<\/p>\n
Summary: <\/span>A brother can be a big help when it comes to cleaning up a mess.<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0 K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0<\/span> 7079<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cleaning Up<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The stables were different from the barn. The barn belonged to the family; the stables, well, they were a separate part of the Ponderosa like the bunkhouse and belonged as much to the hands as to his father, at least in Little Joe\u2019s mind. The difference between the stables and the bunkhouse was that at eleven Little Joe was forbidden to spend time in the bunkhouse but not the stables, and he chose to spend a great deal of time there with the horses and the men who knew them best. Today, though, he was not there by choice, and the empty stables held only unpleasant chores.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dangblast! I don\u2019t see why Pa got so mad. Most of it wasn\u2019t really my fault.<\/em> Little Joe stabbed the tines of the pitchfork into the hard packed dirt and slouched against it. I figured he\u2019d holler some and maybe give me a couple of swats, but no, Adam had to go and make that comment about spoiled little boys and the messes they make with their pranks. If that bossy Yankee granite head would keep his opinions to himself, I wouldn\u2019t be spending my day cleaning the mess a whole lot of horses can make.<\/em> Little Joe gave a snort and then an overblown sigh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t gonna get finished before Sunday standing around sulking that way!\u201d Old Ned\u2019s voice startled the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe jerked the pitchfork free as he retorted, \u201cI ain\u2019t sulking!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned\u2019s brow furrowed at Little Joe\u2019s tone, and he strode toward the boy with his hands on his hips. \u201cNo, now ya\u2019ve gone to sassing, boy!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe tensed and turned to face the old man. \u201cI, I didn\u2019t mean to sass ya, Mr. Ned.\u201d Joe\u2019s posture became humble, \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I did.\u201d Little Joe could not remember when Old Ned had not been one of the Ponderosa\u2019s most respected hands, and Little Joe had long ago learned the consequences of being disrespectful to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned stopped and stared down at the boy. \u201cI\u2019ll let it pass this time but use that tone to me again and your backside will get a reminder about treating your elders with respect. Hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s tone was deeply respectful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, the boss said ya was to have this stable spick and span before supper, so ya best get a move on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s gaze swept the building around him, and his shoulders slumped.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t no way I\u2019m ever gonna get done by supper, and then Pa\u2019s gonna get mad all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned made his own survey of the stable interior. \u201cIt is a mite of work for one young\u2019un, but ya got only yourself to blame, Little Bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And Adam!<\/em> Joe kept his observation to himself, and slowly set to work pitching fouled straw into a wheelbarrow. \u201cNobody to blame and nobody to help,\u201d he muttered just loud enough for Old Ned to hear while putting on the most dejected expression he could muster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, son, the boss would have both our hides iffin he found out I did part of the job he set you for punishment. I should light a fire in them britches just for your thinking on it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think on it, Mr. Ned,\u201d Little Joe declared as he quickened the pace of his work. \u201cI don\u2019t want to get in any more trouble with Pa, not any.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen ya better make sure I can answer him truthful when he asks me about how hard ya been working down here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n True apprehension flickered in the boy\u2019s eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re not gonna tell him I was slacking, are ya, Mr. Ned?\u201d Little Joe bit his lower lip. And gosh a mighty don\u2019t tell him I was sassy.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow that depends on what I see going on from here, boy.\u201d Old Ned kept his tone stern even as he thought: More likely I\u2019ll be reminding him just how big these stables are.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t be slaking. Really, just you keep an eye out, and you\u2019ll see.\u201d The straw started flying as Little Joe once again increased his work pace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat I will, lad; that I will.\u201d Old Ned gave a low chuckle as he walked off toward his own tasks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Old Ned exited, Little Joe\u2019s movements slowed and then stopped. He gazed around and drummed his fingers on the handle of the pitchfork. There must be an easier way to do this. The minutes passed as he pondered the possibilities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLand a mighty, this is going to take longer than I thought!\u201d Hoss rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA good two days!\u201d Adam straightened, placed his hands on his hips, and spit at the ground. \u201cTwo days hard labor courtesy of little brother. If he ever\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, ya know he didn\u2019t mean for it all to happen like it did. It was the bull that did the damage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sent a glare in his brother\u2019s direction. \u201cDon\u2019t even try, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, it was. Anyways, baby brother is paying the piper.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCleaning stables.\u201d Adam rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe big stables, Adam, that\u2019s a peck of work for a little one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, he\u2019s eleven not three, and perfectly capable of mucking out a few stalls.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s more than a few, big brother, and more than just the mucking to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s lucky he\u2019s not doing it with a blistered backside. You know Pa would have tanned you or me good for pulling a stunt like that at his age.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sent Adam a nod of agreement, and the corners of his mouth curled, \u201cHis age or even a good bit older.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo, you agree the little,\u201d Adam paused and substituted for his first thought, \u201cboy has every reason to be grateful that Pa has mellowed over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t just that Pa\u2019s mellowed. You nudged him pretty good toward punishment chores.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd you had Little Joe out of his sight as quick and slick as new boots on ice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStill, the stables are a heap of work for one young\u2019un in one day.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was once again tinged with concern.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa won\u2019t hold him to done before supper. If he\u2019s made a good day\u2019s work of it, Pa will just tell him to finish tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, maybe, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, Pa only said that because otherwise Little Joe would drag the job out until a week from Sunday or until somebody else up and did what needed to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Adam\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t now Adam me; you know it\u2019s the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s just a kid, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cWe best get back to work, or we\u2019ll still be doing these repairs a week from Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRight you are, brother.\u201d Hoss swiped the sweat from his brow again and returned to his task.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stopped pushing the wheelbarrow and set it down. He looked around and considered just dumping the whole mess in the bushes beside the path. Who\u2019ll ever notice? A little here, a little over there, some a little further along. I might even get things finished if I don\u2019t have to push every load all the way there. Hoss and Pa were saying as how it\u2019ll a probably rain tonight or tomorrow, and things will just get washed away. Makes sense not to waste my time<\/em>. He chewed on his lower lip. He had considered every possible way to make his job easier or faster. He had even remembered about that fellow Hercules and those Augean Stables that he cleaned out with the river, but the Truckee was too far away, and the creek would never have enough force to clean out the stables even if he could dig a trench easier than pushing a wheelbarrow. Little Joe gave his hundredth sigh of the morning. One or two can\u2019t hurt. I\u2019ll take most of them all the way just not this one.<\/em> He straightened, turned the wheelbarrow, pushed it a little way off the path, and then dumped its load. Kicking the mound to spread it a little, he decided the next time to bring one of the wooden rakes with him. As he pushed the empty wheelbarrow back toward the stables, he began to whistle softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, looks like ya have done a bit of work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe turned toward Old Ned\u2019s voice. \u201cLook closer, Mr. Ned, it\u2019s more than a bit.\u201d The boy\u2019s voice held no trace of challenge or impudence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The old man smiled as he made an exaggerated survey of the stable\u2019s interior. \u201cWell maybe a mite more than a bit. Seems like ya may just have earned yourself some lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The shovel in Little Joe\u2019s hand hit the dirt floor. \u201cIt\u2019s time for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat it is. Hop Sing sent down vittles for you and me seeing as how your pa and brothers weren\u2019t planning on eating at the house. \u2018Sides it will save ya some time and about half your scrubbing up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave Old Ned a smile and then a cheeky grin. \u201cMaybe all my scrubbing up?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSniff them hands and think on whether ya want them wrapped around Hop Sing\u2019s cookies.\u201d Old Ned strode out the stable door with Little Joe following in his wake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe sent cookies? The ones with the raisins? I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat the boss might\u2019ve ordered bread and water only?\u201d Old Ned teased.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNaw, Pa wouldn\u2019t punish me that way; now maybe Hoss.\u201d They had reached the washstand on the side of the bunkhouse, and Old Ned worked the pump. He handed Little Joe a bar of lye soap. \u201cGive that face of yours a swipe or two as well. Hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll just eat out under that tree. Got a feeling this here food will taste a sight better if a breeze is blowing past you, and I\u2019m upwind.\u201d Old Ned took the food basket and carried it over into the shade. Settling with his back against the tree, he put the cloth that had covered the contents on the ground and began to set out the food. \u201cI declare somebody must\u2019ve told Hop Sing it was Hoss working down here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe dropped to the ground on the other side of the makeshift tablecloth and grabbed a sandwich. \u201cUnuh, Mr. Ned, these here sandwiches have cheese on \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo, they do; so, they do.\u201d Gazing down at the boy, he stated firmly, \u201cChew!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded, took a smaller bite, chewed thoroughly, and then swallowed. \u201cWhat did he send to drink?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned pulled out a jar and two tin cups. Filling them, he observed, \u201cGinger water. It\u2019s still cool. Don\u2019t gulp.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As his mouth was full, Little Joe simply nodded and obeyed. He finished a sandwich and a half before he slowed down enough to talk. \u201cMr. Ned, can I ask ya something?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Little Bit, I think ya just did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAww, that\u2019s something Adam would say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs it now?\u201d He watched frustration flicker across the boy\u2019s face and a spark of anger flash in Little Joe\u2019s eyes, so Ned spoke quickly. \u201cOf course ya can ask me something, Little Bit. What ya need to know?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou were here when Adam was little, weren\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYea.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow little?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, Bucko was about nine or so when I hired on if I recollect. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe did fool things sometimes, didn\u2019t he?\u201d Little Joe pulled a weed from the ground and wrapped its stem around his finger and then immediately unwrapped it again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll young\u2019uns do fool things. Your big brothers weren\u2019t no exceptions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen don\u2019t you think he could remember that and not expect me to be perfect?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs that what he\u2019s expecting?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSeems like it sometimes.\u201d Little Joe tossed the weed on the grass.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ned\u2019s answer came in his softest voice. \u201cMaybe, maybe, as I remember he sometimes expected that of himself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s knees drew up under his chin. \u201cHe was as mad as, maybe madder, than Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs I hear tell, it\u2019s him and Hoss down there rebuilding things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHim and Hoss. That\u2019s just it, Mr. Ned, Hoss weren\u2019t mad, not like Adam. Hoss don\u2019t ever want me in trouble with Pa.\u201d Little Joe dropped his forehead onto his knees and wrapped his arms around his legs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa so sure Adam don\u2019t feel the same?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s full growed; Hoss ain\u2019t yet. Makes a difference, Little Bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI recollect a time when that oldest brother of yours caused about twenty feet of new fencing to come down with his foolishness. I\u2019d lay bets that he remembers that day.\u201d Old Ned paused and studied Little Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid he get in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoss blistered his backside good. He helped put back every inch of that fence while he was still burning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe turned his head to look into Ned\u2019s face. \u201cIs that why he thinks I\u2019m spoiled?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t never knowed an older brother that didn\u2019t think his little brother was spoiled at least some of the time. Just like I ain\u2019t never knowed a little brother didn\u2019t think his older brother was mean and bossy more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat up. \u201cWere you a big brother or a little brother, Mr. Ned?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoth, child, both.\u201d Old Ned shook his head and ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cI intend for this basket to be empty when it goes back to Hop Sing.\u201d He reached for another sandwich, and Little Joe took another bite of his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFind a stopping point, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam straightened at the sound of his father\u2019s voice. \u201cSounds good to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe too,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve managed to get a great deal done,\u201d Ben observed with a smile. \u201cHow much longer do you think you\u2019ll need?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUntil lunch tomorrow,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes. \u201cWith a very early start and a late lunch, we\u2019ll be finished by lunch tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine, fine. Well, as I said, finish up for today and be on time to the table.\u201d Ben turned to go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure enough, Pa. Uh, Pa, are you headed to the house?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben immediately recognized the motivation behind Hoss\u2019s question. \u201cI\u2019m headed to the stables.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat. \u201cPa, umm, about the stables\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, about them stables. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou mean about Little Joe and his cleaning of the stables.\u201d Ben\u2019s brow furrowed, and the glare he sent his elder sons carried an easily readable message.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Pa, it\u2019s just that, well, with you having gotten use to setting punishment chores for Hoss, well, it\u2019s just. . .\u201d Adam paused to think of the best way to word his next observation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa, you\u2019re use to thinking in terms of what I can heft and all, and baby brother, well, it takes him a sight more time to get a job done even when he\u2019s really scrambling; him being such a little mite and all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs that so, Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed and nodded. Adam quickly interjected. \u201cWe don\u2019t mean to question your punishment, Pa, not at all. Little Joe deserves to clean every inch of those stables. It\u2019s just, well, it can be hard to estimate the time it will take for someone to do any job. I was off when I thought how long it would take to get things set to rights here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrow. \u201cOh, you were; were you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes dropped from his father\u2019s face, and his hand rubbed against his pant leg. \u201cYes, sir, I was.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. You two have spent the entire day fixing Little Joe\u2019s mess, and now you\u2019re both pleading his case to me.<\/em> \u201cIf Little Joe has worked hard the entire day, he will be in no further trouble with me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Ben departed, his sons exchanged smiles behind his back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe heard the approach of a horse and then two voices. He could recognize both his father\u2019s voice and Old Ned\u2019s even though he could not distinguish their words. He swallowed and quickened his pace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swung around to face his father. \u201cIt ain\u2019t supper time yet, is it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cClose enough. You\u2019re going to need some time in the washhouse before you\u2019re presentable enough to come to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I ain\u2019t quite finished. I\u2026I\u2019ve been working, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes studied the stable interior. \u201cI can see that you\u2019ve been working, son.\u201d He\u2019s done more than I should have expected.<\/em> Ben allowed his features to relax. \u201cNed also told me that he saw a good deal of effort on your part when he\u2019s been by today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen you\u2019re not mad \u2019cause I ain\u2019t got it all done?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, son, I\u2019m not mad. I would hope that I can be reasonable about such things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, you can be real reasonable, Pa, real reasonable; it\u2019s just,\u201d Little Joe dropped his eyes to the floor, \u201cit\u2019s just I really messed up yesterday, and you, uh, you have a right to still be mad. I\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are also forgiven.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI am?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben placed his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cAlways. You will always be forgiven, Joseph, even though I expect you to accept the consequences of your actions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d have done the fixing, Pa, if\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t the experience, skill, or size for those repairs, Joseph.\u201d Ben\u2019s hand came up under Joe\u2019s chin. \u201cThat\u2019s part of the reason one must think before one acts. At times it is others that must suffer for your decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike Hoss and Adam having to do the repairs?\u201d Little Joe rubbed his hand up and down his leg. \u201cAre they still real mad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben thought back to his last discussion with his elder sons. \u201cNo, I can safely say your brothers have also forgiven you.\u201d Ben patted Little Joe\u2019s back. \u201cI think, though, that an apology like the one I just received would be appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Hop Sing will have a hot tub of water, a large bar of soap, and some clean clothes waiting for you in the washhouse. Put your tools away and get going.\u201d The smack to Joe\u2019s backside carried very little sting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe opened the door to the washhouse and stepped inside. He had just started to undress when the door opened again, and his brothers entered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, there, Short Shanks!\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice echoed around the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss, um, hey, Adam.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s greeting was soft-voiced, and his fingers twirled the button beneath them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, little brother.\u201d Adam studied Little Joe\u2019s expression for a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUmmm, uh, did ya get done, umm, with everything?\u201d Little Joe shifted from one foot to another and undid one more button.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust about.\u201d Hoss pulled off his boot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUmmm, I didn\u2019t get all finished either.\u201d Little Joe undid the last button on his shirt and dropped it to the floor. \u201cUh, Pa wasn\u2019t mad, though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must have gotten a good bit done then,\u201d Adam observed as he took off his own shirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, enough, I guess. Uhhh, I, uhh, I want to say, umm, I\u2019m sorry. You both had to work at fixing things and all. Well, I\u2019m sorry you had to on account of me.\u201d Little Joe pushed the last words from his mouth and then dropped his chin to his chest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay, Short Shanks, if we hadn\u2019t been working there, we\u2019d have been sweating somewhere else.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was light and cheery. Little Joe raised his head and smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Hoss, it\u2019s not okay. Little Joe caused a lot of extra work with his foolish prank, and he needs to realize that.\u201d Adam\u2019s back was to his brothers, so he did not see the smiles leave both their faces. \u201cBut since it appears he does, I suppose we should forgive him.\u201d The teasing tone Adam imparted to his last sentence was clear to Hoss but not Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t put yourself out none!\u201d Little Joe turned his back to Adam. Hoss and Adam both opened their mouths to speak, caught each other\u2019s eyes, and remained silent. In fact, no one spoke until all three brothers were in hot tubs of water scrubbing away sweat and grime.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget your hair, Little Joe,\u201d Adam stated after dunking his own head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe bristled, \u201cI don\u2019t need to wash my hair. I just washed it last time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWash it again this time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa didn\u2019t say nothing about washing it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he didn\u2019t say anything about not washing it either.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice had taken on a sharp edge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMight be a good idea, Short Shanks. Mucking stalls, well, the odor can stick to a fellow pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked from the rigid body of his younger brother to the tensed body of his older brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d The syllable was clear, concise, and delivered in Adams deepest tones.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t washing my hair!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joseph, you are.\u201d Adam paused and then finished, \u201cUnless you prefer that I do it for you, little brother.\u201d He reached for the bucket next to his tub and rinsed his own hair. Little Joe crossed his arms and sat unmoving until Adam rose and stepped out of the tub. Then Little Joe disappeared beneath the water, reappeared, and began lathering his hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was the first dressed, and he departed with a hasty, \u201cI\u2019ll let Hop Sing know we\u2019re all about ready for some of his fine vittles.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe had started to follow Hoss when he felt Adam\u2019s hand on his shoulder. \u201cWait, little buddy.\u201d Adam turned the boy toward him, cleared his throat, and went to his heels. \u201cYou know, Little Joe, I only meant to tease you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared straight into his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cAbout washing my hair?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam let out a controlled breath. \u201cNo, not about your hair.\u201d He drew in another slow breath. \u201cAbout forgiving you. I, well, Pa taught me really well about making apologies; I guess he should have given me a few more lessons in accepting them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa told me you would like an apology. Then you. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cActed like I didn\u2019t appreciate it. I was wrong to do that. I did, and I do forgive you; it\u2019s just,\u201d Adam rose and looked down at Little Joe, \u201cYou\u2019re my brother, and sometimes\u2026\u201d Little Joe had titled his head back to stare up into Adam\u2019s eyes. \u201cSometimes, I forget you\u2019re a whole lot littler brother then Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t never forget I\u2019m little, Adam, never.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn some ways no but in others…\u201d Adam tugged his ear. \u201cIt\u2019s not so much that I forget your little as it is I forget you\u2019re younger; I forget those six years between you and Hoss. There are times I\u2019ve forgotten the six years between Hoss and me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s face was thoughtful. \u201cSometimes you don\u2019t think of me as the baby?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you\u2019re not a baby anymore, Little Joe, not even really a little boy.\u201d Adam emphasized the little<\/em> and then gave a slow smile. \u201cHow we see folks is complicated. Sometimes Pa forgets I\u2019m grown, and sometimes he forgets I\u2019m not as old or experienced as I might need to be for what he wants me to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut, Adam, you\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-three, Joe. There\u2019s lots of men I have to deal with that see that as awfully green. Some of them, well, there\u2019s men working here who have been working cattle or cutting timber since I was a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike Old Ned?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, yes.\u201d Adam rubbed his chin, \u201cBut Old Ned is a special case. He doesn\u2019t mind taking an order from me, but he is never going to see any of us as anything but the boss\u2019s boys, Joe, never.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s smile beamed. \u201cThat\u2019s all right though, ain\u2019t it, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, like I said Old Ned\u2019s a special case.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s smile turned into a wicked grin. \u201cBetter not let him hear you calling him a special cuss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said case not cuss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019ll believe that; maybe not. At least ya didn\u2019t say stubborn cuss like the last time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI never…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI heard. I saw what he did too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy you little. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was out the door and halfway to the house before Adam stopped sputtering and dashed after him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wiped his mouth and set down his napkin. \u201cAs always, Hop Sing, an excellent meal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlenty more, plenty more, I bring\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, I\u2019m too full already.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t, Hop Sing, you just go right ahead and bring in any you got extra, and I\u2019ll see to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss!\u201d The exclamation was made in three different octaves while Hop Sing beamed and went to bring in more of everything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI worked up a powerful hunger today, Pa,\u201d Hoss declared without even bothering to look sheepish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI did too, and I want some more of those chops!\u201d His father\u2019s eyes went to Little Joe at that exclamation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure when Hop Sing said he had plenty he meant enough for the both of you.\u201d His sons understood the message inherent in Ben\u2019s words and nodded. Hop Sing brought in the refilled platters, and Hoss made sure Little Joe took his second helping before reaching for his third. \u201cNow, I know, Joseph, that you have not finished completely cleaning the stables, but I have been reconsidering what I want you boys to do tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, I have. The heaviest part of the repairs is complete, and I want Adam to accompany me to Hiram\u2019s office tomorrow, so instead of working off your punishment in the stables, Joseph, you will assist Hoss while Frankie takes back his regular duties.\u201d Ben fixed his gaze on his middle son. \u201cI know it will take longer than if Adam was working with you, but that is not my first concern at this point. You can take the time to teach Little Joe the proper way to handle the repairs he is capable of doing. For the rest, he can fetch and carry as needed. If you take the entire day, that\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked over at his younger brother and smiled, \u201cSure, Pa. Little Joe and I will have everything set to rights before supper tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sent a stern look at both Hoss and Little Joe. \u201cJoseph, you will work hard and follow Hoss\u2019s orders as you would mine. You will answer to me not your brother if you don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe straightened in his chair. \u201cI\u2019ll work real hard, Pa, and I\u2019ll learn a lot. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI saw the results of your working hard today, so I expect more of the same tomorrow.\u201d Ben allowed his tone to lighten. \u201cActually, I was pleased with the amount of work you managed to do today, Little Joe.\u201d He paused and glanced around the table before he continued, \u201cIt has been pointed out to me that I may have set the bar a little high this morning, son, and I should tell you that I\u2019m proud of how you rose to the challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe squirmed in his seat and dropped his eyes to his plate. \u201cThanks, Pa. Hoss and Adam worked real hard too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat they did.\u201d The corners of Ben\u2019s mouth turned up. \u201cI\u2019m once again proud of all my boys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss smiled, and Adam dropped his head so that his father would not see when he rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss set down the hammer, walked over into the shade, and reached for the canteen he had hung there. After taking a swig of the still cool water, he wiped his mouth and called, \u201cCome get a drink, Short Shanks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe darted over, took the canteen, tipped it to his lips, and looked up at his brother. \u201cWe\u2019ll get it all done by supper, won\u2019t we, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure, shouldn\u2019t be more than an hour and a half, maybe two more hours of work. In fact, wouldn\u2019t hurt to take a little break and finish off the rest of those muffins.\u201d Hoss reached for the leather bag that had held their lunch and peered inside. \u201cThere\u2019s still an apple in here too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe can split that between the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood idea.\u201d Hoss handed a muffin to Joe before biting into the last of Hop Sing\u2019s blueberry delights. He dropped to the ground and leaned back against a tree. \u201cThought sure we\u2019d see some rain today, but it looks like our luck\u2019s gonna hold.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe had settled on the grass next to Hoss. He squirmed and asked, \u201cYou think it\u2019s gonna rain tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMmmmm, maybe, maybe not. The feel of things is done changed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh. Ummm, Hoss, what ya gonna tell Pa when he asks about how I was today?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss considered teasing but something about his little brother\u2019s posture made his tone reassuring. \u201cThe truth, Short Shanks, I ain\u2019t had to tell ya nothing twice, and ya been working like one of those beavers who keep damming up the big creek.\u201d Hoss watched Little Joe rub his hand over the grass. \u201cPa\u2019s not mad with ya no more, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI caused a lot of trouble.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s hand continued to rub back and forth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlum foolish thing to do with a bull.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019d have thought Samson would get that riled, Hoss? He\u2019s big and fierce-looking, sure, but ya know most of the time he\u2019s\u2026, well, he just plods along ignoring everything and everybody excepting a good-looking cow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, that\u2019s true. Just goes to show everybody\u2019s got a temper to watch out for. It was a sight to see, though.\u201d Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure was.\u201d Little Joe giggled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped his guffaws and forced himself to sound stern. \u201cSomebody could\u2019ve got hurt. Buildings is one thing, Joe; folks is another.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow you\u2019re fussing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot really, just remarking is all. Adam\u2019s right, ya got to understand about not doing foolish things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s done foolish things. Old Ned said so. He said you did too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cHe say what those foolish things were?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe smirked and then gentled it into a smile. \u201cNot about you. He said Adam knocked down twenty feet of new fencing with his foolishness.\u201d Little Joe could tell by Hoss\u2019s face that Hoss remembered the incident. He opened his mouth to ask for the complete story, but Hoss shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t telling no tales on Adam that might go giving you ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo but\u2019<\/em>s, little brother. Old Ned tell ya what happened to Adam\u2019s butt on account of that foolishness?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe said Pa tanned him good.\u201d Little Joe chewed his lower lip. \u201cWhy do ya think Pa didn\u2019t tan me?\u201d When Hoss did not answer immediately, Little Joe asked, \u201cDo you think like Adam does that Pa spoils me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot when I ain\u2019t ready to thrash ya myself.\u201d Hoss reached out and patted Little Joe\u2019s knee. \u201cPa does go easier on ya sometimes about some things than he did Adam or even me, but I don\u2019t truly think that\u2019s spoiling really.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen what. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThings is different. You and Adam are different; just like Adam and me is different. Pa didn\u2019t always do the same with us either. Truth is there\u2019s one thing he was always easier about with Adam than with either you or me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s features turned contemplative. \u201cYa mean sassing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cLots of things Adam said with Pa only frowning would\u2019ve got me or you a swat or two.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah! Why do ya think that is?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Cause Adam\u2019s Adam. You and me, well, when we say something like that it\u2019s more impudent than when Adam says it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u201cHow can it be?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know, not how to explain it anyway; it just is.\u201d Hoss patted Little Joe\u2019s knee again. \u201cThere\u2019s reasons for most things, Little Joe, and mostly Pa\u2019s got good reasons for what he does. It\u2019s like how Pa has always been stricter with me about my temper.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, \u2018cause of your being bigger than most.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It was more important for me to learn to control my temper because I could hurt someone easy.\u201d Hoss decided at this point a little teasing was allowable. \u201cNow with you being more like some pesky horsefly than a riled bear, Pa allowed that temper of yours to…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s howl cut off the rest of Hoss\u2019s statement. \u201cHorsefly! I ain\u2019t no little . . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss rose like a tidal wave and snatched Little Joe off the ground. Ignoring the boy\u2019s sputtering, he carried him back to where the tools lay and plopped him on his feet. \u201cCome on, Short Shanks, back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou big ox, I, I\u2019ll. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet back to work iffen you don\u2019t want me changing my mind about what I\u2019m going to tell Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sputtered, snorted, and then went quiet. Picking up a hammer, he gazed up at Hoss through his bangs. \u201cYou won\u2019t, though, will ya, big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cNaw, of course, Pa can always tell if I\u2019m lying, so ya best be a good boy and help me get this work done right smart-like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded and managed to spend the rest of the afternoon being a good boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JCAJCAJCA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, Bucko.\u201d The greeting startled Adam and caused him to turn with a jerk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, Ned. I thought everyone would be up at the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMost are.\u201d Old Ned leaned against the shed. \u201cEverything thing get fixed proper?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss and Little Joe got everything finished today.\u201d Adam shifted his weight from one foot to another and focused on a small weed blooming at the corner of the tool shed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe Little Bit sure enough caused a ruckus, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThings weren\u2019t as bad as they first looked.\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cSome of those repairs would have needed doing soon anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeap, not like that twenty feet of new fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ducked his head and then grinned. \u201cI didn\u2019t think anyone but me remembered that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d be surprised if the boss ain\u2019t thought on it in the past day or two.\u201d Old Ned straightened. \u201cYa gonna tell me what you\u2019re doing down here this time of evening getting a wheelbarrow and a shovel?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTo tell the truth, no, not if I can avoid it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned\u2019s features hardened. \u201cI ain\u2019t never taken no sass off you, Bucko. Are you thinking you\u2019re so growed that I\u2019ll start now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir, definitely not. You know you taught me better than that, and so do I.\u201d Adam\u2019s smile was seldom as boyish as the one he sent the old man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat I did.\u201d Old Ned returned the smile. \u201cNow, fess up, lad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing to confess, really. I\u2019m just going to do a little cleaning up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCleaning up what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, umm, let\u2019s just say that a few things got dropped here and there that need to be elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned rubbed his chin. \u201cThe Little Bit do the dropping?\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cThought those stables were a mite too. . .\u201d The rest of his thought was lost in the shake of Ned\u2019s head. \u201cHow did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrankie noticed and didn\u2019t want anyone thinking it was his doing. He spoke to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd ya told him there weren\u2019t no reason to mention it to the boss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d The syllable was clearly not only an acknowledgement but also a request.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew in a long breath. \u201cPa was real pleased last night, happy, you know. I didn\u2019t think there was a good reason to spoil that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy ain\u2019t Little Joe down here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tugged his ear. \u201cI can have it done in half the time.\u201d Old Ned\u2019s eyes demanded more. \u201cI, well, I hurt his feelings, so I guess I felt like I owed him one.\u201d Old Ned did not speak. \u201cI\u2019m his brother, Ned.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned rubbed his chin again. \u201cDon\u2019t seem like the boss needs any extra upset, especially since he\u2019s got himself a boy growed enough to handle some things for him. Best leave ya to it then.\u201d Old Ned started walking toward the bunkhouse. As he passed Adam, the back of his hand slapped against Adam\u2019s leg. \u201cWatch the sass. I done told ya a thousand times that mouth of yours is gonna get you in trouble someday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sidestepped and retorted, \u201cNot if I remember to keep more than an arm\u2019s length away from you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned turned and shook his finger at Adam and then walked on. Adam thrust the shovel into the largest wheelbarrow and placed his hands on the handles. Giving a sharp push, he headed toward the path to the manure pit but soon heard footsteps coming up behind him. Setting down the wheelbarrow, he turned in time to see Little Joe skid to a halt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA,A, Adam!\u201d Joe blinked, and then his eyes widened as they focused on the wheelbarrow behind his brother. They grew even wider as he watched a smile grow on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you here to, umm, finish cleaning a few things up, Little Buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUhh, uhh, yeah, but what. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut, but how. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrankie noticed and showed me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t be telling Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, and neither will I.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked as if a slight breeze could blow him to the ground. He shook his head as though to clear cobwebs. \u201cYou\u2019re not mad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou were gonna do it for me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, but with the two of us working we can have it done before Pa starts wondering about where either of us has got to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut, but I… I was supposed to. . . I didn\u2019t. . . I\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shortened the distance between himself and his brother. \u201cI know, and it was not the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to get done. I didn\u2019t want Pa to be mad \u2018cause I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam placed his hand on Little Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI can probably understand that better than almost anyone else. Little Joe, you know why we don\u2019t just shovel things out the stable door, why we have a manure pit?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d came the soft-voiced answer, and then Little Joe began chewing on his lower lip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen you know better than to ever go dumping the mucking from the stables anywhere but there ever again?\u201d Adam squeezed the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t ever; I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, then. . .\u201d Adam felt Little Joe squirm beneath his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna, well, handle my punishment yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll I intend to handle is this wheelbarrow and that shovel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe drew in a deep breath and let out a single word, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause you\u2019re my brother.\u201d The absence of the word little or baby was deliberate. \u201cI\u2019ve covered for Hoss a couple of times, so I guess I owe you one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s smile was brilliant and then grew cheeky, \u201cMaybe even one more?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and swung his hand at Joe\u2019s backside. Little Joe dodged the swat easily and darted into the tool shed. \u201cI\u2019ll get another shovel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Little Joe reappeared with a shovel in hand, Adam picked up the handles of the wheelbarrow and headed down the path. When every bit of misplaced manure and straw was correctly deposited, Adam and Joe headed back toward the tool shed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gazed down at the top of his brother\u2019s head. \u201cWhere did you tell Pa you were going?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI asked him if I could go down and talk to Old Ned. He didn\u2019t ask why.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cProbably figured you wanted to worm some story he mentioned yesterday out of him. You best run on and speak to him, so you won\u2019t have told a lie. I\u2019ll put these things away. It\u2019s probably wisest if we don\u2019t arrive back at the house together.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I planned to say howdy before I went back.\u201d Little Joe darted a short distance down the path and then stopped. Turning to face Adam, he called back, \u201cSpeaking of stories, big brother, how about you tell me later how you managed to knock down twenty feet of new fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam simply growled, and Little Joe took off at top speed.<\/p>\n \n JCAJCAJCA<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned had settled into one of the wooden rockers that resided on the long porch at the front of the bunk house. He watched as Little Joe dashed up and plopped onto the boards at his feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Mr. Ned! I\u2019m glad you\u2019re already outside.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Little Bit. Whatcha doing down here this time of night?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa said I could come talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe did; now did he?\u201d Old Ned rubbed his chin and spit a stream of tobacco juice across the porch and out into the dirt. \u201cAnd how long ago did the boss give ya that permission?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe squirmed and ducked his head. \u201cIt was a bit ago.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHad something to do first, did ya?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUm, yeah, yeah, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid ya get it done?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid that bossy, big brother of yours give you a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s head snapped up. \u201cYou know!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t much goes on around this part of the ranch that gets by me, lad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa gonna tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHadn\u2019t thought to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you gonna fuss yourself or, ummm, anything?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThought on it but nope. Boss\u2019s right-hand man said he\u2019d see to what was needed, wouldn\u2019t be my place to butt in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shot to his feet. He bit his lip, drew in a shaky breath, and then spoke in a whisper. \u201cYou can, you know, \u2018cause helping teach me has always been your place, Mr. Ned.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The old cowhand smiled and chucked Little Joe under the chin. \u201cJust you remember that it always will be, lad. Next time Bucko nor me will let the reins be quite so slack.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe failed to suppress the cheekiness in his grin. \u201cAdam still owes me one more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned managed a stern glare. \u201cI don\u2019t, Little Bit. Just don\u2019t ya go forgetting that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t.\u201d Little Joe launched himself at the old man and hugged his neck. \u201cThanks, Mr. Ned!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned squeezed back and then patted the boy\u2019s leg. \u201cBest get on up to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe straightened. \u201cYeah, Pa will be waiting.\u201d He took a step away but then stopped. \u201cMr. Ned?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, lad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSometimes it doesn\u2019t make no difference if you\u2019re the big brother or the little one, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSometimes it only matters that you\u2019re brothers, Little Bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Sometimes that\u2019s all that does matter.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Family,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0Old Ned<\/p>\n