Summary:\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Joe fight over who will use the buggy for their date.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,735 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Buggy<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe Cartwright slid into his place beside his father at the breakfast table and tried to ignore the look the man gave him. \u2018Morning all!\u2019 he said cheerily as he reached for the eggs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright\u2019s eyebrow lifted. \u2018Good morning Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Nice of you to finally join us.\u2019 Joe gave his father a half-grin before putting his head down and beginning to eat. \u2018Hoss is that absolutely necessary?\u2019 asked Ben as the sound of his middle son\u2019s chewing became louder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed before replying. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted his coffee cup and took a sip before speaking again. \u2018I\u2019m going into town this morning boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to get that Bank Draft organised.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you want me to check those fences in the South Pasture as we discussed last night?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 Thank you son.\u00a0 Hoss would you make sure that the supplies get out to the men at the saw mill please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Hoss through another mouthful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll come into town with you Pa,\u2019 offered Little Joe generously. \u2018I\u2019ll help ya.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well thank you Joseph,\u2019 replied his father sarcastically. \u2018But I don\u2019t think one Bank Draft will be too heavy for me to carry. Besides you have work to do here.\u00a0 Remember our discussion yesterday?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a face. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But those chores can wait a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 replied his father \u2018It\u2019s time you realised that it\u2019s the small chores that keep The Ponderosa running young man. If they\u2019re not attended to, then things around here will begin to fall apart.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t see that one day without getting wood chopped and the barn cleaned out will make that much difference,\u2019 objected Little Joe, but stopped when he caught the look on his father\u2019s face. \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 he said glumly and put his head down to study the food on his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Pa,\u2019 said Hoss suddenly. \u2018Is it OK if I take the buggy on Saturday night?\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a date,\u2019 he said proudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Three heads lifted at his remark.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 said Ben with a smile. \u2018That\u2019s wonderful son.\u2019\u00a0 It took a great deal of courage for Hoss to ask a girl out as he was so shy, and on the infrequent times it did happen his father was very pleased for him. \u2018Who\u2019s the young lady son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave an embarrassed grin. \u2018Millie Jenkins,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m taking her to the dance.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well that\u2019s real fine,\u2019 replied his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So can I have the buggy then?\u2019 repeated Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I\u2019m using it,\u2019 interrupted Little Joe. \u2018You know I always do when there\u2019s a dance on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So who are you taking Joseph?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not sure yet,\u2019 replied Little Joe with a cheeky grin. \u2018Whoever I decide is worthy of me I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya don\u2019t even have a date yet,\u2019 said Hoss with a frown. \u2018I do, so I\u2019m getting the buggy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I do so have a date,\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I just ain\u2019t asked her yet!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well who is it then?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sarah Conway,\u2019 replied Joe without a moment\u2019s hesitation. \u2018She\u2019ll go with me when I ask her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I asked first!\u2019 said Hoss, his temper rising.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019s mine because I always take it!\u2019 shouted Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All the more reason why I should have it!\u2019 shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Boys!\u2019 said Ben, his voice rising over the top of theirs. \u2018That is enough!\u00a0 We are at the table, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam quietly. \u2018Besides, neither of you will be taking the buggy on Saturday night. I organised a date ages ago and it\u2019s all arranged that I\u2019m having it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe stared at their older brother. \u2018Who says you get it?\u2019 asked Joe indignantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just did,\u2019 replied Adam smugly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018I got the right!\u00a0 I asked first!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All three brothers looked at their father who held up his hand. \u2018I refuse to enter into this,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018You three can work it out between you. Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Understood,\u2019 said Adam smugly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Understood,\u2019 said Hoss with a frown at both his brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Understood,\u2019 said Little Joe with a thoughtful look on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi Pa!\u2019 called Little Joe as his father rode into the front yard. \u2018Did ya have any trouble with that Bank Draft?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Ben as he dismounted. \u2018Why would I?\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his son suspiciously as the young man took the reins of his horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just interested is all. Let me fix Buck up for you Pa,\u2019 offered Little Joe with a smile. \u2018You go inside and have a rest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Ben slowly. His eyes lit upon the cloth and tin in his son\u2019s hand. \u2018What are you doing with that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked down at the objects in question. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said with another wide smile. \u2018I was just polishing the leather on the buggy seat is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t seem to recall that being on the list of things I left for you,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No it wasn\u2019t,\u2019 replied Little Joe obligingly. \u2018But I finished all them things and I thought I\u2019d just do some extras.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see.\u00a0 And you just thought you\u2019d pick the buggy seat as one of those things did you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 I washed the whole buggy down first too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did you?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That was very nice of you Joseph.\u00a0 I can\u2019t seem to recall the last time you volunteered for anything like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. \u2018I just thought I should make sure it was all nice and clean,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s like you said Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s the little chores that keep things going round here ain\u2019t it?\u2019\u00a0 He flashed his father one of his devastating smiles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I did say that, didn\u2019t I?\u2019 replied Ben, trying to keep a straight face. \u2018Well carry on then son.\u2019\u00a0 He began to walk toward the house when Joe\u2019s voice behind him made him stop in his tracks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019 He turned to see Hoss pulling the buggy out of the barn and Joe standing with his hands on his hips pointing to him. \u2018Where are you going with that?\u2019 his youngest son asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nowhere,\u2019 replied Hoss as he set the buggy down in the yard. \u2018Relax little brother. I ain\u2019t disappearing with it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just cleaned it,\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly. \u2018What are you moving it out here for?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I got back early from the saw mill and I thought I\u2019d just spend a bit of time greasing these wheels up,\u2019 explained Hoss. \u2018That\u2019s if it\u2019s all right with you Pa,\u2019 he said, glancing over at his father with a grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh it\u2019s all right with me son,\u2019 said Ben with a short laugh and then turned to go into the house again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018After all,\u2019 said Hoss as he picked up the bucket of grease. \u2018I wanna make sure that it rides real smooth when I pick up Millie on Saturday night.\u2019\u00a0 He began to spread the grease all over the axle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You be careful with that!\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I done told ya I just cleaned it all.\u00a0 Besides, you\u2019re not taking Millie in it on Saturday night\u2026 I told ya I\u2019m taking Sarah in it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well isn\u2019t this nice!\u2019 said a voice behind them and they both turned to see Adam sitting on his horse staring down at them. \u2018You\u2019ve cleaned up the buggy for me I see,\u2019 he said with a grin. \u2018My date and I will definitely appreciate that on Saturday night.\u2019\u00a0 He slid down from the saddle and crossed his arms as he looked at them both with an amused expression on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You ain\u2019t using it \u2026 I am!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I cleaned it all up for me and Sarah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told ya both before \u2026 I\u2019m using it,\u2019 said Hoss as he continued to work. \u2018I\u2019m not doing this for either of you, ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stroked his chin. \u2018Well it seems like we have an impasse here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked momentarily confused. \u2018It\u2019s a buggy<\/em>,\u2019 he said with a scornful look on his face. \u2018Ain\u2019t no use calling it any of the fancy names you always come up with.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes. \u2018I meant that we have reached a standoff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh \u2026 Yeah,\u2019 said Joe with a glint in his eye. Well, what we gonna do about it then?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How about we draw matches fer it?\u2019 suggested Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That won\u2019t work,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Little brother here always cheats, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I do not cheat!\u2019 declared Little Joe and then hesitated as he saw both his brothers staring at him. \u2018Well \u2026. not all the time,\u2019 he admitted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How about we see if we can borrow a buggy from someone else?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now there\u2019s a sensible suggestion,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018If we could find two extra buggies we wouldn\u2019t have a problem, would we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where we gonna get two extra buggies from?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018Everyone we know is gonna be using theirs for the dance, don\u2019t ya think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Maybe,\u2019 said Adam as he continued to stroke his chin. \u2018I think it\u2019s worthwhile asking around though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018That way you two could use other people\u2019s buggies and I\u2019d be fine with this here sparkling clean one.\u2019\u00a0 He stepped back to survey his workmanship. \u2018Not bad if I do say so myself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ve dirtied it after I got it all clean!\u2019 shouted Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018You can do it all again, can\u2019t ya? Ya told Pa you had time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his older brother a dark look as he picked up his cloth and began to clean the grease off the wheels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh and don\u2019t forget Pa\u2019s horse,\u2019 said Hoss as he put his grease bucket away. \u2018Ya told him you\u2019d stable him don\u2019t forget.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder as they walked towards the house. \u2018Now let\u2019s get ta thinking bout who else might have a buggy,\u2019 Joe heard him say.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No one?\u2019 asked Adam as they sat in front of the fireplace a few days later. \u2018That\u2019s hard to believe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Actually I did find one belonging to Mrs Wilson, but you know what she\u2019s like. She said she wouldn\u2019t lend it to us on no account.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She always was mean,\u2019 said Hoss mournfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss!\u2019 said their father from behind his newspaper where he was trying not to listen to his sons\u2019 conversation. \u2018That\u2019s not a very nice thing to say.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019s true Pa,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018Remember that time when she run Joe and me off her place and threatened to tan us if we came back?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well if I recall you two were stealing apples from her orchard at the time,\u2019 replied his father as he put down his paper and frowned at both boys. \u2018I\u2019d say she had good cause wouldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe signalled to his brother to be quiet. \u2018We were only kids then Pa,\u2019 he said earnestly. \u2018We don\u2019t do that no more. Honest!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hmph!\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I would hope not!\u2019\u00a0 He picked up his paper again and began to read.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well if we haven\u2019t got another buggy we\u2019re just going to have to make do with the one we have then,\u2019 said Adam thoughtfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And how would you suggest we do that?\u2019 asked Hoss sarcastically. \u2018We can\u2019t exactly share it, can we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not?\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rolled his eyes at Hoss. \u2018Aw come on Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018Even I can work out that if all of us have dates then that\u2019s six people.\u00a0 And six people ain\u2019t ever gonna fit in that buggy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t mean all at once,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But we could work out a system where we all get to use it in shifts.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019 said Hoss with a puzzled look on his face. \u2018How do ya mean Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026.\u2019 Adam thought for a moment. \u2018We could all go into town together \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We won\u2019t fit,\u2019 interrupted Joe. \u2018It only takes two.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Two in the buggy and one on horseback,\u2019 explained Adam patiently. \u2018Would you just be quiet and let me finish?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slumped back in his chair. \u2018Sorry!\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018I forgot about all them brains you\u2019re supposed ta have, didn\u2019t I professor?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shot him a dark look. \u2018As I was saying,\u2019 he continued. \u2018We all go into town. Then I take the buggy and pick up my date \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come you get ta go first?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Would you be quiet!\u00a0 I go and pick up my date and bring her to the hall.\u00a0 I park the buggy outside where you and Joe are waiting, then you both take it and do the same \u2026. One at a time of course.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss thought for a moment. \u2018Won\u2019t work,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mille lives out of town, so it\u2019ll take too long for me ta go back out and get her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam thought for a moment. \u2018Well you take the buggy first and get Millie on the way in,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe and I will go in on horseback and meet you in there and then take the buggy one at a time once you arrive with Millie.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How about at the end?\u2019 asked Joe, trying to get his brain around his brother\u2019s explanation. \u2018What happens when the dance is over?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018The same thing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only in reverse.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You and I take our dates home one at a time.\u00a0 Then Hoss takes Millie home at the end while you and I ride home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t like it,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018I mean \u2026 that way I can\u2019t use the buggy in between times.\u00a0 There won\u2019t be no time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What would you need to use the buggy for in between?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Joseph?\u2019 asked Ben, putting down his newspaper. \u2018Why would you need the buggy during the evening when there\u2019s dance on young man?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 he said. \u2018I mean \u2026. What if Sarah and I \u2026 well \u2026 I might want to show her the buggy.\u2019 He hesitated when his father didn\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s a real nice buggy Pa.\u2019 He gave his father one of his dazzling smiles, but the man wasn\u2019t distracted by it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not quite sure I understand this Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Surely with your brother\u2019s plan your young lady would see the buggy on the way to the dance, wouldn\u2019t she?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026 yeah.\u2019\u00a0 Joe studied his fingernails in a vain attempt to appear casual. \u2018I reckon she would.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant forward in his chair. \u2018Then why would you need the buggy while the dance was going on?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Um \u2026 well sometimes I use it,\u2019 said Joe with a weak smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 prompted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026 to go for a ride or something,\u2019 said Joe, avoiding his father\u2019s intense gaze.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see.\u00a0 Well I don\u2019t think that\u2019s very appropriate do you?\u2019 asked Ben sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe earnestly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You might be placing your young lady\u2019s reputation at risk,\u2019 continued his father \u2018Not to mention your own.\u2019\u00a0 He continued to stare at his youngest son. \u2018If that is how you carry on with the buggy I don\u2019t think you should be using it at all, do you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I mean \u2026. I\u2019ll only use the buggy ta go to and from the dance \u2026 I promise!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See that you do!\u2019 said his father sternly. \u2018If there is any more of your nonsense young man your brothers will only have to sort this plan out between the two of them and not the three of you!\u2019\u00a0 He picked up his paper again and hid behind it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave Hoss a dark look and slumped back in his seat with a pout on his face.\u00a0 Adam tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile. \u2018Then it\u2019s settled,\u2019 he said. \u2018We all agree on my plan?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss thought for a moment. \u2018Yeah, OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe crossed his arms in front of his chest and slumped down even further. \u2018Yeah, OK,\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Very nice,\u2019 said Adam as he straightened Hoss\u2019 tie for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You sure this plan is gonna work Adam?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 It\u2019s simple isn\u2019t it?\u2019 said Adam confidently. \u2018As long as we all co-operate it\u2019ll be fine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll co-operate,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Just make sure he does.\u2019\u00a0 He jerked his thumb at their younger brother who was surveying his reflection in the mirror and brushing some imaginary flecks off his blue suit coat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who me?\u2019 Little Joe squeaked. \u2018Why shouldn\u2019t I? I told ya I\u2019m happy with the plan.\u2019\u00a0 He put his hat on and smiled at his reflection. \u2018You sure are a thing of beauty Joe Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018No wonder all the girls fall all over you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What was that?\u2019 asked Ben as he came in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe started. \u2018I said that I hope I don\u2019t fall over Pa,\u2019 he said with a grin. \u2018I ain\u2019t worn in these new boots properly yet.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at his father innocently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Isn\u2019t it time you three were on your way?\u2019 asked their father, with a sideways look at his youngest son. \u2018You don\u2019t want to be late.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No we don\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam as he grabbed his hat. \u2018Timing is important if we\u2019re going to get all three girls there before the music starts.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You never did tell us who your date was Adam,\u2019 said Joe as he opened the front door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I didn\u2019t, did I?\u2019 replied his older brother. \u2018Bye Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated as he realised that his question as still gone unanswered. \u2018Night Pa,\u2019 he said over his shoulder as he followed Adam outside. \u2018Well?\u2019 Ben heard him call. \u2018Who is she?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night Hoss,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Have a good time with Millie son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at his father \u2018I sure will Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018See ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed as the front door slammed behind his son.\u00a0 Hoss never could learn to leave a room quietly. \u2018Mr Cartwright?\u2019\u00a0 He turned as he heard Hop Sing\u2019s voice behind him. \u2018You want coffee now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 Ben replied as he settled down into this favourite easy chair in front of the fireplace. \u2018That would be very nice.\u2019\u00a0 As the cook padded quietly into the kitchen Ben stared into the blazing fire and listened to the silence around him.\u00a0 Much and all as he relished the quiet evenings that he was able to spend alone, it was at times like this that he missed the company of his boys. Suddenly he heard an angry shout from outside, followed by the rumbling of the buggy\u2019s wheels. Well<\/em>, he thought. Sometimes I miss them<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stamped his feet again and slapped his sides to keep the chill out. \u2018He should be here by now,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Why ain\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do I know?\u2019 replied Adam testily as he leant against the side of the building and inspected his nails. \u2018Give it time will you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it don\u2019t take this long ta get here from Millie Jenkins\u2019 place,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I reckon he\u2019s doublecrossed us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his younger brother a scathing look. \u2018And just how would he do that?\u2019 he asked sarcastically. \u2018He\u2019s bringing her here to the dance isn\u2019t he? He\u2019s got nowhere else to go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Well I\u2019d sure be able to think of other places ta go,\u2019 he said. \u2018If I had the buggy all to myself I\u2019d \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 His voice faltered as he caught Adam\u2019s look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 Adam prompted. \u2018Where would you go little brother?\u00a0 Somewhere you might like to tell Pa about?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Joe as he slapped his sides again. He thought for a moment. \u2018I reckon you\u2019re right anyways.\u00a0 We\u2019re talking about Hoss after all.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t ever think bout going anywhere but here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment the Cartwright buggy came around the corner of the street and both brothers slunk back into the shadows as they watched Hoss help Miss Millie Jenkins down from it.\u00a0 As their brother disappeared into the hall with a grin over his shoulder at them, they both jostled each other out of the way. \u2018I\u2019m gonna have ta go next,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Sarah will be wondering where I\u2019ve got to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry,\u2019 said Adam as he jumped up into the buggy and gathered the reins into his hands. \u2018You\u2019ll just have to wait.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 called Little Joe as he watched his brother turn the buggy and drive away. \u2018Hurry up will ya?\u2019\u00a0 He huddled against the side of the building again and slapped his sides as another gust of wind sprung up and he sighed. \u2018Just cause I\u2019m the youngest,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It seemed like hours before he saw Adam returning again with a woman seated beside him. \u2018Finally!\u2019 Joe muttered and stepped forward without thinking as Adam was helping the lady in question down. As he had expected, Adam\u2019s date was Caroline Taylor whom his brother had been dating for a few weeks.\u00a0 He took off his hat and bowed his head to her. \u2018Ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said as he snatched the reins from Adam\u2019s hand. \u2018Let me tie up the horses for you big brother,\u2019 he said through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well thank you,\u2019 said Adam in a cheery voice as he winked at him and took Caroline by the arm. \u2018Isn\u2019t it nice to see that young boys today haven\u2019t completely lost sight of their manners Caroline?\u2019\u00a0 Adam\u2019s date laughed as they mounted the stairs together and Joe scowled after them both.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Humph!\u2019 he said as he jumped up into the buggy. \u2018Sarah will think I\u2019ve forgotten her!\u2019\u00a0 He drove down the street at breakneck speed and pulled up outside Sarah\u2019s house in a rush. As he bounded up the stairs to her front door, it was flung open by a very angry young woman.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where have you been?\u2019 Sarah asked angrily. \u2018I was beginning to think that you\u2019d forgotten me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave her an apologetic look. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018Something kept me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah scowled at him as he helped her into the buggy. \u2018Well we\u2019re going to be very late!\u2019 she answered. \u2018You\u2019ll be lucky if I dance with you at all now Joe Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave her one of his lovely smiles. \u2018Now don\u2019t be like that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I said I was sorry.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around the girl. \u2018How about we stop off on the way and make up for it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah looked at him sideways. \u2018Stop off where?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018We could just park behind the livery for a while. What do you say?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah raised her eyebrows. \u2018That doesn\u2019t sound very romantic,\u2019 she said. \u2018Why don\u2019t we go out to the lake?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated as he remembered his father\u2019s warning. \u2018I don\u2019t know that we have time,\u2019 he said reluctantly, thinking of his two brothers and the fact that they would be watching for his arrival with the buggy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah gave him an angry look. \u2018Well if that\u2019s how you feel we\u2019d better go over to the dance then hadn\u2019t we?\u2019 she said as she tossed her head and shrugged his arm off.\u00a0 Joe sighed and took up the reins.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have you seen our little brother?\u2019 asked Adam as he pulled Hoss aside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pointed over towards the door. \u2018That\u2019s him over there ain\u2019t it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam craned his neck to look over his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Oh yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just as well.\u00a0 I was beginning to think that he might have gone off with the buggy after all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u2018He wouldn\u2019t dare,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not after what Pa told him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want to bet?\u2019 asked Adam with a sarcastic look at his brother. \u2018I\u2019d better go over and remind him that he has to get his date home and have that buggy back here within the next half hour.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He won\u2019t be too happy about it,\u2019 warned Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t care,\u2019 said Adam over his shoulder as he walked away. \u2018That\u2019s the plan remember?\u2019 Hoss shrugged as he turned back towards Mille again.\u00a0 For once he was having a good time and enjoying himself and he was mighty pleased that he was taking his date home last.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled Joe towards him by the arm as he approached him. \u2018You\u2019ve got to get going soon,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I have to take my date home before Hoss can have the buggy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook himself free of his brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018But I haven\u2019t been here that long,\u2019 he protested. \u2018Why do I have ta be first?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Because that\u2019s the plan,\u2019 whispered Adam. \u2018Hurry up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe clenched his jaw. \u2018No,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018I ain\u2019t going yet.\u00a0 Me and Sarah haven\u2019t had time for many dances at all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his finger under his little brother\u2019s nose. \u2018This plan will only work if we all co-operate, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged casually. \u2018Well then you and Hoss co-operate with each other,\u2019 he said. \u2018Leave me out of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hands on his hips. \u2018And just how do you intend to get Sarah home if we take the buggy?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018We can walk,\u2019 he said. \u2018It ain\u2019t that far.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Too far for a young lady to walk this late at night and you know it,\u2019 replied his brother as he grabbed him by the arm again and steered him over to the door. \u2018Now get going!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled at his older brother, but did as he was bid. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said sulkily. \u2018But I still say it ain\u2019t fair!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched as his youngest brother went over to his date and spoke to her.\u00a0 Sarah obviously wasn\u2019t pleased, but she stood up nevertheless and followed Joe towards the door.\u00a0 Adam looked over at Hoss and winked before sauntering over to his own date again in a relaxed fashion.\u00a0 He figured he had about twenty minutes before Joe returned with the buggy so he may as well make the most of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Forty-five minutes later Adam wasn\u2019t so relaxed. He looked out of the front door for the tenth time in as many minutes and frowned. There was no sign whatsoever of his youngest brother. That Joe!<\/em> he thought. I should never have trusted him!<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Adam?\u2019 He turned at the sound of his name to see Hoss standing behind him. \u2018Any sign of Joe yet?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 replied Adam shortly. \u2018I\u2019m going to wring that boy\u2019s neck when he gets back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked around at the near-empty hall. \u2018Millie is giving me hints ta take her home,\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon I\u2019m gonna haveta take the buggy as soon as Joe gets here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned. \u2018You can\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018How am I going to take Caroline home if you do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I can\u2019t stay here any longer with her.\u00a0 Her Pa will kill me iffen we don\u2019t get back there soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam thought for a moment. \u2018I suppose I could get Mr and Mrs Thompson to drop Caroline off on their way,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019ve got a four-seater buggy and she only lives down the road from them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned. \u2018You do that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll wait here fer Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and thought dark thoughts about his little brother as he walked over to Caroline. \u2018Um \u2026 Something has come up,\u2019 he said. \u2018It looks as if I won\u2019t be able to take you home after all. I was wondering if you would mind getting a lift with the Thompsons?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Caroline looked up at him strangely. It wasn\u2019t like Adam Cartwright to leave a girl stranded.\u00a0 He was always the epitome of gentlemanly behaviour. \u2018I suppose I don\u2019t mind,\u2019 she said hesitantly, thinking of how she was missing the chance for a goodnight kiss. \u2018It seems a shame that we won\u2019t get to say goodnight properly though don\u2019t you think?\u2019\u00a0 She gave him a meaningful look that gave Adam no doubt as to her meaning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you for being so understanding,\u2019 he said for want of anything else to say. \u2018I\u2019m sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Caroline gave him a sad look. \u2018So am I,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched her walk away. \u2018I\u2019m going to kill that Little Joe when I get my hands on him,\u2019 he vowed out loud as he walked over to where Hoss was looking anxiously out of the door. \u2018Any sign of him?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nope.\u00a0 Adam what am I gonna do? I can\u2019t wait much longer ta take Millie home.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss looked over his shoulder and smiled at Millie who was sitting by herself looking decidedly angry in the empty hall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam scratched his head. \u2018Can she ride?\u2019 he said finally. \u2018We might have to put her on one of the horses and get her home that way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are ya serious?\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018She\u2019s in a dress. We can\u2019t ask her ta ride in that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well do you have any better ideas?\u2019 asked his brother. \u2018If you do I\u2019d like to hear them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked frustrated. \u2018Guess I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see what she thinks about it.\u2019\u00a0 Adam watched as his brother walked over to his date and began to talk to her. He looked out into the darkness and shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m going to kill that youngest brother of mine,\u2019 he said again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leant over towards Sarah and kissed her again. He smiled as their lips parted and gave a deep sigh. \u2018Now ain\u2019t ya glad we came out here after all?\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah returned the look. \u2018I sure am,\u2019 she said happily. \u2018Only don\u2019t you think it\u2019s time we were going home now?\u00a0 My Pa will be angry if I\u2019m not home soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I guess so,\u2019 said Joe reluctantly. He put his arm around her and rubbed his face against hers. \u2018It would be so much nicer if we could stay here though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah swallowed as she looked at him. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she breathed. There was a moment\u2019s silence. \u2018But we have to go,\u2019 she said reluctantly. \u2018Didn\u2019t you say you had to get the buggy home anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A fleeting look of concern crossed Joe\u2019s face as he thought about what the time might be and how his brothers would be reacting to his disappearance. \u2018Yeah I guess so,\u2019 he said as he withdrew his arm from around the girl and hitched up the reins. \u2018We\u2019d better get back I suppose.\u2019 He turned the buggy around and they began to make their slowly back towards town.\u00a0 The moonlight was very bright and Sarah leant her head against Joe\u2019s shoulder as they travelled, making him feel all warm and contented inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he heard a sound in the distance and Sarah raised her head. \u2018What was that?\u2019 she asked. \u2018It seems strange that someone would be all the way out here at this time of night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t say anything as he pulled the buggy to a halt. \u2018Probably just someone going home from the dance,\u2019 he said. \u2018It must be nearly over by now I guess.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced up at the moon and wondered just what time it might be as he considered too late that perhaps it might not have been such a smart move to take a drive before taking Sarah home after all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Two horses appeared along the trail in the moonlight and Joe swallowed as he recognised them to be his brothers\u2019 horses. \u2018We might just get off the trail for a bit,\u2019 he said nervously and turned the buggy onto the rough ground to the side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 asked Sarah.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you never know who they might be,\u2019 said Joe as he concentrated on driving the horses over the rough terrain. \u2018They could turn out to be \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You just hold it right there you little weasel!\u2019 called a voice which Joe knew to be that of Hoss. He drew the horses to a halt reluctantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh, hi Hoss,\u2019 he said, trying to sound nonchalant.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi yourself,\u2019 said Hoss in an angry tone.\u00a0 He drew up alongside the buggy and glared at Joe.\u00a0 There was a girl seated behind him on the horse clinging to his waist and looking decidedly uncomfortable while doing it. Joe tried to smile at her and tipped his hat, but she only glared at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You have a lot of explaining to do,\u2019 said another gruff voice on the other side of the buggy and Joe turned reluctantly as he recognised the sound of Adam\u2019s voice and saw his brother seated on the other horse glaring at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi,\u2019 said Joe. Adam said nothing, but simply glared at him in disgust. \u2018Fancy meeting you both out here,\u2019 said Joe in a forced cheery tone when it became obvious that no one else was about to speak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam dismounted and helped Millie off her horse for Hoss. Millie gave a slight groan as she straightened up and attempted to smooth her dress. \u2018Ruined!\u2019 she said in dismay as she glanced down at it. \u2018I knew this would happen.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You poor thing,\u2019 said Sarah and got out of the buggy to console the other girl. \u2018Why on earth were you riding in a ball-gown Millie?\u2019\u00a0 The two girls bent down to examine the damage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She didn\u2019t have much of a choice,\u2019 said Hoss grimly as he dismounted as well and turned to face his youngest brother. Joe swallowed as he noticed the look in Hoss\u2019 eye and took a step backwards right onto Adam\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh sorry Adam,\u2019 he said apologetically and tried to smile at his brother.\u00a0 Adam clutched hold of him by the shoulders and pushed him back a step while continuing to glare at Joe.\u00a0 His eyebrow lifted in a way that Joe knew only too well and he swallowed again as his mind raced frantically to find a suitable explanation that his brothers might accept.\u00a0 Unfortunately nothing occurred to him and so he merely stood looking at both of them, trying to keep a smile on his face to convince everyone that everything was all right.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well?\u2019 said Adam after a moment. \u2018What do you have to say for yourself?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me?\u2019 said Joe innocently. \u2018Nothing.\u00a0 Sarah and me was just going to her place.\u00a0 I was taking her home.\u00a0 That was the plan remember?\u2019\u00a0 He looked at them both, hoping against hope that they would accept his statement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You were taking her home?\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018Seems like a mighty big detour you took to get her there, don\u2019t you think so Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took a step forward and Joe found himself wedged between his two brothers. \u2018Sure do,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018A mighty big detour.\u00a0 How come you took that detour Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We were just taking a bit of time to look at the lake,\u2019 interrupted Sarah. \u2018We weren\u2019t doing anything wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s right,\u2019 said Joe eagerly. \u2018We weren\u2019t doing anything wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018You weren\u2019t doing anything wrong.\u2019\u00a0 He took hold of his little brother\u2019s shoulders again and squeezed them until Joe gave a cry of pain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ow! Let go Adam \u2026 you\u2019re hurting me!\u2019 he yelped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be careful Adam,\u2019 said Hoss with a fierce look directed at his little brother as he spoke. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t want to hurt our little brother would ya?\u00a0 I mean, not in front of the ladies and all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam exchanged a look with Hoss that made Joe swallow again and try to wriggle out of his brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018No,\u2019 said Adam meaningfully. \u2018The first thing we have to do is get these young ladies home.\u00a0 Then we can have a talk<\/em> with our little brother here.\u2019 He tightened his grip on Joe\u2019s shoulders and he gave another yelp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned to Millie. \u2018I\u2019ll take ya home Miss Mille,\u2019 he said gallantly as he tipped his hat. \u2018You\u2019ll be much more comfortable in the buggy now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Millie breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018Just as well,\u2019 she said angrily. \u2018And you owe me the money for one ball-gown Hoss Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss glared at Joe again. \u2018Yes ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said sadly.\u00a0 Somehow he knew that he wouldn\u2019t be going out with this particular young lady again.\u00a0 That was another thing he could add to his list of grievances against that youngest brother of his who was going to pay dearly for tonight!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Millie began to climb up into the buggy, she was interrupted by Sarah. \u2018What about me?\u2019 she called out indignantly. \u2018I\u2019m already going to be late home and my father will kill me!\u2019 She turned to Joe angrily and pointed her finger at him. \u2018Or you, more to the point Joe Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at Adam and Hoss beseechingly. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get Sarah home,\u2019 he said pleadingly. \u2018We\u2019ll be in huge trouble if I don\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You should have thought of that before,\u2019 said Adam grimly. \u2018My date had to go home with the Thompsons and she wasn\u2019t exactly thrilled about it either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but \u2026..\u2019\u00a0 Joe finally managed to free himself of Adam\u2019s grasp and leapt towards the buggy. He grabbed the reins and held onto them tightly. \u2018I\u2019m sposed ta go first remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss tried to grab the reins from his younger brother. \u2018You\u2019ve had your turn little brother,\u2019 he said menacingly. \u2018Too late now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two brothers fought over possessions of the reins fiercely and the horses began to get anxious. Millie stepped down from the buggy. \u2018You\u2019re scaring the horses!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018Stop it both of you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither brother took much notice of her, but continued to jostle each other. Finally Adam stepped forward and wrenched the reins from their grasps and dropped them as he shouted at his brothers. \u2018Would you two stop it!\u00a0 We have to get these two girls home!\u00a0 Be quiet!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the sound of his yelling, the two horses finally had had enough and bolted away dragging the buggy behind them.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe stopped fighting and stared after it in disbelief. \u2018Now look what you\u2019ve done!\u2019 yelled Joe as he rounded on his oldest brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned to Joe in disbelief. \u2018What I\u2019ve done!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018You were responsible for this!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s jaw dropped. \u2018Me?\u2019 he squeaked. \u2018It was you and Hoss!\u00a0 If you both hadn\u2019t come after me carrying on like this \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss drew back his fist and knocked his youngest brother off his feet. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough of you!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Quit blaming everyone else fer all of this!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s no need to hit him like that!\u2019 yelled Adam. \u2018Keep your temper for heaven\u2019s sake Hoss!\u00a0 There\u2019s ladies present!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned on his oldest brother. \u2018Don\u2019t you tell me what ta do!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018If it weren\u2019t fer you and that stupid plan of yours this never woulda happened!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My stupid plan!\u2019 shouted Adam as Joe got up from the ground. \u2018My plan was perfect!\u00a0 It would have worked too if this idiot hadn\u2019t taken it into his head to spoil it all!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t no idiot!\u2019 yelled Joe and pushed his brother forcefully. \u2018Quit calling me an idiot!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll call you what I like \u2026. You idiot!\u2019\u00a0 Adam pushed Joe back again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah and Millie watched in amazement as the three brothers began to push each other until the pushes became hits and then finally outright punches.\u00a0 Suddenly they were all rolling around on the ground, arms and legs tangled and punches flying.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Millie looked at Sarah. \u2018Well I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m going home,\u2019 she said as she grabbed the reins of Hoss\u2019 horse. \u2018My dress is already ruined so it can\u2019t make much difference to it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sarah looked down at her own dress and sighed. \u2018I suppose I don\u2019t have much choice,\u2019 she shouted above the yells of the Cartwrights. She shrugged before getting up onto Adam\u2019s horse. The two girls shook their heads as they looked down on the rolling mass of Cartwrights on the ground and turned the horses around. As they rode away they could hear the yelling continuing behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Cartlight! Mr Cartlight!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright lifted his head at the sound of Hop Sing\u2019s voice coming from outside and sighed. Wasn\u2019t the morning difficult enough without the cook having problems too?\u00a0 He put down his coffee cup reluctantly and stood up, sighing as he walked towards the front door.\u00a0 He was in a decidedly bad mood this morning already, having discovered that none of the boys had even made it home from last night\u2019s dance and now it appeared that Hop Sing was going to add to his concerns.\u00a0 As he opened the front door thoughts of what he would do to those three boys when they finally got home flashed through his mind and he clenched his jaw in anger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What is it Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked as he came onto the front porch. He stopped as he saw the cook standing next to two very unhappy horses attached to the buggy in the front yard.\u00a0 They looked as if they had run a considerable distance and were in much need of a good water and feed \u2026 not to mention a good rubbing down, he decided as he walked across the front yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But it was the buggy that held his attention after the first glance.\u00a0 It had obviously been dragged through a considerable amount of brush, as there were branches of small trees hanging from it and it was covered in mud.\u00a0 There were large scratches down each side and two of the wheels were decidedly crooked.\u00a0 Ben wondered how the horses had managed to drag it all the way here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Cartlight!\u2019 Hop Sing called again as he tried to quiet the anxious horses. \u2018I find horses and buggy here!\u00a0 No boys!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted an eyebrow. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018No boys.\u2019\u00a0 For a moment his heart stopped as he wondered what on earth could have happened to his sons. \u2018Are Adam and Hoss\u2019 horses here?\u2019 he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018All gone! None return from last night \u2026 only buggy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben set his jaw grimly. \u2018You look after these horses,\u2019 Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going to saddle up and get out there.\u00a0 Who knows what kind of trouble those boys of mine have \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped and narrowed his eyes as three figures appeared from around the side of the barn. \u2018Never mind Hop Sing,\u2019 he said in a tight voice. \u2018You go inside now.\u00a0 I\u2019ll handle this.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes swept over the sad and sorry figures of his three sons as they approached him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Mr Cartlight \u2026..\u2019 began Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben waved his arm towards the house. \u2018Go inside Hop Sing,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018You don\u2019t want to hear this, I can assure you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave the three Cartwrights boys a sorry look and quickly departed into the house.\u00a0 Ben stood with his arms crossed over his chest as his three sons approached him warily and took the opportunity to study their appearance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All three were covered in a liberal amount of dust and mud. None of them were wearing hats and the crisp white shirts that they had left in the night before were grey and torn. Adam had a large bruise on his left cheek, Hoss had a split lip and Joe had a black eye.\u00a0 There was a considerable amount of scratches on all three of them and Joe\u2019s curly hair was in disarray and sprouted twigs that shot out at various angles from it.\u00a0 If Ben hadn\u2019t been so angry he would have found it difficult not to laugh at the sight they presented.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three of them approached their father warily and stopped just short of his reach. Ben stood silently watching them until Adam finally broke the silence. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 There was silence again as Ben continued to stare at them. Adam tried again. \u2018I suppose you\u2019re wondering what happened,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u2018The thought had crossed my mind,\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss and Joe and realised that neither of them had any intentions of speaking. \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 he said reluctantly. \u2018We kind of had \u2026 a bit of an accident.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018An accident,\u2019 Ben repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 Well \u2026 sort of a problem,\u2019 Adam continued.\u00a0 He smiled at his father, but as the look wasn\u2019t returned he quickly turned it into a serious expression. \u2018I see that the horses made it home,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly. They and the buggy are in a very different condition from the one they were in when you left last night though, aren\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam reluctantly. \u2018I suppose they are. \u2018Well, you see, there is a logical explanation for that Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted an eyebrow. \u2018And I would be most pleased to hear it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss. \u2018Hoss can explain it to you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his brother a dark look before turning to his father. \u2018It was all because of Adam\u2019s plan,\u2019 he began.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t blame my plan!\u2019 said Adam angrily and then closed his mouth as he saw the look his father gave him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Remember how we was supposed ta share the buggy?\u2019 continued Hoss. Ben nodded. \u2018Well it didn\u2019t work out as well as Adam planned,\u2019 his middle son continued. \u2018On accounta this one here.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned towards Joe who had begun to slide behind his brother\u2019s ample form. Hoss pulled him out from behind him. \u2018Joe didn\u2019t keep to the plan and it kinda went downhill from there,\u2019 Hoss explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lifted another eyebrow. \u2018Oh?\u2019 he said. \u2018Perhaps you would care to explain then Joseph?\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father one of his most charming smiles. \u2018I agree with Hoss Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was Adam\u2019s fault.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to step closer to Hoss again as his eldest brother took a step towards him, but Hoss shoved him forward again. Joe swallowed. \u2018Well it was like Hoss said Pa,\u2019 he explained. \u2018Adam\u2019s plan went all wrong and he caused the buggy to get all banged up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why you little\u2026\u2019 began Adam as he clenched his fists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hand up. \u2018Would someone please just tell me what happened?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019m quite capable of deciding for myself who\u2019s to blame in all of this \u2026. Just tell me the facts!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath. \u2018We were supposed to share the buggy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe caused problems because he didn\u2019t come back at the right time and Hoss and I ended up having to make other arrangements.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Other arrangements?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 My date had to go home with someone else and Hoss\u2019 date had to come with us on horseback.\u00a0 We found this little \u2026. brother \u2026. of ours using the buggy to woo his girl when we were supposed to have the use of it.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Little Joe a triumphant look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s right Pa,\u2019 said Hoss eagerly. \u2018Joe just took off with the buggy and left us there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded his head while staring at his youngest son. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you and I had an understanding about how you would be using the buggy Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried to smile at his father, but failed miserably. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said lamely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well obviously you didn\u2019t take much notice of my instructions,\u2019 said his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe avoided meeting his father\u2019s eyes as he replied, \u2018Well I tried,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Obviously not hard enough,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018And just where were you off to with this young woman in the buggy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed again before replying. \u2018I was taking her home,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just like what was in the plan.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Via the lake,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018He had that buggy out by the lake for a whole hour while Hoss and I were waiting with our dates!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Didn\u2019t seem like an hour,\u2019 mumbled Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What was that young man?\u2019 asked Ben angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothin Pa,\u2019 mumbled Joe. He lifted his head and shot a look at his brothers before blurting out, \u2018Besides it wasn\u2019t me that started the fight \u2026 It was them two!\u00a0 They pushed me to the ground Pa and hurt me!\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father one of his mournful puppy dog looks and then frowned as he realised that it wasn\u2019t working.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A fight?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018I presume that is how you all ended up looking like this?\u2019 He motioned with his hand towards the three of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018The two of them started hitting each other and hitting me as well Pa!\u00a0 They lost their tempers.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned on him. \u2018And you didn\u2019t?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Look at the state of all of you!\u00a0 Don\u2019t you dare give me the excuse that your brothers were responsible for all of this Joseph!\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that you got in a few punches of your own young man.\u2019 Joe took a step backwards.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He sure did Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He was fighting just as much as we were.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And what happened to the young ladies?\u2019 asked Ben sarcastically. \u2018Or did you just leave them out there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They took off with our horses,\u2019 said Hoss sullenly. \u2018Rode em home I guess. That\u2019s why we all had ta walk home.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father a sad look. \u2018It was sure a mighty long way Pa. Took us hours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave him a withering look. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018And I suppose you\u2019re all very tired and would enjoy a nice long rest now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his father. \u2018Sure would!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019ll just get on up to bed for a bit then Pa.\u2019 He attempted to walk past his father, but Ben reached out and drew him back by the collar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You stand still when I\u2019m talking to you!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You are not getting any rest now or for a very long time Joseph!\u2019 Joe stepped away from his father. \u2018I\u2019m still unsure as to how the horses and the buggy got into this state,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018Would someone please enlighten me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The horses were spooked by these two,\u2019 explained Adam. \u2018They took off and dragged the buggy with them.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at the buggy ruefully. \u2018I guess they must have come across country to get here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I guess they did,\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss reached out and picked up the reins. \u2018How about I rub em down?\u2019 He suggested helpfully. \u2018I\u2019ll clean up the buggy for ya too Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You are certainly right about that,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You will all see to those horses and clean the buggy before you dare to step one foot inside that house.\u00a0 And after you have done that I will finish this conversation with the three of you inside.\u00a0 Now get to it and don\u2019t waste any time about it!\u2019 he shouted and then turned on his heel and strode over to the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three brothers waited until the front door banged behind their father. \u2018Well thanks a lot!\u2019 said Adam angrily as soon as they were alone. \u2018Neither of you helped very much, did you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother an indignant look. \u2018Neither did you!\u2019 he declared. \u2018After all \u2026 it was all your fault in the first place!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at his youngest brother incredulously. \u2018What?!\u2019 he said as he stepped towards him. \u2018I\u2019m going to pound your hide right into the ground if you don\u2019t \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped and tried to control of himself. \u2018This isn\u2019t helping anyone,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we should get all this fixed up as best we can or Pa will have our hides. Come on.\u2019\u00a0 He began to lead the horses into the barn, the buggy rolling behind them unsteadily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss glared at Joe and followed Adam into the barn.\u00a0 Joe gave both his brothers a dark look and reluctantly followed them as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up from his desk to see his three sons standing in front of him and noticed that they had taken pains to tidy themselves up as best they could under the circumstances. They had all washed the dirt off themselves as much as was possible without soap and Joe had removed most of the twigs from his hair. Their shirts had been tucked in again and their clothing had been dusted down.\u00a0 Ben stood up and walked around the other side of the desk towards them. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said. \u2018Have you taken care of the horses and the buggy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The horses are fine Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We cleaned up the buggy too, but \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at his brothers. \u2018But it needs a few repairs.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I\u2019m sure it does,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you will be organising those yourselves won\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It needs two new wheels and a coat of paint,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018How are we gonna pay for it Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben crossed his arms in front of him and sat down on the edge of the desk. \u2018I don\u2019t know Hoss,\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018How are<\/em> you going to pay for it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave Adam a look and Adam shrugged. \u2018I suppose we\u2019ll find a way,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u2018I suppose you will,\u2019 he said. \u2018But don\u2019t worry about having it done in too much of a hurry.\u00a0 After all, none of you will be needing the buggy for an awfully long time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a face and Hoss sighed. \u2018How come?\u2019 asked Little Joe. Both his brothers shook their heads slightly at his inopportune comment.\u00a0 Joe could never understand the value of silence in situations such as this.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leant forward and looked directly into the face of his youngest son. \u2018You won\u2019t be needing the buggy for a very long time Joseph because you won\u2019t be going on any dates,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a puzzled look. \u2018I won\u2019t?\u2019 he asked<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018You won\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You will all be too busy here on the ranch to worry about dates for a long time,\u2019 continued their father. \u2018After last night\u2019s fiasco you will be too busy doing lots of extra work.\u2019 His words were met with silence as even Joe began to understand what was being said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Um\u2026.Pa?\u2019 ventured Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss and I \u2026 well \u2026 we need to go and get our horses.\u2019\u00a0 Ben stared at his eldest son for a moment. \u2018The girls took them,\u2019 explained Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see.\u00a0 Well you can each take another horse and get them this afternoon,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It will be the last time either of you go off the ranch for quite a while so you\u2019d better make the most of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I go too Pa?\u2019 asked Joe eagerly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned on his youngest son. \u2018I beg your pardon?\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I mean \u2026. Just to help,\u2019 said Joe feebly. \u2018I thought \u2026 I mean \u2026. I don\u2019t mind helping Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You don\u2019t mind helping!\u2019 said his father. \u2018Well that is very generous of you Joseph, but I think you\u2019ve helped just about enough! As far as I\u2019m concerned you are all to blame in this, but you young man \u2026\u2019 He pointed a finger under his youngest son\u2019s nose. \u2018You are more to blame than anyone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked indignant and the words came tumbling out of his mouth before he knew what he was saying. \u2018Well I reckon you\u2019re just as much ta blame as anyone Pa!\u2019 he declared and then took a step back as he realised what he\u2019d said.\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes momentarily and Hoss\u2019 jaw dropped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up. \u2018What?!?\u2019 he thundered. \u2018And just how am I to blame for all of this Joseph?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Explain to me how I am to blame for the three of you ending up like this?\u00a0 Not to mention the two horses and the broken buggy?\u00a0 Explain it all to me please Joseph!\u00a0 I\u2019d be most interested to find out how all of this is my fault!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and took two large steps backwards until he was standing against the wall.\u00a0 He gave both of his brothers a pleading look, but they both shook their heads at him. \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 he said and then swallowed again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?!?\u2019 thundered Ben<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What I meant was \u2026.\u2019 Joe looked around and saw no means of escape. \u2018What I meant was \u2026 well if you had bought more than one buggy then \u2026. Well if we had more than one buggy \u2026. then we wouldn\u2019t have hadta share \u2026. and none of this would have happened \u2026 I guess.\u2019\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he stared at his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked a couple of times and tried to regain his composure. \u2018Let me get this straight,\u2019 he said. \u2018You are blaming me for all of this because you think I should have bought more than one buggy?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Is that right Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed again. \u2018Yeah \u2026.\u2019 he said. \u2018I mean \u2026. No Pa \u2026. I mean \u2026.\u2019 His voice trailed away and he stood flattened against the wall in desperation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben breathed deeply a couple of times. \u2018Get out of my sight!\u2019 he said in a calmer voice. \u2018Just get out of my sight the three of you! Clean yourselves up and get straight to work. I will not waste a moment longer of my time listening to any of this nonsense!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his father mournfully. \u2018What about breakfast?\u2019 he ventured and when his father simply stared at him without speaking he added sadly. \u2018I guess not.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to follow his brothers towards the staircase.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down again on the edge of his desk, closed his eyes and breathed deeply while trying to stop the pounding of blood in his head. \u2018Mr Cartlight?\u2019 He opened his eyes to see Hop Sing standing in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want breakfast?\u2019 Hop Sing asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben began to shake his head wearily and then stopped. \u2018Yes I will Hop Sing,\u2019 he said, changing his mind. \u2018And make it the biggest breakfast you can put together. Something tells me I\u2019m going to need all my strength today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Boys not eating?\u2019 asked Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No. Boys not eating,\u2019 replied Ben firmly. \u2018I\u2019ll have their share Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and turned towards the kitchen again. Ben glanced down at the pictures of his three wives on the desk beside him.\u00a0 He stared at them for a moment and then shook his head before turning towards the dining room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Joe fight over who will use the buggy for their date.The End<\/span><\/h1>\n
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,735 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1009,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-drama","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=63951"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63951\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=63951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=63951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}