\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nBen looked down at his heavily bandaged ankle in disgust and thought about how stupid he felt having to sit here while everyone else did things for and around him. After all the advice he constantly gave his sons about being careful on the ranch, he was the one who had to go and step in a chuck-hole and this was the result! It was hard to imagine that something as simple as a chuckhole could cause such an injury, but it had. He felt so stupid, but more frustrated than anything else.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He glanced at the walking stick beside him in frustration, for it was hard for him to get around without it at the moment. Paul Martin had said that it would take a full two weeks before he was back to his normal self, but even that we hard for a man as active as he was. He smiled slightly as he thought about all the times he\u2019d told his sons that they had to learn patience, when he himself was worse than any of them.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He knew that he was quite bad tempered at the moment and was taking out his frustration on his family and Hop Sing, but he just didn\u2019t seem to be able to help himself. Every morning he had to sit here and watch the boys go off for another day\u2019s work and know that all he had to do was study the accounts \u2026 not his favourite chore at the best of times. Hop Sing either hovered over him \u2026. Which annoyed him \u2026 or ignored him when he let it be clear that he didn\u2019t want help \u2026 and that made him even angrier. It seemed that nothing anyone could do was helpful, so mostly now they just stayed away. It sure was testing his patience and that of everyone else!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He turned as Hop Sing walked to the kitchen door and stared across at him with a wary look. \u201cYou want coffee?\u201d he shouted, being a man of few words.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben and then sighed as the cook disappeared again. Actually, he would have loved a cup of coffee, but he\u2019d already had too many cups that morning and he didn\u2019t relish yet another awkward trip to the outhouse. It was easier just to sit still. The problem was that he was plain bored and there was no getting around that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
His eyes lit up as his youngest son appeared from around the side of the barn, driving the buckboard. Joe grinned at his father and waved, and Ben waved back. \u201cGet everything son?\u201d he shouted as Joe pulled the horses to a halt. His eyes wandered over the large pile of goods in the back of the buckboard and thought how pleased Hop Sing would be to get some of the things he\u2019d been waiting for. He had sent Joe off early this morning with a long list and many instructions to make sure that he didn\u2019t forget this or that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJust about,\u201d said Joe casually as he walked towards the front porch and sat down on the edge of it. He took off his hat and wiped his forehead. \u201cSure is hot out there Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hop Sing appeared again from the kitchen. \u201cWhat for you sit?\u201d he demanded. \u201cBring in things! I waiting for them!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe waved to the man casually. \u201cYeah sure thing Hop Sing,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cIn a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hop Sing waved his cloth at the young man. \u201cNot in minute!\u201d he shouted. \u201cYou bring in now!\u201d He disappeared again and Joe shrugged his shoulders, but didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you\u2019d better get to work,\u201d his father suggested. \u201cHe\u2019s in a bad mood this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s always in a bad mood,\u201d replied Joe, grinning at his father. He still didn\u2019t get up, but simply sat back and rested against a porch support, putting his hands behind his head as he grinned up at Ben. \u201cGuess who I saw in town?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d said Ben, wishing that he could have gone in with his son instead of sitting here and doing nothing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSheriff Coffee,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s back from Carson City and he said to say hello. He said next time you better watch your feet.\u201d\u00a0 He giggled. \u201cHe sure laughed when I told him what had happened to ya.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben frowned. \u201cWell I\u2019m glad that someone get amusement out of my misfortune,\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe made a face. \u201cOh it weren\u2019t like that Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cSheriff Coffee was making a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it\u2019s a mighty poor joke,\u201d sniffed Ben. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you be unloading those supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe nodded. \u201cIn a minute,\u201d he said. \u201cMr Bristol from the bank asked after you too. He said to tell you \u2026\u201d\u00a0 He stopped as Hop Sing appeared again and gave him a dark look. \u201cI\u2019m doing it Hop Sing!\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hop Sing snorted and strode over to the buckboard, rummaging through its contents. \u201cNo can wait for lazy boy,\u201d he muttered under his breath. \u201cNeed things now.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe sighed and got to his feet. \u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d he said. He began to haul a few sacks off the buckboard while Hop Sing watched.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere sugar?\u201d demanded Hop Sing after a moment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThey didn\u2019t have any left,\u201d said Joe, hauling off another sack.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d shouted the cook, waving his arms around. \u201cNeed sugar!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it ain\u2019t my fault!\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hop Sing hit him on the side of the head. \u201cIs your fault!\u201d he said angrily. \u201cIf leave earlier then still have sugar in store!\u201d He looked again. \u201cWhere currants?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe bit his lip. \u201cI forgot em,\u201d he admitted, taking a step away from the man. He gave him an indignant look as Hop Sing began to wave his arms around again. \u201cWell you didn\u2019t put em on the list,\u201d he said defensively.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI call out to you as you leave \u2026 you get currants!\u201d replied Hop Sing. \u201cYou say yes \u2026 then no get!\u201d He waved his arms around wildly. \u201cNo sugar! No currants! No dessert for many days! No point sending number three son to town!\u201d He strode towards the house, muttering under his breath. \u201cFoolishment! Always too much foolishment!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe shrugged and gave his father a half-smile. \u201cGuess he ain\u2019t too happy with me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cYou\u2019d better get whatever supplies you did manage to bring home unloaded before he gets out here again,\u201d he said dryly. \u201cYou\u2019ve just made his bad mood worse young man.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe looked completely unconcerned as he started to work again. Ben watched him or ten minutes while he carried the various sacks around the back of the kitchen to the cellar, wisely avoiding coming into contact with Hop Sing. When he\u2019d finished, he came and sat down next to his father again on the front porch. \u201cGuess there ain\u2019t much point going in there and asking for something to eat,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head. \u201cI suppose not,\u201d he agreed. \u201cYou\u2019d best stay away from him for a while until he simmers down, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe put his hands behind his head again. \u201cI was going to tell you bout Mr Bristol,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAren\u2019t you supposed to be going out to help your brothers in the North Section?\u201d interrupted Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ve taken so long in town that they\u2019ll be beginning to wonder where you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll get out there directly.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll get out there now young man,\u201d said his father sternly. \u201cNow hop to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe sighed and stood up. \u201cAre you sure that you don\u2019t want me to keep you company fer a bit?\u201d he asked hopefully. \u201cYou must be right lonely having to sit here all day Pa. I don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben raised his other eyebrow. \u201cI\u2019m sure you don\u2019t,\u201d he said dryly. \u201cBut you\u2019ve got work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe grinned. \u201cI\u2019m sure that those two brothers of mine will get it done just as well without me,\u201d he said. \u201cWe could play checkers if you like.\u201d He gave his father another hopeful look, but Ben simple stared at him. \u201cI reckon not then,\u201d Joe said finally. \u201cI\u2019ll put the team away.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben tried not to smile at the sight of his downcast son leading the horses into the barn. Joseph was a good worker once he put his mind to it, but the problem with that particular young man was actually putting his mind to the chore at hand. Adam was constantly telling his father how lazy Joe was and Ben had to admit that he was probably right, but he envied the boy his ability to enjoy life. It was something that Ben himself had never had the opportunity to do as he\u2019d been to sea at such a young age, so he supposed that he was a bit more lenient with Joe than he should have been. Lord knows that he hadn\u2019t had that chance with either Adam or Hoss. When they were Joe\u2019s age the ranch had demanded their full concentration. Now things were a little easier and they all benefited from that fact \u2026.. especially Joe, if the truth be known.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He looked up suddenly as a buggy came around the side of the barn, smiling as he noticed that it was driven by his good friend, Dr Paul Martin. \u201cPaul!\u201d he said, giving him a wave. \u201cGood to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul returned the wave as he pulled up the buggy and got down. \u201cI was on my way out to Henderson place and thought I\u2019d stop in to take a look at that ankle,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s smile immediately disappeared. \u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d he said stiffly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul nodded. \u201cI see,\u201d he replied. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll take a look at it anyway.\u201d He bent down and began to undo the bandage around Ben\u2019s ankle, clucking with disapproval as Ben tried to free it from the man\u2019s grasp. \u201cYou\u2019re as bad as one of your boys when they\u2019re sick,\u201d he said, studying the ankle. \u201cHold still.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sick,\u201d said Ben testily. \u201cIt\u2019s just a sore ankle is all.\u201d He winced as Paul prodded it and couldn\u2019t help a sharp cry as the doctor manipulated it in a circular motion.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJust what I thought,\u201d said Paul, beginning to bandage it again. \u201cYou\u2019re going to need a few more days off it Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you it\u2019s fine,\u201d snapped Ben, not liking what he was hearing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul simply stared at him for a moment. \u201cYou are the worst patient Ben Cartwright,\u201d he said finally. \u201cWhy on earth can\u2019t you listen to reason and do what you\u2019re told for once?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI am doing what I\u2019m told,\u201d sulked Ben. \u201cBut I don\u2019t have to like it, do I?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI suppose not,\u201d said Paul with a chuckle as he sat down next to his friend. \u201cBut you could be a bit more gracious about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben acknowledged the man\u2019s remark with a slight tilt of his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Paul,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it\u2019s just so frustrating having to sit here and do nothing. I suppose I am sounding off a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cA bit,\u201d said Paul. He smiled as Joe came out of the barn. \u201cHello Joe!\u201d he called. \u201cBeen looking after your father?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI would if he\u2019d let me,\u201d said Joe, ambling up. \u201cBut he ain\u2019t taking too kindly to my company at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly because you\u2019re supposed to be out working,\u201d said Ben shortly. \u201cNow before you go, ask Hop Sing to get some coffee for Doc Martin please Joseph,\u201d he added. \u201cAnd then \u2026. Go to work!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe looked a bit doubtful. \u201cMe?\u201d he said. \u201cGee Pa, you know he ain\u2019t taking too kindly to me at the moment. He\u2019s likely to chase me out the kitchen with a meat cleaver.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben raised his eyebrows. \u201cAnd whose fault is that?\u201d he countered. \u201cCoffee please Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe sighed and then shrugged before turning towards the kitchen. \u201cWell don\u2019t blame me if I get hurt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul chuckled. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on between him and Hop Sing now?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head. \u201cJoe has a good habit of not quite bringing the supplies home to Hop Sing\u2019s satisfaction,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd Hop Sing is out of sorts because he\u2019s been waiting on me for the past few days. He likes routine and I\u2019m interrupting that by being around the house all day.\u201d He looked up as his middle son came riding around the side of the barn. \u201cHere\u2019s Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cI wonder what\u2019s brought him back at this time of the day?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted before sauntering over to the two men. \u201cHowdy Pa. Howdy Doc,\u201d he said, tipping his hat slightly and giving them a gap-toothed grin. \u201cNice day, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cLovely day Hoss,\u201d replied Paul. \u201cBeen out working?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYep,\u201d replied the big man, sitting down on the edge of the porch and taking his a large red handkerchief out of his pocket. He wiped it across his face a couple of times and grinned at them again. \u201cBusy out at the North Section. It\u2019s been right hot out there too.\u201d He stretched his legs out and sighed with contentment. \u201cSure is good to stop fer a bit,\u201d he added happily.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben gave him a frustrated look. This was the second of his sons to give him the impression that work wasn\u2019t so important today and for someone who was itching to get out there and actually do something physical, it was frustrating to listen to. \u201cWhat brings you back here so early?\u201d he asked, trying not to sound frustrated. \u201cSurely you haven\u2019t finished all that work in the North Section already?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNo sir,\u201d Hoss assured him. \u201cNot by half.\u201d He grinned again at his father. \u201cHow\u2019s ya ankle Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cFine,\u201d grunted Ben. \u201cAre you going to tell me what you\u2019re doing back here or not?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking fer that weasel of a younger brother of mine,\u201d said Hoss, not looking as if he cared too much. \u201cAdam\u2019s been wondering why Joe ain\u2019t come out ta help us yet. He\u2019s fit ta be tied with him to tell ya the truth Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been wondering that very same thing,\u201d replied his father with a nod of his head. \u201cIt seems that your younger brother would rather stay here than work today.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded. \u201cThought so,\u201d he said easily. \u201cHe ain\u2019t too good at hurrying himself when there\u2019s work ta be done.\u201d He put his hands behind his head and tilted his body back until he was leaning against one of the upright poles, looking for all the world as if he wasn\u2019t in the hurrying mood either.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell he\u2019s in the kitchen if you want to go and get him,\u201d said Ben pointedly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cUh huh,\u201d said Hoss, closing his eyes slightly. \u201cI will directly.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The kitchen door opened with a loud bang and Joe came outside, balancing a tray as he tried to close it again behind him. \u201cTold ya he\u2019d be mad,\u201d he said to his father accusingly as he brought the tray over to them. \u201cHe made me make the coffee myself and wouldn\u2019t give me nothing to eat with it. He said its just bout lunch time anyways.\u201d He stared at Hoss for a moment. \u201cWhat are you doin here?\u201d he asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cCome to get you fer Adam,\u201d muttered Hoss, not even bothering to open his eyes. \u201cHe\u2019s right mad with you fer not turning up to work yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe put the coffee tray down on the table with a bang. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know I\u2019ve been busy all morning!\u201d he said indignantly. \u201cI\u2019ve been to town and back getting supplies, not sitting here doing nothing!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss shrugged. \u201cTell Adam, not me,\u201d he said, opening one eye and looking at the tray on the table. \u201cHop Sing wouldn\u2019t give ya nothing ta eat huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d replied Joe, sitting down. \u201cToo close to lunch time, he said.\u201d He rubbed his head ruefully. \u201cHe sure can hit with that wooden spoon.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat have ya done to old Hop Sing now?\u201d asked Hoss accusingly, opening the other eye and glaring at his brother. \u201cMade him mad have ya? How many times have I told ya Joe? Ya gotta keep on his good side iffen we\u2019re all gonna get fed properly.\u201d He picked up a mug from the tray and began to pour coffee into it. \u201cI spose ya fergot to bring back all his supplies again,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d said Joe. \u201cGet your own coffee mug! That one was for me!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I don\u2019t know why,\u201d said Ben, pouring out coffee for himself and Paul. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be going to work right about now Joseph, not sitting here drinking coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe gave his father a grin. \u201cJust being sociable,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s all Pa. You wouldn\u2019t want me to be rude to Doc Martin, would ya?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many lumps?\u201d Ben asked, holding the sugar bowl out to Paul in one hand and a coffee mug in the other.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI reckon about three this time,\u201d said Joe, rubbing his head again to feel where Hop Sing\u2019s wooden spoon had connected with his skull. \u201cI don\u2019t know why Hop Sing hasta hit me every time he gets angry. Ain\u2019t my fault if they was out of sugar in town.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben gave his youngest son a steely look. \u201cActually, I was speaking to the doctor,\u201d he said. \u201cSugar, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul took the cup of coffee and began to help himself to some sugar. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss leant forward. \u201cYou didn\u2019t bring no sugar back?\u201d he said to Joe accusingly. \u201cI spose that means we ain\u2019t getting no dessert fer supper now?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to shrug. \u201cSpose not,\u201d he agreed. \u201cHop Sing don\u2019t seem too inclined to do much of anything at the moment. The way he\u2019s banging things around in that kitchen, we\u2019ll be lucky to get any supper at all.\u201d He rubbed his stomach. \u201cAnd we ain\u2019t even got no lunch yet neither.\u201d He made another grab for the coffee mug in Hoss\u2019 hand, but his brother held it away from him. \u201cHey Hoss?\u201d he said suddenly, a dangerous light coming into his eyes. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and see if you can get some lunch out of him? You handle Hop Sing better than anyone else around here, ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded proudly. \u201cI do that,\u201d he agreed. \u201cAnd I am kinda hungry myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe leant forward. \u201cYou can do it Hoss,\u201d he said encouragingly. \u201cYou\u2019re so good at getting him to do what you want \u2026 I can learn a lot from you in that department. You\u2019re real good at handling people.\u201d His eyes twinkled as he watched his brother\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben nearly groaned at the obvious manipulation in the tone of his son\u2019s voice and Paul hid a smile as he sipped his coffee. True to form, as Ben knew he would though, Hoss immediately stood up and nodded. He always did what Joe wanted and Joe knew it. \u201cReckon I can teach you a thing or two bout how to handle people Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cNow watch and learn.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe straight away picked up the discarded coffee mug and began to drink. \u201cI\u2019ll wait fer you out here thanks Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll leave it to the expert.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss proudly ambled off into the kitchen as Joe chuckled. \u201cI reckon we\u2019ll have lunch after all,\u201d he said in delight.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd your work?\u201d his father reminded him. \u201cAdam doesn\u2019t sound too pleased with you, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019ll get over it,\u201d he said. \u201cSides, a man can\u2019t be expected to work on an empty stomach now, can he Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I\u2019d better be going,\u201d said Paul, finishing up his coffee and standing up.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t you stay for lunch?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll get something to eat at the Henderson\u2019s,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s time I was getting on out there. Bye Ben. Look after that ankle \u2026 and remember, no weight on it for a few more days.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben nodded. \u201cBye,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cBye Doc!\u201d called out Joe, leaning back on the upright pole of the porch and sipping his coffee. \u201cSee ya!\u201d Father and son watched as the doctor got into the buggy and rode off the way he\u2019d come. \u201cGee I hope Hoss is getting some lunch from Hop Sing,\u201d said Joe, rubbing his stomach. \u201cI\u2019m plumb starving.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cIf I were you I\u2019d be more worried about your brother Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cSeems to me that if you stop to have lunch now he\u2019ll be even more angry with you when you eventually get on out to the North Section than he is already.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe made a face. \u201cHe\u2019s always getting on my back about something,\u201d he said. \u201cHe takes life too seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething you\u2019re in no danger of succumbing to,\u201d said his father dryly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI reckon not,\u201d said Joe easily. \u201cLife\u2019s too short to be worried bout work all the time like Adam does.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYour brother is only trying to keep this place running efficiently,\u201d admonished Ben. \u201cYou would do well to follow his example young man.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Joe automatically, looking as for all the world as if he didn\u2019t care one way or the other. He sat up straight again and looked at the kitchen expectantly as the door opened and Hoss appeared. \u201cIt\u2019s about time,\u201d he said, rubbing his hands together. \u201cSo what did ya get brother?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSandwiches,\u201d said Hoss, putting them on the table.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe frowned. \u201cIs that all?\u201d he asked. \u201cI was expecting something better than sandwiches.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss pointed a finger at his brother as he took a sandwich and then offered one to his father. \u201cYou be thankful you got these,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all you done this morning to rile Hop Sing up.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe made a face and grabbed a sandwich for himself. For a few minutes there was silence as all three of them munched away happily and finally Hoss licked his fingers and poured himself another cup of coffee. \u201cMighty tasty,\u201d he said. \u201cBetter than cold jerky out there in the North Section.\u201d He frowned as he remembered where he should be right at that moment and a spasm of guilt gave over him as he considered Adam sitting out there somewhere chewing on cold jerky and getting angrier with each bite. \u201cReckon we\u2019d better be getting out there,\u201d he said, dusting the crumbs of his lap. \u201cOlder brother\u2019s gonna be fit to be tied if we don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d replied Joe, still munching on his sandwich. \u201cI\u2019ll get round him.\u201d Ben raised an eyebrow and said nothing as his youngest son added, \u201cI always do.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded, but his guilt still showed on his face. \u201cEven so,\u201d he said. \u201cI reckon we\u2019d better get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYou feeling OK Pa?\u201d asked Joe, ignoring Hoss\u2019 remark. \u201cYou ankle hurting you any?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish everyone would stop carrying on about my ankle!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cI\u2019m sick of hearing about it!\u201d Joe made a face at Hoss and wisely shut his mouth.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss stood up. \u201cWell, come on Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019d better get on out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe snapped his fingers. \u201cJust had a thought,\u201d he said. \u201cWe may as well check on Brandy while we\u2019re here Hoss. She was doing right poorly this morning, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019 face immediately took on a look of concern. \u201cShe was that,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe I\u2019d better\u2026.\u201d He stopped as another buggy came around the side of the barn. \u201cHey Pa, here\u2019s Widow Hawkins,\u201d he said over his shoulder.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\u201cNow it was Ben\u2019s turn to look worried. \u201cOh no,\u201d he groaned. Widow Hawkins was probably the last person he would have liked to see right about now, especially when he was laid up with this sore foot and couldn\u2019t get away from her. The woman ran a boarding house in Virginia City and was nice enough, but the problem was that she had her cap set firmly in his direction and made no secret of the fact. \u201cDon\u2019t leave me alone with her, boys,\u201d he said desperately.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But sitting on the porch in the presence of a female was the last place that Hoss intended to be. He never knew at the best of times what to say to women and Widow Hawkins was someone who made him feel more intimidated than most. \u201cScuze me Pa,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI need to check on that mare Brandy.\u201d He practically ran into the barn, tipping his hat to the widow as he passed her.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe strolled across the yard and also tipped his hat to the widow as he gave her one of his most charming smiles. \u201cAfternoon ma\u2019am,\u201d he said politely as he helped her out of the buggy. \u201cNice day, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSure is Little Joe,\u201d replied Widow Hawkins. She reached up and took a basket out of the buggy. \u201cI heard your father was poorly, so I came to bring him some comforting.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that\u2019s right nice of you ma\u2019am,\u201d replied Joe, escorting her across the front yard to where his father sat with a desperate expression on his face. Joe thought for a moment that he looked like a trapped rabbit or fox and the thought quite amused him. With a perfectly straight face, he sat the widow down and took her basket, placing it on the table. \u201cYou\u2019ve got company Pa,\u201d he said brightly. \u201cAin\u2019t that nice?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe stood back and folded his arms across his chest as he watched his father and Widow Hawkins in great amusement. It was common knowledge in the family that Ben was not at all keen on the woman\u2019s company and all of them had at one time or another witnessed their father\u2019s manoeuvrings around her attentions and been quite amused at them. Joe figured that being the youngest, he had to put up with everyone else\u2019s teasing, so watching his father with Widow Hawkins was the one time he was on the other side of things, so to speak.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI brought you a cake Ben,\u201d said the widow, indicating the basket and giving him a large smile.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d said Joe, with a huge grin on his face. \u201cAin\u2019t that nice Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cVery nice,\u201d said Ben between gritted teeth as he wondered how to get rid of the woman. She settled herself as if ready for a long session and eyed off the coffeepot meaningfully. \u201cCoffee?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll get ya another cup,\u201d offered Joe quickly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shot him a dark look. \u201cYou\u2019re being very helpful all of a sudden Joseph,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d said Joe happily. \u201cI reckon Hop Sing might be a bit calmer now, so I\u2019ll just be off to the kitchen to get one for you ma\u2019am.\u201d He tipped his hat at the widow again and shot off towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a lovely young man your Joseph is,\u201d sighed the widow. \u201cIt\u2019s rare to see such a well-mannered young man nowadays Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d replied Ben, trying to smile between his gritted teeth. \u201cHe\u2019s very well-mannered.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The widow sidled up a little closer to him. \u201cIsn\u2019t this just so comfy, Duckie?\u201d she breathed, giving him a large smile. \u201cJust you and me here together. Coo \u2026. How lovely!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben cringed at her strident cockney accent, which always grated so much on his nerves. She and her husband had come to the United States years ago, yet somehow she had never managed to lose her accent. That and the fact that she had spent years with him travelling all over the countryside while he performed his weight-lifting in various circuses, made her quite an oddity around town. Ben couldn\u2019t for the life of him think why she had made him a romantic target \u2026. For two people couldn\u2019t have possibly been more unalike as himself and the widow \u2026. But the sad truth was that she had. One thing was for sure \u2026. he certainly didn\u2019t like his name linked with hers in any way.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He leant away from her as he replied. \u201cNice,\u201d he said, wishing with all his might that he could get up and move.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The kitchen door opened again and Joe strolled out with a coffeepot and a cup in his hand. \u201cHere you are,\u201d he said, putting them on the table. \u201cI got some fresh for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you ducky,\u201d said the widow, pouring herself some coffee. \u201cCoffee Benjamin?\u201d She poured Ben out a cup as well, not even waiting for his reply. \u201cJoseph?\u201d she asked, looking around for his mug.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe put his hand and waved her away. \u201cNo thank you ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, with a twinkle in his eyes. \u201cI got things to do. I need to help Hoss with that mare in the barn.\u201d He patted her on the arm. \u201cNow you just sit here and have a nice long visit with my Pa,\u201d he continued. \u201cHe\u2019s a bit out of sorts what with his ankle and all, but don\u2019t you take any noticed of him. What he really needs is some company right about now.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben as his youngest son turned on his heel and began to walk to the barn. \u201cGet back here!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Widow Hawkins reached out and put her hand over Ben\u2019s on the table. \u201cNow let him get to his work Benjamin,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s so much nicer with just the two of us \u2026 don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben gave her a horrified look before opening his mouth again. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he shouted to his son\u2019s disappearing figure, but Little Joe simply ignored his father and disappeared into the barn.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSo,\u201d said Widow Hawkins, sipping her coffee. \u201cLet me fill you in on the comings and goings in town duckie.\u201d She settled back on her chair and gave him a loving look.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For the next ten minutes, Ben was subjected to the intimate details of the lives of everyone who had crossed the widow\u2019s path in the past week in town. He heard many things he had no interest in and many things he certainly didn\u2019t want to hear \u2026 and was just about to try shouting for Little Joe again when to his great relief Adam came riding around the side of the barn at a fast pace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ordinarily he would have shouted out an admonishment to his son about his breakneck speed, but at that moment all he could feel was the greatest relief that he was rescued from the clutches of Widow Hawkins and that drove everything else out of his mind. \u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted, a little too loudly and made Widow Hawkins stop in mid-sentence as she told him the interesting details she\u2019d heard in Doc Martin\u2019s office about Mrs Anderson\u2019s warts. \u201cAdam!\u201d shouted Ben again. \u201cOver here son!\u201d He felt like adding the word quickly<\/em> \u2026 but thought better of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Adam swung down from his saddle, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. \u201cWhere are they?\u201d he demanded as he strode across the front yard towards his father.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam \u2026 we have company,\u201d interrupted Ben, indicating the Widow sitting beside him. He gave his eldest son an entreating look that even through his anger Adam couldn\u2019t help but take notice of. He acknowledged his father\u2019s remark with a slight nod of his head as he visibly tried to get his emotions under control.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d he said, tipping his hat at the woman.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cCoo \u2026 Adam,\u201d answered the widow. \u201cI swear you\u2019re getting as handsome as yer Pa here.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam gave her a weak smile and for a moment felt great empathy with his father. \u201cWhere are they?\u201d he repeated as he turned towards the man.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re referring to your brothers \u2026\u201d began Ben, leaning even further away from the woman beside him. \u201cThey are \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWho else would I be referring to?\u201d Adam interrupted. \u201cWhen I get my hands on those two, they\u2019re going to regret their lack of work today. I mean \u2026. I expect it of Joe. He\u2019s as lazy as all get-out. But Hoss! I never thought that he\u2019d \u2026\u201d He stopped as he saw the two of them giving him strange looks. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said in a calmer tone. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I\u2019ve been working out there all day while those two \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben put up a hand. \u201cNow Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cHoss did his fair share this morning, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell \u2026. Yes,\u201d Adam acknowledged. \u201cBut I expected him back ages ago. And as for that lazy, good-for-nothing Little Joe \u2026 well \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Widow Hawkins sat forward in her chair and stared at Adam. \u201cCor!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cYou ain\u2019t half like yer Pa when you get riled up. Your eyes go real dark like his do.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam gave her a puzzled look and then looked back at his father. For a fleeting instant he remembered how he felt whenever that Virginia City schoolteacher Abigail Jones trapped him and he felt a rush of sympathy with the man. \u201cMighty nice of you to come out to see Pa ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, taking off his hat and running his hands through his dark hair. \u201cConsidering and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The widow frowned. \u201cConsidering what?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged. \u201cWell \u2026 his problem being contagious and all,\u201d he said, as if that explained everything.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The widow immediately moved away from Ben. \u201cWhat do ya mean \u2026. Contagious?\u201d she asked. \u201cIt ain\u2019t nuthin but a sore ankle as I heard tell it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam nodded, not daring to look at his father. \u201cWell yes,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s part of it of course. We\u2019re trying not to let it be known to too many people though that Pa also has a contagious condition. The ankle is really just an excuse to keep him away from people for a little while in case they come down with \u2026 it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben frowned. \u201cAdam \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam held up his hand. \u201cI know what you\u2019re going to say Pa,\u201d he said quickly before his father could continue. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure that Mrs Hawkins won\u2019t tell anyone.\u201d He sat down on the edge of the porch. \u201cMighty brave of you to come ma\u2019am,\u201d he said. \u201cBut there\u2019s no sense overdoing things.\u201d He gave her an intense look. \u201cYou aren\u2019t feeling itchy at all, are you?\u201d he enquired.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Widow Hawkins got to her feet quickly. \u201cNo,\u201d she said. \u201cWell I really must be going now Ben. I hope you enjoy the cake.\u201d She bounded off the porch as quickly as she could and practically ran towards her buggy. Adam gave a short chuckle and walked after her to help her up. \u201cGoodbye Adam,\u201d she said, turning the horses around as quickly as she could. \u201cBye Ben!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNow don\u2019t forget to try not to scratch!\u201d Adam called after her. \u201cIt only makes it worse!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThat wasn\u2019t very nice,\u201d said Ben, trying to keep a straight face. \u201cThat was a deliberate lie Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d he said as he came and sat down on the porch again. \u201cIt could have been the truth. After all \u2026. You could have a contagious disease and just not know it yet. It never hurts to be too careful you know Pa.\u201d His eyes twinkled as he fought to keep a straight face and his expression was mirrored in the face of his father.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYes \u2026 well \u2026\u201d said Ben, trying to think of something appropriate to say. \u201cI owe you one son,\u201d he said at last.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t mention it,\u201d replied Adam with a grin at his father. \u201cNow \u2026. where are those two brothers of mine? I\u2019m going to skin them alive \u2026 especially that youngest one.\u201d He looked around, expecting to see them popping up anywhere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNow Adam,\u201d said his father, holding up a hand to silence him. \u201cThey haven\u2019t done anything really bad.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s the problem Pa,\u201d he said angrily. \u201cThey haven\u2019t done anything while I\u2019ve been out there slaving away in the hot sun all day with nothing but cold jerky to eat. Where are they?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye over near the barn, but didn\u2019t turn his head in that direction. If Hoss and Joe knew what was good for them, they would stay holed up in there until their brother had calmed down somewhat. \u201cThey\u2019re young Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cI guess that they don\u2019t take things as seriously as you do, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m sick and tired of trying to keep them in line. At least Hoss is somewhat responsible when he\u2019s not under Joe\u2019s influence, but that \u2026 that youngest brother of mine is just plain \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPlain lazy,\u201d Ben finished for him. \u201cYes, I know son. I\u2019ve heard it all before. I agree that Joseph\u2019s work habits leave a lot to be desired at times, but when he does put his mind to it he can hold his own with the best of them. You must admit that.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a good worker,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut it\u2019s a rare occasion to get him into the mood for it. Honestly Pa, I don\u2019t know how you can be so patient with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shrugged and looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cPerhaps it\u2019s because I envy him the ability to look at life in the carefree way he does,\u201d he said softly. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry that you \u2026 or in fact myself \u2026. never had the opportunity to be like that at his age.\u201d He reached out and put his hand on his eldest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t be too hard on him Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s just young.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s just young and lazy,\u201d said Adam, the anger still smouldering in his eyes. \u201cAll I want from him is a hard day\u2019s work Pa. Is that too much to expect?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s not too much to expect son.\u201d He looked up to the sky. \u201cLovely day, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he said, trying to deflect Adam\u2019s anger.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam grunted. \u201cI hadn\u2019t noticed,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been too busy working.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben patted the young man on the shoulder in an understanding way. He knew that Adam was right about Joe, but couldn\u2019t help but try and defend his miscreant youngest son anyway. \u201cThey\u2019ll be around soon,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll get some work done then. Better late than never, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam opened his mouth to answer, but shut it again as he noticed his two brothers coming out of the barn with sheepish expressions on their faces. \u201cWell?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Adam,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you hi Adam<\/em> me!\u201d Adam shouted. \u201cI send you home to get this \u2026.\u201d He gave Joe a withering look. \u201c\u2026this brother of ours \u2026 and you never come back! Where on earth have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Hoss shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m sure sorry bout that Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I was plumb hungry and hadta get a bite to eat and then Brandy needed tending to. I was about ta get right back ta work.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cYou were plumb hungry,\u201d he said angrily. \u201cDid it occur to you that I might be hungry as well? I\u2019ve been out there slaving away all day \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell now, that\u2019s where you made your mistake,\u201d Little Joe cut in. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t work so hard older brother. It ain\u2019t good fer you to be working all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam gave his youngest brother a withering look. \u201cYou!\u201d he shouted. \u201cHow dare you tell me what to do! I\u2019ve been expecting you out there for hours and instead you\u2019ve been doing nothing!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe looked indignant. \u201cNothing!\u201d he shouted back. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know that I\u2019ve had a full day\u2019s work! First I went all the way to town and back fer Hop Sing\u2019s supplies, then I\u2019ve been looking after poor Pa \u2026\u201d He gave his father a comforting look. \u201c\u2026 in his hour of need. I\u2019ve been keeping his company entertained and feeding them and \u2026.\u201d He searched his brain to think of anything else he\u2019d been doing. \u201cAnd \u2026 and helping Hoss with tending to Brandy,\u201d he finished triumphantly. \u201cAnd you say I\u2019ve been doing nothing?\u201d He gave his brother a superior look. \u201cJust because I wasn\u2019t out there working with you don\u2019t mean that I haven\u2019t been busy,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re unbelievable!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI\u2019ve been slaving away in the hot sun all day and you\u2019ve been lolling about here having a good time \u2026. You call that fair?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s got a point Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell if you\u2019re stupid enough to keep on working, it ain\u2019t my problem!\u201d Joe shouted back, giving his traitor brother Hoss a dark look.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is enough!\u201d shouted Ben, from his position on the porch, but no one took any notice of him.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell someone has to do the work around here!\u201d shouted Adam. \u201cIt sure is certain that you aren\u2019t doing any! I expected more from you Joe \u2026 especially while Pa\u2019s not well.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many times do I have to tell everyone that I\u2019m fine?\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s only a sore ankle.\u201d None of his sons listened to him, but continued to glare at each other angrily.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m doing my fair share!\u201d said Joe. \u201cI always do!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a joke,\u201d snorted Adam. \u201cYou\u2019ve never done your fair share.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe glared at his brother before reaching forward and giving him a slight push on the chest. \u201cYou take that back!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph!\u201d warned Ben.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam crossed his arms over his chest and gave his brother a withering look. \u201cNo,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cI meant it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s face turned red and he launched himself at his brother, nearly knocking him off his feet.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph!\u201d shouted Ben again and reached out for his walking stick.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam steadied himself and took a step backwards as Hoss leant forward and held onto Joe\u2019s collar to hold him away from Adam. \u201cJust settle down little buddy,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cHe don\u2019t mean nothing by it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHe does!\u201d shouted Joe angrily as he tried to free himself and reach Adam again. His arms flailed wildly in all directions. \u201cYou shut up Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cBoys!\u201d shouted Ben, struggling to his feet and leaning heavily on his walking stick in an attempt to take a step. \u201cThat is enough of all this nonsense! Joseph \u2026. Behave yourself!\u201d He struggled forward, but lost his balance and tripped, landing heavily on his knees.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Hoss, letting go of Little Joe and rushing towards his father.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Adam, following close behind him.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPa!\u201d shouted Joe, pushing in from the rear.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you OK?\u201d asked Hoss anxiously as he bent over his father.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d said Ben, trying to get up again. \u201cIt\u2019s just this darned ankle.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDoc Martin said you wasn\u2019t to stand on it,\u201d said Joe, pointing a finger at his father accusingly as Hoss and Adam grabbed their father under his arms and sat him down on his chair again.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I wouldn\u2019t have tried to stand on it if any of you had listened to me,\u201d said Ben, rubbing the offending limb. \u201cSuch behaviour!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWell Adam said \u2026.\u201d began Joe, his voice rising again.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard what he said,\u201d interrupted Ben. \u201cAnd I say enough! From all of you,\u201d he added, looking around at his three sons. \u201cI just don\u2019t know what gotten into all of you today.\u201d He sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s such a beautiful day,\u201d he added. \u201cDo you all have to spoil it by fighting?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Adam in a contrite tone. \u201cBut you know how I feel about people who don\u2019t do their fair share.\u201d He gave Joe a meaningful look.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe shook his head. \u201cThe trouble with you older brother, is that you get so caught up with all that work that you don\u2019t have time for nothing else. Now the way I see it, we\u2019d be much better off using our energy for fishing this afternoon than standing here arguing like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019 eyes lit up. \u201cNow there\u2019s an idea,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cAre you seriously suggesting that we take the rest of the afternoon off and go fishing?\u201d he said to Joe.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe nodded. \u201cSure!\u201d he said. \u201cWhy not? Like Pa said \u2026 it\u2019s a beautiful day \u2026 too beautiful to waste it by working. What do you think Pa?\u201d he asked, giving his father one of his most charming smiles. \u201cBig brother here could do with a spot of fishing to ease his stress, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head. \u201cYou leave me out of this,\u201d he said, beginning to feel quite amused at the way Joe could so blithely try to manipulate people. \u201cAdam\u2019s in charge while I\u2019m laid up with this ankle.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe flashed a smile at Adam. \u201cWhat do you say then big brother?\u201d he said. \u201cI ain\u2019t holding no grudges if you ain\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s jaw became slacker. \u201cYou\u2019re incredible,\u201d he said finally.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe looked pleased at what he decided was a compliment. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said. \u201cI try. So how about it? By the time we got back out to the North Section it\u2019d be nearly dark anyways \u2026 ain\u2019t no point the way I look at it. Whereas we could get a whole hour\u2019s fishing in and sweeten up Hop Sing with some fresh fish for supper into the bargain if we start now.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cNow there\u2019s an idea,\u201d said Hoss again. \u201cHe sure could do with some sweetening up.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Hop Sing?\u201d asked Adam in spite of himself.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe forgot the sugar and he got Hop Sing all riled up,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing not riled up!\u201d shouted the cook, coming up behind them on the porch. He looked at the cake in the basket. \u201cWhere flat cake come from?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWidow Hawkins,\u201d said Ben with a sigh. \u201cI thought we could have it after supper.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss rubbed his hands together. \u201cOh boy!\u201d he said happily. \u201cWe get dessert after all.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe grinned at Hop Sing as the cook picked up the basket and gave the cake a disgusted look. \u201cSee Hop Sing?\u201d he said. \u201cYou didn\u2019t need that sugar after all.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cCake flat!\u201d declared Hop Sing and then began to mutter something in Chinese. \u201cWill have to do though.\u201d He gave Joe a dark look. \u201cNo sugar to make better one.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe unconsciously rubbed his head, remembering the wooden spoon from earlier. \u201cWe\u2019ll catch you a mess of fish for supper too if you like Hop Sing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hop Sing glared at him. \u201cYou catch fish and want Hop Sing clean for supper?\u201d he shouted. \u201cNo time for cleaning fish!\u201d He glared at Ben. \u201cToo much work with Mr Cartwright around house all day without cleaning fish!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cHoss will clean em \u2026 won\u2019t ya Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u201cWhy me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you\u2019re the best at it,\u201d said Joe patiently. \u201cYou\u2019re a real expert Hoss. I\u2019ll watch and learn from you and who knows? Maybe one day I\u2019ll be good at it like you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah \u2026 I am good at it,\u201d acknowledged Hoss proudly and Ben shook his head as Joseph once again successfully manipulated his brother and got out of doing the job himself. \u201cOK Hop Sing \u2026 I\u2019ll clean the fish and have em ready fer you ta cook,\u201d added Hoss. He licked his lips. I can almost taste em now,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll get the fishing poles,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a minute!\u201d said Adam. \u201cI haven\u2019t said we\u2019re going yet!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAw come on Adam!\u201d pleaded Joe. \u201cYou know you want to \u2026. Besides, you\u2019ve done all that hard work today \u2026 you deserve some time off.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam hesitated, clearly caught between his desires and his duty. \u201cWell \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease Adam?\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cOh \u2026 all right,\u201d he said. \u201cI can see I\u2019m not going to get any work out of either of you today anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe let out a whoop and ran towards the barn to get the rods and tackle. \u201cI\u2019ll get our horses watered afore we go,\u201d said Hoss happily. He slapped Adam on the shoulder as he passed him. \u201cThanks brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam stood staring into space for a moment, wondering how he could have gone from being so determined to get his brothers back to work \u2026 to going fishing \u2026 in such a short space of time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cGood decision son,\u201d said Ben, trying to hid his amused expression.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Adam gave his father a shrug. \u201cYeah \u2026 well, they\u2019re going to make up for it tomorrow,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll expect them both out there in the North Section at sun-up.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cHop Sing, why don\u2019t you take that cake inside? With the boys fishing for supper and dessert all organised you won\u2019t have much to do now.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHop Sing always have too much to do!\u201d countered the cook. \u201cMr Cartwright around house all day and make lots of work!\u201d He gathered up all the coffee mugs and the two coffeepots and began to make his way back to the kitchen, muttering to himself in Chinese.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben sat back in his chair and watched his three sons getting into their saddles. \u201cYou want to come Pa?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cWe could get you in the buckboard and down to the creek if you wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head. \u201cNo thank you son,\u201d he said. \u201cYou go and have a good time. I\u2019ll just sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet for while.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe looked concerned. \u201cYou won\u2019t get bored?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben chuckled. \u201cNo Joe, I won\u2019t get bored,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019d like to be alone now for a while if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing Pa,\u201d said Hoss, giving his father a grin. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you at supper time.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ben waved to his sons as they rode out of the front yard. What was it Joseph had said? Get bored? How on earth could anyone possibly get bored around here? He sighed and leant back in his chair as he listened to the silence around him.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The End<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[1]<\/a> The Widow Hawkins appears in the Bonanza episode: \u201cThe Burma Rarity\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben spends a day on the front porch while laid-up with a bad ankle and discovers that it is impossible to become bored with his three sons around.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (8,300 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4115,"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":[1004,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ben-cartwright","category-drama","wpcat-1004-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65398","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=65398"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65398\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}