Summary:\u00a0 Virginia City is temporarily left without a schoolteacher, and everyone at The Ponderosa feels the effects of it.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a011,390 word<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
School\u2019s Out<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Hey Pa!\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe Cartwright opened the door with a bang and came hurtling through it, with an excited expression on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up from the letter that he was reading, with an annoyed expression on his face. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said. \u2018How many times have I told you not to enter a room like that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lots I guess,\u2019 said Little Joe, unabashed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Go back over there and close that door please, young man,\u2019 instructed his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa \u2026. I got great news to tell ya!\u2019 declared his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The door please, Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sighed before doing as he was bid.\u00a0 Sometimes he just couldn\u2019t work out his father.\u00a0 He shut the door and ran back over to the man\u2019s desk and leant on it. \u2018I\u2019ve got great news Pa!\u2019 he said again, excitedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat back in his chair and smiled at his son\u2019s animated expression. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well could you please first explain to me why you are home from school at this hour young man? If you\u2019ve been in trouble again \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head furiously, his curls bouncing. \u2018No I ain\u2019t in trouble,\u2019 he assured his father. \u2018But I\u2019m home cause of the great news!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben crossed his arms, an amused expression on his face. \u2018Well then you\u2019d better tell what it is,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sighed again. Wasn\u2019t that exactly what he\u2019d been trying to do for the past few minutes? \u2018It\u2019s old Jonesy,\u2019 he said, his grin getting bigger. \u2018She broke her arm, Pa.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t it great?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s amused expression turned to one of anger. \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 he said sternly. \u2018Did I hear you correctly?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded eagerly, failing to notice his father\u2019s facial expression. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said. \u2018You sure did!\u00a0 She fell over in the playground and now its broke, Doc Martin says.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t it great?\u2019 he hugged himself round the waist in glee and began to jump up and down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant forward on his chair and gave his youngest son one of his sternest looks. \u2018I fail to see what is so good about that poor woman breaking her arm Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s disgraceful of you to say such a thing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe paused momentarily and then smiled again. \u2018But you don\u2019t understand Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018They had ta close the school cause there\u2019s no one else to teach us,\u2019 he explained. \u2018So ya see, it is<\/em> great, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head at the callousness of youth. \u2018No, it is not!\u2019 he said as he pointed his finger at his son. \u2018And I\u2019ll thank you not to carry on while that poor woman is suffering.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe finally got the message that his father wasn\u2019t too pleased with his news.\u00a0 \u2018But Pa,\u2019 he protested. \u2018She\u2019ll be okay.\u00a0 The Doc says it ain\u2019t real serious or nuthin, but she can\u2019t teach us for a whole month.\u2019\u00a0 He began to jump up and down again in his excitement.\u00a0 \u2018One whole month of holidays!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried not to let his dismay show on his face.\u00a0 He loved his youngest son dearly, but to have him at home twenty-four hours a day for a whole month was just too much to think about.\u00a0 \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, we\u2019ll just see about that.\u00a0 I can\u2019t imagine how they can expect the district\u2019s children to do without schooling for a whole month.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe rummaged in his pocket for a moment and then pulled out a very crumpled letter.\u00a0 He smoothed it out on his father\u2019s desk before holding it out to him. \u2018I almost forgot,\u2019 he said with a crooked smile. \u2018Doc Martin said ta give this to you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ripped open the letter and scanned it quickly. \u2018They\u2019re calling an emergency meeting of the School Board tonight,\u2019 he said half-aloud.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll need to go in to help see what we can do about this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018Pa,\u2019 he said warily. \u2018Ya ain\u2019t \u2026 ya ain\u2019t gonna make Adam do it like last time, are ya?\u2019\u00a0 The memory of his last encounter with his big brother as a teacher was still very vivid in his mind and he didn\u2019t want to have to contemplate it happening again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Adam is far too busy at the timber camp at the moment, unfortunately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s face showed his relief. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Too bad, ain\u2019t it?\u2019\u00a0 He chuckled. \u2018Doc Martin said there might be no one else, Pa.\u00a0 He and the other men in town tried real hard to think of someone fore they sent us home. Looks as if I\u2019ll just have ta have a holiday, don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben studied the boy for a moment, trying to think of a solution to the problem, but for the life of him couldn\u2019t come with anything.\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018We\u2019ll see,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018For now though, young man, you can go outside and get your chores done.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa,\u2019 protested Little Joe. \u2018It\u2019s too early ta do my chores.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got lots of free time first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Chores, Joseph,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You can use that free time to get them done extra well today and when you\u2019ve finished I\u2019ll have some more to keep you busy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe turned away reluctantly and Ben tried not to laugh as he heard him mutter. \u2018Some holiday with extra chores.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What was that young man?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin Pa.\u2019 Ben smiled as he watched the boy walk slowly towards the front door and close it behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you sure you can\u2019t spare him Ben?\u2019 pleaded Paul Martin. \u2018Adam did a really good job last time he acted as a substitute teacher.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m really sorry everyone, but I just can\u2019t offer him to you at the moment.\u00a0 We have that timber contract to deliver and without Adam in charge up at the camp we\u2019ll never make it.\u00a0 Surely there must be someone else?\u00a0 What about Mrs Harrison?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy Coffee shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ve already checked,\u2019 he said. \u2018She\u2019s leaving on tomorrow\u2019s stage for San Francisco to visit her family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I suppose Emily Markett couldn\u2019t be expected to do it,\u2019 mused Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She\u2019s only got a month to go until her baby\u2019s due,\u2019 replied Paul. \u2018It\u2019s not fair to expect her to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded in agreement. \u2018Well, then I can\u2019t think of anyone else. Any other ideas?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No one said anything for a few moments. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to close the school down,\u2019 said Roy finally. \u2018How long before Abigail will be fit for work again, Paul?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018At least four weeks,\u2019 replied the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at the others mournfully. \u2018Well I know one mighty happy little boy who\u2019ll be glad to hear that,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little Joe was actually dancing with excitement at the thought of missing school for all that time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It won\u2019t be too bad,\u2019 said Roy Coffee consolingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted his right eyebrow. \u2018Only someone who is childless would say that Roy,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d be happy to give him to you for a month if you like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy laughed aloud. \u2018No thank you!\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ve told you before Ben, I\u2019m very fond of that youngest boy of yours, but I\u2019m glad that he is yours and not mine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben acknowledged the man\u2019s laugh with a grin of his own. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get going,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s getting late and something tells me that I\u2019m going to need all my strength for the next few weeks.\u00a0 I need to have an early night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I don\u2019t understand why it\u2019s going to be so hard Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s had lots of holidays before and we\u2019ve always managed to organise things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his middle son patiently. \u2018That was during the summer vacation, Hoss.\u00a0 First of all we were organised because we were able to plan ahead and second of all the weather at that time of year means that Little Joe can spend the bulk of his time out of doors with his friends.\u00a0 This is different.\u00a0 It\u2019s a busy time of year and we\u2019ve all got our schedules to keep to, plus the weather can be so unpredictable at this time.\u00a0 We\u2019re likely to be snowed in and you know that it\u2019s not unusual to have a lot of rain either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ve been snowed in before and Joe has had to miss days of school,\u2019 persisted Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not a whole month at a time,\u2019 said Adam mournfully. \u2018Do you want to be the one who is cooped up in here with him all that time?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head vehemently. \u2018I see what ya mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018No way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u2018We have to have a plan then,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll need both of you to help, boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa, you know that I\u2019m stretched with work up at the timber camp at the moment,\u2019 protested Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And I\u2019m helping him,\u2019 chimed in Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put up his hand to silence their protests. \u2018I know, I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019ve got all those army contracts to finalise as well as the usual things that need to go on around here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Maybe Hop Sing could supervise him,\u2019 suggested Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m sure that Hop Sing will help,\u2019 he said. \u2018But it\u2019s not fair to expect him to have Joseph all the time.\u00a0 He has a lot of work to get done around here, you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then what are we going to do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben thought for a moment. \u2018We\u2019ll all have to share the load,\u2019 he said. \u2018If I can manage to spend my mornings doing my paperwork here, then Joseph can spend the time with me doing his schoolwork.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What schoolwork?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The schoolwork you are going to set for him,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018You can organise it each night and then check it the next. That would leave you free during the days to get on with your work.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018I suppose I could manage that,\u2019 he said. \u2018As long as you agree that I\u2019m in charge of it.\u00a0 I don\u2019t intend to have that brat talk you into letting him get out of any of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You have full say of what he needs to do,\u2019 agreed his father. \u2018I won\u2019t interfere.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about the afternoons, Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll see if Hop Sing can keep him busy with some extra work around the house,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018A couple of hours each day shouldn\u2019t be too taxing on Hop Sing and it would do Joseph good to experience what housekeeping is all about.\u00a0 Then, if you can spare Hoss for a couple of hours after that Adam, he can supervise Joseph doing some extra outdoor work until it\u2019s time for his afternoon chores.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That should be okay,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What sort of outdoor work, Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss warily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not sure son.\u00a0 We\u2019ll work that out as we go,\u2019 replied Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe ain\u2019t gonna like any of this,\u2019 muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t really care whether your brother likes it or not,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018This shouldn\u2019t be a holiday for him after all and from what I hear from Abigail Jones, he could use some time to catch up on a bit of the work he doesn\u2019t usually get done.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That boy fools around too much in class,\u2019 said Adam grimly. \u2018It\u2019ll be a challenge to get him up to standard.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and stretched. \u2018Well I\u2019m going up to my room,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got some schoolwork to organise for tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night son,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You going too, Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure am Pa,\u2019 said Hoss, getting up as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben watched as his two boys climbed the staircase. He picked up his pipe and began to fill it, staring into the fire as he did so. \u2018God give me strength,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I think I\u2019m going to need it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked appalled. \u2018But Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018None of the other kids will have schoolwork to do on their holiday!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is not your holiday, Joseph,\u2019 said his father firmly. \u2018And you are not the other kids.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scowled at the man. \u2018But I was planning all sorts of fun things to do,\u2019 he protested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, you can just unplan them,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018As well as your schoolwork each morning you will be helping Hop Sing in the house after lunch each day and doing extra work with Hoss after that.\u00a0 Adam will correct your schoolwork each night and then set you more for the next day, so you won\u2019t have time for any of your plans except on weekends as usual.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe slumped down in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest in disgust.\u00a0 He stared at the tablecloth in front of him. \u2018Ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 muttered the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Well then, I suggest that you finish your breakfast and get to your schoolwork.\u00a0 Adam left it for you on my desk before he left early this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 muttered the boy and gave his father another dark look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 said Ben, trying to hide his amusement from the child. \u2018Knowing Adam, he\u2019ll have given you lots to get through.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bet I could count on that,\u2019 muttered Little Joe as he picked up his fork and reluctantly began to eat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sipped his coffee and studied the child over the rim of his cup. \u2018Lord, give me patience,\u2019 he said to himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Put your chair there at the end of my desk,\u2019 instructed Ben.\u00a0 You can work at that end while I use over here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe did as he was bid and frowned at the pile of books and papers that Adam had left for him.\u00a0 He sat down and fingered them gingerly. \u2018What are you gonna do, Pa?\u2019 he asked, looking over at the pile of papers on Ben\u2019s end of the desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m getting some contracts ready for the army deal,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now get down to work please.\u00a0 We\u2019ve both got a lot to do.\u2019\u00a0 He began to leaf through his pile of papers and prioritise them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sighed and began to go through his papers and books as well. \u2018Adam left me too much!\u2019 he whined, after a moment. \u2018I can\u2019t get all this done.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Get started and stop whinging about it,\u2019 said Ben absently, as he picked up his pen and began to write.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe studied his father for a moment and when he realised that the man wasn\u2019t taking any notice of him, he began to shuffle the papers again and picked out some arithmetic to do.\u00a0 With another dramatic sigh he picked up his pencil and began to write his name on the page before studying the problems that his brother had written. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018I can\u2019t do the first one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, do the ones you can first,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Come back to it later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence for a full two minutes before Little Joe spoke again. \u2018I can\u2019t do any of em,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re too hard!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave him an annoyed look. \u2018Show me,\u2019 he said and scanned the paper. \u2018They\u2019re multiplications.\u00a0 Surely you can do those.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not hard ones like that!\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly. \u2018The numbers is too big!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put down his pen angrily. \u2018Well, go through the rest of it and pick out something you can do!\u2019 he said. \u2018Hurry up and find something.\u00a0 I don\u2019t intend to be disturbed by you all morning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe went through his papers quickly and picked one out.\u00a0 \u2018I can learn these spellings, I guess,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good!\u00a0 Now get to it!\u2019\u00a0 Ben bent over his work again and commenced to write, but after a few moments he looked up again. \u2018Joseph what are you mumbling about?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m learning my spellings,\u2019 replied Little Joe, innocently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, can\u2019t you do it quietly?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I haveta say em out loud to remember em,\u2019 his son replied. \u2018That\u2019s the way we do it at school.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t you try writing them?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018See if you can remember them that way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said. He picked up his pencil again and began to write.\u00a0 Ben shook his head and went back to his contracts again.\u00a0 After a minute there was an exclamation from Joe. \u2018I broke my pencil point, Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, use another one,\u2019 replied Ben, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t got another one.\u00a0 Can I use your knife and sharpen this one?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben handed his small pocketknife over. \u2018Be careful with it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to focus back on his work again, but had hardly started when he saw pencil shavings flying across his desk and landing all over his papers. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Watch what you\u2019re doing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe.\u00a0 He stood up and began to brush the shavings onto his side of the table, rearranging his father\u2019s papers in the process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put down his pen with a sigh. \u2018Joe, come here,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Little Joe bounced over to his father and looked at him expectantly. \u2018The whole idea of this is for both of us to get our work done,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018Now find something to do and do it quietly<\/em>!\u00a0 Do you understand?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded and sat down again, aware that his father was beginning to sound angry.\u00a0 He picked up his now-sharpened pencil and began to write.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes for a moment and bent over his own work again.\u00a0 For five full minutes father and son worked on their respective projects side by side, until Little Joe could stand it no longer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I get a drink of water Pa?\u00a0 I\u2019m thirsty.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u00a0 Do your work.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve finished writing out them spellings.\u2019\u00a0 Ben merely looked at the boy and Little Joe hung his head and leafed through his papers again. He pulled one out, frowned at it and then began to write.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another five minutes passed before he spoke again. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do ya spell Washington?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018W-a-s-h-i-n-g-t-o-n-.\u00a0 Why?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just wondered.\u00a0 W-a-s-h \u2026 what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018W-a-s-h-i-n-g-t-o-n-.\u2019\u00a0 In spite of himself Ben looked up. \u2018What are you writing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I havta write bout one of our Presidents. I\u2019m doing bout George Washington.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do ya spell Delaware?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph, stop asked me how to spell things!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I don\u2019t know how.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Spell them the way you think and then Adam can correct them tonight for you.\u00a0 Now just write quietly please.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to get some of this done at least.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben massaged his temples at he looked at the boy beside him.\u00a0 Little Joe gave him a grin and went back to his writing again. \u2018That is very messy,\u2019 cautioned his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I can\u2019t concentrate on the spellings and the writing at the same time,\u2019 whined Little Joe. \u2018It\u2019s too much to do all together.\u2019\u00a0 He bent his head again and kept writing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head and massaged his temples again. \u2018Lord, give me patience,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t Hoss and Adam coming home for dinner?\u2019 asked Little Joe as he looked at the two empty seats at the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They took their dinner with them\u2019 explained his father. \u2018They\u2019re too busy to come home for it. Finish eating please.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got work to do with Hop Sing this afternoon, remember?\u2019\u00a0 He sighed to himself as he thought about escaping from the child for the afternoon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pulled a face. \u2018What are we gonna do Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked as the cook took the plates from the table. \u2018Sumthing interesting?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We do upstairs,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Hurry and finish milk. Chop chop!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe downed his milk in one gulp. \u2018What upstairs?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be off now,\u2019 he said, trying not to sound too relieved. \u2018Hoss should be back at two o\u2019clock Hop Sing.\u00a0 He\u2019ll take Joseph off your hands then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned as he read between the lines of off your hands<\/em>. \u2018I can look after myself!\u2019 he said. \u2018I got plenty of things I can do by myself if you\u2019d let me Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pointed his finger at his youngest son. \u2018You\u2019ll do exactly as you\u2019re told, young man.\u00a0 Both from Hop Sing and Hoss.\u00a0 Understand?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll see you at supper.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned at his father as he left the room. \u2018What are we gonna do upstairs, Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You see,\u2019 replied Hop Sing. \u2018Come with me.\u2019\u00a0 He led the way up the staircase and stopped at the linen closet. \u2018Hold these,\u2019 he instructed Little Joe as he handed the boy some sheets. He motioned to him to follow and went into Adam\u2019s room. \u2018We clean here first,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked around, his eyes bright.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t often that he was allowed to come in here and Adam\u2019s room was filled with untold treasures that he longed to get a look at.\u00a0 He sidled over to his brother\u2019s desk. \u2018Little boy come away from there!\u2019 instructed Hop Sing as he began to strip the sheets off the bed. \u2018Leave Mr Adam things alone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t touching anything,\u2019 declared Little Joe, putting his hands behind his back for effect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave him an appraising look and then picked up the sheets. \u2018Come help,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe picked up the end of the sheet that Hop Sing threw over to him. \u2018We gonna make the bed up, huh?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing bent down and picked up the chamber pot from under the bed. \u2018Yuck!\u2019 exclaimed Little Joe. \u2018What ya touching that for?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is need to be emptied,\u2019 explained Hop Sing. \u2018Who you think do it all time?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t really ever thought about it. \u2018You?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You today,\u2019 said Hop Sing, holding it out to the boy. \u2018Wash it at pump after.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe screwed up his nose. \u2018No way!\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t gonna do that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing glared at him and thrust the pot at him, so that the boy had no choice but to hold it. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019 he said again. \u2018Must do all bedroom this afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe held the pot as far away from himself as he could and with a dark look at Hop Sing left the room.\u00a0 He held onto his nose with one hand and the pot with the other and was so busy keeping his face away from the pot that he caught his foot in the rug on the floor and he fell over with a loud bang in the hallway. \u2018What you do?\u2019 shouted Hop Sing angrily from the bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I fell over!\u2019 shouted back Little Joe as he rolled away from the spreading liquid on the floor. \u2018Come quick Hop Sing! There\u2019s a big mess out here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing appeared in the doorway and after one look at the scene in front of him, began to shout in Chinese and wave his arms around. \u2018Stop foolishment!\u2019 he yelled in between the string of Chinese phrases.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t mean it,\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly as the man reappeared with a cloth and waved the boy away. \u2018Honest, Hop Sing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You put sheets on bed while I clean up,\u2019 said Hop Sing angrily. \u2018Too much foolishment out here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe escaped into his brother\u2019s bedroom, grateful that Hop Sing hadn\u2019t suggested that he be the one to clean up the mess.\u00a0 He grasped the end of the sheets and lifted them into the air, delighting in the way that they billowed out when they came back down towards the bed.\u00a0 He giggled to himself and threw them up several more times before bouncing onto the bed and allowing them to billow down on top of him.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt a slap on his backside and he peeked out from under the sheets to see Hop Sing glaring at him. \u2018What you do?\u2019 the cook said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m making the bed,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018Like ya told me to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing pulled him off the bed. \u2018Stand there!\u2019 he said and pointed to the corner. \u2018He handed the boy a dust cloth. \u2018Dust desk and shelves!\u2019 he instructed and pointed his finger at the boy. \u2018No more foolishment!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glared back at him and began to dust Adam\u2019s desk. He looked intently at the papers and books that were on it as he went and inspecting his brother\u2019s things as he went.\u00a0 Maybe this housework wasn\u2019t going to be so bad if he got to go through all the bedrooms in this way, he thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hurry up!\u2019 said Hop Sing as he placed fresh towels on Adam\u2019s dresser. \u2018You finish?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said Little Joe with a grin. \u2018We gonna do Hoss\u2019 room next?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Cartlight\u2019s,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Come.\u2019 He picked up the dirty sheets and towels and put them in a basket in the hallway before taking fresh ones from the linen chest and going into Ben\u2019s room. Little Joe followed meekly.\u00a0 Hop Sing hesitated for a moment and then handed the little boy the dust cloth again. \u2018You dust,\u2019 he said. \u2018I empty pot this time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 replied Little Joe, happily.\u00a0 Anything to get out of emptying the pot was fine with him.\u00a0 As Hop Sing left the room, he went over to his father\u2019s small desk and began to dust, picking up each article on it and inspecting it as he went.\u00a0 His eyes lit up as he noticed a small bottle of ink and a pen and with a quick look over his shoulder, he opened the lid and began to write his name in his neatest writing. It wasn\u2019t often that he had the chance to use ink like this, as he was usually confined to using a pencil or a slate for his schoolwork.\u00a0 Ink had long held a fascination for the child, as it seemed such a grownup thing to use.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What you do?\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s voice behind him startled him and he made a big blot on the paper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m just trying out Pa\u2019s pen,\u2019 he said. \u2018I weren\u2019t hurting nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing swatted him on the side of the head. \u2018Put away!\u2019 he said. \u2018You dust!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave a sigh and began to put the lid on the bottle of ink, but only succeeded in spilling it all over the desk. \u2018Oops,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing hit him on the side of the head again. \u2018You go out!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Leave father things alone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you said to dust,\u2019 replied Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing handed him a broom. \u2018You sweep hallway,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go!\u00a0 Chop chop!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pouted. \u2018Don\u2019t see why I can\u2019t do the bedrooms,\u2019 he mumbled. \u2018They\u2019re more interesting than any old hallway.\u2019\u00a0 He dragged the broom outside and began to push it around aimlessly for a few moments.\u00a0 Suddenly his face lit up and he took two steps backwards before pushing the broom right down the hallway and sliding with it. \u2018Yah!\u2019 he said with a giggle and then pushed it back up the hallway again, running behind it and sliding. This time he found it hard to stop himself and banged into the wall at the end of the hallway with a loud thump.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What you do out there?\u2019 yelled Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing!\u2019 called back Little Joe. He ran up the hallway again, this time sliding at such a speed that he couldn\u2019t stop himself, toppled off the end of the stairs and bumped down several before coming to rest on the landing.\u00a0 Hop Sing appeared at the top of the stairs and glared down at him. \u2018What you do?\u2019 he shouted again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just lost my balance,\u2019 said Little Joe, rubbing himself as he stood up. \u2018I weren\u2019t doing nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing motioned to him to come back up. \u2018You take basket down to wash room,\u2019 he said. \u2018I be down soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 said Little Joe. He picked up the basket and disappeared with it, before the man could swat him again. As he entered the washhouse he looked around.\u00a0 He loved the washhouse as it contained so many interesting things to use.\u00a0 Many times he had sat here and watched Hop Sing while the man stirred the huge tubs of wet washing, or used the mangle to wring them out. Little Joe loved the mangle, but he knew that Hop Sing would never of approve of him using it by himself, so with a sigh he turned away from it.\u00a0 He put the basket of dirty sheets down and peeked into the tubs.\u00a0 They were full of something that was obviously soaking and so he sat down and began to stir them around and around as he had seen Hop Sing do, so many times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat quite happily for a full five minutes stirring the clothes around until Hop Sing entered the room. \u2018What you do?\u2019 he shouted, taking in the very wet boy and the puddles of water all over the floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Washing for ya, Hop Sing,\u2019 replied Little Joe happily. He grinned at the man, sure that he\u2019d be pleased with his work.\u00a0 Instead the cook began to wave his arms around and yell again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You leave alone!\u2019 he shouted and swatted Little Joe on the side of the head again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 asked the boy indignantly. \u2018I\u2019m only trying to help, is all! That\u2019s what I\u2019m sposed ta do, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Help, help, help!\u2019 yelled Hop Sing. \u2018Much foolishment is not help!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019 asked Hoss as he came into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You take boy now?\u2019 asked Hop Sing pushing Little Joe towards his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s gonna come with me now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked around the room. \u2018What happened here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You go!\u2019 shouted Hop Sing, pushing them both out of the door together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did ya do, Joe?\u2019 asked Hoss as they made their way across the front yard together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Beats me,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018I was jest helping him is all.\u00a0 \u2018Guess he ain\u2019t used ta do much help.\u00a0 \u2018What am I gonna help you with Hoss? Can I chop some wood?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes drifted over to the woodpile that he was always itching to contribute to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, ya ain\u2019t!\u2019 said Hoss firmly. \u2018You know that you ain\u2019t allowed anywhere near that axe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. It had been worth a try. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said. \u2018What are we gonna do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve got some animals ta tend to,\u2019 said Hoss as they entered the barn. \u2018Ya can help me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018What do we do first?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018First we gotta take a look at old Brandy\u2019s leg,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s sprained it.\u00a0 He sat down next to the horse in the stall and motioned for Little Joe to be quiet, as he felt the animal\u2019s leg up and down. \u2018Hmm,\u2019 he said. \u2018Still needs some more poultices.\u2019\u00a0 You stay there Joe while I get some hot water.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked the horse up and down and then felt his leg the way Hoss had done.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t feel anything wrong with it, so he went around and felt the other three legs as well.\u00a0 The horse looked down at the boy and stamped his leg angrily as Little Joe touched it. \u2018Sorry fellar,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Does it hurt?\u2019\u00a0 He reached out to touch the sore leg again and the horse kicked out at him in frustration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are ya doing?\u2019 yelled Hoss as he came back into the barn just in time to see his little brother step nimbly sideways to avoid the kick. \u2018Leave him alone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s the one kicking me!\u2019 declared Little Joe as he picked himself up from the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya gotta be gentle round sick animals,\u2019 explained Hoss. \u2018Now sit down there and be quiet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat down in a huff and watched as his brother applied hot towels to the horse\u2019s leg. \u2018Why are ya doing that for Hoss?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ta get the swelling down,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018Now keep still will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I\u2019m bored!\u2019 whined Joe. \u2018I ain\u2019t got nothing ta do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just watch and learn,\u2019 said Hoss absently as he concentrated on the horse. \u2018Be quiet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe watched for a few more minutes and then quietly got up and walked into the next stall. \u2018What are ya doing?\u2019 called Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 yelled back Joe. \u2018I\u2019m just visiting Daisy, is all.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the cow in the next stall a pat on the nose. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When\u2019s she gonna have her calf?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Any day now.\u00a0 Leave her alone.\u00a0 She don\u2019t like company in her condition.\u2019 Sure enough, Daisy gave Joe a dark look and stamped her foot at him angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No one wants me,\u2019 muttered the boy. \u2018Seems I\u2019m just in the way of everyone round here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come back and sit down!\u2019 called Hoss. \u2018I want you where I can keep an eye on ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave a sigh and went back in to the next stall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So how was your afternoon?\u2019 asked Ben at supper that night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. \u2018I didn\u2019t get ta do much,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing and Hoss wouldn\u2019t let me help much.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Oh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He was upsetting the animals Pa,\u2019 said Hoss indignantly. \u2018I woulda given him something ta do cept he kept upsetting em every time he went near them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I did not!\u2019 declared Little Joe.\u00a0 He smiled at Hop Sing as he came into the room. \u2018Anyways I helped Hop Sing lots, didn\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing glared at him. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 he said and banged a platter down on the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised the other eyebrow. \u2018If you\u2019ve finished your supper Joseph, you\u2019d better get your books and show Adam what you did this morning.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe slid down from his chair eagerly and ran to get his books from his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave a sigh and went over to the sofa. \u2018Put them on the coffee table,\u2019 he instructed. \u2018I\u2019ll correct your work before I set tomorrow\u2019s assignments.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe knelt down next to the coffee table and looked at his brother anxiously. \u2018I didn\u2019t get it all done,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So I see,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018In fact you hardly got any of it done!\u00a0 What were you doing all morning?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The arithmetic was too hard!\u2019 whined Little Joe. \u2018Your numbers for them multiplicashions was too big.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense,\u2019 said Adam firmly. \u2018You should have been able to do them.\u00a0 What about your spelling?\u00a0 Did you learn it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep.\u00a0 Pa said to write em out. Here.\u2019\u00a0 He handed his brother his paper. Adam looked at it and then laid it down. \u2018What about your essay?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here.\u00a0 I done George Washington.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You call this an essay?\u2019 said Adam incredulously. \u2018You\u2019ve hardly done anything!\u00a0 And the handwriting is disgraceful!\u2019\u00a0 He put the paper down. \u2018Is that it?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Didn\u2019t you do any more than that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s all I had time for,\u2019 explained Little Joe. \u2018My pencil kept breaking.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave him a firm look. \u2018No wonder you\u2019re always in trouble at school,\u2019 he said. \u2018I feel sorry for Abigail Jones having to put up with you, if this is an indication of your work!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pouted. \u2018I can\u2019t help it,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was my best.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That is absolute garbage Joe and you know it!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018Now if I can take the trouble to set you work to do, then you are going to do it properly!\u00a0 Anything you don\u2019t get done from now on during the day you will finish off for homework under my supervision.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother an appalled look. \u2018I ain\u2019t!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I don\u2019t have to, do I Pa?\u2019\u00a0 He turned to his father indignantly. \u2018Tell Adam I don\u2019t have to, Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u2018Your brother is in charge of your work,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ll do as he says.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Right,\u2019 said Adam spreading the papers across the table. \u2018You\u2019ll do this essay again for a start, straight after I go through these multiplications with you.\u00a0 Now get a pencil and hurry up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sighed as he picked up his pencil and gave his brother a dark look. \u2018Ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, you might do more tomorrow if you think it isn\u2019t fair doing it at night, mightn\u2019t you?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Now look at these problems and hurry up about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. It seemed as if Joseph wasn\u2019t going to put anything over his older brother with his work.\u00a0 Maybe the boy would even begin to catch up during these weeks?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried not to smile as the boy seated beside him sighed for the tenth time in half an hour. He ignored the noise and kept his head bent, well aware that his son wanted his help with his work yet again. Another dramatic sigh made him put his hand to his face to cover the smile that crept there, in spite of his intentions and he coughed slightly to mask the laughter that threatened to explode from him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It had been like this every day during the past week.\u00a0 Every morning Little Joe did everything he could to involve his father in his work and thereby get it done quicker and every morning Ben refused to be drawn into his son\u2019s ruse.\u00a0 However, he had to give the boy points for trying.\u00a0 He never seemed to give up, even after his father had made it abundantly clear that he wasn\u2019t going to help him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe began to mumble under his breath. \u2018Be quiet please Joseph,\u2019 said Ben, not looking up. \u2018I\u2019ve told you before about that mumbling.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I can\u2019t do it Pa!\u2019 whined the boy. \u2018Adam makes these sums too hard!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you keep saying,\u2019 replied his father, looking up at last. \u2018But your brother keeps telling me that he isn\u2019t giving you anything that you shouldn\u2019t be able to handle.\u2019 Little Joe gave his father a black look. \u2018Does Miss Jones put up with you whining like this every day at school?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t whine,\u2019 replied Little Joe as he fiddled with his pencils. \u2018And anyways she helps us when we don\u2019t understand stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018As your brother will help you tonight,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018You\u2019ve been told many times Joseph to get on with the parts that you can do and the rest of it will be done at night under Adam\u2019s supervision.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But that means that I get homework ta do as well!\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben simply looked at him until the boy picked up his pencil again with another dramatic sigh.\u00a0 He smiled to himself and watched the boy out of the corner of his eye as he pretended to do his contracts.\u00a0 Little Joe stared at the paper for a few moments and then began counting on his fingers.\u00a0 He scrunched up his nose as he thought about it and then began to write down his answer. Ben noticed how awkward he looked writing with his left hand. No wonder the child\u2019s handwriting was so bad!\u00a0 When he\u2019d first gone to school a few years ago the teacher at the time had tried to persuade Ben to have him changed over, but Ben had stood firm and refused.\u00a0 His son was a definite left-hander, and even though he looked awkward when he wrote, Ben was sure that he had made the right decision.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy beside him began to wriggle on his chair. \u2018I need ta go Pa,\u2019 he said suddenly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You just went a little while ago,\u2019 said his father calmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I need ta go again,\u2019 whined Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put down his pen and gave his son a stern look. \u2018You do not,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018Now get on with your work or you\u2019ll have a lot to do again tonight as usual.\u2019\u00a0 He thought about the battles that his oldest and youngest son had been having each night this week.\u00a0 Little Joe had insisted that he couldn\u2019t understand the work and Adam had insisted that he could.\u00a0 It seemed to Ben as he listened to the arguments between the two of them that Adam was right and Little Joe was trying to get out of doing as much of his lessons as was possible.\u00a0 When pushed to it, the boy knew the answers \u2026 he just didn\u2019t seem to want to put in the effort unless he had to.\u00a0 Ben wondered if he was like this at school and resolved to have a serious talk with Abigail Jones once she had regained her health and everyone was back at school.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben studied his son as he worked beside him.\u00a0 His tongue was poking out of the corner of his mouth and his eyes were screwed up as if in intense concentration, but Ben knew the boy well and could tell that it was all for effect.\u00a0 Sure enough, the child\u2019s eyes opened slightly and he looked over at his father to see if he were watching. When he saw that he was he gave another dramatic sigh and shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m trying my best, Pa,\u2019 he assured his father. \u2018I just can\u2019t seem ta do em though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his own head. \u2018Well then you\u2019re going to have a lot of homework again tonight, aren\u2019t you?\u2019 he said, unsympathetically.\u00a0 Little Joe scowled at the man and began to count on his fingers again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lunch is ready!\u2019 announced Hop Sing from the dining room and Little Joe shut his books with a bang.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bout time!\u2019 he said fervently. \u2018Least I get lunchtime off from all this work!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked his son over to the table. \u2018Thank you, Hop Sing,\u2019 he said as they seated themselves.\u00a0 He also felt a huge sense of relief at lunchtime each day, as it meant that his time with the boy was at an end for the day until suppertime.\u00a0 He had discovered this week that although he loved his son dearly, short doses of the youngster was enough.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are we gonna do this afternoon, Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Little Joe warily.\u00a0 After their first couple of days together his father had suggested that Hop Sing ease the tension between them, by giving Little Joe one large chore to complete each day instead of helping Hop Sing with his routine tasks.\u00a0 It seemed to have been a better system, as they hadn\u2019t got under each other\u2019s feet so much, even if Little Joe had still managed to get into a considerable amount of trouble with the jobs he\u2019d been given.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not that Little Joe saw it that way.\u00a0 After all, who was to know that emptying the cold ashes from the fireplace could turn out to be so messy and make all that extra work for Hop Sing the next day?\u00a0 And the muddied sheets hadn\u2019t been his fault either.\u00a0 Hadn\u2019t he told Hop Sing that they would be too heavy for him to hang on the washing lines? Just like when he\u2019d had to polish the downstairs furniture.\u00a0 Hop Sing hadn\u2019t exactly told him how much polish to use, had he?\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t his fault if the coffee table was now a darker colour with streaks running through it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked thoughtful for a moment. \u2018Little boy work upstairs today,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing work downstairs.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Doing what?\u2019 asked Little Joe with his mouth full.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph, chew with your mouth closed please,\u2019 admonished Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 replied the boy, spraying half his mouthful all over his father. Ben gave him a stern look as he brushed the food off himself. \u2018What am I gonna do today Hop Sing?\u2019 Little Joe asked again. \u2018Sumthing interesting?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Something velly interesting,\u2019 he said cagily. \u2018Little boy clean out cupboard in bedroom. Is very messy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018Aw!\u2019 he said. \u2018That ain\u2019t interesting. Do I haveta?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at the boy sternly. \u2018You\u2019ll do exactly as you\u2019re told young man,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Great holiday I\u2019m getting!\u2019 mumbled his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How many times do I have to tell you, son?\u00a0 This isn\u2019t your holiday. The more you whine about it, the more you\u2019ll have to do so you\u2019d better just get on with it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But the other kids are getting a holiday!\u2019 protested Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you sure about that?\u2019\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s father told me that Mitch is doing extra chores at their place as well.\u00a0 And when I\u2019ve been into town I haven\u2019t seen many children in there doing nothing.\u00a0 I think you\u2019ll find that most of your friends are in the same boat as you are, Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled at his plate. \u2018Well, do I at least get the weekend off?\u2019 he asked dolefully. \u2018Tomorrow\u2019s Saturday, ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I do<\/em> know,\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0 He\u2019d been counting the days down himself eagerly. \u2018And of course you get the weekend off. I never said that you wouldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe grinned for the first time. \u2018Good!\u2019 he said fervently, as he shovelled another mouthful of food in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up from the table. \u2018Well, I\u2019m going into town this afternoon Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get to the Bank and do a few other things. Have a good afternoon, you two.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe and Hop Sing stared at each other as Ben left the room. \u2018Hmph!\u2019 said Hop Sing and began to clear the plates from the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paul!\u2019 said Ben eagerly as he shook the doctor\u2019s hand. \u2018I was hoping to run into you this afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 asked his friend. \u2018Someone out at the ranch sick?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was just wondering how Abigail Jones is getting on, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You and half the town,\u2019 replied Paul with a grin. \u2018It seems that Miss Jones\u2019 health has become everyone\u2019s main concern; especially those folks that have school age children.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been wondering why, personally.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben returned the grin. \u2018I guess everyone is feeling like I am,\u2019 he said. \u2018The sooner Abigail is able to take the responsibility for our children again, the better,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve discovered that my youngest son can be quite a trial.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I thought you knew that already?\u2019 asked the doctor with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged. \u2018You know I did,\u2019 he said. \u2018But now that he\u2019s home fulltime \u2026 well \u2026. Let\u2019s just say I have a great respect for Miss Jones right about now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the doctor eagerly. \u2018Is there any chance she\u2019ll be recovered earlier than you had anticipated, Paul?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry to disappoint you, Ben,\u2019 said the doctor. \u2018It\u2019ll be another few weeks yet.\u2019\u00a0 He patted the other man on the shoulder. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll survive.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes, but will the boys and Hop Sing?\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re sharing him around each day, you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018In shifts?\u2019 laughed Paul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you laugh,\u2019 warned Ben, holding up a mocking finger. \u2018I\u2019d like to see you entertain one ten year old with as much energy as Joseph has each day.\u00a0 Not to mention making sure that he does his school work as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m just glad that I don\u2019t have to try,\u2019 replied Paul. \u2018But really Ben, you should be used to it.\u00a0 When Adam was his age he hadn\u2019t ever been to school at all and Hoss didn\u2019t start until he was about eight, didn\u2019t he?\u00a0 You managed with them all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes, but Joseph is different,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Adam was \u2026 well, you know what he\u2019s like.\u00a0 I only had to suggest he do something and I knew that he would.\u00a0 He was a very responsible boy, even as a youngster.\u00a0 And he just lapped up any schoolwork that I gave him.\u00a0 No, Adam was never a problem.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, I suppose that Adam was always there to help look after him for me,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018He didn\u2019t seem to get into much trouble at all and even though he didn\u2019t take as easily to the schoolwork, he tried his best. Both those boys were much easier to raise than this one and I didn\u2019t even have a permanent home for them then.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018There are times when I think that Joseph is more work than anything else in my life Paul and that includes the entire Ponderosa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul slapped his friend on the back. \u2018Well, you get a break from him each afternoon,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about coming for a drink old friend, while you have the chance?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u2018I think I\u2019ll just take you up on that,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I like to stay away from the house if I can in the afternoons, so a drink sounds like an excellent idea before I get on down to the Bank.\u00a0 Lead on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Concentrate!\u2019 said Adam sharply. \u2018Now think about it before you write it down.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sighed. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said. \u2018Um \u2026 582?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and rolled his eyes. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018How many times do I have to tell you to carry the 3?\u2019\u00a0 He leant over and rubbed out his brother\u2019s answer. \u2018Now do it again,\u2019 he said. \u2018And think about it this time.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as his brother counted on his fingers for a moment and then wrote something down again. \u2018Better,\u2019 he said, with satisfaction. \u2018Now why couldn\u2019t you do that the first time?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause you was yelling at me!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I can\u2019t concentrate when you keep yelling at me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I am not yelling at you,\u2019 said Adam indignantly. \u2018Now do the next one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scowled and began to count on his fingers again. \u2018It\u2019s too hard,\u2019 he said after a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It\u2019s just the same as all the others you\u2019ve been doing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m too tired!\u2019 said Little Joe, rubbing his eyes for effect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019re going to be an awful lot more tired before this is over,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You still have to read to me yet.\u00a0 Hurry up.\u2019 Little Joe finished up the rest of the sums and then sat and waited while Adam corrected them. \u2018That\u2019s better,\u2019 said Adam as he ticked the last sum. \u2018Now why couldn\u2019t you have done all those this morning?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re just being lazy, Joe,\u2019 admonished Adam as he picked up his brother\u2019s reading book. \u2018If you bothered to put in a bit more effort you\u2019d do quite well, you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You sound like old Jonesy,\u2019 grumbled Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, perhaps Abigail is right,\u2019 said Adam smugly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019 said Hoss from his position on the sofa. \u2018I never thought I\u2019d hear you say that Abigail Jones was right about anything, older brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried not to look uncomfortable. \u2018Well, in this case she is,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe is far too lazy for his own good. I think you should have a talk with her when school goes back, Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot his father a startled look. \u2018I intend to,\u2019 replied Ben from behind his newspaper. \u2018I think you\u2019re right, Adam.\u00a0 Joe seems to be far too lazy with his work, in my opinion.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa \u2026.\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018It ain\u2019t my fault iffen I can\u2019t understand all this stuff.\u00a0 Adam don\u2019t teach it right!\u2019\u00a0 He gave his brother a smug look. \u2018He ain\u2019t a very good teacher, is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He isn\u2019t a very good teacher,\u2019 corrected Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See?\u2019 said Little Joe as he poked out his tongue at his brother. \u2018Even Pa knows it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cuffed his little brother on the side of the head \u2018Oh really?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, if I\u2019m not a good teacher, then you\u2019re certainly not a good student,\u2019 he said. \u2018And now is the chance for both of us to improve, don\u2019t you think? Now open your reader and start where we got up to last night.\u2019 He rolled his eyes at his father as Little Joe began to read falteringly. Ben buried his face behind his newspaper again and tried not to laugh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You ain\u2019t really gonna talk ta Miss Jones bout me being lazy with my work, are ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked over at his son as he sat chewing the end of his pencil in thought. \u2018I most certainly am,\u2019 he said. \u2018It seems to me that you spend an awful lot of effort wasting your time Joseph, when you could be studying.\u00a0 If that\u2019s the way you behave in school, then I think something needs to be done about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned at his father\u2019s words. \u2018You don\u2019t need ta talk ta old Jonesy bout it though, do ya?\u2019 he said. \u2018She\u2019ll keep on at me about it and\u00a0 \u2026 well \u2026 I mean \u2026 she already knows anyways.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All the more reason for me to discuss it with her,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Unless I see a big improvement in your attitude to it around here, of course,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gulped as he stared at his father. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Ben smiled as the boy bent his head and began to write furiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is much better today,\u2019 said Adam with a smile. \u2018You\u2019ve got them all right for once.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I got all them dates learned too,\u2019 said Little Joe eagerly. \u2018You can ask me iffen ya want.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam picked up his brother\u2019s history book. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s see if you know them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben listened as Adam tested his little brother on his history dates.\u00a0 It seemed that threatening to discuss about the boy\u2019s laziness with Miss Jones had worked miracles and he wondered why he hadn\u2019t thought about it earlier.\u00a0 It had made their morning sessions much quieter, at any rate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well done!\u2019 said Adam as he closed the book. \u2018I knew that you could do it if you wanted to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I done all the work you gave me today too,\u2019 said Little Joe proudly. \u2018I ain\u2019t got none to do for homework tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll set you some more for tomorrow,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018If you can do that much in one morning then I\u2019ll give you some extra to keep you busy tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave his brother an appalled look. \u2018But \u2026\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at him. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hung his head. \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 he said in a low voice.\u00a0 He hoped that not getting into trouble with Miss Jones was worth all of this.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked down at the filthy boy in front of him and frowned. \u2018Was it absolutely necessary to give him that job this afternoon Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You might have known that he\u2019d end up looking like this.\u2019\u00a0 He reached out and touched the boy\u2019s hair gingerly and felt the black grime between his fingers as he did so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not tell boy to get so dirty while clean stove!\u2019 declared Hop Sing. \u2018Not know what else job him do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well try to find a less messy job for tomorrow please\u2019 said Ben as he shooed his son through the door. \u2018Into the washhouse Joseph and get into that tub straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing not here tomorrow,\u2019 said the cook smugly. \u2018You tell I can visit number three cousin sick in town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked confused for a moment. \u2018Tomorrow?\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you meant Sunday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head firmly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Is tomorrow.\u00a0 I say last week in two weeks less five days and you say yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. He never could work out Hop Sing\u2019s logic and he\u2019d long since given up trying to. \u2018Well, can\u2019t you change it?\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018I need you tomorrow to look after Joseph as usual.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head firmly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing need day to not look after little boy.\u00a0 Hop Sing go back China if look after little boy much longer.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked worried as the man left the room.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t for one minute believe that his threat was real, but he knew enough that the man needed a break from the boy.\u00a0 He knew exactly how the cook felt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam \u2026. Hoss?\u2019 he said. \u2018Could one of you take over Hop Sing\u2019s shift with Joseph tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But we\u2019ve only got two more days to get that timber in.\u00a0 In fact I was going to ask you if I could have Hoss for the whole day tomorrow as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked relieved. \u2018It\u2019s okay with me if I help ya Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I could do with a day away from that kid as well.\u00a0 Even the timber camp sounds like less work.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I have to go in to get these contracts signed tomorrow,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018After all my work on them I can\u2019t miss this meeting with Captain Wilson.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can\u2019t you take Joe with you?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I could set him some extra work to take in with him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I suppose so,\u2019 aid Ben thoughtfully. \u2018I suppose he could behave himself for an hour or two.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a yell from the kitchen and Hop Sing came racing into the room. \u2018You tell little boy not come in kitchen in no clothes!\u2019 he said, brandishing a knife round his head. \u2018Or I chop chop!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u2018Boys forget what I just said,\u2019 he remarked as he headed for the kitchen. \u2018If that boy could manage to behave himself for an hour or two, it\u2019ll be a first!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now remember what I told you Joseph,\u2019 said Ben sternly as he drew the buggy to a halt. \u2018These contracts are very important to me and I don\u2019t need any of your nonsense while I\u2019m trying to negotiate them with the Captain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe with an innocent expression on his face.\u00a0 He was just pleased to get away from the house for the afternoon, even if it did mean having to bring extra schoolwork with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now you\u2019re to sit quietly and do your work while I\u2019m having my meeting,\u2019 said Ben as he got down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe again. He stared at the building in front of him. \u2018How come we\u2019re going in ta the hotel Pa?\u00a0 How come your meeting with the Captain is in here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Because this is where the Captain is staying while he\u2019s in town,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Now mind your manners.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe again.\u00a0 He clutched his books to his chest as they approached the front desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Captain Wilson\u2019s room please,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Number 14,\u2019 replied the desk clerk. \u2018He said to go straight on up Mr Cartwright. \u2018Hello Little Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi Mr Alden,\u2019 replied Little Joe with one of his most charming smiles.\u00a0 He followed his father up the staircase and along the hallway until they got to room number 14.\u00a0 Ben knocked on it a couple of times and it was opened by a tall greying man in a uniform. \u2018Captain Wilson,\u2019 he said, holding out his hand. \u2018It\u2019s nice to finally meet you sir.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said the man shaking his hand. He looked down at Little Joe. \u2018And who would this young soldier be?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is my son Joseph,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018I\u2019m sorry I had to bring him, but the schoolteacher is sick and they\u2019ve shut the school for a few weeks.\u00a0 I had no one to leave him with today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see.\u2019 The man gave Little Joe an appraising look and Little Joe did the same.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s going to do his schoolwork quietly in the corner while we meet,\u2019 said Ben with a meaningful look at Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 said the man as he ushered them into the room. \u2018You can sit over there, young man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat at one end of the table and watched as his father and the Captain sat at the other. Ben gave him another meaningful look and he opened his books and began to work quietly.\u00a0 After a while his thoughts began to wander as they usually did and he stopped to listen to his father and the Captain talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you can see that at that rate we\u2019d be able to deliver enough horses by the end of March,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You can check my wording, if you like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captain nodded, as he bent over the papers and began to study them.\u00a0 Ben gave Little Joe a stern look and the boy bent over his own work again as well.\u00a0 \u2018Well that looks fine,\u2019 said the Captain finally. \u2018Now I\u2019d like to talk figures.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 said Ben as he handed the man a sheaf of papers. \u2018See what you make of these.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe put his head up again and stared at the man seated at the other end of the table. He noticed how he was counting on his fingers under the table. \u2018That\u2019s how I do it,\u2019 he said, without thinking. \u2018It helps, don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captain looked over at him. \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your fingers,\u2019 Little Joe pointed at them. \u2018I count on mine too, when I do my sums.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captain went red and studied the papers again. \u2018Joseph, do your work,\u2019 said his father sternly.\u00a0 Little Joe shrugged and bent over his papers again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In a while the Captain looked up at Ben. \u2018Everything seems to be in order,\u2019 he said. \u2018The only thing is the price now.\u2019 He hesitated. \u2018You\u2019re asking for more than the army can afford, Mr Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re quality horses Captain,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I can\u2019t take any less than $30 a head for them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That would be $1400 for the full 50,\u2019 mused the Captain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s $1500,\u2019 interrupted Little Joe. \u2018You didn\u2019t do ya multiplicashions right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hid a smile. \u2018Joseph, do your work,\u2019 he said sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The Captain went even redder this time and glared at the child. \u2018Did I say $1400?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Of course I meant $1500.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s okay,\u2019 interrupted Little Joe again. \u2018I get my multiplicashions wrong sometimes too.\u00a0 I reckon you didn\u2019t carry, like you was supposed to.\u00a0 I could show you how, iffen ya want me to.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the man a helpful look and was surprised to see that it wasn\u2019t returned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph, I said to do your work!\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018Any more talk out of you, young man, and you\u2019ll be sitting in the corner.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did I say?\u2019 asked Little Joe indignantly. \u2018It ain\u2019t my fault iffen he can\u2019t do his multiplicashions right. I was only offering ta help!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the Captain a weak smile. \u2018Please take your time, Captain,\u2019 he said. \u2018Study the figures at your leisure.\u00a0 He waggled his finger at Little Joe and motioned to his work again.\u00a0 Joe went back to it with a sigh.\u00a0 Sometimes grownups were hard to understand.\u00a0 He glanced over at the Captain again and smiled to see the man counting on his fingers again under the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Ben was about to get up into the buggy beside his son he hesitated as he saw a familiar sight coming towards him. \u2018Miss Jones!\u2019 he said as he tipped his hat to the woman.\u00a0 He noted the sling that she wore, with a heavy heart. \u2018How are you feeling?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not too bad, Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said Abigail, flashing him a toothy smile. \u2018Thank you for asking.\u00a0 And how is young Joseph?\u00a0 Been keeping up with his schoolwork, I hope?\u2019\u00a0 She gave the boy a smile, which he didn\u2019t return.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He certainly has,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Um \u2026 when do you think you\u2019ll be back at school Miss Jones?\u00a0 I mean \u2026 everyone has been missing you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t,\u2019 mumbled Little Joe from the buggy and Ben reached behind his back with one arm to swat the child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How kind of you to say so, Mr Cartwright,\u2019 replied Abigail. \u2018As a matter of fact, it should only be a few days now.\u00a0 I\u2019m on my way to see Dr Martin now and if all goes well he should take off the bandages this afternoon.\u00a0 A few more days rest and I should be ready to commence school again on Monday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben beamed at the woman. \u2018Well, that\u2019s fine news!\u2019 he said fervently. \u2018Everyone will be very pleased to hear that you\u2019re going back to school \u2026 I mean \u2026 that you\u2019re on the mend.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat again. \u2018Good luck with the arm,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scowled as his father got up into the buggy. \u2018Trust old Jonsey ta get better quickly,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Even her bones is tough!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019ll do, young man,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I don\u2019t want to hear any more remarks like that, thank you!\u2019\u00a0 He hitched the horses up and they started off down the street, Ben with a huge grin on his face and Little Joe with a huge scowl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So it\u2019s back to school this morning, is it?\u2019 asked Adam cheerfully as Little Joe slid into his seat at the breakfast table. \u2018Pity.\u00a0 I was beginning to enjoy our work together.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave him an eager look. \u2018Well I can always stay at home and do it like I\u2019ve been doing,\u2019 he said. He glanced at his father. \u2018Can I Pa?\u00a0 Me and Adam can work together instead of me going to school.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said his father firmly. \u2018You\u2019re going to school Joseph and that\u2019s an end to it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Besides,\u2019 added Adam. \u2018I don\u2019t really have the time, you know buddy. You\u2019re better off in school.\u00a0 You\u2019ve worked so hard during the past couple of weeks that I\u2019m sure Miss Jones will be pleased with your progress and you might even get to like it, now that you\u2019ll be doing well.\u2019 Little Joe didn\u2019t look convinced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hurry up with your breakfast please, Joseph,\u2019 instructed Ben. \u2018You don\u2019t want to be late for your first day at school.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t care,\u2019 replied Little Joe, but picked up his spoon as he caught the look in his father\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 said Ben again.\u00a0 He could hardly wait for the boy to leave, as he was looking forward to his first quiet morning without him for a month.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked at his father mournfully as he ate. \u2018Will ya miss me at home this morning, Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018More than I can say, son,\u2019 replied his father fervently. \u2018More than I can say.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And what is this?\u2019 asked Ben sternly a few days later as his youngest son handed him a note.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s from old Jone \u2026. I mean Miss Jones,\u2019 said Little Joe, trying to look and sound casual about it. \u2018I dunno what it says.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave him a suspicious look. \u2018Have you been in trouble?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave his father an innocent look. \u2018Who me?\u00a0 Heck no, Pa.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t done nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ripped the note open and began to read. \u2018She wants me to come and see her,\u2019 he said as he scanned the letter. \u2018Something about your lack of application to your work Joseph.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the boy a stern look. \u2018I thought we\u2019d sorted all that out and you were trying hard now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t even know what a applicashion is,\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly. \u2018And I never done it neither!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave a sigh. \u2018Go and do your chores please, Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about this later.\u2019\u00a0 He waited until the boy had left the room, before continuing. \u2018I think we might be back where we started,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s a lazy boy when he wants to be.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well, we could always keep him home and have him work here again,\u2019 suggested Adam with a twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 \u2018It seemed to do the job last time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018No matter how lazy he is at school, he\u2019s going \u2026 and that\u2019s all there is to it!\u00a0 I\u2019m not going through a month like that again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed out loud.\u00a0 I think Hoss and Hop Sing would agree with you, Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018He sure stirred this place up in the last few weeks, didn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head again. \u2018You know, I must remember to send Abigail Jones something special for Christmas this year,\u2019 he mused. \u2018The woman certainly has earned it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n