{"id":5445,"date":"2012-05-01T15:47:54","date_gmt":"2012-05-01T19:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5445"},"modified":"2023-03-22T13:14:38","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T17:14:38","slug":"concerning-teeth-and-fairies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5445","title":{"rendered":"Concerning Teeth and Fairies (by deansgirl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Little Joe struggles in his efforts to lose his first tooth and prove that he is a man.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (7,120 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Concerning Teeth and Fairies<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

“Pa.\u201d Little Joe asked seriously early one morning<\/strong> as he walked down the stairs towards his father. \u201cCan I talk to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, son.\u201d Ben Cartwright replied pushing aside his breakfast to lift his youngest son onto his lap. \u201cNow, what\u2019s bothering you, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something wrong with my teeth.\u201d Joe replied looking up at his father. \u201cThe front one wiggled.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright almost laughed. But then he saw the serious look on his son\u2019s face and he choked back the laugh with a discreet cough. \u201cOf course it did, son.\u201d He explained. \u201cThat means you are becoming a big boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Pa? How?\u201d Joe asked eagerly. Someday, he kept telling himself, I will be as strong as Hoss and as handsome as Adam. Now maybe that someday had arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you see.\u201d Ben explained. \u201cEverybody gets two set of teeth. The first set is called your \u2018baby teeth\u2019 because you are still a little boy. But when those baby teeth fall out you will get real strong big boy teeth like your brothers and I have. Now you work real hard on that tooth. Wiggle it alot with your finger and your tongue and pretty soon it will fall out and your big boy tooth will grow in.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa.\u201d Joe jumped off his father\u2019s lap, smiled at him and ran up the stairs to his older brother Adam\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Adam, tired after a late night in town, was sound asleep when his littlest brother opened the bedroom door and peeked in. He flipped over on his side so that his face no longer faced the door. He could see the hall light burning and was still tired. The sun was just rising and it was Saturday, a day Ben let them sleep a little bit longer, and Adam was taking every advantage of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe asked, entering the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, close that door.\u201d Adam mumbled. \u201cIt\u2019s too early to get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, wake up.\u201d Joe came closer to his brother. \u201cI want to tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, wait until morning.\u201d Adam yawned, opening his eyes slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is morning.\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n

A slight snore came from his older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe asked again.<\/p>\n

No reply.<\/p>\n

Joe was about to leave his brothers room. He turned from the bed and walked toward the door. Then he stopped and wiggled his loose tooth. He looked over at his brother asleep on the large bed and a mischievous twinkle entered his green eyes. He smiled broadly then taking a running start he leaped onto the bed next to Adam and shouted \u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

His brother jumped and reached out an arm. He grabbed Joe around the neck, shoved his face into the blanket and cried \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy tooth\u2019s loose.\u201d Joe replied happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d Adam growled sinking back onto the pillow and letting his brother go.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that wonderful?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, sure.\u201d Adam mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you ain\u2019t interested!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I am.\u201d Adam yawned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you ain\u2019t. You\u2019re asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snored softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Joe shouted in his brother\u2019s ear again.<\/p>\n

Adam sat straight up and looked at his brother. \u201cJoseph Cartwright, so help me, if you shout in my ear once more this morning or any morning I\u2019ll break every bone in your body and then throw you outside my room. Now GET OUT OF HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe jumped off his brother\u2019s bed and ran towards the door. He stopped, turned and stuck his tongue out at his older brother. The he ran out of the room, slamming the door behind him before Adam\u2019s flying boot could do any harm.<\/p>\n

He walked carefully down the hall and opened the bedroom door of his other older brother, Hoss. Hoss was lying in bed awake trying to decide if he should go down and get some breakfast or if he should just stay in bed a little longer and watch the rising sun streaming through his open window. He had just decided on the latter when he saw the door open and Little Joe\u2019s voice ask \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned toward the door. His face lit up in a happy smile as he greeted Joe. \u201c\u2019Morning, Joe. Come on in, lil brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked into the room and jumped on his brother\u2019s bed. \u201cWant to see somethin\u2019, Hoss?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss had turned back to the window and was listening to a bird singing gaily outside but he turned back to Joe who was sitting Indian style on the bed. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d Joe opened his mouth and wiggled his loose tooth with his tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, you\u2019ve got a loose tooth!\u201d Hoss exclaimed turning so that he could better see his brother. \u201cLemme see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe bent his head down slightly and Hoss played with the tooth a little bit. \u201cYou\u2019re really goin\u2019 have to work that tooth, Joe.\u201d He explained. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll tell you what happens after you lose it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya see.\u201d Hoss started. \u201cAfter you lose yar tooth ya have to put it under yar pillow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked wide-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a beeautiful fairy that comes at night when you\u2019re sleeping and takes the tooth. Then she leaves you money so when you wake up your tooth\u2019s gone and there\u2019s a shiny new dollar coin under yar pillow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Hoss?\u201d Joe asked interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does she do with the tooth?\u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody knows.\u201d Hoss replied mysteriously. \u201cBut they say she stretches \u2018em real thin to make the strings on a geetar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wiggled his tooth violently. \u201cI want a dollar coin!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 work my tooth real hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust think.\u201d Hoss smiled. \u201cIf you don\u2019t lose that tooth old Adam won\u2019t have enough strings for his geetar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind.\u201d Joe jumped off of Hoss\u2019 bed. \u201cHe just makes noise on it anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ladies seem to think its real pruty.\u201d Hoss replied kicking off his blankets and standing up. \u201cCome on lets get breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe asked swinging on the corral gate and watching his brother rope one of the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss asked never taking his eyes off the horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I make it hurry up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake what hurry up?\u201d Hoss asked slightly puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy tooth.\u201d Joe explained patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Hoss answered. Of course, he should have known. \u201cWell,\u201d he removed the rope from the horse\u2019s neck, slapped its rump and walked towards his brother. \u201cYa can try one of these.\u201d He removed an apple from his pocket and handed it to his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe took it. \u201cWill it help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShore it will.\u201d Hoss assured him. \u201cI lost a tooth eatin\u2019 an apple once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe surveyed the apple critically. Then he looked at his older brother. \u201cWhat else did you have in your pocket?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin.\u2019\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna eat an apple that touched what you carry around with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing just washed these pants.\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpty your pocket.\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss started. Then he smiled. He did carry strange things in his pockets like leaves or rocks he had found or maybe an interesting bug. And there was almost always string in his pocket. He just never knew when he might need it. \u201cAll right.\u201d He agreed and pulled his pocket inside out.<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed it and examined it carefully. He even smelt it! Then he smiled and bit into the apple. \u201cThanks, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss leaned on the fence and watched his brother bite into the apple. He smiled and took another one out of his pocket that he could enjoy. They both jumped when a voice behind them asked, \u201cWhat are you two doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss watched lazily as Adam approached them. \u201cJoe\u2019s tryin\u2019 to lose a tooth.\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo kidding?\u201d Adam asked sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and Joe turned and smiled. \u201cI\u2019m tryin\u2019 to get a gold coin!\u201d Joe exclaimed happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cGold coin.\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWaddya say, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d Adam answered quickly. \u201cHoss, we\u2019ve got work to do. Joe, will you please get off of that gate? Pa made you a swing so you wouldn\u2019t play around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo will you please go play over there?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam threatened reaching out to grab his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

But Joe was quicker and jumping off the gate before Adam could catch him he ran to the house porch and called, \u201cAdam, you sound like Pa.\u201d Then he ran into the house and slammed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Adam just shook his head and walked into the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe asked his brother after the evening chores had been completed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d Adam looked up from the guitar that he was strumming.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, do you reckon the strings on your guitar comes from your baby teeth?\u201d Little Joe was curious to discover what his smart, older brother thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe, I don\u2019t really know.\u201d Adam replied. He was feeling a little better than he had that morning so he was willing to talk to his little brother. \u201cWhat makes you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned on his brother\u2019s leg. \u201cHoss told me after you lose a tooth a fairy comes and takes your tooth away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d He saw his father put down his cup of coffee and look at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she leaves you a gold coin.\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded again. \u201cAlso true.\u201d Ben shot his eldest son another look but picked up his cup again and appeared to be no longer interested in his sons\u2019 conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what does she do with the tooth?\u201d Joe pressed.<\/p>\n

Adam sat a moment in thought. Then he set his guitar on the floor beside his chair and put an arm around his brother. \u201cJoe, I don\u2019t know.\u201d He answered. \u201cBut maybe she uses them to make the keys on a piano.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think that?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam answered groping for an explanation. \u201cYour teeth are white and so are piano keys. Doesn\u2019t it make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss says she stretches it real thin to make the strings on a guitar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was about to ask \u2018Oh, what does Hoss know?\u2019 But he stopped himself. For that matter what did he know? He smiled at his brother. \u201cJoe, I just had a great idea!\u201d he exclaimed, picking Joe up and setting him on his lap. \u201cWhen your tooth falls out and the fairy comes for it, why don\u2019t you ask her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cThat\u2019s a wonderful idea, Adam. I will ask her. Do you think she would tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was about to answer when a voice interrupted them, \u201cI think it\u2019s about time for bed, young man.\u201d And Ben stood up from his seat at the kitchen table and walked toward his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa.\u201d Joe answered jumping off his brother\u2019s lap and running up the stairs. The he stopped and looked through the railing at Adam. \u201cWill you come up and put me to bed, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll be right up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled too and ran up the stairs to his room. It was only after Ben heard his youngest son slam the bedroom door that he looked at his eldest son. \u201cJust what do you mean telling him to ask a fairy?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cHow else will he ever know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam, fairies don\u2019t exist.\u201d His father exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Adam asked tapping a book lying on the table next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fiction maybe.\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut in real life never!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re forgetting about a child\u2019s world, Pa.\u201d Adam smiled standing up. \u201cFor most of them fiction is real life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cAnd what are you going to do if he decides to stay up and wait to talk to the fairy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u201d Adam winked at his father. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure he doesn\u2019t decide to stay up.\u201d And then he walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, settled into Adam\u2019s chair and idly picked up his son\u2019s book. He opened it and read the title page. \u201c \u2018A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream\u2019 by William Shakespeare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam asked knocking on his brother\u2019s closed door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on in.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

Adam opened the door and walked into the room. The first thing he saw was his brother\u2019s empty bed. The second thing he saw was his brother, his legs curled up under him sitting on top of the dresser. \u201cJoe, what are you doing up there?\u201d Adam demanded rushing over to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m checking to see if my tooth is any looser.\u201d Joe replied looking at his brother through the mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you get up there?\u201d Adam asked wrapping his arm securely around his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe pointed down at the open dresser drawers. \u201cI climbed up those. They\u2019re like steps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam picked his brother up. \u201cThose are not steps.\u201d He set his brother down on the floor. \u201cNow get in your bed.\u201d He bent down and closed all the dresser drawers.<\/p>\n

Then he straightened up and faced his brother. \u201cNext time you want to check on the progress of your tooth pull a chair over to the dresser, will you please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at Adam. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I don\u2019t want you to fall and hurt yourself.\u201d Adam answered sitting on the bed next to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe replied sitting on his pillow as he pulled off his boots and set them on the floor beside his bed. \u201cAdam?\u201d he asked looking back at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked standing up and turning the coverlets down for his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I lose my tooth and I put it under my pillow, can I stay up and see the fairy come?\u201d Joe settled into the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!\u201d Adam smiled as he said it and pulled the blankets up around his little brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Adam sat on the bed next to Joe. \u201cThe fairy never comes when you\u2019re awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Joe asked skeptically.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to stay awake when I lost my first tooth.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cYou know what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sunk his voice into a whisper. \u201cShe never came.\u201d He replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever get your gold coin?\u201d Joe asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever, Joe. She came the next night and took my tooth but she never left me my money. I was pretty mad. But I learned my lesson. Never stay up if you want your money from the tooth fairy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. He was silent for several moments. Then Adam stood up and walked toward the door. \u201cGood-night, Joe.\u201d He dimmed the lamp.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood-night, Adam.\u201d Joe wiggled his tooth in the dark of his room.<\/p>\n

On Monday Joe woke up bright and early. He ran to the dresser but remembering what Adam had told him two nights before he carefully pulled a chair over to the mirror. The tooth still had not come out yet and Joe was becoming impatient.<\/p>\n

He dressed hurriedly, putting his shoes on the wrong feet and forgetting to tuck in his shirt. Then he let himself out of his bedroom and walked down the hall to Adam\u2019s room. He knocked on the door and when he heard his brother\u2019s \u201cEnter\u201d he walked into the room. Adam was dressing in front of the mirror. He had thrown his shirt on his nicely made bed and was brushing his dark hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d Adam never turned from the mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, how long does it take for a tooth to fall out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cSometimes a long time. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I make it hurry up?\u201d Joe asked impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam replied slowly placing his comb back on the dresser and sitting on the bed. \u201cThere is a way, but it is painful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Joe asked climbing on the bed next to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tie one end of a piece of string around your tooth and the other end on that door handle.\u201d Joe nodded looking at the open door. Adam removed his brother\u2019s shoes and helped him put them on the right feet as he continued. \u201cThen I slam the door as hard as I can and the string yanks your tooth out.\u201d Joe wiggled his tooth with his tongue. \u201cWant to try it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI think I want a more painless way.\u201d He replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, buddy.\u201d Adam stood up and pulled on his shirt. Joe stood up too and was about to leave the room when Adam grabbed him and tucked his shirt in. \u201cNow, go make your bed and eat lots of apples.\u201d<\/p>\n

All right, Adam.\u201d Joe skipped out of his brother\u2019s room. \u201cSee you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMista Carlight!\u201d Hop Sing cried running into the great room. \u201cI quit! Hop Sing go back to China!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Hop Sing.\u201d Ben Cartwright said walking around his desk to stand in front of the angry Chinaman. \u201cWhat happened this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse is spooked!\u201d Hop Sing retorted. \u201cHave only few more apples! Maybe make apple pie with it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a great idea, Hop Sing.\u201d Hoss exclaimed coming down the stairs and Adam walking in the front door agreed. \u201cApple pie would taste good.\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo can do, Mista Adam!\u201d Hop Sing shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Hoss\u2019 face fell.<\/p>\n

\u201cApples all gone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d The three Cartwright men exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing go take apples for pie. Bin empty. No more apples!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and looked at Hoss. \u201cNo apple pie tonight, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head mournfully. \u201cWhere do ya suppose they went to, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they certainly did not walk away.\u201d Adam replied. \u201cSomeone took them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust find apples!\u201d Hop Sing exclaimed. \u201cHave everything but apples for pie!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hop Sing.\u201d Ben soothed the ruffled Chinaman. \u201cWe\u2019ll find your apples.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing walked back into the kitchen muttering angrily in Cantonese. Ben sighed and turned to Hoss. \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t me, Pa.\u201d Hoss said quickly. \u201cI ain\u2019t even hungry yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over at Adam. He shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t have them.\u201d He smiled. \u201cCare to search me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cI trust you, son.\u201d Then he turned as the front door slammed again and Little Joe entered the house. \u201cHi, Pa.\u201d He smiled. He held an apple in each hand and was chewing away at one of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhere did you get that apple?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing\u2019s bin.\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Hop Sing was going to make pie out of that.\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d He whispered looking up at his father. \u201cAdam told me to eat lots of apples.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI did tell him that, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his youngest son. \u201cAll right, Joe. You eat those apples and work hard on your tooth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, smiled at his father and bit into the apple again.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh!\u201d a sound caused Adam to sit up in bed. \u201cOhhh!\u201d there it was again.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up and opened his bedroom door. \u201cOhhh!\u201d he walked past his father\u2019s door, stopped, and listened. \u201cOhhh!\u201d No it was not his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh!\u201d he walked toward Hoss\u2019 room and listened. His brother was snoring loudly. No, it was definitely not Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh!\u201d Hop Sing\u2019s bedroom door was slightly ajar and Adam peeked in. The Chinaman was sleeping soundly. It was not him, either.<\/p>\n

There was only one more person. \u201cOhhh!\u201d Adam paused at Joe\u2019s door his hand on the door handle. \u201cOhhh!\u201d and he threw open the bedroom door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d he rushed toward his brother\u2019s bed. Joe was lying on his bed, curled up, moaning softly. \u201cOhhh! Adam, it hurts!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat hurts, Joe?\u201d Adam asked worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy stomach!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cMy stomach hurts!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat on the bed and gently turned his brother onto his back. \u201cHow many apples did you eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Joe shook his head and clutched his stomach. \u201cAll of \u2018em, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cNo wonder you\u2019re sick. Joe, are you crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to lose my tooth!\u201d Joe wailed. \u201cOhhh!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh!\u201d Adam placed his finger over his brother\u2019s mouth. \u201cDon\u2019t wake up the rest of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it hurts!\u201d Joe choked back another groan as he gripped his stomach with his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Adam nodded sympathetically. \u201cNow, be quiet and stay here.\u201d He stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, where are you going?\u201d Joe clutched his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to get you a cup of ginger tea.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNoooo!\u201d Joe cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019t help any and it tastes bad!\u201d Joe gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what do you want to do?\u201d Adam asked a little irritated. \u201cSuffer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked back a tear and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen stop complaining.\u201d Adam ordered. \u201cEither drink the tea or suffer the stomach ache.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u201cThe tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never want to see an apple again.\u201d Joe exclaimed when Adam returned.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh!\u201d Joe moaned when Adam placed another pillow under his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh!\u201d Adam warned and Joe pressed his lips tightly together.<\/p>\n

He watched his brother pour a cup of the tea and then he asked, \u201cDo I have to drink that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. He sat next to his brother on the bed, lifted his head and forced Joe to drink the tea. Then Joe fell back on the bed and opened his mouth to groan again when the look on Adam\u2019s face stopped him. \u201cIt hurts.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you eat all those apples, then?\u201d Adam demanded forcing some more tea down Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me to eat lots of apples!\u201d Joe choked on the tea.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and sighed. \u201cBut not enough for you to get sick, Joe.\u201d He answered making his brother drink more of the home remedy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did I know they would make me sick?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSick.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm.\u201d Adam replied and he gently started to rub his brother\u2019s stomach in a circular motion.<\/p>\n

They both were silent for several moments.<\/p>\n

Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want it open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lights on in the hall.\u201d And Adam made Joe drink more tea.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care.\u201d Joe gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be able to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the best thing for you to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d And Joe shut his eyes.<\/p>\n

A few moments of silence. Then: \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to sleep, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I feel much better.\u201d<\/p>\n

I doubt it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally I do!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I stop drinking the tea?\u201d Joe asked as Adam made him take another drink.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen can I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I say so.\u201d Adam replied sternly and Joe was silent.<\/p>\n

He started to squirm under his brother\u2019s touch. \u201cWill you stop moving, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel better, Adam.\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell…\u201d Adam stopped rubbing his brother\u2019s stomach. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded vigorously. Adam smiled. \u201cAll right then, Joe. Now drink the rest of the tea and go to sleep.\u201d He handed his brother the cup. \u201cNo more moaning. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded over the rim of his cup as he drank the rest of the tea. \u201cUnderstand.\u201d He handed the cup back to Adam. \u201c\u2019Night, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Joe.\u201d Adam replied exiting the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben called into the house from the front door. \u201cAre you coming into town with Adam and I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the rest of his grits and raced toward the door. \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019, Pa.\u201d He called picking up his hat on the way.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam were standing by the buckboard waiting for the youngest Cartwright. \u201cAdam and I have work to do in town.\u201d Ben told his son as they climbed into the wagon. \u201cNow are you sure you\u2019re going to help us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d Joe nodded and squirmed eagerly in the back of the wagon. It was a rare treat to get to go to town with both Adam and Pa. Usually it was just one or the other.<\/p>\n

Virginia City was always such a busy place. Joe liked to go and just look around in wonder at all the men who traveled the streets. There were the rough coarse miners standing around the saloon talking about the day\u2019s work ahead. There were the storekeepers opening their shops in preparation for a busy day. And there were the cowboys. Little Joe always liked the cowboys best. The tall good looking men with their shiny guns and big horses. \u2018Someday I\u2019ll be a cowboy too.\u2019 Joe thought. Then Adam pulled the wagon to a stop outside of James Fletcher\u2019s General Store and Joe saw his friend Seth waiting for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe.\u201d Seth called as Joe jumped out of the wagon. \u201cI saw you comin\u2019 up. Hi, Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cHello, Seth. Your Pa open his store yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, Mr. Cartwright. You cin go rit in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Seth.\u201d Ben Cartwright smiled again at the young boy. \u201cI have to run over to the telegraph office first. Coming, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I stay here \u2018till you get back?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, all right.\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAdam, you going to buy that lumber?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want Joe to come with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle it.\u201d Adam scorned his young brother\u2019s help. He was a grown man and Joe just a baby. Ben smiled and headed toward the telegraph office.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s new, Joe?\u201d Seth asked when Ben and Adam had disappeared down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got a loose tooth.\u201d Joe exclaimed opening his mouth to show his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d Seth scoffed. \u201cI lost my tooth Sunday after church. And look what I got.\u201d He put his hand into his pocket and took out a shiny brand new coin. \u201cI put the tooth under my pillow and I found this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at it admiringly. \u201cShe left you a coin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Seth agreed. \u201cDidn\u2019t you lose a tooth yet?\u201d He spoke as though he was a veteran. In fact he had just lost his first tooth.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo. But mine\u2019s loose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what?\u201d Seth asked. \u201cYou ain\u2019t a real man till you lose a tooth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just as much a man as you are, Seth Fletcher!\u201d Joe exclaimed hotly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you ain\u2019t!\u201d Seth replied. \u201cYou\u2019re a sissy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t neither!\u201d Joe shot back unsure of the meaning of the word \u2018sissy.\u2019 But he was sure that it was a bad word.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was about to plow into his friend and prove that he was a man when his father walked towards him across the street. He did not notice his son\u2019s clenched fists as he called \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d Joe turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on into the store with me, Joe.\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get this stuff for Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started walking toward his father. He heard his friend hiss \u201cSissy! Joe, you\u2019re a sissy!\u201d Then Joe disappeared into the store behind his father.<\/p>\n

James Fletcher, the storeowner, smiled at Joe. \u201cHi, Little Joe, how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled up at the tall man. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Mr. Fletcher.\u201d<\/p>\n

James dug into his candy jar. \u201cWould you like a peppermint stick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father and Ben nodded. Joe reached for the peppermint. \u201cThank you, Mr. Fletcher.\u201d<\/p>\n

He bit into the candy and the storeowner laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to lick it, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tryin\u2019 to lose my tooth.\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI thought maybe this would help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at James Fletcher as the storeowner laughed. \u201cYou ready to go, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cGive him that package, will you, Jim?\u201d Ben asked picking up a package from the counter.<\/p>\n

Jim nodded and handed the lad a package he had just finished wrapping. Joe took it and walked slowly out to the wagon carefully following his father.<\/p>\n

He was silent as Adam drove the buckboard out of town. Joe sat on the packages that his father had bought while Ben and Adam sitting in the front discussed the use for the new lumber. They were halfway home before Joe spoke. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to look at his son. \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s a sissy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth called me it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was not very nice.\u201d Ben said quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what does it mean?\u201d Joe pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a scared kid, a baby.\u201d Adam cut in.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Pa?\u201d Joe asked and Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t no sissy!\u201d Joe exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you aren\u2019t, Joe.\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cYou\u2019re my brave son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his father thankfully, but inside he was determined to prove to Seth that he could lose his tooth and be a man, or die trying.<\/p>\n

When they arrived back at the Ponderosa Joe helped Adam and Pa unload the wagon. Hoss came from around the barn wiping his hands on his pants. \u201cGet that lumber, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ll start the project as soon as we get it all unloaded. Joe, will you please walk a little faster?\u201d This as the youngest Cartwright struggled with several heavy bundles.<\/p>\n

Joe looked back at Adam and stuck out his tongue.<\/p>\n

Adam pretended not to notice and slipped past Joe to get into the house.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had a job for Joe when he entered the house. \u201cJoe, you take apples to barrel. And no spill any.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Hop Sing.\u201d Joe said picking up the apples and making a face. After his stomachache apples did not agree with him. He was walking toward the bin when he slipped and fell. The apples rolled every which way and Joe hit his chin on the floor. He felt his tooth anxiously wondering if it had fallen out yet. It had not and so he sorrowfully picked up the apples and took them into the kitchen. Luckily Hop Sing had not noticed his spill.<\/p>\n

His father came into the house and sat at his desk. He had a stack of contracts to take care of. Little Joe came out from the kitchen and watched his father for a little while. Ben finally looked up at his son. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got nothing to do.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you help Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe don\u2019t need my help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you run out and help Adam and Hoss, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d Joe answered running out the open front door.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were working on fixing the corral when Joe came running up. They paid no attention to him when he called \u201cCan I help?\u201d Adam heard him but pretended not to hear him. Hoss had his back turned and did not notice Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe stood on the completed gate and watched them. \u201cCan I help?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him. \u201cJoe, please.\u201d he begged. \u201cNot now. Go play in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to play with you.\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not playing.\u201d Adam replied sharply. \u201cBut if you leave us alone now I\u2019ll push you on your swing later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise?\u201d Joe\u2019s green eyes searched Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise.\u201d Adam replied seriously.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed and ran into the barn.<\/p>\n

He climbed the ladder to the hayloft and looked down. There was a nice big pile of hay down there and Joe could imagine jumping into it and hopefully losing his tooth. Dare he try it? He smiled. Yes, he dared.<\/p>\n

He never thought that maybe the hay was too soft for him to lose his tooth or that it might get lost in the haystack. He did not notice the pitchfork in the hay below or the hay lift above his head. He was young and was thinking only of losing his tooth. So without a second thought he jumped. According to Newton\u2019s theory of gravity Little Joe should have fallen into the haystack. But instead he found himself swinging high above the hay. Surprised he looked behind him half expecting to see Adam holding him back. But no Adam was not there. The Joe looked up. His suspenders had gotten hooked on the grappling hook of the hay lift and now he was dangling in the air. He struggled to free himself but he just succeeded in getting into a worse spot. In his fight the hook started to move along the track. Now Joe hung in the air with no soft hay under him to break his fall. He started crying because he was really afraid of what might happen if his suspenders snapped. But boy like he did not cease his struggles. His kicking and fighting finally brought him to the end of the track and looking out and down Joe saw the hard ground underneath him and the blue sky above him.<\/p>\n

Now he was really scared and so he started screaming and stopped struggling. \u201cPA! ADAM! HOSS!\u201d he stopped for breath. \u201cPA! ADAM! HOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked toward the barn. It was the eldest Cartwright that noticed his brother swinging from the hay lift. \u201cWhat the—\u201c he exclaimed running toward the barn closely followed by Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam stood underneath his brother and looked up. \u201cHow did you get up there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to jump into the haystack and I got hooked.\u201d Joe sobbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou certainly did.\u201d Adam laughed. \u201cDon\u2019t move. I\u2019ll be right up. Hoss, stay here and catch him in case he falls.\u201d And then he disappeared into the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe asked worried. \u201cWill I fall?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDunno.\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cYa might. Then again ya might not. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll catch ya if ya do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled down at his brother. \u201cThanks, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he felt himself pulled back in and Adam was removing the hook from his suspenders. \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam begged. \u201cWhy are you being so much trouble? You could have fallen and gotten killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to lose my tooth.\u201d Joe sobbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can wait patiently.\u201d Adam responded. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth getting killed over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I can\u2019t.\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI don\u2019t have any patience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Adam replied heading down the loft ladder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please play with me.\u201d Joe begged following his brother down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right.\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIt seems to be the only way to keep you out of trouble. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam.\u201d Joe skipped beside his brother.<\/p>\n

The swing was homemade. Ben had made it for his young son because he did not Joe swinging on the corral gate. Adam helped Joe into the swing then started pushing him. Higher and higher Adam pushed and higher and higher Joe went. He laughed gaily and tried to kick the hat off of his brother\u2019s head. But Adam was always just a little bit faster and managed to duck every time.<\/p>\n

The Joe had a wonderful idea. If he jumped off the swing maybe he would lose his tooth. He looked around. The ground was hard but not too hard for him to hurt himself. So without another word, Joe jumped. He hit his face on the ground and heard Adam scream \u201cAre you crazy?\u201d then everything went black.<\/p>\n

He woke up slowly in his own bed. His face was sore but his tooth still had not fallen out. He saw someone move by his bed and he turned towards the person. It was Adam sitting in a chair with a frown and Joe knew he was in trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d Joe asked hoping to delay the upcoming punishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s busy.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see Pa!\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam answered. He was so calm and cool and that worried Joe even more. When his brother was gently angry the world would cave in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe left me alone!\u201d Joe cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all you get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was silent. He was thinking. \u201cAdam, if you kill me will you hang fer it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I kill you…\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could be around to see it.\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up. \u201cDon\u2019t kill me, Adam!\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to kill you.\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t touch me!\u201d Joe looked up at his brother towering above him. \u201cIf you touch me I\u2019ll scream!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam said not a word. He just took his brother out of his bed threw him over his knee and gave him several sound smacks. Joe screamed loudly but Adam did not seem to care. When he had finished he put Joe back in the bed and walked toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I hate you!\u201d Joe shouted but Adam walked out of the room without a backward glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, I don\u2019t want to go into town with Adam!\u201d Little Joe cried. \u201cI want to stay home with Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d Ben was firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you anyway?\u201d Adam demanded of his younger brother. \u201cIt\u2019s been a living hell with you the past couple of days!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was stern. \u201cI do not tolerate that word in this house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa!\u201d Adam was apologetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re brother is right.\u201d Ben turned back to Joe. \u201cWhat\u2019s your problem? You\u2019ve been terrible since we went to town on Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing!\u201d Joe denied. \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong with me! I\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. He was not going to force his son to tell him anything but Adam did need help in town and Hoss was sitting up with a sick calf. \u201cThen you\u2019ll go into town with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wiggled his loose tooth with his tongue. He did not want to have to face Seth again. It was not that he was afraid he just did not like being called a sissy. He was jealous of Seth and his gold coin. \u201cOh, all right, Pa.\u201d He finally said. \u201cI\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth was standing outside his father\u2019s general store with a group of Joe\u2019s friends. \u201cHey, Joe.\u201d Seth called when Adam pulled the wagon to a stop. \u201cLose your tooth yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hopped out of the wagon behind Adam. He paid no attention to his friend as he watched his brother walk into the store. Little Joe followed his brother towards the store but he knew what Adam would say. Sure enough at the door Adam turned to Joe and told him \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just wait out here, Joe, until I finish? I don\u2019t want you under my feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. He was hoping that Adam would let him come into the store so that he could avoid having to be around Seth who he was sure would tease him again about the tooth that he still had not lost. Joe sat outside the store door waiting for his brother and hoping that Seth would not bother him anymore. Especially about his tooth.<\/p>\n

Seth looked at Joe sitting all alone and spoke softly to his friends. Then they approached Little Joe. \u201cLose that tooth yet?\u201d Seth teased again and Johnny Chapman grinned showing a new hole in his mouth. But Johnny was a veteran. He had already lost three of his teeth.<\/p>\n

Joe swung his legs and whistled a tune ignoring his friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear him, Little Joe?\u201d Johnny demanded loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou talking to me?\u201d Little Joe turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I\u2019m talkin\u2019 to you.\u201d Seth replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Joe asked, innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know.\u201d Toby Stewart said. \u201cWe want to know if you lost your tooth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you care, Toby?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no answer.\u201d Little Joe felt just like Adam telling his friend that.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2019Tis good enough for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa wants me to do some work for him.\u201d Joe said standing up. \u201cGood bye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t going no place, Little Joe.\u201d Seth grabbed his friend\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go.\u201d Joe said quickly. \u201cI flattened somebody who grabbed me once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what you do.\u201d Seth insulted Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re still a sissy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I ain\u2019t!\u201d Joe clenched his fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you are.\u201d Johnny called out. \u201cUntil you lose that tooth you\u2019re a sissy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe walked closer to Johnny Chapman. \u201cI\u2019ll show you who\u2019s the sissy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d Johnny asked. \u201cWhat\u2019d you going to do? Knock my teeth out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSissy!\u201d Seth called out. \u201cSissy! Joe Cartwright is a sissy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSissy!\u201d Johnny and Toby joined in. \u201cJoe, you\u2019re a sissy!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s blood boiled over. He was no sissy and was determined to prove it. He reached out his fist and punched Johnny in the stomach as hard as he could. The boy\u2019s breathe came out in a gasp and he doubled over in pain. Then Toby and Seth jumped on top of Joe and a full-fledged battle began in the street of Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Joe fought furiously against his three friends. His fists were fast but his friend\u2019s were just as fast. Johnny got his breath back long enough to rejoin the battle. But then Joe\u2019s fist crashed between his eyes and he saw stars. Joe managed to subdue Toby with a well-delivered kick in the stomach. Then Seth\u2019s fist crashed into Joe\u2019s mouth and the young Cartwright\u2019s head snapped back. He was spitting blood.<\/p>\n

Adam heard the shouting in the street and came running out of the store. He could not leave Joe alone even for a moment before the lad was starting trouble. He saw Seth hit, Joe, saw his brother put a hand to his mouth, and was about to intervene when Joe\u2019s fist crashed into the side of Seth\u2019s head and the Fletcher boy fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

When Adam reached his brother Joe was smiling broadly. He was paying no attention to his hurt friends lying breathless in the street. \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam exclaimed, grabbing his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cLook what you did to your friends!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe seemed not to care. \u201cLookee, Adam!\u201d He exclaimed happily. \u201cI lost my tooth!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cOh, boy.\u201d Was all that he could utter.<\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Joe put his tooth under his pillow that night. When he woke up the next morning there was a brand new shiny gold coin. When Adam asked him quite seriously if he had seen the fairy, Joe replied just as seriously that he had. Ben nearly choked on his coffee as Adam asked his little brother what the fairy had said. \u201cThat\u2019s a trade secret.\u201d Joe winked at his brother and Hoss laughed at the foolish look on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Little Joe struggles in his efforts to lose his first tooth and prove that he is a man. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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