{"id":3934,"date":"2004-04-28T02:31:17","date_gmt":"2004-04-28T06:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3934"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:26","slug":"all-in-a-days-work-a-day-for-respect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3934","title":{"rendered":"All in a Day’s Work: A Day for Respect (by Puchi Ann)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The 2nd story in a Trilogy, which recounts the events of a single day for the Cartwright brothers. \u00a0Please read the stories in order. \u00a0Neither winner nor loser in Pa’s assignment of chores, Adam still faces a challenging day.<\/p>\n

Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a04550<\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Near-Perfect Day
\nA Day for Respect
\n<\/a>A Day Beyond Endurance<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work: A Day for Respect <\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam slowly lowered himself into the steaming water and with a soulful sigh sank down to his chin in the copper tub.\u00a0 Just what he needed, a long, relaxing soak.\u00a0 Thanks to his drawing the assignment closest to home today, he had finished first and earned first rights to the tub, the one advantage to losing this morning\u2019s match race to Little Joe.\u00a0 Closing his eyes, he lay back, letting his dark hair float on the water as he contemplated that unexpected outcome to Pa\u2019s \u201cusual fair method\u201d of doling out unwanted chores.<\/p>\n

For years he\u2019d been able to best both his brothers with that trick of dampening the match stick to retard its burning speed, but sharp-eyed Joe had finally figured it out, leaving only poor Hoss still in the dark.\u00a0 Adam felt somewhat bad about the two of them ganging up against their credulous brother in the middle, but he couldn\u2019t change his tactics to let Hoss win, even once in a while; that would have accomplished nothing but giving every victory to his crafty kid brother, who had no scruple against taking it.\u00a0 Despite the new competition, Adam had continued to win most of the time, his occasional losses flukes of chance, but he had a feeling he\u2019d have to start taking the kid\u2019s rivalry more seriously.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been able to stare Joe down and make him shaky today, and if he could no longer turn the kid\u2019s own emotions against him, that meant he had a more formidable challenger to contend with.\u00a0 Pulling upright, Adam stretched his arms over his head, and as water trickled off the curling black hair on his chest, he grinned in anticipation of contests to come and outcomes more favorable than today\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Recalling how his day had gone, Adam winced and sank back into the soothing water.\u00a0 Not that it had been all that bad\u2014especially by comparison with what it could have been had he drawn Hoss\u2019s lot; still, he needed to figure out how to regain his competitive edge against that cunning kid brother of his or there\u2019d be more days like today. . . .<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam dropped a load of shingles outside the barn and raised a hand in farewell as his youngest brother drove out of the yard.\u00a0 Having just seen the curt rebuff the kid got when he tried to wish Hoss a good day, Adam didn\u2019t even acknowledge his other brother\u2019s departure.\u00a0 Hoss rarely got out of sorts, but when he did, he could growl with the ferocity of a mama bear guarding her cubs.\u00a0 The big man was definitely feeling bearish today\u2014with good reason\u2014and wisdom dictated staying clear of his claws \u2018til he\u2019d had a chance to simmer down.\u00a0 Maybe by the time he came home . . . Adam shook his head.\u00a0 Who was he kidding?\u00a0 With the misery Hoss had facing him today, his mood wasn\u2019t likely to improve.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you started yet?\u201d a sharp voice demanded.<\/p>\n

Adam bristled at his father\u2019s accusatory tone, but managed to answer calmly.\u00a0 \u201cJust starting now.\u00a0 I helped Joe load the fence rails.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat scamp,\u201d Ben muttered.\u00a0 \u201cJust like him to talk someone else into doing his work.\u00a0 Surprised you let him get away with it, though.\u00a0 You don\u2019t usually let him wrap you around his little finger, like that other brother of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

After his loss that morning Adam would have relished letting his youngest brother take the blame, but his innate sense of fair play wouldn\u2019t permit him to hear Joe criticized unjustly.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t ask; I offered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s arched eyebrow conveyed surprise, deepening into suspicion.\u00a0 \u201cMuch as I approve of brother helping brother, Adam, you have work of your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll get it done,\u201d Adam said tersely.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, Pa, you did say it was the easiest job of the day.\u00a0 I should finish with time to spare, and if I choose to spend that spare time helping my brother\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, of course\u2014simmer down.\u00a0 I don\u2019t object, though it\u2019s wiser not to squander spare time \u2018til you\u2019re certain you\u2019ll have it.\u00a0 As the Good Book says, a man never knows what a day may bring forth.\u201d\u00a0 While he imparted that sage bit of advice, Ben looked at the shingles Adam had tossed onto the ground.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, you don\u2019t think that\u2019s all you\u2019ll need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hitched in a taut breath.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s just my first load.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight be a good idea if you went up on the roof and made an inspection first, evaluate the extent of the damage,\u201d Ben suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThen you\u2019ll know what supplies you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since that course of action was exactly what he had already planned, Adam responded with a sardonic smile.\u00a0 \u201cNow, why didn\u2019t I think of that?\u00a0 Thanks, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be sarcastic,\u201d Ben advised gruffly, having taken note of the other man\u2019s tone.\u00a0 \u201cJust\u2014just carry on.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave you to your work, and I\u2019ll get to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

If only he would<\/em>, Adam groused as he headed back into the barn.\u00a0 From pegs on the far wall he took a ladder and, swinging one arm through the space between two rungs, shouldered it and carried it to the side of the barn.\u00a0 He tested its security and began climbing.\u00a0 Though he moved leisurely, he soon reached the top, but just as he was swinging one long leg over the top rung, he heard his father call, \u201cAdam?\u201d\u00a0 His knee hit the roof with a jarring jolt, and his hands clenched the ladder as he came painfully down on one haunch.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Ben sighted him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, good.\u00a0 You haven\u2019t started yet.\u201d\u00a0 He motioned Adam down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the . . .?\u00a0 Didn\u2019t leave me to my work long, did he?\u201d Adam grunted as he started down the ladder, wincing each time he put weight on his left leg.\u00a0 Once down, he scanned the yard.\u00a0 No sign of his father.\u00a0 Oh, great, just great.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t he have waited one minute for me to get down?\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t bode well if he needs to talk to me privately.<\/em>\u00a0 Inhaling deeply, he limped into the house and turned right, toward his father\u2019s office alcove.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d he asked, trying\u2014and failing\u2014to mask his irritation.<\/p>\n

Seated at his desk, Ben raised his head and stared pointedly at his oldest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you today, Adam?\u00a0 You\u2019re prickly as cactus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Folding his arms, Adam stared back.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with me?\u00a0 First you scold me for not starting my work soon enough; then when I do start\u2014or try to, rather\u2014you call me down off the roof, and when I ask what you want, you jump down my throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pressed his palms against the desk top.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not jumping down your throat; judging by your tone, young man, I\u2019d say the shoe\u2019s on the other foot of that horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slowly opened his arms and spread his palms toward the ceiling.\u00a0 \u201cAll right.\u00a0 Sorry if I sounded snappish, but I was in kind of an awkward position when you called.\u00a0 I know you said a man never knows what a day may bring forth, but I didn\u2019t realize you intended to provide a demonstration so quickly.\u00a0 All I asked was what you wanted, and I\u2019m still waiting for an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed, but he ignored what he still considered an attitude that fell short of filial respect and, to avoid further argument and loss of time, simply answered the question.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m trying to finalize our bid on the Gould and Curry contract, and I wanted to ask you a couple of questions before you got tied up with the roof.\u00a0 You seemed willing enough to help your young brother, but if you don\u2019t feel you have time to render a bit of assistance to your poor aged father, by all means go on about your work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Poor aged father?\u00a0 Adam had to purse his lips to keep a straight face at that one.\u00a0 Easy to see where Little Joe learned his manipulative skills!<\/em>\u00a0 He schooled his voice to remain calm and, he hoped, reasonable.\u00a0 \u201cPa, of course I can make time to answer your questions about that bid.\u00a0 I would have thought lunch would be soon enough, but if it\u2019s urgent . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben fumbled with the papers lying on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cWell, since you\u2019re here . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . since I\u2019m here.\u201d\u00a0 With a tight grip on his patience, Adam moved around to look over his father\u2019s shoulder at the papers.<\/p>\n

Half an hour and many words later, Adam again climbed the ladder to the roof, peering carefully down into the yard before taking that final step this time.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t mind helping his father with business calculations, of course.\u00a0 Pa had every right to expect that much return on his investment in a college education for his oldest son, but added to the deliberate dawdling he\u2019d done with Joe and those fence rails, the time he\u2019d spent explaining his estimate of the profit margin meant that he was getting a late start on the roof.\u00a0 Still, unless the damage was more extensive than he thought, he should have no difficulty finishing the job today.\u00a0 Before lunch?\u00a0 No, he couldn\u2019t be that lucky, but hopefully not much beyond that.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019d even have time to ride into nearby Washoe City for a little relaxation.\u00a0 He could use some after wrestling figures with Pa.<\/p>\n

He walked along the roof, noting the number of missing shingles.\u00a0 Not too many\u2014good.\u00a0 A few were loose, too, and a few warped.\u00a0 He knelt on a storm-bared rafter to pull off a shingle that was hanging by a single nail, and the seemingly solid wood beneath his right knee suddenly crumbled.\u00a0 His fingers clawed frantically at the edge of the shingles higher on the roof; thankfully, they held while he pulled his leg back up and scrambled for safety.\u00a0 He sat on the slanting roof, elbows on his knees, chin cupped in his palms as he surveyed the roof with scowling eyes.\u00a0 Great, just great.\u00a0 Missing shingles wasn\u2019t enough.\u00a0 Just had to run into rafters with the dry rot, too.\u00a0 So much for that relaxing ride into <\/em>Washoe<\/em>City<\/em>!<\/em>\u00a0 Then a darker thought struck him.\u00a0 Joe said something this morning about the roof repair requiring real architectural skill. Just trying to get out of the job himself, of course\u2014<\/em>or so I thought then<\/em>.\u00a0 His black brows drew together as he contemplated the possibility that Joe had actually known how tough this job would be, that he\u2019d been up on this roof to check the damage and already seen its extent.\u00a0 Adam shook his head.\u00a0 Joe go looking for work?\u00a0 Not likely!\u00a0 Today, obviously, was just the kid\u2019s lucky day . . . and definitely not his.<\/p>\n

With a long sigh he stood and carefully made his way back to the ladder, still favoring the left leg.\u00a0 Better see just how much trouble I\u2019m in<\/em>, he mused as he climbed down and walked around to the barn door.\u00a0 Entering, he climbed into the loft to survey the rafters from beneath.\u00a0 He tested each one by tapping it with a rake handle.\u00a0 Most echoed back a solid thump, but three more times the wood splintered.\u00a0 Adam bit back a curse as he climbed down from the loft on one side of the barn and made his way up the ladder to the one on the other side.\u00a0 Cautiously, holding his breath at each stroke, he tapped his way from front to back.\u00a0 After the final solid thump, he leaned against the back wall and took a deep breath.\u00a0 No weak beams on this side, so he\u2019d only have to replace those four rotten rafters and then shingle the roof.\u00a0 Think about Hoss<\/em>, Adam admonished himself as he left the loft.\u00a0 Sure, this is a harder job than I expected, but it doesn\u2019t compare with his troubles, so toughen up and just get it done<\/em>.<\/p>\n

He sighed again as he approached the house, however.\u00a0 One advantage Hoss did have over him: whatever troubles he ran into were his own to deal with; he didn\u2019t have to report to Pa.\u00a0 Adam opened the front door and rounded the corner into the alcove again.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his bookwork and arched an eyebrow at his eldest.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re not finished this soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScarcely,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s going to take longer than we thought, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 He explained about the dry rot and the need to replace four rafters.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like I was the right man for this job after all,\u201d he finished with a feeble attempt at humor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese things have a way of working out,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cand this is one of those times I will count myself blessed to have an architect in the family.\u00a0 Well, you\u2019d best get to it, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t \u2018get to it,\u2019\u201d Adam said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, I have to \u2018get to\u2019 the mill and buy some rafters.\u00a0 We don\u2019t have any here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cDid you check?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled slowly.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t check.\u00a0 I don\u2019t need to check.\u00a0 We ordered exactly the number we needed when we built the barn.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t stock spares.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust check,\u201d Ben advised.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll save you time if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s a complete waste of time,\u201d Adam remonstrated huffily.\u00a0 \u201cI already know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck,\u201d Ben dictated, eyes narrowing.\u00a0 As his son turned and stalked toward the door, he grunted, \u201cFool boy, always thinks he knows more than anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

I do in this case<\/em>, Adam fumed as he went on a search for the nonexistent beams.\u00a0 It took a good twenty minutes to check out any possible place a rafter might be hiding; he didn\u2019t find any, and he didn\u2019t bother restraining his irritation when he reported that pertinent fact back to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s unfortunate,\u201d Ben commented, seemingly oblivious to his son\u2019s disintegrating mood.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll set you back a couple of hours, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least,\u201d Adam grunted, flexing his knee a couple of times.\u00a0 Walking around had helped him work out most of the stiffness, he was glad to see.<\/p>\n

With the desk between them, Ben didn\u2019t see the movement, but Adam\u2019s mood was becoming impossible to overlook.\u00a0 Ben took the action he deemed most likely to improve it.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go along with you to the mill, then, help you select the new beams and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slammed his hat to the top of his father\u2019s desk.\u00a0 \u201cI am perfectly capable of picking out beams without your help!\u00a0 I am a trained architect, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Face hard as chiseled granite, Ben slowly rose from his chair.\u00a0 \u201cI would advise you to watch your tone, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gripping the edge of the desk, Adam took a deep, cleansing breath.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll watch my tone, but all this double-checking and discussion is just slowing me down when I have a lot more work than originally planned.\u00a0 If it\u2019s all right with you, I\u2019ll head down to the mill now and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll go with you,\u201d Ben said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cHelping me earlier took some of your time, so it\u2019s only fair that I help you with your work now.\u201d\u00a0 He cocked his head to one side.\u00a0 \u201cUnless, of course, you\u2019re saying that you do not want your father\u2019s company.\u201d\u00a0 He stared challengingly into his son\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n

His father\u2019s company on the job was the last thing under heaven Adam wanted, since it was beyond Ben Cartwright\u2019s power not to boss any job he was part of, but spouting that much honesty could be downright hazardous.\u00a0 \u201cOf course not,\u201d he said, with what he hoped was tact, \u201cbut there\u2019s no need for me to take you from your work.\u00a0 The job will take me a little longer alone, but I can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rounded the desk to clap an encouraging hand to his son\u2019s strong shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNonsense.\u00a0 You helped your brother this morning and you helped me.\u00a0 Now, you mustn\u2019t be too proud to accept help yourself, Adam.\u00a0 That really is an attitude you need to work on, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ignoring the sharp glance Adam directed at him, he plunged on.\u00a0 \u201cJust let me get these papers put away, and we\u2019ll head out.\u00a0 Oh\u2014you\u2019d better tell Hop Sing we won\u2019t be here for dinner.\u00a0 Now, don\u2019t look so unhappy, boy; I\u2019ll buy you a fine hot meal in Washoe City.\u201d\u00a0 With another clap to his son\u2019s shoulder, Ben moved back to his desk chair and began putting papers into their proper files.<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Adam headed toward the kitchen.\u00a0 He\u2019s blind, absolutely blind, if he thinks I\u2019m worried about missing a meal.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he give the bad news to Hop Sing himself and let me put away his precious papers!\u00a0 Oh, no, that would make life too easy, and ease is obviously not the theme of today\u2019s tale.<\/em><\/p>\n

Giving Hop Sing the bad news took ten seconds; convincing him not to go back to China, however, was a ten-minute exercise in the art of persuasive speaking.\u00a0 As soon as he\u2019d accomplished that, Adam checked the alcove and discovered a clean desk, but no sign of his father.\u00a0 Must\u2019ve gone out to hitch up the buckboard<\/em>.\u00a0 Adam struck his temple with the heel of his right hand.\u00a0 The buckboard\u2014Joe had the buckboard!\u00a0 No, ease was definitely not the theme of today\u2019s tale, he mused with a rueful shake of his head.<\/p>\n

Walking outside, he saw his father leading two saddled horses from the barn.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll get us there,\u201d Adam said drolly, \u201cbut I think Sport and Buck will object to dragging a pair of rafters apiece.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tossed him a mock scowl.\u00a0 \u201cWe should be able to borrow or rent a wagon in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if we can\u2019t?\u00a0 Then we\u2019ve ridden into town for nothing.\u00a0 Maybe we\u2019d be better advised to put this trip off \u2018til tomorrow, when we know we\u2019ll have access to the buckboard.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled as the possibility of turning that chore over to one of his brothers, preferably the one who had drawn the easy lot today, flickered through his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, don\u2019t be such a pessimist,\u201d Ben chided.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, \u2018faint heart never won . . .\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair rafter?\u201d Adam concluded with a quizzical quirk of his eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess it wasn\u2019t quite the right quotation,\u201d Ben admitted with a wry chuckle, \u201cbut I\u2019m sure a bright boy like you got the point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cNothing ventured, nothing gained,\u201d he suggested, as an alternate proverb.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d Ben agreed.\u00a0 \u201cSo, mount up, boy.\u00a0 Daylight\u2019s burning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and did as requested.\u00a0 The trip might end up being a huge waste of time in a day already full of such waste, but at this point he wasn\u2019t at all averse to the idea of riding into town just for a hot meal and a cold beer.\u00a0 In fact, if it turned out that way, it would make perfect ammunition for firing at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cTo the victor go not always the spoils,\u201d he commented to the air.<\/p>\n

Ben swiveled in the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014some oil,\u201d Adam invented quickly.\u00a0 \u201cWe should get some oil\u2014linseed oil, that is\u2014to treat the beams, preserve them from moisture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t we have any?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t check,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut we can always use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d\u00a0 Ben glanced at his son.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you thought to measure those rafters, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hitched in a quick, sharp breath.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t need to measure them.\u00a0 I designed that barn; I know what the measurements are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was years ago,\u201d Ben scoffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am not senile!\u201d Adam retorted.<\/p>\n

Ben reined Buck to an abrupt halt.\u00a0 \u201cMeaning I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw muscles tightened.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course not.\u00a0 I only meant that I put a lot of effort into those plans, and numbers have a way of sticking in my head, especially when I\u2019ve mulled them over that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope your memory\u2019s as good as you give it credit for.\u201d\u00a0 Before Adam could respond, Ben trotted ahead.<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled noisily.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just one day,\u201d he muttered to himself.\u00a0 \u201cI can survive my father for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on my way,\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

Their business in Washoe City went smoothly.\u00a0 John Jones promised to get right to cutting the needed rafters, and J. McCurtin, blacksmith and wagon maker, had a buckboard he was willing to rent them, though he didn\u2019t miss the opportunity of pointing out that a ranch as large as the Ponderosa could use a second one.\u00a0 \u201cMake you a good price,\u201d he offered, \u201cand I reckon you know the quality of my work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, and I\u2019ll give it some thought.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook the man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back to pick up the wagon in an hour or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll be ready,\u201d McCurtin promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you serious about buying a second wagon?\u201d Adam asked as they walked down the main street toward McFarland\u2019s Livery.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, probably not,\u201d Ben admitted.\u00a0 \u201cThere are times, like today, we could use a spare, but one\u2019s enough, as a general rule.\u00a0 In fact, young man, if you hadn\u2019t dillydallied around helping your brother load those fence rails this morning, you might have discovered your own need sooner, while we had time to adjust the work plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped.\u00a0 \u201cFine,\u201d he said, folding his arms across his chest.\u00a0 \u201cI promise I will never help Joe again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, who had moved a few paces ahead of his son, spun to face him.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant,\u201d he said gruffly.<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his chin, emphasizing his rigid jaw line.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already been taken to task for it twice today, so I can only conclude that having the kid learn to work independently is important to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben planted his hands on his hips.\u00a0 \u201cAt the moment I\u2019m more concerned with having my eldest son learn a little respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I respect you,\u201d Adam insisted, unfolding his arms, \u201cbut I\u2019m of an age to need respect myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI respect you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked offended at the suggestion he did not.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly worked his tongue around the inside of his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cWould you agree that trust is an element of respect?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied slowly and warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou trust me, then, to remember the measurements of those beams?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you still chafing about that?\u201d Ben chided.\u00a0 \u201cThose are the measurements we gave John, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded apologetically, for though he hadn\u2019t realized it until the words left his mouth, he had, indeed, still been chafing over that slight insult to his mental acuity.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll grant you that one, so let\u2019s start fresh.\u00a0 You do trust my ability to judge good horseflesh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImplicitly.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked thoroughly puzzled now.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam laid a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWell, then, why don\u2019t you demonstrate that trust by going on to the restaurant while I hire the team for the wagon, and I\u2019ll demonstrate my trust by letting you order for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would save time,\u201d Ben admitted, a warm glow in his velvety eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou do have a good head on your shoulders, son; I respect that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dipped his chin in acknowledgement.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I respect your judgment of a good meal\u2014though not quite as much as I do Hoss\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and slapped his eldest on the back.\u00a0 \u201cRailroad Restaurant suit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBest in town,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He walked briskly to the livery stable, rented a team, to be picked up after dinner, and made his way to the restaurant.\u00a0 Pulling out the slat-backed chair, he sat down and asked, \u201cSo, what are we having?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecialty of the house, gray duck,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

Adam fairly beamed.\u00a0 \u201cAh, I knew I could trust your judgment.\u201d\u00a0 The trust was rewarded when plates of succulent fowl, with seasoned rice and buttered peas, were served.\u00a0 After polishing off a dish of peach cobbler to conclude the meal, the Cartwrights picked up the horses at the livery, led them to the wagon maker\u2019s and worked side by side to hitch the team.\u00a0 Adam guided the wagon down the busy street to the mill, where they loaded the rafters in short order.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you came along,\u201d Adam admitted as they pulled out of Washoe City.\u00a0 \u201cIt did make the work go faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben arched an eyebrow in his son\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cMuch to your surprise?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged in concession.\u00a0 \u201cSomewhat to my surprise.\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward the man on his right.\u00a0 \u201cLook, Pa, it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t enjoy your company . . .\u201d\u00a0 Uncertain how to explain how he felt about working under the close supervision of his father\u2014or anyone else\u2014at his age, he let the sentence trail off.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just of an age to need respect,\u201d Ben finished for him.\u00a0 He sighed, almost inaudibly.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you all are.\u00a0 I know I hold the reins a bit tight sometimes, son, but it\u2019s hard to know just when to rein hard and when to slacken up.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried to raise you boys with the same values my father taught me, but he died too young to show me how to manage grown men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing rare self-doubt in his father, Adam said softly, \u201cYou manage just fine.\u00a0 No one could do better.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed and in an attempt to lighten the mood, added, \u201cAnd if you need advice on how to handle the reins, why, it\u2019s easy: just hold mine loosely and rein in hard on Joe at every opportunity!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled in appreciation of the jest.\u00a0 \u201cAnything specific I should be reining in on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I know,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI think he\u2019s been working too hard lately to get into too much mischief.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s growing up.\u00a0 Maybe I should slacken his reins some, too.\u201d\u00a0 Father and son gazed directly into each other\u2019s eyes, and broad grins spread across both faces as they simultaneously shook their heads and said, \u201cNah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

. . Contemplating that companionable ride home, Adam rested his head on the rim of the bathtub.\u00a0 All in all, he wasn\u2019t disappointed with the assignment he\u2019d drawn today.\u00a0 Oh, Pa\u2019d gotten a little bossy again after they\u2019d arrived home and started to work together on the roof\u2014just his nature\u2014but this afternoon he\u2019d caught himself, grinned at the realization and been open to suggestions.\u00a0 \u201cGuess it doesn\u2019t pay to hire an architect and then not listen to him,\u201d Pa had joked.\u00a0 Yes, he and Pa really seemed to have come to a better understanding of one another today, and for that he was grateful.\u00a0 Not that I intend to let Little Joe win next time; it wouldn\u2019t hurt him to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Pa, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

The door to the washroom flew open, banging forcefully into the wall.\u00a0 In the doorway stood a glowering, slime-and-earth-coated giant, reminiscent of the beast Beowulf had battled in the Old English epic.\u00a0 \u201cGet out,\u201d growled the fearsome vision.<\/p>\n

Without a word and without hesitation, Adam set modesty aside and clambered out of the tub.\u00a0 He wrapped a towel hastily about his loins, snatched up his clothes and, edging gingerly past Hoss, fled.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

April, 2004<\/p>\n

Next Story in the All in a Day’s Work Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Day Beyond Endurance<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0The 2nd story in a Trilogy, which recounts the events of a single day for the Cartwright brothers. \u00a0Please read the stories in order. \u00a0Neither winner nor loser in Pa’s assignment of chores, Adam still faces a challenging day.<\/p>\n

Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a04550<\/p>\n

All in a Day’s Work Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":3026,"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],"tags":[14,15],"class_list":["post-3934","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2219,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/The-Gift-of-Water-4.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":29106,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29106","url_meta":{"origin":3934,"position":0},"title":"The Making of a Man (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"February 28, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe realizes he has to grow up. 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Rating: Teen for adult insinuations Word count: 1598","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/654766.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/654766.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/654766.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/654766.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/654766.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3385,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3385","url_meta":{"origin":3934,"position":3},"title":"Seeing Sta*s (by Lily of the West)","author":"Lily of the West","date":"April 25, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A silly little follow-up to Enter Mark Twain. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (845 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/WoF-37Edengirl.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3936,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3936","url_meta":{"origin":3934,"position":4},"title":"All in a Day’s Work: A Day Beyond Endurance (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"January 27, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0In this final story of my trilogy, Hoss faces a day that only he could be strong enough to endure. \u00a0Please read these stories in order. Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a04600 All in a Day's Work Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3931,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3931","url_meta":{"origin":3934,"position":5},"title":"All in a Day’s Work: A Near-Perfect Day (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"January 27, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The first story in a trilogy, \u00a0detailing the events of a single day in the life of the three Cartwright brothers. \u00a0Please read them in order. \u00a0Pa has divvied up the chores according to his \"usual fair method,\" and Joe is exceedingly happy with his assignment. Rated: K \u00a0WC\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Joe Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Joe Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1007"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joeshirtone.jpg?fit=350%2C311&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3934"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3934\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3026"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}