{"id":6091,"date":"2009-06-03T18:45:49","date_gmt":"2009-06-03T22:45:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6091"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:26","slug":"wisdom-comes-with-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6091","title":{"rendered":"Wisdom Comes With Age (by Patina)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>All Adam wanted was a quiet evening at home to mark his birthday. Was that too much to ask?<\/p>\n

Rating: K+\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count=5209<\/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

 <\/p>\n

Wisdom Comes With Age<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Adam\u2014it\u2019s your birthday,\u201d said Hoss. All we we\u2019re suggestin\u2019 is goin\u2019 into town for a few beers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with spending a quiet evening at home, enjoying a book and a glass or two of wine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe never said anythin\u2019 was wrong with it, Older Brother. We jest thought bein\u2019 with other people would be better than stayin\u2019 here all by yer lonesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right. Pa wouldn\u2019t want you to spend your birthday with your nose buried in a book. \u2018Sides, he\u2019d probably suggest a night out if he was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell he\u2019s here not since the Cattleman\u2019s meeting won\u2019t be over until tomorrow. If you two want to go celebrate my birthday, go right ahead.\u201d Adam re-opened his book, assuming that the discussion was over.<\/p>\n

Realizing they were never going to make any headway with persuasion, Hoss decided to change tactics. He shifted his weight and lightly nudged Joe with an elbow. \u201cLet\u2019s go on without him. After all, he\u2019s another year older and\u2019ll have ta turn in early ta be rested up fer chores tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe snickered through his nose while Adam sighed loudly from behind his book. Hoss\u2019s eyes glittered in amusement at his brother\u2019s crumbling resolve.<\/p>\n

Closing the book, Adam said, \u201cFine. If it means you two are buying, let\u2019s go before your money burns through your pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam trudged up the stairs to get his wallet. Once in his room, he checked himself in the mirror and ran the back of his fingers over the stubble along his jaw. They were only going into town for a couple of beers, not to a dance, so there wasn\u2019t any point in shaving. Turning a bit to the side, he pulled his shoulders back and took in his appearance. Not too bad for a man of thirty.<\/p>\n

His thoughts turned to his father. By the time Pa was thirty, he\u2019d been a seaman, worked odd jobs, traveled West, and built an empire out of the wilderness. He\u2019d also been married three times and widowed twice. Pa had had experiences that most people only go through once in a lifetime.<\/p>\n

What had he accomplished in thirty years? He\u2019d helped raise two brothers, helped his father build an empire, attended university, and remained single. He brushed a hand through his hair and then struck a rather Napoleonic pose with his palm laid flat against his chest. With narrowed eyes, he again took in his appearance\u2014tall, trim, muscular, broad-shouldered, barrel-chested, and in need of a shave.<\/p>\n

Hoss entered Joe\u2019s room with a large hand clamped over his nose and mouth. His face was beginning to redden from the effort of not laughing aloud.<\/p>\n

Joe was finishing his preening and was liberally applying cologne. \u201cWhat\u2019s gotten into you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his nose before removing his hand, hoping he\u2019d be able to contain his laughter. A snort came out and he again covered his nose. Sure that he could keep from breaking into a guffaw, he began to whisper about their older brother admiring himself in the mirror. A giggle broke forth as he described what he\u2019d seen and Joe\u2019s high-pitched laughter was soon echoing through the second floor.<\/p>\n

A knock at the door got their attention. They turned around to see the object of their amusement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you two popinjays are ready, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The clomp of Adam\u2019s boots on the stairs let them know they were alone. Joe broke into loud laughter again as Hoss demonstrated their brother\u2019s pose before the mirror. Hoss wiped tears from his eyes as Joe joined him in the same pose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe . . . we bet . . . better get go . . . goin\u2019 before . . . he chan . . . changes his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally regaining control, they hurried downstairs hoping their older brother hadn\u2019t decided to stay home. With relief, they saw he was strapping on his gunbelt.<\/p>\n

\u201cCare to share what\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nothin\u2019,\u201d said Joe, reaching for his gunbelt. Feeling his brother\u2019s eyes, he looked up and said, \u201cWe were just laughing about Charlie Higgins and that cologne he wore that left him smelling like a distillery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s only response was a skeptically raised eyebrow as he jammed his hat on his head.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached for his own gunbelt and practically shoved Joe through the open door. He\u2019d only wanted their older brother to get out of the house and spend his birthday with other people rather than all alone. When they got to town, the first round would be on him.<\/p>\n

With a jerk of his thumb, Adam said, \u201cI guess you two weren\u2019t going to take no for an answer tonight.\u201d Sport, Chubb, and Cochise were saddled and waiting for their riders at the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

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

Adam lightly brushed dust from his black sleeves as they entered the Silver Dollar. He saw the place was packed\u2014miners and cowboys spending their pay in town on a Friday night. Several of the girls were already parked on men\u2019s laps, sipping drinks and laughing loudly at poorly told jokes. A couple of beers and then he could go back home, to peace and quiet; Hoss and Joe could stay and while the night away if they so desired.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ll it be, boys?\u201d asked Cosmo, leaning over the sturdy bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree beers,\u201d said Hoss as he reached into a pocket. \u201cIt\u2019s Adam\u2019s birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell happy birthday, Adam,\u201d said Cosmo before getting the beers.<\/p>\n

As soon as Joe had his in hand, he raised it in a salute and said, \u201cHappy birthday to the best older, older brother a guy could have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy birthday,\u201d said Hoss, raising his glass.<\/p>\n

Adam, turning pink with embarrassment, raised his glass and said, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a toast out of the way, Joe headed for one of the poker games.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned against the bar, his back to the room, intent on enjoying his beer. He thought he might as well stay for an hour or two to offset the ride home.<\/p>\n

Hoss leaned against the bar and took in the scene before him. The Silver Dollar was always a beehive of activity when cowhands and miners had money to spend. Cowhands crowded at tables telling stories of bronc busting and roping to each other or ladies they hoped to impress; miners complained about the bosses and which mines had had the best hauls. When girls or liquor were in short supply, cowhands and miners with excess energy were often seen trading punches instead of stories. Hoss took another swig of his beer and hoped tonight would be a quiet one\u2014for Adam\u2019s sake, not his own.<\/p>\n

Daisy, one of the gals delivering drinks, approached the bar to get another bottle for one of the poker tables. She\u2019d wormed her way into the gap between Hoss and Adam to lean across the bar and tell Cosmo what she needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess what, Daisy?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cToday\u2019s Adam\u2019s birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell happy birthday,\u201d she said with a big smile to his reflection in the mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d He took a long drag on his beer, hoping Daisy would leave before he had to make small talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not polite,\u201d said Cosmo, handing the bottle to her.<\/p>\n

She took the proffered bottle and flounced off to the table. Maybe if she\u2019d been able to chat him up, she could have invited him up to her room for the rest of the evening. Then again, he didn\u2019t look in the celebrating mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least look like yer havin\u2019 a good time,\u201d pleaded Hoss.<\/p>\n

Tin-Eared Toomy, an Irishman who was profoundly deaf in one ear but convinced he could carry a tune in a bucket, staggered to the bar in hopes of negotiating the price of another shot. He leaned heavily against Hoss and asked Cosmo, \u201cHow \u2018bout the promith of two ounshes of dust fer a nip of yer besht whishkey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t trade in dust, Toomy; only money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, lad,\u201d he belted out in what he believed was a conspiratorial whisper, \u201cI\u2019m gonna hith thad pure vein of golt veeery shooon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tellin\u2019 you for the last time, Toomy\u2014no money, no whiskey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYer a mean ol\u2019 buggar!\u201d he yelled out.<\/p>\n

Adam drained his glass and set it on the bar; Cosmo quickly picked it up and refilled it. Setting the refreshed mug down, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s on the house.\u201d Adam\u2019s only response was a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere now! Why\u2019z id thad he\u2019sh gettin\u2019 it fer free? If I schwitz to beer, will it be free?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pulled a gold dollar from his pocket and set it on the bar. \u201cGive him a drink, Cosmo.\u201d The bartender shot Hoss a glare before fetching a bottle to fill Toomy\u2019s glass. \u201cMy brother\u2019s beer is on the house \u2018cause it\u2019s his birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsh it now?\u201d Toomy turned around, waved his arms like a windmill, and yelled for everyone\u2019s attention. \u201cI jush heared thad itsh Atham Cardwrighdz birfday. Ever\u2019one raise a glash.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wanted to jump the bar and crawl underneath but he felt Hoss\u2019s elbow poke him in the ribs. He slowly turned around and everyone yelled out, \u201cHappy birthday.\u201d He saluted them with his glass and then drained it.<\/p>\n

Toomy began belting out Happy Birthday and gestured for everyone to join in. Cowhands, miners, and saloon girls sang a rag-tag chorus at every pitch within a four octave range; dogs in town howled along. Adam wished he could become invisible.<\/p>\n

Hoss sang along with great gusto but one look at his brother\u2019s face had him wondering what forms of revenge would be taken against him and Joe tomorrow. At best, they\u2019d get the silent treatment; at worst, they\u2019d get a wagonload more chores than they already had to get done before Pa\u2019s return.<\/p>\n

Quite pleased with himself, Toomy congratulated Adam on celebrating another birthday above ground and then staggered off.<\/p>\n

Joe rushed to the bar and tapped Adam on the shoulder. \u201cI need you to play this hand for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ve gotta visit the necessary and I\u2019m feeling lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fixed his youngest brother with a look and asked, \u201cDo you really think your luck is gonna land on my shoulders?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you ask the others to wait on you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey think they\u2019re lucky this hand, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squinted, pinched the bridge of his nose, and lightly shook his head. Well, he\u2019d never understood Joe\u2019s logic and now was obviously not the time to try to begin. \u201cOh, all right; gimme your cards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking over the cards, Adam saw that Joe had a chance at a low straight\u2014diamonds and clubs. All he needed was one card\u2014a two of any suit. Well, it was Joe\u2019s money so he felt he might as well risk it.<\/p>\n

He sauntered over to the table and said, \u201cJoe asked me to fill in for him. That okay with you boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d said Elmer McHenry, a hand who rode for the FD-connected brand, gesturing to Joe\u2019s vacant chair.
\nThe other three men at the table murmured their assent.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe anted before he left. It\u2019s my turn to lead off,\u201d said Hank Simmons. He looked over his money before tossing a five dollar bill into the pot.<\/p>\n

Elmer, John Tate, Perry Kilgore, and Adam added their money to the pot. Each man began scrutinizing his cards before deciding whether there was a chance of winning the hand.<\/p>\n

Perry was dealer for this hand and asked each man how many cards he wanted. Hank wanted three, Elmer decided on two, John decided on four in the hopes of getting some winning combination, and Adam asked for one. As dealer, Perry decided on two for himself.<\/p>\n

Each man again inspected his cards and the betting began in earnest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll raise ten,\u201d said Hank, tossing his money into the center of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see your ten,\u201d said Elmer as he added his money to the pot, \u201cand I\u2019ll raise five.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI fold,\u201d announced John as he laid his cards down on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see that ten and your five,\u201d said Adam, \u201cand I\u2019ll raise five.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perry put twenty dollars in the pot and said, \u201cI call.\u201d<\/p>\n

The four men laid out their cards for the others to see. Hank had two eights and two fours; Elmer had a diamond flush, Jack high; Adam had managed to draw his needed two and had a low straight; and Perry had three nines. Elmer happily scooped the pot over to his side of the table. Adam looked over his shoulder in hopes that Joe had made it back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother hand, Adam?\u201d asked Perry.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you wait for Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d said Hank, \u201cgive us a chance to win our money back from Elmer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll even let you deal,\u201d said Elmer, \u201csince we know you\u2019d never play dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the offered deck and shuffled while everyone anted up. He again looked over his shoulder in hopes that Joe would reenter the saloon so he could head home for some peace and quiet.<\/p>\n

He dealt the cards and looked over his hand. Three kings, a four, and a ten. At least he had a winning hand with the kings; Joe, though, would expect him to make some money.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll lead off with five,\u201d John announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling lucky?\u201d asked Perry with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll see your five.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank\u2019s eyes narrowed and he said, \u201cI\u2019d like to see how this goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elmer added his five after looking over his cards. \u201cAre you staying, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each man selected the cards he didn\u2019t want to hang onto. After each player received his requested number, there was more intense scrutiny of the cards and each other.<\/p>\n

John tapped the table and said, \u201cI\u2019ll raise ten.\u201d He looked around in hopes that some of his fellow players were going to be scared off; none looked as if he might back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see that ten,\u201d said Perry.<\/p>\n

\u201cTen to stay?\u201d asked Hank. After hearing confirmation, he announced, \u201cI\u2019ll see John\u2019s ten and raise twenty. Hank was sure he was the only one sitting on a real winning hand with his full house of aces and threes.<\/p>\n

Elmer exhaled loudly; he sure wanted to stay in this game. He was pretty confident Hank was bluffing but seeing those bets was gonna be costly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou in or out?\u201d Perry asked.<\/p>\n

After a few more seconds, Elmer announced he\u2019d be staying in and he added his money to the growing pot along with a raise of twenty-five.<\/p>\n

Now it was Adam\u2019s turn. He\u2019d drawn that needed fourth king but John and Hank seemed confident that they held winning hands. If he was going to stay in, he\u2019d have to add close to sixty dollars. Well, it was Joe\u2019s money and he wasn\u2019t back yet; served him right if he lost. Adam looked over Joe\u2019s money and added the match plus thirty to cover a raise.<\/p>\n

Since Adam didn\u2019t call, the bet was back to John; he met Adam\u2019s raise and added another twenty. Perry matched the bets with pursed lips. Hank raised another twenty and Elmer matched it. The pot was now up to a dizzying amount. Adam added the rest of Joe\u2019s money along with twenty of his own.<\/p>\n

John laid down his heart flush with a big smile. Perry tossed his cards on the table with a loud snort; he\u2019d gambled and lost on a bluff. Hank set down his cards with a very large smile and began reaching for the pot. Elmer groaned as he laid out his two pair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast,\u201d said Adam, laying each king down rather triumphantly.<\/p>\n

Hank looked at the cards, the pot, and then Adam. The man\u2019s eyes narrowed and his mouth formed a bitter line across his face. \u201cYou dealt them cards. How d\u2019we know you didn\u2019t arrange it to win?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t cheat, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other men looked at Adam suspiciously. Maybe this was all a set up by Joe. Odd that he wasn\u2019t back from the necessary yet.<\/p>\n

Back at the bar, Hoss noted the glowering faces at his brother\u2019s table. \u201cLooks like there might be some trouble, Cosmo. I\u2019ll go try ta keep it from boilin\u2019 over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank\u2019s face had gone a deep shade of red. \u201cI say you done set this up with your brother and then arranged them cards so you\u2019d get a winnin\u2019 hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could utter a word in his defense, Hank leapt from his chair and grabbed Adam by the shirtfront. Hank\u2019s fist slammed into Adam\u2019s cheek, sending him crashing into a table of miners. Seeing an excuse to work off some pent up energy, one of the miners pulled the dazed man up from the table and punched him in the gut. Another miner broke a chair over Adam\u2019s back, sending him sprawling to the floor.<\/p>\n

Hoss crossed the distance quickly and grabbed Hank before the man could really get wound up. \u201cSimmer down! Ain\u2019t no call fer ya to punch my brother on his birthday!\u201d
\n\u201cHe cheated!\u201d yelled Hank.<\/p>\n

Hoss let loose a punch of his own and soon the whole saloon was in complete chaos, fists flying and girls screaming as they ran for safety and cover.<\/p>\n

Joe finally reentered the Silver Dollar to see Adam, bleeding from a cut on the side of his head, trying to fend off two miners. Before he could get to his brother\u2019s side, one of the miners hit Adam upside the head with a chair leg, knocking the elder Cartwright unconscious. With a loud yell of, \u201cNo one does that to my brother on his birthday!\u201d Joe launched himself into the fray.<\/p>\n

Cosmo scowled as tables and chairs were splintered. \u201cDaisy, go get Sheriff Coffee. And be quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Daisy ran from the saloon on her mission and returned within minutes. A few chairs and one table were all that remained while the chaos continued.<\/p>\n

Roy adjusted his hat, drew his gun, and then entered the saloon. He yelled for everyone to stop but no one was going to listen to more words at this point. Two shots to the ceiling calmed the place down in short order.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Who started this nonsense? Put that chair leg down, Charlie!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hank maneuvered his way over to the sheriff and told his side of the story. \u201cAdam Cartwright\u2019s a cheat! He arranged them cards so he could win the pot!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou expect me ta believe that this whole saloon is in an uproar \u2018cause you think Adam cheated at cards?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he done it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on now, Hank. You and I both know that Adam is one of the most honest, upright men around. Speaking of Adam, where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDown here,\u201d yelled out Joe.<\/p>\n

Roy wove his way through the debris to find Joe on the floor with Adam\u2019s bleeding head in his lap. Adam\u2019s eye was already starting to bruise from Hank\u2019s initial punch. \u201cThat sure is some shiner he\u2019s gonna have,\u201d observed the sheriff to no one in particular. \u201cGet me some water, Cosmo,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I wanna know how all this started. An\u2019 don\u2019t tell me that it\u2019s all \u2018cause Adam had a winning hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOl\u2019 Hank there slugged Adam and then I slugged Hank. Charlie Higgins hit me when I tried ta calm everyone down,\u201d offered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Charlie was at the table?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Sir, I wasn\u2019t,\u201d answered Charlie. \u201cAdam was at my table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHank done hit Adam and then he was at my table tryin\u2019 ta start a ruckus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHank was tryin\u2019 to start a fight at yer table?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said Adam was. Didn\u2019tcha hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cDoes anyone know how this whole saloon ended up fightin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone looked around at each other in hopes that someone knew.<\/p>\n

Roy fixed his gaze on Joe. If anyone was bound to start a saloon fight it was the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had nothin\u2019 to do with it, Roy! Honest! I had to go outside and I came back to see Adam bein\u2019 jumped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked everyone over again, fixing each man with a glare. \u201cSomeone started this and someone\u2019s gonna hafta pay Cosmo fer the damages. If none of ya will step up, each man is gonna hafta shell out some money.\u201d<\/p>\n

The saloon had gone so quiet that a feather would have been heard if it fell to the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll own up to punchin\u2019 Adam,\u201d said Hank, \u201cbut I didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 more\u2019n that. If anyone should pay up, it should be him, from the poker pot.\u201d He pointed at Adam for emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut some of that\u2019s my money,\u201d groused Perry.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Adam won, it\u2019s my money,\u201d piped up Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m confiscatin\u2019 it so it won\u2019t be nobody\u2019s money.\u201d Elmer\u2019s face fell and Hank\u2019s shoulders sagged, but at least Adam wouldn\u2019t be able to lay claim to any of it. \u201cYou let me know how much damages are, Cosmo, an\u2019 I\u2019ll see you get paid from those winnin\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet, Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud groan got Roy\u2019s attention. Joe was still tending his brother\u2019s wound with a damp rag but began to lightly slap his face to bring him around.<\/p>\n

Adam tried to raise a hand to his head but only groaned louder. He slowly opened his eyes to see a blurry image of his youngest brother. \u201cWha . . . what . . . .?”<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took a chair leg to the head. Just hold still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get ya to the doc\u2019s place and fixed up,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cBring him by the jail when yer done,\u201d said Roy, \u201cI\u2019ve got some questions fer him.\u201d With that, the sheriff stalked back to his office, shaking his head and grumbling under his breath.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe helped their brother slowly stand and then supported his weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo hard feelin\u2019s,\u201d said Hank, extending his hand.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached for Adam\u2019s right hand and held it forward. Hank gave it a quick shake and then headed towards the door; he called out, \u201cHappy Birthday,\u201d over his shoulder then stomped out into the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, Older Brother,\u201d said Hoss as he placed a firm hand on Adam\u2019s lower back to steer him towards the entryway.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas there a party?\u201d Adam slurred out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could sorta call it that,\u201d offered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe goin\u2019 home?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss got the saloon doors open and said, \u201cWe\u2019re goin\u2019 to Doc Martin\u2019s first.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the doctor stitched up Adam\u2019s head, Hoss and Joe explained what had happened at the saloon. Adam glowered at the two sets of brothers he saw before him; at least both sets had the sense to look uncomfortable and taken aback by the night\u2019s events.<\/p>\n

Finishing up, Paul declared his patient fit for travel. \u201cGood thing you boys have such hard heads.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t it, though?\u201d said Hoss in absent reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on him. Don\u2019t let him fall off his horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t,\u201d promised Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy birthday, to me,\u201d muttered Adam under his breath.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe escorted Adam to Roy\u2019s office, as requested. Adam was bruised and banged up with a thin white bandage around his head.<\/p>\n

Deciding that Adam was in no shape to be riding back to the Ponderosa in the dark, Roy suggested, \u201cI think you oughtta stay here fer the night, Son. Get some rest. Your brothers can go on home without havin\u2019 ta worry \u2018bout you fallin\u2019 off yer horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather go home,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019tcha stay?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cRoy\u2019s right. We\u2019ll go on home and get all the chores done before Pa gets home, that way you can sleep here as late as ya want. How \u2018bout it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fixed Hoss with what he presumed was a glare but realized the offer sounded very tempting. He was sore, tired, and pretty sure he\u2019d fall asleep as soon he lay down. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy led them to one of the cells and they gently deposited Adam on a cot. \u201cYou boys don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll be here in case he needs anythin’.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d they both said, hurrying for the door before Adam could change his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feel okay, Son?\u201d asked Roy when they were alone.<\/p>\n

Adam laid an arm across his eyes to block out the dim light trickling through the cell window. \u201cHelluva way to spend a birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou jest rest up and go on home tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I just stay home? Why\u2019d I let them talk me into comin\u2019 to town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be worse. You could be laid up at the Doc\u2019s with a bullet in ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his elbow and scowled at Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just sayin\u2019 there\u2019s worse ways ta spend yer birthday than with yer family, even if ya did get banged up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s only reply was a groan.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Hoss came out of the barn to see Pa going into the house. \u201cHey, Joe, Pa\u2019s here. What are we gonna tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he won\u2019t notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYer better at charmin\u2019 him. You go on in and keep him busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re so worried about. We can just say Adam\u2019s in town checking the mail. That\u2019s not a complete lie\u2014he\u2019s in town and he might check the mail before coming home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gulped and hoped Joe was right.<\/p>\n

The sound of a horse brought Joe out of the barn. \u201cAdam! You\u2019re home awful early for a man in your condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy condition? All I needed was some peace and quiet and a good night\u2019s sleep. Thanks to you two, I at least got the good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid it get noisy over at the jail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember anything after you two left.\u201d He handed Sport\u2019s reins to Hoss and then saw Pa\u2019s horse. \u201cLooks like Pa got home earlier than he\u2019d planned. You two got the chores done?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took in Adam\u2019s black eye and bruised cheek then noticed Joe\u2019s swollen mouth and black eye; he noted his own scraped up knuckles as he put Sport in his stall. Someone was going to have to explain all of this to Pa. What was worse was that Pa would want to know just what he and Joe had done to get Adam in that condition on his birthday of all days.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Adam . . . how are we gonna explain this . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain what?\u201d<\/p>\n

The three younger Cartwrights slowly turned around. Hoss and Joe shared a glance of panic while Adam sedately crossed his arms over his chest.<\/p>\n

Ben took in his sons\u2019 appearances and then scrutinized each individually. Hoss withered under his stare, jammed his hands into his pockets, and looked at the floor. Joe looked at a point on the wall past his father\u2019s head. Adam met his father\u2019s stare and slipped into a casual lean.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben took Adam\u2019s chin in hand and turned his face slightly to get a better look. Noting a glimpse of white under the black hat, he pushed it back to see the bandage.<\/p>\n

Since there were no bruises on Hoss\u2019s face, he reached for Joe and took in the split bottom lip, swollen upper lip, and bruising around his left eye. Joe tried a confident grin but quickly raised a hand to his mouth from the pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two care to tell me what kind of nonsense you dragged your brother into?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t . . . we wanted . . . we only meant . . . \u201d Hoss stammered out weakly.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced sideways at his brothers and then calmly said, \u201cThey didn\u2019t drag me into anything. I suggested that we go to town for a couple of beers but you know how the Silver Dollar can be on a Friday night. We were minding our own business when a fight broke out. Next thing we knew, we were trading punches along with everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh,\u201d said Ben. \u201cDid you throw the first punch, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything, Pa! Honest!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you honestly expect me to believe . . .?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s telling the truth,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t even in the saloon when it all started. Just ask Cosmo next time you\u2019re in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment of uncomfortable silence passed. \u201cHow much are the damages going to cost me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a cent, Pa,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cJust ask Roy next time you see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben carefully looked his sons over again and then asked, \u201cAre you alright, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul assures me that I\u2019ll be fine in a couple of days. In the meantime, Joe and Hoss have offered to do all of my chores as a birthday present. That\u2019s really decent of them, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm . . . it sure is.\u201d Ben continued to eye his two younger sons with suspicion. \u201cYou\u2019re sure you\u2019re alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I need is a hot bath and a shave. Let\u2019s go in so I can hear about that Cattleman\u2019s meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI want to know if old Franklin Davis was finally successful in convincing everyone that ranchers should set the price for steaks served in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and took Adam by the shoulder, steering him out of the barn. They walked side-by-side with Ben\u2019s arm draped across his eldest\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to go out tonight to celebrate your birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, Pa. I\u2019d rather have a quiet night at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss watched the retreating backs until the front door closed. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose Adam was serious about us doin\u2019 all his chores for the next couple days, do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI figger we\u2019re dadburned lucky that\u2019s\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0Older Brother suggested.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two tended Sport, rubbing him down and giving him some grain. Joe finally broke the silence. \u201cIf he wants to stay home on his birthday next year, let\u2019s not persuade him to go to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was yer idea,\u201d protested Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a suggestion; you did the persuadin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy I oughtta persuade you . . . ,\u201d growled Hoss as he balled up his fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeday you\u2019re gonna be thirty, Big Brother. If you want me around to help you celebrate, you\u2019d best take it easy on me.”<\/p>\n

Hoss struck the pose he\u2019d demonstrated in front of the mirror the night before and the two quickly dissolved into a fit of laughter. Both hoped Adam would be just as entertaining at forty.<\/p>\n

The End
\nMay 2009<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>jojay\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>28 Dec 2009 02:37 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Wisdom Comes With AgeI love this story!!\u00a0\u00a0 Great brotherly interaction!Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, jojay!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Sunjae\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>24 Jun 2009 10:12 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Wisdom Comes With AgeVery entertaining, Patina. Poor Adam just wanted that quiet evening. Great brother rapport.The humor is well done. I, too, hope Adam is just as entertaining at 49Author’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Sunjae.\u00a0 I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this story!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Reviewer:\u00a0<\/span>Destiny_Adams\u00a0Anonymous<\/span>\u00a0\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"\"star\"
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>07 Jun 2009 12:06 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Wisdom Comes With AgeGreat story, Patina. Totally enjoyed it!As Always,Desi JoAuthor’s Response:<\/i><\/i>Thank you, Desi.\u00a0 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed this story.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0All Adam wanted was a quiet evening at home to mark his birthday. Was that too much to ask?<\/p>\n

Rating: K+ Word Count=5209<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5762,"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":[4],"tags":[22],"class_list":["post-6091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-humor","tag-roy-coffee","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1520,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/BrothersComedyStories.jpg?fit=628%2C480&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":23084,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=23084","url_meta":{"origin":6091,"position":0},"title":"The Power of the Lake (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"July 11, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Whether it's for a crisis, a romance, or good old family fun, the Cartwrights are drawn to Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 Rating - K, WC - 1603","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Chimney-Beach-East-Shore-NV.jpg?fit=640%2C424&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Chimney-Beach-East-Shore-NV.jpg?fit=640%2C424&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Chimney-Beach-East-Shore-NV.jpg?fit=640%2C424&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11548,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11548","url_meta":{"origin":6091,"position":1},"title":"There’s Wisdom, and Then There’s… (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"August 24, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 He thinks he knows all it takes to be a cowboy; leaving Ben to wonder. 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