The Henry Rifle<\/strong><\/p>\nHoss strolled into the living room from the kitchen a half eaten apple in one hand and a smile on his face. The aromas drifting into the house from the kitchen had told his sensitive nose that Hop Sing was making his favorite meal for supper and he had gone in to check on its progress. Progress was very good and the thought of a hearty meal in such a short time lifted his spirits like nothing else could. He stopped short at the sight of Adam sitting on the low table in the center of the room with his back to him. He held a rifle to his eye, sighting down the barrel. Hoss whistled over the glossy wood of the rifle\u2019s stock and the highly polished sheen of the metal barrel.<\/p>\n
Adam stiffened at the sound and quickly shoved the rifle behind him as he wheeled around, but seeing Hoss\u2019s smiling face he relaxed and sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Hoss, I was afraid it was Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss sauntered closer and shook his head in admiration as Adam pulled the rifle out and up again, tucked it firmly into his shoulder, and looked down the barrel all in one smooth movement. \u201cThat sure is a beaut, Adam. Where\u2019d ya get it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam lowered the rifle and gave Hoss a grin. \u201cFrom Dan Evans.\u201d He ran a hand lovingly down the smooth, dark walnut stock. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss whistled again in admiration and grinned at his brother. \u201cDon\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen anything purtier. It\u2019s one of them new-fangled Henrys you and Pa been talkin\u2019 about ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is.\u201d Adam flipped the rifle and held it out butt first to Hoss.<\/p>\n
Hoss handed Adam his apple and took the rifle, quickly he threw it up to his shoulder, sighted it in, cocked it as he brought it down and then repeated the process. \u201cAin\u2019t that something? Nice, and smooth and it sits fine in the shoulder, too, don\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss brought it up again and looked down the length of the barrel. \u201cHow\u2019s it shoot?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam grinned again. \u201cStraight and true as they come, the action is as smooth as silk,\u201d Adam\u2019s grin widened and his eyes sparkled. \u201cAnd I sent off 15 rounds in about as many seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss shook his head over that. \u201cBy gum, jes like they said, huh?\u2019<\/p>\n
Adam couldn\u2019t keep the pride out of his voice. \u201cJust like they said.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss whistled again, \u201cNow ain\u2019t that somethin\u2019?\u201d He reluctantly handed the rifle back to his brother. Adam pulled out a cloth and ran it gently over the gleaming gun removing imaginary fingerprints.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou takin\u2019 it huntin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope,\u201d Adam looked up at him and winked conspiratorially. \u201cIt\u2019s for Pa. You know how he\u2019s wanted one? Well, when I heard Dan had gotten a shipment of them in I jumped on it. Good thing, too. He had six of them and I got the last one. I thought I\u2019d give it to Pa just before the hunting trip.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be tickled pink that\u2019s fer sure. Can\u2019t wait to see his face when he gets it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, well, you make sure you don\u2019t say anything to him. I want it to be a surprise. Better not tell Joe either.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me what?\u201d Little Joe asked as he walked in the door. Then his eyes fell on the rifle in Adam\u2019s hands \u201cHey, Adam! Where you\u2019d get the rifle?\u201d He hurried over holding out his hand for the gun.<\/p>\n
Hoss grinned and Adam rolled his eyes and sighed as he handed it over. \u201cBe careful with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe ran a reverent hand over the metal and wood. \u201cSay,\u201d He drawled in admiration. \u201cThis is something, Adam. One of those new Henry Repeaters isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u201d Adam watched indulgently as Joe threw the gun up and tucked it tight into his shoulder mirroring his and Hoss\u2019s earlier actions.<\/p>\n
\u201cNice. Where\u2019d ya get it?\u201d Joe reluctantly handed it back as Adam held a hand out for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom Dan Evans.\u201d He laid it gently in the velvet-lined box beside him and shut it. Turning to his brother, he became serious.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe, this is a surprise for Pa. I don\u2019t want him to know about it until the hunting trip next week.\u201d He glanced over at Hoss, including him. \u201cYou both have to promise me you won\u2019t say anything to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, come on, Adam, do ya even gotta ask? Ya know we won\u2019t say nothin\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we wouldn\u2019t spoil your surprise, Adam, you should know that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I want your word anyway. No matter what.\u201d He lifted a finger in emphasis. \u201cYou won\u2019t tell Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s necessary.\u201d Hoss grumbled. \u201cBut I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, me too, Adam. I won\u2019t say anything.\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks fellas.\u201d He stood and lifted the box \u201cNow to put this somewhere safe before Pa comes home.\u201d He winked at his brothers and then headed upstairs to his room.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The last thing Hoss expected to see when he arrived home several days later was Adam lying flat on the settee in the living room.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you all right.\u201d He asked concerned. He tossed his hat on the credenza and moved quickly over to the settee.<\/p>\n
Adam opened his eyes slowly and then sat up, grimacing as he did so. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m fine.\u201d he touched the back of his head gently. \u201cOther than a knot on the back of my head and a rather persistent headache.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss leaned over, gently touched the back of Adam\u2019s head and winced at the large knot he felt there. \u201cYou see Doc Martin about that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s that serious. Just gave me a whopping headache.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss threw a leg over the arm of the settee. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam lifted an eyebrow \u201cI was bushwhacked.\u201d He said matter of factly.<\/p>\n
\u201cBushwhacked!\u201d Hoss\u2019s whole face registered his surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Adam winced again as he gingerly probed the knot at the back of his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, but\u2026 what for?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam raised his eyebrows at him. \u201cWhat else is a man usually waylaid for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, considering it\u2019s us, it could be any number of things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, considering the large amount of money I was carrying and the brand spankin\u2019 new Henry rifle in the box slung across my saddle, I\u2019m going to guess it was that.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was laced with sarcasm, his throbbing head making him less than patient with his brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rifle!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I took it in awhile back to get Sal to do some engraving and inlay work on it. I picked it up in town today.\u201d His voice softened with disgust and disappointment.<\/p>\n
Hoss whistled low. \u201cI\u2019ll be. Did ya get a look at who did it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam placed his hands to either side of himself and prepared to stand. \u201cNope, I was just riding along, felt something hit the back of my head and then nothing.\u201d He grit his teeth as he pushed himself up. \u201cI figured I\u2019d ride back in to town this evening and let Roy know.\u201d He took a step and then grabbed quickly for Hoss\u2019s shoulder as the room began to spin.<\/p>\n
Swiftly Hoss stood and steadied him. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re goin\u2019 anywhere, ceptin\u2019 to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNonsense, I\u2019m fine. I just need to rest a bit. Besides I have to let Roy know so I can get that rifle back.\u201d Hoss understood the edge of determination in Adam\u2019s voice<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you\u2019re in no condition for a ride inta town. Now I\u2019ll get Pa and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam turned on his brother. \u201cNO. You can\u2019t tell Pa about this Hoss. He\u2019ll find out about the rifle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you can\u2019t keep this from him. You got a knot the size of an egg on the back of your head and you can hardly stand! So what if he finds out about the rifle afore ya wanted him to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, you promised me you wouldn\u2019t say anything about it no matter what. It\u2019s even more important now. If I don\u2019t get the rifle back, I don\u2019t want him to know about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Hoss. Just don\u2019t say anything.\u201d Adam shrugged off Hoss\u2019s steadying hands and stumbled toward the staircase.<\/p>\n
Hoss just stood and watched his brother go. He knew how stubborn he could be and from the look on his face he wasn\u2019t going to change his mind about this. The best Hoss could do was cover for him and see he didn\u2019t over tax himself before his head was better. And he hoped to goodness they did find the man who\u2019d taken the rifle. He never thought he\u2019d seen Adam so discouraged and disappointed as when he\u2019d told Hoss he\u2019d lost it.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
It was barely two days later that Hoss and Joe were relaxing before a comfortable fire waiting for Ben and Adam to get home for supper when Ben opened the front door of the house and stuck his head around the edge.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, is Adam around?\u201d He almost whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Pa, just me and Joe. Adam\u2019s up on the north ridge, though he should be back anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Ben grinned and came through the door carrying a long wooden box. Hoss\u2019s eyes widened at the sight of it and he glanced over at Joe who frowned and shrugged back at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou boys are never going to believe what I found in town today.\u201d Ben strode over to his desk and placed the box on top. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he motioned to the boys to come closer and they reluctantly joined him. Hoss\u2019s heart sank as Ben opened the box to reveal the gleaming Henry rifle that had been stolen from Adam only two days ago.<\/p>\n
Ben carefully lifted the rifle from its case. \u201cHave you ever seen anything like it? It\u2019s one of those new repeating rifles that man Tyler Henry came out with. It has perfect balance. Just feel it, Hoss.\u201d He held the gun out to his son.<\/p>\n
Hoss took the gun and tried to feel some enthusiasm, though all he felt at the moment was sick. \u201cYeah, that\u2019s real nice, Pa.\u201d He replied as he hefted the gun, then ran his hand along the silver inlay in the walnut stock and the fancy engraving on the brass frame. It was the only difference between this gun and the one Adam had shown him so proudly last week. He even recognized the inlay and engraving designs from the plans Adam had shown him. \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful gun, Pa.\u201d He tried to smile and say more but the words stuck in his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Pa. It\u2019s real pretty.\u201d Joe piped up, rescuing Hoss. Taking the gun from him, he gave him a nudge and a look. Hoss knew he\u2019d have to act a little more excited or Pa was going suspect something was up. They\u2019d all been as excited as could be when they\u2019d first heard of the new rifle that could shoot fifteen times in a row without having to reload and his lack of enthusiasm over actually seeing one was going to raise Pa\u2019s suspicions and that was the last thing they needed. \u201cWhere\u2019d ya get it?\u201d Joe asked eagerly and Hoss was relieved that Joe was able to conjure up some enthusiasm and ask the question he himself was dying to know but was too afraid to ask himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got it from Tom Andrews. I stopped in there to pick up that rifle he was going over for me and he had this one just sitting there. Said he\u2019d bought it off of some fellow who was passing through. Well, I just couldn\u2019t resist. You know how Adam\u2019s been wanting one of these.\u201d Ben grinned and chuckled. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s talked about anything else since we first heard about them. So, I saw this one and well, I just had to get it for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss felt his heart fall into his shoes and he gulped. \u201cPa, did you just say you bought this gun for Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe glanced at Hoss from under his eyebrows and shook his head in warning.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I thought it could be an early Christmas present, since I know he\u2019ll want it for the hunting trip. I\u2019m going to give it to him the Sunday before we leave.\u201d Ben leaned back against the desk and crossed his arms. \u201cWon\u2019t he be surprised though? I don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to wait.\u201d He grinned at Hoss and Joe.<\/p>\n
Joe threw another warning to Hoss. \u201cWell, that\u2019s great, Pa. I\u2019m sure Adam\u2019s going to like it real well.\u201d He said with a smile and handed the gun back to Ben.<\/p>\n
Ben placed the gun gently back into its case and turned to look carefully back and forth at his sons. Hoss could tell by the look on his face that he sensed something wrong. He turned serious and frowned slightly \u201cBoys, you aren\u2019t upset that I bought the rifle for Adam are you? It\u2019s not like you to begrudge your brother a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s eyes widened \u201cOh no, Pa, we think it\u2019s great that you got it for Adam.\u201d He forced a little more enthusiasm out of his voice. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna love it Pa. And we couldn\u2019t be gladder that you got it for him, could we Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss could hardly get the words out, but he tried. \u201cThat\u2019s right, Pa.\u201d he said forcing a smile. \u201cWe\u2019re right glad you got the rifle. Adam’s going to be right pleased about it.\u201d Hoss felt like he was lying through his teeth. He could just imagine Adam\u2019s reaction when he saw the gun he had bought to give to Pa lying there in its case – a gift from Pa instead – and it sure wasn\u2019t going to be pleasure, down right shock would be more like it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we can\u2019t wait to see his face when he gets it.\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n
Hoss frowned at Joe thinking that was going a bit far and Joe shrugged at him, as if to admit it wasn\u2019t the best thing, but he had to say something.<\/p>\n
Ben studied them both again; obviously not completely convinced but willing to let it pass. \u201cWell, all right.\u201d He held a finger up and pointed at them both. \u201cNow this is a secret until Sunday, you understand?\u201d He shook the finger warningly at them. \u201cNot a word to Adam about this.\u201d He looked at them sternly, then smiled. \u201cRight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Pa, you can bet I ain\u2019t gonna say anything to Adam about it.\u201d Hoss agreed firmly his whole heart and soul behind his answer. He had decided then and there he wasn\u2019t going to let Adam find out about it ever. Not if he could help it anyway.<\/p>\n
Ben smiled at them both and gave Hoss a pat on the arm. \u201cGood. Well, I better get this upstairs and tucked away out of sight before Adam gets home.\u201d He closed the lid of the case firmly and tucked it under his arm. He shook his head and smiled again over some secret pleasure. \u201cI agree, Joe,\u201d He said looking up at his son. \u201cI can hardly wait to see Adam\u2019s face either.\u201d And with a last pat on Hoss\u2019s arm he headed up the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n
Once Ben was safely out of sight, Joe heaved a big sigh and sank down on the edge of the desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh man, what do we do now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss sank down next to him. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe. But I do know one thing, we\u2019ve got ta make sure neither Pa nor Adam ever find out about this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat! Hoss how on earth are we gonna do that!\u201d Joe asked incredulously. \u201cThe minute Adam SEES that box he\u2019s gonna know what\u2019s in it, and if you think even our impervious and impassive brother is going to be able to keep the shock off his face when he does, well you\u2019ve got another think coming!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I know, that\u2019s why we\u2019ve got ta keep him from seeing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cAh, Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust hang on, Joe, let me think a minute.\u201d Hoss waved at him to be quiet. He sat for several minutes his brow furrowed and his blue eyes narrowed, while his hand played with his chin<\/p>\n
Joe tried to wait patiently, knowing given time Hoss would no doubt come up with something, but the longer Hoss sat, the more agitated he became.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, Hoss, the only way out of this is to just tell Pa about the rifle, then he can give it back to Adam so that he can give it\u2026back\u2026 to…\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off as Hoss glared at him from beneath lowered eyebrows.<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019s chin jutted out and his eyes darkened. \u201cNow look here, Joe. We both promised Adam we wouldn\u2019t tell Pa no matter what. And just now we told Pa we wouldn\u2019t tell Adam. Now that\u2019s two promises I intend to keep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, Hoss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Joe, you listen and you listen hard.\u201d Hoss\u2019s blue eyes snapped. \u201cThere\u2019s no way you\u2019re going to get me to tell Pa that he bought a gun to give to Adam that Adam had already bought to give to him, but that got stolen. And there\u2019s no way I\u2019m going to tell Adam that Pa bought the gun to give ta him that he was goin\u2019 to give ta Pa afore somebody up an took it so then he couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe stared at Hoss, his lips moving and confusion creasing his face. \u201cHoss, what did you just say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWeren\u2019t ya listenin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I was listenin\u2019, but you weren\u2019t makin\u2019 any sense! Now start makin\u2019 sense and I\u2019ll start listenin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss shot a glare at him, again. Then sighed. \u201cOh, never mind just be quiet and let me think on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently. Minutes passed. Finally, Joe held a hand out to Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, be reasonable, we\u2019re just going to have to face it. Short of taking the gun from Pa and giving it back to Adam, there\u2019s no other way but to tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, that\u2019s it Joe! We can steal the gun from Pa, give it to Sheriff Coffee and he can give it back to Adam, so Adam can give it to Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe rolled his eyes. \u201cAnd then what\u2019s Pa going to say when Adam gives him a gun he bought to give to Adam but that got stolen!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe, when are you going to start talkin\u2019 sense?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe heaved a big sigh and threw up his hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got it.\u201d Hoss snapped his fingers, his eyes widened and a huge grin lighted his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe perfect solution.\u201d He turned to Joe. \u201cWe won\u2019t steal the rifle from Pa at all we\u2019ll just get us another rifle, give it to Sheriff Coffee so he can give it to Adam, so he\u2019ll have a rifle to give ta Pa, too!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss.\u201d Joe voice took on a condescending tone as he tried to reason with his brother. \u201cCome on, Hoss. We\u2019re talking a Henry repeater here. You don\u2019t just go to the local gun store and say I want one. Those Henrys are rare, you know Adam said Dan only had six and Adam bought the last one. And not only that do you know how much those rifles cost? More than a month\u2019s salary!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I know. But Joe don\u2019t ya see it\u2019s the only solution, and we gotta do it.\u201d Hoss\u2019s face set into the hard lines that Joe knew only too well.<\/p>\n
Joe continued on, almost in desperation \u201cAnd that\u2019s not even counting the special inlay and engraving work Adam had done. We\u2019d have to duplicate that or Adam\u2019s gonna know for sure it\u2019s not the same gun.\u201d He shook his head at his brother. \u201cHoss it just won\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure it will, Joe!\u201d Hoss contradicted him eagerly. \u201cWe just find out from Dan who he sold the rest of those guns to. We\u2019ll just buy one from one of them. Then we\u2019ll take the gun over to Sal Lawson and get him to do the same inlay and engraving on that gun that Adam had done on the gun Pa bought.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSal Lawson! Hoss do you realize how much he charges for his work?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep, Adam said it was twenty dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwen\u2026 Twenty dollars! Hoss where are we going to come up with that kind of money?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, come on, Joe. Quit makin\u2019 this so difficult. Just think of all the stuff Pa and Adam do for us. Now this is real important to them, you know that. You saw their faces, and if you coulda seen how disappointed Adam was when that gun got stolen, well then you\u2019d know why we got to do this no matter what it takes or how much it costs. And just think of how bad Pa\u2019s gonna feel if he finds out that he bought the stolen gun Adam was going to give him. And then look at it from the other direction. Just think how good they\u2019re both gonna feel when they realize they each bought the exact same gun for the other one. We just gotta make this work, Joe, we just gotta.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe heaved a big sigh, but knew he was beaten. He could no more refuse Hoss when he spoke that way than anything. \u201cAll right. I\u2019m in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss gave him a punch on the shoulder. \u201cI knew you\u2019d do it, short shanks. Now look, I got 36 dollars left from last payday, how much you got?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-seven.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, that makes sixty three. Now I\u2019ve got that little six-shooter and I\u2019m thinking Dan will give me at least ten or fifteen for it. So that gives us at least seventy-three maybe seventy-eight. Now Adam bought the gun for forty eight dollars and Sal charged twenty which makes sixty eight so the way I figure we\u2019ll have plenty for both the gun and the fancy work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, sure sounds that way.\u201d Joe was less than enthusiastic. \u201cOnly I ain\u2019t so sure I want to spend my money on a rifle I\u2019m not even going to get to use.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, come on Joe, you\u2019re just givin\u2019 up twenty seven. That ain\u2019t much attall.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked into the clear blue eyes of his brother and realized he couldn\u2019t hold out any longer. \u201cYou know, Hoss, you\u2019re about the best man I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAw shucks, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s grin split his face from ear to ear and he rubbed his hands together \u201cSo what\u2019s the first order of business?<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I guess we head in to town and find ourselves a Henry rifle.\u201d Hoss grinned back at him and his blue eyes sparkled.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
Only it didn\u2019t prove as easy as Hoss had supposed to find another rifle. The men who had purchased the other five rifles Dan Evans had had for sale weren\u2019t all that eager to part from them. But between Hoss\u2019s persistence and Joe\u2019s charm they finally managed to convince Lars Peterson to sell them his \u2013 for a tidy profit.<\/p>\n
\u201cFifty-eight bucks! Hoss that rifle costs us fifty-eight bucks!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe would you calm down. We got the gun that\u2019s the most important thing, Right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot exactly, because you\u2019re forgetting, big brother, that we also have to get that gun engraved and inlayed with SILVER inlay so that it matches the one Pa\u2019s going to give Adam. Now Dan gave you twelve dollars for that pistol, and if I\u2019m figuring right that means we had seventy five dollars for the rifle and the fancy work.\u201d He paused and did some quick thinking. \u201cWhich means after we paid for the rifle we are three dollars short.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, come on Joe, three dollars ain\u2019t nothin\u2019. I\u2019m sure Sal will let us pay that little bit back later.\u201d Hoss smacked Joe\u2019s back. \u201cCome on you\u2019re makin\u2019 this too difficult. Let\u2019s get this gun over to Sal, we ain\u2019t got time to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, boys, I can do this gun up same\u2019s I did Adam\u2019s. But this stock\u2019s quite a bit lighter than the one he brought in here. Were ya aware of that?\u201d Sal looked over his horn-rimmed glasses at Hoss and Joe questioningly.<\/p>\n
\u201cLighter wood?\u201d Somehow Joe wasn\u2019t all that surprised.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep, now I wouldn\u2019ta mentioned it save ya said ya wanted an identical gun ta the one Adam had me fancy up. Though why you Cartwrights is wantin\u2019 two guns exact the same is beyond me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever mind that, Sal.\u201d Hoss shrugged off the comment. \u201cHow different is it? Do ya think Adam\u2019d notice? I mean once ya get the inlay in and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sal rubbed a hand over his chin. \u201cWell, now that\u2019s hard to say. See that gun of Adam\u2019s was pretty dark. Made from heart wood I\u2019d say. This\u2019n here is quite a bit lighter, no doubt made from further out on the tree, see.\u201d He swept his hand along the stock. \u201cNow I can darken it up fer ya, it\u2019ll just take a bit of stain and it\u2019ll match purty close ta Adam\u2019s gun.\u201d He smiled up at Hoss and Joe. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll only charge ya five dollars extry seeing as how you\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFive..\u201d Joe started to protest but didn\u2019t get a chance as Hoss clamped a firm hand over his mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds just fine, Sal, you go ahead and do that.\u201d Hoss grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and steered him into a corner. The minute they were by themselves Joe pulled his arm out of Hoss\u2019s grasp and turned on him.<\/p>\n
\u201cFive more dollars!\u201d He hissed. \u201cHoss, we ain\u2019t got enough!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShhh. Keep yer voice down, Joe.\u201d Hoss threw a quick glance over his shoulder at Sal, then lowered his head conspiratorially. \u201cNow it ain\u2019t that much more. Just five dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, but maybe you\u2019ve forgotten that we\u2019re already three dollars short,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice carried a note of hysteria. \u201cFive more makes eight. Hoss, where are we going to find eight more dollars before next Friday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, now, Joe, I\u2019m thinkin\u2019 on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou and your thinking on it. That\u2019s what got us into this mess in the first place you know?!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, Joe, jus\u2019 \u2018cause we\u2019ve hit a couple of stumblin\u2019 blocks don\u2019t mean it weren\u2019t a good idea. Now look, if worst comes to worst we can always borrow a few dollars from Pa or Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout letting them know what we need it for?\u201d Hoss could sense the building frustration in his brother and knew he had to think fast and talk faster.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow look here, Joe. Ya just gotta remember why we\u2019re doin\u2019 this. It\u2019s for Pa and Adam. Now ya can\u2019t go losin\u2019 it now over a few measly dollars. Now we\u2019ll come up with something. Let\u2019s just let Sal go ahead and make that rifle as much of a duplicate of the other as possible and let the rest worry about itself. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s mouth tightened into one firm line, but again Hoss\u2019s earnest blue eyes defeated him and he sighed deeply. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right, Hoss.\u201d He mumbled reluctantly. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t let a little ole thing like money bother us.\u201d Suddenly he grinned and his eyes brightened. \u201cShucks it never has before, right?\u201d He said carelessly and elbowed Hoss gently in the ribs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew you\u2019d see it my way, Short Shanks!\u201d Hoss\u2019s happy grin was payment enough for Joe. Together they turned and made their way back to the patiently waiting Sal.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, Sal.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was jubilant. \u201cYou just go ahead and make that gun up just as nice and perty as the other one. And we\u2019d appreciate it iffen you didn\u2019t say anything about this to Pa or Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing, Hoss.\u201d Sal stood and smiled at the boys. \u201cI\u2019ll need half of that payment in advance, though.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yeah, sure.\u201d Hoss rummaged around in his shirt pocket and handed over the bills he dredged out to Sal. \u201cThere ya go thirteen dollars. That\u2019s a little more\u2019n half and we\u2019ll have the rest for ya on Friday when we come pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, you will have it ready by Friday, right?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, sure. Already done this pattern once and I ain\u2019t got nothing else pressin\u2019 at the moment. I spects I\u2019ll have it by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss smiled big. \u201cWell, now that\u2019s real fine, Sal. We\u2019ll be in ta pick it up on Thursday then, and Joe here will be in town Tuesday to see how it\u2019s comin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds fine. You boys have yerselves a fine day now.\u201d and Sal waved them out the door.<\/p>\n
**********<\/p>\n
The next few days were difficult ones for Hoss and Joe. Not only did they have to come up with more money, they also had to somehow keep their secret from Adam and Pa. The money problem solved itself easily enough. Joe sold an extra bridle he had to one of the hands for three dollars and Hoss made up the other five by taking on all comers at arm wrestling at the Bucket of Blood.<\/p>\n
Keeping the secret was a lot more difficult once the money problem was solved. Hoss was so excited that his plan had actually worked that it took all his will-power not to blurt out the whole thing to Adam, especially as his brother continued to walk around in a distracted and subdued mood that told Hoss as plain as anything that he was still brooding over the lost rifle.<\/p>\n
Hoss managed to rein himself in, though, and he and Joe headed to town bright and early Thursday morning to pick up the new rifle from Sal.<\/p>\n
Sal presented it to them with a grin and they both sucked in their breath at the sight of the rifle, nearly identical to the one Adam had had, gleaming in its velvet-lined box.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, that sure is one purty sight.\u201d Hoss sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, you did a great job on it, Sal.\u201d Joe agreed grinning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWal, thank you boys, anytime you need any work done you jest bring it on by.\u201d Sal grinned back.<\/p>\n
Hoss paid him and the two headed home, the rifle carefully balanced in front of Hoss on the saddle horn. He wasn\u2019t going to let anything happen to that rifle now or let it out of his sight until he placed it in Adam\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
Back at the ranch, Hoss carefully peeked around the corner of the front door to make sure the coast was clear. He was relieved to see the great room empty except for his older brother sitting on the settee, his nose deep in a book. He grinned back at Joe and then poked his head back into the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cPsst\u2026 Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked up and back at Hoss. \u201cHoss, what\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPa around?\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cUpstairs lying down I think. Why\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss grinned and came through the door, Joe close behind him. Adam\u2019s eyes widened at the sight of the rifle box in Hoss\u2019s hands and he stood. Hoss winked at him \u201cAdam, you\u2019ll never guess what we got\u2026\u201d He began but footsteps on the stairs above him stopped him short and he shoved the box behind his back quickly, Joe stepping close to help hide it.<\/p>\n
Pa came bounding down the stairs, smiling. \u201cAh, I thought I heard you boys ride in. Did you have a nice time in town?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, oh, yes, Pa. It was great.\u201d Hoss answered nervously, frantically trying to figure out how he was going to get the rifle upstairs without Pa seeing it now.<\/p>\n
Beside him Joe gulped and laughed nervously. \u201cYeah, Pa. Town was fine, not much going on though.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pa looked at them curiously. \u201cThat\u2019s good. Well, I need to talk to Jones about that hunting trip.\u201d Ben started for the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a minute, Pa.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice halted him and Hoss frowned at his older brother as he came up to Hoss and walking behind him, took the rifle box from his hands. \u201cWhadya doin\u2019 Adam?!\u201d Hoss hissed quietly, hoping Pa couldn\u2019t hear him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe added his own fierce whisper.<\/p>\n
Adam merely looked at them and walked over to place the long, slim box on the dining room table. Hoss and Joe and Pa followed along. Hoss looked at Joe who merely shrugged his shoulders. Pa stepped up to the table opposite Adam and looked at the box in surprise. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam raised an eyebrow at his pa and then glanced at his brothers before opening the box. He stood looking at its contents, not saying a word, an odd look on his face. Hoss looked at Joe who shrugged. The silence hung heavy in the room and Adam\u2019s stillness was beginning to make Hoss uneasy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the rifle, Adam.\u201d Hoss whispered, though he wasn\u2019t sure why he was whispering, since there was no way they were going to be able to keep Adam\u2019s secret now, not with Pa standing right there. \u201cRoy gave it to us in town today.\u201d Hoss added remembering the story he and Joe had rehearsed. He tried desperately to read the impassive face still looking down at the Henry.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe\u2019s asked, his voice unsure.<\/p>\n
\u201cSon, what\u2019s the matter?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was quiet and concerned.<\/p>\n
Adam didn\u2019t speak he merely took a deep breath and then turned the box so that Ben could see it\u2019s contents.<\/p>\n
Ben took one look and then glanced sharply at Hoss and Joe. \u201cDid you say Roy gave this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Pa. It\u2019s a\u2026 a\u2026rifle.\u201d Joe glanced nervously at Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know what it is, Joseph. I\u2019m just wondering how you ended up with it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, uh, well\u2026\u201d Joe looked at Hoss again, his eyes pleading.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you see, Pa.\u201d Hoss gulped and glanced at Adam, not sure how to explain without telling Pa everything, and hoping Adam would give him a clue. Adam merely raised one dark eyebrow at him and crossed his arms. \u201cWell, Pa.\u201d Hoss shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever mind.\u201d Ben gave them both a searching look. \u201cBoys, Sheriff Coffee was just here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss gulped again. \u201cHe was?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was and he had some important news for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cInteresting news.\u201d Adam finally spoke. He gave his brothers a crooked smile. \u201cHe wanted me to know that he found the man who bushwhacked me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss could feel the collar of his shirt tightening. Beside him Joe\u2019s face had taken on that sick look it got when he knew they were in for it. \u201cHe did?\u201d Joe squeaked.<\/p>\n
Adam pursed his lips. \u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, hey, that must have been how he got the rifle back, don\u2019t that beat all.\u201d Joe grinned at Hoss, but it was easy to see his enthusiasm was forced.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, isn\u2019t that great!\u201d Hoss tried to sound enthusiastic as well and failed just as miserably. He and Joe both knew from the looks on Pa and Adam\u2019s faces that there was more to the story.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe man didn\u2019t have Adam\u2019s rifle.\u201d Pa said.<\/p>\n
Hoss and Joe looked at one another and then back at Pa. \u201cHe didn\u2019t?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, he didn\u2019t.\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe sold the gun to Tom Andrews.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, man.\u201d Joe groaned.<\/p>\n
Ben gazed long and hard at his two youngest sons. \u201cNow do you mind telling me where this gun came from?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss hung his head and kicked the floor, unsure of where to start explaining, he felt too sick at heart to think of anything but that he had failed.<\/p>\n
Joe looked at Hoss then cleared his throat. \u201cWe, uh\u2026We bought it, Pa. Hoss and me. We pooled our money together and sold a couple of things and bought it, so\u2019s you and Adam wouldn\u2019t find out that you bought Adam\u2019s rifle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s confession loosened Hoss\u2019s tongue. \u201cYeah, we figured, we\u2019d just give this one ta Adam ta give to you and no one would be the wiser since they\u2019re exactly the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018cept Sal had to darken this one.\u201d Joe clarified, determined to be absolutely truthful now that the scheme was out.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t think we\u2019d wonder how the two rifles came to be exactly identical?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n
Hoss and Joe looked at one another. \u201cWell, I guess we didn\u2019t think that far.\u201d Hoss admitted, toeing the ground again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t think that far?\u201d Hoss could tell Pa was getting ready to give it to them and he hastened to explain and hopefully head it off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Pa. Adam. He was just so excited \u2018bout getting you that rifle, and iffen you coulda seen how disappointed he was when it got stolen and he didn\u2019t have it ta give ya anymore. And then you was all excited about having the rifle fer Adam. Well, don\u2019t ya see we just had ta do somethin\u2019 Pa?<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Cause you woulda felt terrible when you found out ya bought the stolen gun that Adam had bought fer you and Adam woulda felt terrible \u2018bout you givin\u2019 him a gun that he meant ta give to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you decided to get another gun, so that we\u2019d both have one, and neither one of us would have to feel terrible about anything. Is that it?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n
Hoss looked sheepishly over at Adam, \u201cYeah, I guess that was it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s eyes suddenly softened and a slow smile spread across his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, shucks, Adam, it didn\u2019t work.\u201d Hoss frowned. \u201cPa found out about your surprise anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t matter. You tried.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the good a tryin\u2019 iffen you don\u2019t succeed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam\u2019s right, son.\u201d Pa broke in, a proud smile on his face as he looked at his younger sons. \u201cYou and Joe tried to do something special for Adam and me. You tried to save us from disappointment and embarrassment. You may not have chosen the wisest way to do it.\u201d Ben gave them a look and Hoss and Joe gave each other a sheepish grin. \u201cBut your hearts were in the right place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, Pa. Ya know I couldn\u2019t just stand around and let you and Adam be hurt like that. Joe neither.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, son.\u201d Pa reached out and placed a strong hand on Hoss\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m proud of you. You too, Joseph.\u201d He grinned over at Joe. \u201cThank you, both.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all stood smiling at each other for a moment and then Adam clapped his hands and rubbed them briskly together. \u201cWell, I think it\u2019s about time we found out just how identical these two guns are!\u201d He said, reaching for the gun and grinning at Hoss. \u201cI guess this means this one\u2019s mine.\u201d They all smiled at the boyish delight on Adam\u2019s face as he held up the gun.<\/p>\n
Then Pa held out his hand. \u201cActually, I have yours upstairs. That one\u2019s mine remember?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no, this one\u2019s mine.\u201d Adam laughed as he pulled the shining new Henry close to his chest and stepped away from Pa.<\/p>\n
Hoss grinned and felt a warm glow spread all through him as Pa teasingly threatened to take the gun away from Adam who kept backing away, a wide grin on his face, and Joe ran laughing up the stairs to get the other rifle. Everything might not have worked out the way he had planned, he thought with a deep sense of satisfaction, but it sure had worked out all right, just all right, indeed.<\/p>\n
The End<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: When the rifle Adam bought as a gift for Pa is stolen, Hoss wrangles Joe into helping him find a way to make it all better.