Summary:\u00a0 Hoss is feeling overshadowed by his two brothers.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (4,320 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It was so unusual for Ben to have to think about this, that he wasn\u2019t really sure where to start.\u00a0 There were many times when he had to contemplate how to get through to that hard-headed eldest son of his, when they had clashed over things and he needed to try and break through the exterior that Adam put up around himself. He couldn\u2019t count the times that he and Joseph had clashed over things.\u00a0 The amount of energy he had to put into figuring that boy was amazing!\u00a0 But Hoss?\u00a0 Never had Ben really felt like this about that middle boy of his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The other two had always needed his careful guiding hand to bring them through the usual boyhood scrapes and complications.\u00a0 Joseph in particular had always challenged his father\u2019s parenting skills to the limit.\u00a0 But Hoss had never been the sort of boy that Ben had needed to give much attention to in that way at all.\u00a0 It was almost as if he had raised himself in many ways.\u00a0 Ben had always blessed the fact that he had been a self-sufficient type of child.\u00a0 He had started life as a placid baby, developed into a happy youngster and had matured into a pleasant young man who never caused a fuss or looked for problems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yet here he was causing his father more anxiety than either of the others.\u00a0 And that was saying something, given Adam\u2019s intense nature and Joseph\u2019s talent for mischief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat back in his chair as he reflected over the events of the last few days.\u00a0 First there had been the incident with Adam and his friend from Boston \u2026\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What kind of name is that anyways?\u2019\u00a0 Joe had asked in great amusement. \u2018Percival?\u00a0 Ya gotta be joking!\u2019\u00a0 He giggled at the mere thought of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glared across the table at his youngest brother, not at all amused by the source of his merriment. \u2018It\u2019s an old family name, he didn\u2019t exactly choose it you know!\u2019 he said. \u2018Anyway, he prefers to be called Percy.\u00a0 At least he did when we were at College together.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe giggled again. \u2018Well that\u2019s not much better!\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at Hoss, eager to bring him in on the joke. \u2018What d\u2019ya reckon Hoss?\u00a0 Sounds like a wimp to me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm,\u2019 Hoss replied without looking up from his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glared at his youngest son. \u2018I hope you are not going to carry on like this when Adam\u2019s guest arrives,\u2019 he admonished him before turning to address Adam. \u2018You\u2019d better hurry if you\u2019re going to meet that stage son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up and wiped his mouth on his napkin. \u2018I\u2019ll get going,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you watch yourself,\u2019 he said to Joe as he passed him. \u2018Percy\u2019s an old friend, and I won\u2019t have you carrying on about him.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to swipe the boy on the head as he passed, but Joe was too quick for him and ducked just at the right moment.\u00a0 He made a face at Hoss as Adam left the room, but Hoss ignored him and simply sat and chewed as he stared at the wall behind Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 Joe frowned at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the matter with you?\u2019\u00a0 he asked. \u2018You look like you swallowed a worm or something.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned at him. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just shut up Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Just quit carrying on about that Percy fella why don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared at him. \u2018Well who\u2019s funeral are you off to anyway?\u2019\u00a0 he said sarcastically. \u2018Can\u2019t say anything lately to you without getting my head bit off!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up from the table as well. \u2018Well I\u2019m gonna get out of here before you make me miserable too!\u2019\u00a0 He stomped out of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glanced at Hoss beside him. Joe\u2019s right!\u00a0 He does look miserable.\u00a0 Wonder what that\u2019s all about?\u00a0 <\/em>\u2018Son?\u2019 he asked as he put a hand on Hoss\u2019 arm. \u2018Something the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked down at the plate in front of him. \u2018Nuh,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried again. \u2018You do seem out of sorts lately.\u00a0 Are you sure there is nothing the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at his father. \u2018What could possibly be the matter Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Nothings ever the matter with me is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, not usually,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018That\u2019s why I\u2019m concerned about you. I think your brothers have noticed it too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why would they? Specially Adam with his great friend coming ta stay.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t notice anything past his own nose at the moment!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked. It was so unusual for this boy of his to speak like that about one of his brothers that it took a moment for him to register what he had actually said.\u00a0 \u2018Hoss, Adam is naturally excited about seeing Percy.\u00a0 They haven\u2019t been able to catch up with other for years, you know that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his head. \u2018Yeah Pa, I know that!\u00a0 It\u2019s just that when he comes they\u2019re gonna \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re going to what?\u2019\u00a0 prompted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 Hoss muttered. \u2018I\u2019ve gotta get ta work now Pa, see ya later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat and thought as his son left the room. Perhaps the boy was worried that Adam wouldn\u2019t have time for him while his friend was around?\u00a0 Perhaps he was feeling left out?\u00a0 After all, the two of them were close.\u00a0 Ben resolved to talk to Adam about including Hoss in some of his activities while Percy was around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That, however, proved to be easier said than done.\u00a0 Percy turned out to be a very likeable young man, and even Joseph got on with him once he got over the fascination with his name.\u00a0 It was natural for Adam to be very caught up in entertaining his guest of course and he spent many hours showing him around The Ponderosa and Virginia City.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben watched Hoss carefully during these few days and was certain that he felt a little left out, but he also sensed it was more than that.\u00a0 After all, Hoss wasn\u2019t a child and he had Joseph who always seemed to be around.\u00a0 No, Ben was sure there was more to his son\u2019s unhappiness than a simple case of neglect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It all came to a head at dinner one evening on the third day of Percy\u2019s stay.\u00a0 He and Adam were entertaining the family with their reminiscences of Boston and their College days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018\u2026of course Adam had to make out that he knew what we were talking about,\u2019 spluttered Percy. \u2018And the next day in Professor Stanton\u2019s lecture he tried to bluff his way through.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018\u2026 and Professor Stanton saw straight through me of course!\u2019 said Adam with a grin. \u2018After all, how was I supposed to know that it wasn\u2019t even a theorem.\u00a0 They set me up good and proper!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben chuckled and Joe grinned at them both. \u2018So what did you do?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I figured I was in enough trouble, so I simply pretended that I had understood all along and nothing was wrong. To this day I\u2019m sure the good Professor doesn\u2019t understand why the whole class erupted in laughter.\u00a0 His Physics lessons were never the same for us all after that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed again and glanced at Hoss who sat frowning at his meal and not eating for once. \u2018What do you reckon Hoss,\u2019 said Joe in between fits of laughter. \u2018I would have liked to have seen that, wouldn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss merely shrugged his shoulders and stood up from the table. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said and turned away from the table. \u2018I\u2019ve got to see to that horse we talked about today Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be out in the barn for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all watched him leave the room. \u2018What\u2019s eating him?\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head and smiled at them. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018More vegetables Percy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned as he recalled Hoss\u2019 reaction to him when he tried to talk to him later that evening.\u00a0 He said that nothing was wrong, but Ben knew differently.\u00a0 Yet try as he would to get him to talk, Hoss just clammed up and refused to confide in his father.\u00a0 Then there was the incident with Joseph in town\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It happened the day after when all of them had gone into Virginia City to have lunch.\u00a0 Ben had offered to treat all the boys to a meal in honour of Percy\u2019s arrival and they were all to meet at the International House after a morning of doing their own errands.\u00a0 Normally Hoss loved nothing better than a good lunch there, as the Hotel had the finest cuisine in town, but the minute he entered the room with his younger brother Ben could see that things weren\u2019t right between them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bounced in as was his usual fashion, but Ben noticed he kept a wary eye on his brother who trailed behind him with a face like thunder. He also noticed that Joe took great care to sit as far away from his brother as was possible and positioned himself next to Ben as if for protection. Ben hid a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So boys,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018How was your morning?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Great!\u2019 said Joe glancing at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u2019 said Ben, pretending to study the menu. Hoss didn\u2019t answer, but merely gave a dark look in the direction of his brother. \u2018Hoss?\u2019 Ben repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fine,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Except for this one here interfering with my life as he usually does.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018It\u2019s not my fault!\u2019 he said indignantly. \u2018I can\u2019t help it if girls find me irresistable!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 said his father sternly. \u2018What have you done this time?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at his father innocently. \u2018Honest Pa, I did nothing!\u2019 he said. \u2018I just happened to be there.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t my fault!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was fast losing patience. \u2018What wasn\u2019t your fault?\u2019 he said. \u2018Will someone please tell me what is going on here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pointed a finger accusingly at his younger brother. \u2018He,\u2019 he said, \u2018came along and spoilt the best chance I had a getting a date with Sue-Ellen in weeks. Just when I had her about to agree to going to the dance next week with me, this interfering busybody has to come along and she goes all wide-eyed over him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was quick to defend himself. \u2018Yeah, well I didn\u2019t ask her to did I?\u00a0 Like I said\u2026I\u2019m just irresistible to girls.\u00a0 I don\u2019t even have to encourage them to have them fall all over me!\u2019\u00a0 He smirked and Hoss looked as if he was about to reach across the table and throttle him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph there is such a thing as modesty,\u2019 said Ben reprovingly. \u2018Please use some of it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe, hiding his face in the menu to avoid both their dark looks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you,\u2019 said Ben turning to Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m sure your brother didn\u2019t mean to disturb your courting.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you try again?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the point?\u2019 said Hoss mournfully. \u2018She probably won\u2019t go with me now anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who won\u2019t go with you where?\u2019 asked Adam as he and Percy approached the table. \u2018Sorry we\u2019re late Pa, but we got held up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018None of your business,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018What is it with this family anyway?\u00a0 Everyone needs to know everything!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all stared at him in amazement.\u00a0 That sort of comment usually came from Joe, not Hoss.\u00a0 It was very out of character for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think you\u2019d better just settle down and order something,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019s no need for that kind of talk thank you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss flung down the menu and stood up. \u2018Well I won\u2019t interrupt your fine lunch by staying then,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you back at the ranch!\u2019\u00a0 He turned and left the room without another word and they all looked at him in amazement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What happened?\u2019 asked Adam when he could find his voice. \u2018That\u2019s not like Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He hasn\u2019t been himself for a while now. Something is going on with him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well that\u2019s a change,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It\u2019s usually Joe who storms out and we all talk about him.\u2019\u00a0 He winked at Percy and then looked at his younger brother to gauge his reaction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bit immediately at the remark. \u2018What do you mean you all talk about me?\u2019 he asked indignantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben held up his hand. \u2018Quiet you two,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got enough to worry about with Hoss without you two starting up as well.\u00a0 Let\u2019s order.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe threw Adam a dark look and made a mental note to find out about his remark later.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that afternoon as they were riding home, Ben noticed Hoss\u2019 tracks veering off the side of the trail in front of them. \u2018You go ahead boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll catch up with you at home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had a fairly good idea of where the tracks would lead.\u00a0 He knew the habits of all his boys when they were upset or worried about something. Adam usually brooded over things for a while and became very quiet.\u00a0 Ben knew to leave him alone when he was like that and eventually he would come to his father with the problem.\u00a0 Ben had learned over the years not to seek him out and pressure him into talking, as it simply didn\u2019t work.\u00a0 Joe always let everyone know when he had a problem simply by blurting it out for everyone to hear, and when he didn\u2019t, Ben knew he could always find him thinking on it up at the lake near his mother\u2019s grave.\u00a0 He simply had to go up there and sit with him for a while and the boy would bare his soul to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rarely had a problem that he needed to talk out with his father, but when he did he would lose himself in his work for a while and then go and sit by the river looking towards the mountains.\u00a0 Ben headed for there now and sure enough his tracks led him straight to the spot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So?\u2019 he said as he sat himself next to his son. \u2018Are you going to tell me straight out what\u2019s eating away at you or do we have to sit here while I figure it out?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at him, the first smile Ben had seen on his face for days. \u2018You always know, don\u2019t you Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it doesn\u2019t take much to figure it out this time,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You\u2019ve been like a bear with a sore head for the past few days.\u00a0 You\u2019re angry with Adam and now this episode with Joe.\u00a0 What\u2019s going on Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss scratched his head. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just don\u2019t seem ta be able ta help myself lately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that it\u2019s a bit hard on you with Adam so busy with Percy lately, said Ben. \u2018But he doesn\u2019t mean to neglect you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018It ain\u2019t that Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I like Percy and Adam ain\u2019t seen him for years.\u00a0 He\u2019s got a right ta hang around with him.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Then what is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed. \u2018The other night at the dinner table when they was talking about all them stories from College,\u2019 he said. \u2018Every time I listen to them they\u2019re carrying on about the things they did.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s only natural,\u2019 said his father. \u2018They shared a few years together there you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that\u2026..but Pa, well\u2026\u2026.I don\u2019t even know what they\u2019re talking about.\u00a0 That stuff with the theorems and all.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t have a clue what it was all about.\u00a0 You and Joe did, but I couldn\u2019t catch onto it.\u00a0 It\u2019s been like that all week.\u00a0 I can\u2019t understand half their conversations.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed again. \u2018I guess I\u2019m just a big dumb old Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2019m surprised Adam didn\u2019t ask me to disappear while Percy is here so that I wouldn\u2019t embarrass him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t want to hear you talking like that Hoss!\u00a0 Adam would never be ashamed of you!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Just because you don\u2019t understand their conversations doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re dumb!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Well I feel like I\u2019m dumb.\u00a0 And Joe today in town\u2026\u2026. I know he didn\u2019t mean ta do it, but I just can\u2019t compete with the charm that boy\u2019s got.\u00a0 Women don\u2019t even look at me when he\u2019s around!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you worry about Joe,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That boy can be too charming for his own good at times.\u00a0 Quite a few girls have found that out!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss continued as if he hadn\u2019t even heard his father. \u2018It just seems like I\u2019m stuck in the middle all the time Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I mean, ya know I love them both, but I just can\u2019t compete with either of them.\u00a0 Every time I turn around Adam is smarter or Joe is more charming, and both of them are so good looking!\u00a0 All I am is a dumb and ugly old Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018You are not!\u2019 he said. \u2018You are a wonderful young man! You are the most caring person I\u2019ve ever come across and you are far more perceptive than either of your brothers about many things.\u00a0 You shouldn\u2019t compare yourself to them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his father. \u2018But I can\u2019t help it Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018All my life Adam has been the smart older brother and Joe has been the cute younger one.\u00a0 I love them both Pa, but I\u2019m sick of being the nothing one in the middle! Being caring and all doesn\u2019t matter to me any more Pa\u2026\u2026..it just ain\u2019t enough!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and stomped over to his horse.\u00a0 After a moment he turned. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, I don\u2019t mean to upset ya.\u00a0 Just fergit about it will ya?\u2019\u00a0 He mounted up and trotted off before Ben had a chance to speak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat and stared into the river. He understood what Hoss was saying. The problem was that he thought he was right. It was no one\u2019s fault, but that middle boy of his did seem to have been short changed in so many areas that he longed to have gifts in. It seemed that they had all been so used to his easy-going nature that they had taken for granted the fact that he seemed to accept the way things were.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up and looked across the land that he loved so much.\u00a0 He had always tried to do the right thing by all his boys, but had he been remiss in giving this middle son of his all that he needed.\u00a0 Hoss needed a good dose of self-esteem, and he knew just the two people to give it to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa, we never meant him to feel that way,\u2019 said Adam, his concern etched on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah, I can\u2019t help it if I\u2019m so good looking and intelligent that he feels he\u2019s not as good as me,\u2019 chimed in Joe.\u00a0 Adam reached across and hit him on the side of the head while Ben frowned at his youngest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he admonished. \u2018That is just the sort of remark I\u2019m talking about!\u00a0 That sort of careless talk only causes Hoss to feel less sure of himself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slunk down on the settee. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he mumbled while he rubbed his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So what can we do Pa?\u2019 asked Adam, while ignoring his younger brother. \u2018We have to make him feel better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Just look for opportunities to make him feel good about himself,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll think of something boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked into the fireplace, lost in thought. Joe sat with a concentrated look on his face, screwing up his eyes in an attempt to look serious. After a few moments Ben stood up to leave the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Adam?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve got an idea.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned at him. \u2018So have I.\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018I have to find Percy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll need his help.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood up too.\u2019 I have to go into town,\u2019 he said. I need to get some help too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both brothers left the room, each lost in his own thoughts and plans.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where is that younger brother of yours?\u2019 said Ben crossly. \u2018I\u2019m tired of him being late for meals every time we sit down to eat.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He said something about going into town,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t be long.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well we\u2019re not waiting for him,\u2019 said Ben, picking up a platter from the table. \u2018Meat, Percy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said Percy as he helped himself. \u2018This is sure fine beef you raise here on The Ponderosa.\u00a0 I sure haven\u2019t tasted anything finer.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ben smiled at him. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Although the boys should take the credit instead of me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam tells me that Hoss in responsible for running the entire cattle operation.\u2019 Hoss looked up from his plate. \u2018I don\u2019t know how you keep track of it all Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked puzzled. \u2018It ain\u2019t nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re just animals.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I couldn\u2019t do it,\u2019 said Percy. \u2018It seems to me that it\u2019s not just understanding the animals, it\u2019s a lot of other things besides.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss chewed thoughtfully and thought before he answered. \u2018Yeah, well I guess you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s knowing what ta do with them, and where the best places are ta put them.\u00a0 Then there\u2019s reading the weather signs and understanding how the breeding program works.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And don\u2019t forget knowing the market,\u2019 added Adam. \u2018My brother is one of the best at knowing just how much to go for and when to sell.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He knows the stock value as well,\u2019 chimed in Ben as he caught on to what was happening. \u2018There\u2019s no one in the Territory who can pick a bull like Hoss can.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy shook his head. \u2018Well it\u2019s all strange to me,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hey Hoss, do you think I could come out with you on your next job to watch?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss puffed up. \u2018Sure thing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m organising some branding tomorrow.\u00a0 How about I take you along to see that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy grinned at him. \u2018That would be wonderful!\u2019 he said. \u2018I hope you don\u2019t mind Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders. \u2018No that\u2019s OK.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t explain it to you like Hoss would. I\u2019ll think of something to keep myself amused for the day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a bang behind them and Joe entered the room like a whirlwind. \u2018Sorry Pa!\u2019 he said as he slid into his seat. \u2018I got caught up in town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrow. \u2018It would be appreciated Joseph if you could remember to be on time in the future.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was gonna be, but I got sidetracked at the last minute,\u2019 said Joe apologetically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s the story of your life,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You\u2019re always getting sidetracked little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at him. \u2018Well it was your fault that I did this time,\u2019 he said cheekily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My fault?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018How on earth could it be my fault that you\u2019re late to supper?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe drew a piece of paper out of his pocket. \u2018Sue-Ellen stopped me and asked me to give this to you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I couldn\u2019t be rude and just walk away could I?\u00a0 I had to stop and talk to her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave him a dark look. \u2018I\u2019ll bet you did!\u2019 he said as he snatched the piece of paper and glanced at it.\u00a0 Joe sat with a grin on his face as he watched his brother\u2019s eyes nearly pop out of his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What is it Hoss?\u2019 he asked innocently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018None of your business,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pa can I be excused now?\u00a0 I want ta get into town tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 said his father and watched as Hoss bounded up the stairs. He turned to Joe. \u2018Just what exactly have you done?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What was that all about?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned even wider. \u2018Nothing to worry about Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just persuaded Sue-Ellen to invite Hoss into town tonight for a bit of a talk. She owes me a couple of favours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And what\u2019s going to happen when he finds out what you\u2019re up to?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Is that really fair to him to get her to lead him on like that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned at him. \u2018It\u2019ll make him feel a bit better won\u2019t it?\u2019 he said. \u2018And he doesn\u2019t have to find out unless some busybody like you tells him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph is only trying to help,\u2019 Ben interrupted. \u2018Just like you are Adam.\u00a0 I appreciated both of you trying to help.\u00a0 And you too Percy,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s nice of you to give up your day tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy held up his hand. \u2018I really am interested in things around here,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well let\u2019s hope all this helps Hoss,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n At breakfast the next morning Hoss seemed to be a different person. \u2018How did you go in town last night son?\u2019 asked Ben casually. \u2018Anything happening in there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not much,\u2019 said Hoss with his mouth full. \u2018I didn\u2019t have much time to talk ta anyone really. I was busy seeing Sue-Ellen.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 interrupted Joe. \u2018Was that what the note was about?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Hoss happily. \u2018Seems she\u2019d like ta go to the dance with me after all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018You\u2019re kidding!\u2019 he said. \u2018But she was supp\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up. \u2018She was what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gulped. \u2018Supposed to be real popular,\u2019 he said. \u2018Good one brother,\u2019 he finished lamely.\u00a0 He stared at Hoss intently for a moment, wondering exactly what had gone on the night before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wiped his mouth on his napkin. \u2018Coming Percy?\u2019 he said and headed for the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As it closed behind them, Joe turned back towards the table. \u2018That wasn\u2019t supposed to happen,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018She said she\u2019d only talk to him last night.\u00a0 I never made her promise that she\u2019d go to the dance with him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well maybe she wanted to,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah right Pa!\u00a0 A popular girl like Sue-Ellen would rather go with someone like me,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Not someone like Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put down his coffee cup. \u2018And just what is that supposed to mean young man?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Haven\u2019t I told you about making those kind of remarks?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well Hoss isn\u2019t here to hear em,\u2019 said Joe indignantly. \u2018And I only meant\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know exactly what you meant,\u2019 said his father angrily. \u2018And I don\u2019t want to hear that kind of talk again please!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe put his head down and continued to eat. After a few moments Adam said, \u2018I hope Percy isn\u2019t too bored with Hoss all day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t be,\u2019 said Ben sarcastically. \u2018After all he did say he was interested in how the ranch is run.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes but he was only being polite,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Percy\u2019s a city man through and through.\u00a0 He really isn\u2019t that interested.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben studied his eldest son over the brim of his coffee cup. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It was fantastic!\u2019 said Percy enthusiastically. \u2018Hoss sure has a wonderful operation going on up there. You should have seen the way he was getting them in and out.\u00a0 A very slick operation!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Glad you enjoyed it,\u2019 said Ben looking at Adam in amusement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I thought we might go into town this afternoon,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We could stop off for a drink after I do a bit of business for Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy looked at him across the table. \u2018Sorry Adam, but Hoss has offered to show me the North Pasture,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll bet he knows this country better than anyone around here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked modest. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t say that!\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of others do just as good a job around here as me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy shook his head. \u2018None that could explain it like you though,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s fascinating the way you talk about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll go and get the horses saddled,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll meet ya outside.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he left the room, Joe came rushing through the door and almost collided with him. \u2018Sorry Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 he repeated as he slid into his chair beside his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave his youngest son his customary dark look. \u2018That\u2019s all right Joseph,\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018If you ever turned up on time for a meal I\u2019d wonder what was wrong!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at him puzzled. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Eat,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned to Percy. \u2018You\u2019re putting it on a bit thick aren\u2019t you?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy looked at him strangely. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Talking about Hoss like that and how pleased you are to be spending time with him,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You don\u2019t have to go to that extreme you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy laughed. \u2018I\u2019m not putting it on,\u2019 he said. \u2018I started out by doing you a favour, but I meant what I said.\u00a0 Your brother is one of the most fascinating people I\u2019ve ever talked to.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up from the table. \u2018Excuse me,\u2019 he said as he left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked after him, stunned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Isn\u2019t anyone going to ask me why I was late?\u2019 said Joe, oblivious to his brother\u2019s amazement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben heaved a sigh. \u2018Why are you late Joseph?\u2019 he asked dutifully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned to him. \u2018Well, I saw Sue-Ellen in town and guess what she told me?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did she tell you?\u2019 asked Ben again taking his son\u2019s prompt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She said that she had a wonderful time with Hoss last night.\u00a0 She asked him<\/em> to go to the dance, not the other way around! Do you believe it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why wouldn\u2019t I believe it?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well because it\u2019s Hoss!\u2019 said Joe as if that said it all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And\u2026..\u2019 prompted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat silently, not knowing what to say. Ben looked at both his sons. \u2018You were both willing to help your brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018But it seems to me that you were only willing to do it on your terms.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t really believe others might be interested in him, did you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Joe both looked shamefaced. \u2018Well it\u2019s just that we never expect Hoss to be popular, that\u2019s all,\u2019 said Adam finally. \u2018We love him Pa, but he\u2019s not the most outgoing person in the world.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Or the most good looking,\u2019 added Joe. \u2018We just didn\u2019t believe in him I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well maybe you will from now on,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Learn to have a bit more faith in your brother boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 they chorused.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Percy,\u2019 said Hoss happily as they rode side by side.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ve never seen Adam so lost for words.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy laughed. \u2018He did look slightly strange, didn\u2019t he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just can\u2019t believe that he thought I\u2019d fall for that corny story of you wanting to know about the ranch,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018And you weren\u2019t exactly convincing either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy shrugged. \u2018I did my best,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not a very good actor I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No you\u2019re not,\u2019 laughed Hoss. \u2018How about we go into town for a drink?\u00a0 Unless you\u2019d rather see the North Pasture after all?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you!\u00a0 That branding was enough for me this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good, \u2018said Hoss. \u2018I have to see a certain lady in town and thank her as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sue-Ellen?\u2019 asked Percy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sue-Ellen,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018That Joseph thinks he\u2019s so clever!\u00a0 She and I had a good laugh over it once I told her that I knew what he\u2019d done. She\u2019s going to the dance with me just to keep him guessing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don\u2019t seem to mind what your brothers did,\u2019 said Percy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nah!\u2019 admitted Hoss. \u2018Why should I? They did it for me after all.\u00a0 And anyways,\u2019 he added. \u2018I get to spend some time with you as well as getting the chance to show Sue-Ellen my true charm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Percy laughed. \u2018Plus you get to put one over on your brothers for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yeah, that too,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018That too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Hoss is feeling overshadowed by his two brothers.
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\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (4,320 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":49932,"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":[23,1006],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hoss-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1006-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hoss-and-Chubb-2.jpg?fit=404%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65402","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=65402"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65402\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/49932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}