{"id":35324,"date":"2020-12-25T00:20:05","date_gmt":"2020-12-25T05:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35324"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:38:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:38:53","slug":"orange-you-glad-its-christmas-by-puchi-ann","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35324","title":{"rendered":"Orange You Glad It’s Christmas (by Puchi Ann)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bonanza<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n* Day 20 *<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Summary:\u00a0 It was a simple request and one that could not be granted due to circumstance beyond their control.\u00a0 Or could it?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 6,880 words<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 This story was written for the Bonanz Brand 2020 Advent Calendar, originated in the Forums.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Orange You Glad It\u2019s Christmas!<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam protested from the top of the ladder. \u201cWill you wake up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Little Joe asked irritably.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe angel,\u201d Adam growled. \u201cHow many times do I have to ask you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d The fifteen-year-old handed his older brother the hand-crafted angel and went back to wool-gathering . . . or so it seemed to Adam, who was beyond glad that it was the last ornament to place on the tree.<\/p>\n

He descended the ladder and, with long arms folded across his chest, stood contemplating his younger brother\u2019s blank expression. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you, boy?\u201d he finally asked. \u201cYou\u2019re usually the one most eager to get the tree put up.\u201d Which was putting it mildly. Despite his noted hatred of heights, Little Joe was usually the first one up the ladder, the one most ready to hang tinsel and ornaments and clip candles to the huge tree that always graced the space beside the Ponderosa\u2019s towering staircase, and his special delight was topping the tree with that yarn-haired angel. The kid just loved Christmas and everything about it . . . usually. But this year wasn\u2019t usual. \u201cHave you lost your Christmas spirit?\u201d Adam quipped lightly, though he suspected he knew what was dampening the boy\u2019s spirits.<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled. \u201cBah, humbug.\u201d He wasn\u2019t really as grumpy as Ebenezer Scrooge, but it seemed the most appropriate response to give his bossy older brother. Revealing, but not too much.<\/p>\n

Adam decided to go with the Dickens reference. \u201cShall I round up three ghosts and send them \u2018round to straighten you out, little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

The scowl quirked into half a smile. \u201cNah,\u201d Little Joe said with an elongated sigh. \u201cI\u2019ll try to do better, but it just don\u2019t seem like Christmas without Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not without Hoss,\u201d Adam stated bluntly, \u201cand if that\u2019s not cause enough to celebrate, I don\u2019t know what is.\u201d As they both knew, the family had almost been one member short for Christmas, and while Hoss was still weak from his recent illness, he was alive and on the mend.<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave him a crisp nod. \u201cYou\u2019re right . . . as always.\u201d He figured he might as well say it before Adam himself gave the time-honored response. There was always some slight satisfaction in beating older brother to the punch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, will you help me get the candles on this tree, just in case the big lug is allowed out of bed by Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive days,\u201d Little Joe mused. \u201cYou think it\u2019s possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Why not?\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t half as sure as he sounded. Hoss, after all, had been very sick and was still weak from wrestling with pneumonia, but if it got Little Joe got of the \u201cBah, humbug\u201d doldrums, he could manufacture a little false enthusiasm. And drape it with tinsel if he had to.<\/p>\n

Mercurial as usual, Little Joe was suddenly all smiles. \u201cOkay, then, let\u2019s get this tree ready for him!\u201d He scurried up the ladder, like the monkey Adam was sure he half was, and impatiently stretched a hand down. \u201cThe candles, brother. How many times I got to tell you?\u201d Turn-about, after all, was fair play when it came to brotherly sparring, and Adam needed his own words thrown back in his face.<\/p>\n

For once, Adam was willing to let his little brother have the last word. If only it had been . . .<\/p>\n

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

Legs crossed Indian-style, Little Joe perched on the foot of Hoss\u2019s bed, hands waving with enthusiasm as he described the tree his big brother would be enjoying, come Christmas morning. Hoss smiled tolerantly, although to a discerning observer, it might have looked more like a wrinkled-forehead wince. Little Joe wasn\u2019t a discerning observer, but even he could tell Hoss didn\u2019t share the belief that he\u2019d actually be well enough to make the trip downstairs by Christmas. \u201cBet ole Santa\u2019ll have a batch of presents with your name on them,\u201d Little Joe burbled, pulling out all the stops to put Hoss\u2019s customary toothy grin back on his face.<\/p>\n

The expression he got in response was more sour than toothy. \u201cHope it\u2019s a whole batch of oranges, then,\u201d Hoss croaked. \u201cIt\u2019s the onliest thing that sounds good right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then Adam walked in, carrying Hoss\u2019s supper tray, with Ben right behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Little Joe said. \u201cHoss was just sayin\u2019 he wants a batch of oranges for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard,\u201d Ben replied, looking pained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wadn\u2019t hintin\u2019 for early,\u201d Hoss, who was a discerning observer, said, \u201cthough it sure would feel good to my sore throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d his unquenchable little brother said with the wide grin he hoped Hoss would soon emulate. \u201cCome on, Pa,\u201d he giggled. \u201cYou know you got oranges laid back for our Christmas stockings, and we\u2019re kind of old to believe in Santa, so why not bring \u2018em out now, if it\u2019ll make Hoss feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave an eloquent eye roll at the extent of his baby brother\u2019s ignorance of current events. Settling the dinner tray over Hoss\u2019s legs, he said, \u201cThis broth should soothe your throat, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Hoss said without enthusiasm. He\u2019d had enough broth to float a canoe lately, and though he was grateful for whatever he got, it wasn\u2019t what he wanted.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s discernment picked that moment to kick in. \u201cBut Hoss wants oranges, older brother,\u201d he insisted, and then he turned pleading-puppy eyes on his father. \u201cHe can have mine, too, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cVery generous, Joseph, but I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s not possible.\u201d With a sad smile, he turned toward Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son, but there just aren\u2019t any oranges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, that\u2019s all right, Pa,\u201d Hoss said at once. \u201cI know you been right busy of late.\u201d Figuring his father\u2019s busyness was mostly his fault, he swallowed down his disappointment like the man he was.<\/p>\n

But Little Joe was still just a boy, and he was having none of it. \u201cWhat do you mean, no oranges?\u201d he protested. \u201cThere\u2019s always oranges!\u201d He couldn\u2019t remember a Christmas of his life when the toe of his stocking hadn\u2019t bulged with a bright orange orb imported from California for the occasion.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe means \u2018no oranges,\u2019\u201d Adam snapped. \u201cDon\u2019t you ever read a newspaper, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Little Joe said, shock bringing out the plain truth. Then the injustice of the question got his hackles up. \u201cI don\u2019t need a newspaper to tell me it\u2019s Christmas, older brother, and Christmas means oranges!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot this year,\u201d Adam said, emphasizing each slow word.<\/p>\n

Little Joe turned to his father for the contradiction he was sure would come, but when he saw the grave look on Pa\u2019s face, he knew something was really wrong. \u201cNo oranges?\u201d he asked through quavering lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son.\u201d Pa\u2019s words were directed to his youngest, but it was Hoss his eyes rested on. \u201cEarly freeze wiped out most of the crop this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo oranges at all?\u201d Little Joe pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, some probably survived,\u201d practical and ever-honest Adam replied, \u201cbut none made it over the Sierras, and even if they had, they\u2019d be high as hen\u2019s teeth. Now, will you grow up and stop whining for oranges?\u201d Practical and ever-honest Adam might be, but he was not noted for patience, especially with his baby brother and his maddening persistence when any normal person would have just given up.<\/p>\n

A sharp rejoinder was on the tip of Little Joe\u2019s tongue, when he heard Hoss heave a big sigh and say, \u201cIt\u2019s okay. At least, I got this yummy broth.\u201d With sudden insight beyond his years, the boy realized he was making things harder for his big brother, and if Hoss could be brave about it, the least he could do was not make it worse by squabbling with Adam over his sickbed.<\/p>\n

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

Boots in hand, Little Joe crept down the stairs in his stocking feet. He\u2019d lain, sleepless, in bed for hours, trying to figure a way he could get Hoss some oranges for Christmas. After all, Hoss was the best big brother in the whole world, and he never asked anything for himself, so if he wanted oranges, he should have oranges, especially if they would help him get well enough to actually enjoy Christmas. And since both Pa and Adam had given up on finding any, it was up to him to get the job done. After all, Adam was a born pessimist, so he\u2019d probably just read about the freeze killing the oranges in the blasted newspaper and hadn\u2019t even bothered to check whether any had survived and made it over the Sierras. And, of course, Pa thought his smarty-pants, college-educated son had hung the moon and the stars, so he\u2019d have just taken Adam\u2019s word for it and probably never even asked in town himself. It never took much to convince Little Joe that his elders (Hoss excluded, of course) didn\u2019t know beans about\u2014well, anything, so, in the wee hours of the morning, he decided he wouldn\u2019t give up without at least trying, no sir! He\u2019d just ride into Virginia City and see for himself.<\/p>\n

There was only one problem, but it was a big one. Adam probably was right about the oranges being high as hens\u2019 teeth, and Little Joe\u2019s pockets were next door to empty. He\u2019d bankrupted himself, buying Christmas presents for his family, and that included the extra Pa had slipped him so he could. Well, there was only one way he knew to get the money he needed, and it was bound to leave him in a certain amount of trouble. At the very least, Pa\u2019d give him a good tongue-lashing for what he was about to do, but he\u2019d understand, and since it was in a good cause, he\u2019d forgive his youngest son. Probably. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Little Joe slipped stealthily across the room and moved behind his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood morning, son,\u201d Ben called from the head of the table. \u201cSleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused on the landing. \u201cI did,\u201d he said. \u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, fine,\u201d Ben said cheerily. He gave a short laugh. \u201cEven a bit late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms atop his favorite blue chair. \u201cWell, you\u2019ve lost quite a bit of sleep the last week or two, so I think you\u2019re entitled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad I have your permission,\u201d Ben chuckled. Now that Hoss was feeling better and the happiest holiday of the year was on the horizon, his perspective on everything, including his eldest son\u2019s wry sense of humor, was returning to normal.<\/p>\n

With a twinkle in his eye, Adam smiled back at his father, but it faded as he rounded the settee and the sight of the open safe stopped him in his tracks. He couldn\u2019t imagine what cause Pa had had to be in the safe this early in the morning, but it certainly wasn\u2019t like him to leave the door standing wide open. Still tired from all those sleepless nights, perhaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon? Lose your way?\u201d Ben teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere you in the safe this morning, Pa?\u201d Adam asked as a gentle reminder.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no reason to be until Christmas Eve,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head in amusement at the strange question. The look on Adam\u2019s face as he moved into the office alcove sobered him at once. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked as he left the table and trailed in his son\u2019s wake.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure,\u201d Adam said, but he knew he was only forestalling the inevitable. The empty safe verified his suspicions. He turned to find his father right behind him. \u201cHow much did you have in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the money for the men\u2019s Christmas bonuses,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout two thousand, then.\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s gone, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben eyed the empty safe with alarm. \u201cHow could someone have broken in and none of us heard?\u201d he pondered aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think they did,\u201d Adam said. \u201cNo signs of damage, so whoever took it had the combination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you shared that with anyone?\u201d Ben asked in astonishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Adam said. \u201cNor, I assume, have you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cBut no one knows the combination but you and me . . . and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think we can rule him out,\u201d Adam said dryly. Hoss was, after all, still too weak to set a foot to the floor. He took a deep breath. \u201cI hate to suggest it, but . . . Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fifteen!\u201d Ben protested. \u201cI\u2019ve never given him the combination. Never been a need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure that precludes his knowing it,\u201d Adam said, palms raised toward the ceiling. \u201cIf either of us ever spoke it aloud or opened it in his presence, he\u2019s observant enough to . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a good boy, Adam, not a thief! Besides, what possible use could he have for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hands still uplifted, Adam shrugged. \u201cChristmas presents?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave him money for that!\u201d Ben exploded, revealing what was, of course, intended to be a secret.<\/p>\n

Since it was the most ill-kept secret on the Ponderosa, Adam merely nodded. \u201cAnd knowing your generosity\u201d\u2014and indulgence with that boy, he might have added\u2014\u201cI\u2019m sure it was sufficient for his shopping needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why are we speculating?\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cGet the boy up and ask him!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the most logical course of action, and while Adam was surprised that his father was thinking clearly enough to come up with it, he was quick to put it into action, his long legs taking the stairs two at a time. Nor did he need Ben\u2019s called reminder not to wake Hoss to make him lighten his steps as he reached the upper floor. He opened the door to Joe\u2019s room, not in the least surprised to find it empty. After all, if Joe had taken the money, he wouldn\u2019t hang around to be caught with it. On the off chance that the boy might be checking on their other brother, Adam noiselessly opened the door to the next bedroom and closed it just as noiselessly seconds afterwards. He went back downstairs, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone?\u201d Ben asked when Adam reached the first floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless he\u2019s out early, doing chores,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand we both know how unlikely that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted his response. Joseph never rose early for anything but mischief, which he was clearly up to. \u201cWhat could he possibly want the money for?\u201d he finally sputtered.<\/p>\n

Adam started to shrug again and then it hit him. \u201cOranges?\u201d he suggested tentatively, though he hesitated to think that even Joe could be that stupid.<\/p>\n

\u201cOranges!\u201d Ben exploded, quickly lowering his voice at Adam\u2019s shush. \u201cWe told him there weren\u2019t any oranges in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut he\u2019s not a kid who gives up easily when he wants something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he rolled his eyes, Ben found himself nodding. \u201cAnd he wants Hoss to have oranges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. I guess I\u2019d better get into town and put a stop to this nonsense.\u201d Adam headed toward the front door, taking both his gun belt and his custard-colored coat from the pegs beside it.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind him and march him straight home,\u201d Ben commanded. \u201cHalf-grown or not, I know a little boy who\u2019s about to have his bottom warmed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned to himself as he closed the door behind him. Frankly, he\u2019d relish seeing Little Joe get his buns burned over this shenanigan, but he didn\u2019t believe Pa would actually raise a speck of dust on the kid\u2019s britches. Pa might refer to his youngest as a little boy (he\u2019d even called Adam himself that a time or two, when he was put out with his eldest) but fifteen really was too old for a bottom-warming. What was more likely was some extra time at the woodpile and, if Adam were truly lucky, some other distasteful chores would soon be passing themselves over to a certain \u201clittle boy.\u201d And that had the potential for being as good a Christmas gift as anything under the tree. It was worth the long ride into town on a chilly morning to haul the kid home to his just desserts.<\/p>\n

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

Boots dragging the dust of defeat, Little Joe left the last mercantile in town with the proprietor\u2019s rude laughter ringing in his ears. \u201cAin\u2019t you heard \u2018bout the freeze in Californy?\u201d the grizzled man had cackled in response to his request for oranges. Little Joe hadn\u2019t bothered to answer, but he definitely was bothered. Not because he\u2019d made the trip into town for nothing, but because the man sounded so much like his big brother. No oranges this side of the Sierras, Adam had said, and doggone it, he\u2019d been right. Joe hated that worse than . . . well, worse than anything except not finding the oranges for Hoss.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sighed as he gauged the position of the sun in the winter sky. No hope of getting home and undoing what he\u2019d done before Pa was up. Even Joe himself didn\u2019t leave bed for breakfast this late! He clapped his palm to his forehead. No point in trying to sneak the money back in the safe before anyone noticed, either, \u2018cause, fool that he was, he\u2019d left the safe door wide open. Certain he\u2019d find oranges and put everyone in a forgiving mood, he hadn\u2019t taken time to hide his tracks. Success might have saved him or, at least, lessened the toll on his hide. Failure ensured that he\u2019d pay the full penalty, whatever Pa judged that to be, and Little Joe had the feeling it would be high. Higher than hen\u2019s teeth, like Adam had said oranges would be in California.<\/p>\n

His head came up. California! Adam had said there were oranges in California, and bless him for once, big brother was always right. So, all he had to do, to save Christmas for Hoss and, maybe, rescue his own hide, was get to California and buy a bunch of oranges. He\u2019d just grabbed whatever was in the safe, so he didn\u2019t know how much he had, but it had been a thick wad of bills. Surely, it was enough, even if the price of oranges was as high as Adam, the always-right one, said. Pa would kill him, but maybe not \u2018til after Christmas, and that was probably gonna happen anyway. In for a penny, in for a pound. With a nod of determination, Little Joe unwrapped the reins of his horse from the hitching rail, mounted and with enough joy in his heart to block out future consequences, headed Cochise west, toward the Sierras.<\/p>\n

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

Adam was huffing steam when he came out onto C Street. Where could that fool kid be? He\u2019d looked in all the reasonable places his brother might have gone and come up dry. Maybe, though, considering it was Joe he was looking for, he should have started with the unreasonable places. Two thousand dollars could buy enough beer to float Joe back to the Ponderosa or, perish the thought at fifteen, pay for a visit to the most enticing establishment on D Street. That was just anger shouting in his ear, of course; he knew perfectly well that Little Joe was doing neither of those things. It wasn\u2019t wine or women the kid wanted: it was oranges, freeze-blasted oranges. Adam had verified that in his inquiries about town. He\u2019d also verified what he already knew: there wasn\u2019t one to be had for love or money, both of which Little Joe had in abundance that frosty morning.<\/p>\n

The other thing Adam knew perfectly well was that his little brother hadn\u2019t just tucked his tail between his legs and headed for home. There was nothing but trouble waiting for him there. Besides, little brother was nothing if not determined. No, he was somewhere still searching for oranges, but where? Gold Hill? An even less likely source than Virginia City, and Joe was smart enough to know it. Probably. Maybe not. With a sigh Adam tugged his black hat down over his nose and turned toward the smaller town only a mile over the divide. Then his stomach gave a mighty rumble and he remembered that he\u2019d left home in such haste that he hadn\u2019t bothered with breakfast. Little Joe had, too, of course, but goodness knew, he had enough money to buy the biggest steak in town! Adam decided to follow his example and treat himself to a platter of steak and eggs. Maybe he\u2019d get lucky and find Joe there, too.<\/p>\n

Miss Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9 was the most likely choice for his kid brother, and the food was good there, so Adam did a quick turn and headed the opposite direction, the stiff wind blowing him up the street and making him burrow his head deeper into his warm coat . . . which was why he plowed into another man, knocking him clean off his feet onto the unforgiving slats of the boardwalk. He groaned when he saw who it was, the one man in town most likely to spread the tale far and wide\u2014and he did mean far and wide, for no one could spread a story like a newspaperman, and no newspaperman was likely to embellish it more than this one. \u201cJosh!\u201d Adam said as he stretched a hand toward the fallen man. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHead in the clouds as usual, Adam?\u201d Sam Clemons, who used Josh as his pen name on the Territorial Enterprise, said.<\/p>\n

The accusation was truer than Adam cared to admit. Chalk that one up to little brother\u2019s tally of offenses, too, for that\u2019s who\u2019d been consuming his thoughts to the point he hadn\u2019t watched where he was going. As he pulled Sam to his feet, Adam apologized again and said, \u201cI was on my way to Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9 for a very late breakfast. Let me buy you a cup of coffee, at least. Maybe a piece of pie?\u201d<\/p>\n

The reporter never turned down free food, and his writer\u2019s instinct told him there might be a story behind Adam Cartwright\u2019s late breakfast and distracted demeanor. \u201cSure,\u201d he said. \u201cPie and coffee sounds good or, maybe, even breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Great, Adam thought. This isn\u2019t going to be cheap. But right now he could use an ear to bend, so over steak and eggs\u2014with a side of fried potatoes for Sam\u2014he ignored his wiser instincts and told the sad tale of his little brother\u2019s quest for a gift to soothe Hoss\u2019s sore throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhiskey and honey probably\u2019d work better,\u201d Sam chuckled. \u201cThat\u2019s what my old granny used to swear by, and as I recollect, it tended to burn all the pain away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss wants oranges,\u201d Adam pointed out with a wry twist of his mouth, \u201cso nothing but oranges will do for Little Joe. Never mind that it\u2019s impossible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Sam said with a hearty laugh. \u201cHave to go all the way to California for them\u2014what?\u201d he asked as he saw a horrified expression sweep over the other man\u2019s face. \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019d . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing his gaping mouth, Adam nodded grimly. Oh, yeah, he most certainly did think. He only wondered why it hadn\u2019t occurred to him before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you gonna do?\u201d Sam\u2019s reporter\u2019s nose was itching with anticipation. The Cartwrights were always good for a story, and that youngest boy was a pure gem when it came to newsworthy hijinks!<\/p>\n

Adam threw his hands toward the ceiling. \u201cGo after him, of course! What else is there to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam\u2019s head was bobbing like a jack-in-a-box released from its prison. \u201cYeah, yeah. Nothing else to do. Well, I reckon I\u2019ll just tag along, Adam, and give you a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared the reporter down. \u201cI don\u2019t need a hand; nor do I need to see our family affairs used as fodder for your next colorful scribblings. We haven\u2019t forgotten the Wild Man of the Ponderosa, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam,\u201d Sam argued. \u201cIt\u2019s a long trip, bad weather. A man shouldn\u2019t travel alone in such conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Much less a boy, Adam thought, his concern for Little Joe growing. The kid, of course, wouldn\u2019t have given a moment\u2019s consideration to distance or weather, not with his eyes starry with bright orange orbs, but he wouldn\u2019t be as foolish as that fruit-crazed boy. Sam had a point, and much as he dreaded the consequences of taking a reporter as his companion, it was the only offer he had. \u201cAll right, you can go,\u201d he muttered through half-gritted teeth, \u201cbut so help me, Sam . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam waved off the concern. \u201cI know, I know . . . no wild men . . . I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood. \u201cFinish your breakfast and meet me down at Cass\u2019s Mercantile. I didn\u2019t come to town fitted out for a trip over the Sierras.\u201d Nor, he suspected, had Little Joe, but with all that money in his pocket, he\u2019d have been well able to equip himself with the basics.<\/p>\n

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

Shivering, Little Joe squatted over the pile of kindling, furiously rubbing two sticks together and fervently wishing he\u2019d thought to buy a box of matches while he\u2019d been in town. He\u2019d had that much of his own money, after all, and maybe he could even have bought himself a hunk of cheese and a few crackers, if he\u2019d just thought. But, no, he\u2019d gone racing out of town with a brain about as useful as orange pulp, and he was paying the price now . . . with an empty belly and, maybe, a frozen carcass, if he couldn\u2019t get a fire going. He knew how to build one, even with limited resources. Pa, Adam and Hoss had all seen to that, and though it seemed to take forever, he kept at it until a spark turned into a feeble flame and he was able to feed it twigs, then sticks, until it grew into a respectable fire.<\/p>\n

He warmed his hands over the flame and then reached up to pull his jacket collar over his neck. It didn\u2019t help much, since the jacket was made of thin, green corduroy, and that was a shame, since he didn\u2019t have a blanket, much less a bedroll, with him, either. He\u2019d only been going to Virginia City, after all, and he\u2019d expected to be home, sleeping in his own bed tonight. Well, no help for it; it was going to be a cold night, so he might as well curl up close to the fire and hope it was enough. He\u2019d just settled himself into position when the first snowflake tapped him on the nose.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe was torn two directions. First, he couldn\u2019t believe he\u2019d fallen asleep, cold as he was; then, as he dusted the light fall of snow from his damp jacket, he couldn\u2019t imagine what had awakened him. Then he heard it . . . again . . . and knew it was the sound of horses whinnying that had stirred him. Someone was out there. Dousing the dying embers of his fire, he got up and moved softly toward the tree against which he\u2019d left his rifle. Pa, for some inexplicable reason, thought he was too young to carry a hand gun, but insisted on the rifle anytime his youngest left the ranch, just in case he ran into a bobcat or something more dangerous . . . like robbers sneaking into camp. Swallowing down the lump in his throat, Little Joe picked up the rifle and aimed it, almost steadily, toward the sound of the footsteps crunching through the snow toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut that thing down!\u201d came a sharp order in a voice he knew all too well. \u201cYou\u2019re in enough trouble without shooting your salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salvation? Little Joe thought with a stifled groan as he lowered the rifle. More like divine retribution. Or, at least, Ben Cartwright\u2019s. Which, he figured, probably closely resembled that of the Almighty. \u201cHey, Adam,\u201d he called weakly. \u201cWhat you doin\u2019 here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the clearing, the light from the full moon showing a distinctly less-than-beatific face. \u201cWhat am I doing here?\u201d he asked and then exploded, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Catching sight of what the kid was wearing, he said with exasperation, \u201cOh, good grief!\u201d He quickly stripped off his own fleece-lined coat and wrapped it around his little brother\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

Little Joe just as quickly tried to shuck it off. \u201cI don\u2019t need your coat,\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Joe,\u201d Adam ordered, snugging the coat tighter and this time doing up the buttons.<\/p>\n

Now, there was nothing Little Joe liked better than talking back to his big brother . . . normally . . . but he\u2019d been cold so long and that coat felt so good that he decided, for once, to just do what he was told.<\/p>\n

Seeing the transformation and guessing at its cause, Adam gave a little smirk and suggested, \u201cI would, however, allow you to say, \u2018Thank you, older brother, for saving my shivering hide.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d Little Joe sing-songed. On principle, he refused to follow the insulting half of his brother\u2019s command. Then he bit his lower lip. \u201cBut what about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe brought blankets,\u201d Sam Clemons said, finally stepping into the light.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey, Josh. You come along for the ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Mr. Clemons to you, boy,\u201d Adam ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yes, sir. I meant Mr. Clemons.\u201d There were times when older brother shouldn\u2019t be crossed, and this was clearly one of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d Sam said and then stood back to watch the fun and file it away for use in future columns of the Territorial Enterprise or, perhaps, the launch of his contemplated career as a novelist.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing but that skimpy jacket,\u201d Adam scolded, \u201cand not even a fire built! You\u2019ve been taught better camp craft than that, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI built a fire,\u201d Little Joe protested, \u201cbut I put it out when I heard robbers tryin\u2019 to sneak in . . . what I thought were robbers, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you certainly had enough cash to tempt a gang of robbers,\u201d Adam snorted, \u201ceven minus whatever you spent on your camping pack, which obviously didn\u2019t include a decent coat. How much do you have left, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d Little Joe asked, incensed. \u201cIt\u2019s all still here. I ain\u2019t no thief, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is generally the title we apply to someone who takes $2,000 without permission, family or not!\u201d Adam yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, guess so,\u201d a suddenly penitent Little Joe admitted, \u201cbut that was for Hoss. I figured Pa wouldn\u2019t mind, him bein\u2019 so sick and all. Of course, I wouldn\u2019t spend it on me; that really would be stealing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaks of a certain sort of integrity,\u201d Sam drawled.<\/p>\n

Still glowering, Adam swung toward the other man. \u201cDon\u2019t you mean a certain sort of idiocy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam grinned. \u201cThat, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned back to his brother. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose your special brand of integrity allowed you to purchase any supplies at all\u2014namely food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I sort of forgot about food,\u201d Little Joe admitted with a sheepish grin. \u201cDon\u2019t suppose you brought any extra?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou . . . forgot . . . about food. Typical.\u201d With a shake of his head and a roll of his eyes, Adam sighed with exasperation. \u201cHave you had anything to eat today?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Little Joe shook his head, Sam chuckled. \u201cReckon you pegged it right after all, Adam; the kid\u2019s an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Little Joe protested. He had to take it from Adam; Sam Clemons was another case altogether. What was he doing here, poking his nose in family business, anyway?<\/p>\n

\u201cBut an idiot with a big heart,\u201d Sam said, by way of peacemaking. \u201cGuess we better feed him, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we must,\u201d Adam said, but his face had softened, and he didn\u2019t sound angry any longer. \u201cAll right, Joe; you build back that fire, while I gather up some more wood, and Sam, since you\u2019re so anxious to feed the kid, you can get the grub organized.<\/p>\n

Happy at the prospect of a meal, Little Joe moved toward the remains of his campfire. Then he stopped, turned and hesitantly asked, \u201cUh, Adam? You, uh, wouldn\u2019t have any matches, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I have matches,\u201d Adam sputtered. \u201cYou don\u2019t think I\u2019d head out on the trail without\u201d\u2014the truth suddenly struck him\u2014\u201cbut I suppose you did. Honestly, Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s mouth skewed sideways as Adam dug the matches out of his pocket and handed them over. Keeping at arm\u2019s length, Joe gingerly plucked them from his older brother\u2019s hand. Maybe Adam was right; maybe he was an idiot.<\/p>\n

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

Chomping through his second can of beans, Little Joe was happy as a cow in clover. \u201cSo, how far into California you figure we\u2019ll have to go for some oranges?\u201d he asked cheerily.<\/p>\n

Adam favored him with an acid smile. \u201cWe\u2019re as far into California as we\u2019re going, boy. Tomorrow morning, we head straight home, where, I fear, a dire fate awaits you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gulped. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll face the dire fate . . . when the time comes, but it ain\u2019t yet, Adam. Hoss needs those oranges and we\u2019re probably halfway to \u2018em already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than halfway,\u201d Sam put in. And, so far, he only had half the story he was conjuring; it would have a much more Christmasy, not to mention newsworthy, ending if this quest for oranges were actually to end successfully. The readers of the Territorial Enterprise would eat up this kind of human-interest!<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s scowl found a new target. \u201cI do not need your input.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe, however, did, and his attitude toward Sam Clemons\u2019 interference in family business did a complete turnabout. \u201cSam\u2019s right,\u201d he said, although his actual grasp of California geography was a little hazy. (He\u2019d never been there alone.) \u201cWe can\u2019t give up when we\u2019re so close; we should go on . . . for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should,\u201d Sam agreed quickly. \u201cFor Hoss . . . and for the idiot here, too. He should have a decent coat in this weather, Adam, and the closest one would lie west of here, not back at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe didn\u2019t especially like being called an idiot, but Sam became his new best friend with that suggestion. Besides, he\u2019d already decided the label was probably right, and it was better to be a warm idiot than a frozen wise man, wasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll think about it,\u201d Adam growled. Of course, he already knew what his answer would be, but he wasn\u2019t about to give this pair, idiots both, the satisfaction. \u201cNow, turn in! Wherever we\u2019re going, we leave at first light!\u201d<\/p>\n

Canny as he was trying to be, though, he gave himself away when he bent over his slumbering brother to tuck the blanket closer to his chin and finished by ruffling a chestnut curl from his forehead. Seeing the affectionate gestures, Sam knew, if Joe didn\u2019t yet: they\u2019d be heading west, come morning, into the land of (hopefully) oranges.<\/p>\n

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

Gazing out the snow-hazed window behind his desk, Ben Cartwright heaved a sigh of relief as he saw his two sons and someone else dismounting. Once he\u2019d gotten Adam\u2019s note, he\u2019d stopped worrying; at least, he\u2019d told himself he wasn\u2019t worrying, but the note hadn\u2019t said exactly where Adam was going, probably because he hadn\u2019t known when he left Virginia City. He\u2019d only said that Joe was looking for oranges \u201celsewhere\u201d and promised to bring back \u201cyour truant son.\u201d Responsible boy, his oldest, so Ben had known he would do exactly that or die trying. As the weather had worsened, however, that \u201cdie trying\u201d had weighed on his mind, so yes, Ben was relieved, but there was still that \u201ctruant son\u201d to deal with. He hid his relief behind a severe and judicial countenance as he went to meet the boys at the door.<\/p>\n

Dusting off snowflakes, an ebullient Little Joe bounced through the door first with a happy cry of \u201cPa!\u201d that almost undid Ben\u2019s resolve. Almost, but not quite.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sensed his father\u2019s mood when he threw his arms around him and felt no answering embrace. Pulling back, he pasted on a faltering smile, belied by a trembling lower lip. \u201cI can explain, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, young man, can you possibly say to excuse your\u2014your truancy?\u201d Coming up with no stronger charge, he borrowed his oldest son\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cTruancy?\u201d Little Joe, not having seen Adam\u2019s note, was completely baffled by the word. \u201cSchool\u2019s out, Pa,\u201d he said slowly, looking as if he feared his father had entered his dotage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you got to say for yourself, young man?\u201d Ben roared. \u201cWhere have you been and what have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Yes, sir. I\u2019ve\u2014uh\u2014been to Sacramento and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSacramento!\u201d Ben exploded. Further than he\u2019d imagined, which, at least, explained the worry-inducing delay. \u201cJumping Jehoshaphat, Joseph!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to, Pa,\u201d Little Joe pleaded. \u201cIt was the only place to get oranges this year. Remember? You said that yourself . . . or was it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt scarcely matters,\u201d Ben growled, \u201csince you completely ignored what you were told. There are no oranges to be had this year!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Course, there are, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are?\u201d He stared in disbelief as Adam raised a burlap bag, full of something round and\u2014Ben sniffed the aroma wafting from the bag\u2014remarkably fruity in fragrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are,\u201d the older boy said dryly. \u201cThe highest-priced ones we\u2019ve ever eaten, but there definitely are oranges for Christmas.\u201d And it was only thanks to the combined efforts of little brother\u2019s cajoling charm and Sam Clemons\u2019 silver tongue that the price wasn\u2019t even higher. Between them, they\u2019d turned that profit-driven grocer\u2019s heart to mush.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Hoss\u2019s Christmas,\u201d Little Joe said, quickly pulling out what he figured was his ace in the hole. \u201cThey\u2019re for him, Pa, not us,\u201d adding hastily when he saw his father\u2019s continuing frown, \u201cI mean, not me. You can have one, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the frown was one of puzzlement, not displeasure. \u201cYou found oranges,\u201d Ben finally said, shaking his head in amazement.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother is nothing if not persistent, Pa,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd persistence is a virtue, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Sam finally put in. He was perfectly fine with the man ignoring him until now. Watching and listening, after all, were among a reporter\u2019s best tools.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll thank you not to lecture me on virtue, Sam Clemons,\u201d Ben rumbled, \u201cat least until you\u2019ve learned the virtue of simple truth-telling.\u201d He still couldn\u2019t quite forgive the man for that Wild Man of the Ponderosa falderol.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I generally tell the truth,\u201d Sam drawled with a grin, \u201cbut it sometimes makes a better story if you bend it slightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis,\u201d Ben warned, \u201chad better not make a story, slightly bent or otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam kept his own counsel about that one.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fire had fizzled out, and everyone sensed it, though his words to his youngest son still sounded a little gruff. \u201cWell, you\u2019d better get Hoss\u2019s high-priced oranges up to him, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was only too glad to escape that lightly. \u201cYes, sir. Right away, Pa.\u201d He bounded up the stairs to the lower landing and then hustled down again, holding out an orange to Sam Clemons. \u201cHere, Sam, you take one. There wouldn\u2019t be any oranges without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout him?\u201d Adam sputtered. \u201cHow do you figure that one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the one that talked you into going on to California, isn\u2019t he? And getting me a new coat and . . .\u201d Little Joe trailed off. He shouldn\u2019t have mentioned the coat. Pa\u2019d been mellowing down and now he was looking\u2014well, Joe didn\u2019t know what to call that expression, but definitely not mellow.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew coat?\u201d Ben\u2019s frowning gaze fell this time on his oldest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needed it,\u201d Adam said plainly and when the frown remained, added, \u201cIt\u2019s my Christmas gift to him, of course.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, thanks, Adam,\u201d Little Joe bubbled. \u201cHere, you have an orange, too.\u201d When his father arched an eyebrow in his direction, he fumbled another from the bag and held it out. \u201cOh, yeah. Almost forgot yours, Pa!\u201d Hopefully, the treat would get Pa mellow again.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s lowered eyebrow was a good sign, though he still roared a little as he took the orange and stabbed an index finger toward the stairs. \u201cGit, before I boil you in orange juice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah, Humbug,\u201d Sam muttered to Adam. He knew an idle threat when he heard one.<\/p>\n

So did Little Joe, but he restrained his urge to giggle until he reached the head of the stairs. Then he turned and called down to the others, \u201cHey, orange you glad it\u2019s Christmas!\u201d The giggles burst out as he turned and fled into Hoss\u2019s room to deliver his Christmas cheer.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam both groaned, but Sam chuckled in appreciation. \u201cYou know,\u201d he said. \u201cThat boy might have the makings of a writer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf bad puns?\u201d Adam snorted. \u201cCareful, Josh. Your nom de plume hints at a certain propensity for those yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was finally smiling as he said, \u201cYou\u2019ll stay to dinner, Sam? I won\u2019t take no for an answer. After all, we appear to owe you . . . for a bag of oranges, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

Secretly thinking they\u2019d already paid more than enough for those oranges, Adam nonetheless joined his father in welcoming Sam Clemons to dinner. It might be considered bribery, which was no virtue either, but maybe if they fed him well enough, they could influence whatever \u201cbending\u201d of this adventure he was plotting for the pages of the Territorial Enterprise.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

Character: Sam Clemons
\nGift: Oranges<\/p>\n

Inspired by:\u00a0 Enter Mark Twain
\nDirector:\u00a0 Paul Landres
\nWritten by:\u00a0 Harold Shumate, David Dortort (creator)<\/p>\n

Link to the Bonanza Brand 2020 Advent Calendar – Day 21 – Returning Home by BluewindFarm<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 It was a simple request and one that could not be granted due to circumstance beyond their control.\u00a0 Or could it?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 6,880 words<\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 This story was written for the Bonanz Brand 2020 Advent Calendar, originated in the Forums.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":5835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008,30,40],"tags":[1062],"class_list":["post-35324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-prequels","category-challenges","tag-advent-calendar","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":970,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15611,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15611","url_meta":{"origin":35324,"position":0},"title":"Shepherds (by Sierra Girl)","author":"Sierra Girl","date":"December 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This image was created for the 2017 Advent Calendar - Day 10 Summary:\u00a0 Christmas greetings. 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(by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"December 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Oh, what fun there is on the Ponderosa at Christmas Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (110 words) Written for the 2025 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","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\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61185,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61185","url_meta":{"origin":35324,"position":2},"title":"The Meaning of Christmas (by PatD in PA)","author":"Pat D in PA","date":"December 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An explanation of Christmas, between brothers. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (120 words) Written for the 2025 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61165,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61165","url_meta":{"origin":35324,"position":3},"title":"Ponderosa Yuletide Wit (by wx4rmk)","author":"wx4rmk","date":"December 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A poem about Adam\u2019s clever wit bringing joy and cheer during the holidays. 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