{"id":47013,"date":"2004-12-22T14:19:39","date_gmt":"2004-12-22T19:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47013"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:13","slug":"the-longest-trip-ever-by-candyfan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47013","title":{"rendered":"The Longest Trip Ever (by Candyfan)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Story Summary:\u00a0 A Candy, Joe and Hoss comedy.
\nRating\u00a0 \u00a0G
\nWords:\u00a0 5,300<\/span><\/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

The Longest Trip Ever<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A young man stood next to his horse in the yard at the Ponderosa. He was getting instructions from Ben on getting a couple of horses. Ben had decided that Candy needed more responsibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow Candy, if Bill Stanton isn\u2019t at the house, you want to look for his foreman, Ret Benson. Got it?\u201d Ben asked as he handed his foreman, Candy Canaday, five hundred dollars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive hundred dollars?\u201d Candy exclaimed as he rubbed the money with his fingers. \u201cIsn\u2019t that an awful lot for two horses?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese aren\u2019t just any old horses, Candy. These horses are prime breeding stock! I\u2019ve had my eye on them for a while, it\u2019s just that I waited until now to buy them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy shoved the money into his pocket, and turned to mount his horse, Pacho. \u201cOk, Mister Cartwright. I\u2019ll be back within the week.\u201d He put his foot in the stirrup, and hoisted himself into the saddle. Just before he turned to leave, Ben interrupted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Candy.\u201d He said as he directed the man\u2019s attention to the two figures coming out of the barn. \u201cHoss and Joe are going with you. They have some business in that town anyway, so…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy rolled his eyes back into his head. The last time he had gone on a trip with them he had ended up in jail. He dreaded the thought of what would happen this time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou all set to go Candy?\u201d Hoss asked as he gave him a big smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy sent back a sarcastic grin as Joe rode up beside him. \u201cWell c\u2019mon! We\u2019re not gonna get there on time if we sit here all day.\u201d Then he kicked his horse into a canter, and rode out of the yard, Hoss and Candy following closely behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

They rode on like this for several hours. They rode through everything from thick woods, to grassy plains, to mountainous trails. They talked, and sang, and played games to pass the time. Candy won most of the games, but Hoss could sing the loudest, and Joe wouldn\u2019t shut up long enough for anyone else to get a word in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that night, in a grassy area beside a river, they made camp. \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you roll out the beds and get camp set up while Candy and I get the horses unsaddled.\u201d Hoss purposed as he dismounted and took the reins of his horse in one hand. Candy pointed a finger sarcastically at himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I get a say in what I do?\u201d Candy protested with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. You\u2019re just the hired help, Candy.\u201d Hoss teased, returning the smile. \u201cNow come on. Get Cochise and bring him over to that stream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cok,\u201d Joe answered energetically , knowing full well that he was getting the easy job.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tired from the day\u2019s ride, Candy slipped off of his pure black gelding, and grabbed Cochise\u2019s reins, leading both horses towards the stream.<\/span><\/p>\n

After all of the work was done, and they all had gotten a good night\u2019s sleep and a cup of coffee, they packed up their things, and headed out. After a while, they reached a large industrious town called Stony Flats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEither a you up for a beer?\u201d Hoss asked as he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy raised his hand, and Joe nodded his head. This morning had been especially hot, and he couldn\u2019t wait for a cool drink. The three of them went over to the saloon, got three beers, and sat down at a nearby table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Candy. You got the money?\u201d Joe asked, though he had been thinking about it all morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. All five hundred of it.\u201d Candy reassured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the next table, two men were listening very intently to their conversation. Especially after hearing about the money. One of them was tall with dark brown hair, and babyish features. The other was short, and appeared to have a severe case of paranoia.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they had all finished their beers, Candy, Hoss, and Joe got up, and left the saloon. Their next stop would be the Bar-E Ranch on the outskirts of town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they mounted up, Candy noticed that the two men from the saloon were watching them. \u201cHey Hoss. I think…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Candy. Let\u2019s just get those horses and get on out of here,\u201d he said hurriedly as he peered down the row of buildings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah but…\u201d Candy tried to explain, but it was too late. Hoss and Joe were already riding down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked back into the saloon, a worried look on his face, but it was too late. The two men had already left. \u201cMaybe it\u2019ll be alright. They might have just been curious strangers, that\u2019s all.\u201d The reassured himself, and he turned his horse down the road to follow Hoss and Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a minute, they were gone. The two strangers were brothers Sam and Dick Harrington. They were mostly poor drunks who tried to make a living off of honest folk\u2019s hard work. The only thing they \u2018owned\u2019 was a mule they had stolen from a poor miner down in Carson. They tended to travel a lot to stay out of the law\u2019s way.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

A little while later, Candy, Joe, and Hoss were at the Bar-E Ranch. Since mister Stanton was nowhere to be found, they went in search of the foreman, Ret Benson. Candy went to check the barn, while Hoss and Joe rode out to the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy dismounted Pacho, and walked into the musty smelling barn. \u201cMister Benson? I\u2019m Candy Canaday. I work for Ben Cartwright.\u201d He shouted through the long hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

A sturdy looking man suddenly appeared from one of the stalls. He had a pitchfork in his hand, and his hat was tipped back on his head like Candy\u2019s. \u201cWhat\u2019d you want mister?\u201d he said, leaning against the handle of his tool.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here to see about some horses.\u201d Candy stated, looking the man over. \u201cAre you Ret Benson?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYep. Sure am. Mister Stanton\u2019s out of town for a spell. He\u2019ll be back after while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Candy nodded his head. \u201cAlright. Let\u2019s go get those horses then.\u201d He said as he turned to walk back out of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ret followed, and they both rode out to the pen where the horses were kept. \u201cNow, which ones are the ones you wanted?\u201d he asked as he pointed out into a group of about 15 horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy searched the horses frantically. Finally, he spotted the two that mister Cartwright had told him about. \u201cThose two.\u201d He said as he pointed at a brown pinto, and a gorgeous bay mare. He recognized them right away because of the Indian marks on their flanks. They were the only ones in the herd.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d Ret said as he opened the gate, and roped the two that were specified.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy paid the foreman, and waited for his horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they had finished the transaction, he walked the horses back to the yard where Hoss and Joe were waiting. \u201cYou mean you found him, and you didn\u2019t tell us about it?\u201d Hoss asked teasingly. \u201c It is our Pa\u2019s money after all,\u201d he added with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I…\u201d Candy started, but was interrupted by Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, never mind. Let\u2019s just get out of here.\u201d Then he grinned and turned to mount.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And with that, they were off. It only took them about an hour and a half to get back to town, get a few supplies, and get on their way. They wanted to at least make it to Pyramid Lake before dark. And they would have too, if Cochise hadn\u2019t thrown a shoe. That threw them back a little because they had to slow their pace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, they camped in the clearing of a wood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hoss.\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t it wait, Candy? I\u2019m awfully tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do if those men from the saloon try any, you know, funny business?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll wish \u2018em good luck, and go back to sleep.\u201d Hoss answered, pulling his blanket over his head. But he quickly threw it back off of his head. \u201cWait a minute! What men from the saloon?\u201d he asked with a louder tone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you two squakin\u2019 about? It\u2019s almost midnight! What could be so important?\u201d Joe groaned sarcastically as he stretched his arms and prepared to become a part of the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell…\u201d Candy started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, just forget it. Go to sleep you two… and that includes you, Candy,\u201d Hoss said with a yawn and a grin as he laid his head down on his rolled up blanket. Both Candy and Joe turned their heads in his direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, sure is touchy when he\u2019s tired aint he?\u201d Candy joked. Joe just smiled, and turned his head to go to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy soon dozed off as well, and joined his companions in sound sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

After making sure that all of them were asleep, the two brothers from the saloon made their way into the camp. \u201cSam. You get those two horses, and I\u2019ll get the other three.\u201d Dick whispered as he moved quietly along the rope that the horses were tied to.\u00a0 One by one, he untied them and handed a bridal or rope to his brother Sam. After getting Pacho, Chubb, and Cochie saddled, for they couldn\u2019t resist the expensive-looking saddles, they put ropes on the others, and rode off.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the sound of the hoof beats, Hoss woke up. \u201cJoe! Candy! Get up! Somebody\u2019s stealing our horses!\u201d He shouted, and he shot up. Leaving the camp behind, he ran out into the woods after them with Joe and Candy right behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey! You! Stop!\u201d Hoss shouted as he ran after them with all his strength. Candy and Joe were still just trying to catch up with Hoss. They all ran around that wood until they got tired, and gave up. Hoss slowed down, and Candy and Joe caught up. Joe bent over to catch his breath. Candy just panted, removed his hat, and wiped his forehead with his sleeve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDad-gummitt!\u201d Hoss cried. \u201cThey got away with our horses!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked around the woods as he placed his hat gently back on the back of his head. \u201cThat\u2019s not all they got away with. The rest of the money was in my saddlebag.\u201d He said thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss put his head in his hand, and propped his elbow on his other arm. \u201cSo, they got away with our horses, and about… How much money was in those bags anyway? Pa only gave you five-hundred.\u201d He asked, looking at Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy looked down at his feet. \u201cThree hundred dollars.\u201d He said, slowly looking up with a sheepish grin on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

All night, they walked aimlessly through the woods. In the rush of the moment, they had lost track of where their camp was, so they wandered around, just hoping that they would stumble upon their camp, though without their horses, there was not much left of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t find their camp, but after a while, they did run onto a small miner\u2019s shack. \u201cHello!!!\u201d Joe shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth. There was no answer at first, but soon a short, shabby looking man walked out onto the small porch on the shack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I told them other two fellers, I ain\u2019t no hotel! Nearest town is Stony Flats!\u201d he shouted as he grabbed a nearby rifle and pointed it at the travelers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther two men?\u201d Candy questioned thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. They headed out towards town about an hour ago. Said sompthin\u2019 about a fortune, but when I asked \u2018em about it, they just took off!\u201d the man stated. \u201cI did wonder why they had so many horses though. They didn\u2019t even have packs on the ones they weren\u2019t ridin\u2019! Strange men them two.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks mister, but could we borrow some horses?\u201d Hoss asked intently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAint got no horses sonny.\u201d The man replied, lowering the rifle a little. \u201cGot a couple mules though. I could let ya\u2019 have \u2018em… for a price.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have any money with us!\u201d Candy said, a little panic in his voice. He didn\u2019t much like the idea of walking all the way back to town after that long trek last night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, that is a situation.\u201d The man said as he paced the porch. \u201cYou three look like honest boys, so I\u2019ll tell ya what. You three clean out my barn out back, and I\u2019ll let ya have my mules.\u201d Smiles spread across Candy, Hoss, and Joe\u2019s faces at this news. \u201cNow I\u2019ll warn you. It\u2019s not been cleaned out in a peace, so it\u2019ll be a might dirty,\u201d the man warned, but it was too late. Candy, Hoss, and Joe were practically running to the back of the house to find the barn. The man went back inside to rest up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYuck!\u201d Candy exclaimed as he walked into the small building the man had called a barn. In reality, it was not a barn at all, but a chicken coop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked closely at the mess around them. \u201cWe\u2019d better get working if we want those mules,\u201d he continued as he grabbed a shovel that was leaning against the side of the coop.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they got done, they went back to the man. \u201cMister, where\u2019s those mules you promised us?\u201d Hoss asked, ready to pound on the door at any minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere they are.\u201d The man said as he turned the corner with the mules. Neither of them had saddles or bridals, just makeshift halters made out of rope. The man handed Hoss the two mules. \u201cYou best take care of them two. They be my pride and joy!\u201d he told Hoss, and turned to go back inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I\u2019d better take the bulky one.\u201d Hoss moaned as he handed the other mule to Candy. He found a log nearby, and rolled it over on its side. He lifted his leg to boost himself up onto the mule by using the log as a step.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Hoss.\u201d Candy said quietly as he crossed his arms over his chest and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a dad-burned minute Candy.\u201d Hoss said as though he were in a hurry. Then he stepped up onto the log, and promptly proceeded to slip and fall on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you going to say Candy?\u201d Hoss groaned from the ground with a grin twisted with a look of embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful. That log looks slippery.\u201d Candy smiled, and gave Hoss a lift off the ground. Little Joe\u2019s high-pitched giggle could be heard in the background.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you use this.\u201d Candy explained with a cocky grin as he brought Hoss\u2019s mule over next to the foot-high porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss smiled sarcastically, and walked over to the porch to mount his mule. Once he was on, Joe swung his leg up over his and Candy\u2019s mule\u2019s back, and was on. Candy on the other hand had more trouble. Because these mules were taller than most, he had to bring the mule over next to the porch. \u201cHey Joe, let me up front.\u201d He said in all seriousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked with a smirk. \u201cI was up here first. I should get to ride in the front!\u201d And he patted the back of the mule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBu…\u201d Candy tried to come up with another argument, but his mind was blank, so he unhappily hopped up on the back, and they were off. Town was only a few miles away, but it took them longer to find it because the man hadn\u2019t given them directions. Evidently, directions didn\u2019t come in the basic mule package. They stopped off at a cool stream to give their mules a drink, and then went on towards town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode in, they thought their eyes were deceiving them. Right in front of the saloon were the two horses they had gotten from the Bar-E Ranch! They assumed that their other horses were in the livery stable. And so they were. After getting their horses back through trading the mules for them and a lot of explanation, they went on down to the saloon. Suddenly, the two brothers came out the door, saw them, and and raced to get on the other two horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere they are\u201d Candy shouted! \u201cThey\u2019re the men from the saloon!\u201d and all three of them cantered off towards the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, a shot rang out, and the sheriff stopped them in their tracks. \u201cHold on a minute!\u201d he said, pointing his rifle at them. All three of them watched as the two brothers rode down the street. \u201cYou dead-beat Beckoms aint goin\u2019 nowhere. You boys got some mighty fancy explainin\u2019 to do.\u201d And explain they did. For the next twenty minutes, they tried their best to convince the sheriff that they were not a band of troublemaking drunks who had just broken jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, the sheriff believed them and turned them loose. Too late unfortunately, for now the two men had skipped town, and were now out in the wilderness somewhere with their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode out of town, they tried to figure out where the two men they were after might have gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the only other place nearby that they could sell the horses is Virginia City.\u201d Candy purposed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right, but they could have gone to Carson or somewhere else.\u201d Joe countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut would they? If I was a horse thief, I would want to get rid of the evidence as soon as possible.\u201d Hoss explained with all tones of immortal intelligence and wisdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, leave it up to the expert.\u201d Joe said with a grin to Candy. Candy just smiled back at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses are the first things you need to get rid of fast when you\u2019re being chased. They\u2019re large, and easily seen. A city where you\u2019re not known would be the easiest place to do that.\u201d Candy explained with a smug grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how would you know that?\u201d Hoss asked with a surprised smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Joe cast him curious smiles.\u201dIt was probably from personal experience,\u201d Joe laughed as he stared at Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a long time ago!\u201d Candy reaffirmed quietly with a sly smile. \u201cI would say they\u2019re heading for Virginia City. It\u2019s the closer than Carson, and they aren\u2019t known there. They could dump the horses, get new ones, and be off within twenty minutes. But if we hurry, we may catch them before they leave!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are you waiting for, Hoss?\u201d Joe asked with a smile as he and Candy kicked their horses into a canter, and sped away towards Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

The two Harrington brothers were already riding through the streets of Virginia City. \u201cWhat say we celebrate with a beer?\u201d Sam asked as he rode over towards the saloon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Sam, we don\u2019t have any money. What\u2019d we pay fer it with?\u201d Dick stated as he slowly followed his brother, keeping an eye on all of the streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw c\u2019mon. Would you quit bein\u2019 so dog-gone nervous? Were plain enough to see without you lookin\u2019 like somebody wants to kill \u2018ya,\u201d Sam said, a little irritated, as he looked back and found his brother still on the other side of the street. \u201cHurry up will \u2018ya? I\u2019m not waitin\u2019 fer a beer all day ya know.\u201d And he turned and slid off the horse\u2019s bare back. Using the rope to tie it to the hitching post, he tied a loose knot, and walked into the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got me a bad feelin\u2019 about this Sam.\u201d Dick muttered as he slowly walked the horse across the street to the saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

They had not been in the saloon for five minutes before they found a person to supply their drinking money. It was a rich looking gentleman, with a fine suit and a short cane. \u201cGentlemen,\u201d he said, and he raised his glass of brandy. \u201cI am having a sort of celebration today, so drinks are on me!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A loud roar of voices sprang up from the saloon, and everyone clambered to the counter where the poor bartender stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy, Joe, and Hoss were just getting into town. All of a sudden, they heard a thundering of shouts coming from the saloon. They all turned their attention to the little building on the corner of Main Street. \u201cHey! Look down at the saloon! Aren\u2019t those our horses?\u201d Hoss exclaimed as he kicked Chubb into a canter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think they are!\u201d Candy said excitedly as he followed Hoss to the saloon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you might be right older brother!\u201d Joe shouted, though no one was around to hear him, and raced off after them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They tied their horses up to the hitching post outside, and walked through the swinging doors. They pushed their way solemnly through the crowd of men, hoping to find their culprits and haul them off to jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Candy spotted the men at a corner table. \u201cHey Hoss! Joe!\u201d he called, but his voice was drowned out in the noise of the crowd like a drop of water in a lake. It was up to him to set things into motion. He walked right up to the men, and stood towering over their table. The Harringtons were drunk, but they remembered Candy clear enough. Dick saw Candy right off and started to move his chair back. Sam had no clue. Sam lifted a beer glass to his mouth and took a long swig. Dick, determined to tell his brother about their sudden danger, jabbed him in the shoulder, making him spill his drink on himself. Sam looked up, furious at his brother, but was stopped short at the sight of Candy. Both he and Dick stood up, slowly moving their way around the table until they were on the opposite side as Candy. Candy smiled sinisterly. \u201cHowdy boys. I believe you tow have some horses that belong to us.\u201d He said slyly as he took out his gun and pointed it at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both of the men shook like rabbits facing a hound. Candy grinned slyly. Suddenly, Hoss was pushed from behind, and fell into Candy. Both of them tumbled very ungracefully to the ground, and the Harrington brothers got away through the crowd. They slid through the doors, and were just about to jump onto a couple of horses, when Joe, Candy, and Hoss emerged from the saloon. \u201cHey you! Stop!\u201d Hoss shouted in his clearest and loudest voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Out of a quick reaction to the situation, Joe leaped out and landed on Sam, who was just about to get on Cochise. Out of fright and surprise, Dick raised his hands and hopped down from Chubb. \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d Hoss said happily in a lower voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, Candy, Hoss, and Joe escorted the Harrington brothers to Roy\u2019s jail. After explaining to Roy what had happened over the last couple of days, they headed back to the saloon to get their horses and go home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Just after the group had left for the sheriff\u2019s office, a couple of men from a horse auction down the street walked over to the saloon. \u201cTheses must be the ones.\u201d One of them said, and he pointed to the two horses beside Chubb.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. The Cartwrights said they were going to donate a couple of horses for this auction, and that\u2019s Cochise and Chubb over there. We\u2019ll just take \u2018em on over to the auction. I\u2019m sure the Cartwrights won\u2019t mind.\u201d The other stated as he grabbed the ropes of the two horses, and led them on down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, Hoss, and Candy emerged from the sheriff\u2019s office very relieved men. \u201cYou know, for a minute there, I thought we were gonna have to return to Pa empty-handed,\u201d Hoss stated in a relieved, almost laughing, voice. When they got down to their horses, they noticed that two of them were missing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that you were saying Hoss?\u201d Candy asked, mockingly searching the area for the lost horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you lose \u2018em?\u201d Joe questioned in his high-pitched giggle as he too went off searching for the missing horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCut it out you two!\u201d Hoss said loudly, smiling at his companions, though he was truly becoming aggravated at their situation. Suddenly, he had an idea. \u201cThe horse auction down the street!\u201d he yelled, and he mounted Chubb, and rode off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Joe stood there for a moment, a bit perplexed by Hoss\u2019s actions, but got on their horses and rode after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time they got to the auction arena, everything was already over. Candy and Joe found Hoss standing with the auctioneer. \u201cDo you have any idea who bought our two horses?\u201d he asked as Candy and Joe approached.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. Can\u2019t say as I can.\u201d Came the reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any way that you could tell?\u201d Hoss asked desperately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell… You might check around with some of the bidders. Or my assistants are over there by the corral.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, thanks!\u201d Hoss said, as he turned around and nearly collided with Candy and Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re over there.\u201d Candy stated with a smile as he regained his balance and pointed to two men standing next to the corral, putting one hand on his hat to keep it on his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Candy,\u201d Hoss said sarcastically as he took an exaggerated step around Candy and headed on over to talk to the two men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss walked up, the two men turned to face him. \u201cHowdy,\u201d Hoss said calmly as he stepped up next to them. \u201cDid you two by any chance see who bought a brown pinto or a bay mare?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, do you know how many bay mares come through that gate every time we hold an auction?\u201d one of them said bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s talkin\u2019 about his horses.\u201d The other corrected, and he jabbed his partner with his bony elbow \u201cThe ones with those funny markin\u2019s on \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh! A… uh… trader took \u2018em.\u201d He answered with certainty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he went?\u201d Hoss asked hurridly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah… now wait a minute… he said somethin\u2019 about the… uh… Hanson place, down on Stony Ridge.\u201d He replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss thanked him and ran back to his horse. \u201cThey\u2019re out near the Hanson place! C\u2019mon, we may get \u2018em back before Pa finds out!\u201d With that, Candy and Joe leaped on their horses, and the three of them set out towards Stony Ridge to get back their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they reached the Hansons\u2019, all looked deserted. \u201cHey Bill! Bill Hanson!\u201d Hos shouted with his hands cupped around his mouth. Presently, a man stepped out the door of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do for \u2018ya Hoss?\u201d he asked, tipping his hat back on his head in the cool, evening shadow of his house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy Bill. Have you seen a horse trader today?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Had a beautiful bay mare too! But I can\u2019t afford breedin\u2019 stock at this time of year, what with all them new foals to care for and all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way did he head Bill?\u201d Joe interrupted before Hoss could ask. They both turned and listened intently to Bill\u2019s answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I believe he headed towards that rich old Mr. Edger\u2019s house. He…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Bill!\u201d Hoss said, and he galloped away, with Joe and Candy behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they got to Fredrick Edger\u2019s house, they stopped in the yard. Candy dismounted and walked up to the door. \u201cMister Edger? Are you home?\u201d he called, giving the door three quick taps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened and an elderly man in a gray and black striped suit stepped out into the evening sun. \u201cMister Edger, has a horse trader been by letely?\u201d Candy asked, taking off his hat as soon as the man showed in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFool kid! What are you knocking on my door at this hour for? Don\u2019t they teach you manners in those schools of yours?\u201d the elderly man complained as he took out some spectacles and placed them carefully over his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, we\u2019re chasing a horse trader, and we need to know if you\u2019ve seen him recently.\u201d Candy replied, feeling a little insulted at being called a \u2018fool kid\u2019. But he shrugged it off and placed his hat gently on the back of his head.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean that noisy man who tried to get me to buy his flea-bitten animals? He went down the East pass. There are three little ranches down that way he might have wanted to try to sell something to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you very much Sir.\u201d Candy said politely as he turned and mounted Pacho.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, Joe, Candy, and Hoss raced down the East road, hoping to catch their quick-traveling horse salesman. Once they reached the first of the ranches, they called out for the owner. \u201cHey! Anyone in the house?\u201d Hoss called at the top of his lungs. No one answered. He tried again, but the house remained silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he skipped this house Hoss.\u201d Joe purposed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you\u2019re right.\u201d Hoss answered gloomily. \u201cLet\u2019s try the next house.\u201d And so they did, but no one was there either. Without giving up hope, they rode on to the next house.<\/span><\/p>\n

They called out, and a woman came to the window. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d she yelled through the opening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen a horse trader around at all today Ma\u2019am?\u201d Hoss asked as he tipped his hat back to see the window clearer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t think so. My husband might have though, but he\u2019s out in the fields right now. Can\u2019t tell you exactly where he is at the moment.\u201d And she put one hand casually on her hip while she ran her other hand through her jet-black hair. \u201cI\u2019m awfully sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Ma\u2019am\u201d Hoss said calmly with disappointment in his voice. Then he, Candy, and Joe turned to leave.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, where do we go from here?\u201d Candy asked, also disappointed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe could go home, and forget about the whole thing.\u201d Joe offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy and Hoss looked at him with stupid smirks. \u201cWould you like to say that again?\u201d Candy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot a better idea?\u201d Joe retaliated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve only had to know how to get rid of the horses. I\u2019ve never had to try to get one back.\u201d Candy explained as he raised his hands mockingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Joe on this one Candy.\u201d Hoss groaned quietly as he sank back into his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

With as much regret as they could possibly have, and dread of what would happen when they got home, they headed back to the Ponderosa to explain to Ben that they had lost the horses. The long journey back was slow, but they trudged on, hoping that their blunder would be forgiven with little punishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode into the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house, they watched the horse trader ride out with a pleased look on his face. Then they saw Ben Cartwright standing next to the house with two horses beside him. He noticed the boys riding in and turned to face them, frustration written on his face. \u201cHoss! Joseph! Would you two come over here for a moment?\u201d he shouted as quietly as he possibly could under the current circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe gulped loudly. Candy dismounted Pacho and slipped away quietly to the barn. Just before he got to the door, Hoss spotted him. \u201cCandy. You\u2019re as much a part of this as we are.\u201d He said as he motioned for Candy to come over with he and Joe to face punishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou forget Hoss.\u201d Candy replied with a sly grin. \u201cI\u2019m just the hired help,\u201d he smiled and then he walked into the barn and disappeared behind the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Story Summary:\u00a0 A Candy, Joe and Hoss comedy.
\nRating\u00a0 \u00a0G
\nWords:\u00a0 5,300<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1046,23,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47013","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-candy-canaday","category-drama","category-humor","wpcat-1046-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":235,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":30815,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=30815","url_meta":{"origin":47013,"position":0},"title":"Angelic Visit (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"November 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 This is the third and final part of the Visit series.\u00a0 In this story, the focus is on Ben who has had suspicions of what has been happening and those are confirmed and a revelation is made that explains why he knew.\u00a0 Joe and Candy are also part of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/The-Witness.jpg?fit=568%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/The-Witness.jpg?fit=568%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/The-Witness.jpg?fit=568%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47192,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47192","url_meta":{"origin":47013,"position":1},"title":"The Replacement (by Kimberley)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam comes home for a visit and finds some things have changed in his absence. 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