{"id":63148,"date":"2002-10-11T17:11:12","date_gmt":"2002-10-11T21:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63148"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:14:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:14:53","slug":"the-silver-lining-by-julie-jurkovich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63148","title":{"rendered":"The Silver Lining (by Julie Jurkovich)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/b> Just before a violent storm, a friend from town brings Ben home injured.\u00a0 Joe blames Hoss and lashes out at him.\u00a0 As the truth slowly comes out during a tense night and the following morning, Joe resolves to do what is right, and grows up a little bit.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (4,575 words)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n

\n

The Silver Lining<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss\u00a0yanked\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0door open.\u00a0\u00a0His huge frame filled the doorway as his eyes adjusted to the dark.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0he\u00a0called hopefully.\u00a0\u00a0He stepped further inside as his brothers crowded behind him.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHey, Pa!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The room was swathed in blackness, illumined only by dimly glowing embers covered with a silky layer of ash in the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa should be here,\u201d exclaimed Joe, and Adam murmured his agreement as he peered intently from the dark bulk of the sofa, to the chair, the table, and up the steps.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The solemn tick-tock of the grandfather clock accompanied Hoss as he tossed his hat on the credenza and slowly felt his way through the sitting room.\u00a0\u00a0He lit the lamp on the table before the fireplace.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ll see if Pa’s upstairs.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Enveloped\u00a0\u00a0by\u00a0the small glowing circle of flickering flame, Hoss slowly ascended the steps.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam threaded his way about the furniture to the window just past the dining room table.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A match flared in the darkness as he lit the lamps on either side of and before the window.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ve never seen such a dark night. Must be a storm coming up for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNot a breath of air out there right now,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhen it hits, I reckon it’ll hit hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As they spoke, they heard thumps and creaks above them as Hoss searched the bedrooms.\u00a0\u00a0Finally, they heard his lumbering tread return down the hall and descend the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe’s not up there.\u00a0\u00a0Not anywhere.\u00a0\u00a0I checked every room.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss put the lamp on the coffee table in front of the fireplace, and stared moodily at the flickering glow.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhere could he be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe have to go back out there and find him!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe walked\u00a0decisively\u00a0\u00a0toward\u00a0the door, but Adam pulled him back.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, hold on, Joe.\u00a0\u00a0A bad storm’s coming up out there, and we’re not sure what happened-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou’re saying we should leave him?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe yanked his arm from Adam’s grasp. \u201cWell, you can stay here if you want, Adam, but I’m looking for my pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, hold on,\u00a0young’un.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss intercepted his brother at the door, and laid a beefy hand on his chest.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe have no idea where Pa is, and to run out there halfcocked would mean we’d all need search parties\u00a0lookin’ for us come morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet go of me, Hoss!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe fought to get past him to the door.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss easily held him at arm’s length.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe need supplies,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFood, water,\u00a0\u00a0camping\u00a0supplies. Adam, suppose you see what you can put together?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, Joe, you go get us some fresh horses.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ours are plumb\u00a0wore\u00a0out. And don’t forget oilskins and bedrolls.\u00a0\u00a0We may be gone a while.\u00a0\u00a0You go get them things together.\u00a0\u00a0Oh, we’ll need some matches, too.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He released his brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, listen, little brother, you run off\u00a0lookin\u2019 for Pa, and Adam and I’ll have to split up,\u00a0lookin’ for both of you.\u00a0\u00a0You want to find Pa, you do as I say.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe nodded soberly, and went to the stable.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss started for the kitchen to help Adam pack some food.\u00a0\u00a0He hadn’t even gone past the table when he heard the thud of hooves, a loud neigh, and some shouting outside.\u00a0\u00a0As he ran out the door, he could barely see Joe talking with a man.\u00a0\u00a0Joe helped the man pull a limp figure from the horse.\u00a0\u00a0As Hoss drew nearer, he recognized Buck, and realized that the man now leaning against and staggering alongside Joe was Ben.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss recognized the voice and tall, thin form of Rudy from the telegraph office in\u00a0Virginia City.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHelp us get Ben in the house!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss carefully lifted Ben in his arms and carried him to the front door.\u00a0\u00a0Rudy hurried behind him, while Joe ran\u00a0ahead\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0open the door, but it opened before he reached it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat’s going on here?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam moved out of the way as they came through.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa!\u00a0\u00a0Hoss!\u00a0\u00a0Rudy!\u00a0\u00a0What happened?\u00a0\u00a0Who hurt Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss laid Ben on the couch, and Adam brought the lamp close.\u00a0\u00a0They saw blood running down the side of Ben’s face.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat happened?\u201d thundered Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe got in a fight.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Rudy was breathing hard.\u00a0\u00a0Ben Cartwright was not an easy man to hold on a horse while drifting in and out of consciousness.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWith who?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam snapped after he told Joe to get water and cloths.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWith Miss Samantha’s brother,\u201d said Rudy.\u00a0\u00a0He wiped the sweat from his face.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe said -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou mean Tom?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0exclaimed\u00a0Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy’d he hit Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rudy moved aside so Adam could begin washing Ben’s face and scalp.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell – he\u00a0claimed\u00a0\u00a0that\u00a0a – a Cartwright trifled with his sister’s affections.\u201d Rudy glanced suspiciously at Hoss\u00a0before\u00a0\u00a0looking\u00a0down sheepishly.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss’s jaw dropped in astonishment.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMe!\u00a0\u00a0What?\u00a0\u00a0How – I mean, how – why -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSomeone\u00a0go\u00a0for the doctor,\u201d interrupted Adam.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNot with that storm coming on, Adam,\u201d said Rudy.\u00a0\u00a0Lightning flashed in the distance, and a loud rumble of thunder promised a mighty drenching to anyone who ventured outside.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI don’t understand!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss looked from Ben to Rudy, then to his brothers, with amazement clearly etched across his brow.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNever mind, that, Hoss, just get out of my way!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe crowded past his dumbfounded older brother and prodded his father’s ribs and abdomen, searching for other injuries.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe’s only got the knot on the head and a couple of bruises, Joe,\u201d said Rudy.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cA few of us stopped Tom before he did any more damage.\u00a0\u00a0A lot of the fellows had way too much to drink, and were mighty quick to believe<\/p>\n

Tom.\u00a0\u00a0I got your pa away from town as quick as I could.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He looked at Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cTom said a Cartwright broke Samantha’s heart,\u201d he accused. \u201cCourse, he was drunk when he said it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss’s mind was whirling.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy, I’d never hurt that gal!\u00a0\u00a0Never!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam glanced at Hoss,\u00a0then\u00a0fixed Rudy with a doubtful eye.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThere must be more to it than that, Rudy. You know Hoss would never do harm to a lady, and he’d never trifle with her affections, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell,\u00a0Tom\u00a0\u00a0hurt\u00a0Pa because he thought he did!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe viciously wrung out a cloth and wiped Ben’s face.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cEasy, Joe!\u00a0\u00a0Easy!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam restrained Joe’s overzealous ministrations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe brushed Adam’s hand aside.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa’s hurt because of him!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He pointed at Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd you didn’t even want to go looking for Pa!\u00a0\u00a0I had to make you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe, you know that’s not true!\u00a0\u00a0Rudy said Tom was drunk, and I only wanted to make sure that you -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe pushed Adam away from him.\u00a0\u00a0With clenched fists and a defiant glare, he tried to stare down his confused older brother.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss stepped between them and put a hand on Joe’s chest.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe,\u201d he said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0Pa’s hurt.\u00a0\u00a0You keep your mind on business, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam retrieved Joe’s discarded cloth, carefully rinsed it, and resumed wiping Ben’s face, while Hoss removed his boots.\u00a0\u00a0Standing to the side, Joe watched with knitted brows and troubled eyes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rudy went quietly to the front door, unnoticed by the brothers who were intent on their father’s care.\u00a0\u00a0As he softly shut the door behind him, he glanced at the sky.\u00a0\u00a0Not a star met his gaze, and the air was thick and heavy.\u00a0\u00a0He heard thunder grumbling in the distance, and saw the dull shimmer of heat lightning to the west.\u00a0\u00a0He stopped and looked uncertainly\u00a0about\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0yard.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0His\u00a0horse\u00a0\u00a0whinnied\u00a0in alarm when a bright flash of lightning illumined the yard.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rudy saw a horse tethered next to his own, and realized that Buck had not yet been stabled.\u00a0\u00a0Sighing in resignation, Rudy led the two horses inside the barn.\u00a0\u00a0He might as well tend the horses and bed down for the night in the barn, rather than trying to return to town.\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Cartwrights\u00a0certainly didn’t need any guests in the house this evening. And fetching the doctor was out of the question, with that storm approaching.\u00a0\u00a0Come morning, he could ride to town early and send the doctor out, in case Ben needed him.<\/p>\n

\n

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

\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The pale lamps flickered dimly against the midmorning sun as it shone brightly through the window at the other end of the room.\u00a0\u00a0Adam rubbed his eyes, unfolded himself from the blue chair, stretched, and blew out the lamp on the table.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He padded softly to the couch and carefully tucked the blanket more tightly around Ben’s shoulders, noting with relief that his breathing was slow and steady and that he had no fever.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He straightened<\/p>\n

up\u00a0and saw Hoss watching him from the red chair.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe’s going to be fine,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss looked at his father with troubled eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAdam.\u00a0\u00a0I never meant to hurt Miss Samantha.\u00a0\u00a0I -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou didn’t.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The brothers turned toward the voice, and saw Joe emerge from the Indian blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He turned his haggard eyes toward them.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI hurt her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Two puzzled stares were his only response.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe, what are you talking about?\u201d\u00a0Adam\u00a0\u00a0finally\u00a0asked.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe hung his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI thought Samantha was real pretty, and decided to spark her. She didn’t seem sweet on me at first, but I figured I could make her like me.\u00a0\u00a0Sooo, I –\u00a0I\u00a0\u00a0went\u00a0to see her a few times.\u00a0\u00a0After a while, I convinced her to come on a ride with me, and finally took her on a picnic.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThen I saw Hoss talking to her one day after church, and I realized he liked her, too.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe swallowed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAt first, I was mad, but I saw how he was looking at her, and I knew he was really smitten.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI kept on seeing her for a little while, but Hoss was\u00a0moonin’ around, and I was feeling worse and worse about the whole thing.\u00a0\u00a0I could tell Samantha liked me a lot more as time passed, but – I just couldn’t go on seeing her.\u00a0\u00a0Not since I knew how Hoss felt about her.\u00a0\u00a0So I just\u00a0sorta\u00a0dropped her.\u00a0\u00a0I must have hurt her something awful.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe hung his head and waited for the holocaust to begin.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy, you little scalawag!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss stepped around the couch and lifted Joe by the collar, blanket and all.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou played with her!\u00a0\u00a0You hurt her! Right under my nose, you did!\u00a0\u00a0My own brother!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And I didn’t see it, ‘cuz<\/p>\n

who\u00a0woulda\u00a0thought that my own brother would – \u201c<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow wait a minute, Hoss!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam tried to disengage the huge hands from Joe’s collar.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe’s trying to apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cApologize!!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0roared\u00a0Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFor trifling with a lady’s affections?\u00a0\u00a0My girl, who I’d been seeing?\u00a0\u00a0For playing games with her?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0His grip tightened on Joe’s shirt, and Joe gasped, looking at Adam with wide,<\/p>\n

pleading\u00a0eyes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss!\u00a0\u00a0Hoss!\u201d exclaimed Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJust listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss turned his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe’ll both go to Miss Samantha,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0\u00a0His words spilled out quickly, hurrying to appease his powerful brother’s anger before he did some real damage to Joe.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe and I will go.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry.\u00a0\u00a0He glanced at the table, hoping that Hop Sing would have brought in some coffee, but then remembered that Hop Sing was gone for the week.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe’ll tell her – Joe will tell her – that he’s sorry.\u00a0\u00a0He’ll explain that he saw you liked her, and he realized he couldn’t get in between his brother and his girl like that, and felt really bad, so he just quit seeing her, because he didn’t want to hurt his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam watched his brothers uneasily in the silence that followed.\u00a0\u00a0They both looked back at him, one desperately, and the other with a grim, calculating glare.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou’d best clear it with Tom first.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The voice behind them sounded husky and weary, but the three men turned in delight toward it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe’s determined not to let any of you near his sister,\u201d continued Ben.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut I’ll let you work that out.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He struggled to sit up, and Adam ran to help him.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss released Joe, who fell in a tangled heap on the Indian blanket, and hurried to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa!\u00a0\u00a0Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa, did Tom really hit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDid he say I hurt Miss\u00a0Samantha,\u00a0Pa, or did\u00a0he\u00a0\u00a0–\u00a0Well, never mind…..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam succeeded in propping Ben in a reclining position on the couch.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI have two gems of wisdom for you young men,\u201d said Ben.\u00a0\u00a0He waited until he was certain that he had their attention.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNumber one:\u00a0\u00a0Never tell a woman that you love her, or indicate such, until you are ready to follow through on those words with a commitment.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0His eyes pierced Joe, who swallowed hard and looked at the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumber two…\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He changed his position slightly, and groaned.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNumber two: Never trifle with a young lady unless you are first prepared to pay the price.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben shifted his gaze to Hoss, and gave a slight nod.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss turned his blazing eyes toward his younger brother, who quaked with trepidation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss grabbed Joe by the arm, and moved him in front of Adam’s favorite chair, released him, drew back his left arm, and lightly<\/p>\n

punched\u00a0him in the right shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe collapsed into the chair, and put his left hand over his right shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0He bit back the angry protest that instinctively rose to his lips, sprang quickly to his feet, and glared at Hoss, who matched him with a fiery stare of his own.\u00a0\u00a0Joe drew his left hand back, but hesitated when he saw Hoss preparing to easily block him.\u00a0\u00a0He knew he was no match for Hoss in a fight.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss,\u201d he faltered.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWait a minute.\u00a0\u00a0I -\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He\u00a0bit his lip and fought tears as they came to his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLook, I know this is my fault.\u00a0\u00a0I’ll try to do what I can to make it right.\u00a0\u00a0I don’t know if Miss Samantha will listen to me, but I’ll try to talk to her, and apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet me talk to Tom first,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe may not let any of us near her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss -\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe\u00a0fought with himself and impatiently brushed away tears.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI feel so awful!\u00a0\u00a0I didn’t mean to do this to you!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He gulped.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhen I saw Pa hurt last night, and heard why,\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0knew it was my fault.\u00a0\u00a0I just yelled at anyone who was handy.\u00a0\u00a0I didn’t want to tell you what had happened.\u00a0\u00a0It was easier to blame you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He strove to get himself under control.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss unclenched his fists, and his jaw relaxed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHey, Short Shanks.\u00a0\u00a0We all make mistakes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He clapped Joe on the arm,\u00a0\u00a0knocking\u00a0him back into the chair.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou didn’t know I was sweet on her, and when you did, you stopped seeing her.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He extended his hand and helped his brother up.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe’ll all go to Miss Samantha’s.\u00a0\u00a0Maybe we can straighten out this mess.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He poked his index finger into Joe’s chest.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut don’t you ever do this again,\u00a0y’hear?\u00a0\u00a0Not to anybody!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He narrowed his eyes and whispered, \u201cEspecially not to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam backed away, and said,\u00a0\u00a0\u201cUh, I’ll go to the kitchen, and see what Hop Sing left for us.\u00a0\u00a0We could all use some food!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe nodded, still looking at the floor.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss rumpled his hair and slapped him on the back, almost knocking him over.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam returned from the kitchen with cups and the coffee pot that had been left on the back of the stove.\u00a0\u00a0He set them on the table, and. blew out the\u00a0lamps\u00a0\u00a0by\u00a0the window.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cEveryone get some coffee, while I fry up a batch of bacon and eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ll come help you, Adam,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0\u00a0He hurried after his brother into the kitchen.\u00a0\u00a0His stomach was starting to tie itself in knots at the thought of what was before him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cUh, Adam?\u201d he asked as soon as he had joined his oldest brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDo I really have to go with you to see Samantha?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He picked up a fork and began turning the bacon, which had barely started to get warm.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI mean, can’t you just talk to Tom, and then Hoss can go see Samantha?\u00a0\u00a0I haven’t seen her for a while, and it might be better if I don’t go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam raised his eyebrow.\u00a0\u00a0He put down the bowl of eggs he was scrambling and snatched the fork from Joe’s\u00a0hand .\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDo you want Hoss to smack you in the left shoulder next time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe bit his lip and stared at the bacon, which was beginning to bubble and pop.\u00a0\u00a0Finally,\u00a0\u00a0he\u00a0turned a level gaze toward his older brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAll right, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0We’d better both go see Tom.\u00a0\u00a0I need to apologize to him, too.\u00a0\u00a0I guess since his pa died, Tom’s been weighed down awful heavy with too much responsibility.\u00a0\u00a0Probably why he’s been drinking so much lately.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He sighed softly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDo you think he’ll listen to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam clapped him on the shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI think he’ll listen to the two of us.\u00a0\u00a0I hope he’ll at least give us a hearing.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He tightened his grip on Joe’s shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo guarantees, though.\u00a0\u00a0You realize that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe shut his eyes and nodded.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI know.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss may not be able to see Samantha again.\u00a0\u00a0At least, not for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNot until Tom simmers down,\u201d agreed Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut that’s not the only problem, Joe.\u201d He touched his brother on the arm, and caught his eye.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cCan you look him in the eye while he yells at you, and not yell back?\u00a0\u00a0Or stand firm when he hits you, and not hit him?\u00a0\u00a0If you can, Hoss may stand a chance.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam looked piercingly at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe looked at the floor,\u00a0then\u00a0raised his eyes to Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYeah.\u00a0\u00a0Yeah.\u00a0\u00a0I can do it.\u00a0\u00a0I never wanted to mess anything up for Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0I just -\u201d he swallowed and looked down \u201c- didn’t think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

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

\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss sat down at the foot of the couch, oblivious to his father’s grimace and shifting position.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa, whoever\u00a0woulda\u00a0thought that Little Joe\u00a0woulda\u00a0done that?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI know he didn’t mean to, but he hurt her.\u00a0\u00a0Least ways, her brother thinks so!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He clasped his hands together and looked gloomily at the floor.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGuess that’s the reason why Miss Samantha acted so funny last time I saw her.\u00a0\u00a0She was real awkward, and seemed to be\u00a0thinkin’ about\u00a0somethin’ else the whole time.\u00a0\u00a0I didn’t know Joe was trying to spark her, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHoss.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben\u00a0wished\u00a0\u00a0that\u00a0he could\u00a0\u00a0put his hand on his son’s shoulder, but his side and head hurt too badly.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe is young, and impulsive.\u00a0\u00a0He doesn’t always think before he acts.\u00a0\u00a0The fact that he is sorry is a good sign.\u00a0\u00a0He wants to help make this right.\u00a0\u00a0Give him a chance to do that.\u00a0\u00a0He’s growing up a little through this.\u00a0\u00a0I can see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss looked at his father with troubled eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI sure hope so,\u00a0Pa.\u00a0\u00a0I sure hope so.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Finally, Hoss slapped his hands on his knees, rose, and mended the fire.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou warm enough, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’m fine, son,\u201d Ben assured him.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy don’t you go help\u00a0-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A loud knock startled them.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss brushed the wood dust from his hands and answered the door.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy, howdy, Doc!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He stepped aside to let the doctor in, and took his jacket and hat.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHello, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The doctor stepped inside after carefully wiping the mud from his boots.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cQuite a storm we had out there last night!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYes, it was,\u201d agreed Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cA real gully washer for sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cRudy stopped by early this morning,\u201d explained the doctor, \u201cand suggested I check\u00a0on\u00a0\u00a0your\u00a0father.\u00a0\u00a0I was planning on stopping out here, anyway, after talking to Tom Willet last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou talked to Tom?\u201d Hoss asked in surprise, as he led the doctor to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYes, I did.\u00a0\u00a0After Rudy got Ben out of town last night, Tom got in an ugly brawl with several others.\u00a0\u00a0He’d had a sight more to drink than was good for him.\u00a0\u00a0I had to go patch him up a bit.\u00a0\u00a0He told me what had happened<\/p>\n

earlier.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He began to examine Ben.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGood morning, Doctor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The doctor looked up briefly,\u00a0then\u00a0returned his attention to his patient.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHello, Adam.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He frowned as he carefully probed Ben’s side.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDoesn’t seem to be anything broken, just some bruises,\u201d he mused.\u00a0\u00a0Without looking<\/p>\n

up, he asked, \u201cWhere’s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIn the kitchen, finishing up breakfast,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cCare to stay and join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMmm, now it smells real fine,\u201d said the doctor.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDo I smell bacon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou shore do,\u201d replied Hoss enthusiastically before Adam could respond.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam raised an eyebrow and gave a slight smile.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnything else you smell, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss sniffed, wrinkling his brow in concentration.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, I smell the coffee, and toast.\u00a0\u00a0And eggs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And something else.\u00a0\u00a0Smells like chicken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cChicken broth for Pa,\u201d confirmed Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’m heating up some of that soup Hop Sing left for us so Pa can have something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat’s good thinking,\u201d said the doctor.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSolid food might not go down so well right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe’s been in enough fights for me to know that,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of Joe….\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The doctor gingerly touched Ben’s eye, and applied some salve to a cut beneath it. \u201cTom mentioned him last night.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He pulled the blanket back up around Ben.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou rest for several days,\u201d he<\/p>\n

ordered.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo riding, and no lifting or digging, for a week.\u00a0\u00a0Give yourself time to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss watched as the doctor gathered his instruments, jars, and bandages. \u201cWhat did Tom say about Little Joe, Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, he mentioned you, too.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The doctor snapped his bag shut.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cTom said that his sister was real upset because she was sweet on you, Hoss, but you had stopped coming around.\u00a0\u00a0She thought maybe you were sore because she’d been sparked by Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0Tom says she’s really sweet on you, Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0And there’s no good way to say this, but he doesn’t like Little Joe seeing his sister.\u00a0\u00a0Tom thought he was trifling with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss nearly danced with excitement.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cShe likes me?\u00a0\u00a0Pa!\u00a0\u00a0Did you hear that?\u00a0\u00a0She likes me!\u00a0\u00a0She still does!\u00a0\u00a0She really does!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A thump and the clank of dishes resounded as Joe entered through the kitchen door with a tray of eggs, bacon, and toast.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHey, everybody!\u00a0I’ve got breakfast for us.\u00a0\u00a0Come eat!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He set the tray on the table.\u00a0\u201cHowdy, Doc!\u00a0\u00a0Come join us!\u00a0\u00a0I’ll set an extra place.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0His eyes turned toward Hoss’s beaming face.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat in the world are you so happy about?\u00a0\u00a0It’s just eggs and bacon!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe, you’ll never guess what the doc just done told me!\u00a0\u00a0He said -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ben cleared his throat loudly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI think, Hoss, Joe, Adam, that we’d better eat.\u00a0\u00a0Quickly.\u00a0\u00a0We have a long day ahead of us, with lots of, shall we say, unpleasant responsibility.\u00a0\u00a0Isn’t that right, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Joe’s eyes dropped before his father’s, and he gave a heavy sigh.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYeah.\u00a0\u00a0I’ll go get the plates and silverware.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He shuffled into the kitchen like a man facing a death sentence.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss suppressed a smile, and his eyes twinkled as he said, \u201cCan I help you to the table, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam turned toward the kitchen to hide his smile.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ll just go check on the chicken broth for you,\u00a0Pa.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He motioned the doctor to the table.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHave a seat.\u00a0\u00a0It’ll be ready in just a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo, no thank you,\u201d said the doctor as he hurried to the door.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’d best go back home and have something to eat there.\u00a0\u00a0The Missus gets angry if I don’t show up for meals when I can, you know.\u00a0\u00a0Says it’s a waste of her time and good food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam paused by the kitchen door.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGood thing Hop Sing isn’t here.\u00a0\u00a0He’d take offense that you don’t want to eat his food.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He opened the door.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHowever, as\u00a0it’s\u00a0Little Joe doing most of the cooking this morning, I certainly understand why you don’t want to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHey!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Joe’s shout reverberated from the kitchen before the door swung shut after Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat’s wrong with my cooking?!\u00a0\u00a0You’ve eaten it plenty of times before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The doctor blurted a hasty goodbye, and scrambled out the door.\u00a0\u00a0Ben and Hoss laughed as Hoss helped his father up from the couch, accompanied by the dim cacophony of Joe’s protests and Adam’s calmer replies.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou think Joe will be up to talking to Tom and Miss Samantha?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, at least he’ll have a bit of fire inside him,\u201d replied Ben.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat’s better than the hangdog attitude he had before.\u00a0\u00a0I’d rather see him with some spirit.\u00a0\u00a0It’ll give him more determination to fix this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As Ben sank gratefully into his chair at the table, Joe exploded through the door, followed by Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYeah, you think you’re so smart, Adam!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He began angrily slamming dishes onto the table.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoseph!\u00a0\u00a0Take it easy!\u201d exclaimed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam said in exasperation.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI didn’t mean anything.\u00a0\u00a0I was just -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cEnough!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0thundered\u00a0Ben.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet’s eat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As stomachs filled, tempers cooled, and they relaxed as the edge was taken from their appetites.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ll go saddle the horses,\u201d said Joe when his plate was empty.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam stood.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI’ll help you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He looked at Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou’ll stay here, with Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss fidgeted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI don’t know, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0I figure I ought to be there to talk with her myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt’ll be too awkward with both you and Joe there,\u201d Adam gently replied.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet me defuse Tom first, then Joe can apologize, and you can see Samantha later.\u00a0\u00a0Don’t you think that’s best?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss thought for a moment.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYeah, Adam, I reckon you’re right.\u00a0\u00a0You tell her I’ll be in town any day to call on her, now, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam smiled and clapped his brother on the shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou bet I will, Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0If it’s all right with Tom.\u00a0\u00a0Take good care of Pa while we’re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Adam and Joe bustled outside, and the door slammed behind them.\u00a0\u00a0As the sound of their footsteps faded toward the barn, Hoss and Ben were left alone with the crackling of the fire and the smell of bacon, eggs, and chicken.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss glanced at his father.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, Pa,\u201d he finally said into the silence, \u201cI shore do wish them luck!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ben stared at the fire, which whooshed and flared up as a log shifted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThey’ll do their best.\u00a0\u00a0The rest depends on Tom.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He looked up at Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd on you.\u00a0\u00a0You don’t really suppose that a man like Tom Willet is going to keep you from seeing his sister?\u00a0\u00a0I could tell how sweet you were on her.\u00a0\u00a0So could Tom, apparently, from what he told the doctor and Rudy.\u00a0\u00a0I’d say it’s safe to assume that sooner or later, this will all be settled.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He reached out stiffly and touched Hoss on his arm.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIn your favor.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He winked.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hoss laughed, and slapped Ben’s arm happily.\u00a0\u00a0Ben bit back a gasp of pain, stifled a protest, and laughed with his son.<\/p>\n

\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Just before a violent storm, a friend from town brings Ben home injured. Joe blames Hoss and lashes out at him. As the truth slowly comes out during a tense night and the following morning, Joe resolves to do what is right, and grows up a little bit.
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