{"id":57316,"date":"2025-08-10T19:48:52","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T23:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57316"},"modified":"2025-10-01T12:06:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T16:06:01","slug":"a-little-lesson-in-engineering-and-physics-by-carebear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57316","title":{"rendered":"A Little Lesson in Engineering And Physics (by CareBear)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> Prequel. Adam and Little Joe bond over a simple engineering and physics concept. When Joe later tries to apply the concept on a large scale, he reaps chaos for all three brothers. Written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 Third Quarter Challenge.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> PG<\/p>\n

Word Count:<\/strong> 7438<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A Little Lesson in Engineering & Physics<\/strong><\/p>\n

The front door slammed into the credenza with a bang as Joe dashed inside. The sound drew an audible wince from Adam as he sat at Pa\u2019s desk looking over a ledger. As his baby brother came into sight, now moving towards him at speed, a look stopped the boy in his tracks. \u201cGo open the door again and close it quietly, Little Joe. Pa will have your hide if he comes back from San Francisco and there\u2019s a dent in the furniture,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

Little Joe frowned at his oldest brother. \u201cHow would he know it was me that did it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the only one who still dares to slam doors around here. Pa hasn\u2019t worn your arm or behind out yet, but he\u2019ll win in the end,\u201d Adam warned. \u201cTrust me on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The nine-year-old\u2019s interest was immediately piqued. \u201cYou slammed doors?\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t imagine Adam doing something like that. His eyes went wide with wonder when Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not the only Cartwright with a temper, buddy,\u201d Adam confessed with a smile. \u201cPa just managed to get me to tame mine before you were an audience to it. And that\u2019s why I\u2019m sending you to open and close the door quietly, without hitting the credenza, now, before Pa catches you do it again and makes you practice until your arm falls off. Go on Joe.\u201d He turned his attention back to the ledger, expecting to be obeyed. Though his role in Joe\u2019s life was still being negotiated somewhat since his return from college, Adam worked hard to walk the fine line between being big brother and de facto second parent. He hadn\u2019t yet decided whether it was easier or harder to navigate when Pa was away on business.<\/p>\n

With a gusty sigh, Joe turned around with a pout and walked back towards the door, dragging his feet all the way. Adam bit the inside of his cheek to keep from chuckling, pleased to hear the door open and close softly without the usual tell-tale thud! <\/em><\/p>\n

The exercise didn\u2019t slow Little Joe down any. As soon as he was finished, the boy bounded towards the desk, brimming with unbridled enthusiasm. Joe could see Adam was in the middle of working, so he tried not to interrupt. Instead, he hopped from one foot to another just to the side of his brother\u2019s vision and waited to be noticed.<\/p>\n

His baby brother\u2019s energy, and the effort he was expending in trying to be patient, made the corners of Adam\u2019s lips curl upward. He quickly finished the section and put a pencil in the ledger to mark his place before closing it. \u201cAlright buddy, what\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a catapult look like?\u201d Little Joe blurted out.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows cinched together. \u201cA catapult?\u201d<\/p>\n

The curly-haired boy nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s one of my spelling words this week. I asked Miss Jones to explain what it was and she didn\u2019t do real good–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t do well,\u201d Adam corrected automatically.<\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled briefly before continuing. \u201cI couldn\u2019t figure out what all she was saying. What I did understand sounded real neat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning back in the chair, Adam smiled indulgently. \u201cJust what was it you understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople used it in wars in ancient times. They even threw cows in \u2018em! At least that\u2019s what Miss Jones said. Is it true?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes begged for it to be so.<\/p>\n

The eldest brother nodded. \u201cMore often it was large stones and various items on fire to damage fortifications\u2026\u201d Adam paused, rethinking his wording. \u201cThe big walls around a city or castle that kept it safe. They used catapults to destroy them enough to get inside. Dead cows were sometimes tossed to spread disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes wide as he listened to Adam\u2019s explanation, Joe tried to picture the sort of ancient weapon that could launch rocks, fire, and cows at castles. Envisioning a cow flying through the air and giving a long, woe-filled moo as it went, made him dissolve into a fit of giggles. He tried in vain to explain what was so funny to Adam, using hand gestures and sound effects as words were beyond him, and soon both brothers were laughing heartily at the mental image.<\/p>\n

Several minutes and deep breaths later, Little Joe was ready with more questions. \u201cWhat did it look like? Do you gots a book \u2018bout it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave,\u201d Adam corrected. Simultaneously, he reached for a blank sheet of paper and a pencil to sketch one out. The pencil was halfway to the paper when he paused and looked up at Joe. \u201cHomework and chores first.\u201d The predictable whining began almost immediately, and Adam put up a hand to cut it off. \u201cAfter that, I\u2019ll sketch one for you and we\u2019ll see if we can find the right materials to make a miniature one. If you can manage your part without complaining, I\u2019ll even loan you a book I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Readying himself for a proper pout to accompany a ready-made list of complaints, Joe paused when Adam mentioned the book. His eldest brother rarely<\/em> entrusted him with one of his books. At least not since Joe had \u2018borrowed\u2019 one from Adam\u2019s room that met a very unfortunate end six months ago. He still looked sideways at Adam\u2019s door when passing by; the spanking he got had been just that memorable! The offer sealed the deal in Joe\u2019s mind, and he ran off without saying anything further.<\/p>\n

After supper, the pair sat at the table with some kindling and twine for crafting the small-scale device. As Adam explained the physics and engineering behind the deceptively simple design, it felt like little had changed since he left for college. Little Joe was older now, of course, and preferred to sit in his own chair rather than in Adam\u2019s lap. Joe was more hands-on than before, too, wanting to try to follow verbal directions before allowing Adam to show him or offer corrections.<\/p>\n

Even with these demonstrations of Little Joe growing older in his absence, there was no denying he hung on to Adam\u2019s every word as he patiently answered every question Joe asked. Spending time together as just brothers made Adam feel like he was finally, truly home again.<\/p>\n

In the great room, Hoss watched the pair with a smile on his face, glad to see them getting on the way they used to. The warm, happy thoughts quickly vanished when small projectiles started flying in his direction. \u201cI ain\u2019t takin\u2019 the blame if you two break something with that dadburn thing,\u201d he warned, ducking to avoid dried beans. \u201cDoes Hop Sing know you took food from the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam responded calmly. He passed the catapult and ammunition to Little Joe. \u201cAnd you aren\u2019t going to tell him.\u201d He grinned as the boy bounced a bean off one of the stones of the fireplace. \u201cIf you do, I\u2019ll make sure he knows where that platter of donuts he made for the last church picnic disappeared to.\u201d Adam gave Hoss a meaningful look.<\/p>\n

The normally even-tempered brother scowled. \u201cYou cain\u2019t blackmail your own brother. That\u2019s downright unethical.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo avoid being the lone target of Hop Sing\u2019s wrath? You bet your boots I can, and will,\u201d Adam countered.<\/p>\n

Knowing when he was bested, Hoss waved dismissively at them both and gave up his whittling for the night. \u201cA fine pair of brothers I got,\u201d he grumbled while heading for the stairs. \u201cOughta pound the both of ya.\u201d The big teenager didn\u2019t mean a word of it and retired to his room with a smile on his face. It was good to have Adam home again.<\/p>\n

The oldest and youngest Cartwright brothers tried to stifle their mirth, playing at putting hands over each other\u2019s mouths as they chortled. All that blackmail would be for nought if they up and alerted Hop Sing themselves! Once the laughter died down, Adam ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair affectionately. \u201cYou should go up; we both should,\u201d he amended. \u201cSchool for you and work for me. I\u2019ll collect our ammunition before I come say goodnight.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe?\u201d Adam waited until he had the boy\u2019s full attention, then gave him a firm look. \u201cThat model catapult shouldn\u2019t leave the house and I don\u2019t want to hear about it \u2018accidentally\u2019 making an appearance at school. Or I\u2019m going to \u2018accidentally\u2019 bust your tail.\u201d Adam\u2019s look softened then. \u201cWe might even make a few more and see which brother is the best shot. But only if yours stays here.\u201d He was certain Joe understood the expectations that night. Adam couldn\u2019t have been more wrong.<\/p>\n

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

Much of Joe\u2019s enthusiasm for the catapult had worn itself out by the time Ben returned from San Francisco five days later. That was due in large part to the schoolteacher, Miss Jones, who had unfairly taken away the miniature version Adam and Little Joe made together, despite explicit instructions it was not to leave the house. Little Joe\u2019s intention to obey Adam lasted only until morning. He snuck it out of his room and put it into his saddle bag at the earliest opportunity. There had been no reason at all for the mean old teacher to take it from him partway through the morning\u2019s lessons.<\/p>\n

Miss Jones, of course, would characterize things quite differently. The use of the little device to send small objects, spitballs in particular, around the classroom, gave her every reason to confiscate it. Little Joe\u2019s initial refusal to hand it over ensured a note was sent home, one that he conveniently \u2018lost\u2019 rather than give to Adam. Joe viewed it as an act of kindness, given his oldest brother\u2019s aversion to Miss Jones. The fact that such an action also benefited him was just a bonus.<\/p>\n

Little Joe might have lived his entire life without ever once thinking of that model or any other catapult. Then the summer term of school wrapped just as the circus came to Virginia City and planned to stay through the Founder\u2019s Day celebrations. The combination spelled trouble for Little Joe, the sort of trouble, with a capital T, that snared Hoss and finally dragged Adam down with them. And if you asked Joe, none of it was even his fault at all.<\/p>\n

Two Weeks Later <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going, we\u2019re going, we\u2019re going!\u201d Joe sang, almost bouncing himself out of the buckboard as it headed for Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Upfront on the seat, Ben and Adam shared looks of amusement mixed with exasperation. \u201cThe only place we\u2019ll be going is right back home if you don\u2019t settle down,\u201d Ben chided. \u201cI\u2019m not sure how many times we\u2019ve had the conversation that you sit on your backside when we\u2019re moving, but I don\u2019t intend to have it again.\u201d Ben glanced over his shoulder at his middle son. \u201cThere\u2019s a rope back there Hoss. Tie Joseph down if you must.\u201d A wink accompanied the direction. \u201cI don\u2019t intend to miss all the festivities in town today because Little Joe forgot how to sit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing Pa.\u201d Hoss acted as though he was actively searching for the rope Pa mentioned, hiding a grin at the large \u2018O\u2019 shape Joe\u2019s mouth had assumed. He watched with amusement as his baby brother hit the floor of the buckboard with a thud and went perfectly still.<\/p>\n

While they accomplished the seemingly impossible\u2014ensuring Joe sat down and stayed there\u2014stopping his excited chatter was one miracle too far. No one really minded his animated discussion of what he most hoped to see at the circus, any more than they were bothered by Hoss\u2019s enthusiasm over all the good things he might get to eat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget Hop Sing packed us a picnic,\u201d Ben pointed out. \u201cThough I expect you\u2019ll have your fill of desserts and lemonade with room to spare. No one should eat themselves sick,\u201d he cautioned. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to cut the day short with belly aches.\u201d While the wise words were offered to all three of his sons, Ben meant them largely for Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Sharing their excitement and memories of previous Founder\u2019s Days helped the time pass quickly.\u00a0 Soon, Ben found a spot to leave the buckboard and planned for everyone to meet there at noon for their meal. \u201cThat gives us plenty of time to get in some of the activities we\u2019re looking forward to and discuss what else we might like to do later on,\u201d he explained. He reached for his wallet and took out a small sum of money, passing it to Hoss. \u201cThis is for your entrance fees and anything you might like to eat or drink. For you and Little Joe both. I expect it to last the day, so don\u2019t spend it foolishly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood a little straighter as he accepted the funds and responsibility for his little brother. The money went into the inner pocket of his vest right away. \u201cWe won\u2019t Pa,\u201d he promised. \u201cWe\u2019ll stick together, too. C\u2019mon short shanks.\u201d Hoss gave Joe a big grin. \u201cLet\u2019s get to explorin\u2019. You reckon they really got elephants?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam kept an eye on the pair as they wandered into the crowd, watching until they could no longer be seen. Only then did they make their way to a hastily erected arena where roping contests and trick riding stunts were due to take place.<\/p>\n

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

Between the time they left Pa and reached the first exhibition tent, three of Joe\u2019s friends joined he and Hoss on their morning\u2019s explorations. It didn\u2019t bother Hoss at all since he knew each of the three boys: Mitch Devlin, Joe\u2019s best friend; Andy Harris; and Freddie Reddick.\u00a0 As long as they didn\u2019t cause trouble, which then got him<\/em> in trouble, Hoss was happy to let them come along since they were all going to the same place anyway. Every little boy, and those Hoss\u2019s age, too, it seemed, was heading for the freak tents.<\/p>\n

The closer they got, and the more the barkers yelled about what was inside, the less Hoss was certain that this was a good choice for his baby brother. Little Joe still had nightmares sometimes and if there really was scary stuff in there, he ought to protect Joe from it. Maybe he should go in first and check it out on his own, Hoss thought. That would mean leaving Joe alone, which even for a short time was a bad idea. He spent much of their time in line suggesting that they find something else to see but was overruled by all four boys.<\/p>\n

Hoping there wasn\u2019t anything too scary inside, Hoss paid the required fee for himself and Little Joe. They waited for the boys to join them before proceeding through the exhibition tent at a snail\u2019s pace. Horror and fascination in turn drew each of them to the tanks with fantastical critters inside, each labeled with exotic names.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it real?\u201d Joe asked. He peered through the glass at what was noted to be a mermaid. The bottom half of its body was a fish while the upper half had bones and little arms and a tiny head.<\/p>\n

Hoss raised his eyebrows questioningly at the so-called mermaid. \u201cThere must be more\u2019n one kind of mermaid, Joe,\u201d he decided. \u201cThat can\u2019t be the kind that sings sailors to their deaths, like the ones Pa tells about.\u201d Granted, it was ugly enough to give a person a good fright. But sing so sweetly that sailors willingly follow the voice and perish?<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s not pretty enough to make me go anywhere. If it started singin\u2019, I\u2019d run far, far away.\u201d All four of the others, Hoss included, murmured their agreement.<\/p>\n

Greater oddities awaited them after moving on from the clearly dead creatures. Hoss was fascinated by a man covered in tattoos and tried to ask whether there was a story to each one. He\u2019d started on a fascinating tale of being captured in a place called Burma when the younger boys were ready to move on. Hoss sighed. \u201cSorry Mr. Tattoo, I gotta keep an eye on my little brother. Maybe I can come back another time and hear all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man with the tattoos was only the start of things, and a host of problems for Hoss. A woman with the longest, fullest beard any of them ever saw set the boys fighting. They couldn\u2019t each<\/em> tug on her beard to make sure it was real. And they were certain someone just had to do that!<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed Joe and Mitch\u2019s collars and gave the boys a bit of a shake. \u201cStop that. Nobody\u2019s pullin\u2019 nobody\u2019s beard. Especially not a lady\u2019s. Try that and I\u2019ll knock your heads together,\u201d he threatened, including all four boys in his gaze. It was the start of a pattern that was repeated at nearly every station. When they saw the dog-faced individual, they again pitched the idea of pulling on the hair to verify its realness.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss, it\u2019s not a girl,\u201d Joe complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still a person and we ain\u2019t doing that today,\u201d Hoss rebutted.<\/p>\n

On seeing a man just two feet tall, the boys were certain it was a trick. \u201cHe\u2019s actually a tall man and the platform\u2019s just hiding the rest of his legs,\u201d Freddie asserted. \u201cI bet we could get under there and find out!\u201d Hoss picked him up and set him down facing the other direction, ensuring the boy backed down on that idea. So did the others, who scrambled out of the teen\u2019s grasp when he reached for them. By the time they neared the exit of the tent, Hoss wasn\u2019t sure he\u2019d ever been happier to leave a place.<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, that was neat,\u201d Mitch grinned. \u201cWhere are we going next?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knew where he\u2019d like <\/em>to see them go\u2014right back to their ma and pa! They weren\u2019t his brothers to be responsible for, after all. Yet Hoss could tell how much Joe enjoyed spending time with his friends somewhere outside of a school or church social. Seeing his brother\u2019s smiles and hearing his laughter\u2026 Well, if Hoss had to name a weakness about himself, making Little Joe happy was sure it.<\/p>\n

A barker\u2019s call for folks to come see the acrobats offered a saving grace. A show that interested all of them and, to Hoss\u2019s relief, they\u2019d be sitting down to watch. With behinds on seats and eyes watching the performers, it was sure to provide fewer opportunities for mischief. The teenager herded the boys in that direction, his own anticipation for the show growing. As they neared the large tent, broadsides advertised men and women swinging in the air, with barely any clothes on it seemed, along with juggling and a bear tamer.<\/p>\n

Hoss made sure the group stuck together as they paid the fee for the show and went to find seats as close to the front as possible. As soon as they were seated, everyone began talking at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow! Look how high those swings are.\u201d Mitch pointed above them, his eyes wide with wonder.<\/p>\n

Freddie, too, was enthralled. \u201cThere\u2019s not even a net! If they fall, they could die. Go splat like\u2014\u201d He slapped his hands together, demonstrating how a body might slam into the ground from such a height. \u201cGo flatter than a flapjack, wouldn\u2019t it? Reckon that\u2019s happened before?\u201d<\/p>\n

Andy shook his head. \u201cNaw, nobody\u2019d do the tricks anymore after that I bet. How do they get up there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up as he spotted a potential answer and elbowed his friends before pointing in another direction. Off to the back of the tent was a real, life-size catapult. The size that could throw a dead cow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think the bear tamer wrestles the bears?\u201d Hoss wondered with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter hope he doesn\u2019t think you\u2019re<\/em> a bear,\u201d someone responded.<\/p>\n

That voice sounded all too familiar to Joe. It was prissy Sue Parker, the meanest girl in the whole school. Her face looked nasty and her words were worse. How he ended up with her sitting on his other side Joe wasn\u2019t sure. He looked towards Hoss, unsure if his brother had heard the snide comment. But Hoss and Mitch were speaking animatedly about circus animals and appeared to be unaware. \u201cI\u2019ll get you later,\u201d Joe hissed at Sue. Pa didn\u2019t allow fighting, especially not with girls, but he wasn\u2019t going to let anyone make fun of Hoss. He\u2019d find some way to teach Sue Parker a good lesson!<\/p>\n

The show was everything they could have hoped for and more. Dazzling tricks, death-defying stunts in the air, even an impressively large bear that was trained and tamed by a woman. \u201cI\u2019d shore like to meet that gal,\u201d Hoss commented dreamily, following her every move. Looking as if she knew no fear at all, the woman danced around the performance area with the bear following her every command. At one point he looked ready to maul the woman and Hoss began to climb over the seats to go to her aide. Then she whistled and the bear began rolling at her feet, gentle as a kitten while the crowd hollered and applauded. No one more than Hoss, after apologizing to the folks he\u2019d attempted to climb over.<\/p>\n

The last act was the most tremendous of all as the catapult was brought forward and an acrobat loaded into it. Gasps were heard as it was launched, sending the man flying into the air.<\/p>\n

A man pointed and shouted, \u201cHe\u2019s going to fall! He won\u2019t make it!\u201d The distance between the airborne individual and his only saving grace\u2014a large metal circle\u2014seemed too great.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no!\u201d a little girl cried.<\/p>\n

Just as the crowd feared the worst, the performer grabbed hold of the aerial hoop hanging in the center of the tent with both hands. Pulling himself onto the thin metal, he spun the hoop before striking a dramatic pose and finally bowing to the audience. A woman somewhere below fainted dead away, crumpling into the performance area. It made for a chaotic end to the spectacle as a cluster of people crowded around her, some stood clapping, and others still tried to make their way out of the tent.<\/p>\n

Hoss, Joe, and the other three boys were among those attempting to make an exit. It seemed to be much harder to get out than it was to get in, and he had a harder time keeping track of Joe in the crowd. More than once he had to tug on his brother\u2019s collar to keep him close. Little Joe was small enough that the wave of people might just carry him away! Or so it seemed to Hoss. Eventually they streamed out into the sunshine again and moved away from the throng. That was when he became aware of the need to answer nature\u2019s call.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. Joe, you listen\u2019 to me?\u201d Hoss asked, trying to catch the boy\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got time to see anything else before we meet Pa and Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. I gotta find the necessary,\u201d Hoss responded. He looked for a safe place for Joe to wait for him, knowing he\u2019d never simply follow along and wait. A colorful banner with an elephant on it caught his eye. \u201cWait for me right there, under that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe eyed the banner. \u201cIs there really an elephant? I want to see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The older brother grinned. \u201cMe too. So wait there and I\u2019ll be right back. Don\u2019t wander off, hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe promised that he wouldn\u2019t and cajoled his friends into coming with on the chance of seeing the elephant before returning to their families for lunch. He had every intention of keeping his word, too. Right up until he and his friends saw the crew move that catapult into a side tent for later and walk away.<\/p>\n

The middle Cartwright son returned from the necessary to discover that Joe was not waiting where he agreed. Worse still, there was no sign of him or his friends within the immediate area. Worry and anger filled him in equal measure as Hoss began to search. \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill \u2018im,\u201d he muttered under his breath. \u201cDadgummit. Knew I shoulda dragged him with me.\u201d Hoss always wanted to trust Little Joe and give him the benefit of the doubt. At times, baby brother rose to the occasion. Others, he did not, and typically those instances had the worst timing possible, like today, when Virginia City was crawling with people.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t be sure how long he searched before the movement of a tent flap caught his eye. Mitch Devlin and Freddie Reddick just disappeared inside, each carrying something. Hoss hurried in that direction, throwing back the material to find all four boys crowded around the catapult. The boys were in the midst of loading it with some not-so-fresh pumpkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u201d Hoss hollered. \u201cWhat are you doing? I told you to wait for me!\u201d He grabbed for Joe, who danced out of his reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took too long!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss scowled. \u201cI didn\u2019t neither. I don\u2019t know what any of ya are doing, but it\u2019s done. Go on back to your Pas.\u201d He reached for Joe again and missed. \u201cAnd iffen you stole those pumpkins, you better put \u2018em back!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, my ma tossed \u2018em out,\u201d Freddie assured the upset teenager. \u201cThey were back behind our store. No good to sell, they\u2019re going mushy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Making a third attempt to get ahold of Joe, who was darting around the catapult, Hoss tripped over one of the pumpkins. He fell right onto the mechanism that launched the catapult, groaning as it jammed into his stomach. Hoss didn\u2019t realize what he fell into until the boys began screaming in joy.<\/p>\n

Not too far away, Adam was drinking lemonade with a lovely young lady when the sounds of chaos drew his attention. Looking in the direction the noise came from, he could just make out a collapsing tent and the top of something he almost didn\u2019t believe. \u201cIs that a catapult?\u201d Seconds before, he\u2019d favored his female companion with a dimpled smile; now Adam\u2019s face grew serious. His gut said to get over there, now. Apologizing profusely to Emmeline, he thrust his lemonade into her hand and ran off towards the increasing sounds of chaos.<\/p>\n

The catapult went loose, ripping a hole in the tent as it launched. Fabric fell around them like a sea of bright colors, shielding them from seeing whatever was happening outside the tent. Glass shattered, there were distinctly un<\/em>joyful shouts, the sounds of crying, and angry, raised voices as Hoss, Joe, Mitch, and the others struggled out from under the heavy material. The second they were free of it, every single one of them wished they were back under it and could disappear. The front window of Freddie\u2019s folk\u2019s store was gone and displays inside were clearly destroyed. Part of the building, inside and out, and several people were covered in smashed, rotting pumpkin. Among them were Miss Jones, Sue Parker, and Mr. Devlin.<\/p>\n

At first, Little Joe didn\u2019t realize the extent of the damage and saw only nasty Sue Parker, covered in pumpkin and crying. \u201cTold<\/em> you I\u2019d get you!\u201d he shouted, pointing a finger at her.<\/p>\n

Adam arrived just in time to hear Little Joe\u2019s triumphant words to a young girl now in tears. His jaw clenched as he surveyed the absolute wreck of the area. Mouth thinned in displeasure, eyes darkening with anger, Adam stalked towards his brothers. Hoss and Little Joe swallowed hard as he approached, feeling the barely controlled fury coming off him in waves. He stopped in front of them, arms crossed, glowering at the pair until they squirmed. \u201cYou did this? You two? On purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two younger brothers began speaking at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fell and it just went off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCourse not.\u201d A bit of a pout accompanied the youngest\u2019s denial.<\/p>\n

Adam looked between his brothers, examining Hoss\u2019s earnest, worried look and Little Joe\u2019s leery one. \u201cThat\u2019s not what you just said to that girl, Little Joe! Which is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s eyes veered away as he mumbled a response.<\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t having it. Whatever was said\u2014be it a whispered answer or a smart remark\u2014he wanted to hear it, loud and clear. \u201cSpeak. Up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t see who was outside,\u201d Little Joe stated. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure happy she was there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gaped at Joe; certain his little brother had lost his mind. Faster than he could react, elder brother had a hand on Joe\u2019s shirt, yanking the boy towards him. Adam leaned down, looking Joe directly in the eye, holding him close enough that there was barely any space between their faces. \u201cIf you have any brains in that head of yours, you won\u2019t repeat that when Pa gets here. And if he doesn\u2019t skin you alive for this, I promise you that I will.\u201d Adam released him and was pleased to see Joe go no further then to stand beside Hoss, as close as he could. If he could have disappeared into their middle brother somehow, Adam was certain Joe would\u2019ve done it. He hoped it wasn\u2019t long before Pa arrived. Despite his threats to the contrary, this was one situation he wanted absolutely no part of.<\/p>\n

A considerable crowd had gathered around the wreckage, some to view the spectacle, others to check on property or see to loved ones. Mitch\u2019s father, one of the unfortunate victims, was already interrogating his son and Freddie\u2019s parents, owners of the store, were scolding him loudly while surveying the damage. Someone had caught Andy Harris before he could run off, and others were looking for his folks along with Ben.\u00a0 Several women were seeing to Miss Jones and Sue Parker while Roy Coffee simply tried to keep order. There were angry pumpkin-covered folk, complaints from property owners of Virginia City and the circus both, and five young\u2019uns who\u2019d be facing a hefty bill. \u201cI always did hate the circus,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

By the time Ben arrived, Roy had become quite well informed about how this chaos had occurred. He\u2019d taken time to speak to each of the boys and hear their part in it and gotten assurances from their folks that they\u2019d not only handle their child but whatever damages were assessed. As soon as Ben had visual confirmation that his sons were unharmed, Roy gave him a full accounting of the situation. The longer he spoke, the more furious Ben looked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa looks awful angry,\u201d Hoss murmured.<\/p>\n

Adam resisted the urge to make a biting comment. If everything Hoss said was true\u2014and he had no reason to doubt his brother\u2019s veracity\u2014he was a victim of Joe\u2019s mischief and taken part in the fiasco only by accident. He hadn\u2019t done the greatest job watching baby brother, but Hoss wasn\u2019t an active participant. Adam gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, unsurprised when Hoss turned worried eyes on him. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll be able to talk him down this time,\u201d he said softly. There was no point in making false promises, yet his brother\u2019s big blue eyes pleaded with him. \u201cBut I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry to get a list and an estimate of the costs,\u201d Ben told Roy. \u201cBe sure to give me the largest portion.\u201d He took out his wallet and removed a few bills, passing them to the sheriff. \u201cPut this towards the total.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll surely do that Ben,\u201d Roy promised. He clapped the other man on the back and excused himself as Andy Harris\u2019s parents appeared.<\/p>\n

Ben turned towards his sons and began heading their way with a thunderous expression. Hoss and Joe unconsciously moved a little closer to Adam. Before he could get to the boys, however, an all-too familiar voice called to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoo hoo! Mr. Cartwright! I\u2019d like to talk to you. It\u2019s very urgent,\u201d Miss Jones assured the man.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s stomach knotted as his teacher drew Pa\u2019s attention. He suddenly wished he hadn\u2019t \u2018lost\u2019 that note after all.<\/p>\n

Feeling his little brother\u2019s body tense at the interaction between the adults, Adam gave him a hard look. \u201cJoe, please don\u2019t tell me there\u2019s more than all this.\u201d His hand swept over the mess around them, indicating it was clearly enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I won\u2019t,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes heavenward, Adam just squeezed Little Joe\u2019s shoulder. It was going to be a very, very long day.<\/p>\n

The trio of brothers stood silently as Pa and Miss Jones conversed, watching Ben\u2019s face grow darker the longer they spoke. How that was possible, given the warning cloud it was before the two began talking, they weren\u2019t sure. It was a sight to behold, provided you weren\u2019t the one causing that look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll speak to Joseph,\u201d Ben promised the woman. \u201cWe\u2019ll of course replace your dress.\u201d He couldn\u2019t imagine the stains, let alone the smell of the rotting pumpkin, were likely to come out. He brushed off Miss Jones\u2019s thanks and excused himself as quickly as he could respectfully do so, citing the need to address the matter with his sons. Ben also didn\u2019t want to spend a second longer amid the unfortunate odor.<\/p>\n

Finally making his way to where the boys stood, Ben put his hands on his hips and drilled into each of his sons with a silent, piercing look. \u201cSomeone had better start explaining and it had best be a very good one,\u201d he spoke at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam started it!\u201d Little Joe blurted out in a panic-filled tone.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes widened. That boy is on his own<\/em>. He opened his mouth to protest that he hadn\u2019t even been in the area when Pa started shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWELL, I AM ENDING IT!\u201d<\/p>\n

The eldest smartly closed his mouth; Hoss and Joe followed his lead. There were sure to be other opportunities for Adam to point out to Pa that they had been together a good portion of the morning and he spent the rest of it with Emmeline Hansen.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your brothers to the wagon and stay there,\u201d Ben ordered, looking at Adam. \u201cStay there, all of you. Don\u2019t move, don\u2019t speak, just sit there and wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put a hand over his baby brother\u2019s mouth, just in case he was dumb enough to say anything further. He caught Pa\u2019s eye and nodded, then started herding his brothers in that direction. Though Joe licked his hand several times to get Adam to let go, it was only when they were a good distance away from Pa that Adam finally took his hand away from the boy\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

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

The ride back to the Ponderosa was spent largely in silence. Halfway back, when their stomachs started growling audibly, Pa gave permission for Hoss to distribute the sandwiches Hop Sing had packed towards their picnic meal. Then, it was back to silence. Somehow, the length of the ride did not do much to lessen Pa\u2019s displeasure either. When they returned, he was still stony faced, and his voice terse as he ordered them all inside to sit on the settee while he took care of the buckboard and horses. As the boys waited for him to come inside, it seemed as though Pa took a very long time attending to that chore.<\/p>\n

Once Pa did enter, he didn\u2019t even speak; he simply paced, leaving them waiting for the scolding, and likely shouting, to come. The longer it took, the greater their anxiety. Adam thought such days were a thing of the past, for himself at least. How he hadn\u2019t foreseen this exact outcome, he wasn\u2019t sure. With the benefit of hindsight, it should have been painfully obvious from the very beginning that Joe asking questions about a catapult were sure to lead to no good.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot believe that my sons, my sons,<\/em> could create such chaos and destruction!\u00a0 Especially you, Adam. You\u2019re supposed to keep your brothers out of trouble, not practically join them in it!\u201d Ben pointed out, glaring at his eldest.<\/p>\n

Adam cringed at the way his involvement was characterized. He hadn\u2019t participated in the incident itself! \u201cPa, that\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not speak!\u201d Ben shouted. His voice reverberated off the walls of the great room.<\/p>\n

Closing his mouth, Adam couldn\u2019t resist giving his younger brothers a scowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat catapult was just out there Pa,\u201d Joe tried. He offered Pa his most angelic look, with wide, innocent eyes. \u201cIt coulda happened to anybody. Really!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben struggled to rein in his temper, with minimal success. \u201cJoseph! I do not want to hear any creative interpretations of the truth. Your actions are yours and yours alone,\u201d he warned his youngest. \u201cI will not accept your excuses that the circus was somehow to blame for what happened today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe opened his mouth to try and clarify that salient point for his father when Ben held up his hand, silencing him. \u201cThink very carefully before you speak, Joseph, or our necessary talk may move from your bedroom to the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little boy slunk down between his bigger brothers, as if he might be able to disappear into the settee itself if only he tried hard enough! Joe had never taken a trip to the barn before and did not want to start now. \u201cAdam really did start it Pa,\u201d Joe half-whispered.<\/p>\n

In a matter of seconds, Hoss hauled Joe off the settee before Adam could grab him. Creating physical distance between his two brothers didn\u2019t stop the eruption of anger from the eldest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d Adam barked. \u201cI wasn\u2019t with you all morning!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, you know that ain\u2019t true.\u201d Hoss gave the boy a slight shake. \u201cAdam weren\u2019t nowhere near us earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he did teach me all about catapults and we even made one\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I heard all about it and the nuisance you made of yourself with it,\u201d Ben interrupted. \u201cMiss Jones had a great deal to say about that and the fact that I ignored a note home from her. A note which I assured her I never received. Do you<\/em> happen to remember anything about a note, Joseph?\u201d Hands on his hips now, he gave his youngest son a stern look that almost dared Joe to try lying to him.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned loudly as the little boy began silently making an intense study of the floor. Joe even went so far as toeing at it with his boot.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s patience, if he\u2019d possessed any at the start of the conversation, was running thin. \u201cJoseph! Was there a note from Miss Jones that you failed to deliver to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The youngster swallowed hard, then nodded. A meek, \u201cYes, sir,\u201d followed the nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to your room and wait for me,\u201d Ben directed. He waited until Joe\u2019s bedroom door closed before continuing with his questioning. The father turned an expectant look on his middle son. Hoss looked as if he\u2019d rather be mucking out every stall on every ranch in Nevada than be where he was just now.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to take the responsibility of watching Little Joe, Hoss, you must in fact be responsible,\u201d Ben pointed out. \u201cNot join in his shenanigans!\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, a head dropped and a study was made of the floor. Ben sighed and ran a hand over his face. \u201cGo wait for me in the barn Hoss. I\u2019ll be there in a short while.\u201d He inwardly cringed as his middle son practically bolted from the house he was that eager to get out from under his Pa\u2019s stern countenance. Now only Adam remained on the settee, watching him warily. \u201cGo to your room. We\u2019ll talk in a while,\u201d Ben instructed.<\/p>\n

Adam realized it was now or never and called out as Ben headed for the stairs. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back towards his eldest, the man merely quirked an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk to Hoss, before\u2026\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t bring himself to say it. \u201cIt\u2019s not all it seems. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben considered his eldest for a moment, then nodded in agreement before proceeding upstairs to tend to Little Joe. Adam followed behind and quietly disappeared into his room.<\/p>\n

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

A considerable amount of time seemed to pass before Ben knocked on Adam\u2019s door and let himself in. He found his eldest son sitting quietly on the bed, head down, making no effort to acknowledge his father initially. As the door closed, Adam asked softly, \u201cAre we going to the barn?\u201d The way it was asked startled the patriarch. The tone made Adam sound younger and unsure of himself. It reminded Ben of Adam as a teenager, the opposite of the self-assured young man who returned to him from Boston.<\/p>\n

He put his hands in his pockets and came to stand in front of Adam, letting silence settle over them for a moment. \u201cLook at me,\u201d Ben directed, waiting for compliance. \u201cIs that what you think needs to happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and Joe\u2014” Adam began.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cAre children,\u201d he supplied, cutting Adam off. \u201cEven if Hoss looks like a man and can do the work of one. He needs to learn how to resist his little brother and trust his own judgement more often. And you\u2019re not a teenager anymore Adam. You\u2019re a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a small smile. \u201cI thought I was a boy downstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll always be my boy, son. And no matter how old you are, I will hold you to the expectations I\u2019ve always set for appropriate behavior. The way I respond, however, will change. Surely you realize that?\u201d<\/p>\n

His face flushing red, Adam shook his head a bit. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure Pa. I was genuinely expecting a declaration to the contrary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have a hard time justifying that, at your age, given that you weren\u2019t directly involved in the chaos of today,\u201d Ben reminded him. \u201cYou did not, however, give Joseph the kind of warning he needed after filling his head with stories of launching objects at enemies. Or teaching him the mechanics of doing so. That\u2019s where your fault lies, son. Usually, you\u2019re better at heading off Little Joe\u2019s naturally mischievous nature. What happened this time?\u201d Ben sat down beside his son.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged slightly. \u201cThings are difficult with him sometimes. I was gone for what feels like an eternity to a little boy.\u00a0 I\u2019m not quite the same brother he remembers anymore. We\u2019re renegotiating things, I suppose. That line between big brother and\u2026\u201d He fished for the right words. \u201cAn authority figure is blurry sometimes. I want to be his brother. I don\u2019t want him to just see me as an extension of you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben squeezed Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI don\u2019t think he sees you that way. Joe\u2019s a tempestuous little boy. He takes after Marie in that way.\u201d Both men smiled; Ben, remembering his wife and Adam, thinking that Joe had taken after both<\/em> parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed spending time with him that was simply brother time. Being able to share something that interests me, answering his questions and enjoying being together. Time that wasn\u2019t marked by reminders to behave or scolding him for something. More like before I left,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he called for you when he had nightmares?\u201d Ben added, recalling how attached Joe had been to his oldest brother. \u201cYou\u2019ve both grown since then. He\u2019s still that little boy,\u201d he reassured Adam. \u201cI think you\u2019re both attempting to find out how to get back to that place together. Perhaps trying too hard? You\u2019ll find your way, the pair of you.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for this catapult business\u2026\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cI think it\u2019s fair for you to pay for a portion of the store window and for one of the dresses that was ruined today. There\u2019s no way you could anticipate what happened today,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut we all know that is there is trouble to be had, Little Joe will find it. We have to try our best to cut him off at the pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger man nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s fair Pa. Thanks.\u201d Adam gave him a dimpled smile, his heart feeling lighter than before.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll also take Hoss and Joe to make their apologies to Miss Jones in person,\u201d Ben concluded.<\/p>\n

Adam cringed at the idea of spending any time at all with Miss Jones, even with his brothers there to act as chaperones and excuses for a quick exit. \u201cAny chance I can trade a tanning for that last part, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and shook his head. \u201cNo son, I\u2019m afraid not.\u201d The face Adam made, and the groan that accompanied it, caused him to laugh even harder. He wondered if his eldest and youngest even knew how much alike they were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

Challenge words: wreck, eruption, wall, declaration, launched<\/p>\n

\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Prequel. Adam and Little Joe bond over a simple engineering and physics concept. When Joe later tries to apply the concept on a large scale, he reaps chaos for all three brothers. Written for the Chaps & Spurs 2025 Third Quarter Challenge.
\nRating PG Word Count 7438<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12573,"featured_media":48167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[39,4,1007,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chaps-spurs","category-humor","category-joe-cartwright","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":701,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-24-at-1.05.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?fit=650%2C498&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":57316,"position":0},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. 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":10411,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10411","url_meta":{"origin":57316,"position":1},"title":"Sage Advice (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"February 17, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe should have remembered his older brother's advice, when he learns a lesson on how easy it is for women to be his downfall.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (950 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/casanova-joe-e1409523388544.jpg?fit=410%2C384&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2981,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2981","url_meta":{"origin":57316,"position":2},"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. Have you ever wondered what happened between the brothers making a \"Joe sandwich\" and the mud fight? Well, here's my answer to it. 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