Summary:\u00a0 Ben has a headache, which throws the household into turmoil
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 7,200 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Pa\u2019s Headache<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ben massaged his temples as he walked down the hallway towards the stairs. For some reason his head was pounding and he would have liked nothing more than to go back to bed again, but Ben Cartwright wasn\u2019t the sort of man to lie down when there was a ranch to be run. He hadn\u2019t built the empire that was The Ponderosa by slackening off every time he felt unwell, so with his shoulders squared, he walked down the stairs as he straightened his necktie. \u201cGood morning boys,\u201d he said to his three sons who were already seated at the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning Pa,\u201d said Hoss, lifting his head for a moment and then putting his attention back to the task in front of him, which was the emptying of the huge mound of eggs and bacon on his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning Pa,\u201d said Adam and then turned back to Joe again. \u201c\u2026 because I told you to,\u201d he said, obviously finishing off a conversation that he\u2019d been having with his youngest brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I don\u2019t see why you get to decide all the time,\u201d said Joe indignantly. \u201cTell Adam he isn\u2019t in charge round here all the time, will you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben slid onto his chair wearily. \u201cGood morning Joseph,\u201d he said pointedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh \u2026 Morning,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAdam thinks he\u2019s the boss of me just because he\u2019s the eldest. Tell him to stop bossing me around, will you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his elbows on the table and massaged his temples again, hoping that the movement would lessen the pounding in his head. He really didn\u2019t need to start his day with one of Joe\u2019s usual arguments, but it seemed as if his youngest son was once again bucking against his brother\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d said Joe again. \u201cI don\u2019t have to spend the morning chopping wood just cause Adam tells me to, do I?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know full well that you were supposed to chop that wood yesterday,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for your laziness, then you would have got it done then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI am not lazy!\u201d declared Joe indignantly. \u201cYou said to clean out the tack room and I did it, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cBut you were supposed to clean out the tack room and get the wood chopped as well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell it ain\u2019t my fault if cleaning out the tack room took all day,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cIt was real messy!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell if you hadn\u2019t just\u00a0 thrown \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoys please!\u201d interrupted Ben abruptly. \u201cWould you stop arguing!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both of his sons looked at him in surprise and Hoss lifted his head from his plate, gave his father a strange look and then bent over his meal again. \u201cAre you alright Pa?\u201d asked Adam finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes of course I\u2019m alright!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I be alright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou look kinda funny,\u201d said Joe, staring at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve just got a headache,\u201d said Ben, picking up his coffee cup.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing heard Ben\u2019s words as he walked into the room and plonked down another plate of eggs on the table. Hoss immediately scooped up a few more spoonfuls and then went back to eating. \u201cMr Cartwright have headache?\u201d said Hop Sing, beaming at the man happily. \u201cI fix up quick smart!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFix up how?\u201d asked Ben, taking another sip of his coffee.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOld Chinese remedy,\u201d said Hop Sing proudly. \u201cI fix for you.\u201d\u00a0 He scuttled from the room quickly, beaming at the thought of being able to try out one of his many concoctions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo anyway,\u201d continued Joe, nonplussed. \u201cTell Adam that I don\u2019t haveta chop all that wood Pa, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told,\u201d said Ben, massaging his temples again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut that ain\u2019t fair!\u201d declared Joe. \u201cI was gonna \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said that you\u2019d do as you\u2019re told Joseph!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cAnd that\u2019s an end to it young man!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled at Adam and slunk down in his seat as Adam smirked at him. \u201cAin\u2019t fair,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph please!\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m really not in the mood for your nonsense this morning. Now eat your breakfast and be quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his father an intense look. \u201cYou don\u2019t look at all well,\u201d he said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go back to bed for the day Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed, wishing with all his heart that he could. \u201cHow can I?\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s work to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s always work to be done,\u201d said Adam reasonably. \u201cBut there\u2019s nothing that won\u2019t keep is there? Or nothing that one of us can\u2019t do for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lifted his head. \u201cYeah Pa,\u201d he said, with his mouth full. \u201cI\u2019ll do ya work fer ya today iffen ya want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut there are a lot of accounts to get organised and I\u2019d better do them.\u201d Hoss nodded thoughtfully before going back to eating. Bookwork wasn\u2019t something he was particularly good at and they all knew it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could do the accounts for you,\u201d insisted Adam. \u201cI\u2019ve done them before.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated, the offer sounding wonderful to him as he listened to the pounding of his head. \u201cBut you were going to get the supplies this morning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could get them!\u201d said Joe quickly. \u201cI don\u2019t mind. Then Adam could do the accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow generous of you to volunteer to get into town,\u201d said Adam sarcastically and Joe beamed at him. \u201cWhat about the wood?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cHop Sing needs it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could do that,\u201d said Hoss, lifting his head again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe quickly. \u201cHoss could do that. He don\u2019t mind, do ya Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u201cI was gonna fix them horseshoes,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I can do that later. I like chopping wood.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe can do the horseshoes later \u2026 He likes chopping wood,\u201d echoed Joe. \u201cSee Pa? It\u2019s all fixed.\u201d\u00a0 He patted his father on the arm in a comforting way. \u201cYou go back to bed and we\u2019ll run things around here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam snorted. \u201cThe day we leave you in charge will be a day to mark down on the calendar,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure everything gets done Pa. You go on back up to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up. \u201cYou know what boys? I just think that I will. Thank you. A day in bed might do me the world of good.\u201d\u00a0 He walked towards the stairs and climbed them slowly, watched thoughtfully by his three sons.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe really don\u2019t look too good,\u201d said Joe thoughtfully. \u201cWhat do ya reckon is the matter with him Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou heard him,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s got a headache.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it\u2019s more serious than that?\u201d said Joe, an anxious look coming over his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop making a fuss,\u201d said Adam, wiping his mouth with his napkin as he got up from the table. \u201cI\u2019m going to start those accounts and if you know what\u2019s good for you you\u2019ll get the buckboard ready and get into town right away.\u201d He pointed at his youngest brother meaningfully. \u201cAnd you be back by lunchtime,\u201d he said. \u201cNo loitering in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried to look offended. \u201cMe?\u201d he said. \u201cAs if I would.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded thoughtfully, but said nothing. \u201cYou starting work now Hoss?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lifted his head again. \u201cIn a minute,\u201d he said reaching for the last of the eggs. \u201cI\u2019d hate these ta go ta waste.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief as he eased his aching head onto his soft pillow. He felt slightly guilty about being back in bed again, but as the boys had said \u2026. there was nothing that they couldn\u2019t handle. It would do him good to have some quiet time and maybe get some extra sleep. He was just drifting off when he felt the presence of someone in the room and opened his eyes again to see Joe staring down at him anxiously. \u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d he asked sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was just checking to see if you was alright Pa,\u201d said Joe. \u201cDo you need anything?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo thank you son,\u201d said Ben, closing his eyes again. \u201cThank you anyway.\u201d After a moment he opened them again and looked up at Joe who hadn\u2019t moved. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want any breakfast?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cYou didn\u2019t eat any.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo thank you son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m not really hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou should eat Pa,\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cIt\u2019ll do your headache good.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine thank you son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019d just like to get some sleep,\u201d he added meaningfully. Joe however didn\u2019t take the hint, but sat down on the edge of his father\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you want something to drink?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo thank you,\u201d said Ben, beginning to feel a little cross with his son. \u201cJust go and do whatever it is you were going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment, Hop Sing entered the room, carrying something on a tray. \u201cSit up Mr Ben,\u201d he ordered. \u201cHave willow bark tea for you to drink.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat up wearily and Joe immediately leant forward and rearranged his father\u2019s pillows so that he was propped up on them.<\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d said Hop Sing, holding out the steaming cup. \u201cWill make headache better.\u201d\u00a0 He beamed at Ben as the man took a sip of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you say this was?\u201d asked Ben, making a face as he tasted the tea.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWillow bark tea,\u201d said Hop Sing proudly. \u201cIs good for headache.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell it may be good for my headache, but it\u2019s not going to do my stomach any good,\u201d said Ben, holding the cup out to him. \u201cThank you Hop Sing, but I\u2019d rather have the headache.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s face immediately went from a smile to a frown. \u201cMr Ben drink!\u201d he said sternly. \u201cIs good for you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Ben. \u201cBut \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou always tell us to take our medicine when we\u2019re sick,\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cJust drink it quickly and it won\u2019t be too bad Pa.\u201d\u00a0 He reached out and held the cup to his father\u2019s mouth. \u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d he said, tilting the cup slightly. \u201cDrink it up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head so that his mouth moved away from the cup. \u201cI can drink it myself Joseph,\u201d he said crossly and downed the tea in a few gulps. \u201cThank you Hop Sing,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sure it will help.\u201d He tried to lie down again, but found that he couldn\u2019t due to all the pillows that Joe had propped up behind him. \u201cWould you move these please Joe?\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d like to lie down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Joe, springing forward to move the pillows as Hop Sing left the room. Ben snuggled down again and closed his eyes, then opened them again to see Joe still sitting there. \u201cWould you please leave now?\u201d he asked crossly. \u201cI\u2019d like to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mind me Pa,\u201d said Joe, settling back on the edge of the bed comfortably. \u201cI\u2019ll just sit here quietly in case you think of something you might need.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need anything!\u201d said Ben crossly. \u201cNow please go and do your work and leave me alone!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and stood up. \u201cOk Pa,\u201d he said, straightening out the blankets on his father\u2019s bed. \u201cYou get some sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pulled the blankets back towards him. \u201cStop fiddling with those,\u201d he said and rolled over his side to face the wall. He breathed a sigh of relief as he heard Joe tiptoeing softly from the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he opened his eyes again as he heard a rhythmic pounding noise outside his window. \u201cWhat is that?\u201d he said aloud and listened for a few moments. Finally he realised that it was probably Hoss chopping wood down in the yard. Ben stuffed a pillow over his head and closed his eyes determinedly as he tried to sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned at the column of figures in front of him on the desk and checked a couple of pieces of paper again. \u201cI really don\u2019t see how this adds up with that,\u201d he muttered to himself. \u201cMaybe if I \u2026\u201d He looked up as his youngest brother crossed the room. \u201cHaven\u2019t you gone to town yet?\u201d he asked crossly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head and shirted the pile of blankets that he was carrying from one arm to the other. \u201cHop Sing ain\u2019t finished his list for me yet,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s been too busy making medicine for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to walk up the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going with those?\u201d asked Adam, indicating the blankets in his brother\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought Pa might appreciate some extras,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell put them in there quietly and don\u2019t disturb him,\u201d said Adam, looking down at the column of figures in the ledger again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated for a moment and then came over and sat down on the edge of the desk, looking at his brother as he worked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d said Adam, looking up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking Adam,\u201d said Joe, a serious look on his face. \u201cI reckon Pa might be real sick you know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u201cYou heard him before. He\u2019s just got a headache, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d he said wisely. \u201cHe sure didn\u2019t look too good to me. It could be something real serious Adam. Pa never goes to bed sick.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop over reacting,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIf it was anything more then he\u2019d tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think that he would,\u201d he said. He leant forward and stared at his brother. \u201cI reckon he wouldn\u2019t tell us cause he wouldn\u2019t want us to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019d tell us,\u201d said Adam. \u201cNow will you go away and let me get on with this? It\u2019s hard enough without you interrupting me all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCrabby!\u201d said Joe, getting off the desk and heading towards the stairs again. \u201cI\u2019m just worried bout Pa is all. No one else around here seems to be,\u201d he muttered under his breath. He crept quietly into his father\u2019s room and put the blankets down on the bottom of the bed. \u201cPa?\u201d he said. \u201cAre you asleep?\u201d Ben grunted. \u201cI brought you some extra blankets,\u201d said Joe. \u201cDo you want one more on you?\u201d Ben grunted again and Joe took that to be a yes, so he spread one of the blankets on the bed and then patted his father on the head. \u201cSleep well Pa,\u201d he said tenderly and then left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wiped his brow with his neckerchief and then put it back into his pocket before picking up the axe again and bringing it down hard on a piece of wood, splitting it in two. \u201cAin\u2019t ya gone yet?\u201d he asked as Joe came out of the front doorway and walked towards him. \u201cI thought ya\u2019d be halfway ta town by now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going,\u201d said Joe, sitting down on the woodpile and watching his brother work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf ya\u2019re only gonna sit there watching me ya chores fer ya, then ya might as well do em yaself,\u201d said Hoss, splitting another log.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d said Joe, ignoring his brother\u2019s statement. \u201cHave you ever known Pa to spend a day in bed before?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped working and thought for a moment. \u201cDon\u2019t reckon as I have Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cNow that ya come ta mention it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell then!\u201d said Joe, as if that explained everything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell then what?\u201d said Hoss, giving his brother a puzzled look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI reckon he\u2019s real sick Hoss,\u201d said Joe. \u201cMaybe we should get Doc Martin to take a look at him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his chin thoughtfully. \u201cNah!\u201d he said, beginning to cut the wood again. \u201cI reckon Pa woulda said if he wanted the Doc. It\u2019s like Adam says Joe, it\u2019s just a headache.\u201d\u00a0 He spilt a particularly large log straight down the middle and grinned at it happily. \u201cSides,\u201d he added. \u201cHop Sing will fix him right up with one of them Chinese medicines he makes.\u201d He put another piece of wood on the chopping block and cleft it straight down the middle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly the curtains at the window of their father\u2019s room twitched sideways and Ben put his head out of the window. \u201cHoss?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wiped his face and looked up at his father. \u201cYeah Pa?\u201d he shouted back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you have work to do son, but do you think you could do it a little quieter?\u201d asked Ben, holding his head with one hand while he supported himself with the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll try and chop a bit quieter.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rolled his eyes. \u201cSon \u2026 please find something else to do. Something that isn\u2019t so noisy right under my window.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Pa,\u201d said Hoss, giving his father and easy grin. \u201cI\u2019ve done most of the wood anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cGood,\u201d he said. \u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0 He withdrew his head again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSee?\u201d said Joe knowingly. \u201cHe\u2019s real sick Hoss. He never tells us not to work usually.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put down the axe. \u201cMebbe,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d better get that team hitched up or you\u2019ll be the sick one after brother Adam gets through with you though Joe.\u201d\u00a0 He strode off to the barn to continue his work somewhere else.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Upstairs, Ben crept back into bed again, thankful that the constant pounding noise outside had finally stopped. He held his palms flat against the temples and stared at the ceiling, willing the pounding in his head to stop as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still awake,\u201d said a voice and he turned to see Adam standing in the doorway looking at him anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Ben and turned his gaze back to the ceiling again. \u201cHop Sing is downstairs cooking up another remedy for you,\u201d said Adam, coming into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I hope it doesn\u2019t taste like the last one did,\u201d said his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled and sat down. \u201cI don\u2019t want to disturb you Pa, but I was wondering if I could just ask you a couple of questions before you go to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben forced himself to sit up again. \u201cOf course,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put a couple of papers on the bed. \u201cWell it\u2019s about these two accounts,\u201d he said. \u201cI just can\u2019t see where you\u2019ve entered them in the ledger.\u201d Ben picked up the pieces of paper and began to study them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr Ben put those down!\u201d said a voice and they both looked up to see Hop Sing standing in the doorway glaring at them both. \u201cIs no good for headache!\u201d\u00a0 He walked over and took the papers out of Ben\u2019s hands and flung them back at Adam. \u201cYou go now!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cChop! Chop!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cI was just \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo you just!\u201d said Hop Sing in a loud voice, causing Ben to wince. \u201cHop Sing make Mr Cartwright\u2019s head all better,\u201d he said proudly. \u201cHave lavender hot pack for put on head.\u201d He pushed Ben back on the pillow and put a towel on his forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOw!\u201d said Ben, trying to snatch it off again. \u201cThat\u2019s scalding hot!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt supposed to be,\u201d said Hop Sing, holding the towel firmly in place. \u201cIt work better that way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake it off!\u201d said Ben, but Hop Sing shook his head and glared at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt stay on head,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cIt cool down soon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stopped struggling and resigned himself to the inevitable, for he knew that when Hop Sing got that look on his face there was no arguing with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Joe appeared in the doorway, a pile of books in his hands. \u201cI brought you something to read Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cI picked out some good books for you cause I thought that you might be bored.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes at his younger brother. \u201cPa has a headache!\u201d he said sarcastically. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t feel like reading!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I didn\u2019t know that he didn\u2019t,\u201d said Joe defensively as he put the books on Ben\u2019s dresser. He gave his father a strange look. \u201cWhy do ya have that towel on his head for Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs remedy to take away headache,\u201d said Hop Sing, smiling broadly at them all. \u201cWill ease pain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not working,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou not give it chance,\u201d said Hop Sing letting go of it. \u201cIt cooler now. You leave on!\u201d he warned, wagging his finger at Ben as he left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor heaven\u2019s sake Joe,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI told you not to come up here and disturb Pa when he\u2019s sick!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell you are!\u201d replied Joe, putting his hands on his hips and glaring at his brother. \u201cAnyway, at least I\u2019m being thoughtful. You\u2019re just \u2026.\u201d He pointed to the papers in Adam\u2019s hands. \u201cYou\u2019re just making him think about work is all!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up and glared at his brother. \u201cI was only \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rolled his eyes. \u201cBoys please,\u201d he said. \u201cCan you please do your arguing outside? I have a headache remember?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Adam, grabbing Joe by the arm and propelling him towards the doorway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Joe over his shoulder as Adam pushed him out of the room before following him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d muttered Ben, closing his eyes. \u201cAnd they wonder why I\u2019ve got a headache!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down and looked at the bare table in surprise. \u201cHasn\u2019t Hop Sing got lunch ready yet?\u201d he asked Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s past noon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his brother a mournful look. \u201cI reckon not,\u201d he said sadly. \u201cI went to the kitchen and checked, but he was fussing with something in a pot ta fix up Pa\u2019s headache. He said that lunch will be late.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI reckon if I sit here long enough that he\u2019ll bring something eventually but.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded as Joe came into the room. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you on your way to town?\u201d he asked crossly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo point going until after lunch now,\u201d said Joe, looking at the bare table. \u201cWhere is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing\u2019s still making it,\u201d said Hoss glumly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHere is!\u201d said Hop Sing, coming into the room and plonking down a plate of sandwiches on the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs that all we get?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cYou know we need more than just sandwiches ta keep our strength up Hop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing too busy making medicine for Mr Ben to cook!\u201d the man said crossly. \u201cAnyway \u2026\u201d he pointed a finger at all three of them. \u201cNot much work done today \u2026. So no need strength.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow that ain\u2019t fair!\u201d declared Hoss as Hop Sing left the room and he helped himself to half the sandwiches on the plate. \u201cI\u2019ve been working hard doing Joe\u2019s chores.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019ve been working hard on those accounts,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIts no wonder Pa has a headache having to do them all the time. They\u2019re not easy.\u201d\u00a0 They both looked at Joe who stared back at them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve both been working all morning little brother, but you haven\u2019t exactly done a thing have you?\u201d said Hoss as he chewed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not true!\u201d declared Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell what exactly have you done?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cApart from making a nuisance of yourself with Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have not been making a nuisance of myself!\u201d Joe said indignantly. \u201cI\u2019m just worried about Pa is all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pointed a finger at his youngest brother. \u201cWell you\u2019d better get straight into town and get those supplies straight after lunch,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to waste the rest of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like to leave Pa when he\u2019s sick,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop fussing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll watch out for Pa. You\u2019re going to town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a thoughtful look. \u201cSure thing Adam,\u201d he said after a moment. \u201cI\u2019ll get right onto it. I\u2019ll just go and get that list from Hop Sing.\u201d He picked up two sandwiches and went off to the kitchen, munching as he went.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his brother a suspicious look as he left the room. \u201cThat was strange,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d asked Hoss with his mouth full.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNothing,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat are you going to do this afternoon Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get onto fixin up them horseshoes I reckon,\u201d said Hoss, taking the last of the sandwiches and looking at it distastefully. \u201cHop Sing knows I don\u2019t like cheese. Don\u2019t know why he always makes em.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell make sure that you do it quietly,\u201d said Adam. \u201cDon\u2019t disturb Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made a face. \u201cThere ain\u2019t nothing quiet bout hittin horseshoes back inta place,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam acknowledged this with a slight nod of his head. \u201cWell, do your best,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll work in the barn with the door closed,\u201d said Hoss, grinning at his brother. \u201cThat should do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed and rolled over onto his back and stared up at the ceiling again. \u201cWhat is that noise?\u201d he asked fretfully as Adam came into the room with a tray.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Hoss working on the horseshoes,\u201d said Adam. He looked out of the window. \u201cWe didn\u2019t think that you\u2019d hear it if the barn door was closed, but it sounds like we were wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmm,\u201d said Ben, looking at the tray that Adam had put down on the bed. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour lunch,\u201d said Adam wryly. \u201cWe only got sandwiches today because Hop Sing has been busy making up headache remedies for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben groaned. \u201cNot more remedies!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m all remedied out. If I have to take one more \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He stopped and smiled in a shamefaced way as Hop Sing appeared in the doorway. \u201cI really didn\u2019t mean that Hop Sing,\u201d he said lamely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave him a dark look as he walked into the room. \u201cMr Ben no want headache medicine?\u201d he said threateningly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2026 I mean no, that\u2019s not what I meant,\u201d said Ben, reaching out for the cup in the other man\u2019s hand instantly. \u201cOf course I want it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s eyes narrowed as he watched Ben drink the contents of the cup in one gulp. \u201cIt make you better,\u201d he said grabbing the cup again. \u201cYou see.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it will,\u201d said Ben, trying to smile at him. \u201cI\u2019m very grateful to you Hop Sing. Of course I \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he realised that the man had already left the room and he was talking to thin air. He sighed and picked up a sandwich, biting into it. \u201cNow I\u2019ve offended him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll get over it,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll go and tell Hoss to stop working with those horseshoes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo son, let him carry on with his work,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d He sighed again as Adam left the room and picked up one of the books that Joe had left on his dresser, turning the pages of it listlessly as he listened to the constant clanging of metal coming from the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed his eyes and stretched as he stood up. \u201cFinally!\u201d he said aloud to no one in particular, grateful that he had at last managed to balance the ledger. He shut the book with a bang and walked towards the front door, stretching as he went. As he walked outside, he saw Hoss over near the barn. \u201cFinished the accounts?\u201d asked Hoss, grinning at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded as he stepped off the front porch. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cFinally. Have you done with the horseshoes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head as he picked up a pile of them. \u201cYa know that there ain\u2019t such a things as ever finishin with horseshoes round here brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d chuckled Adam. \u201cJoe back from town yet?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t seen him,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnd Hop Sing is hopping mad with him too. He\u2019s been waiting on them supplies all day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cIf that kid has \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He stopped as he heard the rumbling of the buckboard around the other side of the barn. \u201cThat sounds like him now. Just as well.\u201d\u00a0 both brothers turned to see Joe driving the buckboard into the front yard, followed by \u2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoc Martin!\u201d said Hoss in amazement as he saw the doctor in his buggy behind Joe and the buckboard. \u201cWhat you doing out here Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin drew the buggy to a halt and got down. \u201cVisiting your father of course,\u201d he said as he got his black bag down from the seat. \u201cJoe told me how bad he is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss both stared at Joe who looked away. \u201cI see,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWell you\u2019d better come upstairs and see him then.\u201d He motioned to Hoss. \u201cBring little brother along Hoss. I have a feeling that Pa is going to want to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo what is exactly wrong with Ben, Adam?\u201d asked Paul as they climbed the stairs. Behind them, Hoss propelled an objecting Joe up the stairs as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe has a headache,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d said Paul. \u201cAnd what are his other symptoms?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d said Adam dryly. \u201cJust the headache.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul turned to face Joe on the stairs below them. \u201cDo you mean to tell me that you dragged me all the way out here to see your Pa because he has a headache, boy?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stepped down one step, but was hauled up again by Hoss. \u201cWell, it\u2019s a real bad one,\u201d he said defiantly. \u201cPa never goes ta bed for no reason, we all know that. He looked real sick this morning Doc and I \u2026\u201d he glanced at Adam and Hoss defiantly. \u201cI\u2019m real worried bout him Doc, even if no one else around here is!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin shook his head. \u201cI see,\u201d he replied. \u201cWell let\u2019s take a look at him then, shall we?\u201d they all climbed to the top of the stairs and walked down the hallway towards Ben\u2019s bedroom. Ben looked up from the book he was reading in amazement. \u201cPaul!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat on earth are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSeeing you, apparently,\u201d said Paul, putting his bag down on the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the man a puzzled look. \u201cBut I\u2019m not sick,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve just got a \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve just got a headache,\u201d Paul finished for him. \u201cI realise that now, but that\u2019s not quite the story I got from your youngest son in town earlier this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave Joe a dark look and Joe tried to smile at his father. \u201cI was real worried bout you Pa,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI thought it would be best for the Doc ta take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you mean to tell me that this \u2026 son of mine \u2026 dragged you all the way out here because of my headache?\u201d asked Ben incredulously. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Paul, but I think that someone has been overreacting.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s alright,\u201d said Paul with a chuckle. I enjoyed the ride and I\u2019d welcome the chance to have one of Hop Sing\u2019s cups of coffee as long as I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t you gonna check Pa out?\u201d said Joe, stepping forward, then stepping back again as he saw the look on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cI guess ya ain\u2019t,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I appreciate your concern son,\u201d said Ben, trying to keep his temper. \u201cBut I\u2019m fine and Paul is a busy man. There was no need to bring him out here like this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll just check you over while I\u2019m here,\u201d said Paul and then put up his hand to silence Ben as the other man opened his mouth to object. \u201cAt least I won\u2019t have wasted the trip if I do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment, Hop Sing entered the room with a steaming hot cup of something in his hands. \u201cWhat doctor doing here?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe brought him out ta check Pa over,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned at them all and then put the cup down on the dresser with a bang, spilling half it\u2019s contents in the process. \u201cWhat for you bring doctor?\u201d he asked Joe angrily. \u201cThink Hop Sing not take care of father good?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that Hop Sing,\u201d protested Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou not trust Hop Sing look after father\u2019s headache!\u201d shouted Hop Sing angrily. \u201cHop Sing not appreciated! Spend all day making medicine to fix Mr Ben headache and no one want! First Mr Ben say not taste good, then him say not work, now number three son bring doctor! Hop Sing not wanted! Hop Sing go back Old China!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed as the man flounced out of the room. \u201cWell thank you very much Joseph,\u201d he said wearily. \u201cWould you please go after him and calm him down?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOK Pa,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better go and help him,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou know how Hop Sing gets. This might take two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll leave ya ta check Pa out,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI\u2019d better get back to them horseshoes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rubbed his temples as his three sons left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can see why you\u2019ve can\u2019t get rid of that headache,\u201d said Paul sympathetically as he sat down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you find out Doc?\u201d asked Hoss as the doctor left the house and walked towards his buggy. \u201cDid ya check Pa over?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI certainly did,\u201d said Paul, hitching up the reins. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that he has a headache.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cThought so,\u201d he said wisely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, do me a favour please?\u201d said Paul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Doc,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cKeep that younger brother of yours out of town for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll sure try Doc,\u201d replied Hoss with a grin. \u201cBut you know what Joe\u2019s like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI certainly do,\u201d said Paul with a sigh. They both turned as they heard a loud bang from the kitchen. \u201cI thought Adam and Joe would have had Hop Sing calmed down about me being here by now,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh they calmed him down bout that,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut now he\u2019s angry cause Joe didn\u2019t bring back all his supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cWell goodbye Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBye Doc,\u201d said Hoss with a grin and began to whistle as he picked up another pile of horseshoes to work on. He looked up as his father came out of the house, fully dressed. \u201cIs ya headache better now Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head as he sat down on the bench on the front porch. \u201cNot really,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I thought the fresh air might do me some good. I\u2019m certainly not getting any rest upstairs.\u201d He closed his eyes and leant back on his chair far enough so that his head rested on the wall of the house. Slowly he filled his lungs with the fresh mountain air and felt himself beginning to relax. It\u2019s about time<\/em>, he thought sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly the kitchen door opening with a bang and Hop Sing emerged from the house waving a wooden spoon above his head. \u201cWell it ain\u2019t my fault!\u201d shouted Joe, coming out of the house behind him and deftly sidestepping the swinging spoon. \u201cI already told ya that they didn\u2019t have none!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing leant and out and swiped him on the head with the spoon. \u201cThey have plenty!\u201d he shouted. \u201cYou forget to ask!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell if it wasn\u2019t on the list then I can\u2019t be blamed for forgetting!\u201d said Joe indignantly. \u201cYa should have put it on the list instead of just telling me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat about all things Hop Sing put on list that you not get anyway?\u201d Hop Sing demanded, rustling through the supplies on the back of the wagon. \u201cNo sugar \u2026. that on list! No raisins .. that on list!\u201d He hit Joe on the side of the head again. \u201cNo dessert tonight for supper if no sugar and no raisins!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell thanks a lot Joe!\u201d said Hoss angrily. \u201cNow we don\u2019t get no dessert fer supper!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t my fault!\u201d shouted Joe, putting his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened his eyes and sighed. He stood up and walked back into the house, closing the door behind him to shut out the three shouting voices in the yard. \u201cBack so soon?\u201d said Adam, looking up from his position in front of the fireplace. \u201cToo cold outside for your head?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d said Ben. \u201cToo noisy. It seems that Joe didn\u2019t bring back all the supplies that Hop Sing wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and went back to reading his book, drumming his fingers on the coffee table aimlessly as he did so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you mind?\u201d said Ben, pointing to them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh sorry Pa,\u201d said Adam, taking his hand off the table. \u201cHead still bad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Ben, sitting down and staring into the fireplace. The glow of the fire warmed him and the soft popping of the logs in the grate was relaxing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly the front door opened and Hoss came in carrying a huge armful of logs. \u201cHere\u2019s some of that wood I cut this morning,\u201d he said, dropping it near the wood box next to the fireplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss please!\u201d said Ben, massaging his temples as the wood clattered all over the floor. \u201cDid you have to drop it so noisily?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll pick it all up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell do it quietly please,\u201d said Ben closing his eyes again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The front door banged again. \u201cThat Hop Sing,\u201d said Joe angrily as he stormed into the room. \u201cSomeone should tell him that \u2026\u201d He stopped as Adam put his finger to his lips and gestured towards their father. \u201cSorry,\u201d said Joe in a quieter voice. He sat down on one of the easy chairs and stared at Ben sadly for a few minutes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened his eyes and saw his son staring at him. \u201cJoe, will you please stop looking at me and go and do something?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI was just thinking bout what I could do to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe best thing you can do son is to leave me in peace,\u201d said his father firmly. \u201cIn fact all of you just leave me alone!\u201d he snapped. \u201cI\u2019m going back upstairs and I don\u2019t want anyone \u2026 and I mean anyone<\/em> \u2026 to disturb me! Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Pa,\u201d said Hoss, still picking up the wood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmph!\u201d said Hop Sing grumpily as he banged some plates down on the table in the dining room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut Pa …\u201d began Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnyone<\/em>!\u201d thundered Ben. \u201cI am going back to bed \u2026 if I\u2019m lucky perhaps I\u2019ll get some sleep \u2026\u00a0 and the next person who disturbs me will wish that he hadn\u2019t!\u201d he stomped up the stairs, rubbing his temples with his forefingers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence in the room for a couple of minutes and then Joe broke it. \u201cWell he\u2019s real crabby ain\u2019t he?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s got into him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe has a headache,\u201d said Adam sarcastically. \u201cIn case you\u2019d forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell it ain\u2019t my fault!\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFat lot of help you\u2019ve been,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWasting all morning and making a nuisance of yourself, and then dragging poor Paul out here for nothing. Not to mention getting Hop Sing angry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was only trying to help,\u201d declared Joe defensively. \u201cI was worried about Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all worried bout Pa little brother,\u201d said Hoss, picking up the last of the wood. \u201cBut we don\u2019t carry on bout it like you do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSupper ready!\u201d said Hop Sing, banging another plate on the table and glaring at them all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell you weren\u2019t helping either Hoss!\u2019 declared Joe loudly, ignoring the cook\u2019s remark. \u201cYou were making all that noise so that Pa couldn\u2019t sleep!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took a step forward and pointed his finger at Joe. \u201cDoing your chores I\u2019ll remind ya Joe!\u201d he shouted. \u201cDon\u2019t bother ta thank me or nothing!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I was doing Adam\u2019s work!\u201d shouted Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSupper ready!\u201d shouted Hop Sing waving his arms around angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow see here,\u201d said Adam, standing up and approaching both his brothers. \u201cYou offered to go to town for one reason \u2026 to get out of doing your chores and you know it Joe. I wasn\u2019t exactly doing nothing all day either. I had the accounts to do!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSitting down writing numbers!\u201d shouted Joe. \u201cHow hard is that!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo one listen!\u201d shouted Hop Sing. \u201cHop Sing go back Old China! No one want eat cooking!\u201d He stormed out of the room and shut the kitchen door with a loud bang.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow see what you\u2019ve done!\u201d shouted Adam, to Joe. \u201cI had to calm him down once already today because of you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause of me!\u201d\u00a0 shouted Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Upstairs, Ben sat on the edge of his bed holding his thumping head in his hands, listening to the shouting downstairs and the banging of the kitchen door. \u201cLord give me patience!\u201d he muttered, rubbing his temples. \u201cAnd they wonder why I have a headache!\u201d He stood up and paced up and down the room a couple of times before going to the door and opening it again. He strode down the hallway and stood at the top of the stairs, glaring down at his three sons who were still shouting at each other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A minute later, Adam noticed his father standing there and motioned to the other two to be quiet. \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cDid we wake you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo you didn\u2019t wake me, because I didn\u2019t have the chance top get any sleep in the first place,\u201d said Ben, clenching his jaw. \u201cI have something to say to you all!\u201d he snapped. \u201cYou too Hop Sing,\u201d he added as he saw the cook looking around the wall from the kitchen to see why all the shouting had finally stopped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Pa?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cDo you want us ta do something for you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI most certainly do,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHop Sing, you have tomorrow off. Use it to go and visit one of your numerous cousins or whatever you feel like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s face lit up at Ben\u2019s words. \u201cYes sir Mr Cartwright,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd you three \u2026\u201d Ben pointed his finger at his three sons who all stared back at him apprehensively. \u201cYou three may as well go into town tonight as you\u2019re having the day off tomorrow as well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d said Adam, glancing at his two brothers in surprise. \u201cHow come Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah \u2026 how come Pa?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause I am feeling generous,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cNow go into town and enjoy yourselves boys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe ran across the room and picked up his hat quickly, wanting to get out of the room before his father changed his mind. \u201cThanks Pa!\u201d he shouted. \u201cCome on Hoss! Sounds like we\u2019ll be having a day of fishing tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss walked after his younger brother. \u201cSee ya later Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave Ben a puzzled look. \u201cAre you sure Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes I\u2019m sure son,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m most definitely sure.\u201d He watched happily as the room emptied quickly of all his sons and then walked back towards his bedroom again. He sank down on the bed and held his head as he listened to the sound of three horses trotting out of the front yard. \u201cAh!\u201d he said happily as his head touched the pillow. \u201cNow that was worth it!\u201d He closed his eyes in relief and listened to the silence around him as he drifted into sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n