Mitch continued to smile at them but said nothing. Finally Joe said it for him. \u2018Oh.\u00a0 You want a dance with Emma.\u00a0 Is that it?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d be honoured,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018Emma?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh. \u00a0Thank you,\u2019 said Emma, somewhat reluctantly. Joe let her go with a flourish and stared meaningfully at his friend. \u2018Have a few,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get to know Amanda a bit while you do.\u2019<\/p>\n He waited until they were twirling to the music before making his way to the door.\u00a0 Once outside he sprinted down the steps and ran full pelt down the street until he reached the Davis house.\u00a0 Panting with exertion, he knocked on the front door and tried in vain to catch his breath while he waited for it to open.<\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019 said Annie as she opened the door. \u2018We were beginning to worry about you!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said, still trying to catch his breath. \u2018I\u2026.. my horse slipped a shoe and I had to walk him into town.\u00a0 It took longer than I thought.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u00a0 Well, no harm done,\u2019 said Annie as she ushered him into the dining room. We haven\u2019t started yet. Mama you\u2019ve met of course.\u00a0 This is my father Simon Davis and my brothers Jacob, Daniel and George.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe smiled at everyone as they stood up, becoming anxious as he looked up at her three tall and muscular brothers. \u2018Hello,\u2019 he said faintly. \u2018Sorry I\u2019m late, but my horse\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018We heard,\u2019 said Mr Davis as he shook Joe\u2019s hand with a tight grip. \u2018Have a seat young man.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sat down tentatively and looked around him.\u00a0 He felt somewhat uncomfortable as he felt himself under the scrutiny of the four large men around the table and tried to smile pleasantly.<\/p>\n \u2018So,\u2019 said Mr Davis as he handed around the plates \u2018Tell us about your family Joseph. I believe your father owns a large ranch?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe nodded and began to talk about The Ponderosa as he filled his plate.\u00a0 He took a very modest serving, hoping that he could get though it as quickly as possible and was dismayed to see the four men piling their plates with servings that would have made Hoss proud. It seemed like this was going to take longer than he had thought!\u00a0 He sure hoped that Mitch was keeping Emma occupied back at the dance and that Roy Coffee wasn\u2019t looking for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So intent was he on shovelling his food down, that he didn\u2019t hear Mrs Davis when she asked him a question. \u2018Pardon ma\u2019am?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018I said that I believe that there is a church picnic on tomorrow?\u2019 she repeated patiently.<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. He looked around the table at the six pairs of eyes that were upon him, obviously waiting for him to say something more. \u2018Um\u2026I suppose I\u2019ll see you there,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n Martha Davis smiled. \u2018That would be lovely Joseph!\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sure Annie would love to have lunch with you.\u00a0 Thank you for asking!\u2019\u00a0 They all smiled at him and began to eat again.<\/p>\n Joe gave his head a slight shake.\u00a0 He really couldn\u2019t remember asking her, but didn\u2019t dare contradict Mrs Davis considering the size of the men surrounding him.\u00a0 He was beginning to wish he hadn\u2019t come after all. Just at that moment though, Annie gave him a beautiful smile and he changed his mind.<\/p>\n As he watched the four Davis men holding their plates out for seconds, he began to wonder how he could get out of here without seeming to be rude. Suddenly it came to him. \u2018Would you like a second helping Joseph?\u2019 asked Martha Davis kindly. \u2018You\u2019ve hardly eaten anything.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018No thank you ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not a big eater.\u00a0 Although it was delicious.\u2019\u00a0 He gave her one of his charming smiles and she thought what a lovely young man he was. As he sat and waited for the others to finish, Joe began to squirm around in his seat.<\/p>\n \u2018Are you alright dear?\u2019 asked Martha anxiously after a few moments.<\/p>\n \u2018Actually I\u2019m not feeling too good,\u2019 he replied and felt guilty when he saw the look of concern on her face immediately.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh dear!\u2019 she said. \u2018I hope it\u2019s nothing to do with the food.\u00a0 Does anyone else feel queasy?\u2019<\/p>\n The four Davis men all shook their heads and continued to eat. \u2018Perhaps I\u2019d better get some fresh air,\u2019 said Joe as he stood up.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes, of course dear,\u2019 said Martha. \u2018Annie, you go out with Joseph on the front porch for a few minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It\u2019ll be better if I\u2019m just by myself for a bit.\u00a0 I just need some fresh air that\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 He headed for the front door and opened it before anyone could object. As soon as he was outside he began to run back towards the Hall again, sprinting up the front steps and mingling the crowd as if he had never left.<\/p>\n \u2018Where have you been?\u2019 He turned to see Emma standing behind him.<\/p>\n \u2018Entertaining Amanda of course.\u00a0 What did you think?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve been stuck with that Mitch Devlin for the past forty minutes,\u2019 she said angrily. \u2018If I didn\u2019t know better I\u2019d be suspicious of you and Amanda.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe made a face. \u2018Oh for heavens sake Emma! You\u2019ve seen her haven\u2019t you?\u00a0 How could you think that!\u2019<\/p>\n Emma glared at him. \u2018That\u2019s not very nice!\u2019 she said. \u2018The poor girl can\u2019t help her teeth being like that!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t mean anything by it!\u2019 said Joe crossly.\u00a0 The dinner he had consumed was threatening to come back up again after all the running he had done and he wasn\u2019t in the mood for arguing. He pulled Emma onto the dance floor again and concentrated on keeping the contents of his stomach down as they swayed to the music.<\/p>\n Emma leant in towards him. \u2018Well, I\u2019ll try to forgive you,\u2019 she said. \u2018If you\u2019ll be nice to me.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled up at him and Joe gave her a half-hearted smile back as he concentrated on his stomach.<\/p>\n After a couple of dances Joe suggested they sit down. \u2018Why?\u2019 asked Emma. \u2018You always love to dance.\u00a0 I\u2019m usually the one who says they\u2019ve had enough.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe was beginning to get desperate. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026I\u2019m just not feeling too good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you mind if we go now?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Go?\u2019 said Emma. \u2018But\u2026\u2026.\u2019 She looked at her escort. He really didn\u2019t look very well. \u00a0In fact he looked rather pale, as if he were about to throw up. \u2018Of course,\u2019 she said. \u2018If that\u2019s what you want.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe smiled at her relieved. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on.\u2019 He pulled her towards the door none too gently.<\/p>\n As soon as he had deposited Emma at her house he turned once again towards the Davis home.\u00a0 Ignoring his churning stomach, Joe sprinted along the street and ran up the front steps two at a time just as the front door opened. \u2018Joe?\u00a0 Are you alright?\u00a0 You\u2019ve been out here an awfully long time.\u2019 Annie stood in the doorway peering out into the darkness.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Joe, trying to catch his breath. \u2018Let\u2019s get back inside.\u2019<\/p>\n Once inside he seated himself at the table with a grin. Martha looked at him concerned. \u2018Joseph dear, are you alright?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m fine again now ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Joe with confidence. \u2018The fresh air did me the world of good.\u2019<\/p>\n She patted him on the shoulder. \u2018That\u2019s good to hear. Eat up your dessert now.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at the plate in front of him, dismayed to see it piled with a creamy dessert. \u2018I\u2019m not much of an eater,\u2019 he said as he tried to still his churning stomach.<\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense!\u2019 said Mr Davis. \u2018A growing boy like you needs all the nourishment he can get! Mine all do.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around at his three sons proudly. \u2018Eat it up boy!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe reluctantly picked up his spoon and began to eat. This night was certainly turning out to be an interesting one!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n An hour later Joe was once again on his way, this time towards the Silver Dollar Saloon. However, just as he was about to enter it, Sheriff Coffee who was walking Amanda home hailed him from across the street. \u2018See you tomorrow at the picnic Joe!\u2019 the man called. \u2018Your Pa has asked us to join your family.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe smiled weakly and waved back.\u00a0 He preferred to let tomorrow take care of itself, as he had other things on his mind for tonight.\u00a0 As he entered the Saloon he spied Sally leaning against the bar. \u2018And just where have you been?\u2019 she asked impatiently. \u2018I thought we said ten o\u2019clock?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well I\u2019ve been at the dance.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Everyone left there ages ago!\u00a0 I suppose you\u2019ve been seeing some young thing home,\u2019 she said testily.<\/p>\n Joe leaned over her. \u2018I told you before….you\u2019re my best girl,\u2019 he said softly into her ear.<\/p>\n She smiled at him, overcome by his charm. \u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Well I\u2019m about to give you the chance to prove it Handsome,\u2019 she said playfully. \u2018How about up in my room?\u2019<\/p>\n He smiled at her and took her arm as they drifted across the floor towards the steps at the back of the Saloon.\u00a0 As they entered her upstairs room, Joe once again felt the effects of all the food he had eaten and the running he had done combine in a way that made him anxious, but he tried to ignore it and concentrate on the woman next to him.<\/p>\n \u2018So?\u2019 said Sally giving him a grin as they shut the door. \u2018How about showing me some of those feelings you have for me Handsome?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe grinned as he walked towards her. As he bent his head to nuzzle her neck, he felt another wave of nausea hit him and he straightened up again. \u2018Maybe we\u2019d better leave it until another time,\u2019 he said faintly. \u2018I ain\u2019t feeling too good.\u2019<\/p>\n Sally pulled him towards her. \u2018Well I\u2019ve got just the medicine to fix whatever ails you Handsome,\u2019 she said playfully and pushed him onto the bed. \u2018I\u2019ll show you.\u2019\u00a0 She bounced down beside him and the movement sent the bed rocking.<\/p>\n Joe sat up gagging. \u2018I\u2019ve really gotta go!\u2019 he said urgently as he stood up and headed towards the door. \u2018I\u2019ll be seeing you Sally.\u2019<\/p>\n Sally pouted. \u2018When?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n \u2018Um\u2026.soon,\u2019 he said, desperate to get away. \u2018See ya!\u2019\u00a0 He ran down the stairs and out into the back alleyway where he threw up the Davis\u2019 supper and the drinks he had consumed at the dance.\u00a0 As he leant against the wall breathing in huge gulps of fresh air, Joe closed his eyes and considered his night.\u00a0Four girls<\/em>\u2026\u2026he thought.\u00a0Maybe I\u2019m stretching myself a bit too thin after all.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph?\u2019 repeated Ben, shaking his son by the shoulder. \u2018We\u2019re here.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sat up and blinked in the strong sunlight. His head was throbbing from lack of sleep and his stomach was still reacting from all the punishment he had given it last night, not to mention this morning\u2019s breakfast that his father had insisted he ate. Now it seemed that the buggy ride into town was over all too quickly and he had to face whatever the day might bring.<\/p>\n Considering what last night had brought, he thought ruefully as he climbed down from the buggy, today surely couldn\u2019t get much worse.\u00a0 The thing was though, he mused as they entered the church, in spite of all his running around last night, it had still been quite enjoyable and he knew that each of the girls was worth it.<\/p>\n All except maybe Amanda, he thought ruefully as he spied the plain young woman sitting with her uncle.\u00a0 She turned to give him a toothy grin and he felt Adam smirking beside him. \u2018Well there\u2019s obviously an attraction there,\u2019 his older brother whispered and Joe gave him a filthy look, which only caused Adam to grin wider.<\/p>\n As the congregation stood for the first hymn, Joe sensed someone\u2019s eyes upon him, and he looked over to see Emma smiling at him from behind her hymnbook. He returned the look, thinking as he did so just how lovely she was.\u00a0 So caught up he was in thinking about her that he failed to sit when everyone else did, and had to be pulled down onto the seat by his father. \u2018Pay attention!\u2019 whispered Ben angrily into his ear. \u2018What\u2019s the matter with you?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shrugged sheepishly at his father and tired to concentrate on what the Minister was saying, but his thoughts soon returned to Emma again and he spent the rest of the sermon playing eye games with her. When the Service ended he hurried to be one of the first out of the door in order to speak to her, but felt himself being pulled back by the collar.\u00a0 \u2018Not so fast young man,\u2019 said his father in his ear. \u2018Where are your manners?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe winced. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he began. \u2018I was only\u2026.\u2019 He turned to see Sheriff Coffee and Amanda standing in the doorway. \u2018Hello Joe,\u2019 said Amanda brightly. \u2018I\u2019m looking forward to our picnic together.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018So is Joe,\u2019 said Adam coming up beside his brother. \u2018Aren\u2019t you Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Um\u2026well\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n We\u2019re joining your family,\u2019 continued Amanda as she turned to follow her uncle. \u2018I\u2019ll see you there.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned after her. \u2018What\u2019s the matter with you?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018She seems lovely in a \u2026toothy way.\u2019 He spluttered in his hand, his amusement showing.<\/p>\n \u2018Shut up!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Who invited them anyway?\u00a0 I\u2019m supposed to be having lunch with Emma (and Annie, he thought suddenly\u2026then pushed that thought aside for later consideration).<\/p>\n \u2018Pa did,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018And if I were you I\u2019d make my apologies to Emma.\u00a0 You know how Pa feels about us all eating together at these things.\u00a0\u00a0 Especially when we have guests. Particularly ones such as the lovely Amanda!\u2019\u00a0 He took a step back before his brother\u2019s fist connected with his face. \u2018Steady now Joe!\u00a0 It\u2019s alright you know\u2026.I\u2019ll leave her all to you younger brother\u2026.she\u2019s all yours!!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Unfortunately!\u2019 said Joe under his breath as he headed out into the crowd. He spied Emma standing by the front gate and headed straight towards her. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Emma looked at him concerned. \u2018Are you alright today?\u2019 she asked. \u2018You seemed awfully unwell last night.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well I\u2019m sorry about that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m fine now.\u00a0 Sorry I spoiled your night.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh you didn\u2019t spoil it,\u2019 said Emma.\u00a0 I had a couple of dances and Mitch kept me busy while you weren\u2019t there.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Oh yeah\u2026I forgot about him.\u00a0 Nice of him to look after you I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes, wasn\u2019t it?\u2019 she replied. \u2018So?\u00a0 Are you looking forward to lunch?\u00a0 I have all your favourites packed.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well\u2026..it\u2019s a bit difficult,\u2019 began Joe. \u2018You see Pa has promised that we\u2019ll all eat together.\u2019<\/p>\n Emma frowned. \u2018But you promised!\u2019 she said sulkily. \u2018What am I supposed to do with all the food I\u2019ve packed?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I didn\u2019t know he was going to do this!\u2019 protested Joe. \u2018It\u2019s all on account of that Amanda.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s she got to do with it?\u2019 asked Emma. \u2018I\u2019m beginning to think you\u2019re a bit sweet on her the way you keep talking about her!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah right!\u00a0 As if!\u2019 said Joe sarcastically. \u2018It\u2019s just that she\u2019s Sheriff Coffee\u2019s niece.\u00a0 He and Pa are good friends, you know that!\u00a0 And he just feels obligated for me to look after her that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Hey!\u2019 an idea suddenly formed in his head. \u2018How about you joining us as well?\u00a0 Pa wouldn\u2019t mind that!\u2019<\/p>\n Emma frowned. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019she asked. \u2018If you\u2019re having the Sheriff and his niece it doesn\u2019t seem right.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Sure I\u2019m sure!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018And after lunch we can take a walk or something.\u00a0 Maybe down by the lake?\u2019\u00a0 He leant towards her, his meaning clear.<\/p>\n She smiled at him. \u2018Well\u2026.maybe,\u2019 she said. \u2018Alright, I\u2019ll see you there.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe smiled as he turned back towards the Cartwright buggy, but frowned just as quickly as he saw his father and brothers talking to Mr and Mrs Davis.\u00a0 He quickly walked over to them. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said warily. \u2018I see you\u2019ve all met.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh Joseph,\u2019 said Martha quickly. \u2018Are you feeling alright now dear? He hasn\u2019t been well,\u2019 she said to Ben. \u2018I was a bit anxious about him.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben looked at Joe for a moment puzzled. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s all this about?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh, I\u2019m fine thank you ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Joe. He hoped to deflect his father\u2019s attention by adding. \u2018I hope you\u2019ve settled in well now.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well yes,\u2019 said Mr Davis. \u2018We have.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I hope Joseph was of some help,\u2019 said Ben politely.\u00a0 He wondered why the couple gave him a strange look.<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s a lovely boy,\u2019 said Martha Davis, not knowing what else to say. \u2018Annie sure thinks so.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Annie?\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes. Our daughter. So nice of you to invite her to lunch today,\u2019 said Martha. Before Ben could reply, she added. \u2018Oh, here are the children now.\u2019<\/p>\n The four Davis children came up and were introduced to the Cartwright.\u00a0 As Joe stood beaming at Annie she smiled at him and Hoss nudged Adam.<\/p>\n \u2018Well we\u2019ll see you at the picnic grounds,\u2019 said Ben, somewhat confused. \u2018Come on boys. What was all that about?\u2019 he asked Joe as they got into the buggy. \u2018Why did she think you\u2019d been sick Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018It must have been all the work I did over at her place,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was a bit tuckered out.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes, with three puny boys like that she probably was really relying on your help,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018I can see how you\u2019d have been the one to do all the heavy lifting.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shot his brother a filthy look, but didn\u2019t have time to reply before his father spoke again. \u2018And what\u2019s all this about inviting Annie to eat with us?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why on earth would you do that?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I can think of one reason,\u2019 said Adam under his breath. \u2018Pretty little thing isn\u2019t she?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shot him another look before replying. \u2018Well I didn\u2019t really,\u2019 he said truthfully. \u2018She kind of invited herself.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019s going to be a bit awkward with Amanda as well,\u2019 said his Ben angrily. \u2018Still it can\u2019t be helped now.\u2019<\/p>\n It\u2019s going to be even more awkward than you think!<\/em>\u00a0thought Joe as he slid down in his seat and thought of Emma and wondered what to do about her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well isn\u2019t this lovely!\u2019 said Amanda as she settled herself down on the picnic rug. \u2018Nice and cosy just the few of us.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes isn\u2019t it?\u2019 said Adam with a huge grin and settled himself back to enjoy what he thought was about to unfold at his little brother\u2019s expense. \u2018Joe thinks so, don\u2019t you Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe glared at his older brother. \u2018I\u2019ve just about had enough of your\u2026\u2026\u2019 his voice trailed off and he gulped as he saw Sally Enright coming across the field with a picnic basket hanging from her arm.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 said Adam, following his gaze. \u2018My what?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Joe and stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll be back in a minute.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 called his father. \u2018Don\u2019t go too far.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to eat in few minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe headed towards Sally and stood in front of her, blocking her view of his family. \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n She gave him an innocent look. \u2018I\u2019m having a picnic.\u00a0 What does it look like?\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a right to haven\u2019t I?\u00a0 Just because you don\u2019t see me in church every Sunday doesn\u2019t mean that I can\u2019t take a picnic basket and have lunch whenever I feel like it.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You know what I mean!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You aren\u2019t coming near my family, are you?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know, Handsome,\u2019 she said sweetly. \u2018I think I just might sit over there near them now that you come to mention it though.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Why are you doing this?\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n \u2018Well it seems to me that you\u2019re all talk Sweetheart,\u2019 she said. \u2018You keep saying how I\u2019m your best girl, but you never do anything about it. I just thought you might like to introduce me to some people around here and we could get to know each other that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n He glared at her. \u2018You know I can\u2019t,\u2019 he all but hissed at her. \u2018What do you really want?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I want you, darling,\u2019 she said, leaning close to him. He took a step back and looked around to see if anyone was watching them. \u2018I\u2019ll leave you alone in public if you promise to come and see me tomorrow.\u00a0 And I mean really see me this time.\u2019\u00a0 She looked at him knowingly.<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know I want to!\u00a0 It\u2019s just that\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018No buts, Handsome,\u2019 she said. \u2018Now I think I\u2019ll just go and eat my lunch.\u00a0 Remember I expect to see you tomorrow.\u00a0 No excuses this time.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked after her as she sauntered towards his family group, but stopped short of them and sat down under a tree.\u00a0 He breathed a sigh of relief and turned to hurry back to them, but heard his name called before he could take a single step. \u2018Joe?\u00a0 Are you looking for me?\u2019<\/p>\n He turned to see Annie Davis standing behind him. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said. \u2018There you are.\u2019<\/p>\n She smiled sweetly at him. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 Here I am,\u2019 she said. \u2018Where are we sitting for lunch?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Over here,\u2019 he said faintly and indicated where his family, Sheriff Coffee and Amanda were seated.<\/p>\n \u2018Who is that?\u2019 asked Annie, indicating Amanda.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u00a0 That\u2019s Sheriff Coffee\u2019s niece,\u2019 he replied. \u2018She\u2019s\u2026\u2026um\u2026. she\u2019s kind of going out with my brother Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh,\u2019 said Annie. \u2018I\u2019d like to meet her then.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah well, there\u2019s my brother Adam\u2019s girlfriend joining us too,\u2019 said Joe in a rush.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how else to explain Emma to her.<\/p>\n \u2018Well we\u2019re going to be quite a group then aren\u2019t we?\u2019 said Annie happily. Joe rolled his eyes heavenward as he followed her over to the picnic spot.\u00a0 After the introductions he sat down, careful to place himself between the two girls who both immediately began to pile his plate with food.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss watched amused.<\/p>\n Just as Joe was beginning to think that everything would work out alright, he looked up to see Emma standing in front of him with a an angry glare on her face. \u2018Hello Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018Hello everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh. Hi,\u2019 said Joe with his mouth full of one of Amanda\u2019s sandwiches. \u2018Come and join us Emma.\u2019<\/p>\n Emma squeezed herself next to him, pushing Amanda out of the way.<\/p>\n Emma glared at Annie. \u2018And who might you be?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n \u2018This is Annie Davis,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018She\u2019s new in town. How about I get your picnic basket for you Emma?\u00a0 Come and show me where it is.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled the protesting girl to her feet and pulled her away from the group. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018What on earth is going on here Joe?\u2019 asked Emma as they walked across the pasture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why is that girl sitting with you?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I told you, she\u2019s new in town,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018My\u2026 my brother is kind of stuck on her, so she\u2019s been invited to eat with us as well.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh?\u2019 said Emma. \u2018Which brother?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe desperately tried to remember what he had told Annie about Emma. \u2018Um\u2026.. Hoss.\u00a0 No, Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n Emma frowned at him. \u2018Well?\u00a0 Which one?\u2019 she asked. \u2018Don\u2019t you even know?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Adam,\u2019 he said confidently as he picked up her picnic basket and they turned back towards his family again.<\/p>\n Lunch was a difficult affair, with Joe the centre of attention by all parties.\u00a0 The three girls kept piling his plate with food and in order not to favour one over the other he felt obliged to keep eating until he though he would burst.\u00a0 He was well aware of the amused glances of both his brothers as they watched his little charade.\u00a0 He was sure that they were aware of what was happening as they kept making comments, hoping to trick him into stumbling and giving the game away to one of the girls.\u00a0 On top of that he kept getting suspicious looks from his father who was not by any means comfortable with the fact that his youngest son had no less than three girls at his disposal at once.\u00a0 And he was acutely aware of the fact that Sally was only feet away and listening to every word that was spoken.\u00a0 He was extremely anxious in case she got it into her head to join them as well at any minute. The lunch couldn\u2019t be over quickly enough as far as Joe was concerned.<\/p>\n As soon as it was, he stood up and made to leave. \u2018I think I\u2019ll just have a bit of a walk,\u2019 he said, hoping that none of the girls would get it into their heads to join him.\u00a0 He needed desperately to walk off some of that enormous lunch in the hopes of feeling better again. Unfortunately, all three of the girls stood up, each expecting him to suggest her company.\u00a0 He looked from one to the other, not knowing what to say as they all looked back expectantly at him.\u00a0 \u2018Well, see ya,\u2019 he said finally and turned and strode away, leaving all three with their mouths open looking after him.<\/p>\n Ben stared after his youngest son, his own mouth open.\u00a0 He made a mental note to reprimand that young man for his lack of manners later as he frowned at the disappearing figure of his youngest son. Emma sat down angrily and began to eat again. Amanda looked as if she were ready to cry, and Annie simply looked puzzled.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam exchanged amused glances with each other again.\u00a0 The only one who seemed to be oblivious to the entire situation was Sheriff Coffee who was busy finishing off the last piece of pie.\u00a0 From a distance, Sally hid an amused smile behind her hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph, I don\u2019t know what\u2019s gotten into you lately,\u2019 Ben thundered. \u2018I have never seen such a lack of manners and I hope to never see it again young man!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe tried to look contrite, but his look only succeeded in making his father angrier. \u2018Do you hear me Joseph?\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice as he studied the plate in front of him on the table.<\/p>\n \u2018Each of those young ladies deserves an apology from you,\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018And I expect you to do it first thing in the morning! You are to go straight into town and sort this out young man, and then you are to ride straight back out and continue with that fence marking.\u00a0 I hope you\u2019re well on the way to having it finished by now.\u2019<\/p>\n Holy Toledo\u00a0<\/em>\u2026\u2026..\u00a0the fence marking!!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>thought Joe.\u00a0 It had completely slipped his mind over the weekend.\u00a0 He made a mental note to get onto it straight after his apologies in the morning. \u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll go in straight after breakfast and see them all.\u2019 He smiled to himself. This might just work in his favour after all.\u00a0 He had agreed to meet Sally tomorrow and this might just be his opportunity to do so.\u00a0 He worried about what she would do if he didn\u2019t keep his promise to her.\u00a0 His life was becoming complicated enough without her adding to it.\u00a0 He shuddered to think of how his father might react if he realised that his youngest son was mixed up with a Saloon girl.<\/p>\n \u2018Are you listening to me Joseph?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well go up to bed if you\u2019re not going to eat that food,\u2019 his father said angrily. \u2018Although judging by the amount you ate at the picnic today I\u2019m not surprised to see that you don\u2019t want any supper.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe grimaced as he realised that his father had no idea that his lunch had promptly come up again the moment he was out of sight of his family. It seemed that he did nothing lately but stuff himself with food and then throw it all up again.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 If he kept this up, he\u2019d most likely die of malnutrition.\u00a0 He\u2019d be the best-fed person to starve to death ever!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I suppose I understand,\u2019 said Annie thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u2018The only problem is Joe, that my brothers didn\u2019t take it very well when I told them that you\u2019d left me there for the afternoon. I\u2019m afraid they\u2019re a bit protective of me.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe swallowed.\u00a0 He hated to think of what might happen if he got on the wrong side of the three Davis boys. They looked as thought they would make short work of him in a second and he had no desire to find out. \u2018Well it must have been your mother\u2019s cooking,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve always had a delicate stomach and ever since Saturday night I\u2019ve just felt not right.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to embarrass myself or anyone else by staying there.\u2019\u00a0 He hated to use being unwell as an excuse, but it was all he could think of.\u00a0 A moment later any regrets he had fled as he observed the anxious look on Annie\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u2018Poor boy!\u2019 she said. \u2018Here, come and sit down where I can take a look at you.\u00a0 Mama will be so upset when she hears what she\u2019s done to you!\u2019\u00a0 She sat him down on the front porch swing and began to stroke his forehead.\u00a0 Joe smiled sadly up at her, enjoying the attention.<\/p>\n \u2018Please don\u2019t trouble your mother about it,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t want her to worry about me.\u2019<\/p>\n Annie continued to stroke his forehead as she snuggled up to him. \u2018What a thoughtful person you are Joe,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018No wonder I like you so much.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You do?\u2019 said Joe pleased.\u00a0 Things were turning out better than he expected after all.<\/p>\n \u2018Of course I do,\u2019 she said. \u2018You are such a gentleman and you are so considerate of others.\u00a0 I think you\u2019re kind of sweet.\u2019<\/p>\n He smiled at her. \u2018I\u2019ve been told that before,\u2019 he said trying to be modest.<\/p>\n \u2018So when will I be able to see you again?\u2019 she asked, breathing in his ear.<\/p>\n Joe felt quite light-headed, although he wasn\u2019t sure if it was from lack of food or her attention. \u2018What would you like to do?\u2019 he asked without thinking.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d love to go for a ride!\u2019 she said, sitting up. \u2018How about this afternoon?\u2019<\/p>\n Reason kicked into Joe\u2019s brain just in time as he remembered his date with Sally. \u2018I\u2019ll have to get some work done this afternoon,\u2019 he lied. \u2018A ranch as big as The Ponderosa doesn\u2019t run by itself you know.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh yes of course,\u2019 she said disappointed. \u2018Your father must be very grateful he has you to run it for him.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I do my best,\u2019 said Joe modestly.<\/p>\n \u2018So we\u2019ll go tomorrow afternoon then?\u2019 she asked hopefully.<\/p>\n Reason kicked out of Joe\u2019s brain again. \u2018Sure!\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019d be fine!\u2019\u00a0 He figured he\u2019d have time to get started on that fence marking thins afternoon after seeing Sally and then do more tomorrow before he went riding with Annie. Thinking of Sally made him anxious again as he remembered he still had to see Emma and Amanda before getting to the Saloon. \u2018Well I\u2019d better got back to work now,\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018Thanks for understanding about yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe whistled under his breath as he strode down the street towards Emma\u2019s house.\u00a0 He figured he get her over with and then head back towards town, do a quick swing by the Sheriff\u2019s office to see Amanda and then still have a few hours with Sally before heading off to work.\u00a0 Life was good!<\/p>\n He changed his opinion about life however, the minute Emma\u2019s door opened and he saw her face which was a picture of rage. \u2018What are you doing here!\u2019 she said angrily. \u2018After yesterday I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d have the hide to come around here any more!\u2019\u00a0 She tried to shut the door in his face, but Joe put his foot in it to stop her.<\/p>\n \u2018Hold on,\u2019 he said. \u2018I came to apologise!\u2019<\/p>\n She opened it again. \u2018You did?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n He gave her one of his most charming smiles and noticed she began to melt a little.\u00a0 Joe put on his best Cartwright charm as he leant against the doorframe. \u2018Aw come on Emma\u2026\u2026.just listen to me OK?\u2019<\/p>\n Alright,\u2019 she said. \u2018Tell me why you ran off like that Joe Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I really didn\u2019t have much choice did I,\u2019 he said defensively. \u2018What with that Amanda all over me.\u00a0 I had to get away from her!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I can understand that,\u2019 mused Emma. \u2018She did seem rather interested in you.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018I know.\u00a0 Not that I encouraged her you know.\u00a0 One look at her and you\u2019d see she just ain\u2019t my type.\u2019\u00a0 He leaned closer to her. \u2018You know Pa said I even have to go and apologise to her this morning.\u00a0 Would you believe it?\u2019<\/p>\n Emma frowned. \u2018I suppose you\u2019re only here because your Pa told you to apologise to me too?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked hurt. \u2018How could you even think that?\u00a0 After all we mean to each other? I told you\u2026.you\u2019re my best girl!\u00a0 Forgive me?\u2019<\/p>\n Emma gave him a small smile. \u2018Well I still don\u2019t see why you didn\u2019t take me with you,\u2019 she said. \u2018You left me there with those two\u2026\u2026. Nincompoops all afternoon!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe laughed. \u2018That\u2019s a nice way to talk about my brothers!\u2019<\/p>\n Emma hit him on the arm. \u2018I meant Annie and Amanda silly,\u2019 she said. \u2018That Annie is pretty though, I grant that.\u00a0 Your brother certainly can pick nice girls.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked startled. \u2018My brother?\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh yeah. Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I must say though, he didn\u2019t seem to pay her much attention after you left.\u00a0 If anything, Hoss was the one she seemed to enjoy talking to.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u2019 Joe found that hard to believe. His middle brother had never been one to impress the girls.<\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 They got on really well.\u00a0 If I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d say they were quite keen on each other.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018Impossible,\u2019 he said, dismissing the thought instantly. \u2018So how would you like me to make up to you for a wasted afternoon?\u2019<\/p>\n Emma put her head on one side. \u2018Well it wasn\u2019t completely wasted,\u2019 she said. \u2018Mitch Devlin turned up and we went for a walk together. You know he\u2019s really a lovely man.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like to think of Emma and Mitch going on a walk at all, no matter how innocent it might have been. \u2018How about you and I going for a walk then?\u2019 he said without thinking.<\/p>\n Emma beamed at him. \u2018That would be lovely!\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll be ready in a few minutes\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t mean now!\u2019 Joe said quickly, but he realised he was talking to thin air as Emma had disappeared inside. In a moment she was back with her hat. \u2018I really have work to do today,\u2019 he said as she propelled him down the pathway.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh pooh!\u2019 she said. \u2018Nothing that won\u2019t wait I\u2019m sure! Since when do you put work before pleasure Joe Cartwright?\u00a0 Come on!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe spent the next hour walking around town, anxiously looking out for Amanda or Annie.\u00a0 Luckily neither of them appeared and when finally he managed to persuade Emma to go home again, he breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n \u2018Now remember,\u2019 she said as he left her at the door. \u2018You promised to take me for a buggy ride tomorrow morning.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018When did I promise that?\u2019 he said, confused.\u00a0 It was beginning to be difficult to remember whom he\u2019d promised what to.\u00a0 Maybe he had.<\/p>\n \u2018Just now!\u2019 she said cheekily. \u2018I\u2019ll see you then!\u2019\u00a0 Emma shut the door abruptly and Joe was left scratching his head in confusion. Now how had that happened?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019 said Sheriff Coffee as Joe entered his office. \u2018Good to see you boy!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked anxiously around, but didn\u2019t see the man\u2019s niece anywhere. \u2018I came to apologise to Amanda,\u2019 he said. \u2018For yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n Roy Coffee looked confused. \u2018Yesterday?\u2019 he said. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed as if the Sheriff hadn\u2019t noticed anything amiss after all. \u2018Oh just when I went off for a bit in the afternoon,\u2019 he explained. \u2018I thought Amanda might have been a bit upset.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well if she was she didn\u2019t say anything to me,\u2019 said Roy. \u2018Come on.\u00a0 I\u2019m just on my way home for lunch.\u00a0 You can walk with me.\u2019 Joe headed out after the Sheriff, anxious to get this over with as quickly as possible. \u2018So what do you think of my niece?\u2019 the Sheriff asked as they approached his house.<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t quite know what to say. \u2018Um\u2026. she\u2019s very nice,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m glad you said that boy,\u2019 the Sheriff replied. \u2018Because she really likes you.\u00a0 How about stopping for lunch?\u00a0 Amanda would be right pleased if you did.\u2019 He pushed Joe through the door as he opened it. \u2018Amanda!\u2019 he called. \u2018Joe Cartwright\u2019s here to talk to you.\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda entered the room, grinning widely. \u2018Joe!\u2019 she said, obviously delighted to see him. \u2018I\u2019m so glad you\u2019ve come!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve invited him to lunch,\u2019 said the Sheriff. \u2018I\u2019ll go and wash up.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth to protest, but was cut short by Amanda. \u2018I\u2019m so glad you can stay for lunch Joe. \u2018Here\u2026.sit down!\u2019 She pushed him onto a chair and began to pile his plate with food. Joe groaned inwardly.\u00a0 It seemed that he just couldn\u2019t get away from food at the moment! \u2018I thought after yesterday that you might not like me,\u2019 Amanda continued.<\/p>\n Joe flushed with embarrassment. Even though he wasn\u2019t particularly fond of the girl he didn\u2019t want to hurt her for Sheriff Coffee\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sorry you thought that,\u2019 he said with a sigh as he picked up his fork.\u00a0 He needed to get this meal over with as soon as possible if he was to get to Sally without too much more delay.<\/p>\n \u2018So you do like me?\u2019 she said, sitting down next to him. \u2018I\u2019m so glad!\u00a0 In that case you wouldn\u2019t mind spending a bit of time showing me around town?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe made a mental calculation and tried to remember what he had already committed himself to with the others. \u2018Well I\u2019m kind of busy at the moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got lots to do around the ranch.\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda\u2019s face fell. \u2018Oh,\u2019 she said, obviously disappointed. \u2018I just thought \u2026.. that is, your father said that you would.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well my days are kinda full at the moment,\u2019 he said truthfully.<\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s fine!\u2019 she beamed. \u2018I don\u2019t mind a walk around at night if my uncle agrees to it.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Agrees to what?\u2019 asked the Sheriff as he came to the table.<\/p>\n \u2018To Joe showing me around the town at night,\u2019 said Amanda. \u2018He\u2019s busy working in the daytime.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Not at all,\u2019 said Roy. \u2018After all if he gets up to any mischief I\u2019ll be on duty to sort it out won\u2019t I?\u2019 he gave Joe a smile.<\/p>\n Great!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>thought Joe.\u00a0 Not only are my days taken up with all these females, but now my nights as well!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>He began to wonder if women were worth it all after all and bent his head to attack the food in front of him with another sigh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And where have you been?\u2019 asked Sally with an annoyed expression on her face. \u2018I\u2019ve been waiting for you all morning!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018I got caught up,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems like everyone wants to see me today.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I\u2019m working now, so you\u2019ll just have to wait,\u2019 she replied crossly.<\/p>\n Joe ran his fingers through his hair in an exasperated fashion. \u2018I can\u2019t!\u2019 he said. \u2018I haven\u2019t got any work done today and my Pa\u2019ll kill me if he finds out I\u2019m here at all!\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to get this over with as soon as possible.\u2019<\/p>\n Sally gave him an angry look. \u2018Well thank you very much!\u2019 she replied. \u2018So you need to get me over with as soon as possible do you? That\u2019s a lovely thing to say!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You know what I mean!\u2019 he said crossly.\u00a0 \u2018Somehow this encounter wasn\u2019t turning out the way he\u2019d hoped. \u2018I just need to get to work that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019d better come back another time?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Oh no, you don\u2019t!\u2019 she said, grabbing him by the arm and pushing him onto a chair. \u2018I\u2019ve waited far too long for this.\u00a0 You can just sit there and wait for me now.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m outta here!\u2019 said Joe, trying to get up.<\/p>\n Sally stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. \u2018Oh really?\u2019 she said ominously. \u2018You take one step out of here Joe Cartwright and I might just feel inclined to visit your ranch tomorrow and have a little discussion with your Pa about you and me.\u00a0 How would that be?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe paled at the thought of it. \u2018Um\u2026. I think I\u2019ll have a drink while I\u2019m waiting,\u2019 he said meekly.<\/p>\n Sally leaned over him. \u2018I thought you might see it that way,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll be finished in a couple of hours, Handsome!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gulped. \u2018A couple of hours?\u2019 he said and put his hand over his eyes for a moment. \u2018I think I\u2019ll need more than just that one drink then.\u2019 The way he figured he probably deserved quite a few considering the day he\u2019d had so far.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long, however, for his mood to change. As he watched Sally going about the room he began to mellow and tilted his chair back as he drank to get a better view of her.\u00a0 She really was something and he found himself quite looking forward to what the afternoon might bring.\u00a0 He ordered another drink and began to sip it slowly.<\/p>\n Sally spent the next couple of hours quite run off her feet.\u00a0 For a weekday the Saloon was quite busy and there were many customers to be looked after as she cajoled them into buying more drinks.\u00a0 Not that she had to force Joe Cartwright, she noticed.\u00a0 He seemed quite happy to indulge himself in one drink after another as he sat there and after a while she began to get quite alarmed at the rate he was downing them.<\/p>\n \u2018Are you sure you haven\u2019t had too many?\u2019 she asked him as she finished her shift and he finally got the opportunity to stand up and join her.<\/p>\n He gave her a lopsided grin. \u2018Not at all,\u2019 he said slowly. \u2018Come on shwee\u2026shweetheart.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at her strangely. \u2018Where were we\u2026. going again?\u2019\u00a0 He giggled as he leant on her, swaying on his feet quite a bit.<\/p>\n Sally rolled her eyes. \u2018Just how many drinks have you had anyway?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n Joe giggled again. \u2018No\u2026\u2026 no idea!\u2019 he said. \u2018How about you?\u2019<\/p>\n Sally propelled him towards the staircase and they made their way up slowly.\u00a0 She supported Joe as much as she could, but by the time they had reached the top he fell against the wall and slid down to a sitting position. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said in a thick voice, looking up at her.<\/p>\n She rolled her eyes again. \u2018You\u2019re no good to me like this!\u2019 she said crossly. \u2018You\u2019d better get on home after all.\u2019 She helped him to a standing position. \u2018I guess we\u2019ll have to do this tomorrow!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Don\u2019t\u2026 don\u2019t be like that shweetheart,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I\u2019ve been looking forward to this.\u2019 He tried to kiss her neck but she pushed him away.<\/p>\n \u2018So have I,\u2019 she said. \u2018But not like this.\u00a0 Go on now, go home.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you in here tomorrow.\u2019\u00a0 She waggled her finger at him. \u2018And you\u2019d better be here!\u2019 she said. \u2018or else I\u2019ll be paying that visit to your Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at her retreating figure as he slid down onto the floor again. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he thought through his haze and then giggled again. \u2018Pa won\u2019t\u2026.\u2019 he struggled to think, but couldn\u2019t put his thoughts together.\u00a0 With a soft sigh he stretched out on the floor and fell fast asleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat with his head bowed, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.\u00a0 He was well aware of his father\u2019s eyes upon him and after last night\u2019s encounter he didn\u2019t feel at all inclined to start up another conversation about it all.\u00a0 It seemed however that his father had other ideas, for he began to talk about it all again as he sat down at the table.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m surprised you feel like eating anything at all after last night Joseph,\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t,\u2019 replied Joe. He had a dim memory of losing yesterday\u2019s lunch all over the front porch when he had finally made it home with Hoss last night.\u00a0\u00a0Another meal wasted!<\/em>\u00a0he thought.\u00a0Not to mention all those beers!<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018What I just can\u2019t understand is how you could do this!\u2019 continued Ben.\u00a0 Joe rubbed his temples and tried to ignore his thumping head, but it was impossible.\u00a0 \u2018Not only did your brother have to go looking for you when you didn\u2019t return home at the appropriate hour, but when he did find you, you were in the Saloon on a weekday and you had obviously been there for a long time.\u00a0 I thought I had made my feelings about that sort of behaviour quite clear to you boys.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice.<\/p>\n \u2018Well?\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018You still haven\u2019t told me what you were doing in there.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Drinking,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n Ben bent forward towards his son. \u2018Well that was obvious!\u00a0 Are you trying to make fun of me young man?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gulped. \u2018No sir,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Well?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at his father, puzzled. \u2018Well what?\u2019 he asked, confused.<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and tried to control his temper with his youngest son. \u2018Why were you in town in the first place?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You told me to go in and apologize to all them girls,\u2019 said Joe, sure now of his facts.<\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t mean it to take you all day!\u2019 thundered Ben. \u2018It should only have taken you a little while.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe thought quickly. \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 Well I went in first thing like you told me, but they wasn\u2019t all there, so I had to go back in again later.\u00a0 I just thought I\u2019d have a drink while I waited.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018So you got a fair bit of the fence marking done in the meantime?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n Joe gulped.\u00a0The fence marking!<\/em>\u00a0 He\u2019d have to get started on that at some stage today!\u00a0 He thought quickly. \u2018It\u2019s coming along real fine Pa,\u2019 he said weakly.<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019d say you had more than a drink while you waited Joseph!\u00a0 You had quite a few.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019d had a barrelful by the time I got to him,\u2019 said Hoss, giving his brother a disdainful look.<\/p>\n Ben stood up. \u2018You,\u2019 he said pointing his finger at Joe, \u2018are to get straight out there and get to work!\u2019 he said. \u2018A hard day\u2019s work is just the medicine you need to knock some sense into you young man!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Joe mournfully.\u00a0 He wondered what his father would say if he knew just what his plans were for the day.\u00a0 He wondered what the girls would say if he just didn\u2019t turn up for the various appointments he\u2019d made with them.\u00a0 He decided that they\u2019d most likely come looking for him and he grimaced at the thought.<\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s that look for?\u2019 thundered his father.<\/p>\n Joe grimaced again. \u2018Nothing Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I gotta get to work now.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed as he stood up.\u00a0 All this gallivanting around was beginning to feel like work!\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t figure out how all this had happened\u2026.after all he had only wanted to have a good time!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n On the way to town, Joe tried to get all his obligations straight in his head.\u00a0 First there was the buggy ride with Emma this morning, followed by a ride with Annie in the afternoon.\u00a0 He thought of going into the Saloon in between the two, but then decided that he\u2019d better wait until later in the afternoon. Suddenly he remembered his date with Amanda that evening.\u00a0 It seemed like the fence marking was going to have to wait one more day.<\/p>\n He tried to think of ways to make his life a little easier, but the thumping in his head didn\u2019t help and all he came up with was using work as an excuse to all the girls.\u00a0 All except Sally that was\u2026\u2026he didn\u2019t quite trust her to stay away from his father and knew he\u2019d better keep that appointment at all costs.<\/p>\n Joe sighed.\u00a0 It seemed that each of the girls had some kind of hold over him, whichever way he looked at it.\u00a0 The thought of Annie\u2019s huge brothers loomed foremost in his brain, followed by Sally\u2019s threat of talking to his Pa.\u00a0 Then there was Sheriff Coffee and his friendship with his father to be considered.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to give the Sheriff any reason for going to Pa either.\u00a0 Come to think of it, he thought, the only one with nothing to hold over him was Emma!\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 That\u2019s where he\u2019d start!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you see Emma, it\u2019s all a bit difficult,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I just have no choice but to do as Pa says and get back to work straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n Emma frowned. \u2018Hmm\u2026.well I suppose you can\u2019t help it if your Pa feels that strongly about it.\u00a0 I was really looking forward to it though.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe smiled at her, happy that it had been so easy.\u00a0 \u2018Me too,\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe later in the week then?\u2019<\/p>\n Emma shrugged. \u2018Oh\u2026.only if you have time,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll find something else to keep me busy I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe grinned ever wider. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well\u2026gotta get back to work now\u2026see ya!\u2019<\/p>\n He whistled under his breath as he left her.\u00a0\u00a0You are a wonder Joe Cartwright,<\/em>\u00a0he thought to himself.\u00a0\u00a0You are going to manage this even better than you thought.<\/em>\u00a0He walked jauntily along, very pleased with himself.\u00a0 So pleased with himself was he in fact, that he failed to see Hoss on the sidewalk and practically bumped right into him before he realised it.<\/p>\n Guiltily he looked up at his older brother. \u2018Uh, hi Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018What are you doing in town?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Supplies,\u2019 Hoss said shortly. \u2018What are you doing in here little buddy?\u00a0 Pa\u2019s gonna skin ya alive if he sees ya.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked around. \u2018He\u2019s not in here too is he?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n Hoss pulled him by the arm into a doorway. \u2018Not yet, but he\u2019s coming in this afternoon.\u00a0 If I were you I\u2019d get out of here quickly though, Adam\u2019s with me.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Adam\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Where?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018At the Mercantile. You haven\u2019t answered my question\u2026\u2026what are ya doing in here? You haven\u2019t finished the fence marking have ya?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe stared at him blankly for a moment. \u2018Fence marking?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah\u2026.the fence marking.\u00a0 Remember?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Of course I remember!\u00a0 What do you think I am?\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018Sometimes I wonder little buddy.\u00a0 Sometimes I wonder. You ain\u2019t after that Sally Enright from the Saloon are ya?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018What?! Aw, come on Hoss! \u00a0What do you think?\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss continued to shake his head. \u2018That\u2019s the problem Joe.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t know what to think. Answer my question why don\u2019t ya!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe took a step away from his brother. \u2018Just don\u2019t you worry about me big brother.\u00a0 I can take care of myself.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well ya\u2019d better start right now little buddy,\u2019 said Hoss, pointing across the street. \u2018Here comes our big brother.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe took one look and disappeared into the alleyway behind them.\u00a0 He crouched down behind some crates as he listened to the conversation between his brothers.<\/p>\n \u2018Who was that you were talking to?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u00a0 No-one Adam.\u00a0 Finished the supplies?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 No thanks to you.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018How about a drink?\u00a0 My treat.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well I won\u2019t say no to that! You\u2019re on brother.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe listened to their footsteps disappearing along the sidewalk and cursed under his breath.\u00a0\u00a0There goes my plan to get Sally over and done with this morning,\u00a0<\/em>he thought angrily.\u00a0Now I\u2019ll have to wait until this afternoon after all. And Pa\u2019s coming in!\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to be mighty careful!\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0He wondered what to do next as he came around the corner of the alleyway and walked full-pelt into Annie Davis and her brothers.<\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019 she said. \u2018What are you doing in town?\u00a0 You said you had to work on the ranch this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked up at the three tall and muscular Davis boys and gulped. \u2018Um\u2026.yeah I did didn\u2019t I?\u2019 he said weakly. \u2018Well it appears I didn\u2019t have to after all.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 said Annie, obviously delighted. \u2018Well does that mean we can go on that ride now?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe held up his hands in a gesture of hopelessness. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said. Somehow it didn\u2019t seem so exciting a thing to do all of a sudden.<\/p>\n She gave him a wide smile. \u2018I\u2019ll get my horse and meet you back here, alright?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 said Joe again.\u00a0 He watched as Annie disappeared down the street.<\/p>\n \u2018Hey Cartwright!\u2019 said a deep voice behind him.\u00a0 Joe turned to see the three Davis boys glaring at him. \u2018You\u2019ve already run out on our baby sister once this week.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t intending to do it again are you?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe tried to smile. \u2018Of course not!\u2019 he said. \u2018What would make you think that?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said the next brother. \u2018Cause we\u2019d hate to have to pound you for upsetting our little sister you know. The last feller we had to do that to couldn\u2019t walk for days.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe took a step back.<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said the third brother. \u2018You make sure you\u2019re nice to Annie if you know what\u2019s good for you Cartwright! She likes you and we don\u2019t intend for her to get hurt.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 said Joe for the third time. \u2018I think I\u2019ll just go and see what\u2019s keeping her.\u2019 He practically ran towards Annie\u2019s house, intent on getting as far away from her brothers as possible.<\/p>\n Joe just couldn\u2019t believe the way things were turning out.\u00a0 It seemed that every time he turned around someone else was making his life even more complicated.\u00a0 Not only were Hoss and Adam in town now, but also Pa was due in soon as well.\u00a0 Come to think of it, it might be just as well to get his ride with Annie over with as soon as possible.\u00a0 At least he would be out of town for a while.<\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019 He heard his name from across the street and gave a small groan.\u00a0 Who could it be now?\u00a0 He turned and groaned again as he saw Amanda and Sheriff Coffee approaching.<\/p>\n \u2018I thought your Pa had you working all day?\u2019 said the Sheriff with a frown.<\/p>\n Joe gulped.\u00a0 The last thing he needed was for Sheriff Coffee to tell his Pa that he had taken off from work. \u2018Yeah he did,\u2019 he said. \u2018But things kinda changed.\u2019<\/p>\n The Sheriff smiled. \u2018Yeah?\u00a0 That\u2019s good.\u00a0 I saw Hoss and Adam over at the Saloon.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t say anything about you being in here though.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave the Sheriff a half-hearted smile. \u2018I don\u2019t think they know.\u00a0 I\u2019d kinda like to keep it between us if you know what I mean.\u2019<\/p>\n Sheriff Coffee gave the boy a strange look. Unfortunately he did know what he meant.\u00a0 He had enough experience with the Cartwrights to know the sort of tricks that Joe got up to and taking off from work was one that he did on a regular basis.\u00a0 \u2018Sure I do,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018Why don\u2019t we just go over and tell them you\u2019re here then?\u00a0 Unless you\u2019d like to show Amanda around like you said you would instead?\u2019\u00a0 Joe stared at the man. \u2018If you get my meaning Joseph,\u2019 continued the Sheriff. \u2018Amanda has been really looking for ward to this and I\u2019m sure she\u2019d prefer your company in daylight.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face was a mask of defeat.\u00a0 No matter which way he turned this day was just not going his way. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Amanda.\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda gave him a smile of pure pleasure. \u2018Oh how lovely!\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019d be delighted Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave her a frustrated look as he pulled her down the street.\u00a0 \u2018Around here,\u2019 he said, leading her off Main Street.<\/p>\n \u2018Can\u2019t we see the shops first?\u2019 she said surprised. \u2018What\u2019s around here to look at?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Lots of exciting things,\u2019 replied Joe anxious to get her away from the prying eyes of his brothers and the Davis boys. \u2018You\u2019ll see.\u2019<\/p>\n Unfortunately, Amanda saw something he didn\u2019t intend her to. \u2018Oh Joe!\u2019 she said. \u2018How sweet!\u00a0 You want to be alone with me!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said surprised. \u2018What are you talking about?\u2019 He didn\u2019t have time to think as Amanda launched herself on him and held him tight.<\/p>\n \u2018I knew you felt like did!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018From the first moment I met you at the dance I felt it.\u00a0 There\u2019s something between us that I just can\u2019t explain Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m so glad you feel it too!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe tried to disengage himself from her. \u2018Hold on,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda planted a kiss on his lips just as Annie came around the corner looking for him. \u2018Joe Cartwright!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018What are you doing?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at her from the middle of Amanda\u2019s embrace. \u2018Annie!\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s not what you think!\u2019<\/p>\n Annie looked shocked. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it!\u2019 she said. \u2018With your own brother\u2019s girlfriend too!\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda looked at them both puzzled. \u2018What?\u2019 she said. \u2018Which brother?\u2019<\/p>\n Annie stared at her. \u2018Aren\u2019t you Hoss\u2019 girlfriend?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 said Amanda. \u2018The only Cartwright I\u2019m interested in is this one.\u2019\u00a0 She linked arms with Joe companionably. \u2018Isn\u2019t that right Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at her helplessly, visions of the Davis boys in his mind.<\/p>\n Annie burst into tears. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it!\u2019 she exclaimed. \u2018You\u2019ve been two-timing me all this time.\u00a0 How could you?\u2019\u00a0 She fled up the alleyway, Joe looking after her stunned. He disengaged himself from Amanda\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n \u2018Well thank you very much!\u2019 he said crossly. \u2018Now you\u2019ve gone and done it!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Done what?\u2019 Amanda asked. \u2018I don\u2019t understand.\u00a0 What was she to you anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Apparently nothing now,\u2019 said Joe mournfully.<\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said Amanda. \u2018Then nothing between us has changed.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Joe stared at her. \u2018Would you just hold on a minute!\u2019 he said. \u2018There is nothing between us to change in the first place!\u2019<\/p>\n Amanda looked hurt. \u2018But you kissed me!\u2019 she said. \u2018If you didn\u2019t feel anything for me, then why did you kiss me?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t kiss you\u2026.you kissed me!\u2019 exclaimed Joe.\u00a0 \u2018Oh what\u2019s the use!\u00a0 Let\u2019s just go!\u2019\u00a0 He pulled her by the arm back up the alleyway and into the Main Street. \u2018I\u2019m taking you back to your uncle right now!\u2019 he said. As he turned towards the Sheriff\u2019s Office he spied Annie talking to her brothers and looking in their direction.<\/p>\n Joe dropped Amanda\u2019s arm. \u2018On second thoughts though you can find your own way,\u2019 he said and ran quickly down the other way, leaving one angry Amanda behind him. He didn\u2019t stop until he was sure that he was out of the Davis boys\u2019 range of vision and hesitated to catch his breath before planning his next move.\u00a0 At this moment his one thought was to get out of town quickly before the Davis boys could find him and he glanced over to the other side of the street where he had left his horse.\u00a0 To his amazement he saw Mitch and Emma walking arm in arm down the sidewalk.<\/p>\n Without thinking, Joe headed towards them. \u2018And what do you think you\u2019re doing with my girl?\u2019 he said, planting himself in front of Mitch with his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n \u2018Your girl!\u2019 said Emma. \u2018The hide of you Joe Cartwright! After the way you\u2019ve treated me you really expect me to just sit around and wait for you? Mitch was kind enough to suggest a walk and I thought I\u2019d take him up on it.\u2019\u00a0 She looked at Mitch fondly. \u2018Come on Mitch, let\u2019s leave him to \u2026..\u2019 Emma stopped. \u2018I thought you said you had to work this morning!\u2019 she said. \u2018What are you still doing in town?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s what I\u2019d like to know,\u2019 said a deep voice behind him. \u2018Just what are you doing in town little brother?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe turned to see Adam standing behind him. \u2018Um\u2026..hi Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Fancy seeing you here.\u2019<\/p>\n Adam frowned at his younger brother. \u2018Yes fancy!\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018Well?\u00a0 What are you doing in here?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe thought quickly. \u2018I\u2019ve\u2026\u2026I\u2019ve just been helping out Sheriff Coffee,\u2019 he said. \u2018Remember how Pa asked me to help out with Amanda?\u00a0 Well I thought I\u2019d show her around town.\u2019<\/p>\n So!\u2019 said Emma. \u2018You were too busy to go for a buggy ride with me, but you\u2019ve got time to show Amanda around eh?\u00a0 Well I never!\u2019\u00a0 She slapped him across the face. \u2018Come on Mitch. I don\u2019t intend to be treated like this any longer!\u2019<\/p>\n Mitch gave Joe a grin and followed the girl.\u00a0 Joe stared after them mournfully as he rubbed his face. \u2018Well thanks a lot Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018That was real helpful of you!\u2019<\/p>\n Adam grabbed him by the arm. \u2018I don\u2019t intend to be helpful little brother. \u2018I intend to find out the truth.\u00a0 Now out with it!\u00a0 What are you doing in here?\u2019<\/p>\n At that moment Joe saw the Davis boys approaching out of the corner of his eye.\u00a0 He shook himself free of his brother\u2019s grip. \u2018Gotta go Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018See ya later!\u2019<\/p>\n He ran into the nearest building, which just happened to be the Silver Dollar Saloon. \u2018Joe sweetheart!\u00a0 You\u2019re here!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe swallowed as he turned to face Sally. \u2018Um\u2026\u2026 hi Sally,\u2019 he said lamely.\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder anxiously wondering how much time he had before either the Davis boys or Adam or perhaps both came in after him. \u2018Come on!\u2019 he said pulling her towards the stairs. \u2018Let\u2019s go!\u2019<\/p>\n Sally looked at him strangely. \u2018Well you\u2019re in a hurry,\u2019 she said. \u2018First you make me wait, then you can\u2019t get to get up there.\u00a0 What\u2019s going on with you anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe pulled on her arm frantically. \u2018Come on!\u2019 he said. \u2018We can talk upstairs.\u2019<\/p>\n Sally smiled as she allowed him to pull her to the staircase. \u2018I wasn\u2019t intending on talking darling,\u2019 she said sweetly. \u2018I had other things in mind.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah, yeah, whatever!\u2019 he said impatiently. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s just get up there and get this over with.\u2019<\/p>\n She stopped and scowled at him. \u2018Well I beg your pardon!\u2019 she said. \u2018How dare you!\u00a0 So I\u2019m to be \u2018got over with\u2019 am I? I\u2019ll show you, Joseph Cartwright.\u2019\u00a0 And with that she slapped his face soundly.<\/p>\n \u2018Ow!\u2019 said Joe, rubbing his cheek . \u2018What did you go and do that for?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You really need to ask?\u2019 replied Sally pointing her finger at him. \u2018I\u2019ll have you know there are plenty of men around here who think I\u2019m a lot more than someone to be \u2018got over with!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked anxiously at the door of the Saloon again. \u2018Aw come on Sally,\u2019 he pleaded . \u2018Please?\u2019<\/p>\n At that moment the three Davis boys entered the Saloon. \u2018Hold it Cartwright!\u2019 said one as they advanced upon him.<\/p>\n Joe gulped and took a step backwards. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said feebly, looking around for a way out.<\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you Hi us, you little weasel,\u2019 said the second one. \u2018What did we tell you about hurting our little sister?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth, his mind working fast. \u2018Um\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n His words were cut short by the third Davis boy picking him up by the collar. \u2018You were warned Cartwright!\u2019 he said and drew back his fist.\u00a0 The last thing Joe remembered was a large hand coming towards him and then the darkness exploded around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So what do you think Paul?\u2019 asked Adam, studying his brother as he lay on the bed in the doctor\u2019s office. \u2018Will he live?\u2019<\/p>\n Dr Paul Martin straightened up again. \u2018I think so,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah well he might wish he wasn\u2019t gonna when Pa catches up with him,\u2019 said Hoss, giving his youngest brother a baleful stare. \u2018What on earth were ya thinking boy?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t ask to get pounded,\u2019 said Joe, holding his face tenderly.\u00a0 He tried to sit up, but Dr Martin pushed him onto the bed again.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh I think you did little buddy,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018From what I can gather you\u2019ve had just about every woman in town on a string lately. I think that deserves a pounding.\u00a0 What do you think Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I think he\u2019s lucky he went out to it after the first Davis boy was through with him,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018Otherwise the other two might have felt inclined to continue what he\u2019d started.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Feels like they did,\u2019 said Joe mournfully.\u00a0 Every bone in his body ached and he felt very light headed.\u00a0 The room kept spinning around and he felt like he was going to throw up.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d say you got off mighty lucky,\u2019 said Adam, sitting back and folding his arms in front of him. \u2018It could have been a lot worse considering what you\u2019ve been up to these past few days.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018How would you know what I\u2019ve been up to?\u2019 he said suspiciously.<\/p>\n Adam snorted. \u2018It doesn\u2019t take a genius to figure it out! First of all Annie Davis\u2019 brothers are out to pound you and then of course Emma Rixon is not too happy with you either.\u00a0 Oh\u2026and in case you\u2019re wondering, Roy Coffee is looking for you as well.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe slid down in the bed. \u2018He is?\u2019 he squeaked.<\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 What have you been up to with Amanda?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n \u2018She was the one who kissed me!\u2019 said Joe indignantly before he could stop himself. He cringed as he thought about what he\u2019d just said. \u2018He ain\u2019t too happy with me I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018That he ain\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d keep away from him if I were you shortshanks.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018All I want was a good time,\u2019 he said sulkily.\u00a0 And now look what\u2019s happening.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019ve only got yourself to blame, the way I see it,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You\u2019re just lucky Pa isn\u2019t here to hear it all.<\/p>\n Joe jerked. \u2018You ain\u2019t gonna tell him are you Adam?\u2019 he pleaded.<\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll have to think on it a bit.\u2019 He turned as the door opened. \u2018Maybe I won\u2019t have to,\u2019 he said, looking at Ben Cartwright in the doorway.<\/p>\n Joe slid down in the bed even further and gulped. \u2018Uh\u2026\u2026hi Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Ben looked down at his youngest son lying in the bed and then did something none of his sons expected.\u00a0 He sat down and gave him a hug. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said. \u2018I just arrived in town and heard that you\u2019d been hurt.\u00a0 Are you alright son?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gulped and looked at Adam and Hoss pleadingly.\u00a0 After a few moments he found his voice. \u2018I\u2019ll be OK Pa,\u2019 he said in a quiet tone. \u2018I just need to lie here for a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018He certainly does,\u2019 said Paul Martin, coming into the room behind Ben. \u2018When was the last time you ate something Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe thought back over the past few days and all the food and drink he\u2019d consumed, only to throw it all up again.\u00a0 Come to think of it, he probably hadn\u2019t kept anything down in days.\u00a0 No wonder he was feeling so light headed!\u00a0 He put on a mournful expression. \u2018I can\u2019t remember,\u2019 he said sadly.\u00a0 \u2018Seems like I\u2019ve been so busy lately I haven\u2019t had much time to eat.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben stroked his youngest son\u2019s forehead anxiously. \u2018He\u2019s been working hard marking fences,\u2019 he explained. \u2018Maybe he\u2019s overdone it.\u2019<\/p>\n Paul put away his stethoscope. \u2018Well his pulse is very rapid and he\u2019s showing signs of fatigue, \u2018 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t like his colour either.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe severely. \u2018I think you\u2019ve been overdoing it young man!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re right there,\u2019 said Adam under his breath. \u2018In more ways than one.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben looked at Joe. \u2018So what happened?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why did you pass out?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe glanced around to see if anyone was going to interrupt before he opened his mouth. \u2018It was all a bit hazy Pa,\u2019 he said truthfully. \u2018I don\u2019t remember much about it.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well you just lie back and take it easy,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I\u2019ll get you some broth to eat.\u00a0 We have to build your strength back up.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and left the room, followed by Paul.<\/p>\n \u2018You are unbelievable,\u2019 said Adam shaking his head. \u2018Do you really think you\u2019re going to get away with this?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked at both his brothers pleadingly. \u2018Please?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll do anything if you don\u2019t tell!\u2019<\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss. \u2018I think our youngest brother is going to be paying us back for this favour for a long time Hoss.\u00a0 What do you think?\u00a0 Is it worth it?\u2019<\/p>\n Hoss grinned. \u2018Oh I think it just might be!\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018Besides, I\u2019m gonna be interested to see how he explains all this away.\u00a0 It might prove to be right interesting.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shuddered. \u2018I\u2019ll think of something,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019d better think fast little buddy. I think your time is running out,\u2019 replied Adam with an amused expression on his face.<\/p>\n Joe was about to make a smart reply when his father came in carrying a steaming cup of broth and he lay back again and put on a mournful expression. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll try and keep some of it down.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018You take your time son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just drink it slowly. I\u2019ll be outside with Paul while you finish up.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sipped slowly as he watched his brothers over the top of the cup. He grinned.\u00a0 This would take a lot of thinking, but he had confidence that he could handle it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just don\u2019t understand it Pa,\u2019 Joe said sadly. \u2018All I did was try to do as you asked me to, but it seemed like nothing I did was good enough for Amanda. I even offered to take her for a walk at night to keep her happy, but I just couldn\u2019t please her. I don\u2019t think she likes me very much.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well you did your best son,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s all I can expect.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes but what\u2019s had me worried is that Sheriff Coffee would be mad at me for not making her stay here a happy one,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I know how friendly you are with him Pa and I didn\u2019t want you two to have a falling out over it.\u2019 He stole a glance at his brothers who were watching him open-mouthed. \u2018I only wanted to do what was best Pa,\u2019 he concluded. \u2018That\u2019s why I had to come into town today.\u00a0 I wanted to make her happy.\u00a0 I did it for you really.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I appreciate that son,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018But you really shouldn\u2019t have taken off from work like that.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Joe looked at his father. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, truly I am.\u00a0 But I was only thinking of helping you.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Well we\u2019ll say no more about it then,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure Roy will settle down in time.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018I hope so,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Adam smirked. \u2018I sure hope the Davis boys settle down too,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018Davis boys?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018What have they got to do with Amanda?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t really know,\u2019 replied Adam looking at Joe and grinning. \u2018I did hear them say something about Annie being upset when she saw you kissing Amanda though Joe.\u00a0 Why do you think that might be?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe glared at him.<\/p>\n \u2018What on earth has Annie Davis got to do with it?\u2019 Ben said, puzzled.<\/p>\n \u2018Well I think she kind of has a crush on me,\u2019 said Joe slowly. \u2018Ever since the picnic on Sunday.\u00a0 \u2018You remember, don\u2019t you Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n Ben searched his memory and came up with the vision of two girls piling Joe\u2019s plate with food. \u2018I thought that was Emma Rixon?\u2019 he said, confused.<\/p>\n \u2018Nah!\u2019 Hoss chimed in. \u2018Emma Rixon\u2019s stuck on Mitch Devlin now.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe glared at Hoss.<\/p>\n Ben frowned even more. \u2018I\u2019m not quite sure where all this is leading,\u2019 he said. \u2018But one thing I do know for sure.\u00a0 You\u2019re coming home with me now young man where you can rest.\u00a0 All these girls running after you can\u2019t be helping you in your current condition.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018I know Pa.\u00a0 But it\u2019s something I can\u2019t seem to help,\u2019 said Joe. He swung his feet off the edge of the bed, eager to get home.\u00a0 The way he figured it, the sooner he got out of town, the less chance his Pa had of finding out the truth. He stood up shakily.<\/p>\n \u2018Here, lean on me,\u2019 said Ben and began to walk his son out of the room. Joe leant on him, glancing back at Adam and Hoss with a grin.<\/p>\n Hoss opened his mouth and then shut it again. \u2018Do you believe that?\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018Unfortunately I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018But don\u2019t you worry Hoss.\u00a0 Something tells me our little brother may not be out of the woods yet!\u2019<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe cast an anxious look around the street as his father walked him towards their horses. With a sigh of relief he realised that the coast was clear. There were no Davis boys and no Sheriff Coffee in sight. He grinned as he thought about how easy it had all been.<\/p>\n Just as he thought he was out of trouble, however, he heard a voice from across the street. \u2018Joe!\u00a0 Joe Cartwright!\u2019\u00a0 He turned to see Sally Enright approaching.<\/p>\n Joe thought quickly. \u2018Pa I ain\u2019t feeling too good,\u2019 he said in a weak voice and leaned against his father as if he were about to fall. \u2018Can we get on our horses quickly?\u2019<\/p>\n Ben tried to support him. \u2018Just lean on me son and I\u2019ll get you there,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s alright.\u2019 Joe tried to pull his father forward, but Ben pushed him back. \u2018Just go slowly,\u2019 he said. \u2018Take it easy Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n Just at that moment Sally caught up with them. \u2018Well Joe Cartwright!\u2019 she said with a knowing look at him. \u2018Where did you get to?\u2019<\/p>\n Ben looked at the scantily dressed woman in front of them and frowned. \u2018Excuse me Miss,\u2019 he said. \u2018My son isn\u2019t well and we need to get going.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe gave Sally a pleading look which she totally ignored. \u2018Not well?\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m sorry to hear that Joe.\u00a0 You were fine a while ago when we were in the Saloon.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben stopped and stared at the young woman. \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n Joe leant heavily on his father. \u2018I\u2019m feeling kinda weak Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we\u2019d better get going now.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben cut him short. \u2018Just a moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s all this about the Saloon?\u00a0 Why were you in the Saloon Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n Sally gave Joe a dark look. \u2018Oh didn\u2019t Joe tell you Mr Cartwright?\u2019 she said sweetly. \u2018He often comes into the Saloon to see me.\u00a0 He\u2019s been in quite a bit lately.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben glared at his son and took his arm away from him. \u2018Oh really?\u2019 he said. \u2018And why is that Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe stood upright, deciding that it was time to get better quickly. \u2018Well\u2026I\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Well?\u2019 said Ben, fixing his son with a glare. \u2018I\u2019m waiting Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u2018Well\u2026.it\u2019s just that\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Um\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked around for something or someone to save him, but all he could see were the amused looks on his brothers\u2019 faces.<\/p>\n \u2018You seem to have made a remarkable recovery,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n \u2018So you do!\u2019 said Ben suspiciously. \u2018I have a feeling that there\u2019s more to this illness than you\u2019re letting on Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Could it have anything to do with your getting hit by the Davis boys?\u2019 asked Sally, still in her sweet voice.<\/p>\n \u2018What?!\u2019 thundered Ben. \u2018You didn\u2019t tell me you\u2019d been in a fight!\u00a0 Is that what this is all about?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe swallowed as he looked at his father. \u2018Well\u2026.it wasn\u2019t really a fight\u2026.\u2019 He began.<\/p>\n \u2018Oh no?\u00a0 Then pray tell what was it?\u2019 asked his father sarcastically.\u00a0 He looked at his son\u2019s face carefully and noticed a large bruise beginning to appear on it.<\/p>\n \u2018Well\u2026. One of them kinda hit me, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n Ben nodded his head. \u2018That\u2019s all!\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018Would it have anything to do with this Annie girl by any chance?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018Kinda,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n \u2018And in the Saloon on top of it,\u2019 continued Ben.\u00a0 He frowned. \u2018Come to think of it Joseph, I\u2019d like to really know what you\u2019re doing in town in the first place.\u00a0 I have a suspicion it doesn\u2019t have to do with Amanda after all, does it?\u2019<\/p>\n Joe stared mournfully at the ground and answered in a small voice. \u2018Well not really,\u2019 he said. \u2018Kinda though.\u2019<\/p>\n Adam nudged Hoss and they both grinned at each other.\u00a0 It seemed like their younger brother had overstepped himself this time.<\/p>\n Ben pointed to his son\u2019s horse. \u2018I think you\u2019d better get on that animal and ride for home son, before I do something I might regret later. We will continue this discussion at home in private.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat to Sally. \u2018Ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said as he strode towards his own horse.<\/p>\n Joe gave Sally an angry look and tried to ignore the laughter of his brothers behind him. \u2018Thanks a lot!\u2019 he said as he turned towards his own horse.<\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t bother coming back to see me either!\u2019 called Sally. \u2018I\u2019ve had enough of waiting around for you Joe Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n Joe looked around, embarrassed to think that anyone had heard her.\u00a0 Relieved, he noticed that no one was within earshot.\u00a0 But his feeling of relief was quickly overcome when he met his father\u2019s stare. As Joe mounted up, Ben suddenly turned in the saddle. \u2018And on the way home we\u2019ll check out that fence marking as well Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be very interested to see your handiwork.\u2019\u00a0 Joe sighed and hunched down in the saddle even further as he followed his father down the street.<\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n