{"id":56253,"date":"2025-03-04T22:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T03:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56253"},"modified":"2025-09-27T05:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T09:40:00","slug":"just-a-prank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=56253","title":{"rendered":"Just a Prank (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 It was just a boy’s prank, so why did it cause such a rift between brothers. This story was written for the Chaps and Spurs 2025 First Quater challenge.
\nRating: K+ word count: 5279<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Just a Prank<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, Joe.\u00a0 If your Pa finds out, you know there\u2019s gonna be a red <\/span>moon <\/span>rising in your future, not to mention if Adam actually catches you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam ain\u2019t gonna catch me!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Adam\u2019s your big brother, what if he recognizes your…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe harrumphed and gave a dismissive wave of his hand even though a shiver ran down his spine.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not saying he couldn\u2019t… I mean I\u2019d know his even in a crowd, but knowing and proving what ya know is a whole different kettle of fish, and Adam wouldn\u2019t ever bust me good if there wasn\u2019t proof for Pa.\u00a0 \u2018Sides he\u2019s gonna be facing away from the loft.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but he could turn around quick.\u00a0 Your Pa… wouldn\u2019t he just take Adam\u2019s word for it?\u00a0 I mean…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like that.\u00a0 Anybody can be mistaken.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hoss?\u00a0 If both your brothers thought the same…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe chewed his bottom lip.\u00a0 \u201cShut up and quit going on about getting caught.\u00a0 Prissy Britches Canford double-dog-dared me, so I ain\u2019t got no choice. \u201c<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch Devlin shrugged. Little Joe really did not have a choice if he wanted to maintain his reputation among the boys of their school.\u00a0 He had been challenged in front of half-a-dozen of them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, you bet him that I\u2019d do it.\u00a0 I can\u2019t leave my best friend in <\/span>debt <\/span>to the most insufferable boy in town.\u00a0 Lord knows what he\u2019d claim as a forfeit.\u201d\u00a0 Joe slung his arm around his friend\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, you said you\u2019d tell anybody who asked that we were eating cake out by the wagons: you, Tuck, the twins, and me.\u00a0 You all said you\u2019d back my story.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we did.\u00a0 You can count on us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyways, we will eat one of Hop Sing\u2019s cakes right there, and since none of us have a timepiece, well, it won\u2019t be like really lying if we ain\u2019t exactly clear on when we all were back there eating it. So, there ain\u2019t nothing for me to worry about.\u201d Little Joe clapped Mitch hard on the back and pushed thoughts of punishment and retribution from his mind.\u00a0 If the five of them stuck to their story, nobody would be punished for mooning the crowd gathered to hear Adam and Mary Alice Simpson sing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe wiped the frosting and cake crumbs on his fingers off on his pants.\u00a0 The smears on his face he left undisturbed.\u00a0 He checked for the rope he had hidden earlier in the day beneath the church bell, took the plain, white pillowcase and the lantern that had also been secreted there, and slipped down the short ladder to the church loft.\u00a0 He lay down flat on his stomach perpendicular to the balustrade and peered down at the people gathering in the pews below.\u00a0 He stayed still, breathing softly in the darkness, and slipped a lucifer from his pocket setting it ready next to the lantern.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He could hear sounds of <\/span>revelry <\/span>from the crowds outside. The Founder\u2019s Day <\/span>Picnic and Frolic was one of the biggest c<\/span>elebrations of the year.\u00a0 There was food, tons of it; and contests, games, evening entertainment,\u00a0plus\u00a0fireworks. Adam had been part of the evening entertainment every year before he went off to college, and he was finally going to resume his participation this year.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s performing was one of the reasons Pa was really disappointed that he had business in San Francisco that could not wait.\u00a0 Adam was going to sing two solos and a duet with his current girl, Mary Alice.\u00a0 Mary Alice was pretty and had a sweet voice, but her haughty, dismissive attitude toward Hoss and Little Joe had created a strong dislike on Joe\u2019s part.\u00a0 He had decided that he would <\/span>moon <\/span>the audience during the duet as a subtle expression of that dislike. Little Joe knew there was always a possibility of his being caught.\u00a0 Though the thought made him shudder, he also knew that his elder brother, no matter how mad he got about the prank, would forgive him while Mary Alice would not.\u00a0\u00a0 Such a conflict would have a good chance at hastening the end of the romance.\u00a0 A result that might be worth even a tanning from Pa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe managed to stay quiet, still, and unnoticed while the crowd settled, and then entertainment filled the building with songs and recitations. Actually, Little Joe had a fine view, even if what he saw mainly consisted of the performer’s backs, and he enjoyed most of the performances. Finally, Adam rose and took his place beside the piano.\u00a0 Joe had to admit that Adam had one fine voice, and pride in his brother\u2019s talent sent the thought of not completing his prank flickering through his mind.\u00a0 He chewed his lower lip, told himself he really wasn\u2019t hurting his brother- in fact, might be saving him from Mary Alice- and that his reputation and Mitch\u2019s bet required him to finish what he had started.\u00a0 His fingers slowly unbuttoned his fly as he watched Mary Alice join Adam at the piano.\u00a0\u00a0 During the first verse, he slipped the pillowcase over his head.\u00a0 Then he stood turning his back to the crowd, struck the lucifer, lit the lantern, dropped his pants, and bent over.\u00a0 When he heard shouted <\/span>Look\u2019<\/span><\/i>s<\/span>, gasps, and swelling laughter, he blew out the lantern, jerked up his pants, doffed the pillowcase, and headed not down the loft stairs but up the belfry ladder.\u00a0 He did not forget the lantern, did not drop the pillowcase, and while a crowd of both angry and amused adults waited at the foot of the loft stairs, made a successful escape down the back of the building with the help of the rope and two of his friends.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what\u2019s going on?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe ran up behind Hoss and shouted up at his brother\u2019s ear.\u00a0 Mitch, Tuck, and the twins were right behind him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss glanced down at the boy\u2019s up-turned face.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t ya know?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnow what?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch kept himself from glancing toward Little Joe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened during Adam\u2019s duet.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething happened?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s face held a look of pure astonishment.\u00a0 \u201cNothing bad, I hope.\u00a0 He\u2019s not hurt, is he?\u00a0 Nobody came in shooting or nothing, did they?\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t have his gun!\u201d The other boys added exclamations and inquiries that Hoss gave no attention.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing like that.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen he\u2019s alright?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d say he\u2019s mostly madder than a wet hen.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u00a0 Tell me, Hoss.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome kid up in the loft picked that time to moon all and sundry.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s eyes caught and held Little Joe\u2019s.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally!\u00a0 A full mooning.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I missed it!\u00a0 Goldurn.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s quartet of friends added similar observations and a great deal of howling laughter.\u00a0 Adam walked up.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 There was a harsh edge of accusation to Adam\u2019s voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe took a step backward that increased the distance between himself and Adam but bumped him up against Hoss\u2019s solid bulk.\u00a0 \u201cI weren\u2019t even around the church.\u00a0 Tell him fellows.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch took a step forward.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s right, Adam.\u00a0 Joe, Tuck, the twins, and me were eating cake over by your wagon.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck and the twins all added their assurances that neither Little Joe nor any of them could have disrupted the entertainment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe five of you missed the evening\u2019s entertainment to eat cake that\u2019s been there since noon?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s inquiry was voiced with obvious doubt.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s assurance was adamant.\u00a0 Then he dropped his eyes and shifted slightly.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing made a triple chocolate cake with caramel and nuts on top.\u00a0 Umm… it was too fine to just set on the desert table.\u00a0 We woulda never gotten a bite, since the grownups always get first dibs, so I just, well, I just set it in the corner of the wagon in the shade until the five of us could share.\u201d\u00a0 Joe straightened and looked his elder brother in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t nothing wrong with me wanting my friends to have something that good.\u00a0 It was meant to be eaten at the picnic; we were at the picnic; we ate it!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss cleared his throat.\u00a0 Adam turned his head to look at his middle brother, and they exchanged glances.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s look clearly said that basically Joe was right; the boys had not done anything wrong.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna fuss at us for eating cake?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice was indignant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Adam drew in a deep breath as he inspected the five boys.\u00a0 Each of them had clearly been eating chocolate cake.\u00a0 The evidence was all over their faces, hands, and clothes.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you would have been there to hear your brother sing at least.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve done heard you sing all them songs hundreds, thousands of times.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe widened his eyes and let them flash green indignation.\u00a0 \u201cIs that what you\u2019re really mad about?\u00a0 That I didn\u2019t come to <\/span>your<\/span><\/i> performance.\u00a0 Is that my real sin- skipping your showing-off just to eat cake with my friends?\u00a0 \u2018Cause you sure enough ain\u2019t got no reason to think I was doing anything else!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down, Short Shanks.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t accuse you of nothing!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss used his most soothing voice and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe all but said the words.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t he, fellows?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s friends all voiced their agreement.\u00a0 Hoss looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI take it folks didn\u2019t catch nobody coming down the stairs.\u00a0 There were some close enough to at least see…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam kept his eyes on the youngest Cartwright as he answered.\u00a0 \u201cThe culprit didn\u2019t come down the stairs.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee found a rope hanging down from the belfry.\u00a0 Evidently, he descended that way.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Well, we may never know who it was then.\u00a0 Though, if there\u2019s any other evidence, Roy Coffee will find it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he will.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s grazed raked all five boys.\u00a0 \u201cFireworks will be going off.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna watch from the schoolhouse steps.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe sent a glare toward his elder brother.\u00a0 \u201cEverybody will be able to see we ain\u2019t doing nothing but watching.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed but let the boy\u2019s impudent tone pass.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be leaving immediately after; come straight back to the wagon.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, brother, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Joe flung the words over his shoulder at Adam.\u00a0 This time Hoss\u2019s hand settled on his older brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake the baskets into the kitchen and then head straight up to bed.\u00a0 It\u2019s late!\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss and I\u2019ll see to the horses and wagon.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir!\u201d\u00a0 Adam was amazed at how two respectful words could exude such complete and utter distain.\u00a0 Hoss managed to catch his older brother\u2019s eyes and gave a slight shake of his head.\u00a0 Adam sighed and silently watched Little Joe enter the house.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on then.\u00a0 It is late, and my bed is calling.\u201d Frustration was evident in Adam\u2019s tone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam finished the necessary tasks with minimal comments.\u00a0 It was not until they had entered the great room that Hoss addressed the topic which had clouded the entire ride home.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa spoke some more to Roy Coffee?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were cake crumbs and frosting smears on the floor of the loft.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose boys weren\u2019t the only youngins\u00a0 that were eating cake.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, but…\u00a0 Hoss, you know as well as I do that one of the five of them was tonight\u2019s mooner.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t Joe, he knows who it was.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you expect him to tattle if it is one of the other boys?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drew in a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Uh, you had a better view than I did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t either of the twins.\u00a0 He weren\u2019t near as husky as them two.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss rubbed his chin.\u00a0 Can\u2019t see Tuck doing it; he, well…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t either.\u00a0 He\u2019s not the type, and that climb down…\u00a0 No, it wasn\u2019t Tuck. So, Mitch or Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s tone was definite but flat.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t be sure, Adam.\u201d<\/span>
\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, actually we can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I intend to head up to my bed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u00a0 It were just a prank.\u00a0 A kid\u2019s prank.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were ladies and little girls in that crowd.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but…\u00a0 truth is, elder brother, there probably ain\u2019t one of them that hasn\u2019t seen a boy\u2019s bare backside before.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill, there\u2019s the rope climbing from a twenty-foot belfry in the dark.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, but both boys climb like monkeys; at least how folks say monkeys climb.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss sighed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are ya going to tell Pa?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThat I\u2019m glad he\u2019s home.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBed, Joe.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss held his breath, but Little Joe simply rose and headed up the stairs without comment.\u00a0 Both Hoss and Adam noted that he also departed without a goodnight to either of his brothers.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s eyes went to Adam who sat in his blue chair holding a book.\u00a0 Elder brother was not actually reading; no, said book was still on the same page as when Adam had first sat down.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss sighed and settled his mind.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you know where Hop Sing stores the sackcloth?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStores the … stores the what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSackcloth.\u00a0 Sackcloth and ashes, ain\u2019t that what the Bible folk wore when they went into <\/span>mourning?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but we are not in mourning, brother.\u00a0 We have all refrained from fratricide.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDead people ain\u2019t the only thing that a body can mourn.\u00a0 Seems to me the way things have been around here… well, you and Joe ain\u2019t actually ate hardly nothing, and even I left food on the platters at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.\u00a0 Hop Sing has started mumbling about his hard work going to waste.\u00a0 All there\u2019s been around here the past two days is glares, stares, and the kind of silence that says a whole lot.\u00a0 Seems real mournful to me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re exaggerating, little brother.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I am is plumb ready to drag ya up to Little Joe\u2019s room, toss ya in, and lock the door until the two of ya get things straight between ya.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrag me?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyebrow rose.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that look.\u00a0 If ya ain\u2019t figured it out in all the time since you got back, I\u2019ve got the punch to knock ya out and the strength to tote ya up them stairs.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drew in a breath and let out a snort.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no lock on Little Joe\u2019s door.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s as it may be, but if I toss ya in, ya won\u2019t be coming out \u2018til I let ya, even so.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and spoke to the roof.\u00a0 \u201cWhen she was carrying you, Mama insisted that you were going to be a boy.\u00a0 Foolish child that I was, I prayed each night that my brother would be big and strong.\u00a0 Well, they do say that you should be careful what you pray for.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are you gonna go up and talk to Joe on your feet or mine?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what good…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss rose.\u00a0 Adam threw his book to the floor, stood, and stomped up the stairs mumbling.\u00a0 Hoss sat down at the bottom of the stairs to wait.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The knuckles of Adam\u2019s left hand rapped Joe\u2019s bedroom door as his right hand turned the doorknob.\u00a0 He stepped into the room and looked toward the bed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in bed.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s tone could best be described as surly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam would have commented that <\/span>on <\/span><\/i>would be a better preposition as he had seen Joe dive onto the bed as he entered, but he decided not to comment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t needed to be tucked in for years, ya know.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice had become churlish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came neither to check on you nor tuck you in.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are ya here?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause my stubborn little brother is not only mule-headed but possessed of a punch as deadly as a kick from said mule.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face scrunched as he considered Adam\u2019s comment.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean Hoss?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone other.\u00a0 Evidently, our brother is tired of being caught in the middle of our…\u201d\u00a0 Adam searched mentally for the proper term, did not find precisely what he wanted, and simply moved on.\u00a0 \u201cHe is concerned.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe sent you to talk to me?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOrdered to be more precise.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince when do you do what Hoss orders?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince he acquired a punch like a mule\u2019s kick as previously stated.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss won\u2019t punch me, so I guess I ain\u2019t got to listen.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe rolled onto his side with his back to his brother.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked closer to the bed and looked down at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI can speak loudly enough that you\u2019ll hear me even with your fingers stuck in your ears.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI may hear ya, but I won\u2019t be listening.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess I\u2019m spending the night in your room.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sat down on the desk chair.\u00a0 \u201cThings do need settling.\u00a0 Pa is due home in a few days.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then you\u2019ll be able to tell him how you think I mooned the town during the Founder\u2019s Day Picnic, \u2018cause you\u2019re sure that I did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around, look me in the eye, and tell me that you didn\u2019t.\u00a0 You haven\u2019t, you know.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe surged to his feet and glared at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have to!\u201d\u00a0 His eyes were flashing, and his breath came in pants.\u00a0 \u201cI may be the only boy on the ranch, but I ain\u2019t the only boy in town who can pull a prank.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose and drew in his breath.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, you\u2019re not, but…\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You know who it was, don\u2019t you, Joseph?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t no tattletale.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you never have been.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a prank.\u00a0 It\u2019s not like anybody coulda got hurt.\u00a0 Seeing a bare backside ain\u2019t really nothing.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was inappropriate behavior.\u00a0\u00a0 When it comes to someone getting hurt, well, a fall from that rope…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s hands fisted on his hips, and his head shook slowly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve seen me climb lots of ropes even before you went off to college.\u00a0 It never worried you over much before.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worried more then you evidently think I have.\u00a0 Little Joe, when Pa\u2019s gone, you\u2019re my responsibility.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd ya think I did it, so just bust my tail and be done with it.\u00a0 Then ya can tell Hoss it\u2019s settled.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t intend to tan you, and I\u2019ve no intention of lying to our brother.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned and walked out of the room.\u00a0 Little Joe threw himself down on his bed. At the bottom of the stairs, Hoss heard the click of Adam\u2019s boots and the slam of a door.\u00a0 He sighed and told himself he had tried.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss heard his door opening and flipped back the covers on his bed.\u00a0 Raising his arm, he waited for his little brother to crawl in beside him and then drew the boy to his side.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas mooning the town something really, really bad?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice was barely a whisper.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, not really, really bad.\u00a0 Just not the right thing to do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam thinks it\u2019s really bad.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know if that\u2019s true.\u00a0 Adam, well, he…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sure it was me.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t care though; he can think what he wants.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s fist slammed the mattress.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice was soft not harsh.\u00a0 \u201cAdam…\u201d\u00a0 Hoss paused; Little Joe jumped in.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlways thinks it\u2019s me.\u00a0 A prank happens anywhere for twenty miles around, and he thinks it\u2019s me done it.\u00a0 Why, Hoss, why?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss squeezed his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWell, now, maybe \u2018cause ya\u2019ve pulled quite a few, especially some the cleverest ones.\u00a0 Ya got to admit that\u2019s true, Punkin.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWellll, still… you don\u2019t always blame me.\u00a0 Adam just… Adam just thinks I\u2019m bad.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stiffened and sat up.\u00a0 He lifted Joe by the forearms and set him so that they were face to face.\u00a0 \u201cThat just ain\u2019t so, Joseph; it just ain\u2019t so!\u00a0 Adam don\u2019t think you\u2019re bad, no way.\u201d Little Joe crossed his arms and stared down but did not speak. Hoss gave him a slight shake.\u00a0 Joe refused to look at him.\u00a0 Hoss sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI got me two of the most stubborn brothers ever born.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam says your muleheaded.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sometimes I need to be.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss sighed again.\u00a0 \u201cAnd sometimes it don\u2019t do no good when I am.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe slumped against his brother and buried his face in Hoss\u2019s chest.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t asked me if I did it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I ain\u2019t, and I ain\u2019t gonna.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Adam has you believing I did?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe…\u201d\u00a0 Before Hoss could say more, Little Joe jumped from the bed and ran out of the room.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnother sandwich?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cMore coffee?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose.\u00a0Little Joe had been surly and silent at breakfast, and Hoss and he had spent the morning working together but speaking only when necessary. \u201cA different set of brothers?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, got enough trouble with the set I\u2019m used to.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do regret that, you know, you being pulled in the middle.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 Joe came and talked to me last night.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks that you think he\u2019s a bad person.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat you always think he\u2019s done wrong \u2018cause you think he\u2019s bad.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice had dropped in force and volume.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss saw that Adam\u2019s face had paled.\u00a0 \u201cI told him it weren\u2019t so, but, well, that\u2019s what\u2019s got him in a fret, and there ain\u2019t but one person that can do anything about it, and that\u2019s you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose and walked off.\u00a0 Hoss waited.\u00a0 After a time, Adam returned.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to finish the fencing.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe fencing can wait.\u00a0 Something more important needs mending.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…\u00a0 he\u2019s going to ask me if I still believe he did it, and for the life of me I can\u2019t say I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA lie wouldn\u2019t help nothing no way.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve tried talking…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re just gonna have to keep on trying.\u00a0 Better now than later.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if it goes no better than the last time?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe pray that Pa has some magic up his sleeve when he gets back or at least some good advice.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer that Pa never knew how bad it\u2019s gotten.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t we all!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came into the house through the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, do you know where Little Joe is?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook upstairs.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing sent Adam a glare along with the directive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to speak with him.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded agreement, and Adam understood the intent of the cook\u2019s next observations even though they were delivered in Chinese.\u00a0 Adam turned and mounted the backstairs.\u00a0 As he reached his father\u2019s room, he noticed the door was open. \u00a0He stopped and looked in.\u00a0 Little Joe was curled up on the bed clutching a pillow.\u00a0 Adam walked to the bed, turned, dropped to the floor, and sat with his knees raised leaning back against the bed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re missing Pa.\u201d\u00a0 It was an observation not an inquiry.\u00a0 Surprisingly, Little Joe responded.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too.\u00a0 Even though he\u2019d be disappointed in both of us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you?\u00a0 You ain\u2019t done nothing inappropriate.\u201d\u00a0 There was venom in Little Joe\u2019s <\/span>inappropriate<\/span><\/i>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the adult in the situation, and I\u2019ve…\u00a0\u00a0 Pa would never countenance the way things are between us.\u00a0 He expects better of us as brothers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Adam heard and felt movement on the bed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, well, you probably wouldn\u2019t remember even if you did.\u00a0 Anyway, when I was not quite fourteen there was a woman in town, Elvira Peabody.\u00a0 She was always putting on and putting people down.\u00a0 One day, when Pa, Marie, and I were in town, she said something to Marie, and I up and let fly with an observation of my own about her.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did ya say?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t really matter.\u00a0 Suffice to say it was immensely disrespectful, vulgar, and insulting, and said in front of not just Marie but Pa who had walked up without me noticing.\u00a0 Old Elvira went into a fit of apoplexy.\u00a0 Marie was trying to calm her down, and Pa, well, he dragged me into the alley and blistered my behind.\u00a0 When we walked back, I made an apology.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA real apology?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really polite if not really sincere.\u00a0 Thing was even before I opened my mouth I saw the smirk on her face.\u00a0 It was that smirk that motivated me to do what I did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did ya do?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a time I waited: three months, two weeks, and four days.\u00a0 Old Elvira smirked at me anytime we met.\u00a0 Then I heard that she had decided to move on and join her brother\u2019s household in California, and I knew my time had come.\u00a0 The morning she left, I snuck off and waited just outside of town right where the road bends and the stage slows.\u00a0 As the stage went by, I called out her name.\u00a0 When she looked out the window, I let her see my face, and then I turned and let the full moon shine for Old Elvira.\u00a0 The driver took no notice, the stage rolled on, and that was the last of Elvira Peabody in these parts.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Pa…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe still doesn\u2019t know to this day.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGolly.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, golly.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence settled, but it was less heavy than it had been in days.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam, um, I did it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam saw Little Joe\u2019s head come over the edge of the bed.\u00a0 He focused his entire gaze on his brother\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI do not now, nor have I ever even once thought that you were a bad person.\u00a0 Never.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 It was a soft exhalation of air.\u00a0 \u201cBut…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, when I mooned Elvira Peabody, it was meant to be an insult.\u00a0 It was an insult, a blatant insult, not actually harmful but …\u201d Adam paused and drew in a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cIt was definitely inappropriate behavior, and I knew it; I had been taught better.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some seconds later, Little Joe was on his knees in front of Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t…\u00a0 it wasn\u2019t…\u00a0 I never meant… it was a dare, Adam.\u00a0 Prissy Britches dared me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see, but, Joe, you chose to do it during mine and Mary Alice\u2019s duet.\u00a0Was that because you think I\u2019m showing off when I sing in front of folks?\u00a0 Others have said the same.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, I…\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s head shook adamantly, and then he remembered his accusation on Founder\u2019s Day.\u00a0 \u201cI was mad, and I… I don\u2019t know, I just said it.\u00a0 When you sing for folks, me and Hoss and Pa, well, we\u2019re proud, Adam; we\u2019re all proud.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYet you chose my duet for your prank.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe settled back on his heels and dropped his chin.\u00a0 \u201cYou weren\u2019t the only one signing that duet.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened.\u00a0 \u201cMary Alice?\u00a0 You were insulting Mary Alice?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want ya to be mad if I tell ya.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI… I\u2019ll try not to be.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she\u2019s pretty, and she\u2019s educated like you like your girls to be, but she, well, she… she don\u2019t think much of Hoss and me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe…\u00a0 has she ever…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot outright like, but, Adam, she\u2019s got a mean streak.\u00a0 She don\u2019t show it around you, but she does.\u00a0 She shows it subtle with words, and looks, and the like.\u201d\u00a0 Joe searched Adam\u2019s face for anger but found none.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, for saying what hurts ya, and, well, for insulting ya at the Founder\u2019s Day Picnic, and going on like I did since, especially when I had done what ya thought I did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApology accepted.\u201d\u00a0 Adam found his arms full of baby brother.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sorry too, brother. For making you think…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI forgive you too!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u00a0hugged Little Joe and patted his back.\u00a0 \u201cI guess now we can tell Hoss that things are settled between us.\u201d\u00a0 He released his hold on his brother.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea.\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably eat four or five servings\u00a0at dinner tonight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine he will.\u00a0 I intend to have seconds, maybe thirds.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me too.\u00a0 Um, are you going to tell Pa I mooned the town on Founder\u2019s Day?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I can\u2019t assure you that he\u2019ll not find out, but… well, what you choose to tell Pa, if he hears something and asks you about it, is between you and Pa.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 I… it never was about taking a licking.\u00a0 If you think you need …\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I did, I would; I don\u2019t.\u00a0 Straighten the bed clothes before you come down.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood and ruffled Joe\u2019s curls as he headed out of the room.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(00000)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam entered the great room and stopped in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cMary Alice, I… we didn\u2019t…\u00a0 I\u2019m surprised to see you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPleasantly surprised, I hope.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled and fluttered her lashes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always welcome, it\u2019s just the Ponderosa isn\u2019t some place you stop in when just passing by.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no, but I felt the need to talk to you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 Hop Sing invited you to lunch?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 He\u2019d said you\u2019d be in soon.\u201d\u00a0 Mary Alice set down the glass she had been holding.\u00a0 \u201cMay we speak first.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Alice dropped her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to tell you, but… well, there\u2019s been a lot of talk since Founder\u2019s Day.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry to say it seems Little Joe was the one.\u201d\u00a0 Mary Alice\u2019s voice lacked a truly regretful tone and put a clear emphasis on Joe\u2019s name and the words <\/span>the one<\/span><\/i>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one who… well, disrupted our performance?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, some of the children have said he was dared, and there\u2019s no doubt he accepted the dare.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, if he was dared.\u00a0 After all, to a boy Little Joe\u2019s age a dare\u2019s a dare, a matter of honor.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Alice stiffened, and her eyes flashed.\u00a0 \u201cA matter of honor!\u00a0 Why, the little…\u201d\u00a0 Mary Alice sputtered, drew in a breath, and swallowed several insulting terms. \u201cHe spoiled our duet!\u201d\u00a0 Her voice had developed a strident whine.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe scamp did do that rather well.\u201d\u00a0 Adam chuckled and shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cBoys will be boys.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The color rose in Mary Alice\u2019s face. \u201cBoys that behave in such a disgusting manner need to be taken in hand.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Mary Alice, you mustn\u2019t over excite yourself.\u00a0 Pa will no doubt speak to him.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Alice rose.\u00a0 \u201cSpeak to him; speak to him!\u00a0 What he needs is a good thrashing.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, surely that would be a little harsh.\u00a0 It was just a prank, a boyish prank.\u00a0 Don\u2019t make too much of it, Mary Alice.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make… over excite… I thought…\u00a0 I thought you\u2019d…\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes flashed.\u00a0 \u201cHe insulted me, and you sit there smiling!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his chin, and his voice grew serious.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose he did, but then how often have you insulted him?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy…I… I never!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet us simply agree that you never will again.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAm I right in assuming that you\u2019ll not be staying for lunch?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI… I…\u201d\u00a0 Mary Alice gave a guttural growl and swept out of the house.\u201d\u00a0 As she departed, Hoss and Little Joe entered from the kitchen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow shouldn\u2019t ya be seeing your guest to her buggy?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice was teasing not chiding.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you tell Pa if my manners are lacking?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cShe certainly was in a right fine pucker.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Adam, I thought you liked her?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe, along with Hoss, had heard most of the discussion, and his fingers were crossed in hopes he had been right all along.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did, but my eyes have been opened.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave Adam a hearty clap on the back and headed to the dining table.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, um, does Hoss know about Elvira Peabody?\u201d\u00a0 Joe kept his voice low, but Hoss still heard.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, and I still ain\u2019t forgiven him for not letting me come along!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The required words for the First Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs challenge that inspired the story are:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Moon, Debt, Picnic(s), Revelry, Mourning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

It was just a boy’s prank, so why did it cause such a rift between brothers. This story was written for the Chaps and Spurs 2025 First Quater challenge.
\nRating: K+ word count: 5279<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":6846,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1009,39,30],"tags":[1273],"class_list":["post-56253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-chaps-spurs","category-prequels","tag-chaps-and-spurs-challenge","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":891,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2981,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2981","url_meta":{"origin":56253,"position":0},"title":"Brothers and Mud (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 24, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This is my entry for April's 2013 Chaps & Spurs\/Pinecone Trifecta.A WHIB for Springtime. 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Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6720,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6720","url_meta":{"origin":56253,"position":3},"title":"Conflict (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"April 30, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This was written for the Chaps & Spurs Literary Challenge in April.\u00a0 Adam and Joe fight and Ben steps in to help. 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