{"id":2318,"date":"2009-04-01T08:30:42","date_gmt":"2009-04-01T12:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2318"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:29","slug":"the-art-of-cunning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2318","title":{"rendered":"The Art Of Cunning (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/span>When Joe wants something badly to what lengths would he go?\u00a0 (My entry for March’s Literary Challenge with a few additions.)
\nRated:<\/span> K+<\/p>\n

Work Count:\u00a0 1496<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Art Of Cunning<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After many hours of thoughtful consideration, Joe Cartwright decided he\u2019d take the bull by the horns once he\u2019d returned to the ranch from his weekly visit to town to order the supplies.\u00a0 And finding his father sitting comfortably in his favourite leather armchair with a cup of coffee and the latest edition of the Virginia City Gazette was a good sign.\u00a0 Ben was usually at his best and most obliging in such a relaxing mode.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe smiled as he placed his hat on the credenza.\u00a0 Ben looked over and gave a quick nod of greeting then returned to his newspaper.<\/p>\n

Joe moved towards him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve brought you the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without raising his eyes, Ben just motioned his hand to indicate Joe was to place the letters on the coffee table in front of him. \u00a0And Joe did as requested then sat down on the settee and waited in silence; for he knew from years of experience not to interrupt when his Pa was totally engrossed in an article he was reading.<\/p>\n

And this was a particularly riveting piece of writing!\u00a0 A newly assigned hangman, recently employed by the Marshall\u2019s Office in San Francisco, had only been working for a month before he was charged with murder himself!\u00a0 And subsequently found guilty he was now awaiting execution just as soon as the City Council managed to complete the paperwork and sign up the losing candidate from the job interview to do the necessary deed.<\/p>\n

Ben quietly chuckled at the irony of the situation as he re-read the headline, \u2018Hangman to be hung by hangman!\u2019 \u00a0Then finally sensing a pair of eyes staring at him he peered over his paper towards his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cAnything I can do for you Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cUrm\u2026yes Pa.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve got a minute that is?\u00a0 I just want to ask you if\u2026well I just want to ask you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without hesitation Ben meticulously folded up his paper and placed it on top of the pile of correspondence.\u00a0 \u201cVery well\u2026fire away,\u201d he said, giving his son his full attention.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitatingly pulled out a small catalogue from the inside pocket of his jacket and flicked through the pages.\u00a0 Finally he found what he was looking for and handed it over; pointing at the top item.\u00a0 \u201cI know it\u2019s still a few weeks till my eighteenth birthday but\u2026would you buy these for me Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he studied the page.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean these spurs?\u00a0 But surely you can buy a pair from the mercantile at any time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded emphatically and flashed a quick, confident grin.\u00a0 \u201cSure I can Pa, but these are special.\u00a0 They have little bells at the end that jingle jangle and are made of solid silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle bells?\u00a0 Silver?\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook his head in disbelief!\u00a0 What would they think of next?\u00a0 \u201cHardly what I\u2019d call practical when you\u2019re working at breaking in wild horses Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019d be more scared of losing the bells than riding the fiercest mustang.\u00a0 That\u2019s not what I\u2019d call sensible\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026these are the latest design\u2026all the way from New York,\u201d Joe interrupted excitedly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t wear them for work\u2026they\u2019re for Sunday best only and a bargain!\u00a0 Surely you can see that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bargain?\u00a0 And just how much is this bargain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his gaze.\u00a0 \u201c$50,\u201d he murmured, slightly less self assured, and then added in an even lower voice.\u00a0 \u201cFor each spur.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c$50! Each!\u201d\u00a0 Ben nearly choked with the shock.\u00a0 \u201cYou want me to spend $100 on spurs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026I\u2019d be the only one with a pair in the whole of Virginia City!\u00a0 The only one!\u00a0 Just think\u2026Joe Cartwright the only fashionable cowboy in the State of Nevada!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell dolefully and he felt his father studying him closely.\u00a0 \u201cBut why are these spurs so important to you son?\u00a0 It\u2019s never bothered you before when you haven\u2019t looked the most stylish in town. In fact there have been times when you\u2019ve been the complete opposite to such an extent it\u2019s a wonder Sheriff Coffee didn\u2019t charge you with vagrancy!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t\u2026couldn\u2019t disagree with his father on that point, yet he continued undeterred.\u00a0 \u201cBut things have changed Pa\u2026people change\u2026I\u2019ve changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have?\u00a0 How?\u00a0 Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reddened but remained stubbornly tight lipped.\u00a0 And despite his son\u2019s gloomy expression Ben had to smile. \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Are you trying to impress someone special?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s query came from years of experience with sons.\u00a0 He\u2019d grown to know the signs of a first love.<\/p>\n

With a hesitant nod Joe gave a sigh and smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cNever could hide anything from you, could I Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence hung heavy for a moment then taking a deep breath a soft smile appeared on the young man\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cHer name is Angie\u2026Angie Dorking.\u00a0 She moved here a month ago all the way from back East and she\u2019s just wonderful and the most beautiful girl I\u2019ve ever seen.\u00a0 She\u2019s the one who told me all the most eligible men had a pair of these spurs in New York.\u00a0 And she thought they were the ultimate fashion accessory and she couldn\u2019t bear to have any man call on her if they weren\u2019t wearing them. So now do you see why I need a pair so badly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared at Joe long and hard then gave a sympathetic smile.\u00a0 \u201cBut son\u2026I\u2019ve always taught you and your brothers that appearance is not important.\u00a0 Its what a person is like inside that counts the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that Pa\u2026but\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice trailed off and his gaze fell away.\u00a0 He rose quickly from the settee, pacing the floor as he ran a hand through his hair, then sat back down.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned over and placed a hand on his knee.\u00a0 He could see the truth of his words were hitting home. \u00a0\u201cIf this girl is only interested in what you\u2019re wearing and what you look like, well surely she isn\u2019t really worth the trouble son?\u00a0 You do see that, don\u2019t you?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly Joe nodded his head in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cYes Pa.\u00a0 I know you\u2019re right. Just didn\u2019t want to admit it to myself I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned back in his seat and stared broodily up at the ceiling.\u00a0 \u201cGuess that means I don\u2019t get the spurs after all doesn\u2019t it?\u201d he said in a vain attempt to lighten the mood.\u00a0 But his downhearted expression and the sorrow that lingered in his eyes tore at Ben\u2019s heartstrings. \u00a0He had to do something.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what,\u201d Ben said eventually as he flicked through the pages of the catalogue then handed it back to his son.\u00a0 \u201cI know I usually fix a limit of $10 on birthday presents but if you can find something for $15…\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Joe\u2019s dejected face.\u00a0 \u201c$20…\u201d<\/p>\n

Still Joe stared disconsolately.<\/p>\n

\u201c$30. If you can find something for $30 I\u2019ll buy it for your birthday.\u00a0 How does that suit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

To Ben\u2019s relief at this announcement Joe\u2019s eyes widened with joy.\u00a0 \u201c$30!\u00a0 I can really have anything in the catalogue worth $30?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded indulgently. \u00a0\u201cAnything son\u2026anything at all. I promise. Just order what you want the next time you\u2019re in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGeeze\u2026.thanks Pa,\u201d Joe smiled; his broken heart seemingly repaired and long forgotten as he began to skim through the pages.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have a good look and let you know what I\u2019ve chosen later.\u00a0 Better get on with my chores now though.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that he stood up and left the room, whistling happily and leaving Ben with the satisfying glow of fatherhood; though slightly surprised and confused at the rapid change in his son\u2019s mood.<\/p>\n

In the barn Joe was looking at a particular page in the catalogue and quietly chuckling to himself when he was joined by his two brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Joe, did you manage to get Pa to splash out on those fancy chaps you\u2019ve been lusting for over the past months?\u201d Hoss asked inquisitively as he looked over his shoulder at the illustrations of various kinds of protective leather leggings.<\/p>\n

Joe gave his big brother a satisfying nod.\u00a0 \u201cSure I did Hoss.\u00a0 He said I could order them whenever I wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared over with incredulity.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean Pa has agreed you can have them?\u00a0 The ones with the flower design?\u00a0 The most expensive pair in the catalogue costing $30?\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe it!\u00a0 How did you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded again.\u00a0 \u201cBelieve it! \u00a0And I have my ways,\u201d he said smiling.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I seem to remember the two of you bet me $10 each I couldn\u2019t persuade Pa to buy me a pair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then enjoying the fact that his smug grin was now irritating the hell out of his elder brother he stretched out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cSo come on\u2026pay up!\u00a0 And maybe I\u2019ll tell you the secret of my success\u2026.one day!\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 When Joe wants something badly to what lengths would he go?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ Work Count:\u00a0 1496<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13973,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,23,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chaps-spurs","category-drama","category-humor","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1408,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/TinBadge.jpg?fit=730%2C564&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":62283,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62283","url_meta":{"origin":2318,"position":0},"title":"Double Trouble (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"June 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A glimpse into the future with grandchildren on the Ponderosa. Ben gets more than he bargained for when he offers to keep Joe's twins while their parents are away.\u00a0 (Part of the Jacob's Ladder series, links below.) 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Ben makes some quite interesting observations, and Juliet learns something, too. 2,300 words 2450 words, rated K The Art-Universe Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/AdamRiding.jpg?fit=455%2C411&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":41161,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=41161","url_meta":{"origin":2318,"position":2},"title":"The Way it Wasn’t – by JulieH","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 20, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam manages to convince Ben that sending Little Joe away to college would be the best decision regarding his future. (alternate reality) Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 12,135","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13832,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13832","url_meta":{"origin":2318,"position":3},"title":"A Life Lived (by HelenB)","author":"HelenB","date":"November 27, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe run into trouble while away from the ranch. Will help arrive in time? Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (11,540 words) A Life Lived Series, links to all stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/AdamJoeHP7.jpg?fit=399%2C299&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":36681,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=36681","url_meta":{"origin":2318,"position":4},"title":"Cunning Beavers (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"July 5, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The Cartwrights have to work to devise a plan to outsmart some crafty beavers who are causing mayhem on the Ponderosa. 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