{"id":46918,"date":"2001-12-21T10:04:58","date_gmt":"2001-12-21T15:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46918"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:10","slug":"ponderosa-prankster-by-gail-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46918","title":{"rendered":"Ponderosa Prankster (by Gail G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: With a prankster on the Ponderosa. No telling who the next victim will be.
\n<\/span>Rating:\u00a0 G
\nWords:\u00a0 13,400<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

Ponderosa Prankster<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It was a hot blistering day on the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The Ponderosa is a ranch owed by Ben Cartwright and his three sons.\u00a0 It is a thousand square miles of lovely meadows and beautiful mountains.\u00a0 Ben had built a sturdy two story ranch house. The house has large rooms and is made to complement the surrounding wooded area.\u00a0 Bens\u2019 sons help take care to the growing ranch.\u00a0 There is twenty three year old Adam, he is the most serious of the three sons.\u00a0 Having traveled across the county to the new life his father wanted for him, made Adam very much appreciate the home his father had made for him and his two brothers.\u00a0 Adam was just a small child when him and his father started on the journey.\u00a0 Ben had depended on Adam to be strong and help hold the family together.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there is seventeen year old Erik, however, his friends called him Hoss. He was a large man and at his young age he was already larger than his brother Adam.. Hoss was a very loving and kind hearted young man.\u00a0 He seemed to think Adam was too business like and needed to learn to lighten up.\u00a0 Hoss had been born on the way to the dream Ben had. About halfway through the journey Ben had meet his second wife Inger.\u00a0\u00a0 They had a lovely life together until Inger was killed by Indians when Hoss was just a baby.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last but not least, there was eleven year old Joseph.\u00a0 He was a small boy with clear green eyes and dark curly hair. Since he was the smallest of the three sons they call him Little Joe.\u00a0 He looked a lot like his mother Marie.\u00a0 Every time Ben looked at the lad he could see a little bit of his wife.\u00a0 Unfortunately Marie had died many years before in a tragic horsing accident.\u00a0 Joe is the most mischievous of the three Cartwright boys.\u00a0 He tends to find trouble even when he is not looking for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today was no different, Joe was already making trouble for himself.\u00a0 However, Little Joe did not see it that way.\u00a0 Its just one harmless prank the little boy thought to himself.\u00a0 No one will get hurt.\u00a0 Joseph was lying in the hayloft in the barn.\u00a0 He had been waiting for over an hour for a victim.\u00a0 It was extremely hot up in the loft.\u00a0 Joe was sweating and his hair was sticking to his forehead.\u00a0 He thought about giving up on his prank and go swimming instead.\u00a0 But decided against it, after all it had taken him nearly fifteen minutes to climb the wooden ladder with the large bucket of water.\u00a0 No, he decided he would wait.\u00a0 It couldn\u2019t be long now.\u00a0 He was right, just then he saw a shadow come into the barn.\u00a0 At first he couldn\u2019t make out who it was but after the figure stepped into the light Joe knew it was his brother Hoss.\u00a0 Hmmmmm, the perfect victim Joe thought to himself.\u00a0 He laid very still, he had to wait for the right moment.\u00a0 If he acted to soon then his\u00a0 prank would not have the full effect.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, Joe are ya in here?.\u201d called Hoss \u201cPa wants ya to come and eat your breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 Just then Hoss stopped and looked up the ladder leading to the hay loft.\u00a0 \u201cJoe you up there?\u201d The time had come.\u00a0 Joe pushed the large bucket of water over the edge of the loft opening.\u00a0 SPLASH, THUMP was the sound as the buckets wet contents emptied on the unsuspecting victim. The bucket fell onto Hoss\u2019 large head.\u00a0 Hoss stumbled back and tripped over a bale of straw landing right in the middle of a fresh pile of horse manure. \u201cDang it Little Joe, I\u2019m going to pound you to a pulp!\u201d hollered Hoss through the bucket on his head.\u00a0 Little Joe hurried down the long wooden ladder and ran as fast as he could to the house.\u00a0 He left poor Hoss in the barn with the bucket on this head.\u00a0 Joe jumped onto the porch and threw open the door. Before he could go any further h e ran smack into his brother Adam.\u00a0 The boy would have tumbled to the floor but Adam had snatched the front of his shirt and caught him just in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your hurry Little Joe?\u201d Adam asked with a quizzical look in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOh umm nothing,\u201d replied Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWell go get washed up for breakfast, we have been waiting for you.\u201d demanded Adam letting go of Joe\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 And put of a clean shirt, this one is filthy.\u00a0 Joe turned and ran up the steps.\u00a0 He could hear Hoss\u2019 footsteps on the porch and wanted to get out of sight before Hoss made it into the house.\u00a0 Just as Joe had closed his bedroom door, he heard the large front door open.\u00a0 Hoss walked into the entry.\u00a0 Adam looked at him as if he had worms crawling out of his ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the heck happened to you?\u201d Adam asked while trying not th laugh. \u201cIt was little Joe and one of his silly pranks.\u201d Hoss began to explain.\u00a0 Ben had walked over to the door to see what was going on. \u201c \u201cI thought I had made it clear that he was to stop all those silly pranks, before someone gets hurt.\u00a0<\/span>
\nBen turned to the stairs with a frown on his face.\u00a0 \u201cJOSEPH!!\u201d he yelled with a tone his children recognized to well.\u00a0 Joe heard his father calling for him and he wrinkled his nose to the sound of his fathers voice.\u00a0 \u201cYes Pa?\u201d answered Joe trying to sound as innocent as possible.\u00a0 \u201cCome down here, right now young man.\u201d Ben called using a no nonsense voice.\u00a0 \u201cComing Pa.\u201d Joe called back down the stairs.\u00a0 Joe finished washing up quickly.\u00a0 Then he preceded to go down the stairs as if nothing had happened.\u00a0 When he reached the bottom of the steps he could see the scowl on the his father face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell young man, what do you have to say for yourself?\u201d asked his father.\u00a0 Joe looked up and replied, \u201cWell I\u2019m hungry, and what happened to you Hoss??\u201d Joe asked this as if he had nothing to do with the way his brother looked.\u00a0 \u201c You know durn well what happened to me short shanks!.\u201d yelled Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was glaring at his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cDid you have anything to do with this?\u201d\u00a0 Joe started to squirm for he knew he was now caught.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see me do anything?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cWell no, but I had a bucket on my head!!\u201d Hoss began to yell.\u00a0 \u201cIf you didn\u2019t see me, then why do you think I did this to ya?\u201d asked Joe with a gleam in his eye.\u00a0 He may very well be able to get himself out of this mess.\u00a0 Adam stepped forward.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Little brother.\u201d he began \u201cPa and I were here in the house, Hop Sing was in the kitchen, and Pa had sent Hoss to the barn to look for you.\u00a0 And if I remember correctly it was just a few minutes ago that you little brother was running into the house as if you were being chased by bees.\u00a0 So, process of illumination makes you young man look like the guilty party.\u201d\u00a0 Joe started to shift from one foot to the other.\u00a0 He lo oked over at Hoss again.\u00a0 He had a hard time not laughing.\u00a0 Hoss just stood there with water dripping from his broad chin and his hat was crunched.\u00a0 Joe just didn\u2019t know what to say to Adams remark. So he just stood there and said nothing.\u00a0 \u201cI thought we had decided just two days ago that there would be no more pranks.\u00a0 What am I going to do with you?\u201d Ben asked Little Joe with fury in his eyes.\u00a0 Joe looked into his fathers unhappy face. \u201cSorry Pa., wont happen again?\u201d this sounded more like a question than an apology.\u00a0 \u201c Young man since you have so much extra time on our hands, I think I will be able to find some extra chores for you to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201cBut…..But….Pa!\u201d Little Joe started to protest.\u00a0 \u201cNo more buts young man.\u00a0 You\u2019re lucking I\u2019m not giving you more that just extra chores.\u00a0 However, one more prank will earn you a much needed\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201cnecessary talk\u2019.\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were facing th floor.\u00a0 He shook his head up and down.\u00a0 \u201c I can\u2019t hear your head rattle young man.\u201d Ben said crossly.\u00a0 \u201cDo you understand me?\u201d Ben had bent down so he was now face to face with his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cYes Sir.\u201d\u00a0 answered Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow apologize to your brother so we can eat before Hop Sing threatens to go back to China.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Joe said smiling an innocent smile.\u00a0 \u201cAhh, it\u2019s all right short shanks.\u00a0 But can\u2019t ya pick on somebody else for a change??\u201d\u00a0 After Hoss went upstairs and dried off, the Cartwright family sat down to eat the fine breakfast Hop Sing had fixed.\u00a0 There were scrambled eggs, fresh pork sausage, fluffy biscuits, and white gravy.\u00a0 Joe filled his plat full and started stuffing his face.\u00a0 After all the time and energy he used pulling this mornings prank, he need to refuel himself for the day.<\/span>
\nEven though Ben had ordered Joe not to do anymore pranks.\u00a0 The little boy couldn\u2019t help just to think about the things he could be doing.\u00a0 However, Joe decided it would be wise to let his father cool down for a few days before pulling any new pranks.\u00a0 No sense in having to have an unneeded \u201cnecessary talk\u201d with pa.\u00a0 No sir re, Joe sill clearly remembers the last \u201cnecessary conversation\u201d he had with his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had just been a couple of weeks ago.\u00a0 Little Joe had decided to skip school and go fishing instead.\u00a0 He would have never been caught if he hadn\u2019t forgotten his lunch pail..\u00a0 Ben had noticed that his son left his lunch on the table.\u00a0 He decided since he was going to town anyways he would go by the school and drop it off.\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t want his growing son to go hungry and it wasn\u2019t out of his way.\u00a0 Only when Ben arrived at the school, Ms. Morgan the new school teacher informed Mr. Cartwright of his sons\u2019 many absences and of Joseph\u2019s unacceptable behavior.\u00a0 The teacher explained that Joseph was often late and on occasion was rather rude.\u00a0 Today of corse was one of the days Little Joe hadn\u2019t shown up at all.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s father was livid.\u00a0 He thanked Ms Morgan for the informative information and guaranteed her that his son would be missing less school and that he would be getting to the \u201cbottom\u201d of his sons behavio r.\u00a0 Ms. Morgan thanked him gratefully and Ben headed back to the ranch.\u00a0 He was so upset and mad that he forgot to go into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe on the other hand had a grand day of fishing.\u00a0 When he thought it was around the time for him to be at home from school, he loaded up his gear and headed home.\u00a0 About a mile from the house Joe stopped and hid his pole inside a hollow tree.\u00a0 He retrieved his books from the same spot and headed for the house, thinking he had again gotten away with skipping school.\u00a0 Only when he rode into the yard today his father was waiting for him on the porch.\u00a0 His arms crossed and his eyebrows drawn close together.\u00a0 Joe knew right away that something was wrong, but did not know at the moment that it involved him.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of your horse than come into the house.\u201d Ben said in a low scowling voice.\u00a0 \u201cYes sir\u201d Joe answered back wondering which thing his father had found out about.\u00a0 After Joe brushed his horse down and gave him some feed, he drug himself into the house to face his father.\u00a0 Ben was sitting behind his desk working on some ledgers when\u00a0 Joe came in.\u00a0 Joe walked slowly over to his fathers desk and stood patiently in front of it.\u00a0 Finally Ben looked up at his son, his eyes dark with anger. \u201cJoseph\u201d Ben started \u201ccan you guess who I spoke to this morning?\u201d\u00a0 Joe was in no mood for a guessing game, but knew better than to voice his opinion.\u00a0 \u201cNo sir, who?\u201d answered Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWell young man, I had noticed that you had forgotten your lunch pail today.\u201d\u00a0 Joe interrupted, \u201cmy…my…lunch pail?\u201d Joe had figured out where this was going without his father having to say another word.\u00a0 \u201cYour lunch pail.\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cI decided to take it to school for you, only to discover that you weren\u2019t there.\u00a0 Ms. Morgan filled me in on all your misadventures and behavior problem.\u201d\u00a0 Joe lowered his head for he was in more trouble that he at first had thought.\u00a0 \u201cI informed Ms. Mo rgan that I would get to the \u201cbottom\u201d of this problem before you returned to school tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201cWell I aint goin\u201d Little Joe blurted out before he knew what he was saying.\u00a0 \u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d said Ben with a shocked look on his face.\u00a0 \u201cI think you heard me, your not deaf!\u201dLittle Joe screamed.\u00a0 Ben did not say another word.\u00a0 He got up from his desk walked over to his son, grabbed him by the back of his collar and drug him up the stairs.\u00a0 Once up in Joseph\u2019s room Ben administered a \u201cnecessary talk\u201d that Joe would not soon forget.\u00a0 When his father turned to leave his room, his final words where. \u201cYou will be going back to school tomorrow, regardless if you like it or not!\u201d\u00a0 Ever since then one of Joe\u2019s brothers took him to school and his father tried to pick him up.\u00a0 It would be awhile before he would get away with skipping school again.\u00a0 But eventually the opportunity would come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe…Joe….Joseph!! Little Joe snapped back to reality.\u00a0 Ben had been trying to get his attention.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph have you heard a I said?\u201d Ben asked staring at his son.\u00a0 \u201c Uh no pa, I guess I was daydreaming.\u201d answered Little Joe when he came back to his senses.\u00a0 \u201cWell now that I have your attention.\u00a0 I wanted to let you know that since this was Saturday, I will write down the extra chores your to have finished before supper tonight.\u00a0 Maybe this will keep you out of trouble.\u201dsaid Ben in a firm voice. \u201cAdam and I will be going into town, so you and Hoss will have to handle things around here.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u201cAlso\u201d said Ben while shaking a finger at Joe \u201cNo goofing off, your not going to be able to finish your chores if your playing around. Also if you give Hoss a hard time, you\u2019ll answer to me, Understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa.\u201d Joe answered back watching his fathers finger shake back and forth.\u00a0 Ben and Adam had finished their breakfast and were getting ready to go saddle their horses.\u00a0 As they walked out the door, Joe got up from the table and ran over and yelled, have a good trip don\u2019t worry about a thing.\u00a0 After Pa and Adam were out of sight, Joe turned around to get his hat.\u00a0 If\u00a0 he was to get his list of chores done he was going to have to work hard and fast.\u00a0 No time to goof off that was for sure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nWhile Joe worked on stacking some wood,\u00a0 he couldn\u2019t help but think about some pranks he could be pulling on Hoss while Adam and Pa were gone.\u00a0 He could have lots of\u00a0 fun, but Hoss would surely tell on him and since he had already gotten into trouble today, he did not think it would be worth the consequences.\u00a0 He would have to wait a day or two or risk having to have a \u201cnecessary talk\u201d with his father.\u00a0 Joe continued to do his chores and by the time him and Hoss were done Adam and Pa came riding into the yard.\u00a0 \u201cHi ya Pa,\u201d said Hoss, \u201chow was the trip to town?\u201d\u00a0 Fine, fine we got the new timber contract all taken care of and signed by Mr. Gordon.\u00a0 You boys get into any trouble while Adam and I were gone?\u00a0 Ben was eyeing his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cNo Pa there weren\u2019t no trouble\u201d answered Joe, \u201chow much do you think we can get into in one short day?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cWell noin\u00a0 you Short Shanks, that could be a lot.\u201d Hoss laughed while pushing Joe\u2019s hat over his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cVery funny\u201d Joe said as he stood frowning at Hoss.\u00a0 At that moment Hop Sing came out of the kitchen door.\u00a0 Suppa ready Mr. Cartlight.\u00a0 Boys come eat, food no get cold.\u00a0 Hurry or I go back to China.\u00a0 Hop Sing disappeared back into the house.\u00a0 \u201cHoss you and Little Joe take care of our horses while we go and get washed up.\u00a0 After that trip to town I feel like I have two inches of dust on me.\u00a0 Come on Adam lets go get cleaned up.\u00a0 Ben and Adam hopped down from their horses and went into the house.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe led the horses into the barn.\u00a0 They worked swiftly side by side.\u00a0 And when everything was done they both went into the house to get cleaned up for supper.\u00a0 While Joe was standing in front of his washbasin he had an image of what Hoss looked like early that morning.\u00a0 He was laughing to himself at the picture of his brother with\u00a0 a water bucket on his head.\u00a0 Joe dipped his hands deep into the water and splashed it onto his face.\u00a0 He then washed his hands throughly.\u00a0 He dried his hands and face on the soft clean towel that hung from his wash basin.\u00a0 Then he put on a clean shirt.\u00a0 Somehow he had gotten extremely dirty today.\u00a0 He then turned to go down the hall to the top of the stairs.\u00a0 When he reached the top of the steps he went to throw his leg over the smooth wooden banister, so he could slide down to the bottom.\u00a0\u00a0 Right when he was getting ready to start sliding Adam grabbed the back of his shirt.\u00a0 \u201cNo you don\u2019t little brother, how many times has pa told you not to slide down the banister?\u201d Adam asked as he drug his youngest brother down the steps to the supper table.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I guess about a hundred.\u201d Little Joe answered to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThen why do you persist on doing it over and over again?\u201d<\/span>
\nAdam asked while frowning at Joe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, its fun I guess.\u201d said Joe.\u00a0 Well it won\u2019t be fun if pa catches you, now go sit down so we can all have our supper.\u00a0 After Joe and Adam sat down the family began to eat.\u00a0 Hop Sing had fixed chicken and dumplings.\u00a0 One of Joe\u2019s favorites.\u00a0 While eating his dinner Joe decided who he was going to get with his next prank.\u00a0 It was going to have to be Adam.\u00a0 He was tired of Adam being so bossy and always having something to say about what Joe did.\u00a0 Joe was going to get even.\u00a0 All he had to do now is to think of the perfect prank.\u00a0 It had to be subtle so he would not get caught.\u00a0 After everyone had finished their supper.\u00a0 They all went to sit around the fire to relax.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss got all wrapped up in a game of chess, Pa was reading his book and Joe was trying to think of the prank he was to pull on his oldest brother.\u00a0 As Joe sat by the warm fire, he started to doze off.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you go up to bed so n.\u201d his father said smiling at his young son.\u00a0 \u201cGood night,\u201d said Joe slowly walking up the stairs.\u00a0 When he got to his room he slithered out of his clothes and put on a clean nightshirt.\u00a0 He pulled back his cool covers and stumbled into bed.\u00a0 As he lay on his back he thought of the events of the day.\u00a0 The prank he pulled on Hoss, the wonderful supper Hop Sing had fixed and the warm feeling when his family had gathered around the fireplace in the great room.\u00a0 Then his thoughts shifted to the prank that he would soon pull on Adam.\u00a0 The problem was he did not know what he was going to do.\u00a0 He laid silent for a long time.\u00a0 When he finally fell asleep he tossed and turned all night long.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All of the sudden Joe heard someone calling his name and at first he thought it was part of\u00a0 his dream.\u00a0 But then he realized that it was his father calling to him.\u00a0 As Joseph set up in his bed he heard a knocking at his bedroom door.\u00a0 \u201cCome in,\u201d Joe said in a sleepy voice.\u00a0 Ben opened the door and entered his son\u2019s room.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, son its time to get up.\u00a0 We have our chores to do, breakfast to eat and then we have to get ready for church.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pulled his soft warm blanket over his head, he was hoping that his pa would just leave him along.\u00a0 Ben rolled his eyes and walked over to the bed. He grabbed the blanket and quickly pulled the cover off of his son.\u00a0 Joe rolled over acting as if he did not notice.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, I said NOW!\u201d bellowed Ben.\u00a0 Before Ben turned to leave the room he playfully swatted his son on his bottom.\u00a0 After Joe heard the door shut, he climbed out of bed and started to get washed up.\u00a0 By the\u00a0 time he staggered down stairs his two older brothers had already finished all the chores and had eaten breakfast.\u00a0 They were heading upstairs to get ready for church.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning sleepy head,\u201d snarled Adam \u201cIts so nice that you decided to grace us with your presence.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stuck his tongue out at Adam and preceded to go to breakfast.\u00a0 Joe sat down in his usual spot beside his father.\u00a0 Ben looked up at him as he set down.\u00a0 \u201cJoe you need to learn to get up at a decent time.\u201d\u00a0 Ben scolded his son, \u201cIts not fair that your brothers have to do all the chores.\u00a0 \u201c Sorry Pa, won\u2019t happen again, I promise.\u201d Joe replied looking at his father from the bottom of his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWell see that it doesn\u2019t\u201d grumble Ben as he was getting up from the breakfast table.\u00a0 Ben walked to the stairs so he could go get ready for church.\u00a0 Before he reached the top he called over t o Joe to let him know that he was expected to be done with his breakfast when they returned down stairs.\u00a0 Joe hurried to finish his breakfast at record speed.\u00a0 He was also thankful more had not been said about his tardiness.\u00a0 When everyone was all cleaned and dressed in their Sunday best, the family rode into town.\u00a0 Once they were in Virginia City they headed for the church.\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0<\/span>
\nBen herded his family into the church pew they usually sat in.\u00a0 Two rows from the front on the right.\u00a0 First Adam sat down, then Hoss, Joe, and Ben.\u00a0 Joe had to sit by his father every Sunday since the time Joe tied Mary and Karen Thompson braids together.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t help himself.\u00a0 Week after week he watched the little girls braids sway back and forth, in front of him.\u00a0 Occasionally he would yank one only to get severe dark looks from the little girls.\u00a0 One Sunday a few weeks ago the girls had bright yellow ribbons in their hair.\u00a0 During the service the ribbons swayed and twirled in circles.\u00a0 Joe could not take his eyes off them.\u00a0 Joe looked over at his family to see what everyone was doing. Hoss had his eyes closed while Adam was reading a hymn book.\u00a0 Pa was looking to his left placing a donation in the collection plate.\u00a0 This was his chance, nobody was looking.\u00a0 He reached up and carefully grabbed one braid from each little girl.\u00a0 He tied the braids together.\u00a0 The\u00a0 little girls did not even notice.\u00a0 Then he tied together the second braid.\u00a0 When the girls stood up to leave church, their heads knocked together and they stared to cry.\u00a0 Joe lost all control and started laughing.\u00a0 He actually laughed so hard he fell to the floor and started to roll around.\u00a0 \u201cWell I never,\u201d yelled Ms Thompson glaring at Ben.\u00a0 No one had to ask who had done the dirty deed.\u00a0 Guilty was written all over Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph Francis Cartwright!\u201d bellowed his father.\u00a0 Joe stopped laughing for a moment but could not repress himself.\u00a0 Ben reached down and yanked his son up from the floor by his jacket. When Joe seen his fathers face his joke didn\u2019t seem as funny anymore.\u00a0 \u201c Joseph, apologize to Mary and Karen NOW!\u201d Ben yelled pointing his finger in Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe quickly turned around and told the little girls he was very sorry.\u00a0 He also told Mr. and Mrs. Thompson the same thing.\u00a0 J oe was sorry for what he had done.\u00a0 All of a sudden he realized he was in a great deal of trouble.\u00a0 At first Joseph thought that he had gotten away with the joke, but learned differently when they arrived back at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 That \u201cnecessary talk\u201d lingered on for a week.\u00a0 On top of that he ended up in trouble at school for not wanting to stay seated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today however Joseph wasn\u2019t able to pick on anyone.\u00a0 He could barely hold his eyes open.\u00a0 Ben had already elbowed him twice to make him wake up.\u00a0 The third time Joe dozed off, his father placed his hand on his sons shoulder.\u00a0 When Joe started leaning Ben preceded with a firm squeeze.\u00a0 This was a warning from his father and he knew it.\u00a0 He set up as straight as possible and tried to stay alert. This was very hard to achieve, because most of the congregation was slightly snoring.\u00a0 After church services were over the family rode back to the ranch.\u00a0 Hop Sing had out done himself today.\u00a0 He fixed a wonderful feast.\u00a0 There was fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and fresh hot bread.\u00a0 For dessert there would be fresh apple pie.\u00a0 Hop Sing made wonderful pie and Joe thought this was the best part of the meal.\u00a0 After dinner everyone went to do their chores.\u00a0 At least the things that had to be done.\u00a0 Since it was Sunday it was like a day off. They only completed what\u00a0 had to be done.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night after a light supper.\u00a0 The family set in the great room to discuss what needed to be done for the next day.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, you have schoolwork that needs to be finished?\u201d Pa asked.\u00a0 Joe answered a might to fast, \u201cNo pa not a thing.\u201d\u00a0 Joe did have school work to do but what pa did not know would not hurt him. Joe figured he could finish up the work in the morning.\u00a0 As Joe thought about his unfinished work, Adam and Ben discussed the North pasture and the repairs that need to be done.\u00a0 Joe excused himself so he could go to his room to work on the prank he was planning for his older brother.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nWhen he got to his room, he found a blank piece of paper and a pencil.\u00a0 He labeled the top of the paper ADAMS PRANK.\u00a0 Then he listed the supplies that he would need. This part was simple for he only needed one thing,\u00a0 GREEN DYE. He remembered that Hop Sing had some in the kitchen leftover from dying Easter eggs.\u00a0 Joe had plenty of time to figure out how to get the dye without Hop Sing noticing.\u00a0 Joe glanced over at this unfinished school work but decided he was just to tired to work on it.\u00a0 Instead he went over to his bed and lied down.\u00a0 He stretched out and before he knew it he was fast asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next thing Joe knew was that the sun was shining in his face.\u00a0 He sat straight up in his bed and looked around for a moment.\u00a0 It finally occurred to him that it was morning and he was already running behind.\u00a0 He had meant to get up early to work on his homework. But, now it was to late.\u00a0 He would just have to face Ms. Morgan at school.\u00a0 He hurried to get dressed and ran downstairs to have breakfast.\u00a0 \u201cJoe your late.\u201d Adam pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cI know I am,\u201d snapped Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your tone of voice young man.\u201d Ben said before taking a sip of his coffee.\u00a0 Joe rolled his eyes when his father could not see him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll have to do your chores when you come home, you don\u2019t have time right now. You wouldn\u2019t want to be late for school would you?\u201d Adam asked with a smirk on his face.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, since you and Joseph seem to be getting along so well, I think you can take him into tow n to school.\u201d Ben said with a stern look on his face.\u00a0 Adams smirk was gone and was replaced with a frown.\u00a0 \u201cWhat ever you say pa.\u201d Adam replied pushing his black hat father back on his head.\u00a0 Hurry up and finish your breakfast, I\u2019ll go get the horses ready. Adam stomped to the front door.\u00a0 \u201cAdam come straight back to the ranch after you drop off Joe, we have a lot to get done today.\u201d Ben yelled at Adams back.\u00a0 Joe hurried and ate his breakfast as fast as he could.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to be late for school since he knew he would already be in trouble for his unfinished homework. \u201cSee ya later pa\u201d yelled Joe as he jumped up from the table.\u00a0 \u201cJOSEPH, don\u2019t slam the door!\u201d Ben began to say, but it was to late.\u00a0 The door had already slammed shut shaking th glassware on the table.\u00a0 What am I going to do with that boy, Ben thought to himself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ran to the front yard to his little pony that Adam had already saddled for him.\u00a0 \u201cLets get goin Adam I don\u2019t want to be late for school\u201d Joe turned his horse and started to gallop out of the yard.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a first Joe, you sick or something?\u201d Adam asked while trying to catch his little brother.\u00a0 The two boys rode toward town as fast as they could.\u00a0 Just as they came to the school house they saw Ms. Morgan walked out on the front steps.\u00a0 Ms Morgan saw the Cartwright boys, so she pretended to be looking for something.\u00a0 When she finally saw Little Joe get down from his mount, she rang the bell.\u00a0 She figured if Joe was coming to school that she could stall just a little before ringing the bell.\u00a0 \u201cBehave yourself Joe.\u201d yelled Adam as he turned to ride away.\u00a0 When Joe could no longer see Adam he made a mean face at the back of his brothers head.\u00a0 \u201cCome along children.\u201d said Ms. Morgan\u00a0 in her sweetest voice.\u00a0 All the children started filing one by one into the small wooden school house.\u00a0 The children were talking while trying to find their assigned seats.\u00a0 Ms. Morgan walked in behind her students, she went over to her desk and took out a small wooden ruler. She then tapped it on the top of her desk a few times.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning class,\u201d said the teacher scanning the room with her large blue eyes.\u00a0 Good morning the children chorused together.\u00a0 \u201cWell the first business of the day is to collect homework.\u00a0 The teacher walked to the front of the first roll of students, collecting the sheets of\u00a0 homework that were being passed forward.\u00a0 Joe had slid down in his chair, so he might not be seen.\u00a0 When she reached the roll of students that Joe sat with she noticed that their were only five papers instead of six.\u00a0 She fumbled through the papers to see who\u2019s\u00a0 was missing.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ms. Morgan asked with her voice\u00a0 slightly raised, \u201cI don\u2019t see your homework in the stack.\u00a0 Joe glanced up at his teacher trying to look as if he didn\u2019t know what she was referring to.\u00a0 \u201cJoe did you complete your homework?\u201d the teacher asked, she now had a slight frown on her face. \u201cumm…ahh..\u201d Joe was trying to think of some excuse. \u201cWell yes ma\u2019am, I did it.\u201d he answered.\u00a0 \u201cWell Mr. Cartwright, would you care to explain where it is, since it was not turned in to me.?\u201d Joe was trying to think of a quick response. Finally he blurted out, \u201cMy brother Hoss, he ate it.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d Ms Morgan had a shocked look on her face. \u201cYou say your brother ate it?\u201d \u201cYea, Yea, my brother Hoss, he was real hungry last night and…well…I was doing my homework at the table and Hoss had finished eaten and well he was still hungry. Soooo I said Hoss\u00a0 ya can have my dessert.\u00a0 But Hoss said no that he wanted to eat my homework.\u00a0 And I said ya caint eat my homework I needs if for school tomorrow..\u00a0 But before I new it he reached over and grabbed it and ate it all down.\u00a0 It was too late to do over, but , I thought you would understand.\u201d\u00a0 Ms Morgan just stood there staring at Joe as if he were speaking another language.\u00a0 When Joe looked around he noticed that the whole class was glaring at him and some of the girls where giggling. \u201cJoseph Cartwright!!!\u201d bellowed Ms. Morgan, \u201cI will not tolerate lying in my classroom!\u201d\u00a0 You may march yourself right into the corner.\u00a0 Also young man you may stay in at recess and write 100 times on the board.\u00a0 I will not tell stories to my teacher.\u00a0 Then you may remain after school until your unfinished homework is completed.\u201d\u00a0 Joe suddenly felt very ill, he stood up and drug himself into the dreaded corner.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t standing in\u00a0 the corner or writing lines that bothered him. Joe knew that his father picked him up after school everyday to make sure he was on his best behavior.\u00a0 Now he had to stay late to finish homework that he had told his father he did not have.\u00a0 This meant when pa came to pick him up that pa would find out he fibbed (lie was much to hard of a word for Joe) about having homework to do, not doing his work, and fibbing to his teacher.\u00a0 Then Ms. Morgan would let his father know of the punishment she had bestowed upon him.\u00a0 However, no punishment Ms. Morgan gave him could come in compare to what awaited him when he arrived home.\u00a0 Joe stood in the corner, he almost felt like crying.\u00a0 Why did everyone pick on him? I never bother anyone Joe thought to himself.\u00a0 After standing and writing most of the day Joe was ready to go home.\u00a0 Finally Ms. Morgan was getting ready to ring the bell.\u00a0 However, she reminded Joe before he could leave that he was to stay after school. Little Joe slightly mo aned but took his seat to start on his work.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Ms Morgan had stepped into the school yard to wait for Ben.\u00a0 She wanted to speak to Mr. Cartwright before he entered the school house to look for Joe.\u00a0 After a few minutes Ben rode slowly into the front of the school.\u00a0 \u201c Good afternoon Ms. Morgan.\u201d Ben said while tipping his hat.\u00a0 \u201cGood afternoon Mr. Cartwright.\u201d responded Ms. Morgan, however, she was not smiling.\u00a0 \u201cMr Cartwright I need to speak to you about Joseph, if you can spare a moment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf corse I can,\u201d said Ben as he slid off the back of his horse and tied him to the nearby tree.\u00a0 \u201cIs there something wrong ma\u2019am?\u201d Ben now had a frown on his face.\u00a0 Ms. Morgan began to explain of the days event, the unfinished schoolwork, an the lies that where told. She also explained the punishment that she had passed on the Mr. Cartwrights youngest son.\u00a0 Meanwhile Joe was finishing up his work.\u00a0 He was about to get up and place the paper on the teachers desk when all of the sudden he heard his fathers thunderous voice.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph Francis Cartwright, Would you please like to explain your actions to me?\u201d\u00a0 Joe froze, he knew when he was called by his full given name he was in the upmost trouble.\u00a0 \u201cTurn around and look at me young man.\u201d Ben bellowed a dark glare in his eyes.\u00a0 Joe turned around quickly but was unable to look into his fathers angry gaze.\u00a0 Instead he glared down at the floor, ki cking a small piece of paper that lied under a desk.\u00a0 This made Ben even more upset. \u201cYoung man, you..you…go and get your horse ready NOW!\u201d his father was waving his finger toward the door.\u00a0 Joe stepped around his father making sure he was out of reach and headed to do as his father had asked. \u201cWe\u2019ll be discussing this matter in full when we get back to the Ponderosa!\u201d Ben continued to yell as his son ran out of the school house.\u00a0 Ms. Morgan walked to Joe\u2019s desk and gathered some books and papers.\u00a0 She went over to Ben and handed it to him.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph has spelling and arithmetic that needs to be finished before tomorrow.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll see that it is completed.\u201d Ben turned to look at the teacher, \u201cYou have my word ma\u2019am, I think once I\u2019m finished with that boy he\u2019ll never miss another assignment.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThank You Mr. Cartwright, I wish all\u00a0 parents were as concerned as you.\u201d\u00a0 Ms. Morgan was now walking to sit at her desk.\u00a0 Ben turned and walked out of the school house.\u00a0 Joe was waiting on his horse with a glum look on his face.\u00a0 Ben did not say a word.\u00a0 Joe was getting ready to speak but his father said \u201cnot a word JOSEPH!\u201d We\u2019ll discuss this when we get home.\u201d\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t say anything, they rode home in complete silence which was a very bad sign for Joseph Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they arrived back at the ranch, Ben and Little Joe took care of their horses. \u201cA horse is a mans best friend, ain\u2019t that what you say pa?\u201d Joe was trying to break the dooming silence.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s anger had eased a bit, but he wasn\u2019t about to let his misbehaved son know it.\u00a0 Joe chewed slightly on his bottom lip.\u00a0 The silence and anticipation was getting to him.\u00a0 All of the sudden Ben turned to his son and said, \u201cIt\u2019s isn\u2019t Joseph not ain\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cWhat are ya talkin about pa?\u201d Joe asked with a puzzled look on his face.\u00a0 \u201cJust a moment ago you asked me if a horse is a mans best friend.\u00a0 However, you asked if that ain\u2019t what I say.\u00a0 It should have been isn\u2019t that what you say.\u00a0 Which you might have known if you had been doing your studies.\u201d Bens anger was slowly beginning to rise again.\u00a0 Joe just looked at his father with wide eyes.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u00a0 Joseph Francis Cartwright, what should we do about what happened to day?\u201d Ben was now glaring at his son, anger in his dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe could let me off with a warning?\u201d Joe said with a very hopeful look in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cNO, young man, I do believe that a firm necessary talk is in order. Then maybe you will remember to do your school work.\u00a0 And I should wash your mouth out with soap for all the lying.\u00a0 However I think I will just lengthen that necessary talk and that will take care of the job. Now straight to the house and up to your room.\u201d Ben was pointing his large finger toward the front door.\u00a0 Joe stuck out his bottom lip and turned to walk to the house.\u00a0 He did try one last plea by promising never ever to lie again.\u00a0 But Ben just pointed to the house once again.\u00a0 Joe trudged to the door and went inside.\u00a0 When he entered Adam and Hoss asked how he was doing.\u00a0 But Joe just ignored them and went up the stairs slowly.\u00a0 He went\u00a0 into his bedroom and shut his door. He then went over to look out the window and then he sat on the bed to wait for his father and the \u201cnecessary talk\u201d that he would be receiving.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben strode into the house.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss both asked Ben at the same time what was the matter with Joe. \u201cYou know that little scamp got into a heap of trouble at school today.\u201d Ben answered his sons.\u00a0 Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0 It was no surprise to him, his little brother was always getting into some sort of trouble. \u201cDon\u2019t be to hard on him pa, he\u2019s just a boy.\u201d Hoss said with his nose all scrunched up.\u00a0 \u201cWell he\u2019s a boy who is not going to be sitting to well for the next few days.\u00a0 And the only thing I plan being hard on is his bottom.\u00a0 Ben turned around and headed for the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad I ain\u2019t Joe,\u201d Hoss replied rubbing his backside. I still remember the last necessary talk that I had an theat was months ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next two days were anything but pleasant for Little Joe.\u00a0 His father assigned Adam to help with his homework.\u00a0 Adam stood over Joe until he had all his work completed and completed correctly.\u00a0 Once Adam even lost his temper and said a few curse words.\u00a0 Only to his dismay he was the one on the receiving end of a lecture from Ben about appropriate language. At school Joe was on his very best behavior, and he volunteered to do anything that would get him out of his seat for a few minutes.\u00a0 His bottom was still sore from his recent punishment and getting up for a few minutes helped take away the sting.<\/span>
\nBy Thursday Joe was feeling much better.\u00a0 He finally started thinking again about the prank he was to pull on Adam.\u00a0 He now only had a couple of days to figure out how to get his hands on the green dye that was in Hop Sings kitchen, Joe\u2019s eyes started to sparkle and his lips curled.\u00a0 He had come up with the perfect plan.\u00a0 He would risk another \u201cnecessary talk\u201d, but it may be worth it.\u00a0 Once he got his hands on the green liquid that he needed his Saturday plans would be set.\u00a0 That afternoon after school was out, Joe asked pa if he could go down by the creek to cool off.\u00a0 \u201cYou may go, but don\u2019t go to the deep parts.\u00a0 Stay close to the shallow ends.\u201d Ben told his son fearing he would find trouble if he went to far away.\u00a0 Joe however wanted to stay in the shallow parts of the creek.\u00a0 For this is were he would catch the slimy green frogs he would need for his plan.\u00a0 Before he left the house to head for the creek.\u00a0 Joe snuck int o the kitchen to borrow one of Hop Sings large pots with a tight fitting lid.\u00a0 Joe walked to the creek, the sound of the cool trickling water made him feel slightly tired.\u00a0 He almost decided to lie under one of the large green pine trees and take a nap.\u00a0 But he had too much work to do.\u00a0 The boy took off his boots and his socks, then he dipped his feet into the ice cold water.\u00a0 The cold water sent shivers down his spine.\u00a0 Joe then rolled up the bottom of his tan pants and stepped into the running creek.\u00a0 Joe stood very still trying to spy the green wonders he was needing for his next adventure.\u00a0 Finally, after a few minutes a frog slowly swam by stretching its fat legs.\u00a0 He reached down quickly and before he knew it he had a hand full of squishy frog.\u00a0 He then placed his green friend into the pot and quickly replaced the lid.\u00a0 He then caught another fat lazy frog and again put it in the pot.\u00a0 After catching a few frogs it was becoming more difficult to refrain his prisoners f rom jumping out when he removed the lid.\u00a0 When Joe felt he had captured enough croaking frogs he headed back to the house, toting the pan with him.\u00a0 Joe looked around the large yard, he wanted to get into the house undetected.\u00a0 He glanced over to the barn.\u00a0 Adam and pa were entering inside and had quickly shut the door behind them.\u00a0 Hop Sing was in his garden muttering something about little rabbits eating all of his vegetables and he was picking up what was left of his fresh tomatoes.\u00a0 Hoss all of the sudden ran out of the house and toward the barn tripping as he stepped off the porch.\u00a0 After Hoss entered the barn, Joe felt he had the perfect opportunity to get into the kitchen unnoticed.\u00a0 He went to the kitchen door and slightly cracked it open as if he were expecting to see someone there.\u00a0 He then slithered into the door, pot in hand and went straight over to the stove.\u00a0 He then set the heavy pot on the top making sure the lid was tightly closed.\u00a0 Joe then heard footsteps\u00a0 on the porch and he froze to listen.\u00a0 It must be Hop Sing, he thought to himself, Joe turned and quickly ran out of the kitchen and toward the stairs.\u00a0 Hop Sing open the kitchen door and saw the back of the boys curly head going around the doorway.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe that you??\u201d asked the Chinese man.\u00a0 But when he got no response he went back to what he was doing.\u00a0 Joe ran upstairs to his bedroom and shut the door.\u00a0 He was breathing quite heavily in fear that Hop Sing would be suspicious.\u00a0 After waiting a few minutes, Joe figured he was safe.\u00a0 He went over and stretched out on his bed.\u00a0 He was tired after all the work he had done.\u00a0 His eyes started getting heavy and before he knew it he was dreaming of wild horses and cowboys.\u00a0 While Joe was upstairs taking his nap, Hop Sing was getting ready to start cooking the families supper.\u00a0 He had brought in some fresh garden vegetables or at least what he had gotten from the rabbits.\u00a0 The little cook than started to pe el and clean the fresh produce.\u00a0 He chopped everything into bite sized pieces and set them to the side.\u00a0 He whirled around to get his pot off the stove so he could fill it with water.\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing lifted the pot over to the sink.\u00a0 He did not even notice it was slightly heavier than before.\u00a0 Hop sing then lifted the lid and to his surprise green frogs started leaping every where.\u00a0 Hop Sing dropped the lid onto the floor and started cursing in his native tongue.\u00a0 Frogs were coming from every direction. Ben, Adam, and Hoss had heard the commotion as they were walking back to the\u00a0 house.\u00a0 They came running to help the little man.\u00a0 Joe also had heard but decided to stay where he was.\u00a0 It would be soon enough that he would be hearing his name called.\u00a0 He figured there was no since in rushing things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was the first one to reach the kitchen.\u00a0 When he walked into the house, he could see frogs jumping here and there.\u00a0 He reached out to try to catch one that was sitting on the kitchen table but instead caught a fistful of air.\u00a0 \u201cMr Cartlight!\u2019 Hop Sing began to yell his face flushed. \u201cMe go back to China.\u00a0 Little boy very bad, he put frogs in Hop Sings pot!!\u201d Hop Sing turned and headed for his room.\u00a0 He already had his carpet bag on the bed when Ben walked in.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing you can\u2019t leave.\u00a0 If you do Hoss would starve to death,\u201d said Ben quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI leave, little boy very bad, very bad.\u201d Hop Sing repeated again, shaking his fist at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, I will take care of the Boy,\u201d Ben promised, \u201cplease unpack, I will take you into town for supper so you don\u2019t have to cook tonight.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYou take care of little boy??\u201d Hop Sing asked\u00a0 while raising his eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cYes, yes, I will take care of him.\u201d replied Ben.\u00a0 \u201cOK, I go wait in buggy, but Hop Sing want this mess clean before he get home.\u201d\u00a0 He put his carpet bag back under his bed and walked to the door.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss was just standing there, their mouths hanging open.\u00a0 Ben turned around and said to his two oldest sons, \u201cGo get the horses hitched up to the buggy, while I take care of your brother.\u00a0 It looks like we are going to town for supper.\u201d\u00a0 Adam and Hoss turned and went to the barn to do as their father had asked.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nBen turned and went into the living room.\u00a0 From\u00a0 the bottom of the steps he called for his youngest son.\u201dJOSEPH!\u201d\u00a0 Joe knew his father would be calling for him so he was standing at the door waiting.\u00a0 Joe walked down the hallway to the top of the steps.\u00a0 \u201cDid ya call for me pa?\u201d\u00a0 Ben motioned for his son to come down the stairs.\u00a0 Joe walked as slow as he could without standing still to the bottom step.\u00a0 \u201cHi pa, did ya need something?\u201d Joe asked with a slight grin.\u00a0 His father put his hands on his shoulders and led him into the kitchen.\u00a0 When they stepped through the doorway, Joe\u2019s eyes grew wide.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t realize what a mess a few little frogs could make.\u00a0 They had knocked the flour into the floor and there were frogs sitting on the clean dishes.\u00a0 They were on the floor and on top to the black iron stove.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d Ben began \u201cdid you have something to do with this mess youn g man?\u201d\u00a0 There was no denying it.\u00a0 His father knew he had went to the creek.\u00a0 A lie would only make things worse. \u201cYes Sir, I guess I did.\u201d Joe answered while looking around at the mess.\u00a0 Ben was slightly surprised that his son had admitted to his misdeed so fast.\u00a0 \u201cWell young man, your brothers and I are taking Hop Sing into town for supper. This was the only way to keep Hop Sing from leaving.\u00a0 While we are gone, you are to catch every single one of those slimy urchins and put them back into the creek.\u00a0 You will then clean up this mess. All of it, before we get back from town.\u00a0 Is this crystal clear?\u00a0 \u201cYes sir, Pa sir, but what about my supper?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked slightly frowning.\u00a0 \u201cWhen and only when you are finished with our task you may fix yourself a sandwich and take it to your room to eat.\u00a0 Where by the way you will be spending the rest of the evening.\u00a0 And , \u201c Ben continued, \u201cif you e ven think about not doing as you are told you will have to deal with me when we return.\u201d Ben strode to the door and disappeared in a flash leaving Joe alone in the kitchen.\u00a0 Joe dreaded cleaning up the huge mess by himself, yet he was slightly excited for he knew he would be able to get the green dye he needed.\u00a0 He was also grateful that he had escaped a \u201c necessary talk.\u201d\u00a0 The first thing Joe did was went to the pantry.\u00a0 He pulled over one of the wooden chairs, so he could reach the amber colored bottles.\u00a0 Joe carefully looked at each label until he found the one marked green dye.\u00a0 He carefully wrapped it in his handkerchief and ran upstairs to hide it in his top drawer under his socks.\u00a0 He made sure the cork was stuck into the bottle tight so the substance would not leak into his drawer.\u00a0 He then went back downstair so he could start cleaning up the mess in the kitchen.\u00a0 The first task was to catch all the green frogs. This was easier said tha n done.\u00a0 By the time he had imprisoned all the frogs the mess was even worse.\u00a0 Joe carried the frogs back to the creek and dumped them into the rushing water.\u00a0 They almost seemed glad to be free.\u00a0 Joe then scampered back to the house to finish cleaning the mess. It was worse than he first thought, he had to rewash all the dishes, clean the stove and sweep and wipe the floor.\u00a0 When he finished the kitchen sparkled.\u00a0 Joe then fixed himself a sandwich and went to his room to await the arrival of his family.\u00a0 Just when he finished eating he heard the buggy pull into the yard.\u00a0 With in a few moments Ben and Hop Sing were standing in his doorway.\u00a0 \u201c The kitchen looks very nice Joe, \u201csaid his father with a smile on his face.\u201dThere is only one more thing you have to do.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s that??\u201d Joe asked with a puzzled look.\u00a0 \u201cYou owe Hop Sing an apology.\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cOH, yeah, right pa. blquote\u00a0 Joe stood quickly to his feet and walked over to the cook. \u201cSorry Hop Sing, about the frogs and everything.\u00a0 Won\u2019t happen again.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cIt beta not or I go back to China\u201d Hop Sing said as he turned to go back down stairs, still muttering words Joe could not understand.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u201cJoseph, \u201c Ben began in a stern voice, \u201cI want you in bed in a half hour and stay out of Hop Sings kitchen.,\u201d Ben then walked over to were Joe stood and messed up Joe\u2019s curly hair, he gave him a hug and turned to leave the room, but not before giving his sons bottom a swift firm swat.\u00a0 Joe decided he was to tired to stay up anyways and went to lie on his bed.\u00a0 After taking off his boots, his mind wondered to the contraband that was hidden in his sock drawer.\u00a0 What would his father say if he knew he caused all of to days mess on purpose just to sneak the bottle of green dye.\u00a0 Joe squinted his eyes shut and decided not to thing about it.\u00a0 He crawled under his coverlet and went fast asleep.\u00a0 Joe of corse dreamt about green frogs and hopping all night long.\u00a0 The next morning his legs were tired from his dreams from the night before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Friday morning Joe wake up on time for a change.\u00a0 He even shocked himself that he was on time.\u00a0 He washed up and got dressed.\u00a0 Joe could smell the aroma of breakfast floating up the stairs.\u00a0 When he was all dressed he went downstairs to eat.\u00a0 Ben was surprised to see Joe all dressed and on time. His brothers sat at the table staring at their youngest brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are ya starin at?\u201d Joe asked while sitting down at the table.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, your dressed.\u201d Ben replied, \u201cand your on time for breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cSure Pa, I\u2019m hungry.\u201d Joe said as he heaped his plate full of food.\u00a0 \u201cHoss I believe it\u2019s your turn to take your brother to school today.\u201d Ben informed his middle son.\u00a0 \u201cSure pa, no problem at all. And I think for once he\u2019ll be on time.\u201d Hoss replied while stuffing a biscuit into his mouth.\u00a0 After breakfast Hoss and Joe rode to the school.\u00a0 Hoss\u00a0 waved to Joe as he turned to go back to the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had a very uneventful day at school.\u00a0 He spent his recess and lunch time working on the details for his Saturday plan.\u00a0 It had been along time since Joe went a whole day without getting into trouble.\u00a0 When it was time for school to let out Ms. Morgan waited for Ben in the school yard.\u00a0 She wanted to let him know how much Joe\u2019s behavior had improved and that today was his best day yet.\u00a0 Ben was very proud of Little Joe. Maybe that boy is finally growing up some and maybe he would have less trouble from him. Ben could hope at least.\u00a0 Joe knew his father was proud, but what would Ben think if he knew of the prank he was going to pull on Adam.\u00a0 Joe put that out of\u00a0 his mind however, his main thought was getting back at his bossy older brother.\u00a0 That night after the chores where done and supper was finished, the family set around the fire.\u00a0 Ben told Adam and Hoss about the complement the teacher had given Joe.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe played five games of checkers.\u00a0 Joe had won th ree and Hoss had won two.\u00a0 It had been a pleasant day for everyone.\u00a0 Once in his life Joe made it through a whole day without getting into trouble.\u00a0 This was almost a small miracle for the youngest Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the grandfather clock struck nine o\u2019clock.\u00a0 Ben told Joe it was time for bed.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t even argue.\u00a0 He was tired and knew he had a big day tomorrow.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam decided to turn in also.\u00a0 Hoss had some extra chores to do on Saturday and wanted the extra rest.\u00a0 As for Adam he had a dinner date tomorrow night and felt the rest would do him some good.\u00a0 Ben decided to stay up and work on the ledgers.\u00a0 He told his sons goodnight as they all went up the stairs to retire for the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ben had finished his task, he stretched and also decided it was time to turn in.\u00a0 He blew out each lamp as he walked toward the grand staircase. After he was upstairs he stopped and checked on each of his sleeping sons.\u00a0 Ben them waltzed down the hallway to the master bedroom. He entered his room filled with pride for his sons.\u00a0 He quickly undressed and put on his night shirt.\u00a0 Soon a pleasant nights slumber overcame him and he was fast asleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Early the next morning there was a pounding on the front door.\u00a0 Ben ran from upstairs, it was Earl one of the hands.\u00a0 He came to inform Ben that some cattle had gotten caught in devils canyon.\u00a0 Ben quickly went upstairs and woke the boys.\u00a0 He told Adam to get dressed so they could set off the help the hands gather the cattle.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe were to stay behind to do the chores around the ranch.\u00a0 Saturdays were Joe\u2019s favorite days.\u00a0 After chores were done he was allowed to go do what he wanted unless he was in trouble, then he spent his days in his room.\u00a0 The only thing he hated about Saturdays, was it was bath night.\u00a0 However, this particular bath night Joe was almost excited.\u00a0 Not of his bath of corse, but of Adams bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe worked in the barn most of the day.\u00a0 Only stopping to eat a quick lunch.\u00a0 Since there were only two of them it was taking longer to get the chores done.\u00a0 When the work was finally finished the boys went into the house to rest.\u00a0 They both were dripping with sweat and exhausted from the work they had done.\u00a0 It was around five o\u2019clock, when they heard hoofs enter the yard.\u00a0 They both went to the door to see who it was.\u00a0 Adam had returned from rounding up the cattle that had gotten loose. \u201cWhere\u2019s pa?\u201d Hoss asked with a concerned look on his face. \u201cHe\u2019ll be here soon, he got tied up with some other things.\u201d answered Adam. \u201cAdam what happened today?\u201d Joe asked staring at his brother. Adam was covered from head to toe with mud, and by the smell other stuff too.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t ask, please just don\u2019t ask.\u201d Adam replied shaking his head, \u201cAll I want is a h ot bath.\u201d\u00a0 The word bath rang in Joe\u2019s ears. The time had come.\u00a0 The time for the prank, that would make them even.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam began \u201cwould you please ask Hop Sing to fix me a hot bath in the wash house.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to take care of my horse, then I\u2019ll be ready.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cSure thing brother, least I could do.\u201d Joe replied as he turned to go and ask Hop Sing to draw Adam his bath.\u00a0 After doing what he was asked Joe raced up to his room to get the green dye that was hidden in his drawer.\u00a0 He had it all figured out.\u00a0 He would wait for Adam to come upstairs to get his clean clothes.\u00a0 While Adam did this, he would slip down the stairs and into the bath house.\u00a0 He would then pour the rich green liquid into Adams bath water. When Adam was done bathing, he wouldn\u2019t know what hit him. There would be nothing he could do but wait for the dye to wear off.\u00a0 Joe snickered to himself.\u00a0 What would Adam s date think tonight , when he showed up all green.\u00a0 Joe smiled a wicked smile and stood waiting patiently.\u00a0 After a few moments he heard footsteps.\u00a0 He peeked around the doorway just as Adam entered his room.\u00a0 Joe quickly went down the stairs.\u00a0 There was no one in sight.\u00a0 Hoss must be in the barn Joe thought to himself.\u00a0 He heard Hop Sing humming some tune in the kitchen.\u00a0 Joe slipped out the front door and entered the bath house form the door that faced the porch.\u00a0 Hop Sing had a steaming bath all ready, waiting for its mudding cowboy.\u00a0 Joe went over to the large copper tub. He pulled the cork out of the amber bottle.\u00a0 He then lifted the bottle and watched the contents pour slowly into the tub.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t even see it in the water. Hop Sing has added some bubble bath to the water, so the foamy top of the water hid the intruding substance.\u00a0 Joe then carefully put the cork back into the bottle and wrapped it in his handkerchief.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even notice at the\u00a0 time, but he had gotten some green dye on his fingers.\u00a0 This would later link him to the crime.\u00a0 However, right now he was unaware of the evidence on his hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After the bottle was wrapped safely and tucked in his pocket, he turned and tiptoed back into the house.\u00a0 He went back upstairs and hid the evidence in his sock drawer.\u00a0 He would be sure to dispose of it sometime tomorrow.\u00a0 All he had to do now was wait.\u00a0 He heard Adams door open and he heard his brothers footsteps go down the stairs.\u00a0 Joe was so smug, the thought that he was actually going to pull this prank on Adam, was making him want to jump for joy..\u00a0 However, unbeknown to Joe just as Adam was getting ready to enter the bath house, Ben galloped into the yard.\u00a0 He looked worse than Adam.\u00a0 Adam set his clean clothes on the table on the porch. He then walked over the his father.\u00a0 Hoss had already taken Buck into the barn for Ben.\u00a0 \u201cPa, you look awful. How many times did you fall in the mud today?\u201d Adam asked looking his father up and down.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll more than you.\u201d Ben mumbled.\u00a0 You know pa, Hop Sing has a hot bath all fixed up f or me.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you go ahead and go first.\u00a0 I can wait. \u201cWe\u2019ll son that\u2019s mighty nice of you.\u00a0 I sure could use a hot bath right now.\u00a0 I\u2019m getting to old for this.\u201d Ben smiled at Adam while limping toward the house.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go up and get you some clean clothes pa.\u00a0 The water is probably just right.\u201d Adam turned and walked back to the house.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After Ben entered the bath house he stopped and stood by the steaming water.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t wait to slip into the enticing tub, and get the dry caked on mud of his itching skin.\u00a0 Ben them peeled off his mud caked clothes and threw them in the corner on a stool.\u00a0 He then lifted his left leg into the water.\u00a0 The water was just right, not too hot and not too cold.\u00a0 He then lifted his other leg into the tub and slid his body deep into the soothing water.\u00a0 He laid his head back on the tub and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Adam went back into the house to get pa some clean clothes.\u00a0 When he entered the front door he saw Joe coming down the stairs.\u00a0 Joe stopped in mid step glaring at Adam.\u00a0 He was for sure that Adam would have been soaking in the hot tub by now. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked his brother, his eyes wide as biscuits.\u00a0 \u201cI live here.\u201d replied Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not what I mean,\u201d said Joe,\u00a0 e I thought you were taking a bath.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cOh, I was getting ready too, but pa rode into the yard, so I let him go first.\u201d Adam explained to his little brother. \u201cI just came in to get pa some clean clothes.\u201d \u201cPa…pa\u2019s taking a bath, right now?\u201d Joe asked, he was now breaking out in sweat. Adam looked at his little brother with a puzzled expression, \u201cYeah, he\u2019s already soaking in the tub.\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cNo reason.\u201d Joe answered quickly.\u00a0 Joe then turned and ran up the stairs back into his room.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe this was happening.\u00a0 Pa was in the bath intended for Adam. And what was pa going to say when he got out of the tub and was all green.\u00a0 Joe shuddered at the thought.\u00a0 Then his thought shifted, they couldn\u2019t link him to the green water.\u00a0 Nobody even seen him go into the bath house.\u00a0 Why would they even think he had something to d o with it.\u00a0 Joe sank into the dark corner of\u00a0 his room, It wouldn\u2019t be long now and the fun or not so fun would begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Adam gathered some clean clothes for his father, he headed back down stairs to deliver them to the bath house.\u00a0 He went to the door and knocked.\u00a0 He heard his fathers voice say come in.\u00a0 So Adam entered the small room, he could see the back of Bens head resting on the back of the cooper tub.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201cPa here\u2019s your clean clothes.\u201d Adam informed his father as he placed the clean attire on the top of an empty chair.\u00a0 \u201cThank son.\u201d Ben muttered half asleep.\u00a0 Adam turned to leave the room.\u00a0 He just happened to glance over and noticed something strange. \u201cPa?\u201d Adam asked as if he did not recognize the man. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter boy?\u201d Ben asked slightly opening his eye.\u00a0 Adam was hovering over Ben his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. \u201cPa ummm…….\u201d Adam didn\u2019t know how to start.\u00a0 \u201cSpit it out son.\u201d Ben said frowning at his son.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll pa your,\u201d Adam hesitated. \u201cYour all green.\u201d \u201cWHAT!\u201d Ben yelled lifting his hands out of the water. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Ben demanded an answer.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know pa, I didn\u2019t have anything\u00a0 to do with it.\u201d Adam said now slightly smiling.\u00a0 \u201cGet Hop Sing, NOW!\u201d Ben bellowed.\u00a0 Adam turned and went to the door that connected the kitchen to the bath house. \u201cHop Sing we need you quick.\u201d Adam informed the cook. \u201cWhatsa matta?\u201d Hop Sing asked as he entered the room where the two men were.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happen to the water?\u201d Ben yelled at Hop Sing.\u00a0 The little cook realized Ben was green.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing not know, wata fine when I fix bath.\u201d\u00a0 At that moment Adam noticed a few drops of green dye on the floor beside the tub.\u00a0 \u201cPa look, it looks as if someone did this on purpose.\u201d Adam said while pointing at the drops. \u201cWe\u2019ll if someone did and I find out who, they will wish I never did.\u201d Ben was yelling even louder.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, please get some clean water so we can try to get this off me.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing hurried a nd gathered buckets of clean not green water.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men scrubbed at Ben until most of his skin had turned a reddish green color.\u00a0 \u201cGreen not come off Mr. Cartlight.\u201d Hop Sing said with a long sigh. \u201cReminds Hop Sing of Easta egg dye, we used at Easta to color eggs.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cEaster egg dye?\u201d Ben repeated.\u00a0 \u201cWho would play such a joke as to put dye like this into some ones bath water?\u201d\u00a0 At that moment Adam and Ben turned their heads and looked at each other.\u00a0 It occurred to them at the exact same moment and they both said the one name that came to mind Little Joe.\u00a0 After they had done everything they could, they left Ben along to get dressed.\u00a0 When Adam and Hop Sing went back into the house, Hoss was sitting in Adam\u2019s blue chair.\u00a0 Adam filled Hoss in on the green dye incident and warned him not to laugh at their father, whatever he did.\u00a0 Ben was already mad enough, laughing at him would not help at all.\u00a0 \u201cYa think Short Shanks di d it?\u201d Hoss asked Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll whose the only one who has disappeared since this all started? And he was acting funny earlier when I came back in to get pa some clean clothes.\u201d Adam answered back to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll ifin it was him, he\u2019s ina heap of trouble.\u201d Hoss remarked with a scowl on his face.\u00a0 Just then Ben walked into the house.\u00a0 His eyes burned dark with anger.\u00a0 He was lucky that he hadn\u2019t dunked himself under the water yet.\u00a0 So his face and hair had very little green on them.\u00a0 But his hands and lower arms looked like fresh green grass.\u00a0 Hoss almost let out a giggle, but Adam kicked him in the leg with the tip of his boot. \u201cStop staring at me!!\u201d Ben demanded.\u00a0 Both the boys turned their heads hiding the half smiles on their faces.\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d Ben began. \u201cGo find that younger brother of yours.\u00a0 I think we need to have a talk.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 e Yes sir,\u201d Adam said as he turned and went upstairs to fetch Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam knocked on Joe\u2019s bedroom door. \u201cCome in.\u201d said a weak voice.\u00a0 Adam walked into his brothers room.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing in the corner?\u201d Adam asked while crossing the room.\u00a0 \u201cNothin.\u201d Joe replied quickly.\u00a0 \u201cPa wants you downstairs, now.\u00a0 And don\u2019t even think about dawdling, for he is in a bad mood.\u201d Adam said as he towered over his youngest brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d asked Joe as if he had no idea.\u00a0 Adam began to explain the whole thing to Joe, even though he was sure he knew all about it.\u00a0 Joe just moaned. He followed his oldest brother down the stairs.\u00a0 Even though Adam didn\u2019t say Joe had caused this mess, he had a feeling he was the prime suspect.\u00a0 When they got back downstairs, Ben lined his three sons up side by side.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to accuse the wrong person.\u00a0 The first thing he did was show each of his sons his very green skin.\u00a0 He took special care\u00a0 to watch their expressions.\u00a0 Adam stood tall and still. Hoss was almost giggling, while Joe keep gulping and shifting from one foot to the other.\u00a0 Finally, he stood in front of each son and asked them eye to eye if they had anything to do with his umm….so called accident.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss both passed with flying colors.\u00a0 But when he reached his youngest, Joe keep his eyes to the floor trying to evade his fathers face.\u00a0 Ben finally asked him one last time if he had any part of this incident.\u00a0 Just then Joe\u2019s hands flew up and he answered, \u201cnope nothin.\u201d However, Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s left hand and what did he see on his fingers. GREEN DYE, matching what he wore on his own skin.\u00a0 Joe was caught green handed.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t even realized that he had gotten any dye on his hands.\u00a0 He quickly jerked his hands from his fathers grasp and hid his hands behind his back.\u00a0 He could feel his face flushing and his heart was speeding up.\u00a0 Ben towered over\u00a0 his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cJOSEPH!!\u201d Ben begin.\u00a0 But Joe quickly interrupted, \u201cBut pa, I can explain.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019ll you better hope you can!\u201d Ben raged.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll pa……it\u2019s like this, well….WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN ADAMS BATH??\u201d Joe started screaming at his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does Adam have to do with this?\u201d asked Ben with a puzzled but stern look on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWell pa you see, umm…it was suppose to be a prank.\u201d Little Joe started to say, but Ben cut him off.\u00a0 \u201cPRANK!!\u201d Ben yelled, his face turning a bright red.\u00a0 \u201cWell yes sir, pa sir, but it was suppose ta be for Adam.\u201d Joe was now getting very nervous.\u00a0 \u201cI thought we had agreed that there would be no more pranks.\u201d Ben pointed out to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cPa, you decided that there would be no more pranks. But I decided that there should be one\u00a0 more.\u201d Joe said pointing to himself. \u201cPa, I just had to get even with Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019s always telling me what to do and bossin me around.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to do any such thing.\u201d Ben retorted, \u201cyou young man, are in the worse trouble of your life. You, go up to your room. I have to calm down before having any talk with you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned to head up the stairs.\u00a0 He glanced back at his brothers, hoping someone would say something in his defense.\u00a0 When nothing was said, Joe went up to wait in his room for his uncertain future.\u00a0 He heard Ben calling to Hop Sing in the distant.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t there anything we can use to get this stuff off my skin?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was very glad he had escaped Joe\u2019s prank If\u00a0 he had been the one that took the bath, he would be the one with the glinting green skin.\u00a0 And he did have a date later tonight with the new girl in town.\u00a0 Adam was slightly daydreaming, when he heard his father tell him to wipe the smirk off his face.\u00a0 \u201cYes pa, won\u2019t happen again.\u201d Adam said with the curling of the edge of his mouth.\u00a0 Ben had even snapped at Hoss when he asked Adam to pass him a green apple.\u00a0 \u201cIs that suppose to be funny!!\u201d Ben had snapped.\u00a0 Hoss just gulped and said, \u201cNa pa, I was just hungry.\u201d<\/span>
\nAfter what seemed forever to Joe.\u00a0 There was a knock at his door.\u00a0 Joe quickly stood to his feet, his heart racing.\u00a0 \u201cCome in.\u201d he said.\u00a0 Ben entered the room, dark and angry.\u00a0 When Joe caught a glimpse of his green hands he snickered.\u00a0 Unaware that his father had heard him..\u00a0 \u201cWell I\u2019m glad you think this is a laughing matter Joseph.\u201d Ben reached out and pushed the boys chin up so he was looking directly into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThis would have never happened if you had stopped this nonsense, when I had told you to. You young man are going to pay the price for your disobedience.\u201d Ben then took the chair that set by his sons desk and moved it closer to the bed.\u00a0 Ben usually spanked the boy with his hand, but today he decided he needed something a little more firm.\u00a0 So he started to remove his thick black belt.\u00a0 \u201cPa, ya can\u2019t beat me with a belt.\u201d Joe cringed.\u00a0 \u201cI have no intention\u00a0 of beating boy, only to give you what you deserve.\u201d\u00a0 However, before the \u201cnecessary talk\u201d would delivered, Ben lectured him on responsibility of his actions, respect, and how there better not be anymore pranks.\u00a0 He also informed him that he would be given extra chores, since he had too much extra time on his hands.\u00a0 He would make sure any free time would be occupied, thus preventing anytime for young Joseph to find trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe went to bed that night feeling quite remorseful for what he had done.\u00a0 Mostly because he had been caught.\u00a0 He was upset that pa had ended up being the victim instead of Adam.\u00a0 No since in worrying about it now.\u00a0 It was too late to fix it.\u00a0 Joe rolled from his stomach to his side and carefully rubbed his very sore behind.\u00a0 Gosh, Joe thought to himself. Pa, didn\u2019t have to get so mad.\u00a0 This was the worst tanning he had ever received and feared he would not forget it for many days to come.\u00a0 What he dreaded the most was church in the morning.\u00a0 Sitting in a hard wooden church pew, wasn\u2019t exactly what he wanted to do.\u00a0 He would much rather stay home.\u00a0 But seeing he has been in so much trouble, he knew better than to even ask.\u00a0 If Ben could go to church green, then Joe could go with a sore bottom.<\/span>
\nThe next morning the ride to church was silent.\u00a0 Joe was some what glad that Ben had decided that the family would ride together in the buckboard.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think he could have handled the ride on the back of his horse all the way to town.\u00a0 The buckboard was bad enough.\u00a0 Every time they hit a bump, he would moan slightly to himself.\u00a0 His brothers would glance over at him, but said nothing, for they all knew why he was making such sounds.\u00a0 They then all looked over and saw their fathers green hands holding the reins.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam, who were riding in the back of the buckboard slightly grinned to themselves.\u00a0 However, Joe wouldn\u2019t dare smile, when he looked at his fathers colorful skin.\u00a0 If he did he would be lectured all over again, or even worse.\u00a0 He did not want to risk another tanning so soon, his backside was still sore from yesterdays punishment.\u00a0 For once in Joe\u2019s life he was glad to see the church come into sight.\u00a0 He would finally be able to stan d up for a few minutes and stretch his legs, before having to sit down again.\u00a0 Before the family entered the church, Ben took his youngest to the side to give him a warning about appropriate behavior in church.\u00a0 Joe looked at his father shocked.\u00a0 It\u2019s like nobody trust me, Joe thought to himself.\u00a0 The family went into the church and listened to the rather boring sermon.\u00a0 As they left each person stopped to shake the ministers hand.\u00a0 When Ben reached the waiting minister and began to reach out and shake his hand the godly man pulled his hand back.\u00a0 Ben looked at him strangely and then realized the man was staring at Ben\u2019s green hands.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a long story.\u201d Ben said while glancing over to his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cWell Mr. Cartwright, if it involves Joseph, I\u2019m sure it is.\u201d\u00a0 Ben began to blush but decided not to explain the whole sorted mess that had happened the day before.\u00a0 Instead he grasped his sons shoulders an d led him out of the church.\u00a0 The exchange between the minster and Ben did however fluster him to the point that, Ben began scolding Joe all over again. \u201cThat was the most embarrassing day of my life.\u201d Ben bellowed at Joe.\u00a0 Joe bit his lip and then said, \u201cSorry pa, won\u2019t ever happen again.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cIt better not young man, if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d Ben said as he started the horses toward home.\u00a0 \u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if I hear about one more prank being played you man, you will not be able to sit for month.\u201d Ben continued to growl.\u00a0 Joe scrunch up his noes.\u00a0 How was he going to get back at Adam?? He looked at his fathers stern face and gulped.\u00a0 \u201cNo more pranks pa, I promise.\u201d Joe said as he crossed his fingers behind his back.\u00a0 Joe knew in the back of his mind he was going to have to pull one more prank.\u00a0 But he would have to wait aw hile.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they arrived back at the Ponderosa, everyone jumped out of the buckboard to go wash up for lunch.\u00a0 Joe quickly ran up the stairs to his room.\u00a0\u00a0 First he found a blank piece of paper. Then he found a pencil. He sat down gingerly at his desk and labeled the top of the paper in large bold letters…ADAMS PRANK (TRY #2)…………………<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n
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Summary: With a prankster on the Ponderosa. No telling who the next victim will be.
\nRating:\u00a0 G
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Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 1,090 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":49271,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49271","url_meta":{"origin":46918,"position":4},"title":"The Wizard of POZ meets the Ponderosa (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A funny parody of Bonanza and The Wizard of Oz Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49897","url_meta":{"origin":46918,"position":5},"title":"Hoss’ Meditation (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 25, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 I think we underestimated Hoss Cartwright Rating: G\u00a0 (690 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1006"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46918","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\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=46918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46918\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}