Summary:\u00a0 An adolescent Joe tries to find out about the upstairs rooms in the saloon.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 14,300 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Kissing Rooms<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So?\u00a0 What\u2019s it like?\u2019 asked Little Joe Cartwright in a soft voice as he leant close to his friend. \u2018Did ya get a good look?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch shook his head mournfully. \u2018Nah!\u00a0 Didn\u2019t get any kind of a look at all!\u00a0 My Pa saw me near the door and shooed me away.\u00a0 How was I to know he was in there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018Probably wouldn\u2019t have made any difference anyway,\u2019 he said with a frown. \u2018There\u2019s always someone else in there who\u2019d do it for him, and then probably tell on you into the bargain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They stared mournfully at the saloon from their vantage place across the street. \u2018Say Joe?\u2019 asked Mitch after a moment. \u2018How about asking one of your brothers. They might tell you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him sceptically. \u2018Why don\u2019t you ask one of yours?\u00a0 For the same reason Mitch\u2026. They wouldn\u2019t tell me and then they\u2019d probably go back and tell Pa. Imagine what he\u2019d have ta say about it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch nodded his head. \u2018Probably the same thing my Pa would,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018I have a feeling it wouldn\u2019t be so much what he\u2019d say as what he\u2019d do.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed the back of his pants absentmindedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u00a0 Well, I don\u2019t want ta hear about it\u2026..I\u2019ve already done that.\u00a0 I told ya, I\u2019m gonna get a look at it!\u2019 Joe said determinedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I dunno. We have ta give this some thought,\u2019 Joe replied.\u00a0 \u2018We have ta try and find a way ta get in there when there\u2019s not many people around.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Joe!\u00a0 We could start a diversion!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him sceptically. \u2018How?\u2019 he said. \u2018Just what could we do ta get everyone outta there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know! We\u2026\u2019 Mitch stopped and clicked his fingers. \u2018I\u2019ve got it!\u00a0 How about during the Church Service on Sunday?\u00a0 None of our families and their friends would be anywhere near the Bucket of Blood on a Sunday morning, and anyone who was in there at that time wouldn\u2019t care about us!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Yes, that\u2019s true,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018But just how are we supposed ta get away from the Service with all our families there?\u00a0 Pa would never let me miss Church!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He would if you were sick!\u2019 said Mitch excitedly.\u00a0 \u2018We could both pretend ta be sick and when they\u2019d left home we could come straight here.\u00a0 We could have a good look at the picture and be back in bed before they even knew we\u2019d left.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know\u2026\u2019 said Joe. \u2018My Pa\u2019s pretty good at working out if I\u2019m faking it or not.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019s worth a try ain\u2019t it?\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018We\u2019ve got nothing ta lose and look what we\u2019d be gaining!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes shone. \u2018Yeah, you\u2019re right.\u00a0 A look at that picture would be worth the risk I reckon.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to his friend. \u2018Do ya really think its\u2026 you know, like what they say?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course it is!\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018You heard the Lupis boys talking about it as well as I did!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018Is she completely naked, d\u2019ya think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe!\u2019 Mitch looked around as if the walls themselves might reach out and hit them. \u2018Don\u2019t say it out loud!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well! If we\u2019re gonna sneak a look at it we have ta get used ta the idea!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah well you don\u2019t have ta broadcast it around!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two boys stepped off the sidewalk and sauntered over the street towards the Saloon.\u00a0 They casually leant against the doorframe and tried to peek over the top of the swinging doors but drew back quickly when Mitch tugged at Joe\u2019s arm. \u2018Shh!\u00a0 My Pa\u2019s still in there!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They took a few steps away and leant against the hitching rail instead. \u2018Say Joe, how old were your brothers when you Pa let them go into a Saloon for the first time?\u2019 asked Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bout my age I reckon,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018It\u2019s not that he won\u2019t let me in a Saloon of course, it\u2019s just that back room that\u2019s the problem.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch nodded. \u2018Yeah me too. Pa says I\u2019m at the age when he\u2019ll let me have a drink, but nothing more. I reckon he means that picture too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018That\u2019s why they keep it in the back. So that if someone young like us comes in we don\u2019t get ta see it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I reckon I\u2019m old enough even if my Pa don\u2019t agree with me!\u2019 declared Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m definitely old enough!\u2019 agreed Joe. \u2018I can handle it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Joe, what do ya reckon it\u2019s like?\u2019 asked Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s what like?\u2019 said a quiet voice behind them.\u00a0 They both jumped and turned together to see Joe\u2019s older brother Adam standing behind them leaning against a post.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u2018Oh, hi Adam!\u2019 he said with a guilty grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s what like?\u2019 repeated Adam with a sardonic look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing.\u00a0 Just wondering what that new horse that Mitch\u2019s brother bought will be like,\u2019 said Joe without hesitating.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Uh huh,\u2019 said Adam slowly. \u2018And why are you both wondering about it outside the Bucket of Blood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018Just happened to end up standing here,\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s it ta you where we stand anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have you forgotten you were supposed to be helping me over at the Grain Store?\u2019 replied his older brother. \u2018I\u2019ve finished loading up and you haven\u2019t done a thing so far.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh!\u00a0 Sorry Adam, I guess I forgot,\u2019 said Joe with his best attempt at his charming smile. \u2018I\u2019ll come straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You sure will!\u2019 said Adam, grabbing him by the shoulder. \u2018Say goodbye Mitch.\u00a0 My younger brother is about to leave you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked over his shoulder as he was propelled along the sidewalk. \u2018Yeah, bye Mitch!\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll talk in school tomorrow about that idea.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What idea?\u2019 asked Adam as he continued to push him along.\u00a0 Just what have you two got brewing up now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Us?\u2019 said Joe with a wide-eyed innocent look. \u2018Nothing!\u00a0 Just something ta do with our school work that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at him. \u2018Yeah right!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n During the next few days at school the two boys refined their plans.\u00a0 They gave great thought to the symptoms they would develop and resolved that the best way to approach the issue was slowly.\u00a0 Both had fathers who had been caught before in their lies about not being well, and they didn\u2019t want to risk not being believed this time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We can\u2019t do the fever bit,\u2019 said Joe thoughtfully. \u2018It\u2019s too hard ta fake.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 replied Mitch. \u2018Remember that time you tried to hold your face over the lamp to get your temperature up just before your Pa came into see you?\u00a0 You nearly blistered all the skin on your face.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And he nearly blistered all the skin on my backside for doing it,\u2019 said Joe ruefully.\u00a0 \u2018No I think something less dramatic this time, but more effective. I think a few aches and pains in the right places is the best idea, but we have ta build up ta it gradually.\u00a0 Start with a headache first, and then go to the stomach.\u00a0 Oh, and don\u2019t eat much \u2013 that helps too.\u00a0 Just keep acting real weak-like and say you want ta sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch looked at him admiringly. \u2018Gee Joe, you really know how to do this, don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded, trying to look modest. \u2018Yeah well, I\u2019ve got away with a time or two Mitch. Just takes experience that\u2019s all.\u00a0 We\u2019d best start tonight I think, otherwise we won\u2019t convince em by Sunday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch nodded. \u2018OK.\u00a0 Hey Joe, it\u2019s exciting isn\u2019t it? Bet it\u2019ll be worth all the effort.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded absentmindedly. \u2018Ya know Mitch since we\u2019ve been making these plans, I\u2019ve been doing a bit of observing.\u00a0 Have you noticed Margaret\u00a0 Simpson\u2019s \u2026.. um\u2026. well\u2026 what do ya call em anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bosoms,\u2019 said Mitch with the superior air of someone who lived in a house with females. \u2018They\u2019re called bosoms.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah? Well whatever they\u2019re called, they\u2019re kinda different to others ya know?\u2019\u00a0 He stared across the playground at the large girl who was skipping with her friends. \u2018Did ya know they come in different sizes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hadn\u2019t noticed to tell the truth,\u2019 said Mitch thoughtfully. \u2018But now you come to mention it\u2026. her\u2019s aren\u2019t bigger than Miss Jones\u2019 though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him shocked. \u2018Have you been checking out our teacher\u2019s?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just a bit,\u2019 he said going red. \u2018Haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I try not ta look at her at the best of times,\u2019 said Joe disgustedly. \u2018Why would I? She\u2019s ugly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She may be ugly in the face,\u2019 said Mitch, \u2018but you just gotta take a look Joe!\u00a0 It\u2019s worth it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him thoughtfully and opened his mouth, but just as he was about to speak the bell interrupted him and he closed it again as he stood up. \u2018Now don\u2019t forget Mitch, start with the headache tonight, but don\u2019t overdo it, OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said the other boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that afternoon as Joe sat in his usual position looking out of the window, he thought about what Mitch had said about Miss Jones. Adam always maintained that the teacher had nothing whatsoever going for her, but then that was probably because she made advances to him every time they came into contact. Maybe Adam had missed her large bosom?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph Cartwright!\u2019 A shrill voice cut across his thoughts and the person that had been on his mind came into view. \u2018Why are you staring out of the window Joseph when your work is not finished?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked up at her, his eyes not reaching above her neckline as she bent towards him. Well what do you know\u2026.. Mitch had been right!\u00a0 How had Adam missed it?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry ma\u2019am,\u2019 he mumbled as he bent over his work again. Furtively, he watched as Miss Jones seated herself again at her desk and began to mark their books. Now that he thought about it her bosom was rather large to say the least, and even though she had covered it up with a high-necked dress it was obviously bulging to get out from under the material.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail looked up and saw him staring at her. \u2018Joseph Cartwright!\u00a0 How many times do I have to tell you?\u00a0 The work isn\u2019t plastered all over my face you know!\u2019\u00a0 she said crossly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned a slight shade of red and bent over his book again. He thought he\u2019d better be careful if he was to stay out of trouble.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t risk anything going wrong between now and Sunday!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat quietly at the supper table pushing the food around his plate.\u00a0 At least I don\u2019t have ta fake this bit!<\/em> he thought. Food had never rated highly on Joe\u2019s list of priorities anyway, so doing without was no hardship to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph at least eat something!\u2019 said his father crossly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at his father with sad eyes. \u2018I just can\u2019t Pa.\u00a0 I don\u2019t feel like anything ta eat.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a bad headache.\u2019 He rubbed his head for extra effect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant over to him and felt his forehead. \u2018You don\u2019t seem to have a fever,\u2019 he said. \u2018When did this start?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This afternoon,\u2019 Joe said with a sigh. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Pa, I\u2019ll be all right.\u00a0 Maybe an early night will fix me up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked worried. \u2018I hope so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you\u2019d better go up to bed straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood up and tried to look miserable. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said in a small voice. \u2018Goodnight everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at him suspiciously as he went up the stairs. \u2018That was a bit sudden, don\u2019t you think?\u2019 he said. \u2018He was all right before supper.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow in his direction, but said nothing. \u2018Well something\u2019s wrong if he\u2019s volunteering to go to bed before his usual time,\u2019 said Hoss with his mouth full.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hmm,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Well I\u2019ll bet he suddenly can\u2019t find it in him to go to school tomorrow.\u00a0 There\u2019s something behind this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But Adam was proven wrong the next morning. Part of the plan of course was that the boys couldn\u2019t make it look too obvious, and trying to get out of school would have raised their families\u2019 suspicions.\u00a0 So it was with many a sigh and painful rubbing of his head that Joe insisted that he was well enough to make it through the day at school. \u2018No, I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be OK,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018It\u2019s only a headache Pa. Nothing much ta worry about.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t argue. \u2018All right then son, but take it easy today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I will. Bye.\u2019\u00a0 Joe stood up from the table and grinned as he turned his back on his father and brothers and headed for the door. You are so good at this Joe Cartwright\u2026you\u2019ve got them all just where you want them now.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So how\u2019d it go?\u2019 he asked Mitch when they got to school.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 the other boy replied. \u2018Worse thing is though that I\u2019m hungry. I hardly had anything to eat at all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll get used ta it,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Remember not ta eat too much lunch either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph, Hop Sing tells me you didn\u2019t eat much lunch today,\u2019 said Ben with a worried expression on his face. \u2018He said you brought most of it home with you. Now this just can\u2019t go on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned a mournful look on his father. \u2018I tried Pa, but I just couldn\u2019t,\u2019 he said. The pain\u2019s in my stomach now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked really concerned. \u2018I think you\u2019d better stay home from school tomorrow and I\u2019ll get Paul Martin out here to take a look at you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe flinched.\u00a0 The doctor was definitely not a part of his plan.\u00a0 He was an expert at telling when Joe was faking it, and he just couldn\u2019t take the risk. \u2018No Pa, I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be OK.\u00a0 I\u2019m just tired and need an early night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam spluttered into his coffee cup. \u2018Another one?\u2019 he said, \u2018Now I know you\u2019re sick!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him. \u2018May I be excused?\u2019 he said to his father as he stood up from the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that evening as he lay in bed he thankfully remembered that tomorrow was Friday and he only had one more day to do this.\u00a0 The early nights were definitely the hardest thing for him to endure, but he knew that the worst was still to come. Saturday was going to be the most difficult day to get through, as there would be no hiding at school from the eagle eyes of his father and brothers. He wondered how to manage it.\u00a0 Perhaps he should insist on spending the day in bed?\u00a0 No, they would think he was trying to get out of his chores.\u00a0 Best to just go about sadly and slowly as if he were feeling bad, but not enough for that nosey old Doc Martin to come out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saturday morning saw the final stages of the plan unfold.\u00a0 The boys had made their last minute arrangements at the school the day before, and had agreed to meet in the alleyway beside the saloon.\u00a0 They were so close to attaining their goal now that it was beginning to get really exciting, and they were both determined that nothing would get in the way of their objective.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph?\u2019 Ben asked at the breakfast table. \u2018How are you feeling today son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father the look he had practically perfected over the past few days. \u2018Much the same Pa,\u2019 he said in a small voice. \u2018The aches are still there in my stomach and my head, but they ain\u2019t too bad.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Perhaps you should spend the day in bed,\u2019 his father suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa, I\u2019ll be OK.\u00a0 I\u2019d like ta get my chores done now if that\u2019s OK.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Joe, don\u2019t worry about your chores today.\u00a0 Your brothers can help you out for just this once.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot a glance at Adam and Hoss who didn\u2019t look too pleased with the suggestion.\u00a0 He thought it best not to tempt fate, as Adam in particular had been giving him rather suspicious looks lately and he didn\u2019t want him giving Pa the wrong idea. \u2018No Pa, I\u2019ll be OK,\u2019 he replied quickly. \u2018Really.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018All right son, but come inside if you feel any worse.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I will.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get started on them now,\u2019 Joe said as he stood up from the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s something not quite right here,\u2019 said Adam as his younger brother closed the front door behind him. \u2018That kid would normally do anything to get out of work.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t adding up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u2018Why can\u2019t you just give the boy the benefit of the doubt?\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe he is just growing up and becoming more responsible, have you thought of that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smirked. \u2018Yes I did think of that, but I don\u2019t believe it,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Aw leave him alone Adam,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s not doing anyone any harm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you sure about that?\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I\u2019m not.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n During the rest of the morning Joe was careful to get all his chores done, but at a slower pace than usual.\u00a0 Every time he sensed his father or brothers near him he would clutch at his stomach or head as if in pain, but seemingly struggle bravely to carry on.\u00a0 The final straw came at the dinner table when his chores had been completed.\u00a0 He was usually free on a Saturday afternoon to do as he liked, and could hardly wait to get out the door and onto Cochise to ride off for an afternoon of freedom fishing or just visiting with his friends, but today he suggested a nap instead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben could hardly believe his ears. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 he said incredulously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll just take it easy this afternoon Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll rest on the sofa if that\u2019s OK with you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fine,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe chuckled to himself as he settled himself down with a book and made himself comfortable.\u00a0 He figured that tomorrow was well worth a quiet afternoon today and could do with the extra sleep anyway.\u00a0 He might need all his wits about him tomorrow, so it might be best to be well rested. Before ten minutes had passed he was fast asleep and spent a most enjoyable afternoon dreaming of huge bosoms swathed in voluminous red material coming at him from all angles, but each time he reached out to touch them Miss Jones\u2019 face would appear and tell him to do his work again.\u00a0 He woke up quite refreshed, but confused as to why his teacher should be in his mind so much lately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another early night found him on Sunday morning to be well rested and eager to get going with the plan.\u00a0 As he lay in bed waiting for someone to come up and check on him he smiled contentedly to himself as he considered the sacrifices had been well worth it after all.\u00a0 All that was left now was to put on the final touches, and he was well prepared to give the performance of his life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eventually his father did come in to see why he wasn\u2019t downstairs for breakfast, and Joe went into full swing the moment he appeared at the door. \u2018Hi Pa, he said in a tiny voice as he clutched at his stomach and curled up into a ball.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joseph!\u2019 said Ben with a worried look. \u2018Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019re still not well?\u00a0 This can\u2019t go on any longer.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not too good Pa,\u2019 he said acting like it was difficult to raise his head from the pillow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You don\u2019t look it,\u2019 said Ben, sitting down on the edge of the bed and putting his hand on his son\u2019s forehead. \u2018I think you\u2019d better stay here in bed this morning and rest. Don\u2019t worry about Church today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If you think that\u2019s best Pa,\u2019 said Joe, marvelling at how easy it had been.\u00a0 \u2018I don\u2019t like missing Church, but I\u2019ll do what you think I should.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018The important thing is your health Joe,\u2019 he said reassuringly. \u2018I\u2019ll ask Adam to stay home with you to make sure you\u2019re all right.\u00a0 He won\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes shot open. \u2018Oh no Pa.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t ask Adam ta do that!\u2019 he said quickly. \u2018It wouldn\u2019t be right for him ta miss Church on accounta me.\u00a0 No, I\u2019ll just sleep for a bit \u2013 I\u2019ll be OK.\u00a0 Besides, Hop Sing will be downstairs.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018True,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Are you sure you\u2019ll be all right?\u00a0 We\u2019ll come back straight after the Service.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You take your time Pa,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll be here when you come back.\u2019 If all goes well,<\/em> he thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Rest now son, I\u2019ll see you at lunch time then,\u2019 said Ben as he got up and made for the door.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and sighed as he felt his father giving him an anxious look. As the door closed behind his father he could hardly contain his glee and sprang up from the bed immediately and headed for his chest of drawers.\u00a0 As he dressed himself he hopped around the room trying to contain his giggles of excitement, anxious to get underway at long last.\u00a0 He was stuffing the last of the clothing under his bedclothes to make it look like a body was still in the bed when he heard the sound of the buggy leaving the front yard.\u00a0 He stole a quick look out of the window and checked that it contained his father and two brothers before he crept out and onto the roof.\u00a0 He felt it was easier this way, as he was a little apprehensive about meeting Hop Sing downstairs if he left by the front door.\u00a0 Normally on a Sunday Hop Sing kept a low profile and if Ben had told him not to disturb Joe then he wouldn\u2019t, but he wasn\u2019t prepared to take any risks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Soon he was on his way to town, riding away from the main trail so as not to risk his father and brothers seeing him.\u00a0 He rode as fast as he could, as he and Mitch had decided that the earlier they got there the better.\u00a0 Mitch lived a lot closer to town than Joe did, and didn\u2019t want to risk his father coming back too soon from church to find him gone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The excitement was coursing through his veins as he waited in the alleyway.\u00a0 Now that they were so close he found it almost impossible to contain himself and the realisation that they were about to see a naked woman kept flitting across his mind like a beacon. He wondered just what they would see, and hoped that the Lupis boys hadn\u2019t been exaggerating in their description.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a while he began to get fidgety. It was difficult being so close and yet so far from his goal and he began to wonder if Mitch was indeed coming.\u00a0 Cautiously he poked his head out around the corner to see the passing traffic on the street.\u00a0 There were many families in their buggies headed up the street towards the church and in the middle of them he could hardly believe his eyes as he saw the Devlin buggy with Mitch in the back seat.\u00a0 He stared open-mouthed as it passed, and watched Mitch give him a hopeless look.\u00a0 He raised his hands as if in despair and then turned away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head as he slunk back into the alleyway.\u00a0 Poor Mitch!\u00a0 It seemed that his part of the plan hadn\u2019t worked and his father either hadn\u2019t believed him or insisted he go to Church anyway.\u00a0 Joe wondered what to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Part of him wanted to get straight back home, as the thought of going into that back room by himself was too daunting.\u00a0 But the larger part of him was determined to do as he had set out to.\u00a0 After all was he going to waste all the efforts of the last few days just because he was a bit scared?\u00a0 What was the worst that could happen to him?\u00a0 They\u2019d throw him out \u2013 so what?\u00a0 All he needed was a glimpse and that wouldn\u2019t take long.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He squared his shoulders, nonchalantly stepped out from the alleyway and headed towards the entrance.\u00a0 The Bucket of Blood was not the high-class establishment the Silver Dollar Saloon was.\u00a0 Even if his father had allowed him into a saloon by himself this would not have been the choice, as it was up in the less saloubrious end of town and frequented by mostly miners.\u00a0 However, to Joe\u2019s way of thinking that was one of its attractions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He took a deep breath and entered.\u00a0 The first thing that caught his eye was the lack of people.\u00a0 He had expected there not to be many, as it was Sunday morning after all and even though the Saloons never shut most patrons made a long night of it on Saturdays and slept it off on Sundays.\u00a0 The next thing that caught his eye was the woman sitting in the corner of the room. He had seen saloon girls of course before, but usually only from a distance or when he was in the company of his father and had never dared look too closely.\u00a0 Now that he had the chance to see one close up, he found it fascinating.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She was blond, with blue eyes and a very red mouth.\u00a0 He supposed that was some of that lipstick stuff that he\u2019d heard about.\u00a0 Her dress was red and only came to just below her knees, with fancy lace stuff all around it.\u00a0 The top of it was very low cut and it was that which held his fascination as he looked at her bosom that showed plainly.\u00a0 This was not a dress that Miss Jones would be caught wearing, of that he was sure.\u00a0 There was definitely something about the way this woman looked that was enticing to him and in spite of himself he stood and stared at her for a full minute before he noticed her winking at him.\u00a0 He blushed and turned towards the bar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The bartender looked him up and down, smiling. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said after a moment. Joe opened his mouth to talk and then shut it again. The bartender tried again. \u2018Do ya want something sonny?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed.\u00a0 \u2018A beer thanks,\u2019 he said and put his money on the counter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man smiled at him. \u2018Why don\u2019t ya try somewhere else sonny?\u2019 he said, still smiling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, I want a beer,\u2019 he repeated, more forcefully this time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Give him one Will,\u2019 called the woman from the other side of the room. \u2018What\u2019s it to you anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The bartender gave her a sullen look and plonked the beer down on the bench.\u00a0 Joe picked it up gratefully and turned towards the back room quickly.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to take any risks on being thrown out before he had the chance to attain his goal, and thought he may as well get in there as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey, where are you going?\u2019 said the woman as he passed her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He gave her his best charming smile. \u2018Just in here,\u2019 he said, continuing to walk.\u00a0 He heard her get up and come in behind him, and turned as he found a seat. He sat down and studied his beer, not daring to meet her eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mind if I sit here?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He nodded, seemingly fascinated with what was in his glass. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said, \u2018help yaself.\u00a0 They sat in silence for a moment and then Joe dared look up.\u00a0 There in front of him was IT!\u00a0 The picture in all its glory was hanging directly in front of him on the wall, and his eyes became riveted to it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Lupis boys for once had not been exaggerating. The woman was reclining on a settee with her arms above her head, totally naked!\u00a0 For the first time in his life Joe was at a complete loss about what to think and sat open-mouthed staring at it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The woman turned and noticed where he was gazing, then leant forward towards him. \u2018First time you\u2019ve seen a picture like that is it?\u2019 she whispered. \u2018She\u2019s a bit of a legend around here you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe dragged his gaze away from the picture.\u00a0 \u2018Nah,\u2019 he said casually, \u2018I\u2019ve been in here plenty of times.\u2019 He took a deep swig of his beer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The woman looked at him closely. \u2018Have you?\u2019 she said with a smile. \u2018That\u2019s funny, I\u2019ve never noticed you and I\u2019ve been here for a few months now.\u2019\u00a0 She turned around. \u2018How about you ladies?\u00a0 Has anyone else noticed this handsome young man here before?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked around and noticed for the first time that he was alone in the room with about six women, all dressed in similar fashion to the one sharing his table. He blushed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A couple of the other women got up and headed over towards his table. \u2018No I haven\u2019t,\u2019 said one, stroking him on the back of the neck. \u2018I think I would have remembered a fine looking youngster like you if I had.\u2019\u00a0 She winked at the others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just how old are you boy?\u2019 asked another.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat up straight. \u2018Old enough,\u2019 he said, wondering why they all laughed at his reply.\u00a0 What\u2019s the matter with them?\u00a0 <\/em>he wondered.\u00a0 I\u2019m old enough to have a beer and look at that picture if I want to! <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 said another. \u2018Well that\u2019s good, because we\u2019d hate to see a youngster like you going to waste would we girls?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t quite sure what she meant but figured she was trying to be friendly, so he merely grinned at her. The beer was beginning to make him feel rather relaxed and he felt quite at ease now.\u00a0 The rest of the women clustered around him. \u2018So what\u2019s your name?\u2019 one of them asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He gave her his best charming smile. \u2018Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pleased ta meet ya ladies.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They laughed. \u2018Isn\u2019t that sweet!\u00a0 He called us ladies!\u2019 one of them said.\u00a0 \u2018What a lovely young thing he is!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin got bigger.\u00a0 He could feel that he was making quite a favourable impression on these women, and was enjoying the close-up look he was getting at their bosoms while he was doing it.\u00a0 This was beginning to be even better than the picture on the wall, and he began to get excited about all the things he\u2019d be able to tell Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So Joe,\u2019 one of the women asked. \u2018How much money have ya got honey?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe fingered his change in his pocket, wondering if he had enough to buy them all a drink. They all looked mighty thirsty to him. \u2018I\u2019ve got about two dollars,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not sure if that\u2019s enough.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They laughed. \u2018Not quite enough Joe,\u2019 said one, leaning over him and breathing heavily near his neck. \u2018That\u2019s a shame isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Sorry, but I didn\u2019t think ta bring any more.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know I\u2019d need it for all of you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The laughter increased. \u2018All of us?\u2019 said the woman hanging around his neck. \u2018It\u2019s not enough for one of us honey!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018My beer only cost two bits!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all stared at him. \u2018Well I do believe we have a little innocent here,\u2019 said one of them. \u2018Maybe we should help him out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Leave him alone Betsy,\u2019 said the blonde woman seated at the table. \u2018He\u2019s only a kid.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at her. \u2018I\u2019m not a kid,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m old enough ta come in here and have a drink and look at \u2026I mean do what I want ta do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She leant over to him. \u2018I think you should get out of here Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018Run off home now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sat back in his chair. \u2018I\u2019m quite comfortable thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m in no hurry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You tell her Joe,\u2019 said one of the women. \u2018You\u2019re happy here with us aren\u2019t you darling?\u2019 She started to run her fingers through his hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked around at all the women surrounding him and was pleased to think he was the centre of attention. They all seemed to like him, and he was enjoying being so popular. \u2018Yeah, I\u2019m quite happy,\u2019 he said with a big grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How\u2019d you like to come upstairs on the house, so to speak?\u2019 someone whispered in his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at her. \u2018Upstairs?\u2019 he said, not sure what she was hinting at. \u2018Why\u2019d I want ta do that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was more laughter. \u2018I could show you a good time honey,\u2019 she whispered in his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Doing what?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The laugher increased. \u2018Well we\u2019d think of something to keep us amused,\u2019 she persisted. \u2018Who knows, if you behaved yourself I might even let you kiss me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and began to turn red. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026. I\u2026\u2026\u2019 he gulped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The blonde woman pushed the other one away. \u2018I said to leave him alone!\u00a0 He\u2019s only a kid!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The other woman glared back at her. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just mind your own business,\u2019 she snarled. \u2018It\u2019s not every day we get a fine young man like this coming in here, is it girls?\u2019\u00a0 They all shook their heads, and several of them edged closer to Joe. \u2018I think Joe here deserves a little education,\u2019 she continued. \u2018Would you like that Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at her. Education?<\/em> he thought.\u00a0 Somehow he didn\u2019t believe she meant the same thing that Miss Jones or Pa talked about when they said the word. Still, if it were a kiss she was meaning to give him, he wouldn\u2019t be against it.\u00a0 He had heard that it could be quite nice \u2013 at least that\u2019s what the Lupis boys had said.\u00a0 And after all they should know, for they had been found by Miss Jones kissing Margaret Simpson behind the outhouse once.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said with more confidence than he felt. \u2018I\u2019ll love ta learn about kissing if you\u2019ll teach me!\u2019 There was more general laughter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just then he heard the sound of church bells ringing and realised with a start that he had stayed much too long.\u00a0 The bells were the signal that the Service was over, and he would have to really rush to get home before his father and brothers now.\u00a0 He stood up abruptly, all thoughts of the upstairs room dashed from his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry ladies, he said, edging towards the door. \u2018But I gotta go now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You come back any time Joe,\u2019 one of them called. \u2018We\u2019d be glad to give you that education darling.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He smiled at her. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said politely. \u2018I\u2019ll try and come back for it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was a scramble to get back to the ranch, but Joe managed it just in time.\u00a0 He galloped Cochise full pelt across the hills avoiding the main trail in case he caught a glimpse of his father and brothers, and got safely into the barn before they had reached the yard.\u00a0 He quickly unsaddled the horse and gave him a quick rubdown, not wanting anyone to notice the sweat on him, and then climbed back into his bedroom via the roof.\u00a0 All the exertion and the beer had made him feel quite unsteady, so it was actually with great relief that he sank down under the covers when he had changed back into his nightshirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time Ben made it into his room Joe was actually snuggled down and half asleep.\u00a0 He managed to half-open his eyes and look up at his father to smile at him. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant over and stroked his curls. \u2018Hello there young man, and how are you feeling?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tired,\u2019 said Joe with a happy grin, the effects of the beer still on him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you just keep resting for a while longer,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I\u2019ll bring you up some lunch soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 Joe replied as he rolled over.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How is he?\u2019 asked Hoss as Ben came downstairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He still seems to be unwell,\u2019 said Ben with a worried look. \u2018He\u2019s very sleepy and seems to have a glazed look about him. I\u2019m quite worried about him really. I think if he\u2019s no better by tomorrow I\u2019ll have Paul look him over.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good idea,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s not like Joe ta be this much under the weather.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hmm,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Something\u2019s wrong with the boy.\u00a0 I just hope he can get some sleep now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well he seems to be,\u2019 said Adam coming down the stairs. \u2018I just looked in on him and he was snoring his head off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Glad to hear it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Upstairs Joe was indeed snoring his head off, dreaming of big-bosomed ladies asking him for kisses.\u00a0 He smiled contentedly as he rolled over onto his side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tell me again Joe,\u2019 pleaded Mitch. \u2018The bit about the picture first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leant forward with a gleam in his eye. \u2018Completely naked!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Everything?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018Yes!\u00a0 Bosoms and \u2026 everywhere else.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did you get a good look?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told you before, I was too busy getting asked to kiss them women,\u2019 Joe boasted. \u2018I didn\u2019t have time for the picture when I had more important things on my mind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch whistled. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it!\u00a0 They really asked you to kiss them?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said proudly.\u00a0 \u2018Seemed real keen ta do it to.\u00a0 That\u2019s what they\u2019ve got the rooms upstairs for I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t know there was any rooms upstairs,\u2019 replied Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018They said there was. I reckon they\u2019re the Kissing Rooms.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh!\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018What a shame ya couldn\u2019t have gone up to find out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry, I will,\u2019 replied Joe thoughtfully. \u2018I\u2019m not letting a chance ta kiss one of them ladies get away.\u00a0 Do ya know what?\u00a0 They said it would be a good education for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Reckon so,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018I mean, everyone needs to know how to kiss properly some time or other don\u2019t they?\u00a0 So I reckon you need to learn it just like you do maths and stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scratched his head.\u00a0 Somehow his friend\u2019s argument didn\u2019t seem quite logical to him, but he wasn\u2019t prepared to argue the point. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Anyway, I gotta figure out a way ta get back in there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe you can\u2019t!\u2019\u00a0 said Mitch. \u2018It was hard enough the first time.\u00a0 Besides my Pa didn\u2019t believe me at all when it came right down to it.\u00a0 I ended up in Church remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s a way ta do it!\u2019 said Joe thoughtfully. \u2018I just gotta think about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was still thinking a while later outside the Mercantile Store while he waited for his brother Adam to finish loading up the supplies.\u00a0 \u2018Joe would you do something instead of just standing there?\u2019 asked Adam irritably. \u2018The whole idea of you meeting me here after school was for you to help load these things up, not watch me do it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved away from the post where he had been leaning while looking at the windows above the Bucket of Blood Saloon. \u2018Sorry, he said as he lifted a sack.\u00a0 \u2018Hey Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are those rooms up there above the Saloon?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked in the direction his younger brother was pointing and became very busy with a large sack of flour. \u2018Move out of the way will you?\u2019 he said. \u2018Let me get past.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry,\u2019 said Joe moving quickly. After a moment he asked again. \u2018Well? What are they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve got ta check that we\u2019ve got everything,\u2019 said Adam going inside. \u2018Get in the buckboard and wait for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat on the buckboard and waited as he continued to look at the rooms.\u00a0 Maybe Adam didn\u2019t know what they were? He found that hard to believe though, because he knew for a fact that Adam had kissed many girls before.\u00a0 After all, hadn\u2019t he seen it with his own two eyes?\u00a0 He was an expert at spying on his brother, sometimes to his own detriment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they passed the Saloon moments later, he turned again to check. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said. \u2018Ya haven\u2019t answered my question.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated, not knowing what to say.\u00a0 \u2018They\u2019re none of your business!\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him. \u2018Why not? I got a right ta know what\u2019s behind a window ain\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Some windows you do,\u2019 replied his older brother. \u2018But not all. Why don\u2019t you learn to mind your own business about things?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you getting so cranky about?\u2019 Joe asked defensively. \u2018I only asked!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well don\u2019t,\u2019 replied Adam testily. They continued in silence for a while. \u2018Hey Adam?\u2019 Joe asked again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018What?\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I heard they\u2019re rooms where the ladies in the saloon do their kissing.\u2019 Adam put his head down and had a coughing fit and Joe patted him on the back. \u2018Are ya OK?\u2019 he asked, and felt relieved when his older brother nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a moment Adam said. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t worry about those rooms if I were you Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him. \u2018Have you ever been up there and kissed one of them?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s none of your business!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018Now just shut up about it will you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat deep in thought for the rest of the journey home. From Adam\u2019s reaction he reckoned that his older brother had indeed been up to the Kissing Rooms.\u00a0 Why else would he get so angry about being asked about it?\u00a0 No wonder he kissed so well!\u00a0 Joe had heard Alicia Sutton tell him he was a wonderful kisser at the picnic last month when Joe had been watching them from behind a tree, so he reckoned that his older brother must have had lots of practice somewhere.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He didn\u2019t think it was fair that he should miss out on the experience either.\u00a0 If Adam could go up there, he didn\u2019t see why he couldn\u2019t!\u00a0 He glanced at his brother and determined to figure out a way to make it up there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m telling you Pa, I think it\u2019s time you had a talk with that boy!\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u2018I\u2019m sure it was just an innocent remark,\u2019 he said. \u2018He wouldn\u2019t have meant anything by it.\u00a0 Joseph wouldn\u2019t have a clue about such things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I think you should straighten him out about the kissing at any rate,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam I had that talk some time ago with him, just the same way I did with you and Hoss,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I can assure you that Joe knows all about the birds and the bees.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019m not saying he doesn\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But knowing it and relating it to real life are two different things you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrow at his oldest son. \u2018Yes I do know,\u2019 he said slowly while staring at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked away. \u2018Well, I\u2019m just trying to help,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you should know what he was asking.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And I thank you for letting me know,\u2019 said his father, quite amused. \u2018But let me handle it my way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged and left the room. If his father wasn\u2019t prepared to tackle the issue, then he certainly wasn\u2019t going to do it for him! That younger brother of his gave him enough trouble without him mixed up in a discussion of that nature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe as they sat side by side in the barn. Their chores were all done and they were resting for a few moments before heading in for supper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 said his older brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know them rooms above the Bucket of Blood Saloon\u2026.well I found out what they\u2019re for!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss jerked and looked at his brother incredulously. \u2018You what?\u2019 he said. \u2018And just how did you manage that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot a look at him, wondering if he had said the wrong thing. \u2018I heard someone talking about them,\u2019 he said evasively. \u2018What are they like Hoss?\u00a0 Have you ever been up there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss blushed a deep shade of crimson. \u2018No I ain\u2019t!\u2019 he said in an embarrassed tone. \u2018And it\u2019s not proper ta be asking about what happens up there either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t see why not!\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no harm in it.\u00a0 The Lupis boys do it all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at him. \u2018Ya\u2019re funning me Joe!\u2019 he said. \u201cI can\u2019t believe that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s true!\u00a0 They\u2019re good at it too, and they aim ta get more practice.\u2019\u00a0 He thought about how they had described the kiss they had exchanged with Margaret Simpson. They had been very descriptive in their retelling of it. \u2018How old were you when you done it for the first time Hoss?\u2019\u00a0 Joe wondered if Hoss had ever kissed a girl at all, and he aimed to find out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up. \u2018Don\u2019t ya talk like that Joe\u2019 he said. \u2018It ain\u2019t decent!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at him puzzled. \u2018I don\u2019t see why not, after all Adam does it all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared at him for a full minute before he found his voice. \u2018How the he\u2026. I mean how would you know?\u2019 he finally said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause I\u2019ve seen him of course,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Course I ain\u2019t! Where\u2019d ya get an idea like that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I dunno.\u00a0 I just guessed ya had.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen him lots of times.\u00a0 At the picnic last month with Alicia Sutton for one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Never!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother. \u2018Yeah!\u00a0 I was hiding behind a tree and they didn\u2019t know I was there. She said he was real good at it too, so I reckon he\u2019s had lots of practice. Don\u2019t tell him will ya though Hoss? I think he\u2019d belt me one if he knew I was looking.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 mouth dropped open. \u2018I\u2019m sure of it!\u2019 he replied.\u00a0 He bent down and put his hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Listen ta me Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ya can\u2019t go around doing things like that.\u00a0 Ya shouldn\u2019t even talk about it.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t proper.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No?\u2019 Joe thought for a moment. \u2018OK if you say so, although if it ain\u2019t proper then why does everyone do it? I\u2019ve seen lots of people.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ya haven\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I have!\u00a0 There was Mr and Mrs Adderson at the stage depot when he came back from San Francisco, there was Matt Becker and that girl he\u2019s gonna marry, there\u2019s Adam of course, and \u2026.. why I even saw Pa do it once!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hit his brother on the side of the head. \u2018Now you stop yer lying!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018That ain\u2019t funny Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rubbed his head. \u2018I ain\u2019t lying!\u00a0 You saw it too!\u2019 Hoss just stared at him. \u2018You remember Hoss!\u00a0 When Mr Harrison died, Pa did it with Mrs Harrison when we was leaving the graveyard.\u00a0 He was tryin ta comfort her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sat down and put his hands over his face. Joe looked at him puzzled for a moment and then put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Are ya all right Hoss?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018Did Pa do wrong, is that why you\u2019re upset? Don\u2019t worry, he only kissed her on the cheek.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at him. \u2018He what? Joe what the he\u2026. what are ya talking about boy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed impatiently. \u2018I\u2019m talking about people kissing,\u2019 he said impatiently. \u2018Haven\u2019t ya been listening ta me Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rubbed his hand over his eyes and took a deep breath. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said faintly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him puzzled. \u2018What\u2019s up with you anyways?\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t see what the big deal is about kissing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Listen Joe,\u2019 said Hoss, putting his arm around his younger brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018If I were you I wouldn\u2019t go around worrying about kissing yet.\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty of time for ya ta get ta that. Now come inta supper or Pa\u2019ll have our hides.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leapt off his perch on the upturned barrel and turned to push his brother. \u2018You have your worries and I\u2019ll have mine,\u2019 he said evasively and grinned at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss leant out to swipe him one again, but Joe sidestepped him and took a few steps backwards. \u2018Too quick fer ya big brother!\u2019 he said cheekily and stuck out his tongue. Come on, I\u2019ll race you to supper!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you certainly seem to have your appetite back Joseph,\u2019 said Ben in a pleased voice. \u2018You must be feeling better now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm,\u2019 said Joe with his mouth full. \u2018Some.\u2019\u00a0 He actually felt quite hungry tonight which wasn\u2019t surprising, as he had hardly eaten during the past few days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded his approval before turning to Adam. \u2018Son I was wondering if you could manage organising to move the rest of the herd this week to the South pasture.\u00a0 Now that this young man is feeling better I really should get to Reno to sign those contracts.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course I can Pa. Hoss can finish the rest of the fences,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018When will you go?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018On tomorrow\u2019s stage,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll stay overnight and be back on Thursday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his father eagerly, an idea forming in his mind. If Pa were away, then Adam would be in charge and maybe it might be the very time to make his move?\u00a0 He chewed thoughtfully as he put the pieces of his plan together. Wednesday night would likely be a quiet night at the Saloon \u2013 he had heard someone say once that Fridays and Saturdays were the busy nights.\u00a0 The girls would have more time for kissing him on a quiet night.\u00a0 Besides, Adam or Hoss might come and check up on him before they went to bed, but they would never check closely like Pa would.\u00a0 He\u2019d be able to sneak out and spend a couple of hours in town without anyone knowing a thing about it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His grin got wider as he thought about the education he was about to get, and he failed to see Adam\u2019s look from across the table as he sat there lost in his dreams. Now what\u2019s he so happy about? <\/em>thought Adam suspiciously.\u00a0 I hope it\u2019s got nothing to do with Pa going away overnight.<\/em> He made a mental note to watch his younger brother carefully during the next couple of days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya mean it Joe?\u2019 asked Mitch admiringly. \u2018Ya can\u2019t be serious!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his friend a superior look. \u2018Of course I mean it!\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s my only chance ta get out of the house. It\u2019d be real tricky with Pa around.\u00a0 Besides,\u2019 he added proudly. \u2018I reckon them ladies is wondering why I haven\u2019t come back yet.\u00a0 They was real keen ta get started kissing me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch sighed. \u2018Wish I could come with ya!\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018But there\u2019s no way I\u2019d get out of my house without someone noticing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe patted him on the arm. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Mitch,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll tell ya all about it, and give ya some hints ya can try on someone if ya want ta practise too.\u2019\u00a0 He looked across the playground. \u2018We could try Margaret Simpson, after all she did it with the Lupis boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well when you find out the finer details we\u2019ll give it a go,\u2019 said Mitch eagerly. \u2018Reckon she\u2019ll be in it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018Don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But we can try. Besides,\u2019 he added with a great deal of confidence. \u2018We\u2019re better looking than the Lupis boys any day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was careful not to cause any problems after school that afternoon and did his chores without being asked.\u00a0 He wanted no complications with either of his brothers to spoil what he felt would be a night to remember and decided to play it safe.\u00a0 After eating his supper without a fuss he suggested an early night for himself and was worried to see a strange look in Adam\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 his older brother asked with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No reason,\u2019 Joe said casually. \u2018Reckon I\u2019m still a bit tired from all that sickness I had last week that\u2019s all. Goodnight.\u2019\u00a0 He headed up the stairs without another word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you find that rather strange?\u2019 Adam asked Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s sure got me wondering what he\u2019s up to lately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up from the catalogue he was reading. \u2018Huh?\u00a0 Aw, leave him alone Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re always making out that the kid\u2019s up to something.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s because I know him well,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Come on Hoss, you know what he\u2019s like.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t you noticed him acting strangely lately?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stroked his chin. \u2018Actually now that ya come ta mention it, he was asking me strange things yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat forward . \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What about?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss blushed slightly. \u2018Well\u2026. just about, kissing and stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his eyebrows even further. \u2018No kidding?\u00a0 Me too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at him stunned. \u2018What?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think he\u2019d ask you after seeing you\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Seeing me what?\u2019\u2019 asked Adam suspiciously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 replied Hoss, and then shook his head slightly as he felt his older brother staring at him. \u2018Well he kinda saw ya kissing some girl and he\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam snorted. \u2018I might have known!\u2019 he said. \u2018That kid\u2019s always hanging around where he shouldn\u2019t be. He\u2019s going to get a piece of my mind!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss looked at him distressed. \u2018Aw come on Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019ll think I\u2019ve been tattling on him.\u00a0 Don\u2019t do that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I won\u2019t say it was you who told me.\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018But considering he was asking me about the rooms\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Rooms?\u2019 interrupted Hoss. \u2018You mean the rooms upstairs from the Bucket of Blood? He asked me about them too. Don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 He thinks they\u2019re just for kissing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know, but he needs to be told to shut up about it,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Otherwise Pa\u2019ll have his hide. You know he wouldn\u2019t appreciate talk like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. They both knew that Ben would never approve of their younger brother even knowing about the rooms, let alone what they were used for.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll just have a talk to him,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Tell him to shut up about it around Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya ain\u2019t gonna talk about \u2026.. well, you know, what they really are?\u2019 asked Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I\u2019m not his father.\u00a0 Pa keeps telling me that and this is one time I\u2019m willing to remember it.\u00a0 If he wants to know any more he can find out from Pa in the right way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded, quite relieved to hear it.\u00a0 A moment later he heard a yell coming from upstairs and he didn\u2019t feel so relieved after all. He looked up anxiously as Adam appeared at the top of the stairs. \u2018What?\u2019 he said as he saw the angry look on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m going to kill that kid when I find him!\u2019 yelled his brother. \u2018He\u2019s not in his room!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where would he be?\u2019 asked Hoss with a puzzled look on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018One guess,\u2019 replied Adam sarcastically as he reached for his coat. \u2018Where do you think he might be headed after the questions he\u2019s been asking all week?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The Kissing Rooms!\u2019 said Hoss, shaking his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes, the Kissing Rooms,\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018I\u2019m going to haul his butt out of there so quickly that he won\u2019t know what\u2019s hit him!\u00a0 I\u2019m going to pound his face into the dirt!\u00a0 I\u2019m going to\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you want me to come and help?\u2019 asked Hoss getting up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, you stay here in case he makes it home before I can get to him,\u2019 said Adam. He stopped for a moment with his hand on the doorknob. \u2018That crazy kid!\u00a0 He\u2019s going to wish he had never been born when I get through with him!\u2019\u00a0 Hoss flinched as the front door slammed behind his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe fingered the money in his pocket and grinned.\u00a0 He had brought all he had this time, as he wasn\u2019t quite sure if the ladies would like a drink before they got to the kissing and he didn\u2019t want to be embarrassed like the last time.\u00a0 As he approached the Bucket of Blood he was a bit taken aback to see that the place had quite a few people in it, many more than the last time.\u00a0 But then again, he reasoned that had been Sunday morning so it was to be expected. Even though this wasn\u2019t classed as a busy night a few people around might be to his advantage, as he could get a bit lost in the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He walked in slowly, pulling his black hat down over his eyes and glancing furtively around in case there was anyone he might recognise.\u00a0 A quick glance assured him that it wasn\u2019t the case, which he had been counting on.\u00a0 Most of his family\u2019s acquaintances wouldn\u2019t be in town mid-week anyway, and if they were they\u2019d be at the Silver Dollar, he was sure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quickly he scampered into the back room, and found it quite empty this time.\u00a0 Only one lady sat there in the corner, quietly drinking from a small glass.\u00a0 With relief, he noticed that it was the red-haired lady who had been so nice to him the other day. \u2018Hello,\u2019 he said with his most charming grin as he walked up to her. \u2018I\u2019m back!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She looked up at him. \u2018Huh?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He tried again. \u2018I\u2019m back,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018Remember me? Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She shook her head. \u2018Nope, sorry kid.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018I was in here on Sunday morning.\u00a0 You said I could come back for an education. You said you\u2019d teach me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She laughed. \u2018Oh yeah!\u00a0 I remember.\u00a0 You\u2019re that cute kid ain\u2019t ya Joe?\u00a0 The one who was going to buy all us ladies a drink.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He grinned at her again and sat down. \u2018Yep, that\u2019s me!\u2019 he said with more confidence. \u2018I will before we start if ya like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She reached over and stroked his neck. \u2018Thanks, but I\u2019ve already got one.\u00a0 And I don\u2019t have time for any lessons now kid, even for a cutie like you.\u00a0 I\u2019m working.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked around at the empty room. \u2018Working at what?\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no one here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled. \u2018Well you\u2019re right there!\u2019 she said. \u2018Tell you what Joe. How about you show me how much money you\u2019ve got and we\u2019ll see if we can come to some arrangement.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe eagerly emptied his pocket and put the change on the table. \u2018Is that enough?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She bent forward and looked at it, then sighed. \u2018Guess it\u2019ll have to do,\u2019 she said. \u2018Are you sure about this?\u00a0 You are kinda young.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He drew himself up to his full height. \u2018I\u2019m old enough,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just want you ta show me what ta do, and then I\u2019m gonna practise till I get better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She choked as she took another swallow of her drink. \u2018Well I\u2019ll say one thing, you\u2019re a forward kid!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin got bigger. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Say what\u2019s ya name anyways?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Betsy,\u2019 she said, standing up and picking up his money. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get started.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood up eagerly and followed her up a flight of steps.\u00a0 His heart was pounding as he realised that he was so close to the kissing part, and he licked his lips with excitement.\u00a0 As Betsy ushered him into one of the rooms he looked around with great anticipation and was surprised to see that it was a room like any other.\u00a0 There didn\u2019t seem to be anything special about it at all, for it was sparsely furnished with a bed and a small table and nothing else.\u00a0 He looked around and then turned to Betsy. \u2018Can we start now?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She laughed at him. \u2018Simmer down there Joe, let\u2019s get organised first shall we?\u2019 She sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her as she smiled at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He hesitated. \u2018Um\u2026. I don\u2019t know if I should sit down there,\u2019 he said, a little uncomfortable. \u2018Can\u2019t we just stand up?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She stared at him. \u2018No honey, I think it\u2019s better if we sit down to start.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He reluctantly sat next to her.\u00a0 She reached over and put her face close to his as she whispered. \u2018It\u2019s OK Joe, I\u2019ll be real gentle with you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He smiled at her a little hesitantly.\u00a0 Now that he was up here he was feeling a little strange, but tried not to show it. His stomach felt like it was fluttering and he swallowed to try and calm it down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She reached over and put her hand behind his neck and gave it a slight rub. \u2018Now honey, she said. \u2018Just relax for Betsy will you?\u00a0 We\u2019ll get on much better if you do.\u2019 He nodded silently as he stared at her. She bent closer and touched her lips lightly against his, barely brushing them in passing.\u00a0 A thrill ran through his body and he closed his eyes as he leant closer to her. Gently she pushed her lips down on his and he felt a rush of exhilaration course through his body as he returned the pressure. \u2018Steady Joe,\u2019 she laughed as she moved back from him. \u2018Like this.\u2019\u00a0 She tried again, and he felt her mouth forcing his open.\u00a0 He parted his lips eagerly and put his arms around her shoulders, bending forward to get even closer to her mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a few moments they stayed in that position, both enjoying the contact.\u00a0 After a few moments Betsy moved back from him and looked at him with wide eyes. \u2018Well I think you might be a natural at this Joe,\u2019 she said. \u2018Just a natural for a boy your age.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe puffed up with pride, glad that she considered him good at it. \u2018That was real nice Betsy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can we do it again?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of course we can,\u2019 she said gleefully. \u2018Let\u2019s try another, shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the next few moments they both revelled in Joe\u2019s newfound skill, Betsy enjoying the freshness of his approach and Joe enjoying the freshness of the whole experience.\u00a0 As he moved his lips and head eagerly, thoughts of what he would say to Mitch ran through his mind and he tried to focus on exactly what she was doing and how it felt so that he could describe it in detail later.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he felt her mouth move away from his and he moved slightly to claim it back again. \u2018Steady Joe,\u2019 she whispered. \u2018Just go with it honey.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He hesitated as he felt her lips trace a trail down his chin and neck, and end up making little fluttery movements on the top of his chest.\u00a0 This was incredible!\u00a0 He had never known that anyone would kiss anywhere but on the other person\u2019s face, and he wondered why he hadn\u2019t thought of this before.\u00a0 Eagerly he returned the favour and nuzzled her neck with his mouth.\u00a0 She giggled. \u2018That\u2019s it Joe. Now you\u2019re getting the idea.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was having so much fun that he didn\u2019t realise what she was doing until it was too late and his hand was being held on her bosom.\u00a0 He drew back quickly and looked at her in surprise. \u2018What\u2019cha doing?\u2019 he asked a little anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She took hold of his hand again. \u2018I told you Joe, just relax.\u2019\u00a0 She tried to put it back to where it had rested before, but he drew back again. She massaged his neck and said gently. \u2018All right then honey, I\u2019ll give you a bit of help will I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To Joe\u2019s shock and consternation she reached behind her back and fumbled for a moment with her dress.\u00a0 His gaze was riveted to her heaving bosom and it wasn\u2019t until it was too late that he realised just what she was doing. Her dress suddenly dropped to her waist and he saw the real version of what he had just a few days ago been so eager to see in the picture.\u00a0 He looked at her in utter embarrassment and his mouth dropped open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come on honey, you can touch them now,\u2019 she said invitingly as she leant forward and her bosom flopped towards him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and said miserably. \u2018I\u2026. I\u2026 I um don\u2019t think I\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She leant forward and clutched his hands and planted them firmly.\u00a0 \u2018There,\u2019 she said. \u2018That\u2019s not so difficult is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He reluctantly moved his hands slightly and was surprised to feel her bosoms were quite squishy.\u00a0 Embarrassed, he leant back until he was pressing against the bed head. \u2018I \u2026.um\u2026 they\u2019re very nice,\u2019 he said, looking away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Betsy leant forward until she was almost lying on top of him. \u2018Try again,\u2019 she invited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at the two orbs dangling in front of his nose and closed his eyes.\u00a0 He suddenly felt very hot and realised that it might be time to get home before it got too late. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026 thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I kinda gotta go now,\u2019 he stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Betsy pressed down on him. \u2018Go?\u2019 she said. \u2018Why Joe honey, we\u2019re just getting started.\u00a0 Just you look at what Betsy has in store for you next.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gulped as she reached down and began to undo his shirt buttons.\u00a0 He pushed her hands away and tried to get out from under her, but she grabbed his hands and held onto them. \u2018Come on now honey,\u2019 she said. \u2018This is what you came up here for isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He shook his head. \u2018Huh? I thought you was gonna teach me about kissing,\u2019 he said, desperately now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I am,\u2019 she whispered. \u2018And lots more besides.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t sure what the lots more besides was going to be, but he already felt that the dangling bosoms were more than he could handle right about now.\u00a0 With one big push he rolled her off him and scrambled to his feet.\u00a0 \u2018Thanks Betsy,\u2019 he gulped. \u2018I had a real nice time looking at your bosoms and all, but I do kinda have ta go home now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She looked up at him sadly. \u2018What a shame,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam strode through the doors of the Bucket of Blood and glared around. \u2018Will,\u2019 he said to the bartender. \u2018Have you seen a youngster in here tonight?\u00a0 Thin, with curly brown hair and green eyes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said the man. \u2018The same kid that was in here on Sunday morning.\u00a0 He went into the back room.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glared at him. \u2018Did you say Sunday morning?\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep.\u00a0 Made a real hit with all the gals in there too.\u00a0 They thought he was kinda cute, I think.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned even more. \u2018He\u2019s not going to be so cute when I get my hands on him,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Where is he now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He went upstairs with Betsy,\u2019 said Will. \u2018It\u2019s room number\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam waved him aside. \u2018I know my way,\u2019 he said. He leapt up the stairs three at a time, his head thumping with the blood that was coursing through it.\u00a0 He stopped at the third room down the hall and hesitated only for a moment before he flung the door wide open. He stood open-mouthed at the sight of his little brother standing in the middle of the room, with his gaze transfixed to the ample bare breasts of the red-haired woman lying on the bed in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With two strides he had covered the distance between them and grabbed hold of his brother\u2019s collar.\u00a0 With the full weight that he had at his disposal he pulled the boy backwards and towards the door. Joe turned his head as he felt himself flung backwards and nearly lost his footing.\u00a0 \u2018You!\u2019 Adam yelled in his face. \u2018Get out now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated, too stunned to move. One moment he was staring at Betsy\u2019s squishy bosoms and then next he was staring at Adam\u2019s face. He opened his mouth, but then shut it again as he realised there was nothing he could think of to say. He took a step backwards, trying to create a distance between himself and his irate brother, but was unsuccessful as Adam had a tight grip on his arm.\u00a0 \u2018Move!\u2019 yelled Adam again, pushing him towards the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Betsy stood up and began to cover herself. \u2018Adam,\u2019 she said happily. \u2018How lovely to see you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned to stare at his brother. They knew each other?\u00a0 He might have known it!\u00a0 Adam had been practising kissing up here all right, and probably looking at bosoms as well, just like he had.\u00a0 With this new-found knowledge he became a little braver in the face of the danger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya know Betsy?\u2019 he said to his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned and slapped him on the side of his head. \u2018Shut up,\u2019 he said and then turned to Betsy again. \u2018You just leave my little brother alone in the future if you know what\u2019s good for you,\u2019 he snarled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The woman jerked. \u2018Your\u2026. what?\u2019\u00a0 She stared at them both. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be!\u00a0 I thought he reminded me of someone.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled at Joe. \u2018Now I know why you were such a quick learner honey.\u00a0 It must \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s enough!\u2019 said Adam, really furious now. He turned away from her and pushed his younger brother down the stairs and out of the front door of the saloon.\u00a0 Without a word he propelled him along the street to where their horses were tied and pushed the boy up against his mount. He leant close to him and waved his finger directly under his nose as he said in a quiet voice. \u2018Now you listen to me real well Joe. You get on that horse and then we are riding back to the ranch.\u00a0 You are not to utter one word\u2026. Is that clear?\u00a0 Not a single word until we get there.\u00a0 I will deal with you at home, and if you want any part of you to remain for Pa to find when he returns tomorrow you\u2019ll do exactly as I say. Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and nodded.\u00a0 He had never heard his brother address him using quite this tone, and he thought for once it might be sensible just to hold his tongue.\u00a0 He got onto his horse without a word and throughout the long journey home was as silent as he could be. He stole a couple of glances at Adam as they rode silently side-by-side and he didn\u2019t like what he saw.\u00a0 His brother was stony-faced with his jaw clamped shut and he was staring straight ahead.\u00a0 Joe felt the anger that hung between them and hated to think of what his brother may have meant when he said that he would deal with him. He figured it wouldn\u2019t be at all pleasant and wished that he could just have it over with.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam for his part was trying to maintain his control.\u00a0 His first impulse was to knock his little brother\u2019s head off, but with great restraint he managed to hold himself together long enough to allow for some breathing space.\u00a0 In all honesty he was a little afraid of what he might do to the boy if he allowed himself to start, and needed the ride home to gather his emotions and work out just what to say.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time they reached the barn, he still didn\u2019t know.\u00a0 He signalled for Joe to take the horses inside, and Joe did so without hesitation.\u00a0 He stabled both mounts, watching his brother pacing outside while he worked.\u00a0 When he had finished he squared his shoulders back and tried to give the impression that all was well as he walked outside. \u2018Well, I guess I\u2019ll get upstairs now to my room,\u2019 he said, trying to appear nonchalant.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at him. \u2018Back in there!\u2019 he said pointing into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a step back as his brother made a move towards him, and gulped. \u2018Can\u2019t we just\u2026\u2019 Adam pointed again and took another step forward.\u00a0 Joe turned quickly and did as he was bid, standing not too far from the door in case he had to make a quick getaway.\u00a0 He watched Adam pacing again for a few moments, until finally his older brother turned to face him. \u2018I suppose you think you\u2019re pretty darned clever, nearly getting away with that!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No, I only\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Quiet!\u2019 his brother interrupted. \u2018You shut up until I tell you to open your mouth. Understand?\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded again and backed up against the wall.\u00a0 \u2018Now, one thing needs to be made very clear between us. I never want, and I mean NEVER want to hear of you going in there again.\u00a0 If I do, then you will wish you had never heard of the Bucket of Blood, let alone those rooms upstairs!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The Kissing Rooms,\u2019 Joe said without thinking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped pacing and glared at him. \u2018Did I tell you to speak?\u2019 he shouted.\u00a0 Joe shook his head again and closed his mouth. Adam continued. \u2018I am going to give you such a walloping tonight that you will remember this for the rest of your life little brother.\u00a0 And then I\u2019m going to hand you over to Pa tomorrow when he gets home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe went pale. \u2018Adam you can\u2019t!\u2019 he squeaked. \u2018Pa will kill me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes he will,\u2019 Adam said without feeling. \u2018Which is no more than you deserve!\u00a0 What the hell were you thinking?\u00a0 What possessed you to go in there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wanted ta learn about kissing,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018They said they\u2019d teach me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really? When?\u2019\u00a0 Joe was silent. \u2018On Sunday I suppose during your little excursion there!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared at his brother.\u00a0 How had he known about Sunday? \u2018Um\u2026\u2026yeah,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you visited there twice!\u2019 Adam thundered. \u2018You are in for it Joe!\u00a0 You are going to wish\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared back at him. \u2018Well you visited there too!\u2019 he countered. \u2018Betsy knew who you were, so you musta been there practising kissing and looking at \u2026. You musta been there too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a step towards him. \u2018What I do in my life is none of your business!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I am an adult and responsible for my own actions, whereas you are a mere child.\u00a0 That much you\u2019ve proved tonight at least!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smirked. \u2018Betsy didn\u2019t seem ta think so,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook him. \u2018Shut up!\u2019 he said. \u2018It was obvious you were in way over your head little brother, so don\u2019t make this any worse by lying about what happened.\u00a0 You went up there to kiss a girl and you saw more than you bargained for.\u00a0 I\u2019m just grateful I got there before she went too far with you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him, not too sure what he meant by too far. \u2018I coulda handled it!\u2019 he said confidently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook him again. \u2018I said to shut up!\u2019 he said and turned to pace again, muttering to himself.\u00a0 Joe stood and watched him silently, hoping that he would calm down enough to allow him to get a few words in. Finally Adam turned to him again. \u2018Right!\u2019 he said, breathing heavily. \u2018It\u2019s over with now.\u00a0 But you have to realise that you can\u2019t get away with something like this.\u2019\u00a0 He started to unbuckle his belt. \u2018Get your shirt off,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him appalled. \u2018No way!\u2019 he said. \u2018You ain\u2019t laying a hand on me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You get that shirt off or I\u2019ll rip it off you personally,\u2019 Adam retorted. \u2018Now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood his ground. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018You ain\u2019t my Pa, and I ain\u2019t taking this from you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll take it from me and you\u2019ll take it from Pa as well tomorrow,\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018Wait until he finds out what you\u2019ve done!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Wait until he finds out what you done too!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You heard me.\u00a0 If you tell Pa, then I\u2019ll tell him how Betsy knew you up there. She seemed ta know you real well!\u2019\u00a0 Joe swallowed, feeling a lot less confident about how his brother would react to this blackmail than he sounded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll do what??\u2019 shouted Adam. \u2018How dare you threaten me!\u2019\u00a0 Joe stared at him silently, praying that his threat would work. \u2018I\u2019m not about to take this kind of garbage from you Joe!\u2019 shouted Adam again, and turned to pace up and down once more, rubbing his nose as he walked.\u00a0 Joe stood as still as he could be, trying to give his brother space to come to the right conclusion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finally Adam stopped pacing and looked at Joe again. \u2018Well maybe you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Maybe this should be just between the two of us.\u2019\u00a0 Joe grinned. \u2018But you\u2019re not getting away with it that easy!\u2019 countered Adam. \u2018You\u2019re still going to be punished by me, and I\u2019m going to give you a lesson you\u2019ll never forget.\u00a0 Now get that shirt off!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam advanced upon him and grabbed him by the arm. \u2018We can do this the easy way little brother, or we can do this the hard way,\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0 \u2018Your choice!\u2019\u00a0 Joe swallowed again as his hand slowly reached up to undo his top button.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You shouldn\u2019t let him get away with that Joe!\u2019 said Mitch indignantly. \u2018He\u2019s got no right to belt you like that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded miserably. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. Trouble is, I can\u2019t make a fuss about it to Pa and Adam knows it. Seems I don\u2019t have much choice.\u2019\u00a0 He shifted slightly on the bench and arched his back. \u2018Besides,\u2019 he added with a slight grin. \u2018He didn\u2019t put much force into it ya know.\u00a0 Guess I scared him a bit with my threat ta tell Pa.\u2019 He grinned wider. \u2018Anyway, it was worth it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tell me again,\u2019 encouraged Mitch.\u00a0 \u2018I want to hear it all again from the beginning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well the kissing part was great,\u2019 said Joe enthusiastically. \u2018But it was the bosoms that really were exciting!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 said Mitch with shining eyes. \u2018And you actually touched them?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yep!\u2019 said Joe proudly. \u2018I did. They was all squishy too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Wow,\u2019 said Mitch looking at him admiringly. \u2018Reckon you know it all now Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe a hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Mitch, one day you\u2019ll get the chance as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I hope so,\u2019 Mitch sighed. \u2018I\u2019d hate to think I won\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Believe me it\u2019s worth it,\u2019 continued Joe. \u2018When you\u2019ve done it you\u2019ll understand what it\u2019s like to be a man.\u00a0 Reckon I am one now for sure, no one could argue that I wasn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018For sure!\u2019 agreed Mitch. \u2018Hey Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you reckon would have happened if Adam hadn\u2019t interrupted you?\u2019\u00a0 Joe had not quite told the entire truth at this point in the story and preferred to let his friend think that his brother had interrupted him as he was about to find out more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mitch I don\u2019t think you need to know that,\u2019 he said, not sure himself.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s best if you take things one step at a time.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t like to give you too much information all at once and have ya worry about handling it.\u2019\u00a0 Mitch frowned at him. \u2018Don\u2019t worry though,\u2019 continued Joe. \u2018When you\u2019re up ta the bosoms bit I\u2019ll talk to ya about the next bit then.\u2019\u00a0 He figured by then he might have it worked out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Joe,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018You\u2019re a great friend.\u2019 Joe smiled at him. \u2018But you ain\u2019t going back there are you? That\u2019s an awful risk to take now that Adam knows.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I can handle Adam,\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0 \u2018Besides I don\u2019t mean right away.\u00a0 But I\u2019ll back there eventually.\u00a0 After all, they were real keen on me, and I reckon there\u2019s a few other ladies there that\u2019d like ta show me their bosoms too. Once ya\u2019ve seen one lot ya kinda get a hankering to see more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I reckon you\u2019re right,\u2019 agreed his friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n —————–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stepped down from the stage and looked around, and his eyes lit up as he saw Adam standing by the stage office waiting for him. \u2018Hello son,\u2019 he said, giving him a quick pat on the shoulder.\u00a0 Adam never liked displays of affection in public, and Ben was always very aware of that.\u00a0 Not so his youngest son, however, who bounded over to him and clasped him around the neck briefly. \u2018Hello,\u2019 he said laughing. \u2018What are you doing here Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe has been sticking pretty close to me while you\u2019ve been away,\u2019 said Adam casually.\u00a0 I told him to meet me here after school and we could all go home together.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Any particular reason?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at his brother, who gave his father a big grin. \u2018Just cause I\u2019m pleased ta see ya Pa!\u2019 Joe said. \u2018How\u2019d ya go in Reno?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fine, fine,\u2019 said Ben as he reached up for his bag. The three of them wandered down the street as he began to tell them about his business deal.\u00a0 As they crossed over to the buggy that Adam had hitched on the other side of the street, they passed a woman dressed in red who smiled at them all.\u00a0 \u2018Hello Joe,\u2019 she said as she passed them and gave him a pat on the arm as she winked at him. \u2018How are you today?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at the ground and mumbled, \u2018Fine thanks,\u2019 before scampering over to his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood stock still watching the woman\u2019s retreating back with a look of utter shock on his face. He turned towards Adam who noticed that his father\u2019s face had gone a bright shade of red.\u00a0 \u2018What on earth?\u2019 he said incredulously.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, knowing that there was no way to avoid telling his father the story now. When a woman like Betsy greeted someone in the street there was only one place she could have met them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took two strides over to where his youngest son was cowering near his horse. \u2018What was that all about?\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved around to the other side of the horse. \u2018Gee I dunno Pa,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved around the other side of the horse as well and grabbed him by the arm. \u2018You know her?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gulped and looked at Adam beseechingly, but his older brother just stared back at him. \u2018I\u2026 um\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 he stammered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She knows you,\u2019 said his father in the same low voice.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019d like to know how.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe breathed heavily and fiddled with the strap on his saddle as he tried to think up a logical reason for a woman from the Bucket of Blood Saloon greeting him in the street. \u2018Well\u2026Pa\u2026 I\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at him. \u2018I\u2019m waiting Joseph,\u2019 he said and leant forward to whisper. \u2018Don\u2019t even think about lying your way out of this one if you value your life boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knew he had no choice but to come clean. \u2018I met her,\u2019 he said quietly, hoping he wouldn\u2019t have to elaborate. Ben continued to stare at him. \u2018In the \u2026. the Saloon,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You went into the Saloon?\u00a0 Did your brothers give you permission?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at Adam again, but he said nothing. \u2018Um\u2026. no they didn\u2019t,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And so you just decided you would go in there for a drink did you?\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe considered owning up to this the lesser of two evils. \u2018Um\u2026 yeah I did,\u2019 he said taking a step back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben reached out and grabbed him by the shoulders, then closed his eyes for a moment. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he yelled at the boy. \u2018Get on that horse and ride for home NOW! You and I are going to have a discussion when I get there, and I\u2019m warning you it won\u2019t be a little one!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t get onto his horse quickly enough.\u00a0 As he raced down the street, Ben turned to Adam. \u2018You knew about this?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam his hands up in a gesture of resignation.\u00a0 There was no hope for it now.\u00a0 \u2018I found out last night,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you\u2019d better ask Joe all about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you worry I intend to do more than just talk to that young man when I get him alone,\u2019 said his father angrily as he turned to mount his horse. Adam mounted alongside him and they began to ride at a more sedate pace than Joe had done moments before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a few moments, Ben turned to Adam again. \u2018You said the other day he was asking about those rooms.\u00a0 You don\u2019t think\u2026.\u2019 He stopped and shook his head. \u2018No, that\u2019s just plain ridiculous. A boy his age wouldn\u2019t get near a woman like Betsy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018Pa I think there\u2019s a lot I need to tell you about last night,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe got in sort of over his head. Don\u2019t worry, nothing happened, but I did have to go in there and get him out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at him with his mouth open. \u2018You don\u2019t mean to tell me that the boy actually went\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018I\u2019m afraid so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on I\u2019ll tell you about it as we ride.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they rounded the corner of the street and headed for the trail that led to The Ponderosa, Adam faltered for a moment as a thought struck him and he stared incredulously at his father riding in front of him. He had suddenly realised that neither he nor Joe had mentioned the woman\u2019s name, and yet Ben had called her Betsy!\u00a0 He stopped dead in his tracks staring at the man until Ben turned to face him. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018What is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed . \u2018Um\u2026. Nothing Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018We need to talk about Little Joe that\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 He caught up with his father and began to relate the sorry tale.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 An adolescent Joe tries to find out about the upstairs rooms in the saloon.
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