Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Hoss are sick of Joe not co-operating while their father is away.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (5,225 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n Adam gave his youngest brother a frustrated look. \u201cWill you stop that?\u201d he said irritably. \u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of your nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried to look innocent. \u201cSo\u2013rry,\u201d he replied in a teasing tone. \u201cWhy do you have to take things so seriously all the time older brother?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed as he leant on his rake and brushed the hay of himself that Joe had flung his way. \u201cI take things seriously because I have a responsibility to get things done around here,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen Pa\u2019s away I\u2019m in charge and I want things to run smoothly. There is a lot to be done around here without your tricks Joe, so just get to work will you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah shortshanks,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cI wanna get this done so\u2019s we can get inta supper. I\u2019m plumb famished.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re always famished,\u201d replied Joe, unconcerned. \u201cAnyways, I don\u2019t see why I haveta take orders from you two all the time just because Pa\u2019s not around. I\u2019m sick of it!\u201d He threw his rake to the floor of the barn and put his hands on his hips as he glared at his two brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have to take orders because I\u2019m in charge,\u201d replied Adam reasonably. \u201cYou\u2019ve been in charge of the ranch at times, so you know how important it is for people to take orders.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve only been in charge when you or Hoss ain\u2019t here,\u201d said Joe indignantly. \u201cWhy did I haveta be the youngest?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo you could learn from ya\u2019re elders little brother,\u201d said Hoss with a grin. \u201cNow get ta work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to stand with his hands on his hips regarding his two brothers for a few moments. Finally Adam looked up. \u201cWill you get to work?\u201d he asked irritably. \u201cYou heard what Hoss said.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI heard him,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t doing any more. I figure I\u2019ve done my share fer today.\u201d He turned to leave the barn, but looked over his shoulder as Adam called out to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe! You get back here straight away! Do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hear you,\u201d replied Joe over his shoulder. \u201cBut like I told you \u2026 I ain\u2019t doing no more. You two can finish it off.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe!\u201d shouted Adam angrily. \u201cYou get back here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGo order someone else around,\u201d said Joe airily. \u201cI\u2019m not listening.\u201d He walked out of the barn, whistling in an infuriating manner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam threw his rake down on the barn floor and swore under his breath. \u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of him!\u201d he said angrily. \u201cHe knows how hard things can get when Pa\u2019s away and he doesn\u2019t seem to care.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss made a sympathetic face. \u201cHe don\u2019t mean it Adam,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe does too!\u201d Adam snapped at him. \u201cHe means every bit of it! You know very well that he hasn\u2019t been pulling his weight around here this past week and its only because Pa isn\u2019t around. He wouldn\u2019t dare try to get away with the things he\u2019s been doing if Pa were here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cWell what can we do about it?\u201d he said. \u201cYou know as well as I do that he sure as heck won\u2019t do what we tell him when Pa\u2019s not around \u2026 and by the time Pa gets back he\u2019ll have thought of some excuse ta wiggle his way outta trouble. He always does.\u201d He picked up the rake that Joe had left on the floor and began to work with it. \u201cJest forget it Adam \u2026 we really can\u2019t make him do anything if he don\u2019t wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leant against his rake and stroked his chin thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019m not so sure about that,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got an idea Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his brother expectantly. \u201cYeah?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned. \u201cWe send him to Coventry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked puzzled as he lifted his hat and scratched his head. \u201cI dunno bout that Adam. Sending him away might give us a break from him, but it won\u2019t help get all this work done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pinched his nose on the bridge. \u201cNot quite what I meant Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cWe send him to Coventry means \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u201cI ain\u2019t never even heard of a town by that name,\u201d he said. \u201cWhere is it anyways? California?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEngland,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped raking and gave his brother an amazed look. \u201cEngland?\u201d he said. \u201cYa ain\u2019t serious Adam? You\u2019re gonna send him ta England? What is Pa gonna say bout that when he gets home from San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, if you\u2019d shut up for a minute and let me explain,\u201d began Adam. \u201cSending someone to Coventry is just an expression. It means ignoring them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI see.\u201d He tried to look as if he did in fact see, but it was quite obvious to Adam that he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIts like this,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIf we send him to Coventry \u2026 ignore him \u2026 then he\u2019ll soon get sick of it. You know what he\u2019s like \u2026.. can\u2019t stand his own company for long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 face broke into a grin as the realisation of what Adam was proposing began to filter into his brain. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cHe gets a mite skittish iffen he don\u2019t have any company. He\u2019d hate it iffen we was ta take no notice of him fer a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExactly my point,\u201d said Adam, smiling at the thought of it. \u201cBut we\u2019ll have to be prepared to do his work while this is going on Hoss \u2026 and we\u2019ll have to stand firm together. There can\u2019t be any feeling sorry for him once we start.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll be happy ta do some extra chores jest ta put that weasel in his place,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t feel the least bit sorry fer him.\u201d He thought for a moment. \u201cHow long are we gonna do this fer Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust until Pa comes home,\u201d said Adam. \u201cOr until Joe breaks and apologises for not being fair to us this past week \u2026 whichever comes first. With Hop Sing away he won\u2019t have any support in the house and we can soon let the hands know what\u2019s going on. They\u2019ll think it\u2019s a great joke.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey sure will,\u201d agreed Hoss. He held out his hand to his brother. \u201cAllrighty then, you\u2019re on. Let\u2019s see if little brother can weasel outta this one eh?\u201d They both chuckled as they shook hands and then began to finish up their work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood morning,\u201d said Joe, sliding onto his chair and grinning at his brothers \u201cSleep well?\u201d Adam looked at Hoss and they both nodded slightly. \u201cGood,\u201d said Joe happily. He rubbed his hands together as he looked around the breakfast table. \u201cYum,\u201d he said. \u201cScrambled eggs. You\u2019re really doing well with the cooking while Hop Sing\u2019s been away Hoss. You\u2019re turning into a right good cook. Must be all those hours you\u2019ve spent in the kitchen looking for food, eh? \u201d He chuckled at his own joke as he reached out to grab the platter of eggs, but Hoss quickly moved it away from him without a word. Joe frowned at his brother. \u201cWhatcha doing?\u201d he said angrily. \u201cGive it back here Hoss. I\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThem eggs is fer people who actually deserve em,\u201d said Hoss huffily. \u201cMe and Adam did all your chores last night, so I made em fer us \u2026 not you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a face at him. \u201cFine!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll just make some for myself then.\u201d He made to get up from the table, but Adam put his hand up to stop him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBefore you go to the kitchen Joe, there\u2019s something that Hoss and I need to tell you,\u201d he said. \u201cSit down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat down ungraciously. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. \u201cAnother order? I know you think you\u2019re in charge around here Adam, but I\u2019m sick and tired of \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cNot another order. Just a piece of information for your benefit.\u201d Joe looked a little confused as his brother continued. \u201cDue to your recent behaviour,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHoss and I are just about fed up with dealing with you. So \u2026 until Pa gets back \u2026 we\u2019re sending you to Coventry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother. \u201cReally?\u201d he said. \u201cGreat!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave him a puzzled look. \u201cDo you understand what I just said?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d said Joe happily. \u201cI can sure do with some time away from you two. A trip sounds just perfect. When do I leave?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pinched the bridge of his nose for the second time in the past twenty-four hours. \u201cSending someone to Coventry,\u201d he explained patiently. \u201cIs an expression.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d added Hoss in a superior tone. \u201cIt means we\u2019re gonna ignore ya little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u201cOh yeah?\u201d he said. \u201cI knew that!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou did not!\u201d retorted Hoss. \u201cYa thought it was a town somewhere!\u201d He looked superior again. \u201cYou don\u2019t know nothin Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI do too,\u201d retorted Joe. \u201cAnyways \u2026 there is a town called Coventry in another country,\u201d he screwed up his face as he tried to remember. \u201cMiss Jones told us a story bout it when I was in school. Just can\u2019t remember what it was but.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cProbably about Lady Godiva,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThe woman who rode naked through the town of Coventry in the tenth century.\u201d He ignored the interested look that suddenly appeared on Joe\u2019s face as he pointed his finger at him. \u201cBut that\u2019s not what we\u2019re talking about,\u201d he said. \u201cThe important thing is that we\u2019re disgusted with your attitude around here Joe and so until you apologise and start pulling your weight, then we\u2019re simply having nothing to do with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cApologise?\u201d spluttered Joe. \u201cI ain\u2019t apologising to no one! You both enjoy ordering me around and I\u2019ve had enough of it, that\u2019s all.\u201d He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest in a determined fashion. \u201cYou\u2019ll be waiting a long time to hear me apologise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine,\u201d said Adam calmly. \u201cYou make up your own mind about it, but from this moment on little brother \u2026 consider yourself in Coventry.\u201d He turned to Hoss and smiled. \u201cI\u2019d like some of those eggs please Hoss. They sure smell great.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled as Hoss handed Adam the platter of eggs and then waited until it became obvious that neither of them was going to acknowledge him again before standing up. \u201cFine!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll cook my own breakfast then, will I?\u201d His brothers simply continued to chew on their eggs, so he stomped out of the room towards the kitchen. Adam winked at Hoss before picking up his coffee cup and beginning to drink.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fifteen minutes later when Joe reappeared from the kitchen carrying a small platter of half-burnt eggs, his two brothers were discussing the chores that needed doing and their priorities for the day. Joe made a face at both of them before tucking into his eggs. \u201cI suppose I\u2019m gonna get the worst jobs to do while you\u2019re both ignoring me then huh?\u201d he said, making at face at the taste of his eggs. \u201cSo what have you got in mind for me then?\u201d Neither of his brothers responded to his question, but simply went on talking to each other as if he hadn\u2019t spoken. \u201cI said, what am I doing this week around the ranch?\u201d Joe raised his voice over the top of theirs, but it didn\u2019t make the slightest difference as they simply ignored him and went on eating. Joe\u2019s face suddenly split into a wide grin. \u201cOh, I get it,\u201d he said. \u201cThe ignoring has started, has it? Fine! Well if you\u2019re ignoring me, then you can\u2019t give me any orders, can you?\u201d He drank down his cup of coffee quickly and then stood up, slapping his hands together gleefully. \u201cThen I\u2019ll be taking the day off. See ya!\u201d He sauntered over to the door, looking over his shoulder to see the reaction to his words that he just knew would follow, but to his surprise neither Adam nor Hoss even looked at him. He frowned for a moment and then shrugged, put on his jacket and hat and disappeared through the front doorway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at Adam as the front door slammed behind their brother. \u201cAre ya sure bout this Adam?\u201d he asked. \u201cThat weasel is gonna take full advantage of us ya know. Seems ta me that he\u2019s getting outta all the work and we\u2019re getting lumped with it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam winked at his brother and wiped his mouth on his napkin before standing up. \u201cTrust me Hoss. It might take a few days, but our younger brother is going to be begging us for forgiveness before too long. Come on, let\u2019s get these dishes cleaned up before we get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I sure hope you\u2019re right,\u201d replied Hoss as he began to pick up several plates. \u201cI\u2019m bout ready ta pound that weasel iffen he don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPatience brother \u2026.. patience,\u201d said Adam with a grin. \u201cPatience is a virtue.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sauntered into the saloon and looked around before tipping his hat at Sam the bartender. \u201cHowdy Sam,\u201d he said. \u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam looked up in surprise. \u201cWell howdy there Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat brings you into town in the middle of the week?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot much,\u201d replied Joe, leaning on the bar. \u201cGimme me a beer thanks Sam. He looked over his shoulder. \u201cWhere\u2019s Sally and Betty and the rest of the girls?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam jerked his finger to the staircase at the back of the saloon. \u201cProbably asleep,\u201d he said. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no call fer em down here in the middle of the day ya know Joe. Mary is over there if you\u2019re looking fer some female company but. She\u2019s always about.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shuddered slightly as he looked over his shoulder at the plain middle-aged woman. \u201cNo thanks,\u201d he said. \u201cSo where is everyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam began to wipe a glass with a cloth. \u201cOut working, I reckon,\u201d he said. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you out working too Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cGot me some time off,\u201d he said happily as he began to drink his beer. \u201cThought I\u2019d come into town and have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam snorted. \u201cYou\u2019d be lucky to find any fun round here,\u201d he said. \u201cNot on a Tuesday in the middle of the day anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a wry face. \u201cI see what you mean,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve walked from one end of town to the other, but everyone either busy working or they ain\u2019t my sorta people if you know what I mean.\u201d He sipped at his beer again and then put it down on the counter. \u201cI reckon it might liven up a bit later huh?\u201d He looked at Sam hopefully, but the bartender just shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t see why it should,\u201d said Sam. \u201cAin\u2019t a lot of activity goes on round here during the week Joe. Come back on Friday night like you usually do and you\u2019ll find some action then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe drained the last of his beer. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cOnly there\u2019s a lotta time to kill between Tuesday and Friday Sam.\u201d He flipped a coin onto the counter. \u201cThanks for the beer. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sauntered out into the sunshine and looked first one way up the street and then down the other before putting his hands into his pockets and crossing the street. He walked up to the Jail and went inside. \u201cHowdy Sheriff Coffee,\u201d he said. \u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy Coffee looked up from the pile of papers on his desk, which he\u2019d been sorting through. \u201cWell howdy there, young fellar,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat are you doing in town?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow come everyone keeps asking me that?\u201d said Joe as he sat down on the edge of the desk. \u201cI\u2019m having some time off so I thought I\u2019d just come in and see what was going on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell nothing\u2019s going on, I hope,\u201d replied Roy. \u201cMy job sure is easier when it\u2019s like this .. nice and quiet. Do ya mind moving Joe? I\u2019m sorting through them papers you\u2019re sitting on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hopped off the desk. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said. He looked around the jail hopefully. \u201cSo \u2026 no one here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope,\u201d said Roy absently as he put his glasses back on and began to look at the papers again. \u201cI ain\u2019t arrested no one lately.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cNeed any help doing that?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope,\u201d replied Roy again. \u201cIts kinda a one-man job if ya know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFeel like having a drink?\u201d suggested Joe hopefully. \u201cOn me, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope,\u201d replied Roy. \u201cMuch and all as I\u2019d like to, I can\u2019t when I\u2019m on duty.\u201d He peered up at the young man in front of him. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go fishing or something if you\u2019ve got nothing to do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cNow that\u2019s the best suggestion I\u2019ve heard all day,\u201d he said as he clicked his fingers. \u201cThanks Roy. See ya later.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy shook his head as the youngster left the room. \u201cBet his Pa don\u2019t know he\u2019s taken the day off,\u201d he muttered under his breath. \u201cHe\u2019d be fit ta be tied iffen he did.\u201d He licked up the pile of papers again with a sigh. \u201cA sheriff\u2019s work ain\u2019t ever done,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at the sizzling fish cooking on the stove and then sighed. This was the third night in a row that he\u2019d had fish for supper and while he loved to eat it, it just somehow didn\u2019t seem quite as tasty when you cooked it yourself and had no one to share it with. He had glanced across the table and caught a glimpse of Hoss eyeing it off last night and he\u2019d have been only too happy to share his catch with his brother, but it was obvious from the way both Hoss and Adam were still ignoring him that they\u2019d have taken no notice of the offer even if he\u2019d suggested it. Besides, they\u2019d eaten quite well themselves each night, considering that Hoss was still doing the cooking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How Joe longed for his father or even Hop Sing to come home! He\u2019d never realised how much he depended on conversation with his family at night before and had spent the past three nights staring into the fire pretending to read while Adam and Hoss had played chess, checkers and cards together. He\u2019d found himself listening to their conversations hungrily, and had once or twice forgotten that they weren\u2019t including him. He had opened his mouth both times to say something, before quickly remembering that it was pointless to talk and had shut it again. He was beginning to feel very lonely. After all, a man could only fish for so long with no one except his horse to talk to!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had visited several of his friends in the hopes that they would be able to keep him company, but everyone was busy with their ranches or their jobs to pay him mush heed. Several of them had promised to meet him in town as usual on Friday night, but Friday had seemed a long time away when he was itching for immediate company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe put his fish onto a plate and carried it into the dining room where Adam and Hoss were already eating some sort of stew. Joe sat down and immediately wished that he\u2019d thought of cooking some vegetables to go with his fish, as the roast potatoes and greens on the table looked very tempting. He really felt like trying to help himself to some, but he knew that one or other of his brothers would have moved the plate away from him before he could do so. So instead, he picked up his knife and fork and began to chew on his fish slowly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The silence around the table was in stark contrast to the noisy chatter that was usual at this time of night. Both Adam and Hoss seemed intent on eating and not talking tonight, until finally Joe could stand it no longer. \u201cI suppose you two think this is funny?\u201d he said. There was no response to his remark. \u201cWell I don\u2019t really care,\u201d he said, trying to sound as if he didn\u2019t. \u201cNot having you two to talk to is a relief you know.\u201d Once again, there was silence. \u201cJust wanted to let you know that I\u2019m having a great week though,\u201d he ventured again, hoping to goad one of them into addressing him. \u201cNo work, nuthin to do but fish all day and do whatever I want \u2026 this is the life. I couldn\u2019t be happier!\u201d Again there was no response, and Joe felt like yelling at them both.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked from one brother to the other, hoping to catch one of their eyes, but both of them simply looked at their plates as they ate. Finally, Adam put his head up to look around the table and Joe\u2019s eyes brightened. \u201cPass me those potatoes please Hoss,\u201d Adam said finally. \u201cYou sure did a good job with them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at his brother. \u201cMighty tasty if I do say so myself,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cI reckon Hop Sing would be mighty proud of my cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey smell good,\u201d Joe ventured, hoping that his hangdog expression would soften one of his brothers and he might be offered some.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGreat stew too,\u201d said Adam, not even glancing in his brother\u2019s direction. \u201cWell done Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThankee,\u201d said Hoss proudly. \u201cHere \u2026 have some more.\u201d He handed the serving dish to Adam while Joe looked on longingly. \u201cYa know, I\u2019ve been thinking Adam,\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cWe should really get started on that fencing tomorrow now that we got the corrals fixed. What do ya think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood idea,\u201d said Adam as he helped himself to some more stew. \u201cWhy wait until next week after all? We may as well start on them tomorrow. You going to town tomorrow night Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure am,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cI was hoping ta see Betsy Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe was in town this week,\u201d interrupted Joe, forgetting that he wasn\u2019t in the conversation. \u201cShe said to say hello to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe sure is nice girl,\u201d said Adam, ignoring Joe\u2019s comment. \u201cI think she\u2019s right for you Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo do I,\u201d said Joe, smiling at Hoss tentatively, but Hoss ignored him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo how about we ride into town tomorrow night together then?\u201d suggested Adam. \u201cWe can make it an early afternoon and come back to get cleaned up before going in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going in too,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI could ride with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wiped his mouth. \u201cWell that was a great meal even if I do say so myself,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat do ya say Adam? How about we clean up theses dished and then have a game of checkers?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re on brother,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHere \u2026 let me help you with those dishes.\u201d They both licked up their plates and took them to the kitchen, Hoss also taking the leftover vegetables with him. Joe looked down at his half-eaten piece of fish on his plate, his appetite suddenly disappearing. With a sigh he stood up and walked upstairs alone to his bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rode a few feet behind his brothers, miserably listening to their happy chatter in front of him. He\u2019d set out to have a good time tonight with his friends in the saloon, but each time he\u2019d glanced across the room at either Adam or Hoss he\u2019d remembered the state of affairs between them and their very presence there had spoilt the evening for him. Try as he would, he just couldn\u2019t seem to let go of what had been happening between them all and enjoy himself. He had ended up drinking too much to drown his sorrows and he knew that tomorrow he\u2019d pay the price for it. Well,<\/em> he thought ruefully, at least I didn\u2019t have to work with a hangover tomorrow and can afford to sleep it off.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Darned Adam and Hoss!<\/em> he thought. First they wouldn\u2019t talk to him and had caused him to have a miserable week, and now they had even spoilt his night in town as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He\u2019d spent a lonely week fishing or riding around the ranch, wishing that he\u2019d had something to do. He could, of course, had found himself some work by himself, but somehow his heart wasn\u2019t in it. A couple of times he\u2019d found one or other of the hands out working, but each time he\u2019d suggested that he help them they had found one excuse or another not to take up his offer. He scowled at his two brothers riding in front of him. He wouldn\u2019t have put it past them to make sure that everyone followed their lead and didn\u2019t include him in things. It would be just like them to do something like that!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why, he\u2019d even resorted to asking old Bert who did odd chores around the place if he could help him, but the old man had not taken kindly to the suggestion. He\u2019d been of the mind that Joe had been trying to suggest that he wasn\u2019t up to the job anymore and in the end Joe had left him to it. Besides, he was so deaf that he wouldn\u2019t have been much company anyway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a wry face as he rode along the trail in the dark. That was the problem of course. It wasn\u2019t so much not having anything to do, but the lack of conversation that he was finding so hard to take. There wasn\u2019t even anyone in the bunkhouse to talk to at night, as most of the men were out in the North Pasture watching the herd. He could have ridden out there to keep them company, but somehow he just didn\u2019t feel like it. Wherever he went and whatever he did, Adam and Hoss were on his mind. He could shake the feeling that he wasn\u2019t wanted around them anymore and would have given anything for one of them to turn around right now and talk to him \u2026. But they had made it abundantly clear that it wasn\u2019t about to happen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bent his head and rode slowly home behind his brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nudged Adam and then pointed at their younger brother as he stared into the fireplace. Adam put his finger on his lip and shook his head slightly in response and Hoss shrugged and then turned back to the chess game on the coffee table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rubbed his temples absently. He had really overdone the drinking these past two nights at the saloon, but after all \u2026 what else had there been for him to do?\u00a0 He was going crazy sitting here every night doing nothing except pretend to read, so he had resorted to spending both nights in the saloon just for some conversation. He glanced over at his brothers. It was more than he got here, he thought miserably. This going to Coventry as Adam had called it, was certainly no fun! He felt decidedly miserable what with all the drinking and no one to talk to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stood up and faced his brothers. \u201cWell I\u2019m off to bed,\u201d he said. \u201cNot that anyone around here cares what I do!\u201d He stomped up the stairs and disappeared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave Adam a sad look. \u201cI dunno bout this Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s looking right miserable. I think he\u2019s had enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen he can apologise,\u201d replied Adam firmly. \u201cNo one is forcing this except him Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u201cI know, but I feel real sorry fer him Adam. It\u2019s been a week now. Are ya sure this is gonna work?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u201cI hope it does,\u201d he said. \u201cHe has to learn that he can\u2019t go through life with an attitude like he\u2019s had Hoss. You know that he can\u2019t. It isn\u2019t fair to either of us \u2026 and if the truth be told it isn\u2019t fair to himself either.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cNow you\u2019re beginning ta sound like Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled. \u201cAm I? Well I suppose that father of ours has taught me well then. Believe me Hoss, it\u2019s for Joe\u2019s own good. He\u2019ll come around in time. Just be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope so Adam,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cI can\u2019t stand this much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his eyebrows. \u201cWell hopefully its our younger brother who can\u2019t stand this much longer,\u201d he said wisely. \u201cThat\u2019s the whole point of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated before getting down off his horse and walking across to where his two brothers were working on the fence. He figured that this wasn\u2019t going to be easy, but he was beginning to get desperate. That very morning he had stood around while Adam had given out various jobs for several of the hands to do and after everyone had gone off to their allocated tasks he had approached his brother and offered to do some work. Adam, however, had simply ignored him and had mounted up and ridden away, leaving Joe standing in the front yard feeling stupid. This time he was determined that he would go about it in the right way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNeed any help?\u201d he asked as he stood next to them. There was silence. \u201cI asked if you need any help?\u201d said Joe again. He looked from one brother to the other as they worked. \u201cCome on fellars. Hasn\u2019t this gone on for long enough? I\u2019m offering to get back to work now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked over at Hoss. \u201cHand me that hammer please Hoss,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u201cOh why don\u2019t you two grow up?\u201d he said fretfully. \u201cThis is so childish!\u201d he waited for a reaction form either of them and when there was none he turned on his heel, mounted up on his horse and turned it away form them. \u201cPlease yourselves!\u201d he shouted before he rode off. \u201cSee if I care!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put his head up and opened his mouth, but then caught Adam\u2019s eye and closed it again. He shrugged and bent over the fence again to get back to work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rode and rode until he could he feel the blood pounding in his head. He reined in Cochise and sat still in the saddle, breathing hard and listening to the animal beneath him breathing hard as well. \u201cSorry fellar,\u201d he said presently, bending down and patting the horse on the neck. \u201cThat sure did make me feel better though.\u201d He sat still for a long time staring into the distance before speaking again. \u201cNo offence Cooch,\u201d he said. \u201cBut talking to you just ain\u2019t quite the same thing. You don\u2019t answer me back and that\u2019s what I miss.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI spose I never realised how much I take them two for granted Cooch. I reckon I might have been pretty unfair to both of em in the past \u2026 not wanting to work and all. Reckon I deserve the way they\u2019ve been ignoring me.\u201d There was a long silence again. \u201cBut how can I get em to talk to me when they won\u2019t?\u201d He rested his chin on his hand and stared off into the distance, pondering the problem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe came to stand next to his brothers, his hands behind his back in a gesture that he hoped would look contrite. He felt like he had a few years ago when owning up to a misdemeanour at school and had been chastised by his father because of it. He drew a deep breath before beginning to speak. \u201cI know that neither of you ain\u2019t talking to me,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I have something ta say anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence as Adam and Hoss both stared at the chessboard and then Adam moved a piece. \u201cYour turn Hoss,\u201d he said, as if Joe hadn\u2019t spoken at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took another deep breath and continued. \u201cI\u2019m trying to say that I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said contritely. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have treated you both like that,\u201d he searched his brain for the words to express himself. \u201cAnd I should have done my work without complaining.\u201d He thought for another few seconds. \u201cAnd I promise that I\u2019ll obey orders in the future.\u201d He waited hopefully for some sign that he\u2019d been heard, but neither of his brothers gave any indication that they had been listening to him at all. \u201cAll right!\u201d said Joe angrily. \u201cWhat do you want me to say then?\u00a0 I\u2019ve said I\u2019m sorry so shouldn\u2019t that be enough?\u201d He waited again. \u201cLook,\u201d he continued. \u201cSometimes I get out of line \u2026 I know that. But gee \u2026\u201d He sighed again. \u201cI\u2019m trying to say that I\u2019ve learnt my lesson. I know \u2026.\u201d He swallowed. \u201cI guess I know now how much I need my family. I didn\u2019t know before. I didn\u2019t \u2026 I guess I didn\u2019t appreciate you both.\u201d He looked at them hopefully. \u201cHow about it? Can\u2019t we forget all this Coventry nonsense?\u201d He waited for a full minute before turning on his heel and walking towards the stairs. \u201cFine!\u201d he said over his shoulder. \u201cSee if I care!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped, with his foot on the bottom step and looked over his shoulder hopefully. \u201cYeah?\u201d he said, his eyes lighting up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave him a stern look. \u201cYou have to take orders from Hoss and I just like Pa was here in charge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned and nodded eagerly. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cSure thing Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have ta do your work with a good grace,\u201d continued his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded again. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said, beginning to smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t complain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah \u2026. I mean no,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd no more tricks,\u201d added Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cNo more tricks,\u201d he said sincerely. \u201cI mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss and Hoss looked at Adam. \u201cAll right then,\u201d said Adam. \u201cGet to bed \u2026 there\u2019ll be plenty of work for you to do in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at his two brothers. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ll see .. I won\u2019t let you down. I\u2019ve learnt my lesson bout responsibility and I\u2019ll be a changed person.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a face. \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned to walk up the stairs, but hesitated on the bottom one. \u201cAdam?\u201d he said. \u201cCan I borrow that history book of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned at his brother. \u201cYou want to borrow a book?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI thought I might be able to read about that Coventry legend in there. You always say that I don\u2019t do enough reading.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cSure,\u201d he said. \u201cHelp yourself.\u201d He smiled at Hoss as Joe scrambled up the stairs and then reached over and slapped his brother on the back. \u201cI told you that patience was a virtue,\u201d he said. \u201cAll things come to those who wait.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned back at him. \u201cYeah, I guess you was right older brother,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad that is over but. It ain\u2019t been a good week.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made another face. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI guess it hasn\u2019t, but I think it might have been well worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++ <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rubbed his hands in glee and grinned at the vast array of food on the table. \u201cGee its great ta have Hop Sing back cooking again,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve sure missed him and his cooking.\u201d He glanced across at his father. \u201cNo offence Pa,\u201d he added. \u201cWe missed ya too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo offence taken son,\u201d said Ben. He smiled around the table at his three boys. \u201cWell it certainly feels good to be home,\u201d he said. \u201cSan Francisco is a lovely town, but it\u2019s always great to come home again.\u201d He began to serve out the vegetables and hand around the plates. \u201cSo tell me \u2026. How did everything here on the ranch go while I was away? Anything interesting happen?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot a look at both his brothers but Adam shook his head. \u201cNothing much,\u201d he said. \u201cJust the usual routine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cThings was real calm Pa. We got lotsa work done too.\u201d He grinned at Joe who grinned back at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd how about you Joseph,\u201d said his father. \u201cAnything interesting from your perspective?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin got wider. \u201cI learnt some stuff,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBout taking responsibility.\u201d He caught Adam\u2019s eye and they exchanged a grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d said his father. \u201cWell I am impressed.\u201d He glanced at Adam and Hoss. \u201cIf you two have managed to instil some responsibility into your younger brother then I take my hat off to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe. \u201cThey\u2019s real good teachers Pa. I even took some time to brush up on some history stuff while you\u2019ve been away too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stopped chewing and stared at his son. \u201cHistory?\u201d he said in an amazed tone. \u201cWhat sort of history?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBritish history,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve been reading about Coventry. Seems that there was this lady called Godavar or something \u2026\u201d he leant close to his father and gave him a knowing look. \u201cShe used ta ride in the town nekkid,\u201d he said. Ben swallowed his mouthful and stared at his youngest son in amazement. \u201cWell anyways,\u201d continued Joe, not appearing to notice the look. \u201cOne day she was riding nekkid \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere on earth have you been getting this from?\u201d spluttered Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged casually. \u201cFrom Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cHe leant me his book about it. It\u2019s a right good story Pa.\u201d Ben gave Adam a dark look and Adam looked down at his plate. \u201cAnyways,\u201d continued Joe, unabashed. \u201cSeems that this nekkid woman \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Hoss are sick of Joe not co-operating while their father is away.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (5,225 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":10624,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/brothers.jpg?fit=296%2C226&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65392","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=65392"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65392\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}