{"id":6478,"date":"2010-10-04T11:02:07","date_gmt":"2010-10-04T15:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6478"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:44:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:44:22","slug":"a-circle-of-family-the-book-of-benjamin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6478","title":{"rendered":"A Circle of Family: The Book of Benjamin (by MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>This is the second story in the A Circle of Family saga. Adam’s Bible, nearly destroyed in The Book of Joseph, has been returned in better shape than thought possible. After an\u00a0thoughtful conversation with Hoss, Ben opens the Bible to the story of David and Goliath and relives a memory from a Sunday in the past\u00a0when a reenactment of that story went awry. We see a young David (Hoss)\u00a0smite the powerful Goliath (Adam) with a heavy wooden sword, leading to an intersting exchange between Marie and Ben as they decide how to patch the mighty\u00a0Philistene’s gaping lip.<\/p>\n

This story is stand alone. It doesn’t require reading the Book of Joseph to pick up on what’s going on.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a08300<\/span><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family:\u00a0 The Story of Joseph<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family:\u00a0 The Story of Benjamin<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family: The Story of Hoss<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family: The Story of Adam<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Story Notes:<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

This is the second story in A Circle of Family. In the first episode, The Book of Joseph, Little Joe took Elizabeth’s Bible outside to look at the drawings and left it out in the rain. Adam was overcome with sorrow, but was able to forgive his brother before leaving for school.<\/em><\/p>\n

Each story is a look at one of the Cartwrights as this Bible touches their lives on the way to being returned to its owner. This is Ben’s story – a remembrance of the time when he’d come home with a new bride and was trying to make his family come together. But a short play about David and Goliath doesn’t go quite as planned.<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The Story of Benjamin<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s that calendar?\u201d<\/strong> Ben grumbled as he looked through the stack of papers that had piled up on the corner of his desk. \u201cI know I put it with the pad of paper on top of this stack yesterday.\u201d More rummaging was followed with an angry, \u201cThose two know better than to handle these papers, and if they\u2026\u201d His words were cut short as a sheepish grin replaced the scowl. The tablet and calendar were dead center on his desk, awaiting his daily entry\u2014right where he\u2019d left them prior to going for a glass of water.<\/p>\n

He continued chuckling as he began adding notes to the page where he\u2019d left off until he was jolted from his concentration when the door flew open and Hoss charged in at full speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! Slow down and don\u2019t slam that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Every piece of glass in the house rattled with the force of the door as it slammed back into its frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times do I have to tell you to close the door, not slam it?\u201d Ben\u2019s earlier scowl returned.<\/p>\n

The ever-growing, ever-hungry, nearly teenaged son dropped down in the chair near his father\u2019s desk. \u201cSorry, Pa, I forget \u2018cause I\u2019m always in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, is there anything to be in that much of a hurry about?\u201d Ben now grinned as he waited for what wisdom his middle son was surely about to impart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not in a hurry \u2018bout \u2018anythin\u2019, Pa. I\u2019m in a hurry \u2018bout everythin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see.\u201d Ben nodded in understanding. He knew that Hoss truly was always in a hurry about everything. It was as if life held so much for him that he had to charge at it full speed or he might miss out. \u201cSo what are you in a hurry about today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst off, I\u2019m hungry as an ol\u2019 black bear after hibernatin\u2019 all winter, and figgered it had to be nearly lunch time. I also had to tell ya that I saw that old mama possum out by the barn again today. She had them babies all jest a hangin\u2019 there on her back. It was so purely amazin\u2019, Pa, I was sorely tempted to bring \u2018em in here to show ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

One eye narrowed as Ben recalled the many times his middle son\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0rushed through the door carrying some critter he\u2019d found or rescued. Unfortunately most of those critters had no desire to be found\u2014or rescued\u2014resulting in some interesting chases through the house when they\u2019d escaped Hoss\u2019 grasp. They hid under furniture, ran up the chimney or took off into Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen, all creating chaos and threats of resignation from the cook. Ben sighed in great gratitude that the possum had been left outside. \u201cWell, thank you for resisting the temptation. I saw Hop Sing in the kitchen a few minutes ago, so I think you\u2019re right about lunch. Why don\u2019t you round up Little Joe, and then both of you get cleaned up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa. You know they\u2019re marsupials, don\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had already turned his attention back to the notes he\u2019d been writing, but had refocused on his son when he\u2019d realized that Hoss was still there\u2014waiting for his reply. \u201cWhat are marsupials, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The impatience at having to repeat his thought washed over Hoss\u2019 features. He spoke slowly and clearly, so his \u201celderly father\u201d could understand. \u201cThe possum, Pa. Adam told me that they\u2019re marsupials. He said the mama has tiny babies that stay in a pouch on her front side until they\u2019re old enough to come out.\u201d Hoss waited to see if his vast knowledge of things related to possums had registered with his father, and seeing Ben\u2019s smile, he puffed his chest out a little more. \u201cI learned lots of stuff from Adam: important things, like about animals with pockets.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss appeared thoughtful for a moment before asking, \u201cPa, how\u2019d Adam get so smart?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure about that, son, but it\u2019s a question I\u2019ve asked myself from the time he was small. Adam always seemed to know more than a child had the want to, and the information was always dead-on. But he\u2019s always paid attention, Hoss, and he\u2019s studied hard too. So you understand that he works to know the things he does, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnhuh.\u201d Hoss probably heard some of what his father said, but was now more interested in what was on the desk. Leaning over to get a better view, he was able to see what was there even though Ben tried to shield the papers from the boy\u2019s prying eyes. ossHHhhh\u201cPa, are you still marking off the calendar every day that Adam\u2019s gone? Maybe you shouldn\u2019t be doing that? It jest gets you to broodin\u2019 all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wanted to say that he would \u201cbrood\u201d as long as he wanted to over Adam\u2019s absence, and that he would surely miss him every day until he returned. It didn\u2019t matter that he knew Adam was doing what he wanted and needed to do, or that he gave his blessing to his eldest when he left. It only mattered that his heart always felt empty by a third with Adam gone. But instead of trying to tell Hoss these things, he simply said, \u201cPlease get your brother as I asked you to do. We\u2019ll have lunch in about twenty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Hoss turned to leave, he spotted Adam\u2019s Bible on the front corner of his father\u2019s desk and picked it up. \u201cHey, Pa, Hop Sing must\u2019a finagot this back from his cousin. I didn\u2019t ever think it would come out this good!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben recalled the day that Adam had brought the seemingly ruined book into the house after Joe had taken it without asking and then had left it outside in the rain. The Bible had belonged to Elizabeth and was one of the few connections his son still had to his mother and at the time, Hop Sing thought that his cousin might be able to repair the book. Adam had to leave it behind when he left for school a few days later, with no guarantees that he would ever get it back in usable condition. Ben could still remember his always-stoic boy, breaking down in grief over the wet, matted mess. But later that day, he had watched with pride as Adam had forgiven his youngest brother. In that moment, he knew that Adam understood the words of Scripture that told of forgiveness and love even when it might not be deserved. Those verses were written on Adam\u2019s heart, not just on the pages of a book.<\/p>\n

Glancing again at Elizabeth\u2019s Bible, Ben had to agree that the cousin had done a magnificent restoration. The leather was softened with the grain returned to normal, and the pages had been smoothed and separated. It wasn\u2019t perfect, but there was little evidence of the water damage that had nearly destroyed it.<\/p>\n

Ben had a moment of panic as he watched Hoss begin thumbing through the pages with the same hands that had moments earlier been chasing down a possum, and heaven only knew what else. He couldn\u2019t bear the thought that something might happen to it before it got back to its owner. \u201cYou\u2019re right. It does look good, Hoss. Now, please put it down! We don\u2019t want it to get dirty or damaged again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was jest looking at it, Pa. I wasn\u2019t gonna do nothin\u2019 to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss. I didn\u2019t mean to snap at you. I hope to send it along with Fred McCarthy, who\u2019s heading to San Francisco for supplies late next week.\u00a0 He\u2019ll get it on a ship and it should reach Adam at his grandfather\u2019s in a couple of months.\u201d\u00a0 After thinking for a moment, he added, \u201cIt would be a nice idea if you\u2019d write a note to your brother and stick it in the Bible before I wrap it up. That would give Adam a special surprise. I\u2019ll help Little Joe get something written as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood looking at his father, unsure of what that meant.<\/p>\n

Noting the blank stare, Ben clarified. \u201cThat means your letter must be done by next Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Okay, Pa. I\u2019ll do it later.\u201d Hoss flashed a grin at his pa and headed for the door, hollering back that he was \u201cGonna get Joe for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The glass in the house rattled again as Hoss bounded out the door\u2014slamming it behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back and thought about the conversation with his middle son. The boy had something about him that was always true. Hoss had been correct in saying that he was hurrying about everything. In fact each of his boys were that way.<\/p>\n

Hoss charged through life, trying to make sense of it. He wanted to feel, touch and care for whatever he came across. There was nothing he wouldn\u2019t tackle and he always found some satisfaction in doing any job. The boy always approached life with a positive spirit; it was just his nature. He had a spiritual sense about him and would always find who and what needed his care. Ben had seen Hoss\u2019 amazement as he observed each wonder of the Ponderosa, and knew that this son would never leave until he had every square inch of wonder committed to his memory.<\/p>\n

Little Joe rushed at life to conquer it. He was still young, but Ben saw the determination in his eyes as he took on new ideas or skills. He pushed the limits of everything he did\u2014including the limits of parental and brotherly tolerance. Joe had a fire for life that could not be quenched.<\/p>\n

And Adam rushed at life to possess it. He wanted to know the ways of everything, absorbing knowledge like a dry cloth in a bucket of water. His eldest was never satisfied with himself until he owned the ideas and knowledge he seemed to need so desperately. Ben shook his head as he considered how this constant striving contributed to an almost naivet\u00e9 that left Adam discouraged at times. It seemed that because this child needed to learn as much as he needed to breathe, he was always surprised and offended by the fact that others were content to stop learning or to misuse the knowledge they had attained. Ben had actually seen Adam experience pain when he saw people break laws, commandments or trust, and knew his child struggled to understand how people could know things, yet not treat that knowledge with respect.<\/p>\n

Adam had been gone almost a year already and communication with him was sparse. It was not easy to get letters and packages across the country, and Ben longed for a better system of postal service to make it to the \u201cedge of nowhere,\u201d as his boys called where they lived. They had received notes telling of Adam\u2019s safe arrival in St. Louis, and finally in Boston\u2014getting there in time to go through the testing process for admission to the university\u2014and that he had been accepted. But nothing more had come through for several months. Ben had experienced his first holidays without all three boys and had foundered a bit during that time. He wondered how Adam had fared during the same time, but suspected that the loneliness had been eased by being with his grandfather in the house where his mother had lived.<\/p>\n

Ben had started keeping a daily log of home events that he could send off to Adam whenever there was opportunity. His embarrassment flushed his cheeks again as he realized that Hoss had been right about the calendar. He did mark off each day and would continue until Adam was home. It gave him solace to see the number of crossed off days accumulating, because it meant his son\u2019s return was more imminent. If that made him a fool, he accepted that with fatherly pride.<\/p>\n

Listening for a moment, he confirmed that the boys were still hollering out in the yard and he knew they\u2019d momentarily forgotten about lunch as they\u2019d resumed their game. Sliding the Bible closer, he picked it up and while settling it in his hand, the book fell open to 1 Samuel 17.\u00a0 A memory bathed Ben\u2019s face as he began to read, causing him to stop and search through the papers in a desk drawer until he found a drawing of Adam that a friend did a few years back. It wasn\u2019t a perfect image of his son, but it had what Ben wanted to see: the half-inch scar on his upper lip. Ben moved his finger gently across the rendering, recommitting Adam\u2019s features to his memory, before turning back to the Bible passage.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

Still hearing the boys\u2019 voices in the midst of play outside the open window, Ben realized that he would have a few moments alone yet and allowed himself to dissolve away to a Sunday a few months after he\u2019d come home from New Orleans with Marie. It had turned out to be a day when his family had faced a serious situation, but had begun to come together. And, he\u2019d also learned just how strong his new wife could be. As he allowed himself the pleasure of remembering, the events became as real and jarring as they were then.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

David and Goliath<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben finished reading the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel to find wide-eyed wonder reflecting from five-year-old Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, that was some good story, Pa. That kid stopped that big ole\u2019 guy with one smooth stone! Wish I could knew how to do that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Since there was no church in the territory, Ben honored each Sabbath by reading a Bible story to his family, followed by an explanation of what it might mean for each of them. After hearing Hoss\u2019s comment, the father knew he had some mighty explaining to do to help the child understand what the story of David was really about. \u201cSon, you\u2019re right! It was a mighty thing for David to do. But that\u2019s just the end of the story, not the whole story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss seemed disappointed, and Ben could tell he wasn\u2019t interested in hearing the \u201cwhole story,\u201d but went forward anyway.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, remember how David tended his animals and protected them from the wild lions and bears?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was interested again and nodding vigorously. \u201cWe got bears, but just mountain lions \u2018round these parts, right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, son. And we watch over our animals just like David did. As you get older, you\u2019ll learn that taking care of something means protecting it too. That\u2019s all called preparation. Do you understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPreparation for what, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chimed in. \u201cAll those things you do all the time but don\u2019t seem like anything special, get you ready for when something big comes up. Is that it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly right. David did what his earthly father asked him to do. He tended his flocks and learned how to defend them, and then when the opportunity arose to serve his heavenly Father and nation, he was ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s squint and puckered mouth testified to the fact that he was still confused, so Ben tried again. \u201cThere was this mighty battle, between the Jewish nation and the Philistines\u2014that\u2019s who Goliath fought for. Remember how David\u2019s pa asked him to take some things to his older brothers who were in that battle?\u201d Hoss\u2019s nod confirmed that he did. \u201cGoliath didn\u2019t want to fight the whole army so he called for just one brave man to fight against him. But all of the Jewish soldiers, and even David\u2019s brothers, were afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Cause that Goliath feller was a giant, right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Hoss. They were all afraid to fight a sword battle with him because they knew they weren\u2019t strong enough. When David came to the camp, he saw a different way around the problem, and talked to King Saul. And did his brothers think he was being brave?\u201d<\/p>\n

The questioning look from Hoss made Adam respond. \u201cNo, Pa. They said he was a kid and should go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that didn\u2019t stop David, did it?\u201d Both boys shook their heads no. \u201cHe decided to fight Goliath like he did the wild beasts. That way he didn\u2019t even need to get near him!\u201d And did that work?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lesson here, son, is not that David killed Goliath, but that he trusted what he knew how to do and trusted that God would help him do what an entire army couldn\u2019t. David was obedient to both his fathers and was successful because of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lesson ended on a happy note, and Ben was even happier when Adam came to him later, explaining that he and Hoss were going to resurrect the Cartwright Players to act out the story of David and Goliath. He carefully laid out how they would do it, said they\u2019d already practiced, and finally asked that his father play a small role.<\/p>\n

The name \u201cCartwright Players\u201d brought back good memories for Ben. It was the name he and Adam had used when they\u2019d performed skits and stories for the other travelers in their journey across the plains. Father and son would plan these plays while they traveled and then act them out in the evenings around the campfire. The productions were popular entertainment with everyone and as time went on, other members of the group were encouraged to join in. Even Inger had helped plan and was finally convinced to contribute some fine acting while she was with them. They had discontinued the productions after Inger\u2019s death, but others had encouraged them to bring their skits back and in the end it had provided a great sense of release for both of them.<\/p>\n

Ben found Marie in the house and flashed a broad smile as he told her the news.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems, my dear, that we have been invited to the social event of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n

And just what might this event be, my love.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwright Players have requested our presence outside so that they might present the theatrical version of David and Goliath.\u201d<\/p>\n

A play? How marvelous!\u201d Marie replied enthusiastically as her eyes welled with tears.<\/p>\n

Ben knew that Marie was still getting used to being the woman in a household of men. And while Hoss easily gave his love and enjoyed having a mother, Adam remained far more wary. He was respectful of her position in the family, but he said very little and kept his distance. As a father who knew his son very well, Ben knew this play was Adam\u2019s way to include Marie in a family event, and as a husband, he saw how much the inclusion meant to his wife.<\/p>\n

Ben quickly added, \u201cA word of caution, love. I am to be in this production as well, so I\u2019ll be leaving your side for a short time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie smiled coyly. \u201cI will miss you madly, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two held hands as they walked outside to the chairs that had been brought out from the kitchen. Marie stared at the yard in amazement, noting the props and \u201cstage.\u201d Ben smiled as he saw her expression. \u201cNow you know why you heard the whispers and pounding up and down the steps earlier as you tried to rest after lunch. The boys were very busy getting ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

A canvas tarp covered with pine boughs, adorned the side of their buckboard, giving it the illusion of a mountainside. Adam stood atop the \u201cmountain\u201d wrapped in a sheet, draped in short military fashion, held in place around his waist by the sash he borrowed from Ben\u2019s robe. \u201cGreetings,\u201d he addressed them. \u201cThe Cartwright Players will now present the story of David and Goliath. Hoss Cartwright will play David; Pa, will be King Saul, and I am Goliath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ducking down into the bed of the wagon, Adam reappeared wielding a wooden sword made from a rough board wrapped on one end in leather lacing for the handle, with a cross piece lashed just above that as the hilt. Thrusting the sword into the air, he began. \u201cI am Goliath, the strong and powerful Philistine warrior who has come to challenge one man from the army of Saul to face me in a fight to the death. The fight will decide the outcome of this battle and the fate of the loser\u2019s army. But know this, I will smite any challenger with a single blow from my sword and let the birds of the air pick his bones clean. I defy Saul and his God this day. Send me your champion that I might make fast work of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie watched in wonder as Adam spoke his lines. Leaning over toward Ben, she raised her hand to shield her mouth as she asked, \u201cWhat kind of eleven-year-old boy can take those difficult verses from a Bible passage and make them so understandable?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling proudly, Ben had leaned to her ear and whispered, \u201cOurs.\u201d<\/p>\n

They lingered in the moment as Marie realized that Ben had included her as an equal in the raising of his sons. However, when their eyes turned forward again, they found a very impatient Philistine waiting for their focus.<\/p>\n

Pointing his sword toward the two of them, the mighty warrior proclaimed, \u201cYou two might want to listen better.\u201d Dropping his sword to his side for a moment, Adam\u2019s expression took on a very self-satisfied glow as he saw both adults blush at being caught in a less than attentive posture.<\/p>\n

With the adults properly chastised, Adam raised his sword again. \u201cWhere is your champion, oh Saul? Why does it take so long to find a worthy opponent? I call upon the Israelites to find their challenger or I will continue to taunt you until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence lingered after Adam finished his challenge, and he looked toward his father, finally using his sword to indicate that he should rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I guess that\u2019s my cue.\u201d Ben moved over nearer Hoss who was leaning against the hitching rail awaiting his entrance. Raising one hand to his chest, Ben proclaimed, \u201cWho will be my champion? Whoever shall conquer the Philistine shall be given great wealth and tribute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss, costumed in a wrapping of sheepskin tied about his sturdy girth with a length of twine and wreath of leaves around his head, continued to draw shapes in the dust with the toe of his boot. After a few moments of inactivity, Adam whispered loudly, \u201cHoss! Say your lines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked from his pa to Adam and then back to his feet. \u201cI can\u2019t say them words, Adam,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean you can\u2019t say them? We practiced, Hoss. You can do it. You\u2019re supposed to say, \u2018I\u2019m a simple shepherd, but I can slay Goliath, O King. I\u2019ve tended my sheep and killed the wild lion and bear that attacked them with my slingshot, and can kill the Philistine the same way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good, Adam!\u201d Hoss was excited now, thinking he could get out of speaking his part. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just say that, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! You have to say it. I\u2019m Goliath. You\u2019re David.\u201d Looking beseechingly at Ben, Adam pleaded, \u201cPa, please make him say the lines.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, will you please say them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t. It\u2019s not that I don\u2019t want to. I just can\u2019t There\u2019s too many words to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slouched into the leaning position he adopted when he was frustrated. Sighing deeply and loudly, he finally said, \u201cSay whatever you can, Hoss. But please just say something.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a huge smile, Hoss drew his shoulders back, pointed at Adam, and cried. \u201cI\u2019ll kill that big fella for ya, Mr. King.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the audience, Marie stifled a laugh, and then hollered, \u201cBravo, David!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was time for Ben\u2019s final lines and he squared his shoulders, letting forth a mighty voice as he sent David to battle the giant. Taking his place by Marie again, he pulled her to him, \u201cHigh drama on the Ponderosa today, ma\u2019am. Might you be a theater critic from the newspapers back East?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie shushed him as Hoss began to move forward. Then realizing what was coming next, she leaned to her husband and quietly asked about the slingshot.<\/p>\n

Noting the panic in her eyes, Ben smiled and pointed toward the object Hoss was holding, noting that Marie visibly relaxed at seeing the simple leather lacing strung through a piece of hide. It had the appearance of the real thing, but wasn\u2019t functional.<\/p>\n

The play continued with Goliath the Philistine, laughing at David\u2014taunting him; calling him a child, come to do a man\u2019s job. \u201cIt is no matter that you are small. Come forth and I will do to you as I would to any other challenger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss got into the spirit of the play as he hollered back that he was there to \u201cSave his people from the mean giant.\u201d He readied a stone in his slingshot as he spoke the next words, bringing a low chuckle from the male member of the audience. \u201cI must be obedient to my pa. I mean God.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stone flew from Hoss\u2019 hand rather than the slingshot, missing Goliath\u2019s head by yards. But Adam did a fine acting job of being be stunned by the impact and toppled\u2014or rather jumped\u2014from the wagon mountain, ending up face down with his sword lying at his side. When Hoss made no move to come upon him for the slaying, Adam whispered, \u201cHoss, Grab the sword, cut off my head and say the last line!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah!\u201d Hoss, now back on track, ran to pick up the sturdy wooden sword in both hands, and stood over Adam as he raised it above his head. The silence lingered for a moment until Hoss whispered, \u201cAdam, I can\u2019t remember what I\u2019m \u2018sposed to say now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mumbled, \u201cI do this for my God and my people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? I didn\u2019t hear you, Adam. Say it louder.\u201d<\/p>\n

With another sigh of frustration, Adam rolled onto his back and repeated the line for his little brother. \u201cI do this for my God and my people.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s when the day got even more interesting\u2026<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Pulling himself out of his memories, Ben rose to look out the window, making sure the boys were still occupied. He could see them chasing one another and Ben figured they were playing some game they had quickly made up. He couldn\u2019t quite understand the rules but knew Little Joe had come up with the idea for this one since it involved speed and agility. When comparing the size of the two boys, Joe would never win games that pitted him against Hoss in strength. But the youngster could run like the wind, and darted around Hoss so quickly that eventually Hoss had to give up in and would just laugh as he watched the youngster run circles around him.<\/p>\n

Ben could see that Hoss was still giving chase, which meant he had a few minutes yet before they would be in for lunch. Thankful for the chance to return to his reminiscence, he moved back to his chair where he took another look at Adam\u2019s picture, and let his mind wander back to the slaying of Goliath.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cI do this for God and my people!\u201d Hoss cried out as he raised the wooden sword even higher above his head and then swung it in a downward arc. Marie and Ben held their breath, waiting for Hoss to pull back and slow the object\u2019s descent. But he didn\u2019t, and Marie was already on her feet moving toward the boys as the sword connected.<\/p>\n

Had Adam not rolled onto his back moments earlier to give Hoss his final line, he would still have been face down and the sword might have glanced off his shoulder as planned. But the very strong five-year-old hadn\u2019t waited for his brother to return to his stomach, and his trajectory had gone several inches higher than he\u2019d intended. Adam had been looking straight up into his younger brother eyes as the wooden sword connected with the soft, fleshy skin above his lip, making a sound akin to cracking a hard-boiled egg.<\/p>\n

In the eerie silence that followed the impact, Adam\u2019s hands drew instinctively to his face. Following Marie\u2019s lead, Ben had also risen and was nearing Adam\u2019s side, as he lay there dazed.<\/p>\n

Marie ran to gather Hoss, who, on realizing what he had done, shattered the silence with the terrified shriek of a child who knows they\u2019ve hurt someone\u2014even if it was unintentional.<\/p>\n

When Adam remained silent after being struck, Ben hoped that perhaps no real damage had been done. But that hope was soon crushed as he knelt next to him, watching in horror as blood began to seep through his interlocked fingers, running down his cheeks and neck. The earth Adam was resting on quickly became a muddy paste of dirt and blood, and Ben\u2019s head took a spin before he forced himself to breathe deeply and calm down. Adam remained silent; a fact that bothered Ben as much as the blood. Withdrawing a clean handkerchief from his pocket, he gently moved Adam\u2019s hands away from the wound and quickly covered it with the folded square of cloth.<\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t sure what Marie was doing but marveled at her fast thinking in getting Hoss away from the situation.<\/p>\n

Noting that his handkerchief was already soaking through with blood, Ben hollered for Marie to bring out cloths for bandages. He was again impressed with his new wife as she arrived at his side and quickly added the fresh bandages on top of Ben\u2019s makeshift one while guiding his hand to apply gentle pressure. He had seen other women handle such situations well when he was on the trail West, but Marie had always seemed more fragile than those women. He was learning quickly that her petite frame and beauty were just wonderful packaging on a powerful woman.<\/p>\n

Both father and son were equally pale and Ben realized that he had never experienced such a severe injury with his sons. He had once told Marie that his boys had the usual assortments of bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes, but thankfully they never had anything that was beyond what he could care for with some sympathy and salve. He wasn\u2019t really sure what to do next until Marie spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad is it?\u201d She tried to lift a corner of the rapidly soaking cloth she had applied, but Ben reached to stop her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t really looked, but let\u2019s give it a moment. Maybe it will stop bleeding if we don\u2019t disturb it just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam remained quiet with eyes wide and staring, unsure of what had actually happened. He raised his hands high enough to see that they were caked with drying blood. Suddenly, it all began to register: the blinding pain, the metallic tasting blood in his mouth, the teeth that seemed loose, and the tears that had been welling in his eyes began to trickle down his cheeks. \u201cIth it okay, Pa?\u201d he mumbled through the bandage.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be fine, son,\u201d Ben reassured. \u201cWe\u2019ll just give it a couple of minutes before we take a better look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie moved around so that she could rest Adam\u2019s head on her lap, and then spoke soothing words, while dabbing at his tears with the folds of her skirt. \u201cYou were wonderful, Adam. Don\u2019t cry, my sweet. Your father and I will take a look soon and all will be well. I\u2019m sure it hurts badly, and I\u2019ll get you a cool cloth once the bleeding eases. You will be strong until then, no?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and relaxed against Marie\u2019s hand, leaning into her caress. When he tried to wink at her, a flood of tears rolled down his cheek, and although he had never allowed Marie\u2019s care before, he didn\u2019t seem to mind that she kissed the top of his head and his hands.<\/p>\n

After what seemed an interminable time, the bleeding slowed; allowing the adults to take a peek at what had so far remained hidden. Ben reared back as he saw the wide split about half way across the left side of his upper lip. The father\u2019s ashen complexion and fearful look was all Marie needed to confirm the seriousness of the injury<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019th the matter?\u201d Adam had known the news wasn\u2019t good just by seeing the wide-eyed looks of the two faces above his. \u201cPa, what\u2019th wrong?\u201d He asked again with a definite rise in the pitch of his voice. \u201cWhy do I thound like thith?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pushed him back as Adam tried to rise. \u201cHush, Adam. You sound like that because you have a deep cut in your lip and the whole area is swelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna thee, Pa. Lemme up so I can go thee.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was fruitless trying to hold him down, so Ben helped his son to his feet and began to walk him to the house.<\/p>\n

The two were so wobbly as they walked that Marie observed them for a moment, trying to decide which one needed help more, and finally ran to take Adam\u2019s other arm in support. The silence as they neared the house indicated that young David had fallen asleep as the cookie Marie had given him and his exhaustion over a terrifying experience had done their job to soothe the youngster. Ben asked Marie to gather supplies to help care for the wound while he remained with Adam.<\/p>\n

Along with towels and a basin, Marie returned with the mirror from her bedroom, and handed it to the young man seated at the table. \u201cHere, Adam. You can take a quick look, but then we need to get that taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

A stern glare from her husband was followed by the issuance of an even sterner comment that perhaps giving the boy a mirror wasn\u2019t the best idea.<\/p>\n

He needn\u2019t have worried. Adam observed the large cut from every angle. \u201cThad kid\u2019th got thome thwing, doesn\u2019 he?\u201d He started to laugh but stopped as the stretching of his lip sent waves of pain rippling across his face. More tears escaped down his dirty cheeks, but he composed himself and asked, \u201cWhad are we gonna do about thith?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t sure. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll just clean it up a bit and let it heal.\u201d But looking up at Marie, he knew it wasn\u2019t going to be that easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, may I see you in the other room.\u201d It wasn\u2019t a question. Marie laid her shoulders back and walked to the farthest end of the house where their conversation wouldn\u2019t be overheard. When he made it to her side, her eyes flashed as she explained the seriousness of the situation. \u201cAdam is a handsome youngster, Ben, and will grow to be an attractive man like his father. But that won\u2019t happen unless we stitch that lip together. You can\u2019t seriously think it will heal well otherwise? Every time he eats or bumps it, those edges will separate again and he\u2019ll be marred for life by the time it fuses together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had only heard two words and was rapidly returning to his ashen color of earlier. \u201cStitch it? Who\u2019s going to \u2018stitch it?\u2019 We don\u2019t have a doctor around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d she replied as she walked over to grab her sewing basket from the table by her favorite chair. \u201cI\u2019ll wash up a needle and thread and you can place a few stitches in that gap to hold it together.<\/p>\n

The thought of sticking a sharp, pointed object into his son\u2019s face several times, had Ben\u2019s stomach heading simultaneously toward his throat and feet, while his head spun wildly. \u201cI can\u2019t do that, Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can and you will!\u201d Her manner was commanding, leaving Ben no doubt that he could not back away, or weasel out of it. \u201cI\u2019m going in the kitchen now to get things ready, and you will explain it to Adam.\u201d With a rustle of petticoats and rush of air, she turned and walked away. Looking back, she issued Ben\u2019s marching orders again. \u201cCome along now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wiped away the perspiration that was suddenly running down his temples and followed Marie to the kitchen. \u201cUm, Adam. Marie, um that is, I mean, we, um, think we should put a couple stitches into that gash to hold it together better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice squeaked as he stood. Whad? Whadda you mean thitch? Thitch with whad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, son. Marie has a very tiny needle that she does fine stitching with, don\u2019t you Marie?\u201d He looked desperately to his wife for support. \u201cShe\u2019s getting it ready\u2014washing it up so your cut will stay nice and clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to wash that, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Marie was now at the table holding a bowl of sudsy water that smelled like homemade lye soap.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s pitch continued to rise. \u201cNo you don\u2019. You don\u2019 haf to do anything. Justh leave id alone.\u201d He was backing up as he spoke and now turned to walk toward the kitchen door. He pushed his father\u2019s hands away when he tried to guide him back, while his eyes grew as dark and round as a cornered coon.<\/p>\n

Marie took one arm while Ben grabbed the other as they led him to the sofa in the living area. \u201cRest here while we get things ready, Adam. This won\u2019t be as bad as you think it will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cId\u2019ll be worth!\u201d He had hollered after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d Ben scolded, \u201cI\u2019ve never known you to act this way. Settle down. It\u2019s not like you\u2019re dying!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cId ith well. I die hard, I am not afraid to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about Adam?\u201d Calling to Marie, he offered in concern, \u201cI think he\u2019s delirious.\u201d\u201cOh, Ben. He\u2019s not delirious,\u201d she called back. \u201cHe\u2019s being dramatic and quoting George Washington\u2019s final words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that right, son? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cId theemed appropriate.\u201d While he had his father\u2019s attention and sympathy, Adam tried again. \u201cLemme go, Pa. I can be outta here by the time Marie getths back. You don\u2019t have to do thith.<\/p>\n

But by that time Marie was back, and set to cleaning the wound. Ben noted that as she dabbed at the raw looking cut, Adam was clenching his fists and teeth so tightly, he\u2019d worried the boy would crack one, the other, or both. Trying to get his son to settle down, Ben soothed, \u201cRelax, Adam. This will all be over soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNod thoon enough!\u201d he cried out, more irritated than in pain.<\/p>\n

It was all Ben could handle and taking Marie aside, proposed that he give Adam some brandy to take the edge off his nerves. He could see the idea shocked her, but she warmed to it as he shared his concern, and finally told Ben to go ahead while she finished getting ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gonna led me drink brandy? You never led us even try it. Are you thure I\u2019m nod dying? Another attempt at a laugh produced pain so severe that he asked whether the brandy would make it hurt less.<\/p>\n

Ben told the truth. \u201cIt will still hurt, Adam, but you won\u2019t care as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both father and son chuckled as the boy tried to sip the liquid with the undamaged side of his mouth. His eyes grew large as the strength of the drink bit at his sore lip, and then hit the back of his palate, searing his throat as it went down. Ben watched as the youngster coughed and retched at first. But soon, Adam\u2019s face brightened as he experienced the warming effect, and eagerly continued taking small sips. His father knew exactly what the boy was feeling and watched as Adam got drowsy; wishing he could have a couple fingers of the brown sedative himself. By the time Marie returned carrying a tray with the freshly cleaned needle and thread, Adam\u2019s eyes were rolling and he was slurring his words, making it almost impossible to understand him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa. I feel tho thrange. Ith the room thpinning or ith id me?\u201d After dissolving in giggles, he tried to regain a more serious demeanor. \u201cOh, Marie, um Ma, I see yer back. Whaderya gonna do now?\u201d More giggling had followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to get you fixed up.\u201d Marie set the tray on the table next to the couch and gave Ben a firm look and nod of her head to get him moving before they lost the euphoric effect of the liquor.<\/p>\n

Beads of perspiration broke out on the man\u2019s forehead again as he reached for the threaded needle. His hand shook as he approached his son\u2019s face with the pointed object and he paused, unable to make himself proceed.<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s foot tapped as she controlled her tongue, until she could no longer. \u201cBen, get going! You have to get this done. Hoss might wake up soon and then it will be even harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie held Adam\u2019s head as Ben guided the needle into the soft, tender flesh. The young man, who, a moment earlier had been half asleep, now jerked away from Marie\u2019s hold and Ben\u2019s hand, eyes wide and frightened, while crying out in shock and pain. The father, seeing the needle hanging there in his son\u2019s face, gave out a groan reminiscent of a horse with colic\u2014and suddenly Marie found herself standing in complete silence\u2014Ben on the floor where he had slumped in a daze\u2014while Adam had passed out.<\/p>\n

The last thing Ben heard was Marie laughing, \u201cSome Philistine warrior and great king Saul, you two make.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Ben regained his senses and was able to rise, he saw a neat row of perfectly placed stitches closing the gap. Marie was walking back into the room with a jar of salve to add to the stitched area when Ben asked, \u201cYou did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho else?\u201d She beamed as she asked, \u201cHow does it look?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. \u201cYou did a wonderful job. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam began to rouse too, taking a moment to get his bearings. \u201cIth id done?\u201d He smiled a lopsided smile with the functioning side of his face as he realized he could speak more normally. \u201cThankths Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank Marie, son, she\u2019s the one who did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s startled look turned to respect as Marie basked in the glory of the moment.<\/p>\n

Sitting next to Adam, Ben asked if he was in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Well nod much. Can I see whad id looks like?\u201d Adam tried to sit up, but when he did, his world began to spin as the shock, injury and brandy roiled inside him. \u201cPa, I don\u2019 feel so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie placed cool cloths on the boy\u2019s forehead and lip as Ben lifted him to move him to his bed.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben reappeared in the kitchen wearing Adam\u2019s lunch across the front of his shirt and pants. \u201cI guess maybe the brandy wasn\u2019t such a great idea after all. He got sick\u2014before I could put him down.\u201d Ben gagged as he tried to explain, and finally blurted, \u201cPlease help me out, Marie. I\u2019ll never get used to this part of being a parent.<\/p>\n

Once Ben was cleaned up and feeling stronger\u2014thanks to the small tumbler of brandy he allowed himself to have\u2014he spent the afternoon playing with Hoss in the yard while Marie remained inside with Adam. Checking on them later, Ben found Adam snoring loudly with his head on Marie\u2019s shoulder. She explained that when he awoke earlier she had read to him and jabbered away to keep their minds off the raw looking lip that she knew must hurt fiercely. When she couldn\u2019t stand Adam\u2019s silent pain any longer, she had gathered him to her, stroking his hair, and hummed French songs until he drifted back to sleep.<\/p>\n

Ben took over the vigil with Adam in the evening and Marie gave Hoss the rare privilege of sleeping in their room with her. Both parents knew the youngster was still shaken by what he\u2019d done, and they had kept him from seeing Adam by telling him that his older brother was ill.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Hoss went bounding into Adam\u2019s room to see if he was better, and was surprised to see his brother\u2019s very swollen lip. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam,\u201d Hoss professed. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to hurt ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saluted his little brother. \u201cYou were great, Hoss! Your aim wasn\u2019t so good, but you made a great David.\u00a0 Next time we\u2019ll practice a little more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood in the doorway holding Marie around her waist. There was news they had planned to tell the boys yesterday, but had to delay it after the \u201cevents\u201d that had taken their time and attention. Ben now realized that this moment seemed to be the right time. \u201cBoys,\u201d he began. \u201cYou should know that you will soon have another Cartwright Player to help in your productions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stood in a questioning pose, not understanding what his parents were saying. \u201cWhat are you talkin\u2019 about? If Mama\u2019s is in the play too, there won\u2019t be anyone to watch!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they\u2019re talking about another kind of cast member, Hoss.\u201d Adam had been around when Inger had carried Hoss, and had seen some of the same changes going on with Marie. He looked toward his father for confirmation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother is expecting a baby, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

A conspiratorial grin appeared as Hoss asked, \u201cThat\u2019s nice Pa.\u00a0 Where\u2019s she expecting it from?\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Hop Sing\u2019s expectin\u2019 us in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head snapped to attention as he realized Hoss was speaking to him. He had lost track of time. Smiling at his son, he asked what he had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, Hop Sing wants us at the table for lunch now.\u201d Hoss remained standing there as Ben stacked the papers on his desk. \u201cPa, would you show me the calendar that you been marking off?<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you didn\u2019t think I should keep track of the days Adam\u2019s been gone.\u201d As he teased Hoss, he pulled the calendar from the stack and pushed it across the desk for him to see.<\/p>\n

Flipping through the months, Hoss said, \u201cBoy, Pa, that\u2019s a lot of days already. How long is he gonna be gone yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019ll be at least three or four more calendars full, before he gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, its all right if you keep track. Maybe I could even mark off some of them days too, if you wouldn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just fine, Hoss. I haven\u2019t done today yet. Do you want to do it?\u201d Ben pushed a pencil across the desk.<\/p>\n

Hoss drew a heavy gray X through the date. \u201cThere, that\u2019s one day closer to his comin\u2019 home! Pa, you think maybe Adam\u2019s doin\u2019 the same thing over there in Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had risen and now rounded the desk to where Hoss stood looking sadder than he\u2019d seen him in a while. \u201cI bet he is, Hoss. I\u2019m sure he misses you as much as you miss him and thinks of you every morning when he shaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy gave his father a look of understanding. \u201cYa mean that scar I gave him, don\u2019t ya? Hey, that was an accident, but I don\u2019t mind him havin\u2019 somethin\u2019 special to remind him of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he doesn\u2019t mind either Hoss. Come on now, you know what happens when we make Hop Sing wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End.<\/p>\n

Next Story in the A Circle of Family Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family: The Story of Hoss<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family: The Story of Adam<\/a><\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

I posted this series on BW in the past, and do so here after a few updates and corrections. My thanks to Sandspur who gave me the original critiques and grammar help to make this story work. My greatest thanks also to anyone who reads this story again or for the first time.<\/em><\/p>\n

I love writing about the young Cartwrights. There is so much possibility in working with them as children and seeing how Ben woul react to their spirit and youthful exuberance.<\/em><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

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

ummary: \u00a0This is the second story in the A Circle of Family saga. Adam’s Bible, nearly destroyed in The Book of Joseph, has been returned in better shape than thought possible. After an\u00a0thoughtful conversation with Hoss, Ben opens the Bible to the story of David and Goliath and relives a memory from a Sunday in the past\u00a0when a reenactment of that story went awry. We see a young David (Hoss)\u00a0smite the powerful Goliath (Adam) with a heavy wooden sword, leading to an interesting exchange between Marie and Ben as they decide how to patch the mighty\u00a0Philistene’s gaping lip.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a08300<\/p>\n

A Circle of Family Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":375,"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,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1004,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ben-cartwright","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1004-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-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\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6478","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\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6478\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}