{"id":47300,"date":"2004-11-01T11:56:32","date_gmt":"2004-11-01T16:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47300"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:21","slug":"lifes-lessons-by-christy-gleason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47300","title":{"rendered":"Life’s Lessons (by Christy Gleason)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Summary:<\/b>\u00a0Two outlaws invade the Ponderosa while Ben and twelve-year-old Adam are in the midst of a disagreement. Will Adam decide to leave the Ponderosa for a life on the road?
\nRating:\u00a0 G
\nWords:\u00a0 10,900<\/span><\/div>\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.<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
Life’s Lessons<\/strong><\/div>\n

\n\u201cEric Cartwright…please.\u201d<\/span><\/span>Hoss licked his lips in a panic. \u201cPlease,\u201d he repeated. \u201cP-l-e-z-e,\u201d he spelled slowly, his face scooched up in concentration. \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n

A thin, raven-haired boy in a seat halfway back in the classroom felt his heart drop, and his shoulders sagged in despair. He kept his head down, pretending to read his lesson, but actually staring through his long lashes up at his brother now quaking at the front of the class, knowing from the teacher\u2019s expression he\u2019d just failed the test. Adam Cartwright, himself a brilliant scholar, simply didn\u2019t understand why Hoss couldn\u2019t do better on something as elementary as spelling. It wasn\u2019t like Hoss was stupid, Adam thought. But he just hated everything to do with books and reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Eric,\u201d Miss Wilson was saying. \u201cThat\u2019s seven out of ten you\u2019ve missed. I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll have to give you an F. You\u2019re to stay in at recess and work on the words you misspelled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d Hoss replied, staring at the floor.<\/p>\n

Adam observed his younger brother with frustrated sorrow. Hoss was only seven but he towered over the others in his class. In fact, he was nearly as tall as Adam himself, though Adam was nearly six years older. His size made things hard on Hoss, Adam knew. Adults tended to expect too much from the boy, simply because he looked so much older than he was, and other children found him intimidating until they discovered his innate gentleness, and near-incapacity for anger.<\/p>\n

The class filed back to their seats, and Adam watched as his brother plopped down heavily, clearly wishing he were anywhere but where he was. Adam loved to learn, and was delighted that he finally had the opportunity to attend formal schooling, but for Hoss it was a nightmare. Adam sighed, shook his head, and went back to his lesson.<\/p>\n

When Miss Wilson called recess, all the students stood and filed out the door, except those that had failed in their lessons and were denied the opportunity to run and play with their classmates. And Adam Cartwright. Instead of leaving the room, he headed toward his brother and sat down beside him. He bent his head toward the younger boy and whispered to him. \u201cYou okay, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at his older brother, tears swimming in his crystal-blue eyes. \u201cI hate it here, Adam. Honest I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hoss. But Pa says you hafta go to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 bottom lip stuck out in a pout. \u201cDon\u2019t know why. You can read to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if I\u2019m not around to read to you, Hoss? What if I go away somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

Panic showed on Hoss\u2019 round, open face. \u201cYou ain\u2019t leavin\u2019 me, are ya, Adam? Promise you ain\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I wouldn\u2019t leave you, Hoss. But what if I go on a trip somewhere? Like to San Francisco on a timber deal. You gotta know how to read.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother scornfully. \u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna go on no timber deal. You ain\u2019t even thirteen, yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam resisted the urge to clip his brother across the head. He didn\u2019t like being reminded that he was still only twelve years old. \u201cYeah, well, you gotta read, anyway. Come on, I\u2019ll help you with your spelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

He began drilling Hoss on the words he\u2019d missed, not noticing Miss Wilson watching the two brothers as they worked. She smiled to herself. The two were a study in opposites. Adam, thin, raven-haired, studious. Hoss, chubby, blond, destined never to be a scholar. Yet the two were inseparable. They were both charming children, and she was glad to have two such well-behaved students, but there was no denying that Adam was the easier to teach. He was extraordinarily bright and learned seemingly without effort. His penmanship was flawless, he read and wrote like a child far older than his age, and showed an innate understanding of physics and mathematics. Poor Hoss had to struggle with every lesson, and clearly hated learning. But his open, affable, fun-loving nature made him popular with his fellow students, and he was accepted in many ways far easier than his shy, reticent brother. She smiled to herself, knowing that Adam would find a way to drill the lesson into his younger brother\u2019s head, if anyone could.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day the class of youngsters made a mad dash for the outdoors. Most of the students lived in the newly-founded town of Virginia City or on small farms nearby, and they had time to play before heading home to their chores. The Cartwright boys had a much longer ride ahead of them, and Adam bustled about buttoning Hoss into a heavy coat for the long ride home, and handing him the last of their lunch as a snack to hold him until they arrived at the ranch house. Miss Wilson finished tidying the schoolhouse for the evening, then walked over to the brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful riding home,\u201d she told them, as she did every afternoon. \u201cAnd Hoss,\u201d she reverted to the boy\u2019s nickname rather than the formal \u201cEric\u201d after school hours, \u201cmake sure you stay near your brother. You have a long ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d Hoss replied, looking at the floor, too embarrassed to meet the teacher\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll do better next week, Miss Wilson. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you will, Hoss,\u201d Miss Wilson smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI expect Pa\u2019ll tan me when he finds out I failed spelling again,\u201d Hoss added, mournfully.<\/p>\n

Miss Wilson tousled the youngster\u2019s hair, suspecting he was probably right. Ben Cartwright expected a lot from his children.<\/p>\n

Adam watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. He loved Hoss more than anything else in the world, and hated seeing him so miserable.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Miss Wilson,\u201d he said brightly, presenting her with his most charming smile, \u201cHoss didn\u2019t have a lot of time to study last night. Did you know that his cat, Belle, had six kittens and then up and croaked? Kittens couldn\u2019t even lap milk. Had to be fed with a spoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Wilson looked at Adam then back to Hoss in amazement. \u201cIs that true, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at his brother whose raven locks were bobbing vigorously as Adam nodded encouragingly. \u201cWell,\u201d he said dubiously, \u201cBelle done snuffed it, all right. Had six kittens then got kicked in the head by our mule, Dudley.\u201d Hoss didn\u2019t mention that this had occurred three months previous, and the six kittens were now lapping milk on their own just fine.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Miss Wilson said. \u201cI had no idea you were so good with animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s a natural with animals, ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam told her, white teeth flashing, cheeks dimpling. \u201cHe can just about fix anything that\u2019s wrong with them. Never met an animal that didn\u2019t trust him, right off. \u2018Course it makes it hard on him, \u2018cause when they\u2019re hurt or need help, lots of animals won\u2019t let people near \u2018em. Leaves it to Hoss to do lots of the work, \u2018cause they like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that does take a lot of time, feeding six kittens,\u201d Miss Wilson said, smiling at Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared resolutely at the floor, and remained speechless.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the silence, his smile widening. \u201cOh, he never complains. Just loves animals. But it can make it hard for him to get all his studying done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Wilson knew she was being manipulated by the older Cartwright boy. But there was no denying Adam was a charmer, and if Hoss had to spend time feeding six kittens in addition to his other chores, it wasn\u2019t really surprising that he hadn\u2019t gotten his spelling homework completed. She thought about what she considered Ben Cartwright\u2019s unreasonably high standards, and felt herself giving in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss, under the circumstances, maybe you just needed a little extra study time. I tell you what. If you can spell the words to me now, I\u2019ll change your grade.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at Adam, his mouth hanging open. Adam smiled encouragingly. \u201cI\u2019m sure he can, Miss Wilson,\u201d he told her. \u201cHe tried really hard during recess. And, of course, there weren\u2019t any animals bothering him, so he could really concentrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss closed his eyes, wishing his brother would shut up. Pa\u2019s gonna be so mad when he finds out about this, he thought. It never occurred to him that his father wouldn\u2019t find out. Pa always knew everything.<\/p>\n

Slowly, carefully he recited every word, remembering the way Adam had spelled them over and over, while he repeated them. He opened one eye and looked up at his teacher. She was smiling proudly, and he felt a little sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, Hoss! That was perfect. I can\u2019t give you a hundred, since it took you two tries to do it, but your father ought to be pleased with a 95, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss covered his eyes with the heels of his palms, then felt Adam steering him
\ndown the aisle towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019ll be real proud of him, Miss Wilson,\u201d Hoss heard his brother saying. He could hear the familiar tone in Adam\u2019s voice and knew that he had that smile on his face that always made ladies start fussing over him. \u201cThank you, ma\u2019am. We\u2019d better go. We got chores to do. See you Monday!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood-bye, Boys,\u201d Miss Wilson answered. \u201cHave a nice weekend!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then Hoss felt the chilly air on his face as Adam opened the door and shoved him out into the cold. He heard the schoolroom door slam behind him before he uncovered his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam…\u201d he started.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot here,\u201d Adam hissed at him, pulling him toward the stable where they left their horses.<\/p>\n

Hoss waited while Adam saddled the horses, then clambered onto his horse\u2019s
\nback from atop a nearby bale of hay. He refused to look at his brother, but followed him out into the afternoon sun. The two rode several miles in silence before Adam spoke to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Hoss. What\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled on the reins, signaling his ancient horse to stop. He glared at Adam. \u201cYou lied to Miss Wilson!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid so!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid so!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said in the soothing tone usually reserved for the emotionally unstable, \u201cI told her you didn\u2019t have much time to study yesterday. That was true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I didn\u2019t have much time to study \u2018cause we went fishin\u2019 without Pa givin\u2019 us permission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo? She doesn\u2019t know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told her it was \u2018cause I had to feed the kitties.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I never said that. I said you didn\u2019t have much time to study. Then I just happened to mention about your cat. I never said that was the reason you didn\u2019t study.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss glowered at him. \u201cThem kitties ain\u2019t gotta be hand-fed no more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever said they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid too,\u201d Hoss insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Hoss,\u201d Adam explained patiently. \u201cJust \u2018cause I happen to mention two unrelated facts in the same breath doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m saying they have anything to do with one another. If people assume they do, well, they shouldn\u2019t go around making assumptions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss glared at him. \u201cYou know what Pa\u2019ll say when he finds out. He\u2019ll say that\u2019s a lie by…a lie by…emission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOmission,\u201d Adam corrected him, unconsciously rubbing the seat of his trousers as he remembered the tannings he\u2019d received for exactly this type of behavior. He and his father definitely did not see eye-to-eye on the subject. Adam saw no reason why he should be punished for other people\u2019s imprecise reasoning skills. For himself, he always listened very carefully to what people said, and questioned them scrupulously before coming to conclusions. It wasn\u2019t his fault other people neglected to do the same. Of course, Pa hated it when he cross-examined people. Although it made his stepmother laugh and sometimes refer to him as the Ponderosa in-house Legal Counsel, it just made Pa mad. Pa said it was disrespectful. Adam preferred to think of it as being thorough.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway,\u201d he went on, \u201chow\u2019s Pa gonna find out? You gonna tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cN-o-o-o-o,\u201d Hoss said slowly. \u201cBut what if he asks me straight out about my spelling test?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell him you made a 95,\u201d Adam said exasperated. \u201cYou heard Miss Wilson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! You made a 95. Just say so. There\u2019s no reason to bring up the more painful details.\u201d He saw Hoss\u2019 face become even more like a thundercloud, and quickly cut him off. \u201cAin\u2019t Pa always sayin\u2019 that children should be seen and not heard?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell…yeah…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen there\u2019s no reason to elaborate. Pa\u2019s a busy man. He ain\u2019t got time to listen to lots of irrelevant facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s ir-revelant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means, just stick to the main subject, shut up. Come on; let\u2019s get home. We got chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the two made it home, Adam sent Hoss into the house for a snack and busied himself unsaddling and currying the horses. Then he walked to the woodpile and chose some logs to split for firewood. He watched as two fat, sleek, three-month-old kittens scurried away from behind the pile and grinned, feeling very pleased with himself. Thinking on your feet, he mused. Very useful skill. He whistled happily as he began to chop wood, and was so preoccupied that he failed to hear the ringing of horsehooves as his father rode into the yard.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed as he watched his oldest son swinging the axe, apparently without a care in the world. He alit and tied his horse to the hitching post before ambling over to his son. He stood off to the side a moment, then opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n

Adam was so startled that he hit the log with a glancing blow and the axe skittered, twisting his wrist and nearly escaping his grasp.<\/p>\n

\u201cOuch!\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and looked at his father in amazement. Pa knew better than to yell at someone with an axe in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d ya do that for?\u201d he asked, rubbing his aching wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet in the house. Now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gulped, dropped the axe, and silently headed to the house, forcing himself not to shield his rear end with his hands. He walked in and scurried behind a chair, hoping to keep some distance between himself and his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced to his right and saw Hoss, Marie, and baby Joe sitting around the table. Hoss appeared to have nearly polished off a large snack of cookies and milk and Marie seemed to be unsuccessfully trying to get one-year-old Little Joe to eat something that looked suspiciously like mashed peas.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, ma\u2019am.\u201d Adam smiled nervously at his stepmother before turning his attention back to his father who had closed the door quietly behind him and was unbuckling his gunbelt, his dark eyes blazing at Adam with undisguised anger. Adam felt his stomach slowly settle into his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben barked. \u201cGet over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss froze, his teeth still sunk into his last cookie and his wide eyes looking to his older brother for reassurance. He found none.<\/p>\n

Hoss shoved the last of the cookie into his mouth and dragged himself into the great room.<\/p>\n

\u201cH-hi, Pa,\u201d he said in a small voice. His courage failed him then, and he ran over to Adam and hid behind him, unconsciously mimicking Adam\u2019s frightened response.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet over here you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and stepped out from behind the chair and moved a scant few steps towards his father. Hoss scurried behind his brother, though Adam\u2019s slim frame was not enough to hide his greater bulk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss peeked out from behind his brother. \u201cY-yessir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand you had a spelling test today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gulped. \u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you make on it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 mouth dropped open and he stared up at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe made a 95, Pa,\u201d Adam said brightly. \u201cAin\u2019t you proud of him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes blazed at his eldest. \u201cI don\u2019t believe I was addressing you, young man,\u201d he snapped. \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI…I…I…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the floor. \u201cMade a 95, Pa,\u201d he said in a small voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, so I understand from your teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at one another in panic.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Wilson so proud of Hoss she sent you a note about it?\u201d Adam asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

Marie was watching the exchange in amazement. She had no idea what was going on, but one look at Adam\u2019s face and she was beginning to suspect he\u2019d been engaging in some of his conversational shenanigans again. She kept her face neutral, willing herself not to laugh. She would back her husband, no matter what, but privately thought many of Adam\u2019s statements were actually quite clever, if somewhat underhanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam. As a matter of fact I had to go to town unexpectedly. So I decided to stop by the schoolhouse so that I could ride home with you. You\u2019d already left, but it gave me a chance to talk to Miss Wilson.\u201d His eyes moved from Adam to Hoss. \u201cMiss Wilson was quite impressed to hear about your talent with animals, Hoss. She told me that she\u2019d never heard of a seven-year-old taking full responsibility for hand-feeding six orphaned kittens before.\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off, and neither boy made a move, barely daring to breathe. The silence stretched interminably. Finally Hoss cleared his throat. Swiftly, Adam kicked him.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes immediately returned to Adam. \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, did you, or did you not, tell Miss Wilson that Hoss did not have time to study his spelling last night because he had to hand-feed six kittens in addition to his other chores?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his chin. \u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYessir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask you just once more. Did you, or did you not, tell Miss Wilson that Hoss did not have time to study his spelling last night because he had to hand-feed six kittens in addition to his other chores?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam steeled himself, and looked his father directly in the eye. \u201cI did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Then it will no doubt come as a surprise that Miss Wilson told me that is exactly what you told her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir? No sir, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, it does not come as a surprise to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yet you deny saying it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d Adam said, attempting a dignity he didn\u2019t come close to feeling.<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told Miss Wilson that Hoss did not have time to study his spelling last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you explain to her that it was because the two of you snuck off to go fishing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what explanation did you give her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not recall an explanation coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not recall an explanation coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how did Miss Wilson find out about the kittens?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mentioned them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mentioned them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou admit you told her, yet you deny explaining away Hoss\u2019 poor spelling performance on the kittens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was by now so red in the face that, despite the situation, Adam was becoming somewhat alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you sufferin\u2019 from apoplexy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a son like you, I wouldn\u2019t be a bit surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam huffed and lapsed into a wounded silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me precisely what you told Miss Wilson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, \u2018Hoss didn\u2019t have a lot of time to study last night.\u2019 Then I said, \u2018Did you know that his cat, Belle, had six kittens and then up and croaked? Kittens couldn\u2019t even lap milk. Had to be fed with a spoon,\u2019\u201d Adam rattled off, as always his near-eidetic memory serving him well.<\/p>\n

Marie immediately turned her attention back to the baby, to hide her smile. She\u2019d known it would be something like this.<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his forehead. \u201cSo your story is that Miss Wilson just assumed that all your statements were connected, and she therefore thought you told her something that you did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have I told you that is called?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLying by omission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect. And what does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I didn\u2019t mention the real reason for Hoss\u2019 lack of study time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect again. So perhaps you would like to explain why you left out such a pertinent piece of information.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hesitated. It was one thing to avoid mentioning something to get his brother out of trouble. It was quite another to do so to save himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was deliberately trying to mislead her,\u201d he admitted honestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, congratulations. You will no doubt be delighted to discover that you were entirely successful. Which will doubtless make it that much more interesting when you explain the truth of the situation to her on Monday morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam blanched at the thought. \u201cNothing I said was a lie,\u201d he argued, despite knowing it was unwise to cross his father when he was in one of his moods.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cYou deliberately mislead her. That is a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Pa,\u201d Adam said conversationally, \u201cThe other day I was reading all about the Trojan War, and it seems that the Greeks made this giant wood horse and left it outside the city of Troy, then pretended to leave. But they hadn\u2019t, \u2018cause they were hiding inside the…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know all about the Trojan War, young man. I fail to see the significance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it wasn\u2019t the Greeks\u2019 fault that the Trojans jumped to conclusions. They never actually said the horse wasn\u2019t just a friendly peace offering. The Trojans just assumed that they…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just sayin\u2019…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Go outside and wait for me in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed and headed for the front door, taking care to stay out of the reach of his father\u2019s long arms. He\u2019d just opened the door when he heard his father speaking to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Eric…\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned sharply at his father\u2019s use of Hoss\u2019 real name, knowing it did not bode well, and saw his little brother quaking in fear. As always when his brother was in danger, Adam forgot everything but protecting him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t his fault,\u201d he cried out. \u201cI was the one who did all the talkin\u2019. You can\u2019t blame Hoss for…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! What did I just tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, Hoss didn\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t give him a tanning for somethin\u2019 he didn\u2019t do!\u201d Adam shouted. Then he froze in abject fear as his father turned slowly toward him, his eyes glittering dangerously. Adam gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not your place to tell me what I can and cannot do, Boy. Now go out to the barn and wait for me there,\u201d Ben said, clearly enunciating each syllable. \u201cAnd I do not wish to hear one more word out of your mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sent one last despairing look at his little brother and left the house heading to the barn to await the fate he knew was coming.<\/p>\n

When the door closed behind the boy, Ben closed his eyes and breathed heavily, counting to ten before turning back to Hoss. He saw the boy\u2019s pale face, tears dancing in his eyes, and reminded himself that Hoss was only seven years old, and was highly influenced by his adored, and badly-behaved, older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, what you did today was very wrong. Do you understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, too terrified to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that you didn\u2019t lie, Adam did, but aiding and abetting a lie is just as bad. Do you see that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had no idea what aiding and abetting was, but he was clearly supposed to agree, so he nodded vigorously.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded then walked toward him. Hoss flinched, but his father just passed him by and picked up a book off the mantle. He moved back to his son.<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at the book. Was Pa going to spank him with it? He wondered whether it would hurt as much his pa\u2019s belt. Well, it can\u2019t hurt worse, he told himself philosophically, and squeezed his eyes shut, bending over in preparation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he heard his father saying.<\/p>\n

He opened one eye warily, and saw his father holding the book out to him. He opened both eyes wide in surprise and straightened up. He looked at the McGuffy\u2019s Reader his father was proffering, but made no move to take it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you need to spend a bit more time reading. So you are going to read this book from cover to cover, and until you are done you will not leave the house except for school and chores. Have I made myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the book in horror. It wasn\u2019t as fat as those dumb ol\u2019 books Adam always had his nose it, but it had to be at least fifty pages. Maybe even a hundred! He\u2019d be ten or maybe twelve by the time he made it through all that. He\u2019d be OLD!<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa…!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts. You\u2019ll start tonight after supper, and when you\u2019re finished, you will come tell me, and I will give you a test to see how well you\u2019ve read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss thought longingly of Adam awaiting his punishment in the barn. \u201cPa, can\u2019t you just give me a hidin\u2019 instead?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben kept a stern look on his face despite his desire to laugh. \u201cI think this will be more of an object lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scowled. He didn\u2019t know what an object lesson was, but already knew he didn\u2019t like them. He took the book gingerly with two fingers, and unceremoniously dropped it on the coffee table, his face scrunched up as though the book emitted some foul odor.<\/p>\n

Ben bit his lip to keep from laughing. \u201cNow, it\u2019s time for chores. Supper will be ready soon. Go out and sweep the front porch, then wash up and set the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d Hoss walked to the front door, throwing a baleful look over his shoulder at the book he was now saddled with, and walked out, closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his forehead and began to walk to the door to find Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to Marie, and was startled to see an amused smile crossing her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you think this is funny!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, they\u2019re just children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re old enough to know better. Especially Adam. His behavior is inexcusable. He\u2019s getting worse about this as he gets older, not better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have to admit, he didn\u2019t actually tell a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarie, what he did was just the same as lying. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, lawyers do that sort of thing every day. Maybe he\u2019ll grow up to be a famous attorney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod forbid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not saying what he did was right. But you\u2019ve got to admit it shows a certain ingenuity. He\u2019s very bright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. The boys have only been in school for two months, and already Miss Wilson has begun talking about getting Adam ready for furthering his education. Going to college.\u201d Ben snorted. \u201cAs though any son of mine is going to waste four years of his life with his feet propped up, reading books. Adam does too much of that, already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you can\u2019t keep Adam here on the Ponderosa forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no? Watch me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Adam is extremely gifted. He\u2019s going to want to expand his horizons one day. Trying to keep him in line by whipping him is only going to make him more determined to leave, and sooner than he\u2019s ready, sooner than he possibly survive alone. You might try reasoning with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben scowled. \u201cI can\u2019t reason with him. He\u2019s smarter than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie hid a smile, knowing how much it cost her husband to admit that.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only is he smarter than me,\u201d Ben added darkly, \u201che\u2019s beginning to recognize that fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was one of the things that truly galled Ben about sending his son to school. He had had indications of Adam\u2019s extraordinary brightness over the years, but Adam had never had any understanding that he was any different than anyone else. Now that he was in school, and comparing himself with other children, it was beginning to dawn on him how much differently his mind worked. Ben had begun to notice a certain smugness overtaking his first born, and did not care for it one bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got to learn that this sort of behavior is unacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe only does it to protect Hoss. You know how Adam feels about him. And he\u2019s already showing the same sense of protectiveness towards the baby.\u201d Marie ran her hand over Little Joe\u2019s head, combing through the soft, brown curls. \u201cI, for one, think brotherly love like that is an asset.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cBrotherly love is one thing, but lying is quite another, and if I have to take off my belt to prove it to him, well, that\u2019s only because he\u2019s too stubborn to learn it on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder where he gets that?\u201d Marie teased.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled sheepishly. \u201cI like to think he gets it from his mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hmm. Well, just remember that in the twelve years of his life, he\u2019s survived more pain and tragedy than most people twice his age. He might still be young, but in some ways he\u2019s been an adult for a long time. It\u2019s only natural he\u2019ll resent being treated like a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben squirmed uncomfortably at the implication. He knew Adam had had a hard life. \u201cI know Adam hasn\u2019t exactly had the kind of upbringing most children get. But I\u2019m still his father. He\u2019s still my son, and I\u2019m responsible for teaching him right from wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie sighed, and stood up, carrying her sleeping infant over to the small crib near the fire that Adam had hand-carved for the baby. He\u2019d begun making it the day he found out he was going to have another sibling, and it had taken him months. The workmanship was beautiful, and Marie had been truly astonished and touched at the gift. She laid Little Joe down and watched her sleeping angel for a long moment, thinking about how her son would be growing into a man over the years. Of course, with two loving parents, and two adoring older brothers to watch over him and raise him right, Marie had no doubt that he would always remain just as sweet and innocent as he was at that moment. He was clearly a child that was never going to give anyone a moment\u2019s worry. She stroked his hair once more before heading toward the kitchen to help Hop Sing finish making supper.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t be too hard on him, Ben,\u201d she added as she left the room. \u201cHe\u2019s a sensitive boy. More sensitive than I think you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

********<\/p>\n

When Ben walked back into the house, Hoss stared up at him in fear, wondering where his older brother was. Usually after a tanning, Adam accompanied Pa back to the house, though he generally refused to look at the older man. This time Adam was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

Pa couldn\u2019t\u2019a kilt Adam, Hoss reassured himself. Then he thought of his own dire punishment and realized just how mad Pa really was. Maybe Adam really was lying dead in the barn.<\/p>\n

Hoss set the table slowly, keeping an anxious eye on the door, and was profoundly relieved when he finally heard the click of the latch, and saw Adam walking stiffly into the house. Adam was pale, and Hoss knew Pa had really walloped him. He wanted to run over to give his big brother a hug, but didn\u2019t dare do it with Pa and Ma sitting at their places ready for supper.<\/p>\n

Hoss gathered his courage, and spoke, instead. \u201cCome on to the table, Adam. We\u2019re havin\u2019 roast pork.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat. \u201cYour brother will not be joining us this evening, Hoss. Adam, go to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam headed for the stairs, but heard Hoss break into uncontrollable sobs. Getting a whipping was bad enough, but having to skip a meal\u2014Hoss couldn\u2019t imagine a more dreadful punishment. Even having to read a book was better than that!<\/p>\n

Adam turned back to his brother. He didn\u2019t care a bit about missing a meal. It saved him from having to spend the evening sitting on his sore bottom, avoiding his father\u2019s almost palpable glares. Besides, it would give him time to start that new book about steam engines he\u2019d finally managed to save up for. He reassured his brother with an almost imperceptible wink, then turned back to mount the stairs.<\/p>\n

But Adam was not as subtle as he thought himself to be. His father had intercepted the exchange between the brothers, and frowned, realizing that Adam was not quite as cowed as he\u2019d believed him to be. Which meant he hadn\u2019t received the extent of punishment Ben had believed he\u2019d handed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut before you go, Adam…\u201d he added in sudden inspiration.<\/p>\n

Adam turned to his father, a polite smile pasted on his face. \u201cYessir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c…You will go to the barn, retrieve a couple crates and gather up all your books from your room and bring them downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

This announcement shook Adam to the core, and he abandoned his resolve to be properly polite, yet distant, to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he yelped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard me,\u201d Ben replied evenly. \u201cEvery last book.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut…but…\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow, and Adam\u2019s mouth snapped shut. He turned and left the house, returning with two wooden crates. He climbed the stairs with all the melodrama of a convicted criminal heading to the guillotine, and returned a short time later staggering under the weight of his many books. Even Ben, who was well aware of Adam\u2019s near-devotion to reading, was surprised at the size of the library his son had managed to acquire.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake them to the storehouse,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips narrowed into a thin line, but he did as he was told. When he returned he stood facing his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all of them?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d There was the barest trace of defiance in the boy\u2019s tone, but Ben chose to ignore it.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Then you may go to your room,\u201d he dismissed the boy.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t stir. \u201cWhen do I get them back?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes remained on his supper. \u201cIf you\u2019re lucky, perhaps by Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows shot up, and his mouth dropped open in shock. \u201cBut that\u2019s almost two months away!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his fork down and looked deliberately at his recalcitrant son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am aware of that. I said you might get them back by Christmas. But given your present behavior, my guess is that you won\u2019t be getting your books back until your birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam balled his fists in fury. His birthday was in May! Thinking of a long, bleak winter without any books to read, and glowering darkly, he turned away, breathing heavily. He climbed the stairs, his feet landing heavier on the steps than absolutely necessary, but not quite loud enough for his father to accuse him of stomping. He entered his room, and slammed the door noisily behind him.<\/p>\n

*******<\/p>\n

When Adam came in from doing his chores the next morning, he found his father, stepmother and baby brother all sitting around the table awaiting his and Hoss\u2019 arrival to begin breakfast.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face lit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Marie,\u201d he said brightly, receiving a pleasant greeting in return. Then he walked over to the baby and swung him up out of his high chair and into his arms, giving him a big hug and a kiss. \u201cGood morning, Little Joe!\u201d he sang out. The baby\u2019s arms curled around his big brother\u2019s neck, and he laughed with delight at the attention.<\/p>\n

Adam put the baby back down and slid into his customary spot, sitting carefully and steeling himself not to flinch as his welted and bruised backside connected with the hard, wood chair. He ignored his father entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Adam,\u201d Ben said dryly.<\/p>\n

Adam kept his eyes riveted on is plate. \u201cSir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie tried to smooth over the situation. \u201cI trust you slept well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not. Thank you for asking,\u201d Adam replied with almost aristocratic dignity.<\/p>\n

Marie bit her lip to keep from smiling. \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother? We\u2019re waiting breakfast on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you get him up to help with morning chores?\u201d Ben asked sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Sir, I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought perhaps he stayed up too late reading. I\u2019ve done that myself on occasion.\u201d For the first time that morning Adam looked squarely his father. \u201cOf course,\u201d he added with his most beatific smile, \u201cthat was back when I used to have books.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben felt his head begin to pound. \u201cGo and get him now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose from the table and disappeared up the stairs. Ben and Marie exchanged a look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know one should never say \u2018I told you so\u2019 but I told you so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat boy is going to learn proper manners if I have to beat them into him day after day,\u201d Ben said grimly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, he\u2019s just resenting you right now, and blowing off a little steam. Taking his books away was a very harsh punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis punishment is his own fault. He has no right to feel resentful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie sighed. \u201cI know that, but…\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke off as Hop Sing suddenly ran in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartlight! Mr Cartlight!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben growled, in no mood for further problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartlight, quick. Men outside house with guns!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for Heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d Ben muttered under his breath, rising and heading to the door. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I ever have a peaceful life?\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as he reached the door it swung open, and two men, wearing gun belts and armed with rifles, burst in the door. Ben\u2019s hands immediately shot into the air, while he glanced at the nearby credenza where he kept his gun belt. It was out of reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove back, Mister,\u201d one of the men told him.<\/p>\n

Ben obligingly retreated while the men moved forward. As they came into her view, Marie gave a short scream, scooping her child up into her arms to protect him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry to frighten you, ma\u2019am,\u201d the same man told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-what do you want?\u201d she asked breathlessly. She held the baby so tightly to her that he suddenly began to wail at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

At the unexpected squalling the other man jumped abruptly and his rifle shot off accidentally. The spokesman looked at him in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl,\u201d he said, clearly annoyed. \u201cHaven\u2019t I talked to you about that trigger finger of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

Earl looked abashed. \u201cSorry, but I ask you, have you ever heard a noise like that in your life?\u201d he asked, pointing at Little Joe. He shook his head in revulsion.<\/p>\n

There was the sudden sound of running feet in the hall upstairs, and Adam and Hoss appeared around the corner. They started down the steps and stopped in alarm at the sight that met them.<\/p>\n

The leader looked at Ben and motioned to the children. \u201cWho\u2019re they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glowered, not pleased at answering questions to someone who was in his home uninvited, and holding his family at gunpoint. \u201cMy other two boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else in the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man sized the two boys up. \u201cYou two. Get down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam descended the stairs slowly, Hoss sticking closely behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho shot a gun in the house?\u201d Adam asked furiously.<\/p>\n

Earl scratched his head, embarrassed. \u201cGuess that would be me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glared at him. He had spent long, exhausting months with his father building this house, barely finishing it in time for Little Joe\u2019s birth, and he was extremely protective of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t anyone ever teach you not to shoot a gun in the house?\u201d he demanded. \u201cDo you know how much work it took to design and build this place? What\u2019s wrong with you? Maybe if you\u2019d done the work, you\u2019d be a little more careful!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what did you expect? That kid was yelling its head off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you thought you\u2019d quiet him down by shooting a gun?\u201d Adam almost yelled in disbelief. \u201cHow can anyone be that stupid? Haven\u2019t you ever been around a baby before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben shouted, terrified the men would shoot the outspoken child.<\/p>\n

Adam scowled. He knew what he\u2019d said was rude, and the tone of voice he\u2019d used was what Pa always referred to as \u201ctaking up his elders\u201d and therefore assumed his father was angry with him again. He looked at the floor, fighting a battle with himself. \u201cSorry, Mister,\u201d he finally muttered.<\/p>\n

The leader of the two had been watching the exchange in frank amazement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name, Kid?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head shot up. He hated being called a kid. \u201cAdam Cartwright. What\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man laughed. \u201cI\u2019m Chuck Rogers, and you\u2019ve already met Earl, there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at the armed men and cocked his head. \u201cWhat\u2019d you want with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem like a bright enough kid. Can\u2019t you figure out what we want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose most people are looking for money when they break into other people\u2019s homes,\u201d Adam reasoned. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know why you\u2019d think we had any.<\/p>\n

Chuck grinned at him. \u201cPretty big spread you got here. Pretty big house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood taller with pride. \u201cYep. Pa and me just built this house last year.\u201d He glanced over at this younger brother. \u201cAnd Hoss helped, too,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Marie called frantically to them then. \u201cAdam! Hoss! Come over here right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys obediently walked over to her. She attempted to push them behind her to protect them, and while seven-year-old Hoss complied, twelve-year-old Adam did not. He stood next to her with his arms crossed glowering at the invaders and Chuck suddenly laughed as he looked from the boy to his father, noting their identical expressions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure do take after your pa, Kid,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

This statement did nothing to improve Adam\u2019s mood. Generally he was proud when people told him he was like his father, but today the news was far from welcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not!\u201d Adam declared vehemently.<\/p>\n

Ben glared at his son. \u201cAdam, for once in your life, keep your mouth shut!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lower lip began to protrude in a hint of a pout, but he said no more.<\/p>\n

Chuck watched the exchange with increasing amusement.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to fond of your pa, are you, Kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss peeked out from behind his stepmother. \u201cPa gave Adam a hidin\u2019 yesterday,\u201d he volunteered cheerfully.<\/p>\n

Both men laughed this time, and Adam and Ben both whirled around and glared furiously at Hoss. Hoss ducked back behind Marie.<\/p>\n

Chuck\u2019s eyes twinkled at Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019d he tan you for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked directly at his father, definitely pouting now. \u201cImprovisational ingenuity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d Earl asked with great interest.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes dropped to the floor. \u201cPa calls it lyin\u2019,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

At this Chuck threw his head back and laughed heartily. \u201cI like you, Kid,\u201d he told Adam warmly. \u201cI really do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gazed up at the tall man. He approached Ben in height, but in coloring he resembled Hoss. Blond hair peeked out from under his hat, and the eyes that twinkled merrily were the color of a clear summer day. Adam felt himself warming to the man, despite the gun he held. He found he didn\u2019t even mind Chuck calling him \u201cKid.\u201d He walked over, approaching the men with only mild trepidation.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what you want with us, anyway?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Earl and me, we need us a change of horses, and I don\u2019t suppose some fast cash wouldn\u2019t hurt, neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? You runnin\u2019 from someone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Sheriff over in Carson City. Leastwise, as far as we know he\u2019s still chasin\u2019 us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What\u2019d you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck scratched his head, considering the boy. \u201cWell, Kid, I tell you. The folks in that town don\u2019t much cotton to strangers winning at games of chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cheated at poker,\u201d Adam translated shrewdly.<\/p>\n

Earl and Chuck both grinned at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one do got a brain on him, Chuck,\u201d Earl laughed.<\/p>\n

But Ben had had enough of his son interacting with armed gunmen. \u201cAdam,\u201d he barked harshly. \u201cStop talking to them, and get behind your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled. He\u2019d been enjoying the men\u2019s company, and, of course, Pa had to go and spoil it.<\/p>\n

Chuck cocked an eye at Ben, then looked back to Adam. \u201cHe always talk to you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to say yes, but realized that wasn\u2019t actually true. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted grudgingly. \u201cOnly when he\u2019s mad.\u201d Then he considered a moment. \u201c\u2018Course he\u2019s mad a lot,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben roared, his face reddening both from anger and embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Chuck responded shaking his head. \u201cYou got my sympathy, Kid. I had me a pa like that once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Adam asked, amazed. He couldn\u2019t imagine someone else having a pa like his. \u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe punished me once too often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I decided that I didn\u2019t need me a pa like that no more, and took off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face fell. \u201cI\u2019m only twelve,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThinking about leaving home, are you, Kid?\u201d Chuck asked conversationally. \u201cHey Earl. What\u2019d ya think? Think we could take the Kid here with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Earl grinned amiably and tousled the boy\u2019s dark hair. \u201cDon\u2019t see why not. Kid\u2019s got some smarts on him. Might be useful to have around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not taking my boy anywhere,\u201d Ben said furiously. \u201cAdam, I told you before. Get behind your mother. Now do what I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled and turned to obey, then thought again of his books stacked irreverently in the storehouse, and his temper got the best of him. He turned back to his father \u201cOr what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared at his son in total disbelief. Adam could be a handful on occasion, but outright mutiny had never been threatened before. He narrowed his eyes and spoke in cold, measured tones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr you-know-what, young man. Apparently one trip to the barn was not enough for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earl shook his head. \u201cChuck\u2019s right, Kid. Come on with us. Ain\u2019t no trips to the barn on the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought a moment. \u201cWould you let me read my books?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why not? Who\u2019s stopping you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled and indicated his father. \u201cHe is. He took \u2018em all away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earl scratched his head. \u201cNever saw much use in books, myself, but if that\u2019s what you want to do on your off-time, it really don\u2019t make me no never mind. What about you, Chuck? You\u2019re always readin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I like books. We can get you some. Now let\u2019s see about them horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. \u201cAin\u2019t that stealin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure it is, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStealin\u2019 ain\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho says so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he stole your books,\u201d Chuck pointed out.<\/p>\n

Adam scratched his head thoughtfully. \u201cWell, he didn\u2019t actually steal \u2018em. He just made me put \u2018em in the storehouse and won\u2019t give \u2018em back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he took \u2018em and is keeping \u2018em. Ain\u2019t that stealin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dug his toe into the rug nervously. He knew full well it wasn\u2019t the same thing at all, but the idea of getting his books back nearly obliterated every other thought in his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d Ben growled. \u201cYou are not going anywhere, and if you don\u2019t get away from those men this instant and stop talking nonsense, you will never get those books back, because I will personally burn every last one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at his father in disbelief. Burn books? His books? His beautiful, beloved books that gave so much without ever asking anything in return? He attempted to get his mind to grasp the alien concept.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t,\u201d he gasped, almost daring his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should know by now I\u2019ll do anything I think is necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d Marie was horrified. Couldn\u2019t he see that a threat like that was only going to make Adam more determined to leave? Ben\u2019s words were putting his son at greater risk of falling in with outlaws. Adam\u2019s life, so full of promise and potential, would be ruined.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Marie,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThe boy\u2019s got to learn he can\u2019t have things his own way all the time.<\/p>\n

Adam was suddenly furious. He glared directly at his father, seeing him through a red haze. \u201cHave things my own way? When do I ever have things my own way? I spent the first nine years of my life on the road, traveling all the time, no friends, no home, because you want to live in the middle of nowhere. Then when we finally stay in one place, put down some roots, and things are finally settled up enough that I can go to school like I\u2019ve always wanted, you take my books away and threaten to burn them! I never let my schoolwork get in the way of my chores. I do as much as a hired hand would do, and more. And what thanks do I get from you? You telling me I read too much, that it\u2019s a waste of time, and it\u2019s gonna affect my mind! Miss Wilson told me that I could go to college, but I know you\u2019d never let me, even if I earn the scholarships she told me about, and it doesn\u2019t cost you anything. You don\u2019t care about me at all! So I might as well leave. At least they won\u2019t stop me from reading!\u201d he shouted at his father.<\/p>\n

He turned back to the outlaws. \u201cIf I was a hired hand he\u2019d have to pay me. So I figure I\u2019ve earned the price of a couple horses, especially if we leave your old ones in trade. I\u2019ll go out to the barn and saddle some.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glared once more at his father, then marched determinedly past the men and out the door.<\/p>\n

Ben stared open-mouthed at the door as it slammed shut behind Adam. Then, coming to his senses, he started after the boy. Chuck immediately pointed the gun at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Mister. I really don’t like using force. I consider myself a gentleman. But we need them horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go after my son. You know as well as I do that he can\u2019t leave with you. And I don\u2019t appreciate your filling his head with nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck\u2019s eyes that had been so warm and inviting when they gazed on Adam were now as hard and cold as flint.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Old Man, you really do remind me of my pa. And I suddenly remember why I left home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Because your pa tried to teach you some manners and sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Chuck replied with cold dislike. \u201cBecause I could never please him, no matter what I did. I’d get perfect marks in school. Did he care? No, he just wanted to know if I\u2019d watered the crops and fed the stock. I told him I wanted to study, go to college, be a doctor. He told me he was my father and had the legal right to keep me on the farm working for him until I was twenty-one and old enough not to entertain ideas above my station. He ruined all my dreams because he only cared about his own. I hear tell he died a month ago in a threshing accident, but as far as I was concerned he died six years ago when I couldn\u2019t stand it any longer and left. I haven\u2019t grieved a day for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was suddenly shocked. Was this how Adam perceived their relationship? \u201cLook, you can have the horses and any money we\u2019ve got around. It isn\u2019t much, but you\u2019re welcome to it. Just leave my son behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds to me like the kid don\u2019t want to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just angry. Look, Son, when you have children of your own you\u2019ll understand. What your pa was doing…he was trying to build something for your future. Because he loved you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck snorted. \u201cIf he\u2019d loved me he\u2019d have seen I wanted to be my own man, I wanted to be something besides a farmer, but he was determined I was going to live his dream, not my own. So now I ain\u2019t livin\u2019 either one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Marie, remember how she\u2019d told him he couldn\u2019t keep Adam on the Ponderosa forever. Did she know his son better than he did?<\/p>\n

\u201cSir,\u201d Marie spoke up politely. \u201cSurely you don\u2019t want for someone else the life you have for yourself. You can see that Adam\u2019s life wouldn\u2019t be improved by leaving with you. It\u2019s only going to cause more problems.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, I\u2019m real sorry if I\u2019ve unearthed some family troubles. But it seems to me that the kid\u2019s father is the real cause of them. Looks to me like he\u2019s the one driving your son from you, not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing what he thinks is best for his child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what the kid says, it sounds like he\u2019s doing what\u2019s best for himself, if you don\u2019t mind my saying so, ma\u2019am. Sounds to me like the kid has high aspirations, but his pa don\u2019t see fit to help him realize them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe definitely won\u2019t realize those aspirations by taking up with outlaws.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ma\u2019am, the way I see it, the choice is really up to the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s twelve. He\u2019s not old enough to make decisions for himself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d Earl piped up. \u201cWe really ain\u2019t that bad. We\u2019re just a couple of card sharks. This is the first time we\u2019ve done any home invading, and it\u2019s only \u2018cause we\u2019re being hunted. That sheriff over there, Coffee\u2019s the name, he\u2019s one tough nut. Don\u2019t give up any too easy and we figure he just might be bullheaded enough to still be tailing us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted. He knew Roy Coffee, and had been trying to recruit him to give up his job in Carson City and become the sheriff of Virginia City ever since the town had been officially founded. He knew the type of lawman Roy was, and knew he was unlikely to give up a search once he had made up his mind to bring someone to justice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no doubt Roy is still hunting you,\u201d he told the men with genuine relish.<\/p>\n

Earl glanced at Ben in annoyance, then turned back to Marie. \u201cNormally we\u2019re real likeable fellows, ma\u2019am, I assure you. We really don\u2019t do nothin\u2019 bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCard sharking isn\u2019t legal. I love my son dearly. I want the best for him. I want him to live an upstanding life, not spend it running from the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men were silent a moment, considering her words, and Ben suddenly realized to his surprise that the two were, deep down, decent men who\u2019d made some extremely poor choices early in life.<\/p>\n

Finally Chuck addressed Marie. \u201cMa\u2019am, I think I speak from experience here. I don\u2019t think that kid\u2019s gonna stay here much longer feeling the way he does. If he leaves on his own, or with someone else who\u2019s gonna take advantage of his youth, there\u2019s a good chance he\u2019s gonna end up in a real bad place. If he leaves with us, I promise you this. We\u2019ll take care of him, best we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t take care of him like his family can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2019m, I don\u2019t expect we can. But I honestly do like the kid. Maybe he just needs to stretch his wings a little. Might make him ready to come back home. If it does, I promise you, we\u2019ll bring him home to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie had tears in her eyes. Adam was not her natural child, but she loved him as though he were.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t do this. We need him. Don\u2019t you ever think about how your leaving affected your mother? I\u2019m a mother, and I can tell you without a doubt, it broke her heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck flushed in embarrassment, but answered in an even voice. \u201cProbably did, ma\u2019am. She was a mighty fine lady. You remind me of her quite a bit, if you don\u2019t mind my saying it. But the fact is, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn\u2019t make my father love and respect me, and I just couldn\u2019t live there anymore. Much as the kid no doubt loves you, ma\u2019am, I gotta say, it looks like he\u2019s chafing under the collar from too much of his daddy ridin\u2019 his back day after day. I understand that feeling, ma\u2019am, I surely do, and I gotta say, even though I missed my ma something fierce every day after I left, missing her didn\u2019t hurt near as much as living with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie burst into sobs then, and both men looked at their feet, clearly uncomfortable. They were relieved when the door swung open and Adam came back into the house. He looked directly at the men, ignoring his father completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI curried your horses and put them in the stable. Then I saddled two others for you. Plus I got my horse. He\u2019s not that fast, but I\u2019m a good rider, and I promise I won\u2019t slow you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time he noticed Marie crying and his face, until then determined and resolute, darkened angrily. He turned back to the outlaws. \u201cWhat\u2019d you do to my ma?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Kid. We didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019, promise. We didn\u2019t touch her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why\u2019s she cryin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Marie sobbed, holding Joe in one arm, and stretching her other out to him. \u201cPlease don\u2019t leave us. We couldn\u2019t bear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss, who had understood only snatches of the conversation that had been whirling around him since Adam had left the house, suddenly heard what his stepmother had just said, and realized that Adam was going away with these strangers. He panicked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he began to wail. \u201cAdam, don\u2019t leave me! You told me yesterday you wouldn\u2019t leave me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, this family isn\u2019t a family without every one of us in it,\u201d Marie told him through choked weeping. \u201cIf you leave, then the family is broken apart. Don\u2019t you see that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt a lump in his throat, so deeply needing to be loved, but so afraid that he would be rejected. His mother had died when he was born, so he\u2019d never even known her. Hoss\u2019 mother had died less than two years after he\u2019d met her, and he\u2019d loved her more deeply than he had, until then, realized was possible. He\u2019d loved, and lost, and was almost incapable of putting himself in the position of being hurt again. But as much as he had resented Marie when she\u2019d first come to the Ponderosa, he loved her now. And Hoss had been his pride and joy since the first time Adam had laid eyes on him. Little Joe was still a baby, but always so happy, so fun, that Adam couldn\u2019t help but give his heart once again.<\/p>\n

As a result of his early losses, Adam tended to be reticent. He kept his feelings locked deeply inside for fear of being hurt. But once he opened up enough to give his heart to someone, he gave it fully and completely with absolutely no holding back. He loved Hoss, he loved Joe, he loved Marie, and, angry as he was right now, he loved his father. But until that moment he had never truly understood that, as deeply as he loved them, they loved him just as deeply back. Not just for the work he did, not just for the unique abilities he possessed that helped the ranch run smoothly, but just for him, and him alone. He was a sensitive, empathetic child and the fact that others were hurting couldn\u2019t help but move him. The fact that they were hurting because of him, devastated him. He ran over to his stepmother and cuddled up against her, putting one arm around her waist, the other clutching Hoss close.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Marie. I\u2019m sorry. Please don\u2019t cry!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d she sobbed, pulling his head down on her shoulder and stroking his hair. \u201cAdam, how could you think of leaving when we love you so much?\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced at the two men then, and suddenly pulled away from the boy, shoving the baby into his arms. She hurried to the safe, knelt, and unlocked it, pulling out the small wad of bills that lay inside. Then she walked over to the outlaws and held the money out to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it. It\u2019s yours. It\u2019s not much, but it\u2019s all we have. And the horses Adam saddled for you. They\u2019re yours, too. You need to leave now before the sheriff catches you. Adam will be staying here where he belongs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck looked at the proffered money and reached out, taking it tentatively from her hand. Then he looked at Adam. He saw the boy holding an infant, whose chubby arms clutched Adam\u2019s neck tightly. He was flanked by his younger brother, who held onto Adam as though afraid to let him go, for fear he\u2019d disappear. Chuck felt a sudden pang, and wondered whether his home life would have been different had he had siblings.<\/p>\n

\u201cKid,\u201d he said finally. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt the heat of his brothers\u2019 bodies next to him. He looked at his beautiful stepmother who loved him, though he hadn\u2019t been born to her. Then, after a moment\u2019s hesitation, he looked at his father.<\/p>\n

Ben stood frozen, staring anxiously at his son. Please, Adam, he thought. Even if I haven\u2019t made it enough of a priority to tell you, please understand how much I love you.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at his father\u2019s face for a long moment. He thought of the long, seemingly endless trip across the country to come here. For five long years it had just been the two of them, alone. The Cartwrights against the world, Pa would tell him as they snuggled up in the wagon to sleep at night. He remembered how Pa would work long hours to pay for medicine for him when he was sick, and how he always made sure Adam had something to eat, even if he, himself, went hungry. He remembered how the plan had always been to go to California, but Adam had seen Lake Tahoe and the towering pines that surrounded it, and had immediately fallen in love with the spot. He remembered telling his father that his heart and soul felt at home here, and how Pa had reacted when he\u2019d said that. \u201cWell son, if you feel at home here, I guess this is where we need to stay.\u201d And they had. They\u2019d started building their first cabin that very day.<\/p>\n

Pa does love me, he realized. He\u2019s shown me every day of my life. How could I possibly doubt that? How could I possibly leave him?<\/p>\n

He looked back at Chuck. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here,\u201d he said finally. \u201cCartwrights against the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled shyly at his father, then, who rushed to him, gathering him into his strong arms. Ben looked over Adam\u2019s head at the two men. \u201cLike my wife said, the money and horses are yours. It\u2019s the least I owe you after what you\u2019ve taught me today. But you\u2019d better go now. If I know Roy, he\u2019s still after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck and Earl looked at one another and headed to the door. Suddenly Chuck turned back and looked at Marie, who had regrouped with the rest of the family.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, I think I just might head on home and visit my ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled through tears of joy. \u201cI guarantee you, it\u2019s the best gift you can give her.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then the two were gone.<\/p>\n

The family stood holding one another for some long moments, reveling in the closeness. Then Ben disengaged himself and left the house. He came back lugging the crates of Adam\u2019s books.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes opened wide at the sight, and looked at his father hopefully.<\/p>\n

Ben laid the crates at his son\u2019s feet. \u201cI guess if you\u2019re going to college one day, you\u2019ll need to learn as much as possible to get you ready,\u201d he said gruffly.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes lit up and he hugged his father tightly. \u201cThank you, Pa,\u201d he whispered in his father\u2019s ear. Then he pulled away and looked at the floor, his cheeks flushed pink.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa? I\u2019ll tell Miss Wilson the truth on Monday, no matter how mad she gets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grinned at his son, proud of the young man he was growing into. \u201cI know you will, Son. I know you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly a loud shouting in Cantonese startled them all. They turned and saw Hop Sing gesturing dramatically towards the breakfast table.<\/p>\n

\u201cBleakfast ruined. Bad Cartlights. Bad waste! Hop Sing go back to China where people sensible and eat in morning.\u201d He continued raving in Cantonese until Adam approached him, a broad grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t leave, Hop Sing. Didn\u2019t you hear Ma? She said our family isn\u2019t a family without every one of us in it. If you leave, the family will be broken up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked at Adam for a moment, then his wide, infectious smile lit up his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMissy Cartlight smart lady. Hop Sing stay. Family sit down. Hop Sing make special family meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights all grinned at one another and sat down around the family table, their bonds of love stronger now than they\u2019d ever been.<\/p>\n

This is my home, Adam thought to himself. Wherever I go, wherever life takes me, the Ponderosa will always be my home.<\/p>\n

THE END
\nNovember 2004<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0Two outlaws invade the Ponderosa while Ben and twelve-year-old Adam are in the midst of a disagreement. Will Adam decide to leave the Ponderosa for a life on the road?
\nRating:\u00a0 G
\nWords:\u00a0 10,900<\/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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1005,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"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","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47300","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=47300"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47300\/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=47300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}