{"id":5853,"date":"2007-01-03T00:54:34","date_gmt":"2007-01-03T05:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5853"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:21:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:21:23","slug":"education-is-more-than-3-rs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5853","title":{"rendered":"Education is More Than 3 Rs (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>2nd story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 During a family picnic at the lake, Adam gets in trouble adding poison ivy to Hoss’ bouquet of wildflowers for Marie. After an argument with his father, Adam decides to leave home. A neighbor and old friend, Abe Garvey, shows Marie that there’s more to education than reading, writing, and arithmetic while leading the search for Adam.<\/p>\n

Rating: K\u00a0\u00a0Word Count=6007<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Begins<\/a>
\nEducation is More than 3R’s<\/a>
\nThe Shadow of Jean deMarigny<\/a>
\nA Gift Horse<\/a>
\nNew Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove’s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby’s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

Education is More Than 3 Rs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben had brought his family down to the lake for a picnic. Hop Sing had packed a hamper of fried chicken, potato salad, pickled beets, apples, and a peach cobbler. Marie had eaten her fill and was now resting with her head against her husband\u2019s chest. Adam had left his book laying by the hamper and now he and Hoss were playing down by the lake\u2019s edge.<\/span>

Marie picked up Adam\u2019s battered copy of The Pioneers. She looked at the well-worn cover and lined spine before thumbing through the pages. Adam had marked his place with a leaf but many pages were dog-eared. \u201cWhere did Adam receive his education?\u201d she asked Ben.<\/span>

\u201cOn the trail. I began his education with the alphabet. I couldn\u2019t afford books then. When I brought home newspapers, we used those for reading material. That was when we lived in St. Louis. Inger bought him his first book\u2014the one you\u2019re holding. Why?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHoss is five and is just now learning to write his name. I thought maybe we should bring in a tutor.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHoss isn\u2019t as interested in reading as Adam is. He\u2019s happiest doing barn chores. Besides, Adam is teaching Hoss the alphabet.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThere are other subjects they should be introduced to. Mathematics for instance.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam is very good with numbers, darling. Inger worked with him when she ran the store. They began with adding and subtracting items in the store\u2019s inventory and later moved to multiplication and division. Adam balances the accounting books for me most of the time.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat about Hoss?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHe\u2019s good at simple addition and subtraction.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat about languages?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam speaks Paiute fairly fluently.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI mean real languages.\u201d<\/span>

Ben drew back from Marie far enough to look into her eyes. \u201cPaiute is a real language. Knowing their language has been very helpful when trading or trapping on their lands. Besides, we don\u2019t have much need for other languages out here.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, mon chere. I don\u2019t mean to sound so snobby. It\u2019s just that I was educated by the Sisters and I come from a city of many languages.\u201d<\/span>

Ben kissed the top of Marie\u2019s head and relaxed back against the tree again. \u201cAdam picked up a little French from Jean, but I think my son\u2019s education in that language was limited to saltier words.\u201d<\/span>

Marie let out a small laugh. \u201cJean could be surprisingly coarse for someone so well-bred.\u201d She sighed as she relaxed and looked at the book again.<\/span>

Down by the lake, Hoss was picking wildflowers. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span>

\u201cPickin\u2019 flowers fer Mama.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span>

\u201c\u2019Cause they\u2019s pretty like her.\u201d<\/span>

Adam snorted in derision.<\/span>

\u201cWhy don\u2019tcha like Mama?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span>

\u201cShe\u2019s not our Mama, Hoss.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYes she is. Papa says so.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cShe\u2019s Pa\u2019s wife, not our mother.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWasn\u2019t my real mama married to Papa?\u201d<\/span>

\u2018Yeah.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYou called her Mama, huh?\u201d the boy asked.\u00a0<\/span>

\u201cBecause she was my Mama.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cBut Mama is married to Papa. Don\u2019t that make her our Mama?\u201d Hoss was now very confused.<\/span>

\u201cThat\u2019s different!\u201d Adam answered hotly.<\/span>

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhaddya mean why?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhy\u2019s it different?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cIt just is!\u201d was Adam\u2019s retort.<\/span>

Hoss was still confused. Adam wasn\u2019t making any sense. Mama was the nicest and prettiest mama Hoss could\u2019ve ever wished for. She was even prettier than the lady in the picture on his nightstand. Lately, Adam was pointing to that picture and telling his little brother that she was Mama, not the lady Papa had married. Maybe Adam had a touch of fever or something.<\/span>

Deciding he had enough flowers, Hoss started to head back to his parents. \u201cWait up!\u201d hollered Adam. He came running up to Hoss with some flowers, too. Hoss beamed as he said \u201cYou think Mama should have flowers, huh?\u201d<\/span>

Adam got a glint in his eye as he said \u201cWhy don\u2019t you add mine to yours?\u201d He handed his posy over to Hoss. The boy looked at his older brother again and wondered why he looked like a cat that had gotten into the cream.<\/span>

The two boys approached their parents\u2019 resting place. Adam hung back a little bit, fully prepared to give Hoss all of the glory. Reaching their parents, Hoss held out the bouquet and said \u201cThese is fer you, Mama.\u201d<\/span>

Marie flushed with delight as she reached out for the bouquet. \u201cWhy merci, mon fils\u201d she said, accepting the flowers. The bright yellows, oranges, and purples were spectacular. There was even some greenery that looked so pretty. Before she could get the flowers up to her nose, Ben said \u201cPut those down, darling. There\u2019s poison ivy in there.\u201d<\/span>

Hoss\u2019 face fell as Marie tossed the flowers aside. She wiped her palms on her skirt, hoping to wipe off the poison ivy. Adam still had a glint in his eye, but it wasn\u2019t as triumphant as before. \u201cYa don\u2019t like the flowers, Mama?\u201d Hoss asked with great disappointment.<\/span>

\u201cThe flowers are beautiful, mon fils\u201d she said with a smile for Hoss, who now had tears in his eyes.<\/span>

\u201cThen why don\u2019tcha want \u2018em?\u201d he asked, starting to sniffle.<\/span>

Marie stood and went to her younger son. She hugged Hoss to herself as the boy\u2019s sniffles grew louder. She threw a glare at Adam, who tried his best to look innocent.<\/span>

Ben stood, approached Adam, took his older son\u2019s arm, and steered him towards the lake. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this, Adam?\u201d he asked, trying to suppress his anger.<\/span>

\u201cWhaddya mean, Pa?\u201d Adam asked innocently.<\/span>

\u201cYou know perfectly well what, young man. Hoss didn\u2019t pick that poison ivy. I want you to admit what you did and then apologize to your mother.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat? Apologize? Why?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou know why, Adam. I\u2019m still waiting for you to own up to what you did.\u201d<\/span>

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his father. He didn\u2019t owe that woman an apology. Hoss gave her the flowers, not him.<\/span>

Losing his patience, Ben unbuckled his belt and slowly slid it from his belt loops. Adam\u2019s eyes widened. Pa hadn\u2019t tanned him for four years. Surely Pa couldn\u2019t be serious. \u201cI\u2019m only going to say one more time that I want to hear you tell me that you picked that poison ivy.\u201d Ben slapped the belt lightly against his leg. Adam was scared, but he refused to back down.<\/span>

Completely aggravated and frustrated now, Ben took Adam\u2019s arm and propelled his eldest to the privacy of some reeds by the lake. There, he told Adam to bend over. Ben didn\u2019t make the boy pull his pants down; instead, Ben figured that the shame of being tanned would be more than enough for his son. Adam bit his lip as the leather belt struck his backside. Pa wasn\u2019t swinging as hard as he could have, but the belt still stung.\u00a0<\/span>

After ten hits, Ben said \u201cThat\u2019s enough. I\u2019m disappointed, Adam, that you chose this over admitting to what you did. When we get back to your mother, you will apologize. Understand?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d said Adam with downcast eyes.<\/span>

\u201cLook at me, Son.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam looked up and said \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/span>

Ben drew Adam to him in a hug. \u201cI love you, Adam. Your mother does, too. Now let\u2019s get back.\u201d<\/span>

As the two approached the picnic site, they saw Hoss sitting between Marie\u2019s legs. She had his head against her chest and was rocking the five year old back and forth. She was also singing a soothing song in French. Marie and Hoss looked up and smiled at Ben, who nudged Adam.<\/span>

\u201cSorry about the flowers, Ma\u2019am\u201d was all he said.<\/span>

\u201cNo harm was done, mon fils\u201d was her answer.<\/span>

Ben sat down next to the tree. Adam picked up his book and went a few feet away to lie in the grass and read. Hoss wasn\u2019t sure who to sit with.<\/span>

\u201cHaallloooo!!\u201d was shouted out.<\/span>

Ben squinted towards the sound of the shout. He made out the figure of Abraham Garvey. Abe, or usually Old Man Garvey as people called him, had come out to the Nevada Territory in the 1820s when it was part of Mexico to trap for furs. Some said Garvey had come out to the desolation of the Sierras to flee a murder he committed. Others said he came out here on the trail of a woman he intended to kill. Whatever the reason, Ben had been glad to make the man\u2019s acquaintence. Garvey had helped him and the boys through their first winter, introduced the Cartwrights to the Paiutes, and taught the boys how to read animal sign.<\/span>

Excited to see Garvey, Hoss had jumped up and run to the man as fast as his legs would carry him. Garvey scooped the boy up and threw him over his shoulder. Hoss giggled as Garvey made bear-like snuffling sounds.<\/span>

\u201cAfternoon, Abe\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhat brings you out to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span>

Garvey set Hoss down, took off his battered leather hat, and said \u201cI heared ya got a new missus. I jest wanted ta come by and say howdy-do.\u201d Abe turned to gaze at Marie, blushed, and said \u201cHowdy-do, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/span>

Marie stood, smiled, and said \u201cI\u2019m pleased to know you, Sir. Won\u2019t you sit with us?\u201d<\/span>

Abe wasn\u2019t quite sure what to do and blushed a more scarlet shade. Opening the hamper, Ben said \u201cWe still have some of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking if you\u2019re hungry.\u201d<\/span>

Garvey happily sat down and helped himself to some of the chicken. Between mouthfuls, he told Ben about the beaver lodge at the eastern end of the lake, the 12-point buck he shot over the winter, and the doings at Winnemucca\u2019s village. Marie had no idea what Abe was talking about, but Ben asked questions when he wanted more information. Hoss hung on to every word while Adam listened raptly. It was clear to Marie that Hoss idolized this man.<\/span>

After finishing the chicken and licking his fingers clean, Abe decided to take his leave. He stood and held his hat in his hands again. Ben stood and extended hi hand to his friend. Hoss hung onto Garvey\u2019s leg while Adam extended his hand, too. \u201cThank ye fer yer hospitality, Ben. And thank ye, too, Ma\u2019am.\u201d Garvey blushed again after looking at Marie. \u201cKeep an eye on these two cubs\u201d he said as he ruffled the boys\u2019 hair. With that, Garvey turned and strode off.<\/span>

Picking up the hamper, Ben said \u201cWe\u2019d best get back to the house before Hop Sing decides that we\u2019ve moved away. Hitch up the horse, Adam.\u201d<\/span>

Adam hitched up the horse with Hoss\u2019 help. \u201cMama sings really pretty, Adam\u201d the boy said. Adam just gave Hoss a look. He didn\u2019t want to talk about her. \u201cMr. Garvey\u2019s been settin\u2019 lots of lines lately. Maybe Pa\u2019ll let us help him some time.\u201d The look of excitement on Hoss\u2019 face told Adam that the boy would chatter non-stop about Mr. Garvey the whole way home. At least this way, he wouldn\u2019t have to listen to Marie. He remembered the look of distaste she had had when Mr. Garvey had approached. She thought she was so much better than everyone else. What exactly did Pa see in her besides a pretty face?<\/span>

As predicted, Hoss talked about Mr. Garvey the whole way home. Marie hadn\u2019t realized what had gone into making the Ponderosa so successful. In New Orleans, Ben had said he was looking to sell furs. She hadn\u2019t realized that he and Abe had done all of the trapping, skinning, and processing themselves. Instead, she had assumed that Ben had trappers working for him. In a way, she was glad that the timber and cattle operations were supplying most of the money now. She didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d make it in the wilderness if Ben had to leave her alone at the house for months on end while he trapped animals for pelts.<\/span>

Once back at the house, Ben alit from the buggy and helped Marie out. After the boys were out, he told Adam to put the horse and buggy in the barn. He handed the hamper to Hoss with instructions to take it to Hop Sing.<\/span>

After they were alone in the yard, Marie smiled at Ben and said \u201cHoss talked my ears off. He really admires Mr. Garvey, does he not?\u201d<\/span>

Ben let out a short laugh. \u201cHoss is in awe of Abe. Actually, Abe has taught Hoss most of what he knows about reading animal sign. That\u2019s a really useful skill out here.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cSurely it\u2019s not that dangerous?\u201d she asked nervously.<\/span>

Realizing that he\u2019d scared his wife, Ben reassured her. \u201cThat skill comes in handiest for seeing what kinds of animals have disturbed Hop Sing\u2019s hens. It\u2019s usually raccoons but sometimes foxes.\u201d<\/span>

Marie wasn\u2019t completely comforted. The ability to read animal sign was obviously needed for a reason. Of course, Ben used to live as a trapper. But now, with the ranch, things should be safer.<\/span>

That evening, when the boys went upstairs to get ready for bed, Hoss asked Adam what had happened when Papa took him down to the lake. \u201cHe tanned me\u201d was all Adam said.<\/span>

Hoss looked completely surprised. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cJust because\u201d was Adam\u2019s surly response.<\/span>

\u201cPapa don\u2019t tan us without a reason\u201d observed Hoss.<\/span>

\u201cWell he tanned me for no reason.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWas it about the flowers?\u201d<\/span>

Adam scowled at his brother. \u201cGo to your room and go to bed, Hoss.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI wish Mama had kept those flowers. Why cain\u2019t ya love her?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWould you drop it about those stupid flowers? She doesn\u2019t love us, Hoss. She\u2019s just pretending for Pa.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYer lyin\u2019\u201d said Hoss.<\/span>

\u201cYou callin\u2019 me a liar?\u201d asked Adam, eyes flashing.<\/span>

\u201cYeah\u201d replied Hoss.<\/span>

Adam gave his little brother a shove to get him out of his room. Angry now, Hoss shoved back, knocking Adam into the dresser. Adam shoved Hoss harder and the boy tripped over his feet and fell to the floor. Hoss then launched himself at his older brother and they were soon rolling around on the floor.<\/span>

Hearing several thumps from upstairs, Ben quickly went to investigate. Seeing his boys trading swats, he angrily entered the room and separated his sons. \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?!?\u201d he thundered.<\/span>

Hoss pointed at Adam and said \u201cHe\u2019s a liar! He says Mama don\u2019t love us.\u201d<\/span>

Adam glared at Hoss and yelled \u201cTattler!\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d roared Ben. \u201cGo to your room, Hoss.\u201d Hoss obediently left Adam\u2019s room.<\/span>

Once Hoss had left, Ben took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. \u201cAdam, you\u2019ve got to believe me, Marie loves you and wants to be your mother. Why can\u2019t you open your heart?\u201d<\/span>

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and looked away from his father. He was trying to control his tears, but wasn\u2019t having much luck. Men don\u2019t cry, he thought as he sniffled.<\/span>

Ben went over to the bed and sat down. \u201cSon, you\u2019re going to have to accept Marie. I know you\u2019ll love her if you\u2019ll just get to know her.\u201d<\/span>

Turning to face his father, Adam cried out \u201cWhy, Pa?!? Don\u2019t you still love, Mama? Have you forgotten about her?\u201d Men might not cry, but Adam began sobbing uncontrollably. The boy\u2019s shoulders shook as he wept.<\/span>

Ben went to Adam and then brought the boy over to the bed. He held his son as the boy cried. How could Adam think such a thing?<\/span>

After several minutes, Ben heard Adam\u2019s sobs slow down. \u201cI still lover Inger, Adam. In fact, I still love your mother, Elizabeth. They\u2019re gone from this Earth, but I still love them. I love the memories they\u2019ve left me as well as the two boys they gave birth to. I see Elizabeth every time I look at you and Inger every time I look at Hoss.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cBut why did you have to marry her?\u201d Adam asked. Ben knew exactly who Adam meant. He and Adam had not had a man-to-man talk and he hoped that could wait several more years. Treading carefully, Ben said \u201cA man just isn\u2019t complete without a wife at his side to help him raise a family.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat about Old Man Garvey?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span>

\u201cHuh?\u201d was Ben\u2019s response.<\/span>

\u201cMr. Garvey doesn\u2019t have a wife. He\u2019s doing just fine on his own.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHe also doesn\u2019t have any children. What does Abe have to do with this?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYou weren\u2019t happy with me and Hoss?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cOf course I was happy with you boys.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThen why\u2019d ya have to get married?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cSomeday you\u2019re going to meet a woman you\u2019ll want to spend your life with. As I got to know Marie, I realized that I couldn\u2019t imagine not having her in my life.\u201d<\/span>

Adam just snorted in response. \u201cI fell in love with your mother while I was sailing for your grandfather. She made me look forward to coming home from sea voyages. I fell in love with Inger and realized it when she told me to keep the memory of your mother in my heart. Up until then, I had vowed to never love again. Inger made me understand that I could. Thanks to her, I was able to make room for Marie, too.\u201d<\/span>

Adam could feel anger returning. \u201cInger will always be my mother. You can\u2019t change that by marrying someone else.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to be an adult about this, Adam. You\u2019re not a child anymore. Why can\u2019t you be as accepting as Hoss?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cBecause Hoss is a kid and doesn\u2019t know any better. Besides, he never knew Mama like I did.\u201d<\/span>

Deciding to reason with his son, Ben asked \u201cDo you think you loved Inger so much because you never knew your mother?\u201d<\/span>

Adam was definitely angry again. \u201cThat was different, Pa! My mother died when I was born. Mama died when Hoss was a few months old. He had a chance I never had but was too little to know any better. Hoss is just happy now because she fusses over him and speaks in French. The newness\u2019ll wear off soon.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThat\u2019s it!!\u201d roared Ben. \u201cI won\u2019t give you another tanning, even though you deserve one. Get in that bed. Now!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>

Once Adam had changed into a nightshirt and gotten into the bed, Ben blew out the lamp and headed downstairs. Marie was on the settee. Hoss was stretched out beside her, sleeping with his head in her lap. She turned her tear-streaked face to the stairs and saw her husband.<\/span>

Ben came over to her and sat down on the coffee table. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and kissed her palm. He placed her hand on his chest and said \u201cI love you with all of my heart, Marie.\u201d<\/span>

She looked into his eyes and said \u201cI love you with all of my heart, Ben.\u201d With her other hand, she wiped her eyes and nose. \u201cAdam reminds me of Madame de Marigny. That old crone hated me for loving Jean.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam doesn\u2019t hate you for loving me, darling. He\u2019s just a confused young man.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHe\u2019s still a boy, mon chere.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam is eleven, darling. He\u2019s a young man now. It\u2019s hard for him to understand that I can love you as well as Inger and Elizabeth.\u201d Looking down at Hoss, Ben smiled and said \u201cHoss is so much like Inger. A generous heart, full of love, and quick to see the good in people. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he found something good in Madame de Marigny.\u201d<\/span>

Marie giggled in response. Even Jean had had trouble seeing good in his own mother.<\/span>

Standing up, Ben leaned over and picked up Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s go on upstairs, darling. It\u2019s been a long day.\u201d Marie blew out the lamps downstairs, bolted the door, and followed Ben upstairs.<\/span>

In the morning, Hoss woke up and stretched really big. He didn\u2019t remember going to bed the night before, but he must have. How else could he be in his room? Smelling bacon and fried potatoes, he got up and dressed. He wondered if Adam was up yet. Adam was usually up first.<\/span>

Once dressed, Hoss left his room and went to Adam\u2019s. The door was still closed, so Hoss tapped lightly. Adam was usually awake early and reading until breakfast was ready. There was no answer, so Hoss tapped a little louder. Again, there was no answer. Hoss opened the door and looked in. Adam wasn\u2019t in his room, but the window was open. Not sure what to think, Hoss left Adam\u2019s room, shut the door, and went downstairs for breakfast.<\/span>

Arriving downstairs, Hoss joined his parents at the table. \u201cMorning, Papa. Morning, Mama.\u201d He then tucked his napkin into his shirt.<\/span>

\u201cWhere\u2019s your brother this morning?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span>

\u201cI dunno\u201d said Hoss as he reached for the potatoes.<\/span>

\u201cWhat do you mean you don\u2019t know?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t in his room. I looked.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAdam isn\u2019t down here. Are you sure he wasn\u2019t in his room?\u201d<\/span>

With a mouthful of potatoes, Hoss replied, \u201cHe ain\u2019t there, Papa. But his window was open.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat?!?\u201d Ben asked. He shot a glance at Marie, who put a hand to her mouth. Could Adam have run away during the night?<\/span>

Ben jumped up from the table and ran to the door. He flung open the door and quickly scanned the yard. Not seeing Adam, Ben ran for the barn. Adam wasn\u2019t there, either. His pony was still in the stall as were the horses. Ben was beginning to panic. His chest had become tight and he was having difficulty breathing. What had come over Adam?<\/span>

Going to the bunkhouse, Ben went in and called to Bill, his foreman, who came outside. \u201cBill, I need you to go get Abe Garvey. Adam has run off.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cRun off!?\u201d Bill asked. That didn\u2019t sound like Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll go right away, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/span>

Ben then went to the barn where he hitched up the wagon. If Adam was hurt, he wanted to be able to bring his son back home easily. Hoss came out to the barn to see if he could help. \u201cCan I ride my pony, Papa?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/span>

\u201cNo, Son. You ride in the wagon with your mother and me. I need you to be brave for Mama. Can you do that?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d answered Hoss while puffing out his chest with pride. Mama would have nothing to fear while he was with her. And Adam was okay. He just knew it.<\/span>

Once the wagon was hitched up in the yard, Marie came outside. Her eyes were red from crying. She had to join the search for Adam. He had to be alright. If something happened to the boy, her relationship with Ben would never be the same again.<\/span>

Bill and Abe Garvey rode up after what seemed to be an eternity. \u201cHowdy-do, Ben, Ma\u2019am. Bill here tole me that yer boy done run off. Don\u2019tcha worry none, Ma\u2019am. We\u2019ll find him right quick-like.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of tracks in the yard, Abe. I\u2019m not sure which way Adam went.\u201d Ben was starting to feel frantic again.<\/span>

Garvey dismounted and began to look at the tracks in the yard. Hoss came to his side and looked, too. Abe crouched down and smoothed some dirt away from a set of tracks. He followed the tracks forward a ways with Hoss by his side. When Abe stood up, he looked off into the distance. \u201cI reckon yer boy is headin\u2019 west. We\u2019d best git started.\u201d Garvey took his horse\u2019s reins from Bill and led the animal over to the hitching post where he tied the creature. He then pulled his rifle from its scabbard.<\/span>

\u201cWill you be riding with us, Mr. Garvey?\u201d asked Marie.<\/span>

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am. I believe I\u2019ll walk. It\u2019ll be easier fer me ta track the boy.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHoss, come get in the wagon\u201d said Ben.<\/span>

\u201cI wanna walk with Mr. Garvey. Can I, Papa?\u201d he pleaded.<\/span>

Ben exchanged a look with Marie and then said \u201cOkay, Son. But if Mr. Garvey thinks you\u2019re in the way, you\u2019ll ride in the wagon. Understand?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cYes, Sir\u201d the boy answered.<\/span>

The party started off in search of Adam\u2014Abe and Hoss walking, Bill riding his horse, and Ben and Marie in the wagon. Abe strode forward with long strides down the road that led away from the Ponderosa. Once they reached the Virginia City road, Abe stopped to look around. \u201cWhaddya see, Boy?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/span>

Marie watched in amazement as Hoss examined the packed earth of the road. Hoss scanned the road and then went over to the grass. \u201cLooks like he went off the road here and then went that way.\u201d The boy pointed in the direction he was sure his brother went.<\/span>

\u201cGood work, Boy\u201d said Garvey with a pat to Hoss\u2019 back.<\/span>

The party set off through the tall grass, the wagon creaking as it went along. Ben realized that they were heading towards the lake. Had Adam gone down to the lake just to think? Ben hoped so. At least this meant that Adam hadn\u2019t started walking east to go to his grandfather\u2019s in Boston. If Adam was going to the lake, maybe that meant he wasn\u2019t intending to leave home forever.<\/span>

Marie was amazed that Abe had been walking for over an hour without complaint. The man\u2019s stride hadn\u2019t shortened and he didn\u2019t seem to be tired at all. Hoss, on the other hand, had been having trouble keeping up and Abe was carrying the boy on his back. The additional weight didn\u2019t seem to bother Abe at all.<\/span>

They finally reached the lake after traveling for a few hours. Abe let Hoss down and the two examined the tracks. \u201cWhat all ya see here, Boy?\u201d he asked.<\/span>

\u201cLotsa prints. Raccoon, deer, possum, rabbit, coyote, and lynx.<\/span>

\u201cWhat else?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThese prints look like the ones from me and Adam when we was here yesterday.\u201d<\/span>

Abe ruffled Hoss\u2019 hair and said \u201cGood work, Boy.\u201d Marie was surprised by Hoss\u2019 knowledge of animal tracks. Maybe there were other skills that were needed out here.<\/span>

Garvey inspected the cat prints carefully. He left Hoss looking at the tracks and approached the wagon. Looking up at Ben, he said \u201cThem cat tracks is from a young lion. He\u2019s prob\u2019ly on the prowl for easy food. We\u2019d best get a move on.\u201d<\/span>

Marie paled at the idea of Adam out here defenseless. Ben\u2019s chest felt tight again. What if they were too late? Marie touched his arm and he met her eyes. Her face held a look of hope. He gave her a tight-lipped smile and gave her hand a squeeze.<\/span>

Abe had gone back to the prints. \u201cWhich way ya reckon he\u2019s gone?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/span>

The boy pointed to the north. Garvey patted Hoss\u2019 back and again said \u201cGood work.\u201d<\/span>

They set off again in search of Adam. Suddenly they heard screams of terror from a grove of trees about a quarter of a mile ahead. \u201cGit in the wagon, Boy\u201d he said to Hoss. \u201cCome on\u201d he said to Bill. Garvey took off running with long, ground-covering strides. He was running almost as fast as Bill\u2019s horse. Ben had whipped the team into a gallop and they were racing behind Bill and Abe as fast as they could.<\/span>

Screaming could still be heard from the grove. A yowl was then heard. The hair on the back of Marie\u2019s neck stood up. She grabbed Hoss to herself.<\/span>

Bill dismounted before they reached the grove and pulled his rifle from its scabbard. Abe had readied his weapon before running for the trees. He planned to shoot when he saw the cat.<\/span>

Adam\u2019s red shirt was visible through the tree\u2019s foliage. He was about fifteen feet up in the tree. The lion was climbing the tree and all that was visible of the cat was the tail, which was swishing in anticipation. Adam couldn\u2019t climb higher, so he tried to edge out on his branch. The cat was hungry, though, and determined to eat.<\/span>

\u201cHold on, Boy!\u201d yelled Abe. \u201cWe\u2019re here fer ya!\u201d He then turned to Bill. \u201cYou git over closer to the tree. I\u2019m gonna shoot that cat afore it can git that boy.\u201d<\/span>

The branch was starting to bend under Adam\u2019s weight. Thinking its prey was cornered, the lion swiped at Adam with a paw. Sharp claws raked Adam\u2019s shin and he screamed in pain. All of the color left Marie\u2019s face and she held Hoss tighter. Ben leapt from the wagon, determined to do something for his son.<\/span>

Abe aimed carefully and squeezed the trigger. The lion screamed and fell from the tree. He had cleanly shot the animal through the heart.<\/span>

\u201cCome on down, Adam\u201d urged Ben.<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m scared\u201d shouted Adam.<\/span>

Ben was looking up through the branches. \u201cI\u2019m here, Son. It\u2019s safe to come down now. There\u2019s nothing to be afraid of.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhere\u2019s the cat?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span>

\u201cIt\u2019s dead. Abe shot it. Come on down.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m scared\u201d whimpered Adam.<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019ll come up. Hang on, Son.\u201d<\/span>

Ben was starting to climb the tree when the branch Adam was on finally gave way. With a loud crack, the branch snapped and Adam fell to the ground. Ben jumped down from the tree and ran to his son.<\/span>

Abe was already at Adam\u2019s side and inspecting the claw marks. He pulled a bone needle and some sinew from his belt pouch and began to loosely stitch the wounds together. \u201cHe\u2019s out cold, Ben. It\u2019s best I do this now. Yer boy seems okay. Nothin\u2019 seems broken.\u201d<\/span>

Ben knelt down and stroked his son\u2019s face lightly. Marie and Hoss waited in the wagon. Both were crying, fearing the worst for Adam.<\/span>

The boy opened his eyes to see his father kneeling by him. A look of relief washed over Ben\u2019s face. \u201cWhat hurts?\u201d he asked his son.<\/span>

\u201cMy leg. That cat got me pretty good.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cNo, Sir.\u201d<\/span>

Ben helped Adam sit up and then stand. Adam saw the wagon with Marie. Not wanting to look weak, he said \u201cI think I can walk, Pa.\u201d He tried to take a step, but fell face down in the grass. Ben helped him up and decided to carry his son. Adam protested but didn\u2019t have much of a choice.<\/span>

When they reached the wagon, Hoss climbed into the back to sit with his brother. He was so glad that Adam wasn\u2019t dead. Ben got Adam into the wagon as Abe strode over with the lion over his shoulder.<\/span>

\u201cMind if I keep this cat?\u201d he asked Ben. The lion was killed on Ponderosa land and technically belonged to the Cartwrights.<\/span>

\u201cHe\u2019s all yours, Abe\u201d said Ben. \u201cHow about a ride back?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cDon\u2019t mind if\u2019n I do\u201d Abe replied.<\/span>

He put the dead cat in the back of the wagon and then climbed in to ride with the boys. On the way home, he bragged on Hoss\u2019 tracking abilities. Adam half listened; the other half of his mind was wondering what kind of punishment would be in store for him when they got home.<\/span>

Finally reaching the house, Abe jumped out of the wagon and helped Adam out. Ben alit and helped Marie down. \u201cYou git yer boy in the house and I\u2019ll see to yer critters\u201d offered Abe. Ben thanked his friend and then carried Adam into the house with Hoss on his heels.<\/span>

\u201cThank you, Mr. Garvey\u201d said Marie with sincere gratitude. She then went to the man, stood on her toes, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Abe blushed a bright shade of red and said \u201cI was jest bein\u2019 neighberly.\u201d<\/span>

She again thanked him for his help. \u201cYou must come for supper one evening\u201d she said.<\/span>

\u201cThank ye, Ma\u2019am. I shore will do that.\u201d Still embarrassed, he led the horses off to the barn. Marie saw him to the barn and then went to the house. She nervously paced the first floor while Ben was upstairs.<\/span>

In Adam\u2019s room, Ben was sitting on the side of the bed, looking down at his son. \u201cWhy did you run off, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/span>

\u201cAre you gonna give me another tanning?\u201d he asked nervously.<\/span>

\u201cNo, Son, I\u2019m not. You\u2019ve earned one, but that cat taught you more than my belt can. Why, Adam?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhy are you trying to force me to love her? I don\u2019t even know her.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m not trying to force you, Son. Marie is your mother now. She only wants to love you and Hoss. Why don\u2019t you take the time and get to know her?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m tired, Pa. Can I sleep now?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cSure, Son.\u201d Ben leaned forward and kissed Adam on the forehead. Hoss ambled in to check on his brother. \u201cCan I stay with Adam, Papa?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea\u201d said Ben. Hoss climbed into the bed and snuggled up to his brother. Both boys were soon asleep.<\/span>

Ben went downstairs and saw Marie pacing the floor. \u201cAdam is going to be okay, darling.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cHe left because of me, didn\u2019t he?\u201d she asked.<\/span>

Ben jammed his hands into his pockets and hunched up his shoulders. \u201cAdam feels I\u2019m forcing him to love you.\u201d Marie looked at the wall and wiped her eyes. \u201cHe hates me, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d she asked in a quavering voice.<\/span>

Ben walked to his wife and hugged her to him. \u201cHe\u2019s very confused right now, darling. This is a hard adjustment for him.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m doing the best I can\u201d she said. \u201cHoss is so open and loving. Adam is so cold and distant. No matter what I do, he works against me. Like with the flowers at the lake yesterday.\u201d<\/span>

Ben kissed the top of her head. \u201cI punished him for that. He knows better than to fool around with poison ivy.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cWhat should I do, mon chere? I could never thaw the frost from Madame de Marigny.\u201d<\/span>

Ben hugged her a bit tighter. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just try to be a friend instead of a mother? Maybe he\u2019ll slowly become accustomed to you mothering him. How does that sound?\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019ll try that\u201d said Marie. She pulled back from Ben and looked up at him. \u201cI realized today that there\u2019s more to learn than I ever thought. Hoss\u2019 education is coming along just fine, thanks to Mr. Garvey.\u201d<\/span>

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you don\u2019t want the boys tutored\u201d said Ben with relief. \u201cAlthough, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Maybe we could find a really mean tutor for Adam.\u201d<\/span>

Marie stifled a laugh and said \u201cYou\u2019re terrible, Ben Cartwright. Although it\u2019s worth a thought.\u201d She stood on her toes and kissed her husband. \u201cMath and writing wouldn\u2019t have helped Hoss and Mr. Garvey find Adam today. I\u2019ll always be grateful to Mr. Garvey for helping us. He may not be educated, but he\u2019s the most learned man I\u2019ve ever met.\u201d<\/span>

Ben hugged Marie to him. She would become accustomed to life out here. Maybe she and Adam could just be friends from now on. Perhaps a truce could be declared between his son and wife so the Cartwright household could live in peace.<\/span>

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

Next Story in The Battle of Wills Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Shadow of Jean deMarigny<\/a>
\nA Gift Horse<\/a>
\nNew Expectations<\/a>
\nRemembering Childhoods<\/a>
\nA Room Full of Memories<\/a>
\nA New Pattern<\/a>
\nNaming the Newest Cartwright<\/a>
\nPresents from the Heart<\/a>
\nLove’s Labor<\/a>
\nBig Brother Lessons<\/a>
\nNo Regrets<\/a>
\nBaby’s Breath<\/a>
\nEnnui<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0<\/span>Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
Date:\u00a0<\/span>10 Dec 2009 09:57 pm\u00a0<\/span>Title:\u00a0<\/span>Education is More Than 3 Rs<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Again, well done!\u00a0 \u00a0I always imagined\u00a0Adam did feel exactly that way.<\/p>\n

Author’s Response:<\/i><\/p>\n

Thank you so much, jojay!\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed this story.<\/p>\n

\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a02nd story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 During a family picnic at the lake, Adam gets in trouble adding poison ivy to Hoss’ bouquet of wildflowers for Marie. After an argument with his father, Adam decides to leave home. A neighbor and old friend, Abe Garvey, shows Marie that there’s more to education than reading, writing, and arithmetic while leading the search for Adam.<\/p>\n

Rating: K Word Count=6007<\/p>\n

The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":38835,"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":[23,30],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-5853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":5136,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Picture-for-Ponderosa-Schoolmarm-for-Bonanza-Brand-.jpg?fit=720%2C486&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6044,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6044","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":0},"title":"The Battle of Wills Begins (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 3, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a01st story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben brings his new wife, Marie, home to the Ponderosa. Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=4433 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5730,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5730","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":1},"title":"A Gift Horse (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"March 2, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: 4th story in the Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Ben announces at supper that he is going to buy a horse for Marie. Adam becomes unhappy because Ben had promised to buy him a horse before leaving for New Orleans. Will this situation cause another rift between Marie and Adam?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"ben, young adam","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Young-Adam-and-Ben-Journey-to-Remember.jpg?fit=537%2C355&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5967,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5967","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":2},"title":"Naming the Newest Cartwright (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"July 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a09th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights try to decide on a name for the coming baby Rating: K+ Word Count=2542 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5993","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":3},"title":"No Regrets (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"February 3, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a013th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Marie writes a letter to her favorite aunt in New Orleans, describing her life on the Ponderosa. Rating: K Word Count=2265 The Battle of Wills series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5771,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5771","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":4},"title":"A Room Full of Memories (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"May 15, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a07th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 It's time to clean out the spare room so it can be turned into a nursery for the coming baby. As Ben, Adam, and Hoss go through the room's contents, they remember the past. Rating: K+ Word Count=3622 The Battle of Wills\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5816,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5816","url_meta":{"origin":5853,"position":5},"title":"Big Brother Lessons (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"December 3, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a012th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 Hoss wants to learn how to be a good older brother to his new sibling. Rating: K Word Count=2598","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5853"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5853\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}