Summary:\u00a0 Who does a Cartwright confide in when he has a problem?
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 3,020 words<\/p>\n
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Sound on staircase tell me Mr Adam, Number One Son, up and ready for chores.\u00a0 He always first up in morning, like to get start on jobs to be done. Hop Sing get coffee ready \u2013 know he come by kitchen first thing before go to barn. Always do. No one know we talk in early morning, others still sleep when drink coffee together.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam clever man. Always help father much on ranch, and help with brothers too. He think much thing and talk much sense to father and brothers. He talk much sense to Hop Sing too. Mr Adam teach Hop Sing much English when first come to Ponderosa.\u00a0 He only boy then, fourteen year old but much clever even so.\u00a0 He now grown up and still help Hop Sing when need to. English not good still, but much better than was.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Always I watch Mr Adam try to help father. He help well when poor Missy Cartwright die. Mr Ben very upset and not know what to do. Mr Adam young man still, but work hard on ranch to keep work go well. He help with brothers too, Mr Hoss, Number Two Son and Little Joe, Number Three Son. He stop them upsetting too much. Father much unhappy and not pay attention to little boys, so Mr Adam be father for while.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing help too. Help little boys when sad.\u00a0 Cook much for Mr Hoss to make feel better, keep Little Joe busy so not annoy father, and keep house run well for Mr Ben.\u00a0 Hop Sing very sad for Cartwright family.\u00a0 Hop Sing help Mr Adam when busy then. Help keep little boys busy so Mr Adam can work.\u00a0 Look after Mr Adam when tired and cranky.\u00a0 Mr Adam talk lots to Hop Sing then about worries. Still talk to Hop Sing now. Early morning he talk and Hop Sing listen.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Morning Hop Sing. How are you today? Up early as usual.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam say this every morning.\u00a0 He know Hop Sing awake early, but still say it. Hop Sing not know why.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Morning Mr Adam. You want coffee?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Hop Sing. That would be great. Are you having some too?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing always have coffee in morning.\u00a0 Mr Adam know this, but still ask every day. Hop Sing not know why. Mr Adam drink coffee. Hop Sing wait to hear problem. Always know when Mr Adam have problem.\u00a0 He put finger on side of head and push around lots. Hop Sing know this because Hop Sing watch Mr Adam lots. Others busy talking and not see Mr Adam need talk problem.\u00a0 Mr Adam quiet with problem except with Hop Sing. Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing know Mr Adam get mad with father sometime, but he not show it. Maybe this one of these times? Hop Sing think so. Always need wait for Mr Adam to speak.\u00a0 Mr Adam not rush to speak, so Hop Sing wait.\u00a0 Hop Sing learn patience with Mr Adam.\u00a0 Soon he put down cup.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Hop Sing. That was good as usual. I suppose I\u2019d better get to those chores now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam not move. Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Always chores to be done I guess.\u00a0 Seems like they never end.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can\u2019t keep the ranch running without them though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just sometimes I wish Pa wouldn\u2019t expect me to do them all the time.\u00a0 Seems like I spend most of my time doing things that we could pay people to do while I could be doing more important things.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sometimes I just wish Pa would realise that I\u2019m not a kid like Hoss and Little Joe. All that College education and he still treats me like one of the hands!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lord knows I want to help him, but he just doesn\u2019t seem to want to let go and let me take on some of the things I\u2019m capable of.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He rub head hard.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Hop Sing.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mean to burden you with this.\u00a0 It\u2019s just so frustrating, you know?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing know. He frustrated all time with Cartwright family. Hop Sing nod.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If there was just some way of getting him to understand what I\u2019m capable of doing. I know I could make a difference around here if he\u2019d only let me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing pick up bucket. <\/span><\/i>\u2018Need water from pump outside.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll get it for you Hop Sing. Won\u2019t be a moment.<\/span>\u2019\u00a0 Mr Adam go outside for water. Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here you go Hop Sing. As I was saying, if I could just find something to show Pa what I can do. You need more water?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam take bucket again and leave room. Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here you go Hop Sing. Sometimes I wonder why I went to College you know.\u00a0 I don\u2019t get to use any of the things I learned there very much. All that study in architecture and engineering!\u00a0 You\u2019d think I\u2019d be able to use it somewhere around here. Again?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam leave room again for water.\u00a0 Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You certainly use a lot of water in here Hop Sing.\u00a0 Here you go. I know I\u2019ve done a few things for others around here.\u00a0 The Steven\u2019s mill was a challenge, I\u2019ll admit that.\u00a0 But I just need to do something on The Ponderosa to show Pa that my ideas can work. You\u2019re kidding?\u00a0 Again? How do you do this all day Hop Sing? In and out for water all the time must give you time for nothing else!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam go outside again with bucket. Hop Sing wait.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here you go Hop Sing.<\/span>\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing give Mr Adam more coffee. He sit and think lots.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know Hop Sing if you didn\u2019t have to go outside all the time for water you\u2019d save an awful lot of time.\u2019\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam rub head hard.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Maybe if \u2026. I mean all it would take would be \u2026.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam rub head hard again. He stand up with cup.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Excuse me Hop Sing. I need to get to those chores now. I\u2019ve got an idea that I want to put on paper before everyone else gets up. See you later.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Adam leave room quickly.\u00a0 He talk to self. Hop Sing smile and empty water from tub into bucket to take back outside.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 11am<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing get snack ready for Number Two Son, Mr Hoss. Mr Hoss not know how Hop Sing know get snack ready, but Hop Sing know Mr Hoss always hungry before lunch.\u00a0 Mr Hoss always hungry! He eat lots and like Hop Sing cooking. He very good boy!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Hoss very smart boy. Not everyone know how smart, but Hop Sing do. He smart with people. Always know what people think, but never know to say right words.\u00a0 Mr Hoss talk Hop Sing to find right words. Hop Sing listen.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Hop Sing. That was great! I\u2019d better get to work now though, although I don\u2019t suppose that Pa would even notice.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Father plenty busy all time. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Not mean to ignore.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I know.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that \u2026 well \u2026.. sometimes I feel like I don\u2019t count much around here. Ya know?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing take plate from Number Two Son. <\/span><\/i>\u2018Want more?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah! Thanks Hop Sing.\u2019 <\/span>Mr Hoss shake head.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s hard being between Adam and Little Joe ya know. Adam\u2019s so clever!\u00a0 He makes me feel like I\u2019m just a dumb old Hoss sometimes. Yeah just a bit more, thanks Hop Sing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing put more on Mr Hoss\u00a0 plate.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Spose it\u2019s all the education he had at College an all.\u00a0 Sure wish I could understand what he\u2019s talking about at times though.\u00a0 He sure loses me at times. Thanks Hop Sing, these are sure great!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing empty cookie barrel. Need bake more later.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And that Little Joe!\u00a0 Well he\u2019s just so darn clever with people ya know?\u00a0 He knows just what ta say all the time!\u00a0 I wish I could talk like he does, but all that happens with me is that I get all tongue-tied and can\u2019t think of what ta say.\u00a0 I suppose I am just a dumb old Hoss.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Try apple Mr Hoss?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah don\u2019t mind if I do Hop Sing. Thanks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have plenty beef sandwiches for lunch.\u00a0 Mr Hoss enjoy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure will Hop Sing!\u00a0 Beef sandwiches is one of my favourites!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing slice beef for sandwiches. <\/span><\/i>\u2018Best beef this year. Mr Ben say strong cow here now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah they sure are!\u00a0 They\u2019re part of that new breed we crossed with ours from the year before last. Calves are coming in real hardy. Seems like they can get through the winter much easier now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing cut more meat. \u2018Good colour.\u00a0 Make plenty tasty sandwiches.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Hoss lick lips.<\/span><\/i> \u2018Sure will Hop Sing.\u00a0 Think I\u2019ll have another of those apples. Thanks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where new breed come from?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Down near Texas.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Ben hear about them?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, I did.\u00a0 I told Pa we should get em up here to try with our cows.\u00a0 Ya remember those two bulls we bought year before last don\u2019t ya Hop Sing?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing remember. Hop Sing not tell remember.\u00a0 Hop Sing shake head.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You remember! The ones that Adam said would cost too much.\u00a0 Pa said they weren\u2019t worth the trouble.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But bulls still come.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah. Bulls still come.\u00a0 Guess that was my nagging Pa all the time.\u00a0 Ya see Hop Sing I thought that \u2026..\u2019 <\/span>Mr Hoss stop chewing. This strange thing.\u00a0 Mr Hoss always chew in kitchen. Mr Hoss think.\u00a0 Hop Sing watch Mr Hoss think.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come ta think of it Hop Sing, guess I was right all along!\u00a0 Pa and Adam didn\u2019t want ta get no bulls, and I did!\u00a0 How about that eh?\u00a0 I was right all along!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing slice more beef.<\/span><\/i> \u2018Make plenty sandwiches for lunch. Mr Ben and boys like beef.\u00a0 Family eat all beef from new bulls?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nah, we couldn\u2019t possibly eat all that!\u00a0 Pa\u2019s gonna sell some of them cows this year.\u00a0 Should make lots on them too.\u2019\u00a0 <\/span>Mr Hoss think more.<\/span><\/i> \u2018Guess I made lots of money for us eh Hop Sing? Hmmm.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mr Hoss take more apple from bowl. <\/span><\/i>\u2018Well I\u2019d better get back outside Hop Sing.\u00a0 Thanks for the fruit and the cookies and all the other stuff. I\u2019m still hungry though!\u00a0 When\u2019s lunch?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing wave knife at Mr Hoss.<\/span><\/i> \u2018Lunch ready when ready. Go!\u2019 <\/span>Mr Hoss leave kitchen.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing smile. He take half beef from plate and put in cupboard. Plenty beef cut for lunch tomorrow too.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4pm<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing ready for Number Three Son, Little Joe to come\u00a0 kitchen.\u00a0 Hear much yelling by father in Living Room when boy get home from school.\u00a0 Always father yell at Little Joe!\u00a0 He not bad boy, just silly boy.\u00a0 Not think. Hop Sing tell him think, but never do. Hop Sing hit on head to make think, but never work.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing feel sorry for Little Joe.\u00a0 Very little when Missy Cartwright die, and little boy miss her lot. Hop Sing help little boy feel better. We cook and clean house together when\u00a0 little boy, to keep busy. But never keep out of trouble.\u00a0 No one do that.\u00a0 Little boy always find trouble.\u00a0 Father much angry with little boy. Many spanks on bottom.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing not like father spank little boy on bottom. Hop Sing tell father not good for little boy. Little boy not learn from spanks. Always do same thing again. Father tell Hop Sing mind own business. Hop Sing do mind own business \u2013 Cartwright family Hop Sing own business, so mind them! Father not understand this. Hop Sing try teach him.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe always much trouble at school. Father yell today and after yelling boy come to Hop Sing in kitchen for snack. Never eat snack, but Hop Sing fix anyway. Little Joe talk Hop Sing when in trouble. Hop Sing listen when Little Joe in trouble.\u00a0 Hop Sing listen Little Joe lot.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi Hop Sing! Pa said to eat something before I do my chores.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing give Little Joe snack and he pretend eat.\u00a0 Hop Sing pretend not notice.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So whatcha been up to Hop Sing?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe know what Hop Sing up to. Much cook and clean.\u00a0 Hop Sing not answer. Little Joe always ask, Hop Sing not know why. Hop Sing never answer, Little Joe not know why.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa says I can\u2019t go fishin tomorrow, so I can\u2019t catch anything for supper again Hop Sing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shake head.<\/span><\/i> \u2018Boy in trouble again. Make father plenty angry. When boy learn?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can\u2019t help it!\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t my fault this time!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing hit boy on side of head to make think. Not work.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ow! Watch it will ya? That hurt!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing not care if hurt. Boy must learn be responsible. Hit again on head to be sure.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told ya it wasn\u2019t my fault! Pa won\u2019t listen ta me either!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Boy move away from Hop Sing hand. He look sulky.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s only dumb old homework anyway.\u00a0 Can\u2019t see that it matters whether I do it or not! I\u2019m never gonna need ta know about all those numbers and stuff.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing bang pastry on bench to flatten out. Wave roller at boy. <\/span><\/i>\u2018You need number for many thing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n