Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Joe argue about who has the better horse.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a08,120 words<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat feels real good, doesn\u2019t it fellar?\u201d Joe asked his pinto lovingly as he continued to brush him vigorously. He patted the horse\u2019s flank. \u201cReal fine, I reckon,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe way you carry on with that horse, anyone would think he was the only animal in the world,\u201d observed Adam dryly as he entered the barn leading his own mount, Sport.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged and patted the horse again. \u201cWell he may as well be,\u201d he said, a touch defensively. \u201cHe is the best in the world anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cR \u2026 ight,\u201d said Adam raising his eyebrow sarcastically as he led Sport into the stall next to Joe\u2019s pinto Cochise and began to take off his saddle. \u201cYou, of course, having evaluated all the horses in the world personally,\u201d he added with a smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know what I mean,\u201d retorted Joe, rather crossly as he allowed Cochise to nuzzle against his cheek momentarily. \u201cHe\u2019s the best horse in these parts anyways. Everyone knows that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put on a puzzled face as he picked up a brush and began to rub down Sport. \u201cOh?\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s news to me, and I\u2019m sure it\u2019d be news to a lot of people around here too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe is so the best horse around!\u201d said Joe, pointing his brush at his brother. \u201cYou\u2019re just jealous that he\u2019s not your horse Adam!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leant on Sport\u2019s flank and stared at his brother for a moment. \u201cJealous?\u201d he said. \u201cWhatever would I be jealous of?\u201d He patted Sport\u2019s flank. \u201cWith a horse like Sport, I\u2019ve got no need to be jealous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cOh, Sport\u2019s OK I guess,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut he\u2019s not as good as Cochise. No way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gestured with his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s your opinion,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re entitled to it of course.\u201d He turned and began grooming Sport again.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped brushing his horse and glared at his older brother. \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d he challenged him.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged as he worked. \u201cSimply that your opinion isn\u2019t necessarily the right one,\u201d he said smugly. \u201cI don\u2019t happen to agree with it because I think that Sport is the better horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s jaw dropped and he stared at his brother incredulously. \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious!\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned in a puzzled way. \u201cOf course I\u2019m serious,\u201d he said. \u201cLook Joe \u2026 Cochise is pretty, I\u2019ll admit that \u2026 and he\u2019s fast \u2026 but there\u2019s more to being a top animal than just those two qualities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d countered Joe, thrusting out his jaw in a stubborn way. \u201cLike what exactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike temperament,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd intelligence \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCochise is so intelligent!\u201d interjected Joe indignantly. \u201cI should know!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmm,\u201d said Adam, deciding not to make the response that seemed so obvious to this comment. \u201cThere\u2019s also endurance and breeding and \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCochise has got all of that!\u201d said Joe. \u201cMuch more than Sport.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s Cochise got?\u201d asked Hoss as he entered the barn leading his own horse, Chubb.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe waved his arm towards Adam and answered scathingly, \u201cHe\u2019s smart and \u2026 well-bred \u2026 and all that other stuff! Adam here seems to think that his horse Sport is the best around here and I\u2019m telling him that he\u2019s wrong. Ain\u2019t that right, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cSure is,\u201d he said thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smirked at Adam. \u201cSee?\u201d he said in a superior fashion. \u201cHoss agrees with me that Cochise is the best horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow hold on there shortshanks,\u201d Hoss interjected. \u201cThat\u2019s not quite what I was agreeing to.\u201d He gave both his brothers a satisfied look. \u201cCochise and Sport are great horses,\u201d he said. \u201cBut neither of em come up to Chubb at all.\u201d He gave his large horse a satisfied pat. \u201cChubby\u2019s the best darned animal I\u2019ve come across, and you both haveta admit that I know a lot about good horseflesh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cChubb?\u201d said Adam, obviously amused. \u201cWell, granted that your opinion is one I usually agree with Hoss, but \u2026 Chubb? Come on! He\u2019s strong, that\u2019s for sure, but as far as intelligence and breeding goes, he\u2019s just a bit short on such things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cNot like Cochise.\u201d He patted his horse again and gave him a satisfied look.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBreeding ain\u2019t everything,\u201d retorted Hoss. \u201cChubb is dependable and strong and that\u2019s much more important than being pretty and fast like Cochise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned again. \u201cYou take that back brother,\u201d he said. \u201cCochise is \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held up a hand. \u201cIsn\u2019t that Hop Sing?\u201d he interjected. All three brothers stopped glaring at each other and listened. Sure enough, they heard the distinct sound of the bell that hung on the front porch \u2026 the one that Hop Sing used to call them to meals whenever he couldn\u2019t be bothered yelling for them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rubbed his hands together. \u201cHot diggety!\u201d he said. \u201cSupper!\u201d He turned and walked out of the barn without a backwards glance, leaving Joe and Adam to give each other one more glare before following him.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I don\u2019t care what either of you think,\u201d Ben heard Adam say as his three sons entered the house. \u201cWhen you examine all the criteria logically neither of them stack up, that\u2019s all I\u2019m saying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smothered a smile as he sat at the table and waited for the young men to take off their jackets and hats and sit down. He noted Joe\u2019s indignant look, Adam\u2019s superior one and Hoss\u2019 eager one as he looked around the table, and steeled himself for yet another inevitable argument that was obviously already taking place. \u201cBoys,\u201d he said, tilting his head to each of them in acknowledgement. \u201cSupper\u2019s been ready for ten minutes and Hop Sing\u2019s fit to be tied because you didn\u2019t appear on time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa,\u201d said Adam, putting his napkin on his lap. \u201cBut I was trying to get a very important point across to these two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow as he began to help himself to some vegetables. \u201cSo I heard as you all came in,\u201d he remarked. \u201cAnd what is all this criteria you were talking about examining?\u201d He tried to keep a straight face as Joe turned to him, his eyes flashing with frustration and anger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOlder brother here is trying to use big words to confuse us again,\u201d he announced, glaring at Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked puzzled. \u201cBig words?\u201d he asked.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAin\u2019t that right Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMmm,\u201d said Hoss, through a mouthful of beef.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss please,\u201d said his father. \u201cNot with your mouth full.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you two can\u2019t understand plain English, then it\u2019s not my fault,\u201d said Adam in that smug tone he often used that infuriated his brothers no end. \u201cAll I\u2019m saying is that when you consider everything that makes a good horse, then Sport is obviously the better option than either of your mounts. One thing I know is horseflesh and \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe too,\u201d said Hoss, a touch defensively. \u201cYou ain\u2019t the only one around here that can judge a good horse, brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that,\u201d said Adam, also a touch defensively. \u201cI\u2019m not negating your opinion Hoss, I\u2019m just saying that Sport is the obvious choice. Your Chubb may be strong and Joe\u2019s Cochise may be pretty, but my Sport has a lot more going for him than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged as he didn\u2019t really care one way or the other and busied himself with his food again. Not so Joe, however, who frowned at his eldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou might know good horseflesh Adam,\u201d he countered. \u201cBut in this case you\u2019re wrong. Cochise would outclass your Sport in all them areas you were talking about before and you know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath before addressing his younger brother. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t know it,\u201d he said carefully. \u201cBut its pointless arguing about it any further, isn\u2019t it? I don\u2019t think that either of us will concede to the other\u2019s opinion and there are a lot of variables in judging such things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned again as he tried to work out what <\/span>concede<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>variables<\/span><\/i> meant, and failed. \u201cWell it don\u2019t much matter what you think,\u201d he said finally. \u201cI know the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cMy point exactly,\u201d he said smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled around the table. \u201cThen you do agree with me?\u201d he said in a cocky tone. \u201cCochise is the better horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held up his hands. \u201cDon\u2019t you listen?\u201d he said, raising his voice a little. \u201cThat\u2019s not what I said at all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough from both of you,\u201d said Ben sharply. \u201cI\u2019m tired of hearing about this. Either stop arguing about it or one of you prove your point once and for all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave his father a frustrated look. \u201cAnd just how would you suggest that we do that?\u201d he asked. \u201cWith all the variables involved in judging horses \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAsk an independent judge to make the decision for you,\u201d replied his father shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cNow that\u2019s the first sensible suggestion I\u2019ve heard on the topic,\u201d he said, glancing at Joe. \u201cYou up for it brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned yet again. \u201cDepends,\u201d he said cautiously. \u201cWho would it be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n They both turned to their father hopefully, but Ben quickly shook his head. \u201cDon\u2019t look at me,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI only made the suggestion. I\u2019m not fool enough to get between the two of you on an issue like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Joe exchanged looks across the table and then both turned to Hoss who was munching away quietly at the other end of the table. He continued to focus on his food until the silence around the table made him look up. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said, looking at both his siblings.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow would you like to judge which of our horses is the better animal?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Joe, giving Hoss one of his most winning smiles as he considered how easy it would be to sway his brother\u2019s opinion as he usually managed to do. \u201cYou\u2019d be great at judging Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes narrowed. \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d he asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy does there have to be something in it for you?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause like Pa says, I\u2019m not fool enough to get caught between the two of you unless I get something out of it,\u201d said Hoss, pointing at both of them in turn with his fork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cChores for a week from the loser,\u201d said Joe quickly, eyeing off Adam who immediately nodded in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss considered the proposal while Ben smothered a grin. \u201cYou both have to take my opinion and not argue about it after,\u201d said Hoss. Adam and Joe both nodded. \u201cAnd I\u2019m gonna take my time and not be hurried while I think on it,\u201d added Hoss. Adam and Joe both nodded again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d said Adam eagerly. \u201cAnd if we\u2019re going to do this, then we\u2019re going to do it right,\u201d he said, his eyes lighting up with the thought of a new project to occupy him. \u201cWe\u2019ll set down all the criteria for judging \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere you go with all them big words again,\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cWhat you trying to do Adam? Confuse Hoss so that he\u2019ll pick Sport?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cAfter supper we\u2019ll write down all the things \u2026 the criteria \u2026. that Hoss needs to consider when he\u2019s judging,\u201d he said. \u201cHe can give points for each.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh,\u201d said Joe, suddenly realising what his brother was on about. \u201cI get it. Sort of like at Founders Day when they judge the fancy preserves and such like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExactly,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThey look for flavour and texture and \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMmm,\u201d said Hoss, his eyes glazing over. \u201cAnd it\u2019s great when they sell off the leftovers at the end of the day too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo Hoss will look for endurance and speed and strength and \u2026.\u201d Joe searched his brain to come up with more. \u201cAll them things,\u201d he finished. \u201cThat sounds OK to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded his head. \u201cGood,\u2019 he said. \u201cIt\u2019s settled then We\u2019ll set the criteria and then give Hoss here one week to observe and judge the two horses as we use them around the ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHold on,\u201d said Hoss, dragging his mind back from the thought of the pies. \u201cThere\u2019s one more thing. I reckon if I\u2019m gonna get a fair look at these two animals then I\u2019d like to see em in different conditions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you suggesting?\u201d asked Adam warily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I\u2019m saying is that I\u2019d like to see how each of you handle the other one\u2019s horse,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThat way, neither of you can get the chance to show off and hope that I\u2019ll pick your horse jest cause of the way you ride him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked thoughtful. \u201cSounds a good idea to me,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want you riding Cochise for a week,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s used to me and you won\u2019t be able to handle him like I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cSo you\u2019re saying that he doesn\u2019t relate well to any other rider except yourself?\u201d he said. \u201cHmm \u2026. You\u2019d better remember that when you\u2019re judging on temperament Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not saying that!\u201d said Joe quickly. He shot Adam a dark look across the table. \u201cAll right,\u201d he mumbled finally. \u201cYou can ride him. I only hope that I can put up with Sport for the week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find him quite suitable,\u201d said Adam smugly. He held out his hand. \u201cDeal?\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated for a moment and then grasped hold of his brother\u2019s hand across the table. \u201cDeal,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss laid his hand on top of his two brothers\u2019 hands and grinned at his father. \u201cDeal,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment. \u201cJust don\u2019t let this deal of yours affect your work this week,\u201d he said, looking at each of his sons in turn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo problem,\u201d Adam assured him quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo problem,\u201d Joe agreed, grinning at his father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got problems,\u201d Ben muttered under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow goes it brother?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up from the kindling pile to see Joe grinning down at him. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear you ride up,\u201d he observed as he picked up yet another piece of wood and split it clean down the middle with one great heft of his axe.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slid down from his saddle in an easy movement and sighed. \u201cWell it\u2019s kinda easy to sneak up on people on Sport,\u201d he said, putting on an injured look. \u201cHe\u2019s kinda slow and don\u2019t make a lot of noise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss said nothing, but smothered a grin as he continued to work, amused as he had constantly been during the past few days whenever Joe had made such remarks about his brother\u2019s horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, let me help you with that,\u201d continued Joe, picking up several pieces of wood as he grinned at his brother. \u201cBeen doing lots of thinking about horses while you\u2019ve been working?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUh huh,\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded in an understanding fashion. \u201cWell you just keep on thinking Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd you can\u2019t help but come to the right answer by the end of the week. Here \u2026. Let me do that for a while and give you a break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss let the axe be taken from him and leant back on the hitching rail as he wiped his face with a handkerchief. \u201cThanks Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cSure is mighty hot today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust tie up Sport for me, will ya Hoss?\u201d asked Joe as he got to work. \u201cHe\u2019s a mite skittish and if he\u2019s not tied up then he tends to take off. Not like Cochise of course \u2026 I never have to worry about him taking off.\u201d He hit a piece of wood lengthways and split it deftly. \u201cI guess it all just come down to the training.\u201d He gave Hoss a sideways glance. \u201cJust between you and me Hoss, I reckon that Adam ain\u2019t done such a good job with training that horse as he makes out. He don\u2019t accept the bit easily and he\u2019s always tossing his head around.\u201d He gave a sigh. \u201cSure makes it hard to get control of him and you know what I good rider I am. If anyone can get control of a horse it\u2019s me,\u201d he said, somewhat immodestly. \u201cAnd I\u2019m telling you brother, that Sport just don\u2019t handle well. Now Cochise on the other hand \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held up his hand to stop his brother. \u201cBut Adam was the one who helped you train Cochise when you were a young\u2019un,\u201d he said. \u201cIt stands to reason that they\u2019ve both been trained the same way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u201cWell yeah,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI reckon I must have improved on the training then with my expert riding, cause I\u2019m telling you Hoss \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re telling him what?\u201d said a voice behind them and they both turned to see Adam sitting on Cochise, glaring down at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, hi Adam,\u201d said Joe, looking a touch wary at the sight of his eldest brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you <\/span>hi Adam<\/span><\/i> me,\u201d retorted his brother. \u201cWhat are you doing here? You\u2019re supposed to be out in the North pasture checking on those strays, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell yeah,\u201d said Joe defensively. \u201cBut a fellar has a right to take a break now and then, don\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow and put his leg up on the saddle, as he looked down at his brother. \u201cYes,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut lately your breaks have been interrupted by your work, younger brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned as he tried to make out what his brother meant by that remark. \u201cWell you\u2019re supposed to be out checking fences anyway,\u201d he retorted finally. \u201cWhat are you doing back here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam slid down from the saddle and faced his brother. \u201cFor your information, I\u2019ve finished my work,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd Pa asked me to get back well before supper to help him with the accounts.\u201d He turned and grabbed hold of Cochise\u2019s reins. \u201cWhoa boy,\u201d he said to the animal who was standing quite still. \u201cHe\u2019s been skittish all day,\u201d he said, by way of explanation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t skittish!\u201d declared Joe, patting the animal on the nose lovingly. \u201cIf he\u2019s ridden properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d demanded Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust what I said,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cHe performs well if he\u2019s ridden well.\u201d He winked at Hoss. \u201cHoss here knows what I\u2019m talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed in spite of himself. \u201cAnd what are you doing Hoss\u2019 chores for?\u201d he asked. \u201cTry to bribe the judge again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cBribe the judge?\u201d he squeaked. \u201cAs if I would!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you try that innocent act with me,\u201d countered Adam. \u201cYou\u2019ve been sneaking off work all week to do whatever you can to get on Hoss\u2019 good side.\u201d He turned to Hoss. \u201cI would never insult you by trying something as low-down as that,\u201d he assured his brother. \u201cI, at least, have scruples.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at his eldest brother. \u201cI\u2019ve got scruples!\u201d he said, unsure of what the word meant, but knowing that if Adam had them then he\u2019d better have them too.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you two be quiet?\u201d interrupted Hoss, wiping his face again with his handkerchief. It\u2019s too hot ta listen to you two fighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not fighting,\u201d Adam assured his brother in a calmer tone. He turned to Joe. \u201cYou\u2019d better get back out to the North pasture before Pa sees you here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his older brother one last glare before swing mounting up onto Sport. \u201cSteady boy,\u201d he said as the horse stepped back once. Joe gave Hoss conspiratorial wink and then turned the horse. \u201cI\u2019ll do my best with them strays,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I can\u2019t promise to get the whole job done with such a slow horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head as Joe rode out of the yard. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Hoss,\u201d he said. \u201cHe has no right not to play fair with this.\u201d Hoss said nothing, but merely picked up the axe and began to chop another piece of wood. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better get inside and help Pa with those accounts,\u201d added Adam, when it became obvious that his brother wasn\u2019t about to comment. \u201cAlthough I\u2019m sure not looking forward to sitting down for the rest of the day,\u201d Adam added as he rubbed his backside. \u201cSitting on a skittish horse like Cochise all morning sure isn\u2019t my idea of fun. I honestly don\u2019t know how Joe does it all the time.\u201d He rubbed his backside again and glanced at Hoss who continued to work. \u201cI guess he\u2019s just used to squirming around in the saddle,\u201d Adam added. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll talk to you later brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and tried not to grin as Adam turned and walked across the yard. He patted Cochise on the nose and smiled at the horse. \u201cIt\u2019s turning out to be an interesting week fellar,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cMighty interesting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a \u222a<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave some more potatoes Hoss,\u201d said Adam, handing the dish to his brother with a smile. Hoss took it and began to shovel another heap of potatoes onto his plate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnother roll?\u201d asked Joe, handing it across the table to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss glanced at the empty plate in the middle of the table. \u201cI reckon not Joe,\u201d he said regretfully. \u201cI already had two and you ain\u2019t taken one yet. That\u2019s the last one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head and placed the roll onto Hoss\u2019 plate. \u201cI don\u2019t want one,\u201d he assured his brother with a wide smile. \u201cI insist you have it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded his head and began to tear the roll open. \u201cOK. Thanks Joe,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCarrots?\u201d asked Adam, handing them to Hoss. \u201cHere, let me get some for you.\u201d He scooped out a large spoonful and put them onto Hoss\u2019 plate.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n