{"id":48193,"date":"2023-12-15T20:10:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T01:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48193"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:37:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:37:35","slug":"mixed-up-jumbled-up-work-on-the-ponderosa-by-michele-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48193","title":{"rendered":"Mixed Up, Jumbled Up Work on the Ponderosa (by Michele B)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: What would happen if every Cartwright had to do a job they hated? Or at least disliked? This is a story of jumbling up the work and distributing it in a whole new way. Let\u2019s see if the Cartwright sons can really pitch in and fill in for another brother. Part of the Bonanza Trailriders Legacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: G, Word Count: 17,310<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mixed-Up, Jumbled up Work on the Ponderosa<\/strong><\/p>\n

By<\/span><\/p>\n

Michele Bennett<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as breakfast was over, Ben announced that he had a job for \u201cone lucky son.\u201d As they stood and made their way into the living room, they waited, dreading the unknown task. Ben took his time measuring up the matches, insuring nothing gave away which stick had been shortened to indicate the \u2018winner\u2019. Shifting their weight and looking among themselves, each tried to gain some advantage over the others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Ben turned to face his sons. Holding the matches, they all appeared the exact same height at the tops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Presenting his hand to Adam, his eyebrows rose when Adam reached out to pick one, but stopped. \u201cI think the youngest should go first.\u201d His eyes drifted to his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indignantly, Joe answered, \u201cWhy should I go first? You\u2019re the oldest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and reached for the matches. \u201cFine. I\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching forward and grabbing Adam\u2019s arm, Joe suddenly declared, \u201cWait! No, you want to go first, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s why you said I should go first. Cause you figured I\u2019d be suspicious, and then I\u2019d let you go anyway. No, I\u2019LL go\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed his hand away. \u201cI thought you said you didn\u2019t want to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe retorted, \u201cWell, I changed my mind. I think you were right. The youngest SHOULD go first!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben waited, watching with amusement. Finally, Hoss spoke up. \u201cDag-gum, you two! Jest somebody go, would ya? Here, I\u2019ll go.\u201d And before either of them could speak, he made his selection.<\/span><\/p>\n

With identical looks of incredulity, they looked at Hoss before turning to look at each other. Moments passed before their attention returned to the remaining two matches. They glanced at their father. He never said a word. He just stood there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Adam offered again, \u201cGo ahead, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joseph took a deep breath, looked from Ben to Adam, then gave Hoss a glare to kill with. Looking at the matches, he tried to guess or hoped to figure out which match he should pull to avoid whatever unknown horror his father had dreamed up for one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam impatiently announced, \u201cJoe, just pull one, would you, please?\u201d Ben just stood ramrod still, arms outstretched holding the remaining two matches, a faint smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached up and pulled one match. He quickly turned around to prevent his brothers from seeing. He turned back to face his family, keeping the match hidden behind his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam took the final match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said only one word, \u201cReveal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They each held up their matches, hands close together, to compare. To their horror, all three matchsticks were the same length!<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost in unison they exclaimed, \u201cWhaaa?\u201d before looking at their father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Adam was the first to speak, \u201cPa? Would you care to explain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he looked from one to the other. \u201cWell, I DO have a special task. But it\u2019s for each of you, actually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath before speaking again, he began, \u201cHoss, I want you to go up to the timber line\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam interrupted, \u201cBut Pa, I\u2019ve got men waiting for me up there!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son. Just tell Hoss what he needs to know, and he\u2019ll handle it when he gets up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018tell him what he needs to know?\u2019 There\u2019s a lot he needs to know, and I don\u2019t have time to teach him all of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell him the most important things he needs to know to get up to speed. He\u2019ll figure out the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam opened his mouth, Hoss spoke up. \u201cBut, Pa! Adam\u2019s right! I don\u2019t know what needs ta be done up there\u2026he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben held up his hand. \u201cNo, Hoss, I think you\u2019ll be fine. And I do want you up there, not Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Crossing his arms, Adam asked, \u201cSo there IS a special job I am needed for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing his eldest, \u201cYes there is, son. I want you to work on that contract for saddle horses to the Army post in New Mexico.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut PA! That was my contract!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben slowly turned to face him, \u201cYes, it was. And now Adam is going to help fill it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but, Pa. I mean, I just meant, I mean, I\u2026I put that contract together. I told the Major at the post that I\u2019d have forty-five horses for him by summer. I just figured I\u2019d be the one to keep my word and get them to him.\u201d Ben knew his youngest son\u2019s temper was rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

He calmly stated, \u201cI appreciate that you feel your word is important, but I believe the Ponderosa will be able to deliver those horses, no matter who works them, am I right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly Joe nodded. He didn\u2019t like it, but he really couldn\u2019t think of any counter-argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, commiserating in their misery for what was coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben then then addressed Joe. \u201cJoe, I want you to get to the branding corral to help out with the calves there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Peevishly he said, \u201cBranding?!? Aw, Pa! Anyone can do that job! Why do I have to go out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYES!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Offended, Hoss responded, \u2018Oh, so that\u2019s what you think about the job I do around here, little brother? Anyone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In an effort to keep this peaceful, Ben interjected, \u201cHoss, just settle down for a moment. I think it\u2019s a good idea for your little brother to go and see for himself just what the jobs entails.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWall, it ain\u2019t jest a ANYONE kind o\u2019job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, tell HIM!\u201d Hoss practically shouted while jabbing an accusatory finger in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you settle down, son. I\u2019ll handle this.\u201d Turning once more to address Joe again, Ben continued, \u201cIf \u2018anyone\u2019 can do the job, I guess you\u2019re \u2018anyone!\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa! Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped back. He said no more. Hoss glared at Joe, his lips pursed tightly, teeth clenched. Adam\u2019s face was becoming taut, and reddening all the way up his neck and to his forehead, his arms tightly crossed across his chest. Joe tightened his fists, nostrils flaring, and looked as though he could have pounded both brothers with his hands tied behind him!<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding up his hands as though to pacify, Ben tried again to explain. \u201cBoys, listen. I think we\u2019ve all gotten comfortable in the jobs we\u2019ve picked for ourselves\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Each son was thinking, \u2018I enjoy the job I do, so why\u2019s that so wrong?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam articulated his opinion. \u201cWhy is that a bad thing? I think Hoss is great with the cattle operation. And Joe\u2019s the real wrangler at breaking the army horses. I built that timber operation from the ground up. I enjoy it and I have a very good relationship with the men up there\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted, \u201cWhaddya think I\u2019m gonna do, Adam? Run \u2018em all off?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t mean that. I just mean, well why upset the apple cart? Everything\u2019s working well, why change it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, understanding, \u201cYeah, Pa? Why upset the apple cart?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben patiently began to explain again, \u201cBoys, I just think we\u2019ve all gotten complacent, gotten used to doing the jobs we do. I think it\u2019s good to stretch yourself once in awhile. I think it will be a good thing to take some time and swap out your comfortable jobs for one your brother does. It\u2019ll help you appreciate him more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe mumbled, \u201cI appreciate them a lot. I do! But I really wanna do what I\u2019m good at.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re good at what you do. But how do you know you\u2019re best at that? Maybe you\u2019ll find something you can do just as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done cattle, I know they smell and they\u2019re dirty and noisy.\u201d Petulantly Joe continued, even though he didn\u2019t like the way he sounded right now, \u201cI like horses. Why can\u2019t I just stick to that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss spoke next. \u201cYeah, Pa. An\u2019 I like cows. Why do I gotta go up there and mess with his timber straw bosses?<\/span><\/p>\n

They ain\u2019t real friendly, I heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam defended his crews. \u201cThey\u2019re friendly enough. You\u2019ve just got to let them do what they know to do. They just need you to approve the trees marked and they\u2019ll handle it from there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben clasped Adam\u2019s shoulders. \u201cAh! You see? Now you\u2019re giving Hoss the kind of information I knew he\u2019d find helpful!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father and quirked an eyebrow. \u201cThat\u2019s not very funny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben matched Adam\u2019s sardonic mood, \u201cI\u2019m not laughing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to stay calm, Joe interjected, \u201cWhy are you really doing this, Pa? Are you punishing us for something? We haven\u2019t fought with each other or anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, boys. I mean it. I want you to each take a turn at the different jobs your brothers do. This is a big ranch. A lot of diverse operations going on all the time. I think it\u2019s time you each had as much information about all the other operations as possible. It will be good to know that at any time, any of you could jump into another brother\u2019s position at the drop of a hat. Go out and give it your all for two weeks. That\u2019s all. Just two weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was pleased when each nodded in turn, although they weren\u2019t feeling particularly acquiescent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoping not to be identified, one muttered, \u201cTwo miserable weeks.\u201d They didn\u2019t look at him, their father, or each other. None looked particularly happy as they chose to stare at the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

He clapped his hands. \u201cGood! Now let\u2019s get to work, shall we? I need to check on the progress of the new mines we opened, and then I\u2019ll be around to see you. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He slapped Adam on the back again, smiled at Hoss, and gave Joe\u2019s shoulder a squeeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then he turned and headed out to the barn to saddle his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers, left standing in the middle of the expansive room, finally looked one to the other. The glances that passed between them would have told anyone watching they were less than enthusiastic about this arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spoke next, \u201cAdam, listen, we\u2019ve only got about two months to get a couple dozen more horses ready, so no time to waste\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood to know, Joe. I\u2019ll look over the contract before I leave. That way I\u2019ll know exactly what I need to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat\u2019ll give you a good heads up.\u201d Then he turned to Hoss. \u201cHey, Hoss, any idea how many cattle we need to brand before round-up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss brightened up at the prospect of bringing his younger brother up to speed on his favored job. \u201cYeah! At the last round-up, we brought 250 cattle to market. I reckon we\u2019ve got that, and maybe half again that many. You\u2019re gonna need ta step on it ta git that many branded in time. I\u2019ve got men scoutin\u2019 for strays over in Green Meadow, so check with that crew for how many they got.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hoss. I\u2019ll do it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, each brother was feeling somewhat better about the daunting task before him. After all, it was just for two weeks. What could possibly go wrong in only two weeks?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam rode out to the corral they used to break the wild horses. It had been fortified to hold the weight of a man \u2013 or horse \u2013 being thrown against it during the battle of wills between man and beast. The fortification idea had been Joe\u2019s, but Adam oversaw the actual construction, since he had experience in making structures that looked good as well as being functional.<\/span><\/p>\n

The crew had herded up about five horses. Adam wondered if that\u2019s all they intended to work this day. Seemed like at this pace, they wouldn\u2019t have enough time to get all the horses needed for the contract. He determined to check on that.<\/span><\/p>\n

He dismounted as slowly and casually as if he had all the time in the world. Some of the men who recognized him nudged each other and nodded in his direction. He noticed, but pretended he didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning!\u201d he said, cheerfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Adam. Uh, Joe ain\u2019t here yet.\u201d The foreman ventured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, I know. I\u2019m here in his place this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething happen to him? Is he all right? I didn\u2019t think he went to town or nuthin\u2019 last night\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no. Nothing\u2019s wrong. He and I just\u2026well, I\u2019m here in his stead. He\u2019s working with \u2013 uh \u2013 on another job this morning. I\u2019ll be working with you fellows this week. To break these mounts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They all just stood looking at each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the original wrangler who had bid him good morning spoke up. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked past him at the horse they were attempting to saddle. \u201cUh, looks like a feisty one there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The wrangler turned and looked in the direction Adam was, then spoke again. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe? We need to get busy here. I hear we got a contract to fill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, that\u2019s why I\u2019m here! I\u2019m going to help fill it.\u201d He looked from man to man. They all stood looking at him. \u201cI\u2019ve done this before, you know. Heck, I\u2019m the one who taught Joe! That looks like one hell of a horse there! Can I have a shot at him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The wrangler looked back at the horse, then from one man to the next. They all just stood looking at him, waiting for him to decide. Again, he spoke up, \u201cWhy you here \u2018stead o\u2019Joe agin?\u201d His eyes squinted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed, hoping his own discomfort wasn\u2019t showing. \u201cIt\u2019ll just be for a few days. I\u2019m out of practice in breaking horses, so I figured I\u2019d get back to it for a while. That\u2019s all!\u201d He was trying to sound much more jovial about this switch than he was feeling. He hoped they couldn\u2019t see through his act.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe mad at us fer somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no! It\u2019s nothing like that! We just decided to change things up a bit, and get a chance to try something different, kind of like a change of pace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like some folks got more time and money on they hands than brains\u2026\u201d muttered the foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam ignored the comment, continuing to look over the herd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWall, then, get on over, I reckon.\u201d The wrangler turned to walk to the corral. The others, who had made a circle around the two men, moved out of the way, and Adam followed. It felt like he was being led to a \u201cschooling\u201d by a stern teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they reached the corral, he looked over the rails at the stallion they were attempting to saddle. He watched them try to throw a blanket, then jump out of the way as the stallion bolted, bucked and threw his head back in protest against the ropes they held tight. Then they\u2019d pick the blanket up, dust it off from the dirty ground, and try to throw it again. This went on for quite a few tries. Finally, a blanket was over his back, and he seemed to be accepting it. A saddle was going to take many more tries, so the men stood and waited while less than a handful of men worked to settle the horse enough to accomplish that task. Adam made a mental note that it took a very long time to just \u201cdress\u201d the horse. The actual breaking wasn\u2019t anywhere near ready to begin yet, and Adam began to wonder if it was possible to fulfil the contract at this pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

While these men worked to prepare the stallion, Adam noticed there was a smaller corral behind this one. In it, there were about 4 or 5 mares. He ambled over and watched the mares circle around in the corral. They seemed agitated as well. In fact, every time the stallion in the front corral began to buck and whinny at the weights being placed upon him, it would set off the mares to become agitated as well. One or two were a little more timid than the others, and didn\u2019t run around as much, but it was obvious they were all very wild, and remained nervous while the wranglers worked with the stallion. Adam gauged the mares, and considered that there were two who might be easier to tame. Then he mused to himself that maybe they should start with the easier of the animals and work their way up to the stallion now in the corral with several men closing in on him. That seemed to be a more efficient use of their time and energies. He resolved to ask the head wrangler about that later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, after about half an hour, the stallion was calm enough to allow a saddle to be cinched around him. Once the cinch was pulled tight enough to hold a man in place, however, he came up bucking and protesting once again. Five tired, sweaty cowboys worked to hold his ropes while the stallion fought the tightened saddle on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Adam could stand it no longer. He shouted out to the men, \u201cWhy not leave him for a while? Let him calm down. Maybe he\u2019ll be more accepting once he realizes that saddle isn\u2019t coming off?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All the men stopped working and looked at him. Then they turned to look at the head wrangler, Jake, his name turned out to be, who took a few steps toward Adam and spoke slowly and quietly, almost as if explaining it to a child. \u201cBecause, Mr. Adam, if we let him be now, he\u2019ll get up another head o\u2019steam and come at us twice\u2019d as hard the next time we git near \u2018im. We gotta keep going while we\u2019re wearing \u2018im down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just nodded. He didn\u2019t like being corrected in front of hired men, but he concluded he had asked for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the stallion was standing still, the men all turned to look at Adam. They exchanged looks, glanced at the head wrangler, then seemed to become \u201cbusy\u201d with their boots, their gloves, whatever they could to avoid making eye contact with Jake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Jake concluded he was going to have to call Adam over to mount the stallion, as Adam obviously did not realize this calm was a moment to take advantage of.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam? He\u2019s ready. Was you still wantin\u2019 to give it a try, or should one of the other fellers mount up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned his attention away from the mares. \u201cWhat? Oh!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He strode over to the corral fence, tied on a pair of chaps, and slowly climbed over the top rail. He never took his eyes off the stallion. He was trying to gauge the animal\u2019s mood. Of course, he knew the animal was unhappy, and going to become even more unhappy when a man tried to mount and ride him. Adam was trying to gauge how much of a fight he was in for.<\/span><\/p>\n

His mouth was dry, his heart was beating, as if to pound right out of his chest. He was working very hard to maintain an outward air of calm. As he gradually walked, he talked slowly and lowly to the stallion, keeping his voice calm and steady.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, there. Just relax, old son.\u201d Adam was rubbing the side of his head, his bridle, \u201cThis isn\u2019t so bad. Adam\u2019s not going to hurt you. I\u2019m just going to try to ride\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost as if the stallion could understand what was being said, he suddenly began bucking furiously. Adam jumped back just in time to miss being thumped on the side of his head by a front hoof. Several cowboys jumped off the fence and grabbed ropes to get the stallion back under control. After several minutes of bucking and kicking, the stallion seemed to tire again, and stopped moving. Adam moved in closer. All the men held their ropes, only letting go of them one at a time, hoping the stallion wouldn\u2019t fight much anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Adam was next to the stallion again. He stroked his head again, talked lowly into his ear, and as he did, lifted one foot into a stirrup. As soon as he did, the stallion bucked up again, and Adam went flying back and landed hard, flat on his back. He jumped up quickly, dusted himself off, and practically ran back over to where the others had the horse steady again.<\/span><\/p>\n

This time, in a very short time he was able to mount the horse\u2019s back. Immediately the stallion began bucking again, snorting, jumping, twisting\u2026anything to get this foreign element off his back! Adam made it about twelve seconds before he went flying over the horse\u2019s backside, and landed, once again, flat on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gingerly got up and mounted once again. After about a thirty-second ride, he found himself flat on his back one more time. He limped over to the rail, climbed up, one leg thrown over the top rail, and contemplated the options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jake came over to look him over. He wanted to say, \u201cAre you hurt,\u201d but what he said instead was: \u201cCan I give him a try for a while, boss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gratefully nodded, trying to nurse a sore back and major pain throbbing down one leg, without appearing to be in much pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jake nodded to the others, and they held the stallion again while Jake then mounted and took him for a ride around the corral. Jake was thrown once, got back up and onto his back, and rode him until the stallion stopped bucking. Jake pushed him, feeling that he was only winded and not truly \u201cbroken,\u201d and he was right. About 20 seconds after he stopped bucking, the stallion began again. But Jake was expecting it, and he held on and waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, after fighting hard for another two or three minutes, the stallion gave up. He stopped fighting, and began responding to the bridle. Jake was able to ride him around the corral, turning him left, right, and back on command. It was as if the stallion always knew what he was supposed to do, and simply had taken leave of his senses momentarily.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Jake walked back over to the rail, Adam jumped down \u2013 sorry for doing it afterward \u2013 and shook Jake\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNice ride,\u201d was all he could think to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graciously, Jake replied, \u201cYou primed him for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Back in the corral, another cowboy had now jumped up and onto the stallion and was continuing his schooling on how to behave under the saddle. It was obvious the hardest work was over. Now all that remained was to \u201cexplain\u201d to the stallion what was expected with each pull on his bridle, what a rider\u2019s shift in the saddle meant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before the morning was over, the wranglers had brought another horse into the main corral, a mare this time, and proceeded to repeat the process Adam had witnessed earlier. He tried his hand again, this time staying astride a lot longer, but ultimately being thrown again. And again. He was determined to prove himself, but it was becoming obvious, not only to himself, but to the men as well, that was his motivation. So he resigned himself to the embarrassing conclusion that he was going to have to admit to just being a small part of the cog of this giant wheel, and not a very effective one at that!<\/span><\/p>\n

During the lunch break, Adam rode back to the ranch house. He desperately hoped Joe wasn\u2019t there. He could barely walk and surely did not want to take a ribbing from his littlest brother about how \u201cold\u201d he was getting! Today, he was feeling every one of his years. As luck would have it, no one was there, so lunch time was a quiet affair. After eating and enjoying the quiet time alone, he set back out for the corral, and hoped the afternoon would go better than the morning had gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss rode with great trepidation toward the timber camp. He wanted to just turn around and ride back down the mountain, straight to his beloved cows! But before he could, he was spotted by a couple of the lumberjacks. They recognized him, as they\u2019d all been to the ranch house on pay day when Hoss had been the one passing out wages.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men Hoss recognized waved, \u201cHey! Hoss!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss approached, he waved back. When he got to the shack that acted as a command center, he was tying his horse when another man asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam? We been waiting to get to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned to look at the man who\u2019d asked the question. \u201cDon\u2019t you know what your job is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man looked him up and down. He did know who he was, but did not appreciate the question. \u201cYeah, I do, but we always check with him before taking out, \u2018case somethin\u2019s changed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned to look him straight on. \u201cNope. Nuthin\u2019s changed today, so might as well get goin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man asked again, \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t here today. I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to \u2018im.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBout what,\u2019xactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men stood staring each other down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Shorty walked up. He broke the ice: \u201cHey, Hoss. How ya been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss broke his glare with the other man and shook the small man\u2019s hand. \u201cHey, Shorty! Good ta see ya! Ya got things under control, I see.\u201d Hoss looked around, as though he had looked over the camp and had come to this conclusion. Truth be told, Hoss hadn\u2019t seen anything except the glare of the man he had just turned away from.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty turned to the other man, \u201cMicah, get to the team we talked about yesterday. We\u2019re wasting time here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, boss,\u201d the man said, but as he went he gave Hoss a long glare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned back toward Shorty. \u201cAny problems here, Shorty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw. They just like givin\u2019 \u2018flat-landers\u2019 a hard time. What brought ya up here, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now Hoss had to answer. Shorty certainly deserved to know what was going on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Shorty, Pa got this wild idear that me \u2018n\u2019ole Adam and Joe needed ta switch jobs. I caught this one. I\u2019ll be here for a coupl\u2019a weeks. Think we can get through this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make it, Hoss! Don\u2019t worry. Just don\u2019t let \u2018em git under yer skin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Shorty. Anything else? What we got going on up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s moving pretty smooth. Don\u2019t worry about a thing, Hoss. We ain\u2019t had no problems at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss smiled. Shorty then showed him around, and explained what each job was, and what it meant to the entire operation. He talked about how many more board feet were needed, and how they were going to meet those goals. Hoss listened intently, trying to learn so he could sound informed if any of the workers asked him about anything. Once he and Shorty were out of earshot of anyone else, Hoss asked him, \u201cShorty, what exactly should I be doing up here? I mean, I know Adam don\u2019t jest walk around. So, let me know what his job is, and I\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty rubbed his neck. \u201cWell, truthfully, I don\u2019t rightly know. He mostly stays inside that there shack. I guess he does a lot of paperwork\u2026then he goes out and marks trees for the crews to move to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Great! Paperwork\u2019s not what I wanna do fer two weeks,\u2019 Hoss thought to himself. To Shorty, he said, \u201cYou reckon them papers are in there now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason why they wouldn\u2019t be!\u201d They walked over to the shack together, and Shorty got called away just as Hoss put his hand on the door handle, so he let himself in. Exactly as he expected, the shack was neat and orderly \u2013 with everything in place. \u2018Just like Adam!\u2019 he thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss spent much of the morning looking through the paperwork stacked up neatly on the make-shift table. He tried to understand the drawings, numbers and charts he found. He knew Adam had meticulously drawn all these things up, and they were probably important, but he had no idea how to decipher them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside the shack, he could hear loud voices. That broke him out of his deep examination of Adam\u2019s sketches. He jumped up and ran out the door of the shack. He saw several men standing face to face, squaring off against each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

He demanded, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man who had challenged him earlier in the day addressed him now, \u201cWhat\u2019s it to you? You\u2019re just here to give Adam a few days off. You ain\u2019t even got no interest in what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Across the way, another man screamed back, \u201cThat ain\u2019t true! That there\u2019s Adam\u2019s brother, and he\u2019s got just as much right to be here as Adam, and I\u2019ll do what he says.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Others started yelling. Some saying he was right; others siding with the man who made the original charge against Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stepped between both groups. He stretched his arms out to his sides, shoulder-high, as if to keep the sides apart. Then he yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it just one cotton-pickin\u2019 minute! HOLD IT! STOP YER YELLING!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the din slowed to a low hum. Hoss spoke again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n somebody\u2019s got a problem, bring it here. I\u2019m here, and I\u2019m stayin\u2019. If there\u2019s a problem, we\u2019ll talk it out, cause we ain\u2019t got time to fight like this. We got a contract to fill, and I aim to see it filled. Now, if\u2019n you wanna talk ta me in private with yer problems, let\u2019s take it in the shack. Otherwise, I expect ta see all you men git back to work. Now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood and looked around. Some men had started walking away. Others stood looking at their particular \u201cleader,\u201d trying to determine what they should do next.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss spoke up again, \u201cWell? What\u2019s it gonna be, boys? We ain\u2019t got all day to stand here starin\u2019 at each other. We got work ta do, and I need ta see men workin\u2019.\u201d He looked around and made eye contact with each man still standing there in the circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of those left standing there, no one moved. Then Hoss spoke again. \u201cAnybody not ready to git back to work now better jest pick up his belonging\u2019s and I\u2019ll git his pay ready. You kin ride out right now. Either git back to work, or git off the job site. Which is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked around again. Slowly, most of the men were shaking their heads and starting to move away from the circle. Hoss guessed they were headed back to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was only left with three men standing there facing him. He faced them, with his hands hitched in his belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you three want ta do? I ain\u2019t got all day to stand here nursemaidin\u2019 you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ringleader just shook his head and turned. The other two followed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss walked back into the shack and plopped himself heavily into the chair. He let out a long, deep breath and closed his eyes. Once he had taken another deep breath, he moved back toward the papers, and started reading again. He concluded it was going to be a long two weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Joe Cartwright slowly, deliberately, but jovially rode toward the campfire that was being used to brand the young calves. The smell of burning cowhide stung inside his nostrils. He tried to ignore it and keep a smile on his face. He was determined to show his father that he could do what was asked of him, even if he hated the chore. If his brothers could bear to trade jobs, then he could as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

He jumped down and walked toward the three sweaty, dirty cowboys holding a calf down, while another man held a branding iron on a young calf\u2019s hide. They men holding the calf looked over at him. He knew enough to wait to speak to them until the calf was safely branded and away from the fire. Any number of calamities might befall all of them if the calf was spooked at this juncture. This was a delicate operation, even though it looked extremely brutal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, they turned the hapless calf loose and stood to face him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 fellas!\u201d He said, a bit louder than he intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Joe,\u201d the head wrangler answered. He looked over Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhere\u2019s yer brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss? Uh, he\u2019s running an errand for Pa. I came to look over the operation in his place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Is sumthin\u2019 wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Naw! Nothin\u2019 like that! I just decided to come on out and help out, that\u2019s all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou came to help? When\u2019ll Hoss be back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cUm well, not for a few days, so I\u2019ll be helping out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The wranglers all looked at each other. The head wrangler was a man about 40 years old, with mangled hands, graying hair and bent over as though he\u2019d spent his entire adult life bent over a campfire, spoke again. \u201cYeah, sure!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took affront at that statement. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter? You think I can\u2019t do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The wrangler, known only as Denver spoke again. \u201cI don\u2019t really know. Ain\u2019t never seen ya do it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was getting angry, but he was determined to keep his temper in check. \u201cYeah, that\u2019s funny, Denver. But I mean it, I\u2019m here to help.\u201d He turned to look around. \u201cWhere\u2019s the next calf?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three wranglers looked at each other. Then they looked to the wrangler in charge of the operation. He nodded. They got up and mounted their horses to rope three more calves and bring them closer to the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe pulled a paper out of his front shirt pocket. Then he asked, \u201cHow many you done this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver looked at him with suspicion. \u201cWhy? You think we ain\u2019t keepin\u2019 up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up quickly from his paper. \u201cHuh? I didn\u2019t say that. Naw, I just figured it was easier to keep track as we brand \u2018em to count \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver spoke up again. \u201cThat ain\u2019t the way we do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s the way I want to do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what do we do with your way when Hoss gits back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t really have an answer. He didn\u2019t know how Hoss did it. He determined to ask him that evening at supper, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, it won\u2019t be a problem. Now, can I get a count or not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver shook his head, made a face of contempt, but spat out a number that Joe wrote down on his paper. The remainder of the day went smoothly, although it was obvious Denver resented having to keep a count and give it to Joe after each calf was branded with the familiar Pine Tree brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Branding cattle wasn\u2019t a particularly difficult job, and it was one Joe had been involved in since he was 13 years old, so he could hold his own, and they soon saw that. It was the method, the counting, etc. that the hands were taking offense with, and Joe Cartwright wasn’t all that enthralled with being here, either. These two weeks couldn\u2019t go by fast enough to suit him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

After work at home that first night of \u201cthe experiment\u201d, supper began quiet enough, but it wasn\u2019t a calm quiet. It was more a tense quietude where none of them wanted to be the one to begin the storm that surely would follow the initial volley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knew it, but he also knew he needed to know that his brainstorm idea was not falling flat on its face. So he was the one to throw open the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how was your day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This certainly got Joe\u2019s attention, since he was usually in charge of breaking the wild horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam, how did it go today?\u201d He wanted to hear some horror stories, so he could convince his father to let him go back to doing what he felt he did well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was fine, Joe. Pa, no problems.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben tried to head off any argument between his oldest and youngest sons, \u201cWonderful news, son!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned to look at Hoss next. \u201cHoss? How are things up at the timber camp?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave the same non-committal answer. \u201cEverything\u2019s working like it\u2019s supposed ta.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam decided he needed more details. \u201cDid you run into any problems with anyone? Everything is working like it\u2019s supposed to? Are you sure? No challenges, or anyone I need to talk to?\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss just shook his head and commented, almost to his plate, \u201cIf there\u2019s anyone to talk to, I\u2019ll do the talkin’,\u201d and continued to eat his supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at him a long time. He didn\u2019t want to open a huge can of worms tonight. He was just too tired and too sore to get into a fight, but he wasn\u2019t sure Hoss was telling him the whole truth. He knew those men. He knew they would have challenged anyone new who came in to camp and tried to take over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pressed, \u201cNo problems? Not a one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sensed things could devolve, so he moved on. \u201cJoe? How was the branding? Any issues there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not one to shy away from upsetting the apple cart, he made his displeasure apparent. \u201cPa, I don\u2019t know why we gotta do this for two weeks. You made your point. We all need to know how to do everything everywhere. I got it. I can brand. I guess if I need to, I can go up there and cut down trees, too. Now can I get back to the bronc\u2019 breaking? I gotta get those horses ready\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam broke in, \u201cYou think all I do is \u2018cut down trees\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And Hoss broke in next, \u201cAnd you think there ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 to brandin\u2019 but just burning their hides?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He addressed Hoss first, \u201cYeah, you burn the brand and count \u2018em. Simple enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was truly offended now. \u201cListen, Little Joe, there\u2019s a lot to know about how many, how old are the ones you brand, which are too young to leave their mama\u2019s. Ya cain\u2019t just round them up and haul them off to round-up. That\u2019s part of it, too, ya know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say it wasn\u2019t, Hoss, and I didn\u2019t see no way they were being counted, so I just took over the\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so you KNOW what has to be done better\u2019n me? Cause my job ain\u2019t much of a job, and any idiot, like me \u2013 like YOU \u2013 kin do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam jumped into this fray next. \u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, Hoss. Little brother here thinks there\u2019s nothing to MY job, either, except cut down a few trees here and there\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben tried to calm the situation. \u201cAll right, boys\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss saw an opening, \u201cOh, yeah! Every job is easy, except the one HE chooses for himself. Just the FUN one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t let that go now. \u201cNow, wait a minute, Hoss. I wouldn\u2019t want to go that far. I\u2019m sore as I can be, and breaking horses wasn\u2019t as much fun as I remember it from when I was his age\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, old man. It\u2019s tough work, huh? Think you can keep up with it for two whole weeks? Good luck!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knew this was devolving into something unmanageable. \u201cNow, just calm down, boys. Every job on this ranch is important. Every job has its easy aspects and its difficulties, as it seems each of you discovered today\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t ready to let it go. \u201cSo, you\u2019re sore, huh? Guess you\u2019re just too OLD to break bronc\u2019s anymore!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you! That\u2019s what you said!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, don\u2019t go giving yourself so much credit for what breaking broncs is. I did it, I will do it, and it won\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe it might. You said yourself you\u2019re already sore! And you got 12 more days to go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben spoke up, more forcefully now. \u201cBoys! Adam! Hoss! Joseph! There\u2019s no point irritating each other over this. The jobs have to get done. Each job can be difficult, it\u2019s true. I know each of you is doing, and will do, your best at your job\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss addressed his father directly. \u201cPa, why we gotta keep this up? I\u2019d much rather be branding my own cattle\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe cattle will get branded, Joe will see to it, and they\u2019re not only YOURS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew his father had trapped him. \u201cWell, no, not mine only. I jest meant, I mean I just like doin\u2019 it, and I wanna go do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boys, it sounds like you\u2019ve each had a little taste of what your brothers do all day every day. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll come to appreciate it even more each day. Now, if supper is finished, I think maybe you\u2019re all tired enough to turn in early. I know I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood up and moved to his chair in front of the fireplace. He lit his pipe. He hoped the silence and his absence from the table would calm things down. In one sense it did. No one else talked. What he didn\u2019t see was that each son was actually sulking. And glaring at each other. Each was still extremely upset at having to continue to go to a job site they weren\u2019t particularly enamored with.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, one by one, they left the table, muttered \u2018Good night\u2019 to their father, and slipped into their own rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next day started out with dread. None of the Cartwright boys was looking forward to another day on their least chosen job. They ate breakfast quickly and quietly. Ben said nothing, as he felt he had made his decision clear. They were going to continue their assigned jobs to completion. It was obvious from the sour looks on three faces that they were not happy with the current status.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Riding up the mountain to where the timber camp was, Hoss determined that if he had to do this for two whole weeks, he might as well try to make it a more pleasant experience. He got on the job and sought out Shorty. He made eye contact, then poured a cup of coffee and sauntered over to where Shorty was handing out assignments for the day. He just stood and watched and listened. He was addressed by another lumberjack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, boss man. You got anything to add to what the crew chief is tellin\u2019 us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss felt he was about to be caught in a trap, and he wanted to avoid that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI jest walked up. I don\u2019t reckon I got enough information to add anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man stared at him a long time. Then he added, \u201cJust what I figured. You don\u2019t even know what he\u2019s talkin\u2019 about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was about to respond back when Shorty jumped in. \u201cThat ain\u2019t what this is about, Sam, and you know it. Just leave Hoss out of it. I\u2019m the straw boss, and after him and me decides on the jobs, it\u2019s my job to let you know what jobs they is. So just lay off him, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, I don\u2019t believe he had nothin\u2019 to do with the job assignments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shorty stepped closer to the large lumberjack. The man was at least five inches taller than Shorty \u2013 who was called that for a very apparent reason \u2013 and the man outweighed him by at least sixty pounds. That wasn\u2019t going to keep Shorty from challenging him. They stood face to face, Shorty puffing himself up to his full height, trying to appear equal to the other man. After about ten seconds of the stare-down, Hoss stepped forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww-right, you two. We ain\u2019t got time fer this mess. We need to git back to work, if\u2019n you two kin find a way to settle yer differences another time.\u201d And he stood between them, looking from one to the other. Finally, Shorty looked over at Hoss and spoke. \u201cOK, OK, I hear ya. We gotta get some work done. Keep yer shirt on, Hoss.\u201d And he walked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was an uneasy peace on the job this day. Hoss tried to make himself appear involved, but truth was, he wasn\u2019t even sure what involvement by him would look like. After walking around and checking out each team, and nodding approvingly at the jobs they were doing, he made himself scarce in the make-shift office again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just before lunch, he heard a horse ride up. He walked to the door to see his father dismounting and tying his horse to the rail in front of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa! What brings you all the way up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked around before speaking directly to Hoss. \u201cI just thought I had time for a little visit, Hoss. How\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, it\u2019s all right. We\u2019re pretty busy, but you kin see that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go inside, Son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and led the way into the office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped inside and looked around. \u201cThis reminds me of your brother Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI found it like this. You know how \u2018orderly\u2019 he is about his things. That obviously goes for his work things, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his assent. \u201cSure looks like this would make it easier for someone to step right in his place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had to agree. \u201cIt has.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked over to the table doubling as a desk. He looked over the papers, shuffled them around and looked at the ones underneath, as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what to do with all these sketches, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The big man shook his head. \u201cI been tryin\u2019 to make heads and tails out of it all, but it\u2019s not so easy fer me to figure out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put the papers back down, and ordered them again, nodding as he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then he went outside the cabin, with Hoss following close behind. He looked around. Then he turned to Hoss and said, \u201cCare to take a walk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and followed his father. They proceeded to walk toward the first team working nearest to the cabin. Ben nodded to a couple of the men as he approached them. They acknowledged him, but continued working. He stopped walking and watched them work for a minute or two. Hoss did the same. He was watching his father, and trying to figure out what he was thinking. Was he thinking Hoss hadn\u2019t done something? Or was doing something wrong?<\/span><\/p>\n

After touring all the crews, they made their way back to the office. Ben immediately went back to the drawings. He made a few noises, nodding and making grunting sounds, almost as if acknowledging something Hoss couldn\u2019t see. Hoss could only watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Ben put the papers down and looked up at Hoss. \u201cDo you know what these drawings are showing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, \u201cI looked at \u2018em all day yesterday, and I cain\u2019t make heads nor tails out of \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are sketches of the layout of the camp. See where this little square is? And the letters inside it? That\u2019s the initials of the team working in that area. The \u2018tick marks\u2019 inside each box tells you how far along they are, and how close to completion that area is. This larger box? Marks a stand of trees over there.\u201d He pointed through the window toward the back of the cabin, then looked to see if Hoss followed his gaze. Hoss nodded. He pointed to a place on the paper and continued, \u201cThat\u2019s an area where no one\u2019s cutting yet, but Adam\u2019s already planned it out, and how many trees will be cut down. All that\u2019s left is to mark them, and each team of men will be ready to move to that area as soon as they\u2019re done where they are now. Do you understand, Son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do now! I could go up to that stand and start marking them trees, so there\u2019s no down time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea! Want some help? Turns out I finished up on my own chores a little early.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa! I\u2019d like yer company in doing that.\u201d Hoss felt better about what he had to do, knowing his father was going to be working alongside him. He knew how important the trees were to their livelihood, as well as his father\u2019s vision for the future preservation of the forests they were culling.<\/span><\/p>\n

They mounted their horses, and rode toward a stand of trees some ways up the mountain from where they had been. Ben pointed out an area that could be cleared easily for a staging area, and where the new office could be built. He had brought Adam\u2019s sketches along, so he pulled them out and referred to them often while he explained to Hoss what the sketches were showing him. Once he understood, Hoss told him he now knew how to mark the trees. So, after tying off a few trees with Pa and sharing lunch back in the office, Ben rode off and Hoss rode back up to the new cutting site and began tying off the trees he wanted the lumberjacks to cut down. This would be where the crews would work next.<\/span><\/p>\n

The work was extensive and difficult. Hoss found himself climbing through thickets of trees, some no taller than his knees. This was one of the reasons Adam had chosen this section, Hoss reasoned. These young, small trees were getting little sun, and would never grow to be tall enough to cut down if the larger trees around them weren\u2019t cut down to allow more sunlight to reach them. Eliminating just so many trees within this section would make the area healthier for future use. Now Hoss noticed Adam had even written a number inside each square, indicating how many trees could safely be cut from that section so as not to damage future growth. It was hard, physically challenging work, but Hoss felt like he was doing something worthwhile now, unlike yesterday. The rest of the day went quickly, and even the men seemed to have a more positive opinion of Hoss after seeing how hard he\u2019d worked on the new section.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/b><\/p>\n

Another day of breaking wild horses, and Adam wasn\u2019t sure he had it in him, as he really was hurting from the previous day. But he wasn\u2019t about to disclose that \u2013 either to his little brother or the men on the job. He had left the house before his brother had come down in order to avoid just such a conversation. As he rode up on the corral where the busting was going on, he was careful how he dismounted his own horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

He made eye contact with Jake, the head wrangler who had already started up the fire and sent some cowboys out to rope a few more yearlings. \u201cHow\u2019s it going today, Jake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t complain, Adam? How \u2018bout you? You feeling okay?\u201d Jake knew he was probably hurting. A lot. He saw how many times Adam made contact with the ground, and he knew what that meant! He was about Adam\u2019s age and he\u2019d spent plenty of time abusing his own body breaking mounts like they were doing now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tried his best to walk in a spritely manner over to the fire, but Jake wasn\u2019t fooled. Adam would never admit how much he was hurting. He was just hoping to get through the day without maiming himself permanently!<\/span><\/p>\n

The morning went fairly smoothly. Jake had arranged for some of the other men to begin breaking some of the other mounts, leaving Adam to work with those that were \u201cgreen broke.\u201d That meant they were saddle broke, and just needed help understanding what the commands given by the rider meant. Before they were handed over to the cavalry unit, they had to be ready to be ridden. They needed to know rein commands and be ready to obey them. Adam enjoyed this job immensely, and was glad Jake had suggested it.<\/span><\/p>\n

All in all, the day was productive and enjoyable. Adam was in a very good mood when he returned home. The only thing he dreaded was facing his youngest brother, who had felt all along that none of this switching was a good idea!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Over in the pasture where branding was taking place, Joe rode up to several calves being prepped to be branded. The men looked up momentarily, then went right back to work. Joe\u2019s mood matched the attitude he encountered. He simply wanted to just do the job, not have to talk to anyone, and then go home, and mark off one less day in hell.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this may have helped him get through the day, it did nothing to inure him to the favor of the men he was working with. They began to see him as the youngest, therefore most spoiled son of Ben Cartwright. They began murmuring to themselves about why Hoss wasn\u2019t around, and when \u2013 or if \u2013 he might return. Some began to express thoughts of not returning to the Ponderosa once this job was completed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a long morning and an even longer afternoon, Joe dragged himself home, determined to talk to no one until this \u201cpenance\u201d was completed. He wasn\u2019t inclined to talk to anyone about anything. So wound up and angered was he over this chore he\u2019d been handed, he determined to do it as quickly as he could to end the misery. Each day just seemed to make the \u201cending\u201d of the torture appear further away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once the day was done, he mounted up and rode home without even addressing any of his crew. He kicked his horse into a gallop and rode away from the branding circle as fast as Cochise would run!<\/span><\/p>\n

Suppertime found him already in bed. Ben went up to find out if he was hurt, or sick, but Joe assured him he was neither; simply tired \u2013 worn out. He put up a good front, though, and his father left him assured that he wasn\u2019t injured or ill. The truth was \u2013 he was angry, depressed, and literally dejected over his current state of affairs. He simply wanted the two weeks to end quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next morning found Joe determined to get through the task his father had dictated, but still nursing his bad disposition. He said nothing at breakfast, ate quickly and left while everyone else continued eating. He was successful in assuring his father his early departure was an attempt to get an early jump on the day\u2019s task however, and that his lack of attendance at supper last night wasn\u2019t a sign of an illness coming on. Once he got through that interrogation, he saddled up and took off to the branding corrals, in a darker mood than even the day before.<\/span><\/p>\n

He poured coffee that was percolating from a pot on a small fire set away from the branding fire they would work over all day. He drank about half the cup, then walked up to where the wranglers had a calf down, and another man was holding one roped nearby. He watched, standing alone, speaking to no one. The men stole glances at him, but no one acknowledged his presence, since he didn\u2019t seem to want to acknowledge them.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the men branded the second calf, he threw the rest of the coffee into the fire, set the cup down and strode over to the fire and practically spat out some orders to bring several more calves up near the fire to a few of the hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re wastin\u2019 time doing this one calf at a time. I want every man to rope a calf and bring it up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of them looked at him questioningly, some flat-out ignored him! One or two tried to reason with him. \u201cJoe, that ain\u2019t gonna work, cause\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He cut them off. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you think! This is how I wanna do it. Now get to it, and bring over those calves. This waitin\u2019 around for one or two at a time ain\u2019t working. We can get a whole lot more done this way, so let\u2019s get going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He walked back over to the fire, and started firing up another branding iron. There were only two, but he didn\u2019t seem to take that into consideration when he spat out his decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

The men he sent off came back, each dragging a calf behind. That meant there were seven unhappy calves bawling nearby. He gestured for them to bring a calf to where he was ready. There was only one wrangler with a rope on the calf, so while Joe was heating up the iron, that calf became agitated and began pulling away, causing two of the waiting calves to act up. No one had a free hand to get a second rope around the protesting calf. Now since there was only one man holding each calf, their antics caused the riders\u2019 horses to spook and two of them jumped sideways. The calves saw their advantage. They yanked, bawled, and pulled and the horses were heaved off balance. The mounted men worked to hold the ropes holding the calves and control their mounts. In the commotion the calves broke free and ran off, dragging the ropes behind them. Everyone was screaming orders at once. After everyone calmed their horses, Denver barked out the order to send two men after each of the calves. That meant there would be three calves left running through the pasture dragging ropes behind. He shot Joe a look to kill, yelled at him to help rope another of the loose calves dragging a rope behind it. That left two calves still running free, dragging their ropes. The men had to wait until two calves were branded before they could take off after the ones still at large. A calf dragging a rope was a danger to itself most of all, but also to any other animals he might encounter. They had to work quickly to avert a disaster. Eventually, all seven calves were herded up and branded, but the amount of work expended turned out to be more work than if they\u2019d stuck to the original way of doing things. The men went back to the way they had been working before Joe\u2019s insistent order to bring more calves over than could be handled safely. A calamity had been prevented, somehow, but the momentary lapse in Joe\u2019s judgment caused many of the wranglers to question his leadership skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the day was a disaster, as the men now felt as though Joe didn\u2019t know what he was doing. So, they essentially ignored him whenever he talked to them, or gave an order. He literally ended the day counting the minutes until he could ride home.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was hot, dirty, smelly and miserable when he got home, but he\u2019d arrived first, since he\u2019d left the job early. He cleaned off as best he could in the horse trough and then decided to start on the barn chores. He had a pretty good idea that if his father found out how much chaos he\u2019d created on the job, he\u2019d be in big trouble, so he decided a little good will would go a long way later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost as if done on purpose, his father rode up, earlier than expected. He pulled his horse up to the rail closest to the house, and walked over to where Joe was chopping wood. Joe looked over his shoulder at him, but kept right on chopping.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa! You\u2019re home early!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo are you. Everything all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah! Sure! I just remember seeing that the wood boxes were all empty, so I figured I\u2019d get started filling \u2018em, since I got home early. I got the barn chores done, already, too.\u201d He continued working, chopping with all his might.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMighty good thinking on your part, Son.\u201d Ben then walked into the house, leaving his youngest to his chopping. Eventually, all three boys were home, and dinner was again going to be a painful affair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben started the dinner conversation by asking direct questions. \u201cHoss, did you finish up marking those trees for the next crew?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore did, Pa! They kin move into that area soon\u2019s they\u2019re done where they\u2019re at.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at his brother. \u201cWhich trees did you mark? How many?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI followed what your sketches said, Adam. I got this covered, you don\u2019t hafta worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou followed my sketches?\u201d Adam almost sounded incredulous.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why? Weren\u2019t\u2019 that what you was gonna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I was\u2026\u201d He was numb struck. He\u2019d worked on those sketches for weeks, and he thought only he could decipher them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks for leaving all them drawings. It helped a lot! And I think we\u2019re on schedule to meet the contract deadline, too, so don\u2019t worry \u2018bout a thing. I got it all under control.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, I\u2026it sounds like it, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was smiling. Adam just watched him carefully. Was everything really okay at the timber camp? Was Hoss doing as good a job as he himself could do? It appeared he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled to himself as he looked between Adam and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had remained quiet. He knew his father would get around to him, but he wanted to avoid it as long as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that it was out in the open that the timber operation was moving along well, he moved to the next task.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, did you ever get that mare under control?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u201cNot yet. She\u2019s almost as headstrong as the stallion, but we\u2019ll keep working with her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snapped his head up now. He knew they were talking about his herd. \u201cIf it\u2019s the one I think it is; the chestnut, with the thin blaze on her nose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll come around. Deep down inside, she wants to please, but she\u2019s been doing what her stallion has been telling her for so long, she\u2019s afraid. She\u2019s come around, I know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Joe. She\u2019s a real beauty, and will make a fine mount if we can get her calmed down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you can. Just trust her, she knows right from wrong. She\u2019ll get it figured out eventually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, good to know you think so. We\u2019ll keep working on her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben started to think he\u2019d been wrong in his assessment that there was probably an ulterior motive for why Joe had ridden in early, and voluntarily took on another job. He knew the only way to know for sure was to poke the bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how many calves have we gotten branded so far this year? They\u2019ll need to be ready to be taken to the railhead in less than a month, so we\u2019ve got to move now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa. We\u2019re working as hard as we can. I think we ought to have about 200 head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t stand it. \u201cTWO HUNDRED?!?! You should have closer to four hundred. What are you fellers doin\u2019 out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Hoss, we\u2019re doing our job. We\u2019re working as hard as we can. The guys you hired don\u2019t really seem to work very fast, though.\u201d He regretted adding that last bit of information. Hearing about the successes from his brothers\u2019 day, he didn\u2019t want to be the one to let the family down. He determined he\u2019d work hard tomorrow to pick up the pace, but without making a stupid mistake like he\u2019d done this day that had cost them precious time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss wanted to question that last statement, and opened his mouth to do so, but his father put his hand up, gesturing for Hoss to let it be, so he shut his mouth, put his head down and continued his dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

After that exchange, things settled down again. No one wanted to start the squabbling all over again. It just wasn\u2019t worth the effort, and Pa wasn\u2019t going to change his mind anyway. This mealtime was certainly going better than the past few. Hoss was in a particularly good mood. He was questioning Adam about the trees, the sketches, and verifying how many trees were still needed to fulfil the obligations they had. Adam was oh so happy to be talking about his trees and timber operation again, so they were both very animated. It was obvious that Joe wasn\u2019t involved in any of the conversations. Ben had an idea that something had gone on. Ever since the moment he got home and saw Joe, home early and working harder than he\u2019d ever seen, he had a feeling he needed to get the whole story of what was going on. When he felt that Hoss had all the necessary information for his operation, he directly addressed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Joe, anything else go on at your job site today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He commenced eating his supper, keeping his eyes on Joe and waiting for an answer. Since this was Hoss\u2019 cattle they were talking about, Hoss was now listening, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe addressed his father. \u201cFine, Pa, fine\u2026\u201d And then he went back to eating his supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, no problems, today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing I couldn\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss got worried now, so he addressed that ambiguous answer. \u201cJust what does that mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019 \u2013 don\u2019t worry about it, I got it handled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s senses were pricked. He suspected something had happened since he rode up and saw Joe so busy on a menial job he normally hated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it you\u2019ve \u2018got handled,\u2019 Son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Nuthin\u2019! It wasn\u2019t nuthin\u2019! I got it handled. I took care of it, and it\u2019s over. It wasn\u2019t nuthin\u2019 anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if it \u2018wasn\u2019t nuthin\u2019,\u2019 why don\u2019t you tell me what it WAS?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put his fork down, put his elbows on the table, folded his hands, and put his chin on them. He waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe squirmed. He really didn\u2019t want to admit just how stupid he\u2019d been today. He\u2019d learned his lesson, and it was over now. Why bring it up and give his brothers something else to tease him about?<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t much of anything, really, Pa. Hardly even worth mentioning anymore. In fact, I just about forgot about it anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t fooled. If Joe made this out to be any smaller of an incident, he\u2019d be worried the whole ranch might be in peril!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, to put my mind at ease, why don\u2019t you just tell me about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at Adam, he swiveled his head around to Hoss, and turned to look straight at his father. \u201cWhy? So, they can tease me about something that wasn\u2019t much of anything? It told ya, I took care of it. It wasn\u2019t much anyway, so why do we gotta talk about it anymore?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben agreed to drop it, sensing that Joe was embarrassed by whatever it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine. You\u2019re probably right. If the whole ranch isn\u2019t burning down, I guess it wasn\u2019t much of anything at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss spoke up now. \u201cWait a minute! Them are my cows! If\u2019n something went wrong, I wanna know about it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows went up as far as they could, \u201cOh? They\u2019re YOUR cows, are they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss knew he\u2019d jumped the gun, \u201cAw, Pa, that ain\u2019t what I meant. I jest meant, I mean, I was doin\u2019 that job, and now\u2026I jest meant, aw doggone it! YOU know what I meant, Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I do, but your brother is capable, and I\u2019m sure there\u2019s nothing to this \u2018problem,\u2019 right, son?\u201d He looked over at Joe. But Ben interceded before Joe could open his mouth. \u201cHoss, I\u2019m sure if it was important, Joe would tell us, right, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hoss. It\u2019s nuthin\u2019. Don\u2019t worry about it. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, okay, Joe. If you say so. I\u2019m sorry if I\u2019m jumpy; I jest care about getting\u2019 it right\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know, brother. Me, too, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded, his mind not quite at ease, but trusting his father\u2019s instincts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After supper, the family had a relatively \u201cnormal\u201d evening. Ben sat and sipped coffee laced with Brandy. Adam sat and read a few chapters in his latest book while he enjoyed a small glass of brandy, and Joe and Hoss played a couple of rousing games of checkers. Eventually, Adam decided he needed to get some rest. Truth was, he was still smarting from being thrown from the stallion on his first day on the job. He knew his body would heal faster if he didn\u2019t push himself. This hadn\u2019t been his practice before, but since he started on this job, he was feeling every one of his years! He bid his family good night, and went up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of their game, Hoss got up to head to bed, so Joe stacked the checkers to put them away. Before he could start to climb the stairs, his father stopped him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, sit with me a moment, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew. His father knew it wasn\u2019t a small matter with the cattle today, and now he wanted to hear more. He didn\u2019t really want to tell his father the whole truth of how dumb he\u2019d been, but he was glad his father had at least waited till his brothers had gone up to bed before talking to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d he questioned, innocently sounding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened out at the branding corral today? I want the full story, and the truth, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe breathed in deep, and let it out quickly. He was stalling, but he knew it wouldn\u2019t matter. He wasn\u2019t get out of telling the whole ugly story to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I just made a stupid decision,\u201d he began. He looked over at his father. He hoped that was enough. Obviously, it wasn\u2019t going to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s not much more to it. I made a stupid decision, and then I fixed it.\u201d He shrugged, trying to lead his father to the conclusion that it was a small matter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate you admitting to doing something you shouldn\u2019t have, but I\u2019d like to hear what it was, son. Was anyone hurt? Did you lose any cattle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew there was no point in prolonging it. His father wasn\u2019t going to let up until he heard it all.<\/span><\/p>\n

He let out another long, loud sigh. \u201cI made the decision to have the wranglers bring up more calves at the same time, one man, one calf. I thought we could get more done that way. Obviously, there\u2019s a reason it takes two men to rope and wrangle a calf. They spooked, and it spooked the horses, the calves ran off\u2026we had to chase them down. No one was hurt, no cattle lost, so it turned out okay. I made a mistake, Pa. Then I fixed it. Isn\u2019t that what you would want me to do?\u201d He didn\u2019t really want to justify himself. He had fixed it and felt that was enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted the whole story, Son. There\u2019s no reason to get defensive. I appreciate you telling it, and I\u2019m glad to hear you own up to your mistake. Hopefully, there won\u2019t be any repeat of anything like this again. It could cost a man or a horse his life. I\u2019m sure you understand that now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, I do. I\u2019m sorry, Pa. It was a stupid thing to do, and I didn\u2019t think before I told the men to rope the cattle\u2026I guess I just wasn\u2019t thinking\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr\u2026maybe you were still thinking you\u2019d rather be doing something else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Truth was, his father was probably right. He shrugged, \u201cYeah, maybe a little. But it won\u2019t happen again, Pa. I promise. I learned my lesson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, I\u2019m glad to hear it. And we won\u2019t need to talk about this again, will we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. He didn\u2019t really like being called down by his father when he did a stupid thing, but his father had always made it a lesson learned, so that he could be wiser \u2013 and more careful in the future \u2013 and he appreciated that. He knew tomorrow would be a better day. He\u2019d see to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 9<\/strong><\/p>\n

At breakfast the next morning, Adam felt better since he\u2019d had a good night\u2019s sleep and hadn\u2019t really abused his body in the past couple of days. Hoss felt better because he had a better idea of exactly what he was supposed to be doing. Only Joe still had an attitude about this whole switching idea. He was wound up like a clock, and it showed. It did not go unnoticed. His father knew his attitude would create problems out on the job today if he didn\u2019t get it under control.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, is there something wrong this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I suggest you take on a different attitude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with my attitude? I can\u2019t have a quiet breakfast?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks to me like there\u2019s more to it than that, and I suggest you work on your non-attitude before you get to the branding corral.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure you are, or there will be more lapses in judgment today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss heard that and wondered what his father meant. \u201cLapses in judgment? Just what did you do yesterday, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNUTHIN\u2019! I told you already, I didn\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 \u2013 just stay out of it, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I suggest you change your attitude now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he didn\u2019t have to come at me before he even knows anything about what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t you jest tell me what did happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Joseph, we don\u2019t really have time to go through all this now. Hoss? Can we hold off on this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something going on I need to know about them cattle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Son. I heard the whole story last night, and everything\u2019s fine. Right, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt this was calling his account of events into question: \u201cWhy do you hafta worry about what he thinks about all this, Pa? I told ya everything last night, and now cause he\u2019s got a problem, we gotta go over it all again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss answered now. \u201cWe gotta go all over it again, cause it\u2019s MY name on that contract for calves at market.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This got Ben\u2019s attention. He swiveled his head around to address Hoss, \u201cIt\u2019s YOUR name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He was so angry now, he didn\u2019t even back down, even to his father. \u201cThat\u2019s right, MY NAME.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Ben quietly nodded and said, \u201cYes, it is. Cartwright. Isn\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss caught his meaning, and settled down quickly, \u201cI guess it\u2019s all our name, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cNow, if we\u2019re through arguing about something that\u2019s already over and done with, can we all get to work? I never thought it was a good idea for the boss to be the last one to show up on the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood up and walked to the sideboard to buckle on his gun belt. Each son followed suit. And so they began one more long day on their assigned jobs. This was turning into a very long week.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As they saddled up in the barn, Ben worked alongside his sons. No one engaged in much conversation. They just saddled up and rode out. As Adam mounted his horse, Ben stopped him. \u201cAdam, I\u2019ll ride with you.\u201d And then he mounted his horse, and pulled alongside Adam as they rode toward the corral used to break horses. Ben began to engage in small talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how\u2019s it going out here, Son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as I can see, it\u2019s going well. I\u2019m trying to find a way to keep us on schedule so we complete the contract on time. Seems like Little Joe put an awfully tough schedule together for this contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there an issue with staying on schedule?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it seems to me like there\u2019s no real rhyme or reason for which horses are picked to be broken first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen I first came out the other day, I noticed we started with breaking a large, powerful and very wild stallion. There were several mares in the holding corral waiting to be broken. Some of them seemed somewhat reserved, and I wondered why they couldn\u2019t have started with some of them. It seems like it would have made the day a little more productive. I didn\u2019t want to say anything at the time, because I had just arrived, but I think I\u2019m going to change things up today. I just hate wasting the time we are while we all work with just one very obstreperous stallion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe it\u2019s not such a good idea to\u2026change things up, as you say, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a long silence, Ben began to speak again. \u201cWhen your brothers were in school, you remember hearing about one fellow who was kind of the bully of the school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that got to do with today\u2019s work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn object lesson, I guess. Was there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cYeah, there was one guy. He kind of picked on all the smaller kids. Don\u2019t you remember? He picked on Little Joe, Hoss defended his brother, and both got a tanning more than once for fighting with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you figure he had a small following? Fellows who thought it made them look tough if they hung around with him, or even bullied the smaller kids like he did?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s usually that way with bullies, and they said he had a couple of friends, but I don\u2019t see how\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben cut him off. \u201cHear me out. That bully had a \u2018following,\u2019 his own little group, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t wait for an answer, but he knew Adam had nodded. \u201cHe was the ringleader. I suspect that even if Hoss could have stopped all that bully\u2019s followers from picking on the smaller children, or if he could have run them all off, he would have just found new followers and continued bullying others. Would you agree with that assumption?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what that has to do with\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, he was cut off. \u201cThe ringleader enjoys having everyone treat him like he\u2019s the toughest, the meanest guy around, wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam began to understand the object lesson: \u201cSo that stallion is a pretty important fellow to his mares.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI suspect the best way to \u2018tame\u2019 the rest of the herd is to take on the biggest, baddest, \u2018bully\u2019 in the group. That would be the stallion \u2013 it makes more sense to just take out the ring leader, even if it takes a little longer. By doing that, it breaks the will of the entire group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re saying that stallion essentially drives the morale for the whole group.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cAnd trusts him to be their leader. So, once you take down the leader, it\u2019s easier to take down the rest of the herd. I suspect that\u2019s the reason they started with the stallion, rather than follow your line of thinking, as logical as it sounds. Once he\u2019s broken, they work on the next in line who wants to control the mares. They\u2019ll sense the changes, and come around quicker, I suspect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam said nothing. He was thinking through what his father had theorized. It made sense – for humans. Was it really true in animals, too? It was possible, but was there really a way to know?<\/span><\/p>\n

They rode a long time in silence. Finally, Adam broke the silence. \u201cI\u2019ll think on what you\u2019re saying, Pa. It\u2019s an intriguing concept.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled and nodded at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soon after that, they arrived at the corral. The men were setting up for the day\u2019s back-breaking work. Several of the men bid them good morning, happy to see the big boss man on the job for the first time since the switch, although several wished it had been Joe. Ben greeted each man by name as he was greeted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the first horse was picked out and roped. Once again it seemed like this one was a real handful, and it would be another jarring day on one\u2019s bones. Jake called over and asked Adam if he wanted the first ride. Adam indicated he would give it a try. Ben decided to stay around and watch for a little while.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s first ride was quick, and violent. He landed on his backside in just over three seconds. He tried again and lasted about twice as long. He went for a third try and rode till the horse slowed quite a bit. By then, he was very sore and decided to let one of the younger guys have a try. He hobbled over to where his father was standing with his arms draped over the top rail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTough one, eh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that one gave me a time. I guess I\u2019m getting a little old for this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really?\u201d Ben glanced sideways at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, if I had to be honest, I\u2019m pretty bruised up and hurt just about everywhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I guess it\u2019s a good thing we\u2019ve got \u2018Young Blood,\u2019 like your young brother to handle this job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at his father quickly. Draping his arms over the fence and locking his fingers together now, he watched a young man, about Joe\u2019s age ride the horse until it stopped bucking. \u201cYup, I guess this is a job for younger men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGetting old only gets worse, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot looking forward to finding that out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed, then walked over to mount his horse. As he turned to ride away, he called out to his son. \u201cSee you at supper!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe rode up to the circle where they\u2019d been branding cows all week. He spotted Denver immediately, and walked up to him. \u201cMorning, Denver.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The wiry old wrangler looked up from stirring his coffee and just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew what he had to do. His talk with his father had convinced him of his recklessness the day before, and just ignoring it wasn\u2019t the best way to show the men he could be a good cattle boss. He wanted it to be known to all the men he\u2019d upset the day before. So, he poured a cup of coffee and waited till they all started to amble in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once all the men were there, Joe summoned up the courage to face them all. He stood while they bent or sat around the morning fire with a cup of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, fellas. I gotta say somethin\u2019 here. About yesterday\u2026\u201d He hesitated, and looked into each man\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, uh, I\u2026I asked you fellas to do a dumb thing. Bringing that many calves over at once was pretty dumb.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard a voice in the back say, \u201cYeah, it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He almost lost his resolve to do this. He had to rein in his temper and continue, he told himself. He took a deep breath and continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I did a dumb thing, I\u2019ll admit it. I thought it would make the work go faster. I was wrong. I apologize for it. I know you are all thinking it, but I\u2019m not some dumb kid who doesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s doing. I just lost my sense of balance for a bit and thought we could speed things up by bringing more calves in at once. I know better, and I won\u2019t make that kind of mistake again, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked around. He waited to get a reaction. Any reaction. No reaction was almost worse than a negative one, and he opened his mouth to speak again, but Denver beat him to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but what kind of dumb mistake will you make next time?\u201d Then he smiled at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at him, then looked to see that many of the men were smiling, too. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Denver, but I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll let me know when I do!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That broke the tension. The men all stood and threw their coffee remains in the fire, and turned to get to work. A few even came over and discussed which calves Joe wanted first.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day went quickly and productively. Joe even got a chance to mount his horse and cut out a few calves himself! It was a more pleasant job than continually branding the hides \u2013 what with the smell of burned cowhide invading your nostrils hour after hour, and the branding iron getting hotter and hotter, until even gloves couldn\u2019t stop you from burning your hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Supper at home was a more light-hearted affair than it had been for many days. Adam was clearly sore, but Joe didn\u2019t rib him about it. It just wasn\u2019t worth it. He knew Adam enough to know that he now appreciated how hard the job was, even if he never said it to Joe directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss felt better about what he was doing, and the men could see that he was learning the job, and doing his best. Although they all respected Adam as the boss, they could see that Adam\u2019s younger brother was trying to do the best he could to keep up with the contract they had to fill. They still had not been filled in on why Adam wasn\u2019t there, but it didn\u2019t matter any longer. There was a job to do, and they all banded together to get it done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe kept Hoss apprised of the cattle total each night, reassuring him that they were going to be able to meet his quota before taking the herd to market.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tension between the brothers was gone and had been replaced by a renewed respect for the job each brother normally did on the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe had all but forgotten about his lapse in judgment from the previous week, until early in the morning on the first day of the next week when his father said they would ride together to the branding circle. Most of the wranglers were men who had worked for the Cartwrights for many years, and Joe wasn\u2019t sure what might be said, to or about him, over the incident he\u2019d caused the previous week.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode up, Denver walked up and took the reins of Ben\u2019s horse as he dismounted. Joe held back, still unsure of his father\u2019s motive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Denver. Sure looks like you fellas have done a fine job out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver nodded as he looked back at the groups of men, ready to engage in this day\u2019s activities. Then he turned and addressed Ben, \u201cMr. Cartwright? Is Hoss ever coming back out here? I mean, I ain’t complain’ or nuthin’, but it’s just, well we miss ‘im.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked quickly over at Joe, who bristled slightly, but kept it fairly well hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

He addressed Denver again. \u201cWell, sure, Denver. He\u2019ll be back up here soon. I just needed him to take care of another task for me. That\u2019s all right, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He smiled as he said it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course it was all right! This was the boss, and whoever he put in charge would be the boss, and that would be that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver didn\u2019t want the boss to think he didn\u2019t know that. \u201cUh, yeah, sure, boss. That\u2019s fine. I was jest wonderin\u2019. I mean, Joe\u2019s doin\u2019 a fine job and all, but, well, we started this job with Hoss, and, uh, we been wonderin\u2019 is all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he explained, \u201cHe should be finished up in about a week, and get back up here in time to ride with the herd to the rail head.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver seemed satisfied, \u201cThat\u2019s fine. It\u2019ll be good to work with him agin, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After he had watched the operation for about forty-five minutes, Ben informed Joe that he was headed out, and would see him at home later. He then waved his good-bye to Denver and rode toward the mine operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having his father ride in with him had made Joe a little apprehensive, but now that he was leaving, Joe felt he had seen a very good representation that proved Joe had handled the branding task well. At least that\u2019s what he intended to ask him at supper that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once he settled into the realization that he was going to be doing this job for the full two weeks, Joe let himself enjoy the experience a little more. It\u2019d been a long time since he\u2019d branded cattle for any prolonged length of time, so once the initial learning curve wore off, he took some time to look the herd over a little more closely. He noticed the smaller calves, tried to guess who their mamas were by the markings on them, and even guessed if any of them were going to grow up to be good breeding stock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then the realization set in that these cows weren\u2019t all that different than his horses! Sure, the work to \u201cprepare\u201d them for sale was different, but in the end, it was the same. The bloodlines were important, the stout and steady animals were the most coveted. The quality and dependence on the Ponderosa to deliver a product that would meet or even exceed their clients\u2019 needs was paramount to success of the Cartwright brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day-to-day operations were tiresome, no doubt about that. But in the end, all that anyone would remember was what the Cartwrights presented for sale. Be it a cow, a horse, or a tree, it all must be presented after doing one\u2019s very best to deliver a quality product. Little Joe almost surprised himself when he made this revelation! He\u2019d never been one to turn so philosophical.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

In the corral where Adam was breaking the stock for the cavalry, once the back-breaking work was done and all that remained was to teach the animals their commands and expected responses, Adam also was taking some time to enjoy the experience. He looked over the horses they had already broken and tried to envision the type of man who would one day \u201cown\u201d each mount. Would the man appreciate all the hard work that went into making this animal one who would be a faithful and trustworthy friend to his rider? Would the mount always remember the lessons he was learning now, and carry his rider faithfully and carefully, no matter the mission?<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam realized he was daydreaming about something he would have no way of ever following up on, but it gave him a new perspective on the purpose of what they were doing, and the importance of doing the best job they could. A soldier\u2019s life might depend on how calm or steady his mount could be, especially in the heat of battle, should they find themselves so engaged. But even if not in battle, the reliance a man has on his horse could make the difference between life or death in other circumstances as well. Adam felt the full weight of what they were doing to secure the safety of the soldiers who would soon receive this complement of horses, and he began to wonder if such thoughts ever entered his little brother\u2019s mind. Was that where the satisfaction came from doing this job well? He hoped Little Joe had this type of perspective at least once in awhile. He started to wonder if that\u2019s what Joe had meant when he told Adam that filly would be reliable once they got her tamed enough. He determined that one day he might even discuss it with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

High up in the mountains toward the northern end of the Ponderosa, Hoss Cartwright watched the men skillfully maneuver a tree to fall exactly between two smaller ones. It seemed that they knew exactly where they wanted it to fall each time so as not to damage any of the smaller trees around it. This was a skill Hoss knew he\u2019d never master. There was a certain \u201cart\u201d to it, and Hoss wondered if this was why Adam loved his \u201ctrees\u201d so much. Well, that and the fact that he was responsible for securing future forests for the Ponderosa for many decades to come. Hoss knew well how his father felt about not strip mining or destroying the forests just to make a few dollars. He knew Adam had come to appreciate that sentiment as well and worked hard to maintain the trees in a way to ensure there would always be a great supply of trees to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, this task had seemed confusing and he became somewhat overwrought. But as he\u2019d spent more time on the job, he understood why careful planning was essential, and he appreciated more and more what his father had taught them about their resources, and the meticulous way his brother Adam had gone about safeguarding that supply for generations yet unborn. For once in his life, Hoss Cartwright felt \u201csmall.\u201d Next to these trees, and this tremendous forest, he could see himself as a small cog in a larger wheel where everything had to work in concert to maintain a balance between man and nature. But instead of feeling helpless, small and inconsequential, it gave him a great sense of pride and power to know he was preserving something nature had provided graciously to them, trusting them to give back in the small ways that they could. He made a note to himself that he would discuss this with Adam and his father. He now felt a greater appreciation for what the Ponderosa meant to all of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 11<\/b><\/p>\n

Eventually, the two weeks ended. Each Cartwright brother was eager for this \u201cexperiment\u201d to end, yet satisfied with the job they had managed to do while filling in for their sibling. It was Saturday, so technically, only a half-day of work was required. Ben rode out to the branding pen and spotted Joe just as he untied the last calf to be branded. Joe looked around, spied his father and waved and smiled. Ben smiled broadly and rode right up next to where Joe stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis looks like the end of a job well-done, son!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, Pa. That\u2019s the last little one right there.\u201d He pointed to the calf he had just untied. They both watched her run to her mother and begin to nurse. Then Ben laughed and put his arms around Joe\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo how many cattle are ready for the drive, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I counted 365, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben beamed, \u2018Excellent! I think Hoss will be pleased with that number, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. Did it really matter what Hoss thought? Wasn\u2019t this all about appreciating the contribution to each other each brother did?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he will. Are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, arm still draped over Joe\u2019s shoulder, looked over at him. \u201cI am if you are, but I think we need to know what Hoss thinks. After all, this is HIS operation, is it not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was now thoroughly confused. Didn\u2019t his father do this to show them all that none of their \u201coperations\u201d belonged to any of them alone? He just shrugged. Ben suggested they take a ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

They bid the crew to have a good day off and mounted up. Ben led the way, and they headed up toward the corral where the horse-breaking operation was going on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even before they arrived, Joe began straining his eyes to try to spot each horse he\u2019d chosen for the Army contract. He began to wonder how many had worked out well, were broken and suited for their new riders. He kept his thoughts to himself, as he knew his father would just tell him to wait and see for himself if he tried to ask those questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, as they arrived at the corral and began to dismount, Adam came from around the second corral full of completely broken mounts and spotted them. He stopped walking for a moment, then dusted his hands off on his chaps, and walked over to greet them.<\/span><\/p>\n

He extended his hand to shake, somewhat awkwardly, since it made no sense for them to be here. \u201cPa, Joe. Didn\u2019t expect to see you two till supper tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben went over to stand beside his son, but did not shake his hand. Instead, he turned his head left, then right, and scanned the scenery full of whinnying horses and riders circling around the corrals, and some outside the corrals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything looks real good, Son. How many have you got ready to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c45. Right on Joe\u2019s numbers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his older brother, \u201cThat\u2019s great, Adam! I knew you would do it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe. That means a lot to hear. We had some challenges, but we finally brought it all around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey look like they\u2019re ready to go, too. You did a good job, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you did, Son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I\u2019ve got a couple of riders eager to help us take them over to the fort, too, so we have plenty of help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was pleased with all he was hearing, \u201cGood, good.\u201d He nodded his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

After they watched the finish up work going on with the horses without talking for a long while, Ben turned to Adam. \u201cCan you get away now? I want us to take a ride up and see how Hoss is making out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked for Jake. When he spied him, he strode over to where he stood, watching the last of the mustangs being put through her paces, spoke a minute to him, gestured to his family, and shook Jake\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he returned, he said, \u201cSure, let\u2019s go. I\u2019m anxious to see how things are up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019re fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I just\u2026I miss it, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

No more was said as they rode out of the corral area and into the open pasture that would eventually take them up the path to the high country where Hoss and the lumberjacks were finishing up the last of the logs for the next wagon load to go down the trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the three Cartwrights rode up, Hoss and Shorty looked up to see them. Hoss smiled broadly, and Shorty started out toward the horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dismounted first, \u201cShorty. How\u2019ve you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight as rain, Adam.\u201d They shook hands. \u201cYer brother done a right fine job, Adam. He learned fast, and kept up a good schedule.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it. He\u2019s a good man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Joe walked up to Shorty about the same time Hoss arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t expect to see you fellers way up here. What\u2019s the occasion?\u201d Hoss was happy to see them, but wondered at the motive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe came to see if you could pull yourself away. Looks like your last load is about to leave. So, does that mean you can leave now, too?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say we\u2019re just about to wrap up fer the day, wouldn\u2019t you, Shorty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know I am, boss.\u201d He glanced quickly over at Adam. \u201cOh, sorry, boss. I mean\u2026well, who IS the boss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam simultaneously pointed to each other and said, \u201cHE IS!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone laughed. Then the four Cartwrights mounted up and headed out. They thought they were going home, but when they reached the flatland, Ben turned east, and everyone knew they were headed into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 12<\/b><\/p>\n

They checked into the International House, and baths were ordered all around. They didn\u2019t know Ben had carried a change of clothes for each of them in his saddlebag. After baths, they changed into their clean clothes and were headed out to the finest restaurant in town, Pa\u2019s treat!<\/span><\/p>\n

The meal was filled with laughter, a little wine, lots of food, and good feelings for jobs well done all around.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the meal was cleared from the table, no one spoke. It was a warm, solemn moment, and no one wanted to break the feeling. They had had their \u201cups and downs\u201d throughout the two weeks of Ben\u2019s \u201cexperiment\u201d and now it was over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each man was lost to his own thoughts. Adam was happy to see how well Hoss had done with the timber job. He didn\u2019t seem to have had any trouble with any of the men. The men had moved on to the section Adam had sketched out and Hoss had done an admirable job marking just the right trees to cut without damaging the newer ones still growing. He would certainly comment to him about that, but now was not the time. Now was a time of celebration, and no talk of work would intrude.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was glad to be away from the smell of the cattle! He loved the Ponderosa, of course, and everything associated with it, but two whole weeks of nothing but eating dust and smelling burning cow hide was more than enough for him. Maybe he\u2019d tease Hoss about how he could smell that all day and come home and still have a healthy appetite; but not tonight. Tonight, he was glad to celebrate with his family that he\u2019d done an excellent job on what his father had assigned him, and that even his brother could be proud of him for that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss knew Joe had given the cattle all the attention he himself would have, so he had had no worries about what was going on there. He didn\u2019t know yet how many head were ready to go to market, but he didn\u2019t doubt Little Joe had gotten every one he could, and the number would be a good and profitable number for the Ponderosa. Because he knew that Joe, just like himself, loved their land and wanted to do the best job he could \u2013 at whatever job it was! He was also happy that he, himself had learned a great deal about the timber operation. Although he really hadn\u2019t had much interest in it to begin with, he now had a deeper appreciation for what his father and brother were trying to do in preserving the forests by carefully cutting only certain trees and letting others flourish. It meant the Ponderosa would have timberland and beautiful Ponderosa pine trees growing on it long past the time the four of them were gone. In that way, their future generations and others after them could always enjoy it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said nothing. He just enjoyed the company of all his sons. He hadn\u2019t really known how his \u201cexperiment\u201d would work out, and he was happy that it was over, as well. But most of all, he hoped each of his boys had learned a valuable lesson about the responsibilities the others had, and saw how it all worked together. He had been nervous when he first cooked up this \u201cscheme,\u201d but now all Ben could think to himself was: \u2018I know they each learned more than I hoped. This worked out better than I could have planned.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, he spoke to all three of his sons. \u201cBoys, this is how it\u2019s supposed to be. We are a family, we are a team. We need each other, and we need to work together to make our ranch stronger. Our ties to each other help us get through anything we face. You\u2019ve all proven you\u2019re capable of taking on great challenges and overcoming them, and I\u2019m mighty proud of all three of you tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He held up a glass of wine. \u201cA toast. To us. To family. To the Cartwrights. To the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a9 2017<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: What would happen if every Cartwright had to do a job they hated? Or at least disliked? This is a story of jumbling up the work and distributing it in a whole new way. Let\u2019s see if the Cartwright sons can really pitch in and fill in for another brother.<\/p>\n

Rating: G, Word Count: 17,310<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9861,"featured_media":48343,"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":[1009],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","wpcat-1009-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":865,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/El-Toro-Grande.png?fit=903%2C743&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5392,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5392","url_meta":{"origin":48193,"position":0},"title":"The Ballad of Ben Cartwright (by ansinico)","author":"ansinico","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0l have put my own words to the\u00a0air of an Irish drinking song, \u00a0'The Wild Rover' also called 'No Nay Never' \u00a0l hope you like it. 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