{"id":58319,"date":"2025-09-24T15:45:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T19:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=58319"},"modified":"2025-11-23T22:08:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T03:08:54","slug":"fireworks-friends-and-innocent-prayers-by-djk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=58319","title":{"rendered":"Fireworks, Friends, and Innocent Prayers (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 Little Joe and friends managed to arrange “the grandest sight the town has ever seen”, and it only required a little deceit and disobeying.\u00a0 This prequel was written for the 3rd Quarter 2025 Chaps & Spurs Challenge where the required words were w<\/span>reck, eruption, wall, declaration, launched. Rating: Teen\u00a0 Word Count: 5822<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

Fireworks, Friends, and Innocent Prayers<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

by DJK<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt will be the grandest sight the town has ever seen!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s<\/span> declaration<\/span> rang out clear and sure.\u00a0 \u201cAdam says you can see \u2018em for miles around.\u00a0 I\u2019m telling ya the whole territory is liable to take note.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust as long as none of our fathers take note.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck\u2019s observation was softer and carried his lack of confidence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll never know.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe was quick to reassure his friend.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey might suspect.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch was chewing on his lower lip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I gotta tell you suspecting<\/em> and knowing<\/em> are two different things.\u00a0 Others will be suspecting all sorts of fellows, some lots older and maybe drunk.\u00a0 If we don\u2019t leave no evidence and keep our mouths shut, we\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0 Sherrif Roy will be looking for somebody with money in his pockets.\u00a0 Everybody knows we ain\u2019t got nothing but gullyfluff in ours except on Saturdays.\u00a0 Pa and Adam say all the time how money don\u2019t spend no time in my pockets.\u00a0 They think I can\u2019t save a red cent.\u00a0 They don\u2019t know it just takes the proper reason.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The twins both nodded.\u00a0 Their mother was always despairing of her sons’ spendthrift ways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, the peddler having some to buy right here where nobody much has ever even seen \u2018em and Tuck having money from his grandpa at the same time is a sign that it was meant to be.\u00a0 Our folks won\u2019t think we had any way of buying them.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout the money…\u201d\u00a0 Tuck swallowed.\u00a0 \u201cMy folks…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDon\u2019t ask to see it every day, now do they?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo, but…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“You told them you were starting to save for college to pay for the extra things just like Adam did.\u00a0 They won\u2019t even think about you using it for a prank, and we all agreed to save up and pay you back all but your share.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and I\u2019m willing.\u00a0 It\u2019s just…\u201d\u00a0 Tuck took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.\u00a0 He took the five-dollar gold piece from his pocket and thrust it at Little Joe. \u201cHere!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took the money and gave Tuck a large grin.\u00a0 \u201cGood fellow!\u00a0 It will be fine; you\u2019ll see.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t like we\u2019re doing something illegal.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be; it\u2019ll just be a little disturbing to some, and, well, we\u2019ll have to be a little disobedient, but that\u2019s not much.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t like it\u2019ll be the first time.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s observation brought nods and chuckles.\u00a0 All the boys pushed memories of the times they had been caught in disobedience into the recesses of their minds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMitch and I\u2019ll go buy them from the peddler just as soon as we all swear on our eternal honor never to tell a soul that we done it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe peddler will know who bought \u2018em.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s entire body twitched.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe peddler will be long gone before we get it all set up and by the time he comes back around, if he ever does, nobody\u2019s gonna ask him about selling something ages before.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, fellows, there\u2019s a risk in everything.\u00a0 Tell me now if you\u2019re afraid to take this one.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Glances darted from one boy to another.\u00a0 In the end, none of the group was brave enough to back down in front of the others.\u00a0 Vows of silence were taken on Tuck\u2019s pocket testament, and Little Joe and Mitch darted off to find the peddler.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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They found the peddler\u2019s wagon in the alley next to the <\/span>Bucket of Blood<\/span><\/i> with nobody else around. The peddler was irritated at the intrusion and dismissive of the boys’ request until Little Joe flashed Tuck\u2019s gold piece; then he turned quite helpful.\u00a0 Three large fireworks were purchased, the peddler threw in several strings of firecrackers, and a half dollar was received in change as Adam had taught both his younger brothers about dickering.\u00a0 Everything was stuffed in a burlap sack that they had picked up in the trash outside of the livery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are we gonna hide \u2018em, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch deferred to Little Joe\u2019s leadership in the plot as it had been Joe\u2019s idea.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking on that, and I\u2019ve got just the place.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe grinned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt our old cabin.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t your pa keep it locked up?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea, but not the root cellar, and there\u2019s an old metal bin attached to the stone <\/span>wall<\/span> down there that\u2019ll keep them dry and safe.\u00a0 Nobody goes there much, and even if somebody did, everything there looks swept clean and empty because it is.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s on your land.\u00a0 We said they should be somewhere not attached to anyone of us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like our houses or barns or even a line shack.\u00a0 The root cellar doesn\u2019t lock, so anybody could use it for stashing.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe watched Mitch chew his lower lip.\u00a0 \u201cNobody\u2019s gonna look there let alone find them.\u00a0 If they do, then it just wasn\u2019t meant to be.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 We better get back to your wagon.\u00a0 Adam said before noon, and it\u2019s almost that now.\u00a0 The boys made it to the wagon before Adam and had the sack safely hidden before he arrived.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t afraid that the sack would be found when the wagon was unloaded because the price of Adam bringing them to town was that they would be unloading the wagon except for one barrel and two sacks of feed.\u00a0 They would see that Hoss unloaded those first.\u00a0 Adam smiled when he saw they had actually arrived on time and took them to the cafe for lunch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Over the next two weeks the conspirators spent any time they had together plotting and making countless revisions to their plan.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think us all being together the night it happens will have folks thinking it was us?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch knew his parents always suspected mischief quicker if he and Little Joe were together.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt being us is gonna cross some folks minds no matter what.\u00a0 If we\u2019re all supposed to be in our beds, well, Tuck and the twins living in town is gonna get them caught for sure when their folks hear the commotion and look for them before they can get back. My pa and your folks won\u2019t hear about it tell morning, but you know when either of us has any of those boys staying over, some adult is bound to check at least once in the night if not more, especially if they don\u2019t hear no noise.\u00a0 We all have to be somewhere our folks can\u2019t check.\u00a0 If we\u2019re out camping overnight, they may wonder, but they won\u2019t be able to check and know for sure we probably done it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right.\u201d\u00a0 The twins nodded agreement with Tuck\u2019s statement.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just not sure we can get permission to camp out overnight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is gonna be the hardest part.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe chewed his lower lip.\u00a0 \u201cIf I can work my pa around, and he does the asking, we\u2019ve got a chance.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy pa will agree if your pa does.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch seemed confident.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can get our mama to bring Papa around if you and Little Joe both get permission.\u00a0 She has a real high opinion of Mr. Ben.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTuck?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe knew Tuck\u2019s father was the strictest of the lot.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI…\u00a0 I think maybe I\u2019ve got a way.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck sighed.\u00a0 \u201cIf we get caught, I\u2019m never going to be able to do nothing ever again because my father won\u2019t trust me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we just can\u2019t get caught.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe gave Tuck\u2019s shoulder a squeeze.\u00a0 \u201cWe all will do our best to keep you out of it if something happens.\u00a0 Besides, if anybody starts in asking questions, we just laugh and say as how we wished we\u2019d had the money to do it.\u00a0 Not having any money is going to be our saving grace.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTuck\u2019s folks know he has some money.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey know Tuck\u2019s real committed to going to college.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe gave an exaggerated sigh. \u201cWe\u2019ve already hoed this row.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys relaxed.\u00a0 It was true that none of their families would think that the boys could scrape up enough money to buy one firework let alone three, and probably nobody would think of Tuck\u2019s grandfather\u2019s gift as actual spending money.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do have a plan for getting your Pa\u2019s permission, don\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch had decided to move on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI got a plan, and Adam and Hoss are gonna help me, even if they don\u2019t know that they are.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Little Joe dropped his chin and let his overly long hair shield his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 He knew his elder brother and pa were close enough to hear if he spoke clearly to Hoss, and that – as much as both reprimanded him for eavesdropping- they would be listening.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa just don\u2019t trust me like he does you and Adam.\u201d Joe let his voice tremble, and then he sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI guess he never will.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Short Shanks, that ain\u2019t so.\u00a0 Pa trusts you about a lot of things.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he don\u2019t!\u00a0 Not about important things.\u00a0 Why…\u201d\u00a0 Joe let his voice break.\u00a0 \u201cHe thinks I can\u2019t keep out of trouble.\u00a0 You all do!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Punkin, it ain\u2019t really that way.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss put his hand on his little brother\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what way is it?\u00a0 Uh?\u00a0 I can\u2019t even go camping overnight with my friends because Pa don\u2019t trust me.\u00a0 You and Adam both went camping alone at my age.\u00a0 You near about lived out in the woods at least in the summer.\u00a0 Adam went with Ross all the time, and they got in trouble together, but Pa kept letting him.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, things were a bit different…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only difference is Pa trusts you and Adam, and he don\u2019t trust me because he thinks I\u2019m bad.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe shook off his brother\u2019s hand and ran off toward the barn.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss sighed and looked around as his elder brother and father approached.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned toward his father.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2019s just upset that you didn\u2019t give him permission to spend the night camping with his friends.\u00a0 He\u2019ll get over it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill he?\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll them boys…well, they\u2019re all good boys.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss slipped the observation smoothly in front of his father.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are; it\u2019s just that in a group they sometimes get… um, carried away.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they have done a few things.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was glad that there were a few instances his pa had not yet found out about.\u00a0 \u201cMost boys get into a little mischief growing up.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve gotten into very little so far.\u201d\u00a0 It was Adam who made that observation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hoss grinned.\u00a0 \u201cBesides a couple of brothers, I ain\u2019t hardly ever had anybody to pull me into mischief.\u00a0 Mischief ain\u2019t half the fun when you\u2019re in it alone.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cTrue.\u201d\u00a0 Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for Ross, I would have a spotless record.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Ben Cartwright cleared his throat and sent his eldest a what-did-you-just- say look.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ben rubbed his chin.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou might reconsider?\u00a0 I think all of those boys learned a lesson the last time.\u00a0 Actually, I can think of something that might, well, give us less reason to worry.\u201d\u00a0 Adam tugged his right ear and exchanged a look with Hoss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWould you like to tell me what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWell, it\u2019s something between brothers.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you remember what it was like between you and Uncle John.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI do.\u201d\u00a0 Something in Ben\u2019s eyes told his sons that there might be things their father was remembering that would not help their cause.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I don\u2019t like Joseph feeling the way he does.\u00a0 Perhaps, I should at least give him a chance to present his side of things.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYa could talk to him and see how he takes the rules ya set down for him and the boys, and if ya let him, I\u2019m thinking he\u2019ll want to live up to you trusting him.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss added an encouraging smile.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIt seems I need to talk to your brother.\u201d\u00a0 Ben strode off toward the barn.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hoss looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brother promise are ya gonna get out of Joe?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo tobacco and no liquor.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cGood!\u00a0 Better throw in no firearms, there\u2019s plenty around here for \u2018em to borrow.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cRight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cJoe ain\u2019t never broken a true brother promise.\u00a0 If we can take those three things out of the mix, there shouldn\u2019t be no more risk of real trouble than there ever is when that pack is alone together.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe both of us will talk to Joe then if he brings Pa around?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah.\u00a0\u00a0 Then we\u2019ll tell Pa just enough to keep him from fretting all night.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled again, and the brothers headed into the house.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPa\u2019s gonna talk to all the fathers, so if the lot of you can do your part, four days from now we\u2019ll have our chance.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cUm, just so ya know, I had to promise Adam and Hoss no tobacco, no liquor, no firearms.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have no money for any of that anyway and none of us believe in stealing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We won\u2019t have time for that kind of fooling around neither.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019ll be an easy promise to keep.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s grin broadened.\u00a0 \u201cNow, the deal is we have to camp near the old cabin, so if there\u2019s bad weather or something we can go down in the root cellar and snug up.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe old cabin?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch chuckled, and the other boys joined in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, we have permission to go into the root cellar.\u00a0 Permission for fishing but not hunting, and we can\u2019t go swimming after dark.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWell, then we won\u2019t be doing much actual disobeying, will we?\u201d\u00a0 Tuck smiled; walking a fine line was not the same as plowing right across it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo, we won\u2019t, only leaving the campsite without permission. We\u2019ll hardly be doing anything wrong at all.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe meet after chores?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah.\u00a0 And Hop Sing is gonna send plenty of provisions.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hop Sing\u2019s anticipated contributions brought a cheer from both of the twins as well as Mitch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cCan he send some of his cookies?\u00a0 Molasses and ginger would be best.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOr them chocolate ones with the nuts.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cSure.\u00a0 Probably both and some of his lemon ones too, and he won\u2019t want me bringing back even one.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDon\u2019t have to worry about that!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The boys heard their folks calling and ran off to join their families for the return home from church.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thursday, the twins were the last to arrive at the lake.\u00a0 \u201cNobody\u2019s gonna be wondering where we are until near lunch tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 The two swung down from their shared horse.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOur mama sent some food along too.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cSo did Mitch and Tuck\u2019s mamas.\u00a0 You know, if we eat everything they and Hop Sing sent, we\u2019re liable to sink straight to the bottom of the lake if we even try to go swimming.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWell, then we better go swimming before we start eating.\u00a0 We got plenty of time before we need to head to town.\u201d\u00a0 The other four boys gave Tuck\u2019s suggestion a rousing cheer of agreement and started shedding their clothes as they ran toward the lake.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Later as they lay drying in the late afternoon sun and munching on Hop Sing\u2019s cookies, Tuck sighed.\u00a0 \u201cEven if we weren\u2019t gonna do nothing else but stay camping this would have been a real fine idea.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Agreement echoed around the group.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Little Joe sat up.\u00a0 \u201cMmmm, we… well, we don\u2019t have to do nothing else really but have the good time our folks agreed for us to have.\u201d\u00a0 The other four boys stilled.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe paid a lot for them fireworks, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s observation was hesitant and softly voiced.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI know, and well, if we don\u2019t… well, it will take some time, but I\u2019ll see to it that everybody gets all the money they put in back.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe did not mention that he was probably the only one of them who could afford to cover the loss.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not like they\u2019ll rot or anything.\u00a0 I\u2019ll put them to use sometime or some way where the other price won\u2019t be so high.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou said how Adam said they are really something to see.\u201d Joe was not sure which twin had spoken, so he looked at them both as he answered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cHe did.\u00a0 He saw them more than once when he was back East.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAnd Hop Sing told you that they have been making and using them for hundreds of years back in China, so they must be safe.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck always was the one most responsible about being safe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, they have, so they must be, and we\u2019re gonna be real careful, so things go right, and we don\u2019t <\/span>wreck <\/span>nothing nor start any fires.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam have trained me real well about fire safety.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOur pa too.\u201d\u00a0 The twins had also risen into a seated position.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI\u2019ve been thinking how some folks might even think of it like, well, like a gift to the folks of the town.\u00a0 You know, to get to see something like that.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch looked around at the faces of the other boys.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cJoe?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The question as to why Little Joe would consider not following through with the plan hung in the air.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThere ain\u2019t no way to guarantee we won\u2019t get caught or found out and if we do…\u201d\u00a0 Joe paused and licked his lips.\u00a0 \u201cIt ain\u2019t the tannings, though that will be bad, it\u2019s, well, losing our folks trust even for a while… that\u2019s a mighty price to pay.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>A minute passed in silence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, but…\u201d\u00a0 Tuck took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m ready if all of you are.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The boys all nodded and started to dress.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought ya told Pa we might not make it home tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had heard Adam tell their father that they might have to spend the night at the lumber camp.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThings went more smoothly than expected for once.\u201d\u00a0 Adam finished tightening his cinch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cMust\u2019ve been real smoothly considering we\u2019re gonna be home way before dinner.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave his brother a raised eyebrow.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNot if we take a slightly longer route.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOne that will take us by the lake right around the old cabin?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWell, if we tell Pa that things seem fine, it will help set his mind at rest.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAdam, if Little Joe sees us…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cPerhaps it would be better if he didn\u2019t see us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThat\u2019s sneaky and untrusting.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo sneakier than our baby brother and his friends have been known to be.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWell, yeah, but I thought we was trusting him this time.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe will verify and then trust.\u00a0 We\u2019ll both sleep better that way.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you tell me that you haven\u2019t been considering it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hoss shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got faith though.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cKeep that faith and think of us as Joe\u2019s guardian angels.\u00a0 Unseen and protective guardian angels.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss arrived at the lake and took a hidden position that gave them a direct view of the cabin.\u00a0 They were in time to see the boys saddling their horses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re headed out.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe question is \u2018headed where’?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cCare to guess?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>“Give it a few minutes.\u201d\u00a0 They did.\u00a0 \u201cTo town.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNow why do you suppose they have a sudden desire to go to town?\u00a0 Nobody appears injured, ill, or endangered.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hoss shrugged.\u00a0 Adam turned to remount, but Hoss stopped him with a hand on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDon\u2019t what?\u00a0 Put an end to an obviously planned escapade?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cMaybe it\u2019s just a harmless bit of mischief.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou think we should ignore…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cRemember when you and Ross, and that kid with the glasses…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAlbert.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, Albert.\u00a0 Remember when the three of you took it into your heads to sneak off hunting treasure up to…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOf course.\u00a0 Wait!\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned to stare at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know about that!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cSure, I do.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned.\u00a0 \u201cKnew about it before you headed out.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cBut…\u201d\u00a0 Adam sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cYou were eavesdropping!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI was keeping quiet \u2018cause I was watching a fox and her kits.\u00a0 The three of you were too busy trying to make sure that Pa and Ma neither one heard ya to pay me no mind.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam snorted and then relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not surprised that you didn\u2019t tell Pa, but…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThought about blackmailing ya into taking me along.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThat wouldn\u2019t have surprised me either.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThought better of it.\u00a0 It just… well, it just seemed like I should let ya do with your friends that once.\u00a0 Prayed a lot while ya was gone that Pa wouldn\u2019t catch ya.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s grin widened.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s probably the reason he didn\u2019t, my innocent prayers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou can rest assured that you weren\u2019t the only one praying those prayers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI imagine those boys are sending some like prayers God\u2019s way.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIf they\u2019re not, they should be. You\u2019re dancing around the bush about something.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI know ya think ya got to keep \u2018em safe…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, and it worries me some… what might happen if what they\u2019re planning goes sidesways and one of them gets hurt, but…\u00a0 well… maybe it\u2019s just…\u201d Hoss shrugged as his voice faded.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou wish that just once it might have been you and a group of friends.\u201d\u00a0 Adam knew that Hoss had never really had the opportunity to have a friendship like Adam\u2019s with Ross and Joe\u2019s with Mitch let alone having a whole set of friends like Little Joe.\u00a0 The children around when Hoss was growing always seemed to be significantly older or younger or girls.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cLike I said mischief ain\u2019t as fun when you\u2019re in it alone.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s face grew serious.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe… well, maybe Joe would like a chance at not having two big brothers that are near as protective as a mama bear with her cubs.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose and then tugged his left ear.\u00a0 \u201cWe could follow on the sly and keep an eye out.\u00a0 If it\u2019s something harmless like soaping a few windows, well, then we let things be and keep our brother\u2019s secret.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBut if it looks like…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThem mama bears have a real reason to worry, then we swoop right in.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled and then gave Adam a nudge with his elbow.\u00a0 \u201cEven then we try to keep Pa out of it?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam returned his smile.\u00a0 \u201cYeah.\u00a0\u00a0 If that happens, you can tan two of them, and I\u2019ll take care of the other three.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe slipped from the saddle and tied his mount firmly.\u00a0 His fellow conspirators did the same making sure that none of the horses could be seen from the road.\u00a0 Gathering their supplies, they rehashed their plan in soft whispers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone got their lucifers?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe kept his voice to a whisper.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOf course, we do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we just need to fill the pails.\u00a0 Tuck, are you sure that we picked the best spots?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI worked it all out.\u00a0 They should meet just as they go off.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck was the best mathematician in the school.\u00a0 Even Adam thought he\u2019d do fine in college especially at mathematics.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJeff and Jeb, you know…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe know.\u00a0 We know.\u00a0 We each got a watch, so we\u2019ll be sink… sink..cro…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSynchronized.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe supplied Adam\u2019s word for matched timing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYea, that.\u201d\u00a0 Jeb looked at his twin.\u00a0 \u201cWe set them off and get the people coming out, and a minute later\u00a0 <\/span>Kaboooom!<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe two of you best hot foot it….\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will.\u00a0 We will, and if it looks like we can\u2019t make it, we\u2019ll hide out \u2018til we can sneak back.\u00a0 We know every hidey-hole and backway in this town.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get set up.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe gave the final order like a general deploying his troops.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys scattered without noticing they were now under observation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss stood silently hidden on the residential edge of town. The boys had stopped just beyond the farthermost homes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re filling water pails.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss spoke into his brother\u2019s ear.\u00a0 They could see the boys but could not hear any exchanges.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 Now, just what are they planning to douse?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s face held a frown.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWater don\u2019t do no real damage.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was not frowning, but his face held no smile.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFire does. They\u2019re each carrying something.\u00a0 Three of them are anyway.\u00a0 Can you see what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t got a clue.\u00a0 The twins just lit out into town.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe other three are splitting up.\u00a0 I don\u2019t…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re staying on the ground, so nobody\u2019s gonna fall and break their neck.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know…\u00a0 I don\u2019t like…\u201d\u00a0 Adam stared through the night and tugged his right ear.\u00a0 He and Hoss watched intently for a few minutes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of small explosions came to everyone\u2019s ears.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged startled glances and realized they were too late to act in prevention and would just have to pick up the pieces if needed.\u00a0 Little Joe, Mitch, and Tuck went into action.\u00a0 A minute later three lucifers were lit and three fuses set alight.\u00a0 The fireworks were simultaneously<\/span> launched<\/span> into the night sky.\u00a0 Three explosions echoed through the darkness, and then each firework exploded into thousands of burning sparks: red, green, gold.\u00a0 The combined <\/span>eruption<\/span> was gigantic and rained multi-colored fire down onto the town for over twenty seconds, but not a spark reached even the highest roof or tree.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFireworks!\u201d\u00a0 Adam uttered the single word and then shook his head as a wide smile overtook his face.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGod Almighty!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss stood staring at the sky open-mouthed as did all the conspirators and thirty to forty townspeople.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the display faded, Adam slapped Hoss gently on the arm.\u00a0 Hoss chuckled softly.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t see no fires nor any wreckage.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I don\u2019t hear any angry mobs.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head, but his eyes sparkled.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess us mama bears can…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait and follow them back unbeknownst to the little…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll see them safe back to the camp and then…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t go home.\u00a0 Pa thinks we\u2019re at the lumber camp.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLine shack three.\u00a0 Two bunks and plenty of food.\u00a0 Stabling for Sport and Chubby too.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood thinking.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere come the twins.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and mounted.\u00a0 Adam did also.\u00a0\u00a0 Minutes later they followed the boys back through the night.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss\u2019s feet hung off the end of the line shack\u2019s bunk, but it was more comfortable than a bedroll on the ground.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt were a glorious sight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were taking care.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt appeared so.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing went wrong.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt due to your innocent prayers.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s sarcasm was mild in tone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it all stays a secret?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think they got three fireworks?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople sell fireworks.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo people with money.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not thinking them boys stole \u2018em.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice had become indignant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to.\u00a0 It\u2019s just…\u201d\u00a0 Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I don\u2019t believe that they stole anything.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya gonna ask Little Joe or just have a little faith in the lot of them?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t ever forgive me if I asked, or at least he\u2019d never forget.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t suppose you have any blind faith you can loan me?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I do.\u00a0 Buckets and buckets.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYa ain\u2019t even a little mad, are ya?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rolled onto his side, pulled up his blanket, and smiled in the darkness.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019m only his brother; I can just be proud.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LCLCLCLCLC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0<\/span>There being no room between his brothers on the buckboard\u2019s seat, Little Joe sat in the back with Adam\u2019s luggage and a rather large box with Chinese writing on the outside.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWhat\u2019s in the box?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe box?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Little Joe rolled his eyes, turned around, and thrust his head between his brother\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cThe big one ya brought back from San Francisco.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOh, that box.\u00a0 Just something I picked up in Chinatown when I took that package from Hop Sing to his number… umm, number whatever cousin.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cSomething for Hop Sing?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo, rather, not just Hop Sing, though I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll enjoy the contents.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Hoss gave his older brother a sideways glance.\u00a0 \u201cWho else is gonna be enjoying the contents?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOh, Pa and you and Joe and any number of other folks.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s voice had become demanding.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s in there!\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cKeep your hands to yourself!\u201d \u00a0Adam threw a stern look over his shoulder.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Little Joe huffed and then settled into a pout.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNow, Joe, ole Adam can\u2019t resist teasing sometimes.\u00a0 I bet it’s a real good surprise in that box.\u00a0 We\u2019ll know in good time.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Little Joe sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI guess.\u201d\u00a0 He took to studying the Chinese symbols on the box.\u00a0 Suddenly he sprang up, sitting ramrod straight.\u00a0 \u201cIs it… Adam!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWhat, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Adam had started to smirk.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThey sell fireworks in Chinatown, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThey do.\u00a0 The Chinese make most of the fireworks for sale any…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAre there…?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYEOWEE!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYa brought back a box of fireworks?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had brought the horses to a halt and turned to stare at Adam.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI heard so many people talking about the fireworks that appeared in the night sky that I thought it would be only fair that those who had no opportunity to see the wonderful sight have a chance to view some.\u00a0 Besides, we needed a grand way to celebrate Pa\u2019s birthday next week.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned his gaze on his baby brother.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019ll enjoy them, Joe.\u00a0 Seeing fireworks for the first time is exciting.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s gaze shifted to Hoss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI…\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe took a moment to sallow. \u201cI can\u2019t wait.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cMe neither.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice held an odd challenge.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou\u2019ll have to make sure and invite your friends, the ones you were camping with the night the fireworks went off in town.\u00a0 All of their families should be coming to Pa\u2019s party.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah.\u00a0 You know, we could all help ya with setting them off.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam rubbed his chin.\u00a0 \u201cI think it would be better if you just saw to it that the five of you have front row seats to the show, so to speak.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cBut…\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYou all don\u2019t know anything about setting off fireworks.\u00a0 They can be dangerous, Joseph.\u00a0 I think it best that just Hoss help me.\u00a0 Maybe a hand or two if needed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe\u2019d be real careful.\u00a0 We can be careful, you know.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Adam caught Hoss\u2019s eye and quickly looked away.\u00a0 \u201cActually, I do, still I think this first time you best stick to being part of the audience.\u00a0 Pa will think it best.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe settled back down, and Hoss restarted the horses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Since Little Joe had neither grumbled, whined, nor pouted after his first request to help set off the fireworks, Adam relented and got permission for all five of the boys to assist him and Hoss in setting up and setting off the fireworks display. \u00a0The boys all followed Adam\u2019s orders to the letter, and Tuck followed Adam around like a faithful puppy discussing trajectories and other points of scientific interest. \u00a0 \u00a0As soon as dark descended, the party guests seated themselves with clear views of the night sky, Adam gave a speech lauding his father and then gave calm commands to his troops that resulted in an impressive fireworks display that lasted almost five minutes. \u00a0The audience was duly impressed, and Ben Cartwright strutted about with a proud smile adorning his face.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The partygoers then departed as most had a considerable ride to reach their homes. \u00a0Little Joe and his friends, though, spread bedrolls in the fragrant hay of the loft. \u00a0Adam was going to pay them four bits a boy to provide a cleaning up crew with the\u00a0bonus of lunching on party leftovers including the spare cake Hop Sing had baked just to make sure no one left less than stuffed full.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cMitch?\u201d \u00a0Little Joe was lying nearest his best friend and whispered softly as Tuck and the twins were already asleep.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAdam said we did a fine job helping.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWe did, of course, his making us promise on Tuck\u2019s pocket testament after giving us that long\u00a0lecture, well… we couldn\u2019t do much else. \u00a0Besides Hoss said that Adam meant it when he said that he\u2019d kill us all if we didn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cHe meant it.\u201d \u00a0Little Joe knew his friends were often intimidated by his elder brother, so he added some clarification. \u00a0\u201cNot actual dead but just wishing we were. \u00a0We\u2019re all in his good books now, though, and after tomorrow we can do some paying back to Tuck.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah. \u00a0Things worked out real fine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cMitch?\u201d \u00a0Little Joe\u2019s whisper had become even softer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI think, well, it can\u2019t be, but I got this feeling that Adam and Hoss, that the two of them know about us and the first fireworks.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Mitch leaned his head closer to Joe\u2019s. \u00a0\u201cYou knew they\u2019d probably suspect, but like you\u2019re always saying <\/span>suspecting<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>knowing<\/span><\/i> are two different things.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah, but I think they know.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cDid they say… ask…\u201d \u00a0Little Joe shook his head. \u00a0\u201cWell, then why do you think they know?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Joe shrugged. \u00a0\u201cSome things they\u2019ve said and how they looked saying them.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cBut if they knew…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThat\u2019s it. \u00a0If they knew, they would have at least blistered my ears but more probably my behind what with Adam thinking that fireworks can be dangerous, not to mention riding around in the night and disobeying Pa.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cHe did lecture us a lot about being safe.\u201d \u00a0Mitch chewed his lip. \u00a0\u201cThat eldest brother of yours is a hard one to figure. \u00a0Weren\u2019t they up to the lumber camp that night?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThat\u2019s what Pa said.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThen they couldn\u2019t know. \u00a0There weren\u2019t no evidence. \u00a0If they had found the fireworks beforehand, they would never have left them for us to use.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI know. \u00a0That\u2019s what I keep telling myself.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAdam wouldn\u2019t have let us help tonight; he did, so he couldn\u2019t be mad at us.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cNo, he ain\u2019t mad.\u201d \u00a0Little Joe sighed. \u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t ask nothing without giving us away, so I guess unless Adam or Hoss up and say something some time we\u2019ll just never know.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI expect not.\u201d \u00a0Mitch grinned. \u00a0\u201cMaybe when you all are old and gray, you can ask, or they\u2019ll just up and tell ya they knew.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAdam\u2019s always saying no matter how old I get, he\u2019s always gonna be older, bigger, and holding me to account.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI guess it\u2019s that way with big brothers.\u201d \u00a0Little Joe heard the wisp of wishfulness in Mitch\u2019s voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah. \u00a0Did ya see how Tuck was following Adam around?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAnd the twins were near about hanging off Hoss.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cYeah. \u00a0Ya know, Joe, them brothers of yours aren\u2019t all that bad.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI know.\u201d \u00a0Joe cleared his throat. \u00a0\u201cYou know that you can borrow them anytime, don\u2019t ya?\u201d He giggled softly. \u00a0\u201cJust remember they both have swift and heavy hands when they\u2019re big brothering.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cJoe!\u201d \u00a0Mitch snorted. \u00a0\u201cSay ya prayers and go to sleep!\u201d He rolled on his side and pulled his blanket tighter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Little Joe did just that. \u00a0<\/span>And thank you for both my brothers, and if they know, thank you for whatever reason they decided just once not to tend to it themselves.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe and friends managed to arrange “the grandest sight the town has ever seen”, and it only required a little deceit and disobeying.\u00a0 This prequel was written for the 3rd Quarter 2025 Chaps & Spurs Challenge.
\n Rating: Teen\u00a0 Word Count: 5822<\/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":[1009,39,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-chaps-spurs","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":515,"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":4460,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4460","url_meta":{"origin":58319,"position":0},"title":"The Gift (by JoeC)","author":"JoeC","date":"April 28, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe get's a special birthday present Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (553 words)","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\/joe-chaps-21.jpg?fit=314%2C547&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11829,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11829","url_meta":{"origin":58319,"position":1},"title":"Somebody else’s dog (by Inca \/ aka Tye)","author":"Inca \/ Tye","date":"September 29, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: There\u2019s been some gossip in Virginia City about Ben Cartwright\u2019s new wife. 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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":58388,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=58388","url_meta":{"origin":58319,"position":5},"title":"Let’s Play Chess (by LillianMontane)","author":"LillianMontane","date":"September 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Sumary: Hoss teaches Joe how to play chess. 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