Summary:\u00a0 Joe has money troubles and Adam tries to teach him a lesson.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a05,690 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paying the Price<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe Cartwright pressed his face against the pane of glass and stared at the knife in the shop window. \u2018Sure is a beauty!\u2019 he said wistfully. \u2018I wish I could buy it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well why can\u2019t you?\u2019 asked Mitch as he stood in like position beside him. \u2018Your Pa\u2019s got plenty of money.\u00a0 Would he give some to you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nah!\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Pa says that I hafta earn money to buy things I want.\u00a0 He\u2019s says it\u2019s character building or something.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shame,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018It\u2019s a mighty fine knife.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Personally I\u2019d rather have the money and a weak character than no money and a strong character, but Pa don\u2019t seem to understand that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about your brothers?\u2019 Mitch suggested. \u2018Do you think that they\u2019d lend you some money to buy it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018Not likely,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam\u2019s always lecturing me on how come I don\u2019t have any money.\u00a0 He says I waste it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rolled his eyes. \u2018I know!\u2019 he said. \u2018Shows what he knows don\u2019t it?\u00a0 As if I would waste my money!\u00a0 I always spend it on things I really need like marbles and candy and such.\u00a0 I mean\u2026 how could I not have those things?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 Mitch agreed. \u2018Sometimes grownups ain\u2019t got no idea! What about Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh, he\u2019s nearly as bad. I think he would give me some at times, but he\u2019s worried bout going against what Pa and Adam say though.\u00a0 He thinks it\u2019s not good fer me to have too much.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed again. \u2018They don\u2019t think much ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Mitch nodding his head. \u2018Grownups have no idea sometimes!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two boys sighed as they continued to stare at the knife. \u2018How about you?\u2019 asked Joe after a minute.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch shook his head. \u2018Nah!\u00a0 My parents couldn\u2019t afford to buy it for me even if they wanted to,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018How much money ya got Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My fifty cents allowance,\u2019 said Joe, fingering the money in his pocket. \u2018I\u2019ll be saving forever to get to three dollars. There must be a quicker way!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Joseph,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018You\u2019ve had your allowance each week and if you have chosen to waste it then I\u2019m not giving you any more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa!\u2019 pleaded Joe. \u2018It\u2019ll take me forever to save up\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He began to count on his fingers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Two dollars and fifty cents,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I only get fifty cents a week, so it\u2019ll take me\u2026.\u2019 he began to count again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Five weeks,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him again. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018So I\u2019ve just been thinking Pa\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted his eyebrows at his son. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he prompted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I was thinking that if you bought the knife for me, then I could use it to help you,\u2019 said Joe hopefully. \u2018You know\u2026 doing things for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well\u2026.. like cutting things for you,\u2019 Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Anything you\u2019d like\u2026\u2019 he finished lamely, not being able to think of anything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How very generous of you Joseph,\u2019 said Ben with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018But the answer is still no.\u2019 Joe scowled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019d saved some of your allowance in the past few weeks you might have enough money without having to plead for it,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it ain\u2019t my fault!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018You know it\u2019s marbles season and a feller can\u2019t not have any marbles to play with!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What happened to your ones from last year?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018I still got em,\u2019 he said. \u2018But they got new colours this year and I had to have some!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you\u2019ve spent you whole allowance on marbles?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well\u2026. No\u2026. but I had to have some candy too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh of course! That would have been essential,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018Face it Joe\u2026 you just need to develop some better money saving habits.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I will!\u2019 said Joe eagerly. \u2018If you give me some money I\u2019ll show you just how good I can be with it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018By buying the knife?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u00a0 It\u2019d be a real good investment\u2026 don\u2019t ya think so Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018Leave me out of this,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t getting involved.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Face it Joseph,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You will either have to wait until you\u2019ve saved up the money or do without this knife.\u00a0 You have two choices son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slumped down in his chair and folded his arms across his chest with a dramatic sigh. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018But don\u2019t blame me if you need me to cut something for you and I ain\u2019t able to do it cause I ain\u2019t got no knife!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry son I won\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben with a wink at Hoss and Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No luck eh?\u2019 asked Mitch sympathetically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018Nah!\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess it was worth a try though.\u00a0 Somehow or other there has to be a way to get that money!\u2019\u00a0 He clicked his fingers and sat up straight. \u2018I know!\u2019 he said. I\u2019ll make some money for myself!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018There must be a way to earn the price of that knife.\u00a0 Maybe I could do jobs for people.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I dunno.\u00a0 There must be someone who wants something done.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Would your Pa let you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I dunno.\u00a0 Guess there\u2019s no harm in asking,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018I have to think of the best way to ask him though.\u00a0 Sometimes if I get him at just the right moment he\u2019s OK with things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch nodded. \u2018Yeah I know what you mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018You just have ta know how ta handle em sometimes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his friend. \u2018Sure do!\u2019 he agreed. \u2018I\u2019m gonna get that knife if it\u2019s the last thing I do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Well I don\u2019t really have a problem with it,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018As long as you get your chores done and don\u2019t let your school work slip behind\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019d be hard,\u2019 muttered Adam. \u2018You can\u2019t slip far below nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe both glared at him. \u2018\u2026I don\u2019t see why you couldn\u2019t earn some extra money,\u2019 finished Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his father. \u2018Thanks Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018All I have ta do now is think of how to earn the money.\u2019\u00a0 He frowned in thought and then smiled. \u2018Maybe I could ask around town,\u2019 he said. \u2018I could do some jobs after school each afternoon.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father to see his reaction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It would depend what it was,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Ask around and see what you can find, but clear it with me first young man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled at his father. \u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll start tomorrow, seeing as how it\u2019s Saturday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just how much are you figuring on making?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018As much as I can.\u2019\u00a0 Joe frowned in thought again. \u2018Let\u2019s see\u2026\u2019 he began to count on his fingers. \u2018If I could make the same as my allowance\u2026 fifty cents a week\u2026. it\u2019d take me\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Three weeks,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned even more. \u2018That\u2019s too long!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll haveta earn more than that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can\u2019t you wait three weeks?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018Nuh!\u00a0 I gotta have it sooner.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018Never let it be said that you had to wait for anything.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded in agreement. \u2018That\u2019s right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see if I can get lots of jobs to make the money faster.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well just wait and see what you can find first,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And remember Joseph, if your schoolwork slips or you\u2019re not coping with all this work the deal is off.\u00a0 Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Understood!\u2019 said Joe as he ran to the front door. \u2018See ya!\u00a0 I\u2019ve got work to do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed as the front door slammed. \u2018Do you really think he\u2019ll be able to do this?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged. \u2018I really don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not going to let him overdo it though.\u00a0 One hint of that and the deal will be off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019ll be interesting ta see if he can actually do this,\u2019 said Hoss<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do him good,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Well dear, as it so happens I could do with some help around here at the moment,\u2019 said Mrs Hopkins as Joe stood on her front porch hopefully. \u2018My brother is in Sacramento at the moment and there are few jobs that have been piling up while he\u2019s been away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at her. \u2018I could do em for ya then!\u2019 he said enthusiastically. \u2018I\u2019m a good worker!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure you are dear,\u2019 replied Mrs Hopkins. \u2018But some of the jobs might be a bit beyond you dear.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I need the barn painted and that fence over there.\u00a0 Plus there are quite a few other chores.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019d better leave the painting to someone else.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can do it!\u2019 replied Joe enthusiastically. \u2018I\u2019ve done painting at home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mrs Hopkins looked doubtful. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Please?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018I really need the money.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The woman smiled. \u2018I\u2019ll tell you what,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll pay you fifty cents for all the chores and an extra dollar if you paint the barn and fence well. How would that be dear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s perfect!\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018That\u2019s exactly the amount I need.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When can you start?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Right now if ya like!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018The sooner I start then sooner I get the money I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All right dear.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find the paint and brushes in the barn.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe ran enthusiastically over to the barn to get the equipment. It seemed as if this was going to be easier than he had thought!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe worked hard all week getting all the chores done and much of the painting as well.\u00a0 He found the work a lot harder than he had first anticipated, as the painting took up a lot of his time and he thought he\u2019d never get it finished.\u00a0 Finally on the second weekend he could see the end in sight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna have that money by Friday!\u2019 he said enthusiastically at the dinner table one evening that week. \u2018That knife is just about mine!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s very good son,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It seems like you\u2019ve stuck to the job and earned yourself that money.\u00a0 Now doesn\u2019t it feel good to have earned it yourself rather than have someone hand it to you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018But I still wouldn\u2019t of minded if you\u2019d given it to me instead.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to hide a smile from his father. \u2018And how is your own work coming?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave him a glare that he hoped his brother would interpret as a warning to mind his own business.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Adam didn\u2019t quite see it that way and continued. \u2018Any problems with your homework or chores?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018None of your business!\u2019 said Joe defensively. \u2018Anyway fro your information I\u2019ve done all my chores each day.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t I Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018As far as I can tell you\u2019ve done everything as you should have.\u00a0 I really don\u2019t know about your school work though.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Adam a wink. \u2018Maybe I should ride past the school tomorrow and check with Miss Jones if you\u2019ve been working to capacity Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked worried. \u2018I ain\u2019t been working any different to normal,\u2019 he said sullenly. \u2018You don\u2019t havta check.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hid another smirk. \u2018To normal eh?\u2019 he said. \u2018Then I\u2019d definitely check Pa.\u00a0 Abigail is likely to have a thing or two to tell you then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head and put his hand on his youngest son\u2019s arm as he saw the worried look on his face at his brother\u2019s words. \u2018There\u2019s no need for that,\u2019 he replied. \u2018If I haven\u2019t got a note home from Miss Jones all week then I think I can assume that everything at school is all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe let out the breath that he had been holding in relief.\u00a0\u00a0 The week at school had been no different to any other, but he wasn\u2019t about to take any chances.\u00a0 There was no telling what that old fussy Miss Jones would get into her head about his work and behaviour if his father went calling to enquire about him. He smiled.\u00a0 It seemed that there was nothing to stop him getting that knife now!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe looked at his father expectantly.\u00a0 Today was Saturday and he was due to get his allowance. The fifty cents he was due would make up the last of the money that was needed to get that knife and he could hardly wait to get into town to buy it. He fingered the money from Mrs Hopkins in his pocket as he stood beside the table eyeing off his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sit down please Joseph,\u2019 said his father. \u2018It would be nice to eat breakfast in peace.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa\u2026.\u2019 began Joe as he sat down obediently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted an eyebrow, knowing what was coming. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s Saturday.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t you\u2026 I mean, can I have my allowance now please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben reached into his pocket and handed over the fifty cents with a smile. \u2018There you are,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve earned it this week.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe got up again with a jump. \u2018Thanks!\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018With the money I get from my jobs I\u2019ve got enough now. Can I go now Pa?\u00a0 I want to get into town first thing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No you can\u2019t,\u2019 said his father firmly. \u2018Breakfast first, then chores!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa!\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m going in later,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You can ride with me if you like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That would be a good idea,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Otherwise you\u2019d have to wait until this afternoon when I have time to take you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t a baby!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019m old enough to go in myself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the rush?\u2019 asked Hoss with a wink at the other two.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave him a frustrated look. \u2018I\u2019m getting my knife today!\u2019 he said. \u2018The pearl-handled one remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh yes!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I seem to remember something being said about that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave them both an incredulous look. \u2018It\u2019s all right son,\u2019 said Ben with a smile. \u2018Your brothers are only teasing you.\u00a0 They know how much you\u2019ve been looking forward to today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I must say that I\u2019m surprised you were able to do it,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it wasn\u2019t easy!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018Two weeks seemed like forever!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it wouldn\u2019t have taken you so long if you\u2019d been making a habit of saving regularly before,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I hope this past week has taught you a lesson Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sure have!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019m gonna make it a habit to save from now on!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll believe that when I see it,\u2019 said Adam dryly. \u2018You couldn\u2019t hold onto a dollar if it was tied to you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now boys,\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018Joseph has done very well this time.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s done without things for a couple of weeks and has worked very hard in order to save up for this knife.\u00a0 He deserves some credit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I go now Pa?\u2019 asked Joe again as he stuffed in another mouthful and drank a big swallow of his milk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Chores,\u2019 reminded Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe gave him a frustrated look as he got up. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll hitch the team when I\u2019m done too Adam, so\u2019s we can get going even quicker.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed as his youngest son left the room. \u2018Well I\u2019ve never seen him so keen to get to chores before,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a shame to think that it\u2019s all over now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Shame that the knife isn\u2019t going to cost him ten dollars instead of only three.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made a face at him. \u2018That ain\u2019t fair,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little brother\u2019s worked real hard fer this.\u00a0 He deserves it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam returned the look. \u2018All right!\u2019 he said putting up his hands in a gesture of defeat.\u00a0 \u2018I only meant that its been good while it lasted.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get out there and get my work done, or that kid will be pestering me to get going soon. Bye!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his father. \u2018Joe\u2019s gonna be so excited when he brings that knife home,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s so excited now,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Haven\u2019t you got work to do as well?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at him. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess I\u2019d better get to em as well huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben returned the grin. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can you let me out here?\u2019 asked Little Joe impatiently. \u2018I gotta get my knife first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew the horses to a halt. \u2018I know, I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be over at the Bank when you\u2019re done.\u00a0 Meet me there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK!\u2019 Joe leapt off the buckboard and ran into the shop.\u00a0 He walked straight up to the counter and plonked his money down, counting it carefully before looking up at Sam Winters with a huge grin. \u2018Hi Mr Winters,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I\u2019ve come in to buy a knife.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam returned the look. \u2018Oh?\u2019 he said. \u2018And which knife would that be?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The one in your window.\u00a0 The pearl-handled one for sale.\u00a0 It\u2019s three dollars.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam shook his head. \u2018Sorry Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s gone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018What do you mean gone?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018I\u2019ve got the money for it here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam shook his head again. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018I sold it just yesterday.\u00a0 It was the last one I had of that kind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face crumpled and he was silent. \u2018But you can\u2019t have!\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018I\u2019ve been saving up fer it!\u00a0 It\u2019s taken me a whole week!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned away from the counter, his shoulders sagging and his face a picture of despair. It just wasn\u2019t fair!\u00a0 He\u2019d worked so hard to earn the money and now the man told him that the knife was gone!\u00a0 \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he mumbled as he walked away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam looked at the youngster. \u2018Wait,\u2019 he said. \u2018If it\u2019s a knife you\u2019re interested in, then I\u2019ve got some others here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned around eagerly. \u2018I thought you said it was the last one?\u2019 he cried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of that particular kind,\u2019 said Sam. \u2018But I\u2019ve got some more here that you might like.\u2019\u00a0 He took a box down from the shelf and opened it, placing several knives in front of the boy. \u2018There you go,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you like any of these?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes shone. \u2018Yeah!\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018How much are they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well this one here is ten dollars\u2026.\u2019 began Sam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at him and shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ve only got three dollars,\u2019 he said mournfully and then looked up expectantly. \u2018Any for that price?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam shook his head sadly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018The cheapest one is this one here,\u2019 he said as he held up a beautiful knife with a silver handle. \u2018Five dollars.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018I\u2019m short\u2026..\u2019 he began to count on his fingers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A dollar fifty,\u2019 volunteered Sam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 sighed Joe. \u2018Guess I can\u2019t have it.\u2019 He gave the knife a wistful look as Sam put it and the other back into the box. \u2018Thanks anyway,\u2019 he said sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe left the shop, dragging his feet.\u00a0 As he came out into the sunshine again, he thought about how strange it was\u2026. Only moments before everything had seemed so great and now\u2026. well now everything had been ruined.\u00a0 He looked at the money in his hand and sighed. All that work \u2026. and he had nothing to show for it \u2026 Life just wasn\u2019t fair sometimes!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He walked down the street until he saw their buckboard tied up outside the Bank where Adam obviously still was.\u00a0 Joe climbed slowly up and sat there quietly, not feeling like talking to any of the people who passed. By the time that Adam appeared, his youngest brother was looking quite dejected.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the matter with you?\u2019 he asked as he climbed up beside him. \u2018I thought you\u2019d be running into the Bank before now to show me your knife.\u2019 Joe shrugged and said nothing. \u2018Well?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Aren\u2019t you going to show it to me?\u2019\u00a0 He stared at his younger brother, wondering what was the matter with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged again. \u2018Guess not,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t got it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned. \u2018I thought you were going to get it straight away?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Hurry up and get it now then.\u00a0 Go on\u2026 I\u2019ll wait.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged again. \u2018I can\u2019t,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018Mr Winters done sold it and I ain\u2019t got enough money for them other ones that he\u2019s got.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at his brother intentlynoted the tears that were threatening to fall and how desperately he was trying to hide the fact. \u2018 Oh I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well that\u2019s too bad.\u2019 Joe nodded silently. \u2018How much are the other knives?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The next cheapest one is five dollars. It\u2019ll take me weeks to save that much from my allowance.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pursed his lips. \u2018Bad luck,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well \u2026 how about we get a cold drink before we go home?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said without any enthusiasm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hitched up the horses and then hesitated. \u2018Tell you what Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about I lend you that extra dollar fifty?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head jerked up and he looked at his brother excitedly. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked excitedly. \u2018How come?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached into his pocket and drew out the money. \u2018Probably because I couldn\u2019t stand to see you pouting like that for the next few weeks,\u2019 he said as he held it out to his brother. \u2018Now remember that this is a loan and you\u2019re going to owe me your next three weeks allowance. Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded eagerly as he took the money. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I promise.\u00a0 Thanks Adam!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now hang on,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You\u2019re not getting it that easily.\u2019 He pointed a finger at his younger brother. \u2018It\u2019s like I\u2019ve been telling you Joe, you need to learn the value of saving and I think this might be as good a time as any to teach you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If I\u2019m going to lend you this money, then I have to have some security in return.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s security?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s something that you agree to let me have in case you don\u2019t pay me back the money.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll pay you back!\u00a0 I said so didn\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Yes I know that you said so,\u2019 he said. \u2018But this is the way it\u2019s done in the business world. You wouldn\u2019t expect me to trust you if I were a stranger would you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018But I ain\u2019t a stranger,\u2019 he pouted. \u2018I\u2019m your brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes you are.\u00a0 A brother who I want security from.\u00a0 Now what are you offering?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Um\u2026. I dunno,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018I ain\u2019t got nothing you\u2019d want.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You haven\u2019t got anything I\u2019d want,\u2019 corrected Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 Joe said puzzled as to why his brother needed to repeat his statement. He clicked his fingers. \u2018Hey! How about the knife itself?\u2019 he said. \u2018If I don\u2019t pay you back then I haveta give you the knife.\u2019 He looked at Adam hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stroked his chin. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018If you don\u2019t make the payment with your allowance in the next three weeks then I get the knife.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a deal!\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018So I got three weeks to give it back to you OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said and gave his brother a slight push. \u2018Well go and get it then, before he sells that one too. Hurry up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother another big grin and leapt off the buckboard again. \u2018I\u2019ll be quick!\u2019 he called over his shoulder.\u00a0 He ran into the shop and straight up to the counter again. \u2018Hi Mr Winters,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll have that knife for five dollars after all please!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I thought you didn\u2019t have the money?\u2019 asked Sam as he took the box down from the shelf again and took out the knife.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I didn\u2019t\u2026 my brother is lending it to me,\u2019 said Joe as he handed over the money. \u2018Thanks!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam smiled at him. \u2018I guess brothers come in handy sometimes eh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe returned the look. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he said happily as he turned to go outside again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I thought it had a pearl handle?\u2019 asked Ben as he turned the knife over to get a better look at it.\u00a0 \u2018This is silver.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I had to get a different one,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018Mr Winters sold the other one already.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh I see.\u00a0 Well you were lucky that he had such a fine one for the same price weren\u2019t you?\u2019 replied his father as he handed it back to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave Adam a look. \u2018Well\u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018It wasn\u2019t exactly the same price.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ben looked confused. \u2018Don\u2019t tell me it was cheaper,\u2019 he said. \u2018It certainly looks worth at least three dollars.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It was five dollars,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018And just how did you manage to get a five dollar knife for three dollars?\u2019 he asked sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam lent me the rest,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I gotta pay him back though\u2026 it was a loan.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s raised his eyebrows. \u2018I thought you didn\u2019t agree with lending money?\u2019 he asked Adam. \u2018Especially to someone who\u2026 in your own words\u2026 needs to develop better moneysaving habits?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked sheepish. \u2018Well\u2026 he began. \u2018I guess Joe\u2019s proved that he\u2019s reformed a bit in the last couple of weeks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m willing to make an exception just this once.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Joe sternly. \u2018And if you don\u2019t follow through with your end of the bargain it\u2019ll be the last time that you ever get money out of me!\u2019 he said, trying to sound firm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at him. \u2018You can depend on me older brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa\u2026 my next three allowances go to Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And he\u2019s agreed to the knife as security,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018I just hope this knife has been worth it,\u2019 He said. \u2018You seem to be doing without an awful lot lately just to own it son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh it\u2019s worth it all right Pa,\u2019 replied Joe happily. \u2018It\u2019s worth it all right!\u2019 He held up his new knife in front of his face happily and grinned happily at his reflection in the silver handle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you make that face at me,\u2019 said Ben as he noticed the scowl on Joe\u2019s face. \u2018You know very well what your bargain with your brother was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No buts,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You owe me that money Joe and you\u2019re not going to weasel out of it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but I ain\u2019t had any money for so long\u2026 I\u2019ve almost forgotten what\u2019s its like to have any!\u2019 argued Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well whose choice is that?\u2019 asked his father. \u2018No one asked you to buy that knife.\u00a0 It seems that it was all you\u2019ve had on your mind for weeks and now that you\u2019ve got it you should be happy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh\u2026 yeah I am!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018It\u2019s just that everyone\u2019s buying them new tops that Mr Winter\u2019s got in his store and I really need one too.\u2019 He looked at his father hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018There is no way I\u2019m going to give you extra money for a toy. You\u2019ll just have to wait to buy one with your allowance after you\u2019ve paid off your brother if you need it so desperately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his father as if he had two heads. \u2018But I can\u2019t wait Pa!\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s getting them now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Everyone except you,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his brother. \u2018Well I don\u2019t haveta pay you back for another two weeks,\u2019 he said cagily. \u2018I can still buy the top and earn some extra money to make it up next week.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And what will you need to buy next week?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Face it Joe\u2026 you\u2019re on a continual cycle here.\u00a0 You just have to learn to save up a bit and then you\u2019d have money for what you need.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But how can I save up when I keep needing things?\u2019 asked Joe defensively. \u2018I think you need to put my allowance up Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave a short laugh. \u2018Really?\u2019 he asked in a sarcastic tone. \u2018Somehow I don\u2019t think that\u2019s about to happen.\u2019 Joe pouted.\u00a0 \u2018And you can take that look off your face thank you.\u00a0 No one is taking any notice of it. I think Adam is right son.\u00a0 You\u2019ve put your knife up as security and you don\u2019t want to risk having to give it up do you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked shocked. \u2018I\u2019m not giving it up!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019m gonna earn a bit more next week instead that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have it your own way,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But the deadline still stands.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll make it!\u2019 Joe said confidently. He fingered his fifty cents while he thought about which colour top he\u2019d buy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So ain\u2019t ya gonna earn some money this weekend?\u2019 asked Mitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve got plenty of time,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019d rather go fishing than do some dumb old jobs! Don\u2019t you wanna come?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah of course,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018But you spent all your allowance on more marbles last week and the top the week before that\u2026 you\u2019ve only got this week to get the money haven\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah, but don\u2019t worry,\u2019 said Joe confidently. \u2018All I haveta do is go ask old Mrs Hopkins again and she\u2019ll pay me a dollar like she did before.\u00a0 I can easily do that next weekend and then give Adam that money plus my allowance. No need to worry about it until then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch grinned. \u2018Guess you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s go!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t until three days later that Joe fronted up to Mrs Hopkins\u2019 house and knocked on the door. \u2018Hello dear,\u2019 she said as she opened it to him. \u2018What brings you back around here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at her. \u2018I\u2019ve come to do some more jobs for you,\u2019 he said. \u2018What do you need done this week?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The woman smiled at him. \u2018Well thank you Joseph,\u2019 she said. \u2018But there\u2019s really nothing for you to do this week at all. My brother is back from Sacramento and things are fine again now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u2018But\u2026.\u2019 He said lamely. \u2018But you gotta have something for me to do!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She shook her head. \u2018I\u2019m sorry dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018But there\u2019s nothing.\u00a0 \u2018Maybe the next time he goes away there\u2019ll be something then.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood and stared at her, not knowing what to say. \u2018But\u2026\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t you come inside for a cool drink dear?\u2019 she said kindly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I gotta go and\u2026..\u2019 He turned away and walked to his horse, a worried frown on his face as he tried to think of something. It was true that tomorrow his father would give him his fifty cents allowance, but he was still a dollar short!\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t for the life of him think of how he was going to get the money and he began to wonder if the things he had spent his last two week\u2019s allowance on were worth it after all.\u00a0 He hung his head in dismay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maybe Adam won\u2019t insist on that security thing he talked about?\u2019 <\/em>he thought to himself. \u2018Maybe I can talk him out of it?\u00a0 After all\u2026 what does he want my knife for anyways?\u00a0 He\u2019s got a good one of his own. <\/em>He began to whistle confidently as he mounted up. It\u2019ll be OK, <\/em>he thought. I\u2019ll just ask for more time, that\u2019s all.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n XXXXX<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Absolutely not!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We had a bargain and I expect you to live up to your side of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his father pleadingly, but Ben shook his head as well. \u2018Adam\u2019s right Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s time you learned the value of money and this should be a good lesson for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled at them both. \u2018It would have been OK it if weren\u2019t for that old security idea of Adam\u2019s,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I think it\u2019s a good word for you to learn little brother,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Some day you might need to use it yourself. Now hand over that knife.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you gonna do with it?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018You don\u2019t need it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That isn\u2019t the point,\u2019 said Adam sternly. \u2018You didn\u2019t live up to your part of the bargain so it\u2019s mine now.\u00a0 That\u2019s all there is to it little brother.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand firmly. \u2018Come on\u2026 hand it over.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled even more and gave a dramatic sigh as he handed his brother the knife. He watched in dismay as Adam turned it over in his hand and then tucked it into his belt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes it is,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018One day you might thank me for teaching you the value of security!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hmph!\u2019 said Joe and stalked off, banging the front door behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrow at his eldest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You really didn\u2019t expect me to give in to him did you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No,\u2019 said his father slowly. \u2018I\u2019m sure Joseph understands about security now.\u00a0 I just hope that he doesn\u2019t use it against you one day that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed. \u2018How on earth could he do that?\u2019 he laughed. \u2018That little brother of mine has no idea how to manage money Pa and don\u2019t think for one minute that he\u2019s learned his lesson from any of this.\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably be right out there next week spending his allowance as he always does on rubbish.\u00a0 No\u2026 I think the whole idea of security is one that Joe has still to master.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t be too sure about that Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not sure at all. I think you might be underestimating that boy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Author\u2019s Note:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Now go and watch \u2018The Hayburner\u2019 and see just how much Joe did learn from his big brother\u2019s lesson.<\/em><\/p>\n