Summary:\u00a0 Christmastime without a Christmas tree threatens Virginia City.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a05,370 words<\/p>\n
Written for the 2024 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Bonanza <\/p>\n An Electrifying Christmas<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took a deep draw on his pipe and looked about the room with Sabbath satisfaction.\u00a0\u00a0Nothing he enjoyed more than a quiet Sunday afternoon with his sons, and he tried to make it a weekly affair.\u00a0\u00a0It wasn\u2019t always possible, of course.\u00a0\u00a0The Ponderosa was a big ranch, and it often had big needs that couldn\u2019t wait.\u00a0\u00a0The animals, especially, didn\u2019t know one day from another and couldn\u2019t be expected to recognize a man\u2019s need for rest and revitalization for the week ahead.\u00a0\u00a0This mid-November Sunday, however, was all he could have wished.\u00a0\u00a0Adam was lost in a new book, while Hoss appeared absorbed in the latest issue of\u00a0Manufacturer and Builder<\/i>.\u00a0\u00a0It was Adam who actually subscribed to the magazine, but his younger brother regularly confiscated it once Adam had read it cover to cover.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe\u2019s insistent voice held a hint of whine that immediately brought his father\u2019s attention to him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s your move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, son,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI was woolgathering.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Goodness knew, he had plenty of time for that when he played chess with his youngest son.\u00a0\u00a0The fifteen-year-old wasn\u2019t yet proficient with the game and could be depended on to study the board at length before hazarding a move.\u00a0\u00a0Generally, Little Joe and Hoss played checkers each Sunday afternoon, but with Hoss unavailable today, Ben had insisted on the more challenging game because he wanted that extra time between moves for peaceful reflection.\u00a0\u00a0If he were honest, he had also insisted on chess because Little Joe was entirely too adept at checkers, and he didn\u2019t relish losing to the young whippersnapper.\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe was also a dexterous cheater, and Ben didn\u2019t want to encourage that sort of behavior; nor did he wish to squander his parental energy by keeping constant lookout for it.\u00a0\u00a0He quickly discerned the correct move to counter the one the boy had made, but he wrinkled his forehead as if in deep thought.\u00a0\u00a0He didn\u2019t want his youngest to feel discouraged about his lower level of skill, so he delayed making the actual move.\u00a0\u00a0His hand was just reaching for the rook when with a sudden (and most uncharacteristic) explosion of energy, Hoss erupted from his end of the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d Hoss cried as he headed for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d asked Ben, while Little Joe echoed the word and Adam blinked at the unwelcome interruption of his own reading.<\/p>\n By this time Hoss was at the door, thrusting his arms into his warm leather jacket.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSorry,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI gotta see the reverend right quick.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He was out the door before anyone could get out the word, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss must\u2019ve done some powerful sinning if he needs the preacher that sudden-like,\u201d Little Joe opined.\u00a0\u00a0He was, after all, already put out with Hoss for choosing that fool magazine over losing another game of checkers to him.<\/p>\n \u201cSin\u2019s more your territory, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam asked coolly, which earned him an outthrust tongue in response.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any idea what might be in that magazine to inspire a sudden visit with Reverend Abrams?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben directed the question toward his eldest son.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0\u00a0He leaned over to recover the magazine Hoss had dropped to the floor and flipped through the pages.\u00a0\u00a0Then, shaking his head, he laid it on the table before the settee.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNothing there to inspire religious conviction, near as I can see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we\u2019ll just have to wait \u2018til he gets home, I guess,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0He slid the rook into place.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYour move, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou sure you wouldn\u2019t rather play checkers, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure, son.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben reached for his pipe and took another long, peace-filled draw.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The next morning Little Joe thundered down the stairs, yelling, \u201cPa!\u00a0\u00a0Hoss didn\u2019t come home last night!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m well aware of that, Joseph,\u201d his father said from the head of the breakfast table.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t you worried?\u201d Joe demanded.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe was out all night, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a big boy,\u201d Adam offered from his place opposite their father.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, he is,\u201d Ben said with as much calm as he could.\u00a0\u00a0Big boy or not, Hoss was still his son, and he did tend to fret over unexplained absences.\u00a0\u00a0His middle boy usually had good reason for his, however, and that earned him some leeway.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAs late as it was, he probably spent the night with the Thomases,\u201d he offered as a probable explanation.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, maybe,\u201d Little Joe said as he slid into his seat to Ben\u2019s right.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMaybe not, though.\u00a0\u00a0Maybe I ought to ride into town and check, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHave you forgotten what day it is?\u201d he asked with a suggestively arched eyebrow.<\/p>\n Little Joe scowled in Adam\u2019s direction and asked again, \u201cYou think I ought to check, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnswer your brother\u2019s question first,\u201d Ben said, his own eyebrow arching in the same manner as Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n Little Joe sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI know it\u2019s Monday, but maybe . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut maybe you belong in school on a Monday morning,\u201d Ben stated flatly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIsn\u2019t that what you were about to say, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly,\u201d Little Joe muttered, slumping in his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I think that\u2019s exactly where you need to be, instead of galivanting off to town, young man, so eat your breakfast and be on your way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Pa,\u201d Little Joe whined and then winced at the narrowed gaze his father riveted on him.\u00a0\u00a0He reached for the platter of bacon and reluctantly began to pile his plate.\u00a0\u00a0Perhaps in hope his father would change his mind, he dawdled through breakfast, but finally managed to get out the door, saddle up and head for the nearby Franktown school only a few minutes later than he should.<\/p>\n Once the boy had cleared the room, Adam looked up at his father and asked, \u201cWould you like me to ride into town and check on Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAs you said, he\u2019s a big boy, and I think I have to show him some respect.\u00a0\u00a0If he\u2019s not home by noon, however . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go looking,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe can\u2019t be praying over his sins that long,\u201d he added with a wink and Ben joined him in a chuckle.\u00a0\u00a0Whatever Hoss was up to, neither one of them thought it had a thing to do with sin.\u00a0\u00a0Adam might bend rules and regulations in a just cause, and Little Joe definitely would, whether the cause was just or not, but not Hoss, Ben\u2019s most reliable son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss barely made that noon deadline.\u00a0\u00a0Ben heard him ride up and couldn\u2019t resist going out to meet him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry \u2018bout the way I left,\u201d the big man, looking more like a guilty little boy, said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI reckon I just got excited and didn\u2019t think things through.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam came out of the barn, where he had been on the point of saddling up and starting to search for his errant brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, well, the lost has returned, I see, no doubt with a colorful explanation of everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh!\u201d Hoss snorted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI ain\u2019t Joe, older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSo, it\u2019ll be a little less colorful, but just as fascinating, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I hope so,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cbut if you fellas don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to save it until Shortshanks gets here, \u2018cause I\u2019m gonna need all your help to pull this off.\u201d<\/p>\n It was on the tip of Adam\u2019s tongue to ask what \u201cthis\u201d was, but Ben held up a silencing hand.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019ll be fine, son,\u201d he told his middle boy.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll all be interested.\u00a0\u00a0In the meantime, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find some chores that need attention.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t there always?\u201d Adam said with a pointed roll of his eyes.<\/p>\n Lest their father come up with something worse, the two older Carwright brothers managed to find enough chores needing attention close to home to occupy themselves until the youngest rode in from school.\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe flew off his horse to practically engulf Hoss in his best imitation of a bear hug.<\/p>\n Hoss returned it with one more resembling the real thing.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSorry I worried you, Shortshanks.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam had filled him in on the conversation at the breakfast table.<\/p>\n Little Joe attempted to shrug off his previous concern.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAw, I wasn\u2019t worried; I just wanted a trip to town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let Pa hear you say that,\u201d Hoss, not fooled for a minute, warned.<\/p>\n His little brother flapped a negating hand toward his older brothers.\u00a0\u00a0\u201c\u2018Course not.\u00a0\u00a0So\u2019d you confess all your sins?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but he\u2019s about to,\u201d Adam put in drily.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d said Hoss, both his brothers\u2019 attempts at humor having sailed straight over his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThe explanation you promised,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0\u00a0He made a flourishing hand gesture toward the house.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cTime to face the music, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n The three brothers moved toward the house, and soon the entire family was gathered around the dining table, where Hop Sing had Little Joe\u2019s usual after-school treat laid out and waiting.\u00a0\u00a0Having sensed that there would be more hungry mouths than usual, the cook had prepared a larger platter of cookies and provided coffee, along with the hot chocolate Little Joe preferred on chilly afternoons.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss opted for that, as well.<\/p>\n The two coffee-drinkers intended to give Hoss whatever time he needed to fuel up, but Little Joe only made it through half a cookie before ordering his big brother to \u201c\u2018fess up.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0For once, no one rebuked his impatience.\u00a0\u00a0Curiosity was about to eat them alive, as well.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss said with a half-sigh as he set aside the second cookie he\u2019d just lifted toward his mouth.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, you remember how the reverend said there wouldn\u2019t be no Christmas tree at the church this year on account of what happened at the party for the young\u2019uns last year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe said, voice edged with disappointment.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cStill say that was going too far.\u00a0\u00a0It was just a little fire, and we got it put out right away, no harm done.\u00a0\u00a0Well, not much, anyway.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The final remark was in response to the skeptical stares directed at this astounding evaluation of the event.<\/p>\n \u201cUnless you count children screaming, people stampeding for the door, a burnt offering of all the presents on the tree,\u201d Adam observed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cShall I continue?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo, but I still say weren\u2019t no call to cancel the whole thing.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019d take extra precautions this year, and the kids\u2019ll be plumb disappointed if there\u2019s no tree.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially the ones of\u2014oh, say\u2014your age?\u201d Adam suggested, lips tickling between a smirk and a chuckle.<\/p>\n Hoss held both palms toward his brothers to get their attention back on the important news he was about to deliver.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNobody\u2019s gonna be disappointed this year,\u201d he said, a wide grin splitting his face as he continued, \u201cI showed the reverend a way to . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave our tree and eat it, too?\u201d Adam quipped.<\/p>\n Momentarily confused, Hoss said, \u201cWell, I reckon there will be the usual cookies and candy on the tree.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Then he realized Adam was just teasing him and waved away the distraction.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe point is there\u2019ll be a tree and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHurray!\u201d Little Joe shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd,\u201d Hoss said, elongating the word with raised voice and glowering eyes \u201cthere won\u2019t be no danger of fire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo candles?\u201d Little Joe said, his face drooping.\u00a0\u00a0At another glower from Hoss, he quickly said, \u201cWell, I guess that\u2019s better than no tree at all.\u00a0\u00a0Sure won\u2019t be as\u2014as magical, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe magic\u2019ll be there, Joseph,\u201d Hoss assured his brother, \u201cand lights, too . . . just not candles.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam folded his arms and leaned back in his chair.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd this, I presume, is where\u00a0Manufacturer and Builder<\/i>\u00a0comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah!\u201d Hoss declared with wide-grinned enthusiasm.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou figured it out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, not quite,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cNor have I,\u201d Ben said, finally taking the reins of the conversation.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, Hoss, I want you to explain exactly what is going on . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what that confounded magazine\u2019s got to do with it,\u201d Little Joe added, his voice fading as his father turned to glare at him.<\/p>\n \u201cPreferably as simply as possible,\u201d Ben continued, \u201cwithout side trips or interruptions.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The firm statement was accompanied by an admonishing look that settled on each son in succession.<\/p>\n Adam acknowledged it with a nod, Little Joe cowered back in his seat, and Hoss gulped and took a deep breath before plunging in.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, I did get the idea from the confounded magazine, Joseph,\u201d he began, irritated enough to give one prod in return for the guff he\u2019d been taking.\u00a0\u00a0Seeing his father\u2019s eyebrow move upward, he hurried on.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSee, there\u2019s this invention . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no!\u201d Little Joe couldn\u2019t resist groaning.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNot another invention.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said in warning.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI said no interruptions.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam started to remind his father that he\u2019d only said \u201cpreferably,\u201d but decided keeping his head on his shoulders might warrant keeping that detail to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Little Joe protested, \u201cbut you know how he is about inventions.\u00a0\u00a0Remember the gun that shoots around corners?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, yes.\u00a0\u00a0I assume, Hoss, we\u2019re not talking about anything that dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no, sir,\u201d Hoss hastened to say.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNothin\u2019 like that at all.\u00a0\u00a0And this here\u2019s a tried-and-true invention, been around since the 1830s, not some Johnny-come-lately like that fool gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cContinue, son.\u201d<\/p>\n While the preceding conversation had been going on, Adam had been running his mind over the articles he had read in the \u201cconfounded magazine.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe electric dynamo?\u201d he asked tentatively.<\/p>\n Hoss beamed at him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYeah!\u00a0\u00a0That\u2019s it.\u00a0\u00a0You\u00a0did<\/i>\u00a0figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still haven\u2019t,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWould one of you care to enlighten me and your younger brother?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0His taut voice clearly said that one of them had better . . . and soon.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Adam could probably explain the science better\u2019n me,\u201d Hoss began.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything but that,\u201d Little Joe muttered.\u00a0\u00a0A look from his father quailed him, at least momentarily.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well, like I was sayin\u2019, there\u2019s this invention called an electric dynamo that makes\u2014well\u2014electricity.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe favored him with a blank stare, and Hoss sent a plea for help in Adam\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n \u201cPower,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt creates a source of power, serving the same purpose as the gas lighting they have in the big cities back east, but safer since there\u2019s no flame.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly!\u201d Hoss exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t even have gas lighting in Virginia City,\u201d Ben pointed out, \u201cmuch less this electric . . . whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDynamo,\u201d Hoss and Adam said in unison, with Adam adding, directly to Hoss, \u201cHow do you plan to get around that little problem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, see, Adam, that\u2019s where you come in.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss\u2019s head bobbed vigorously in expectant hope.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI was kind of hopin\u2019 you could build one.\u00a0\u00a0Not a big one, mind, just the right size to light the tree.\u00a0\u00a0I done ordered these small lights, like they showed in the magazine and the other parts it said we\u2019d need.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He turned toward his father.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s why I stayed over, \u2018cause the telegraph was closed last night, but everything\u2019s taken care of now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be a challenge,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0\u00a0Everyone else in the room, including the cook eavesdropping from the kitchen doorway, could hear the edge of excitement in his voice at the enticement of a new challenge, and they were all fully confident that he could meet it.<\/p>\n Hoss spoke for the others.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAw, you can do it, Adam, and the kids\u2019ll love it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Reverend Abrams has agreed to this?\u201d Ben inquired, his brow wrinkling.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Then Hoss\u2019s honest nature made him add, \u201cThat is, if it works.\u00a0\u00a0We got to set it up early and show \u2018im everything\u2019s in working order before he gives us the final go-ahead, but I just know we can do it.\u00a0\u00a0Well, mostly I mean Adam, but I\u2019ll help out, if\u2019n you tell me what to do, older brother, and there\u2019s even ways you can help, Shortshanks!\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe waved both hands before his face.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOh, no, leave me out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n To keep the peace, Ben said, \u201cWe\u2019ll leave it to the older boys for now, and if there are ways that I or Little Joe can help make a merrier Christmas for the children, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll be glad to.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe smiled back weakly.\u00a0\u00a0He wasn\u2019t feeling glad about this whole project, but he was pretty sure it wasn\u2019t safe to say that to, well, any of the others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the project took shape over the next few weeks after the parts arrived, Hoss and Adam grew steadily more enthusiastic.\u00a0\u00a0Ben began to feel the excitement, too, but Little Joe remained harder to convince.\u00a0\u00a0If it worked, he\u2019d be happy for the sake of the children, but otherwise, he insisted, it had nothing to do with him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJust so it don\u2019t turn out like that gun that\u00a0didn\u2019t<\/i>\u00a0shoot around corners,\u201d he insisted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe was just lucky nobody got killed when that thing exploded with the bullet still inside.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0No one could argue with that, and no one could guarantee this invention would work any better, at least not to the skeptical boy\u2019s satisfaction.<\/p>\n Finally, Hoss and Adam declared it finished and unveiled it with a flourish.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSee?\u201d Hoss said proudly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou just sit here on that flat seat and turn them paddles with your feet, and you gets electricity!\u00a0\u00a0That goes through these here wires to the lights on the tree and, well, magic happens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow you figure to get them long legs of yours to turn any pedals in that cramped a space?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe cackled at his brother\u2019s obvious mistake.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSurprised the engineer here didn\u2019t think of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of room,\u201d the engineer insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, come on, Adam,\u201d Little Joe scoffed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cEven your legs won\u2019t fit in that space, much less Hoss\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sported a positively wicked grin.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut yours will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe\u2019s jaw dropped halfway to the floor.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI done told you I didn\u2019t want anything to do with that fool invention, didn\u2019t I, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do seem to recall that, boys,\u201d Ben pointed out.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Joe,\u201d Hoss wheedled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou didn\u2019t mean that, did ya?\u00a0\u00a0Why, you\u2019re the onliest one who can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the onliest one that ain\u2019t gonna do it!\u201d Little Joe shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a minute, son,\u201d Ben said, patting the air in conciliatory fashion.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s try to sort this out.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss, I must say, you seem to have sized this machine with your little brother clearly in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Adam built it,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0It seemed like a prudent time to deflect attention from himself.<\/p>\n It worked.\u00a0\u00a0Ben swiveled toward his oldest son, arching an inquisitive eyebrow.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, of course, this device was designed to accommodate our young brother here,\u201d Adam said, as if nothing could be more elementary.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe is the obvious best choice to supply the force that generates the power.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The single explosive syllable came from Little Joe.<\/p>\n Ben calmed him with a light hand on the upper arm, but he was looking at Adam as he asked, \u201cAnd how do you reason that, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSimple logic,\u201d Adam said with a shrug.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWho in this family has energy to burn, on any given day?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He swept a hand toward his youngest brother.<\/p>\n A chuckle twinkled at Ben\u2019s mouth, but he contained it.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, he does have a point, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat don\u2019t mean I want to use it on some fool invention,\u201d Little Joe declared with outthrust lip.<\/p>\n Ben placed his palm over his heart and a look of incredulity on his face.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou don\u2019t want to keep the children of our community safe, Joseph?\u00a0\u00a0You want a repeat of last year\u2019s fiasco?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not, Pa,\u201d Little Joe protested, \u201cbut, well . . .oh, shoot!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0From the triumphant looks both his brothers were sporting and the conspiratory one on Pa\u2019s face, he figured this battle was lost before it started.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI guess, since I\u2019m the best man for the job, I\u2019m gonna have to pull your bacon out of the fire again!\u201d Little Joe announced, and with an exaggerated flounce of his chestnut mane, he stormed off to bed.<\/p>\n \u201cDid anyone say \u2018man\u2019?\u201d Adam asked with a smirk.<\/p>\n Hoss let out his trademark guffaw, but squelched it at the sight of Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the record,\u201d Ben said, \u201cI think it was a mean trick to keep him in the dark about your plans until the last minute, but as it is the last minute, I don\u2019t want to see your hard work go for naught . . . or the children disappointed.\u00a0\u00a0Besides, it\u2019ll do Little Joe good to think of someone besides himself for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly why we did it,\u201d Adam made the mistake of saying.<\/p>\n Ben stabbed his index finger straight at his oldest son\u2019s impudent nose.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u201d\u2014he then thrust the accusing finger in Hoss\u2019s direction\u2014\u201cand you,\u201d he said, \u201cwill come up with some substantial reward for your young brother\u2019s help in this project he wanted nothing to do with!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened his mouth to say something, but evidently deciding against whatever smart remark had tickled his fertile brain, he said a simple, \u201cYes, sir,\u201d instead, and Hoss quickly echoed it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The next day the three Cartwright brothers went into Virginia City to demonstrate to Reverand Abrams the beauty and practical safety of the tree-lighting project.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The good pastor could not have been more pleased, and he waxed eloquent in his praise of the three young men who had made it possible to have a tree after all.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd now we can have the tree lighted for the whole service, can we not?\u201d he enthused.<\/p>\n \u201cSure can,\u201d Hoss said, head bobbing and wide grin spreading across his face.<\/p>\n Little Joe gulped.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe whole service?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Of course, the lighted tree and the kids\u2019 faces when they got their gifts was the best part each year, and he was bound to miss most of that anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem,\u201d Hoss reiterated, oblivious to his little brother\u2019s dismay.\u00a0\u00a0He stayed oblivious just long enough for the brothers to get outside, where he soon heard Little Joe\u2019s opinion of the time added to his sentence on those accursed pedals.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, whatcha bellyachin\u2019 about?\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re gettin\u2019 rewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRewarded?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0A spark of interest lit Little Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0\u00a0Then, his gaze narrowed in suspicion.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, with the satisfaction of a clear conscience, of course,\u201d Adam said, winking at Hoss over Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat more could you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA trip to the Sazerac?\u201d Little Joe suggested, the spark returning.<\/p>\n \u201cNot on your life!\u201d Adam hooted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNone of us plans to spend Christmas dead!\u00a0\u00a0And I can assure you Pa would see to our swift and certain demise if we so much as let you darken that door.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss cackled in agreement.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s for dad gum sure!\u201d<\/p>\n The fifteen-year-old could only shrug.\u00a0\u00a0Some points were just inarguable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The church was packed on Christmas Eve.\u00a0\u00a0Having arrived early, the Cartwrights had their choice of seats . . . well, with one exception.\u00a0\u00a0As Little Joe surveyed his place for the program, his disgruntled mouth set even harder as he pointed to the bed sheet separating his part of the stage from the audience and everything else.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s that for?\u201d he demanded of Hoss, who he considered the author of all his problems.<\/p>\n \u201cI reckon the reverend decided it was best if the kids didn\u2019t see how the magic was made,\u201d Hoss said sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t even get to see the tree all lighted up!\u201d Little Joe hissed.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, and I\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He clamped a strong-fingered hand on the boy\u2019s scrawny shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, I know you got reason to be mad, but you ain\u2019t gonna sabotage things, just to get back at me, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe expelled a gust of disgusted air.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo, I ain\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0If it was just you bein\u2019 bothered, I might, but I ain\u2019t so mean as to spoil the kids\u2019 Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s iron grip transformed into a consoling pat.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI know you ain\u2019t,\u201d he said, \u201cand I\u2019ll make it up to you, Shortshanks, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGonna take something pretty special,\u201d Little Joe groused.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll think of something,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0It was all he could do not to bust out grinning, since he already knew what that something was and had a fair idea of how his little brother\u2019s face would light up when he saw it.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, I got to get out front.\u00a0\u00a0Reverend wants me to make a speech \u2018bout the tree-lightin\u2019 and how safe it\u2019ll be.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He ran a finger inside his suddenly tight collar.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re wantin\u2019 prayer, you\u2019re askin\u2019 the wrong person,\u201d Little Joe said dryly as he took his seat on the machine.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, reckon so,\u201d Hoss said and disappeared on the other side of the curtain.<\/p>\n Little Joe looked toward the ceiling.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou know I didn\u2019t mean that, right?\u201d he asked the Almighty.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSo, help him, okay?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He put his feet on the pedals and began rotating them as Hoss stumbled through his blessedly brief explanation of how the magic of electricity would give them the safest Christmas tree ever seen in Virginia City.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He could hear the squeals of delight from the children and the oohs and ahhs of their parents when they saw the tree lights come on.\u00a0\u00a0At least, he assumed they were on.\u00a0\u00a0He couldn\u2019t see a thing, and he thought that was the most unfair, unchristian thing he\u2019d ever heard of.\u00a0\u00a0Wasn\u2019t there something in the Bible about not making an ox tread out grain without getting any hisself?<\/p>\n Recognizing that attitude for the sour grapes it was, he straightened up as the congregation began to sing Christmas carols.\u00a0\u00a0He even tried to join in, but that lasted through about one verse of \u201cSilent Night.\u201d He just didn\u2019t have enough breath for both singing and pedaling, and put-upon as he felt, he\u2019d promised to do the job, so do it, he would!\u00a0\u00a0He was able to enjoy Adam\u2019s special solo, as he had \u2018most every Christmas of his life.\u00a0\u00a0Then, however, Reverend Abrams began his sermon, and that had its usual effect of making him drowsy.\u00a0\u00a0He couldn\u2019t afford to drift off, though, any more than he could on Sunday mornings with Pa sitting right beside him.\u00a0\u00a0He had to keep pedaling and pedaling, fast as he could go, through the whole thing if the lights were to keep shining.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHope you appreciate this, big brother,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n The sermon seemed to go on forever, and Little Joe felt himself sweating in his Sunday-best suit.\u00a0\u00a0Since he only needed his feet to keep the power coming, he skinned out of the jacket and then the inhibiting string tie and, finally, even unfastened the top three buttons of his shirt.\u00a0\u00a0He didn\u2019t dare go further than that, \u2018cause with his luck, about the time he stripped down enough to be comfortable, that curtain would decide to fall, and he\u2019d get what-for from the rest of his family \u2018til New Year\u2019s Day\u2014or maybe even Easter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWaxing a little eloquent, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam, leaning into his father\u2019s ear, whispered.<\/p>\n Ben shushed him as if he were a small boy, but gave a clandestine nod of agreement.\u00a0\u00a0Their pastor had evidently been inspired by the new lights to speak, at length about Jesus as the Light of the World.\u00a0\u00a0A worthy subject, certainly, but perhaps more effective with fewer words?\u00a0\u00a0Then he frowned as the lights on the tree began to flicker.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOh, dear,\u201d his whispered.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI hope there\u2019s not a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n As Adam watched, the lights seemed to steady, but then the flickering began again.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI think I know what the problem might be,\u201d he said, slipping out of his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cThink you can fix it?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI am the engineer in the family,\u201d Adam said with a wink.\u00a0\u00a0He hurried behind the curtain, where as he had suspected, he found a drooping and panting little brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGetting tired?\u201d he asked.\u00a0\u00a0It was almost a rhetorical question, for the kid looked done in.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe huffed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAin\u2019t he ever gonna stop?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably by next Tuesday.\u00a0\u00a0Slide off the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t!\u201d Little Joe protested.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe lights\u2019ll go off, and I promised Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m taking your place,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cand I think we can make the transfer smoothly enough so it won\u2019t disrupt the lights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHonest?\u00a0\u00a0I can quit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve done your share, little brother.\u00a0\u00a0Now, on the count of three, slide off to the right.\u201d<\/p>\n When Adam said, \u201cThree,\u201d Little Joe vacated the seat, while Adam swiftly took his place, put his feet on the moving pedals and soon had them in rhythm again.\u00a0\u00a0There had probably been some brief flickering out in the auditorium, but Adam felt confident it wouldn\u2019t cause too much concern.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna be okay?\u201d Little Joe asked.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt is kind of tight for them long legs of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam gave a short, under-his-breath laugh.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s got to run out of words soon.\u00a0\u00a0You scoot on back to Pa.\u00a0\u00a0He\u2019s probably working up a fret by now\u2014and for mercy\u2019s sakes, put your clothes on!\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe looked abashed, as he had almost forgotten that necessity.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThanks!\u201d he said as he hastily buttoned up and donned tie and jacket before slipping past the curtain.\u00a0\u00a0He spotted his father and slipped into the pew beside him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all right?\u201d Ben whispered as he circled his son\u2019s slim shoulders.<\/p>\n Little Joe rested his head on his father\u2019s broader one.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJust tired, but Adam took my place.\u00a0\u00a0He\u2019s a pretty decent brother, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Hoss?\u201d Ben asked, cocking his head quizzically.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he\u2019s okay, too,\u201d Little Joe admitted.<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d Ben said, tousling his youngest\u2019s curls.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m just blessed with good boys tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe grinned impishly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause Santa\u2019s comin\u2019 soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s hand lowered to the nape of the boy\u2019s neck, as he gave him a slight shake for that impudence.<\/p>\n Almost as if he\u2019d heard Joe\u2019s words, the reverend drew his message to its welcome conclusion and announced the eminent arrival of Santa Claus himself.\u00a0\u00a0Appropriately bearded and padded (though little was needed), Hoss appeared with a resounding, \u201cHo! Ho! Ho!\u201d and began to distribute the gifts tied to the still beautifully lit tree.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is sure is pretty,\u201d Little Joe sighed in satisfaction.\u00a0\u00a0Now that his part was finished, he found himself feeling good about his part in tonight\u2019s magic.\u00a0\u00a0And since he was only fifteen, he even got his share of the candy tied to the tree, once the littler kids had theirs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Cartwrights\u2019 tree on Christmas morning was only adorned with plain, old-fashioned candles, but they enjoyed it just as much, in fact, more than the fancy, modern tree in town.\u00a0\u00a0Mostly, that was because it was adorned with their favorite ornaments and topped with the familiar homemade angel.\u00a0\u00a0The presents were opened and exulted over, and then Hoss excused himself to go outside.\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe figured his big brother had just drunk too much punch and needed a trip to the outhouse, but before long Adam stood up and invited the boy to join him outside.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss and I have prepared a little reward for you, because of your help with our project,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d Little Joe just naturally perked up at the hint of another present.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMust be something big, if you gotta keep it outside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just call it substantial,\u201d Adam said with a wink at his twinkling-eyed father.<\/p>\n All three exited the house, and Little Joe gasped when he saw Hoss holding the reins of the most beautiful black-and-white pinto he\u2019d ever seen.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re kidding!\u201d he shouted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re the best brothers ever!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa did the negotiating with Winnemucca,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cbut otherwise, it\u2019s from me and Hoss, in hopes you\u2019ll forgive our rather cavalier enlistment of your help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you\u2019re forgiven!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Eyes wide in wonder, Little Joe approached his new horse and began stroking its soft muzzle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And ultimately, dear friends, isn\u2019t the promise of forgiveness what Christmas is all about?\u00a0\u00a0May yours be merry and bright with light (electric or otherwise).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n \u00a9 December, 2024<\/p>\n The Scripture to which Little Joe refers is Deuteronomy 25:4\u2014\u201cYou must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.\u201d (NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Link to day 19 of the Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar – So, This is Christmas<\/a> by BluewindFarm<\/p>\n
\n~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
\n* Day 18 *<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n