{"id":3667,"date":"2010-01-08T12:16:21","date_gmt":"2010-01-08T17:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3667"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:10","slug":"puzzled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3667","title":{"rendered":"Puzzled (by Barbara)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A quiet evening at home with Ben and the boys results in a scolding for Joe, frustration for Adam, aggravation for Ben and satisfaction for Hoss<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (2,160 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Puzzled<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam sat quietly in his favorite chair. It was the blue velvet one that stood at the base of the staircase of the ranch house. The high back of it and its well-worn seat fit his curves perfectly. He had spent countless hours sitting in that very spot.<\/p>\n

He loved evenings like this. It was late autumn. His belly was full of Hop Sing’s Irish stew and apple cobbler. His favorite. Outside the first flutters of snow fluttered through the air like a swarm of moths. The long, dog days of summer and the never-ending chores that went along with them were well over. The fall cattle drive was complete as well. Finally, Adam had some down time. He relished it. The warmth of his home and the fire that sparked beside him oozed comfort.<\/p>\n

Ben sat across the floor from him. He was engrossed in a Dickens novel. His latest. But, his fascination was not too entrancing to take notice of his youngest son. Little Joe was perched atop the dining room table. He sat cross-legged with his elbows on his knees and his fists holding his head up by the cheeks. Surrounding him was an array of halters, reins and bridle pieces that needed mending. Joe seemed to be prioritizing them but in actual fact it was all an exercise in procrastination. Joe’s noisy arranging and rearranging of the collection finally severed Ben’s last nerve. He turned to chastise his boy. Only then did he see Joe’s position. Ben’s brow deepened into an annoyed scowl. But, he decided to quell his temper for the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d He said evenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir?\u201d Little Joe replied without removing his gaze from the leather that was littered the red and white tablecloth.<\/p>\n

\u201cFEET\u2026. on the floor please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Sorry Pa. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I have to tell you?\u201d Ben sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever again Pa. Never again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe plunked himself onto the carpet with a soft thud and stood to peruse his impending task once more. But, it was obvious that nothing was going to get done. He gave them one last scan before abandoning the job and sauntered over to the settee. He threw himself onto it like a sack of potatoes. His entire body was splayed across the fabric, boots and all. He lounged there but only momentarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d Ben barked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhaa?\u201d Joe replied with a start.<\/p>\n

\u201cFEET\u2026 on the floor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOops. Sorry Pa. \u201d Joe swung around and sat properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn’t I just tell you to keep your feet off the furniture not thirty seconds ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir. You sure did. It won’t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won’t happen again he says.\u201d Ben shook his head making his remark to no one in particular. \u201cI’ve only been scolding you since you were old enough to stand. I truly do not understand your propensity of treating sofas and chairs like livestock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I know Pa. I’ll be more careful. You’ll never see my feet on the furniture again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromises, promises. Please do as I ask. I ask so little, don’t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes, Pa. Absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was oblivious to the banter. He’d heard it so many times before. It simply went in one ear and out the other. He sat on the hearth of the fireplace working diligently on his latest figurine. He whittled with his tongue stuck out. He had no idea of its placement. But, when he was fully concentrated, it inevitably found its way out of his mouth. Hoss had been working on completing a set of farm animals for the local school \u2013 a horse, a sheep, a goat, a cow and this last one of a chicken. The teacher was aware of Hoss’ talents with wood and knife and asked him to do it. He was more than happy to oblige. He enjoyed crafting things.<\/p>\n

Adam too was engaged, ignoring the familiar exchange between his father and youngest brother over feet and furnishings. He was on newspaper number three of the pile that was stacked beside his chair. He often received east coast newspapers from his university friends. He enjoyed reading the New York Times <\/em>or Boston Herald <\/em>. They were far more informative than the Virginia City<\/em> Miner. <\/em>It only reported on news in the area \u2013 the birth of a litter of puppies or Mrs. Wilson’s latest cupcake recipe. These trivial items never quite satisfied Adam’s need for more important current events. But, these periodicals did. They held news of goings on in Europe and Africa. Every corner of the globe was covered. They were also up to date on the unrest in the Southern and Northern states. Adam knew they were biased, but at least it was something.<\/p>\n

Unlike his brother’s and to some degree his father, Adam was very aware that there was another world outside the borders of the Ponderosa. He liked to be informed. It was in his nature to be curious. He wanted to know as much as he could about just about everything. Tonight was his first chance to bring out his cache of papers and catch up even though some dated back to last spring.<\/p>\n

Ben was always cautious when they made their appearance. The newspapers would most certainly insight some sort of argument between Adam and Joe about which side was more justified in the war. When Ben first saw them he winced slightly but made no mention of it. Maybe this time Adam would keep his comments to himself. And, uncharacteristically, this time he did. But, Ben wondered why. When he finished a chapter he peered up from his book to look at his eldest boy. He found it curious that Adam had the paper folded in quarters and was writing on it with a pencil. Between notations, Adam tapped the end of the pencil on his bottom lip as if deep in though. He was totally engrossed in something.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Ben tried.<\/p>\n

There was no answer. Ben glanced at Joe to make sure he was seated properly. He was.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026 yes Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m afraid to ask this, but what has you so intrigued?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, it’s a\u2026 it’s a new thing Pa.\u201d Adam chuckled pleasantly and immediately turned his attention back to the paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew? What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s just a puzzle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA puzzle?\u201d Ben replied with interest. He stood and moved behind Adam’s chair to get a closer look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It’s what they call a crossword. It’s a brand new thing. Comes from England.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEngland?\u201d Joe piped up from sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joe. England.\u201d Adam chided. \u201cIt’s a country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe sneered at his older brother but made his way over to join his father despite Adam’s jab. Hoss stayed put.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does it work?\u201d Ben asked with genuine interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it’s a series of squares. Each line has a clue both down and across. It’s really quite something. And, as I’m finding out, a little challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. So, it seems, so it seems.\u201d Ben sounded captivated. \u201cCan I help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose.\u201d Adam frowned slightly, seemingly putting on a pout. \u201cBut, I sort of wanted to do it myself.\u201d He placed his hand over the paper to hide the clues.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Don’t be silly. We want to play. Don’t we Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Sure.\u201d Joe shrugged casually but didn’t seem as enthused as his father. He supposed it would quell his boredom for a few moments at least.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I could use a little help. I am stuck on a few of these answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then. Give us a clue?\u201d Ben leaned over Adam’s shoulder to get closer to the print. Adam could feel his breath on his neck. He grimaced and exhaled loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then. This one here. 26-27 The close of day. It has seven letters and the third letter is \u2018e’.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm. The close of day. The close of day.\u201d Ben looked to the beamed ceiling as if for guidance.<\/p>\n

Ben’s audible thinking process made Adam roll his eyes. Joe made a face too. He had to in order to try and come up with the answer. Hoss continued to whittle. He never lifted his head from focusing on his project. He seemed unaware of the gathering at the bottom of the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe close of day.\u201d Ben repeated again to Adam’s dismay. \u201cHumph. I don’t think I know that one Adam. Is there another clue you need help with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. There are many clues Pa.\u201d Adam said with impatience.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Give us another one then.\u201d Again Ben leaned over Adam to his son’s aggravation. Adam cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201c4-5. A written acknowledgment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA written acknowledgment. A written acknowledgement.\u201d Ben echoed. \u201cCould it be note or maybe correspondence?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe answer has seven letters as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh I see. Seven letters\u2026 ummmm. That’s a hard one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that’s the point Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to be sarcastic Adam. It’s just a game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa. But, it’s my game. It’s my puzzle. I started it and I’d like to finish it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll play with you Pa.\u201d Joe winked then gave his brother another scowl for being curt. \u201cAdam never was very good at sharing. Let’s have a game of checkers and leave \u2018Mr. I know everything’ to do his precious puzzle.\u201d Joe jested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Lets.\u201d Ben conceded. \u201cBut, if you need any other help Adam, I’ll be right over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ll be the first to know.\u201d Adam quipped with gritted teeth. He took a deep breath to regain his concentration.<\/p>\n

The evening wore on. But when bedtime came around, Adam had yet to finish. The truth was he did need help but was too suborn to ask for it. He had the entire crossword all filled out except for one 4-letter word. He toiled over it for an hour or so with great frustration. He didn’t want to give in and fought the urge to probe his father for ideas.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe had completed their little match and had returned to their seats to read. But, Ben caught Adam peering around the room to see if any one had noticed him squirm. Father and son’s eyes met and there was a few seconds of awkwardness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s the matter Adam? Stuck?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, ah\u2026 yes\u2026 I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you don’t have to finish the puzzle you know. Sometimes puzzles beat you instead of the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it’s just one word I can’t get Pa. I\u2026ah, I must admit \u2013 I’m a little frustrated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like some help?\u201d Ben raised his eyebrows and tilted his head with a tinge of cockiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it’s not too much trouble.\u201d Adam resigned with an insipid grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. No trouble.\u201d Ben answered brightly. \u201cWhat’s the clue?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo cultivate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm. To cultivate. To cultivate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben’s repeat performance made Adam blink rapidly. He sagged in his seat wishing he hadn’t given in.<\/p>\n

\u201cTooooo, cult-I-vate. To cultivate\u201d Ben enunciated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s an easy one.\u201d Hoss piped up. He had yet to lift his head from his sculpture all night. All had assumed that he had not been party to that evenings puzzle conversations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really.\u201d Adam stared at his brother. \u201cYOU know the answer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you be nice to me older brother or I’ll keep it to myself and then you’ll never git it done. You’ll be a wake all night just thinkin’ about it. Tossin’ and turnin’. I know you Adam; this’ll make you down right loony. Now I know that answer. Do you want me to tell you or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure. Go ahead. Enlighten me.\u201d Adam patronized.<\/p>\n

Joe, Ben and Adam’s attention was all on Hoss now. He waited to time his answer perfectly.<\/p>\n

\u201cF-A-R-M.\u201d Hoss said simply. \u201cTo cultivate. Farm. It’s got 4 letters don’t it\u2026 older brother?\u201d Hoss winked smugly.<\/p>\n

Without a sound, Adam turned his attention back to his puzzle and jotted down the final word. He dotted it loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell. I’m tired.\u201d Joe announced with a stretch of his arms up as far as they could go. \u201cI can’t take much more of this excitement. I’m going to bed.\u201d He stood to leave. \u201cNext time you do one of those crossword things, you should get Hoss to help you from the start.\u201d Joe poked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s right Adam.\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cDon’t you know I’m the brains in this family?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. I had forgotten about your extended education and world travels.\u201d Adam replied smartly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t need no schoolin’ to know stuff Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are proof of that younger brother. You certainly are proof of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

AUTHOR’S NOTE: In fact, the first crossword didn’t come along until 1913 \u2013 written by Englishman Arthur Wynne \u2013 published in the New York World <\/em>. But, I couldn’t resist that Adam would both like and be good at crossword puzzles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0A quiet evening at home with Ben and the boys results in a scolding for Joe, frustration for Adam, aggravation for Ben and satisfaction for Hoss<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (2,160 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":14045,"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":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-humor","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1431,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ETG-14.jpg?fit=687%2C544&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7639,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7639","url_meta":{"origin":3667,"position":0},"title":"Seeing a Man (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Two confrontations between Ben Cartwright and his eldest son. 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