{"id":3164,"date":"2011-05-18T23:58:06","date_gmt":"2011-05-19T03:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3164"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:25:24","slug":"sure-as-shootin-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3164","title":{"rendered":"Sure as Shootin’ – Part 1 and 2 (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe and pesky little sisters and guns – not a good combo. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (10,585 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sure as Shootin’<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

A story about Joe, guns and a pesky little sister.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, thought Joe Cartwright, I can\u2019t wait until this afternoon. I\u2019m finally going to get to practice with a pistol and not just a rifle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had been planning this for days. Pa was going to be in San Francisco for the week and Adam and Hoss would be out on the round up. He wasn\u2019t allowed to use fire arms yet, not until he turned 16, which was a whole year away. But with everyone gone, he could take the extra pistol in Pa\u2019s desk and practice after school. This was going to be great in his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone had already left, Adam and Hoss to the round up, Pa to San Francisco, and Hop Sing was in the kitchen. Joe came down the stairs in his stocking feet and padded over to Pa\u2019s desk. He eased the drawer open and the gun was still there. Joe could feel the sense of excitement well up in him. He grabbed the gun and stuck it under his shirt. Little did he know that Ellie was standing at the top of the stairs watching his every move. Ellie didn\u2019t know why Joe took the gun, but she didn\u2019t want him to know that she knew. She backtracked quietly to her room. She waited until she heard Joe\u2019s bedroom door close.<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her door and headed down the hall. She tapped on Joe\u2019s door. \u201cHeh, Joe, you up?\u201d she hollered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m up, I\u2019ll be down in a minute.\u201d Joe answered. Joe packed the gun and some shells in his saddle bags. He grabbed his books and his saddle bags and headed down the stairs and out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, where you going?\u201d Ellie called from the breakfast table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe right back,\u201d Joe said as the front door slammed. Joe quickly went to saddle the horses and put his saddle bags on Cochise. He headed back to the house for breakfast. He joined Ellie at the table. He grabbed a couple of flap jacks and some bacon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing came in from the kitchen with a pitcher of milk and a pitcher of orange juice. He poured the children a glass of each. Hop Sing looked at the clock. It was about to strike 7:00 am. \u201cCome, come almost time for school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, can I go to Michael\u2019s after school? I\u2019ll be home before supper.\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chinese cook shook his head. \u201cNo, no father said come home after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hop Sing, we was going to do school work. Please?\u201d Joe begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing asked, \u201cFor school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about sister, she no come by herself.\u201d the Chinese cook asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she can stay with Marybeth. Then she can come home with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie watched this whole exchange. She knew there would be no way that Michael and Joe would be doing any kind of school work. She wondered what he was up to. She decided that she would just wait a bit to figure it out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing considered Joe\u2019s question, \u201cOk, Lil Joe, but you be home by 5:00, no late, or\u2026.\u201d Hop Sing smacked his wooden spoon on his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no we won\u2019t be late.\u201d Joe said hastily. Joe had gotten enough smacks from that wooden spoon to know not to be late.<\/span><\/p>\n

The clock chimed 7:00. \u201cCome on Sissy, we don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d Joe said as he pushed back from the table and hurried toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie followed him out to the barn. She saw that Windy was already saddled. \u201cThanks Joe,\u201d she said eyeing him suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Sissy, come on let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They traveled at a leisurely pace. Ellie couldn\u2019t stand it any more. \u201cOk, Joe Cartwright, what gives?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe flashed her an innocent look. \u201cWatcha mean Sissy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean you asked Hop Sing about staying to do school work with Michael? Sure you are. You saddled our horses, before breakfast? You never do that. Come on Joe, what gives?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d Joe flashed her another innocent look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh really Joe, come on. I saw you take the gun from Papa\u2019s desk this morning.\u201d Ellie said accusingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe starting turning red. \u201cAww, Sissy, you can\u2019t tell. Me and Michael are going to go practice shooting this afternoon after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought Papa said you cain\u2019t use a side arm until you\u2019re 16. You ain\u2019t 16.\u201d Ellie said smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I need to be ready when I can and it takes lots of practice. Now\u2019s perfect because no one will know. Leastin if you don\u2019t tell.\u201d Joe begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie eyed Joe, \u201cI want you to teach me to shoot, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo way,\u201d he said exasperated, \u201cYou\u2019re only 10, Pa\u2019d have my hide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPapa\u2019s gonna have your hide when I tell him you took his gun and lied to Hop Sing.\u201d Ellie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe carefully considered. He knew he would be in a heap of trouble either way. But then again, if Ellie didn\u2019t tell, he wouldn\u2019t be in any trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie watched Joe thinking it over. \u201cI\u2019m gonna tell Papa, Joe, I mean it.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, okay, but if you ever tell Pa, I\u2019ll get you back and that\u2019s a fact.\u201d Joe said exasperated. \u201cSo listen, this is what we\u2019re going to do, after school we\u2019re going to ride to the southeast pasture. There ain\u2019t nobody there and there ain\u2019t any reason for anyone to be there all week. Every day after school, we\u2019re going to the pasture to practice. Hop Sing won\u2019t know as long as we are home by 5:00.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Sissy, you have to listen to me about safety and such, because if one of us gets hurt, Pa\u2019ll find out and whale the tar out of both of us.\u201d Joe said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk Joe, I promise.\u201d Ellie said smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

They made their way into the school yard. Joe went in search of Michael to tell him the change in plans and Ellie went to find Marybeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarybeth, Marybeth, guess what, I\u2019m finally gonna learn to shoot!\u201d Ellie whispered excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShoot what?\u201d asked Marybeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, a pistol. Joe\u2019s gonna teach me to shoot a pistol.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth looked horrified, \u201cEllie you can\u2019t be serious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure I am, why not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGirls don\u2019t need to learn to shoot. Besides, there is no way your Papa would let you learn to shoot. I thought you told me Joe doesn\u2019t even get to until he\u2019s 16.\u201d Marybeth said practically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does being a girl have to do with it?\u201d Ellie asked angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, it\u2019s just not something girls do.\u201d said Marybeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this girl wants to learn to shoot. Besides Papa is in San Francisco, Adam and Hoss are out on the round up and Hop Sing is watching us. So, nobody\u2019ll know any how.\u201d Ellie stated flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth just shook her head, \u201cJust don\u2019t go shooting yourself in the foot or worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie smiled at Marybeth and squeezed her hand, \u201cI promised Joe I\u2019d be real careful. Marybeth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou cain\u2019t tell anybody. Especially your mama or papa, cuz if Papa finds out\u2026\u2026I don\u2019t even want to think about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth eyed her best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Marybeth, I have to be able to trust you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d Marybeth conceded, \u201cBut I still thinks it\u2019s a bad idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Ellie giving her a hug. \u201cOops, there\u2019s the school bell, we better go in before we get in trouble for being late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The school day was as long as Ellie could remember. She was having a hard time containing her excitement. The hours at school just crept by. Finally, the school bell rang for the day. Ellie, Marybeth, Michael and Joe headed for the barn to retrieve their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael turned to Marybeth, \u201cJust tell mama that I\u2019ll be a little late, that I went with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not lying for you Michael John Cummings,\u201d Marybeth challenged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarybeth, you ain\u2019t lying, I am going with Joe. You ain\u2019t saying why or where, all you is saying is that I went with Joe.\u201d Michael reasoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth eyed him dubiously, \u201cI guess you\u2019re right. What if she asks me what you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell her that you don\u2019t know, I\u2019m just going to work on something with Joe.\u201d Michael said impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk fine.\u201d Marybeth said as she turned her horse toward the FiveStar and took off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d said Michael, \u201cThat was tough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe just smiled at him, \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get going before we don\u2019t have any time to practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three children road out to the southeast Ponderosa pasture. They chattered on about guns and shooting and quick draws. They finally arrived at a clearing. Joe loaded the pistol while Michael went to line up rocks for them to shoot at. Joe and Michael took turns shooting and practicing. The missed time and time again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I want to try.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Sissy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ellie warned, \u201cyou promised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael rolled his eyes at Joe and Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u201cMichael, if we don\u2019t let her, she\u2019ll tell your pa and mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A brief look of disgust crossed Michael\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichael, what\u2019s your Pa gonna say if he finds out?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael looked a little panicky. \u201cI probably wouldn\u2019t be sitting down for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, let her shoot,\u201d said Joe simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael handed Joe the gun. Joe walked over to Ellie and handed her the gun. \u201cHere, let me help you the first time, the gun has a kick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood behind Ellie and held her hand with his hand. \u201cOk, Sissy, I\u2019m going to hold your arm with my arm and I\u2019ll hold your hand with mine, but you\u2019re going to pull the trigger. You\u2019d best shoot with two hands the first time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie did as Joe said and held the gun with two hands while Joe stood behind her. She pulled the trigger and shot one of the rocks Michael had set up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did it! I did it! Joe, I shot the rock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked completely surprised. \u201cSure as shootin\u2019, Sissy, you sure did. You\u2019re gonna be crack shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazing thought Joe, how\u2019d she do that? He and Michael had been trying for an hour and neither one of them shot anything. Joe realized that they had been practicing awhile and that 5:00 was fast approaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichael, we better get on home. We can come back tomorrow.\u201d Joe said looking at his friend who was still standing there with his mouth open.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children mounted up and headed for their homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m gonna be a crackshot, huh?\u201d Ellie smiled at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep Sissy, I think you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry I said I\u2019d tell on you, I just wanted to learn to shoot.\u201d Ellie said looking down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his little sister. \u201cSissy, I would have taught you, but maybe not this early. I need to get good myself so I can teach you better. Besides, I\u2019ve been wanting to learn since I was 10, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, I promise not to tell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d said Joe, \u201cIt\u2019s our little secret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie nodded in agreement as the children headed toward home.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

SURE AS SHOOTIN\u2019 \u2013 PART II<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Joe and Ellie had been practicing shooting all week. Every day after school they would head for the southeast meadow on the Ponderosa and practice shooting Pa\u2019s extra handgun. No one knew. Pa was in San Francisco for the week and Adam and Hoss were on the round up. Joe figured he could get the gun cleaned up and back in the drawer the day before Pa came home. As far as he knew, Pa\u2019d be coming home on Saturday and Adam and Hoss would be back from the roundup on Friday. The children had told Hop Sing that they would be with the Cummings and they would be home every day by 5:00. So far, so good, they had been home every day by 5:00. And it wasn\u2019t exactly a lie, they were with Michael Cummings every day, just like they said.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Thursday, the final day of free shooting. Michael and Joe were finally hitting all the targets, but they were very slow and very deliberate. Joe was still standing behind Ellie when she shot, but she was holding the gun on her own. She didn\u2019t hit all the targets, but she hit a few.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took aim and missed, \u201cDarn it!\u201d she swore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe laughed as he took the gun from her. \u201cBetter not let Pa hear you swearing like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDarn it, ain\u2019t a swear word, Joe.\u201d she fumed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so, what\u2019d Pa do the last time he heard you say that?\u201d Joe said laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at him, her eyes narrowing. \u201cOh, yeah, I\u2019m thinking I was standing up at supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe chuckled, \u201cI\u2019m just reminding you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, leave it be Mr. Smarty Pants. Say, Joe we got to get that gun put back in Pa\u2019s desk tonight, cuz Adam and Hoss are coming home tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael rolled his eyes. \u201cCome on Joe, let me have a last round of shots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you know she\u2019s right Michael, this\u2019ll be it for awhile.\u201d Joe agreed handing Michael the gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael took his last shots. He hit four out of five. \u201cGood shootin\u2019 Michael.\u201d Joe said taking the gun from Michael, we best get going so we can be home by 5:00. No use spoiling a good record.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The children mounted up and went their separate ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss dragged in on Thursday afternoon. Adam was thinking how good it was to be home and be home a day early. He thought all he wanted was a hot bath and a soft bed. He walked into the house and eyed Pa\u2019s desk. He really should go enter those figures in the ledger before he forgot. He went to the desk and pulled the second drawer open. He grabbed the ledger. That\u2019s funny he thought, where\u2019s Pa\u2019s emergency gun? Must have taken it with him to San Francisco. Adam dismissed the thought as he entered the figures for the round up in the ledger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie rode into the yard to see Chubb and Sport at the rail in front of the house. Ellie and Joe looked at each other. \u201cOh no, they\u2019re home a day early.\u201d Ellie whispered to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I\u2019ll just put the gun back after everyone goes to bed.\u201d Joe said confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, Hoss rounded the barn to stable Chubb and Sport. Ellie jumped off of Windy and ran to Hoss. He caught her up in his arms and swung her around in a circle. \u201cHeh, Hoss, I missed you!\u201d Ellie squealed laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you too, Princess!\u201d Hoss said setting her down on her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie starting running for the house. \u201cWhoa, lil missy,\u201d said Hoss catching her by the back of her dress, \u2018Where you going? Don\u2019t you have some chores?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hoss, but I want to see Adam.\u201d Ellie said. Ellie missed her brothers badly. Especially Adam, she couldn\u2019t wait to see him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChores.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie.\u201d Hoss warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go see Adam and I\u2019ll come right back, Hoss, honest.\u201d Ellie pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Princess, come right back. Adam\u2019s probably in there taking a hot bath any way. That\u2019s all he talked about the last 5 miles afore we got home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took off running toward the house. She slammed open the door and looked toward Pa\u2019s study to see Adam closing up the ledger. \u201cAdam!\u201d she shouted running toward his outstretched arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

He caught her up in a tight embrace. \u201cHow\u2019s my princess? Were you good while I was gone?<\/span>
\n\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d she said into his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, were you good while I was gone?\u201d he asked extricating himself from her grasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, huh, gotta go finish my chores. I promised Hoss.\u201d Ellie said sliding away and heading out the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Joe had dismounted and headed for his brother to get a welcoming home embrace. \u201cHeh, brother, good to have you home.\u201d Joe said good naturedly removing his saddle bags from Cochise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Joe, watcha taking saddle bags to school for?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, I just decided it keeps papers and such from getting all messed up.\u201d Joe said nonchalantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss just eyed Joe, Joe didn\u2019t look at him directly. If Joe didn\u2019t look him in the eye, something was up. Hoss just let it slide, he was really too tired to care. The round up was long and hot and he could use a bath himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just go put these in my room and then come clean up Cochise.\u201d Joe said heading for the house. Joe caught Ellie leaving the house as he was coming in. \u201cSissy, where\u2019s Adam?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s upstairs taking a bath. Where\u2019s Hoss?\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s cleaning up Chubb and Sport.\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, I\u2019ll help him with Chubb and Sport and that should give you time.\u201d Ellie whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

They nodded to each other in agreement. Joe headed toward the desk, eased the gun out of his saddle bags and placed the gun in the drawer in pa\u2019s desk. He sighed a big sigh of relief and headed up the stairs to put his saddle bags away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie headed out to unsaddled Windy and clean her up. She led Windy toward the barn. She put her in the stall and pulled the saddle off. She starting brushing down Windy. \u201cSo, how was the roundup, Hoss?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss eyed her, something wasn\u2019t quite right. \u201cIt was hot, dusty and long.\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI need me a hot bath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could finish up Chubb and Sport for you.\u201d she offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss eyed her again. She couldn\u2019t even reach the top of Chubb or Sport standing on a stump. She didn\u2019t ever bother to offer grooming Chubb or Sport, she knew she couldn\u2019t really do a good job of it. Something was definitely up. \u201cNaw, baby, you cain\u2019t reach high enough. I\u2019ll finish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe entered the barn. \u201cHeh, Hoss, Adam\u2019s out of the bath, he said for me to finish up Chubb and Sport so you could get you a bath afore supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tossed Joe the brush and headed for the house. \u201cThanks, lil brother.\u201d he said as he left the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at Joe, \u201cDid you do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, easy as pie.\u201d said Joe smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie breathed a sigh of relief. \u201cJoe, you think its ok, Adam has a way of knowing when something ain\u2019t right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Exasperated, Joe turned to his sister, \u201cSissy, just act regular and no one will know a thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, she heard Adam calling them to come wash up for supper. \u201cCome on Joe, Adam\u2019s calling.\u201d she said as she dropped the grooming brush in the pail.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four Cartwright children assembled at the table to a fine feast laid out by Hop Sing. Hop Sing had made Ellie\u2019s favorite fried chicken, green beans, fresh rolls and mashed potatoes. Adam said grace and they passed the plates of food around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how was school? Any tough assignments while we were gone? Any reports? Any essays?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d said Joe, \u201cschool was just the same as always.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed Joe at his quick response. Ellie just sat there pushing her food around on her plate. She was really getting nervous. What if Adam knew? What if Adam caught them? She was lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, Joe kicked her. \u201cOw, why\u2019d you do that?\u201d she shot angrily at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz, Adam is talking to you.\u201d Joe returned evenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry, what Adam?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you if you were ok?\u201d Adam said peering at his lil sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, just fine. May I be excused?\u201d she had decided that she would rather not be the object of Adam\u2019s attention just then.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took one look at her plate, she hadn\u2019t touched a bite. \u201cNo, eat your supper.\u201d Adam said shaking his head no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Adam, I\u2019m not really hungry,\u201d she whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor Grace, I\u2019m tired and I\u2019m hungry and I\u2019m not in the mood to listen to whining. I said eat your supper.\u201d Adam said through tight lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe kicked her meaningfully under the table. She shot Joe a menancing look. She picked up her fork and started eating. She ate a few bites and looked at Adam, he looked calmer. \u201cMay I be excused?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked over and she had eaten less than half, but she had eaten. \u201cDrink your milk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She drank her milk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, you\u2019re excused. On second thought, come here for a minute.\u201d Adam said motioning her over to his side of the table. Ellie went to stand next to him. He put his hand on her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for Pete\u2019s sake Adam, I ain\u2019t sick.\u201d Ellie said batting his hand away from her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust checking,\u201d he said as he turned her toward the great room with a light swat to her rear. \u201cDid you finish your homework?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure are testy.\u201d Adam said, \u201cI think you need to go on and get ready for bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on Adam, Papa said I\u2019m allowed to stay up until 8:00 now.\u201d she said stamping her foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

The clock was just about to strike 7:00. \u201cI know, but you must be tired because you\u2019re being awfully ornery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie opened her mouth to retort. Joe was shaking his head no. Ellie couldn\u2019t help herself. \u201cOh, leave it be Adam. Just because you\u2019re tired doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m being ornery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed back from the table. Wiped his face with a napkin and stood up. Uh oh, he had that look in his eye, the \u201cdon\u2019t sass\u201d look, the look that promised more standing than sitting. Adam started toward Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just go get ready for bed.\u201d Ellie said in a rush trying to get to the stairs before Adam. Adam caught her arm as she reached the staircase. He delivered two hard swats to her backside before she could make the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I wasn\u2019t in the mood for that tonight.\u201d Adam said evenly looking his sister in the eye. \u201cSo, unless you want more of the same, you go get ready for bed and no more sass! Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie dropped her eyes to the floor, she didn\u2019t want him to be madder than he was. She didn\u2019t say at word as she climbed the stairs to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, I asked you if you understood?\u201d Adam said calmly from the bottom of the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard a muffled, \u201cYes Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed and went back to the supper table. \u201cBy the way Joe, did you know anything about Pa\u2019s extra gun in his desk drawer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe about choked on his milk. \u201cNo, Adam, what do you mean?\u201d he asked innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s missing from the drawer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe, \u201cI saw it there earlier this week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows. The children were not allowed near Pa\u2019s desk. \u201cJoe, what were you doing in Pa\u2019s desk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, um, getting paper for homework.\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of homework?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, an essay, yeah, I had to do an essay for school.\u201d Joe stuttered, his mind racing for an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you told me you didn\u2019t have any essays. I better look it over for you.\u201d Adam said crossing his arms over his chest and eyeing Joe suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNO! Um, I mean no, I already handed it in.\u201d Joe said hurriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally, what was it on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind raced wildly. This was getting hard. Why did Adam have to ask so many questions? Ah, he got it, Thanksgiving was in two weeks. Adam would believe Miss Jones assigning an essay on Thanksgiving. \u201cUh, Thanksgiving, what we were thankful for.\u201d Joe said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how did you do?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, we just handed it in today.\u201d Joe lied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmmmm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, can I be excused? I have to finish my math.\u201d Joe asked. He desperately wanted to escape Adam\u2019s scrutiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Joe, I\u2019ll be up in awhile to check on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had been watching this whole exchange. \u201cAdam, something ain\u2019t right with those two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, brother, I\u2019d have to agree, but what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me, but I\u2019m too tired to care, I\u2019m going on to bed. See you in the morning.\u201d Hoss said yawning as he pushed back from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam thought about it, but was just too tired to think too hard. Ah well, he\u2019d figure it out tomorrow or better yet, he\u2019d just let Pa sort it out. Adam headed up the stairs to make sure the children were in bed before he headed to his own. He stopped in Joe\u2019s room. Joe was at his desk working his math problems. \u201cAlmost done, buddy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, just two more.\u201d answered Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, finish up then get in bed and turn out your lamp. We are going to have an early night.\u201d Adam said yawning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I read?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so, but I want you in bed and lights out by 8:00.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I mean it. If I get up after 8:00 and your light is on, you\u2019re in trouble.\u201d Adam said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed, \u201cWhy do you always assume I\u2019m going to get in trouble. Jeez! I promise, no later than 8:00.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed, \u201cYour right, I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m just really tired and want to turn in. Good night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dragged himself down the hall to Ellie\u2019s room. She was in bed fast asleep. Adam went in and adjusted her covers and kissed her on the top of her head. He didn\u2019t have to stop and look in on Hoss because Hoss was snoring up a storm. Adam just chuckled as he headed toward his own room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Joe made sure he got up and got Ellie up and that they were down to breakfast on time. There was no way he wanted to cross Adam this morning. He was hoping Adam would forget about the gun. The gun was safely in Pa\u2019s desk and Pa would be back tomorrow. Breakfast went off without a hitch. Joe was relieved to escape any further questions from Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Sissy, we best get goin\u2019 to school.\u201d said Joe pushing back from the breakfast table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat. He glared at the children. Neither one of them had asked to be excused. He figured that had no one to ask all week, so maybe they just got out of the habit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, I didn\u2019t hear anyone excusing you two.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children turned toward him, \u201cSorry Adam, I guess I kinda of forgot.\u201d Joe said sheepishly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMay we be excused?\u201d Joe asked politely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed them, they sure were being compliant this morning. Maybe being on their own for a few days made them a little more mature. \u201cYes and come straight home after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Adam.\u201d said Joe as he dragged Ellie outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children mounted up and escaped toward school. \u201cJoe, you think Adam knows anything?\u201d Ellie asked worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw Sissy, everything is fine as long as YOU quit worrying. The gun is back in the desk and Pa\u2019ll be home tomorrow. It\u2019s like the gun never left the drawer.\u201d Joe answered confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shrugged her shoulders, \u201cIf you say so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The children arrived at school and went in search of their friends Michael and Marybeth. Joe caught Michael coming into the yard. Joe went on to tell him about Adam and Hoss coming home early and how he put the gun back without anyone knowing and how Adam asked about the gun and Joe made up the best story about needing paper for the essay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael whistled. \u201cWhew Joe, you sure think on your feet. If my Pa\u2019d asked what Adam had asked I would\u2019ve been way too scared to lie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned, \u201cWell if your Pa\u2019d ask me, I would have been too scared to say anything. His hands are even bigger than my Pa\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Michael smirked, \u201cIf you only knew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The school day passed on as normal. Just as Ms. Jones was wrapping up the class, she made an announcement. \u201cClass, I want each of you to write an essay on what you\u2019re thankful for over the weekend, it will be due on Monday. Grades 1 through 4, 1 page, grades 5 through 8, 2 pages, and those over grade 8, 3 pages.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The entire class groaned. \u201cClass dismissed.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind raced wildly. Oh no he thought 3 pages, that was long. He already told Adam he\u2019d written an essay on that subject. Adam was always nosing around his homework and wanting to read his essays before he handed them in. Well, he\u2019d just have to find time to work on it when Adam wasn\u2019t around.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie mounted up for the ride home. \u201cEllie, you can\u2019t tell Adam about the essay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? He always helps me.\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, because he asked me why the gun was missing and I told him I saw it in the drawer earlier in the week, you know because I had already put the gun back. I\u2019m hoping he\u2019ll just forget he thought the gun was missing or just think he missed seeing it. When he asked me why I was in Pa\u2019s desk, I told him I went to get paper for an essay about what I\u2019m thankful for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at him horrified, \u201cYou\u2019re joshing me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wish I were.\u201d Joe said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t I just tell Adam, I have an essay and that you already did yours?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess that would work. I\u2019m going to need you to sneak me some paper, so I can work on mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk. You know Joe, I\u2019m not sure I want to do this again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, all this lying and sneaking. It\u2019s too hard. It\u2019s hard to remember what to say and what not to say and what you already done told someone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u201cI know, I\u2019m sorry I got you into this. But please Sissy, don\u2019t tell. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d get just a few swats, I think Pa\u2019d tan the daylights out of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t tell Joe, I promise.\u201d Ellie crossed her heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie finally reached home. Joe handed Ellie his books, \u201cSissy, if you go put these up, I\u2019ll start on Cochise and Windy and then you can come help me finish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Joe,\u201d she said taking his books and hers. She banged the door open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop banging that door!\u201d Adam grumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSoooorrrrrrrrry.\u201d Ellie sassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up from the book he was reading. \u201cYou going to start sassing already missy? You just walked in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBossy.\u201d she muttered under her breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d she said innocently. She dropped their school books on the credenza and turned to go back outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that where those books belong?\u201d Adam barked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just rolled her eyes, grabbed the books and headed upstairs to put them in her room. Jeez, he\u2019s in a bad mood, she thought. I hope he doesn\u2019t know about that gun. Ellie took a deep breath and headed back down stairs to the barn to help Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you going?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodness, Adam, what\u2019s a matter? I\u2019m just going to help Joe finish up with Windy and do my chores. Why are you mad at me?\u201d Ellie said looking curiously at her brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, baby, I\u2019m just tired and the way you said \u201csorry\u201d didn\u2019t help. Come here.\u201d he said holding his arms out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie ran over to him to give him a hug and a kiss. He returned her hug and kiss and turned her toward the front door with a soft swat to her bottom. \u201cGo on, finish you\u2019re chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie ran out the door relieved. He\u2019s just tired. Thank the Lord. He\u2019s just tired. She almost whished that he did know, then she wouldn\u2019t have to fret about it anymore. She headed out to the barn to help Joe. She entered the barn, \u201cJoe, Adam is really touchy, he just about bit my head off, so don\u2019t sass if you want your hide to stay in one piece. I\u2019ll sure be glad when papa comes home tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe eyed his sister warily. \u201cThanks for the heads up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two worked diligently to finish up their chores and to do a really good job. Neither of them wanted to get on Adam\u2019s bad side tonight. Thankfully there was no school tomorrow and Pa would be home tomorrow afternoon. Joe and Ellie entered the house. Joe started to swing the door open like normal. Ellie caught the door before it banged on the credenza. She looked at her brother with disgust and shook her head. Both the children headed up the stairs to their rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over curiously. They usually came in the great room to talk about their day with whoever was home. He wondered why they were going upstairs. \u201cWhere are you two going?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHomework.\u201d they said simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed them suspiciously. Since when did they voluntarily do homework on a Friday. \u201cYou both are doing homework now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I was going to ask you if I could go fishing tomorrow with Michael, but I knew you\u2019d say no if I still had homework.\u201d Joe supplied hastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI guess if you get your homework done, you can go. Pa\u2019s coming in on the stage at 3:00. You need to be home by supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Joe said as he hurried up the stairs before Adam asked any more questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed Ellie, \u201cAnd what\u2019s your excuse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have an \u201cexcuse\u201d Adam, I always do my homework right away.\u201d Ellie said perturbed. \u201cAnd besides you\u2019re in a bad mood, so I\u2019d rather do my homework than have you fuss at me anymore.\u201d Ellie turned away and headed up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched her go up the stairs. Was he really that crabby? Ellie sure seemed to think so. Well, he\u2019d rest a little and make it up to her later. He would offer to read to her. He knew it was one of her favorite things, for him to read to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the afternoon passed quietly. The children were doing their homework, Adam was reading in the great room and Hoss was taking a nap. Hop Sing called the family for supper around 6:00. Adam went upstairs to gather everyone for supper. He stopped in Hoss\u2019 room first. He tapped on the door, but Hoss was already up and washing his hands and his face. \u201cSupper\u2019s ready brother.\u201d Adam said poking his head in the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy belly\u2019s already telling me that, brother.\u201d Hoss laughed looking up from the wash bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard Adam coming down the hall and quickly stuffed his essay in his desk and dragged out his math book. He just finished his first math problem when Adam knocked on the door. Adam walked in and glanced at Joe\u2019s homework. \u201cDoesn\u2019t look like you got very far. Do you want some help?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, No!\u201d Joe said hastily, \u201cI got it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on and wash up for supper. You can finish later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slammed his book closed and headed for the wash bowl. Adam left his room and headed down to Ellie\u2019s room. He tapped on the door. Ellie looked up from her desk. \u201cHmmm?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSupper is ready, wash up. Heh, what are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWriting an essay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat I\u2019m thankful for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is it due?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMonday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeed any help?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmmm, not yet, I was going to ask you to read it when I was done. You know to check spelling and grammar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, wash up now before Hop Sing starts yelling about \u201clate ungrateful family.\u201d Adam smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie jumped up from her desk and went over to the wash bowl to wash up. When she was done, Adam held out his hand for her and she went to hold his hand. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I snapped at you Princess.\u201d Adam said looking down at his little sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s ok Adam, I know you\u2019re tired.\u201d Ellie said giving his hand a squeeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone gathered at the supper table to enjoy another wonderful feast prepared by Hop Sing. Ellie was happy, Hop Sing had made fried chicken. Adam watched her eat, he was glad she was eating, since she hadn\u2019t eaten much the night before. She was the size of a 7 or 8 year old. He always worried that she didn\u2019t eat enough. Well, whatever was bothering her the night before must be ok, otherwise she wouldn\u2019t be eating. He glanced over at Joe, he seemed to be eating his supper. Maybe things were fine and he was just very tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

The family finished supper and moved into the great room. Joe headed up to his room to work on his homework. Adam watched him go up the stairs. \u201cWhere you going, Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHomework. I want to go fishing tomorrow.\u201d Joe said turning around on the landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure seem to want to go fishing awful bad, it\u2019s really too cold.\u201d Adam said suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww Adam, it\u2019s me and Michael\u2019s last chance to go before we get the first freeze and then it\u2019ll be too cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just looked at Joe. Something didn\u2019t ring true. Joe wasn\u2019t looking at him. Joe never looked at you directly if he was fibbing or evading. Adam just sighed as Joe headed up the stairs. He looked over at Ellie, who was watching this whole conversation. She was twirling her hair and swinging her foot off the settee, nervous habits of hers. Something was up, he just wasn\u2019t sure what.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, do you want me to read you a story?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes lit up, \u201cReally? You\u2019re not too tired?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, come on Princess, which one do you want?\u201d Adam asked, motioning her over to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOld Curiosity Shop.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, go look on Pa\u2019s book shelf by his desk. I think that\u2019s where we put it last time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie eyed that desk. She didn\u2019t want to go anywhere near that desk or the gun. The guilt was eating away at her. She told herself to quit being silly. That there was no harm done from shooting that gun and just walking by the desk wasn\u2019t going to let Adam know anything. She reached the bookcase and scanned the shelves. She spotted the book on the top shelf. Great! She thought. She got the desk chair and dragged it over to the bookcase.<\/span><\/p>\n

As she was climbing on the chair, Adam shouted at her, \u201cGet off that chair!\u201d He crossed the room in a few quick steps, he grabbed her off the chair and gave her a hard swat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh,\u201d she said indignantly, \u201cwhat\u2019d you do that for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, missy, Pa\u2019d have your hide if he saw you standing in that chair. It has wheels on the bottom, it could slip out from under you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh for Heaven\u2019s sake Adam, I do it all the time.\u201d she groused.<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyebrows went up and Ellie suddenly realized what she\u2019d just let slip. \u201cUmmm, well not all the time.\u201d she said meekly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just laughed. \u201cWell, you better not let Pa catch you standing on that chair.\u201d Adam reached up easily and grabbed the book. \u201cYou still want a story?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said looking a little dejected. She followed Adam over to the chair and climbed into his lap. She rested her head on his chest. She didn\u2019t realize how much she\u2019d missed Adam this week. She relaxed as he opened the book and began to read. He only had to read a little before she fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at her snoozing. \u201cAdam, she\u2019s out like a light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up surprised. \u201cWell that didn\u2019t take very long, did it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to take her up fer ya?\u201d Hoss asked as he stood up to move toward Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Hoss, that\u2019d be great.\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss carried her upstairs, changed her into a night dress and put her to bed. He ambled his way down to the great room. \u201c Those two sure is acting funny, ain\u2019t they.\u201d Hoss commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d said Adam rubbing his chin. \u201cI just can\u2019t figure it out. Nothing really seems to be out of the ordinary. It seems funny that both of them are acting strange. I think they both must of done something they\u2019re not suppose to do. I just don\u2019t know what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bet Pa\u2019ll figure it out when he gets home tomorrow.\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully. \u201cHe sure always seem to know what we\u2019d done wrong when we was younger. Almost like he could read minds or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell he either knew or would find out. I remember many times when he just had a feeling and all he\u2019d have to do was threaten to tan us and we\u2019d tell him.\u201d Adam laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not sure why\u2019d we tell him, seems we got tanned either way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably, cuz he threatened to tan us twice, once for not telling and once for him finding out without us telling.\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so, well, I\u2019m going to bed, how about you?\u201d Adam said getting up from his chair and stretching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me too,\u201d Hoss said suppressing a yawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning was Saturday and found all the Cartwright children gathered around the breakfast table. Adam was checking with each to see the plans for the day. \u201cDon\u2019t forget chores first before you all go running off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie rolled their eyes as the comment was for their benefit. \u201cI\u2019m not running off any way. I have to finish that dumb ole essay.\u201d said Ellie scowling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going fishing with Michael.\u201d said Joe as put another forkful of eggs in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot before you finish that math.\u201d said Adam eyeing Joe with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for your information, my math is finished.\u201d said Joe smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? I want to check it before you go do your chores.\u201d Adam said tapping his foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes again. Adam caught the eye roll. \u201cJoseph, if you roll those eyes at me just one more time, you aren\u2019t going fishing with Michael and I will find some extra chores for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam.\u201d Joe whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam counted to ten. \u201cJoe, you\u2019re excused, go get your math and then head out to finish your chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBossy, pig headed, obnoxious, know it all.\u201d Joe muttered under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you and I need to go have a little talk in the barn?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u201cNo!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. He knew he\u2019d crossed the line with Adam. Adam only demanded \u201cYes Sir\u201d and \u201cNo Sir\u201d when he was really mad. \u201cNo, sir.\u201d he said through gritted teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell go on, I want to see that math homework.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stomped up the stairs, slamming the door to his room. He grabbed his math homework and stomped down the stairs and shoved the paper in Adam\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took the homework, \u201cGo on, finish your chores. And Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glared at him as he headed for the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t improve your attitude, we\u2019re gonna go have that talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d he muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was glad to escape Adam. He went out to the barn to do his chores. Adam for sure wasn\u2019t going to let him go \u201cfishing\u201d now. He was going to figure out how to write that essay without Adam knowing. He was hoping he had enough paper in his room. He\u2019d probably have to ask Ellie to sneak him some. Maybe he could get some paper when Adam went to get Pa at the stage. Joe finished his chores and headed inside. Adam was sitting in his blue chair reading. \u201cJoe, wood box in the kitchen needs filling. Then, you can go clean your room. I looked in there this morning and it\u2019s a mess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to scowl and retort, but he didn\u2019t want to have any talks with Adam in the barn. Joe just turned around and headed out to fill the wood box in kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie had been working on her essay all morning. She came down the stairs as Joe exited the house. She spied Adam in the blue chair. \u201cAdam, I finished the first copy of my essay. Can you check it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, let me see.\u201d he said stretching his arm out for the paper. Adam reviewed her essay and made corrections. He handed it back to her. She scanned the paper. \u201cWhat\u2019s a run-on?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a sentence that you can make into two sentences because its so long.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, what\u2019s this mean?\u201d she said pointing to a question mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat means you need to have a transition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA transition, an idea connecting that paragraph to the one below it. Like the word \u201cnext\u201d.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Ellie, let\u2019s have lunch, then you can recopy this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m out of paper, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just get some from Pa\u2019s desk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without thinking much, Ellie went to Pa\u2019s desk to pull paper out of the drawer. She forgot that the gun was sitting on top of the paper. She jostled the gun against the side of the drawer when she pulled out the paper. The noise made her jump.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, its just Papa\u2019s extra gun, I guess it hit the side of the drawer when I pulled the paper out.\u201d she said swallowing hard. She closed the drawer quickly. She never even noticed the black powder that had spilled from the gun onto the paper below it. She tried to hide her nervous sweaty hands behind her back. \u201cI think I\u2019ll just take this paper upstairs.\u201d she said running up the stairs to her room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just be careful.\u201d he said to her retreating figure. He thought, I could just swear that gun wasn\u2019t there the other day. I sure must have been tired. Adam didn\u2019t think much more as he called Joe and Ellie for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

On her way to her room, she stopped in Joe\u2019s room and put a few sheets on his desk. She put the rest of the paper on her desk. She raced back down the stairs for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four children gathered at the table for lunch. \u201cOk, I\u2019m going into town to pick up Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I go?\u201d asked Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you and Joe stay here and finish your homework. Pa\u2019ll be home soon enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie scowled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with you to pick up Pa.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough.\u201d said Adam as he finished up his lunch and pushed away from the table. He eyed Joe. \u201cJoe, you done with your homework?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, can I go fishing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re kidding, right? After your behavior this morning? You can just go clean your room.\u201d Adam said exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scowled and started to retort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I have time for that little talk in the barn.\u201d Adam said his eyes narrowing on his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe clamped his mouth shut. Adam headed off to the barn to hitch up the buckboard. Hoss finished up his lunch and headed outside leaving the two younger Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at him suspiciously. \u201cWhat in the world are you smiling at? Adam\u2019s \u2018bout to tan your hide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but he ain\u2019t and he\u2019s gone. I have at least three hours to write my essay. Did you get me some extra paper?\u201d he said smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I put it on your desk. I just told Adam I needed more to copy my essay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Sissy,\u201d he said gratefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children headed up the stairs to complete their tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, around 4:30 pm, Joe and Ellie heard horses in the yard. Pa was home! Joe and Ellie ran down the stairs and into the yard to great their father. Ellie flew into his arms, \u201cPapa, I\u2019m so glad your home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa grabbed her in his arms and hugged her hard. He set her down and grabbed Joe and pressed him to his chest for a warm embrace. \u201cI sure missed you two.\u201d Pa said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys gathered up his luggage and followed Pa into the house. Pa settled himself into his chair and the children clambered to be right on top of him. \u201cWhoa, give me a little space you too.\u201d Pa chuckled. Obediently, Joe and Ellie hung back a little. The family sat and swapped stories of the week until supper time. Supper was wonderful as Hop Sing had prepared a delicious supper of Pa\u2019s favorites. As they finished dinner, Pa eyed the two youngest. Adam had told him the children didn\u2019t come meet him because they still had homework.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u2019 Pa questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you finish all your homework?\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Can I go fishing tomorrow?\u201d Joe asked. He had finished his essay, all three pages while Adam and Hoss had gone to get Pa in town. So he was completely truthful, all his homework was done. Joe wasn\u2019t sure if Adam had relayed to Pa about Joe\u2019s behavior earlier in the day. If he had, Joe sure wouldn\u2019t be going fishing. He held his breath for a minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure son, after church would be fine.\u201d Pa smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa.\u201d Joe said gratefully. He made a mental note to thank Adam later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you Eleanor?\u201d Pa addressed his youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie really hadn\u2019t been paying attention. She was thinking about that gun in the drawer. What if Papa found out? She just couldn\u2019t stop thinking about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor?\u201d Pa said a little louder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie still hadn\u2019t heard, she was lost in her thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cELEANOR GRACE!\u201d Pa\u2019s voice boomed.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up, \u201cYes sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you Ellie? You were a million miles away.\u201d Pa asked, his voice now calm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Papa, no where really.\u201d she said looking him in the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome here.\u201d he commanded softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie got up out of her chair and went to stand in front of him. He felt her head and her cheek. \u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake Papa, I\u2019m not sick.\u201d she said batting his arm away. Gee, Adam and Papa were so much alike, she thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust checking,\u201d he muttered. \u201cOh yes, did you finish your homework?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe broke in, \u201cMay I be excused.\u201d He was ready to be away from scrutiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa glanced at Joe\u2019s plate and his glass of milk still sitting on the table. \u201cMilk.\u201d Pa stated simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe downed his milk and looked over at his father. Pa sighed, \u201cYour excused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe jumped up. \u201cCheckers, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing Joe.\u201d Hoss said glancing at his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are excused too.\u201d Pa said wiping his mouth with his napkin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie lingered at the table, she hadn\u2019t finished her milk or eaten much dinner. She glanced at her father. She started to ask, but he started shaking his head no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, is this all you\u2019ve been eating while I\u2019ve been in San Francisco?\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe hasn\u2019t eaten much since I\u2019ve been home.\u201d Adam supplied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shot Adam a dark look, \u201cTattletale.\u201d she said under her breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor!\u201d Pa warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to finish what\u2019s on your plate and drink your milk before you leave the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Papa, I\u2019m not really hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor!\u201d Pa warned. This time she knew the warning was stronger. She was headed for some trouble if she didn\u2019t eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

She dragged her plate closer and prayed she wouldn\u2019t get sick and throw up everything she ate. She finally finished her plate and shot her father a pleading glance. \u201cPlease Papa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked over and saw her plate empty and her glass empty, \u201cOk, you\u2019re excused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie gratefully left the table and fled to her bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa and Adam exchanged worried looks. Adam motioned that he would go check on her. As he approached her room, he heard Ellie throwing up her dinner. He raced into her room to find her over the wash bowl trying to rinse her mouth out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, baby, what\u2019s a matter?\u201d he asked holding her shoulders while she rinsed her mouth out.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at Adam through tears, \u201cI guess my stomach is a little upset. I think I\u2019ll just go to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt her head again. He didn\u2019t think she was warm. He helped her change her clothes into her nightgown and tucked her in bed. He gave her a kiss. \u201cSleep tight Princess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNight, Adam.\u201d she said as she rolled over facing the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam wondered what was going on? Maybe she really just had a stomach ache. Maybe something was really bothering her. He descended the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked up from his book. \u201cHow is she, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave him a curious stare, \u201cI don\u2019t know Pa. She was throwing up when I got up there. She doesn\u2019t feel warm. I\u2019m just not sure. She\u2019s been acting pretty testy since Hoss and I got home on Thursday. Something isn\u2019t quite right, I don\u2019t know what.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The clock chimed 8:00. Pa looked over at Joe. \u201cBedtime, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, come on Pa. I thought I was allowed to stay up until 9:00 now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, right, I forgot. I guess you have another hour. I\u2019m tired from my trip. I think I\u2019ll go check on Ellie and head to bed myself. Joe, no later than 9:00, hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning found all the Cartwrights at breakfast except for Ellie. Pa glanced at Joe, \u201cJoe is your sister up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, but she says she ain\u2019t feeling too good.\u201d Joe said stabbing a flapjack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to go check on her?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes son, please.\u201d Pa motioned him upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss headed upstairs to check on Ellie. She was lying in her bed twirling her hair. \u201cHeh, my little princess what\u2019s a matter?\u201d Hoss asked sitting down on her bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss. I\u2019m afraid if I eat, I\u2019ll throw up again.\u201d she said miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

He reached over to feel her head, but she was cool to the touch. \u201cEllie, does your belly hurt or does something hurt in here?\u201d he asked her touching her heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie jumped. How did Hoss know? She wouldn\u2019t look at him directly. She looked down at her blanket and fingered the buttons on her night dress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, you done somethin\u2019, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell Hoss, I promised.\u201d she said, the tears rolled down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, Pa\u2019s gonna figure out somethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right. You\u2019re gonna have to tell him.\u201d Hoss said gathering Ellie in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie laid her head on Hoss\u2019 chest. \u201cI can\u2019t Hoss, I promised!\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you promise cuz someone else is gonna get hurt or in trouble or cuz you gonna get in trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie didn\u2019t answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss gave her a hug. \u201cOk, baby, I ain\u2019t gonna tell Pa, but you\u2019re going to have to \u2018afore you make yourself any sicker.\u201d Hoss laid her back down on her bed and headed out her door. He went downstairs to the breakfast table. \u201cPa, she ain\u2019t got no fever, I think she\u2019s just feeling a little poorly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyebrows. \u201cAdam, you and the boys go on to church. I\u2019m going to stay home with Ellie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d said Adam to Joe and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys left for church and Pa headed for his desk. He figured he would catch up on some correspondence he\u2019d been putting off. He went to take a piece of paper out of the drawer. He lifted up the gun and drew a sheet of paper out. He looked at the paper, it had black powder on it. Now that\u2019s odd he thought. How did the paper get gun powder on it? The gun hadn\u2019t been used in months and he\u2019d cleaned the gun before he placed it in the drawer. He took the gun out and looked at it. Sure as shooting, that gun had been fired and not cleaned. He couldn\u2019t imagine that Adam or Hoss had used that gun and not cleaned it before returning it to the drawer, that left Joe. But, Joe wasn\u2019t allowed to use guns yet. He got up and went to the drawer in the gun case that held the shells. Sure enough, two boxes of shells were missing. Pa wondered, well he would just ask the boys when they got home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie spent the morning in her room trying to decide what to do. The idea that Papa would figure it out and punish her was weighing on her mind. She was just going to have to talk to Joe when he got home. She couldn\u2019t take it anymore. She was worried she would say something she wasn\u2019t suppose to say and let the cat out of the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys eventually arrived home from church. The boys tied their horses out up front in anticipation of having a good Sunday lunch. As they walked in, they saw Pa sitting at his desk with the gun in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, come here.\u201d Pa commanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys eyed each other. Pa didn\u2019t use that tone of voice unless he was upset about something. Adam and Hoss looked at each other over Joe\u2019s head unsure as to what Pa could possibly be angry about. Joe just looked down, he had a pretty good idea of what was coming next.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, the gun in my desk has been used recently. Whoever used this gun failed to clean it before returning it to the drawer. Now, who used the gun?\u201d Pa asked his eyes dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss shrugged their shoulders. \u201cBeats me Pa, Hoss and I were out on roundup until Thursday. In fact, when I went to enter the figures in the ledger, I thought the gun was missing. I thought maybe you took it with you to San Francisco. I asked Joe and he said the gun was there when he got some paper for school. I saw it in your drawer the next day and figured maybe I just didn\u2019t see it because I was tired.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t touch it Pa.\u201d said Hoss who was now staring at Joe. Joe hadn\u2019t moved his eyes from the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk boys, go wash up for lunch.\u201d Pa said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three boys turned to go wash up. Pa had noticed that Joe hadn\u2019t said one word. In fact Joe hadn\u2019t even looked up during the entire conversation with Adam. \u201cJust a moment Joseph,\u201d Pa commanded quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stopped in his tracks. That very quiet commanding voice of Pa\u2019s usually meant big trouble for whoever it was directed at. Joe swallowed hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you know anything about this gun?\u201d Pa asked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shifted nervously from foot to foot and started to shake his head no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, turn around and look at me.\u201d Pa said sternly. Pa knew that Joe could not lie to him eye to eye. He moved from behind the desk and took Joe\u2019s chin in his hand and held it firmly. \u201cJoseph, did you take the gun out of my drawer?\u201d Pa asked. Pa held Joe\u2019s chin so that he had no choice but to look into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Pa releasing Joe\u2019s chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, I, I just wanted to practice shooting, Pa. Honest, all I did was practice.\u201d Joe stammered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYOU JUST WANTED TO PRACTICE?\u201d Pa thundered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, yes, sir, just practice, Pa, honest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unbeknownst to the family, Ellie had been watching at the top of the stairs. \u201cHonest Papa, all Joe did was practice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyes to the top of the stairs. \u201cYOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?\u201d he bellowed. \u201cELEANOR GRACE CARTWRIGHT, COME DOWN HERE, NOW!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie raced down the stairs. Pa came to the bottom of the stairs with Joe in one hand and grabbed Ellie\u2019s arm in the other hand. He dragged the two of them over to the settee. \u201cSIT!\u201d he barked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two children sat on the settee. Both of them had their eyes fixed to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a very calm quiet voice, Pa said, \u201cAlright, I want to know what happened. I want to know right now and I want every single detail. Do I make myself perfectly clear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both children nodded their heads.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Ellie, \u201cYou start.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took a deep breath and told the entire story, every detail, every nuance. The more she talked, the more fidgety Joe got and the angrier Pa got. She got to the part about Joe teaching her to shoot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYOU TAUGHT HER TO SHOOT?\u201d Pa bellowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head meekly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAND YOU THREATENED TO TATTLE IF HE DIDN\u2019T\u201d Pa bellowed looking at Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head. She finally finished her story without any more outbursts from Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you have anything to add?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head no, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I disobeyed Pa. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Joe said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joseph, you didn\u2019t just disobey, you lied, and you took a great risk. Someone could have gotten hurt while you were practicing, you had that gun in your saddle bag at school, it could have been stolen and used to hurt someone. I think you did more than disobey. I would be here all day listing your transgressions. And don\u2019t think for a moment I\u2019m not going to tell Michael\u2019s father about this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gulped, he knew Aaron Cummings would tan Michael\u2019s hide. Michael always said the Mr. Aaron was much harder than Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa turned toward Ellie, \u201cAnd you young lady, you are just as guilty about disobeying and lying as your brother. Not only did you deliberately cover up his disobedience, you blackmailed him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa glared at Ellie and Joe. \u201cBoth of you upstairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie scrambled to get upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sunk into his chair. Hoss and Adam came over to him. \u201cWell Pa, I guess we know what was bothering them. They\u2019s both been acting awful strange since we got home.\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, I\u2019m just calming myself before I go give those two the tannings of their lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa started removing his belt as he climbed the stairs. Those two were going to get a tanning they would never forget. With the deed done, Pa returned to the great room. \u201cWell boys, I think its time for lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Joe and Ellie?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think either one of them will be sitting down for a meal today.\u201d Pa said grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Pa, I think you are going to have the best two behaved children in Nevada.\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa gave Adam a small smile, \u201cAt least for a little while son, at least for a little while.\u201dz88;<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Joe and pesky little sisters and guns – not a good combo. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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