Summary: Fourteen-year-old Hoss has a plan.\u00a0 With the help of Little Joe and Old Ned, he may just be able to surprise Pa and Adam this Christmas.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 3,900 words<\/p>\n
Written for the 2024 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Bonanza<\/strong><\/span> Comfort and Joy<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss Carwright stopped and studied the notices. In the past year, the growing settlement had acquired a printer. Alex Fields printed notices, signs, cards, and once a week a single sheet of local stories and any territorial or national news that the printer could glean from limited sources. Now the boards of the print shop\u2019s front facade always held the latest broadside and any notices of interest to passersby. Anytime someone from the ranch came into town for supplies or business, it had become routine to not only pick up any waiting mail but to read the print shop wall. Hoss noticed the announcement almost immediately, but it was not until he was almost ready to leave that he realized its significance to himself. He pondered the idea for a few minutes and then he settled his mind on it. It was a good idea- an excellent idea, in fact. He smiled widely, memorized the needed information, and then strode off down the street to join Old Ned on the wagon, whistling to himself.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n \u201cWhatcha doing?\u201d Hoss looked up at the sound of his little brother\u2019s voice. The eight-year-old had entered Hoss\u2019s bedroom and proceeded to fling himself face down on the bed hanging over the end and staring at his brother sitting on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s it look like I\u2019m doing, Short Shanks?\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was cheery as he was totally unperturbed by Little Joe\u2019s invasion.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve gots your money out. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need to count it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClose the door, and I\u2019ll tell ya. It\u2019s a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n Excitement shot the little boy off the bed. He closed the door, darted to his brother\u2019s side, sat down, leaned toward Hoss\u2019s ear, and spoke in an overly loud whisper. \u201cWhat\u2019s the secret?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy plan\u2019s the secret. Onliest thing is, I need your help, so ya have to cross your heart and promise not to tell anybody most especially Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cCould we get in trouble with Pa for doing your plan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Short Shanks, when have you ever known me to take you along when I go courting trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe gave the matter a few seconds consideration. \u201cNever. When you\u2019re courting trouble, if I find out, you always tell me I can\u2019t come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, then. \u201c\u2018sides the onliest part that could cause a touch of trouble, we\u2019re getting Old Ned to help with, so there won\u2019t be nobody getting in any trouble, no siree. This ain\u2019t a trouble plan, but it\u2019s a surprise for Pa, so he can\u2019t know until Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a Christmas surprise, and Old Ned knows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s concerns were laid to rest. \u201cOkay then.\u201d Then a new thought entered his mind. \u201cBut, Hoss, I ain\u2019t got no money to help with.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s exuberance deflated.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need your money. I should have enough.\u201d Hoss was confident and patted Joe\u2019s thigh with assurance. Since he had turned fourteen, he had been allowed to forgo academics and work full-time on the ranch. Having been man-sized for several years, he was physically capable of a ranch hand\u2019s labor and preferred it to the lessons he had dreaded for years. His Pa had stopped giving him pocket money and now paid him the going daily wage for a beginning hand. He was too young for the saloons, the drink, and the cards that took wages from the average ranch hand, and he was not one to make frivolous or flashy purchases. His basic needs were still supplied by his father, so most weeks, Hoss just spent a little on the candy he and his little brother favored, gave to the Sunday offering, and saved the rest. He therefore had stored away a significant sum.<\/p>\n \u201cBut iffen I don\u2019t give any of the money, it\u2019s your surprise, Hoss, not our surprise. I want it should be our surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, Pa gives ya a nickel pocket money every Saturday. If ya save a penny every Saturday until Christmas, ya can give that to me, and then the surprise will be from both of us to Pa and to Adam too. I think I\u2019ve got enough for both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we get a surprise to Adam by Christmas? Getting something to Adam takes a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Hoss sighed. \u201cIt might not make it there in time for him to open it on Christmas, but it will get there and when it does it will be like a second Christmas for elder brother. The pastor says we should keep Christmas in our hearts all year round; we\u2019ll just send Adam a good reason to keep some in his heart \u2018til he gets hisself back here next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe saw the reasonableness of his brother\u2019s explanation. His smile covered his face, and he bounced with excitement. \u201cTell me the plan, Hoss. What\u2019s the surprise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA daguerreotype. One for each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA daguerreotype, a picture like the ones Pa has of our mothers. They won\u2019t have as fancy frames or cases, but…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPictures, who\u2019s gonna be in the pictures?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss laughed. \u201cYou and me silly! Pa will have a picture of his two youngest sons, and Adam will have one of his brothers.\u201d Hoss did not voice his regret that Pa would not have a daguerreotype of all three of his sons together. Dagburn that brother of ours having to go off so far to get his education. Oh, well, it\u2019s less than a year before he\u2019s back where he belongs.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Hoss, how we gonna get one made?\u201d Little Joe considered the idea a wonderful one, and the thought it might not be possible put a wail into his voice. \u201cWe can\u2019t make one ourselves!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just it, Little Joe, we don\u2019t have to. Folks use special equipment to make a daguerreotype and special ways, but sometimes somebody who does a job of making them travels around from place to place making \u2018em for folks, and I saw a notice in town that one of them daguerreotypers is coming to town next week. All we got to do is go to town with money in our pocket, and he\u2019ll make \u2018em for us. Old Ned said he\u2019ll take us. He\u2019ll think of a reason that won\u2019t take no lying to Pa, just a little not mentioning which is okay for Christmas presents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa thinks his pictures of our mamas are real, real special. We gotta a do it, Hoss; we gotta!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get the job done, and Old Ned will help us with the shipping to Adam. He knows about such things having done it before for himself and for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe let out a whoop of joy that Hop Sing heard in the kitchen. Hoss pulled his brother into his lap, placed his hand over not only Little Joe\u2019s mouth but most of his face, and reminded the boy of the need for secrecy. Little Joe nodded promising that this would be a secret kept.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n Hoss could not keep from grinning as he sat next to Old Ned on the seat of the buckboard. He felt his brother\u2019s arms encircle his neck as the little boy stood in the wagon bed and leaned his body against his brother\u2019s broad back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you tell Pa was the reason you was taking us to town, Mr. Ned?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust told Boss that I had made a deal with the two of ya. He didn\u2019t ask for no details. Boss knows I deal with some things when it comes to you younins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo we really gotta change into our church clothes for the picture-taking?\u201d Little Joe never saw a good reason for dressing in his go-to-meeting clothes.<\/p>\n Old Ned made his voice stern as this discussion was on its third repeat. \u201cYes, and I won\u2019t be hearing no more about it. When your pa and Bucko are showing them daguerreotypes to all and sundry, them folks is going to be seeing ya in your best. That clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Little Joe sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t have to wear \u2018em for long, Little Joe. We\u2019ll change back soon as them pictures are taken. Doc Paul said we could use his office for the changing. \u2018sides, you look awful grown in that good suit. Adam\u2019s like to hardly know ya when he sees the picture.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s countenance brightened at the thought of looking older.<\/p>\n Old Ned spit over the side of the buckboard. \u201cBucko is like to have a time recognizing either one of ya. Ya both have done a heap of growing since he left.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe rested his head on Hoss\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t know if I\u2019ll recognize Adam; he\u2019s been gone so long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ya go fretting \u2018bout that now, Little Bit. You\u2019ll know your brother right off come the time. He may be a mite taller and have put on a little heft, but he\u2019ll be Adam all the same.\u201d Old Ned\u2019s confidence steadied both Joe and Hoss\u2019s mood, and most of the rest of the trip was spent speculating about Christmas, what Adam was doing, how excited Pa and Adam would be, what Pa would get them, and other important concerns.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n Having changed clothes, Hoss made sure his money was safely in his inner pocket. He turned to see Old Ned brushing down Little Joe\u2019s curls and retying his black string tie. The three walked down to the spot where a long curtain had been hung in the bright sunshine behind the newly built Congregational Church and took their places at the end of a line of about a dozen people.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he\u2019d have a tent.\u201d Little Joe was shifting around and craning his neck to see around the people in front of him.<\/p>\n Old Ned settled him by placing a hand on his shoulder. \u201cLight is important to the daguerreotype. Brighter the light, clearer the picture. We\u2019re lucky we got us such a fine sunny day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, his height allowing him to see over most shoulders and many heads, watched as a short, whiskered man arranged people in front of the curtain, stood behind a contraption he called a camera, called out the words \u201chold still\u201d, and took off some sort of cap from the front of the camera. After a timed three minutes, he replaced the cap, called to the people, and made arrangements for them to pick up the completed daguerreotypes that afternoon. As their turn grew nearer, Hoss became comfortable with what would happen; his only concern was Little Joe staying absolutely still for the required three minutes.<\/p>\n When the man called them to come ahead, Hoss placed his hand on Little Joe\u2019s back, and they walked confidently forward. Hoss informed the little man, Mr. Aloysuis Sims, of what they desired, went over the decisions to be made, and counted out the payment.<\/p>\n Mr. Sims placed two stands and a chair in front of the curtain. It had been decided that the best way to have both Hoss\u2019s and Little Joe\u2019s faces clear in the picture was for Hoss to be seated and Joe to stand next to him. Hoss took his seat, and Mr. Sims adjusted the stand and placed the head clamps that would hold Hoss\u2019s head steady. Then, he set Little Joe on Hoss\u2019s left and did the same. As Mr. Sims walked back behind the camera, Hoss slipped his arm around the little boy\u2019s waist to steady him. \u201cReal still now, Short Shanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Sims surveyed the composition once more, drew out his timepiece, called out \u201cStill now!\u201d and removed the lens cover. Three minutes later, he replaced the cover and called out \u201cRelax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYa did real good, Joe, real good. Just do the same again.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss saw Old Ned step up to Mr. Sims and say something to him. Mr. Sims nodded. \u201cThat might be a good thing. Yea, we\u2019ll do that.\u201d Hoss made his decision with confidence. It would be right that Pa and Adam each could tell his picture from the other with ease. It pleased him that the daguerreotypes would be one-of-a-kind as one could not make multiple copies of a daguerreotype.<\/p>\n This time Mr. Sims had Little Joe place his arm around Hoss\u2019s neck and settle half-seated on his brother\u2019s broad thigh. This position also made stillness a little easier for Joe, and the picture-taking process was again completed successfully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can come by any time after two o\u2019clock to pick them up.\u201d Mr. Sims then turned to his next customer. He was taking pictures for the next hour and then would begin the processing of the daguerreotypes for afternoon retrieval.<\/p>\n Old Ned called to the Carwright boys, and they ran to him. \u201cI got a few bits of business to do. Do I need to keep ya with me, or can ya keep yourselves out of trouble until lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can be good, Mr. Ned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can see to Little Joe. He\u2019ll mind me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, then, meet me at Mrs. Brugger\u2019s cafe about one o\u2019clock for lunch. Go by Doc\u2019s and change and remember your boundaries.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know the rules. Come on, Short Shanks.\u201d The boys took off toward the doctor\u2019s office, and Old Ned set about his errands.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n At 2:15, the Cartwrights and Ned walked up to Mr. Sims who was seated behind a table outside his wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cName\u2019s Carwright; isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. You said everything would be ready after two.\u201d Hoss spoke in loud, clear tones.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd everything is.\u201d He turned, picked up the two daguerreotypes, and placed them on the table. \u201cThey both turned out mighty fine if I say so myself. Now you know, even with the glass to cover, they can be easily ruined. You will need to take care.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know.\u201d Hoss reached out and picked up the daguerreotype in the single, unhinged case which allowed the picture to stand vertically. This was the one that would be Pa\u2019s and join those of the three Mrs. Ben Cartwrights. Little Joe clasped his hands behind him but leaned against his brother\u2019s arm to peer at the picture in Hoss\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cGoshdurn, now ain\u2019t that a sight! Goshdddurn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s us, Hoss, you and me; that\u2019s us!\u201d It was; the picture beneath the glass clearly showed the boys and the smiles on their faces.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve ever seen one finer!\u201d Old Ned leaned over to take a good look at the daguerreotype. \u201cYou done a fine job, Sims. If the other is as good…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss set down the first picture and reached for the second. He had made the decision to place Adam\u2019s daguerreotype in a double hinged case for added protection during its journey to his brother. He opened the case and grinned even more broadly. This picture was just as clear as the first, and though he would never voice the observation he thought the more relaxed pose made the image more natural and life-like.<\/p>\n \u201cYes indeedy, Mr. Sims, you are a man of considerable skill.\u201d Old Ned clapped the daguerreotyper on the back.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are mighty fine, Mr. Sims, mighty fine. Thank you!\u201d Hoss beamed at the man.<\/p>\n \u201cYea, thank you, Mr. Sims. Adam and Pa are going to be real pleased. Ain\u2019t they, Hoss; ain\u2019t they, Mr. Ned?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey surely will, Little Bit. They most surely will. Best be going, boys. Good day, Mr. Sims, and we\u2019ll be sure to let folks know the quality of your work. If you plan to still be here Saturday, I think a few of the hands might give ya some more business.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss carefully closed the case and picked up the first daguerreotype. Carrying the daguerreotypes with a care and gentleness he usually reserved for ill or wounded critters, Hoss started whistling Adam\u2019s favorite tune.<\/p>\n When they reached the wagon, the daguerreotypes were wrapped in blankets and placed on several pillows brought along for their protection on the trip home. Little Joe settled next to them having set himself the responsibility of protecting them at all costs. Hoss considered offering to drive but decided this trip was best left in the sure and more experienced hands of Old Ned. He sat down next to Ned and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cPa will be real surprised, don\u2019t ya think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurprised and pleased as punch. Ya done good, boy, real good.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s voice came from behind them. \u201cDo ya think some of the hands will really have their own done?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do. You boys ain\u2019t the onliest ones with loved ones a far piece away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder that Pa didn\u2019t think of having some taken. I\u2019ve been holding my breath about that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ned cleared his throat and spit. \u201cBoss ain\u2019t had no reason to be in town of late, and it just might be that it went around that it would be best not to mention no daguerreotyper to him this time around.”<\/p>\n Hoss smiled. Adam always says the most important part of a plan is picking the right partners.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n \u201cWell, boys, fine as this morning has been the animals still need tending, we best…\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glanced at Old Ned and Hop Sing who had both joined the Cartwrights for their Christmas morning festivities. Seeing both men nod, he interrupted his father. \u201cBut I\u2019ve already had my presents from both of you. You both made…\u201d Ben\u2019s voice contained puzzlement, but he reached and took the present from Hoss\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThose was our regular presents to you. This is a special one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA special one? Special how?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I thought about it lots. This will belong to you, but, well, it\u2019s gonna be special to everybody, and well, it will be a joy to all of us, I think. The present will belong to you, but, well, the joy will belong to lots of people. That\u2019s why it\u2019s extra and special.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, um, then I best get it open, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea, Pa, but ya got to be careful. It\u2019s real, what did ya call it Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFragile. It is real fragile, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take great care then.\u201d Ben slowly unwrapped the daguerreotype, gasped, and looked up at his sons. \u201cBut… this is wonderful, but how…how?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss had a plan, Pa. Mr. Ned helped, and Hop Sing wrapped and hid it, and …well, do ya like it Pa, do ya really?\u201d Little Joe held his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI… I more than like it. I can\u2019t think of anything I would like more. I… it\u2019s wonderful just wonderful.\u201d Ben rose, and Little Joe threw himself into his father\u2019s arms. Ben settled the boy on his hip. \u201cThank you, sons, thank you.\u201d Ben placed a kiss on his youngest\u2019s forehead. Then reaching out, placing an arm around Hoss, and pulling the boy to him he did something he had not done in too long a time. He placed a loud and smacking kiss on his man-sized son\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cPaaa!\u201d Hoss\u2019s wail was only partially indignant.<\/p>\n Watching, Hop Sing made a statement in Chinese. Old Ned looked over at the cook and nodded his head in agreement even though he knew not a word of Chinese.<\/p>\n Ben set his son on his feet and carefully walked over to his desk and placed the daguerreotype in a place of honor next to those of his wives. \u201cThere. I can look at it dozens of times a day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s more to know, Pa. We sent one to Adam. You\u2019ll have to wait \u2018til he brings it back to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sent one to your brother?\u201d Ben looked at Hoss who nodded. \u201cBut two… the cost of two and the shipping…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had some saved, and Joe put in some.\u201d Hoss straightened and squared his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m thinking it was money well-spent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I don\u2019t see how nobody could disagree with that!\u201d Old Ned slapped his thigh and stood. \u201cThe animals do need tending.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cI want to know everything: how, and when, and why I knew nothing, absolutely nothing… You can tell me while we do that tending.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell ya, Pa.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s declaration brought a smile to everyone\u2019s face as the little boy\u2019s explanations were generally quite entertaining.<\/p>\n ()()()()()<\/p>\n Hoss walked onto the porch of the bunkhouse where Old Ned sat rocking. He settled at the old man\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n \u201cYa got something to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea, Mr. Ned, something good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut with it then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe got a letter from Adam today. He got it, Mr. Ned. He said there weren\u2019t a mark on it; he said it was perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thinking his perfect was meaning more than just the condition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe said lots of ways how he liked it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he meant all of them. Bucko don\u2019t write down things that ain\u2019t true.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, ya think it will be a joy to him like Pa\u2019s is to us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thinking it will be more than a joy; it\u2019ll a be a comfort too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA comfort?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen that big brother of yours gets to fretting like he\u2019s always done from time to time. Well, it will bring him comfort to look at that picture and see how the two of ya are well, and growing, and together, and well, taking care of each other \u2018til he gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think he\u2019ll see all that when he looks at it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do, and it will be a comfort to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea, I think it will. Mr. Ned, ya know nothing, not nothing that we worried or fretted about, went bad. Nothing went wrong with my plan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a good plan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking, well, maybe, it went so well \u2018cause God thought it was a good plan too. That he blessed it, ya know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, I think ya got that right. Have ya thanked him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea, I\u2019ll thank him again when I say my prayers tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI been thinking about something else, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mr. Sims had a good number of folks buy his work when he was here. I was thinking he might think it a good idea to come back around these parts, and if he does, well, him or any other daguerreotyper, I could get Pa to have him come out to the ranch. There\u2019s lots of folks and even places, and things that we could get joy out of having pictures of, and any of the hands or folks closer to us than town could get ’em done easy right here. Do you think maybe that we could do something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t see as why not. You speak about it when ya pray tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will, and I\u2019m gonna start saving up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I will too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea. Pa needs a daguerreotype of all three of his sons. Don\u2019t ya think!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed I do!\u201d<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The prompt is: Daguerreotype photograph, 1839
\n~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~<\/strong><\/span>
\n* Day 3 *<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u201cThere! You\u2019ll do.\u201d Ned turned his attention to Hoss, gave a few tugs and smoothed a spot or two. \u201cYou\u2019re both looking fine!\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe came over to his subjects. \u201cWould you like to make a small change and have the two pictures be different?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cPa, um, there\u2019s just one more thing.\u201d He turned swiftly and retrieved the wrapped daguerreotype and then went to stand before his father. Little Joe joined him bouncing on his toes and grinning widely. \u201cThis is for you, Pa, from Joe and me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAnd the character: Hoss<\/p>\n